wisconsin trip

last week we were home in wisconsin for the week.  being there always gives me motivation for simplifying.  most of the people we visit and spend time with, including my parents where we stay, live out in the country.  a simple, quiet life surrounded by nature, lots of room for the kids to run and play, contentment.

when we got back to the city, i felt very sure of what to get rid of.  the picture i posted was taken at the end of my parents' street.  it was a beautiful evening, no accessories required.  : )

trying to turn 1 step back into 2 steps forward ....

yesterday was back to school shopping day, and let me tell you, when i was hauling all those bags in the door i sure felt like my quest to simplify was compromised in a major way.  my oldest is going into 2nd grade this year, and my second oldest into first.  they both had supply lists 2 pages long.  they have both grown almost 2 inches since last year, so i had to buy new standard school attire for them both.   i'm trying to re-use the shorts and skirts from last year.  i decided to get rid of a minimum of twice as much as i brought in the door with me.  so i already have a bag of clothes by the door to be donated.  that way hopefully for every 1 thing new we have, we will be getting rid of 2 things.  eh?  eh?  

since my kids are required to wear standard school attire (which is like uniforms) for school, i have to buy that stuff brand new.  otherwise i have decided from now on to purchase clothes for the kids only from consignment shops and thrift stores.  this is a way to save money, resources, and not support corporations.