My Version Of The Purge

The purge is upon us! Lock your doors, stay inside, keep calm.

Totally kidding.

This purge is nothing like the scary movie. And if you have no idea what I am referencing, don't waste your time looking it up. It was my quirky way of starting this post. Because in relation to the movie (a purge of people one night out of the year - you fight for your life type thing), the purge I am talking about has some similarities. Some people, just some. Ha!

One to two times a year, I get this overwhelming desire to downsize all of our belongings. We tend to gather and store things we do not need and I am not really sure how it happens. But one day I wake up and exclaim why do we have all these things? Things we do not need or really when it comes down to it want.

So thus the purge. Over the next few weeks, I will be cleaning out closets and cabinets, donating items, rearranging, purging y'all. If you want to follow along, let's do it! A few things to know first...

Rules and Goals for the Purge:

No buying. While cleaning out and rearranging, there is to be no buying. No buying baskets, containers, nothing. I have to use what I have. Then after a few weeks if it feels the need is still there, I can reevaluate.

Grace. This always takes time and patience and diligence. So lots of grace. Hey, are you giving yourself grace too? In everything, let's find that grace.

A little at a time. This is going to take me time. I fully expect a two week process from start to finish. And that is okay. This is kind of going back to the grace thing too.

So friends do you clean out regularly? What are your tips?

Let's get rid of those things that don't bring joy or have purpose. And go!

Happy Little Lists, Volume 1

Because sometimes I need to stop and list the things that make me happy. Big and small.

Hoping this simple post can become a regular part of this blog.

Snail mail
Making coffee as the sun rises
Quiet moments in the midst of everything happening around me
Planning getaways with my little family
Slowing down to write this list
A really good workout
The smell and anticipation of a new book
Curling up next to Rusty each night
Waking up to Skip's feet walking down the hall
Over easy eggs
Time for pinterest
Long, hot bubble baths in my parents old tub
A good recipe that dirties up my entire kitchen
Marcy dog kisses
Pedicures that involve bright spring polish
A song playing on my playlist that brings new inspiration
Garden planning
Writing down my thoughts and hopes and dreams
Singing as loud as I can with the car windows down
Chick-fil-a soft serve ice cream

February Goals

Can I start by saying that March goals already include blogging my monthly goals before the mid-month mark? HA! At least I have them written down. Right?

Before we dive into my goals for this month, let's recap January.

Find a delicious recipe and bake a chicken.
Style and photograph wedding invites.
Finish reading Big Magic. I am still working on this goal. Reading every day for 30 minutes is a goal I am toying with for March. I tend to go in spurts with reading. I read 3-4 books then take a break for a month or two. Working to complete Big Magic. Don't think it isn't good; just hasn't been a top priority this past month.
Begin the contentment challenge.

The other day while scrolling Pinterest I saw a post that immediately made me nod my head. It said, "The most effective way to do it, is to do it." Such simple thinking but powerful friends. Your way works. Done is always, always better than perfect. Let's get stuff done.

February Goals

Clean out our junk drawer. Does everyone have one of these? Ours is crazy. In the upcoming months I want to tackle a deep clean of our home. My hope is to have gone through, organized and downsized our stuff. Makes cleaning easier!

Celebrate Rusty's 34th birthday! Actually I can already check this off. We celebrated with ice cream cake and the Super Bowl. Rusty also spent the day of his birthday playing softball which is one of his favorite things.

One day a week without tv. It just helps keep me focused and give priority to what I need to accomplish.

Memorize two Bible verses. Each morning I quietly read my bible in our family room with coffee. While it is one of my favorite things (I love getting out of bed for my morning routine), I feel I am not retaining scripture. When I am over thinking things, I want to recall a scripture for that. When I am questioning next steps, I want a scripture for that. If you have a favorite verse, send it along!

Make homemade chicken stock. Following this recipe!

Finish Big Magic. :)

Book our family vacation! We are looking to stay in our favorite beach town, Seaside. A week of sun and family and slow and beach time and book reading and mimosas and seafood and bike rides and yoga and sleep and taking photos. See what I mean. I need this vacation!

Excited to hear your goals. What do you want to accomplish this month? Hey, you still have time. Little progress adds up.