More on the 26 Acts

     As I mentioned on my first post, I was really touched by Ann Curry's encouragement of people doing kind acts in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy.  I try to do random acts of kindness here and there, and I've received two great ones over the past year (way before this) that truly brightened not only my day but also my outlook on people in general.  Honestly, I do believe that most people are 90% good but also that sometimes we need a reminder of that.  I'm posting my progress on this small project not to brag but to keep myself on track with actually completing the process and also just in case I can provide ideas for anyone else.

     Despite my best intentions, the universe itself seemed to conspiring against me doing some of these acts.  For example, I went to Wawa to get a coffee with the firm intention of buying one for the person behind me. However, the store split into two lines and although the other one was long, no one at all got behind me in line.  Exact same thing at Starbucks... everyone in front of me... no one behind me!  So that will have to wait for another time... but onto the ones I have completed:

#3  Used extra Kohl's cash to purchase items for those in need-- warm gloves, hat, socks, etc.

This one made me happy because despite my dislike of spending time in Kohl's due to the claustrophobic feeling the store invokes in me, it's actually an idea I thought of on my own when my mom offered me the $30.00 in Kohl's cash.  This technically should be 2.5 at this point because I attempted one delivery to a shelter (even after calling and confirming) and no one answered the door, so I still need to actually drop off.

#4  Donated some gift cards to www.giftcardgiver.com.

They "distribute donated cards to worthy nonprofits" according to All You magazine (thanks for the idea!).  It couldn't have been easier.  Just take any gift card with any amount (full or partially used), write the balance in marker on the front of the card, and mail it.

#5 Left a 5.00 Dunkin Donuts gift card and a note on a car parked next to me at Target.

I actually tried to do this a few times before I got up the nerve.  Even though I was doing a good deed, I was really nervous that someone would see me and think I was doing something bad.  I also kept seeing cars that looked like good candidates until I realized there was a person in there.  Again, I wasn't trying to scare anyone, so I needed an empty car.  When I finally did it, I felt great.  I know I'd be thrilled if this one happened to me.

Winter Cleaning-- Makeup Organizer Edition

    Yesterday, I tackled the small, easy, and fun job of cleaning out my makeup organizer.  I've been feeling a bit reflective and didn't have much energy for something bigger, so I definitely enjoyed bringing a bit more order to something I use on a daily basis.

      First of all, the storage system I use might seem a bit unusual, but I really like it.  Instead of using a bag (all those compartments to dig into) or a tackle box type of storage container, last summer I purchased a bamboo tray with different compartments... I don't remember if it was initially intended as a drawer organizer or even some type of silverware tray, but so far it has worked out great.  It sits in my closet on a shelf, I take it out and place it on the counter, and everything is there in one place, visible.  All I have to do is pick up each thing and put it back... one of my better organization tricks.  I think the idea was from a magazine, but I'm not sure.  I'll just guess Real Simple and leave it at that.  Despite the ease of use, it's not immune to human error such as putting things back haphazardly or leaving a leaky lip gloss to contaminate its nearest companions.

Before:

During:

After:

The fallen soldiers:  *Lip balm that was completely used up, eyeliner that was so tiny I couldn't use it anymore from my best friend, the aforementioned leaky gloss, a smashed lipstick, and finally a hardened old blush.  The other stuff I was hesitant to throw away but didn't want to devote space to (hello, disappointing set of Mally glosses) went into a clear container to be pulled out in the spring to either be given new life or tossed out.

Ahh the simple beauty of a simple beauty organizer.   :)

Today my plans for simplifying were a little simpler.  

#1 on my list = clean out the day planner

     In June, I purchased this planner from Amazon to celebrate the completion of my Master's degree.  I was tired of having to get a new planner every year and especially tired of the fact that the three-ring part would start coming out of the bottom with a few months still left in the year.  It felt wasteful to throw one away each year, and I wanted something more grown-up and more put together.  As I searched Kate Spade and other retailers, I realized how expensive my "dream planners" were, and luckily Amazon had this one for a much better price than some of my other favorites.

http://www.amazon.com/Day-Timer-Leather-Organizer-Planner-D48434/dp/B000TGSIOU

     I've enjoyed the leather and enjoyed the fact that it's small and cute to pull out as needed.  Unfortunately, I somehow still have kept a separate work calendar, which I didn't really want to do.  I guess it's good to keep work and personal separate as much as possible, so maybe it's not a bad thing.  However, I did notice that compared to the old planners I'd used, this one can be a little... heavy.

      As a person who tends to imagine every little What if? in life, I always keep my calendars way too long.  Today, I decided to pull out the used pages of June through November as well as a lot of notes I'd taken on various work procedures that I now am familiar with.  Of course, the What if I need that someday? popped into my head, but I reminded myself that to this point in life, no one has ever asked me my whereabouts on September 16th at 6:00 p.m. or any other date.  Also, if I forgot something I'd taken notes on, there are other people who I can ask.  So, seven months of the calendar and my old notes aren't weighing it down anymore... leaving my planner a little bit lighter but me realizing the short months that separate me from my next birthday.  

Bye Bye Clutter

Hello Nice and Neat Planner

Welcome to Sweet and Simple Sharing... living a sweeter, simpler life one day at a time!

     The day after Christmas... a simple and sweet tradition in the making.  :)  

     This year, I adopted a tradition from a friend of mine for December 26th.  She does "Pajama Day" on the day after Christmas each year.  Anyone is welcome to come over and hang out as long as they are in their pajamas.  This sounded like a great idea to me since my plans to visit some family in N.J. had to be rescheduled due to a weather forecast of sleet and snow all day long.  When I initially thought about trying Pajama Day myself, it sounded amazing and relaxing- a whole day to just decompress.  DVDs, no makeup, and peace and quiet.  No crowds, no spending money, just enjoying the day with a cup of coffee slowly watching the snow fall outside my window.  

     It wasn't quite like I'd pictured.  Despite stocking up on a few DVDs, I ended up being very productive (even in my pajamas all day).  

Some things I did to simplify:

*Got rid of some old Christmas decorations (suggestion taken from many magazines) to make it easier next year

*Cleaned out my recipe binder and magazine binder

*Went through my stash of magazines and culled the articles I wanted for my binder

*Added new recipes (and recycled some I thought I would make but changed my mind on)

*Made up bags for the Salvation Army

More importantly:

*Pulled out some Christmas gifts that I can donate this year to a homeless shelter and/or domestic violence shelter

*Picked out the cards I could send to Saint Jude's for their Recycling Cards program

The last two were important to me because I made the commitment to the #26Acts (http://www.facebook.com/26acts).  I want to do my part to honor the victims at Sandy Hook by adding something positive into the universe. No, we can't bring back the victims whose lives were lost.  No, I can't fix all of the problems in our society that have contributed to events like this.  Yes, I can do 26 acts of kindness for others to try to help the world in my own small way.  

Hence, #1- Donate cards to Saint Jude's 

            #2- Gather and donate body washes and hand soap to a local homeless shelter and/or domestic violence shelter

Cards to be sent to Saint Jude's

Donations for a shelter

      Starting this blog reflects my commitment to a few things- simplifying life, living a sweeter life, and sharing more of my life with others.  For today, I can breathe a little easier knowing I am getting some clutter out and blessing others with what I can... even in my pajamas.  

-K