Just so you all know, I appreciate each and every comment I receive and I hope no-one ever feels left out from my favourite five. I chose them for all sorts of reasons but mostly because I feel we all have something to learn from them.  I hope you enjoy the five I have spotlighted for this week.

Andreia in response to Day 91 Stocking up of obsessing - I used to paint. Not canvas, but plaster figures… Read more

Andreia in response to Mini Mission Monday - Hi Colleen! I did the same with our tools… Read More

Katherine – I wanted to feature three comments that Katherine has posted this week. Once you read them all you will have to appreciate the difficulties she faces with how little space she has. I feel she deserves to be applauded for her can do attitude and her positive outlook – Comment 1 ***  Comment 2 ***  Comment 3

It has been a good week for great down to earth minimalist post. I had this roundup of five chosen by Wednesday. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Raptitude – Everything-in-its-place-finally-and-forever

A Guy Name Dave – American-style-consumerism-will-seal-your-fate

Not easy to be green – Reusing-the-gateway-to-hoarding

Om Freely – On-Creating-New-Habits

Small Notebook – 10-ways-to-simplify-without-becoming-a-minimalist

Today’s Declutter Item

These rose scented rosary beads were a souvenir from our first visit to Rome. Liam decluttered these from his room recently. I am sure someone will be happy to find them at the thrift store.

I am grateful from anything that brings me joy. Below are five things that gave me joy since my last post.

• The lessons I have learned – Some lessons can be harsher that others but so long as we learn something from them we have gained from the experience.
• Trying a new cafe.
• Multi-tasking – Watching video lessons on the computer and ironing at the same time got two unpleasant tasks out of the way at once.
• Leftovers
• Hubby and I went out to see a comedy act at the local entertainment centre – A night out and a good laugh what more could you ask for.

This week  I have been glad to see some new additions to our fold of commenters. There have also been a few comments from some fairly recent new-comers which is also great but quite a number of our old faithfuls seem to be on vacation somewhere. Where have you all gone I am missing you.

Kathleen in response to Mini Mission Monday 21FEB – Perfect! It’s funny when I finally have a chance to get back to my decluttering project… Read more

Kelley in response to Mini Mission Monday – I can’t do the mini mission this week because… Read more

Loretta in response to Excessive clutter…– I definitely suffer from lethargy, being a naturally idle person… Read more I loved this response from Loretta simply because she was so up front about her idle streak and I like people who are honest with me and with themselves.

Jayme in response to To Sell or Not to Sell – Great post! I learned the hard way of using a site like Craiglist… Read more

Susan S in response to Mini Mission Monday – Thank you, Colleen, for this week’s mini-missions… Read more

Here are the five post or web sites I enjoyed reading this week. I hope they are useful or inspiring to you.

Psychology Today – The procrastination equation/201101/crazy-procrastinating maybe

Slow Simple Conscious – When-did-shopping-become-a-verb?

Listen Feel Breathe – Can-one-word-change-an-entire-mindset

Small Notebook – Loosen-the-grip-of-more-stuff

1000 Awesome Things –Unpacking-the-last-box

Today’s Declutter Item

Magazines for the recycling bin. I no longer subscribe to magazines for two reasons 1.) They can be hard to part with ounce they enter my house. 2.)They are just far too expensive here in Australia. The price was an instant cure for my craft mag fetish.

I am grateful from anything that brings me joy. Below are five things that gave me joy today.

• Treating a friend to lunch for her birthday and giving her one of my handmade cards.
• Hearing the magpies warbling as I drank my first cup of coffee this morning.
• Choosing two items out of my wardrobe today that I had never thought to wear together before. They matched perfectly and I can’t  think why I hadn’t thought combined them before today.
• Getting a phone call from my girl telling me she got a pay rise today because she is doing a good job. It is nice to know that there is at least one boss left in Australia who knows how to treat his valued staff. I am also pleased that my daughter has a good work ethic.
• Google maps – There is go much to discover about your city before you even leave your lounge room.
  

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.

The five comments I chose to share with you all this week

Anne in response to Creating Enthusiasm by Changing your Thinking – Another important issue with decluttering is the support from others…Read more

Cat’s Meow in response to Decluttering Anxiety – I used to be like that too. Trouble finishing the task… Read more

Jo in response to Space Solution -  The thing that most amazed me about this process was… Read more

Nurchamiel in response to Simple Saturday – That reward-system sounds good, but I think I will try to do it without… Read more

Jo in response to Try!!!! -Being a perfectionist, oddly enough, can also contribute to not starting… Read more

This weeks posts that I have enjoyed. There are only three because I have heeded my own advice this week and ignored all but a couple of my RSS feeds.

A Guy Named Dave – Hoarders-ascetics-and-the-american-dream

Slow Simple Conscious – Challenging “it’ ll do” I loved this post. My son and I were just having a conversation on this subject very morning I was made aware of this blog when the writer left a comment on my blog.

Be More With Less – 5 simplicity diys you’ve been too scared to try.

Today’s Declutter Item

I am grateful from anything that brings me joy. Below are five things that gave me joy today.

• The excitement of a good thunder storm right overhead. Flash Bang!
• Oatmeal, brown sugar. all-bran, cream and blueberries. Yummmmm!
• Spotting the unicorn. – A graffiti artist has been painting unicorn stencils in my area and I have been having fun spotting them when hubby and I are out walking.
• Less interruption from builders today.
• A nice long Facebook chat with Cindy.
  

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.

Jo in response to Friday’s Favourite Five – …I love reading the grateful lists. I started making my own lists… Read more

Gail in response to The Black Hole – What has helped me the most in eliminating (nearly) “black holes” is a superficial study of feng shui… Read more.

Patricia – Dear Colleen, This blog came into my life at the perfect time… Read more

Deb J in response to Too Much Clutter, Too Little Time – One thing I am learning is that I have too many things on my list of things to do so… Read more

Anne in response to Creating Enthusiasm by Changing your Thinking – Another important issue with decluttering is the support from others…Read more

Five favourite links for this week

About.com – Feng shui basics The link was inspired by Gail who’s comment appears above.

Miss Minimalist – The-minsumer-movement-a-quiet-revolution

Guy Named Dave – Honesty-and-bravery-are-almost-the-same-word

Daily Disciplines – Meditation- The benefits of slow

The Slow Movement

Today’s Declutter Item

The kids have graduated high school now so they won’t be needing graph paper any more.

I am grateful from anything that brings me joy. Below are five things that gave me joy today.

• Getting my Craft Robo cutter to do what I wanted it to – It took a lot of coaxing and the odd swear word but we got there eventually.
• Figs heated for twenty seconds in the microwave with a drizzle of honey and served with a dollop of cream – The simple things in life are often the best.
• A trip to the art store – It is fun having an art student in the house I could browse in that store for hours yet resist temptation.
• The morning kiss from my husband before he leaves for work – It is a nice way to start each day.
• After a week of 40°C  plus temperatures today’s 33 seems almost cool in comparison.
  

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.

It is such a hard task these days choosing five and having to let the others go. I would hate anyone to miss the great wisdom that my readers have to offer but there has to be a limit.

Marilyn in NM in response to Mini Mission Monday – Once again, these missions are great! I’ve gone through the bookcase… Read More

Annabelle in response to Reduce Reuse Recycle – I volunteer at a local thrift store; and more than 90% of the stuff we are given is TRASH… Read More

Kelley in response to Reduce Reuse Recycle – I love this post! I am packing for a move later this month… Read More

Meg in response to The Black Hole – Hi guys–my black hole used to be the big island between the kitchen and dining room… Read More Here is a link to Meg’s beautiful clear Island – Minimalistcook – Living-with-an-uncluttered-kitchen

Melissa in response to The black Hole – I do have a black hole….I just can’t find it!… Read More

This weeks favourite five post I read or blogs I have discovered this week.

Raptitude – How-to-make-trillions-of-dollars

The Uunblogger – Dogging-the-wag-putting-my-blogospheric-imagination-in-its-proper-place

Becoming Minimalist – 8-essentials-for-a-successful-marriage It is worth it just to take a minute to look at the lead photo in this post. It made me smile to see their joy.

Minimalist Cook – Getting-to-the-bottom-of-leftover-condiments

Modminimalism – Check out this new blog it promises to be very useful indeed.

Today’s Declutter Item

I don’t need coupon folders any more because Australia doesn’t do coupons like they do in America. Pity about that but since I don’t shop much any more it doesn’t matter.

Things I am grateful for today

• I am not my neighbour two doors down – it got to 43°C again today and their air-conditioner isn’t working.
• That the Cyclone that hit the North Queensland coast wasn’t as destructive as they feared – It is heading inland now which is a bit odd because they usually die out once they hit the coast. Let’s hope it peters out before it get too far because homes aren’t built to cyclone standards in there.

• A game of scrabble with some neighbours – I lost of course but that is partly because I refuse to use words I have never heard of and because I just like to play games and don’t care whether I win of lose.
• I am grateful to all the lovely readers that leave comments for Cindy and me – it really spurs us on to our next posts and even inspires posts on a regular basis.
• A book borrowed from a friend that has great historic photos of the city where I live – It is only a lone and will be going back once I’ve had a good look.
  

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.

For this week’s favourite five I have done something a little different. I received several comments over the last week or so from people who run their own blogs on the topic of decluttering, minimalism, self improvement or a combination of all three. I decided to combine the comments and the links and showcase what they are writing about. Take a look for yourselves.

Liz’s Blog – A Life Less Cluttered —– Liz’s Comment

Mike’s Blog – Boston Web Crew —– Mike’s Comment

David’s Blog – Listen feel Breathe —– David’s Comment

Marnie’s Blog – The Unblogger —– Marnie’s Comment

Freedom’s Blog – Rethinking the Dream —– Freedom’s Comment

I hope you enjoy these little gems and give them an encouraging comment

Today’s Declutter Item

This item (a water syphon) served it’s purpose but hasn’t been used since perhaps it will come in useful to someone else.

Things I am grateful for today

• A cooler day – We have been sweltering this week
• Another thrift store drop off was accepted with gratitude.
• Having a productive day.
• People who keep there side walks trimmed of grass and overhanging shrubs – it makes walking with my husband holding hands a lot easier.
• Being my own person
  

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.

This weeks favourite five comments have a similar theme – Mini Missions – I am getting some positive feedback and I wanted to share it with those who normally wouldn’t read all the comments.

Anne – It’s Saturday night and this week’s Mini Missions are done! Yippii!!!… Read more

Daisy – Does it count if I did the mini mission all in one day (basically?)… Read more

Marilyn in NM – I’ve written out my mini missions on my to-do list…Read more

Jo – Hmm . . . did five of seven mini-missions last week . . . Read more

Rebecca – I’ve noticed that the mini-missions take longer than I expect… Read more

This week’s favourite five post were a delight to read I hope you enjoy them too.

Small Notebook – The-perpetual-giveaway-box

Be More With Less – What-it-really-takes-to-live-with-less

Lunch Breath.com – Cartoons -how-to-describe-your-used-furniture-on-craigslist-2 This one is just for a bit of a laugh although…

My Zero Waste – Decluttering-sans-waste

There ally good life.com – My-low-spend-11-buy-less-than-12-items-of-clothing-in-2011 I am getting on board with this I am sure I can manage to buy less than 12 items of clothing for myself this year. I am not even sure I would have bought that many last year.

Today’s Declutter Item

It’s like the Tour De France of Freecycling this week well maybe it is more of a Sunday ride down the Fernleigh track but either way today’s item is this slide projector that I think we may have used once in the last 10 years or. It has found a new owner and will be collected on Friday.

Things I am grateful for today

• Admitting something will probably never get used and decluttering it.
• Know when I do the laundry that I am lucky to have clothes in the first place.
• Having a lovely day out with a friend.
• International foods – wouldn’t life be boring without them.
• Honesty – I like to be honest with others and I prefer them to be that way with me. It takes the guess work out of a relationship.
  

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.

There were so many comments this week it was hard to keep up with them but I had to choose five and I did for various reasons.

Victoria -  …I tend to be a very Spartan person in general, but have to constantly fight the battle to keep my lifestyle as zen as possible… Read More

Grace from Brazil – …You have challenged me to think about the decluttering as an ongoing journey…Read more.

Lynne – Ahhh! I would absolutely NOT ask the artist if you could swap it…Read More

OBC – I had a huge problem with letting go of things…Read More

Pamela – This is the first time I’ve commented on your (wonderful and inspirational and challenging) blog…Read More

Blog posts I really enjoyed reading this week. Some for fun, some for inspiration and some for their useful advice.

Movers Edge – Packing-Tips This is a little off the subject of decluttering but there are some great tips for moving which include one decluttering tip for the process.

Be more with less – How-to-live-in-the-land-of-enough-gratitude

Finding me in france – Holiday-survival-tips I have been a little busy over the Christmas period so I have been a bit behind on reading my favourite blogs. This one from Bobbi was so funny I had to share it with you even thought the festive season is over.

Marc and Angel hack life – 40-extraordinary-things-happening-right-now

Stop work place drama.com – Eeleven-questions-to-ask-in-2011 Thanks to Cindy for finding this one.

Today’s Declutter Item

Liam is on a declutter binge at the moment and he has quite a collection of Coke items that are on their way out. These two are now in the recycling bin. There will be more to come so stay turned.

Things I am grateful for today

• Liam going gang busters with the decluttering – I don’t know what brought this on but I don’t care either so long as he is doing it. Go Liam!
• Finally some decent rain today – Even though I think it was chasing me and I got caught in it three time no less I am still grateful for it.
• Leftovers for dinner – Two nights of no cooking, gotta love that.
• Liam had his teeth fixed today – It is nice to see him smile with a full set of whole teeth again.
• A cool breeze a white wine and some peace and quiet as I finish up this post.
  

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.

This weeks favourite five comments that I wanted to share with you in case you missed them.

Susan S on Day 342 – I’d love to have a Buy Nothing Christmas, but we’ll have a Buy Not a Lot Christmas… Read more

Cindy on Day 343 – A friend who is a organizing professional received a gift of magazine and catalog decluttering… Read more This is a great gift idea especially if you live in the US because it has become big business to sell peoples details in order to send out junk mail. A decluttered mail box who wouldn’t want that.

Annabelle on Day 347 – Ok, now I also want to know, will you share your polish apple pancake recipe???… Read More This one really doesn’t have any important information to share but I got such a kick out of it that I wanted add it to the five for this week.

Cathryn on Day 348 – I love my bed time routine it is the most important routine of my day… Read more

Jo on Day 349 – A few years ago when our closets and cupboards and other storage spaces were starting to groan at the seams… Read more

5 Blogs posts I have enjoyed this week. Some for the first time that I discovered through my new twitter account.

The 7th Rock – Pondering-purges

No Impact Man – Thoughts-on-communicating-on-climate-my-remarks-at-climate-negotiations-communication-conference

Becoming Minimalist – What-if-ice-cream-cost-you-your-vision

Marc and Angel – 28-dignified-ways-to-impress-everyone-around-you

The change blog – 8 little ways to change the world for the better

Item 351 of 365 less things

Time has not been kind to this old box so it is looking a little shabby. I kept the item from inside but have sent the box to the recycling bin.

5 Things I am grateful for today

1. Sleeping right through until the alarm – And what’s even better is my alarm is when my husband kisses me when he is leaving for work. Win Win!
2. Finding more space in my lounge room – I removed a concertina standing photo frame and just that one move made the room look bigger. I am considering it a trail separation from the frame.
3. 9am A chance of rain – Even though I have to walk somewhere today it is nice to see a cloudy sky for a change. There was thunder when I woke up and I love a good thunder storm.
4. Cereal – I agree with Jerry Seinfeld it isn’t just a breakfast food but can be enjoyed any time.
5. 4pm Rain at last – and it is bucketing down with a little hail, lightning and thunder thrown in. Yay!
   

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.

Although it is always hard to choose it was particularly hard this week with so many thoughtful comments coming through. These are the five favourite comments of this week.

Calico ginger on Day 338 – I have been thinking about this “stocking up” a lot because I downsized last year… Read more

Cindy on Day 338 – I have a large bin of gifts for the children to give for birthday presents… Read more

Bronwyn on Day 343 – My little grandson has his 1st birthday 2 weeks before Christmas… Read more

Susan on Day 341 – our weirdest thing is my cat’s bladder stones… Read more

Paola on Day 342 – I’m definitely going to have a Buy Nothing Holiday!… Read more

Five post I read this week that I wanted to share with you

Small Notebook – Creating a haven using personal filters & Beyond the tension having Christmas with joy I snuck in an extra one there but they are linked in the second article anyway so that doesn’t count.

Be more with less – How-to-live-in-the-land-of-enough-entertainment

Minimalist Packrat – Psychology-of-clutter

Simple Life Prattle {Allan Douglas} -Simply-swapping-favors-and-the-barter-system

Rowdy Kittens – Grandparents

Item 344 365 less things

One of those unsuccessful eBay sales. This crystal duchess set sold for a mere $5- hardly worth the effort involved.

5 Things I am grateful for today

1. Good weather for drying the sheets
2. Getting out of the house – Coffee with a friend again, I could make a habit of that.
3. My house is clean enough this week that I just did a quick wipe over here and there.
4. The repair man came and fixed out dodgy door locks today
5. Air Conditioning – I caved today and put it on it is 34°C (93°F), very humid and I was uncomfortable.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow.