Organized simplicity, and other life-changing concepts.

   I'm really runnin' out of steam on this Blogtember thing, but that's to be expected, as it is drawing to its close.  I am so glad I did it, but I will be glad to see it end, too.

   The prompt for yesterday was to review a book, place, or product.  I think I'll do one of my favorite reads lately for this one.  If you haven't read the book, Organized Simplicity by Tsh, you need to.  And yes that's her first name and it's not a typo.  My hubs bought me this lovely little number for my birthday after noticing that each and EVERY time we went to a bookstore, I would bring it back to the table to leaf through.  Seriously, every single time.  It is just so good!  It's pretty obvious from the title what it's all about too....tips and advice on living a simpler, more organized life.  

Buy it on Amazon, here.

   I am on a simplicity kick lately.  As I go throughout my home and am constantly thinking, "What can I get rid of?  Do we need this?  Do I even like this?  Why does this deserve a place in our home?"  I want to get to the point someday where everything in my home, down to the soap dish and the welcome mat, will fit into at least ONE of these two categories.

A. Is it useful?
B. Is it beautiful?

   It's o.k. if it only truthfully answers yes to one of those, but if it answers no to both of those, than IT NEEDS TO GO.  I certainly have NOT "arrived" (anyone who has been to my home can attest to this), but that is my ultimate goal.  Designer Nate Berkus says "The things we surround ourselves with, tell the story of who we are. The best homes, are put together over time with items that have meaning to us." 

Another book I'm wanting, here on Amazon.

 



  I could not say a louder amen to that.  Don't go to a store and buy everything you need for your home in one fell swoop.  Let it take time.  The best homes EVOLVE.  And that way, instead of everything being fresh off a shelf at Target, (and just like everyone else's) the pieces, art, textiles and character of your home begin to have meaning for you.  They encapsulate memories and remind you of special events and your many blessings every time you look at or touch them. 

  "Before buying something, ask yourself, is this serving me in my home?  Is this telling the story of who I am?  Does this represent what matters to me?"  -Nate Berkus

   Also as far as a product review goes, I am just loving Pinterest lately.  It is just the perfect place to find inspiration, and then put your own spin on it and re-create it with your own pieces.  It is so much more inspirational to me than walking the aisles of a store to find something for my home.  I honestly cannot walk into a store (or flip through a catalog) and figure out everything I need!  I just gather pieces from here and there, over a long period of time, and then watch them all come together almost on their own.  That is the only way I know how to decorate. 

I was inspired by this image on Pinterest....

via Pinterest

 

And it inspired me to put together a few of my own things, to create this.....



 

     I found the mirror, storage bench, old crate, purple boots, woven basket, books and topiary ALL at Goodwill, or garage sales over the past year or so.   So don't fall into the trap that you have to have a lot of money or you need to walk into a Pottery Barn or Anthropology and sell your soul to have the décor you want!  It just takes some time and patience to collect, rather than acquire.

   Picture a home in your mind that is one of the most cozy, comfortable, refreshing and inspiring places you know of.  Did everything in that house come from a JC Penny's?  Or did things come from here and there, different times, different places, whether they were special vacations or childhood mementos or yard sale finds....each piece reflecting a unique aspect of its owner's personality.  That is what I aspire to reach in the décor of my home.  I'm not there yet, but I hope to one day be.
   I will leave you with one of the best tidbits I garnished from Organized Simplicity.   We always consider the price tag when purchasing an item for our home, but some of the things we give little or no thought to, is the other sacrifices we will have to make for it.  Sure, it only costs $20.  But you're not only spending money here.  It is going to take up square footage in your home, and what is extra square footage worth to you?  It is going to take more money to repair and maintain throughout the years.  It will take precious time and energy to clean, move, rearrange and decorate.  You will spend time, gas, and energy transporting it every time you move.  Once you calculate up ALL of the cost ask yourself....is it worth it?  More time on stuff = less time for your family, others, and yourself.  That's a pretty hefty cost. 

Blessings as you go throughout your day! If you get a chance to, check out Organized Simplicity. 

(And no, this was not a sponsored post.  I'm not that famous. Tsh Oxenreider doesn't know I exist.  She just wrote a really good book and I am blabbing about it, that is all.)