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Tips for Clearing Your Child’s Clutter
Last week I posted about the process of cleaning my son’s room, so you know I understand how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by our children’s stuff—the outgrown clothes, artwork, schoolwork, sports equipment, musical instruments, toys, rocks, sticks, party favors and all the other things they get their hands on that eventually end up in our homes. Sometimes keeping up with the stuff by organizing and clutter clearing seems like a full time job. Yet I don’t think anyone would be comfortable with the idea that we’re spending time caring for our children’s stuff that we could be spending
Simplifying Your Child’s Room
I’m happy to say, I just finished clearing my younger son’s playroom! This is the one room I avoided when I was doing my New Year’s clutter clearing—and for good reason! It is amazing to me what can accumulate in his room. He loves to build and create and won’t let a single cardboard box, twist tie, paper bag (or any other interesting material) escape from our house, So you can imagine what I signed myself up for when I decided to tackle his room. There wasn’t a single clear surface in his entire space and although usually excited about
Clearing Your Clutter, With Intention
Clutter clearing is a practice I have embraced since I was a child, yet even after all this time I continue to be amazed at just how good it feels to let go of things that are no longer serving me. Not only does clearing clutter bring greater peace and spaciousness to my home and surroundings, but it does the same for my inner world as well. I walk away freer, lighter and happier. I just finished my New Year’s clutter clearing. (Well, almost through—I still need to visit my son’s ever evolving and continually growing space—the playroom). This year
Organizing Toys
Caring for our children’s stuff can be overwhelming and exhausting. Despite my best efforts, there are times when I feel disheartened by what feels like a never-ending cycle of accumulating, picking up, cleaning, organizing, and then eventually getting rid of their things. To some degree this cycle is inherent in the relationship between children and their stuff—children are rapidly growing and changing and so it makes sense that their clothes, possessions and environments need to change as well. Yet throughout this cycle, I’ve found maintaining a clutter-free environment is important. Not only does an organized space bring me great joy
You Can’t Do it ALL
I have recently accepted that I can’t do it all… at least not well… at least not sanely, nor simply… and at least not at one time. And this is not a bad thing! As it has come to really matter to me how I feel as I get things done, not just if I can get them done. I have a strong need to live peacefully, with intention. And I have a desire to be present in the moment rather than just moving through it. I think the idea that women “can do, and have, it all” was intended
Enjoying the Space
More and more I find my efforts in my home are less about decorating and more about editing, streamlining, and simplifying both my home and life so I am more present for what is. Unfettered by things, I am more available—free to go with the flow, join the dance, or hop on the moving train that is life. My source of happiness comes from stripping away to reveal what is already present. More being and less doing! If you have joined us in our spring cleaning and clutter clearing you most likely have created space not only in your home,
Spring and Natural Easter Eggs
We are getting glimpses of spring in the mountains…and whenever I sense spring I get very excited to clear clutter and clean! But more on that next week… At the moment, my attention is on Easter. I came across recipes for natural Easter egg dyes in the March/April issue of Natural Home and Garden Magazine. The kids and I really had fun experimenting with different vegetables, fruits, and herbs and loved the surprise of seeing what different colors they produced. If you can’t find Natural Home and Garden (I highly recommend subscribing), I found similar recipes online via Dreamy Whites
Inspired by Food
A few weeks ago I shared the new habits and tips I have incorporated into my life to help me simplify making dinner. Spending time in the kitchen has also caused me to eat in a new way. I have been inspired by food! I want to share some of the new beliefs, recipes, and food that have me and my family so excited. My new beliefs: Eating less: In general I’m eating less. Although I still eat three meals and two snacks, I eat smaller portions. Sometimes I have whole food smoothies for breakfast instead of a meal. I
Tips for Simple Meal Planning
In my new life in the mountains, I find myself spending more time cooking and baking. As a result, two things have happened: first, I am eating in a new way (more on this to come) and second, I feel like I am finally getting into a flow of meal planning, simplifying meal preparation and making tasty, healthy food for my family. Below are a few things I have learned about how to simplify meals and make dinnertime more enjoyable: Plan ahead: Planning ahead makes all the difference. I find it helps to have a routine. I like to plan
Self-Acceptance is the Ultimate Simplicity
I’ve come to realize that when I am in a place of self-acceptance, I am naturally simplified. For years so many of my actions and choices were motivated by a feeling that I need to be more or do more—that somehow I, or my life, was not enough. On the surface this may seem like a good thing. After all, much of my writing and the personal development movement are about striving to be more of who you are—your “best self.” And while I am still a proponent of evolution of consciousness (which I believe happens despite our efforts and
