Living Simply October Challenge: Day 28 Pulling it all together

     The whole point of this month's challenges is to help you get prepared before you're in the midst of the holiday season, all stressed out, busy with no time left for what's really most important to you. Today's challenge is to begin to really pull it all together this weekend.

1.  Wrapping gifts - we've talked about scheduling several times this month, now it's time to put things on the calendar. Schedule what day you'll wrap your gifts that you are giving.

2.  Shipping - schedule the day to ship anything you're mailing far away, don't wait til the last minute because it costs SO much extra to rush it later, and usually you have to agree that shipping will take longer than usual when paying for those services.

3.  DIY Day - schedule a day or weekend when you'll be making the homemade gifts. There's a post on here about DIY gift ideas, the Day 3 challenge.



4.  Baking - are you planning on baking cookies, bars, pies, etc? Did you know you can make them ahead of time and freeze them until the holidays are here? Pick a day or two for getting all your baking done in one or two shots so you aren't stuck in the kitchen at the last minute.

5.  Meals - plan your holiday meals that you'll be responsible for, whether you're cooking it all, or just making a few things to bring to somewhere else. Include parties, events, and other things that you plan on bringing food. List out all the ingredients on a separate list from your grocery list. Then, bring it with you (or keep it in your wallet so you don't forget it), and whenever you're in the store, take advantage of sale items as they come up. Most people buy ALL their meal ingredients in one week, overspending by hundreds of dollars unnecessarily.  By buying a little at a time at the best prices, it's going to save you lots of money as well as prevent you from having an overwhelming shopping trip. Don't forget to schedule what day you'll be doing the actual cooking too.

6.  Laundry - don't forget to plan a time to wash all the table cloths and napkins, (and iron them if you need to), the guest room linens, pillowcases for the extra pillows for guests, and anything else you normally need for the holidays.

7.  Floors - if you're someone who likes to have the carpets professionally cleaned, or your upholstery cleaned before the holidays, schedule it now, or as soon as the company lets you put a date in the books. The longer you wait, the busier they'll be and you may end up with a very inconvenient scheduling. If you're going to steam clean any grout or tile, or treat your wood floors, plan a time to do it now.

     By having all these things done early, you can get through the holidays with less stress, making more time to intentionally spend with those you care about most. So grab your calendar and start planning.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 27 Apologies

     I'm sorry to all my readers. Yesterday got away from me before I knew it and I missed posting. I normally try to post early in the morning if I'll be away from my desk all day, but I got caught up in homework for my classes, ran errands, and by the time I got home, I forgot I hadn't already posted.

     As a way to give back and add value for yesterday's missed post, here are a few links to some minimalist and living simply sites that you may enjoy this weekend. I will post today's challenge next.

The Minimalists

Joshua Becker

Leo Babauta

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 26 One Another

     The holiday season is supposed to be a time when we think of others, we're kind to one another. So what does that look like? Today we'll talk about ways to be kind to one another and today's challenge is to start TODAY. Make a real effort to make others' day a little brighter.

1.  Perspective - Just as you see things from your own point of view, through the lens of your own experiences, understand that others have their own points of view and experiences as well. When there's some type of misunderstanding, tense communication, or argument, remember to stop first, understand their perspective, then proceed in a way that can mutually benefit both of you.

2.  Affirmation - People often don't get the recognition they deserve. Sure the top sales guy gets his face framed on a wall, or the boss gets special parking, but what about the average person? What about the single Mom working to support her family on her own? What about the student struggling to maintain good grades while trying to work a job at the same time? What about the neighbor that does nice things for people yet never gets recognition for it? How about your family member or friend that's always there for people but gets forgotten by others who are "too busy" to reciprocate? Take time today to say Thank You to those people. It doesn't cost you anything and it'll make their day.

3.  Compliment - Find a reason to genuinely compliment someone today - even a stranger. It takes nothing to walk by a woman and say, "Nice dress" or to walk by a guy at work or on his job and say, "Great job" or even just, "Thanks for your help."

4.  Help - Every day you pass by people that need help. It may be someone down on their luck who needs a meal or water bottle, an acquaintance moving this weekend who needs an extra set of hands, a person with hands full that could use help opening a door, it's the little unexpected nice surprises that make people's day.

5.  Serve - How can you serve someone today? Can you bring a cup of coffee or a meal to someone you live with? Bring soup to someone who's sick? Take notes or share yours for the student who missed class? Volunteer somewhere? Fill a need when you see it? Most of these involve help that's free - all it takes is willingness to be kind, and maybe a little time.

Find a way today to be kind to one another - I challenge you.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 25 Ready to launch?

     With the end of the month coming quickly, we're about to kickoff the holiday season - and in many stores, it's already in high gear. Today's challenge is to really get started on what needs to happen before you get attacked by the fast-paced holiday season.

1.  Plan your budget. We've spent all month talking about what you want and need, as well as what you don't want or need to do or have anymore. You should have an idea what things you want to eat, cook, wear, buy, decorate, and all those things you don't. Today, figure out a realistic budget for this season now that you've eliminated the unnecessary.

2.  Make a gift list - your budget should be broken down into who you will/don't have to buy for this year. Now you can put some gift ideas on a list next to people's names so you don't succumb to advertising and sales gimmicks on the spur of the moment. You'll be better off entering specific places, with a specific idea in mind, for a specific person or reason. It will help you from overspending if you stick to your list.

3.  List the things you want to include this year to make it more meaningful - and don't forget to drop those customs or activities that may have become habits, but you realize now they aren't bringing value nor joy to your life. Prioritize.

4.  Simplify. Simplify your cooking and menu plan, your gift list, your decorations, your schedule, your obligations, just simplify. Again, it's about prioritizing.

5.  Last, take a minute and think about YOU. If someone asks you what you want for the holidays, be ready with a real answer, or else you'll just end up cluttering up your space again with unwanted trinkets. Is there a new movie or book that came out recently? Do you enjoy gift cards for certain places - movie theaters? favorite restaurants? places you shop when you need things for your wardrobe or home? Is there an event you'd love tickets to? Do you need something for school, work, or traveling? Really think about it.

Hopefully, when November gets here, you'll be ready, less overwhelmed, and more at peace than previous years. Good luck.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 24 Menu Planning

     I've had a few requests for healthy meals to add to a weekly menu planner. We've talked about healthy eating and starting to add in a few healthy meals here and there before the holidays are here.

     Today I challenge you to choose one (or more) of these simple, quick, inexpensive, healthy meals to plan into this week. Feel free to make healthy substitutions based on your own needs, like gluten-free or dairy-free options, or adding chicken if you don't eat shrimp.

1.  Lettuce wrapped turkey tacos - just brown some ground turkey (instead of beef), add just a dash of salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, onion powder or onion salt. Add the turkey crumbles into lettuce leaves, top with a little shredded cheese (pepper jack works great), and chopped tomatoes or some salsa. Only takes a few minutes.

2.  Shredded BBQ chicken sandwich wrap - buy an already cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred the meat from the breast with 2 forks (google it if you don't know what I mean). Add a little BBQ sauce and either serve it on a low-carb wrap, tortilla, healthy bun, or even top a salad with it. You'll be able to have the legs, thighs, wings, etc. for another meal too, and it's already cooked - or chop remaining chicken and make a chicken salad with reduced fat mayo, celery, and whatever else you like.

3.  Salad that tastes like a Big Mac - This is actually a recipe from the Trim Healthy Mama plan/cookbook, so instead of reprinting it, which would be wrong, I'll sum it up. Brown some extra lean ground beef with some diced onion mixed in. Use it to top shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes (like a salad). Add some shredded cheddar cheese. Top with Thousand Island Dressing (lite is preferable, or make your own with lite mayo, ketchup & relish). Add one piece of healthy bread that's been cubed if you want, although I like it without the bread.

4.  Try an open faced tuna (with light mayo) sandwich, under the broiler, with a slice of tomato on top, then cover with one slice of cheese. Just be careful to watch it closely so the cheese doesn't burn.

5.  Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup - One quart box of chicken broth, add a can of chunk chicken (fresh is better if you already have it), add about a cup of pico de gallo (easier to buy it already made at the grocery store in the produce section and it's pretty cheap), warm it all up in a pot. When you serve it, add a spoon of sour cream, or shredded cheese. It's got so few calories and fat you can add a handful of either tortilla strips or fritos. Easy. Cheap. Quick.

6.  Parfait - An easy, quick breakfast is to take a cup, add some fresh berries or a sliced banana, then add an Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt (sweetened with Stevia, not sugar), top with either more fruit or lowfat granola.

7.  Healthy snacks under 100 calories - 1/2 a small melon, 1 cup of berries, 2 cups of popped popcorn, 1 sweet potato, 30 grapes, 1 small banana or 1/2 a large one, 14 almonds, 1 apple, 1 Tbs. peanut butter (which you can spread on celery that has no real calories), 1 hard boiled egg (add to a salad of just lettuce, tomato and cucumber and top with 1 Tbs olive oil and 1 Tbs of balsamic vinegar).

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 23 Make Room

   
Today's challenge to help your holiday season more meaningful, more simple, more intentional, is to MAKE ROOM:

1.  Make room in your home - be sure to get some decluttering, throwing away, giving away, and donating done before November 1st. Get rid of the things that don't bring you value, that are no longer necessary nor relevant in your home. This will make room for whatever you do get during the holidays.

2.  Make room with your digital life - eliminate the unnecessary apps from your phone, bookmarks from your computer, label those repetitive unwanted ads from your email account, reduce notifications you don't need, unfollow (I didn't say you had to "unfriend" or "block") people in your social media accounts. Stop your phone, tablet and computer from constantly demanding your attention. Reduce that pressure so that you're only alerted by people and places you WANT to see.

3.  Make room in your schedule - block out time for yourself, important relationships, working on things you want to do (like DIY projects, homemade gifts you'll give this year, etc). Schedule times to rest and recharge.

4. Make room for your health. Don't spend the next 10 weeks dragging through the day with little sleep and tons of anxiety. Make room for stretching, yoga, dancing, meditation, walking, working out, whatever you enjoy doing to be more fit.

5.  Make room in your menu. Take the time to add a few more healthy home-cooked meals, a few healthier choices in your snack items, drinking more water, even if it has to be something quick and frozen, you can make a few better choices each week that will be helping you get healthier, and worst-case scenario, it'll be a few less unhealthy choices you'll be taking in each week, so at least you aren't damaging your health as much as you normally would be.

     Taking time to make room today will pay off many times over during these next 10 weeks or so. Be prepared, make the time you need happen. Focus on living an intentional life - not one dictated by everyone else. You are not responsible to live up to the whims of everyone around you. Choose how, where, and when you spend your one and only life. Make some room for what's important today.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 22 Weekly Planning

     For the last three weeks, we've talked about things you can do, baby step challenges, to make the holiday season easier this year - to help you live a more simple, intentional life. Now today's challenge is going to get you to put a few of these things into practice!

     Take out (or print out) a planner and actually schedule some of the things we've covered here. Add in a relationship-boosting meet up with someone you care about, a little exercise, even if it's just a little walk one morning or evening. Schedule a half hour of cleaning twice this week. Plan a block of time to rest and recharge yourself, to get re-centered. Plan a time to set up a few simple decorations. Plan to shop for and cook at least one healthier meal at home this week. Begin a list for your holiday shopping so you aren't taken in by superficial junk that's advertised. Take time today to plan this week so you're living intentionally, yet simply. Have fun with it.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 21 Rest

     Today's challenge is simply this: Take time to REST when you need it. Today I woke up feeling kind of sick and had a headache for the first time in a long time. I had a list of things I originally wanted to do today, and some I "should" do to make a few other people happy - but...
 I needed to take time to REST and feel better or else I wouldn't do a good job at anything.

     This holiday season, you too may find yourself feeling under the weather, or stressed out, or over-tired. Give yourself permission to rest a little to get yourself back to good health.

     Also, remember when others need time to rest for various reasons during this season of busyness, give them the time to also get back on their feet without adding to their trouble with guilt, manipulation, or pushing them beyond what they really can handle.

     Let this holiday season be a time of not only purpose, intentionality, giving, love, relationships, and simplicity - but also let it be a time of peace and serenity. Everyone needs a little time to themselves now and then. I challenge you to start with you - give yourself permission to rest when you need it. If you've been stepping up to these baby step challenges to live a more simple life, then you've earned the right to rest when you feel it's necessary before moving on to the next challenge. Peace.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 20 Be Creative!

     Today's challenge is to simply take a look at all these minimalist, simple living, easy, do it yourself holiday decoration photos - and pick one to duplicate (or something similar). BE CREATIVE! You don't need to spend lots of money - or take lots of time - to have simple, elegant, yet festive holiday decorations - and you can alter these ideas to fit your specific holiday, faith, event, home, or style. Check out these easy ideas:

You can have a lights tree to take up less space.

You can decorate a tree with pine cones & lights.

Create a tree with lights, twigs, & a jar or large vase

Fill vases with popcorn or lentils, add a candle.

Top a table with a vase full of unused bulbs & ornaments.

Use acorns and white candles for a formal or natural look.

Take advantage of cheap candy corn for a centerpiece.

Decorate a window with simple short strings of lit stars.

3 large boxes wrapped nice on the front porch adds a special touch.

Simple paper cutouts turn a door into a snowman.

Lights, anything you have laying around in a vase can be decor.

What's easier than a simple jar & a paint marker? Add a tea light.

Use mittens to decorate a door, wreathe, or tree.

Clothes pins, a wire hanger, green paint, and a bow. And you can use the pins to hold Christmas cards

     So challenge yourself today (or this weekend) to make one of these simple, inexpensive projects.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 19 Remember

     Today's challenge is short and simple. This holiday, REMEMBER THE LONELY. Take time to schedule a visit or phone call with someone you know will be lonely this holiday season. It may be an aging parent or grandparent, a college student who can't get home because of work, the neighbor you know has no friends or family over and is alone, the single person who's always home alone, the coworker with no family in your area, or people at church with no family nearby. Today, list those people and put something in your future schedule so they don't get forgotten. Be there for them. Show them you care. Most suicides happen on New Year's Day more than any other time of the year. Let lonely people know they aren't alone this season. Include someone special in your plans.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 18 Local

     This holiday season, regardless of what holiday or holidays you'll be celebrating, what about enjoying the LOCAL events? Many communities offer celebrations, parades, sales, ceremonies, services, and events during this time of year. Why not look to see if you can find something locally that you can bring friends or family to so they can learn something new and have fun in the process?

     If your holiday has a customary gift exchange, then try shopping LOCAL this year. Try all the little local places like book stores, thrift and gift stores, gift certificates for the non-franchised family restaurants, diners, and coffee shops. Help keep the money in your own community as well as keeping those local businesses (and their families) in business.

     Most communities have some type of church, temple, city building, or specific community center (like a Jewish Community Center/JCC) that has holiday events that are open to anyone - often for free or a small donation. Why not take in another culture for an evening? There's usually music, some type of performance, display, or event to share what others' celebrate. Sometimes there's even food to try that's special to that holiday - there's so much you can learn.

  There's almost always stuff for the kids to do
locally too! There's usually a bunch of ballets, symphonies, plays, and other things put on by either local groups, especially local groups of children that have been rehearsing for months. Even public, private, and charter schools put on holiday events for the public, often for free. Why not support your neighbors and their children this holiday season? Simply call the schools, or email them and just ask if and what they have going on in December.

 So I guess today's challenge is to find some local things to do and support - and to challenge yourself to take in one new cultural event this holiday season.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 17 Health

     Health is something the entire world needs more of, and you can find it while living a simple life. Today's challenge is to start being more intentional about your lifestyle. Take baby steps towards a healthier YOU. Here's a few small changes to keep in mind and incorporate so that you'll get through the holidays better - and start the new year off in better health than you are in now.

1.  Veggies - I know most people don't love vegetables, but there's no real way around it if you want to be healthy. They contain vitamins and minerals that you can't get from other foods. Before you say you'd rather just take a pill, understand that most vitamins cannot be absorbed by the body, they pass right through. Sure, there are some high end ones that actually DO get absorbed, but if you aren't willing to eat some vegetables, you're probably not willing to pay those higher prices either. Quick true story...someone we know worked for a septic system company. He used to clean them out and see a particular #1 selling brand vitamin in the systems, still with the company name stamped on them. Not to be gross, but obviously it's passing right through without any absorption. Don't waste your money - eat veggies. Maybe make a saucer of carrots, broccoli, and celery with some hummus instead of a bag or chips or bowl of popcorn next time you're watching a movie or tv. Simple. Effective.

2.  Move - Get moving every day. Be intentional. Park a little further from the door, take the stairs, do a few push ups or sit ups when you first wake up, do a short workout a few times a week, walk either before you start your day or after supper - or even during your lunch break. Bike with your kids. Bowl with your friends. Take a spin class at the local gym. Borrow a DVD from someone to workout. Hike on your day off. It doesn't matter WHAT you do, just do something more than you were doing before. Be intentional.

3.  Junk food - Avoid it. You know very well that when you're eating fast food, baked goods, candy, and chocolate that you aren't doing something good for your health. You know there's nothing healthy about sugar-laden (nor ones with toxic-laden artificial sweeteners) soft drinks. You know eating a bag of chips is bad for you. Switch to healthier alternatives if cutting them out cold turkey isn't a realistic option for you. Instead of a burger, order a grilled chicken sandwich and skip the fries. Eat a piece of fruit for break or snack instead of hitting the vending machine. Buy almonds or peanuts from vending machines instead of junk. Try healthier ice creams like Halo Top or Enlightened - lots of protein, natural sweeteners, less calories and fat. Instead of traditional chips or fritos, maybe switch to pea pod crisps. 

4.  Salad alternatives - If you hate salad, try a quick stir fry. Just buy a bag of cole slaw mix, throw it in a hot pan with about a teaspoon of sesame oil on medium-high heat. Add  broccoli florets first, since they take a bit longer.  Then add pea pods, bean sprouts, bell pepper strips, maybe a small amount of cashews, and any other veggies you think might taste good with it. Season it with a bit of soy sauce, ginger, salt & pepper. Takes about 5 minutes just to warm everything through. Healthy as a salad, but tastes very different. Also, try making a salad of some type of lettuce, spinach, or a mix. Then add fruit - like berries, apple or pears diced up, or mandarin orange segments. Then add some cheese - shredded, grated, soft cheese like goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar cubes. Last, add some crunch for texture. You can add sunflower seeds, a small amount of nuts, croutons, or some type of bacon (or imitation made from soy) bits. It's healthier than most American's typical meal loaded with fat, sodium, calories, carbs, and very little nutritional value. Be creative.

5.  Water - drink more of it. Water is essential to our bodies and most people don't drink enough. If you aren't getting 8 cups a day or more, start today to work towards that goal. It can be as easy as drinking a tall kitchen glass (usually they're 16 oz) in the morning, and again with each of your 3 meals. This way it aids in digestion, and you're not feeling sluggish trying to drink it all day long. You can replace anything on top of that 8 cups with unsweetened tea, coffee that's unsweetened or sweetened naturally with Stevia, xylitol, or Monk fruit. Just be very careful not to load up on the half & half, and don't use sweetened, flavored creamers. Make your own at home with natural sweeteners, cream, and extracts. 

6.  Accountability - Find an accountability partner. It can be someone you're close to that will either do active things with you, someone you can cook with, or someone you call or text at the end of a day or week to be accountable. It can even be someone on social media, like a Facebook friend, Twitter friend you follow, an Instagram buddy, or if you're still using it - you can email a friend or relative regularly. Challenge yourself today to incorporate these baby steps into your life. You'll be thankful on January 1st that you already started and have made some headway. Good luck in your quest for better health. 

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 16 Cleaning

     Today's challenge, which you can do any day this week, is to really take the time to get in some good, deep cleaning around the home. Before the holidays come, you'll want your home to be clean for when your guests come visit. It doesn't take much money, in fact, if you search online you'll find thousands of recipes for cleaning products that only use household items like lemons, baking soda, white vinegar, and things like lavender, rosemary, or essential oils for adding scents around the home.
Here's a list of some "forgotten" areas of the home that only take a few minutes. You can set aside a morning or afternoon to do all of these, or just do a few minutes each day working through the list until they're done:

1.  Porch/Entryway/"Curb Appeal" - This is the first area people see when they come to your home. If you're in an apartment it's outside your door, and the entryway. In a larger home, it may include the foyer. For this area, remove all things that don't belong there & put them away. Get rid of piles of leaves from the corners of the porch or entryway. Clear away cobwebs (unless you're decorating for Halloween, then this can wait). Dust the railings, wipe your door clean, replace any burnt out light bulbs, sweep, mop, or vacuum your entryway, depending on the flooring you have. Make room in your coat closet for guests' coats, and add a welcoming, simple touch - maybe a wreathe made from twigs, pine cones & leaves, or a welcome mat, or a funny sign, maybe a plant on the porch, just keep it simple and inexpensive.

2.  Next work on the next room guests enter. This could be your living room, dining room, or even your kitchen. Work on the other 2 areas after that. This may be done a little each day for a few days so it's not overwhelming.

Living room - clean out the clutter, wash the windows, wipe the walls and baseboards, remove cobwebs in the corners, dust the window sills, clean under the cushions, do the floors, polish furniture, straighten out bookcases, entertainment centers, and shelves, dust artwork/photo frames.
Dining room - clear the table, find a pretty, simple centerpiece, remove what doesn't belong there, dust the china cabinet if you have one, dust & water plants, do the floors - especially under the table.
Kitchen - Clean out your fridge, toss outdated/old stuff, wipe down inside and out, clean out your microwave, clear the clutter from the counter tops and island if you have one, wipe your stovetop, clean fingerprints off walls, dust lights/ceiling fans,

3. Guest/Hall bathroom(s) - Clean the tub/shower, wipe counters, clean mirrors and mirrored surfaces like faucets, clean the toilet, empty the trash, remove whatever isn't absolutely necessary from the counters, have clean towels int here for drying hands after guests wash them, clean the rug, mop the floor. You may want to add either an air freshener or a can of air deodorizing spray. Stock towels for guests to shower if they'll be staying overnight.

4. Guest room/spare bedroom - Dust & clear cobwebs, vacuum or sweep the floor, wash the window, make the bed so it looks "ready for guests", clean mirrors, empty any trash, polish the furniture, put away any stray items, wash curtains if necessary.

5.  Last - your own bedroom, because you deserve to live and relax in a nice, clean space too. Just follow the steps for the spare bedroom for your own, including putting away those stray items. Maybe straighten your closet out too, or some drawers.


If you also have a laundry room, office, den, 3 season porch, etc - you know what needs to be done there as well once you've gone through this list. If they really need it, you could shampoo the carpet in your home too. You could find a local service offering a good deal this time of year before they get busy, or rent a machine and do it yourself. A quick google search should help you find somewhere close to home pretty quick.

Once your home is not just de-cluttered, but also CLEANED, you can relax more when everyone else is scrambling to get it all done at once. Begin the challenge today - it's so worth it when you're done.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 15 Celebrate

   

 Today my post is late because it's my mom's birthday. When living simply and intentionally, I prioritize what, and who, is most important, especially in the moment. Today, it's her. I took her out for lunch after church, then while we were out, I arranged to have my brother and daughter get her a cake & card so we could surprise her after we got home. She never expected anything more after lunch, so it was a nice surprise. My daughter even got her a small gift card for a place close to home she would like to go to once in a while to eat. Today's challenge is to CELEBRATE something.

   

 Can you celebrate a birthday or anniversary this week? A friend getting a promotion or new job? A student who did well on a test? A spouse who did something good at work? What about welcoming a new neighbor to the area? Find someone or something to celebrate. Sometimes we're new to the area and aren't close to family or friends yet. Could you celebrate accomplishing something on your own? You're worth celebrating too.

   

 It doesn't have to be fancy. It can be simple. Celebrate with a picnic, cup of coffee together, enjoying tea together with a simple dessert, go see a movie with someone, grab a drink after work with the one you're celebrating. If celebrating something you did, you've earned the right to a nap, or a night in/out depending on what would be something different. You could treat yourself to a manicure or a massage. Maybe it's tickets to something? Be creative.

     

Many people ask me about minimalism and living a simple life and they automatically think it's a life of sacrifice, doing without the basics of life, a miserable, boring, lonely existence. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's not about living in an empty, cold, cement cell with nothing but a bare mattress on a bed frame. Fill your life with moments to treasure, people to be in relationships with, and joy-filled occasions for memories that last a lifetime. Today, I challenge you to find someone or something to celebrate this week. It's not expensive, it's not time consuming, it's intentionally celebrating this life we're living. Enjoy! 

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 14: Charity

     For today's challenge, let's talk about challenging you to give like a beginner philanthropist this season. You know if you really think about it, most people we give to this time of year have the ability to eat several times every day, live indoors, have clothes that aren't torn rags, and probably already own shoes. So what if we chose to suggest each family member donates a gift, time, or money to a charity this season in place of an unnecessary gift? Maybe you could tell people who will be shopping for you to make your gift, or even just ONE of your gifts, a donation to charity? There are many charities out there, so do your homework first. Make sure what you're donating will actually get to those who need it most - some less reputable ones may take up to 80% of your donation for "office costs" or some other name that won't part with the money to help those they're supposed to be supporting. Here's some great causes:

1.  Direct Relief - This charity earns a 100% fundraising efficiency rating from Forbes, and an A rating from CharityWatch. 

2.  St. Jude's Hospital - Pediatric care for children with catastrophic diseases, regardless if they're parent(s) can pay or not. This comes to the top of most lists when looking for accountability and making a real difference.

3.  Local Charities:  Choose something important to you - Animals? Donate to a shelter or a no-kill shelter. Police and Fire Departments have fund-raisers. Veteran's need your help. A local food bank could use donations, volunteers, cooks, and servers around the holidays. United Way, Salvation Army, YMCA/YWCA/Boy's Clubs and Girl's clubs of America, Have your family sponsor a little league team, there's so much out there if you bother to look.

4.  Find something that's important to you - Alzheimer's, Cancer, Red Cross (plan a family, friends, or coworkers day to donate blood), Compassion International, etc.

5.  Come up with something to have your group, family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors donate to together. It could be a person at work who your coworkers know has unexpected medical bills. Maybe an elderly neighbor just lost a spouse and the neighborhood could pitch in with repairs, lawn or shoveling snow, food gift cards, etc. Family could pull together to make a family member's dream come true - maybe to help them go back to school, or pay for a sitter so they can take on a new job, maybe there's someone who wants to start a small business. Again, the needs are great if you just stop to look around.

6.  Create a one-time scholarship for a student at either the local college, or in a drama class, or dance lessons, martial arts, a season of sports for one student or one family, be creative. Give back in an area that meant a lot to you growing up. 

I challenge you and your circle to find a charity for this holiday season's giving.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 13 Evaluate

  

     Today's challenge is a little different. I wanted to say something, to make a point, then I read that The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, had put out an essay on the very topic I wanted to cover - and they said it briefly, and effectively. So today's challenge is to simply read this short essay I've linked to and cut & pasted here (I make nothing from this website, so I think it's okay). I hope it adds value to your life. 

https://www.theminimalists.com/material/

How important is the stuff in your life?

Your material possessions—those things you’ve worked so hard for by slaving 40, 50, 60 hours a week to acquire—how much value do they actually add to your life?

We bet it’s less than you realize.

Here’s an exercise for you. Take a moment and write down your ten most expensive material possessions from the last decade. Things like your car, your house, your jewelry, your furniture, and any other material possessions you own or have owned in the last ten years. The big ticket items.

Next to that list, make another top ten list: ten things that add the most value to your life. This list might include experiences like catching a sunset with a loved one, watching your kid play baseball, eating dinner with your parents, etc.

Be honest with yourself when you’re making these lists: it’s likely that both lists share zero things in common.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 12 Atmosphere

     Today's challenge is to begin building a relaxing atmosphere in your space before the holidays hit. I don't know about you, but if I dropped in on my friends or relatives during the holiday season, I would find their home in busy mode. There's usually piles of things they don't have time to look through (like mail and magazines), stuff to be put away (laundry piles or baskets around), toys picked up but not put away (whether it be for their kids or their pets), a few pieces of clothing lying on furniture, shoes not put away, maybe a few pieces of trash not thrown out or put away (like a pizza box on a table or the half-eaten bag of chips). I'm not judging, my home was like that for decades. It's just the way most people live, busy, this time of year. So today, I challenge you to begin creating that relaxing, simple, intentional atmosphere in your own space.

1.  First, you need to get the room clean, whether it's your living room, bedroom (if you live with others who aren't minimalist or looking to live a simple life), dining room, or even kitchen, if that's the first room people see. Just set a timer for 30 minutes and see how much you can get done in one shot. If that seems too long, set multiple timers at 10 minutes each for picking up, cleaning, and doing the floors.

2.  Lighting. Does your living space seem cold and unfeeling? stark like a hospital? This is the time of year to add warmth to your home, to create a space that's inviting and relaxing - but not cluttered. Try adding a few new touches (using what you already own in another room or in storage, maybe borrowing or buying cheap from a flea market or Goodwill at super low cost). Try a table lamp or floor lamp instead of glaring cold overhead light. Add a few intentional candles - whether they're white and unscented, holiday colors scented like cinnamon or pine, or even just battery operated ones. After a long day at work or school, a room that's been dimmed showing off some flickering "mood lighting" can do tremendous wonders for your mindset as you unwind for the evening.

3.  Warm up space with one small throw blanket over a chair or sofa, or just a few throw pillows. Maybe it's putting a small placemat or runner on a table (depending on it's size). If the area looks stark, bring in a colored vase or bowl - with our without filling it. It can hold flowers, sea glass, colored rocks, or anything related to the holidays...even pine cones or cranberries.

4.  Could you bring in a small area rug on a tile or hardwood floor? We are heading into winter in a few weeks, so keeping the floor under your feet warm is a good idea anyway.

5.  If you have a fireplace, you could choose to use it, or else fill the void with stacked wood in a little triangle. Simple, yet it makes the room seem more inviting.

Whatever you choose to do, don't spend a lot of money. Think about it. Be intentional. Create that warm, relaxing, inviting atmosphere in your living space or spaces. And don't forget some relaxing music to keep handy to put on as well.