tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71434508726935409272024-03-12T21:50:11.387-04:00Clutter Free JourneyGetting rid of the excess and living a beautiful life!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-25850719969320706592015-11-04T21:53:00.000-05:002015-11-04T21:58:27.389-05:00Cozy, Comfortable and Sometimes a Little MessyI need to confront any image or myth that my home is immaculate and completely organized. Quite the contrary, I struggle daily to keep up with the laundry, the dishes, the meals, school activities, sports, work: all the "stuff" of life. Don't get me wrong. I am not looking for pristine and perfect. I don’t want to live somewhere where you can't curl up on a couch with a good book, a quilt, and a cup of tea. I don’t want Floyd, our 85 lb "pup" to be contained to a certain room of the house. I don’t want to not eat popcorn during a movie. I want our home to be livable, cozy, and full of love. Undoubtedly, some of this is accompanied by messy conditions. <br />
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During a very sad three weeks in our home in February of 2013 after losing our sweet, 8 year old lab, Flint, to bone cancer, I noticed a significant absence in our home of dog hair, tracked in dirt and dog toys. It drastically decreased the dusting and vacuuming but left a huge void. Having a furry family member comes with all the hair, the spills and the mess and for us is 100 percent worth it, so we quickly adopted another dog. A puzzle that is spread out on the dining room table for a month brings a family together. A cherished family memento, books in stacks throughout the home because you are reading more than one, a favorite collection, or your beloved grandmother's silver all bring life and joy and make a house into a home. <br />
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So for me, it is not about an absence of stuff. Simplifying, de-cluttering, and minimizing are about making room for those important things that have real meaning to you and bring your family joy. It is honoring what is loved, precious, and important to you and your family and letting go of the excess. As quoted at the top of my blog, “Keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away." -Dunah Mulock Craik<br />
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Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-30442992904642362072015-07-15T21:00:00.000-04:002015-07-15T21:14:21.463-04:00Old Mother Hubbard<br />
Several years ago, I was visiting a friend who had just moved into a new home. After showing me around her house, we settled down at the kitchen table, and I commented on how much I liked her kitchen cupboards. She grinned and started to giggle. I had no idea what was funny, so I asked her what was amusing. She very sweetly said she had never heard anyone say “cupboard” before and it made her think of Old Mother Hubbard. I didn't realize they were called anything else and asked her what she called them. Trying to keep a straight face she answered "cabinets". We both stated laughing. My parents, having grown up in northern Maine never called them anything but cupboards, so of course, I did as well.<br />
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This story came to mind the other evening while cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. I went to retrieve a piece of plastic-ware, and as I opened the door, an avalanche of mismatched lids and bottoms poured out of the cupboard. I'd had enough. I sat down on the floor then and there and pulled out a hodgepodge of various shapes and sizes of plastic containers. They covered my kitchen floor. I spent 20 minutes matching lids to the corresponding container, wiping out the shelves and throwing away all unmatched/damaged pieces. I gathered several that were not being used and put them in my donation box. I then stared and smiled at my lovely “less cluttered” space. This prompted me to move to a deep drawer that “breeds” plastic cups and I cut its content in half. A few days later, I tackled under the boys bathroom sick with the help of my youngest, put in new drawer liners and threw away a very large bag of trash! <br />
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Unlike Mother Hubbard, these days our cupboards are rarely bare rather overflowing with excess. So, go ahead, feel the liberation of purging what you no longer need. <br />
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Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-28636996357582392352015-04-25T14:39:00.000-04:002015-04-25T15:54:10.482-04:00I am back and will stay put....at least for now! I have to admit it, I am totally obsessed with the “Tiny House” movement. There is something so centering and calming about owning only enough to fit in one of these little homes. Every inch of space is useful, and organization is a must. I realize intellectually that this type of lifestyle change would be virtually impossible at this point in my life. Well, maybe not impossible, but lets just say it would be well protested. Being the smallest in our family, having men/boys (15, 19, and <br />
21) and a large, rambunctious “puppy” the five of us, plus dog would be crammed and would probably (definitely) drive each other completely crazy.<br />
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This is one of those things that I am sure I romanticize. I am know to do this. I envision the simplicity of this type of living and what it would offer and bring to the life of my family. I think of all the time that would be saved on the mundane tasks that are required when you live in a big space and have lots of stuff-stuff that has to be cared for, maintained, cleaned, sorted and organized. I envision loving, quality family time with minimal distractions or conflict. Okay... I know this is totally crazy. However, given my propensity to de-clutter, I thought about what these tiny home are really saying to me. I researched information around minimalism and believe this is perhaps what I am seeking. So my quest, instead of moving to a 400 square foot home is to figure out how to take what is so attractive to me about this movement and apply it to my life. Follow me, or better yet, join me as I attempt to minimize the "stuff" and maximize happiness. <br />
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Just for fun, go look up Tiny Homes and see if they inspire you. <br />
Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-61641582975060716722013-11-25T16:13:00.003-05:002013-11-25T16:13:59.220-05:00
So, it has been a long while! My desire to simplify and minimize is burning strong. This blog will start back in January of 2014! I hope you will join me on my Clutter Free Journey! Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-6286174163018660962010-04-15T12:39:00.003-04:002010-04-15T13:06:47.963-04:00Day 100!<br /><br /><br />WOW! 100 days of decluttering! Doesn't purging the excess feel great! Look around and notice the difference! If you have just skimmed the top of your personal clutter, start the 100 day challenge over. Go through the daily posts of days 1-100 to motivate you on your way. If you have made a huge dent and can really tell a difference, then set up a system of regular routine decluttering and you will never have to face the mountains of clutter again! <br /><br />It is by no accident that the 100th day ended on April 15, tax day. I had decided this to be a perfect day to end our Declutter Challenge! perhaps each year as you prepare your taxes you can look around your home and release the clutter!<br /><br />I am going to take a few weeks off from this blog and assess what I want to do with it, as I look at my schedule and decide how to incorporate it. I hope you have had a very successful 100 days! Thank you for following me and please let me know of your progress and clutter count!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-53870641532908904892010-04-14T21:27:00.004-04:002010-04-15T11:00:49.372-04:00Gratitude and AppreciationDay 99 of 100<br /><br />In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake earlier this year, I thought a lot about how blessed we are. When you hear about something like this, it is hard to think about anything of material matter, as most of us have so much and those in Haiti have nothing, not even clean water and food. I have thought about this often and wanted to address in the blog. However, talking about purging all our excess in the midst of such tragedy seemed so superficial.<br /><br />But the more I thought of it, I realized that getting rid of excess, actually helps us to see how blessed and fortunate we truly are. Most who are reading this are wealthy beyond measure. We are in heated homes, with clean running water and food, and hopefully, surrounded by those we love and hold dear. <br /><br />Holding on to everything we have (when it is no longer useful to us) actually makes us come from a place of want. Whereas, giving with a grateful heart and letting go with love and kindness, opens are eyes and heart to appreciate all we really have. It gives us perspective on what is truly important in our lives. When you look at and recognize that stuff is stuff, it all seems so silly and irrelevant. Hanging on to an old pair of skis that we will never use again, seems crazy, especially when there are people who don't know when their next meal will be. <br /><br />With breath of kindness, gratitude and appreciation let the clutter go!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-42297758384642857052010-04-13T13:51:00.002-04:002010-04-13T14:04:06.729-04:00RoutinesDay 98 of 100<br /><br />WOW! I can't believe it has been almost 100 days since I began this blog. Our household certainly has benefited from decluttering and I hope yours has as well! Only 2 days left in the challenge! <br /><br />As you have probably realized by now, decluttering is and should be an ongoing activity. Hopefully,, you were able to jump start it with the 100 day challenge and it has become a habit. Once you begin to declutter and see and feel the benefits of doing so, you are naturally motivated to continue. <br /><br />If you have been able to stick to the challenge and have really cleared out a lot of the clutter in your home, after the 100th day, you may want to make a new goal. Perhaps on Saturday mornings you will go around your home and declutter a certain amount of items or for a certain amount of time. Or maybe, each day you will look for one item to declutter as you go about your day. Remember the rule that when you bring something new into your home you will let something go. Finding a routine or activity to tie to your decluttering will make all the difference. It is much more likely that it will happen, if it is around something that you always do.<br /><br />See how you can be creative with this, making it your own! Be sure to involve all family members as you continue on your Clutter Free Journey!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-34978939076535196902010-04-12T18:16:00.004-04:002010-04-12T22:18:36.100-04:00The Broken Window TheoryDay 97 of 100<br /><br />I am sure many of you have heard of the Broken Window Theory, made popular by Mayor Giuliani. Its basic premise is that by fixing the small things, it keeps them from building up, getting worse and compounding. A building with a broken window, if not repaired is more likely to be vandalized, leading to break ins and further damage and destruction. So by fixing the small things, ie: the broken window, quickly, further damage is avoided. <br /><br />I really believe this theory to be true when it comes to our clutter. Think about how when you make your bed first thing in the morning, your bedroom automatically stays neater. You are much more likely to hang up and put away clothing, rather than flinging it on the bed. <br /><br />Or, if you have you have emptied the dishwasher and wiped the kitchen counters,you are much more likely to put the dirty dishes away, rather than them piling in the sink. <br /><br />Think about how piles seem to be magnets for more stuff of all varieties. If you keep a pile from starting in the first place it prevents clutter from accumulating. <br /><br />Also, by decluttering the small stuff, it really adds up and prevents a much bigger problem down the road! <br /><br />So go ahead and apply the broken window theory to your decluttering and transform your home one "window" at a time!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-87838480636817794852010-04-11T20:49:00.002-04:002010-04-11T21:19:32.188-04:00Success SundayDay 96 of 100<br /><br />Today I thought I'd share the success I have had in "decluttering" myself of my cell phone while in the driver's seat. As I posted previously, I thought lent to be a good time to start. I have to admit, at first it felt very awkward. Not using it to make a call out was one thing, but not answering it was even more difficult. It made me realize how dependent I was of the constant stimulation, as I could have a conversation with virtually anyone at any time. <br /><br />Statistics always show the higher rates of accidents but I wonder about how many people get lost, take the wrong turn, forget where they are going or go much longer routes because they are so engaged in conversation. I know some people are proud to be multitaskers and perhaps somethings allow for this. However, when you are operating a 3,500 pound vehicle full of precious cargo, should you really be multitasking? <br /><br />Because my job requires multiple phone conversations among many people, I wasn't sure what impact it would have when I decided to hang up and not talk while driving. What I discovered instead was that much of these calls were superfluous and that when made during non-driving time, they could be much more to the point. <br /><br />Occasionally, I have needed to stop to take an important call or make one to say I am running late. But on the whole, the impact has only been positive. I can truly say I do not miss it! I feel like I have bought myself some quiet time each day!<br /><br />Only a few days left in the challenge...go find some clutter!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-88589284680533019272010-04-10T17:49:00.002-04:002010-04-10T18:23:30.935-04:00Tim the Declutter-erDay 95 of 100<br /><br />With only 5 days left in the Clutter Challenge, the Simpson Family has been busy! Specifically, Tim has been busy decluttering. Yesterday he sold a coin collection that he had been hanging on to for years. It was something that interested him at one time, but due to multiple hobbies and interests, particularly his reptile collection, it had not been pursued. He sold the collection to a co-worker who was very excited to expand his collection. He will treasure and honor these coins and they will be appreciated! Tim is putting the money from the sale towards an Emerald Tree Boa, a snake he has talked about getting since we began dating, 24 years ago! <br /><br />He also went to the dump today with a truck load of stuff! He cleaned out his work room and had a ton of trash and wood. In addition, we recently had 5 trees taken down in the back yard and he has been busy cutting up and chopping all the wood. So not only are we decluttering the house but also the yard!<br /><br />What do you hope to tackle in the nest few days!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-28533327770947686722010-04-09T19:43:00.002-04:002010-04-09T20:18:29.112-04:00Soccer SeasonDay of 94 of 100<br /><br />Tim can't believe what a huge soccer fan I have become. When we met, I didn't know the difference between a baseball, basketball or football. Well, that may be an exaggeration, but I knew nothing about these sports and could have cared less. I still do not care to watch any of the above listed sports, (I realize that some GA football fans consider this to be a sin) but I have come to love the game of soccer! The love of my children and watching them play was how it started, but it has evolved to something that I truly enjoy. This is good, as we often find ourselves at the soccer fields many an evening. In an 11 day stretch the week before last, we had 9 games, 8 High School and Timothy's first Rec game. This doesn't include practices or any other activities. As much fun as we have had cheering from the stands, we have been so busy and everyone is exhausted! I honestly do not know how my high school-er has done it between all the games, school work and extra curricular activities. <br /><br />As much as I love soccer, it is a good thing it is a seasonal sport. Two of the boys play in the Fall and Spring. It is intense for a few months and then there is a break. During "off season" they continue to exercise and stay fit, but the intensity is turned down. For them and for our family, this is a good thing. We could not do this year round. Bodies need a break, my house needs to be cleaned, chores need to be done, etc. Like many things in life, you appreciate something when it is not there all the time. How I look forward to the new season after a break! <br /><br />Are you hanging on to things in your life, that have outlived their purpose, time or season? <br /><br />Do you have items from when your children were young? Unless they are sentimental, don't kid your self thinking that your kids will be glad you saved their swing, bouncy seat or exersaucer. By the time your child has a child, they will be either antiquated or recalled. The new ones will probably be voice activated and levitate, as they gently lull the baby to sleep. Your old one will not compete. <br /><br />What about items from a craft/project you had always thought would be fun to begin, but never did. Or perhaps you did and realized it wasn't for you. Preparing to do something can sometimes be part of the fun. However, sometimes we realize after amassing large amounts of materials, we really are not that interested.<br /><br />How about clothing that has never fit? Or “big” clothes that you are hanging on to “just in case” you gain back the weight. I don't know about you, but this seems like bad Karma to me. Does your clothing match your style of life as it is now? Styles change and what we feel comfortable in and look good in changes as well.<br /><br />Look at the season you are in NOW and make your home match it, by letting go of the “out of season” items standing in your way!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-66862758404797419492010-04-08T17:19:00.002-04:002010-04-08T17:37:51.565-04:00Basement BlissDay 93 of 100<br /><br />After an initial tackle of the basement a while back, I had put it on hold while decluttering other areas of our home. Even though we use it all the time, because I do not see it like the rest of the house, it tends to be neglected. This week with us all being home for Spring Break, we were in the basement a lot watching movies. So, this afternoon, after a busy morning out, we began part 2 of the Basement Declutter.<br /><br />I was so surprised! It really was not much! The first attack had taken care of the more obvious clutter. Much of what needed to be done centered around sorting and putting things away where they belonged. The younger boys did gather a pile of toys and toy parts to be thrown away and several items hit my Goodwill pile. In addition, we reclaimed some of the space by rearranging some furniture, making the TV room more functional and able to sit more people comfortably. Other than my sewing corner which I am in the process of claiming, we probably need about 30 more minutes and everything will be done! <br /><br />Tim has been out of town all week and surprised us by coming home tonight rather than Friday. He was pleased with how much progress we made! <br /><br /><br />We are getting close to the end of our Clutter Challenge! Only 7 days left! How are you doing? Is there an area you have been avoiding? Go ahead and tackle it! I bet it isn't as bad as you think it will be and just think of the finished result!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-53163601869005095322010-04-07T12:28:00.001-04:002010-04-07T12:36:16.165-04:00Soaking up the minutes!Day 92 of 100<br /><br />When visiting families of young children, I often remind the moms how quickly this period of time in their lives will be. I tell them that I know it is hard to comprehend, but one day they will turn around and their children will be teenagers. When you have a colicky baby and a teething two year old and it has been raining for 4 days, your house is turned upside down and your husband is working late again, it is very hard to remember that this! But it is a short season in your and your child's life. Remembering this can help you keep perspective and patience and help you to soak up every minute! <br /><br />Make what matters first priority. By letting go of the excess in out lives, we can allow more time for what is important NOW!<br /><br />Only 8 days left in our challenge: Go find 10 or more!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-37581782567397679522010-04-06T20:06:00.001-04:002010-04-06T20:06:45.816-04:00ChoresDay 91 of 100<br /><br />Is there a chore you really dread doing? What about it do you dislike? Can you pinpoint exactly why you don't like doing it? How long do you think it takes you to do it “well enough”?<br /><br />Really put some thought into this. See if any of the following could be applied to you and your dreaded chore: <br /><br />*We can choose to think about it differently/re-frame it, approaching it with an attitude of “choosing' to do it rather than having to. <br /><br />*Use a timer: Once we know exactly how long the job really takes, often we will find that the chore at hand actually takes significantly less time than we thought it does. Knowing this will make it much more bearable. Set a timer and try and beat the clock. Remember when you were a child and your parents would say they would count while you did something you didn't want to do? It worked then and can work now!<br /><br />*We can figure out a way to do it differently, making it more manageable or enjoyable. ie: Turn on music and dance, listen to a book on tape or learn a foreign language while cleaning. Call an friend on speaker phone or watch a favorite TV program or movie you have taped while ironing. <br /><br />*Can steps in the chore be eliminated all together? Are we doing something in a way that wastes time or is inefficient just because that is how we always have done it? <br /><br />*Can it be done smarter? Think smarter, not harder. So often we could make what we do easier if we put some thought into it.<br /><br />*We can figure out a way not to do it. Is it a necessary chore like grocery shopping or is it something that could be left undone? Decide what is important to you. Everyone's list will be different. We could figure out how to delegate or trade this chore with a family member or could consider paying someone else to do it.<br /><br />Very rarely is there nothing that can be done. So rather than mope or procrastinate, put your mind to it and see how you can transform that dreaded chore!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-57919550138724289302010-04-05T12:28:00.002-04:002010-04-05T12:31:21.539-04:00Correspondence and BillsDay 90 of 100<br /><br />When it comes time to pay a bill, respond to an invitation or send a letter, do you have everything together in one place to do so quickly and efficiently? Stamps, return address labels, envelopes, stationary, note cards, etc., if all kept together make this job much more manageable and enjoyable.<br /><br />You are much more likely to jot a note to a far away relative, if everything is together and organized in one place. Where do you normally pay your bills? Can you make a station: a basket, container, box or drawer, the central location for all this paraphernalia? Make it something attractive, preferably something you already own and love but have not know what to do with? Think out side the box: Do you have a pretty crystal or silver bowl that sits in a cupboard that you almost never use? How about that basket you got on your honeymoon that is on the top closet shelf. Come up with a way to incorporate what you love into a task that must get done. Having everything centrally located, in an attractive container that means something to you, really will make a difference. The next time you pay bills, you may even catch yourself smiling!<br /><br />10 days left in the Clutter Free Challenge! What are you working on?Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-40895475815753856802010-04-04T20:02:00.002-04:002010-04-04T20:06:02.460-04:00Happy Easter!Day 89 of 100<br /><br />Happy Easter!<br /><br />Hope you all have had a wonderful day with your family!<br /><br />Back to decluttering tomorrow!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-15693520256508086452010-04-03T20:01:00.003-04:002010-04-03T22:48:55.398-04:00Collards and KaleDay 88 of 100<br /><br />I love all vegetables, particularly, dark green, leafy ones! They are full of vitamins and minerals and a great source of fiber! They also are another way to get calcium. Research studies suggest that dark green vegetables may prevent certain types of cancers and promote heart health! Just this week, I prepared a large batch of both Kale and Collard Greens for my family. <br /><br />When I met Tim, he ate very few vegetables, raw carrots and corn being the two I remember. But with persistence, he is now a very well rounded vegetable eater and rarely complains. Two of my 3 boys will eat just about any vegetable cooked for them. One continues to resist but I continue to persevere. <br /><br />Some of my favorite reading literature is centered around nutrition. I find it so interesting. I have learned that the children who eat the most and biggest variety of vegetables are the ones who have parents who purchase the most vegetables. It is simple exposure. These kids are more familiar with them and more likely to taste them. Studies show that food preferences and patterns of what children eat are largely shaped by the food purchased and the parents persistence in presenting foods over and over again, even when the children refuse. I once worked with a nutritionist who told me that some children may have to be "exposed" to a food 25 plus times before trying it and then more before accepting it. <br /><br />All this talk about vegetables is because I think it is a similar process when it comes to teaching children to be declutter-ers. They must be exposed and taught this skill regularly and consistently, see us doing it and even when they resist, the message/idea must be kept alive by presenting it over and over again. Just like we want our children to have healthy eating habits, a healthy relationship with "stuff" will serve us throughout our lives. <br /><br />Go find 10 and remember to eat your veges!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-81958264841161886022010-04-02T20:11:00.010-04:002010-04-02T23:06:08.655-04:00Ahhhhhhhhhhh....Spring Break!Day 87 of 100<br /><br />I don't know who is more excited, me or the kids! We have had such a busy few months with school, activities and sports. I am really looking forward to some "down time" with the kids next week! I too, am taking the week off and we are going to sleep in, see some movies, eat out at our favorite restaurants and have a "vacation at home"! They are all exhausted, studied out and generally in need of a break! <br /><br />With only 14 days left in the Clutter Free Challenge, I am also looking forward to finishing a few areas that are need of further decluttering during our break! Our hectic schedule has made me fall behind in my regular decluttering, as well as housework in general. I am looking forward to "getting back on the horse" and making the most of the next 2 weeks of the Clutter Free Challenge!<br /><br />I will keep you up on my progress as I relax, enjoy my family and declutter!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-63439985348964084932010-04-01T20:12:00.000-04:002010-04-01T20:14:12.150-04:00Plugged InDay 86 of 100<br /><br />Out to eat at a nice restaurant recently, at the table next to us sat a young couple expecting a baby. They both were texting on cell phones while waiting to have their order taken. Who knows, maybe they were actually playing video games or doing online trading, I do not know. But I do know they were not looking at or talking to each other. At the table in front of us a couple with a child about two years old, sat with three other adults and there was a portable TV on the table playing Dora the Explorer. Now granted, I remember what it is like to eat out with a tired two year old or for that matter tired teenagers, and I can empathize with their desire to eat a meal in peace. However, the child was completely oblivious to the TV, so it sat playing while she did what most toddlers do in restaurants if allowed, and walked back and forth from parent to parent, trying to get their attention. I am sure there were others is the restaurant as well, on cell phones talking, texting and checking scores of games. <br /><br />It just really struck me as odd. Maybe it is my heightened awareness of clutter in our lives, or perhaps my desire to escape the hustle and bustle that seems to encompass everyday life but it really bothered me. Not that these people and their actions were intrusive to me. If anything, they made my meal more pleasant and enjoyable, as they were quiet. It just seems to be so much of it now. Like all advances, there are positives and negatives. One drawback of technology may be that although the world is smaller, our connections with those right in front of us, living with us, can unknowingly become further apart. <br /><br />What do you need to “unplug” to increase the connection with those you love the most?Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-82902232619524837362010-03-31T19:50:00.002-04:002010-03-31T20:09:00.069-04:00Love the Home you're In!Day 85 of 100<br /><br />You know the song, that goes, "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." Well, I think we should apply this advice to our homes. If the home you are in isn't the home of your dreams or the one you thought you would live in, embrace where you are now and show it some love! One way you can do this is by decluttering. It is amazing the transformation that occurs when you get all the excess clutter out of the way and allow what is special and precious to shine. Decluttering cost nothing and can transform any space.<br /><br />Have you ever prepared to sell your home and worked to get it all fixed up and looking its best? Then, you step back and ask yourself, "Why are we moving? This is a great house! I would want to buy this house!" That is what decluttering can do! It can help you fall in love with your home all over again! <br /><br />So, pick a room that you don't like being in and figure out what needs to go. It is the first step to making it into a room you will love!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-62775663685374801042010-03-30T15:24:00.002-04:002010-03-30T15:51:23.102-04:00Clutter makes you FAT!Day 84 of 100<br /><br />A University of Chicago study found that when you live a cluttered life, you are more tired. This in turn, can increase the hormone, Cortisol, which causes a spike in your appetite and your consumption of an extra 200 to 1,000 calories a day! WOW! So by decluttering, you automatically reduce your stress, which reduces your cortisol levels, making you not eat as much! <br /><br />In general, when I am calm and relaxed, I listen to my body more and make healthier food choices. When my kitchen in decluttered and organized, I have an easier time preparing and cooking healthy foods. When there is less clutter, I am less likely to grab a unhealthy, high fat snack to reduce my stress! <br /><br />Go declutter and streamline your home and your waist line!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-13496671418707988032010-03-29T19:03:00.003-04:002010-03-29T19:10:24.783-04:00ClothingDay 83 of 100<br /><br />For many of us, especially women, our clothing is a particularly hard area to declutter. We hold memories of when we wore something, the specific occasion, the person we were with, and the size we were then and wish we still were. It makes it very difficult to let go, even when we know we will never wear it again. <br /><br />If you are struggling in this area, enlist the help of a good friend/family member. Honestly look at and try on each piece. Is it in good shape, not faded, torn, or missing a belt or button? If it needs repair, can this be done easily? If so, can it be done today or at least this week? Do you look good in it? Do you feel good in it? <br /><br />Once sorted, if there is a pile of “not sure” clothing, make a commitment to wear each item (weather permitting) this week and discover the real reason why you haven't been wearing it. If you don't love how you look and feel it it, if it is a color that saps your energy, it is time to let it go.<br /><br />Remember,just because you use to love to wear something, doens''t mean you have to keep it when for whatever reason, it isn't "you" anymore. Let it go with love to someone who can use it!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-8553459631658366832010-03-28T21:52:00.003-04:002010-03-28T21:58:59.040-04:00Success Sundays!Day 82 of 100<br /><br />Today's success comes from Dawn, in Georgia:<br /><br />She recently posted the following to my FB page:<br /><br />"Yesterday I took over 30 things to the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store(at least 20 of the items being clothes), & I threw away a few things too. And then went to recycling. It felt cleansing getting rid of all of that. I decided that 30 was my goal. And I'm still working on it today."<br /><br />"I'm trying to stay motivated. Your blog is VERY helpful with that. I'll send some pictures soon." <br /><br />"Last night I cleaned out my file cabinet. It really needed it. Felt good to get that done."<br /><br />Great job, Dawn! She is showing us that by continuing at a steady pace, we can make huge progress!<br /><br />Keep up with your daily declutter and watch your home be transformed!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-47859416213819951742010-03-27T20:54:00.002-04:002010-03-27T20:59:12.809-04:00Questions to Ask Yourself as you Declutter:Day 81 of 100<br /><br />As you think about each item you own, look at it, and ask yourself:<br /><br />What feelings or memories does it bring up? <br /><br />Are these good memories?<br /> <br />Do I love this item? <br /> <br />Would I miss it if it suddenly went missing?<br /><br />Would I replace it? Do I use it? <br /><br /><br />When you are in a space you want to declutter, ask yourself: <br /><br />What feeling do I want to have when in this room/area?<br /><br />What is the purpose of this space?<br /><br />What do I want to do while in it?<br /><br />What if I had a magic wand and could wave it, what would it look like? <br /><br /><br />Use these questions as a guide if you are having trouble making decisions!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7143450872693540927.post-48539093258340599332010-03-26T18:33:00.001-04:002010-03-26T18:36:37.979-04:00Clean SweepDay 80 of 100<br /><br />As we near the 100 day mark of our challenge, your home should have a whole new feeling. Go through the main areas of your home, quickly and without hesitating and look around. Is there anything that you did not invite here? Now that you have become skilled it spotting clutter, you may be surprised at items you did not see originally. Each day go to a new room/zone and take a look around. Is it the room you in-vision? Is is comforting, inviting and peaceful? What little thing can you move, declutter or change to make it “Your” space? <br /><br />Put on those clutter goggles and move fast! Make it a game or challenge. See how quickly you can go around a room. Try not to think or analyze. Just look and let the clutter reveal itself!Dianne Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221284305416024877noreply@blogger.com0