Declutter 62 + An Unexpected Benefit

What is it about the start of a new year that makes me want to get rid of junk? This happens every year. I put away the Christmas decorations, and although I LOVE the holiday season and all the decorations that come with it, I’m just ready for a blank slate.

This year I decided to take things one step further and do some serious decluttering and simplifying around the house. I found this awesome calendar through Home Storage Solutions 101. It’s an entire year of small, manageable tasks designed to get your house organized and free of all the junk that gets in the way.

I can’t believe what a difference this calendar has already made, just 62 days in. In the past, I’ve started projects around the house with the intention of streamlining, organizing, etc., but often I get overwhelmed by the magnitude of what needs to be done. This calendar breaks things into little bites that really add up over time.

The first two months focused almost exclusively on the kitchen, which makes sense. The kitchen is (in most houses) used and abused more than any other room. I now have a spotless, organized refrigerator filled with food that has not expired! My kitchen towels are organized so I can easily tell when I’m low on washcloths and should do some laundry. (Getting rid of about 20 unnecessary towels probably helped.) The space under our sink has been emptied, cleaned, and fixed up so that everything is organized and easily accessible; I no longer have to move the trash can and dishwasher pods just to get to my watering can for the indoor plants. And that’s all just the tip of the iceberg.

I don’t have any before photos and I know these are crummy iPhone photos, but trust me when I tell you that these are all VAST improvements.

This countertop previously held a bunch of other stuff that we barely used. Also, we're adding a backsplash soon. I can't wait to make this kitchen look a little more like my style!

I got rid of probably 10 expired items (ew) and cleaned up some Coke Zero that had apparently exploded. I know where everything is now :) Until the kiddo moves it, that is.

And here's the kitchen towel drawer. Before everything was thrown in here in a big heap. Now it's organized. The back row are kitchen towels - seasonal on the left, then two piles of every day use. In the middle are bibs and a container of washcloths and scrub sponges. Toward the front are koozies and Lunchskins under that little hand, and the other side has oven mitts and trivets.

So the unexpected benefit: this project has – at least for now – cured me of my desire to bring more stuff into the house. Let it be known that I have not set foot in Target since December 23. And living where I live (close to Target, not close to a lot of other shopping options), this is an accomplishment. I know that going into Target for two things means leaving with 20, and I just don’t feel like dealing with the stuff.

No one NEEDS a yarn-wrapped hippo, but thanks to Target, we have one.

On top of this, I’m saving money by not randomly killing time wandering around target and dropping $100 on a cart full of stuff that isn’t necessary. It’s a great feeling.

I hope I can keep this going. It’s probably not realistic to never set foot in Target again, but I’m hoping with this momentum, I can avoid it for awhile longer!

Letter to Mom 2.2

Dear Mom –

Ugh, I miss you like crazy. I just feel like all these little things are happening that I want to talk about, and no one will understand their significance or hilarity like you. Come back? Please?

You would love E so much. She’s such a funny little girl. I can’t even begin to describe her in one short letter because there’s so much to her. She gives the best hugs and the drooliest kisses. She bites me when I brush her teeth. She knows so many words, and can identify a number of Disney princesses. She likes to wear boots over her jammies. I could go on and on, but I guess I’ll just have to trust that you’re watching her grow up and smiling along with me.

Dad is doing so much better. His condition is still very serious, but I think the diagnosis was a wake-up call for him. He’s lost a lot of weight as a result of making better diet choices, and he looks fantastic. He seems to be in better spirits too. I think once we get some decent weather here, he’ll be even better. You know he’s happiest when he’s outside working on his yard.

We think Zach and his girlfriend may be getting serious. He’s been staying with her in her hometown this week while she recovers from illness. Apparently he does dishes at her apartment sometimes (Grandma told me that) and he was taking care of her dog while she was sick. Maybe that doesn’t mean anything, but I think it might. I’m good with it. She’s a sweet girl; I think you’d like her.

I had American Idol on in the background the other night while I was straightening up the house. It’s just not the same anymore. I don’t think you’d still be watching either.

Leonard Nimoy passed away today. I’m wondering how Big Bang Theory will address it – you know Sheldon would be devastated. I still can’t watch that show without thinking of you. Even in your last few weeks with us, we were still watching it. You in your hospital bed in the family room, me sitting in an uncomfortable chair resting my feet on the edge of your bed. I was probably eating cookies too. You always made sure to have cookies around for me to snack on, even after I was married and not

living at home anymore. Thanks for that.

I’m serious… could you just come back? Just for like an hour? I’d take five minutes or even just one. I miss you.

Love,

Kate

Awards Show Junkie: Oscars 2015

Well, the big awards show has come and gone for another year. I thought it was fine – nothing too special, nothing too upsetting. I haven’t been to a movie in more than two years (too expensive for us, and we use our limited date nights exclusively for eating) so I wasn’t rooting for anything.

Except beautiful dresses.

Top 5

Julianne Moore in custom Chanel (Source: Jim Smeal/BeImages)

I waffled back and forth on this one, but have decided I love it. In some photos, the fit seemed a little loose around the waist. Then I remembered than Julianne Moore IS fashion and so I told the voice in my head to shut up. Lovely.

Beyond fashion: The first “date” T and I went on was to see The Forgotten, a Julianne Moore film. Maybe that’s why I’m such an admirer.

Emma Stone in Elie Saab Haute Couture (Source: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

I don’t think many people could pull off this color, but think Emma Stone can wear just about whatever she wants. I love the open back and the sleeves.

Beyond fashion: She brought her mother to the show, and she seemed delightful.

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein Collection (Source: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Gah. Does Lupita Nyong’o ever wear anything that isn’t perfection? She is gorgeous 100% of the time. This dress was different but classic, and highlighted her beautiful shoulders.

Beyond fashion: She was the first Kenyan to win an Oscar when she took home the award for Best Supporting Actress last year.

Reese Witherspoon in Tom Ford (Source: Jason Merritt/Getty)

I guess I’m just feeling black and white and this neckline this year. I’m not a huge fan of hers (just personal preference) and I can admit that sometimes that probably biases me against her. But I can’t deny it this year. The cut and tailoring of this dress are immaculate.

Beyond fashion: Reese graduated from Harpeth Hall School.

Zoe Saldana in Atelier Versace (Source: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

This woman just had twins. I mean, not yesterday, but somewhat recently. I’m sure she’s “bounced back” quicker than many, but her body is different now – she has curves that I don’t think were there before, and she’s gorgeous. I think this is wonderful; she looks beautiful, happy and healthy.

Beyond fashion: Remember when she was in the movie Center Stage? I could watch that every day. Playing Eva was her first film role.

Bottom 5

Felicity Jones in Alexander McQueen (Source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty)

This dress is just too much of everything all at once. Felicity is beautiful, but this dress reminds me of a Barbie wedding dress from the 80s.

Beyond fashion: She starred in 2011’s Like Crazy, the dialogue of which was entirely improvised.

Bianca Blanco

I’m having trouble finding the designer of this dress… I guess no one wants to own up to it. I also couldn’t find the original source for this photo, which was featured on a number of other blogs.

Beyond fashion: Bianca has a masters degree in social work.

Lorelei Linklater in Gabriela Cadena (Source: people.com)

I’ve read a number of reviews applauding this dress choice as bold and interesting. I’ve never been a big fan of transparent/mesh dresses, and this looks a little cheap. She also looks terribly uncomfortable. Maybe that’s just a result of her youth (she’s 20).

Beyond fashion: She’s Richard Linklater’s daughter.

Chrissy Teigen in Zuhair Murad (Source: Jason Merritt/Getty)

I usually love what Chrissy Teigen wears, and I’m likely in the minority putting her in my bottom five, but I don’t care for this. It feels too showy, and the dark lip feels too severe.

Beyond fashion: I still love her. And her husband. And her love of food.

Viola Davis in Zac Posen (Source: Getty Images)

This makes me kind of sad because Viola has a great body. You’d never know it behind all this fabric. I love a good ball gown, but this has a lot of excess fabric serving no real purpose. The necklace feels heavy too. I do think the color is pretty on her though.

Beyond fashion: I heard her speak at a luncheon here in Cincinnati last year and she was fantastic. She had such a rough upbringing, but uses her story to inspire other women. I think she would be the type of friend who is constantly empowering you!

Middle 5

Jennifer Lopez in Elie Saab Haute Couture (Source: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

I swear, I don’t dislike JLo. I just feel like we see the same things over and over from her. The same two things, if you know what I mean. I think it was the 2005 Oscars when she wore that beautiful mint green asymmetric dress. I miss that JLo.

Beyond fashion: She released a song a few months ago called Booty. When she does some kind of swan song tour at age 70, is she going to sing Booty?

Scarlett Johannson in Atelier Versace (Source: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Love the hair. Love the dress color. Love the dress cut. Do not love the giant clump of seaweed creeping around her neck.

Beyond fashion: I read a story (from some Hollywood gossip site, so take this with a grain of salt) that she pumped for her baby backstage before presenting. So cool. I’m all about normalizing breastfeeding.

Jessica Chastain in Givenchy (Source: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

This blue looks wonderful on her, but the top is so strange. It makes her shoulders look very wide.

Beyond fashion: I don’t know much about Jessica Chastain so I was reading up on her, and read the plot summary of a movie called Mama. It sounds confusing but really good, so I’m adding it to my queue.

Jennifer Aniston in Atelier Versace (Source: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

This is fine, really. Nothing to write home about, but looks nice on her. When was the last time she wore something that wasn’t black, red or tan?

Beyond fashion: I so wanted her to be nominated for an Oscar for Cake. Yes, I know it was like 10 years ago, but I’m still rooting for her. Team Jennifer all the way.

Lady Gaga in Alaia (Source: Getty Images)

Without the goofy red gloves, this wouldn’t be nearly so strange. It’s kind of a strange shape, but it’s ok.

Beyond fashion: She just became engaged to Taylor Kinney, which brings me back to fashion. The red gloves seem to be an odd choice for someone who has a brand new ring on her finger.

And the men. Once again, it’s hard to figure out who any of them are wearing.

Chris Evans, kudos. This is how you wear a suit.

Ansel Elgort, love the blue.

David Oyelowo, love the red. You pull it off well.

Will.i.am, what is this?

And Jared Leto… oh, Jared Leto. I love you so. You were perfection last year with the red tie and beautiful angel hair. But this? A pale blue drop-crotch tuxedo with white nurse shoes? Please don’t do this to me again.

Couple of the Night

Anna Faris in Zuhair Murad and Chris Pratt (Source: Steve Granitz/WireImage)

The world loves these two, and I am part of this world. She looks like royalty and he looks as handsome as ever. I just want to be friends with them.

Awards season is over. Sad face.