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4/21/16

maintaining intention and joy for your home.









Hello, friends! Spring has officially sprung and the air couldn't be any more crisp and refreshing if I do say so. The change in seasons has always been something I hold near and dear to my heart because each season brings new meaning. As the winter slumber slowly but surely disappeared, spring had sprung the beautiful new life of our green trees and grass, beautiful oranges, yellows and reds of our flowers and the sun's rays shine so bright it can be blinding. With spring time upon us, I am always reminded of the simplicity it brings. This season is about new life and new growth and ridding of any and all clutter that has accumulated through fall/winter and making way for less so we can enjoy more of the things that matter most, which of course is time spent with the ones who matter the most.


Since beginning my minimalism journey and truly trying to live more intentional for not only myself but for my family as well, it has been a life changing experience. We don't realize how much clutter we actually hold onto, in our homes, in our thoughts and even in our hearts. Having loads of "STUFF" may be great but ultimately it comes with nothing but stress. And not only physical stress because we have to worry about constantly cleaning and organizing, but mental and emotional stress. Holding onto extra baggage can take a toll on our energy and how we feel about our life and ourselves. Creating a clutter free home and creating habits to maintain it can have a hugely positive impact on your mood and those around you. Daniel and I have been striving this season to make simplicity and intention a theme for our home and our life. We find that life is less complicated and we can actually make time to do things we've been longing to do. This transition has actually been a blast for us because as we get older we are truly starting to understand that simplicity and doing the small things with big care can make all the world of difference.

In this post I wanted to share a few ways that you too can create a clutter free home and start living more joyfully with more intention..

 // Make your bed every morning. This is something I honestly never saw the point in because you just hop right back into at bedtime, but once I started making the habit, it truly set the tone for our entire day.

// Baskets. Get some. They will become your best friend. If I have learned anything about creating a more simple and hassle free environment, it is to make sure everything you own has a home. My cleaning routine used to consist of just throwing things in drawers and in the closets and then when it was time to find something, I never could. It's the out of sight out of mind mindset, and it's not a good one to have.  You need to know where you place your belongings.

// Donate. This is new for me. When I would clean and declutter, I would literally throw everything in the garbage. Don't do this, please. There are people out there who could use the stuff that no longer serves you so create a donate bin and take it to your nearest good will at least twice a month.

// Tidy up before bed. This is also a new one for us. After we get the boys bathed and in bed and before we decide to watch a movie or do anything we like to set our timer for 25 minutes and we make sure we clean up everything we can. Especially the dishes. My biggest pet peeve is having dirty dishes in the sink in the morning. It doesn't set a very good tone to the morning. You want your home to be a reflection of yourself. Plus, I love when my kiddos wake up to a sparkly clean home.


// Light a candle. Just because a beautifully smelling home brings in all the calm.

// Keep counters and tables clear. These spaces clutter fast with mail, keys, papers, etc. Which this goes back to make sure everything has a home. Like I said, baskets are amazing.

// When decorating remember that less is always more. You want your home to be cozy and comfortable but not confusing. Minimal decor is always the best way to go. It keeps a fresh and open  and welcoming environment.

// If you have multiple or if you own something you haven't used in over a month, get rid of it. It's a waste of space.

// For my impulsive shoppers (I'm still working on this) if you see something you think you NEED, ask yourself... "Do I absolutely love this?" And then ask yourself "Do I absolutely need this?" If the answer is no. Don't buy it. It saves time, space and moolah. Trust me.



Well, there you have it. I sure hope someone can find these tips helpful. I know I sure enjoyed sharing them with you. They have been game changers for me.

Also remember that you are strong, you are brave, you are capable, you are beautiful and you are a force to be reckoned with. PLEASE, please don't ever for that.


xo.

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