If you’ve been following the recent debate, you’ll know that Marie Kondo has sparked some feelings regarding books… I wanted to jump in and share my thoughts on the debacle.
Spoiler alert: I’m on the “it’s okay to get rid of books” camp.
Tag: konmari method
video: saving time – minimalist victories
Some thoughts on how a minimalist approach to clothes and makeup helps me save time. Less time spent on a busy morning routine = one happy girl.
the view from Sunday: March declutter
I’ve managed to keep a fairly streamlined collection since my first round of KonMari de-cluttering, but times change and things that sparked joy no longer spark. Rather than hold on to every thing, I’ve learned to let go and edit on a regular basis.
Here are the results of my latest round:
A quick review of my closet revealed a few items that I failed to reach for this winter, or which no longer fit as I prefer. The two smaller bags are items from my makeup collection that I cannot donate or share, and a few bits of paper and miscellany clutter that needs to go.
A review of my unmentionables revealed some items that no longer serve, whether because the fit is off or the fabric is too worn.
I use a diffuser to scent my home on most nights, but sometimes I just like the look and feel of a candle. Because candles come with jars, I’ve amassed a fair number of them. I’m getting rid of these, but looking to rehome or recycle where possible.
Decorative pillows and stuffed toys from the ikea bin. I have a weakness for cute pillows, but these serve no purpose beyond gathering dust. I traded them in favor of the toys and pillows that I do use (mostly to prop my arm up while I sleep).
Not pictured: the freestanding mini elliptical machine I bought two years ago in an effort to move more during writing days and have an alternative to outdoor walks during the rainy season. I used it for a few weeks and found that I didn’t like it, but it was too late to return it. It’s too large for me to try to sell it, and I can’t stand seeing it gather dust. I set it on the curb and hope someone picks it up. It’s wasteful, but a lesson learned.
minimalism: decluttering my bag collection
This is not the first time I’ve culled my bag collection, but it may be the most brutal. Though, perhaps not. These are bags I held on to the last time, because they were expensive or they had sentimental value or they might still come in handy. Except, I haven’t touched any of them in over a year (2-3 years for the last two). It’s time to stop holding on to things I don’t use.
I’m not sure if I’m going to try to sell these. I tried selling the pink one and it never sold. I haven’t the patience for ebay slow sales, so I may just donate.
video: the promised closet tour…
I said I would do it and I have… a realistic, no tidying, no hiding peek inside my closet.
I am happy to report, that I have since gone in for another round of decluttering and sorted through the show situation, and removed some of the items that I was unlikely to wear, some seasonal pieces, pants, and one of the two cocktails dresses that I mention in the video.
Just living and learning.
life: project use up my stuff
I’m on a sort of “no buy”… mostly because I spent more than I should’ve during the months of November-January, but also because I have enough stuff and it needs to be used! Kind of like a “project pan” (for makeup), this is “project use it up”. There are lots of areas that I have to work on, but I’m all for manageable, small goals.
Here are four categories I want to work on:
Perfume
I’ve had the Body Shop’s Moonflower since the early days of grad school (circa 2006). They don’t make it anymore, but I’ve held on to it long enough and just need to use it.
Tokyomilk’s Honey & the Moon is a little too warm for me on most days. It’s one of those scents I should’ve sampled on my skin before adding it to my wishlist, but I do enjoy it sparingly. I’m going to try to finish this one up as well.
Candles
I stopped buying candles recently and have made a good dent into the ones I currently own. I always go back to IKEA’s vanilla candle (it’s my happy scent). Just want to use up the scents that are a little too warm for the coming months, and stop buying candles that I don’t love.
Tea
I have a lot of tea. More than I can drink, especially since I spend more time at work than at home during the week. I have a similar collection at work and I’ve started using that one up, so I’ll migrate some of the basics to the office once that selection dries up.
Toiletries
This is really just a snapshot of the full collection. I’ve gotten better at keeping track of use by dates, but I still have more products than I need. I’ll review these again and give away whatever isn’t working, while aiming to use up the rest.
life: 2016 recap, life changes
The time has come for yearly recaps!
I already went over the good things that happened this year (let’s not speak of the bad again), but today I wanted to talk about the changes I’ve made; these include health, life, and wellness in general, but also little changes, like taking the time to play with the cats every night, or just learning to enjoy the moment.
This year, I completed 3 Whole30s (I’m in reintroduction mode right now). I’ve never followed a health plan, and I have my doubts about some of the methods out there, but the Whole30 just made sense at a time when I was feeling adrift with my health (see my original post, video, and initial reintro). I love the program. It works for me and it helps me reset when I’m not feeling my best. I am currently reading Melissa Hartwig’s Food Freedom Forever and it just makes me feel all kinds of YES!
I started journaling on a regular basis (stay tuned for a journaling update this Friday). Just taking the time to reflect on my day has improved my mental state when dealing with stress (and there has been a lot of that this year).
I dove head-first into minimalism as a serious lifestyle goal. I became intrigued by the idea of the KonMari method when looking to help my mom with her own excess, but I fell in love with the idea of a light, joyful lifestyle that relies on conscious consumerism and intentional living.
These are the big ones, and I look forward to sharing my progress into the new year.
the view from Sunday: in which I am a toxic mess
Friends, I am sick. Stuffed up, drippy, wet, sneezy, sick. It was deceptive at first… I thought it was just good ol’ PMS, but all signs point to cold. Way to ring in the season. What I’m saying is, I’m a mess and my brain is in a bad, spacey place. Bad enough that I started editing the wrong draft… at least I caught myself before I saved it. My skin is also not happy. My whole body is rebelling. No bueno. I’m comforting myself with tea and Zarbee’s and a mad wave of decluttering to clear out the air. And youtube. Lots and lots of youtube.
The piles are getting smaller…
And only two pieces from the wardrobe… the shirt is a little too worn and just doesn’t fit well anymore, and the skirt just hugs my hips the wrong way. So long.
Reorganized the last of the TBR books…
And trimmed one of the houseplants, therefore, new greenery in the bedroom 🙂
video: sparking joy – working on conscious consumerism
I’ve been thinking about the things I buy — the things that add to my life and the things that make me cringe at the waste (mostly of space and money). I’ve been making a concerted effort to shop mindfully and really think about the things I bring into my life. Where will they fit in my home? How will they add to my state of being? Will they last or will I regret the purchase in 6 months? It’s a challenge, particularly because I have no one to answer to but myself (part of the reason I decided to document this process in the first place is to hold myself accountable). I’m learning and growing. There are some things I’ve purchased recently that I should have checked myself on, but I bought them anyway. I’ll try harder next time.
Now that I’ve rambled long enough, watch the video to learn more about the things don’t buy anymore and the things I’m working on as I move towards a more conscious lifestyle.
video: sparking joy – in my bag
I recorded this before the shiz hit the fan… so I give you *dun dun dun* a minimalist’s what’s in my bag video 🙂
Next week may be a little off-kilter. I’m starting the claims process and things may get a little rough. Enjoy and let me know how you handle your bag situation.
marginalia and such 