An Organized Life: Master Closet

My first stride into living a simple life means starting the year with a good purge. I decided to start in the closets. I removed around 50 items from my closet that I have not worn this past year. I also did this last year, yikes. I won't even mention how many pieces I took out of Ellie and KJ's closets. Let's just say they dress well. I plan to do this twice a year. My closet isn't anything special. Long and narrow. I get the bottom and the Mr. gets the top on one side. The other side is just big enough for a few shoe shelves that aren't even full anymore do to the purge, yay!

I hang all my clothes by type then color. It just makes me happy. Oh, and yes we have plastic hangers of all colors. So ugly, I know, but they are cheap. I would love to one day do all wooden hangers, but for now I will just try to make them all cohesive in all white.

This year I am going to try to buy only a few new items. I would love to say none, but that's not really realistic for me. My number one want right now is the perfect white v-neck tee that you can't see through. I think it is a staple that can go with just about anything. Let me know if you have a good source.

{image via House Beautiful}

This closet somewhat reminds me of my own although mine is not quite as pretty, but every post needs a pretty picture right?

Over The Moon

I am loving this rather manly industrial loft. The chesterfield sofa's have me over the moon. A few throw pillows and this amazing piece would add so much life to this space. Hope to see you over on Mrs. French where I share the piece that would send this space to a whole other level.

An Organized Life: Being Transparent

I know you have heard me say before that my word for the year is SIMPLICITY. Did I happen to mention it was also my word for last year? Although I do believe I made huge strides last year I feel as if this year I have some room for improvement on my journey to live a simple life. I am going to share weekly what I have done to get closer to my SIMPLICITY goal. This week there will be two posts instead of one because I figured you all do not want to read a novel.

{via The Polished Pebble old home- LOVE}

What I love about blogging is finding others who share the same goals. The sweet lady over on Lavender and Lilies is also going through some great ideas to simplify on her blog. I am borrowing quite a few for myself such as "only buy it if you love it". She is talking about wardrobe, but I could easily apply this to all areas of my life.

 {via here via the nest}

Emerson Made who was just featured in the nest might just be the posterchild of being organized and living simply. I love how she said "keep only what you need, and keep it in plain sight. No hidden junk". This one may be harder to obtain, but I am willing to try.

 {part of Emma's assessment}

Emma took photos of her own home and evaluated what it is she liked and what needed changing. I love how she said "I feel like I have a road map now of what to tackle next and where to direct my money and energy". I too am adopting this idea. I feel as if I seem to make the same mistakes over and over in my home. There are countless times that I have bought things and quickly regretted them. I am hoping having a well mapped plan will keep me from making unnecessary purchase.

Seleta's 2011 words for her year resonated with me too. I really could just copy her list word for word, but I guess that would be cheating. The one that spoke to me most was to be more "playful". I find myself getting too serious at times and I am afraid that robs moments with my husband and kiddos that should just be fun. I analyze everything which is odd since I am quite laid back on the outside. Oh, and by the way I completely failed at this while doing this blog post. Got frustrated with the kiddos, ugh.

 This year the Mr. and I also talked about our future and what would benefit us most as a family. Well, to make a long story short we are going to try to be even smarter with the money God has blessed us with. We already take living debt free quite seriously. Our only main debt is the house. So we are going to try to dwindle that down in a five year plan. This means my not forever house is going to become my long term house and my love of spending will HAVE to be smarter, not much extra to play with.  I know in the long term this will be quite good for our family financially, but to be honest it will be hard because you all know that I dream of a move, but we are blessed with what we have so I am going to find joy in it.

Like I said a novel...

The Unexpected

As I am every Tuesday, I am over on Mrs. French sharing my love for beautiful pieces used in unexpected ways. Of course the traditional way works too. I am not too picky.

Super Heros

Over the weekend I received one of the most moving emails from a reader. Her 2 year old son James is battling cancer like a champ. They quickly became an inspiration to me. Inspiration to just do life better. As the kiddos and I prayed for sweet James and his family we thought it would be fun to do a little something special for James. Ellie and KJ decided to draw picture of them all playing together one day. KJ says you are a super hero and Ellie says you are prince, I think they both are right. James that's you...

Finding Peace

{via}

Something about this image makes me stop and stare. The neutral palette, the woodwork, that door, and of course the mix of modern and traditional are all things I adore. Oh, and lets not forget the the thick floor boards, just beautiful. The simplicity of the space makes me yearn for the simple things. I think this would be a perfect spot to catch up on some blogging and then grab a nice hot cup of tea and curl up with a good book.

I know I have been scarce from blog land and I have a few emails to answer also. I do apologize and hope to catch up on both very soon. I want to thank you all for your more than generous comments as of late. I read every one and they brighten my day. It seems with my desire for simplicity I become a chaotic mess. Thankfully I know this too shall pass and I will find my peace...

Worry never solves tomorrow's problems. It only robs today of its peace. 

 Matthew 6: 25-24

A Crush

I have a crush on her. Hope you come visit me over on Mrs. French to see why...