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Simply Enough

Living Simply

5 Reasons Why I Canceled My Costco Membership

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For years my family shopped at Costco. We went every month to buy paper products, groceries, and browse all the aisles. Each time, we expected a full cart and a long receipt. We never bought just one or two things. We always deviated from the list because the impulse buys were too tempting. The average Costco shopper spends $114 a trip and shops every two weeks. That’s over $2,700 per year. Costco knows how to design a store. Milk, eggs, and rotisserie chickens are in the back. Seasonal items, toys, and clothing live in the middle so you walk by them twice. Expensive electronics stop you in your tracks at the front door. The store's natural flow encourages you to walk by expensive items first. The groceries (which are what you came for in the first place) will be last as you travel the store. Shopping at Costco is an event. You need to allocate several hours for this trip. Generally the items on the list are spread across the store because of the strategic design. Since, we …

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5 Simple Ways to Avoid Over-Scheduling Your Kids

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I still remember when my son ran into his kindergarten classroom and now he's a junior in high school. Soon after that first day of kindergarten, came the onslaught of activities and sports. If we hadn’t paid attention, he would have become over-scheduled very quickly. We continue to be vigilant to ensure he is not over-scheduled and stressed. I hope this is your year to embrace fewer activities. Don't get me wrong, the last two years we missed sports, church, and social events. But many families found it to be a breath of fresh air. It was the reset we needed. So, how about you strike a better balance going forward? And say goodbye to some activities? The research on why it matters is staggering. …

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5 Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Sentimental Stuff

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One of the most common questions I answer is sentimental items. "What should I do with sentimental stuff?" Like baby clothes or grandma's china. I suggest a “some not none” approach.  In my home, I display my grandma's decorative plate. I pass it several times a day and smile as I think of her. Some is also her silver locket, a timeless piece, inspiring questions when I wear it and an opportunity to share her story and influence.  My grandmother and I were a lot alike.  So, it was difficult to part with her Christmas sweatshirt. It wasn't the sweatshirt I loved, but rather the picture of her wearing it. I embrace life with less, but sentimental stuff is hard. Tips for Handling Sentimental Stuff Do This Last- Save the memory-laced items for last. Declutter other areas of your home first. Gain momentum and the ability to let go with other categories.  Start with spaces you encounter daily to realize immediate benefits. Some Not None - If everything …

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3 Easy Steps to Organize Your Photos

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Perhaps you have a pile of photos that looks like this? You're not alone and you can turn them into organized photos online to share with friends and family. Several years ago, I owned 12+ photo boxes. I sorted, purged and threw away thousands of photos to keep only the very best. Little by little, I reduced and organized our family photographs into a digital repository and cloud service. Now, I have peace of mind that memories are preserved and recoverable in the event of a disaster. (Like the pipe that burst in our home!) Additionally, I've learned to take fewer photos. Just one can tell the whole story. Old Photos Do you have a box of family photos tucked away somewhere? Are you unsure of the people in them? Unfortunately, passed down photographs rarely include important details. My Grandma Alice was a rare exception. She not only organized the photos but also sorted them into envelopes for her kids. We spent hours looking through them. What a gift she left us. …

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How to Organize Your Food Storage Containers

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https://youtu.be/hJXKHseJzR8 Is this your current food storage strategy? It's ok, you're not alone and I can help. Whether you're using plastic containers, glass, Tupperware, or some combination thereof, the key to avoiding this disaster is simple. Boundaries Find one drawer or one shelf and label it 'Food Storage Containers.' Most homes own too many food storage containers and none of them have lids.  Declutter First. Organize Second.  Recycle stained or damaged containers Match all the containers and lids Keep one shape and one brand of plastic (i.e. Ziploc or Glad. Square or Round) Organize remaining containers and lids in nested piles Respect the boundary you chose and minimize accordingly Set aside extra containers to organize your pantry Recycle unmatched lids This drawer serves as the boundary for my containers and they stack easily. I usually avoid plastic, but it serves a purpose so we purchase sparingly and reuse it many …

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How to Get More Done with a Clean Kitchen Counter

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I love my kitchen counter. Because it is always decluttered and ready to work. At the end of the day, I reward its efforts by putting things away and cleaning it.  Empty counters clean up easily without appliances and decorations to move. Ready to try Meal Planning? Here's my meal planning template to get you started! Clean Counters mean: Space to process papers and sort mail Time to whip up pizza dough and roll it out for dinner More home cooked meals Lunches staged for the next day Room to drop grocery bags Benefits of Clean Counters The benefits of a clean kitchen counter are endless, not to mention an empty space where your eyes can rest at the end of the day. Imagine coming home after work and feeling relaxed as you prepare dinner. Instead of the stress of a messy kitchen and then ordering takeout. Once upon a time, our cabinets and pantry were filled to the brim.  Being an "organized" person, I found myself reorganizing the pantry …

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