Friday’s Favourites ~ 15Feb2013

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

Thank you to Jane for her personal story of how she decluttered a career that had become dissatisfying, 60 pounds and a whole pile of clutter. And how she believes that there was most certainly a connection between all three situations. She elaborates further in this comment.

I loved this comment from Moni on how although the modern day housewife has all those mod cons to make life easier it isn’t necessarily so.

I received this comment from Jane at 365’s Facebook page. Great way to enjoy reading without the clutter Jane, thank you for sharing.

I also enjoyed this comment where Michelle tells us how she has come around to the way of the French. C’est la belle vie pour toi Michelle. 😉

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Here is a Huffington Post link with advice from Peter Walsh on decluttering, brought to my attention by Andréia to share with you.

My husband found this link from Lifehacker with advice on how to sell your unwanted crap (their words not mine).

This guest post by Dana White for Home Your Way is more proof of my opinion that organising will take care of itself once you get rid of the clutter causing the disorganisation. Sanna was kind enough to send me this link.

Wendy F brought my attention to this funny little story. I am not sure I believe it but it is humorous none the less.

If you have any doubt about the benefits of recycling then this link from National Geographic sent to me by Cindy ought to put them to rest.

This link is not directly linked to decluttering but some of the lessons in it could easily be applied. I just thought it was a great article for anyone to read. Having the good grace to be able to take a close look at oneself and see ones own short coming is essential to being able to do something about it instead of continually blaming the world and everyone else around us.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter a kitchen cupboard that is so full it is too much bother to retrieve what you need from it.

Eco Tip For The Day

 Recycle your old joggers with Nike Reuse a Shoe

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

Comments (52)

Friday’s Favourites ~ 8Feb2013

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

New reader Sarah tells us her story in the comment. Welcome Sarah.

I really appreciated this vote of confidence from Jo H.

Loved this little story that Megan S had to share with us. The lady involved was both old and wise.

Jen had some interesting things to say in this comment on both having less clothes and the accumulating of clutter for comfort reasons.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Although not all this article appeals to me there are some great tips on making the most out of the clothes you own rather than buy more. From Jillee @ One Good Thing by Jillee ~ Shop your closet…

I loved the theme of this post from Asymetrical ~ Not a natural writer. It is more than the title and beginning suggests.

Here is a promo for a book that might be interesting to read ~ http://www.uctv.tv/shows/Stuff-A-Cluttered-Life-Middle-Class-Abundance-Ep-1-24699

Perhaps we could use this trigger idea from The Minimalists to get us all decluttering

Here is something for the parents of little ones to think about. http://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/consuming_kids_the_commercialization_of_childhood_2008/

Thank you to all my wonderful readers who sent through many of these links to me. I can’t remember who sent what but you know who you are.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter old clothing that fitted with your previous life that are now no longer needed. This could be sports uniforms, work clothing, clothes that no longer fit, clothing that is inappropriate to the climate you now live in, clothing that is inappropriate for your age, maternity clothing if you have no intentions of having more children…

Eco Tip for the Day

When trying something new like a new sport or a new hobby, consider starting out with secondhand, hired or borrowed equipment and only graduate to your own personalised items (should you feel the need) once you are sure you will continue.

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

Comments (48)

Friday’s Favourites ~ 1Feb2013

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

Sanna fills us in on her reasons for liking the slow and steady approach to decluttering in this comment.

Creative Me gives us her take on how the best of a collection can just get lost in the crowd in this comment.

This comment in response to Cindy’s post this week is also from Creative me. She stumbled upon a way to resist retail temptation.

Rebecca is using much the same method to declutter her photos that I am. Read about it here.

Ideealistin gives  us a rundown in this comment on how she was being inspired by both posts and fellow 365ers last week.

One of a newest 365ers, Mags, introduces herself and lets us know what areas of clutter she is working on in this comment. Welcome to the gang Mags.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Cindy sent this link from the NY Times

In case you haven’t been over to Midway Simplicity lately, to see what Tohami is up to, here are a couple of posts worth reading. The first by Kate Carpenter on the true cost of clutter and the latest video project The Midway Decluttering Show featuring Joshua Becker .

This post from Slow Your Home gives you 52 reasons to simplify.

Here is another article, this time from Body & Soul with more information on, and reasons behind clutter.

Today’s Mini Mission

I find that the stronger my desire to reduce my belongings becomes the less attachment I have to sentimental items. Assess what you have in the way of sentimental items and declutter those that no longer hold much attraction. Take into account whether you really need these items to remember the people, places and events.

Eco Tip For The Day

If you enjoy a nice coffee seek out cafés with and eco friendly bent. Two of my favourites have secondhand décor, sugar bowls (not sachets), butter and spreads served in dishes no foil or plastic…

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

Comments (44)

Friday’s Favourites ~ 25Jan2013

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

This comment from Ideealistin is a great example of how ease of use is better than unnecessary backups.

This comment from Moni proves that there is a positive side to every situation.

Loretta takes both the environment and her budget into account when it comes to how much stock of anything she keeps on hand.  Fear of running out is not her motivator. Like me she has plans on how to make do. Read her comment here .

I had to laugh when Andréia said she didn’t agree with me in her comment when in fact, from the way I read it, we agreed almost entirely. If Shampoo and olive oil are the only things she cares about running out of then she is doing just fine.

I enjoyed Dagmara take on her comfort zone in this comment. I am with you Dagmara, why step out of your comfort zone when you can expand it from the inside. I also felt like that is what I did when it comes

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

This week I am only going to link to two posts. I have chose these two because they get to the core of how to distinguish the good things from the clutter and how modern society ended up down this path of consumerism leading to the clutter issues we have today. Both these posts are worth more than one read through I think.

1. http://www.raptitude.com/2011/01/how-to-make-trillions-of-dollars/

2. http://www.raptitude.com/2011/01/i-dont-want-stuff-any-more-only-things/

Today’s Mini Mission

Electrical appliances. Like anything else on this week’s list of mini missions these items will wear out from being used but at least then you will have gotten your money’s worth out of them. Having left electrical items in storage when we moved to America and then coming home to find they no longer worked I know for sure that it is a reality the they don’t like sitting idle for too long. so if you have gadgets you aren’t using pass them on now before they die from lack of use.

Eco Tip For The Day

My daughter was just saying she read an article which had a suggestion about saving water when washing your hair in the shower. After wetting your hair turn off the water, lather and turn the water back on to rinse rather than leave it running continuously. Do the same during the conditioning process. It might be a little cool in winter to attempt this but it would work just find in the summer months.

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

Comments (24)

Friday’s Favourites ~ Jan112013

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

Wendy B gives us a great example of how happy she is with her decluttering efforts and how they are all coming together. Read about it in this link.

Jen has only been commenting here at 365 Less Things but she sure does get what this decluttering thing is all about as you can tell from this comment.

Maggie has been reading through the archives and left this comment recently on the post ~ Who can resist a sale. I thought it was worth sharing with you all. Send Maggie your encouragement to resist making any purchases in January.

Deb J gives us a little update on what she, her mom and S and has been up to regarding decluttering and in this comment. Way to go everyone and especially to S.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

From Cindy sent me this link from happiness-project.com ~ 7 tips for sticking to your new years resolutions

Also from Cindy ~ www.apartmenttherapy.com –10 things that will make you happier at home

Steve found this one from the web site for the Sydney Morning Herald

Steve also brought this one to my attention. I believe I have linked to it before but it is worth reading again. www.becomingminimalist.com – Don’t just declutter de-own 

This site may only be useful to our American Readers but it is certainly worth bringing your attention to BetterWorldBooks Makes donating old Books to charity so easy you don’t have to leave the house.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter something that your children or grandchildren have grown out of. This could be clothes, toys, shoes, eating utensils, books, games etc.

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

Comments (28)

Friday’s Favourites ~ 21Dec2012

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

Jen tells us a little about where she is at with her decluttering in this comment. Thanks Jen.

In this comment Jane shares how her target of being decluttering by her self-imposed deadline of the end of the year. 

Moni and her daughter Dayna had occasion to consider how much easier it would be to move house when one doesn’t own copious amounts of stuff. Read about their insights here.  But don’t stop there continue reading through this comment strand for more on the subject.

I also loved this comment from Moni on how she reserected her husband’s BBQ rather than buying a new one. Well done Moni!

Deb J‘s post certainly generated lots of comments. I found this one for Dez C particularly interesting. Although as she said, some may not like what she had to say, she does make some interesting points on how we complicate something that is really very simple in its raw form. One thing that struck me as I read along was that these days one can simply this even further in this digital world by not even printing photos but storing them digitally.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Here is a link to the simplicity blog ANNIENYGMA giving us some good reasons to rent rather than buy.

This link from Mens Health News gives us some tips on saving on household cleaners.

Here are a couple of links from Daily Lime. One about environmentally friendly gift ideas and this one with some really cute alternative gift wrapping ideas.

Loved this article from Mind Over Matter on the fear of letting go of clutter.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter old VHS tapes. If you haven’t already converted them to a modern digital form then the chances are you never will. Especially if you don’t watch them anyway or even own a VCR.

Today’s Declutter Item

2012-12-19 09.01.13

Wet Weather Poncho

Eco Tip for the Today

 Fix leaky toilets. Those constantly running toilets aren’t just annoying they are a huge waste of water.

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

Comments (23)

Friday’s Favourites ~ 14Dec2012

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

Decluttering doesn’t always come naturally and easily. But knowing we really would like to get rid of things usually wins out in the end. Andréia tells us how she is starting to enjoy the benefits of a decluttering space in this comment.

In this first comment from Sassy she tells us about her clever parents giving gifts that will be very helpful in the long term to the grandchildren.

Low Income Lady has had some space making declutter success recently. Read about it here.

Choosing not to exchange gifts can be a serious relief for some people doing it tough. Read an example of this shared with us by Jen.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

This link share on 365’s Facebook page by Jenny Anderson just goes to show how much our sentimental clutter means to us ~ Wedding gown mix-up

Here is a great link that my hubby sent. If financial freedom is a good reason to stop buying stuff you don’t need then I don’t know what is.

Here is a link with a green/tech flavour ~ www.smh.com.au ~ Sustain a green lifestyle with these apps

Here is a link to Organised Home with some Decluttering 101 advice.

And hot off the press ~ Mohamed Tohami is running a Simplicity Blog of the Year Award and 365 has been nominated. Click on this link to cast your vote for your favourite nominee.

Today’s Mini Mission

Roundup all the grooming product and tools that are scattered throughout your home. Once together declutter any excess.

Today’s Declutter Item

Vintage Rhinestone Brooch

Eco Tip for the Day

 Digitise your bills and pay them online. This not only saves paper but also the delivery method is better on the environment also.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Comments (34)

Friday’s Favourites ~ Dec072012

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

In this comment Katharine tells us how she has built up emotional strength for decluttering.

Christine share her progress with us in this comment

Jane understands how her mind works. Read about it in this comment

I loved Wendy B’s explanation of one a day decluttering in this comment. Wendy also had a few good tips on repurposing items as gift wrap in this comment.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Sanna sent in this link. You may wonder what it has to do with decluttering but you will figure out the connection to this weeks theme as you read through.

And here is a link brought to my notice by Loretta ~ http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-opinion/i-dont-want-to-give-or-receive-any-christmas-gifts-20121128-2ade3.html

And this link was shared by Jenny Adamson on 365 Facebook page. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2241152/Girl-3-died-house-worse-piles-clutter-family-home

For those of you who have enjoyed Mohamed Tohami’s blog Midway Simplicity you will be pleased to know his new eBook is out read about it here.

Here is another reader pick sent to me by Clare ~ www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/health/the-hoarder-in-you-a-book-that-can-help-cut-through-the-clutter

And here are a couple from The Minimalists ~ Gift experiences Not stuff and Gift Love: Save 646 on Christmas shopping this year.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter an object that has a specific purpose that could easily be performed with another more versatile item. Kitchen gadgets are an easy target for this mission.

Today’s Declutter Item

Tools Barely Used

Eco Tip of the Day

Another workplace eco tip ~ Use the energy saving settings on computers to conserve power and if allowed shut them down at the end of the day.

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

Comments (9)

Friday’s Favourites ~ 22 Nov 2012

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

  • Sanna shares some views and experiences of aspirational clutter in this comment.
  • Apparently there is such a thing as good clutter or at least Lena has me convinced there is with this comment. We always had a calendar in the toilet room when I was a kid but Lena’s mothers tradition would have made it much more interesting to relieve one’s self.
  • Clutter is different for everyone and for Debra F Christmas decorations are never clutter. I love her enthusiasm even though I don’t share her passion. Read what she had to say about decorating for Christmas here.
  • I like Judy’s attitude of enjoys utilising something she already has instead of buy something new. Read about it here.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

  • Both Clare and Snosie sent me this article by Jane E Brody for the New York Times to share with you this week.
  • Here is one little eco tip from Daily Lime that is easily achieved. In fact it takes less effort for you than the alternative.
  • This link has some more minimising/simplifying tips from the guys at The Minimalists.
  • Here is another great article that my husband drew my attention to. One guilt trip that is touched on in this article is the equation that high retail sales = healthy economy. There must be a better way to have the best of both worlds, less waste and a healthy economy.
  • Here is a little more on the Christmas Cindy began earlier on in the week. Sanna was kind enough to send me this link.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter something you keep for security reasons. That is simply because you fear you might need it or wish it back someday. Letting go is also about letting go of the falsehood that you ever needed them in the first place.

Today’s Declutter Item

Mini Souvenir Baseball Bats

Eco Tip of The Day

Small incremental ways in which you can help the environment by reducing waste each day.

Return hangers to the dry cleaners. Every little thing helps!

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

Comments (42)

Friday’s Favourites ~ 16Nov2012

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

In this comment Jo H tells us how she goes one step further on one of my eco tips. Then Hunter_xs added a little extra advice on the subject in this comment.

Here are a couple of reader updates on the November Keep It Tidy challenge:~

  • Maggie is not only rising to the challenge but is actually enjoying it. Good for you Maggie.
  • Mark Adam Douglas who inspired the challenge is naturally doing well.

Maggie also had this to say about donating to charity.

Sanna also had some thoughts and experiences to share on giving things away in this comment.

I also enjoyed this exchange between Jo H and Cindy.

Check out Andréia’s progress over the last week or so ~  comment 8 Nov, comment 9 Nov,  comment 13 Nov, comment 14 Nov, comment 15 Nov .

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

I got a shout out from Joshua Becker from Becoming Minimalist last week. Read it here

This Youtube video featuring Nick Vujicic isn’t about decluttering or minimalism but it sure does make you take a long hard look at yourself and remember how lucky you are.

Thank you to whoever sent me this link I only wish I remembered who it was. Those of you who can’t bare to part with the endless supply of art work your little ones bring home this is the ap for you ~ Artkive.

I found this next link via Peter Walsh’s twitter page ~ www.buzzfeed.com ~ 27-ways-to-make-your-groceries-last-as-long-as-possible

Happiness project ~ Pigeon-of-discontent-I-dont-know-how-to-start-my-happiness-project

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter something leisure related. Perhaps some sporting equipment, fishing gear or hobby supply that are no longer used.

Today’s Declutter Item

Alarm Clock Radio

Eco Tip for the Day

This tip is for those with an automatic garage door. Most automatic garage doors have a light that comes on when the door is opening and closing. This light stays on for some minutes after operation has ceased. It is however possible to turn off the light with the door controller to avoid unnecessary waste of electricity. I don’t know why this didn’t occur to me sooner but I will certainly to switching the light off in the future.

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

Comments (27)