Feb.7: Day 38 Organizing is Simplifying

Really, simplifying doesn't just mean getting rid of "stuff." Sometimes reorganizing an area can make a big impact as well.

I had kept my many cookie cutters in a large zip-lock baggie that wouldn't close; it was too full. It looked messy and spilled periodically. During my stay-at-home-mom days, I had sold Tupperware and acquired a nice set of modular containers. One very large one for chips had sat empty for about 3 years in that same cupboard. It dawned on me recently, "Why don't I put the cookie cutters in that container?" They all fit and I feel that I simplified an area that had annoyed me for a long time.

Feb. 6: Day 37 Aprons

How many aprons does a household with one main cook need? An apron with the binding being held on by safety pins went into the trash today.

February 4: Day 36 Enlist Some Help

Some of us have other places besides home that need simplifying. I decided I'd had enough of the "indoor recess" cupboard in my school classroom. I had some very restless boys waiting for their late buses, so enlisted them to pull everything out and sort loose pieces of games, etc. They were enthusiastic. A huge stack of unused academic books were pulled out of that storage cupboard and will go to a more public area for people to actually be able to use. After discarding toys and games that were missing pieces, we put small game pieces in baggies and restacked everything in the cupboard. By getting rid of some toys and games that were unusable and moving the books to another location, we were able to fit two larger bins into the cupboard that have just taken up space on the floor!

My point is, children like sorting, especially if they can do it with a friend. Make use of your kids, grandkids, teens. Being snowed in on the East coast is a good time to give them something productive to do; it helps them learn and eases your load!

Feb. 4: Day 34 Small Changes

I looked in my cupboard where the vases are kept and saw at least one too many. That extra vase is going into the give away bin.

Feb. 3: Day 34 Stuff Surrounding Grief

This has been a sad week for me as we lost our little faithful dog over the weekend to cancer. I feel somewhat lost and lonely without him shadowing me wherever I go, wanting to play or go for a walk. I realize that time will heal the pain and grief, but for the time being, it's difficult.

I know many of you have experienced deeper grief in your lives, losing precious people. How do we deal with the loved one's things as time goes on?

For me this week, seeing the little reminders of my dog everywhere has been difficult. I have gradually begun collecting his stuff and putting it in a box to give to a animal rescue group that can use it. It's painful, but I don't know which is worse, seeing it all, or just boxing it up to help others. I think it's entirely appropriate to hold on to some things as special memories, especially from people. However, my question is, can some of their items help others in need? This is a very difficult topic and one that we all will wrestle with sooner or later.

Sorry for the morose post today. I felt it was a topic to consider.

February 3: Day 33 Nice Gadgets

Today I put two grapefruit spoons in the give away bin. I normally cut around each section with a knife and they come out easily with a regular spoon, so why keep them?

I've found that specialty gadgets sometimes just take up space when a more multi-purpose tool would suffice. That thought helps me simplify in the kitchen.

Feb. 1: Day 32 "But It Still Fits"

There's a time and a place for everything we're told. My brightly colored striped sweater bought in 2003 still fits, though it has yarn pills all over it and is a little stretched out in the sleeves and waist. I actually had to debate with myself over it even with 8 other better sweaters in my closet! So, out it went into the Goodwill bin.

I've learned that the older I get, I should try to look more up-to-date in my dressing, feeling good about how I look. I don't need to hang on to old styles or worn items. I can budget some money for newer clothing if I see the need and avoid being dowdy as my husband once teased me about. It doesn't have to cost a lot, but if I add a new piece a month (even if it's from a thrift store), I feel better about myself and can more easily get rid of old items.