Hello, it's that time again for the spending report. Tracking all my expenses has made me see how much money I am really spending, and even though I am not buying anything new, I am thinking for the coming months each month I will target an area to reduce spending (such as groceries, gas, etc.)
Here is the breakdown:
2.99 - Kindle Book ( ah! I failed again)
10.00- Church
133.36- Groceries
13.00- Bottle of wine (Francis Ford Coppola Chardonnay, my favorite. we all have our vices)
9.15- ice cream playdate with kid 1
29.97- toilet paper. I find this funny that I spent 30 bucks on tp, and they deliver to my house in this huge box. I order it from amazon, it is plastic free and made from recycled paper. This will last us a couple months.
41.28- formula ordered from Amazon. I am breastfeeding, but I like to have formula on hand just in case.
35.28- gas for my husband's car
17.00- kid 1 haircut + tip
We all get our hair cut twice a year at Hair Cuttery. In between they are subjected to me and my scissors.
Total: 291.73
We have two cars. They are both paid for. Mike's is a '98 Camry that keeps on truckin', and I have a 2002 Passat which likes to give me problems because cars hate me. I would love to be a no car family. We live in the 'burbs, so public transit is not an option. I think we could probably become a one car family- with Mike being a traveling musician, he kind of needs a car. (Although I have had daydreams of him riding a bike with his drumset in a little cart behind him. I don't know how safe this would be on I95 ha ha.). The temperature around here has also been low, right now it is a balmy 10*F with a wind chill of -3*F. I suppose if I was super hardcore I could walk/ride a bike in this. But I've got a newborn. (He is my excuse for everything.) Are you a one car/no car family?
The other thing I want to touch on is stuff. I prefer a minimalist approach. If I lived alone my house would be quite Spartan. I like empty spaces. Clutter gives me anxiety.
My loving husband on the other hand, is a different story. He never gets rid of stuff. Now- he doesn't buy stuff much, (he has actually shown interest in the compact.), but he doesn't part with stuff. He is a "we might be able to use this" guy. And let me tell you, nothing makes him happier than to use something that I had previously tried to get rid of - "I told you honey!!" So, I state my case for minimalism, and he states his case for savealism (saving stuff?), and I actually have to admit some of his reasoning makes sense to me.
The biggest one was that we might as well keep it and try to use it, rather then sending it to a landfill and have to buy something else later. This makes sense, as I more and more think that donating stuff to thrift stores is just dumping your problem on someone else (not that I never think we shouldn't donate, otherwise, where would I buy my clothes?) but- thrift stores usually have an overabundance and have to throw things out. I love that he has the creative ingenuity to see the possibilities in things and what they can become - to make them into something new. ( I do not possess this.) I have mentioned before almost nothing in our house is new.
What do you think?
Have a great weekend!
Katie
Showing posts with label Minimalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minimalism. Show all posts
Friday, January 24, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
When simplifying becomes keeping up with the Jones's
Wait, you might say. That title doesn't make any sense! Keeping up with the "Jones" is acquiring more stuff, and simplfying is getting rid of stuff. Yes, it is different, but the mentality can become the same.
Hear me out.
When we get caught up in keeping up with the Jones's, it usually involves buying a fancier car, newer bigger house, and whatever shiny doodad is in style (Iwhatevers). I know. I have been caught in that storm before. "I should have a coach purse. and Uggs boots. Not some dumb other purse".
Most people (if you live in the United States) can benefit from getting rid of stuff. But, you can become too focused on the goal of getting rid of stuff as well.
I was in the process of decluttering when this thought occured to me,
"Why should I get rid of something I use just so I can have less?"
So why am I saying simplfying can become like "keeping up with the Jone's "? Well, sometimes getting rid of stuff, I feel I have to keep simplfying. Until I eventually "arrive". I think it's the same feeling that we get when getting caught in the keeping up mentality. When we acquire those shiny doodads, suddenly we will "arrive". We will be happy.
But I realized, once again, my simplfying was becoming focused just on the stuff itself. When I reexamine the reasons of why I want to live simply, it has nothing to do with stuff and things. I want to live simply so I don't have to work tons of hours. I want to have time to spend with my family. I want to live simply so I have the time to develop meaningful relationships. I want to give back.
Because it is not about what you acquire (or what you get rid of). In the end it's about developing the relationships in your life. It is about being able to give more.
Do you ever get caught up in things? Caught up in the perfection and lose sight of the actual goal?
I know I do. I'm working on it.
Katid
Hear me out.
When we get caught up in keeping up with the Jones's, it usually involves buying a fancier car, newer bigger house, and whatever shiny doodad is in style (Iwhatevers). I know. I have been caught in that storm before. "I should have a coach purse. and Uggs boots. Not some dumb other purse".
Most people (if you live in the United States) can benefit from getting rid of stuff. But, you can become too focused on the goal of getting rid of stuff as well.
I was in the process of decluttering when this thought occured to me,
"Why should I get rid of something I use just so I can have less?"
So why am I saying simplfying can become like "keeping up with the Jone's "? Well, sometimes getting rid of stuff, I feel I have to keep simplfying. Until I eventually "arrive". I think it's the same feeling that we get when getting caught in the keeping up mentality. When we acquire those shiny doodads, suddenly we will "arrive". We will be happy.
But I realized, once again, my simplfying was becoming focused just on the stuff itself. When I reexamine the reasons of why I want to live simply, it has nothing to do with stuff and things. I want to live simply so I don't have to work tons of hours. I want to have time to spend with my family. I want to live simply so I have the time to develop meaningful relationships. I want to give back.
Because it is not about what you acquire (or what you get rid of). In the end it's about developing the relationships in your life. It is about being able to give more.
Do you ever get caught up in things? Caught up in the perfection and lose sight of the actual goal?
I know I do. I'm working on it.
Katid
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Low Waste Baby- What did I actually buy and need?
If you read my blog before, you might remember my plans before baby to have a "minimalist" approach this time around with my second child.
Now that he has been here for six weeks, I decided to take inventory of what I bought new, second hand, and got for free and what I actually use.
What I Bought New:
1.) Baby Bath Sponge - $7.19
I got this to go in the kitchen sink when I wash him. The little tubs in my opinion are not needed. I could have skipped this and used a towel, but it does make bathing in the kitchen sink a bit easier, and was not expensive.
2.) Cloth Diapers/Wipes/Diaper Sprayer - $275.00
I bought half of my cloth diapers used, the other half new. Once again, I probably could have bought them all used, but this kit came with an attachment for the toilet to spray them off, plus cloth wipes. Fancy stuff I *could* have done without. ( And my loving husband has yet to attach the sprayer, go figure.)
3.) Wet Bags $20.00
A Large one and a small one- I use these in lieu of a diaper pail to hold dirty diapers. The whole thing goes in the washing machine. These are awesome! I also carry one in the diaper bag.
4.) Sheet for co-sleeper- $16.00
5.) Nursing Pads - $20.00
6.) Stroller - $179.99
I had not planned on getting a stroller, but it is compatible with his car seat and makes walking to the bus stop everyday with older son easier.
7.) Nursing Pillow - $12.00
Impulse purchase. I do use it but I think regular pillows are fine.
Total for New Items : $530.18
What I got Second Hand:
8.) Car seat- My sister had a baby last year, and he out grew his infant car seat and she passed it on to me, along with a winter car seat cover. - Free
9.) Bouncy Chair- Leftover from first kid- Free
10.) Bottles- a friend of mine gave me a box of glass Dr. Brown's bottles she was done with. - Free
11.) Clothes- all hand me downs. - Free
12.) Baby K'tan Carrier- bought on Ebay- $30.00
I use this a lot!
13.) Cloth Diapers- I purchased some second hand cloth diapers on ebay, a lot cheaper than new. - $80.00
Total Second Hand: $110.00
Gifts:
I received a lot of baby gifts. While I did not really need anything, people really like to buy baby stuff.
14.) Blankets- I already have a ton of blankets and received more as gifts.
15.) Co-Sleeper- my parents bought this as a baby gift, I asked for it. I am torn on this, so far the baby is 6 weeks old and has yet to actually sleep in it- he sleeps with me in the bed. But, it does give me peace of mind that if he were to somehow roll over out of the bed, he would roll into the co sleeper. Although, I do not think one needs to spend $200.00 on a co sleeper when a bed rail would probably suffice. I know not everyone is into co-sleeping, but I sleep better knowing he is near me, and it is quite convenient for nursing. Our first son slept with us until he was about 5. Given a choice, he would prefer us all to have a giant family bed :)
16.) Pacifiers/Soap/Toiletries- a lot of people gave me these things.
Total Gifts: $0.00
Grand Total: $640.18 <-- Not too bad, and a lot of that stuff I really did not even need.
So, you really don't need to buy much stuff for a baby, and if you have friends and family, you will receive a lot of gifts. Especially clothes. And blankets.
What were essential purchases in my humble opinion? Well, cloth diapers and wet bags. The baby bath sponge. The Baby K'tan carrier. Oh, and nursing pads if you are breastfeeding!!
"I love my Fuzzibunz!"
Katie
Now that he has been here for six weeks, I decided to take inventory of what I bought new, second hand, and got for free and what I actually use.
What I Bought New:
1.) Baby Bath Sponge - $7.19
I got this to go in the kitchen sink when I wash him. The little tubs in my opinion are not needed. I could have skipped this and used a towel, but it does make bathing in the kitchen sink a bit easier, and was not expensive.
2.) Cloth Diapers/Wipes/Diaper Sprayer - $275.00
I bought half of my cloth diapers used, the other half new. Once again, I probably could have bought them all used, but this kit came with an attachment for the toilet to spray them off, plus cloth wipes. Fancy stuff I *could* have done without. ( And my loving husband has yet to attach the sprayer, go figure.)
3.) Wet Bags $20.00
A Large one and a small one- I use these in lieu of a diaper pail to hold dirty diapers. The whole thing goes in the washing machine. These are awesome! I also carry one in the diaper bag.
4.) Sheet for co-sleeper- $16.00
5.) Nursing Pads - $20.00
6.) Stroller - $179.99
I had not planned on getting a stroller, but it is compatible with his car seat and makes walking to the bus stop everyday with older son easier.
7.) Nursing Pillow - $12.00
Impulse purchase. I do use it but I think regular pillows are fine.
Total for New Items : $530.18
What I got Second Hand:
8.) Car seat- My sister had a baby last year, and he out grew his infant car seat and she passed it on to me, along with a winter car seat cover. - Free
9.) Bouncy Chair- Leftover from first kid- Free
10.) Bottles- a friend of mine gave me a box of glass Dr. Brown's bottles she was done with. - Free
11.) Clothes- all hand me downs. - Free
12.) Baby K'tan Carrier- bought on Ebay- $30.00
I use this a lot!
13.) Cloth Diapers- I purchased some second hand cloth diapers on ebay, a lot cheaper than new. - $80.00
Total Second Hand: $110.00
Gifts:
I received a lot of baby gifts. While I did not really need anything, people really like to buy baby stuff.
14.) Blankets- I already have a ton of blankets and received more as gifts.
15.) Co-Sleeper- my parents bought this as a baby gift, I asked for it. I am torn on this, so far the baby is 6 weeks old and has yet to actually sleep in it- he sleeps with me in the bed. But, it does give me peace of mind that if he were to somehow roll over out of the bed, he would roll into the co sleeper. Although, I do not think one needs to spend $200.00 on a co sleeper when a bed rail would probably suffice. I know not everyone is into co-sleeping, but I sleep better knowing he is near me, and it is quite convenient for nursing. Our first son slept with us until he was about 5. Given a choice, he would prefer us all to have a giant family bed :)
16.) Pacifiers/Soap/Toiletries- a lot of people gave me these things.
Total Gifts: $0.00
Grand Total: $640.18 <-- Not too bad, and a lot of that stuff I really did not even need.
So, you really don't need to buy much stuff for a baby, and if you have friends and family, you will receive a lot of gifts. Especially clothes. And blankets.
What were essential purchases in my humble opinion? Well, cloth diapers and wet bags. The baby bath sponge. The Baby K'tan carrier. Oh, and nursing pads if you are breastfeeding!!
"I love my Fuzzibunz!"
Katie
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
A Simple Holiday
The winter holiday season is upon us, and while I am Christian and celebrate Christmas, I am open to all holidays. The area we live in is primarily Christian and Jewish, although I think we have a larger Jewish population that most of the United States, as I grew up thinking everyone was either Christan or Jewish, and the determining factor was whether or not you hung Christmas lights or had a menorah (yes, I was a bright kid.)
Everyone seems to be talking about "simplifying" the holidays, and really I have found it isn't hard, even if you have kids. This year I have been forced to simplify, because of having a newborn.
To get into the advent season and foster the spirit of giving, we are reading a daily book called Charlie and Noel with our older son. We also talk about how the true spirit of Christmas is giving, and we will be doing a gift drive through my son's school.
I personally am reading "Let's Go Straight to Bethlehem" . I have needed a lot of prayer as of late.
What do gifts look like for us? Well, the good news is my 7 year old son has never gotten very many presents, as we started off as broke college students (and now we are just broke 30 somethings :) So his standards are not terribly high. We have a second hand toy store nearby, so that is the first stop for gifts like Lego's. I do think it is good to have at least one item on his "wish list" for him to receive from Santa - (fact, before I had kids I thought Santa was dumb and I wasn't planning on doing the "Santa" thing, but oh how kids change us). My general response is "make a list, but remember Santa cannot get you everything on your list." I also reiterate that 3 gifts were what Jesus received, so 3 gifts is what you will receive (although we do tend to buy more than 3.) We do a toy (this year is is a video game), a book (this year we are giving God's Dream by Desmond Tutu and Whoever you Are by Mem Fox, a game ( this year I am thinking Apples to Apples Junior, and Super Mario pajamas.
My husband and I don't exchange gifts. We do get something we both want, usually a game or something for the house. ( I actually asked for a new dust pan and a pair of slippers. I live the high life :)
I will do absolutely 0 shopping outside the home- my husband will hit the thrift stores and the rest will be ordered online.
Oh yes, and we have an artificial tree. Another concession I have made in my adult life, I was a die hard real tree enthusiast, my husband grew up with artificial.
What holidays do you celebrate? How do you celebrate them?
Katie
Saturday, September 14, 2013
The August No Electric Dryer Outcome
For the month of August I finally stopped using my clothes dryer. I wanted to see how much electricity/money I could save (I explained in this post). Our electric bill was outrageous in June ($134.00).
My husband hung some rope we use when we camp to hang out clothes, and my mom had a container of clothes pins I was able to snag. So, the cost of the line drying operation was free.
Between the thermostat being turned down 2 degrees (this post) and not using the clothes dryer, my electric bill was $90.00 this month. But, most of the savings was from turning up the air conditioner.
The dryer only saved about $10. $10.00 is $120/year, which is better than nothing!
Even know it wasn't a big chunk of change, hanging wash out on the line is surprisingly cathartic. I like being outside, and being out there hanging clothes gave me time to just be. Finding beauty in the everyday is so amazing. I would take my time to stare at the sky, feel the grass in my toes. Things I don't normally do, especially when just shoving clothes in the dryer.
I plan on hanging my wash outside until the weather is no longer suitable, and then I will hang it inside (I hang all the undies inside. I'm not there yet). But, I know once the baby comes I might be turning on the dryer.
Do you line dry your clothes?
Katie
My husband hung some rope we use when we camp to hang out clothes, and my mom had a container of clothes pins I was able to snag. So, the cost of the line drying operation was free.
Between the thermostat being turned down 2 degrees (this post) and not using the clothes dryer, my electric bill was $90.00 this month. But, most of the savings was from turning up the air conditioner.
The dryer only saved about $10. $10.00 is $120/year, which is better than nothing!
Even know it wasn't a big chunk of change, hanging wash out on the line is surprisingly cathartic. I like being outside, and being out there hanging clothes gave me time to just be. Finding beauty in the everyday is so amazing. I would take my time to stare at the sky, feel the grass in my toes. Things I don't normally do, especially when just shoving clothes in the dryer.
I plan on hanging my wash outside until the weather is no longer suitable, and then I will hang it inside (I hang all the undies inside. I'm not there yet). But, I know once the baby comes I might be turning on the dryer.
Do you line dry your clothes?
Katie
Friday, August 30, 2013
Low Waste Baby- What I have so far
It seems every where you go you hear about how expensive it is to have babies. That's why for me it is always refreshing to see articles like this one :What do babies really need?
We got a lot of unneeded stuff with our first child, and we had an over abundance even though we were financially challenged.
So, this time around I plan on have a "low waste/minimalist" baby. This is what I have acquired so far:
1.) Clothing
I lucked out- my sister had a baby boy in January and has bagged up his clothes as he out grows them and given them to me. If this wasn't the case, I would scout out friends, free cycle, craigslist, and yard sales for baby clothes before I bought anything. People seem to be happy to give you their baby clothes they no longer need anymore.
Cost: Free
2.) Food
I plan on nursing so I haven't actually bought any food. But, I am preparing myself in the event nursing is difficult (as it was for me with my first). A friend gave me a box of glass baby bottles she no longer needed anymore which made me super excited! I wanted to use plastic-free bottles. Once again, if I had not gotten these from a friend, I would have scouted the Internet for second hand glass bottles.
Cost: Free
Nursing pillow- this is one thing I bought and I don't know why. I bought it when I was first pregnant on impulse- (no one's perfect right?) We'll see how this works out.
Cost: $12.00
3.) Shelter/Bed
We currently live in a 900 square foot carriage house and have no plans on moving, so no additional cost there. My older son's crib has since been recalled, so we are debating the sleeping situation. My first son never slept in his crib (he slept in his pack and play or our bed), so we are looking at pack and play and mini crib options. My older son really wants a bunk bed for him and his brother- we'll see about that down the road!!
Cost: estimated between $60-$100
4.) Diapers
I plan on cloth diapering. So far the least expensive yet not total pain in the butt option I've seen is the pre folds with covers. I am purchasing this econobums sample pack and possibly a couple of pocket diapers, just because they get a lot of good reviews. I am flexible to find something that works for me.
Cost: $100-$300
5.) Car Seat
We will get a car seat- but I am still driving my 2002 Passat and my husband has a 1998 Camry. The Camry just keeps on truckin'. Word to Toyota. Anyway, you do not all the sudden need a 7 passenger SUV when you have 2 kids. With 3 kids, sometimes a mini van is necessary because 3 car seats don't always fit in a sedan.
I still scouting out family and friends for a car seat, but if not we will buy one.
Cost: around $100
6.) Baby Seat- Leftover from first son. I am not buying any swings or seats unless I know this baby really wants to sit in them. A blanket spread out on the floor with some toys is usually just as fun for baby. My older son hated the swing!
Cost: Free
So that's it so far. I know I might need to adjust once he arrives and I adjust, but there isn't much you really need for baby.
What do you think?
Katie
We got a lot of unneeded stuff with our first child, and we had an over abundance even though we were financially challenged.
So, this time around I plan on have a "low waste/minimalist" baby. This is what I have acquired so far:
1.) Clothing
I lucked out- my sister had a baby boy in January and has bagged up his clothes as he out grows them and given them to me. If this wasn't the case, I would scout out friends, free cycle, craigslist, and yard sales for baby clothes before I bought anything. People seem to be happy to give you their baby clothes they no longer need anymore.
Cost: Free
2.) Food
I plan on nursing so I haven't actually bought any food. But, I am preparing myself in the event nursing is difficult (as it was for me with my first). A friend gave me a box of glass baby bottles she no longer needed anymore which made me super excited! I wanted to use plastic-free bottles. Once again, if I had not gotten these from a friend, I would have scouted the Internet for second hand glass bottles.
Cost: Free
Nursing pillow- this is one thing I bought and I don't know why. I bought it when I was first pregnant on impulse- (no one's perfect right?) We'll see how this works out.
Cost: $12.00
3.) Shelter/Bed
We currently live in a 900 square foot carriage house and have no plans on moving, so no additional cost there. My older son's crib has since been recalled, so we are debating the sleeping situation. My first son never slept in his crib (he slept in his pack and play or our bed), so we are looking at pack and play and mini crib options. My older son really wants a bunk bed for him and his brother- we'll see about that down the road!!
Cost: estimated between $60-$100
4.) Diapers
I plan on cloth diapering. So far the least expensive yet not total pain in the butt option I've seen is the pre folds with covers. I am purchasing this econobums sample pack and possibly a couple of pocket diapers, just because they get a lot of good reviews. I am flexible to find something that works for me.
Cost: $100-$300
5.) Car Seat
We will get a car seat- but I am still driving my 2002 Passat and my husband has a 1998 Camry. The Camry just keeps on truckin'. Word to Toyota. Anyway, you do not all the sudden need a 7 passenger SUV when you have 2 kids. With 3 kids, sometimes a mini van is necessary because 3 car seats don't always fit in a sedan.
I still scouting out family and friends for a car seat, but if not we will buy one.
Cost: around $100
6.) Baby Seat- Leftover from first son. I am not buying any swings or seats unless I know this baby really wants to sit in them. A blanket spread out on the floor with some toys is usually just as fun for baby. My older son hated the swing!
Cost: Free
So that's it so far. I know I might need to adjust once he arrives and I adjust, but there isn't much you really need for baby.
What do you think?
Katie
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Better for the Environment and Your Wallet
I tend to put saving the environment above saving money. Not because I love to spend money or anything, (spending actually tends to make me nervous) but you know, good planets are hard to find.
I attribute this also to my strong INFJ Meyers Briggs, ( This postwhere Jacob from ERE describes "NF" personalities and their "save the planet/save the animals stop consuming " describes me to a T.)
But I know you're like okay, get to the point. I have been experimenting to lower my energy usage while simultaneously lowering my outrageously high electric bill of $134.00. So last month (July) I took it upon myself to push it to the limit of how far we could go temperature wise. My family was not totally cool (pun intended) with letting go of our window box air conditioner (for reference, I live in Southeastern Pennsylvania, temperatures around here in July are usually between 85*F-95*F and loads of humidity). But, our air conditioners do have thermostats, which have been set at 80. I bumped them up to 82*F for the month of July.
It wasn't very comfortable at first, but surprisingly the new normal becomes comfortable quite fast (especially coming inside on a day it is 90 out with 100% humidity.) My already wild curly hair rivals a crazy rodent's nest.
But, my electric bill was $35.00 less this month (and I was still using the clothes dryer in July in case you were wondering, I stopped using it August 1.) I consider this a definite win.
Plus I consumed less, so it wasn't just a win for me, but a win for the environment. Score!
P.S. What's your Meyers Briggs?
I attribute this also to my strong INFJ Meyers Briggs, ( This postwhere Jacob from ERE describes "NF" personalities and their "save the planet/save the animals stop consuming " describes me to a T.)
But I know you're like okay, get to the point. I have been experimenting to lower my energy usage while simultaneously lowering my outrageously high electric bill of $134.00. So last month (July) I took it upon myself to push it to the limit of how far we could go temperature wise. My family was not totally cool (pun intended) with letting go of our window box air conditioner (for reference, I live in Southeastern Pennsylvania, temperatures around here in July are usually between 85*F-95*F and loads of humidity). But, our air conditioners do have thermostats, which have been set at 80. I bumped them up to 82*F for the month of July.
It wasn't very comfortable at first, but surprisingly the new normal becomes comfortable quite fast (especially coming inside on a day it is 90 out with 100% humidity.) My already wild curly hair rivals a crazy rodent's nest.
But, my electric bill was $35.00 less this month (and I was still using the clothes dryer in July in case you were wondering, I stopped using it August 1.) I consider this a definite win.
Plus I consumed less, so it wasn't just a win for me, but a win for the environment. Score!
P.S. What's your Meyers Briggs?
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Project 333 Update
I thought I would give you an update of how my "Project 333" is going.
It is going great! At first I thought it might be hard, I might run out of clothes, but really it has made my life so much easier. Here are some of the benefits:
1.) I have no problem finding something to wear in the morning.
This may seem counter intuitive because I have less clothes to wear. But, all of the clothes are things I want to wear, and for the most part are mix and match. I open my closet, pick a top and bottom in less than a few seconds and bam! I'm dressed.
2.) I actually do LESS laundry.
Also may see counter intuitive - but all my clothes only equal about 1 load- I do about 1 load of laundry (for my clothes) a week. Sweet!
3.) I look nicer than I used to, because I don't default to sweats.
I probably wear less than my 33, as I am now in full on maternity clothes ( I had a few non-maternity stragglers I was still squeezing into). When I have time I will trade these clothes out and add new ones in.
Are you interested in trying Project 333? Check it out:
Project 333
It is going great! At first I thought it might be hard, I might run out of clothes, but really it has made my life so much easier. Here are some of the benefits:
1.) I have no problem finding something to wear in the morning.
This may seem counter intuitive because I have less clothes to wear. But, all of the clothes are things I want to wear, and for the most part are mix and match. I open my closet, pick a top and bottom in less than a few seconds and bam! I'm dressed.
2.) I actually do LESS laundry.
Also may see counter intuitive - but all my clothes only equal about 1 load- I do about 1 load of laundry (for my clothes) a week. Sweet!
3.) I look nicer than I used to, because I don't default to sweats.
I probably wear less than my 33, as I am now in full on maternity clothes ( I had a few non-maternity stragglers I was still squeezing into). When I have time I will trade these clothes out and add new ones in.
Are you interested in trying Project 333? Check it out:
Project 333
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
No Clothes Dryer August
One of my guilty pleasures is the dryer. I hesitate to even call it a pleasure, because it's not like I love using it. It's just what I have always done. I know it's bad, and it's been sheer laziness (and the awful humidity, I tell myself) I haven't sought out other options.
But, getting my electric bill last month ($134!!!) (combined with this article) was the kick in the pants I needed.
My husband actually got us this drying rack for Christmas (we're romantic like that) and the time has come for us to use it.
I am rigging some rope up outside (from our camping stuff) and borrowing a bag of clothespins from my mom (total cost of outdoor laundry line: free). If my neighbors are offended by my unmentionables, I will pull out the trusty by laws of our association, which ALLOWS laundry lines. Luckily I don't live in a snooty neighborhood, so I don't anticipate complaints (but have heard stories of people receiving them elsewhere!!)
My hope is that this will have some impact on our outrageous electric bill by the end of this month. That, and thankfully the temperatures here are no longer in the mid 90's (Fahrenheit) with 80% humidity and I no longer need to run my window box air conditioners. (They were clicking on constantly even set at 81*F last month. Really enjoying the more mild weather now.)
I anticipate clothes drying to be like my other habits I've developed, maybe slightly annoying to do the extra step first, but soon to be ingrained into my normal repertoire. (Just like reaching for a rag instead of a paper towel :)
I will report the electric bill next month and let you know my savings.
Katie
But, getting my electric bill last month ($134!!!) (combined with this article) was the kick in the pants I needed.
My husband actually got us this drying rack for Christmas (we're romantic like that) and the time has come for us to use it.
I am rigging some rope up outside (from our camping stuff) and borrowing a bag of clothespins from my mom (total cost of outdoor laundry line: free). If my neighbors are offended by my unmentionables, I will pull out the trusty by laws of our association, which ALLOWS laundry lines. Luckily I don't live in a snooty neighborhood, so I don't anticipate complaints (but have heard stories of people receiving them elsewhere!!)
My hope is that this will have some impact on our outrageous electric bill by the end of this month. That, and thankfully the temperatures here are no longer in the mid 90's (Fahrenheit) with 80% humidity and I no longer need to run my window box air conditioners. (They were clicking on constantly even set at 81*F last month. Really enjoying the more mild weather now.)
I anticipate clothes drying to be like my other habits I've developed, maybe slightly annoying to do the extra step first, but soon to be ingrained into my normal repertoire. (Just like reaching for a rag instead of a paper towel :)
I will report the electric bill next month and let you know my savings.
Katie
Friday, July 19, 2013
Low Waste Baby
I have mentioned before that I am pregnant. 5 1/2 months along, with boy #2.
Being low waste is harder with kids. It is. It is a lot easier to control my waste than that of someone else.
Right now I want to talk about low waste babies. In the baby and toddler years, you pretty much have control of everything going in and out of your little one's life. When I was pregnant with Boy 1, I was really young (21) and so was husband (24). To say we had no clue is probably an understatement. We were just to college kids embarking on having our own kid. Scary.
So, when I was pregnant with Boy 1, I went along with the flow of things. My family threw me a baby shower. I remember walking into Babies "R" Us to make a registry, wielding that scan wand thingie at everything the people told me I would need. Bottles, bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, plastic tub, basically any plastic junk marketed toward baby. Cloth diapers were not even on my radar.
I got a lot of it. Unfortunately, most of it turned out to be plastic junk that I really did not need. At the time I swore I would never have another kid, but if I did, I was not doing it this way again.
And now, 7 years later, I am pregnant again, but older and wiser. I will not be stepping foot into Babies "R" us. I am not under the delusion there will be no waste, but I am shooting for minimalist/low waste baby.
In the coming months, I plan on sharing what we will do (and get), and what works (and what doesn't).
As of right now I plan on cloth diapering, nursing, and using cloth wipes. Clothes are all coming used from family members and friends with babies. We have not yet figured out our sleeping situation. Boy 1 never slept in his crib, we pretty much co-slept until he was 5 (unintentionally), but I am thinking we will get some type of sleeping apparatus for Boy 2.
Stay tuned for my chronicles of raising baby minimalist/ low waste! Have you been successful in minimalist/low waste child rearing?
Katie
Being low waste is harder with kids. It is. It is a lot easier to control my waste than that of someone else.
Right now I want to talk about low waste babies. In the baby and toddler years, you pretty much have control of everything going in and out of your little one's life. When I was pregnant with Boy 1, I was really young (21) and so was husband (24). To say we had no clue is probably an understatement. We were just to college kids embarking on having our own kid. Scary.
So, when I was pregnant with Boy 1, I went along with the flow of things. My family threw me a baby shower. I remember walking into Babies "R" Us to make a registry, wielding that scan wand thingie at everything the people told me I would need. Bottles, bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, plastic tub, basically any plastic junk marketed toward baby. Cloth diapers were not even on my radar.
I got a lot of it. Unfortunately, most of it turned out to be plastic junk that I really did not need. At the time I swore I would never have another kid, but if I did, I was not doing it this way again.
And now, 7 years later, I am pregnant again, but older and wiser. I will not be stepping foot into Babies "R" us. I am not under the delusion there will be no waste, but I am shooting for minimalist/low waste baby.
In the coming months, I plan on sharing what we will do (and get), and what works (and what doesn't).
As of right now I plan on cloth diapering, nursing, and using cloth wipes. Clothes are all coming used from family members and friends with babies. We have not yet figured out our sleeping situation. Boy 1 never slept in his crib, we pretty much co-slept until he was 5 (unintentionally), but I am thinking we will get some type of sleeping apparatus for Boy 2.
Stay tuned for my chronicles of raising baby minimalist/ low waste! Have you been successful in minimalist/low waste child rearing?
Katie
Saturday, July 6, 2013
My 333
As I have mentioned, I have really been eager to jump on board with Project 333 and Courtney is starting a new round in July, so I decided I would jump on board with my maternity addition.
At first I thought 33 items was going to be hard (read the rules here: getting started) but honestly I had no trouble at all. I really do wear the same things over and over again anyway, and I am not much of a jewelry person so pairing down was pretty painless. It is summer here and it is hot and humid. My lifestyle in the summer is stay at home mom who hangs by the pool with kiddies, so my clothes are pretty casual.
Here is my list:
Shoes:
2 pairs of sandals :
Fancy and comfy.
Accessories:
2 pairs of earrings
1 watch
2 bracelets
1 pair of sunglasses
1 scarf
1 purse
(sunglasses, scarf and purse not pictured)
Tops:
3 sleeveless
7 short sleeve
Bottoms:
4 Skirts
3 Dresses
At first I thought 33 items was going to be hard (read the rules here: getting started) but honestly I had no trouble at all. I really do wear the same things over and over again anyway, and I am not much of a jewelry person so pairing down was pretty painless. It is summer here and it is hot and humid. My lifestyle in the summer is stay at home mom who hangs by the pool with kiddies, so my clothes are pretty casual.
Here is my list:
Shoes:
2 pairs of sandals :
Accessories:
2 pairs of earrings
1 watch
2 bracelets
1 pair of sunglasses
1 scarf
1 purse
(sunglasses, scarf and purse not pictured)
Tops:
3 sleeveless
3 Longer sleeve
Bottoms:
4 Skirts
3 Dresses
2 Sweaters (not pictured)
a purple long sleeved cardigan
and a grey shrug
So that actually only comes out to 32 items, unless I count my lovely maternity bathing suit, which I do spend a lot of time in. I figure it also gives me a little wiggle room if I want to add something. I really feel like I should have pair of pants in there somewhere, but I love my elastic waist skirts!!
That is my 33 for 3 months :)
Katie
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Project 333 Maternity?
I have to admit I have been lurking on the blog Project 333 for a while, loving all the minimal wardrobes, with their mix and match clothes.
I am no fashionista. At all. I also hate wearing anything uncomfortable, tight, etc. and I tend to wear the same things over and over again. I have been wanting to participate in the project, I was getting ready to before I became pregnant.
Since I have become pregnant I have put it off with the excuse that my size keeps changing ( and it does). I am at month 5 and still in a hodge podge of regular and maternity clothes ( which I have gotten all for free- about that later).
But with July here and a new season of project 333 starting, I have decided to take the plunge. The difference being I am not going to donate my pre pregnancy stuff just yet ( we'll see how my size is after baby).
We all have different reasons for hanging on to clothes ( things too! ) Mine seem to be guilt ( i tend to anthropomorphize things and assign them feelings ) and the hope that I might someday be stylish.
I am learning to accept myself as is - i really don't enjoy things like make up and nail polish ( both make my skin/ nails feel like they can't breathe), I hate high heels and tight pants, and I seem to be the only person who cannot stand wearing jeans! Denim is so rough and scratchy! Give me 100% cotton any day. I have had this feeling I was missing on some girl gene (sorry that is sexist, I know, the pull of societal influence can be strong) and I hate clothes shopping! (Online clicking is just fine, thanks as long as I don't have to try it on in a dressing room I am good).
I realize I can't spend all my time in yoga pants ( oh if only ), so I am trying to keep the clothes that
are soft and comfy while also looking decent. So, I am setting to work on finding my "33".
My goal is to have this done and posted by Friday- stay tuned for "Project 333" maternity( and tell you how I get my clothes for free, cheap etc.)
Katie
I am no fashionista. At all. I also hate wearing anything uncomfortable, tight, etc. and I tend to wear the same things over and over again. I have been wanting to participate in the project, I was getting ready to before I became pregnant.
Since I have become pregnant I have put it off with the excuse that my size keeps changing ( and it does). I am at month 5 and still in a hodge podge of regular and maternity clothes ( which I have gotten all for free- about that later).
But with July here and a new season of project 333 starting, I have decided to take the plunge. The difference being I am not going to donate my pre pregnancy stuff just yet ( we'll see how my size is after baby).
We all have different reasons for hanging on to clothes ( things too! ) Mine seem to be guilt ( i tend to anthropomorphize things and assign them feelings ) and the hope that I might someday be stylish.
I am learning to accept myself as is - i really don't enjoy things like make up and nail polish ( both make my skin/ nails feel like they can't breathe), I hate high heels and tight pants, and I seem to be the only person who cannot stand wearing jeans! Denim is so rough and scratchy! Give me 100% cotton any day. I have had this feeling I was missing on some girl gene (sorry that is sexist, I know, the pull of societal influence can be strong) and I hate clothes shopping! (Online clicking is just fine, thanks as long as I don't have to try it on in a dressing room I am good).
I realize I can't spend all my time in yoga pants ( oh if only ), so I am trying to keep the clothes that
are soft and comfy while also looking decent. So, I am setting to work on finding my "33".
My goal is to have this done and posted by Friday- stay tuned for "Project 333" maternity( and tell you how I get my clothes for free, cheap etc.)
Katie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)