Something New, a Book Review

My hubby probably groaned when reading the title of my post today, assuming I would be reviewing Twilight (since he thinks they are the only books I read over and over). My fabulous friend Mandy (the one who challenged me to write my Five Things That Inspire Me post) has been reading a book called Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider. After seeing how it inspired her to organize her linen closet, I decided that I must check it out.I know I’m probably breaking all the book review rules because I’m only halfway through the book. However, in my defense, it is broken into two distinct parts. Part 1 is about Living Simply in the Real World and Part 2 is Ten Days to a Simpler, More Organized Home. I am both impressed and inspired already! The author has a down-to-earth way of writing and you can tell that she lives like this, she doesn’t just write about it. Her, her husband and 3 children live overseas and they both work from home on a modest budget, so I immediately felt jealousy respect for her.

Part 1 explains her philosophy of how we got to where we are today. She zones in on those overworked, over-busy, addicted to TV American habits of ours. Then she proceeds to paint a beautiful picture of how it could be different from that. She doesn’t shy away from touchy topics like how we spend our time and money and what that says about who we are.

Recently, Ben and I have been making several changes in our everyday lives to live more simply. We went on a 1-wk TV fast, are trying to improve our diet, and are being intentional about spending our free time creating rather than consuming (hence this blog). I will say that it’s tough trying to be a home stager and trying NOT to be a consumer. One of my favorite parts of staging though is using my creativity to reuse and repurpose things rather than buying new. As I was reading this I kept thinking, “Yeah, yeah, exactly!” in my head.One of my favorite ideas in Part 1 is making A Family Purpose Statement. I was excited about doing this on a coffee date with Ben last night, but the TV won once again with all its shiny bells and whistles like Glee and Parenthood (ironic, isn’t it?). We’re expecting a snow day tomorrow, so this mission statement is top priority! There are a list of questions that you can pick and choose from as well as some examples of other family’s statements to help you piece this life changing mantra together.

Some very big life changes are just over the horizon for us, so I can’t think of a more perfect time to simplify our lives. Stay tuned to see if we can win the battle over the boob tube (as my grandma calls it) and for my review of Part 2. Has anyone else read this gem and have their own review? What other organizational books or magazines have inspired you (I heart Real Simple magazine)? Do you think it’s cute or dorky that my blog post title rhymes?

Book image found here, and girl in arch found here.