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Simplicity Challenge 2025

Hello everyone! 

Happy, happy Wednesday! I don’t know about you, but it feels like February is blitzing right by us. I know I wasn’t alone by feeling that January took forever, but February is certainly moving by quickly, which I’m not complaining about.

I got away for the long weekend and the change of scene was so nice!

I am ready for spring, to get outdoors, and for blue skies and sunshine! But we still have a little bit more time until we are in the clear of the cold and snow. The light is near and end of winter is hopefully near.

Last month, I participated in the Simplified “Simplicity Challenge”. I have been doing this for the past several years and done posts every year on it.  For 2024, click here, for 2023, click here, for 2019 click here.

If you are new to me blog, here’s a bit of the rundown of the 31 Day challenge.

Simplified’s Simplicity Challenge is 31 days of little tasks to complete every day in January to simplify and organize your life. Team Simplified posts the daily challenge that typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete. These are ways to organize your life without getting overwhelmed and stressed by completing daunting projects.

An example of a task is cleaning out your fridge

I successfully completed every task and shared them on my Instagram stories, some on the day of and some in the days following if I didn’t have time or was out of town.

Here’s a look at some of the tasks that I completed.

Declutter Junk Drawers– These were my desk drawers and an easy task to get done. 

Sheets– I successfully got rid of sheets that were old and stained and only kept the best ones.

Organize Dresses– I didn’t get rid of any dresses, but I did get them sorted.

Edit Jeans and T-Shirts– I had so many jeans and tried them all on and only kept the ones that fit best. As far as t-shirts go, I refolded them and kept my favorite and most worn ones.

Simplify Jewelry- I got an earring organizer for Christmas and this has been a huge help when it comes to keeping my jewelry all together and organized.

Sort Bottles and Cups– I didn’t get rid of any mugs or cups, but I did sort them but type. I have SO many mugs that when I move out, my family will have a lot more space back.

Clean Out Tupperware– This was clean and organized and it has by and large stayed that way, but I don’t know how long it will last.

Pantry Clean Out– This wasn’t too hard of a task since I keep it pretty organized and sorted especially after I unload and sort things after I go grocery shopping every week.

Clean Out Car– I love a clean car, but the winter months means lots of snow and ice, so a car clean out and car refresher was necessary.

Towels Purged-We have so many towels, especially beach towels. They are folded now, but it won’t last for long, especially once summer hits and we go through towels left and right.

Med Cabinet Cleaned– A clean out and restock was necessary especially right before flu and cold season hit. 

Books Sorted– As a reader, I have lots of books, but I do make weekly library trips. I did get rid of some books that I didn’t like or wasn’t a favorite.

It felt so good to get my life in order after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I also liked how it gave me something to do each day. I appreciated how the tasks don’t take too long to complete; you don’t get overwhelmed by the daunting things like attacking your whole house in one day and it really has you stay focused on one area at a time. Plus, they all take only a short amount of time to get done.

Cleaning out cook and bakeware

If you didn’t participate in the January challenge, you can still start it whenever you like. 

Tell me, if you did complete the Simplicity Challenge, what did you think of it? 

If you haven’t tried it yet, are you willing to take the plunge? Let me know in the comments below! 

Happy Wednesday! See you back here on Friday for another edition of Friday Favorites!

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Currently #37

Hi everyone! I can’t believe we are at the end of January! This month went by so fast, it was definitely nice to have a slower month compared to a busy December at the end of the year. This past month has been a good mix of fresh starts, staying cozy and getting outdoors too. As the month wraps up, here’s a look at some things I have been up to.

What I’ve Been Up To: I’ve spent this past month decluttering and organizing things. After a full December, both mentally and physically, I was looking forward to some New Year cleaning. I have been participating in the Simplified Simplicity Challenge this month and I have been so proud of doing little things every day to live a simplified life. I’ll be sharing a recap of my simplicity challenge next month.

Cleaning out different areas of your life, like your purse is just one example of the daily challenges.

I also have been trying to get outside for fresh air even in the colder months, whether it’s for a walk or run, even a few minutes outside makes all the difference. I also have been trying some new recipes and enjoying some new books too. January has been slow but productive.

January has been filled with lots of snow too!
Another new recipe I tried this month, Shrimp Avocado Medicine Soup by Jessie James Decker.

What I’m Wearing: I have been wearing all the layers especially when I am outdoors. I have so many scarves that I have been making a point to wear them when I’m out and about. Not only do they keep you warm, but they are also a great fashion statement too.

All the layers for chilly weather.

What I’m Reading: I’ve been reading lots of books over the past few weeks as I spend more time indoors. 

Here’s what I have been enjoying.

I Didn’t Do that Thing Today- “I Didn’t Do that Thing Today” has more of a psychological feel as opposed to a narrative feel. The author talks about all the research and interviews she has conducted when it comes to productivity. As someone who thrives on being a productive person and getting everything done, I learned a lot about not having to be busy all the time and giving ourselves breathing room and not letting a lack of accomplishment affect our days.

Spare-I have been making my way through  Spare, Prince Harry’s book. The book begins after the death of Princess Diana and follows Harry’s life to the present day. So far, I have found Prince Harry to be very real and vulnerable, but also giving historical context and perspective to different things in his life. I’m looking forward to finishing the book soon.

What I’m Watching: I have been watching and enjoying The Mindy Project. It’s so fun and easy to have on in the background as I get things done. I also have been watching some fun movies. I watched Knives Out: Glass Onion, About Fate and Something From Tiffany’s. All can be found on streaming services, they were all a mix of romantic comedies, mystery and dramas. I’ve been adding more things on my list of things to watch. 

About Fate was such a cute movie on Amazon Prime.

What Inspires Me: I’ve been inspired by a clean slate for the new year. From decluttering to starting new year’s resolutions and getting back into new routines. I love the new year and a fresh start.

Hello decluttering for a fresh start!
I’ve also been enjoying some baking too.

What I Accomplished: In addition to fresh starts, I have also been getting back into some of my favorite routines and hobbies. I got a few new cookbooks for Christmas and have really enjoyed trying out some new recipes including soups and hearty meals. I also have been so good about keeping up with friend dates, whether they are in-person or via facetime, it’s so good to get some quality friend time in.

New cookbooks means new recipes.
Winter weekends means pancakes!

Goals from Last Month: I have started on some of my New Year’s Resolutions which also gets me in the right mindset for the new year. Sometimes, the hardest part of starting a new habit is taking that first step. One of my goals of this year is to live a healthier lifestyle and I have tried to do that by making smarter food choices and moving more, we are only one month in, but we are off to a good start. I also have been checking things off my winter bucket list too!

Goals for this Month: February is all about love and Valentine’s Day and showing those in your life that you care! I’m looking forward to a Valentine’s Day date, some girlfriend time for Galentine’s Day and enjoying some chocolate and all things heart shaped. Plus, I’m excited to continue to enjoy winter by taking winter walks but also cozying up inside. 

I also went to a hockey game this month and I’m hoping to go to a few more before the season is over.

That’s a look into life recently. Some reading, some binge-watching, trying new foods, staying active and getting back into new routines.

 

I’ve also been enjoying some puppy cuddles too.

Tell me: How has your New Year’s Resolutions been going?