Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

I've mentioned it before, but I grew up in a very fiscally responsible household, but also a mother who loved to shop. My dad often joked that my mom should go visit the furniture store. And no, my parents did not own a furniture store. He was referring to the basement storage closet. Filled with boxes, Christmas decorations, extras (toothpaste, toilet paper, #ziplocbaggies) for days, and home decor. As a minimalist herself, my mom frequently swapped out accessories. Flipping vases for #JonathanAdler white ceramic animal statues, plants for pots, frames for oversized coffee books.

So, in typical 'apple doesn't fall far from the tree' standards, I am my mothers daughter. I too keep a furniture store, except mine is not in the basement (small apartment tiny home living!), it is two cabinets above the fridge. Filled with extra party wine glasses, vases, candles, platters, and faux flowers. Often times, especially as the seasons flip, I open up my trusty furniture store cabinets, and get to work! Velvet pillows during the winter, swapped with linen pillows in the summer heat. Fresh orchids instead of faux flowers to elevate an elegant room.

A few tips to help you #reduce.reuse.recycle:

1. Create your own furniture store: When traveling, bring a piece of home decor home with you. My favorites are local watercolors, white ceramic animals (apples again...), and candles.

2. Less stuff = less dust: It seems intuitive, but it is true! And, an excuse to dust is also an excuse to organize.

3. Donate, and donate again: I live by the 'one in, one out' rule. So, the more you donate, the more you can buy, on sale of course!

Until Next Time,

AA

The Queen apple herself!