Amy Slenker-Smith

How To Declutter and Organize Magazines

February 28, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

For years, we subscribed to our favorite magazines and even the Sunday newspaper. Over time, they became a burden to read, instead of enjoy. Gradually, we reduced the subscriptions but were harassed by endless mailings from publishers offering "lowest price ever" if we renewed. While I could easily manage the magazines themselves, I found all the extra mail to be wasteful. It required diligence on my part to know when our subscription REALLY expired. At one point, I had paid for 2 years in advance. Eventually, we went down to just one magazine. It was my favorite until I realized every other page was an advertisement. It was thick with unnecessary ads. This was just the motivation I needed to end the subscription. For months, the bills continued. Even a letter that stated I was delinquent. But that's just another sales tactic because advertising works. I don’t object to an occasional magazine. Reading is good. But my approach eliminates waste and …

After a Natural Disaster – I Don’t Need All That Stuff

January 19, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith 2 Comments

Natural disasters dominated the news in 2017, from Texas to Oregon. I wrote about the true needs after a natural disaster strikes which inspired lots of discussion. When Hurricane Irma barreled through the state of Florida, my cousin evacuated. After the fact, I ask her what she packed knowing that she may return to nothing. Without a moment's hesitation, she responded, "Kids, Clothes, and Cats." "Oh...and any medicine that would be difficult to replace." That's it. That's all they packed. Sentimental Stuff So I pressed a little further, "What about sentimental stuff or photographs?" Her response, "I thought about it, but my photos were stored in the cloud and there was no room in the car for sentimental items." Their only concern, find enough gas to drive out of the state and not get stuck on the highway with everything that did matter to them (i.e., the kids and cats.) Thankfully, they arrived safe and sound in Virginia 12 …

Why You Don’t Need an Instapot to Make Dinner

January 5, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith 5 Comments

If you already own an Instapot and love it, this article is not for you. However, if you're considering buying one, this might be a worthwhile read. Advertising Works We see 5,000 ads per day and are deeply affected by them. Even I have to catch myself. I try to acknowledge it by saying, "Advertising Works."Image by coffeebeanworks on Pixabay"> The Instapot is one of the most heavily advertised items I have ever seen. Facebook groups, cookbooks, websites, store displays EVERYWHERE...all dedicated to a gadget promising to make you a great cook and save family dinners. I am here to tell you that this is a lie. With back-to-school sales in every store, retailers are upping their game to sell you an Instapot. But you don't need gadgets to make a healthy meal. You already ARE a Good Cook Up until about 6 years ago, I could barely boil water. I spent the first 15 years of marriage relying on my husband. He has mad cooking skills and makes dinner out of 5 random …

When An Ordinary Monday is Anything But

October 9, 2019 by Amy Slenker-Smith 1 Comment

It was an ordinary Monday. Our family plans included work, errands and a math quiz. My son headed off to the bus stop. His swim bag packed for practice after school. Dad went into work early. And I left with a car full of donations and my grocery list. An ordinary Monday. Or so we thought. So when the school's number popped up on my phone, my heart skipped a beat. It was my son calling from the nurse's office. I could hear in his voice he didn't feel well. His stomach hurt. I asked all the usual mom questions and drove to pick him up. Why I'll Never Win Mother of the Year He hunched his back and held his stomach as we walked to the car. The nurse mentioned he was like that all morning, unable to get comfortable. It turns out I didn't answer the first time he called. Nor did two other emergency contacts. He waited and the pain got worse. "How was your quiz?" I asked. "Are you stressed about it?" "Nervous about the musical tryouts?" It had to be stress right? In …

Notre Dame’s Fire Reminds Us of the Importance of Travel

April 22, 2019 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

I watched with the rest of the world as Notre Dame burned. I cried as I thought about the beauty and history of this iconic cathedral, lost. As I listened to the broadcaster explain how difficult it was to access Île de la Cité, I recalled the countless times I crossed those same bridges. Chris Freind said it best...."Those fortunate enough to have lived that experience now have a hole in their heart that simply cannot be mended. And those who were going to see Notre Dame, be it in a week or simply “some day,” feel absolutely, and justifiably, robbed. One of the world's great treasures was taken from them. Notre Dame wasn’t a tourist attraction, but an unparalleled symbol of faith, strength, and unity." I felt helpless and saddened as the flaming spire fell, knowing it would never be the same. But overwhelmingly grateful for the 4 months I called Paris home. During college, I studied at a French university and lived with a host family in the 8th. Our apartment was just steps from the …

Where to start? Your Clothing Closet

February 14, 2019 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

Overwhelmed with clutter? Too much stuff everywhere!? Where to begin? I often suggest clients start with their clothing closet. Here are some tips and a video for how to simplify and organize your closet. If you're new to the decluttering game, remember: Start With Your Own Stuff Start Small - You didn’t acquire this stuff overnight, so... Daily Spaces - Declutter everyday spaces. Enjoy the immediate freedom of less. Start with your own stuff Your purse, briefcase, or car are all great options. If this isn’t enough of a challenge, then move on to your clothing closet. Below is a video of how I organize my clothing closet. All my clothes are in this regular sized master closet, including coats. I use one hanger style to maintain a cohesive, clean look. Like-colored items hang together while casual clothing rolls neatly in the drawers. You can achieve this same result with bins. But be …

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