“Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury - to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind.” Albert Einstein
Last year when I had the idea to cull my crap and set myself the challenge of not buying anything new for a year I had a bit of a freak out, I wanted to hold onto stuff because a year is a long time, but that wouldn't be culling my crap would it!
Over the past few months I have been slowly sorting through my junk, slowly assessing what I have, what I need and what I need to cull. Some of my junk items made it's way back down into the garage (which was clean at the start of the year I swear!) so this past few weeks I have made it my mission to get rid of it all by selling it online.
The easiest way of getting rid of stuff is through Gumtree.com.au, there is loads of trash and treasure on there, the best part is if it's something large and hard to get to the tip you can put a low price on it and it will get swooped up for sure, you don't even need to lift a finger! They even have an app now so you can walk around your house take a picture and post the add straight away!
Good old eBay is another avenue for culling your crap. There is a great chance if getting rid of quality items for good prices. There is a big market for second hand clothing on eBay, I have sold heaps of dresses on eBay and made quite a bit of pocket money.
The Tender Centre is another great way of selling items, it's set up as a blind auction and you find out at the end of the week if your reserve is met.
You would be surprised what sort of cash you can make with those useless items collecting dust and wasting space.
And remember this Sunday it's Clean up Australia Day! Find a site near you online or register your own and join in to help clean up your local area. Last year 550,300 volunteers removed over 16,000 tones of rubbish across the country. This year we can top that!
Keep it simple
Shops are my most recent enemies, It sucks not being able to buy anything but it's for a good cause and that's what keeps me going, that and getting to do the groceries each week.
Although on the weekend I did get to buy something. A vintage dress - check it out. I love it!
Arkive Vintage is the cutest vintage clothes store that sells hand picked retro items that are great quality and very similar to current fashion trends (funnily enough the 80s and 90s trends are back in). It's my new favourite store because I can actually shop there as well as recycling contributing less to landfill.
Check them out on Instagram as well as their online store.
Stay simple
Did you know 50% of Australians rubbish is able to be re-used and re-cycled by using a compost system. Using compost materials not only assists your plants with lots of fabulous nutrients and added vitality it also helps minimise landfill and the amount garbage that has to be sorted through. Using compost or mulch reduces the need to water your plants by 30% so it also saves you time an effort. This day and age going organic is the thing to do, using compost fertilizer on your plants is way better than having chemicals around, it also saves you money.
Lots of local councils are starting to implement composting initiative programs to make it fun and interesting, they even have some prizes up for grabs. Check out Compost Revolution to see if your local council is involved.
If you are on the Gold Coast check out Green GC for ways to get started composting.
The ingredients -
Just like a cake, remember to add a little water if it is too dry, but not too much.
I picked up my compost bin from an add on Gumtree. But you can also pick these up from any major gardening stores like Bunnings or Masters. See The large selection Bunnings has.
You can also be crafty and create your own using any plastic or outdoor surviving drum or box. As long as it has a hallow bottom and a lid that keeps any unwanted rain, creepy crawlys, cats or wildlife out.
Don't have a garden? No worries there are now kitchen or balcony compost bins available. So there is no excuse.
Also you might think that compost bins smell? This is actually a myth, as long as they only have the right things put in them and a secure lid they will only have a grassy plant smell.
Give composting a go to minimise your waste and help your home grown plants and veggies grow bigger and better.
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Stay simple.
I love to donate unwanted clothes or household items to charity, it's a perfect way to de-clutter the home and your life. But did you ever think where your donations are going?
Most households around the Gold Coast receive a pink bag in their letter box every 6 months or less. This pink bag has printed on it "we need your help". It looks like a great idea, they come to your house pick up the bag or any other items on a specific day and imply they are given to the less fortunate. Well actually this is not entirely true...
Your major large Australian charities could be suffering because in fact your donations are being shipped overseas to Papa New Guinea or Asia and sold for a profit. These businesses are not helping less fortunate Australians and the business people running the show are not giving back to the community as the large Australian charities are known for. I noticed they do however seem to cover their butts in the fine print on the bag stating that they are a commercial company.
Next time you go to donate ask where your items are going, even ask how they spend any profits. It would be interesting to hear what they have to say.
Now I can't tell you what to do here but I know where I would prefer my donations to go.
Let me know your thoughts on the matter in the contact box.
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Stay simple
Here it comes February 14th.... Valentines Day, you either love it hate it or you might even ignore it. Everyone has different feelings about it.
I personally like how it acts as a little push for some people to show some extra love to one another. If there was a day dedicated to eating seafood or drinking wine I would like it too!
However there are some downfalls to Valentines Day. Think about all the cards, wrapping paper, soft toys and then chocolate we don't need.
So my advice (if you choose to take it) is to be more minimal this Valentines Day and think about what each other may value and appreciate more and give something that isn't given or experienced often, rather than something that costs too much money or will be thrown out.
Some of my giving ideas this VALUE day.
A real plant rather than flowers, it's better for the environment and lasts as long as you can keep it alive for.
A long walk and picnic. This is one of my favourites. It's a great chance to talk with no distractions and get fresh air outdoors.
A bike ride or ice skating. Tricks you into exercise which is good for the heart in lots of ways.
A song or poem. This really depends how skilled you are and how romantic you are, it could even be quite comical too. It won't be forgotten.
A day where one partner may clean the entire house. No one likes cleaning and a chance to have a clean house without lifting a finger is great.
A favourite home cooked meal with candles and music. This is intimate and will also end very intimately.
Printed photos in a frame or local artwork. It will make the home brighter and more sentimental.
This is my idea. It's simple easy and very cute.
Stay simple this Value Day
Xo
Last year I started making a conscious effort to use more eco friendly products at home, from the toilet paper to cleaning products that where organic and pareben and sodium laurel sulphate free. Along with this I made the change in my make-up products and I could never look back.
Our face is something that we look at everyday, it shows how we feel and if we are tired, stressed or dehydrated it can really be noticed. Our face is what other people see first and I don't know why we are not looking after it with products that are not filled with all the nasties. This goes for guys as well, mind you guys tend to age very gracefully. Think 'George Clooney' he he.
For about 6 months now I have been using Aurum Cosmetics . I use the primer, liquid foundation, mineral powder and bronzer everyday and I can tell you my face has never felt better. Aurum Cosmetics are vegan, cruelty free, organic and natural and you can really tell. The products are so easy to use and you can order online, you can even order mini samples from $1 to see if you like them or to work out what colour you are. The packaging is minimal and it's locally owned and made.
Now I know what your thinking, isn't this a simple living and minimalist blog?Well yes it is, and I have allowed myself to buy hygiene products in the rules of my year challenge and these products have really culled the crap from my life, I don't spend time in cosmetic shops anymore buying products I don't need and that are bad for my skin and the earth. Aurum Cosmetics are very well priced so my wallet it happy too.
Along with the primer and make up products I also use an organic rosehip oil before bed and in the morning. I highly recommend trying it out. Even for the guys! You can pick up a bottle at your chemist or health food store for about $16. Click here for a link. Rosehip oil contains fatty acids, vitamin E and anti ageing oxidants. I can happily say my skin has improved 10 fold.
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Stay simple.
