To Declutter or Repurpose...That is the Question

Yesterday we talked about the 3 Question Rule to decluttering...

• Do I really love it? (is it a treasure)
• Do I really use it? (has it been used within the last year)
• Do I really need it? (sometimes we think we need something when we really don't)

I have a storage unit for Christmas decor since we have very little closet space in the apartment...who knew Christmas trees could take up so much space! During the spring clean this year I decided to revisit the 3 Question Rule regarding everything in storage. It's a small unit, but has accumulated goodies other than holiday décor...one of them being my vintage iron day bed from childhood. It's been loved, cherished and used by other family members, but was now reduced to leaning against walls in the corner of my storage room.

I love this bed. It brings back memories, has a classic style that lasts, is highly functional and very versatile. I was hoping to utilize it upon a move into my own home, but don't really know when that will be. So there sits my bed...my sad, lonely bed with it's matching trundle just desperately waiting to be the focal point in a pretty space again.

Day beds are a fave on my list for their versatility, which is why I was having such a hard time parting with it. During the day they serve as seating and then transform into comfy sleeping quarters in the eve. This particular bed has a trundle which offers the option of turning the single sleeping digs into something fit for two. Put them together and it magically becomes a queen size bed. Who doesn’t love the simplicity of a day bed...{sigh}

After going over the questions in my head yet again, I realized it was silly to hang on to something that "might be used one day" when someone else could make use of it right now.  So I brought Mindy (yes, that's her name) out of storage and decided it was time to let her go, but she needed a spruce up.  Coats of black were used to hide the dated style of white and brass and she was graciously staged in our dining room so others could see the beautiful potential of this fine lady (: 

Cushions from our sofa showed the day time option, while a simple "bed time pose" displayed her evening attire.  Please forgive the not-so-attractive pseudo mattress.  We didn't have a twin and the sofa cushions were more than willing to provide a nice stand-in (:  Mindy quickly sold on Craigslist and is now in a happy home giving much love and joy to weary little ones who rest upon her beautiful frame.  Even though I miss her, I so loved the transformation we went through together...I was able to let go of stuff and she became the beauty queen I always knew she could be (:

So if you have items in storage, give the 3 Question Rule another shot.  If there's something you truly can't part with, transform the old into new with a coat of paint and some elbow grease.  Are there any items you haven't been able to release and decided to repurpose?  I'd love to hear about it (:

In Gratitude,

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Simplifying At Its Best

Well guys...the break is over!!  I'm back and can't wait to get started (:  Two months ago I posted about taking Tara Gentile's Art of Action course.  Those six weeks were the training ground for a more focused and balanced "me."  I discovered that I was trying to fit into the mold of others and this course allowed me to take off the blinders to see how to honor my own rhythm.  Tara's course helped me dig deep, push back the layers and discover that I’m a big beautiful mess and that’s okay (:

I learned the art of embracing action and was able to simplify all the many tasks that had been sitting on my perpetual to-do list for years.  The guidance Tara offered showed me how to break down those seemingly insurmountable mountains of unfinished projects into bite sized nuggets of movement. 

We've talked here before about being stuck and how that can cause you to set up camp in a space that isn't meant to be your home.  That's what I did.  I set up camp, moved in, brought the china, painted the walls and then wondered why I wasn't moving toward my dreams and goals.  I wasn’t embracing what felt right and doubted that inner voice of guidance. 

If this sounds familiar, then you've got to take Tara's course!!  Stop by and check it out...you'll be so glad you did (:  The course starts May 17th so there's still plenty of time to register.  Whether you're a creative who needs to get back on task to set new goals for your business, an artist who is looking for strength in community and collaboration, or a writer who is just trying to find your own personal, evolving balance then this course is for you!! 

As a result of this new found focus, you'll begin to notice a few changes on this site in the upcoming weeks.  I'm working on a detailed list of services which includes simplifying/designing a home haven, services for designing a simple yet elegant DIY wedding in 3 months or less, custom jewelry design, organizational tools and more.

I'll be sharing more info on the products we make and sell from our Homesteading Apartment and will also have a detailed list of resources to help you on your own homesteading journey.

Tutorials of favorite DIY projects will be an added new feature and I'll be sharing info on our upcoming ebooks that will be released in the next couple of months.

So many things that have been in the works for the last year are finally making it into the light (:  I can't wait to share the progress each day as things move forward.  Thank you so much for hanging in there with me as we transition into the new phase of our Homesteading Apartment.

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Spring is Here - Spring Cleaning Time!!

Spring is here and we know what that means...Spring cleaning! I’m as opposed to the whole cleaning scene as the next busy gal, but there are some things that just need to be done. The clothes can only pile so high before you actually have to wash them (:

Over the years my clutter bug ways became a challenge, so I was on a mission to develop some sort of system or checklist to keep me focused in a natural, no stress way.  For many years I lived the way so many others do today...whatever's flying around in front of me gets the most attention.  That's okay for a little while, but it's no way to create a planned and prepared life. 

I had no idea how to clean.  Don't get me wrong...I had the cleaning skills down pat, but there was no rhyme or reason for the process which meant there was ALWAYS tons to do.  Then I'd get overwhelmed and only clean when someone was coming over (I see you smiling over there.  You know exactly what I'm talking about, eh?).  I'm a list maker.  If I write it down it gets done, so checklists seemed to be the answer!

I decided to get back to basics and clean the way my Grandmother and Mother did...little by little with a few steps each day.  I started by making lists of daily chores, then weekly with bi-weekly and monthly tasks quickly following.  I found a flow to my style.  Soon things came together and made sense. 

The lists were kept in a prominate spot so, as each job was completed, a lovely little check would appear - done! For some reason there was something so gratifying about a fully checked list. With each completed task, it beckoned other tasks to follow (:

Now cleaning isn't such a chore and actually brings peace and contentment.  Simplicity really is the key (:  Try making a list of your own.   Print those puppies out and keep them in a spot where you can't miss them.  Make sure to separate the duties - Daily, Weekly and Monthly.  I started with daily tasks only and then when those became a habit I added another list. 

I love the idea of placing them inside frames and using a whiteboard marker to check off the tasks as they're done.  The frames above were only $1 each (don't you love The Dollar Store) and look more like organized mini whiteboards than simple lists.  Match them to your design style and make them fun!!

If you aren't sure where to start in creating your own lists, we're offering our Cleaning Simplicity Printables which include Indoor and Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklists just in time for the season!  When you purchase our downloads, print as many as you like.  Pop them into frames to use them over and over again, add them to your homekeeping notebook or simply hang them on the fridge.  By following the lists and doing a little at a time, you'll never be overwhelmed by cleaning again!

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Christmas at Our House

As promised in my last post, here are some photos of Christmas at our house.  Is there anything more magical than the twinkle of lights on a tree?  Oh, the glowing white and colored orbs against the dark of night...sigh.  I could keep them up forever (: 

We use the same decorations year after year.  Cherished ornaments that each have a memory attached adorn the tree. The wreaths on the mirrors were purchased from the dollar store many moons ago, but with a simple tweak of berries and ribbon they shine.  This year we were very fortunate to receive free poinsettias from our local grocery (Earthfare) and I love them on the mantel.  We have stockings, but didn't use them this season.

Garland and white lights frame the barn window in the dining area with a wreath hanging in front.  Please excuse the unpainted column on the bar...I still haven't painted that thing yet.  It's just sitting there in a mocking fashion, waiting for a coat of white (:  More garland and white lights grace the top of the kitchen cabinets along with a couple of giant Santa coffee cups, but things were not yet all in place when I took this photo.  I've decided to keep lights up there from now on because the glow is wonderful and helps to keep the cave-like kitchen illuminated (:

Apartment living makes it a little more challenging to go crazy with the lights and decor, but our little snowmen love to sit outside and greet passers by with a Happy Noel (: 

Each year we purchase rosemary trees to place in the baskets, but this year I wanted to use a no-cost alternative.  I gathered evergreen cuttings and pine cones from outside and then mixed in decorative berries and red Christmas ball ornaments to make it festive.  Simple, free and cute!

Now, what would Christmas be without an inflatable outdoor decoration??!!  When did these become so popular?  I purchased Santa a few years ago on sale for $10 and he's been a hit with the kids ever since (:  Garland with white lights frame the door and the wreath is the same berry wreath I used for the fall.  I just removed the grasses and goldenrod and substituted evergreens.

This is a view of the tree in my bedroom. Please forgive the fuzzy, dark photo (: My father gave me a couple of slim Christmas trees many years ago when I lived in a much smaller apartment.  They're called pencil trees and are perfect for cramped spaces.  Now that we have a large tree taking center stage in the living room, the pencil trees offer a touch of Christmas cheer in each bedroom.

This year decorating was much more fun thanks to my niece and nephews.  My niece assisted with the lights and garland and then each child carefully placed special ornaments of their choosing (:  Afterwards we had cocoa, lit the candles in the fireplace and watched a Veggie Tales Christmas movie.  We finished off the night with a drive through Christmas Town to see even more lights and Santa as he made his nightly walk through the village.  Such great memories that will last a lifetime (:

This holiday season has been a different one for us.  Simplicity has been at the core and it has made the celebrating so much sweeter. When we tear away the busyness and commercial emphasis, we begin to really appreciate the great gift that was given many years ago...love.  I do believe we have started a new tradition and one that we will continue for years to come.  May you have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

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Apothecary Jars for the Holiday Table

I've been wanting to replace the fruit in our apothecary jars with beaded gourds and pumpkins to reflect the fall season but the desire for all things frugal has kept those desires at bay.  Sometimes beaded fruit can be a tad expensive and our large jars would need a good bit to fill them.

On a trip to Walmart for a few essentials I decided to peruse their sale section for any goodies that might be lurking on dusty shelves and sure enough, there they were...the very items I had in mind and they were on sale for $4 a box!  The addition of a couple of green pumpkins and a yellow gourd brought the total just under $10.  Not bad, eh?  For an added "buy me" factor the boxes came tied up in brown grosgrain ribbon and you know a frugal gal can always use ribbon (; SOLD!!
 

The first box included silk leaves and beaded pumpkins in two different sizes.  Close up they aren't that impressive, which is probably why they were only $4, but they'll be just fine buried among other items inside glass.

The second box contained pears, pomegranates, an apple, berries, pine cones and green leaves.  Of the two, this was my favorite...so many textures and warm colors, plus these items had a realistic quality, unlike the bright orange pumpkins.

I already had quite a few large pine cones left over from previous holiday decor projects and they helped to top off the tallest jar.  Right now these filled and happy guys are just hanging out on the table waiting for their next layer of love...can we say burlap?

Some branches, leaves and candles should finish things off.  I've been pondering over place setting ideas and can't wait to see everything together!  I'll make sure to post photos of the finished product once the holiday draws near (;

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Linked to: Today's Creative Blog, Creating a House of Grace, Between Naps on the Porch, A Silly Little Sparrow, I'm Topsy Turvy, The Creative Juices, Tip Junkie, Blue Cricket Design, Nikki's Nifty Knacks, The Trendy Treehouse, Coastal Charm, A Stroll Thru Life, Hope Studios, My Backyard Eden, It's a Very Cherry World, Sew Much Ado, Embellishing Life, Lucky Star Lane, The Gypsy's Corner, Santa's Gift Shop and Ideas, Free Pretty Things for You, We Are That Family, Crafty Cierra, All Things Heart and Home, Scrap Addict 4 Sure, Dragonfly Designs, Inspiring You 2 Save, Pinkapotamus, Strut Your Stuff

White Dinnerware Entertaining for the Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching and that usually means family and friends gathering around the table.  If you're anything like me, thoughts of ways to make the meal special are already roaming about which probably includes tablescape ideas. We like to keep things simple and frugal...white dinnerware, cloth napkins, natural elements and of course candles (:
 

White dishes and bowls give the option of switching it up every year instead of being stuck with several sets of dinnerware in various hues and patterns.  Allow your natural elements and linens to be the communicators of difference. One year the colors could be blue and chocolate and the next year green and taupe with only a minimal investment.  Napkins and cute place cards only cost a few dollars, but dinnerware can be quite a bit more. Isn't this sweet little pumpkin much more interesting than turkey printed plate? These are the pumpkin gifts I made this year for our neighbors and they also make the perfect place card.



If you really have your heart set on those new dishes with just the right pattern, think of purchasing only a few pieces to add to your white collection.  Layering the different styles can make that one little plate of color really pop!

Simplicity not only means elegance at its best, but it can be a lifesaver during our busiest times.  Why clutter the schedule with worries of fancy arrangements and endless table chachkies?  Stick with a neutral palette and then add simple touches of color.  Now, just to get those wheels turning, here's an idea for Christmas...



So, as you plan your Thanksgiving celebration celebration keep it simple and enjoy the day.  Remember...cherished moments are made in the time you spend with those you love.

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Linking to:  Today's Creative Blog, Coastal Charm, Creating a House of Grace, A Stroll Through Life, Tip Junkie, Lucky Star Lane, These Creative Juices, Hope Studios, I'm Topsy Turvy, Craft Edition, The Gypsy's Corner, Ladybug Blessings, Embellishing Life, One Little Mister, Faded Charm, All Things Heart and Home, Strut Your Stuff

Cell Phones, iPhones and Texting

I went to a birthday party over the weekend and as with most birthdays, there was a flurry of activity.  Children running about, jumping inside giant bouncy houses and of course playing the ever so popular game of "catch me if you can!!"  Amongst the happy voices and screams of sheer delight I noticed a group of women sitting around one of the tables.  Normally such a thing would not catch my eye, but these women weren't chatting or even watching the children play...they were texting.  Eyes fixated on tiny screens and fingers furiously typing away...and the looks on their faces?  I call it the text glaze. 

What is so captivating about these little devices?  Why do they have such a hold on our society today...am I the only one who finds this strange? When did a chunk of plastic with wires become more important than relating to others?

Then you have the phone calls...an ever present conversation that starts in the car and continues as one rolls about doing errands with no thought given to others sharing the same space.  The clerk behind the counter or waiter in the cafe becomes an object and of course why would we communicate with an object?  Is the conversation really that important that the phone call can't wait until you're in a private space? {sigh}

 
When we fill our days with emails, chats, calls and texts, we miss out on those times of true connection.  Holding someone's hand, listening to a friend share her story as you look into her eyes and just being present relates to the soul in a way that no electrical gadget can. 
 
This journey of simplicity has opened my eyes in oh so many ways.  Clearing out the mindless minutia makes way to enjoy the abundance of grace in each moment. Little by little steps have been taken to reduce, simplify and streamline and one of the things I decided to pare down was my mobile phone.  Gone are the days of unlimited minutes, texts and web access. I have a home phone and one of those little "disposable" mobiles used only for emergencies and much to my surprise it's been a freeing experience!  If someone wants to reach me, they can call the house.  If I'm not there, they can simply leave a message. 
 
When did we become an all access society?  I remember the days when there weren't answering machines and we managed to make it through the day just fine.  Taking a break allows peace to move in and thankfulness to thrive.  We begin to see ourselves and others more clearly.  So as this Thanksgiving holiday approaches, try releasing some of those complexities that take you away from appreciating the moment.  You may be surprised at the peace you find (:



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Linking to: Sumo's Sweet Stuff, The Girl Creative, C.R.A.F.T., 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven, Tools Are For Women Too!, Making the World Cuter, Be Colorful, Mad Skills Monday

Learning to Knit

Is there something you've always wanted to do but had no idea where to start? Knitting has been that elusive craft for me. The very idea of yarn and needles conjures images of warm cozy nights with family sitting by a crackling fire as children play games or read books...ah, the sheer delight. Neither of my Grandmothers knitted nor aunts or cousins...not even close friends or colleagues enjoyed this zen-like skill of creating, but I wanted to learn.

I hopped online to see if there might be a local group willing to educate this novice. Sure enough I found a few ladies who met once in a while to teach newbies and my first class was under way. A scarf was in the works, but soon things got busy and these new found techniques just became foggy and faded away.

I was eager to begin again, but hoping to find something closer to home that met more frequently. Sure enough...ask and ye shall find! Turns out my church has a prayer shawl ministry!! A group meets every Sunday afternoon to knit shawls for those in hospice and they were willing to teach! I was so excited...not only am I learning to do something that I've always wanted to do, but I'm also able to give back in some way. Here's my first prayer shawl in process...

Hopefully by next year I will have gained enough experience to knit gifts...I can see scarves, stuffed toys and baby blankets in the future (:

So if there's something you've always wanted to do, go for it!! No time like the present (: Look for those who know how to do what you want to learn and ask if they might be willing to teach. There are tons of videos on You Tube teaching so many things (even knitting) and it's a great resource to get you started. So jump in and enjoy the learning process (:



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Linking to: My Romantic Home, Remodelaholic, Finding Fabulous, Just a Girl, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Frou Frou Decor, Fun to Craft, Funky Junk Interiors, Tatertots and Jello, Craft Envy, Be Different Act Normal, 30 Handmade Days, It's a Hodgepodge Life, Pumpkin Seed Productions, Frugal and Fabulous Design, Sassy Sites, Momma's Kindacrafty

Madsen Cycles in a Hue of Blue

Aren't these the cutest EVER?!! And now Madsen Cycles has my favorite color...blue! Bikes are great gas free transportation, but what about those days when a little basket on the handlebars won't do? The Madsen is the perfect solution. You'll be able to haul the groceries, plants, goodies from the hardware store or even a pet or two!

Right now they're having a giveaway for the 2011 model and I couldn't resist entering. It's bike love day (:



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Linking to: Tip Junkie

Stuck in the Studio

This Pottery Barn room idea is the inspiration for my studio woes. It's a small studio with LOTS of stuff (much of it unnecessary) and over the last many months I've been purging, organizing and imaging the day when I can walk in and use it as a functioning space. Who knew it would take this long!!

Now that the busy season is well on its way, this project has been placed on the front burner. A work zone that works for me, not against me is the target (;

I love this office too with the neutral tones and touches of red...the light alone in this shot makes we want to crawl in the photo and begin working on new designs! Wouldn't it be great if we could just blink and our rooms would be ready for use? But alas...what would be the fun in that, eh?

This green is the same shade on my walls right now. Because the area is so small, it makes things quite dark. I'm adding beadboard in white to lighten it up just like they have here, plus it serves a function - a place to hang and organize items.

So, are your spaces organized and ready for the holidays? How does your work zone fare this time of year? Do you have any tips or suggestions...I'd love to hear them (;

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Linking to: Simpsonized Crafts, Tip Junkie, Bobbypin's Boardwalk, Today's Creative Blog

Frugal Wreath Made of Weeds

I love decorating for the holidays, but prefer decor that can pull double duty and this wreath is a perfect example. I found it on sale for a couple of dollars...probably due to its simple nature, but knew there was potential in this neglected little guy. On the surface it seems plain and uninteresting, but by adding just a few odds and ends gathered from outside it can be turned into something pretty special.

What most people consider bothersome weeds, I regard as beautiful design. The colors and shapes alone make my heart sing! For Fall I like to use delicate grasses and goldenrod and then during Christmas the substitution of evergreens and holly is made. One wreath, two great options.

The longer pieces of grass are used as a backdrop and seem to extend the size of the wreath. It doesn't look like much at first...but we're building (;

Goldenrod is tucked in to add color, dimension and interest and over the next few days the bright yellow becomes a deep golden tone that lets you know fall is on its way. Not bad for freebies gathered from the forest, eh?

I so enjoy making these wreaths each year. The collections of weeds, grasses, flowers, berries and evergreens are always different so no two wreaths are ever the same. There's just something about the process of being surrounded by God's beauty and letting nature inspire you.

Decorating for the holidays doesn't have to cost a lot of money. So the next time you find something simple on sale, embrace the plain and turn it into something spectacular! Let nature inspire and enjoy the beauty (;

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Linking to: Funky Junk Interiors, Tatertots and Jello, Perfectly Imperfect, Be Different Act Normal, A Lovely Little Blog, Coastal Charm

Ginger - The Miracle Root

Now that the weather is on its way to the cooler side of things, cold and flu season isn’t far behind. One of the tools in my herbal pharmacy chest is ginger root and I always have some on hand. Not only is it a spicy treat, but it offers lots of healing power as well.

Ginger contains anti-viral, anti-toxic and anti-fungal properties, is used for the prevention/treatment against the common cold and also acts as an antihistamine to aid in the treatment of allergies. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and various other muscular disorders caused by inflammation.

Ginger has carminative properties (anti-spasmodic) and can be used to calm an upset stomach, relieves bloating and gas and contains special enzymes responsible for catalyzing the proteins in your food, thus aiding in digestion.

It’s been proven to help lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots, helps stimulate the secretion of mucus which can quiet a cough and soothe a sore throat. It’s been used to treat feelings of nausea, particularly in the form of seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness and the nausea side effects of chemotherapy.

So...it's a great thing to have on hand, but what do I do with it? Let me guess...you have great intentions, buy a nice chunk of root only to have it sit around and shrivel up? Well, I've got a great tip. Once you get the ginger home, chop it into manageable sized pieces...

...peel off the skin, pop the pieces in a Ziploc baggie and toss them in the freezer!! They keep forever and you never have to worry about wasting another cluster of ginger again.

The next time your recipes call for this beloved root, simply pull out a piece and grate it with a microplane. When you get down to the very end of the piece and find it hard to grate, save those little bits of goodness to use in your morning smoothies.

Ginger tea is an everyday favorite around here and it's so simple. Use the microplane to grate about a tablespoon into the bottom of a cup, then pour in boiling water and voilà! Instant ginger tea! Add a touch of honey if you like something sweeter and some cinnamon is a neat add too (:

Adding ginger to your diet offers so many benefits. Have some each day and keep the cold and flu away (: Enjoy!!

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