Susan Branch And Why Nana Got A Warning

Was happy to read Susan Branch's post on "Tidying Up" via the KonMari Method!

Susan's Books On Amazon.com

Susan has a lovely way of expressing herself in her books and on her blog, and she even made the act of decluttering seem easy and beautifully done. You can read her post on her Marie-Kondo-inspired decluttering HERE.

I know I'll never have perfectly pressed dinner napkins like Susan, but still I love to read about hers as I dream of my "perfectly done" house on Someday Isle...as in "someday I'll..."

Whenever I visit Susan's blog, I'm always inspired to decorate with the things I have, putting out the everyday things we use and love rather than hiding them away in the cabinets.

The other thing I want to share has to do with Marie Kondo too! 

Middle Daughter has "Kondo-ized" her house so much her children (Livvie 6 and Ben 9) have done (and re-done) the playroom so many times they've become experts at purging and organizing too.

Last weekend, the kids stayed Saturday night with their other grandma..."Nana"...and when Nana brought them home on Sunday she shared the following story: 

Livvie noticed Nana's bottom kitchen cabinets were somewhat messy, so both kids got to work removing all the pots and pans. 

After Nana chose the things that "sparked joy" for her, the kids organized the bottom cabinets and left everything clean and tidy. 

Livvie Not Always Clean And Tidy!

Nana was (to say the least) very impressed with the job they did in her kitchen. 

Nana laughed when she told Middle Daughter that Livvie even gave her a warning that she would be checking the cabinets next time she visits to make sure Nana is able to keep everything in its place!

The thing I love about Marie Kondo's book is that it inspires people to buy less, store less, and enjoy life more.

Thanks for dropping by!

The Joy Of Tidying Up...On TV

It's been a few years since this book changed my life... 

If you haven't heard, Netflix now has an 8-part TV show starring Marie Kondo and eight American families/couples. 

If you've read Marie's book, you'll love the show...if you haven't read Marie's book, you'll probably love the show too!

Each episode starts with a real-life mess of a home. Through a series of weeks, Marie and an interpreter (Marie speaks some English, but mostly Japanese) visit the home, explain and demonstrate the "KonMarie Method" of tidying up, and help the participants work through emotional issues that come to the surface.

Wild Bill and I binge watched all eight episodes in one day. If you can keep a dry eye through most of the episodes, you will do far better than I did!

Our whole family has been reporting in on the progress that's been made in our respective homes since watching the eight episodes...pantries, closets, shelves, and whole rooms have been cleaned out and made over!

Reading Marie's book does get you going, but if you watch the TV show it will really enforce Marie Kondo's principles in your life. 

I have to admit, back when I sorted my belongings after reading the book, I might have found joy in too many of them!

After seeing people on the show pile up their belongings and talk through their emotions, I had a renewed desire to go back and determine again if I really felt joy with all my things.

Thanks for dropping by!

NOTE: For my post on this book, which I did in 2015, here is a link in case you would like further info Life Changing Books and here's a link to Marie Kondo's KonMarie website.



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Favorite Photo Sunday...The Story Behind The Photo

Here's my favorite photo this week...

Would You Believe She's Almost 45?

Oldest Daughter as Dolly Parton!  

She even got her husband (at 6 foot 5 he had to stoop down to get in the picture) to grow a beard and dress as Dolly's favorite singing partner Kenny Rogers...

And then they did a lip sync to Dolly and Kenny's recording of Islands In The Stream and made a video to share with all their family and friends. 

This photo is an inspiration for me because Oldest Daughter doesn't really like to wear make up or put herself "out there" usually.  

She chose to do different this year. It's an example I plan to follow.

Do you see the joy on her face in these photos? I do. Joy is what I aspire to next year and why not start now? Joy comes when you loosen up a little and let yourself try new things. 

Thanks for dropping by!