We have been completing our home office organization over the last few weeks. Aaron works from home, so not only do we manage organizing his business materials but also the home bills and paperwork. Here are a few things that we found helpful in the process of simplifying and eliminating a lot of excess materials.
Here’s a little secret tip (which actually applies to most organizing projects around your house and life)…simplify before you organize! Rather than first choosing an organizational systems among all the “wonderful” products on the market and spending a lot of money and time trying to figure them out, start by just reducing the excess! More often than not, if you simplify enough, your office will organize itself!
Welcome to Simple Living Saturdays, where we are all seeking to encourage one another in purposefully simplicity for the glory of God! Today of which I am honored to host this carnival for the second time due to Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home’s absence. Next Saturday it will be back over at her blog!
I was deliberating delaying in completing my tomato canning process due to the long and tiring day of canning my cousin and I had last week! We had six lugs of tomatoes to can (somewhere around 150 pounds) and it took us all day to just do half the job! Amidst the peeling, dicing, and canning, we had a tomato get kindly speared all over the carpet and a pile of dark dirt get drug in by the munchkins from my container garden on the back deck! Very lively indeed! We still had a great time of fellowship, but I was on a quest to find a simpler method to make this process easier and less time consuming…
Peaches
Do you really have to peel the peaches? I found they actually come off quite naturally in their jars after processing them in the water bath canner. Most of the peels just slip to the bottom of the jar after opening. Cooking the peaches prior to canning also seems to be quite unnecessary. I sliced them, and put them immediately into the jars and then poured my syrup mixture over them to fill the jar. (using a little honey and water). I followed these instructions and just skipped step 6 (peeling) & 9 (cooking) and used honey to sweeten (approx. 3/4 cup honey in replacement for each cup of sugar in the recipe).
Pears
I did peel my pears with a regular peeler (due to the harder peel) but rather than cooking them in their syrup, I simply peeled and packed them right away in their jars. I filled the remainder of the jar with the same mixture that I used with the peaches (3/4 cup honey in replacement of each cup of water and hot water). I followed these instructions and skipped step 8.
Tomatoes
After doing some searching, I discovered two simple methods that work for simplifying tomatoes.
1) Simply freeze whole tomatoes in Ziploc bags! When you thaw them the peel will slide right off. You will preserve more of the nutrients by freezing. You can then toss them in the blender or food processor and make your sauce. Great if you have the freezer space.
2) Cut your tomatoes (with the skins on and all!) into quarters (depending on their shape) and place in a blender or food processor. You can keep the core and everything (besides the tops) as desired. Blend till you get a chunky tomato sauce (about 5-10 sec)! Place in your jars and process. No additional heating is necessary.
Since my freezers are overflowing (Praise the Lord!), I chose the second option. I had a batch of tomato sauce in the blender in a matter of seconds (thanks to my mom’s blender – mine is still out of commission -boo hoo!). Wow! I completed my dreaded canning process this way in less than 2 hours (for the remaining 1 1/2 lugs that I had on hand – approx. 35 lbs)! It was so awesome I had to share it with you!
I use the oven to keep my jars warm. As I am preparing the next batch for the canner, I keep filling jars and keeping them warm in the oven.
Thank the Lord for granting me the grace to simplify the process, especially while juggling a little toddler and being pregnant at the same time! Canning can get very time consuming, and draining, but it can also save you a lot of money, thus I thought I would take the plunge!
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Living Simply Saturdays are an opportunity to share what is bringing more simplicity and purposefulness to your own life, and to glean from the lives of others.
To join in, post your contribution on your blog, then come back here and add your link below. Please make sure that you link to the specific post, and not to the homepage of your blog, and make sure that you include in your post a link back to this post. Thanks so much!
If you don’t have a blog, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section!
Welcome back for part 2 with further tips on Simplifying your Wardrobe! For part 1, visit here. In part 1, we discussed how to build a simple wardrobe through evaluating how much clothing you really need and how to build a selected color scheme. Now on to other ideas…above all, remember that the reason we should ultimately seek to simplify is that we might reserve more resources, time and energy for the Lord’s use…in order that we might have more to give (read more about this purpose here)!
Select clothing that is timeless
Rather than following all the fashion trends that change with each season, I like to keep my wardrobe simple by choosing more timeless attire. I may choice one or two more fashionable items (because it is fun!) on an annual basis but they still remain in my color scheme. I love denim skirts and pants, and assortment of black and brown which never grow old!
Select clothing that is versatile
Choosing clothing that works for more than one occasion/event is also very helpful. I like to wear a variety of casual skirts that work well for both around the house, dinner or evening out, and at church. I have one or two fancier dresses for weddings and such, but the main collection of my wardrobe is appropriate for both casual and semi-formal events.
Welcome to Simple Living Saturdays, where we are all seeking to encourage one another in purposefully simplicity for the glory of God! Today of which I am honored to host this wonderful carnival due to Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home’s absence.
I thought I would share a few simple ideas I am learning for simplifying my time and freeing it up for more important things…
1. Do all my laundry in one day – on the same day each week
This helps me get the job done and completed each week without dragging it out over the week. My husband also appreciates having consist clean clothes. I wash all our clothes on one day and fold them the next.
2. Limit my outside errands to one trip a week
Especially when juggling a child, it is so much more difficult to get out the door and manage at the store several times a week. I just can’t do it peaceably! Keep a list of your needs on your refrigerator and add to it as something comes to mind. I find I can save alot of time and money this way, because often times with further thought I realize I can live without that item altogether or stretch the time of need.
3. Avoid the telephone or multi-task!
I am working on avoiding the telephone and keeping most of my communication to emailing. If I have a simple question to ask a friend, sending an email takes a lot less time then getting on the phone and then talking about other topics. If I cannot avoid it altogether, I will talk while washing the dishes or doing another household task so as to accomplish both things at once.
4. Limit my computer usage
Okay, so I am far from figuring this one out completely. The computer can definitely consumer a lot of my time. My goal over the next week is to develop a computer schedule and limit my time to 1-1/2 hours each day. One hour for writing, reading and research and the other half hour for responding to comments and emails. I realize that this computer time needs to be accomplished while my daughter is sleeping, otherwise it distracts me from my first most important priorities. I need to start setting a timer! So how can you schedule in some computer boundaries to keep your time more guarded?
Those are just a few little ideas from this end that I am in the process of learning to simplifying my time in order to focus others! I would love to hear other ideas, especially on limiting the computer time!
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Living Simply Saturdays are an opportunity to share what is bringing more simplicity and purposefulness to your own life, and to glean from the lives of others.
To join in, post your contribution on your blog, then come back here and add your link below. Please make sure that you link to the specific post, and not to the homepage of your blog, and make sure that you include in your post a link back to this post. Thanks so much!
If you don’t have a blog, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section!
Be relentless. If it’s out of style-makes you itch or squirm with discomfort, turns your skin sallow- can it! Sentiment may cast a rosy glow on some special piece or other, but in reality, it’s just taking up space.
With the dross and fool’s gold cleared away, the real nuggets shine. An uncluttered wardrobe gives you a working knowledge of what you have and full control over selections. I regularly (every month) clean out my closet and invariably give-away an item or two. It’s better to have fewer clothes, all wearable and each accessorized in your mind than the confusion of having three times the selection. Remember, weeding is a money saver – sell it or donate it and save on your income tax return!
2. The Jewelry Box
The best jewel box is one that is sparsely filled. Not being able to tell the forest for the trees is the chief woe of the overstuffed box. Simplicity, class. One or two fresh things is enough.
3. Excess Accessories
The Confusion of Profusion is too many scarves, belts, and other oddities. By “too many” I mean relics from the past, that are no longer in current use. If an accessory hasn’t been worn for a year, if it’s shabby, if the color is faded or doesn’t go with anything you have, if you simply cant stand to wear it…ditch it.
Here are some added thoughts and ideas from Lindsay…
Continuing on in our simplifying series, I have received many requests to talk about clothing! Oh the joy of figuring out how much clothing is sufficient!
Remember again, the reason we are simplifying is so that we might have more freedom to enjoy the important things of life. Having an overstocked closet can definitely consume a lot of time as we stress over the fact and complain to our husbands or family “I have nothing to wear!” Let’s admit…we have all been there! “Nothing” in our book means nothing “new” to wear. Do we really need new items or do we need to develop our creativity in assembling new outfits from what we already have?
Shopping for clothing can consume a lot of time (to find modest clothing especially), in addition to washing and maintaining your wardrobe. Just because we may have the space to store them, shouldn’t give us license to fill it with more clothing. Women especially have more of a natural battle of desiring to look appealing and fashionable and thus a tendency to consume a significant wardrobe.
Otherwise known as frugal summer fun in small places! I was indeed tempted this summer to find a small pool for Karis to play in as she loves water, but then I decided to stir up the creative juices and come up with a frugal and fun alternative. It has become Karis’ favorite activity! She will stay out on the back deck for a good hour, frequently multiple times a day, just using her cute little moter skills, pouring water, stirring water in the bowl, and splashing it around!
All you need is a large pan (we used a 15×11 pyrex pan that wasn’t getting much use anyway -too large for our small family), and a number of measuring cups, baby food jar, and plastic spoons and eatery from her collection. Fill up with a little water and have fun!
When winter weather decides to kick in, I may just lay this setup on the kitchen floor and let her have at it. It is a great learning activity as we talk about how to pour, scoop, touch, and develop the senses. I would tell her to fill this cup or stir that water, and she would learn how to do so.
This week in our simplifying series I wanted to delve into the topic of entertainment. I want to make it clear from the start that this is definitely a liberty issue (2 Cor. 3:17). Each of us is responsible to pray and make wise decisions for our own families, and thus Aaron and I have sought to do in our household. We have freedom in Christ, but let us not use it as an opportunity for the flesh or as an excuse for doing evil, but rather to serve one another (Gal 5:13, 1 Pet. 2:16). Our standards may seem strict to some, but maybe we all should re-evaluate the long term impact that our choices of entertainment can have in the home.
You very well may observe in the modern American home the presence of a television in each room of the house for every family member to have ample opportunity to watch their own shows without the conflict of other opinions. You also may notice a significant absence in family gatherings around the dinner table to share at least one meal a day. Rather, everyone would prefer being in their own corner, entertaining themselves, or else absent from the home all together. I believe the increase in technology and entertainment pieces around our homes has made a significant impact on the degradation of the Biblical family structure…and where there is no family community and fellowship, we see the falling apart of families nationwide.
1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”
What is the purpose of entertainment?
More often than not, entertainment is an idol in our nation. Just take a look at Hollywood. Millions of dollars a year are poured into making the most entertaining, dramatic, awe-inspiring films. Biblically speaking there is certainly room to relax and take time to rest, as the Word reminds us frequently of the importance of resting (Exodus 35:2). Entertainment should serve the purpose of resting in moderation, as this also can become an idol and lead to poverty (Prov. 6:10). It can also be used effectively in building the family, strengthening communication and relationships, as well as whether or not it is developing skills and knowledge.
But with every entertainment possibility we should prayerfully evaluate the following questions:
1. Is this entertainment choice serving a meaningful purpose? Is it a wise investment of our money, time or resources?
2. Is it building our family in some way (developing relationships, strengthening communication)? Or will this item tear our family down?
3. Is it helping to build skills or strengthen knowledge and learning that can be used for the glory of God?
In an effort to build our family, strengthening family relationships, and simplify the entertainment choices in our lives, in addition to choosing frugal options for entertainment, we have come to a few conclusions…
I have found the best way as of late to dry and re-use my Ziplocs is to hang them on the clothsline in my hallway! They dry effectively and quickly in this manner. Why waste them? Get lots of use out of those handy bags and make a little modern art at the same time!
In order to get the most use and value out of Ziplocs, choice the Ziploc freezer version – it can be used for everything and holds up alot better than any cheaper brand! I tried the cheaper brands only for them to fall apart on me and thus increasing waste! I only buy one big box of Ziplocs annually at Costco (costing a little over $7) and it lasts me the whole year.
For more tips on re-using ziplocs, check out this post.
“But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given You…O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and all is Yours.”
1 Chron. 29:14, 16
I have been a recipient of the Lord’s wonderful provisions…He continually provides all that we need, fulfilling His promise in His word to never allow the righteous to suffer hunger. And yet in His merciful provision, how often do I reflect upon the truth that all that He entrusts into our hands is first and foremost from His hand and ultimately belongs to Him?
He has entrusted it into our hands to be His hands and feet in distributing it for His glory. I have been asking myself lately, “If I truly grasped this truth that all belongs to Him, would I take greater care in how each dollar is spent?” Indeed, yes! He promises in His word to care for our basic needs (with food, clothing, and shelter we should be content – Matt 7), and these are to be met with the supply that He entrusts to us. Above and beyond this should be given back to Him!
How can we purposefully keep this truth in the forefront of our minds? The Lord has been challenging me to ask these questions before each purchase, however small or great, evaluating them together with my husband. I am talking to myself here!
1. How will this item be a tool in the furtherance of His kingdom? Will this purchase make my home more welcoming, warm, and loving for my family, and ultimately to bless others in hospitality?
2. Is this purchase above and beyond supplying our basic needs?
3. Does this purchase help build relationships, strengthen our minds in Christ, or encourage godly, purposeful habits and hobbies?
I don’t want to haphazardly spend these resources just because I found a wonderful sale! Nor do I want to just assume that because we may have extra resources above and beyond supplying our basic needs (as most of us honestly have compared to other nations), that we can justify spending it all on ourselves (although there is certainly room for strengthening the family by spending fun times together, as in question 3). I don’t want to buy into the consumerist mentality of this age, but rather I want to simplify and ultimately see all these resources as His and use them for the furtherance of His glory and not my own.
Each of us is accountable before the Lord in how we use these resources and we must all prayerfully seek His face, evaluating if each purchase is a faithful use or not. We will stand before the judgment seat one day and be asked, as in the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), “were you faithful with the talents I entrusted to you?”
