Am I feeling "lighter" yet .....

Well, I was getting so psyched up for my simplification project that I started a day early.  Truth be told, my mommy brain took over and I THOUGHT it was September 1st - but alas it was still August ... ha ha.

So, project simplify is officially underway.  I dug out 2 LARGE tupperware containers, that were empty and just taking up space in my over-crowded storage room.  I felt pretty good that they are finally getting some good use.  I put them side by side in the dining room and decided to buckle down and get started.

The Kitchen ......

I first did all the dishes, packed everything away so that I knew that the kitchen was ready to be cleared out.  I opened cabinet after cabinet and first got rid of all the "obvious, non-emotionally-attached" stuff.  That filled both containers .... I was on a role.  But then .... the stuff you "might use sometime - right???"  Seriously - stuff I had not used in 12 years ... but maybe, just maybe I would use it next time I entertain!!! So I put all that stuff on the counter, and had a good "Come on Lize ... throw it out" discussion.  So I did.  I got rid of mugs (you know, the mug you got back in 1994 in San Diego that you have never used because it's actually too big :))  Yeah, I got rid of it.  That wok that always takes so much room and is awkward to store - and has NEVER been used.  Got rid of it ....  That glass platter with some big Christmas ornament etched in it (that might be worth something because it's crystal) .... you guessed it ... got rid of it :)  Mixing bowls, ice-cream maker, vases and more vases and other random stuff ... got rid of it. :)

Then I re-organized.  Moved pots and pans to a different cabinet.  Reorganized the drawers, re-packed all the glasses, mugs, plates etc. and now there is so much ROOM!!!  So, after I finished - I closed all the cabinets ..... and took a sigh of relief.  But, you know what's sad - the kitchen looks no different to anyone but me :)  Ha ha.  I almost want anyone coming over to open my cabinets and say how they notice what a big job this was .... ha ha.  However, I will tell you this much.  I feel lighter when I work in my kitchen.  I don't mind packing away the dishes (although I don't think that will last too long), and I don't feel weighed down by unused stuff.

Soooo - after I was done in the kitchen - I walked in the dining room (which at this point had stuff ALL over the table) .. and realized I had to now get rid of all this!  Bummer.  :)  So I loaded my car and drove it to the donation drop off.  They were blown away by how much I had to bring.  They asked if I was moving ... and I just laughed.  I told them they will be seeing a lot more of me - with a lot more stuff in my house!

So, step on ... THE KITCHEN .... Check ....

Now onto baby toys and supplies ..... oh boy .... this one is going to be a challenge!!!!