I try to be a minimalist when it comes to the non-essentials. Unfortunately, I did not get that gene from my parents because they have some issues parting with items. Don’t get me wrong, they are not that bad, there are no stacks of newspapers dating back to 1978 nor can you see any of this if you visit the house.

When I go through random crap, it is easy for me to get rid of things. In my opinion, you have to weigh the options… is it really something you need? are you going to use it in the next week, month, year? how much or how hard would it be to replace if you did need it down the line? As long as your answers are not: absolutely, definitely, and nearly impossible for $1 million, you probably DON’T need to keep it.

My case study: Magazines…

So, magazines…. we all (or most of us) get at least one or two, or ten. We of course get them because they are relatively cheap and easy entertainment, with each having some kind of value to us. Whether you get fashion, health, sports, home, gossip, etc. you are bound to find something you want to keep for future reference. My top ones are usually clothes, random products, and exercise routines.

So what do you do with these stacks of magazines? Do you keep them because there is one little paragraph you might need down the line? Well if you are my dad… yes you do, you never know when you will need that tip on how to whittle a tree log into a toothpick. Ok bad example.

My solution: and keep in mind that it can be applied to just about anything

I have taken a small plain notebook, and created my own little fashion book. When I am looking through my magazines, if I see a top or an outfit I like, I tear it out. Once I have some extra time, I cut out the images and tape them onto the pages of my “fashion book.” It is an easy solution to keeping ALL of my magazines. This way I have everything I liked out of it, just in much smaller and concise packaging. I was lucky enough to find a notebook with a cover that looks like a magazine, so I make sure to position the images inside as well. It is like having my own magazine of things I like!
 



 
So far, I only have my fashion one, but you could have your own little workout book, recipe book, home decorating book, and so many more! The sky’s the limit on this one folks. 

Just remember to enjoy your little arts and crafts project. Trust me, it will simplify your life when you are looking for a new outfit!

By the way, the magazines I love: Glamour, People Style Watch, Women’s Health

Categories: DIY, beauty, health, how-to, makeup, nutrition, organize, simplify life

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 16th, 2009 at 7:58 pm and is filed under DIY, beauty, health, how-to, makeup, nutrition, organize, simplify life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.