Recently, I’ve been doing a little research about Minimalism. Not the architecture so much, but the lifestyle. Living with less “stuff”, and being completely content. Being Completely happy with 2 pairs of jeans and a shirt for everyday of the week. Getting rid of clutter, things you don’t need, things you never should have purchased, or just things that just plain don’t matter! There are quite a few of movements out there, more and more people giving up things and growing in character, life experiences and memories, rather than just living for the American Dream; Bigger is better, or is it? Check out the few sites I’ve listed..get a taste for what people are doing while the majority work to acquire more debt and more STUFF.

http://www.theminimalistmom.com

http://guynameddave.com/2011/01/so-what-exactly-is-the-100-thing-challenge/

http://lovingsimpleliving.com/2011/09/living-a-minimalist-life-in-140-square-feet/

After, reading about the 100 –Thing Challenge, I started to think..I think I have well over a hundred things in my linen closet alone! I have over 30 bottles of nail polish, mostly different shades of Red & pink…is this really necessary?!?! I’m starting to go through my things, just in time for “Spring Cleaning” , out with the things I haven’t used in at least 30 days and taking a small tally of wasted money along the way..

Unnecessary Product of the Day - Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller

Don’t ask me why I fall for these products sometimes. I bought this awhile ago, before I was on the “All natural” band wagon, I would never purchase this now. Besides containing mostly ingredients that I can’t pronounce, it has a few dyes, and a few ingredients that are carcinogens-questionably. It also has an ingredient that may or may not be linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s!! Yay! I’m so glad I rubbed that on my eyes for a week. And of course it contains pigments derived from animals. It can’t all be that bad; the tube says it has Lemon Extract. Woohoo. I’m always in a desperate search for something to help with my dark circles, although deep down I know it’s just hereditary and will never change. Once again I’m a victim of consumerism. Cost to buy this now from Walgreens is $12.99!  I’m sure I had a coupon at the time. One product out..only about a million left. J

Easy Broccoli Salad

1 head of broccoli                            1 red bell pepper

1 yellow bell pepper                        1 cup of diced onions

1 4 oz jar of green olives                 1-4 oz jar of artichoke hearts

2 tablespoons minced garlic            1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper                          8 tbsp Olive Oil

¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese   2 tbsp vinegar

½ tsp Oregano                                ½ tsp Rosemary

1 tsp lime juice (optional)

 Add 3 tbsp Olive Oil to hot pan mince onions and add to pan.

Finely chop both bell peppers (red & yellow), add to pan. Continue on medium heat until Onions are translucent. Add 1 tbsp minced garlic, remove from heat.

Bring approximately 5 cups water to boil. Add broccoli that has been chopped into bite size pieces. Continue to boil 5 minutes. Broccoli should still be bright green and slightly crunchy. Drain and rinse broccoli.

Drain & rinse Artichoke hearts and olives. Chop roughly and add to onion pepper mix. Cook onions, peppers, artichokes & olives in same pan to heat thoroughly. Once heated, drain mix, add broccoli and mix.

In separate bowl, combine remaining Olive Oil, garlic & spices, lime juice & Parmesan Cheese. Wisk together and drizzle over salad. Lightly toss salad and serve while warm.

Makes 5-6 servings.

HI! I'm Necole. I'm a proud mother of a 4 year old girl and soon to be step- mother to two awesome boys aged 4 & 6!! I'm starting this blog, just as it says, in a search for Inner Peace aka..I have too much in my head, I need to put it somewhere!!! Bear with me, as its my first time blogging. Please submit requests for blogs, topics to cover, Help with DIY and anything else you have on your mind!!!