Minimalism: a Follow-up

This weekend was refreshing. 

Friday night, my sister announced her forthcoming peanut (due in March!) and we slept in to a near-embarrassing time Saturday morning. 

Only I'm not embarrassed. It was lovely.

Last month, I shared my desire to move towards a balanced, practical minimalism in my life. We dedicated a little of our weekend towards this goal, which made it all the more refreshing. 

Our progress:

1. We scoured our closets and drawers for clothes that are out of style, no longer fit or never see the light of day. They are now piled in a bag awaiting their delivery to the thrift store. 

2. We spent yesterday evening at the park with friends. Eric and Shaun ran while Bethany and I walked and chatted. It was already dark and a little spooky walking on the trail through the woods. The best part? There were hundreds of twinkling lighting bugs and it was all free!

3. I planned this week's meals around similar ingredients to make sure we utilize what's in our pantry and refrigerator before it goes bad. Because it's just the two of us, this can be a huge source of waste!

4. We (finally) organized our recycling. The three full garbage bags are ready to be dropped off and a pantry in our kitchen is now empty again. 

Are you moving towards a simpler life? 

I'd love to hear about your progress: tips, setbacks and successes!

*Image via Like the Dew. 

Appreciating beauty, instead of taking it for granted, is a wonderful way to embrace a simpler life. 

In Print

Today, I am excited to share my first article, published in the May issue of Birmingham Magazine.

{Photo by Kellen Jacob Photography}

You might recognize the couple above as Paula and Kellen Coldiron 

(of Two Ellie and Kellen Jacob Photography, respectively).

We had the pleasure of hiring them as our wedding photographers and I have since been inspired by pictures of their precious home on Paula's blog.  When given the opportunity to write, I knew the Coldiron family would make a perfect first story.

Without further ado: you may view the article here.  

**You can purchase a copy of the magazine at Books-A-Million or Barnes & Noble locations in the Birmingham area. For a full tour of Paula's home, visit her upload on Houzz. 

**May I also encourage you to check out Birmingham Box Set?  Way cool music reviews and interviews coming soon! You can read my first interview here.

I adore

this kitchen, via Urban Grace Interiors

this outfit, via For the Love

this dip-legged table, via Design Sponge

Colorful, casual and crafty.
That's how I roll.  (Okay, in my dreams maybe).

What do you adore today?

Jars for the Pantry

It's been a long time, friends.

I'd like to share a simple project Eric and I did this weekend.

For some reason, an organized and pretty kitchen invites me to whip up the latest entrée or dessert while a messy and boring kitchen banishes us to eating out.

So, we transferred many of our dry goods from bags and boxes to mason jars with scalloped labels.  Check out the before and after below.

Makes me smile.  

I've seen pictures of an entire pantry in jars and it's mesmerizing.  I've got extras - can you think of other staples that would benefit from living in a jar?

Also, you may be asking, "Why did this project require two people?"  Well, let me tell you.  Eric washed out the jars while I was making dinner.  Washing has to be the least enjoyable part of any project.  Then, I filled the jars, penned the label with a brown sharpie and stuck it on.  When a few of the corners had trouble adjusting to their curved environment, Eric wrapped them with my stretchy headbands until they learned to stay in place.  We joked that it looked like torture.  No, two people aren't necessary - but it's a lot more fun! 

Mmm, chocolate.  Have a sweet day. 

Card Catalog

I love the idea of storing odds and ends in a card catalog. By adding paint, wheels or decor, it becomes a unique focal point in the home.  Enjoy!

{Images via 1, 2, 3 and 4}

Unfortunately, I've searched high and low and these lovelies are hard to find. Hobby Lobby has a tabletop version that may serve as my temporary fix when it goes on sale.

Happy Thursday!

A Fake Foyer

Apartment living is wonderful.  Our place suits our life and style and we love it. Unfortunately, lack of space often leads to lack of organization.  With the help of my mom, and year-round spring cleaning, we've done a pretty good job of assigning items their place and keeping them there. 

The problem is that we are missing a foyer.  No place to put our keys or mail when we walk through the door, which drives me crazy.  

The bird hook and magazine rack below may be a step in the right direction.

Do you have a fake foyer?  Tell me, how did you create it?

The Small Object

I am smitten with the practical creations from The Small Object.  I would like to gift one of the following along with a pretty cookbook.

In library card fashion, a cookbook log to note your favorite recipes.

A weekly meal planner complete with a notebook and bookmarks.

Would you be excited to give or receive one of these?  Check out The Small Object for other paper goods, art and housewares. 

Kitchen Staples

I love to cook, but, cooking on a regular basis requires planning and organization. I've found that a lack of said planning and organization results in one of two things: eating out or (worse) going to the grocery store with total disregard to what we have at home.

.

Luckily, these pretty pantries are inpiring me.

{Is this REALLY my life?, Perfecty Pretty, Simply Seleta, Apartment Therapy}

In an effort to save money (and not be wasteful!) we are trying to use everything in our pantry and refrigerator. I'm actually enjoying this! Last week, I came home to a seemingly sad dinner situation only to scrounge up enough ingredients for a chicken pesto pasta. Yum!

I'm still learning, though. I need a better understanding of pantry staples and a more organized system. What suggestions do you have for me?