Minimalism, create white space

Posted in decluttering, minimalism, simplicity, Uncategorized, White space by Chris N

Ahhh, to have the things out of the house. It’s very freeing and leaves open lots of possibilities.

It’s best to follow, though, the one in one out rule once you’ve done a good purge. So, if you buy a new T-shirt and the old one goes out. Same with everything, although, one caveat might be if you are buying something you need and don’t have one like it to discard. In that event, just find another item not related to donate. Of course, I don’t follow this to the letter at all. For Christmas, we all received(from Santa) 2 Easton Press books. Since I’ve decluttered almost all my other books, I didn’t feel the need to reduce the books. They are beautiful classics that are leather bound and gold gilded. I bought a lot on eBay before Christmas for an amazing price of 80.00 for 7 books. Very sweet deal.

Creating white space is leaving some spaces unfilled. Perhaps a shelf only with a few items. I try and keep one open shelf or at least 1/2 of a shelf open. It’s much easier on the eyes not for it to be packed.

Also, creating white space allows you to open up to new possibilities and ideas. Rearrange your furniture or think of a creative solution to small space living(or medium, or large) but something new. The possibilities are endless really when we have decluttered down to the essential, purged all the unnecessary things that we hold on to, white space let’s us be creative.

Plus, it’s really fun!!

Try to empty a shelf, a cabinet shelf, or a drawer. Let it be a space for light to come in.

7Jan2018

Minimalism, get rid of the STUFF!!!

Posted in decluttering, minimalism, Uncategorized by Chris N

I love this quote. It’s so true!!

Just yesterday we dropped a load at Goodwill Express and then the pet donation thrift store and pet bookstore. They had been in the back of my VW for at least a month. I had hemmed and hawed at dropping off my practically new Dansko shoes( I paid $110 for), and an old family book that was printed in 1850. I had only worn the shoes 3-4 times and just didn’t fit my feet right. The book was an old book of quotations. Like I’m going to read that. So, I let them go for someone else to enjoy.

But, to backtrack here for a moment.

There are many ways to begin the minimalism journey, but number one is decluttering stuff. There are so many approaches to this. KonMari, minimalist game, FlyLady, Peter Walsh, and probably lots more. I actually have used all the popular ones at different times. It helps to keep getting fresh perspectives and to keep digging thru levels of stuff.

Generally, it’s a good idea to start decluttering with the easy stuff. Clothes are pretty unemotional, books are also fairly easy to discard, maybe moving on to kitchen stuff and pieces of furniture that don’t serve you anymore. Throw away broken stuff and stuff that can’t be repaired.

With each load you take to the thrift store or the dump, you will feel lighter. It is an amazing process.

You must though, do it. You have to put it in your car and take it. Best right away!!

When I was getting rid of lots and lots of stuff including many of my vintage collections, I happened to have a co-worker who loved that stuff and actually had a fairly big house so it fit in. She received an old 1900’s trunk, vintage fans, dishes, etc. It made me so happy to pass them on to someone who would enjoy them. If you can do that, it’s great. If not, just remember once it’s out of your space, take it to the appropriate drop-off.

This too is so true. So many of the things I let go, truly did matter to me before. And then somehow, they just didn’t and I needed the space more. The emptiness and openness was and is so healing.

So, DECLUTTER in whatever way suits you. It may be 15 minutes a day. It may be on weekends. Just do it.

Then GET RID OF IT!

Creating a more minimalist environment will help you have more time to do things you enjoy because with less stuff there is less maintenance and upkeep.

6Jan2018

Minimalism, inch by inch…

Posted in decluttering, minimalism, simplicity, Uncategorized by Chris N

I always loved the song, ‘ Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden grow’… When we were Quakers, we would often sing this song before meeting.It reminds me of what minimalism is. Doing a little at a time, inch by inch to get to that place where simplicity lives.

Minimalism is a journey into simplifying life. To get to the place of “lagom”. That’s the Swedish word for ‘just enough’, not too little, not too much.

When I started on my minimalist journey, I decluttered for many many months. Then I eased off and then started again. There have been many rounds of removing the non-essential.

Sometimes it has been a very small thing that has been decluttered or something that I’ve looked at but didn’t feel ready to let it go. So it really has been inch by inch, so to speak.

I thought I’d start a mini minimalism series, mostly, because I like talking about it.

So, today is the first.

There are many ways to begin decluttering, but I think the most important is to just start somewhere. I liked to have a visual win for when I first started decluttering. So perhaps for you that might be a counter in the kitchen or the top of your dresser. Look around and even take pictures with your phone( I have found this enormously helpful), and then tackle the area that irritates you the most.

Gaining control over your space is partly what I love about minimalism and simplifying. Your home is your space, create the space you want. This has been a real motivator for me. I always wanted a white couch, and eventually, I got one. Of course, it’s an Ikea, so affordable. Plus I happen to love white as it is very easy on the eyes and I love that there are many shades of white. Maybe you love blue or green. It doesn’t matter, what matters is you creating the space you are comfortable in. Decluttering non-essential things from your home is the first step.

Go for it. Do 15 minutes a day like FlyLady suggests. It is amazing what you can accomplish in 15 minutes. 21317537_2008716379361964_2892595769604685335_n

31Aug2017

Almost Friday(ha,ha) and minimalism continues

Posted in cooking, minimalism, Uncategorized by Chris N

Well, I think we’re all caught up with stuff from camping. The 5 millionth load of laundry is done. The dishes from the tent trailer have been thru the dishwasher. The house chores are caught up too. This week was Flylady’s Living room zone which is a snap for me as there’s very little to do in our front room. I was the inside windows. Dust everything and then I washed the bottom of the couch cushions since someone kept putting their feet on them. Since it’s a white Ikea couch, it’s really easy to keep clean and I love, love the white couch. Never thought I would but I do. Since there’s really no clutter in this space it’s quite easy. I did go thru the Heywood cabinet and decided to get rid of the last Franciscan desert rose big bowl and platter. I ‘m going to take them to the Cancer Thrift store this morning. I

I did go thru the Heywood cabinet and decided to get rid of the last Franciscan desert rose big bowl and platter. I ‘m going to take them to the Cancer Thrift store this morning. I haven’t used them in years so what the heck am I keeping them for,. We don’t entertain or have people over to eat so what’s the purpose of a large bowl and platter. I also decluttered the fondue pot. I do use this once a year at Christmas but I’m thinking I can use something else to put fondue cheese in. I also have a giant Art book to go as well. We used this a lot when home schooling but that’s a long time ago and it’s a giant book that’s just in the way. Honestly, it amazes me the layers you go thru when minimalizing. I’m not sure even using the KonMarie method you could get thru the different layers of emotional issues with things in one swoop. I’ve been at this over 5 years and still learning new things and as a result get rid of things that I didn’t before for what ever reason.

My suggestion is to just keep looking at your space and reevaluate what’s useful and what is stuff just hanging around. And does it serve a need in your life NOW.

On a side note, my daughter just finished a 30 day challenge of 10 things a day to declutter. This is just out of her tiny room so she did absolutely great.

Today is a gym day and then I’m going to the Koffee klatch to see who shows up. I guess there’s some library stuff to go over. I’m making up 2 gift baskets for the bake and book sale so I’ll get that done soon.

Dinner is crock pot summer minestrone with our zucchini, other squash, green beans, and carrots. Oh, and our tomatoes are the base. I might make some biscuits on the side too.

2Jun2017

Ongoing de-cluttering

Posted in decluttering, minimalism, Uncategorized by Chris N

So, I took down the 2 bins of Waldorf books and toys that were my children’s and pulled out some stuff to sell on craigs list. I reduced the amount I’m keeping( for now ) to one bin. So that’s a big win. One of my goals is to keep reducing things so that there’s one bin less than when I started. I’ve done pretty well and even my Life magazines are down to another full bin’s worth. So progress.

The barn storage is looking fabulous. B hung 2 more bikes and it looks better in the back room. I really need to get rid of my one bike which is a specialized mountain bike. I’m kinda attached to it but I haven’t used it since I got the Schwinn cruiser. So, I may pull it out and look at it. So other than seasonal Christmas which is @ 4 small bins, the Life magazines at 5 bins, one of the memorabilia, and one of my children’s art and main lesson books from Waldorf, that’s it. So pretty excellent. I’ve already got a big pile ready for my son to sell when he does the flea market.

I have a bag I’m slowly filling with little things to get rid of. A couple of scarves I don’t want anymore, little odds and ends but honestly it adds up.

I’m also looking at getting rid of the 2 mission style chairs and just use the Poang. And then maybe get another Poang when we go to Ikea next. I like the mission chairs because there solid, but the covers are really stained( even after washing) and the foam is kinda uneven. I thought about recovering them but the backs of the chairs are a fabric so it would look kinda odd. Better to just be done with it. Maybe by the end of summer. We hardly watch any shows in the summer since we usually sit out till 8 or so. Of course, I’d love to find a couple of Danish style arm chairs but that’s probably not going to happen at least in my price range.

I just read an ebook called Discardia. It’s about getting rid of things but more the understanding behind creating a more simple home and life. I enjoyed it. I think it was 2.99, so affordable.

It is so true, that once your house becomes less cluttered and simplified there’s more space and openness. For myself, less visual clutter helps me enjoy my home more. It’s all a work in progress. Right?

I’d love to have our entry be simpler but it’s a work in progress. B has his work area to the left of the door and then to right are 2 white buckets that hold dog food. We are going to have to replace the door this summer as the dual pane are moisture filled so that’s not good. Plus it looks funky. So the door will be set to the right more(it’ll need to be reframed) and will give more space when it opens. We’re going to go to Habitat for Humanity outlet store to try and find a front door.

17Apr2017

Rainy again

Posted in budgeting, cooking, minimalism, Uncategorized by Chris N

It’s a rainy Monday. We walked in the park and it was just misting. Yesterday, there was an Easter service that we walked by. And there were 3 sets of new baby goslings. Unfortunately today we saw a Canada goose had been gotten by a coyote or mountain lion and feathers were everywhere. And there were only 2 sets of parents. Canada Geese are extraordinarily fierce with their young so it must have really tried to protect the babies. WE did count the babies and I got to 19 so maybe some of the ones of killed goose went over to the other parents. I hope so.

We had southern fried tofu for Easter dinner. Of course, we don’t celebrate Easter as such, just as a renewal of a new cycle of life. Not based on Jesus. So I made a potato salad and we had some deviled eggs. I didn’t fry the tofu but baked and you’d think the end of the world had come. I guess I’m not doing that again. It was pretty good just not quite as tasty as when I fry them.

This week is not too busy. I have an Invisalign appt, and that’s it. Plus I’ll go to the Koffee Klatch on Thursday. I have a good size load of Life magazines to go the Humane Society Thrift store. There are some great ones from the 40’s going but it’s just the way it needs to be. Plus the van is full of Foodbank boxes so I’ll do that tomorrow on the way to the gym.

Next week are my labs so that’ll be interesting. At some point, my light chains will begin to increase and then who know. For now, I live each day as if it is a gift. Life is precious, non-essential live it as fully as you can.

One thing about minimalism is that as you clear the nonessential, you really begin to experience things differently. DEfinetely clearer and more in touch with what is around you. It’s a process for sure. I have to say, every time declutter or look at what is it I want around me, I’m surprised at what the answer to that is. I want my house to be clean, clear of stuff and just a simple place to live, cook and be. It’s getting there.

They’ll be a lot of no spend days this week as the budget is used up. We have a DMV to pay and that’s about it. So, freezer meals and pantry plus what I bought at Costco. Lots of salads.

Tonight is pasta night. I’m thinking an alfredo with a big salad.

22Aug2016

A journey towards minimalism.

Posted in simplicity, Uncategorized by Chris N

I love everything about being a minimalist. I value the focus it has given me in my daily life.I love the simplicity it has brought me and how my life is less stressful. We’ve gotten rid of many many things and the things we have kept are useful and beautiful( almost). My favorite quote is by William Morris :We still have areas in our house and barn that need work and I’m glad really ,as it gives me a focus. Minimalism has helped us become more frugal and questioning all our purchases and keeping the budget in line.

Right now I’m recovering our 1950’s Heywood Wakefield dining room chairs. I like the simplicity of the off-white canvas I’m using. It’s really painters drop cloth but heck it works. I’ll post a few pictures soon.

My journey with minimalism has evolved as all things do. I know in the different levels of decluttering I’m less emotionally attached to things and where maybe a year ago I wouldn’t have got rid of something, now it’s easier. I value open space more than things and only really keeping what we use or value. It’s important to me to have a goal or something I’m focusing on and striving toward minimalism fits me perfect right now.

As all things in life, we change and what we hold dear changes to. But some things do remain constant. My love for my husband, children, family and deeper self-principles. Such as being honest, simplicity( Quaker value), and things that really are the same as when I was 18. It’s funny how deep inside I think we all retain some of who we were and valued at 18. maybe not but, for me that’s true. Of course, I’m not the same person as such, I’m older, wiser( ok that’s questionable) but hopefully a little.

Well, if you’re starting out on you own minimalism journey, declutter, make space in you home and life, and simplify. And just keep going. Reprioritise what you value. Stay close to nature or at least get out in the wild once in a while. Okay, enough.

14Jun2016

Daily routines and simplifying

Posted in minimalism, simplicity, Uncategorized by Chris N

We dropped a small load off at Goodwill and then took some very nice cookbooks to the ASPCA bookstore and those white dishes to their thrift store. I really like taking the nicer stuff to the Pet thrift store. They seem to have a very nice collection and seem to be doing well. I already have a few more things loaded into the van and if I’m up to it , I’ll go thru some more stuff in the barn. I know I’m going to get rid of more Christmas stuff and Life magazines but when is the question.

My daily routine started when I did Flylady. It’s still the same for the most part. having a daily routine ,morning for me, but some people do morning and evening,keeps the house and laundry tidy and organized. If you do a daily routine it really helps in the flow of the day. I make the bed(of course), empty the dishwasher if it hasn’t been done the night before, take out laundry and wipe the bathroom with Costco wipes. If I need to prep for dinner such as crockpot Thursday I do that in the morning too. I make sure the counters are clear and things put away. Also, put things away that might be out of place. Of course, we don’t have young children so it does make it easier.

Minimalizing has been a huge part of how simple my daily routine is since there’s not a lot of things to dust, or put away or maintain. I would completely advise minimalizing your things so as to simplify your life. It’s certainly a journey and a process. But as I go layers of stuff and layers of my self a lot is revealed and let go of. It’s interesting how different decluttering books speak to different parts of oneself. the Don Aslett books are really fun and kinda quirky, but they Do get the message across. You really don’t need 12 rusty screwdrivers. Or that family heirloom you think one day will be valuable. Then, of course, the Kondo way of does it spark joy. Then now I’m working on the concept of ,if we moved would we take it. It does force you to look at things differently. Of course, some things we wouldn’t take but still need now. So it’s all a process.

For me, the bottom line is I want a minimalistic home, lots of white space, and more room.

8Jun2016

Decluttering continues

Posted in minimalism, Uncategorized by Chris N

I’ve been on a new decluttering kick. Going thru things again and letting go of more layers. It’s amazing once you aren’t sentimental about something how easy it is to let go. Plus, I’ve been asking myself ‘if I was moving would I take it’? So I got rid of 4 more cookbooks since I actually have never made anything out of them, just like the pictures. So if I was moving ,no I wouldn’t take them…Decluttering even more our laundry area. This is a small room built off the back of our house. maybe a little hokey and if we ever were going to sell I’m not sure how it would be viewed. But it is a nice space for our washer and dryer and small chest freezer which, has been one of best purchases ever. plus, there’s shelves for storage. I’ve managed to reduce the Waldorf stuff to 2 small bins and will go thru them even more. I don’t need to keep those cute books for my adult children. I took out the old rug and am going to get something else at Home Depot but for now ,I have the extra bathroom mat I’ll put down. Also , hanging on 2 pegs are our emergency packs with items that would be useful if there was ever an evacuation like a fire.

This is a set of some English china. I haven’t used them in a few years yet they were hanging out with my other white dishes. So, off they go to the pet thrift store.

I also went thru another box of photos and threw out a bag of duplicates, fuzzy pictures and ones that just weren’t interesting. In total it was probably 1/2 a garbage bags worth between 2 boxes. Also, I’m consolidating our tools we keep in the house to just one drawer in my ‘new office space’. I need a few things more but I repurposed a plastic bin to hold the screw drivers. Still need something for batteries. It seemed I was all over yesterday but I felt productive.

Today I’m off to Sacramento for my next shot. I’m not shopping today as pay day isn’t till tomorrow. So it should be a quick trip down and back. We still haven’t heard anything on our Harp refi, so I emailed the guy and asked what’s up ? it doesn’t take 4 weeks to get a subordination on our second. If I don’t hear today, I’ll email again. I may check with our credit union as to whether they do refi’s with the Harp program. Since its a loan that doesn’t require income doc, appraisal or other things not sure if they do.

Dinner tonight is leftover taco meat and beans together, so Chili!! with tortillas.

15May2016

‘The More 0f Less’

Posted in books, minimalism, reading, simplicity, Uncategorized by Chris N

‘The More of Less’ by Joshua Becker

This book by Joshua Becker was just released. He is one of the leading advocates of minimalism and living a simple life. He starts off describing how his journey into minimalism started with emptying his garage. He states up front that he uses Christian and Bible referances. I wasn’t too sure about this to start since I’m a non-believer as such, but I didn’t find them over powering to the message of simplifying your life and minimizing. I like he was honest about this and very open to all faiths or non-faith.

The book is well written and I liked his breakdown of how to start decluttering, and then going into a lot of the psychology behind letting go of things and the benefits from living with less.

He gives lots of practical advice.

I think this is an excellent book on minimalism for both beginners and those more advanced in their journey to own less. 41pkwq-8CJL._SX351_BO1,204,203,200_

This book was provided by ‘bloggingforbooks’ in return for my opinion.!!!

Tahoe Girl

My journey with multiple myeloma and a simple life.

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