The more you throw out, the easier it gets...

I am finding that it is getting easier to Let Go of Stuff.

The pair of jeans I've been holding on just in case I get down a size...the silk pjs I got for Mother's Day but never wore...

It's hard to throw it out when you start thinking too much about it. I bought those jeans on ebay for $$, the pjs were a present for me...etc etc

I can think up all sorts of reasons why I should hold onto them. But the reality is, if I am not using them, I'm just storing them! And...someone else can use them.

The more I throw out, the easier it gets.

And after a few weeks, I can't remember them or think to miss them! All I'm enjoying now, is the extra clean space in my wardrobe. Clutter free!

You do get better at it - try it, and become ruthless :)

Most Precious Item

Besides grabbing the kids and the cat* if there's a fire in the house, I would grab these: my moleskins.

I have written in these since E was born (five years ago), all the funny things he has said, all the different stages of growing up, all the things we have done together as a Family. I have continued the tradition with M, now two.

These are precious. And what I would save from the fire.

All the other things, I can walk away from. Sure I will miss my shoes...and my books...and my 1950s furniture. But those can be replaced.

This is, I feel, one big benefit of Minimalism: I don't have huge dilemmas about Stuff. I don't feel like I have a big attachment to Things.

This is part of my Christian worldview too - I look forward to a new Heaven and a new earth. I don't want to live for Stuff. And spend time worrying about Stuff.

Jesus says, "I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

From the book of Matthew. Chapter 6.

*This is assuming Husband is either at work, or can save himself! I would grab him too if I needed to :)

What do I do with the Wedding dress?

Image from firstqueen.net

Do I sell?
Do I donate?
Do I give to a friend getting married?
Do I dye it black and wear it again?
Do I keep for my daughter?

Currently, it's in a box, taking up a huge amount of space in my wardrobe.

Gift Box

I have a gift box up on my wardrobe shelf that houses gifts for most occasions.

A friend I used to meet up one-on-one to read the bible with told me that her mother had a Gift Box and she had got her current wallet from there (She had to put $20 back in). I thought, "WOW! so organised" But now I realise you have No Choice when you have kids, because gone are the days when you just "Pop In" to the shops. This is good in many ways - you don't waste as much money! But it also means you have to be organised because you can't just duck out every time you need a present for an occasion.

When I have the opportunity, I jump on it and spend $$$ to stock up.

While it is not "Minimal" in that there are many things in there...it IS minimal in that it minimises Stress, Time and Hassle! Plus I try stocking up when sales are on.

What's in there:

1. Baby gifts - when people have babies. So there are bonds suits (about 20), plus books & crayons for the older siblings.

2. Lego - about 5 or 6 boxes. This sets up my 5 yr old son for friends' birthday parties for a couple of months.

3. Olive soap - beautiful, soft, non-toxic stuff. You can even wash your hair with it.

4. Books - mostly kids' books.

5. Art prints - from the Art Gallery of NSW. About $30.

6. Jewellery (not re-gifted!) - bangles, necklace, earrings. I recently took one out to keep for myself (oops!)

7. Stuff from the Art Scene in West Ryde - a lovely little art/framing shop with really cool things for kids e.g. fat crayons, vintage paper boats, water paints, colouring in books.
Here's a link to their website: Art Scene

8. Perfume - for men.

Re-Gifting

I have no qualms about re-gifting.

But I want to understand why people find it so irksome and embarrassing. Is it because they don't want to seem stingy? Or is it because it's not a personalised gift?

I don't understand the fuss, really. Someone gives you something you don't need or like. You say "thank you", you pretend you like it, then you keep it and store it for the rest of your life because re-gifting seems rude and you don't want to offend the Giver.

This is illogical to me.

Why not give it to someone else, who will like it, use it and not WASTE it.

It's the thought that counts, right? Yes, I have received your thoughts of love and generosity... and now I can move the gift along to someone who will actually use it, and I don't have to store it. I have stored the warm feelings on the inside :)

Things I have re-gifted:

1. Books - If I already have it, I'm not going to keep it just to not offend!

2. Jewellery - It's such a personal thing with jewellery. Even Husband gets it wrong sometimes ;) I usually ask someone if they want it.

3. Perfume - I don't wear perfume anymore.

4. Baby stuff - too small or double-ups.

5. Platters - I got given 17 platters for my Engagement party. I don't need 17 platters!

6. Dessert wine - Too sweet.

7. Purse - Not my colour. Too small.

Now, the problem with this post is that from now on, all the gifts I give to my friends, they are going to wonder if it has been re-gifted!!

Special thanks to my friend Marinka for post idea.

Travelling with Two Undies: is it possible?

Image from practialhacks.com

I love travel packing lists.

I am always reading them and dreaming about a 6 week train trip across the Darjeeling in India.

And this leads me to...travel underwear! I came across a few people recommending ExOfficio underwear on Travel Forums.

Their tagline is: 17 countries. 6 weeks. One Pair of Underwear. Ok, Maybe Two.

I've ordered one on ebay to give it a trial run. I'll keep you posted.

You may think this is crazy, but really, how many do you wear at any given time? One. And how many spares do you need? One. Wash one, wear one. One plus one is Two.

P.S Husband thinks I'm absolutely Mad for going to Korea with two undies. I never said that I was Normal when we got married ;)

Minimising Toys on Travels

Image from wired.com

I am aiming at taking three backpacks so I will work towards minimising toys to take on this trip:

1. A small bag of lego for my son (aged 5). It will amuse him (and his Dad :p ) for hours. (1)

2. Colouring-in books, writing books, pencils, textas and stickers for the plane trip. (3)

3. I am considering taking the ipad to play games, look at photos & videos, listen to music and stories. (1)

4. Bedtime friends: a little dog for son, and a doll for daughter. (2)

5. Books: as they are heavy, can't take too many. And I would like to bring back some Korean kids books. So I might take 6. 3 each. Plus a kids Bible. (7)

6. I like the idea of taking fly swats (clean & new!) and a couple of ballons to amuse the kids at airports if we have to wait. They can play badminton. (2)

7. A small collection of kitchen things e.g. tea set. They like playing "house" and "restaurant". (1)

8. Torches: not exactly a toy, but still very useful and it's fun to play with light. Packing extra batteries. (2)

Total no. of items: 19.

Yikes! It's not very Minimal.