Finding Me

I know, "Motivation Monday" is usually for fitspo, which as a long-distance triathlete I always appreciate, but let's get going with Organization Motivation. So, I'm really enjoying TJsWays' videos. (Check her out at  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0fKx65vjbTJmazwXSPMw8g .) Here's a great motivational video she posted on staying organized and clutter-free. Plus, I love the calming tans and whites of her apartment, especially the design of the living area. So, let's start that week off right!

So Friday we celebrated Valentine's Day (a little late, because Dr. Z was sick earlier in the week), and we actually kept the gift-giving to a real minimum (with room to improve even more for next year - more on that later!). So, first I sent him a cute card to his office. I always think it's more fun to receive cards and such in the mail,  so that's how I always do it. I also bought him this tech shirt - I was thinking for camping (you know, mountain goat and all), but he says it's too nice and he's afraid of ruining it, LOL!  He loves mountain goats and blue so I just had to get it for him. Now here's where it gets interesting. When I mention that I'm worried about his gift getting here in time (it was delayed due to the winter storms south of us), he suddenly looks guilty and says, "Uh...I got you a card." Now, in all fairness we usually do exchange gifts, which is why I bought one in the first place. However, it got the wheels turning. ...

Welcome! My name is Pip, and this is my new blog on embracing the minimalist lifestyle. I reached a breaking point about a year ago - I had been living in my largest ever home (3 bedroom) for the longest amount of time (10 years) in my life and although I was not a hoarder by ANY means, the clutter and stuff had accumulated. The first step was reading Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up." I know, I  know, we've ALL read it, but it really helped. It just really changed my thinking and was what I needed to get started.  The "All or Nothing" approach and going by category instead of space just made sense to me. Since it was winter with not much to do, I dove in. First it was the shoes: Before: After: Then it was all of the other clothes, purses, hats, and books (which was especially difficult for this bibliophile but the fact that the local animal shelter was accepting donations for thei...