‘Lives based on having are less free than lives based either on doing or on being.’

 - William James

Maybe it’s different for everyone, but I know that I’m more productive and relaxed in a tidy, stream-lined environment.  A cluttered space makes me feel unfocused, disorganized, and vaguely irritable so I’ve tried really hard over the years to pare down my belongings and eliminate clutter wherever possible.

Through some of my interactions with RoseTaffy subscribers I’ve learned that many of you share the same goals and interests (simplifying, shedding excess, de-cluttering, etc.) so I decided to ‘crowd-source’ for this post.  On December 3rd I posted a call for reader’s suggestions and ideas on de-cluttering and I was really excited by all the email responses I received.  Thank you so much for participating!  And if you didn’t get a chance to email your suggestions but would still like to share, please feel free to post in the comment section.

The following is a list of suggestions and ideas (both big and small) that I’ve gathered from friends, family, and readers alike.  Chances are, not all of it will appeal to you but I hope you’ll find something to inspire you.  Happy de-cluttering!

1 – Tame the Paper Monster

You’ve just cleaned your desk and it’s perfect.  Sheesh, you think, this looks wonderful!  I’ll never let it get so disorganized and messy again.  But three days later you go to find a paperclip and your desk is covered in bills, magazine clippings, old newspapers, J.Crew catalogs, letters, crumpled-up receipts, blank cards, invitations…. Does this situation sound familiar?  It does to me.  For years my desk was the very definition of ‘entropy’!

Paper is a beast that spawns and spreads and it can get out of control so easily unless you are diligent about dealing with it right away or preventing it from entering your life in the first place.  Here are a few ways to tame the paper-monster.

Bills - Sign up for paper-less billing.  In an effort to become more eco-friendly many phone, internet, and utility companies now offer a paper-less billing option.  Once you’ve signed up, your bill will be sent to your email address rather than your physical one.

Receipts – Decline receipts from places like the grocery store where you know you won’t be returning anything.  Save your other receipts in your wallet for as long as you need and then do as Jamie S. does, “Sort through your wallet and purse WHENEVER you’re standing in line, tossing anything you no longer need”.

Magazine articles, recipes – Instead of holding onto scraps of paper torn from magazines, take photos and email them to yourself with a clear title in the subject box.  Once ‘Julie’s Spicy Gingerbread’ or ‘DIY Copper-Pipe Trellis’ has made it to your inbox you can shuttle it into the folder you’ve labelled ‘Recipes’ or ‘Future Garden Projects’.  You’ll have access to them wherever you go.

Newspapers, magazines – Unless you’re a purist who loves handling the morning paper over a cup of coffee, opt for the digital version.  Ditto magazines.

Catalogs - Brittany R. suggests that “As soon as a new catalog arrives in your mailbox, flip it over and look for the customer service number.  Call immediately and ask to be removed from any and all of their mailing lists.  It eliminates so much waste.”.  As well as temptation…

Cards - It’s fun to have the perfect card for every occasion but it’s really not necessary.  Why not keep a stack of plain-colored cards and envelopes handy for all occasions?  Chances are, your hand-written sentiments are far more important to the recipient than the decorations on the front of the card anyway.  And while we’re on the subject of occasions, why not get one kind of wrapping paper for everything too?  You can dress it up with different colors of ribbon or stick with one neutral shade.  Just think, you’ll have signature stationary and wrapping – you are so chic!

Invitations – RSVP right away and record any relevant information on your calender.  If there are complicated directions that you’ll need later, take a photo with your phone.  If the invitation is fridge-worthy, display it.  If not, toss it right away.

2 – Go digital, shed the hard copies

Back in the day, if you wanted to watch the new romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan you changed out of your pajamas and into your jeans and sweatshirt, kissed your dog goodbye, and drove to Blockbuster.  Invariably, disappointment awaited you because every other female in town wanted to watch the same movie!  So you pretty much had two options, settle for ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ (again, sigh…) OR get in your car and drive to Hastings and purchase the new Meg Ryan movie.  Hmm…

Times have changed.  Technology has made it possible to access countless movies, television shows, books, magazines, and music using nothing more than a computer or personal electronic device.  No change of clothes needed to rent the latest romantic comedy from Netflix or iTunes!

Because all of this entertainment/educational material is so easily accessible, why hold on to the hard copies?  Why not rip your favorite DVDs to your computer (if you’re so inclined) and then donate them all to your local library?  Ditto CDs.  It is so liberating!  I recently donated my entire CD case without even sorting through the contents (I knew I’d dither) and now I listen exclusively to Pandora One, a service my fab sister-in-law introduced us to.  It’s incredible music, with stations that you can customize to suit your tastes and every mood (I am listening to the Ella Fitzgerald station right this very minute!).

3 – Streamline your books

Amy R. says, “I’ve made great efforts to become a minimalist but I still struggle with books.  I just love them!  So I picked through all of them, saving only the ones I truly loved and would read again, and then promised myself that I would download all future books.  I allow myself to purchase a hardback book only after I’ve read the digital version and know that I’d read it again.”

Personally, I still can’t get used to reading on the iPad but I too am trying to acquire fewer books so I check mine out at the library which provides me with all of the sensory joys of a physical book and none of the ownership.

4 – Re-think your hobbies

Patricia N. says, “Large craft-supply companies are adept at making you feel that you need more stuff to become a more creative individual but over the years I’ve learned that REAL creativity isn’t about attaining more stuff, it’s about being clever and using the resources you already have on hand.”

Last Summer I sorted through my craft boxes and tossed out everything that I hadn’t used in the past six-months.  All that was left was some glue, a pair of scissors, a box of colored pencils, and a glitter set.  Shedding my stamp set, fabric scraps, and unused knitting kit (among other things) felt terribly wasteful but it forced me to think long and hard about the types of hobbies that truly interest me and are a sustainable fit for my personality and lifestyle.  The truth is, I REALLY wanted to love knitting because all the girls I know who knit are so hip but in the six years I owned that kit I never even opened the package because I just wasn’t moved to do so.  I actually felt a little guilty every time I saw it.  Now it’s gone and when I open my craft box I just feel inspired to create.

The term ‘hobby’ extends far beyond crafts, of course.  Angela N. wrote to say, “Did you know that REI rents camping gear?  It’s all modern, clean, and unexpectedly affordable.  My boyfriend and I love camping but we only go twice a year.  Last year we decided to find a new home for our camping tent, stove, and sleeping bags and rent whatever we need when we need it.  You can’t imagine how much space this has freed up in our hall closet!”

You can rent or borrow all kinds of things.  Do you love making cakes but find that it’s a twice-a-year kind of event?  Could you ask to borrow your sister’s decorating kit?  Assuming you’re the type to return it in good condition, she’d probably be delighted to share and you’ll be able to shed your set and free up cabinet space.

Also, consider the supplies you actually NEED for your hobbies.  Say you adore gardening, as my lovely Mother does.  Do you really need four different rakes?  Multiple shovels?  Five pair of gardening gloves?  The proper tools can help you become a skilled gardener but excess tools don’t make your thumbs any greener, they just take up space.

5 – Simplify the holidays

Years ago Bob Hope said, “When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things, not the great occasions-give off the greatest glow of happiness”.  Most people I know love the holiday season because it’s a time to get together with friends and loved ones, decorate cookies with little nieces and nephews, cozy up with classic movies, decorate a tree, drive around the local neighborhoods marveling at the lights, etc.  For most people, the joy of the holiday season has nothing to do with acquiring more stuff and yet, every October, the shops start to fill with ornaments, snow-globes, mechanical dancing reindeer… These things are fun but not really meaningful and they multiply so quickly!  Before we know it we have boxes and boxes of holiday clutter.

My parents recently went through all of their holiday boxes and pared down drastically.  My Mom said, “As for the holiday issue,  I have to admit that we have been very naughty when it comes to collecting Christmas decorations – gift bags that will be great to re-use one day, but I always forget about until after the holidays; ornaments and little Santas that were given in the spirit of Christmas, but never put out because we already had enough; and of course the carefully collected garland pine cones that could fill a small U-haul.  Enough is enough.  It’s time to be nice and tidy for the new year.

We pulled out the boxes to put away the Christmas decorations.  Instead of quickly stuffing everything back into the plastic bins and re-stacking them under the stairs, we brought out all the boxes from under the stairs for a no mercy inspection.  If the item was something my girls had made it stayed.  If it was a basic like stockings, garland, lights, or classic and heirloom ornaments it stayed.  However, if it was a random, but cute, holiday item that had accumulated over the years it went into one of two bags; trash or Goodwill.

All in all, we trimmed about 2 plastic bins of collected clutter.  Santa will be so proud that we are starting our year off on the nice list.  Nicely organized, that is.”

If you want to ‘go big’ for the holidays next year without acquiring more stuff, why not try a grand floral arrangement featuring pine boughs and holiday greenery, an extravagant arrangement of potted amaryllis, or a stunning sugared fruit centerpiece like this one from The Daily Connoisseur.

6 – Count your possessions, limit yourself

Just like Goldilocks, everybody has a personal definition of what ‘too little’, ‘too much’, and ‘just right’ looks like but if you’re having a hard time making the transition from ‘too much’ to ‘just right’ try counting your personal belongings.  Paring down your possessions isn’t a competition and it’s not about a magic number but some people find boundaries really helpful.  I know I do.  For example, last Summer I decided to pare down to 100 personal possessions.  This challenge forced me to eye every last one of my belongings critically and ask myself if I really wanted it to ‘count’ as one of my 100.

To read more about the ’100 thing challenge’ check out this link to Dave Bruno’s blog.  It’s my understanding that he is the originator of this particular challenge.

Another great challenge is ‘Project 333‘, created by the lovely Courtney Carver.  I tried it for the first time a couple of years ago (click here to read about it) and I’ve never looked back.  It has helped me eliminate the dreaded ‘Oh God, I have nothing to wear‘ routine, refine my personal style, and fall in love with my closet again.

If 100 or 33 seems a little too ambitious right now, why not set your own number?

7 – Stop saving your ‘bests’ and use them right now

I really like the magazine ‘House Beautiful’ and the May issue contained a quote by Annie Brahler that I found particularly inspiring, she said, “My parents are Dutch and they used their china, their silver every day.  I think it’s largely American mentality to save ‘best’ things for later, to protect them so much that you don’t enjoy them.  They didn’t do that in Holland.  If something happened to an old platter, that just added to it’s story, because it happened in your life.  It became a memory instead of a scar.”  Her observation inspired me to take my Limoges teapot out of hiding.  We found a new home for our plain white teapot and now we we use our fancy teapot every day and it gives me such joy to see it doing what it was designed to do – pour tea!

My best friend Kristen Packard recently decided to shed everything in her closet that didn’t make her feel absolutely fantastic and to start wearing all her silk blouses and structured dresses that she had been ‘saving’.  She said, “It’s funny, I don’t even know exactly what I was saving all of my beautiful clothes for but now that I’ve been wearing them regularly I just feel so grown-up and pretty.  Wearing your beautiful clothes is such a mood-boost!”  Incidentally, if you hesitate to wear your beautiful clothes because you dread the dry-cleaning bill try the Dryel kit – it has saved me a mint.  And no, I don’t work for them…

Do you have ‘everyday’ and ‘special occasion’ versions of the same item?  What would happen if you donated your IKEA flatware and started using your Great-Aunt Bea’s stunning silver?  Or tossed out your faded Granny panties and started wearing your pretty lingerie instead?  Or shed that generic-looking cotton sweater and started wearing that gorgeous cashmere number more often (the one that’s been tucked away because it’s “too nice”)?  Would using your special occasion items regularly make them less special?  Or would it make your average Wednesday just a little bit brighter?

8 – Analyze your shopping tendencies and “reject the new materialism”

Becca R. emailed to say, “I think a lot of clutter results from people’s emotional shopping.  People, and women especially, seem to shop when they’re sad, stressed, bored, or unfulfilled.  They buy things (perhaps unconsciously??) to make themselves feel better but it’s only a temporary fix.”

I am the Queen of stress-shopping so I found Becca’s email extremely thought-provoking.  It’s depressing interesting to think about all of the things I’ve purchased over the years when I’ve been anxious.  I mean, where did all those purchases go?  When I look around my house at my very favorite possessions, I see treasures that were given as gifts or that my husband I found while traveling or exploring – very few things that were purchased while stress-shopping.  Becca’s observation has made me analyze my shopping tendencies and I’m going to try really hard to find a better and more constructive activity to engage in when I need to burn off a little stress.  Like eating bon-bons!  Just kidding.

Per the recommendation of the lovely Clara, author of The Educated Life, I recently read a lovely book entitled ‘Lessons from Madame Chic‘ by Jennifer L. Scott.  I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book (if you’re looking for a sunny and inspiring lifestyle read it is well-worth your time) but the chapter that made the biggest impact on me was Chapter 16, ‘Reject the New Materialism’.  Ms. Scott writes, “In France there is not an obsession with what is called ‘the new materialism’.  They are not a society that constantly consumes – going on shopping binges looking for the next gadget, the next upgrade, the latest thing“.  Later she says, “To live well – to live within your means and to avoid the seduction of the material world.  That is what I’d call prospering”.

Less shopping means less stuff; less stuff means less clutter.

9 – But, if you must buy…

Obviously you cannot abstain from purchasing altogether, forever.  We all need our necessities along with an occasional indulgence, right?  Of course!  But how to avoid the dreaded build-up of things that were purchased and then did not live up to your hopes and expectations?

Sarah K. wrote to say, “I try really hard to ‘try before I buy’.  It’s so tempting to order online because the prices are usually better but what’s the point of getting a great deal if you don’t end up liking the product?  Returning an item is a hassle, it’s much better to be sure before you purchase something in the first place so whenever possible, go to a store and actually try on the sweater, eyeshadow, bracelet, or whatever.”

Because I purchase all of my make-up online from smaller ‘green’ companies I’ve come to depend upon blogger and user reviews for insight into texture, wear-time, scent, etc.  I discovered Make-Up Alley last year and I’ve found it to be an incredible resource.  I’ve been spared quite a few expensive purchases by reading detailed reviews and, likewise, I’ve been encouraged to try a few unexpectedly wonderful products that I might not be bold enough to order on my own.

Reviews are available for most products, cosmetic or otherwise.  Simply type the name of the product plus ‘review’ into the Google search bar and see what comes up.  You’ll be amazed at the number of helpful and honest reviews are out there!  Who knows, you may dodge a bullet by learning that the stunning $200 cashmere sweater you’ve been eying for months pills up terribly on the first wear.

Chris K. wrote to offer a novel suggestion regarding shopping, “I’ve been working on decluttering for years, but my easiest tip would have to be when I bring one thing in I get rid of two; this is the easiest way I think to start.  I recommend this to friends who I am in the process of converting to the cause”.  It seems like great incentive to purchase mindfully.

10 – Arrange your frequently used belongings prettily

My Mother-in-law, Mary, introduced me to the inspiring book ‘The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life‘ by Francine Jay.  One of the chapters that I enjoyed most was about ‘modules’ which Ms. Jay defines as “A set of related items that perform a particular task (like paying bills, or decorating a cake).  To create them, we’ll need to gather things of similar functions together, eliminate the excess, and make sure they’re easy to access when needed”.  She recommends finding appropriate containers for your module, whether they be a drawer, shelf, ziploc bag, box, or tray.

Mmmm, trays…. I got a little over-excited by this and started arranging things on trays.  Like, EVERYthing.  I put my tea pot and all of my teas on a white ceramic tray, all my bathroom necessities (lotions, face cleanser, make-up) on another one beside my sink, my folded scarves on a tray in my closet, our library books on a tray on our dresser, and all of my candles on a tray on the mantle.  I probably wouldn’t have thought to do this on my own but it makes everything look so polished and pulled-together!

Does your coffee table tend to get a little cluttered?  Would it help if all of your magazines, coasters, and that elusive remote had a permanent home in a designated tray, bowl, or box?  What about your cleaning supplies?  Make-up?

11 – Remember that slow progress is still progress

Yes, spending an entire weekend de-cluttering sounds invigorating but what if you don’t have a whole weekend to spare?  Or maybe you really want to de-clutter but you know you don’t have the stamina to sort through and shed belongings for more than an hour at a time?

Start slow.  Chris K. wrote, “When I started de-cluttering I used the one drawer at a time concept – empty everything out of a drawer – just one drawer – and have 3 containers ready – keep, donate and trash – doing just one drawer at a time never seemed too overpowering to me and I felt a real sense of accomplishment so I didn’t seem overwhelmed doing it”.

It’s not a race and nobody is judging you, so take all the time you need.  You’ll thank yourself for making the effort later.

12 – Maintainance

You’ve completed Round One of your de-cluttering, now how to maintain your delightfully stream-lined and clutter-free existence?  Routine maintenance.

Peggy posted this tip in the RoseTaffy comment box, “In my closet I have a bag that’s just for goodwill donations. As soon as my daughter or I have something no longer wanted (clothing or other), in it goes. When the bag gets full, it goes into the back seat of the car until I pass a goodwill or a green donations box.  Having the bag at the ready, always in the same place, streamlines the process of getting stuff out of the house.”

What are your favorite tips for de-cluttering?  

‘Man imposes his own limitations, don’t set any.’

-Anthony Bailey

Ahh, running…  In my opinion it’s simultaneously one of the worst and best things in the world.  Worst because as your body is warming up it’s straining, fatigued, and telling your brain over and over again to STOP THE MADNESS and go home and relax with a nice cup of coffee already! and best because once you actually do manage to push through the initial discomfort and hit your stride you feel capable, empowered, and energized by your body’s bitchin’ strength and ability.

Reading the above paragraph, you may mistakenly think I’m a marathoner or something but I’d like to clarify that my morning runs average about 2-4 miles.  Okay, 1-3 miles.  But that is all about to change…  I just committed myself to a 10k on March 30th!  One day I hope to do a half-marathon (like my little sis!).  Yeaaaah, baby.

Anyway, as I’ve been upping my training and trying to improve my endurance I have been reminded yet again of how much I adore mōksa organics.  Their ‘Athlete’s Secret’ sports rub has become an essential part of my routine.

I love mōksa organics ‘Athlete’s Secret’ because it is:

1. Amazing

2 Reasonably priced

3. The product of a responsible company that also gives back

I’ve been a fan of mōksa organics for almost two years.  Their body butters are a favorite indulgence of mine because they are crafted of 100% organic ingredients and feature a smooth, frosting-like consistency (pictured below) that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind.  ‘Athlete’s Secret’ is actually one of Moksa’s eight body butters and, like the other seven blends, it contains a combination of essential oils that smells absolutely divine; a refreshing alternative to many of the pungent chemically-scented sports and muscle rubs I’ve used in the past.  ‘Athlete’s Secret’ smells bracingly fresh and hyper-minty…envision an endless field of lush and leafy mint plants swaying in a frigid Icelandic breeze.

‘Athlete’s Secret’ sports rub was formulated by Melanie Martin, the co-founder and CEO of mōksa organics, who is herself a marathoner.  Melanie lives in Florida and trains for her races in the kind of smoldering heat and salty humidity that inspires people like me to camp out in a lawn chair with a pitcher of icy lemonade.  For years Melanie used traditional muscle rubs but she found them to be drying and slightly irritating so she decided to develop an all-natural alternative that would provide “muscle relief, moisture for the skin, and help with sun damage”.

Many of the sports rubs I’ve used in the past are warming, with a kind of good/bad chili-pepper heat that can so easily turn bad/bad if you happen to have a sunburn, back break-out, or sensitive skin.  ‘Athlete’s Secret’ is just as zingy as drugstore muscle rubs but I feel that the sensation is more ‘cooling’, probably due to the menthol.  It feels soothing (kind of like an invisible bag of frozen peas pressed against your sore spot) and I’ve found that it does not irritate the sensitive skin on my shoulders.

‘Athlete’s Secret’ contains:

An 8oz jar of ‘Athlete’s Secret’ is available from O&N Collective for $16 (for reference, a 4oz tube of ‘Bengay Pain Relieving Cream’ retails for $8.99 from CVS).  In my experience, a little ‘Athlete’s Secret’ goes a long way.  My last jar lasted me almost six months although, to be fair, I wasn’t using it quite as often as I am now that I’m a soon-to-be-half-marathoner (!!!!).  I estimate my current jar will last 3-4 months.

Like all of mōksa’s products, ‘Athlete’s Secret’ is cruelty-free, gluten-free, all-natural, and vegan.  It comes in a recycled-glass jar with a 100% post-consumer waste labels printed with soy ink.  Additionally, mōksa organics donates a portion of all proceeds to several non-profit organizations.  It feels good to support responsible, eco-friendly companies – especially when they offer fabulously-effective products!

 Has anyone else tried anything by mōksa?  What are your favorite products/scents?

“What? No, I’m not a lush, I just really like gin!”

- Geneva (the author of this blog)

Recent scientific studies (conducted in our own kitchen) have proven that this delicious cocktail not only prevents Winter colds but greatly enhances over-all immune function and mood!  Let me assure you, even though white lab coats were not donned by the scientists, these studies featured the most cutting edge tools and technology available today including plastic measuring cups, ice cubes, and cutting boards.

Alright, my husband and I aren’t actual scientists but we have been making the most of citrus-season by drinking this delicious little creation regularly and neither of us have gotten sick so far…  So, I’m just sayin’…

INGREDIENTS (for one cocktail)

1 Grapefruit

1 Ounce gin

Club soda to top off

Ice

Cut a grapefruit if half and squeeze the juice into a glass.  Fish the seeds out if you wish, I leave them in because I think it looks fresh and wholesome.

Add a shot of gin (we use Hendrick’s because it’s delicious!).

Top off with sparkling water.  Add ice, if desired.  Garnish with some fond thoughts about your sturdy immune system.  Drink up!  After all, the (faux) scientists recommend it.

What kinds of things do you like to do with Winter citrus?

‘A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.’
  – Coco Chanel

There’s always a bit of risk associated with ordering make-up online.  What if your product arrives and you don’t like the texture?  Or the scent?  What if you were expecting a lip-gloss in a sheer bubble-gum pink but instead it’s an uber-pale ‘Night of the Living Dead’ situation?  Ah, life is full of small trials… If you were ordering department store products you could probably send the offending product back with an explanation and get a full refund but what if it was from one of the smaller ‘green’ cosmetic companies?  Uhh, not so much.  You’d probably be S.O.L. and that’s a bummer.

But what if you could prevent costly mistakes?  What if you could try a little sample of the product you’re interested in, just to make sure it’s a good match for your complexion and preferences?  Enter the Spirit Beauty Lounge sample kits.  I’d read about their sample program before on several green make-up forums but I’d never ordered one myself because I thought $25 seemed expensive for a box of nine samples.  However, after several recent (and spendy, whew!) make-up mistakes I decided to take the plunge and order one for myself figuring that, in the long run, I’d save more by being sure.

The SBL sample kit was pretty darn nifty, I have to say.

First, it arrived three days after I ordered it (which was incredibly gratifying to those of us who get ridiculously excited when expecting new make-up via the USPS*)

*Those individuals will remain anonymous

Second, everything was packaged up so nicely.  The powder products were in small jars and the sticky/glossy products were in mini-clamshells.  Everything was clearly labeled with printed stickers.

The lip-gloss samples were generous enough to provide about three to five-days use and the powdered products will probably last me a few weeks.

Finally, there was a lollipop included!  I swear, I really wanted to take a photo because it was so cute but I have a sweet-tooth that I can’t always control…  It was delicious!

As I mentioned earlier, a sample kit includes nine samples of your choice and costs $25 (shipping included).  Upon payment, Spirit Beauty Lounge emails you a voucher for $5 off your next purchase.

I have to say that this kit already spared me two purchases that I would have immediately regretted AND introduced me to an eyeliner that I probably wouldn’t have sprung for had I not been able to try it on.  It also helped me decided between two shades of RMS lipshine (‘Bloom’ and ‘Sublime’).

All in all, I heartily recommend the Spirit Beauty Lounge kits to those who, like me, are trying to go green but have a hard time choosing the perfect colors/consistencies online and would prefer to avoid expensive mistakes along the way.

www.spiritbeautylounge.com is super-sleek and fun.  Their selection is really impressive without being completely overwhelming and I appreciate that they have helpful photos of their products on real models.  Why don’t more companies do that?

Have you ordered from Spirit Beauty Lounge?  Has anyone else tried a sample kit?

- Anne Bronte

Popcorn is one of our favorite snacks and we recently discovered (through wild experimentation) that it’s possible to make your own microwave popcorn using a handful of kernels and a brown paper lunch bag.  I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to be able to bypass the ultra-packaged and chemical-laden options at the store in favor of something healthier, less expensive, and more eco-friendly!

A quick Google search revealed some extremely interesting articles about the history of popcorn.  Apparently, evidence of popcorn from 3600 BCE has been found in New Mexico.  It seems that popcorn has been a favorite snack for millenia.  I would love to know how our ancestors seasoned their popcorn (if at all).

Personally, I like mine with a little salt, olive oil, and fresh rosemary OR butter and a pinch of cayenne pepper.  How about you?

INGREDIENTS

1/3 Cup popcorn

Paper bag

Optional: seasonings of your choice

Pour the kernels into a paper lunch bag.  Make two narrow folds.

Put the bag in the microwave and press your ‘popcorn’ setting.  If your microwave doesn’t have pre-sets, try three minutes to start with.  As soon as you hear the pops start diminishing in regularity, remove your bag.

This part may take a bit of trial and error as each microwave is different but the end result is so tasty that it will be worth it!

DING!  Your delectably simple snack is done and you are a culinary rock-star.

How do you like to dress up your popcorn?

Gentle readers,

I am currently hard at work writing a longer post (à la ‘12 Ways to Simplify Your Life‘) on de-cluttering.  It has given me a lot to think about!

You are all so amazing and always have such wonderful thoughts and insights, if you happen to have any tips or tricks that have to do with streamlining your possessions, time, and lives that you’d care to share please post them in the comment thread below or email me directly at geneva@rosetaffy.com.  I will be sure to credit you.

Thanks everyone, you’re wonderful!

XOXO,

Geneva (RoseTaffy)

 “Come here, it’s a secret…. Asantey sana squash banana wey weyuu a mimi a pana!”

- Rafiki, of ‘The Lion King’

Okay, is this news to anyone else?  Maybe this is common knowledge but I was surprised to learn that you can roast any type of squash seed, not just the innards from your Jack-O-Lanterns!  I was so excited to learn this that I saved all the seeds from a recent butternut/acorn squash soup project and roasted them at 11:00 at night.

I really wish I had remembered to take a picture of the final product but they ended up being so darn tasty my focus was on consuming, rather than capturing!

It seems that squash seeds are quite high in both fiber and protein (about 8g per 1/3 cup, according to live strong.com) as well as being a good source of the mineral zinc which is helpful to your immune system.

INGREDIENTS

Squash seeds

Salt

Seasonings (I use garlic and a sprinkle of paprika but I’ve had seeds with fresh rosemary and thyme before and they were scrumptious!)

Preheat your oven to 350.

Scoop the innards out of any squash and separate the seeds, rinse them well, and lay them out on a lined baking tray.

Sprinkle the seeds with your chosen seasonings.  I tend to be rather generous with the salt and seasonings because that’s the way my dear Mom did it but dream big and do whatever your heart tells you!

Incidentally, if you haven’t tried paprika on squash seeds, it looks pretty and is tasty, tasty, tasty.  Also, it’s the only thing I can do with paprika.

Roast for 10-15 minutes, until the seeds are aromatic and lightly browned.

Store your cooled seeds in an airtight container.  I have no idea how long squash seeds keep but according to tests made at the Massachusetts Experimental Station, “Squash and pumpkin seeds stored for more than five months show a marked increase in protein content” so you’re good for at least that long.

We two make banquets of the plainest fare
In every cup we find the thrill of pleasure…
For us life always moves with lilting measure
We two, we two, we make our world, our pleasure
― Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Our friend Ursula taught us this simple technique to freeze and store veggies, soups, and stews neatly.  Last year an acquaintance of mine told me that our freezer looks like it belongs to a serial killer* but I find the orderliness refreshing and it makes preparing dinner a snap when we walk through the door at 7:00 feeling famished and uninspired.

*Uncalled for and completely unfounded, I swear!

Every couple of weeks we make a big Costco run and stock up on peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.  We spend an hour or two chopping and sauteing them and then we bag them up and freeze them flat.  Once they’re frozen, we stack them upright in a plastic shoe box (above).  We’re running a little low on frozen veggies and meals right now but I thought I’d take some photos anyway.

What I like about preparing veggies in advance is that it makes preparing things like omelets, pizzas, soups, quiche, and frittatas a cinch because the time-consuming element (chopping and sauteeing veggies) is already taken care of.

Yes, I realize that tupperware containers might seem like a ‘greener’ solution but if you opt for ‘freezer bags’ (as opposed to the thinner resealable ‘snack bags’) they are durable enough to be rinsed out and used again and again.  I prefer the bags because they stack tidily, the contents are visible, and one freezer bag holds exactly two generous servings of soup.

This is very easy to do, if you’re so inclined.  Ursula taught us to let the veggies/soup cool completely and then use a funnel or measuring cup to pour the veggies/soup into a bag.  I tend to make a bit of a mess when I just free-pour so I like to slip a bag into a cup and fold the ziplock top over the edges.  I pour in a cup or so of veggies or two servings of soup and then seal the bag, making sure to press out all the excess air.

Then I press the contents flat and and put it into the freezer, like the mushrooms below.  If I am freezing multiple bags I put a cutting board in between the layers to keep the bags from sticking together and losing their rigid shape.

We have frozen all kinds of things like this; cranberry relish, baked beans, homemade stock, marzipan, pie dough, even hash browns!

Anybody else have any tips for storing meals efficiently in the fridge or freezer?  General thoughts?  Feelings?

Shine up the runway
While I powder my nose
Turn on the spotlight
Gonna strike up a pose…

Kermit the frog had it right when he said it’s not always easy being green.  When I first started replacing my tried-and-true department store faves with healthier/eco-friendly options I was torn.  I mean, I knew that my choice to ‘go green’ was an upgrade for both my body and the planet but I couldn’t help feeling that when it came to texture, wear-time, and packaging my new alternatives were a bit of a downgrade.

Enter RMS Beauty.  My first experience with RMS Beauty was with their ‘Living Luminizer‘.  I was delighted with the smooth and silky texture, the impressive wear-time, and the sleek frosted glass/metal packaging.  A year later, I branched out and tried the RMS ‘un’ cover-up (which I wear as both a concealer and tinted moisturizer and is divine, I might add, even on my blemish-prone skin) and then I branched out a bit further and tried the lip2cheek in ‘Smile’ (again, divine).  Are you sensing a trend here?  Yes, I am a RMS Beauty super-fan.

So when I heard that RMS Beauty was planning to launch a new product, a translucent powder, let me tell you I was on that like a fat kid on cake*.  I ordered one immediately and then, for days, I loitered around the mail boxes, waiting for my RMS package to arrive.  Finally, it came.  It came, friends, and it was AMAZING.

*This analogy not intended to be offensive!

RMS ‘un’powder is an interesting formula as it is is free of talc, parabens, and perfumes and is made out of “spherically cut” silica.  I wasn’t really sure what silica was so I looked it up in the dictionary and learned that it is “a hard, unreactive, colorless compound that occurs as the mineral quartz and as a principal constituent of sandstone and other rocks”.

The texture of the ‘un’powder is velvety soft and divinely silky.  In fact, I have to say that I’ve never used a powder with such a dreamy ultra-fine feel – I have to keep reminding myself to STOP touching my face already but it’s hard to stop because it feels so good!

RMS Beauty ‘un’powder comes in one universal shade and even though it appears white in the jar it goes on completely transparent.  One thing I’ve noticed about the ‘un’cover-up and the lip2cheek is that they tend to look slightly dewy from the moment you put them on and, while I realize that many people find this look to be fresh and natural, I really do prefer a more matte look – it makes me feel polished.  I have blemish-prone skin with slight oiliness in my T-zone and I like the fact that this powder not only absorbs oil but also diffuses mild imperfections.  It goes on easily with the little cotton puff (included) and it stays matte and lovely all day.  I put it on yesterday morning and then washed my face at 10PM and my make-up was still set and my forehead and nose were still shine-free.

I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed by the size as it was much smaller than I expected (it’s 32oz/9g which sounds like a lot, right?) and by the fact that both the container and lid were plastic.  There is no mention of the packaging in the description and I suppose I was expecting the usual (and so chic) frosted glass pot with white metal lid.  $34 is pretty spendy for a tiny plastic jar and yet…well…the tiny plastic jar does contain some pretty marvelous stuff.

Overall, I give RMS Beauty ‘un’powder a 9.5/10 as I am slightly bothered by the size/packaging/price-tag but I’m still thrilled and delighted with the powder itself.  At long last, a ‘green’ powder that out performs anything I’ve ever purchased from the department store!

As a final thought, I’ve read a number of reviews where people have said that they’ve experienced some negative or unfriendly interactions with the customer service at RMS Beauty – I am SO sorry to hear that but I have to say that I recently had a lovely conversation with ‘Brittany’ and she couldn’t have been more sweet or helpful.  Perhaps they have some new people in that department?

 Has anyone else tried RMS Beauty?  What are your favorite products?

“He who controls the spice, controls the universe.”

- Frank Herbert

Indian food; it fascinates me.  Where do all those complex and exotic flavors come from?  The spices are all so foreign to my Western palate, so vibrant, so wild and exciting.

When my mom suggested that we watch ‘Today’s Special’ I was crossing my fingers that the techniques for adding such flavors would be all explained in a kind of simple step-by-step process but no, instead Indian food seems even more magical.  Plus, we were salivating almost the entire time because everything looked so AMAZING!

I really love the cab-driver, Akbar, and I have to admit that he’s become a kind of role model for me.

Eric and I thought this was a really fun and lovely film, it’s warm and uplifting and if you happen to be looking for a good Sunday night movie you might give ‘Today’s Special’ a try.  Enjoy!