Abundance, Redefined.
This quote from Claire Donohue- a decorator in July’s House Beautiful- really inspired us:
Get rid of stuff. Choose one set of dishes for all occasions, one saute pan, and one set of glasses- those stemless wine glasses work for juice, cocktails, wine, milk. Live only with what you love and use daily. Think of it as a different kind of abundance.
It’s easy to get caught up with wanting more than you need (and buying things you’ll never use), so even though we’re always posting about steals & deals, it’s nice to sit back and remember that the most peaceful places and spaces always demonstrate that less really is more.
Here’s to living light!
Image courtesy of Real Simple
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This post made me wonder what other decor magazines you read. I am currently loving MS Living, Domino, and Cottage Living, but I would love to know what gets you running to the mailbox – do tell.
Oh! What a coincidence! I’ve been just posting on my blog about living more simply, getting rid of things you don’t love, etc. I’ll tell you what, other than dealing with the whack jobs on Craigslist, it’s the most freeing feeling in the world!
I wish I could live like that. . . but, I’m a clutter bug through and through (I really think it’s in my genes). I may be forced into simpler living soon though, the house I’m buying is only 624sqft!
We have two dish sets – one we use everyday and the wedding china (that we are still slowly buying pieces for). But I do like the idea of having only one set of glasses. We’ll see what the Mr. says.
I get bored with the same dishes – I have three sets (one of which is mis matched thrift store variety), which I rotate every 6 months or year. I hate paper plates, so when we have really big parties, we use them all
I also have three or four dozen jelly jars I use as glasses for such occasions
on an “everyday” basis – I use a collection of thrift store/flea market glasses. they are unique and I don;t cry when they get broken – ok, I do cry when they get broken, but then I dry my tears and go see what the local thrift store has…
Thanks for dishing about your dishes (and about paring down in general). We love to hear what works for you. And Kirstin, we’re shameless deco mag devourers (but we always remember to recycle ‘em). Here are some of our favs:
Cottage Living
House Beautiful
Domino
Better Homes & Gardens
Elle Decor
Martha Stewart Living
Real Simple
Coastal Living
Country Home
O At Home
Blueprint (RIP)
I actually only get the first four mags in my mailbox every month, and read the rest at Barnes & Noble (a favorite place for us to chillax every other weekend for a few hours). And although John flips through the occasional Real Simple, he can’t get over how every magazine above is “peppered with dresses and frilly things” and “totally meant for chicks” so he prefers the more manly Men’s Health Living. Which has come out exactly once. He’s still waiting for the next issue six months later. Fingers crossed…
xo,
Sherry