In the name of science this blog, I attempted a thing: I recycled my shoes. More specifically, I tried recycling my shoes at DSW. I’ve learned a lot of lessons decluttering. One of the most important lessons is that sometimes things are just garbage. But sometimes things aren’t. That’s how I felt about these shoes. … [Read more…]
I didn’t start the year with a concrete number for how many items I wanted to declutter. I was invited to do a few different challenges. The most dramatic one promised to part ways with 1,000 items. I didn’t accept. Because honestly? It seemed too easy. For a house that generally abides by the clean … [Read more…]
Even though the polar vortex has passed, we’re still deep in the throes of winter here. And for whatever reason (OK, we all know the reason – it’s the never-ending gray and cold), time seems to drag. But we’re already a month into the new year, and one of my biggest priorities for this year … [Read more…]
For some people, frugality comes naturally. I. Am. Not. Some. People. But I have adopted a fairly frugal lifestyle for the past few years, and I like it. I really do. We are much more intentional with our spending. The constant influx of of stuff has stopped. I wreak far less havoc on the environment. … [Read more…]
In the past week, I decluttered 9 things from my house. Three items were sold and the rest were Freecycled. Here’s how things unfolded. I sold: One pair of Ugg boots (They’re cozy but oh-so-slippery!), One pair of Nikes (I only realized I actually should have sized up after wearing the wrong size for…weeks), and … [Read more…]
Babies are expensive. Newsflash: so are toddlers. I’m fairly certain that any human that I have to feed, clothe, and house is going to be costly. Of course, there are ways to scale back these costs, and I think embracing a more minimal or essential perspective is key. I am not a minimalist by any … [Read more…]
What’s the best gift you’ve ever been given? A real gift. Something that came in a box with a bow. Or at least wrapped in the funnies. You know, a present. Of course, there’s health and happiness, family and friends. The gift of knowledge, which is something I have been giving my students all year. … [Read more…]
It’s almost turkey time in the States. While I understand the holiday’s roots are questionable, and holidays in general can be a difficult time for people, I always find myself awash with gratitude this time of year. Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what I’m grateful for and … [Read more…]
My son is starting daycare. Real daycare. The kind run by licensed professionals total strangers. While most people mark the start of a new school year with back-to-school shopping based on supply lists and maybe even child requests (and peer pressure and clever advertisements), I’m shopping for a whole different reason. I’m shopping because I’m … [Read more…]
I need to keep decluttering. How do I know? There are obvious signs. A “Future Linebacker” Bears football jersey ornament has been hanging on the handle of my desk since last Christmas. (Why?) My husband thinks it’s easier to park in the driveway than on his side of the garage. (He is officially now one … [Read more…]