These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: A Home Tour

It's easy to constantly change the look of your home. Especially when all you have to do is shop a website to find what you're looking for. You find something you like, it's cheap and you don't even have to go pick it up because the company offers free shipping. The problem with furniture made today is it tends to be made of cheap materials. Things like a cardboard back to a cabinet with a wood grain print on it and stickers to match for covering up shelf peg holes. There's little to no real wood in these pieces and most are made using pressed particle board. These pieces will not only fall apart over time, but they have no history or added benefit to your home.

Our home was built in the early 1920s. We are always finding evidence of stories from previous families that have lived here before us. One example is the chimney we exposed while redoing our upstairs bathroom where a child had used a pencil to draw faces on the brick while playing in the attic. For a home with so much history and character, why would we fill it with pieces that were made in a factory and hundreds of others like it fill homes across the country?

If minimalism means only having things in your space that make you happy or tell a story, then you should be able to tell visitors that story when they ask about it instead of just naming the store you purchased it from. It's not easy to find great pieces, but it's more rewarding when you do. Here are the stories behind some of our favorite finds.

This is a console my husband found on Craigslist for $50. The radio and record player were in bad shape but the speakers and exterior were in great condition. So he gutted it and installed a new radio, record player and storage for records.

This is a card catalog that my mother in law rescued from the dumpster of the school she works at in Ohio. They drove it all the way to Missouri for us because they knew we would take it in. It's great for storage and VERY heavy. Many younger generations have never used a card catalog, but we have fond memories of using this system to find a book at the library.

This is a working 1940s RCA tube radio we purchased off Craigslist. We sold an IKEA dresser to be able to purchase it and we couldn't be happier with that decision. It takes a second for it to warm up and turn on, but when it does there's a light that makes it easier to see the dials. There are presets for things like "police" and local channels. I can see listening to many baseball games on this radio in the future.

This is my grandmothers piano. Even when her memories were taken by dementia in the last years of her life, she could still sit down to this piano and somehow remember how to play songs from memory.

This is a mid century dresser we purchased from a local antique store for only $80. As with most pieces of furniture owned by people of earlier generations, there is evidence that it was loved and appreciated in the way it was very well taken care. It's made of solid wood and even bears the emblem of the local manufacturer. You can smell the wood when you open the drawers and it's a perfect addition to our home.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Journey to Simplicity

Starting any new project can be overwhelming. But a project that impacts our personal space and belongings can be even more daunting. No matter how many books or blogs you read, you will never really know what to expect from your experience of simplifying your life until you're in the midst of being surrounded by objects that represent your life. There's no question that being a minimalist and choosing which part of your story to keep is hard, but after 2 years of this journey to simplicity, there's things I've learned about the process and myself that I wish someone had shared with me in the beginning when I was just starting out.

1. It's Addictive

Once you get started, it will be hard to stop. You may start out thinking you're only going to clean out your closets then be done, but then find yourself in the kitchen going through cabinets and in the basement pulling out dusty boxes you haven't opened in years. The reason is because there's a freedom you feel from lightening the load of things taking up residence in your personal space. Things you've carried with you with every move and change in your life you can now let go. Once you experience that rush, it's hard to stop knowing you've only brushed the surface.

2. It's Contagious

My husband thought I was crazy when I started donating and selling everything on Craigslist. He was sure there wouldn't be any anything left at the rate I was going. Interestingly, after he saw how clean and open our home became, he saw there was a method to my madness. Now, if I go to him to ask if he wants to keep something or donate it, 9 times out of 10 he will choose to donate it without hesitation.

3. It's Ongoing

Even 2 years later, after all the dozens of boxes of things I've removed from our home, I'm still find things I don't need and want to donate. I even have a pile of things ready to go to the thrift store right now. It's not that I've brought more things into our home, it's that once you get rid of the clutter, you can better see what you have. Once you have less to work with, you can spot items you're never touching or using. Maybe you held onto a cardigan because you thought you'd find something to wear it with. Eventually you realize it's still sitting in your closet unworn and unloved. It's a matter of honing in and dwindling down.

4. It's Lifechanging

It's hard to explain to someone who has never simplified their life how good they will feel after they get rid of their possessions. It just sounds like crazy talk. People love their stuff, otherwise they wouldn't have it. But once you're in it, you want to shout it from the rooftops so everyone can feel this joy you're feeling. You will want to go to your friends house and help them declutter and they will think you're insane for WANTING to clean. The good news is of all the people I've known to do it, never have I heard anyone say they regretted it. There really is no turning back.

5. It's NOT Organizing

If you're an organizer like me, you're not going to like this one. Simplicity is not about Rubbermaid bins and color coded labels. That's not to say you can't organize the things you do keep, but if you're just sorting everything into piles so you can store them neatly instead of removing things completely, then you're not simplifying, you're organizing. There is a difference! Sure, you could say having all your shoes organized is helping simply your morning routine, but not if you own 50 pairs of shoes. It's important to understand the difference before you begin so you realize you should be saving money through this process, not spending it.

The Minimalists No-Spend Challenge

There's a reason that minimalism and living simply have become something we need to learn how to do. There's box stores that offer lower prices for buying in bulk, theres bigger homes being built that require more things to fill them and the media that tells us we have to keep up with changing trends. Keeping up with all that "stuff" can be exhausting.

There was a time when households survived on only one shared family car. If you live in a home like ours that was built in the 1920s, you know that there was no space left between houses for a garage or driveway because people didn't have a car. Humans have survived for centuries without a lot of things that today we see as essentials: air conditioning, car seats for children, helmets and knee pads for riding bicycles, a separate bedroom for each child, a washer and dryer, etc. Now think of the things we have today that were created because of our consumerism: freezer chests, storage units, multi-car garages, walk-in closets. So why with everything we have today to make our lives easier and more efficient are we so much more unhappy and exhausted than the people from those simpler times that had less?

Here's a challenge for you: see if you can go one week without spending. If at the end of the week you find you enjoyed the challenge and want to see how much farther you can go, turn it into a 15 day challenge and maybe even a month challenge.

There's a phrase you're going to hear repeated throughout this blog post: get creative. The reason is in order to succeed at this challenge, you're really going to have to think outside the box about making what you have work for you. This can mean changes as simple as using busicuts in place of bread or kitchen towels instead of paper ones.

The first step is to take inventory. Make a list of the things you will need during the time frame of your challenge, only including things you absolutely need. Now go through your house and take inventory to see if you have those items. It may mean you will only have enough liquid soap if you dilute it or will have to use toilet paper to blow your nose instead of tissues. For some, the goal of this challenge is to save money. For others, it will be to find out what it's like to be resourceful as our ancestors were.

Now, let's get creative!

Groceries

Take inventory of your pantry and freezer and come up with meals you could make using only the provided goods available. Make a plan for the length of your challenge so you can strategize what items need to be eaten first because of expiration dates. You will be surprised at how many meals you can get from so little when you get creative. This is also a great way to learn how to make your own bread, noodles or butter.

Gas

Plan your errands to save gas. Try to limit your days driving and cut down on the amount of places you go to save money on gas. Going to two grocery stores because one has a sale on meat but the other you have a coupon for toilet paper isn't saving you money when you consider how much gas you're wasting. The best thing would be you not go out at all so you won't be tempted to spend money on eating out or shopping. There are people who live miles away from the grocery store and don't have the luxury of running to the store to get the one thing they ran out of. They have to plan their trips to town and make do with what they have. But if you get creative and really think about it in terms of necessity, you will come up with ways to get by.

Clothing

Shop your closet when you feel the need to buy clothing. Really think about how you can make do with what you already have. Use accessories like belts and scarves to create more possibilities. If there's a pair of shorts you've been wanting to buy and have a pair of jeans you never wear, simply grab the scissors and make cut-offs. If you have an item of clothing that is damaged, get creative and see if you can patch it, mend it or alter it in some way that you can use it again.

Gifts

You may be wondering how you can achieve a no spend challenge when there are birthday parties and showers coming up on your calendar. The good news is you have everything you need already, you just have to get creative. Keep in mind, gifts don't have to be homemade bath salts or candles. You can always make casseroles or baked goods as a gift using the inventory you already have.

Minimalist Bathroom Organization

There's a little feature about our bathroom on the Urban Outfitters blog! Check out the post for ideas on how to simplify clutter and make the best of your small bathroom.

http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/uo_guide_get_organized

Minimalist Date Ideas

If you're planning a date night but trying to save money, there are several options for spending time together without spending money at the movies or a fancy restaurant. The best part is most of these ideas can be done at home (no babysitter needed!) or take place outdoors so dogs can tag along.

Picnic

This idea can be enjoyed in your backyard or at the local park. Pack some sandwiches, drinks, a blanket and a board game or deck of cards to play after you eat.

Park

Take a bag of stale bread to feed the ducks, fly a kite or swing on the swing set after you enjoy a picnic lunch.

Put a Puzzle Together

Clear a table and put a puzzle together while listening to music and enjoying a glass of wine.

Outdoor Movies

If you have a projector or laptop, you can create a movie theatre in your backyard. Just grab some blankets and pillows to lay out and enjoy your favorite movie under the stars.

Visit Your Local Art Museum

This is a great opportunity to discuss your favorite artists and talk about art. You can even create a scavenger hunt of things to search for together while there.

Go For a Walk

You don't need a specific destination in mind when going for a walk. Explore your neighborhood and get outside to enjoy each others company: smell the flowers, admire your favorite houses and enjoy the fresh air.

Yoga in the Park

There are many groups that meet up for free yoga in the park. Just grab your yoga mats and get there early so you can get a good spot.

Ride Bikes

Enjoy being a kid again by going for a bike ride together. It's a great way to get your exercise and get outside.

Board Games

Board games are great because you can take them anywhere to enjoy. You can play them at home while watching your favorite movie or take them to the park for a picnic.

Build a Fort

This is a great date night for a rainy or cold night that keeps you indoors. Build a fort and string up some lights to make it more fun. Fill it with some pillows and blankets and enjoy a movie on your laptop or board game.

Go Camping

If you're not the adventurous type to go camping in the woods, pitch your tent in your backyard and camp out. You can still make s'mores and sleep under the stars but still have the use of the bathroom inside the house at your leisure.

Go Hiking

This idea doesn't have to be as rugged as the name suggests. You don't have to live near the mountains to go hiking and enjoy spending time with nature. Every city has wooded areas that you can hike in and groups of people who meet up to hike together.

Plastic-free Pets

When you think about what the toxic accumulation of chemicals from plastics do to humans over a period of time, you can only imagine how quickly and with greater impact those chemicals are having on the smaller bodied family members that share your home. They trust you to supply them with the healthiest and safest home, and it's up to you to see that they have the best options possible. There are a wide assortment of baby products that are organic and safe to chew on, but if you visit the pet aisle at the store you will likely find plastic toys, water bowls and flea collars.

For many of us, our pets are our babies. So it's important that we take into account the outcome of plastics in our home on our pets. And while you may have already replaced the obvrious things, there are plenty of hidden plastics your pets may be coming into contact with that you are not aware of.

Food

Go can free: We know that canned food has plastic lining with BPA, so purchasing dry food or making your own pet food is a better option. There are several pet food companies that use BPA free lining in their cans, but all contain the ingredient carrageenan which is not safe.

Galvanized storage: Store your dry pet food in a galvanized lidded can to keep food fresh without the need for a plastic container. This is also a great place to store bird seed.

Use stainless steel bowls: Be sure to check on water levels often as the stainless steel makes it harder to see the water line. As with any pet dish, be sure to wash frequently.

Use glass treat jars: You can add a label if you have both cats and dogs and need to specify.

Scoopers: Use metal scoopers to transfer food to bowls.

Small Pets

Water bottles: Most water bottles for cages are plastic and attach to the side of the cage. Use a water bowl instead, but shallow enough so the pet cannot drown. Be sure to clean it often as it will get pet waste and cage shaving in it frequently.

Shredded paper: The ink from newspaper can contain BPA, so be careful not to use shredded newspaper to line pets cages. Cedar is a better option and keeps cages smelling great.

Bird feeders: A lot of bird feeders are made of plastic. Try to find a wooden one which are easier to clean and last longer.

Toys

There are plenty of plastic-free alternatives such as canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope, and cotton.

Waste

Doggie bags: Use paper bags or newspaper.

Kitty litter: Purchase disposable paper litter boxes and use metal a scooper. 

Collar

Synthetic collars are not a safe option. If you are a vegan and do not want to use leather, there is a company that makes hemp collars.

Connecting to Nature Through Minimalism in Our Daily Routine

In our modern world of technology, we've distanced ourselves from our connection to nature. You see it in children who prefer video games over going outside to play and their parents who want to keep them inside for fear of a bee sting or poison ivy. But for older generations, there are fond memories of the smell of dirt and moss from the creek. They spent time in nature making mud pies, climbing trees and digging for worms. They used their imaginations laying in the grass and deciding what each cloud looked like as it passed and used their hands to turn dandelion into floral crowns.

By disconnecting with nature, we are disconnecting from ourselves. Every living thing is tied to nature and its schedule. There is a natural rhythm that is meant to be followed with the rising and setting of the sun, the changing of the seasons and the flow of our daily routine. Yet, we choose the convenience of a lamp so we can read past nightfall which disrupts our sleep cycle, we control the temperature of our homes with thermostats and grab our cellphones to check social media the second we wake up. We have decided to extend our days to get as many things accomplished instead of letting our minds and bodies unwind and relax.

It's undeniable the connection we have to nature. There is a reason why people correlate strange behavior in others with a full moon. By disconnecting with nature, we become ill, stressed, unfocused and tired. Inconsistent schedules make our bodies unsure of when the next meal is or when it will get to rest.

By creating a daily routine aligned with nature, we can be comforted knowing that we have stability and a reliable day ahead of us. We can also do things to reconnect with nature and once again become part of the community of plants and animals that we live in.

Wake Before Sunrise

If you find it hard to wake up in the morning, it's probably because you have been on an inconsistent sleep schedule. If you wake up before sunrise and do things to slowly work your way out of sleep, it has time to wake naturally and with the sun. This is much healthier than being jolted out of bed to a screeching alarm clock and relying on strong coffee to force your body awake. If you must rely on an alarm clock, make it something pleasant to hear like birds chirping or ocean waves.

Have a Morning Routine

Once you are out of bed, do things to prepare yourself for the day ahead. Doing yoga or quiet reflection can bring your mind into focus.

Keep Consistent Meal Times

If your body is used to a meal schedule, it will know when to expect to eat again. This means less snacking to get through the day and relying on unhealthy alternatives such as vending machines.

Eat Seasonally

One of the many advantages of shopping farmers markets is you can only purchase what's in season. You will learn to appreciate seasonal fruits and vegetables if you can only have at certain times of the year.

Take Time to Go Outside

You don't have to live in the forest or mountains to take advantage of nature all around you. Even city dwellers have parks and greenhouses to explore. Something as simple as a walk through the neighborhood (without music) and listening to the birds and rustling trees will relieve stress. Take your shoes off and walk on the grass to connect with the earth.

Don't Leave Dishes in the Sink

Knowing that you have everything taken care of at the end of the day is important in order to not feel as if you have things on your to-do list when you go to bed at night. It is easier to sleep without worry and its comforting to wake up to a clean house to start your day. Make it a habit to take care of little chores today so you have a clean home to wake up to tomorrow.

Unwind at Sunset

Your body rhythms should be aligned with nature. So when the sun sets, that's when you need to start transitioning to sleep and begin the process of slowing down your mind. Some ways you can unwind and prepare for rest are taking a warm bath, diffusing your favorite essential oils, drinking warm milk or meditating. This time should be spent without technology distractions or bright lights that will keep you awake like television, cell phones or erasers. It is vital that this time is consistent each night in order to regulate your sleep patterns.