My Etsy

Friday Photos & Finds

  •  A grilled peanut butter & jelly. My dad used to make these for us when we were little (the only thing he could make), and I still love them.  • 

I got a 32 on my ACT but that’s not the point  [Moosh in Indy]    “If you think you’re perfect for something but were overlooked? Don’t get mad, get active.”

Long post title [Nicole is Better]  •  The internet version of ‘leave a penny, take a penny.’

How to be a Happier Mom [The Happiest Mom]  • Not a blog post, but a list of great posts. 

Making the Online World Work For YOUR Biz [Life as an Artistpreneur]  •  “Here’s the thing: you are not for everyone, and neither is your business.”

Does She Sleep Through the Night? [PhD in Parenting]  •  “…the mothers that are on the receiving end of this question feel pressure to get their baby to sleep through the night.”

Wedding Undergraduate: The Chair Rant [A Practical Wedding]  •  I wish this site had existed when I was wedding planning!

Ads in January : Who are They?

Hello and welcome to the January advertisers!

Let’s chat about resolutions, debating vs. peace-keeping, comfort foods (YUM), and homebodyishness. That’s a word.

Deanna | Soul Like a Spider

Are you a resolution maker? Why or why not? If so, what’s your most important resolution this year?

I didn’t really used to be one because I always felt like they were just added extra guilt that I didn’t need. But last year I started making them and I have a set again this year. This year my most important resolution has to do with eating. I want to be more creative, cook at home more, be more prepared ahead of time, and pack my lunch consistently for work. They are a bunch of mini-goals to help me achieve the overall goal of taking care of myself.

Do you enjoy a good debate or do you prefer keeping the peace?

This severely depends on the group and the topic. If it’s politics, I will almost always keep my mouth shut. If it’s religion, I will almost always add my story. I have a close group of friends that I feel comfortable enough engaging in a good debate once and a while, but most of the time I like to keep the debates-turned-arguments to a minimum!

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Oreos, Kraft macaroni and cheese, and oatmeal.

Are you a traveler or a homebody?

Homebody. My husband is a great match for me because what we love to do is just stay in and clear out the DVR. However, I like to take big trips once or twice a year just to chance the pace and have something to look forward to. Last year was San Fran, and who knows what this year will be!
Deanna Ogle is a writer and web designer from the greater Detroit area where she works at a small software firm. A few of her favorite things are carnations, hair dye, peanut butter, and bluegrass. When she is not working she can usually be found curled up with her husband watching movies. She is published in the anthology “The Age of Conversation 2: Why Don’t They Get It?” by Gavin Heaton and Drew McLellan and has had articles featured in Provoketive Magazine.

Find Deanna: Blog | Twitter

Ashley | Photo Hut

Are you a resolution maker? Why or why not? If so, what’s your most important resolution this year?

I am a resolution maker, but I call them goals, because that sits with me better. My most important goal this year is to volunteer more – once a month to be exact. I’m currently signing up to work at a local church serving dinner to the homeless. I really do hope to make a difference, even if it only has a small societal impact.

Do you enjoy a good debate or do you prefer keeping the peace?

I’m all about keeping the peace. I was never all that great at debate, I think mostly because I’m easily swayed, so even my opponents make points that make me think both sides are right.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Pasta is my go-to comfort food. Especially filled pasts like ravioli and tortellini. I recently made this slow cooker tortellini stew that was to die for :).

Are you a traveler or a homebody?

If I could quit my job and travel for the rest of my life, I would. Then I would have so many great pictures to post on Etsy!
I am a 20-something newlywed who is a social media marketer by day and a skydiver, yoga practitioner and photographer by night and weekend. I’m new to the Etsy scene and am loving getting my photo prints out there to share. Whether you want them on canvas, matted and framed, or the print alone, I’m confident one of my pieces will make a great addition to your home decor. I’m a big believer in the small business, so I figured why not start a little slice of my own.

Find Ashley: Shop | Twitter

Aleigh | Indigo + Canary

Are you a resolution maker? Why or why not? If so, what’s your most important resolution this year?
I used to be a big resolution maker and I’d make 100 resolutions in categories like “Work” and “Health” and “Person I Want to Be.” But then I realized it was just one more thing to stress me out, so I ditched the resolution thing entirely. Last year I decided to try something a little different, though: I made one resolution that’s more like a mantra. It’s to be good to myself. It’s broad enough that I can interpret it in so many ways, from seeking work/life balance, to mindful eating, to staying on track with my exercise, to nurturing my friendships…and it’s not technically measureable, so I can’t beat myself up if I don’ achieve it. It worked out really well last year, so I’m doing it again this year!

Do you enjoy a good debate or do you prefer keeping the peace?
Ha! Well, I’ve been told by more than one person that I should’ve pursued a career as a lawyer. So, yeah. I love a good debate, but only if it’s a true debate and not a fight or an attack.

What’s your go-to comfort food?
Oh, this is a tough one. I really, really love food. I think probably Thai or Vietnamese food. There’s something about rice and spicy sauces that can turn around any grey day or foul mood.

Are you a traveler or a homebody?

I’m both! I love to travel and I’m pretty adventurous—I’ve been trying to plan a trip to hike up to Machu Picchu for a few years now. My last big trip was a two-week exploration of Russia, and I completely fell in love with the people and the history there.

Indigo+Canary is a new beauty blog, where Aleigh writes about current obsessions, favorite (and a few not-so favorite) natural beauty products, along with DIY beauty recipes, and natural beauty inspiration.

Find Aleigh: Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Becky | What Bex Loves

Are you a resolution maker? Why or why not? If so, what’s your most important resolution this year?
Not really…I am constantly trying to better myself through cleaner eating, moving more, working on my patience (and bad language…), spending less, saving more.  Instead of waiting for December 31st, I try to let the previous day go and work harder on all these things with each new day.

Do you enjoy a good debate or do you prefer keeping the peace?
In my younger years I really enjoyed a good debate, you know, back when I thought I knew EVERYTHING.  But as I’ve gotten older (just turned 32!) I’ve come to respect the fact that everyone has their own reasons for what they believe and most of us aren’t going to be swayed from our views.  I mean, I still think I’m right about most topics, but I don’t need to convince others of that anymore ;)

What’s your go-to comfort food?
Well, I’ve recently had to cut gluten out of my diet, so this has completely changed this answer!  Before the diet shift, hawaiian pizza or twizzlers.  Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream, however, has always had wonderful soothing effects.
Are you a traveler or a homebody?

I have literally been around the world.  China, Italy, Costa Rica, Iceland, Cabo, Bermuda, Napa. I *LOVE* to travel, but more recently a nice homemade dinner, a bottle of wine and a few friends sounds pretty amazing, too.  I’ll always have wanderlust, but it has definitely been toned down lately.

Hey there!  I’m Bex.  My tag line reads “wife. daughter. sister. aunt. godmother. friend. worker bee. law student. makeup addict. world traveler. lover of wine and tequila, although not together,” and all of these many hats I wear have led me to discover SO many things out there to love.  From beauty products, to books, to movies, to gifts, to experiences, to travel destinations to…well…maybe something I haven’t even discovered yet!  My theory is that there is enough negativity out there on the interwebs, so you’ll only read about things I LOVE on “What Bex Loves.”

Find Becky: Blog | Twitter


Erin | Reinventing Erin

Are you a resolution maker? Why or why not? If so, what’s your most important resolution this year?

I love me some goals. I’m not too fond of resolutions though. I like to start the year with 12 intentions I privately set for myself. It could be things like, “spend more time walking my dog” or “try new things” etc. I choose to use the word intention rather than resolution, because I feel like I set myself up for failure when I resolve to change things. I’d rather  intend to live my life healtier and happier by choosing smaller goals.

Do you enjoy a good debate or do you prefer keeping the peace?

Well, I really hate conflict. I don’t like to leave things unresolved, and I worry way more than I should about other people’s feelings. I do however love to debate- you know, those fun conversations with differing opinions- with friends or family. I have strong opinions. I try not to ever force those on people, but I also love hearing why some people feel differently than I do. We can all educate each other.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Candy and ice cream
Are you a traveler or a homebody?

I am both. I love to travel and can’t think of any place that I DON’T want to go to. At the same time though, I love spending time at home. I’m not the type of person who needs to be out an about constantly. Part of the reason I’m trying to buy a house is so I can have more get togethers at my house, rather than always meeting friends out.

Erin is a happy, grateful, occasionally cranky young lady who prefers experiences over presents. She’s a graduate student studying creative writing and loves the #5, lowercase letters, alligators and ice cream.

Find Erin: Blog | Twitter | 101 in 1001 Blog

Want a spot for February? Get more information about advertising here and sign up here.

I usually close comments on advertiser posts, but I really enjoyed reading the responses to these questions, so I want to invite you to respond in the comments to any or all of them questions.

Cleaning the Closet Clutter :: The Front Closet.

Today’s Closet | Front Closet.

This is the first apartment we’ve lived in that has a front closet for our coats and shoes. Before this, we had coat hooks and a shoe rack. We’re living large with an entire closet for our coats.

Which means we also have one more place where clutter can congregate behind closed doors.

Before

We keep random bike stuff, tools, and camping stuff in the front closet in addition to the usual coats, winter accessories, and shoes. Oh, and canvas grocery bags to grab as we’re running out the door. And a broom and mop since it’s close to the kitchen.

After

Not the biggest transformation, but it still makes me happy. Less shoes, less coats, less hats/gloves/winter junk, and so on. And, yes, we store our umbrella stroller like this. (Although, since taking this photo, I can say it’s been in the trunk of our car for the past few weeks, just hanging out because I keep forgetting to bring it back up to our apartment. Keeping it real.)

The Process

1- Got rid of stuff I don’t want or use. (Always the first step to ‘organizing.’ Don’t just make it look neater, get rid of what you don’t use!)

2- Only keep three pairs of shoes for each of us. (We don’t wear shoes in our apartment because it grosses me out to think about outside germs/dirt/general grossness on the streets being tracked into our clean apartment. Which means we accumulate a LOT of shoes in the front closet if we’re lazy about bringing them back to our bedroom closet.) (Also, isn’t it crazy how much less space my three pairs of shoes take up than Mike’s?)

3- Put stuff away, but neater.

The Casualties [What I Got Rid Of]

A grocery cart cover for Gabe which I only used a handful of times before realizing it was one more thing to carry into Target. And also, a little exposure to germs is healthy, right?

An old nasty water bottle.

A jean jacket I can never get to match anything.

An unneeded storage container.

Extra hats, scarves, and gloves without a match. How much winter stuff can you wear at one time, right?

And other odds and ends.

Lessons Learned:

  • It will get messy. Clean it out.
  • Stop leaving your shoes in the front closet. It makes it messy and breaks the shoe rack (which is already broken, but whatever).
  • Don’t keep stuff you don’t wear or don’t use.
  • Mike likes to keep camping stuff in the front closet. Even though we haven’t camped in two years.
  • Related, pick your battles. (Uh, this is more about relationships and marriage than about decluttering and organizing.)

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Link up below with your blog post and we can go take a look!

Cleaning Closet Clutter Link Round-Up:

Cleaning the Closet Clutter :: Bookcases & Such.


Today’s Closet | The Living Room/Dining Room Bookcases.

Remember how I told you about our built-ins on Wednesday? Well, here is the other one. AKA: the reason I wanted this apartment. It’s in the main living room/dining room area:


Before


Shoved full o’ junk.

After

Empty shelves! The holy grail of decluttering.

The Process
I’ve already culled my books to the point where I have a single bookshelf, so this area is largely Mike’s domain, limiting my decluttering abilities. (I don’t get rid of Mike’s stuff. That’d just be mean.) (Except for socks with holes in them because WHYYYY do men insist on keeping holey clothing?)

Then I took all the books and organized them by non-fiction topics and novels. Then I took all the board games (and got rid of a few we never play with) and moved them from a cabinet Gabe can reach to a shelf up high. Then, I took everything else and threw it in a cabinet because I didn’t want to deal with it. I finally forced myself to open the cabinet a week later because this is how I used to do things and I am NOT going back. Deal with the junk drawer, Ashley.

I also put my current papers and things I need to deal with now in a little cute basket (left over from the craft declutter, happily!). I also put my camera in there. (These things are the things that usually sit on the dining room table because I don’t want to forget they exist. Hopefully this will help me keep it less cluttered!)

The Casualties [What I Got Rid Of]

Not much, honestly. It was more of a relocating-Mike’s-stuff-to-Mike’s-area. Some board games, some picture frames (SO MANY PICTURE FRAMES), some blank cards, and so on. Oh, and my giant exercise ball we haven’t used in ages.

Lessons Learned:

  • Slow and steady wins the race.
  • A little bit of organizing a day keeps the clutter monster away.
  • Stop talking in stupid cliches.
  • Or are these idioms?

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Link up below with your blog post and we can go take a look!

Cleaning Closet Clutter Link Round-Up:

 

Friday Photo & Finds.


Cheese ball heaven!

7 Ways to Successfully Work at Home with Toddlers in Tow | The Mogul Mom | I needed to read #7.

How to Treat a Man | Peter DeWolf | “We like our ratty old t-shirts. Accept them.”

Mr. Daisey and the Apple Factory | This American Life (Okay, not a blog post. But listen! It’s great.)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I don’t have many links to share this week, because my internet was out for two days (I NEARLY DIED). I’d love links to your favorite reads from this week!

Cleaning the Closet Clutter :: Craft Area.

Today’s Closet (Area) | Craft Desk.

When we moved into this apartment a year and a half ago, I wanted this specific one because of the built-ins. There is a wall of built-in bookshelves in our living room/dining room and a desk in Gabe’s room with shelves that span the entire wall. I just love built-ins. They add so much character and we can own less furniture, since it’s already in our apartment. Plus, it made putting up the awful wooden paneling in Gabe’s room worth it.
I’m lucky enough to use the desk in Gabe’s bedroom as my sewing/craft area. Until Gabe gets old enough to demand I stop taking over his room, anyway. I absolutely adore how I can display my fabric and have other, less pretty craft supplies tucked away behind the built-in cabinets.

Before:

This has been one of the messiest areas in our apartment. In every apartment we’ve lived in, there has been a Very Messy Room (aka: the second bedroom), where everything would get thrown when company came over and which would double as storage. Until my born-again minimalism conversion, Gabe’s room was this spot in our house. A laundry basket shoved full of papers and so much other random, random odds and ends was under the desk, while the surface was filled with clutter.

Because of this, and because it’s in Gabe’s room, and thus inaccessible when he’s sleeping, the desk has a tendency to morph back to its earlier, messier days. Behold:


Yikes.

After

Annotated:

 

The Process:

1 – Throw out or recycle trash. (There are no trash cans in our bedrooms, and I can surprisingly lazy as a result.)

2 – File paperwork. (So much paperwork.)

3 – Get rid of craft stuff I no longer use or want.

4 – Reorganize supplies, refold fabric, and continue to declutter.

5 – Realize it still looks cluttered, and remove all the picture frames (I hardly notice them, anyway) and replace them with the pennant I made for Gabe’s birthday party.

6 – Revel. This has been, by far, the best transformation thus far. I keep peeking in Gabe’s room to marvel at the clean, empty space. It’s just begging to be used.

The Casualties:


Lessons Learned:

  • Go through and file paperwork monthly, not annually.
  • Stuff will accumulate on the desk top. To combat, go through daily or weekly and put things where they belong.
  • Continue to declutter and get rid of any craft stuff I don’t use. Be honest with myself. The less stuff I hold on to, the more likely I’ll use the stuff I have.

ALSO:

I am giving away or selling all of this:

It’s basically just shipping, so check out my Etsy shop or email me if you want something!