The power of purging :)

 

Clothes that I never wear, forgotten cards or papers from a toxic past relationship, home décor items that aren’t my style, excess “stuff”.

I am in an ongoing processing of ridding myself and my home of this stuff and I am more and more drawn to a minimalist approach! It frees up energy. It gives space for better things.

 

It may seem like a lot to take on, but it feels SO GOOD to get rid of things that are literally and physically or even emotionally and figuratively taking up space. :)

I thought this was such a great reminder. And any quote that can inspire me and get me excited about purging the excess is a favorite of mine!

Dear Etsy, I love you!

In my house, I like my walls to have some personality. ;)
My favorite home décor pieces are always prints. I bought the "Our kitchen is for dancing" and "So fresh and so clean clean" pieces already from Eat Say Love and they are proudly displayed, but the other two (among others!) are calling my name. :)
You can see other favorites of mine here. I love supporting smaller companies, especially handmade.
If you have any favorites link me up in the comments! :)

Charin

100 Happy Days update!

I'm just about halfway through the 100 happy days challenge , and it has been so fun!
I've always been the type to take lots of pictures (lately my iPhone has been my go-to and all of the pics above were captured with it, although I'm trying to remind myself to pull my DSLR out more often) BUT this is a great reminder to focus on things that we're grateful for.
If you look through my Instagram account of pics tagged #100happydays I am apparently most happy about my husband, children, rest and FOOD! Lol
It really has been a fun experiment and a great reminder to be thankful . In the past 45+ days there have been a few days that were very sad, hard days. I was determined to post my happy day anyway, and it didn't take too much to see that there is always, always something to be thankful for.
<3

Happy weekend!
Charin

Look a little deeper

iPhone

I had a conversation with someone today that was pretty awesome.

He was super excited about a BIG goal that had been met and some dreams that are coming to life!

(I have probably mentioned this before, but it is so inspiring to me to meet people who are passionate about goals of theirs! I love seeing that light in their eyes.)

He told me that above fame and success, his ultimate goals is to let people know that they too can dream a little bit bigger.

It was an energizing conversation that left an impression.

 

What I love is that when you come down to it, everyone has a story.

 

We’ve all gone through things that have shaped us and changed us.

 

Every day people are dreaming of things that are life changing.

 

No one need be confined by their circumstances as they are right now.

 

There are a lot of really fantastic people around us with amazing stories of where they’re going.

 

Inspiration is out there, and it doesn’t always present itself the way you might be expecting.

 

Just look a little deeper.

 

xx

Charin

Inspiration

Some pretty inspiration for your Friday. <3
I'm a lover of a good quote! You can find a lot more that I've collected on this Pinterest board.

And one more quote. Because today could be the day that you start something amazing. <3

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"
-Marianne Williamson

Simplicity is good for the soul :)

 

 

Via Pinterest

Via Pinterest

Via Pinterest (LOVE these colors!)

 

I’m learning to love cleaning out the old and inviting clean simplicity into my home. It just feels so good to part ways with things that are just “stuff’ and have no purpose in our home. I read once that you should only keep things that serve a purpose or are pretty and loved by you. Makes sense, huh?:) I truly feel that there’s a negative energy associated with clutter and that you feel better when it’s gone.

I also believe that when you hang on to the old and beat down you don’t make room in your life for the new and shiny. ;) (Emotionally and literally…this isn’t about “things” as much as it is about a way of life.)

I’ve been working on it slowly, but surely, in between work, pregnancy, and wanting to spend all my free time playing with my energetic 4 and 6 year old, and collapsing on my husband.:)

 

My latest project was to dig out my overwhelming stash of scrapbooking supplies. I’ve had it for years. It was stuff. Not really my style anymore. Cluttered, heavy and old.  I loved scrapbooking, and really want to get back to it. But this time, with a simple & fresh stash that reflects who I am now.:) Time to toss the old stuff! Pass it on if it’s worthwhile, or throw it away if it’s damaged.

So, I posted it on a local online yard sale site and passed it on to a happy new home and took my husband on a date night with the cash I got for it! ;)

 

 

One of my favorite blogs to read “The Tao of Dana” is always adding great posts about how to add some fresh energy and purpose into your home! Check it out here….The Tao of Dana I promise you'll be inspired if you start reading. 

I’d love to hear from you if you have tips or ideas to share about simplifying and organizing! J
Charin

Inspiration!

I can't remember the last time I was so inspired by seeing a scrapbook page! But I DO know I have always been able to count on Elsie of a Beautiful Mess to inspire me with her beautiful use of pattern, texture and photography. The picture above is from a recent blog post of hers talking about a fun new project! Gorgeous, isn't it?? :)
Back in....2006, maybe? is when I fell in complete love with her style and she really inspires me like no other creatively. :) And she is so genuine and sweet in real life! Love that.

I haven't been scrapbooking at all lately, but I miss it, A lot! This take on Project Life by Becky Higgins may be the perfect way for me to start recording those beautiful every day moments again.

Since I've been dreaming of scrapbooking for months but have also been thinking about starting fresh with a new minimal supply stash, here are some I've been thinking about picking up lately.

Dear Lizzy. Fun, fresh colors!

The Smash line. I've been eyeing this one at Walmart lately, love the focus on journaling.

Sweet Notes by Allison Kreft-just saw this one tonight, love the happy colors!

I know I will always record memories in one form or another. I'm anxious to start getting these memories back on paper and in books for us to cherish.

Here's to always having a creative outlet!
xo
Charin