Living Life: Sustainably

Hello again! As a quick recap, please refer back to the first two parts of my three-part series: Mindfulness and Minimalism. This last bit is putting it all together in a way that works for you and your family in the long haul. It's not a diet or a fad, it's a lifestyle change!

According to Wikipedia, "Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and personal resources."

I've been a "tree hugger" for as long as I can remember. When I was around 10 to 12 years old I made homemade pins to pass out and attempted to organize my neighborhood kids to pick up trash along the ditches of my country road. Each year for Earth Day I make a New Year resolution--yes, one that I actually follow through with! 

To give some ideas, these are things I've done in the past: 

• Bought a clothesline 
• Transitioned to only using cloth grocery bags
• Stopped buying paper products and requested cloth napkins for Christmas

I don't think we can reverse the current climate change but at least you can prepare for the upcoming ice age, right? Haha! The point is to change your habits permanently and create new, better, SUSTAINABLE habits that will save you money and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Here are my suggestions:

• Totally eliminate all disposable plastic (i.e. grocery bags, ziplock baggies, eating utensils, straws, etc.) For ideas for alternate food storage options (including glass or stainless steel straws, I never would have thought of that!) check out this website.

• Totally eliminate all disposable paper goods (i.e. napkins, paper towels, etc.) The one issue I have with this is cleaning up animal messes, but you get used to it. I suppose the same would go for cloth diapers, but I don't have any kids so no personal experience with those (yet).

• On that note, if you REALLY want to reuse, I have friends who swear by reusable menstrual pads or cups (although I haven't taken it to this level myself just yet). Check out diva cups or glad rags for more information.

• Totally eliminate shopping at the mall. Purchase from local shops, handmade items (like on Etsy), or used and thrift items. I haven't purchased off the rack clothing since a pair of jean shorts cost me $40--that was my final straw about two or three years ago!
  
• Reduce your gas and electric usage: 
• ALWAYS unplug EVERYTHING! (Microwave, washer/dryer...sometimes we even unplug our refrigerator overnight as it's the loudest monster you've ever heard in your life and we can't sleep.) 
• Better yet, don't even use your dryer, except maybe in the winter (unless you're hard core), and hang clothes outside on a line or inside on a drying rack. I have one that looks like this.

• Be aware of the every day products that add chemicals to your body (and waste, pollution, etc.). We recently switched to all natural and organic hygiene products, including soap, make up, deodorant, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc. 
• I'm OBSESSED with Dr. Bronner's Castile soaps (can also be used for laundry, shampoo and toothpaste--I've never tried it for my teeth). I highly recommend the lavender scent, it will change your life!

• Finally, become a one car household. Although this is extreme, we have been doing it since May 2011 and we are still married! There are lots of things to consider and it is often very challenging to balance the schedule, BUT now that I'm used to it, I do enjoy the quality time together and even though we now have the money available, I'm in no particular rush to purchase a second (used) vehicle.
• There are a LOT of blogs talking about this rising money-saving choice. Money Saving Mom blog reports they saved $1,500 per year. 
• Even if you have two vehicles, increase the time you spend on foot (exercise is always a good thing), carpooling or taking public transport.

Amanda Masters is a pediatric occupational therapist, tree hugger and hippy-in-training.

Living Life: Minimally

Okay, welcome back. Or rather, thank you for reading my first blog! I gather that if you are reading this, perhaps you tried to add mindfulness into your daily routine over the past days or weeks? Mindfulness and meditation is very challenging for me--I'm a sensory seeker--I talk or sing to myself and my cats if left alone without entertainment devices. If you're like me, you may find minimalism has more immediate gratification.

What is MINIMALISM?

Eliminating excess. Celebrating a simple life. Enjoying what you have here, now, today instead of constantly seeking more of what you don't have. Eliminating  the "I want..." for material goods. Becoming a very selective consumer.

The idea of minimalism is largely in contrast to the "American dream" and other first-world cultures (always seeking MORE consumerism, materialism, technology updates, etc.). My husband frequently reminds me to be aware of what is "normal" for third-world countries (think amounts and varieties of food, clean water, housing, hygiene, clothing, transportation differences, etc.). Wow--what an opportunity to practice gratitude!

Remember this is a journey--becoming minimalist can be taken to an extreme: "just one" of everything (think 90% of the global population) or delve into this lifestyle more slowly using "just 10" as a starting point.

HOW to begin?

1. Make a list of your 10 essentials--this can go by room or consider all of your possessions depending on the level of excess you own. I decided to go through each room as part of the process.
2. Decide your limit--I chose "just 10" of everything (10 short sleeves, 10 long sleeves, 10 pants, etc.) There are many blogs about becoming minimalist to guide you--one woman used 40 hangers to encompass her entire wardrobe, others keep much less. I really like the 40 hanger idea...but I have too much stuff, so that will be an ongoing goal. Remember--this is a LIFE change--it doesn't happen overnight!
3. Choose a room to start--I chose my bedroom, so this will be my example.
4. Pull EVERYTHING out. YES. Throw it all on your floor/bed. This includes ALL your summer/winter/athletic gear, belts, purses, SHOES, accessories! I purged by category using my limit of "just 10". (I did bend the rule for work clothes as I have an embroidered uniform.)
5. TRY ON--this is where you may need a buddy. I was shocked at how many clothing or shoe items I haven't worn in nearly a decade, but... "maybe I need it for ____." Trust me, you do NOT need it! This is where QUALITY comes into play. If you have multiples of one item choose your one favorite and purge the rest. If you have multiple items and you don't like or wear any of them, (for example, I discovered five little black dresses, including three from high school!) purge ALL and buy a nice one you actually want WHEN the occasion presents itself.
6. CONSIDER: what items do you really truly NEED (vs. want) to save for an emotional or sentimental reason. Lessons include: You DON'T need to keep those fat pants "just in case they fit again", you DON'T need to keep those work clothes from your previous job if they are no longer relevant to your present career goals or needs. 
7. Divide into two piles: Keep. Donate. (Notice: there is not a third "sell" pile, see below for an explanation as to why.)
8. Repeat the process with next room. Consult your spouse/roommate as needed.
9. Have fun giving your possessions to those in need (younger siblings, homeless shelter, Goodwill or Salvation Army) while simultaneously reaping the benefit of a cleaner, organized streamlined room and life. It's a win/win! 

   NOTE: Keep your receipts from donations for tax purposes. Make sure you count the number of items donated for this receipt.

10. Feel joy, love, peace and gratitude with what you have and what you no longer need cluttering your life!

WARNING! Do NOT try to sell your stuff. I tried this by taking four large white trash bags of clothing to Plato's Closet and ALL of it was denied except ONE pair of jeans. They gave me $7. Not only was this experience a bit embarrassing but also a waste of time and energy. I learned a valuable lesson: this process is about MINDFULNESS and GIVING to others, NOT about earning some cash!

A good rule of thumb with Christmas on it's way is if you receive (or purchase) one new item you then GIVE two items away.

Want to learn MORE?

www.becomingminimalist.com
"The potential of minimalism lies in what you choose to pursue with your life in place of material possessions. Choose contentment. Pursue gratitude and generosity. Invest in relationships, grow spiritually, discover truth, and find purpose."

mnmlist.com
"The more I focus on living, the less it seems I need."

Amanda Masters is a pediatric occupational therapist, meditation student and strives for minimalism.

Living Life: Mindfully

During our October book club, Caitlin and I were discussing my recent adventures and excitement while closet purging and she graciously offered a space on her blog. I was super excited to share my message but then felt nervous that I didn't know where to start! Plus, I tend to be long winded....so I decided to divide my message into three pieces because its not just about closets or clothes but about living in the present moment (Mindfulness), simplifying your life (Minimalism), and improved health while living sustainably! I hope to inspire, to motivate, and to make real and positive changes in your life!

Part 1: MINDFULNESS

I must already correct myself from above, as it was my husband who first introduced me to mindful living and specifically the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. Before him I was emotionally charged, constantly "on-the-go" and always looking ahead to greener pastures, yet never satisfied. I was looking for purpose or attention or fulfillment in all the wrong places: men, dance clubs, alcohol, Coach purses! I HIGHLY recommend reading his work. He became a Buddist monk at age 16 and has written over 100 books, poems and articles. If you are really motivated he has two mindfulness practice centers in the United States located in Vermont and California; please refer to www.plumvillage.org for more information.

What is MINDFULNESS?

According to the Plum Village website, "Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment. It is the continuous practice of touching life deeply in every moment of daily life. To be mindful is to be truly alive, present and at one with those around you and with what you are doing."

THE BASICS of Thich Nhat Hanh:

1. Be present in each moment:
1. Breathe in "I am breathing in"; breathe out "I am breathing out".
2. If you are feeling a strong emotion, this is easily modified: breathe in "I breathe in mindfulness/compassion/peace"; breathe out "I breathe out anger/negativity/disappointment".
2. Use deep listening:
1. Be quiet first. Truly listen. Eliminate external and internal distraction. Do not offer advice.
3. Use compassionate communication:
1. Speak from your heart. Mean what you say. "Dear one, I'm sorry I have caused you suffering by ___."
4. Mindful eating:
1. Reduce the amount of toxins (i.e.: smoking, alcohol, chemically processed junk foods, etc.)
2. Where did your food come from? Was it previously living a happy life? We chose to eliminate most meat products from our diet. If we could afford it, we would stick to whole natural fresh foods.
5. Mindful cultural consumption:
1. Think about the moral quality of the media you consume (television, books, magazines, music, etc.).
2. Think about the amount of time spent in front of a screen with mindless consumption vs. the amount of time you spend in the real world creating or giving back, exercising, meditation/prayer, etc.  

NOTE: these are easier said than done. Remember this is a practice, which means ongoing growth and development of a new skill. Did you know it takes 20 days to make something into a habit?

The root of mindfulness is to be completely and totally present in every moment. This is incredibly challenging in the typical American culture when everyone seems obsessed with technology: "liking", pinning, tweeting, cyber bullying is a new issue, and now even Google Glass literally glued to your face! It seems everyone wants the newest gadget and people brag about their abilities to "multi-task" using each new tech gadget while spending more and more time distracted by a "virtual reality" and completely absent from the present moment in real time in this physical reality.

American mainstream media seems to be hitting an all time low in regards to their moral compass ("reality" television, sexual performances - Miley Cyrus, poor girl!). It has been a work in progress. In 2009 we chose to stop paying for cable, but kept our Netflix account. Then, in 2011, we eliminated our television and DVD player all together. Sometimes I "cheat" and watch a few shows fairly regularly via online streaming but it's down to about 60 minutes per week. We still keep up with news and pop culture with YouTube on a daily basis...but today I decided to eliminate all online media (yes, including Facebook and YouTube!) and pop/radio music for 20 days to see if I can start some more mindful and productive or creative habits.

Mindfulness is taking care of your body, your spirit, and your mind with clear intention. It is being present and aware of every breath, bite, emotion, action, reaction. Thich Nhat Hanh writes, "just enjoy whatever you are doing, and do it deeply." Let the peace of intention and mindfulness be with you every moment of your day!

Amanda Masters is a pediatric occupational therapist by day; book club fanatic and mindful meditation student by night.

What do you know about ICE DAMMING?

We haven't gotten as much snow as we did during "snowmagedden" a few years back, but I thought our inclement weather lately was a good chance to share the Perryman family's experience with ice damming. Have you ever had to deal with this?

We moved into our new home in the fall of 2010. We immediately went into Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. We did our best at unpacking, but still it did not feel like home yet.

THEN the worst blizzard in Oklahoma history came upon us and our home suffered ice damming. It was shocking to have our ceilings and walls falling down because of water damage. We repacked our things, moved furniture to the center of the rooms, covered everything with tarps and so began our 2 month stay at a hotel. Eight weeks people. We learned A LOT.

The BEFORE

PART ONE

I woke up and headed to the kitchen to fix breakfast and immediately noticed a huge brown stain on the ceiling about 3'x3'--it was dripping. Then I looked over at the kitchen table and see that it is covered with water from another leak. Since it was it was dripping only in those two rooms and it happened to be above the two bathrooms, we were confident that a pipe froze and busted.

We turned off the water and waited 2 days for a plumber to arrive at our house--because all 20 that we called were snowed in and could not make it to our home. While we waited things only got worse. The kitchen ceiling fan began pouring water in a stream, the light fixture over the dining room starting streaming and room by room, water started dripping out the ceilings.

Here is what was weird, since we had no damage to the second floor, we could not figure out where the water was coming from.

The plumber came and tore a hole in the kitchen ceiling and confirmed that it was not a pipe. He said to call a roofer. We did and he suspected that we had "ice damming". We headed to the internet and after looking at pictures and seeing how the rooms were being effected we did indeed have ice damming.

Basically ice damming is where solid ice prevents water (the snow that is melting) from running off your roof. Instead, the water is forced up under the shingles. The water was running down the walls and pooling on the first floor ceiling.

PART TWO
We called our insurance company and they had a restoration team come out to take a look at it. We decided to go ahead with the removal of the wet sheet rock and we were totally shocked.

Here is what we saw in every room wall and ceiling...

OUT ---> and  OUT   ----> and MORE OUT ---->

Then they began covering everything with tarps from top to bottom.

Dining Room

Bathroom

Then they started tearing it out!

This is our kitchen ceiling.

Dining Room

Living Room: wall and ceiling

Foyer: wall and ceiling

Home School Room: wall and ceiling

In the end, all rooms but two had either a wall or ceiling removed or parts of both.

Another Disaster Strikes
Some of you know of our raccoon saga. We found out when we moved in that we had raccoons living in our attic. We had them removed, but they left behind tons of damage to the insulation and piles of feces. We knew that we needed to have it all removed and replaced, but just couldn't jump because of the expense.

As the guys started tearing everything out, they noticed the soggy poo insulation and they had to stop. Raccoons carry a bacteria that can cause meningitis and even kill you. They returned in protective gear to suck out all the old funk in the attic, remove the final ceilings, blow in new insulation, re-sheet rock, trim and paint every room.

Our insurance covered most of this damage. It did not cover any roof damage as it was a new roof and was installed to code. It did cover the removal of the insulation and putting new in, but not the sanitation. It covered all the inside construction work. And the cherry on top for me, they had the carpets cleaned once the job was done. Hallelujah. All in all, after we paid our deductible, Adam and I felt that we have been very well taken care of by everyone involved and we can see God's provision and working all this restoration of our home for our good.

We could not stay in the home due to raccoon feces, fans blowing and other construction issues. We expected to have a little vacation; the kind where you don't have to wash your own towels, which I like very much. But as I mentioned above that mini-vacation extended into a two month stay.

The After

During that time we had two major family crisis', everything broke and really, I could go on. But the Lord sustained us through it all.

And my reward feels sweet. Here is my new kitchen!

We went with bold Sealskin colored walls and in my dining room, I painted the scripture, "He brought me to His banqueting table and His banner over me is Love." It is indeed feeling like home!

The Perryman's live in Tulsa, OK with their three children and Natasha blogs about life, home, cooking and more at: http://perrymanfamily.blogspot.com.

Building a Pond: an alternative to gardening

The finished project.

Trying to keep a garden alive in the 105 degree summer heat is nearly impossible, especially when neither you nor your husband have a green thumb.

After a few months of coming home and seeing our pathetic weeds, we decided to do something to make our home have more ‘curbside appeal.’ That is when Ryan decided to build a pond. I was excited and all for it...until about a third of the way through building it when I realized just how much manual labor this was really going to be.


We started by digging our raised garden BY HAND. We fought through the roots and weeds that wanted to get in our way. There were over 25 wheel barrows full of dirt. It was insane! If we were to do it again, we definitely would have rented a mini back-hoe from Home Depot ($50 dollars a day).

After getting everything dug up, Ryan installed valve boxes to house the pumps. I am glad I married a handyman, I would not have known what to do. We had to buy the pump and filter, but we were able to make the bottom drains and water fall weir (by we, I mean Ryan).


Finally, it was time to put down the liner and start building our pond. Coming up with ideas on paper was the easy part, actually putting in the waterfall was not as easy as it seemed. We thought of plenty of ideas, but they all had at least one thing that would be trouble shooting. Our pond stayed green for about a month. We would go outside a couple of hours every day or two, but Texas was having the 110 degree weather spells, and it was just too hot. Our house was seriously the messiest one on the block, but we just couldn’t figure out what to do!


One weekend, Ryan and I went outside, and spent 10 hours each day and finally figured out what to do.


We went to buy some flat flagstone rocks, and we arranged them over 30 times, until we found the perfect way to do it! After setting it all up, we decorated it, but we just didn’t like it. The water wasn’t running well, and it just did not meet our expectations. All of the water was seeping into the cracks, only about a fourth was actually making it to the bottom of the fall.

After doing further research, we took everything down, and put in mortar to hold the rocks together.


After two days, when everything was dry, we put it together again, and we could not have been any
happier! It ran beautifully, and has such a wonderful, relaxing noise. Every night, my hubby and I go out there to relax and spend time together.


If you want to add a pond to your yard, our advice to you is:

1. Before you start, know how much it’s going to cost you. Rock is anywhere from $.20/lb to $.50/lb, and you will need a lot of it. This is one place that Ryan and I failed. We did not budget more than $100 for rock, because who would think rock would be expensive?! Also, just the liner, pumps and filter depending on the size of your pond can be $300 to $1200.
2. Make sure you have time set aside. Ours took us a month to do, and that is going outside everyday for a few hours.
3. Have a truck to carry rocks in. 
4. Be ready to spend every night outside listening to the peaceful sound of water flowing.
5. Last but not least, be ready for a lot of visitors and compliments.

Ryan and Emily Fiscus

Two years ago, Ryan and I went out on our first disastrous, yet unforgettable, first date. Rather than us parting ways, we gave it another shot and are now newlyweds (just shy of being married six months). We keep falling more in love every day.  

We have beautiful home just south of the DFW metroplex and two very hyper three month old puppies that keep our lives interesting. We both stay busy during the week. Ryan is an HVAC technician working on owning the family business and I work as a school photographer, yet we still find time to update and ‘beautify’ our house. So far, we have done paint jobs, built fish tanks, made furniture and last but not least, built our beautiful pond.   

Life couldn’t be any better!