Living Simply

Decluttering Duplicates and the Top Third

April 6, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith 4 Comments

Years ago, I heard an organizer talk about how we only use the "Top Third". What he meant was, we own a stack of t-shirts, but rarely wear items beyond the top third of the pile. You can apply this every category in your closet, blouses, shorts, t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters. But what about other belongings? Do you have a favorite pair of sunglasses or gloves? Maybe you prefer one umbrella. So, why keep the rest? Here's the case for owning one or at very least, for owning a lot less. WHY JUST ONE My items are of high quality and fair trade. Are they more expensive? Yes. Are they high quality and made to last? Yes! And they are made with labor that pays a living wage. The average person loses 9 items per day. Have you ever re-purchased something because you could not find it? Minimalism spares this cost because it’s easier to locate items with less. Consider setting up a landing spot to corral your keys, phone, and wallet. Practices like this mean fewer …

10 Rules for Happiness

April 2, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith 3 Comments

Happiness and Gratitude - Even In the Valleys The Happiness Project inspired my Rules for Happiness. These rules are 10 priorities with a posture of gratitude and contentment by living simply. My values set the foundation for these ten rules. Follow Christ My faith journey and my journey to simplify are deeply intertwined but I didn’t realize how much until I wrote My Story. Without question, God had a plan for me. Be Generous Remember the TV show ER? (Yes, I'm dating myself.) Anthony Edward’s character Dr. Greene was dying of cancer. In his final hours, he implored his daughter to “Be Generous”. I am most content when I am generous with my time, talents, possessions, money and words. Gratitude I'm grateful for what I have because it's Simply Enough. A name that so accurately describes this life I get to lead. I appreciate the peaks and the valleys. Because in the valleys, my blessings abound, even when happiness does not. Gratitude shows me the silver …

3 Simple Steps to Organize Remote Controls

March 30, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

Take a look around your family room. Are the remote controls easy to locate? Or are they lost under a couch cushion? Remote controls also have a way of multiplying. We may get rid of an old DVD player but the remote remains. Let's declutter and organize this space today. Collect Aggregate all the remote controls from your family room. Check under the couch and inside drawers and cabinets. Address each one. If the remote operates a current device Replace the batteries. Use a label maker to provide additional information. (This can be helpful for guests and aging family members.) If the remote operates a disconnected device Remove the batteries If you own the device, tape the remote to it. Donate or Recycle unused electronics Storage Each night, I put the family room to bed before turning in myself. I fold blankets, return games to the cabinet, and stow remotes in a basket. Get in the habit of "putting to bed" the common spaces of your home …

Why I Donated My Entire Candle Collection

March 26, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

I was recently asked about where to store candles and how many do I own? Not many. But here's why I reduced the number of candles in my home. Collection There was a time when I owned an impressive collection of votives, tapers, scented jar candles, and candleholders. I even saved the jars after the candles burned out. Why? No idea. But this is what makes collections dangerous. We have no idea why, but we continue to buy the items. We are supposed to because we declared it a collection. When I started organizing this collection, I realize they represented more work than enjoyment. I had to store them, and then reorder, replace, and refill them. When new boxes arrived, I threw away wasteful amounts of packaging. After they burned, I cleaned soot off candle holders and my furniture. And then I dusted the candle holders and then dusted around them. It was too much! Migraines In the midst of organizing, migraines entered the picture which meant even less enjoyment from candles. …

How to Work from Home Effectively with Kids

March 21, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has turned our world upsidedown. As families quarantine and practice social distancing, they also struggle with how to manage endless downtime. I love slowing down and embrace the margin in our schedules. We're free to do things like play a board game, try a new recipe or plant an herb garden. #coronatime But I recognize that working parents are trying to figure out how to work from home and simultaneously entertain and educate children. Workspaces and Homeschool Spaces A few years ago, I homeschooled my son. Most of the time, we traveled but here's the room I used for several weeks. I simply adjusted the height of my existing desk. We didn't buy a new desk. My son worked here for 1-2 hours a day and preferred to be near me. Repurpose or Reuse - Do Not Buy Perhaps your kitchen or dining room table is the answer to this temporary situation. Don't rush out and buy something that will become clutter. Flat surfaces are notorious for …

How to Use Food Inventory, Reduce Waste and Save Money

March 13, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith 6 Comments

It's amazing how quickly the cabinets fill up. Even our generous pantry is full. Clients often tell me their pantry is too small, but I would argue that we stockpile too much food. We buy large quantities because of a sale only to have items go bad before we use them. A few years ago, we canceled our membership to a bulk shopping store. The impulse buys and excessive quantities eliminated any cost savings. Grocery store sales and coupons are merely advertisements encouraging consumers to “stock up” and spend more. That’s why for this inventory challenge, I suggest staying out of the store altogether. I know what you’re thinking….but I don’t have all the ingredients to make this recipe or that. Well, neither did I, but Google and I made a lot of great meals together! I find substitutes for most ingredients or borrow spices from my neighbor. And sometimes, simply do without. My grandma liked to cook this way. She improvised. Occasionally, it was a disaster but we laughed a …

« Previous Page

Living Simply

Footer