I spend way too much time worrying about cleaning my home (I said worrying, not actually cleaning)...too much energy spent being frustrated with the clutter. Do I really need 30 mismatched bath towels?
Along the way to simplicity I'd like to be more intentional about my consuming...being sure that it is something we really need/want. Something that will stand the test of time...a quality item. I'd also like to work toward living a more environmentally friendly and waste-less lifestyle. I live in an area that is very supportive of this lifestyle and I am stating to see the benefits. I've found an example of a family that lives extremely simplified and "green." The Zero Waste family. http://zerowastehome.blogspot.com/p/tips.html
I'd like to use them as an inspiration although I am still unsure if I want to or will ever be able to be that simplified.
This is a picture of the Johnson's kitchen...ahhh...isn't that nice?
I have also been looking into tiny homes. http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/ I am interested in a home that is 3 bedrooms and only 874 sq. feet.
B-53 tumbleweedhouses.com
Isn't she cute?
I have a list of items I am swapping out in my home...quantity for quality... for earth friendly.
I am going through my home room by room trying to let go for the sake of simplicity and sanity.
I got some great tips from this website: http://www.wehatetowaste.com/how-to-declutter-your-home/
My plan is to sell most of the extra items my family doesn't need so that I can purchase the items on my wish list.
Here is my Amazon wish list: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/21NX8ZV5D2QP8/ref=topnav_lists_2#page=1
The first things I'd like to buy will be the dishes for the kids. They have a drawer full of plastic dishes I bought at thrift stores. I don't know if the plastics are safe. They can use our regular family dishes.
Secondly, I'd like to purchase stainless steel water bottles for the family.
The next area of importance is towels...for the kitchen and bathroom.
Some things I already do such as use cloth napkins. It makes every meal just a little bit more fancy. When we have friends over for the first time I have to encourage them to go ahead and USE them for what they are intended. I think they are afraid to stain or dirty them. We go through a roll of paper towels every 2 months which is pretty good...but I'd like to get it down to 1 roll every 3 months and eventually to 1 a year.
I have widdled the kids wardrobe down to 10 tops, 10 bottoms, 10 dresses (for Harper), and 4 sets of pajamas. This proves to be an ongoing process...as you know kids grow like weeds...so some of their clothes they are growing out of while others are just a bit too big, yet. Then there are the hand-me-downs which I am SO GRATEFUL for...but do require more weeding out. The result is a nice wardrobe with only my favorite items that are in good condition and fit and LESS LAUNDRY...Hallelujah! I am always purging from my wardrobe to make room for my new thrift store treasures. I do need to look it over again (through the simplicity lens) and pair down to only the items that fit me well now and that look nice on me.
I wonder if I can get this all done by the end of the summer?
