To Do List, Really?

I love reading on the blogosphere. I really do. And for some reason I am very much drawn to mom blogs. I think it's cute and sweet, and there are a lot of really good ideas about home and organization and shizz like that.

What I do not see is ideas for people like myself who have to work all damn day long, then come home at night to the same amount of home responsibilities.

This is the whole reason I am exploring a minimalist lifestyle. Because although this super-cute daily planner {from an awesome blogger that I love, looks presh and all:

My daily routine goes like so:

• Wake up before the rooster crows or sun peeks above the clouds
• Stumble into bathroom to take shower and brush teeth
• Hurry to smear on make-up and put clothes on
• Fix a cup of coffee - chug it - then fix another to drink on the way to work
• Arrive at office. Work 10 hours. Ponder the whole day how in the hell I can get stuff done at home for my family before bedtime
• Fight hellacious rush hour traffic for an hour
• Get home around 7pm
• THEN start on the above to-do-list minus breakfast and making bed

I'm really at a point where I MUST find a way to streamline my days. Taking out unnecessary plans are vital to staying balanced. That's part of my journey here. Perhaps I can find the secret and be able to share. That would be wonderful, for all us working moms/family peeps.

Pack yo' lunch: Saving Money tricks

This week I tracked every single expense. I wanted to see where my money was going. Even though I was conscious an careful, I still spent $143. This included gas, lunch, snacks, and personal items. It's way too high.
One of the things that I want to change is my eating out for lunch. I always go to the nearest fast food joint and order a chicken salad of some kind.

That racks up to be $8.50-$9.00 a pop.

I took a trip to Aldi and got items to eat on at work during the week:

I almost stroked seeing the difference shopping at Aldi vs. Publix.

Almonds were only $3.99 vs. $6.99 at Publix.

Bringing my own lunch and snacks is going to save a bundle. $20 for all this stuff only adds up to $4 a day!

That's what I'm talking about. No need for couponing to save money. Just a small trip to the grocery store!

Closet Crisis: Season Change

The changing of the season is a perfect time to do some major clean-out of the closet. I prefer to keep my summer clothes out during the season with winter clothes put away and vice versa. It makes the closet more manageable without being totally overflowing.

If there is an item of clothing that I did not wear during the season...it's gone! I don't want to have to worry about the excess time wasted in storing, deliberating, putting away, pulling out, sifting through. It just becomes too much stress to worry with.

Also, if there are items that are damaged or stained, they go too!

I'm liking the streamline method of having only clothes that fit well and that I wear. I'm not in a contest to see how many useless clothes I can hoard. I want to look good, feel good, and have little stress when it comes to getting ready in the morning.

If you feel overwhelmed, it's easy to restore some needed order:

• Throw out stained, damaged, and unworn clothes.
• Pull everything {yes, ALL} items of your cloest. Purses, clothes, old boxes, belts, shoes etc. until it is completely naked.
• Keep items that you wear and that's in good condition. Donate items that you haven't worn. Throw away items that's damaged or stained.
• Hang up new season's items neatly and with other like items.
• Sit back and enjoy the serenity of an organized closet area.

I have to remind myself that I have too much stuff if I'm contemplating buying "organizational items." Multiple pieces of the same kind are not welcome in my closet. I do not need 10 white shirts. I do not need 14 pairs of tennis shoes. They deserve a new home. I like simple choices. It makes life so much easier in the mornings.

That's Clutch.

Oooo lah lah! I found the perfect minimalist purse to meet my needs. It is a clutch, so it is very classy. The colors go with black or brown outfits, and the design is precious!

I found it at Target for $16.99....score! I am thrilled. Plus, I've gotten a bazillion compliments since I've been carrying it.

I was really nervous about using a clutch every day because I always wear a purse with a strap. It's really been a breeze and very convenient. I haven't lost it. It can be gotten into easily. It's small, so I don't overload it with useless stuff.

Currently in my clutch:

•  Flat wallet: keeps my cards and a little bit of cash
• Car keys: only keeping the keys I actually use on the key ring. That's my car key & house key
• Bert's Bees lip gloss

That's it and I am surviving just fine.



Raid the Pantry.

This week is a no-spend week on buying groceries. I have plenty of misc. items in the pantry that can be transformed into an edible meal. The cost of food has risen so high, it's a wonder any of us have money to eat.

The Menu

Wednesday:

• Shake n' Bake chicken
• Black eyed peas

Thursday:

• Low Carb Chicken Pasta
• Salad

Friday:

• Tuna Patties
• Okra

These will be very easy to throw together, pretty scrumptious, and will empty the pantry, making the rest of this week a no-spend grocery week! That makes me happy. It's important for us to become creative with the things we currently have. This is a big money saver, plus keeps our resources in check. It's a fun little ego boost to know that you can make something out of what you thought was nothing!

My new office.

My gosh! Is this even real life?

I have an office now. A real one. One that I can step into and have my stuff inside four walls of my very own. It's a haven for me because I have always worked in a cubicle.

An office means peace. I'm no longer in the middle of mass chaos and people around me. Interruptions are limited.

I can get stuff done. I can focus. I can breathe.

This is the best I could do in my attempt to have a minimalist office. I only allow things that I use all day long to be on top of my desk. Unfortunately, it takes a million different devices for me to get through a workday.

But, I do try to keep it as tidy and efficient as possible.

Organization and simplicity - oh yeah, and peace and quiet - is a lovely combination to a workday.

I love this little nook of mine. So very much!

Decorating Simply.

I had the challenge of having to host a couple's bridal shower this past weekend. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, but still wanted to make an impact. It is very possible to create an ambiance when throwing a party and it doesn't have to be over-the-top.

Here is how I pulled it off:

Select a Theme
I went with a sassy cowgirl theme. The bride will be having her wedding out west, complete with the bridal party in cowgirl boots so this was an easy decision.

Grub
Food choice was simple. I ordered BBQ from a local pit, grilled hamburgers & hotdogs, and made delicious smore's bars for dessert.

Decor
I made my own invitations, and game - which was a major hit by the way. It was bridal shower mad libs. It was entirely too funny when we read it all aloud. Cheap paper lanterns were hung on the lights and also outside under the umbrella. So cutsie!

Extras
Sangria in a mason jar. This was probably the crowds most favorite thing! Any kind of drink could be made and poured into jars. It looks so nice and makes it easy for guest to grab, open the top, and drink. The fruit in the sangria was so colorful and blended together wonderfully for a tasty treat.

In the end it is not about the decorations or the venue that makes a party special. It is the people. It's also very easy to go off course when planning an event. There is SO much to choose from out there. It's easy to spend way to much money. I almost made the mistake of buying a pop-up pavilion for outside. I had it in my car already purchased when my simply-living mantra came to mind. I took it back immediately. The buyer's remorse was too strong. I never even missed it! Be wise, stay simple and most of all have fun!

Negative Thoughts.

There is true power in changing our thought process. It is almost an effortless gesture that can change our lives. If there is struggle, negativity, boredom, or lack of passion we can change it with positive thoughts. I know this from experience. I've used this method for many years. I have even changed my almost debilitating anxiety and exhaustion just this week.

This sounds very silly, maybe. But it's still the truth.

Get In Tune
Slow down just a bit and really listen to the thoughts that come and go throughout the day. They are bouncing around in our heads all day long. Lots of them repetitive, and most of them negative.

When you notice a negative thought, sit back and just look at it and imagine it being meaningless words floating across the sky. Do not act. Do not agree. Do not disagree. Simply watch the words float up and down. In watching, they will eventually float away. By not actively soaking in these bad thoughts, or lashing out, it has no power over us. It's just words. That is all.

Express Gratitude
Try counteracting the negative thoughts with positive. We have lots more to be grateful for than we give credit. A positive thought sets the record straight. It gives yourself a chance to beat the negatives with a grateful attitude.  You can start a notebook listing 3+ things that made you thankful each day, post it in a blog, or simply just think about it. Whatever works best for you.

Exercise
It doesn't have to be over-the-top. It doesn't mean going out and buying new workout equipment. Go outside, play around with your kids, take a walk. During this time, give your mind a break. Be still. Pause and recognize your breath. Feel your movements. Live in the present. Meditate.

Practice
Changing the thought process doesn't happen overnight. It is a process. You must train yourself to redirect. It doesn't take much energy, but it does take awareness. Don't feel like you must change yourself all at once. Enjoy your transformation and know that each negative thought you fight with a positive is moving in the right direction.

These are tips that I find very effective and all have immediate effect. You may not want to do all of these at once. If you feel overwhelmed, just try one! Enjoy the journey one step at a time.

Banana Facemask.

I've been in a re-using, thrifty mood lately. I'm trying to let my creative juices kick into high gear when I see something that needs to be used up quickly, or if there is something around the house that could use a little face lift. It's a total rush of excitement when a solution is found! That rush of energy is very satisfying, and a little addictive - in a good way.

There were 2 ripening bananas laying on the kitchen counter last night. I didn't want them to go to waste. It is said that American's waste an average of $500 a year in food. That's redonkulous! So, I figured it would be awesome to use in a natural facemask.

It was awesome, to say the least. It's the first facemask that I've ever taken a bite out of before putting on my face. Plus, it smells delicious. There's something energizing and relaxing about the smell of bananas.

I definitely suggest making this! It's way too easy to make - You will love it!

• 1/2 banana {natural moisturizer}
• 1 tbsp honey {ancient holistic healer & moisturizer}
• Mix together in a bowl and heat until slightly warm. Apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing. Ahhh...so lovely!

You may also add a half cup of yogurt to the mix because it is a natural exfoliator. I didn't just because I didn't have any on hand.

Don't forget a good book and glass of wine while you soak in a fabulous bath while waiting on your mask to work. Makes me want to jump in and soak now!

Hemp Plant Holder.

There is something exhiliarating about the smell of a hot-glue gun. It triggers a memory hub in my brain of only good thoughts. It lets me know that I am creating something lovely. Even if I am the only one who likes it!


It does our Earth a favor to do more re-using. Why buy something else when you already have something beautiful on hand? It gives a chance to create. To love. To contribute to a larger purpose.


Within the time I made a pot of coffee and drank a cup, a re-purposed plant pot was made. It's more satisfying to come up with creative ideas with things you have on hand rather than to purchase more.


I had some hemp rope lying around so I got to gluing! It was easy and fun.

I big-time love it when such an easy thing creates such simple joy!

Pantry Baskets.

The dreaded pantry. It has always been a struggle of mine to keep in any shape of organization. It makes me cuss like a sailor, throw things like a 2 year old, and wish I lived on another planet where food isn't required for living.

Since I have learned that you must find a solution to a problem in order to make things simplified and easy, I figured I would put this wisdom to the test.

Seems easy enough. I purchased enough baskets to line my pantry shelves for $2 a piece at Old Time Pottery. I put like items in each one which has made it easy to see what all I have on hand. It's also convinent because I can take these baskets out of the pantry and onto the kitchen counter top if need be.

This has made it so easy to stay organized in one of the most dreaded nooks in the home.

I love it. A whole-heck-of-a-lot!

Bathroom Counters.

I'm loving this whole do-something-small-every-single-day task. It is something that takes minimal effort and makes a big impact. There is nothing more irritating than having to spend a sick-day home from work or a whole weekend cleaning up a humongous mess. It's unnecessary, especially when you can do small things every day. It frees up time to do more deep cleaning and organizing in free time. Plus it's easy on the eyes.

The first picture is a scene that clutter's the mind. It's so easy to leave our get-ready mess on a daily basis. By putting hair supplies in a cute basket and makeup in an easy to move case, cleanup is a breeze. Simple put everything back in their baskets and cases and put under the sink.

Fabulous! And it takes less than 30 seconds.

Office Drawers.

I had a slight freak-out this morning when I opened my office drawer at the office. Why did I have a bazillion pins and enough items to make up an aisle in Office Depot?


I could not answer that question, so I purged everything that I could not reasonably use. It only makes sense.


And just that simple action of making a part of my surroundings orderly made me feel energetic and happy.


Try it yourself. Take a look around you at this moment. Start small, but I'm sure there is something bugging you to death. Clear it. Get rid of the unnecessary. Realize that more is not better, but less is more. Then sit back and enjoy a smile.

Garlic Breath.

I am sick. I have been for a solid week. It started with a blistered throat, then sinus infection, now it's in my chest. This whole minimilist journey I'm taking has got me thinking more about what I am putting in my body.

Prescribed antibiotics have always been my go-to at the first sign of a sympton. It's a little scary to think about how many I've actually taken. Hmmm, even just three weeks ago I was prescribed a round and now I'm back to square one. It sooks pretty bad.

It's my first time to try to battle this hellacious sickness without a script. So I google natural antibiotics and find that garlic is a natural source.

Be warned. I tried this last night. Whoa Nelly!

*******************************************************************************

How can a bite of a clove of garlic be so bad, you think? Well, it's pretty damn intense. I actually gagged. My mouth and nose went up in flames. It was so serious that I thought a dragon would fly right out from between my lips.

But, since I'm being so cool and herbal I don't give up.

I cut up the cloves and start swallowing chunk by chunk. That wasn't so bad. I finish my third clove by dinner time.

I'm not gonna lie...my dinner tasted like garlic and I even smelled garlic in my coffee. This morning I couldn't brush the garlic off my breath. Even my toots smell like garlic.

I'm still going to continue this therapy for another week and just see if I can survive this death wish without a z-pack, then report on how well my recovery goes. Wish me luck.

*I am not advocating this as a replacement to doctor's orders. This is my first time even trying this method. The sources citing garlic's antibiotics properties are all over the internet, so I wanted to try this little experiment because it seems safer than prescribed medicine.*

A secret.

This is probably one of my favorite quotes. It is much more than words on a screen. It is a secret to life.


We all fall into the trap of thinking that we need more. That whatever new gadget, car, clothes someone else has, we need. It's not even close to the truth. Stuff is fairly easy to comeby. You can run up credit card debt, go without a healthy diet, work far more hours than necessary...yes. Yes you can.


But who wants to do that?


The secret is to be content. To realize that we are a spoiled nation here in the United States. To know that it doesn't matter one bit what the other person has. Who knows what they are giving up for the newest iPad?


Look around. Be still. The world hasn't ended.


You have enough.


You are MORE than enough.


Put those nasty thoughts out and rejoice in simplicity.


I am a work in progress. I still slip up from time to time, but the process of decluttering and realizing that I have far more than my needs is enough for me to enjoy the things and people in this world that I do have.


And that, my friends, is the secret!

30 Bags in 30 days

Sometimes you get a fluttery feeling and just want to go purging away through your things. You start imagining how lovely your home would be if it were only organized.

We need not fall into the 'organization' trap. You know, the trap that tells you to go out and buy a boat-load of space bags and cute storage bins? That's also spending unnecessary moolah on plastic to hoard all your clutter and shizz.

The true way to get that clean, on-top-of-the-world feeling is to get rid of stuff you don't need.

It is so liberating and can be so fun! You can make a list like the one I have above if you are having trouble starting the decluttering process. Or, if you feel frisky just start. And you can even start small. The point is to just get the ball rolling.

You won't be sorry.

You will only be lighter, brighter, calmer, and happier. You can't bag that up folks!

I'm not an Octopus.

Repeat. I am not an octopus. Gah, that sounds vulgar.

I only have two hands. I can not use 4 spoons at once. I'm sure I could cook one helluva meal if I did though.

The duplicates on cookwear have been tossed. I only kept the stuff I actually used. It just makes so much sense to me now that there is no need for duplicates. There just isn't.

I also went through the dishtowels. Now they all fit nicely in the drawer, whereas before it was spilling out over the top and making way into other spaces.

I reach in now and can easily see what I'm grabbing for. No longer do I have to scrape over what looks like midevil torture devices.

Ah. Space. Ease of task. Breathe. Love.

Kitchen Cabinet.

It makes me smile and tingle all over when I am able to purge away items that I have hoarded for no apparent reason. The cabinets was a project I was excited about clearning out. It had been a ticking time bomb each time we opened the door. After breaking a margarita glass last week {which I have to steer clear of tequila anyway} I knew it was time to get to it.


We have two adults and one toddler living in our house. We have enough plates, bowles, sippy cups, coffee cups for the entire subdivision.


I only kept what we can actually use and I also kept the ones with the most matching pieces just because that's a little easier on the eyes.


It has made cleanup much easier and I feel like a million bucks now when I reach for a cup.


I love this new minimilism mindset. It is truly transforming me into who I want to become. Loves it. I really do.

Office Space

All this decluttering has got me feeing all light and airy. I have also spent the last two weeks clearning and going through stuff in my office area. It has a nice open feel and I have more time to get things done. My mind isn't so scattered in the process either.


It's not hard to declutter you just have to start the process.


1. File away any loose files
2. Throw away or distribute pens, paperclips, binder clips, excess paper
3. Clear out drawers and cabinets
4. Only have out in the working area things you need. This means your tape dispenser, picture frames, and other random stuff should be tucked away not in sight.


Keep in mind you can use one pen at a time. There's no need for just-in-case items to clutter up the space.


Beware though: A surge of energy is likely to appear once your work area is clear.

Decluttering Spree

I have spent the last 2 weeks decluttering every corner, drawer, shelf in our house. This is the start to my minimilist journey. I have always felt the need to want more. It is a constant feeling of drowing and I just simply do not want to do it anymore.


I went into a decluttering spree, and it was on of the most liberating feelings I have ever had. It didn't take very long for me to look at all my stuff and realize that there is just no need for it. Why do I have 15 thousand cups when we only need 4? Why do I have more pots and pans than eyes on the stove? Why am I holding on to beauty products whose experation date came and went 3 years ago?


It's embarassing and silly really.


I'm no where near done, but I have made mounds and mounds of improvement.


It feels nice. And now that I how much crap I have collected over the years, I realize that I don't need anything else.


This is going to be so worth it. I can feel a difference already.