Round 2: 100 Things

These boxes have been living in our bedroom for an entire week.  Before my better half kicked me to the guest bedroom I decided I better get moving on this 100 thing challenge.

Appliances Revolt

Our hot water-heater gave out last night.  The scenario went like this:

Random Thursday

Here is a little MJ love for this Halloween weekend:

CREEPY

I am like a hyperactive chipmunk today, hence the new ragtag category.  And the fact that this post has absolutely nothing to do with simplifying, or southern living.

Who are the Joneses?

The American Dream.  Two-story house, white picket fence, 2.5 children, 1 dog (less than 10 lbs), 2 cars, and the newest version of the Macbook Air.

Football & Friends

It was homecoming in our sweet little town this weekend.  Just like everywhere else this means marching bands, tailgates, and football.  Even though Autumn doesn't really happen here, the festivities made it feel like it.  I was ready to wrap up in a big sweatshirt and fleece blanket....even though it was 80 degrees outside.

Little black cloud

Of course when I make a challenge to take some time for myself, the universe rears it's ugly head and makes sure I fall flat on my face.  That's what happened this week.  I was followed around by a little black cloud.

Dining In: Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

This past weekend we were invited to a cookout so I opted to make these delicious cookies.  They are great to make if you have some mushy bananas lying around that you didn't get to eat during the week.  And the bananas I had were in the perfect state:

Random Thursday

Just to give myself a break I've decided that every Thursday will just be random.  Whether it's a funny quote or picture I've come across, or some other topic that I just want to throw out there.

Christmas in October

A facebook status I ran across today announced only 66 more shopping days left until Christmas!

BUSY-the other four letter word

I thought of this word as I was rushing out to work one morning and saw this moth on my front door.  It was even a miracle I noticed it.  I feel like that's how I spend 99.9% of my life, running around like a chicken with my head cut off.  (Sorry to my vegan friends for the reference)

Round 1: 100 Things

This task really seems daunting to be because my personality is one of pack-rat and overcautious which boils down to keeping everything "just in case".  So to ease into this I started with listing 10 items that I use everyday:

The American Dream - buying without regard

In my very first post I talked about The New York Times article that got me thinking about simplifying.  One point brought up in the article was about 'conspicuous consumerism--buying without regard.'  Apparently this was a huge thing in the 90's with the breakout of Starbucks and an increase in credit card use.  This is a method of buying for visualized luxury, showing society you are 'up with the times.'

Dining In

I have found that one way to simplify is dining in.  Now don't get me wrong I love trying local joints and eating the native cuisine.  But there is nothing like sitting in the peace and quiet of your home surrounded by people you care about at your table.  Ever since I snagged my better half I've been dabbling in the kitchen.  Here is a dining in meal I served this week:

Initial de-cluttering

To even think about beginning my 100 things list this past weekend I boxed up clothes, scarves, shoes and a random Barack Obama Halloween mask.  Things I had not so much as touched in the past three years, except maybe to throw them in a box when we were moving. 

South + Simplifying

I have just recently moved to the beautiful state of North Carolina, which in case you didn't know is considered part of the south, according to wiki.  (Trust me it was a surprise to me too).