Wednesday, June 15, 2016
mother + maker : meagan from whole family rhythms
I wouldn't describe myself as a crafty person, nor do I host daily activities to keep the children engaged. But sometimes I find myself turning from one activity to the next, unsure of what to set up for the kids, how to direct their focus and how best to nurture their creativity. I've long admired Meagan from Whole Family Rhythms and over the past few months I have discovered much contentment and solace in her Seasonal Guides.
Inspired by the Steiner philosophy, the Whole Family Rhythms Guides are a step-by-step walk through the seasons - setting intentions, creating rhythms, expressing gratitude and embracing the natural world. Each guide offers gentle encouragement for those wanting to create rhythm in the home, one that serves and nourishes the whole family.
If you're anything like me, you might adore the idea of a Steiner-based home rhythm but might find it difficult to implement in your schedule. Perhaps it all seems a little too esoteric for you? Or perhaps you are inspired by the concept but just don't know how to start?
Many think that rhythm lacks the structure of routine and are critical of its productivity. But think of rhythm as having a fluid structure, an ebb and a flow, one that can change pace depending on the weather or your mood. When you look at it this way, you see that rhythm is the perfect structure for families with young children; nothing is set in stone, it can all be put to the side if need be. But on those days when rhythm is craved, there is much comfort in knowing what's coming next. It helps our children feel secure, comfortable and at ease.
Labels: mother + maker , motherhood , simple home
Monday, January 04, 2016
I envisioned bringing in the New Year with a spick and span house and everything in order. Of course, that didn't come to fruition and that's ok. I find myself attempting to reach that point of completion, where everything is clean and in its place, only to realise that it's a lofty goal and perhaps, one not suited to life with three young children. Our home is in a constant state of flux - jobs finished only to be undone within the hour. It's a dangerous ride if I wrap my emotions and ego up in those jobs because the undoing leads to frustration, disappointment, anger and a general sense of being entirely fed-up. It's not pretty and to be frank, not worth it. It is only housework, after all.
I've come to the conclusion that I don't want to spend all my time cleaning and tiding and running in a perpetual circle for the next ten years of my life. It doesn't sound appealing and it most definitely isn't inspiring. So, I'm doing what I can, with the time that I have - it isn't perfect but it's relatively done. This new way of thinking goes against all my homemaking ideals but to quote the insightful Ms Gilbert in Big Magic: "Done is better than good." It's a damn good adage for this recovering perfectionist to hold dear.
There have been a few things that I've put to the top of my list over the last few days that have ensured this year (and this home) is off to a fresh enough start for 2016 - small jobs that make a big impact on my day-to-day. Want to join in? It doesn't take long! In fact, it takes less than an hour!
- clear your entryway (15 minutes). Renowned for being a dumping ground for all kinds of paraphernalia, the entryway is the first area in my home to start looking cluttered and messy. It's also the first thing I see when I arrive home and being greeted with such mess doesn't always make for the happiest of homecomings. So, I took to it with vengeance and put everything back in its place - shoes in the basket, hats on the rack, bags in the basket, books back to their rightful shelf and a quick dust and straighten-up.
- sort through your handbag (10 minutes). If your bag resembles a Mary Poppins tote you're not alone. The amount of stuff I was carrying around in my bag (this one for those interested) was nothing short of alarming. There was everything from sequinned cat's ears (dance concert) to teaspoons and a range of hair clips, receipts, pens, bank books and hand creams in between. Then of course there's always the nappy bag which saves me on many occasion. To begin, I sorted out my wallet (receipts for tax, receipts for the bin) and then worked my way through everything else, replenishing the essentials in the nappy pouch, too.
- clean the car (30 minutes). This is a great job to add to the "pocket money job list" if you have a child old enough. I begin by sending Che and Poet out to the car with an empty washing basket. It always, without fail, comes back brimming with stuff. If your children are anything like mine, even the shortest car trip requires books, beloved-can't-leave-anywhere-without-them toys and a range of clothing options in case the weather turns. Once that job is complete (and everything from the basket is in its rightful place) I tackle the car with the vacuum cleaner. As I bend my way around the car seats in the back (it's a tight squeeze with three!) I always, without fail, have trouble comprehending the filth of it all. This diagram will resonate with many of you, I'm sure. Nappy wipes over the dash and in the coffee cup holders ensures the surfaces are good for the next month or so.
Labels: simple home
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
simply practical : scrub the vegies, clean the fruit
Take for instance my new full circle vegetable scrubbing brush* that I picked up on a whim whilst browsing the aisle of my local grocery store (the things you do when you have twenty minutes to go shopping - alone). The bamboo ring is smooth and contoured; the perfect fit for my hand. And the bristles? Tough without being harsh, they are most effective at getting rid of dirt from the dutch potatoes, kumera and carrots that make their way into the pan come roast chicken night. And because I believe in keeping my dishes to a minimum, I recently started adding green beans and kale to the pan once the chook is removed. Just enough of a coating in oil and fat promises to produce crunchy beens and crispy kale in a matter of minutes.**
While I like the idea of eating organic fruit and vegetables 100 per cent of the time (we get a delivery once a week from Nurtured Earth Organics), I can't justify spending $12 on a tub of strawberries that will be devoured in minutes. So, I've taken to soaking my non-organic produce in a sink of lukewarm water and apple cider vinegar (about 1/4 cup) to remove the traces of pesticides (15-20minutes does the trick).
*I also use (and wash, reuse, repeat) the full circle cellulose sponge cloths and tidy cloths.
**If you're starting your baby on solid foods, mashing up last night's roast is a quick way to make a nutritious meal. I shred the chicken, mash the potato, carrots and kumera and finely chop the greens. Percy devours it (and sleeps very well afterward!).
More from the series: simply practical
Labels: simple home , simply practical
Monday, August 03, 2015
I could write endless posts about decluttering your wardrobe, simplifying your home and creating a space that you love. But at the end of the day, safety and stability is what we all seek in a home, isn't it? It may not be a priority for the travellers among us but if you're anything like me, there is much comfort and calm to be found in a strong, stable home.
The blue moon released a new outlook for us and it's one we weren't exactly anticipating. It turns out that our time in this beach cottage has a deadline; in ten months time we'll be packing up and moving on. It wasn't the plan and it's not ideal but that's the thing with rentals - there is much beyond your control. Not surprisingly I burst into tears when we found out, such is my reaction to any news of the confronting kind. And while I am disappointed that we won't be able to stay here for as long as we planned, my worry is all wrapped up in wanting to create stability for the kids - for all of us, actually.
Our long term plan when we moved here was to stay for about three years, save more for our house deposit and eventually buy a home of our own. Over the last few months we have watched house prices skyrocket and it's become blatantly clear that we'll be spending over half-a-million dollars (of the bank's dollars) on a shoebox of a home that will need renovations, of some sort. Our deposit has been slowly increasing but it's not quite big enough just yet (realistically, we need about $60,000, if not more). Now that we have a definite deadline we've got the extra incentive to squirrel away as much as we possibly can.
We're determined to move into a home that we can call our own instead of staying on this tumultuous rental path. Yes, it will be old and run down but nothing a little love and a bit of paint can't fix (although a staircase could come in handy for a little boy who loves the idea of a room under the stairs, HP style). I can live without a dishwasher and I can put up with salmon coloured tiles in the bathroom but I'm not sure I can stand the unease of rental limbo for much longer.
Watch this budgeting-like-we've-never-done-before space...
Labels: simple home
Saturday, July 25, 2015
winter blues...but it's almost spring
Last week I was lamenting about the fact that I had nothing to write about when I realised that it was simply a seasonal lull; an annual occasion that forces me to sit back, be ok with said wordlessness and wait for the energy and inspiration to return. Rather than get all ho-hum about it I decided to look forward, make plans, muster energy for the season ahead. And then, after days of low grey skies and intermittent rain we have sun, a gentle breeze and warmth. I think it may be the very first signs of spring. What a relief!
Percy was born in the first week of autumn so we have nested and nurtured in the cold months; a hibernation of sorts. I must admit, I have enjoyed the synchronicity of it all. And now as he reaches this new stage of awareness, we venture into spring...time to throw open the windows, peel away the layers (both literal and metaphorical) and prepare for a moving baby in the coming months (oh how life is about to change).
Freesias always represent spring to me so when Daniel returned home with these beauties hiding behind his back my mood lifted immediately. Honestly, is there anything quite as powerful as a bunch of flowers to induce happiness and brighten the home? I don't think there is. In their own way, they heralded the new season and prompted much thought about the imminent new-season clean. I have plans, friends, and they begun today. After my morning walk and coffee I got stuck into the laundry which has become a dumping ground for beach paraphernalia, linen, cleaning products and clothes (from all seasons, in all sizes, in various stages of cleanliness). It was time to get to the bottom of the laundry pile and figure out a new system because the old one was an absolute fail. Whilst driving the other day I realised that the main source of mess in the house is clean laundry; clothes waiting to be folded and/or put away take up most of the room on our lounge and often end up strewn across the floor. It was time to put an end to it so I pulled everything out of the laundry, sorted it all out and put it back in in the most orderly fashion. And now? There's room to sort and fold all the clean laundry which means when it does enter the house it goes straight to the designated wardrobe. And we have our lounge back.
Hope your weekend is sunny...
Labels: simple home
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
When I first started decluttering I figured that I'd go through each cupboard, sort the contents into piles and only put back what I really wanted to keep. In my naïveté I presumed that once I was done with each room, I would be basking in the aftermath of a job well done and get on with my day, unencumbered by all the stuff. That was all well and good until I realised that the first cull is never the last; decluttering is addictive.
Simple living, at its very core, is about habit. Some of us fall into this way of living out of necessity, others do it by choice. Regardless of the motives, simplicity requires you to embrace a new way of living and, ultimately, a new way of thinking. It is so much more than the physical act of decluttering - it requires an entirely new mindset.
Generally, habits are hard to change. In this day and age, we like a quick fix and simplifying the home is anything but a small job. I know many people who, if it was affordable, would hire someone to come in and do the hard work of sorting and culling. But there's a lot to be said for getting your hands dirty and doing it yourself; it's a practise that gets you thinking - about money, silly purchases, practicality and necessity. It can be confronting but it can also be enlightening.
Consuming, coveting and hoarding habits are hard to shift. You may be completely adept at cleaning out your wardrobe but if you then indulge in a few frivolous shopping trips you're right back where you left off. Essentially, nothing has changed. So, how do you simplify the home for good? How do you shake the old habits and cultivate new ones? A three-step strategy, if you will....
1. declutter- slowly and steadily.
In my opinion, starting is always the hardest step so make it easy for yourself: choose a kitchen drawer, set the timer on your phone and work solidly for 15 minutes without interruption. Once you have completed it (and yes, sometimes a focussed 15 minutes is all it takes) move onto the next. Instead of setting the lofty goal of an entire day, work in stages (this is particularly helpful if you're a mum with small children) and get a little bit done each day. If you start to get overwhelmed by the enormity of the job or exhausted from the repetitiveness, remind yourself why you started in the first place; come back to your intentions.
Whilst decluttering my home there were countless times when I experienced that sick feeling associated with buyers regret; my indulgence was selfish and inconsiderate and all I had as a result was overflowing cupboards. When you sort through the stuff in your home it tends to stir memories but it also conjures an emotional response. My advice? Acknowledge it, sit with it, learn from it...move on to the next cupboard with newfound awareness and enthusiasm.
2. don't replace what you culled, even if the idea of brand-new-everything is irresistible.
Empty space often begs to be filled but...ignore it! Bask in the ease of less stuff, less cleaning and subsequently, more time.
3. practise restraint and think before you buy.
Granted, this is the tricky part and for me and it's taken a good long while for my mindset to shift. My old habits of frivolous spending and buying on a whim were hard to break but once I realised how careless I had been, I was motivated to change my spending/acquiring habits for good. Consider asking yourself the following when you're about to buy:
- why do I need it
- is it affordable?
- where will it live?
- how long will it last?
- am I succumbing to a trend or buying it because it's timeless?
- do I really need it?
To think before you buy - it's nothing new but somewhere, somehow, we lost our way. In my opinion, when you buy with awareness you have more appreciation for your purchase, you're more likely to look after it and as a result, it will stand the test of time.
How has simplifying your home changed the way you spend your money?
Labels: simple home
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
simply practical : for your socks
Socks are rarely a covetable clothing item but they definitely are an essential in the smalls department. They also have a habit of going missing on a regular basis. Cue enormous frustration and the rhetorical question: "Where did that sock go?"
Enter the humble sock holder. While it doesn't promise to find those missing socks, it does make the hanging-drying-folding process so much easier. As a bonus, it saves room on the hills hoist which is always necessary after a few days of rain.
It's the best $3 (from Bunnings) you'll spend all week (perhaps second to the coffee after a restless night).
Also:
Bamboo pegs
Wooden "peg people" pegs (perfect for school holiday craft)
My preferred, smells-so-good, laundry detergent
Labels: simple home , simply practical
Thursday, June 18, 2015
I had a realisation in the car yesterday after experiencing what one can only describe as a frantic morning rush from bed to breakfast to getting dressed (no time for a shower) to breastfeeding (quick top-up) to in the car and out the driveway. Once we were moving and the classical music was playing (Percy's preferred radio station for a scream-free journey) I had the time and the space to think about the chaos that had just unfolded. It wasn't enjoyable, it had no positive effect on my mood or my mindset and to put it mildly, it was a terrible start to the day.
Mustering all kinds of optimism I decided it really was onwards and upwards and a takeaway coffee on the way home. And then? It was time to reinstate some semblance of order and organisation on the home front; because life is that much easier when I know where everything is.
A few years ago, the thought of organising my home would have caused all kinds of angst. After years of op-shopping and the subsequent collecting of bargains too good to leave behind, the house was cluttered and my cupboards were brimming. I literally couldn't keep on top of the cleaning or the sorting (so big was the problem that I had no idea where to begin) and so I resorted to the quick fix of putting things, all sorts of things, behind closed doors to be dealt with later. "Later" came when I realised that decluttering was soothing and calming and that the end result was genuinely pleasing (albeit slightly addictive).
Yesterday, after a few weeks of illness, winter laziness and general disinterest, I put things back in their place. And you know what? It really didn't take that long. Regardless of the state of my home on any given day, I know that tidying is achievable and not overly time-consuming; everything has a place and I know exactly where that place is.
As I picked things up and put them away I found myself thinking about the state of one's home; such a pertinent topic amongst mothers, don't you think? The eloquent Annabel Crabb recently wrote about her messy home in Lesson to my daughter: Don't clean your house and as a result she had many heads nodding. I enjoyed the argument she brought to her cluttered table; she lives amidst the mess and she has no intention of changing it. But me? I know myself well enough to admit that mess doesn't please me and disorganisation sends me into disarray. It has nothing to do with gender equality and everything to do with acknowledging my own truth.
If you're content in a ramshackle abode then by all means, revel in the glorious mess. But, if you feel calmer with less stuff and a clear path from the front door to the back...own it.
My simple home is rarely tidy. But since getting rid of the unnecessary I can safely say that cleaning it takes a lot less time. And when pinterest gets me all down about what I don't have? I take a look around, recognise that I'm surrounded by beauty (and practicality) and gain a new-found appreciation for the story of home*.
*But if you would like to replace my 1960s mint green kitchen with a contemporary alternative I'll take you up on that immediately. In the meantime I'll remind myself that it's my sacrifice for living on the beach. Perspective, perspective.
Labels: simple home
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
simply practical : sorting children's clothes
A few weeks ago I went through the big plastic box of size 000 to size 1 clothes and pulled out everything that would be suitable for the next six to twelve months. It was a job well done but on the flipside, Percy has already outgrown a collection of teeny tiny clothes; I'm pulling clothes out of boxes and replacing them with smaller versions. It's a cyclical chore and in keeping with my desire for a minimalist wardrobe, I figured it was time to embark on a new sorting system. I've embraced a "clean as you go" mentality; eradicating the need for a mammoth sorting session.
At the bottom of the wardrobe (Percy and I share) I placed a plastic tub with a lid and a small cheesecloth bag of lavender (to ward away bugs). Every time I try to squeeze Percy into an item that no longer fits I place it in the tub. Day by day the tub fills up and when it's brimming I'll move it to the top of the wardrobe to be stored for the next baby.
I've done the same in Che and Poet's wardrobe; a box for hand-me-downs and a bag for the op-shop.
Do you love or loathe sorting through the wardrobes?
Labels: simple home , simply practical
Friday, May 08, 2015
My seasonal mantra has begun and it's chanted at regular intervals throughout the day: "put your slippers on!" It's a collective mantra for mothers the world over, I think. Our obsession with keeping feet and kidneys warm is steeped in tradition - and for good reason. Our immune system is supported and nurtured when our bodies are protected, hence during these cold, sensitive months it's best to wrap up and take good care.
I do enjoy the rituals that accompany the change of season; the addition of wool underlays, flannelette sheets and woollen blankets on the beds; rubbing eucalyptus balm into the chest come bedtime; the gathering of kindling and chopping of wood in preparation for cosy fires; mornings of porridge, stewed apples and tea and thrice-weekly soups-on-the-stove. My anorak and scarf are worn most days, hence they sit slung over the chair near the front door, ready for a hurried exit (baby in arms).
This past week has been light-filled after weeks on end of rain and wind. The hills hoist has been heaving with endless loads of washing and if it's not all dry come dusk, the clotheshorse makes its way inside to sit by the fire.
Today marks the end of my first week of solo parenting with three; the perfect explanation for my lack of attention here. My days have been full and bustling and yet they seemed to run smoothly if I dedicated all of my time and energy to the little ones and the house. That said, I have been jotting down notes on paper; story ideas, to-dos, shopping lists. By evening I am spent so with cup of tea in hand I make my way to bed where I dream feed Percy in the hope that I'll be rewarded with a little more sleep (it usually works).
Thank goodness for the weekend (and the promise of a sleep-in).
a few seasonal posts that you may want to revisit:
autumn essentials
how to cure a head cold
how to get rid of mucous
notes from my naturopath
Labels: simple home
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Yes, we were doubtful. There is close to four years between Che and Poet and their needs are very different. However, we don't believe that young children need their own space; there's a lot to be said for sharing and actually being together, especially when small, simple living is our priority; for now and the future.
Che wasn't overly enthusiastic at first but we explained that we'd see how it went and discuss it a few weeks later. For the record, the discussion was never required. Just last week he admitted that he really loved sharing a room with Poet. "We get along better now," he said.
In regards to sleeping habits, there has never been a problem. Poet falls asleep soon after her bedtime story and Che will read for an hour afterward (we got him a little clip-on LED lamp from ikea - attached to his bedhead - so Poet's side of the room stays relatively dark - it's the only "new" item we purchased for the room). Poet probably sleeps more contentedly with Che in the room as she doesn't come into our bed nearly as often as she did in the old house (although come 6:30am every morning, she is snuggled between Daniel and I).
As I have explained in previous posts, we simplified a lot during our move. Subsequently, we only kept what we loved; including the children's toys, books and games. Most of their toys and books are kept in the front room and board games and puzzles live in the ottoman. On one end of their bedroom is a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe that houses clothes, shoes, dress-ups, linen and plastic tubs of lego. It took me a good few weeks to find a place for everything (and yes, I continued to de-clutter along the way) but now it's relatively easy to keep their room tidy (much easier than keeping two rooms tidy) - when there's less stuff, there's less to clean. To maintain as much visual space as possible, I've intentionally kept the colours quite soft and the decorations simple; white and blue (with hints of pink and floral) ensure the space is playful and unisex.
Labels: shared children's room , simple home
Saturday, February 14, 2015
I realise that a traditional change table is a very practical item to purchase in preparation for a newborn; it offers safety for baby and plenty of storage for nappies, wipes, creams and clothes. But generally they're quite cumbersome and I know from my experience with Poet that they definitely aren't essential - any flat surface will do just fine.
For a simple and portable change station, all you need is:
- a change mat (and if you want to keep things even simpler, a travel mat will do just fine).
- a change mat cover - I've had my econino one for four years now and it's still in fabulous condition (currently on sale)
- nappies and wipes
- your preferred cream (I swear by Tui Balm)
- a small toy for baby at 3+ months (because hands down there make for a very messy and slightly stressful time).
I've placed all my necessary items in a basket that will sit quite happily in the corner of the bedroom. When I'm not using it, the change mat will just slide under the bed.
disclaimer: whilst I recognise the economic and environmental benefits of cloth nappies, I am most definitely not a cloth nappy mum. I have tried them in the past and I found the entire rigmarole of soaking, washing and drying to be a lot of work. Sure, it felt good to know I wasn't making a significant contribution towards landfill but the entire task induced far too much anxiety for my own good (especially when deadlines were looming and clean nappies were nowhere to be found).
Labels: pregnancy , simple home
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Alas, at least we have a bank balance that's in the positive. Perspective is good at times like this.
I tend to stress about finances in every pregnancy, despite the fact that in each subsequent pregnancy, we've been in a better financial situation than the last. After seven years of teaching prenatal yoga I know for a fact that my worries are not unusual; a fear of the financial is one shared by most pregnant women.
I've written about the cost of living a few times (here, here and here) and I've always been inspired and motivated by the suggestions within the comments. Indeed, as the years pass the cost of living continues to increase, despite our best efforts to be conscious of how and where we are spending money. It's a universal issue that seems particularly pertinent at this time of year; in school holidays the grocery bill seems to increase exponentially and the costs associated with back-to-school are significant.
Daniel and I both work freelance; it's a beautiful lifestyle choice that allows us to spend lots of quality time as a family but the downside is that there isn't a lot of financial stability. We've learned to work with it though; we are pretty sensible when it comes to what we buy and our outgoings are kept to a minimum. Still, every fortnight I'm shocked by how much the day-to-day costs us.
Since our move we have made a few changes to ensure we are making sensible financial decisions and consequently embracing our desire for simple and mindful living.
- in mid-2014 we finally purchased a coffee machine. Instead of buying a top-of-the-range model we opted for the very affordable sunbeam cafe crema + grinder, both of which happened to be on sale at the time. We spent about $150 in total and since then, Daniel has perfected the art of coffee making (my brother is a coffee roaster so we get the beans for free) and we have saved ourselves a fortune. Coffee in cafes, takeaway coffees and the added sweet extras were really increasing our weekly spending and it got to the point where we just couldn't justify it anymore. We'll still go to a cafe about once a week but we consider it a bit of a treat and, where possible, we go without the children.
- we rarely buy books. When we were packing up our old house we were floored by how little our book collection had been touched over the years. Whilst the children's books are regularly read, our novels just sat on the shelf looking pretty. We donated most of our collection, kept our absolute favourites (especially cooking, gardening and lifestyle books) and since then, we've been going to the library which saves us money and ensures our bookshelf stays clutter-free.
- we researched our electricity consumption. Even when we turn our computer off, it's still using electricity, hence we turn it off at the wall at every available opportunity - same goes for most appliances. We don't have carpet in this new house so the vacuum cleaner rarely gets used and because we get endless amounts of sun, we haven't turned the dryer on since we moved in. Come wintertime, a clotheshorse on the balcony or beside the fire should eliminate the need for the dryer altogether (that's our intention, anyway).
- we're a one car family - by choice. Granted there are weeks when the juggle can get a little frustrating (especially when Daniel is working in Sydney) and it is going to be more difficult this year as I have to drive Che to school (we were within walking distance at our old house) but...we prefer the juggle to the expense of a second car.
- where I can, I buy groceries in bulk. Admittedly, I'm terrible at bulk buying, simply because the large bill terrifies me but I've come to realise that I'd rather have a large bill once every three weeks than a series of small bills every few days. We get our organic fruit + veg delivered once a week so it's only dry goods, bread and milk that I need to stock up on (I buy meat from the local butcher once a week).
- we take our water bottles everywhere (we love and swear by the klean kanteen range).
- we started a vegie patch and whilst I think I planted too late in the season (the humidity has been a bit of an issue) we have still managed to reap a good selection of greens. Now, I'm looking towards autumn/winter and thinking of what to plant.
We still have a goal of buying a little house but for now, we're pretty happy where we are; saving where we can and enjoying what we already have.
How are you feeling about finances for the New Year? Do you have a savings plan? What is your top tip for saving money as a family?
Labels: simple home , simple life
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
my favourite room in the house
Because salmon pink walls just don't work, do they? Nor do faux mahogany curtain rods or thick, pink curtains. White was my solution to all manner of cringe worthy decoration choices so I set about creating an entirely new start with fresh paint in the shade of bassinet; an apt name if ever I heard one.
After seven years of dealing with damp and mould in our old house (and the subsequent health issues that were at their worst just before we moved), I wanted a paint that would resist mould and mildew if they ever surfaced (I doubt they will considering the glorious full sun we bask in every day - never again will I underestimate the benefits of a home with a good aspect). The team at Taubmans were generous enough to provide us with Endure Interior in bassinet; a superior paint that is approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia as a sensitive choice for those with asthma and allergies. As a bonus, it also resists stains, handy considering dirty, little hands like to leave fingerprint marks on a regular basis. When it came to ordering quantity, the online paint calculator came in very handy, too.
After taking down all the curtains, filling all the holes and hiring a painter who managed to get all the walls and ceilings done in three days, we were ready to move in. Settling in takes time and making a house a home takes even longer.
The house features a filled-in-wrap-around-verandah and the front room is a large L-shape which we have broken into a dining room, sitting room and entryway (our bedroom is an extension of this room, separated by a panelled wall). Sash windows run along the entire length so it's light-filled from dawn till dusk. It's my favourite part of the house (ocean views win every time) and I knew as soon as we moved in that I wanted to maintain the sense of space and light. We also didn't want to spend much money so we prioritised the painter, new curtains and a footstool for the chair.
As you walk in the front door the entryway (top photo) is on your right and is incredibly practical, so much so that I have no idea how I ever survived without a dedicated space for everyday items. The little desk (as well as our dining table) was found at a deceased estate opposite our old house and it fits perfectly in this space. I have minimised the contents of the drawers so they only contain essential miscellany and writing equipment - candles, a lighter, incense, a few pens, sticky tape, notepad, an external hard drive and my laptop bag. The little terracotta bowl on the desk is for the car keys and the baskets either side contain my camera, reusable shopping bags, sunscreen and shoes.
On the left of the front door is our dining table and in the corner is my sitting chair which I will, no doubt, spend many hours feeding in. For those interested it's the Ikea Ektorp Armchair + Footstool (that also includes a decent amount of storage) with a linen cover in a "loose country fit" from Swedish company, Bemz. The chair looks onto the short end of this L-shaped space where we have stored most of our books and the children's toys.
The children share a room so when they are inside they tend to spend most of their time here. There's significant floor space in front of the bookshelf so no doubt, a playmat will make its way there when baby is a few months old and wants to be in on the action (which is when the lego will, once again, become an issue).
I still have plans for this space but right now, in an attempt to save and not spend, I'm content with what we've created. Fresh paint, new curtains and simple decoration has ensured it's both practical and pleasant; perfect for family life.
Labels: simple home
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
I used to buy flowers on a regular basis and I admit, I love nothing more than a fresh, pretty bunch gracing the bookshelf or dining table; I literally smile every time I look at them (a pedicure has much the same effect). Fresh flora really does make me feel better but...a bunch of blooms is ephemeral, hence from an economic perspective its sometimes hard to justify the purchase (especially when tacked on the end of an already daunting grocery bill).
But indoor plants? Give them some care and they last a good, long while. I admit, I've killed a few of them in my time (the maidenhair fern is a tough one) but persistence definitely pays off when it comes to potted greenery. Generally, indoor plants require little in the way of attention but I've found that regardless of the variety of plant or aspect of your home, trial and error is the only way to go. It's also comforting to know that as well as looking good, indoor plants contribute towards a healthier home by cleansing the air (beeswax candles are great at it, too).
If you've got children, a trip to your local nursery is a fun and productive activity and in my opinion, it's the best way to do your plant research. Talk to the staff about the best indoor plants for your climate and home and go from there. The plastic pots that you buy your plants in will do for the time being but if you want to pretty up the scene a basket offers an ideal alternative.
If you're looking for some online inspiration I highly recommend Gardenista and if you're lucky enough to have a vintage trolley on wheels, take Claire's cue (a mobile planter is great if your plants need to chase the light).
Despite the relentless heat right now (wilting is an apt word to describe my current state), I'm making plans for late-pregnancy nesting and they include a few trips to the nursery for some succulents and the like; plants that require very little in the way of care considering my time is about to be stretched like never before.
Labels: simple home
Sunday, January 04, 2015
But this new house? We chose it for quite a few reasons, one being its aspect. It's bathed in sunlight for most of the day; a welcome relief after spending seven years in a dark and damp abode. We perched the vegie box close to one of the established orange trees so it gets direct sunlight from early morning till about 2pm; dappled sunlight from then until dusk. My Dad sourced some good quality soil, we planted some seeds and seedlings and now, four weeks later, we are reaping the rewards (thanks in part to some decent rain and a full water tank).
The capsicums, tomatoes and cucumbers are just sprouting and the kale, lettuce and rainbow chard makes its way onto the table most nights. The beetroot should be ready to harvest in a few weeks time and whilst the chillis, society garlic and rocket were planted by the previous owners, they are providing us with a constant source of spice.
Growing food is incredibly satisfying and rewarding; it's easy to understand why people get addicted to it. The act of being on and around the earth is grounding and regardless of how successful the plot is, there is a sense of calm that comes from nurturing and tending to plants. It's a feel-good process, that's for sure.
Since moving to this new house we have spent so much more time outdoors; at the beach and in the garden. I will never underestimate the gratification that comes from direct sunlight - I can dry the washing and grow vegetables! Simple things.
Whilst my Dad is a constant source of garden knowledge, I'd love to hear your tips and tricks for making your garden grow. Any must read books or magazines?
Labels: simple home
Monday, November 24, 2014
how to maintain your sanity whilst moving house
This rule could very easily apply to general living in the family home, too. And, if you're anything like me, your tidying experience may have taught you that one clean room in a home is enough (or, is the best you can ever do with small children in tow).
There's a lot of advice out there about the best way to set up a new home, the general consensus being: make the beds a priority and then move straight onto unpacking the kitchen - sleep and food are essential, after all. I vaguely followed this rule although truth be told, the kitchen is still a work in progress (it's tiny and bench space is at a bare minimum - a story for another post). I'm not exactly efficient when it comes to setting up a house and whilst I could use the excuse of a nasty cold, pregnancy, exhaustion etc. truth is, I tend to deliberate a lot and do very little. Thankfully Daniel is the exact opposite and when he eventually pointed out that I was wandering aimlessly from one room to the next, picking up an item, looking at it and then putting it down again (the skit was quite comical), I managed to get a decent bit of unpacking done. The key? One box at a time, one room at a time (and don't leave the room for a good hour or so).
Practicalities aside, what I've learnt most from this experience is this: setting up the family home takes time. You need to live in a space for a few weeks to appreciate its beauty and discover its flaws. You need to adjust yourself and your expectations to the new abode; the width of the doorways, the depth of the drawers, the quirky jiggle of the key in the locks comes as a surprise at first. During the first week you can expect to stumble, literally and figuratively, but before long you find your rhythm and you start to live in tune with the place you now call home.
This house feels good. It's like it welcomed us, in a way.
*the curtains, let's talk length. Do I hem them so they skim the skirting boards or take them up to just below the window frame?
Labels: simple home
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
We've spent the past few days at our new place; making plans, organising paint, taking down the heavy, pink curtains and mahogany curtain rails. Yesterday the owner of house was there with a local carpenter and together they cleared up the garden, re-grouted the kitchen and introduced us to the neighbours (all of whom are in their eighties and nineties - clearly it's a street renowned for longevity).
I admit, for the past few weeks I've been quite apprehensive about this move. Seven-and-a-half years in one house (the house I have brought two babies home to) creates a definite sense of attachment. The kids are feeling the same and I have no doubt that a period of adjustment will be waiting for us once we shift.
Every time I step into the new house with its beautiful timber floors and countless 1940s windows, I feel more ready to make it home. It's not without its faults (let's just say that the kitchen is higgeldy piggeldy and will require me to simplify even further that I did this spring) but the good far outweighs the bad. And if I'm honest, it's hard to complain when I can see the ocean and listen to its distinct roar come bedtime.
Salt air is waiting.
Labels: simple home
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
a spring cleaning guide : your wardrobe
Granted, it's taken a good few years of decluttering to reach this stage; my wardrobe has always been bulging and it's been far too hard to let go of the clothes I once coveted. I spent most of my teens and early twenties reading fashion magazines; publications that glorify the walk-in wardrobe and promote ever-changing fashion trends. It took me a good while to realise that fast fashion isn't cause for celebration. It is, in fact, unrealistic for most of us. It's satisfying to come to a considered place in regards to the clothes you wear - to shop wisely and carefully and practise restraint. There is also the fact that as I age (and grow) acceptance of my changing body shape affects the clothes I own and the way I dress. Just like my smalls, there was a moment when I realised that no, my waist is not going to return to a size 6, hence there's no point holding on to those tiny skirts.
I'm also in the midst of the tricky maternity stage and I'm well aware of the fact that many of my clothes won't be worn for the next two years (said items have been packed away for a later stage). My body loves to expand into voluptuous curves in pregnancy and there's no point denying the fact that I take a good year, maybe more, to return to my pre-pregnancy self (or a semblance of).
This past weekend I spent a good few hours in my bedroom - sorting, packing and clearing. I launched into it with vigour and as a result, I have an organised wardrobe that contains only the essentials. Regardless of whether you're pregnant or not, you might find these tips helpful:
pack away your woollens
It makes sense to declutter your wardrobe on the cusp of a new season. Whilst there are still days when a cardigan is necessary, we have definitely bid farewell to woollen jumpers and thick scarves. The bulk of winter was folded and placed in space bags (with a few muslin bags of lavender to ward off the bugs) and packed away in the wardrobe. I'll admit, there were even a few items that weren't worn over this past winter - time to pass them on, I obviously don't need them.
be realistic about the clothes that you love and wear
My aim is to love and regularly wear every piece of clothing that I own. I don't think it's a lofty expectation but it does require a critical eye and a seasonal clear-out. Over the past few days I found many pieces that had stretched or become misshapen, clothes that no longer fit quite right (even when I wasn't pregnant) and some items that simply didn't suit my style anymore. I was also realistic about the fact that I own far too many floral skirts and striped tops - I kept my favourites and gave the rest to appreciative family members.
essentials are more important that stand-out pieces
I've fallen into a fashion trap in the past; where I covet (and subsequently purchase) stunning stand-out pieces only to discover that I only have the bare minimum of essentials. I've set about changing this over the past few months. My year-round essentials include: cool, summer dresses, a pair of denim shorts, two pairs of well-fitted jeans, two cardigans in different weights, a few skirts, black singlets, loose-fitting cotton blouses, long-sleeve cotton tops and one jacket. I still have a way to go in terms of minimising my essentials but I feel that I've made a vast improvement on my wardrobe that was.
This is a very basic, spring-cleaning guide to your wardrobe. If you're seeking a thorough step-by-step guide to editing your wardrobe (one that's written with eloquence and insight) I highly recommend popping over to read Erin's wise words.
How is your wardrobe looking of late? Did your reach your thirties and realise that your sense of style had evolved and, dare I say, matured?
Labels: simple home , spring - a seasonal series , spring cleaning guide
Monday, September 29, 2014
a spring cleaning guide : the drawers you use every day
please don't ask me whether The Luminaries is a good read; I can only comment on the first five pages / a money tree because I figure that a token of abundance is a good omen to wake up to / a lamp that dims - ideal for mothers of babies
Granted, this may be erring on the side of too-personal, but consider the one clothing drawer that is guaranteed to be opened every day. Regardless of where you're going and what you're doing, you need your smalls.
But, if you're anything like me, your underwear drawer is a shambles. Up until yesterday, there was a part of me that clung to the hope that my bottom would return to its perky, pre-baby, 8-years-ago self, hence I had underwear in a range of sizes, shapes and styles - from far too long ago.
Yesterday I decided to get rid of the small smalls and with them, I let go of false hope. There's something quite relieving and freeing about embracing a changed body shape; it's acceptance of where you've been and where you are.
Once the emotional contents had been dealt with, it was quite easy to clear out the unwanted and make space for the practical. Thanks to some woven ikea baskets everything has a place; undies, bras, socks, singlets, pjs and swimmers.
It was, I found, one of the easier decluttering practises, because attachment to underwear is minimal. It also made me reconsider every drawer/cupboard/surface that I use on a daily basis. We've already paid attention to the cutlery drawer, the bathroom cabinet and the pantry, but what about the bedside table - the piece of furniture you wake up to every morning, the surface that begs for calm. It deserves your attention because you deserve a clutter free, sleep-inducing space beside your bed. It will only take 10 minutes of your time - why not revive it now?
Labels: simple home , spring - a seasonal series , spring cleaning guide
