Thoughts about Minimalism with Twins

I have been thinking a lot about how our life is going to change once these twins are born.  I have a feeling a lot of it is going to need an overhaul, and things are going to be quite different.  One of the things I am hopeful about, is that we will still be be able to maintain minimalism in our home.

Right now, minimalism is hard for me, because we are living on top of someone else's stuff (my in-laws furniture, appliances, books and regular household stuff), so I can't keep things quite as simple as I would like, but one area that I can completely control is the baby department in our home.

With Fox, we did some modifications to make our closet work for him, and tried to buy as little as possible up front.  This worked out really well, and I felt like we didn't end up with a bunch of baby stuff that only got used for a few months.

This time around, we will probably do the same.  If I get totally desperate for some baby item, I can always pick it up at the Target down the street or have it shipped via Amazon, so I like getting stuff once you need them, rather than trying to anticipate every need that we might have.

Copper Pearl Cross Crib Sheet// Copper Pearl Burp Cloths// Bum Genius Cloth Diapers// woodland jammies// hat and mittens (similar)

A few things I do need to buy/I have bought include:

- another car seat (or possibly two new ones, depending on how big our babies are when they are born).

- a full-sized crib (a nice neighbor actually gave us one that we will use for them both at first).

- several crib sheets (My friends from Texas own Copper Pearl, and generously sent me this one and this one, which look darling in the crib!).

- diapers.  Running out of these in snowy December doesn't sound like any fun, so I will probably buy 2 packs of newborn, and a few packs of size 1.

- a breast pump cord.  Our first day in France two years ago, I decided to pump, completely forgot that I needed a power adaptor, not just a plug adaptor, and frazzled the cord (thankfully the pump still works).  I borrowed one from a friend who wasn't pregnant last time, so I finally bought one, because I am going to try to breast feed for as long as makes sense.

A few things I want to buy:

- prints from WildShip.  I like having a cute space for my babies, and while I don't go all out, I am sorely tempted to get three of these prints to hang above their crib.

- a glider.  I kept wishing I had a glider after we had Fox, but they are typically expensive, and I don't think I can fit me and two babies in one, so I might hold off on this one.

- a full bath set from Tubby Todd.  I am not a fan of bubble bath, but I am dying to try their lotion, shampoo and other baby bath products.  I have some of their all-over ointment, and it is working miracles right now with Fox's dry skin, so I am almost ready to take the plunge and order some more.

Things I am waiting on:

- A swing or bouncers.  I hate the idea of how much space they take up (although we currently have room for them), and they are typically kind of expensive.  So for now, we are going to wait.  We didn't use them for Fox, but he didn't have a 2 1/2 year old older brother that will potentially love on him excessively, and need to be off the floor.

- More clothes.  I actually have a lot of newborn clothes.  I think these are people's favorites to buy, because they are so tiny, so I have quite a collection, but we will see how far they will actually go once they are clothing two babies.  Also, I might end up needing some preemie stuff, if they are really little.  Again, time will tell.  I really wish I could spend lots of our money on darling matching baby pajamas and stuff, but my frugality just won't let me.  Thankfully, we should be just fine without my spending urges.

Any suggestions for a minimalist parent of twins?  Things I should consider getting, or things that I can do without?

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The all-purpose wrapping paper

A few months ago, I used up the last of my fancy wrapping paper, and a few days ago, I was looking for something to wrap a baby gift in, and realized that my roll of brown paper was all I had for wrapping.  THEN, I realized how perfect it was for wrapping gifts.  For every. single. occasion. ever. But really.

Here are a few reasons why I am planning on keeping mine around for the long haul (whether it is trendy or not):

1. It's Recyclable - If you have read any green living post on this blog, you know I am all about reducing waste.
2. It's good for every holiday known to man - Super convenient, right?
3. It is extremely versatile - Seriously, you can put almost any type of ribbon or bow on it, and it will match (yep, even the ugly Minnie Mouse ribbon).
4. You can give it personal touches - Let your kids color on it, give it a cute pattern with a stamp, or draw stripes on it.
5.  It can double as packing paper for a move (that is most likely what will happen to the rest of my current roll).
6.  Mine was $1 at the dollar store, and had way more than the 2 feet of wrapping paper that most rolls hold (does anyone else hate how little most wrapping paper rolls have on them? $7 for a roll, and it is gone in 3 gifts. Bleh)
7.  Your gifts will all match each other under the Christmas tree or on the birthday pile (this is a big deal to me)!

Have you ever used brown paper to wrap stuff?  Or are you all about the fancy patterned paper?

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Sailing into Summer + A Video

Some of our best friends here in Texas bought a sail boat last summer while we were in Utah.  I remember being surprised, because even though the husband of this couple loves sailing, it seemed like a big purchase for a hobby.

Then they invited us out on it.  And I totally changed my tune.  It was seriously amazing.  First off, I think being around water is super relaxing (well, unless you have a toddler... it is slightly less relaxing then), but the waves lapping against the boat, and going wherever the wind wants to take you is kind of a magical idea.

Also, few people get great service out on the water, so having your phone out all the time, isn't really an option (especially if you are like me and are paranoid of dropping it into the water).  Which makes for real quality time with family and friends on the boat.  It was great to actually be able to talk without everyone pulling out their phone (except to take photos), every three minutes.

I also love the idea of being able to teach your kids valuable skills about how to problem solve, take a sail up and down, be responsible with an expensive piece of property, and how to not fall off the boat.

It is also a great way to just be together.  Our friend's boat is 30 feet long, which is a big sailboat, but small enough that you really are forced to spend time together, which is really great.

I like speedboats, but there is a totally different feeling when you are on a sailboat.  It doesn't go fast, you can't do water sports (except tubing), off the back, and it just feels very relaxed.  Totally my kind of water outing.  I am pretty terrible at water sports, so sitting on the deck, and occasionally steering is just my idea of a perfect day out on the water.

I did a little video about it below.

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The Green Life Edit: Reusable Cloths

Three or four years ago, I stumbled onto a book called "Zero Home Waste."  I have mentioned it in the past here, so you may have heard of it, but it was my first introduction into a seriously hardcore approach to green living.  Basically a woman and her family of four produce a quart size jug of trash every year.  Seriously.  They recycle, do without, or reuse everything.  And she lives in a gorgeous house, her kids eat cookies every day, and she seems somewhat normal for being that hippie.

Anyway, I have thought lots about this book over the past few years, and have often been inspired to make changes in my life, based on some of her suggestions.

One habit that I had a really hard time changing was using paper towels.  I knew they were super wasteful, because even though the biodegrade, they aren't recyclable, and you only use them once.

I didn't buy them very often before (once every few months, because my grocery budget has always been really small), but there are somethings that I always wanted to use a paper towel for. But in September, when we moved back to Austin, I decided that I would pull all my napkins and cloths out of storage, and use them for sinks, counters, dishes, sticky baby fingers, and everything else.  We haven't bought paper towels since.

The photo above is shows about 1/3 of what I actually have.  I have to do an additional load of laundry every week, just to make sure I have enough to get us through, because we use them so much, but they have been amazing.

The blue cloths on top are a set that I made out of an old pair of Adam's PJ pants.  I love these!  They are flannel, and the fabric is thin, but absorbent, and because they are a dark blue, they don't stain easily.  I just serged around the edges for a finish, and they make a great cleaning cloth. I often wish I had more than four.  They are great for cleaning the sink, counters, and floor.  I don't ever use these to wipe the toddler, because they go in too many other gross places.

The red and white napkins are Christmas napkins, but we use them year round, primarily for wiping hands and faces (occasionally the table, too).  The color is actually pretty helpful, because we often eat beet and tomato soup, so I don't worry about getting the napkins stained.

The blue and white cloths on the bottom are for hand drying and drying dishes.  I try not to use these for the toddler either, because they stain easily.

I have been amazed at how much I don't miss paper towels, now that I have enough cloths to really run the kitchen.  We go through 3 or 4 a day sometimes, but I know that I am doing the eco-friendly thing, so I feel really good about it.

How about you?  Have you ever thought about switching up your routine to include more eco-friendly practices?

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Garage Sale-ing for Dummies

Before I had Fox, I decided that the best way to get some great toys and baby stuff would be buy them second hand.  We have been living on a student budget for the past 5 1/2 years, so buying all new things was out of the question.

We had generous friends and a work baby shower that gave us a lot of the essentials for Fox, but I still thought it would be great to find a few toys for when he got a little older (and I was just excited to get some baby stuff).

I found out that a friend from church was a big garage sale-er and the next time she went, I tagged along.  She is really amazing.  She goes garage sale-ing in October, and gets all her Christmas gifts for her kids (she has 5), and is a super savvy buyer.

Here are a few things I learned from her and a few subsequent garage sales:

1.  Don't be afraid to walk away without buying anything (even if you are friends with the person selling).

2.  If you think the price is to high, ask for a lower price.  The worst thing they can say is no, and if you don't think it is worth it, walk away.

3.  Go with a specific list in mind, but be open to other items that might be useful.

4. Be prepared to drive around a lot, and get out a lot (I would recommend that you don't take little kids on this outing).

5.  Look for items you might need in the future (baby items, Christmas gifts, etc).

6. With the previous point in mind, don't just buy stuff because it is cheap!  Get things that will actually benefit your life.

7. Start early.  The best stuff goes to those who get there first.  If you can go at 7AM, you get first pickings.

I love garage sales because not only do you get some great stuff on the cheap, but it is also a great way to get to know people in your community better.  It is a wonderful way to buy second hand, and do a good thing for the environment.

Do you have an pearls of garage sale wisdom to share?  Let me know in the comments!

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The Curated Closet: Style Statement

Defining your personal style is super scary.  When I first read "The Curated Closet," she mentioned writing a style statement, and my first thought was, "well, I am not doing that."  But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to have a written statement to refer to, particularly in times of weakness, when you are confronted with something cheap, or trendy, or whatever.

I have often been the culprit of a sale item that I liked in the store, but never got worn, because it didn't fit with anything else in my closet, or I just bought it because it was a good deal (except that it wasn't, because I almost never wore it).  So, I have defined what my personal style looks like right now, and if it changes over time, that is cool, too!  I am okay with that, but for now, I can stick to the kinds of things that will fit well in my existing closet.

Style Statement:   

I am calling my "Classic Casual."

- "Classic Casual" is all about being stylish and comfortable as a mom, every day of the year.  Pieces are not fussy, and can be easily played in and cooked in.

- Main staples include long sleeve button-down shirts, high-waisted skinny denim, tee-shirts with fun details, and lots of stripes.

- Fabrics include lots of natural fabrics like 100% cotton, linen, wool and denim. I also like a good amount of lace.

- Style is usually loose on top, fitted on bottom, or vise versa.

- Pants include a high waisted skinny jean, skinny chino style, and flared jeans.  Skirts are typically a stretchy pencil skirt, or a flared/pleated skirt.

- Shirts are typically a casual button-down, v-neck or scoop neck tee, or something with a lacey element.

- I am loving slouchy sweaters over a button down, or tee.

- Colors include shades of blue, black and grey, white, sage and emerald green, rust, tan, bright pink and red.

- My ideal outfit, is a chambray button down with grey skinnies, and booties.

Also, here is my color palette, so you can get an idea of colors that I have in my closet.  ANuschka Rees has a bunch of sample color palettes here, if you are interested in figuring out your own. 

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Cleaning Up My Makeup Bag

Growing up, my family had a rule that we couldn't wear makeup until we turned 14 years old.  There was much anticipation as my birthday approached, and around that time, my mom gave me the Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty book.  I loved looking through it and seeing the 'transformations' of the girls, and hoping I would look as pretty with makeup on.  

Then I actually began wearing makeup, and after the first few wearings, found it to be highly inconvenient, and sometimes kind of gross.  I remember girls in high school PE class with a big ring of foundation around their shirts after running the mile, and leaving lipstick and foundation residues on their boyfriend's shirts.  Needless to say, I was less than enchanted.  

All through high school and college I wore some everyday, but the minimum I thought I could get away with.  But by the time I finished, I still wasn't loving it, and had no idea how to fall in love with it again.  

Then, I found out that there is almost no regulation in the industry, and apparently lots of cosmetics are filled with things you really don't want to be putting on your skin everyday.  Makeup seemed like something I didn't really want to do.  Except, that I did.  

Thus began my journey into natural beauty.  After reading around, reaching out to a few companies, and spending some time on the EWG database (ranks self-care products from 1-10 with 1 being the safest, ingredient-wise), I have come up with a few great products that I am happy to recommend.  

Currently, I have only scratched the surface, and tried out Gabriel Cosmetics (most products score a 1-3 on the EWG database), Pacifica (scores 1-5 on the EWG database) and BeautyCounter (scores mostly 1's and 2's on the EWG database), and only a few products from each, but it would take three or four lifetimes to try them all out, so at least this is a place to start.  

Also, a big shoutout to Heather and Merrick who let me test drive so many BeautyCounter products!  If you have questions about their products, email Heather at heatherannedaugherty[at]yahoo[dot]com, and please buy through her with this link! 

Below are (1) some products I tested, and (2) some photos of me putting on and wearing some of the makeup products.

Also, Check out my Instagram account for a BeautyCounter giveaway sometime today!

  

1. Products I Tested:

*Indicates favorites

*Pacifica 'Dream Big' Mascara - This was a favorite.  Nice dark, thick-looking lashes, but not impossible to get off (I hate waterproof mascara).    

Pacifica Multi-Mineral BB Cream - This was a 'meh' for me.  It didn't do much, and didn't have the moisturizing or SPF elements that the Beauty Counter moisturizing had.  

Pacifica Lip Tint (Guava Berry) (guava berry) - Gorgeous color, but I wish it has been more a lip moisturizer.  

*Gabriel Cosmetics Multi Pot (magnolia) - I love this.  It was pretty expensive (at least for my budget), but it goes on great, it can be used as blush, lip tint and eye shadow.  I loved it as eye shadow, particularly.  

 *BeautyCounter Dew Skin Moisturizing Coverage - this was probably my favorite of all the products I tried.  I have never liked wearing foundation (see description of it rubbing off, above), so this is the perfect solution.  It smooths and evens my skin, gives me the SPF coverage, but isn't obvious or heavy the way that many foundations are!  100% recommend this.  

*BeautyCounter Lip Gloss (Fig) - Adam didn't like how sticky it was, but it was a beautiful color and gave my lips a lovely shine! 

BeautyCounter Lip Sheer (Petal) - This was such a soft color.  I always felt youthful and beautiful wearing this.  

BeautyCounter Cream Blusher (Hibiscus) - I am still getting used to cream blushers, but it was pretty good!  And a little goes a long way.  

BeautyCounter Foundation - Above I mentioned that I don't love foundation, and never have, so I was a bad candidate for testing this out.  I bet it would be great for someone else, but not for me.  I didn't care too much for it.

BeautyCounter Lengthening Mascara - Loved, but it was so hard to get off!  It looks really natural on, and doesn't run (obviously). 

BeautyCounter Face Cleanser Series (Cleanser, Exfoliator, Eye Cream, Day Cream and Night Cream) - This stuff was pretty great!  I particularly loved the eye cream and the night cream.  

*BeautyCounter Balancing Face Oil - This stuff is amazing!  It smells good, doubles as a face lotion, and really evened my skin tone.  I usually put it on at night.  

*BeautyCounter Charcoal Bar - Another amazing product. I really want to buy a charcoal bar to use regularly, because I liked this so much.  My skin had been having all kinds of problems, then once I started using this, they magically cleared up, and stayed that way.  I am a big fan.  

BeautyCounter Charcoal mask - I don't typically wear a lot of face masks, so I have only used this one, but I felt like it did a good job.  I will try to update as I use it a few more times.  

2. My Current Makeup Routine:  I like that I look almost exactly the same, just a slightly prettier version of myself, with better coloring and longer, darker eyelashes.  

1. Start with a clean face, and rub BeautyCounter Dew Skin Moisturizer in small circles all over the face including under eyes and on eyelids.

2. Use BeautyCounter Cream Blusher and rub it in.

3. Use Gabriel Cosmetics multi-pot for eye lids

4. Curl eyelashes and use BeautyCounter Lengthening mascara (that is what is pictured here, but I have been using the Pacifica mascara more often, lately)

5. Finish with a lip gloss. Pictured here, is the BeautyCounter Lip Sheer.  

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Kitchen Knife Basics

*This post is in collaboration with Wüsthof Knives.  They sent me the knives, but all the opinions are my own.

As silly as this sounds, I am actually quite passionate about knives.  Kitchen knives, mostly.  I don't care much about other knives, but kitchen knives are such an important part of my cooking, that a post on knives seemed like a good idea.

Even if it isn't comprehensive or as thorough as it could be (I had to film it on my own, on a pretty strict timeline, and didn't want it to be a 30 minute video, so it is missing a few points that would have been nice to include).  The video is fun(ish), and you get to see a lot of me, but this post may answer a few of the questions I didn't get to answering in the video.

What kinds of knives do you own? What kind of knife you would recommend I buy?

- We have a kitchen-aid knife block that we registered for when we got married.  It is okay, but definitely not my first choice.  Could I go back, I would have registered for one large knife, a sharp bread knife, and a small paring knife.  That being said, we use every knife from our knife block every week, so I can't bring myself to get rid of it or I would be washing my paring knife four times a day.

- We also have a set of knives from Adam's parents.  These were the choice knives for a long time, and I love using these.  They are big and sharp, and work really well.  Also, you can find them for a steal.

- I have two knives that Wüsthof sent me (this vegetable knife and a truly superb bread knife).  I LOVE these knives.  I think I would go the "go big or go home route" if I could choose again, because I would be willing to get rid of all my other knives just to have these ones, because they work so much better than my other knives combined.  But, because I already have the other knives, and I use knives ALL the time, I keep them all.  So much for the minimalist in me.

- I would recommend you buy quality on whichever knife you think you will use the most. If all your bread is pre-sliced, skip buying a bread knife, or at least buy cheaper.  If you cut apples everyday, invest in a paring knife.  Basically, wherever buy quality on the knives you will use the most.

What size of knife is the best to buy?

- Totally depends on the job.  Adam almost always says a big knife is better.  He says you have more control (especially when you are cutting something big like a watermelon, or a large butternut squash), and are less likely to cut yourself.  I like using big knives, but small knives are good for small projects like cutting apples.  I find myself using the big knives more and more these days.

What is the best way to take care of my knives?

- Hand wash them.  But for full disclosure, I almost always wash ours in the dishwasher (except the Wüstof knives... I care too much about those knives to send them through the dishwasher), points up, or laying on the top rack.  Just be sure to keep them out of the reach of small children if you decide to wash them in the dishwasher regularly.

- Sharpen them often.  I have struggled with this in the past, and still do.  Finally Adam bought me a whetstone for Christmas, and my knives are sharper than they have been in years.

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How to Host an Awesome Clothing Swap

I like to call myself a scared impulse buyer.  I will see something that I love at the store, but I am almost always afraid of spending the money on it, for fear I will get home and instantly regret it.  It has been a huge blessing in our marriage, and for our bank account.

But I do love getting new things (admitting that makes the minimalist inside cringe), and have found ways to make this possible on a very small budget.  One of my very favorite ways of getting new things is via clothing swaps.  And almost every time I mention them, someone asks me how they work.

I figured I would share it here, in case you want to try one with your friends.

A few ground rules that I have:

1.  Hold it in a home with a largish space, where clothes can be spread out on tables or couches and can be easily sorted through.

2. Invite friends with somewhat similar clothing styles as you.  I would also ask people who are around the same size as you.  While not everyone needs to be exactly your size, if you invite someone who is a very different size than you, I would also invite a few other friends similar to the original friend's size.  Otherwise it is lame for everyone.

3. Invite friends about 3-4 weeks prior to your event so they have time to sort through their closets and find a few things to bring.  Don't forget to remind them a few days before.

4. Ask each guest to bring 8-10 items.  I typically include shoes, jewelry, hats and purses in this number.

5.  Invite 8-15 people (I think 10-12 is a sweet spot).  Many more and you will have an insane amount of clothes, many less, and you might not find many treasures to take home.

6.  Bring a small treat.  I think a whole spread is unnecessary, but a small treat is always welcome when gathering with friends.  At my last one, I brought a pan of my favorite brownies.

7. Donate extra clothing to a local women's shelter or the Salvation Army where they will get put to good use.  Make your fun girl's night a way to serve someone else, too.

Am I missing something that you have done that worked splendidly?  Leave your ideas in the comments!

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On Making Careful Purchases

The other day, I went to Ikea with Fox, because we needed to be out of the house for a few hours while some work was done on our apartment, and we ended up being there for a LONG time.  Maybe 2 hours?  Fox was having the time of his life running around the kids section, carrying around a stuffed bunny, and climbing onto beds and yelling "surprise!"

Anyway, right before you check out (I was buying two of these rugs), there is a big As-Is section, and there was this chair sitting there.  I have been looking at these chairs for a few years, and really wanted one a few months ago, when we moved into our apartment, and there was a bare little spot next to the fireplace.  But it was kind of expensive, and we didn't really need a chair there, so I made do with a smaller chair we already owned and forgot about my dreams for a wingback chair for that spot.

Anyway, this chair at Ikea was priced about $100 cheaper than normal, and in good shape, and immediately I wanted to buy it.  But, because it was still over $100, I texted Adam to ask him what he thought (We actually usually ask each other before we buy anything over about $5 #gradschoollife).  He was surprised, I think, and because he wasn't standing there with me, gently reminded me that it might be a bad choice to buy furniture for an apartment that we are moving out of in just a few months.

I was a little disappointed, but knew he was right. Even more than that, I was disappointed in myself for almost falling for the discount trap, because Adam and I have been talking a lot about getting classic quality pieces that will last for longer, and that we potentially will be happy with for many years (and embarrassingly enough, these conversations about quality pieces are usually started by me...).  And that isn't exactly Ikea's philosophy, although I do love Ikea, and we own a number of things from there.

Over the last few months, I have been making a mental collection of items that I want to purchase in the upcoming months and years. I try to keep that list small and carefully curated to reflect the kind of lifestyle that I want, so when I get a hankering to buy something, I end up with items that I actually need, rather than whatever happens to look fun that day.

I won't get any commission if you decide you need one of the items below, too.  I will just be happy in the knowledge that I directed you towards small businesses, and sustainable goods.  That is what I am trying to do for myself.  Except on days when I decide to buy the $4 rugs from Ikea, because we can't be perfect all the time.

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Happy Friday! 

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The Curated Closet: Two Weeks of Documented Outfits

A week or so ago, I posted installment one of my experience transforming my closet with "The Curated Closet" method.  This is installment two of maybe eight? Not quite sure yet.

At any rate,  one of the first things that Anushka Rees suggests that you do is assess what you are wearing and what you like.  So, I documented two weeks worth of outfits.  Or I thought I did. When I went back to check, not all of the photos were there, or worth posting (there were a few awkward shots of my outfit lying on the bed, because I had already changed into PJ's when I remembered to take the photo).

So here is a sampling of mostly what I wore a few weeks ago:

I thought this exercise was very helpful, because it helped me look back and identify patterns of what I actually wear day to day.  For example, skinny jeans are a daily norm (and have been for years).  I also really like white tops (which I also discovered this past year).  I love boots in the wintertime, and sweaters over a tee is great for the transitional winter/spring days that we are having.  I realized that I like comfort, but it can't ever be at the expensive of style.  I always want to look put together and nice.  No sweat pants for me.  I also don't like pulling off tennis shoes with normal clothes, although I think they look great on other people.

Next, I want to figure out what my 6 or 8 go-to outfits are from my closet.

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