Learning to Love Minimalism

In my quest to slow down and relax - I've started to learn more about minimalism. I signed up for Highbrow - an on-line learning web site that e-mails you once daily on a topic of your choice. This service is completely free and the 'lessons' only take about 5 minutes to read.
The lessons on Minimalism have re-enforced my goals of organization and has kept me from making the piles I used to make and the dishes I didn't put away.

Here's what I've learned so far and what I am focusing on to become more like a Minimalist!
Learn to love less. Instead of buying a lot of clothes why not learn to cull your wardrobe into a few quality, beautiful pieces that you can wear often and enjoy more. Those high quality pieces will last longer and in the end you might even save money. Instead of buying lots of low quality items that you can only wear a couple of times, you'll have amazing pieces that will last for years.

Minimalism should also be incorporated in your use of technology and television. Learn to need less television, social media, etc. When you watch TV or go on-line spend enough time to get the information or the entertainment you need, but then step away.
"When you focus on enjoying less, you focus on full enjoyment. You learn to be content with little, and when you do that, a life of happiness is at your disposal."

Here's a simplified process of becoming a minimalist.

1. Stop buying unnecessary things. (You'll save money and have less clutter!)
2. Get rid of the obvious things. Stuff that's getting in the way.
3. Get rid of more obvious things.
4. Clear the clutter on your floors.
5. Clear other flat surfaces. (Stop making piles!!!)
6. Start going into your closets and drawers. (Donate things you never use or wear) I've been using thredUp, a consignment web site, to sell some of my nicer clothing that I no longer wear. You'll get $20 when you sign up through this link!: http://www.thredup.com/r/NYDF2Z
7. Start letting go, emotionally. (Keep memories, ditch the stuff)
8. Get rid of more things.

The process will never end, continue to let go, minimize clutter and stop buying things you really don't need. The degree to which you become a minimalist is up to you. :)

"The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less." 
- Socrates

Thanks for reading,

When We're Left Alone

Ryan was gone for two days for a work trip so Bailey and I were left to fend for ourselves. I'm not the best cook so I basically kept myself alive by eating carbs. Pasta is my jam.

Without Ryan at home to watch our TV shows I got a lot of stuff done after work! It's amazing how much time you waste sitting in front of the television. 

I'm all packed for my trip home to Oregon. I was able to keep the apartment tidy and wrote some last minute Christmas cards! Oh, and had this little photo shoot with Bailey... ;)

 Maybe we should make a rule that we're only allowed to watch one hour of television a night...

Thanks for reading,

Still Looking???

Still looking for the perfect gift?
Below are some of my favorite things for organization! I've also included some things that are on my Christmas list!


Ryan and I received this book as a wedding gift and I really enjoyed reading it. It really enforces keeping only the things you need and use.



In my on-going quest for home organization I've added this book to my list!



Not the most glamorous gift, but it keeps all those extra plastic shopping bags in one place! I love ours!



Another easy fix for a messy closet... This shoe rack brought order to at least part of our closet.




Another not so glamorous item, but let me tell you- the best thing for your cabinets. Hands down!



I usually throw my scarves in a pile on a self in our closet. This little guy would totally fix my bad habit!


Want more info on these items?? Just click them!


Thanks for reading,

Sunday Funday

The weather here on the East Coast has been unseasonably warm. So there was no way we weren't going to miss this opportunity to get outside. Ryan loves to play golf so we headed to a pitch and putt course near by. The weather was just perfect. It was nice to be outside, get some exercise and be together.

This week is going to be very busy with Ryan out of town for two days. I then leave for Oregon on Saturday. It was so nice to be together and do something we both enjoy.

Thanks for reading,