Lately, I’ve been all about enjoying the simple charms in life, from the fresh tulip blooms in our courtyard to the sweet face Brian makes when I open the door to come home. And while I’m doing a better job at appreciating the little things, I could still be better at creating a more simplified environment around me. My desk at work is usually cluttered with construction paper & super glue (so I can make ridiculous things like this), and my home is far from the ideal state I wish it could be in. There are dishes in the sink, bananas going bad, and a mountain of “to-do’s” littering our dining room table. What’s a girl to do?
Luckily for me, I have loads of blogging friends to keep me inspired on my path to simplicity. Last week, Lindsay blogged about her simplification adventures and her goals to live more deliberately, creating a simple space that’s both environmentally friendly and streamlined. I love how she identified the difference between just reducing your consumption {and then eventually circling back to consuming just as much again} and deliberate simplification with long term actions. I definitely get caught in the trap of being “good” with my consumption & then finding a J.Crew sale that’s too good to pass up! Lindsay’s wise words are definitely something I’ll be keeping in mind.
Zhenya‘s project use up goals have also inspired me to live with the beauty products I already have, rather than splurging on new goodies at Sephora every few months {guilty, so guilty…}. Basically, the goals is to reduce your conspicuous spending while being a bit more environmentally friendly. I’ve accumulated so many fabulous products over the years, only to use them for a week and then hide them in bathroom bins or cabinets. Last weekend I started tackling the project by finding all the extra shampoos, conditioners, beauty products, etc. that I’ve had to months {sometimes years!} and organizing them so they’re easy to find. Here’s to hoping I can keep myself in line!
So to conclude {but mostly to keep myself accountable} here are a few simplicity goals I’ll be working towards in the coming months:
Simplicity Goals:
– Create a comfortable & cohesive space that’s streamlined to {mostly} just the things we need.
– Use up the products I already have, rather than buying more. Always make sure I’m checking what I already have before making a b-line to the beauty aisle at Target.
– Purchase beauty items and cleaning supplies that are environmentally friendly and all natural.
Any tips or advice that’s been helpful in your pursuit of simplification?
original image via french by design
I am SO guilty of hoarding beauty products only to give up on them after a week or two. We're getting ready to move, so I'm planning a big purge and vowing to use what I have before shopping more!
I have the same beauty product problem! I get a lot of free stuff from work and I use it once or twice and then forget about it (unless I really love it). I've been making a better effort to work my way through the 15 bottles of dry shampoo I have.
Amen to this! I've been trying to save all the money that doesn't go to loans, rent, medical bills, car payments, etc. and put it away instead of buying things I don't need. Saving up for buying a house & getting married in the next couple of years is a top priority, so "living simply" is a way of life. I love your outlook on it and am interested in seeing how you progress. At the end of the day, buying another purse when I already have more than 1 isn't really necessary 😉
I am RIGHT there with you girlfriend! So excited about the exicing things coming up so soon! xx
Ah! It's so nice that someone else is going through the simplification process. I really love your goals. I find that the goals I've made are great pillars in guiding my choices. I wrote my goals down on 2 pieces of paper, and I keep one in my wallet and another one above my desk. Sometimes those tangible reminders are nice. Looking forward to reading more about your journey of simplification!
Thanks so much for the inspiration girlfriend! I'll keep you in the loop on how it goes 🙂 xx
What a great post! It definitely gives me, and I'm sure others, something to think about. We never really think about the amount we consume! I'm with you on using up beauty products that I already have instead of continuing to buy more and forgetting about what I already have … like nail polish – do I really need another bottle? Probably not considering I have about 50 almost full bottles. Great post!
Also, absolutely love your graphic today – that's one of my favorite quotes!
xo
I've been doing some of the same things! I completely reorganized my makeup drawers and bought a cheap basket from Target to place all my other samples/makeup. I put anything I have extra of in this basket and always check there first before picking up something from the store, or trying something new! I have been saving a lot of money on beauty products this way 🙂 Also… I started using green cleaners and it makes a huge difference! I don't feel as light headed when I clean, that's a good thing right?! I'm also working on my closet to ensure I have all the basics and only keep shoes/heels that I actually wear and are comfortable enough to wear all day at work… everything else goes!
I could definitely do more to try to appreciate the simple pleasures in my life. Too often I'm caught up in stress about things that don't really matter while ignoring the things I do care about. Thanks for this post, it was a good reminder to step back and look at the bigger picture!
Style by Joules
I read Lindsay's post and I couldn't agree with her way of thinking more than I already do! I'm working on de-cluttering my life in nearly every aspect. I want to surround myself with the best of the best when it comes to things and people. Pete and I are on the hunt for our first house and I can't wait to purge everything before we move. I just found "shot book" supplies in my catch all cabinet. I'll be turning 27 this summer if that gives you any indication how long I've been lugging that crap around.
Ahhhhh! So exciting about the house! I've found a few doozies around my house too – no shame girlfriend! xx
If I find shampoos, conditioners or full things that I'm not interested in anymore I donate them to a food pantry.
People in dire situations need those important supplies and they are relatively expensive. It frees up their budgets to
spend their money elsewhere. I hope that all the lovely ladies who read your blog keep the food pantries in the
back of their beautiful minds!
Oh mama, you are the sweetest! That's a good tip! xx
Wise words, M. As always. 🙂
Simplifying for me also means streamlining. Doing things more efficiently, and turning out more quality work (whether that's at my actual 9-5, on the blog, or working around the house). This is some grown-up stuff, no? 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
chenlili20150624
abercrombie and fitch
toms outlet
louis vuitton
burberry sale
abercrombie & fitch
michael kors outlet online
air jordan 8
lebron 10
official kate spade outlet online
prada uk outlet
coach factory outlet
coach factory outlet
louis vuitton handbags
mont blanc legend
mont blanc pen
coach outlet
white timberland boots
ray ban sunglasses
kate spade
air jordan 13
chi hair strightener
tods sale
christian louboutin outlet
chanel handbags
chanel outlet
concord 11s
true religion sale
coach outlet online
louis vuitton outlet