Twenty-Five Things I Don't Buy Anymore

Over the years, I have simplified many things in our household. We work on having a minimal-ish home where we are content and not overwhelmed with things. We also try hard to eliminate waste, and while we are not at zero-waste, we practice a near-o-waste policy. There are definitely more than 25 items that I do not purchase anymore due to different reasons, but twenty-five seemed like a good number for today’s blog post. Maybe I’ll expand it to fifty or one hundred at some point! The following list of random items I don’t purchase anymore is either due to finding an alternative that works better or is more eco-friendly, it is cheaper not to purchase it, or I have zero use for the item(s).

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In the Bathroom

1 | Makeup

I have my selection of favorite nail polish shades, but other than that, makeup is on the non-purchase list. I stopped buying it years ago, opting for a better skincare routine, and have not looked back. 

Related Post: What Happened When I Quit Makeup

2 | Makeup Wipes

I don’t wear makeup anymore, so I wouldn’t need these anyway. A good facial cleanser, and argon oil (and maybe some reusable cotton rounds) are all one needs to remove makeup, though!

3 | Shaving Cream

Instead, I use the same soap I already use in the shower. I’ve not noticed any difference in the shave since I stopped buying shaving cream, and honestly, it saves me a step in the shower, saves me time, and saves me money (wow, that stuff got expensive when I looked last!). You can always make your own if you feel you can’t live without it. 

4 | Single-Use Feminine Hygiene Products

All for the menstrual cup and period panties! It feels amazing not to throw feminine hygiene in the trash. The only exception is postpartum when cups are not usable.

Related Post: I Switched to a Menstrual Cup. Here’s What Happened.

5 | Hand Soap

Seven years later, I still make my own! It’s so easy and saves on single-use plastic (and money!), not to mention we are better able to avoid fragrances and other harsh ingredients that are commonly found in cheap hand soap. 

In the Office

6 | Wall Calendars

Unnecessary, in my humble opinion. I choose to use a digital calendar (and planner!)

7 + 8 | Pens and Pencils

I have so many of these, especially from conferences and from my teaching days. I’m pretty sure I can go a very, very long time without buying another pen or pencil. So I won’t! I’ll also mention that I’ve transitioned quite a bit to digital planning, so I haven’t used pens and pencils in quite some time. My husband is relieved, I’m sure. 

9 | Physical Books (with a few exceptions)

If I want to read a new physical book, the library is right around the corner from me. Everything else is a digital ebook or audiobook! The only exceptions to purchasing books are books that will be reread or referenced. If we don’t reread it, we pass it on to someone we think will enjoy it. 

10 | Notebooks

Another thing I have an overabundance of from my teaching days. I don’t need to purchase a notebook for a long time, and I’ve honestly been making the switch to digital notebooks, so I don’t think more will be much needed!

In the Kitchen 

11 | Vegetable Broth

Once I started making vegetable broth from collected scraps. I have not looked back. Not only is the price tag worth it, but it also does not take much time to make it - especially when I’m using my Instant Pot. The flavor is richer, and even my husband can tell when the homemade stuff is used. 

12 | Bottled Water

We choose reusable water bottles. And we may have a slight obsession with them - especially glass water bottles (I love this one from Amazon!)! We do have non-glass water bottles that are more practical for activities like camping, hiking, and going to the beach, though.

13 | Sparkling Water

We decided to get a SodaStream (check it out on Amazon here) because I am obsessed with sparkling water. I was tired of all the plastic bottles involved in satisfying my craving, and the SodaStream has been a fantastic tool to have in our kitchen.

14 | Plastic Tupperware

Instead, I reuse glass jars or purchase glass containers. They’re heavy but so worth it, and I’ve had no problems freezing or storing them. It’s gotten to a point where I can tell just by the taste that something was stored in old Tupperware. If you can’t use glass, there are other alternatives, like tin containers, that are great (and light) for activities that aren’t glass-safe! You can always upcycle any current plastic Tupperware you own for all kinds of uses!

In the Closet

15 | Scarves

I used to have an obsession with scarves. Obsession. I had boxes of scarves when I went through them all, and it was becoming a problem! My husband even recently remarked that I constantly wore scarves when we first met and started dating over a decade ago. I finally downsized to a few favorites (and I’m talking, a maximum of three scarves) a few years ago, and I have not purchased a scarf since. It does help that it’s not overly cold in Maryland, but even so, I’ve realized that having just a few in a cold place will do the trick for me.

16 | Disposable lint roller

With a cuddly cat, lint rollers are necessary for us. Reusable lint rollers work great (like this one), are less flimsy, and don’t fill up landfills so quickly.

In the  Supply Closet

17 | Fabric Softener

Aside from the plastic containers that add up from buying it, fabric softener is not good for your clothes. I stick with a sustainable laundry detergent (please, not a homemade one) to keep our laundry clean.

18 | Dryer Sheets

These are essentially fabric softener sheets for the dryer. I have some, but they were gifted, and I’ve never used them! They are not compostable or recyclable, so they need to be disposed of. I’ve also researched and found that they contain potentially harmful chemicals and the fewer chemicals I can have on our bodies, the better. Instead, I use reusable dryer balls made of wool (like these ones). They work well, catch lint, and are compostable. I find that a set lasts me years!

19 + 20 | Disposable Swiffer Duster/Broom 

Instead, I have a washable duster (similar to this) that goes right into the wash when full and I use a normal broom and mop (this is my favorite mop, by the way). A microfiber cloth and cleaning solution also works fantastic for dust. 

21 | Disposable furnace filters

We have a washable furnace filter that we switch out every couple of months (here’s a similar one). It works great, and there are no more trips to the hardware store to buy new disposable ones. 

22 | Scent boosters for the laundry

Why add more chemicals when not necessary? I’m sensitive to perfumy smells, anyway, so this has never been a product for me.

23 + 24 | Plug-ins or Air Fresheners

Again, more unecessary chemicals.

In the Nursery

25 | Disposable cloth diaper liners

I never understood what the point of disposable liners was, though I understand why parents would want to use them! When I found out about reusable fleece liners (I use these), I was here for it. They work great for us!

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Are there things you don’t buy anymore? Let me know about it in the comments!

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Creating Our Space Place - Basement Progress

The year 2020 held some challenges for us, as I’m sure it did for you too. March came, and all of a sudden, things were shutting down, our offices were moved home, I started teaching online, and while a lot of things were placed on hold, a lot of things also became busier. As a result, you didn’t hear much from me last year - especially as school began in the fall. 

Of course, this didn’t mean that home projects weren’t happening. As you know, we bought our first home in 2019 and last year gave us the great opportunity to work on a bunch of house projects that we wouldn't have had the time to do otherwise. 

One of the bigger projects (besides the kitchen, which I cannot wait to start renovating) was the basement. We had planned on waiting to update it, but it just sort of happened that we were able to begin on adding some personalized touches. 

We are far from finished down there, but we have definitely made some progress.

J, as you likely do not know, has a slight obsession with space and space travel. We decided that giving our multi-purpose basement a space theme was a no-brainer. No, it’s not going to look like a cheesy nursery when we’re done, but I’m already loving how it is turning out. 

Before

After!

First, we painted the walls black. Yes, black. We toyed around with this for a long time and thought about doing just one wall, but ended up completing the whole main room. It looks great. Perfectly moody and classy at the same time. We love how it turned out. Paint is such an inexpensive way to update a room, and this was no exception. It took us about two days to finish and we love the result. Even though the basement is still virtually empty, I still go down just to enjoy the atmosphere at times. 

Next we added some not-so-subtle pieces of art. For our main piece, Photowall came through for us yet again. If you remember, last year we ordered a wall mural from them for our master bedroom. This time, we went with a giant poster to go with our theme. It was pretty simple to assemble (took less than ten minutes!), and looks fantastic.

Photowall sent us this gorgeous poster and is offering our readers 25% off this month only when you use the code maplealps25. If you’re looking for an easy but bold way to transform your space, some nice wallpaper, a mural, or even a canvas print might be for you!

We are still waiting on some furniture to arrive for our new “Space Place” thanks to shipping and demand. It will take a few months for it to arrive, so be sure to stay tuned in for more progress posts.

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Do you have a custom or themed area in your home? Tell me about it in the comments below!

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Minimally Decorating for Different Seasons

Decorating as a minimalist - or an aspiring minimalist - has been a really interesting challenge to take on over the last few years. For one, I love, love, love seasonal decor! I love buying it, I love making it myself...I even enjoy just looking at all of it in the store (without making a purchase). There’s just something about it that makes me so happy. Perhaps you can relate. Maybe not. For another, I like to switch things up and add new pieces so that there is something new to admire...I foresee it potentially becoming a problem in the future, but not really.

After some practice, and loving the results of having truly minimal, but meaningful decor (and after experiencing the strange satisfaction I get from only having 2 small, organized totes for all of our seasonal decor), I’ve decided to share some of my favorite tips. 

Choose Pieces Carefully

I love having pieces that mean something to us personally. For you, it could be a piece of art that a friend painted or a vase you bought on your honeymoon. It could also just be something that really spoke to you when you laid your eyes upon it. Choose just a few pieces with a story behind them to display. With such depth behind them, you won’t need to have it stand next to anything else, plus they make great conversation starters.

Less is More 

Give your pieces space to breathe. It’s really okay to have some empty space. I find it rather soothing, personally, to have my eyes drawn to small subtle details rather than being overwhelmed by shelves full of decor. Resist the urge to fill an entire shelf - harder to dust that way anyway!

To make it easier, opt for larger items rather than a bunch of smaller ones for the same reason that less is more. It feels less cluttered, and again, the eye is drawn to the large details.

Consider Natural Items

I really enjoy bringing the outdoors inside for a few reasons. Having real plants, vegetables, and other natural elements like pinecones or woods makes me feel calm and welcomed in a space. Natural items are unique, easy to acquire, inexpensive (or even free sometimes!), and you can put them back outside when you’re finished to let them continue their natural course. 

Think About Other Senses

For me, decor is really a minor part of making my home ready for the holiday season. I love the smell of fresh sweet loaves baking in the oven, burning woodsy scented candles (or diffusing woodsy oils!), having the fireplace on, and listening to my holiday playlists (not just Christmas!) are highlights that make my home feel ready for the season. 

Start “Stuff”-less Traditions

Baking and decorating cookies with my family, game and movie nights, singing together, were all highlights of the holiday months growing up (and are still my favorite!). Sure, we also loved decorating with Bing Crosby singing in the background, but it was the feeling that contributed to the holidays too. 

Choose Pieces that Cross Seasons

When I look for decor and textiles, I look for pieces that can cross seasons and holidays. White linens and plates, for example, can be paired with various objects and patterns to fit most any season you may want to decorate for. Vases can be filled with different seasonal foliage. I will admit, however, that I have three different wreaths for the door.

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Are you a minimal decorator? What are some of your tips?

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Making Your Bedroom a Place of Escape

In the past two places we’ve lived, I’m sad to say that our bedroom was our very last priority when it came to making it feel like a livable space. In the first apartment we lived in, we never even bothered to furnish besides our bed, side tables and a mirror, or to hang anything on the spacious walls.  In our second place, it took a full year before we started even considering making it a cozy space. 

Because we like hosting, our situation makes sense when I think about it. We wanted to make sure that the more public areas in our home were presentable and comfortable. It’s not like anyone saw our room and we never had to offer an explanation as to why it wasn’t finished. Now that we are actually in a place that we own, our mentality is also a little different. We are free to do what we like, and there’s a feeling of a bit more permanence.

We naturally like to spend down time in our bedroom, so I don’t know why it took so long for us to realize that we needed to have a space away from the distractions of life and even the rest of our home! Sitting in the living room isn’t as relaxing as lounging in our bedroom, since the constant reminders of chores loom. Here are some ideas that you can incorporate into your bedroom today to create a space you love to relax in.

Get a Separate Work Space

I know, I know, working from your bed is very tempting and very comfortable, but hear me out! Not only is it better for your sleep to do screen work (yes, even watching nighttime television) outside of your bed, it’s better for your frame of mind when coming into your room. You want to associate your bedroom with rest, relaxation, and getting away - not with what work you still need to get done! Set up a space somewhere else in your house to work, do taxes, watch television, do laundry and eat. 

Have a place to retreat

Add someplace in your room, other than the bed, to retreat to. You can add a chair, a window seat, or even a bench at the end of your bed. It’s especially helpful when your back is out and you need some assistance putting on socks...not that that has ever happened to me...

Less Is More

We are the minimalist type - and even more so now. We’ve gotten used to having very little on the walls, owning basic furniture, and having simple living spaces. We find, even when we look at home decor magazines and such that we are drawn to the more minimalistic designs. We find it a reprieve to not have so much stimulating our minds when we look around. Our bedroom is no exception. I can’t explain to you how relaxing it is to come into a space that is not cluttered and is simply decorated. Keeping very minimal items on the various surfaces, and even the wall, allows our minds to rest and dream.

And Speaking of Laundry

Use comfortable bedding and don’t be afraid to play with textiles. I mean, don’t overdo it with the throws and decorative pillows, but don’t be afraid to add some for that extra cozy feel as well. Hang some nice (and preferably black-out) curtains in your space as well. Consider a rug to add another homey dimension. Whatever floats your oasis boat. 

Add Some Greenery

Add some plants. Having real plants in your bedroom is such a treat. You could have some fresh cuts once in a while, or even choose a potted plant that brings you joy. Greenery really livens up a space. 

Choose a Calming Statement Piece

Is that an oxymoron?  We tried for years to decide exactly what kind of perfect statement piece to put above our bed. It never really happened. We would browse art pieces and paintings and all sorts of things and could never decide what could be worthy of hanging above our heads while we dreamed. We finally decided to go for the entire wall and put up a mural. Enter Photowall, a Swedish company that specializes in wall murals, wallpaper, and even canvas prints and posters. 

I will admit that we were a little overwhelmed by just the sheer amount of options they had on their website since we’re pretty indecisive. We finally settled on these gorgeous watercolour mountains. Mountains hold a special place in both of our hearts, as you know by now - and as you know by our website name. We are also both huge fans of hues of blue, so it was perfect. The perfect customized accent wall for our oasis. We now call our bedroom our Mountain Getaway. I love walking in our room and feeling instantly at peace and calm. We seriously love it (I know I said that already but I had to make the point. Hehe)! Our bedroom isn’t completely finished yet, but it is well on the way! Astra approves.

The installation was a breeze. For perfectionists like us, it did take a few hours, but we wanted to make sure it looked fantastic. We buckled down on a Sunday afternoon, and it was done in no time at all! You even have the option of ordering a tool kit with your wallpaper so that you have everything on hand and are ready to go! All you need is a bucket for the paste.

Photowall sent us this gorgeous mural and is offering our readers 25% off this month when you use the code maplealpsblog2020. If you’re looking for an easy but bold way to transform your space, some nice wallpaper, a mural, or even a canvas print might be for you!

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What are some of the ways you make your own bedroom an oasis?

Is it a place you love being in, or would you like to make it a place you’d love being in more?

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Three Things to Know About Biblical Hospitality

What do you think of when you hear the word, “Hospitality”? I’m sure a few things may cross your thoughts like perfect Pinterest-worthy table settings and the latest mason jar craft. Maybe the South comes to mind with their famous Southern Hospitality, or finally getting to use that fancy wedding set you got years ago. I must admit: I thought the same. Since I was young, I would pour over home magazines, oohing and ahhing over all the pretty things that could house delicious meals (who am I kidding? I still do that from time to time). When I threw a party, I threw a party, going all out with decor and matching dishes and sometimes thematic scapes that would impress even Joanna Gaines (okay, maybe not that great, but you get the picture). 

When the topic of Biblical Hospitality came  up, I had no idea what that was. I had taken one of those spiritual gifts test and had gotten hospitality as one and I did not know what that meant. I decided to dig a little deeper. Here are just a few things I found in the Bible about hospitality (all verses are from the English Standard Version)

• “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

• “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9

• "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:13

• "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

• “...and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” Acts 2:46

• “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” Matthew 25:35

It is tempting to get discouraged in times like today when social media shows picture-perfect homes and tablescapes. It’s tempting to just give up and not even bother trying unless your party is Instagram-worthy. 

With the Bible being so clear on the importance of each of us showing hospitality, I felt it important to not only practice it, but help others do so as well. Today, I want to share with you just three things to know about Biblical Hospitality. I hope it is practical for you and will encourage you as you move forward in blessing others!

1) It Is For Everyone and Yields Great Joy

We are to show hospitality to everyone we meet - not just our family and friends. Hospitality requires vulnerability and obedience. Some of the best and most memorable visits are messy and unexpected. Sometimes showing hospitality is even unwanted! I’ve had many a time, especially because I’ve devoted my life to ministry, where people have shown up at the door, or plans have been made very last minute. I’m quite type A and like to have things perfectly in order. When I’m tempted to turn people down or shrink away, I remember Christ’s example of embracing everyone. It is always a blessing when I choose to follow His way.

Although the practice of hospitality asks the sacrifice of our time, our needs and our resources, it is rewarded with great joy. There is not much that is more energizing and fulfilling than serving others. You just need to be willing!

2) Hospitality is Not the same as Entertaining

There is no mention of Pinterest or picture-perfect table spreads in any definitions of hospitality. Of course, there is nothing wrong with making things beautiful for our guests (and we absolutely should create pleasant and warm atmospheres for them), but is your motivation true hospitality, or just showing off? 

Remember: entertaining is to impress, but hospitality is to bless.

The best hospitality I’ve experienced has been with those who encourage me and welcome me without even trying. I’ve left their company refreshed and ready to pass their love to others. Be sure that people leave your company refreshed and invigorated for good, and pray that they have experienced Christ through you.

3) Hospitality Is About More Than Sharing a Meal

Hospitality can be risky, and is asked of all of us (remember those verses above?). While some of us may find it easier to do than others, we are all called to show Christ's love and hospitality - it can be (and should be!) a part of our lives.

Being aware of the needs of others is a huge way to show this. Pray with others. Encourage them. Listen to them! Yes, give them a meal if that is how you are ministering to them. Meeting needs in a practical way is truly hospitable - would we not want the same to be shown to us?

Hospitality is for us to show God's love to others. God calls us to it, and the rewards are eternal. We have been blessed so we can bless others. Withholding hospitality will hinder our joy. 

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How do you show hospitality? What are some things you struggle with when doing so? Does it come easily to you?

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