31 Days of Simplifying

I have decided to join a blogging call to write and share on one topic for the next 31 days.  My life is need of simplification.  How bout yours?  Purging and tending to what really matters is the direction I'd like to take with this 31 day challenge.  Some days I will tackle big stuff and on other days I'll offer a quick fix.  The goal here is to elminate stress and frustration and replace it with ease.

Day Seven
Entertaining

I don't entertain all that often.  I usually shy away from it because of the kids, thinking I don't have enough time.  BUT when I do entertain, I am always glad I did.
I recently bought Shauna Niequist's book called Bread & Wine, A Love Letter To Life Around The Table With Recipes.  I especially liked this book because it centers around the table and connecting with others.  Breaking bread, sipping wine, chatting over coffee with a sweet morsel made with TLC, that to me is nourishment on so many levels.  I've had some great conversations over lunch, at my MOPS table nibbling on a breakfast casserole, and savoring Tapas with my husband. There is something comforting that occurs when welcomed to a table with others, vulnerability is lessened, veils can be lifted and real connection can take place.  Sometimes you have to linger at the table a bit to reach meaningful depth but it's worth the magic that happens.  The book is a great reminder that we need not get consumed with impressing, rather focus on gathering, sharing stories and surrounding yourself with who and what you love.

She also provides some great recipes, which I intend to try.  The Breakfast Cookies and Farmer's Market Potato Salad look especially good!

Shauna's book Bread & Wine along with an invitation to share a meal would make a super gift for a girlfriend this holiday season too.

Be well!
XO

One Day Documented

Yesterday, I documented my day via Instagram with Hollywood Housewife and hundreds of others.  We were asked to take pictures of our daily doings, the usual happenings and such.  We all used the hashtag #onedayhh so we could follow one another.  It was especially enlightening to see just how much our daily lives mirror one another. The afternoon posts weren't as numerous as we were all juggling quite  a bit during those hours, I imagine. What I really took notice of is we aren't all that different.  Balancing agendas and family needs, that's what we all do.  If we can squeeze in a moment for ourselves we bask in it. Sometimes there are moments of splendor and sometimes it is just mundane.  If you haven't read Laura's blog Holywood Housewife lately check it out, you'll be glad you did.  XO

If you aren't on Instagram, you gotta jump in! You'll find me as tanyakovac.

Here is a look back at my One Day.  The day began with Isabella discovering the tooth fairy visited and we closed the day with Grover!

31 Days of Simplifiying

I have decided to join a blogging call to write and share on one topic for the next 31 days.  My life is need of simplification.  How bout yours?  Purging and tending to what really matters is the direction I'd like to take with this 31 day challenge.  Some days I will tackle big stuff and on other days I'll offer a quick fix.  The goal here is to elminate stress and frustration and replace it with ease.

Day Six

Vacuuming

A house always looks instantly better after a quick swipe of a vacuum over the carpet, right?  I have been dragging out the vacuum MULTIPLE times  a DAY. It is a chore that gives me near instant gratification but it can be a hassle. I know, you can relate, especially if your household includes children or a pet.

The hubs has witnessed my frustration and as a show of supporting my need to simplify, bought a new Roomba.  It works like a charm.  Easy. Quick. Clean.  A great investment in my quest towards grace!

31 Days of Simplifying

I have decided to join a blogging call to write and share on one topic for the next 31 days.  My life is need of simplification.  How bout yours?  Purging and tending to what really matters is the direction I'd like to take with this 31 day challenge.  Some days I will tackle big stuff and on other days I'll offer a quick fix.  The goal here is to elminate stress and frustration and replace it with ease.

Day Five
Meals

I like cooking.  I don't like piles of dishes and clean up.  When I heard about Martha Stewarts latest cookbook called ONE POT,

I made a mental note to pick it up.  Well, it's arrived and just in time for fall.

The cookbook has 120 meals and it includes desserts (Molten Chocolate Cupcakes, I am gonna drool).  Each recipe has a photo and the book is chalked full of tips and prep times.  This book is just what I need to simplify meals around here.  In fact, I am so charged about giving these recipies a whoorl, I've decided to try two of them each week. Kind of like Julie & Julia but different.  It'll be a win win, hopefully.  My family can try some new things and planning and clean up should be minimized, right?  I'll keep you posted.

The first recipe to try/test will be Pulled Pork.

Can't. Wait.

Meals Simplified!
XO

31 Days of Simplifying

I have decided to join a blogging call to write and share on one topic for the next 31 days.  My life is need of simplification.  How bout yours?  Purging and tending to what really matters is the direction I'd like to take with this 31 day challenge.  Some days I will tackle big stuff and on other days I'll offer a quick fix.  The goal here is to elminate stress and frustration and replace it with ease.

Day Four
Internet Shopping

The best thing that has happened to me in regard to simplifying my lifestyle is INTERNET SHOPPING.  I am not a big fan of shopping much to begin with.  I value my free time far too much to enjoy searching for a dress or a pair of shoes.  As a growing family of five we are always in need of something.

This year I joined Amazon Prime. Wish I would have done it sooner! Why do I love it?  First,  I am able to compare pricing and brands in just seconds.  No need to fight traffic and haul the kids in and out of the car.  AND the small shipping costs are worth the time and aggravation I am spared.  In the last month I purchased books, sheets and gifts for Isabella's birthday.  Eliminating running a lot of errands gives me opportunities to enjoy my family more... SIMPLE, nuff said!

I also frequently shop Gymboree, Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor Loft and Nordstrom via the internet too.  I have found size availability and the intenet promos unbeatable.  Nordstrom has free shipping on purchases over $50 and the other sites regularly forgo shipping costs as a lure.  If you know your sizes this is the way to go to simplify your life.

Now, if you need some retail therapy I suggest giving yourself an hour occasionaly to browse and shop discounted stores like Marshalls, Nordstrom  Rack or HomeGoods.  Your wallet will appreciate the savings and you can relieve a little tension.

Keep it simple.

XO

Trading shopping lines for lines at Disneyland with this love-bug

31 Days of Simplifying

I have decided to join a blogging call to write and share on one topic for the next 31 days.  My life is need of simplification.  How bout yours?  Purging and tending to what really matters is the direction I'd like to take with this 31 day challenge.  Some days I will tackle big stuff and on other days I'll offer a quick fix.  The goal here is to elminate stress and frustration and replace it with ease.

Day Three

TOYS

]As a mom of three we have oodles of toys; managing them has been a sore spot for me.

We have designated toy storage to these areas in our home:  a craft cupboard, toy box, children's closets, family room game cupboard, hall toy storage cabinet and bins in the garage.  You'll also find there are toys outside too.  It's insane, I know!

In order to simplify, I started with the hall toy storage cabinet. You just have to dig in.  I put like with like.  Legos are in bins they came with or I purchased.  I placed some items on their sides so that I could maximum storage.  We had some items that were missing parts, were broken or were unrecognizable so they were scrapped.  Heavy items (like blocks) went on lower shelving.

Items that the kids no longer play with have been set aside for donation or consignment.  While I have a lot of other toy areas to attend to, I am HAPPY with the progress.  As a bonus, the kids played with items they had forgotten about.

A look at my handy work

XO

31 Days of Simplifying

I have decided to join a blogging call to write and share on one topic for the next 31 days.  My life is need of simplification.  How bout yours?  Purging and tending to what really matters is the direction I'd like to take with this 31 day challenge.  Some days I will tackle big stuff and on other days I'll offer a quick fix.  The goal here is to elminate stress and frustration and replace it with ease.

Day Two

Trouble managing your earrings?  The little jewelry dishes and velvet lined trays not working for you?  I've got the solution.

Many years ago, I came across a magazine with this great tip.  To keep your earrings paired and organized use plastic ice trays and place them in a drawer.  The trays are cheap and can be washed with dishing washing detergent or white vinegar (unlike velvet lined trays).  There you have it, easy and simple!

XO

31 Days of Simplifying

I have decided to join a blogging call to write and share on one topic for the next 31 days.  My life is need of simplification.  How bout yours?  Purging and tending to what really matters is the direction I'd like to take with this 31 day challenge.  Some days I will tackle big stuff and on other days I'll offer a quick fix.  The goal here is to elminate stress and frustration and replace it with ease.

Day One

What to do with gift cards and special offers?  Toss them in your purse so you'll use them, right?  Well, that is if you can find them or remember you have them.

To ensure I find and use gift cards and such, I place them in this leather envelope I found at Hallmark. The envelope is put into my purse so that I have everything accessable and keep the clutter in my wallet and purse to a minimum.  

Goodbye to the days of, "Where is that gift card to....?"  

Simplification

XO