Small treat

Sometimes it's important to spoil yourself and I got this skin food for free. So this is my small treat for myself. The best thing is that it's nice for my skin. 

Treats don't have to be expensive or extra deluxe as long it makes you happy it's already a treat.

Replacing Stuff

I have a very nice pas holder which I kinda abuse. It's not really torn up but it looks worn out and I am not happy with how it looks. The cord is still in good condition so I decide to keep that with the key ring attached. It does pains me to see it go, the pas holder was a gift I got from a colleague at my oversee internship. It's classy and useful but I still needed to change it.

And the result is Elmo, I have this one laying in my souvenir box from Beijing. I think it cost 1 or two yuan. I wanted to use it so now it´s the time to get it out of the box. 

Replacing the holder has been bugging me for a while. I wasn´t happy while I use it, it´s bulky but still useful. To replace something that I use frequently is hard to let go but I also needed to boost up my happy space. 

Take a Picture first

Yesterday I started to get my mother room organized. The thing is, I didn't want to clean or organize stuff for her but lately she started coughing often. In her room there were four closet/drawers. I knew for a long time that her room is accumulating dust.

So I used the opportunity to "scold" her about her stuff and that it's so difficult to even vacuum the floor. Next to the bed there is a clothing closet which is basically a storage dump for her. She uses some cloth to cover her clothes for dust. I took al lot of stuff out and replaced her furniture for better excess and vacuuming.

I regret not taking a picture before starting cause the difference is huge and impressive. I used one day to just replace bedding in a different room. Got rid of one furniture and folded all her clothing neatly back in the closet. I found my old clothing which she secretly kept but today I donated it in the bin.

It's really a must the before picture and the after. It makes me realize that it wasn't all for nothing.
Remember take a picture first before starting a project.

Feeling Frustated

I have been thinking about getting rid of the television on my book case. It takes up so much space that I really can use. For example my printer could be put on top of it instead of sitting on my desk. But until I find a great place to put it on I can't move it.

It's a burden to me, I was really happy to get it in the first place. I am currently "babysitting" other peoples stuff. Another "free storage" is diapers in the attic. It's super expensive when bought at retail price. So whenever there is a great deal we make a stock pile of it.

Now the stuff I am throwing at a snail pace away. I do feel that I became less attached to stuff laying around. I don't want to donate anymore when stuff has been sitting around for too long. So today I choose to choose for myself and didn't separate plastic. I filled one bag easily in an hour. Paper always get recycled in my house, out of habit but the small plastic is not a habit yet!

Get that spot

I am challenging myself for these couple of days to move my so called office to the first floor. I love the attic, the desk and warmth but the temperature during the summer/fall/spring has been making me sick. Due to the drop and fall of temperature I have been feeling unwell. Downstairs is cool like an ice house but the attic is like an oven on fire.

My productivity has dropped too, so when I noticed it, the solution didn't fall from the sky. I though it's because of the crapped up feeling due to my printer on the desk but that wasn't it. After putting it away, I still didn't visit my neat desk. 

Is it the stuff around that made me less concentrated. Um, not really because last month or couple weeks ago, I made sure my desk environment was pleasant to me. I also decluttered a lot of things away. 

So I took my laptop, my source of inspiration and work to another place. The old desk of my sibling, it's cooler on the second floor and I am able to work. I honestly think, I can make my stuff shrink significantly and put a lot of data in a external hard-drive to clear away 50% of my shelving space. 

The goal is having at least one empty shelve just like my one empty drawer.

Once you pop

I am not really fan of the Pringles chips. Okay, I used to go crazy for those chips, just not anymore. For one crazy reason I still buy those impressive cans of chips when in sale.

After eating the chips the can becomes a piece of craft or reuseble item. I use one of those normal size can as a stand for my electric fly catcher and back massage thing. The only downside is that I still need to counter the weight by putting something heavy in it. It stands nicely but when in a hurry it tends to fall on it's sides because of the light weight.

Another thing of course are the smaller size 'travel' size cans. I use those to put my phone charger. Till now my mom hasn't asked me where the charger is. She knows I put it inside a can and just by looking inside she knows what in it. Those clear see plastic lids are just fantastic.

So Pringles may not be the best chips in the world but their cans are incredible. I can get those larger cans for €1,- with chips and after eating, I still have a nice can to make things or reuse. I mean which dollar shop sells those quality can for $1,- and give you something to eat, I really would want to know.

I just use some pretty paper and put it between the gaps around the can and taped it down with washi tape.

Relocate stuff

A few days ago I was planning to clean a cabinet in the living. I pulled the stuff out and I discoverd this heating curler. It's my mom's, she used to curl her short hair but these past 4 years it hasn't been used and has been sitting just in that spot. So I decided to take a picture of it and put it in her closet.

Things piled up easily if you don't check things regurlary. I love the curler, I used to play with it all the time. In a time that I didn't understand the beauty of my own natural straight hair. I was looking at it and knew that upstairs there are still of those things in a box but never used. I really have to take out a day or two to put all my stuff online to sell. It shouldn't take more than just a few hours if I am concentrated. 

I also made sure to get excess stuff out of the house. Relocate everything that I don't need in boxes or bags to donate or to throw. I have put a lot of stuff in the sell box but also in the donate box. I have been very carefull of my stuff and hope to get some money out of it. 

This relocating stuff also made clear that I still have a lot of places undiscoverd with things that shouldn't be in the house anymore. It's not only about relocating stuff but also about locating those hiding places for stuff to creep in.

Yikes

Oh my gosh, this month I have spent too much on stuff. The sale period started again. Today I even scored a yoga shirt for just two euro's. It's crazy if you know the retail price is 8 euro's. Now I am in a bind to get rid of other two items. 

Not only that but this month I received my early birthday gift. A  new mobile phone and I bought a present for my sister birthday. Did I mentioned going to the movies. Just to celebrate and to spend some quality time with her. 

Luckiley it's just a one time thing. I am happy to do something special for family when it's their birthday. My mom's birthday is this week too and I already orded a cake. Okay a apple tart which is a free coupon that I received from somewhere. I mean a gift or a gesture doesn't need to be very expensive as long there is some thought in it. 

I also bought winter gloves for 1,25 euro's. In the winter those things cost around 5 euro's and I know someone in the family will need it or lose it. Every year there is someone that forgets their gloves or can't find it. So this is an early investment for the winter and it could be a gift. 

Finally bought it!

For almost a year I have been looking for the right shoulder bag. As some may know, I fell in love with the BusyBeaver "Glasgow", only available in Japan. Even if it cost €150,- I would buy it because it's such a great design and craftsmanship. I don't know anyone who lives in Japan that could buy it and send it to the Netherlands so I settle for the next best thing.

The Healthy Back Bag, I just bought it last Saturday for €50,- in the color blue, size S. I have been hoping that something like the Glasgow is hitting the European market but it didn't. So now I am a proud owner of the shoulder/backpack. It's quite handy because it has a lot inside pocket.

It also means that I have put aside one bag in my sell box. I also threw somethings away. And because the sale period also started I got some things I had on my wishing list and just random things. The balance ball is a replacement for my gym ball, I got this on sale for €5,- including the pump. I also bought new sitting cushion for the living room for €1,50 and a new plaid made from 100% cotton.

With all that buys means that a double amount of stuff has to go. First an epilator and a facial massage that I never used. I also went through my closet and donated three pieces. I also went through some of my papers and threw a bunch away.

To be totally honest, I also bought a new cup, a cleaner device, eucalyptus oil, three cleaning clothes, a Vileda mop and bucket set (the rotating one). It means that a lot of stuff had to go or else I had to return the things I bought. Luckily, I found enough stuff to donate, recycle and to throw away.

Those sale period got me hyped up to buy things that I normally find to expensive but because of the rules I've set, I am conscious of what to buy and what not. While shopping, I had to think of what to get rid off.

Finding things to part

Last post was about my new buy and today I am reporting what is leaving. I haven't been just sitting in my lazy chair. I cleaned out the pantry a little bit, the cabinets. I have next to my plastic bottle tree also a lot of other means to bring drinks with me. Though these two bottles are going in the donation box.

Even without these two I still have similar items in the cabinets. Next thing that went away was this miserable piece of chocolate. I love chocolate but this is not dark choco and I find it to sweet. I never took the effort to make hot choco so it went straight into the bin. I don't like to waste but this isn't something to keep.


I also got rid of some containers. There are some used for years in the kitchen and I think a replacement is in place. So recycling these containers is a happy thing to do. This one session in the kitchen made me clear much more stuff because I already knew that two items has to be discarded. In the end I part with much more than just two items.

Instead

Begin this year I lost my gym ball due to a push pin on the ground. I have been looking around for months for a great deal. The irony that I found the balance cushion on sale with a pump included. It's something I now sit on and step on. It's great basically it massage and makes me move around in small movements. In a way I am always moving.

Even now when I sit behind my desk, I am stepping on the cushion and my whole body moves a little bit. It's something that is great for people who have to sit for long hours or aren't able to sit still. I just love it. And that I can use sitting and stepping on it is makes it a multi-functional product.

Now, I have to look for two items to donate or throw away. Perhaps, I'll report it in a future post.

Constant Reminder

Yesterday I posted a picture of our common dumping ground. Years ago I would have thought that a organized house should always be clean. The trip from a commoner to a minimalist made me realize that there is a difference between organized and clean. Our dumping ground is for example only for cleaning, washing and fixing things. It's really organized but disgusting in my own opinion.

Personally, I find that the spot is a constant reminder of what it shouldn't be and that it's okay to have a little bit of clutter. As long it doesn't take too much time to scrub things clean. If the whole house is organized, clean and decluttered except for that one spot, it's not that bad.

Having a little playground gives me air to breath. It's not just a reminder it also motivates me to clean other places up. After organizing the dumping ground I immediately threw the recycle plastic away. I also made sure that there was another hook mounted in the kitchen. Because of those ugly things I am capable to activate myself to actually do something.

It's strange but a little bit of disgusting organized spot is a constant reminder/motivation.

This makes me Sad

Disgusting, that's what this place is. I really dislike it and it pains me to see it like this but this is a common place for my mum to dump things. You can find all our liquid detergent here, three bottles, the fourth one is not ours but is resting here. Two WD40 spray bottle, I love it for my bike and windows. There are a lot of things double because I try to buy things on sale. It's one of the reason we have three bottles detergent.

There are 4 spray bottles, two Dasty, one Sun and one old Dasty bottle with a solution for all cleaning purposes. I never use the Sun bottle because our normal dish soap does the trick for almost everything. If not, let is soak overnight and the next day it's easy to clean. We use the Dasty for almost anything, from stains in clothing to oil residue. I try to fill up the smaller bottle but in the end I am still stuck with two of them.

Vanish and Robijn are also detergent but things I don't use. I force myself to separate dark clothing for the two bottles of Robijn. I just don't like to waste and it just washes fine. Of course the Ariel is easier to use cause I don't need to look at the color or anything. The pink cup hasn't been used frequently because there isn't really stains on our clothing and the Dasty is just so much easier for clothing, just spray it on.

Cif is a bottle used by my mom for cleaning the oven and cooking area. I have a washing machine cleaning solution and a bottle of Crofty if the drain is stuck but usually I don't use these things. I just use the washing detergent, Dasty and all purpose solution.

I don't buy any cleaning supplies as you can see because I am quite fond of the things I have and use. I try to limit ourselves because it's just not useful. I dislike to waste things especially if I know it works but it isn't needed. I mean Vanish is an overpriced item but it was free, just like the black clothing detergent. The situation of having more than I need is such a burden.

Plastic Water Bottle Tree

For those who have been reading this blog knows that I take my own water with me if I go out. It results in this bucket with chopsticks holding the bottles up. The thing is, it works well, really well. I only keep a fraction of bottle now, instead of having a lot of in a plastic bags. There is one thing though, it takes so much space and it's unpleasant to look at. 

It has been bothering how it looks and how small things get into the bucket. Plastic is a real pain in the *ss when I have to clean in the kitchen. Cooking grease in the air loves to stick on plastic and it's really difficult to clean it. So it was time to think of something else, the idea has plagued my mind for a while and now it's time for some action.

The solution is simple, glass bottles. My nephews comes around almost every week and leave their diapers and food at the house. So why not use their food bottles to solve my problem. Glass is heavier than plastic and can counter the weight of the bottles. I cleaned the bucket and threw it in recycling. It's just one of those things that if I don't throw, my family wants to keep it.

As you can see just, a minimal of six bottles are put on this bottle tree. It can fit more. Most of it are just 0,33 liter and fits easily in my pocket. One huge bottle of 0,5 liter is for family trips or whatever. We rarely use these huge bottles because it's heavy if you fill it and a small bottle per person works.


I think the end result is stunning and a huge improvement compared to the bucket. The caps of the bottles are in a small plastic container just next to it. I make sure that they always match. I don't use these bottles endlessly, from time to time I buy new bottles and switch them out.

It makes me happy to look at it and it's a job well done!

Scattered

One of my drawer is meant for all my electronic equipment, except stuff that I use frequently with my laptop. So a few days ago I even said goodbye to my beloved Sansa-player. It has plaged me for ages that my beloved player didn't work as it used to. So I decide that if it didn't do the trick anymore it has to go, even if I love it so much. I just reset everything and dump it in the donation pile.

Next thing that I added is my PSP-player first generation. It is my first and only handheld I bought during the holiday. It also holds a very nice memory from that time. The red white plastic is a box made from used shampoo bottles. I put the cords from the PSP in it and next to it are all the games I have.

I expect that this drawer will fill itself eventually. While cleaning up and finding other electronic devices, it has to go in the drawer. Of course, beforehand I have to decide if it still up to my current standards and if I would use it. Though it's scattered for now, in the future I will have every useful electronic devices in one place.

Questioning myself

After questioning myself with what I want to do behind my desk and what kind of situation would be personally fitting, the picture shows the end state of my desk. I asked myself if I was content with the situation before, my answer was negative. Then what would be the ideal situation for you. I don't want to loose something again and have to put time in it to find it. I want my desk to be clear of distraction so I can work for long periods. It has to be easy to clean, as I dislike spending my time for cleaning. Conclusion is that I have to many stuff: stationary, papers, letters etc. I have to downsize if I want to achieve my ideal situation. A little bit clutters makes it look human and not a showroom in a furniture store. So what kind of clutter may rest on my desk. Easy, everything that fits between my wall and blue elephant. It's mostly scratch paper for writing small pieces and notes for others. 

Next thing is that my laptop rest on top of the drawers. Do you see the black sticking out, that's my laptop. I always unplug it from it power source and put the mouse mat on top. My mouse goes in the top drawer. What I love about the current situation is that the middle drawer is empty. I threw something away and store stuff in an other bin and it's empty. I really love the fact that it looks so nice. These past days whenever I visit the desk I have a very good feeling. Things around you should give that effect instead of making you avoid the place. 

But how do I maintain this situation. I had this before but then the whole desk was empty. I think that totally emptiness is a problem of mine. I was to hard on myself and it didn't work. Just a little bit clutter isn't a huge problem. I know that it's impossible to store everything whenever I sit behind my desk. This situation is much more realistic, making room for small errors makes it possible to maintain the current situation. 

By asking myself how I see it and how I prefer it makes clear what my demands are. It's also a guidance towards how to organize stuff. Questioning myself has showed how I want things to be and be resolute with decision making. 

The idea moment

I have a tablet to write things on, it's just a great thing but I don't use it frequently. So what happend is that it's just sitting in my drawer. I bought the tablet to write characters on the pc but I have learned an easier way to do that. So I only use it for editing pictures or photo's but it lays so ungracefully in the drawer that it pains my eyes.

I tried to use small bags but it looks so ugly that I almost gave up on doing something against it. Until I took a break to put some stuff in their respectfully home and saw my e-reader and it's protection sleeve. The sleeve was supposedly bought for my tablet as in touch screen but considering I don't take it outside I used it for my Kindle. Unfortunately, the size differ and I don't take it with me a lot of times.

The sleeve is made from a stretchy material so my writing tablet fits nicely in it. Those moments of clarity only comes to my mind if I am not focused on it. There is a saying about players on the field don't see the game as clear as those off the field. It's so true, in my case.

Small instructions

I find being green very important and one of the ways, is lessen my paper usage. So whenever I can, I try to print on both side of a page. My current and older printer don't support that function, so I always has to put an x with my pencil just to see how it prints. 

Last year we got a new printer for the family. I figured out that it prints on the upside of the paper. So I stuck a post-it on my board to remember myself if I print or copy something. What happened is that my cork board fell from the wall. I had to pick everything up and saw that it wasn't a smart idea to put such vital information only on display for myself.  

Instead everyone who uses it should know. So I found in my clutter some unused labels and copied the content from the post-it and stick it on the machine. Most of the time when it's not used the flap for the paper is closed and you wouldn't see the small note/reminder. I also folded one corner under the label itself. So if I recycle or decide to sell it, I don't need to scratch it off. Just pulling it up with the help of tweezers or a ruler should do the trick. 

These small instructions may seem useless to a frequent user but for someone who doesn't know these things or not use it that often, it's difficult to remember. It's just like asking directions when your lost. 

Missing it

Few months ago my clothes hanger in my room broke and I tried to glue it back but in vain. Basically I haven't bought anything to replace it. I just used the hooks but these past months I had relearned the bad habits of trowing my clothes on my bed and the radiator.

It took a bit to see how I got back into a situation I loathed. I realized that I do need to do something about it. The clothes hanger made sure that I always put my pants and clothes back on it. Without it, I just trow the clothing around.

Fortunately, I still have one clothes hanger in the attic that I bought for my siblings. Just getting it down to my treasure room will hopefully change the look in my room. Hanging my PJ on it instead of tucking it under my covers is so much nicer.

Unlucky

Last week I bought a smartphone that was awesome in my eyes. I had waited for two weeks to a price drop, a price that I find reasonable. The criteria for my next phone would be:
- dual sim
- 4G LTE
- 'long' battery life
- no Android

First of all, the phone should be dual sim. I use a prepaid sim card and that works. I don't need to pay monthly for a subscription that I don't use. The downside is that with it, I don't use internet on my phone because of the costs. Also I use a Lyca sim to call aboard, contact family and friends, that's the reason that I want to have a dual sim function.

Technology is constantly changing and with it the support of different frequencies by telecom companies. Currently 3G is the most common way to support internet on mobiles but in the near future I suspect that 4G will be rolled out in more places and eventually will replace 3G. For a person that is nice towards her devices and expect to use it at least 3-4 years it has to have 4G LTE.

Also the fact that I run out of battery is something I dislike. Nowadays every university has made a better battery but it takes time before those inventions/methods will be used in consumers products. So I expect a huge battery in my phone.

No offence Android, I love your PlayStore and the possibility to personalize it but consider that a lot of devices don't get an update every time they roll out a new version of the software, I decided to choose something else. My Galaxy SI900 for example didn't get an official update after it has been released for two years. I am fortunate that a group of people were so kind to share their software and allow the device work for another three years.

So in the end I bought a Lumia 640XL DS LTE at least that was in the specification. In the end it turned out it was just a Lumia 640XL DS 3G. I was so disappointing and pissed. I had done my homework before buying and even called to confirm if the product supported 4G LTE. So within a week I returned it.

I really felt unlucky, I did everything to assure to get what I want but it wasn't enough. Now I have to look for a new phone again.

Goal in Sight

I am getting closer to the lifestyle that I desire. Today after diner, I got all my stuff from downstairs back up. All my own personal belongings, things that aren't from others, just mine own. I just used one bag to get it all in the attic. It's not a hassle at all, compared to the past there was so much bags that I need to use to get it back up.

It's a measurement of how much I changed in the past few years. It wasn't long ago that I had to walk multiple times up and down just to get everything organized. Today, I had that 'ah moment', all the work in the past few years helped me get so organized around the house and rest.

With that knowledge in mind, I am planning to get rid of more things. There are still a lot of things around the house that needs to be done but I want to choose for myself. I want to again decrease my belongings. With the stuff already in the attic, it should be an easy task to let another portion go.

The situation that I am in encourage me to face the stuff and tackle it. Just like any other day. When the goal is in sight I only need to pick up a little courage and sprint.

What happend

It's been awhile, almost two months. I had totally no inspiration or no internet or the right attitude these last past months. I did made pictures for a new storage item and how to make other things but never got the mood to post it.

At the beginning of May, I visited Lille in France. It was awesome and I enjoyed the bath in the hotel which I don't have at home. I got to see new things and taste french cuisine. My French is terrible and that makes communicating with locals very difficult considering that a lot of French don't like to speak English.

I also made some day trips to Belgium and that was fun too. I wanted to visit a shop that is known for it pot roast and chicken but the shop was being taunted by doves. They didn't clean up the table out the front and the doves went to dig in. My mom saw that and was traumatized by it and that's why we didn't eat there.

And the most fun part was in the middle of May when I lost my internet connection. It was terrible, not because I can't live without but my family couldn't, I got those complaints every day. That's why I went to my sister place to download every drama which they normally watch for a whole week.

But back to the present, this morning I cleaned up a cabin in the kitchen that I rarely touch but it looks awesome. I regret not making a picture of it for comparison. I made all those bag stand up and got rid of things that expired. Just one package of making dutch soup, which I wouldn't eat.

I made sure it looks neat and there would be storage space left. I didn't stack everything up and was thinking ahead, there will be sales product in the near future which I would want to stack up. I think tomorrow will be another cleaning day but it really depends.

I am very happy when I just read my last post and saw that it was about donating and I just have a huge pile of donation ready to go. It means that in a short span of two months I am capable of getting rid of extra stuff.

Realisation

I am planning to relax next week because I haven't gotten the time to do that in a while. I have chosen some movies that I might wanna watch. I also need to get the stuff out of the house. The glass bottles are starting to pile up and I want that gone before I relax. The fact that I know it's there will bother me. The thing about being consious about things has always made me restless. 

The fact that I started my path on minimalism I had less headaches. I know it was something bothering me but I couldn't put a finger on it. Like starting to organize and all was the beginning of it. Tomorrow is the day that a huge pile of stuff is leaving the house because this week I have done so much that the donation pile takes too much space. 

Like in the night when I got the energy to lessen one box in the attic and recycled paper. And after writing about my dumping pile I even took the time to stick everything in an old travel bag. It looks really clean and organized. I realize that minimalism has given myself a purpose in life. Someting untangble but still important; clearance. 

Because I have less things around my mind becomes clearer, things and thoughts become more understandable. I always had a nack for empathy and after starting with minimalism it has become stronger. Perhaps writing more has also helped. 

Dumping places

Throughout the house I have spots where I gather trash. I use the plastic shopping bags for small sharp things or napkins used during the day. But for stuff I have dumping places where I just dump it until it got cluttered. I have those to trow huge things away in one time. For example I sit behind my desk and I find that holder not useful and there it goes in that one spot with more recycle items.

I do it so it doesn't take space in my living area. As a green person, I find recycling stuff very important that's why I don't just trow it in the trash bin. Giving stuff a second life is good for my karma and another person who use it means using less of the natural resources are all reasons to donate/recycle.

There is one spot in the attic just where there are books and stuff together ready to be donated. Last year I moved almost all my stuff into the attic and now I regularly go trough my stuff and lessen my belongings. I already set up a goal to reduce my bags last month and it works. I think that I will even lessen one box in the attic by going through things again. 

By doing that, I have less and less excuses not to trow away. I haven't used the spark of joy method for a lot of my stuff. Who knows it will works on my most beloved stuff. The other spot is in the kitchen where a lot of things goes for donation. Very easy but it looks very messy in no time. I don't know why but we easily donate things when it doesn't have a place where we store it. And if things are in the common spaces too long it becomes clutter and it easy to donate that. 

These dumping places look very huge but aren't spaces with activities that it bothers the family. I don't recommend anyone who lives small to do this, especially if you're the kind that goes through it and pick things from it to keep or indecisive persons. 

Tidy up session

Today, I wanted to do just a little bit of spark of joy. Honestly, when it came to my hair accessories I was a bit nervous. This year I purchased two new -bundle of stay in hair elastic. As you can see my bedpost looks like this normally. I stack my elastics, bracelets and even my watch sometimes. Currently there are just 11 things on it, which is not much by my normal standards.

But after getting rid of elastic not for hair and my worn out headband it looks like this. Less stuff but still a bit strange. Of course I put my two bracelets on immediatly. I wear those white and blue almost daily and it fits with almost all my clothing.

My bedroom doesn't really need a spark of joy session cause it's all the bare minimum what I daily use. But sometimes things like trinkets tends to clutter up. One of the reason why I haven't thrown my headband is because I didn't have a replacement but now I have two.

The thing that did need to get out of the room is this small heater. The spring isn't that cold anymore and I don't need the fan option so, I store it up back in the attic. It's ready to use after the summer. I love the fact that it use less electric than my central heating.

I did all this within ten minutes. After making my bed I pulled the plug and set it out my room and started with tackling the bedpost. Such session doesn't need to take a lot of time but makes a huge different when done daily.

Destination

Functional stuff like earphones with bad quality and bad comfort just went out the house. Yes, the new method helped me in getting rid of those things that are difficult to part. I use the thing once more and find them just not fitting. It really doesn't bring me happiness like my Senheiser earphones. So what else went away?

Well not everything went, there was also a tip for storing bags. Putting bags in bags to make sure the form doesn't change. I was kind of septic about it but in the end it turnout well. I even said goodbye to my old red shoulder bag. I also want to sell a lot of my old bags for a small price. They are just laying around and doing nothing.

The few things I can't part with are my books. Last week I already set aside a few titles to be donated. So even in my box of sell items there are beautiful items that I once got as a gift and want to sell. So I should be more active on my selling page. The next few days will be spend for selling stuff online.

It's nice to decide to part with it having a clear destination for stuff.

New Methods

In January I came across an online seminar from Kondo Marie, the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. At that moment I didn't had much time so yesterday I decided to read the book. I read trough in one day. There where some pretty nice things I could relate to my own situation. I find it nice to see, I am not the only one coping with tidying up and all.

Now that I have read her book it becomes clear that there can be an end, which is almost the same as my bedroom. The choices are yours to make and that hits the spot. It has to be your decision and yours only. It's your own home and you should decide how you want it to be. You have to be conscious that your decisions have impact on your own home and living situation.

The rule of everything having a home is something that I adore and use too. There are a lot of similarities but also differences from my own method. Finding sparks of joy in things is something I want to try just because I am open to anything that can help in freeing myself from stuff.

Even though I love the way it is in my house and my methods keeps buying's  from becoming clutter. I want to part with the emotional stuff like trinkets and all which are still in my possession. If it helps or not it doesn't really matter. I just want to try.

Enjoy & Work

Yeah, today I got my sticker residue of my soap dispenser. This one is special because the pomp makes foam. So I tried to make the sticker get off with just my hairdryer. It's a shame but with some help of the internet and thinking, I grabbed my nail polish remover. So after that I got a nice clean soap dispenser.

Now today, I didn't had any plans to make or do something special but considering the good weather. It's too good to be sitting inside. So what I am going to do is spend my afternoon in the garden, sketching my interior and working on points of improvement.

I have so many stuff that can be made and I am thrilled to finish a project. I just started an online course. I have learned a lot these past few days and I want to bring that into action. I can only truely learn when doing the learned.

So time to pack up and enjoy the afternoon sun.

Small shift in plans

I have been shifting my focus from minimalism into purchasing new furniture. The reason for it is simple; by spending less on product I have a bigger budget to buy something nice. I was moving stuff around the house and little by little it got less cluttered and I saved spaces.

Two weeks ago, I finally ditched all my reusable and recyclable stuff to the thrift/recycle shop. I had an old huge desk monitor laying around and don't forget my printer. And the one thing I forgot to recycle is our VHS player. So with the printer out of the way I wanted to clear away the green shoe box.

I placed it into the kitchen and put some shoe in it. We have a habit to take our shoes off right in the kitchen so it's an excellent idea to use put the object there. I had those really cheap clothing closet for dormitory that I don't use anymore. I got it out of the storage and put 4 wheels on it and used it for lightweight storage underneath the computer table. It looks really nice and it's very easy to clean that spot.

The process to a minimalism lifestyle still continues in my everyday life but because of the decluttering, less stuff and more space, I get the change to improve the layout of the house. It's nice and remarkable what I have achieved these past two years.

Like yesterday while switching my winter clothing I had freed myself from two undergarment that I don't use anymore. Today while ironing I also donated an old pants where some threads are coming loose. There aren't mayor things happening in my life but I think that's alright cause sometimes no news is good news.

Watching Inspiring Video's

These last few days I have been watching conventions online. How to make make my life better and be happier. I watched seminars and short films to gain some ideas on how to attack my own problems. Like a new method of organizing right now and how to judge what I want and need. So sitting behind my pc and watching did gave me some inspiration. 

The attacking once method is something I already did before but it doesn't really work. I want the floor free of stuff. That is one of the criteria I find most important. I really like the floor clean. Even if things are getting out of control on my desk or bed at least I can still see the floor. 

Because of that one rule I don't find it really messy anymore, it doesn't mean I don't have to work on it. So it is nice to waste some time on the web for a clear purpose.

In between

It's not really sunny outside so I opted to use my light bulb. Last month I was busy with lessons that I cut corners in my routine. Not updating and cleaning up just slipped my mind. Well, actually not but I didn't feel like it. Of course I found out other new ways to be be a little bit productive but it wasn't so spectacular that I had to share immediately or even remember it now. 

Today I bought a small cover and a measurement booklet. The booklet is a gift for my nephews and the cover was just something I wanted and was reasonable priced. At home when I tried to put my tablet in it, it looks nice but I thought I don't have a special occasion to use it and I have to find two things to give away. I think I am going to return it, the receipt is well kept so that isn't going to be a problem. 

While I knew my lessons would screw up my schedule, it was nice to let things go for awhile. Cause last month was like I am in between  different worlds. It was exhausting but also fulfilling. I am grateful everything worked out eventually.

So my lessons are finished and now I only want to kick back, relax and watch a movie. I think I deserve that.

Too Bad 2 Bags

Last year I got two beautiful free bags. I love both of them.They are nice and the quality for these freebies are quite good. That's why I had an internal struggle which one to use in and around the house.

Maybe you find it strange using bags in your own home. But this is basically crucial in my life. I work wherever I go. Sometimes I sit in the living room on the sofa and sometimes behind my desk. It's essential to create the right vibe to create or find new ideas.

And there are times that I haven't put the stuff in their respectively 'home' but whenever I trow it in, I will not forget to do that. So here are the pro's and con's:

The Kellogg's  beach bag
+easy to take outside
+fits a lot
-attracts dust and hair
+easy to grab things out

The Eva shopper
+always standing
+sturdy plastic
+easy to clean
-it's huge, even with little stuff

All in all, I was already using the Eva to try it out but after moving everything in the beach bag it looks really alright until I took my black map out and everything went awry.

So, I think I stick with the standing shopper because it's easy to clean and it won't disfigure while standing on the floor.

Sometimes it's just not worth it

In an other post I already explained how I use my skincare products. How I try to squeeze every little bit out of it. Even cutting open a tube or something, I thought I would never trow away a half full bottle cause one exception will lead to another. In the end it means the rule I set up to declutter will be undone.

However, last week I was sitting on the sofa and saw a new cup with things in it. Yes, my needles, a pass, pen and my hand cream. This particularly hand cream is a from a decent brand but I don't really like the texture and the feeling on my skin. I bought it when it was on sale (one for free), of course a travel size because I need to try it out first. I already used up the first one in two years the other was in my black box sitting and waiting. I used it even if it's not fantastic but for one reason it landed in the cup.

I was looking at it and thought, I am not going to use it. It's not a fantastic product and around the house there are bottles or tubes with better cream in it. This is not needed in my life and has no donation value so it went straight in the bin. I think as a minimalist I need to find the right product that matches my needs.

Things that are just sitting there aren't needed. That's why sometimes it's not worth hanging onto it. Being a minimalist doesn't mean I have to be frugal but I do have to think about the joy and needs that a products fulfill. Something I dislike won't be used and only takes up space. In the long term it would mean a whole room of small useless stuff.

The crucial moment is when your ready to pay for it. Think about your needs and if it fulfills a useful purpose. In those moment when you know it's just not worth it, you know what to do.

Just a little bit courage

I'm getting there, the ultimate dream of mine, a real minimalistic lifestyle. Though I haven't done anything special lately. There are a lot of things happening in my life right now and taking the time, sitting down and jotting things down hasn't been my primarily goal. Healthy issues, family and study were all part of it.

It has calmed down a bit, the flu season isn't passing by and I just recovered from it thus making me kinda vulnerable to get hooked again with the virus. Spring Festival is nearing it's end and with that I got some decorations up. Remember that I don't do decorations at Christmas or any other festivity. All thanks to my nephew I put some paper decoration.

I needed a different strategy in getting rid of stuff. Yesterday, after shopping for three hours I didn't buy anything non-edible. So there aren't really things that are getting in the house, at least not things I have bought. The habit of trowing a half full plastic bag is a no-no but not anymore. The faster I say goodbye to the things in it the faster I forget it and won't feel the pain.

Why am I telling you this, because in the near future, before March I am going to say goodbye to my stuffed dolls. Yes, the hell that any girl or woman has to do in her life. Saying farewell to my friends, companions known and treasured for years. It's time, I have mentally prepared myself for this horrible task but the time has come. I have to at least reduce it by 50%. I need a lot of time and courage.

I am afraid that after looking at those cute dolls I can't let go. The dolls aren't expensive but the emotional value is huge. There are crying dolls, cuddle dolls and conversational dolls. All of them have a special meaning and helped me through times when I was bullied. The time to say goodbye to my stuffed dolls will be needed.

Thinking

My god, it has been ages that I have written something. The last few weeks I have been busy with learning and I got sick for awhile. Not really things I want to share or find interesting. I have more things to think about in the past month.

Like what do I really want to do and what does the blog add up in my life. Does the things I do add anything special in my life. Those kind of questions has been playing around in my head. It took some thinking and doubting yet I am still not totally clear on what I want.

What I am sure about is that minimalism is still going to be a part of my life. I will continue the journey towards: less consuming, more thinking and better investments. The best thing with it means more awareness towards a greener life and a healthier lifestyle.

Of course all those world news in January hasn't gone past my attention either but sometimes it's good to stand still, think about it and live life.

Being Different

There aren't a lot of things I dislike, at least that's what I like to think. There are things I don't see the benefit to do but still do. Like our floor is vinyl why do I need to vacuum if I dust it of and wipe the floor. I just don't like to do things that aren't needed.

I like to eliminate steps in things I do. It does takes some time and rethinking my processes. Like why is the table always full of stuff. My room looks splendid and free of clutter. I love to spend time there but I also love people around me but the clutter others leave behind are things I can't cope with yet. I haven't learned to ignore stuff of others.

It's also reflects in my  behavior towards others like I would request others to be quiet in the quite part of a wagon. Or if you litter I would not only look like aren't you going to pick it up and tell you if you plan to walk away. Yes, I do stick my nose into things I shouldn't.

Sometimes it's better to back-off and get a different point of view of a situation before I judge or give my opinion about it. Minimalism has a great impact in my everyday life. Like letting go of a lot of feelings I had before. Like being angry at something small could drive me crazy before. Now I can turn my back around and ignore it.

I used to dislike going to my desk because it's always cluttered. The clean and empty surface makes it so inviting to sit behind it and learn different things. There was always something on my shoulder when I sat behind my desk. Like there is something else calling me. It's great that nowadays that has changed. My desk only has a cup with pencil on it, the rest is in drawers and not in eyesight.

Small changes around the house can make a person different and I am not talking about decorations. Learning to embrace some emptiness is different but can also benefit a minimalist.

My Thinking Process

My beloved cotton swabs container is almost empty and I realized that I could update the holder. I am planning to use the red translucent bottle instead. The reason is simple, it takes less space and cotton swabs aren't frequently used in my home. So why waste space on it. I could use the green container for other things. I could have switch before but there was no other container until my mom finished this bottle. I found it between the recycle plastic place and I thought it would be great to use.

So sometimes no matter how small or stupid it is, it can be useful. I try to use my imagination for other improvement around the house. Like a hammock instead of a bed, would that be good and with my weight would it be alright. I did stick with the original bed without a mattress but still the creative process in my head was so funny. Trash doesn't always have to be trash but don't keep a pile for "just in case". 

If you don't need something immediately or you can't find a new function for it, it has to go. I mean, I am a minimalist, I need to set an example on how not to get a home full of trash pile or freebies. Think before you keep it. Like when are you going to give it a new 'home' and will the vision in your mind be practical and doable. 

Those were all thing I thought about when I decided to keep the bottle. Strip it away from that etiquette with my hair dryer, clean the edges, rinse the bottle and let it dry before using it as my cotton swab container. 

Time for everything

Sometimes it looks like I don't have enough time to do my daily task when something urgent comes up. For instance today my to-do list is long compared to other days but still I am blogging. But I should really trim my nails first if I really want to type fast. Like it's one of the main reason I never color them or went to do a pedicure. 

So after clipping my nails, I am typing faster than before. At least that's what I think. The first thing I do in the morning when I open my pc it's checking my mail, privilege cards and my favorites shows. I could download everything in minutes with a program but I don't cause I dislike having another program installed. 

I think time never goes slower or faster, it's something that is there and will always be. Sometimes I don't even open my pc. I love being free from the internet sometimes. Now I am going to take my time and enjoy this rainy day behind my desk studying. 

To be prepared

Last Friday, the second of January, I spent the whole day shopping with my siblings and nephew. I am quite proud of myself. I just bought things on sale and things I had on my wishing list. One coat for 10 euro and house socks for one euro. But gifts for others include a body warmer for 6 euro and a 1 euro towel. It was a very nice trip. Food included a veggie burger and a cup of coffee and for tea time, a hot-dog and a cup of tea.

So intotal I have to find 4 items to discard. Last week I already bought a new scarf which I haven't used or washed yet. But the coat and house socks are used immediately. Today, I cycled my way towards the supermarket to buy groceries. It was superb, the coat kept me really warm while my fingers were feeling the cold. The socks are only used upstairs to get myself out of bed. 

Today, I immediately used my time to get everything out of my bag and wallet. All the receipts and gift cards and privileges cards are in the right place and for the next shopping spree everything is in hand-reach easy and light, no excess stuff to drag with me. 

Basically that's what I do every time after going out. Getting stuff out of my bag for my next hunt on buys. It's all about how to shop light weighted and comfortable.

Disliking Mainstreamers?

Do I have something against people with a lot of stuff?
Absolutely not because if things makes them happy why shouldn't they keep it. The question I would ask is: Are you happy with everything materialistic you have and how do you keep up with.

I think in life there are more ways than one. Generally, we all know what is good and what is wrong. The rest is finding the thin line in between or what I call the gray zone. It's terrible that somethings are wrong in the most stupid ways but people can still get away with it.

Having a consious mind and being honest to oneself is the most important. I learned this lesson way too late in life. I think I would be so much happier if I knew this before. I remember an article of people nearing their dead and what they wished they had done better in life. All of those things weren't materialistic but more human. Spending more time with friends and family. Fullfilling promises made and apologize to others. In the end they realized they prioritize things that weren't that important like work,pride and money. Later on they understand that it was their choice and that they could do all that they wished.

I am happy that I could read this article and learn from it. I wished that so much more people can understand that a lot of things in daily life are choices made and that we all can influance this decision making unit by voicing our opinions and giving other solutions to a problem.

So I would never hate or dislike how other live their life because it's their choice but it doesn't mean I can't make some friendly suggestions for an easier lifestyle.

Happy 2015!

I wanted to start this topic with happy new year but I just remembered if I do that every year it looks so unthoughtful. Honestly, I don't really think that a new year means anything different but it just means we survived another 12 months. The only positive thing is the new year resolution that we all set. Okay, this year I haven't thought about it. I mean whole year round I am basically focussing on minimalism and getting myself doing chores. .

This year I want to enjoy a holiday aboard, buy less stuff and live greener than in 2014. Luckily, I already found some improvements in our home that can be easily and cheaply upgraded. And with the new year sale going on, I already know what I am going to buy. LED light bulbs, yes my mom is convinced because a tv programm showed that saving lamps aren't as efficient as LED and ask me about the light bulbs in the house.

Few months ago I had bought led bulbs and she found it so expensive and useless but after watching the programm she is convinced and orded to replace all the savings bulb. Can you believe how I felt. Like, serious I already told you that but do you listen. But okay that's one of the things I am going to do to live greener. I also spot them for half price in a shop, so I am going to buy it very soon.

I am going to make a list of the things I really want. Currently, I am still looking for a great bag to use for everyday but for now I am cursed with, not living in Asia and having less choices. Yes, going out and having a list that shows what I can buy. All these things will help me in buying only the necesitties.

But I am very happy that there are still people visiting my blog and know how minimalism made me struggle in everyday life and can still gives fullfilment to this minimalist.

Ending with a positive note

It's nice to close the year with some tips & tricks that can be a benefit to anyone. The last ten days I was working hard towards a nice ending of the year. Okay, I started planning in November with my siblings. A lot of planning contains food and beverages. I rarely drink alcohol which means whenever I am outdoors I won't drink. I do occasionally drink wine only at home or at other peoples places where I can crash.

So for Christmas we planned to drink mojito but eventually, we drunk the bottle Baileys that I bought. Yup, each one of us bought a bottle of alcohol just for the holidays. So the last week of the year is when we consume the most alcohol in the whole year.

Besides that the last few days, the sales was starting early which means I had to get rid of things when I bought something new. I got this blue scarf in sale for 1,25 a color that I don't own yet. But it did mean something similar or in the clothing department has to go. I decided on my green scarf because it's starting to itch, the textile is something that ain't that smooth and a pair of old socks where the elasticity is gone. I think, I am going to use the socks to dust of my shelves.

Next thing is my day cream an empty bottle cut open just so I can use it for another day. You'd be surprised to know how much it still contains.

But the nicest thing is getting myself caught doing something wrong. Usually when supermarket have promotions where you have to collect stamps or stickers. I always start on top with one but I found out I have been doing it wrong. I should have started at the bottom numbered with 40. Then I don't have to count how many I still have to collect because it just visible.

Isn't it funny how happy I can be seeing myself doing something wrong and finding the right solution to the problem. It's good when we can reflect on our behavior and be proud on our findings.

I hope to see you next year and wish that all your new year resolution will come true!