Day 14: KaDi's {Ten. Simple. Items.}

One thing that has helped me through transforming chaos into simplicity has been organizing my organization. In order to create order you must have a few simple items. I created a list of the ten I found most useful whether you are moving or simply simplifying your life. :

No. 1- Large Plastic Bins: These are for the things going in storage or that you will be keeping in closets. Organize your stuff by type. Label them:

• "Electronics" for all of your extra cords, portable devices, CDs, etc.



• "Crafts" for your ribbon, stickers, scissors, etc.



• "Sporting Goods" for all of your balls, hand held weights, etc.
  
  You get the idea.

No. 2- Plastic Ziplock Bags: Some things are just to small to throw into a large plastic bin. Create order within them by sorting the small stuff in baggies. For example: in your "craft" bin have one baggie for markers, one for glue... etc. They can also stop your ribbon from getting loose and tangled.

No. 3- Cardboard Boxes: Even your five year old knows you need cardboard boxes if you're moving, but, here's a tip... If you are moving, put the things you know you will be unpacking into these (dishes, toiletrees, clothes, etc). That way they can be thrown away. Use the plastic bins for things you will be tossing into a closet or garage. Voila' instant organization! Start your time in a new place out right.

No. 4-Permanent Markers/Paper: For quick labeling.

No. 5-Packing Tape: Can be used for boxes as well as creating durable labels that you know will stick. Most store-bought labels won't stick to your plastic bins.

No. 6-Zip ties: You can get a ton of these for really cheap and they are great for tying up loose cords, rope, etc.

No. 7- Paint: Believe me, your closet probably needs it! What better time to cover up all of those scuff marks then when everything is already out of it. Real Simple Checklist for Painting And I don't mean sticking with the egg shell white... Add some style to your closet and it will inspire to when you dress in the mornings.


No. 8- Vacuum/Broom: Again, what better time than when your space is empty.

No. 9- Your beverage of choice: Especially if you plan to do this with a spouse or significant other.

No. 10- Music!! For nothing else other than your sanity. Right now I'm digging Trevor Hall's latest "Unity."

Day 8 {Not. So. Simple.}

So here I am, on day 8 of my journey and I'm surrounded in chaos. I want you to imagine what happens when you decide to clean out your closet and before you know it your entire room is a wreck?! Imagine that in an entire house! So, I have now accepted that in order to simplify my life it must first become more complicated. 

As I pulled out all of my useless junk (including but not limited to 10 old key chains, 999 pencils and pens, and every leotard I've ever worn), I was shocked at the amount of junk one person was able to stuff in one closet! So how do I decide what stays and what goes with so little space to work with? I do admit that some things I have found have been extremely difficult to part with. But then I have to remind myself, if I haven't missed it for the past few years in a box, I can without a doubt live without it . 

On the other hand, you may find something you didn't know you were missing that will light up your day. Those things you keep... I found a beautiful picture of my grandmother when she was my age. I put it in a frame already and displayed it in the guest room. It's truly meaningful decor. (Not to mention the sepia coloring flows gorgeously with the room's "antique chic" style). 

So my advice to others trying to get rid of excess clutter in their lives... make sure you don't end up throwing away what could be beautiful heritage. There is a fine line between saving for simple nostalgia and saving for real net worth. Ironically, I learned this after my grandmother's death (the same one in the picture). When I say she was the complete opposite of a minimalist, I mean she saved every take out box she ever received (I will note she did clean them). However, more importantly she kept every journal she ever wrote, and every piece of jewlery had a tag with the date and who it was from so that her family would know the history behind them. Because of this I have a beautiful blue hand-painted, bead necklace. And because of the tag I know that it was a gift my great-grandfather gave my great-grandmother for Valentine's Day. I also know wonderful details about her and my grandfather's lives that I will always remember. That my friends was worth the space it took up. 

Your task for today is to think about all of the things you own and their net worth. Take one large box and place in it everything you've collected throughout your life that you would love to pass down for generations. The rest of the simple nostalgia... consider them your take-out containers.   

{Follow me while I} Live. Life. Simply.

From To

Many of us have rediculously busy schedules. I know for me it has been since I have began this KaDi Fit venture. My life has become "go, go, go..." all week. I leave at 7:30am for my "big girl job." Then after 5 I'm either off to teach or at church group, or both! But that is a choice I've made, and until I do have a career supporting myself, I can say I am happy and would not give up a second of it. So how, you say, do I not become stressed and overwhelmed?? Well to be honest, I do my friend, I do...
This has brought me to my newest project. Ridding my life of excess clutter. In order to stay happy and calm in a busy world, we must stay organized and free of unnessesary distractions... Follow me as my husband and I transition from a 2,400 square foot house to a 1,100 square foot mobile home (decorated to the T of course)!

Step 1: PURGE! So I am pretty sure there will be many 'o discussion over what classifies as a "necessity" or "sentimental" with the hubby! Eek...
Gameplan: Listen to Jon Troast "Was It Ever Really Mine" on repeat.

Music For a Cause

Awight tweople I know Twitter is a twilly twilly ting dat doe many tweople mock, but I'm here to tell you it seriously has it's advantages...

Recently, as my brain has been churning for fun and fresh ideas, I have turned to Twitter in hopes that something would spark my interest. There are many ideas and interests I would love to do in the near future and I am hoping something will involve a greater cause. Let's take Tom's Shoes for example. It's genius. You buy a pair of cute little comfy shoes and he donates a pair to a child in need. If you haven't checked this out, you really should... http://www.tomsshoes.com/

But most of America already knows about him, so back to Twitter... I follow the great singer-song writer, Andy Davis and saw that he had a link to a new song. I followed it and was directed to "Brite Evolution." You pay $5 a month and can download about 4 albums worth of music from noteworthy artsists and a portion of the proceeds go to a cause. Not only did I sign up but I found a new favorite artist... Joy Williams. Check it. www.BriteEvolution.com