Happy New Year, everyone! It’s that time again.
If you’ve been with us for a while, you may know that last year was a bit of a transformative process for us, our home and our lifestyle. It basically started with a true desire for change; a craving for it. Now that the lights are starting to come down and the Christmas trees are gone (yeah, we still haven’t done that – happy new year, little dead tree!) it’s time. Fresh starts and renewal.
For lots of people, it’s time for a change.
A year-long process for us last year, we’re now reflecting on what that change has done for us, and our family. Here’s a fast-forward of our story in a nutshell:
We decided we were tired and craved a change. We were spending too much time feeling overwhelmed, and out of control. Our home needed to work for us, not the other way around, after all. Last year was the great purge. I started out on metaphorical horseback, mounted with sword and I was all, “For Narnia!” As we headed into the battlefield of a lifestyle change. We began by simplifying, and I almost died. Just kidding. We all learned a lot about ourselves. (After I almost died.)
(quite possibly the nerdiest photo we’ve ever taken.)
While we donated most of the stuff-carnage, we even ended with a big fat yard sale + some funds to a good cause. Then, we implemented systems to make that change stick. 10 years of marriage + a growing a family + nary a real purge = embarrassing. I mean, it is what it is. C’est la vie.
We accomplished a lot. It’s not perfect. But a lot.
I think that now, a year later, it’s time to reflect and break that process down again.
This series has only scratched the surface of ways we’ve simplified, changed, and even failed. From a reflective aspect, on what we’ve learned, what we still struggle with, and what works for us. Good places to begin. The process. A lifestyle change.
I figured it was time to revisit it again, because it’s a transformative, ever-evolving process. And no matter where we are in that process, we all need that reminder.
So today, we start the lazy gal’s guide 2014: One year later. We’re rebooting. We’ve received a few questions about it lately, and we thought we’d cover a few things to consider before making a change. To ensure a successful ‘reboot’ of your own, if you will.
• Everyone’s journey is different.
1. Your goals + your ideal timeline: What’s your overall vision for you or your family? What is your timeline? The big picture or ‘the plan’? These questions may seem overwhelming at first, but its good to have an idea.
2. The makeup of your home life + life stages. Does your partner help? Or are you on your own? Is your family on board, or do they disagree? Do you want your kids involved? Are you an empty nester, maybe holding on to memories?
For instance, it’s probably a little easier if your children aren’t rabid fit-pitching toddlers that pick up everything you put into the donate pile, and you aren’t smothered in giant toys and baby stuff that you kinda need to survive. Or maybe not, depending on how attached your teenagers are. We hear it’s a tradeoff. (Yay.)
Because we’re all in different situations… The key is to remember those that are unique to you, so be patient with yourself.
3. Know thy weaknesses. Do you tend to do the whole retail therapy thing? Do you have a shoe problem? (Guilty) Fabrics your thing? (Yep) Some people buy too much food for their pantry (Hello) Identify your weaknesses and devise a plan. I honestly believe shoes make the world happier. It’s when they become a problem that it’s good to keep it in check. You won’t be cured overnight, but they say the first step is admitting you have a problem… This is kind of a big deal when it comes to simplifying your life.
It’s different for everyone. The key is finding a process that works for you.
• Your success depends on your definition of it.
Let go of perfection now, because you won’t attain it. The perfect home doesn’t exist. It’s actually easier once you accept that. I’m still working on it from the whole letting-things-go-that-aren’t-up-to-par, angle.
Ahem… I just might always work on this.
I have a freak personality likened to that of a chihuahua on rhoids. Some days, it’s my best super power. Other days… I struggle with my own expectations vs reality. The key is finding a system that works for your home, getting up when you fail, and sticking with it.
This time last year, I pictured myself living in an all white, minimalist home in Sweden with a few sparse Ikea furnishings. Okay. Really it was Hawaii, but Sweden sounds more dedicated. I was ready to go extreme. Then I realized… that’s probably not a part of our family vision. Maybe it should be… Not everyone is called to donate all of their things and live in 100 square feet. Not everyone is called to live in a McMansion. (I mean, you can just hand over the money for said McMansion, and we’ll call it a day.) There are spectrums. Decide on what you want that vision for your family to be, and work toward it. It’s the very best you can do in the beginning. And it’s a lot to tackle.
• Stay flexible
Most of this is about the process. We work so hard, hoping to accomplish the goal, but the process… this is where the transformation occurs.
For us, it’s time to purge. Again. Our home is on a schedule. We do it twice a year. Don’t get me wrong. We aren’t just mindlessly bringing things into our home. It’s a part of life and living. We’ve become earnest in our efforts. But we have three young children who love tiny toys, and ultimately dash my swedish minimalist/mod lifestyle dreams. We intend to let them enjoy their childhood, while infusing a world-awareness of those around them. There’s a balance there. Would I like for all of the Legos to die? Yes, yes I would. But I love my boys, and to a healthy degree, they are allowed to love their Legos. Thus the flexible part.
There are definitely preventative measures we can take to stop more things from coming in. For instance, we put a big emphasis on experiences rather than actual physical gifts this year for Christmas. It was a relief. They still received toys, because we want our children to enjoy. But I think there’s a lot to be said for consumerism and what we allow into our homes. We’re still working on it. There’s a balancing act we all do, based on our own family’s goals and needs. Just remember to stay flexible.
• Each year means something new for your family.
The challenges will be different. Every year. For instance: Home schooling for us this year = A whole new ballgame. Curriculum. Paper. Supplies. Hole punchers that leave tiny confetti a-la our four year old. Books.
Oh the books. Love-hate.
But guess what? We were able to put a space together quickly (in a weekend) because we had the room for all those books. I had empty cabinets waiting to hold the dishes we chose to keep that had to leave their home in the dining room, and that was because we’d purged all those other spaces earlier in the year.
I think that ultimately, I’ve been seeking a nice balance with the concept of simplification in all the elements of our life. Being able to do something good for our family – This was a rewarding part of that.
So if you’re ready to make a change, roll those sleeves up and get ready…we’re with you. Just remember it’s more about the process, and extend yourself a little grace. Because we can all use a little grace. Who’s ready for a new start?
Will you humor me? I’m wrapping this up with a few questions for you guys, because I really want your input with this series again. It’s not successful without you! Share as much or as little as you like!
1. What’s something you’d really like to see tackled as a topic this time around?
2. What’s your greatest struggle?
3. The biggest lesson you’ve learned if you’re simplifying your life?
Thanks guys! Have an inspired day!
Gina :: Listening in the Litany says
There’s a lot of wisdom here! Our family is on a mission to simplify as well and I’m constantly having to remind myself that sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. We had a major purge (or two) in 2013 and when it looked like every closet in the house had exploded at once and I was tripping every time I turned around, it was tempting just to throw in the towel. I had to get comfortable with chaos before I could reap the benefits of order.
ashley @ the handmade home says
That’s so true, Gina. It’s like you have to muscle your way through it before it gets any better! ;} It’s so worth it though! Happy new year to you and your family!
Melissa says
Where did you find the little window sheer in the kitchen photos?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Melissa! Those are just some thinner fabric I used to sew together and make curtains. They look sheer in the photo but they’re not. I hope that helps! ;}
Kyla F says
Happy New Year Ashley! I really enjoyed reading this series last year, but this year I am even more excited because I have been in the process of simplifying a lot lately (I don’t even want to admit the number of clutter piles/bags/boxes that have been hauled from my room).
1) This time around, I would love to see a post about organizing your creative supplies. I have some Ikea (win!) drawers in my room, along with some drawer cubes from Michaels for holding fabric, sewing notions, etc. However, I feel like it becomes a dark abyss on a weekly basis when I do a project and suddenly a nice cut of fabric becomes a project with residual scraps. I like keeping scraps because I enjoy finding potential in things, especially when I’ve spent money on them, but I don’t want to one day be swallowed up by my stash of craft supplies.
2) My greatest struggle is letting go of things with sentimental value. I’ve been struggling with letting go of old birthday cards and such, and I have held onto momentos from Disney that have taken up residence in a box of their own. It is a work in progress, but definitely the area I struggle with most when simplifying.
3) The biggest lesson that I have learned from simplifying is that now I have more room to b r e a t h e and enjoy the things that matter and make me happy. I have more clarity and can work most efficiently when everything has a place. I am also much more aware of what I do NOT need when I go shopping (Target and I have had much less frequent dates lately). Overall, simplifying for me is like working out. It can be difficult to get motivated and start, but once you put one foot in front of the other and make it a priority you feel better and see results.
Have a lovely day! 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awesome, Kyla! Thank you so much for answering these! I’ve already been asked about the craft stuff so I will try to get on sharing some of that – I think I’m still working on some of my own systems, myself! ;} And Target. The nemesis of my organization world. ;} Happy New Year to you!
Donna Allgaier-Lamberti says
Such a pertinent topic. I am a keep it clean and simple kind of person and my husband is a hoarder. I am serious. This is one of the greatest struggles/challenges in our relationship. In fact, we had a “family meeting” today about this very subject. The only way I have learned to deal with this is to give him the pole barn as his guy cave to do with what he wants and in return it is my choice to keep the house neat. But unfortunately this has to be renegiotated time and time again. We have resolved every issue but this one.
Megan says
I’m planning on using this year to purge. I’ve done it in the past with clothes and household junk but now I want to tackle more. My 4 year old daughter’s love for everything and all things baby for my 2 month old. We are done having kids so all things baby will be leaving as my son outgrows them. I am stockpiling everything for a large garage sale (I hate them so this is huge) and if it doesn’t sell, it’s being donated. I’m also limiting my purchases this year to limit clutter and to save for a kitchen remodel. Now to start!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awesome, Megan! You can do it!
Sally says
OH man – this is inspiring! I could really use some tips on having a garage sale!!! We have a family of four. Our kids are teens. Our closets are full. Our basement is unruly. I need to do a purge. We donate a lot, but could also use a little extra cash… I know I need to do a garage sale, but the thought is so overwhelming. I would love to do one early in the spring before the temps are overwhelming. Any tips you can give would be SOOOO appreciated! Thanks Ashley, and Happy New Years!
ANN W says
one of the biggest things I have learned – ask yourself do you LOVE this decoration, piece of material, toy, etc – because if you don’t LOVE it – if it doesn’t make you smile or make your heart skip – then send it down the river! It allows the things you really LOVE to shine in your home – it is amazing how much the whole house comes alive when the things that are truly “your style” – having minimal things around – clears your mind! I also love how you made the closets – pretty – organization can be so pretty and fun! I find my 9 year old son organizing his room and having the time of his life!
Kathie from CA says
Because of moving and downsizing plus paying for the move half way across the country is forcing me to purge, purge and purge again. It is hard because I have inherited things from my folks, grandparents etc I love the comment about only keeping what you really love. I have given some things to young friends who don’t have family treasures and I share the “story” as I pass them on. I literally need prayer for all this because I have chronic pain and RSD in my left hand.
ANN W says
Kathie – I will be praying for you! Packing with pain must be so difficult! I will be praying the Lord will give you wisdom in what to keep and strength and wisdom in what to let go and that when you reach your new house – each thing you put out will surround you with clearness of mind, joy and room to breathe 🙂 I love that you are passing on the other things and giving the story behind them to the new owner. They will become there LOVE items to keep and treasure and you can know you do not have to haul them across America with you:)
Kathie from CA says
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. I really appreciate them.
ashley @ the handmade home says
So sorry Kathie – thinking of you and praying for you during this time – and just like Ann said – so special that you are handing things down with their story – from someone who doesn’t really have any family treasures that have been handed down in her families, that’s really thoughtful and super sweet. ;}
Kathie from CA says
Thanks for your prayers. It means more to me than you know.
Sarah{Handbags*and*Pigtails} says
As one who loves flea markets,thrifting,etc… I found myself bringing “stuff” home just because it was a great deal, a rare find,etc… After our kitchen fire a few years ago this month, I became so aware that its all just STUFF-more to dust, more to move around or store. And I wanted everything excess GONE. I’m a huge believer in what Ann W says here in your comments- really look at the things in your home. If you don’t absolutely love it or its not functional for your family, get rid of it!
And I think one of the best ways to have a garage/yard sale is to get your neighbors involved. You can share in the cost of any advertising, it draws huge crowds because people can just park and walk/shop instead of getting in and out for randomly located sales,etc… And it can become a fun community event too!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Amen! It is all just stuff.
Elizabeth says
Happy New Year! I am so excited to see that you are planning to continue this series in 2014 – i love it! I have learned a lot from your posts on this subject last year and really enjoy it.
1) Like another commenter, I would love to see a post on craft supplies. I love to craft and sew and my supplies are a little overwhelming!
2) My biggest struggle is maintaining the organization. I will get an area or room or closet organized, and then it will slowly slip back into a complete mess! I have 2 kids (7 and 9) who are old enough to be responsible for their own rooms and playroom, but those areas basically get trashed every month until I can’t take it anymore, then we do a huge clean out, only to have to start over the next month! I want to learn to break the cycle and do daily maintenance.
3) My biggest lesson is that when the house is neat and organized, I feel better mentally. I can think more clearly and I can find what I need (how much time have I wasted over the past year looking for something that I can’t find in my messy house??? Way too much!!)
Thank you so much for doing this series & I am now off to begin clearing off my desk to start 2014 with a nice clean slate!
ashley @ the handmade home says
These are great, Elizabeth. We will definitely be covering those! ;} Thanks so much!
Wendy says
First, I love this series! I’m pretty sure it’s how I found your blog to begin with. 🙂
1. What’s something you’d really like to see tackled as a topic this time around?
This doesn’t pertain to y’all so probably won’t be covered, but how to do conquer these awesome projects when you’re not handy, and neither is my hubby. It ends up being a much bigger project when you know you’re going to have to shell out more money to have someone do the work because you don’t know how. LOL
2. What’s your greatest struggle?
Besides not being handy?? The word that drew me to this series: LAZY!! I am unbelievably lazy. I can read and research all day, but get off my duff and DO something? Nope, not my fave. Also, this last year I dealt with a herniated disk which put me out of commission for about 7 months. That was fun.
3. The biggest lesson you’ve learned if you’re simplifying your life?
With the little I’ve done so far, it feels so good! I’m also planning on rewarding myself by doing some decorating as I purge. Ya know get the crap out of the room, then make it pretty. We have very little furniture that I purchased because I loved it, most of it was “it will do” furniture and now I just don’t like most of the rooms in my house. (It also doesn’t help that the house I designed doesn’t fit with what I love anymore. Ugh.) So I guess a lesson for me is that I need rewards for my work…especially with how freaking lazy I am.
So looking forward to what you do with the series this year!! 😀
ashley @ the handmade home says
Absolutely to number 3 – it pretty much motivates me to pull down Christmas every year! HA! And you are probably not lazy if you recognize it. Most people are completely aloof to the fact! ;} So sorry about your herniated disk. I can’t imagine! I threw out my back once and lay on the bed whining for 48 hours so I really just can’t. Thinking of you! And duff is just funny. I’ll definitely be thinking about all of these! ;}
Julianna says
I would love help in the laundry room and garage. Y’all could do a blog on location here in Fort Worth, Texas! Road trip anyone!?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Okay. Now you’re just hitting on my own personal weaknesses. ;} Seriously – if you could see our garage you would feel awesome about yours! It’s on our list! HA! Stay tuned? ;} And let’s not even talk about laundry mountains. WOMP womp
Julianna says
And my personal experience is that the mountains of laundry only get worse with homeschooling. Isn’t that awesome news?
ashley @ the handmade home says
It’s so awesome, I could cry. ;}
jessica says
I really struggle with paper piles!!!! School papers I don’t know what to do with, mail, coupon piles. Paper piles everywhere! It drives me insane! I have 4 kids, 10yrs, 8, 2, & 2 months……what’s a girl to do? Please help me!
ashley @ the handmade home says
ON it, Jessica! That was a big problem for me when the kids were in school. Our situation is a little different now but I’m still forced to sort it and sift it every day. So I will work on that post! ;}
judanni says
You should have been in my life 40 years ago when I was a mom of little babies and thought I needed to keep everything…every paper from all their elementary years…all the wooden & FisherPrice toys..so many memories I thought I’d reflect on “one day.” All I reflected on was what a huge mess I had in the attic when we moved!!!Memories are to be kept in the mind, not in the attic or anywhere else in the house except in a very few picture frames. So glad to see young moms without the old mindset of keeping everything because “one day we might need it!!!”
One more thing: yard sales….my daughter had one and sold everything in her house so she could downsize and start over. I planned a yard sale, stored everything in our large garage while getting ready for the big event, couldn’t ever find the wherewithal to do the stupid sale and gave it all away to mission thrift stores. Old dogs really don’t learn new tricks very well so this is a big hallelujah to the lean living way of life of so many smart young families!!! (Re: McMansions….it’s just more space to clutter up and more places to “save” stuff…who needs them!) Love your blog 🙂 !!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much Judanni! I’ve struggled in the past with holding on to personal stuff. it’s hard! For what it’s worth, not to be an enabler or guilt tripper, but did you hold on to those little people? Because I would kill for mine now. And my barbies. ;( ;D
Karad says
My mom kept all those toys and turns out the hair gets all funky and the plastic gets weird and well in the end only the wooden cradle my grandpa made me and one questionable coffe pot are all that were worth giving to my kids! My brothers had some legos and solid metal cars ( not like the cheapy ones of today) that lasted well in the 15 years of storage over the garage. So don’t feel bad and don’t “save” any toys that aren’t heirloom because in 10-20 yrs when you go to get them out I learned the hard way 98% is only suitable for the trash! Even the baby dolls clothing was all starting to deteriorate. Yikes. Books held up pretty well but of all the ones my mom saved maybe 5-8 are ones I wanted to get duplicates of for my kids. She saved everything because when she was away at college her mom and dad got rid EVERYTHIG with out asking her if she wanted anything and went on missions trips for a few year. So she wanted to keep stuff for us…. Needless to say when I clean out different areas I usually ask myself if it is something I would like to pass on, how best to preserve it so that a future generation would also want to pass it down. It helps set things in perspective!
Rachel says
Thanks for sharing the update!
Last year I learned how to say no to good things so I can say yes to better things. It was super hard. And it’s my hope to apply that better this year also.
ashley @ the handmade home says
AMEN, Rachel! Good for you! I can totally relate to that one – It’s something I”ve truly worked on the past few years. Still working on it, and my inner people pleaser.
Christa @ BrownSugarToast says
I would love to hear how you organize your craft space & your kiddos’ toys/books!
One of the biggest things I keep reminding myself of is this: you cannot organize junk.
Also, it’s impossible to organize when there’s TOO. MUCH. STUFF. Sometimes, I just need to load up a bag full of stuff to donate.
looking forward to reading more! 😀
Jodie says
Hiya, I am new here and not sure if you have covered this already but I really struggle with organising my virtual clutter. Photos, emails, etc. Any tips on that would be great.
ashley @ the handmade home says
HA! That’s something I need help with, too! ;} We will look into that-the best posts are usually the ones we need help with too, so stay tuned! ;}
Allison says
So how do I justify getting rid of perfectly good clothes/toys that my 1 year old just used in hopes that my next baby can use them fairly soon?! Do I go ahead and purge or is it worth it to save for future use to save some money? I’m torn. Just hate going out every other week it seems like to buy storage bins for all the stuff! haha Thank you!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Oh girl! definitely hold on to ALL the baby stuff until you’re DONE. That’s a given! We put ours in storage bins and throw them in the attic. And if you don’t have an attic, under the bed. I am JUST NOW getting rid of baby stuff, because a. I was emotionally attached, and b. we had two boys, so it took a while to go through all the sizes. You have to hold on to them. You’re totally allowed! It’s easier when they’re older and don’t use it all anymore. And storage bins are a good investment, because you’ll practically use them forever. When you’re no longer using them for clothes, you can use them for Christmas stuff. ;}
Amber says
This was my question so THANK YOU for the justification! I have two boys (under two!) and we “think” we are finished but I can’t bear to get rid of too much stuff yet! It’s so refreshing to read your blog posts and the way you share your thoughts with just the right bit of wisdom infused!
From a mom/coach’s wife(in season!)/teacher, thank you for pointing out reality!
I love reading your blog!
~Amber
Fara Poe says
I’m trying to simplify our lives, too. And de-clutter. And make our functioning house a beautiful home. However, a lot of the “stuff” is my husband’s and he jokes that I am slowly removing his things from the house. I don’t want to get rid of them, just pare them down and maybe rotate. I’ve expressed as much several times, but we’re having a bit of trouble moving on this. How do you get two people on the same page when one wants simple and sparse, and the other is happy with the way things are?
Bethany says
Hey Ashley!
Your simplifying series has been my absolute favorite! I always get excited when I see a new post for it :). It has been both inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for being real about your journey. We sold our 2500 sq ft house in July and moved into an apartment half its size. While we purged a ton when we sold it, I feel like there’s so much more to be done. There are boxes in closets that I can’t unpack because there’s not room for the stuff and a single garage that I cannot physically get into because it is packed so tight. Part of me wants to chunk it all, because “if I haven’t needed it in the last 5 months, it must not be that important” but then there’s the part of me that knows we will be in another house at some point and feels like I really might use it (ie china, bedding that I’ve switched out, house decor). How to discern? My kids go back to preschool on Tuesday and the great second purge is going to begin. First of what is in the actual apartment and then the garage. Clutter makes me crazy and I always feel so much better mentally and emotionally without it.
On an unrelated note, I was wondering if you could share a little bit more about focusing this Christmas more on “experiences” rather than gifts. What kinds of experiences? My kids are almost 6, almost 3, and 15 months. It was heavy on my heart this year to make Christmas really meaningful. We took some steps that helped…didn’t buy a lot of gifts and really tried to emphasize the true meaning of Christmas, especially with our 5 year old. I really want to continue moving away from the “consumer” mindset (it’s amazing how it’s already so present at 5 years old) and would love to hear more specifics about what y’all did.
Thanks for all you do!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Bethany – I totally get that battle! Listen, with what we do, it’s even made sense to hold on to a few pieces, because we’re constantly styling and re-styling. It saves money in the long run. So I’m with you!;} It can be hard, depending on your phase in life + current situation.
As far as experiences: This year, instead of a lot of little gifts from one grandparent, we all went on a trip to a place not too far away. And on that trip, they were able to do an extra curricular activity as part of their Christmas. (Staying in a cabin + an animal safari.) And most of their gifts from her were centered around crafts and projects they could do. Not many toys to mindlessly fill up our home with tiny pieces…(OVER it.) and the toys they DID receive were super fun and thoughtful, like games, catapults for the boys… really thoughtful additions.
From us: Jamin and I gave the kids a trip. {See: our family vacay just came a little early this year} I think there’s definitely a balance there, and while it’s not “there” yet, we’re getting closer. We can’t always do a trip, and this year was honestly bigger than it will ever be because we knew we should seize the moment while we can. But other examples would be like, a zoo memberships, or art clubs or lessons of some sort. A camping trip (ther-ma-rests and s’mores and water bottles as clues} are a starting point.
The important part is, that we’ve started the convo with both sides of the family, and this year, we noticed a big difference. It was a major relief. So between that, and focusing on giving our children a wider world view, making them aware that their little worlds don’t end with just them… we’re working on it. I hope that helps! ;}
Maureen says
Ashley, thanks to your blog I’ve (almost) convinced my husband to paint our kitchen cabinets. We’ve only lived here 27 years, but I am patient. The last thing he needs to know before going for it, is… How are your cabinets holding up? Feel free to lie if necessary. (= just kidding, kind of. Anyway, how are they holding up?
Also, 1) I would love seeing a ‘real life’ post about organizing the garage. 2)Moving forward (not on) after huge losses and letting go of ANYTHING connected with them. 3) We have a great need/desire to simplify, but haven’t reached ability yet because of pt.2. Thanks for all you share.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Maureen! I’m sorry for the delayed response – I saw this comment and laughed over the lying part, and then was totally distracted by something else so I just didn’t get a chance to respond. I guess we have had our cabinets painted for three years now? They have held up great. Make no mistake – they will always need to be touched up every now and again, just like anything you paint. We’re to that point with three small kids and a dog that it’s time to cover up a few little nicks, but it’s nothing that isn’t worth the total transformation with fresh, not-lamintate cabinets. ;} Go for it. You won’t regret it.
You’re hitting home with number 1 on the garage category. uh, let’s say its the zone that we haven’t fixed yet, and its on our list this year. Oh to have that garage pretty and organized! stay tuned. Stay tuned.
I am sorry for number 2. Thinking of you and praying for you. I’ll be thinking about that one!
Cindy says
Hi Ashley-
Happy New Year!
I can’t think of an answer to #1. I do know that homeschooling posts are a bit difficult for me to read (past tension with good friends, etc.) and relate to, but you should continue posting about them anyway. I’m a big girl and can skip those posts and come back the next day.
My greatest struggle in my home right now is that certain projects back up waiting for a bigger project to be completed or even started. For example, we need built-in shelves in our TV room in the worst way. We are overrun with books, and they need one home rather than eleven makeshift homes. But it makes no sense to start bookshelves until we redo our floors, which will be sometime this year, but in the meantime, have I mentioned the books?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned in simplifying is that one or two sentimental items can have just as much meaning as 20 or 100 sentimental items. I have several things that belonged to my mom, but I’m finding that what I love the most are her turquoise necklace and cross-stitch burlap pieces. I’m ready to let go of the rest.