mindbeautysimplicity

Looking to downsize your home for summer? Here are 20 Items To Declutter to prepare for those hot & sunny days:

Worn Out Beach Towels

I like to keep up to five beach towels ( extras for guests). We are frequently going to the beach or the pool on weekends, so having a small collection of towels is crucial. Make sure they aren’t stained or worn out.

Expired Sunscreen

This is the perfect time to declutter any expired sunscreen & purchase new for the season. Protect your skin!

Ill Fitting / Worn Out Swimwear

Recently, I updated my swimwear collection & got rid of any damaged or ill fitting bikinis & one pieces. This is also includes accessories such as cover ups & hats.

Uncomfortable Sandals / Flipflops

There is no sense in keeping footwear that is uncomfortable & will potentially cause blisters. Some of my favorite brands include Havana, Reef & Sam Edelman.

Damaged Luggage

Summer means lots of travel. Be sure your luggage is up to par & durable.

Ill Fitting Shorts / Denim

A seasonal closet declutter is always a good idea. In the summer, I always go through my denim & shorts & make sure they are properly fitting. This season, I purchased a few new pairs from Loft & Levi.

Excess Water Bottles

I love carrying around my Hydroflask to the beach, hiking or running errands. Staying hydrated this time of year is so important. But we don’t need to hoard an array of options. Be sure you are only keeping ones you regularly use.

Vehicles

With all the road-trips & travels, it’s a good time to clean our cars. Trash any food wrappers & floating papers. I also end up having an array of winter jackets & winter hats hoarded in the back of the car that need stored. I also like to get the entire car detailed & vacuumed.

Sunglasses

A popular summer time accessory – go through your collection & declutter any pair that are warped, damaged or out of style.

Books / Kindle Library

Summer is my favorite time to read. Go through your shelves or kindle library & clean house. Check out this previous blog post on 5 Types of Books To Declutter From Your Shelves. Once you’ve decluttered, you can create your summer TBR.

Blankets

With the weather getting warmer, it’s time to put excess blankets in storage or closets. Go through your collection & declutter ones you no longer want.

Gardening / Yard Tools

damaged or broken tools need to be decluttered at this time. And if you lack proper outdoor storage, you may need to downsize your collection. We tend not to own many yard tools & simply borrow or rent when it’s needed.

Old Toys

This is a task that can be a regular routine. Make space for the toys they are using & will use for the summer season. Donate or store the rest.

Pool Toys

If you own a pool or visit your community pool regularly, you probably have an array of toys & floats. Downsize these items & keep the ones you know will be used this season.

Broken or Damaged Umbrellas

Protecting ourselves from the sun & keeping cool is important this season. Be sure the umbrella you own works properly. We tend to keep only one & sometimes simply rent one during our beach vacations.

Broken or Damaged Beach Chairs

Make sure the beach chairs you own are comfortable & durable. And rarely do you need a bunch of extras for guests. Instead, keep what you use & have guests bring their own.

Craft Supplies

Crafts are such fun ways to occupy your time during the summer. Be sure markers aren’t dried out, papers aren’t damaged & to throw away any trash or unwanted creations.

Papers

If you have school aged children, spend some time decluttering or organizing their past year school work & prepare for the next school year. You can also spend some time shredding old business papers or documents you no longer need.

Your Schedule

Summer is the perfect time to reflect & relax – possibly consider a slower summer with less commitments. Learn to say no more often & only agree to the events & obligations you want to attend. Leave people pleasing to the wayside & regain your time.

Your Expectations

Everyone’s summer can look different. You don’t necessarily need to travel far to have a proper summer. You can focus on resting at home, spending time with family or making time for home projects. Spend some time making a list of what you want your summer to look like & make that happen.

-B

Lifestyle

10 Reasons I’m Happier Without Alcohol | My Sober Curious Journey

May 10, 2023 mindbeautysimplicity

When I ventured into this minimalistic lifestyle, I had no idea it would lead me down the path of a sober curious journey. I’ve dabbled in dry Januaries [ or months ] before, which have become rather mainstream lately. But I never took it to a serious lifestyle change. Last summer, I decided – for my health, to go on this sober curious path for real & potentially give up alcohol for good. I would categorize myself as the “social drinker”, college being the forefront to this slight habit. I wouldn’t necessarily say I had a problem per say, but I didn’t like the way that I was when I drank, so I’ve decided to make a change. And this past year, I’ve noticed just how happy I am without it. Here’s 10 Reasons I’m Happier Without Alcohol:

I’m More Emotionally Aware

Alcohol really numbs certain emotions & can heighten others. One of the biggest reasons I enjoy living an alcohol free life is no longer feeling so anxious as I go to sleep & when I wake up. People say hangovers are bad, but I would say the alcohol induced anxiety is neck & neck. Not only this, but I think people tend to use alcohol to numb their feelings. This was evident with my grief journey after losing my dad a year ago. Instead of meeting my grief head on, I would drown it out with White Claws & glasses of wine. And you can’t put your grief on pause. It only makes it harder to cope with the longer you let it linger.

I Sleep Better

It’s scientifically proven that alcohol can alter your REM sleep. I remember countless nights out, coming home so restless & feeling so groggy the next day. Instead, I feel more rested & have much more productive & enjoyable days without alcohol in my system.

I’ve Discovered New Hobbies

I no longer spend my weekends at bars or breweries [ unless there’s tasty food ] which has lead me to discover tons of new hobbies. I’ve always been an avid reader. But thanks the book community online & the pandemic, reading has become such a wholesome part of my life. I honestly wouldn’t know what to do without books. It’s nice to have a hobby like this that is just for me. I’ve also been enjoying the outdoors a lot more [ even during the winter ]. Hiking has become such a relaxing & meditative practice for me. It’s one of my favorite activities to do with my family. The world is so beautiful. It’s so important to look up from our phones once & a while.

I’m More Present

I no longer go through the motions with blurred vision. I am more intentional with my time & recall moments much clearer. I try to really take in my tasks even if it’s simply eating breakfast. I think we all tend to get in the habit of rushing our days.

I Look for More Experiences

I seriously have the travel bug lately. I’m constantly looking up ideas for weekend getaways, vacations & events. We have so many fun things to look forward to this summer / this year. I tend to look outside the box more & really ask myself what I want to see if this life. A few travels / events we have on the books include Virginia Beach, a Caribbean Cruise, a weekend in New York City, a sunset sailing trip & the Preakness.

I Enjoy My Own Company

I’ve always considered myself an extroverted introvert. I enjoy social gatherings with the right company. Lately, I’ve been at peace with my own company. I’m always busying myself with writing, reading or solo outings. I think it’s so important to be content with our own company because it has really helped me grown as an individual. We know ourselves better than anyone else anyway.

I Have Better Relationships

In balance with my alone time, I have better relationships than I have ever had in the past. Unfortunately, it has lead to losing some & gaining others. But as Drake says, “I’m losing friends and finding peace.” When you make a lifestyle change such as this one, you start to realize who your real friends are.

I’ve Gained More Confidence

I am the most confident I have ever been with myself. Some of that comes with age, but when you decide to let go of something such as alcohol, you really have to learn to be good with yourself. It sounds silly, but my outward appearance has changed for the better which has seeped internally as well. I have more fashion inspiration, creativity & motivation for the future & meeting certain goals.

I No Longer Feed into Peer Pressure

The biggest reason you need more confidence is the peer pressure that comes with drinking. I’ve had to really stand my ground & say no a lot more than ever before. People will say, “oh just one won’t hurt.” or “just take a quick sip.” It’s ridiculous how powerful alcohol has on society.

I’ve Striving For Bigger & Better Things

Now that alcohol is no longer a focus, I am able to brainstorm more for myself. There is so much more to life than drinking & alcohol. I love how healthy I feel. I look forward to the next phases in my life like starting a family, motherhood, possibly adding a fur baby to the mix, moving & traveling around the world. I’m manifesting bigger & better things for me career wise & no longer selling myself short.

I’m not against drinking alcohol & I’m able to be around it just fine. This has simply been a choice I’ve made for myself & one I’m so happy I decided to make. The fact of the matter is, I wasn’t at my greatest potential with alcohol ruling my days. And at the moment, I don’t see myself going back.

-B

Self Growth

To The Ones Who Dream To Be Mothers on Mother’s Day

May 3, 2023May 10, 2023 mindbeautysimplicity

Time seems to freeze as I wait patiently for those two pink lines. And as I look & stare at a wish that was promised, I slowly come to & realize it was simply just a dream.

Month after month, I grieve over & over a loss I have no idea what it’s like to even have. Out of all the things I’ve gone through, this has been the one to really test me. I’ve had to accept the fact some things are unfortunately out of our control.

I’ve always wanted to be a mother. And when my husband & I decided to try, I had no idea it isn’t always easy. “If my husband just looks at me, I get pregnant”…”if you just relax, it will happen”…..”have you considered adoption?” When you have comments like these circling your mind, you find yourself feeling like you are that 1%.

And I’d be lying if I didn’t ask the question, “when will it be our turn?”

With Mother’s Day [ in the US] falling in May, I felt like it was a beautiful time to advocate for those who dream about being a mother who haven’t been blessed with one Earth side quite yet, but yearn for it everyday. Now, before I go any further – I’d like to preface everyone’s ttc journey looks different. So, when I say this is going on month seven for us, I’m not looking at this as a comparison game or debate on who has it worse. I’m simply vulnerably sharing my experience so far & hope other’s who read this, feel less alone.

I’m a very glass half full type of gal. Even on my hardest days, I try & take a step back & find that silver lining. I have gradually learned to have faith in the process. The ttc journey feels long, strenuous & exhausting when you are in it. Each month, I feel the hopeful butterflies in my stomach & simultaneously try & hold myself together when it’s another no [ for now]. I’d be lying if I said this didn’t hit me for a loop. I’ve had to scream out “surrender” & wave that white flag in a sense.

It’s a take it day by day & each appointment type of ride. In a strange twist of fate, I am grateful because this process has strengthen me as a woman. It has strengthened my marriage & my definition of love. And it has taught me to appreciate life a lot more. The concept of enjoying the journey is so so true.

And although we have established more of an acceptance to the journey & patience like no other – we still have faith our time is coming.

To the women who wish to be mothers, please celebrate.

To take more of a positive spin, I declare all women who are manifesting motherhood, to please – celebrate yourselves this Mothers Day. Instead of making this day a day of dread or yearning for something you still don’t have, why not switch the narrative.

Carve Out a Moment To Pray or Write Down Your Hopes & Dreams

If you are religious, take a few minutes with God & pray for your babies. Have faith these hopes will come to fruition in time. You can even spend a few minutes writing these wishes down on paper. Be as vulnerable & detailed as you want. When we release those intrusive thoughts, we can better take on the obstacles life throws at us.

To the partners, send your love a card / letter / have a deep conversation

This process is a team effort. And knowing your partner has your back & understands your struggles can make all the difference. This can be a lonely process, & quite frankly – each person in the partnership should be celebrated. The emotions of both people need to be considered. This can remind us that what truly matters is love.

It’s ok to mourn

There is nothing wrong with sitting out on days that may be triggering to you & your psyche. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, baby showers or gender reveals – you have the right to say no. One of the things I have had to understand is you may be seeing other people becoming blessed with what you want, before you. And that may sting. Recently, I’ve come up with a mindset to better handle said situations. I say to myself, if they can be blessed with a child, my prayers will be answered as well.

celebrate the women & parents in your life

My mother is my ride or die. She has been there for me through everything & vice versa. Same goes for my dad, but now he’s rooting for me from the clouds. It’s so important to show appreciation to ones who raised you – whether they are biological parents, non-biological, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, colleagues etc. When we have that solid support system, going through moments like starting a family for instance, can make it more tolerable.

let’s start a discussion…

I don’t usually ask this, but if you are comfortable – I’d love it if you shared your stories of motherhood, fatherhood & starting a family. Share some advice, kind words & motivation to me & whoever may need it today. I pray, if you are anything like me that those pink lines show up in real life next time.