An article written by Courtney Carver of Be More with Less worth reading ...
It is scary what we hold on to and chose to keep in our lives.
P.S. I have borrowed the image from the article as well.
Until soon,
Lija
Please Stop Wearing These 3 Things (at any age)
Dear all
An article written by Courtney Carver of Be More with Less worth reading ...
It is scary what we hold on to and chose to keep in our lives.
An article written by Courtney Carver of Be More with Less worth reading ...
It is scary what we hold on to and chose to keep in our lives.
My relationship with shopping ...
Dear all
Since I started this journey to Minimalism my relationship with shopping has gradually changed.
I have not bought new clothes for over a year, on an exception of a few items bought second hand from eBay or Charity Shops (can be counted on one hand) and a few items sewn from fabric already owned (again countable on one hand). But as you know I am not perfect ... so have to make a little confession ...I did buy three new pairs of shoes in the past year (all of them were replacements for worn out/broken pairs- heels x 2 to wear in the office and sandals x 1 for everyday wear outside).
As we are coming into Autumn season I would like to get some boots. I wanted to say 'need' but I can probably do without for a while. My Autumn/Spring pair has fallen apart last Spring and I have delayed replacing them making do with winter boots long into warm weather and then wearing trainers (which frankly look unprofessional).
I went to check out some models in town, and I think pinned down the one I am willing to budget into my next pay. Ankle boots with laces (with a side zip) in chocolate. Perfect colour to match my bag. So regardless of what I am wearing on the way to work (my heels are kept at the office) I should always appear put together on arrival.
As always seems to be the case a helpful shop assistant was on hand to chat. We discussed some of the models. She pointed out some quirky boots, new this season, that were in flowers ... I thought they looked kind of cool however knew that I would have nothing that went well with them (hmm fashion vs style anyone). I thanked her for her time and was about to depart ... when she noted the Summer stock sale they were having. I have not even noticed it!!! I was a girl on a mission that walked in to see if they had what I wanted rather than browse sales like I used to do back in the day. Out of politeness I walked around did not see anything I was even vaguely interested in and was about to depart when the shop assistant pointed out an extra 20% discount on top of the sale that they had just that day, and showed me some boots on sale in my size (black), noting the massive discount (although not that much cheaper than the pair I have my eye on). I may have tuned her out a little as they weren't the colour or model I wanted to have in my life and were completely different to what I was looking at earlier.
I am becoming a lot more intentional with what I buy. If I was not intending to buy the item in the first place no matter how big of the discount it was, it is not a saving.
As such my shoe collection is almost perfect and should last a few years. My black heels are a little worse for wear so may need replacing in the next year or so (I had them for about 4 - 5 years and being black they had significant wear), but I am willing to wait until a perfect replacement is found which could take months or even years.
Until soon
Lija
Since I started this journey to Minimalism my relationship with shopping has gradually changed.
I have not bought new clothes for over a year, on an exception of a few items bought second hand from eBay or Charity Shops (can be counted on one hand) and a few items sewn from fabric already owned (again countable on one hand). But as you know I am not perfect ... so have to make a little confession ...I did buy three new pairs of shoes in the past year (all of them were replacements for worn out/broken pairs- heels x 2 to wear in the office and sandals x 1 for everyday wear outside).
As we are coming into Autumn season I would like to get some boots. I wanted to say 'need' but I can probably do without for a while. My Autumn/Spring pair has fallen apart last Spring and I have delayed replacing them making do with winter boots long into warm weather and then wearing trainers (which frankly look unprofessional).
I went to check out some models in town, and I think pinned down the one I am willing to budget into my next pay. Ankle boots with laces (with a side zip) in chocolate. Perfect colour to match my bag. So regardless of what I am wearing on the way to work (my heels are kept at the office) I should always appear put together on arrival.
As always seems to be the case a helpful shop assistant was on hand to chat. We discussed some of the models. She pointed out some quirky boots, new this season, that were in flowers ... I thought they looked kind of cool however knew that I would have nothing that went well with them (hmm fashion vs style anyone). I thanked her for her time and was about to depart ... when she noted the Summer stock sale they were having. I have not even noticed it!!! I was a girl on a mission that walked in to see if they had what I wanted rather than browse sales like I used to do back in the day. Out of politeness I walked around did not see anything I was even vaguely interested in and was about to depart when the shop assistant pointed out an extra 20% discount on top of the sale that they had just that day, and showed me some boots on sale in my size (black), noting the massive discount (although not that much cheaper than the pair I have my eye on). I may have tuned her out a little as they weren't the colour or model I wanted to have in my life and were completely different to what I was looking at earlier.
I am becoming a lot more intentional with what I buy. If I was not intending to buy the item in the first place no matter how big of the discount it was, it is not a saving.
As such my shoe collection is almost perfect and should last a few years. My black heels are a little worse for wear so may need replacing in the next year or so (I had them for about 4 - 5 years and being black they had significant wear), but I am willing to wait until a perfect replacement is found which could take months or even years.
Until soon
Lija
Reading and books ...
Dear all
I am an avid reader. I am ... in the present tense. However for a number of years I have lost this passion.
Marie Kondo addresses books second in her list of things to tackle and let go. Over the past year or so I said good bye to many books I purchased but did not find joy in reading, books that made me feel guilty for not reading them, and others that were gifted to me.
The more I let go the more I began to read again. A weird counter intuitive result. Kondo received a lot of criticism on this topic in the social media. However she does not make you get rid of anything ... it is up to you in what you decide to keep. I went through phases with my cleanse. The first two times I removed books I had no desire of reading in the first place or again, cook books that required a massive investment just to make one recipe. That removed a lot of information around me fighting for my attention. The next phase was harder. These were the guilt trapped books, the ones I kind of enjoyed reading but not sure I wanted to persevere. I left them for the time being to see if I can read them once and let go. Some were read and let go, others I wished good bye to since.
An interesting revelation came when I realised I do not enjoy the same kind of books I used to. Since a young age I have predominantly read fiction, from classics to detectives to chic-flics. It was a form of an escape. I find it next to impossible to read fiction now. Instead I prefer to read non-fiction self-development books now. Books that discuss decluttering, minimalism, personal finance, and purpose of life.
I host a monthly reading group, and we read whatever we like in this category of non-fiction. This was my selection for August ...
I finished reading three of the books and made progress on a fourth. I see books now more as an experience with a few treasures to keep along the way. Sustainability is pushing me towards audio books and I may even consider ebooks, however a few paperbacks and hardbacks are also needed in my life to give me joy. I have had some lazy mornings with a cup of tea and a book in bed.
I am looking forward to finalising my September selection.
Until soon,
Lija
I am an avid reader. I am ... in the present tense. However for a number of years I have lost this passion.
Marie Kondo addresses books second in her list of things to tackle and let go. Over the past year or so I said good bye to many books I purchased but did not find joy in reading, books that made me feel guilty for not reading them, and others that were gifted to me.
The more I let go the more I began to read again. A weird counter intuitive result. Kondo received a lot of criticism on this topic in the social media. However she does not make you get rid of anything ... it is up to you in what you decide to keep. I went through phases with my cleanse. The first two times I removed books I had no desire of reading in the first place or again, cook books that required a massive investment just to make one recipe. That removed a lot of information around me fighting for my attention. The next phase was harder. These were the guilt trapped books, the ones I kind of enjoyed reading but not sure I wanted to persevere. I left them for the time being to see if I can read them once and let go. Some were read and let go, others I wished good bye to since.
An interesting revelation came when I realised I do not enjoy the same kind of books I used to. Since a young age I have predominantly read fiction, from classics to detectives to chic-flics. It was a form of an escape. I find it next to impossible to read fiction now. Instead I prefer to read non-fiction self-development books now. Books that discuss decluttering, minimalism, personal finance, and purpose of life.
I host a monthly reading group, and we read whatever we like in this category of non-fiction. This was my selection for August ...
I finished reading three of the books and made progress on a fourth. I see books now more as an experience with a few treasures to keep along the way. Sustainability is pushing me towards audio books and I may even consider ebooks, however a few paperbacks and hardbacks are also needed in my life to give me joy. I have had some lazy mornings with a cup of tea and a book in bed.
I am looking forward to finalising my September selection.
Until soon,
Lija
The different types of minimalists ...
Dear all
I have recently came across an interesting list, it lists the types of minimalists (from the perspective of motivation).
Credit to Brooke Allen Harris aka Happy Simple Mom. Her post can be found here.
The list is:
I have recently came across an interesting list, it lists the types of minimalists (from the perspective of motivation).
Credit to Brooke Allen Harris aka Happy Simple Mom. Her post can be found here.
The list is:
- Frugal minimalists. Minimalists who don’t spend money, for whatever reason.
- Aesthetic minimalists. Minimalists who like an aesthetically pleasing home with very few items on display.
- Mindful minimalists. Minimalists who practice intention or essentialism in all aspects of their lives.
- Save the earth minimalists. Minimalists who practice zero waste or other sustainable practices.
- Traveling or experimental minimalists. Minimalists who live out of backpacks or value experiences over a more permanent home.
- Counting minimalists. The minimalists who count how many items they own and refuse to go over such number, either for their entire home or for a specific category.
- Normal minimalists. I put a lot of moms in this category. Moms who are fed up with cleaning and the stress of being stretched too thin! Getting rid of stuff and life clutter helps these minimalists feel lighter, but they are OK still having a “lived in” but clean home.
I think I will group my motivations to be 'Mindful' with a hint of 'Frugal' stemming from necessity. I do wish to eliminate waste by using less, however I am not as extreme as 'Save the earth' are likely to be.
Something that comes to mind - is there a difference between being intentional with money and being frugal? I think there is ... but it is a thin line. There are certain things that I want to keep as part of my life (e.g. face cream, eye liner) but I am not purchasing as I can live without them in this present moment (Dave Ramsey - Baby Step 2). I may allow the purchases from my next month's budget, or I may not. My face care and make up routine is intentional ... it fits into a small box. I am willing to spend money on the products in this box, even though there are alternatives for spending less.
Until soon,
Lija
Go shopping in your wardrobe ...
Dear reader
About half of clothes in this picture I do not yet fit into ... but I loved them so much I am unable to part. I am also slowly losing weight (aren't we all).
I'm sure it was Joshua Becker that said that whenever he wants something new he goes shopping in his wardrobe. Or perhaps it was someone else.
Whenever I went through a cycle of cleansing / decluttering ... MK'ing my wardrobe I would take it all out and go shopping for the items I wanted to buy for my wardrobe (free of charge).
In the last couple of months my mum has lost significant weight (a first time in my adult life I found we were the same size - distressing point in respect of my weight). So we went shopping in my wardrobe ... I have offered her all those dresses that I kept just because she loved them or she got them etc. I offered other clothes that I still liked but that just did not suit my body.
It was a double bonus ... I finally could say my wardrobe was minimised and mum, who intends on dropping another 10kg did not need to invest in a completely new wardrobe ... she of course bought new pieces but it meant she could afford to do so (not just splashing out on the basics).
How about having a party ... a shopping party with all your friends at yours where the discarded items are available to be purchased (for free) should they wish them ... whatever remains goes to a charity.
I mentioned that my clothes are quite minimalistic. It is getting to the stage of not having anything to wear (and not due to having many clothes).
My personal wardrobe ...
 |
Next up is my drawer ...
For most part home or sports wear ... and that black blouse I do not yet fit into.
And the wardrobe that I actually wear...
Before you judge me on having almost the same amount of clothes on my door as in my drawer and wardrobe ... I already mentioned I am not perfect. I have this weird thing installed into me since childhood ... once you take out clothes from you wardrobe and wear once you are unable to put them back until they go in the wash. I wonder whether anyone else has this peculiarity. Amongst others is you have 'home clothes' into which you change on return to home.
I do need to tackle some of my preconceptions. How aesthetically pleasing would it be if I had clothes in the wardrobe rather than on my door? Also surely with a minimal wardrobe ... you wear it. Clothes that is not worn at present can be packed away (or donated) instead. Choice wise you will only have two places to turn to for decision ... rather than three.
Until soon,
Lija
If you want to improve your life immediately, clean out a closet
Dear reader
A starting point of discussion for any wannabe minimalist must be clothes ... and not just because I am a woman. Albeit this used to be an out of control category ... But then again what category has not.
Statistics (I would not vouch for their accuracy) dictate that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. Given I used to waste 30 - 90 minutes each morning trying out numerous outfits just to select the one I wear the majority of the time, this 'fact' would not surprise me.
It is the first recommended category by Marie Kondo. It is the first as it is the easiest to tackle, with the least emotional attachment or so we are told. For those of you who are not familiar with Marie Kondo's work, she is an organising consultant from Japan who wrote a few books on the topic of discarding and then organising your home, she also has a tv show for those that prefer visual ways of taking in information and life examples. I do not want to deviate too much from the topic on hand so will summarise her approach in another post, but better yet I would recommend reading her book(s).
More to the point the following image was shared on becoming minimalist Facebook page:
A starting point of discussion for any wannabe minimalist must be clothes ... and not just because I am a woman. Albeit this used to be an out of control category ... But then again what category has not.
Statistics (I would not vouch for their accuracy) dictate that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. Given I used to waste 30 - 90 minutes each morning trying out numerous outfits just to select the one I wear the majority of the time, this 'fact' would not surprise me.
It is the first recommended category by Marie Kondo. It is the first as it is the easiest to tackle, with the least emotional attachment or so we are told. For those of you who are not familiar with Marie Kondo's work, she is an organising consultant from Japan who wrote a few books on the topic of discarding and then organising your home, she also has a tv show for those that prefer visual ways of taking in information and life examples. I do not want to deviate too much from the topic on hand so will summarise her approach in another post, but better yet I would recommend reading her book(s).
More to the point the following image was shared on becoming minimalist Facebook page:
I shared it when it came up on my feed and I am sharing it with you now.
Imagine if we were to get rid of 80% of our clothes that we barely ever wear ... surely we would be able to see the clothes we actually wear.
So the benefits I have discovered so far:
1. It saves time
I no longer waste 30 - 90 minutes in the morning trying out outfits I will only discard. Instead I start with something that takes my fancy and build from there. It took me a total of 5 minutes to put my outfit together this morning.
I know what I have and can easily assemble outfits. I do not need to worry about how I look ... as the clothes I kept flatter me. The idea of a capsule wardrobe takes this concept further. With a few select items that all go well together there is a possibility of mixing and matching without the need of additional thought.
2. It makes you look great
Okay this one is a little harder to achieve but is not completely impossible. If we shed all those outfits that do not flatter our body shape or colouring we are that much closer.
Ten years ago I got occasional questions of whether I was pregnant. Today I would be classed as average by many (maybe on the exception of BMI and my mother - both are convinced I am overweight). And I was 3 sizes smaller back then! The difference is either I am much better at picking the clothes I wear or the people I surround myself with are less rude.
Enter Kibbe. David Kibbe is not a natural choice for a minimalist wannabe, however using some of his thoughts on yin and yang balances in clothes I am that much better at picking flattering clothes to both my body and essence.
Enter Kibbe. David Kibbe is not a natural choice for a minimalist wannabe, however using some of his thoughts on yin and yang balances in clothes I am that much better at picking flattering clothes to both my body and essence.
3. It saves money
The physical act of decluttering is unlikely to get you a lot of extra cash, unless you have some designer gems you are willing to let go and sell. (Selling items also cuts in on the saved time). The change in the way you approach shopping is where the secret lies. I personally no longer need to go on massive shopping sprees that used to be a 'necessity' to my wellbeing. (The thought of spending money on something I may need to declutter at a later stage sends me into cold sweat).
Once you have a finite wardrobe you are able to better curate it, better match it, the amount of items can be reduced by careful selection. And by only replacing items once in a while there is a potential for investing in an item that is better quality and will last that much longer.
4. Less stress
I read somewhere that clutter correlates to levels of stress and tiredness. As such less clothes means less stress and more energy. I am still putting this to the test ... Hence the wannabe in me.
Are there any benefits that I have missed?
Until soon,
Lija
P.S. I may brave sharing photos of the progress I made in the clothes department next time,so stay tuned.
Imposter Syndrome
Dear reader
I assume this is an odd way to start a blog ... by admitting a certain failure from the start. I will be found out. So why not just be out with it.
I have decided to be a minimalist, and yet I am anything but. I keep telling myself it is a journey, and I do not have to be perfect. But then I see a picture perfect home or a neatly arranged room and compare it to my growing piles that surround me and drain my energy, I close my eyes in defeat.
Can this be done? Can a desire for simplicity, experiences above things, cure a recovering hoarder? Or will I continue talking to others about my newfound lifestyle afraid of being found out.
I am a Dave Ramsey follower, but I have my doubts. I am a Marie Kondo admirer but my belongings don not always spark joy. I am a 30+ minimalist wannabe.
Until soon,
Lija
P.S. come back for a discussion on clothes, a capsule wardrobe, Kibbe head to toe outfits, and more.
I assume this is an odd way to start a blog ... by admitting a certain failure from the start. I will be found out. So why not just be out with it.
I have decided to be a minimalist, and yet I am anything but. I keep telling myself it is a journey, and I do not have to be perfect. But then I see a picture perfect home or a neatly arranged room and compare it to my growing piles that surround me and drain my energy, I close my eyes in defeat.
Can this be done? Can a desire for simplicity, experiences above things, cure a recovering hoarder? Or will I continue talking to others about my newfound lifestyle afraid of being found out.
I am a Dave Ramsey follower, but I have my doubts. I am a Marie Kondo admirer but my belongings don not always spark joy. I am a 30+ minimalist wannabe.
Until soon,
Lija
P.S. come back for a discussion on clothes, a capsule wardrobe, Kibbe head to toe outfits, and more.
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