On The Blog: Solve your stuff problems with a space budget. You know that feeling when you learn something surprising... and you know from that point forward, you can't ever NOT know it? I've had this realization several times in my life -- after learning about the birds and the bees, after researching the health benefits of whole grains, and after reading Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism... to name a few. The exact statistics don't necessarily stick in my brain -- but since reading that book a few years ago, I can't NOT see our culture's obsession with smartphones and social media, or what it's doing to our children. I went down a rabbit trail last week and came across a LONG article about "Unmachining" (or using devices less). The most thought-provoking quote for me was: "Part of the solution is structural and social. It's not enough that we limit our device use. We need to eliminate the presence of devices from certain situations and encourage a moral awareness that makes this a reasonable demand. Only a few decades ago, you could have visited a friend's house and lit up a cigarette with children present, and possibly nobody would have cared—while today it would be a scandal. But to suggest that people don't bring their phones into your home, or use them in front of your children, would itself be a scandal in most homes today." (read the full article here) It's humbling to think that, as adults, our "second-hand device exposure" could have just as much (if not more) lasting negative effects on our children as the second-hand smoke exposure of previous decades. And social media is arguably more addictive than smoking (yet more socially acceptable). Cell phones and cigarettes... still don't buy it? Read these stats. Simple Food. Looking for an easy appetizer for game day, an upcoming holiday party, or a simple brunch with your family? Try these bacon-wrapped sausage bites. Make them ahead if you're short on time, and keep them warm in a slow cooker for hours! Get the recipe --> Bacon-wrapped sausage bites. Organized Home. One of the more frustrating aspects of home organization is the fact that clutter always seems to return... unless you have a space budget. See how we implement these in our home, and how they help to prevent clutter from coming back! Learn more --> Solve your stuff problems with a space budget. Intentional Living. After all my smartphone reading/research this week, I was inspired to re-read (and update) my post about touching our phones less. These 5 tips work well for us and I think they will be a great (simple) starting point for you too... plus, get my FREE downloadable phone wallpaper and we can be "phone twins"! 😊 Keep reading --> 5 tips to touch your phone less. In other news... It's been 20 years!?! I attended my 20-year high school reunion. Apparently, since I'm not on Facebook, I didn't realize we were having a reunion, but a friend mentioned it to me that afternoon and I was still able to go. It was fun, I recognized almost everyone... and I didn't feel old! Her first concert: Nora had her very first middle school band and choir concert last night (I still can't believe she's in middle school?!?!) She rocked it on the trombone and sang beautifully. His first win: Simon won his first football game of the season! They have an awesome team and amazing coaches who care WAY more about the boys than winning (which I love) but it was still fun to get that first W... what a stud! His first fish: James went fishing with friends and caught his first fish! A fishing pole is now at the top of his Christmas list. Her first snake: Clara took a field trip to a local nature center and got to touch a snake for the first time... she was pretty brave about it too! That's all for this week. Let me know if you set a space budget anywhere in your home... or if you're inspired to detox from your devices! Blessings 😊 ~ Andrea |
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