Simple Symmetry

Blog changes/refocus of purpose

2011-05-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

So I'm revamping the blog a little. I'm still going to feature ideas for living simply in a small space because I am passionate about keeping my footprint on this earth down to something from which it can easily recover.

But there is more to living Simple Symmetry than just the space one occupies...there is the space one is occupied BY. The space within. Our purpose, values, ideas...and dealing with the everyday messiness of the mind.

I've been doing a ton of reading/studying/self-reflection and I need a space to write about this facet of my life along with other "simple life" types of things. They all go together in my world.

So I hope you'll all enjoy the changes, the post count should go up now too. I hope you'll weigh in with your own insights and thoughts about what I post. I'm looking forward to learning from a variety of viewpoints!

Photo by Eric Jacobs

Today's epiphany was compliments of BNet a fantastic sight for all things motivational, business, inspiration and just good stuffs. You have to join, but it's free. Today I read an article about multitasking and was struck by the last bullet point:

Likewise, when you’re meeting one-on-one or in a small group, you should give them your undivided attention. Not only is that more efficient for everyone, it’s called treating people with respect.

That one hit me right between the eyes! The whole experience of reading that one bullet point began with some mental finger pointing in the direction of one of the people I deal with on a daily basis. Oh I was righteously indignant and that finger was LONG! But then, there was this sudden turning of the finger...and I remembered that "silly" thing I learned so many years ago. The things that bug you the most about others are the things you don't like or won't acknowledge about yourself. BINGO! I am so guilty of this, no wonder it derails me when I am on the receiving end. I'm trying to wake myself up!

Ok, I'm awake. This week I practice giving others my full attention. This week I practice offering them my respect.

More Small Homes

2011-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Seems more and more Folks are looking to live simply without unneeded extravagance. I like some of these tiny homes, but not all of them. Which one is your favorite? (click the Picture to go look!)

Shabby Chic Victorian Cottage in the Catskill Mountains

2010-06-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I admit it's a bit "girly" but I am a girl, so I love it. The surroundings, the house, everything.
Look at this front view:

Click the picture for the article in the NY Times

This was originally a hunting cabin in the Catskill mountains. The woman in the picture, Sandra Foster, renovated the whole thing for the cost of about $3000.00, furniture included.

For more pictures, there is a link in the article to follow to see the inside, surrounding areas and to learn more about the Ms. Foster and her husband. You can also click the following photograph.

(I even like the idea that the bedroom is all hers!) Another small space I could call home, except for the missing heat and bathroom...fix that and I'm IN!

Found the perfect Table!

2010-05-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well, almost perfect. It's the perfect size and height...absolutely perfect in that way.
I picked it up for a sweet 10 bux at the local thrift store. It could use a refinishing and a good sanding, to smooth out a nick or two, but it'll do the trick.
Living in an RV, I don't need it to be too fancy...not in this RV anyway...maybe the next one.

Unfortunately, I also learned that the printer is up at my MIL's so it will be a while still, before I have that in place.

I'll post a picture of it later. Thrift stores rock!

My new video! You can make one too!

2010-04-18T12:42:00.001-07:00

Unexpected Guests?

2010-03-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is a cute little number that doubles as an ottoman by day into evening and when you need an extra bed, it folds open to become a comfy bed! I have used those inflatable Aerobeds that are famous for being the height of a real bed, though there aren't, and I can never get warm enough to sleep. For some, the Aerobed is a great solution since they prefer cooler temps for sleeping.

It's possible that I might appreciate an Aerobed in the heat of summer...oh wait, it was Las Vegas in September! Nevermind. Even a blanket to sleep on wasn't enough. But THIS little bed would be warm and cozy. It's quite a bit more narrow than a traditional twin bed - 9 inches actually - and only an inch longer than a traditional twin. Still, a good solution to have an extra bed around in a studio apartment, dorm room or even a den. Look!

As a Bed

As an ottoman

Pretty cool!

For my purposes, it would be great to have a couple of ottomans for putting our feet up at the end of the day, and all the while, I'd know I could handle a couple more overnight guests than are supplied with the built in sleep areas within my home.

Once again, you can find it here: www.improvementscatalog.com

I realize I've posted a bunch of items from this company. I assure you all, I am not affiliated in any way. I just received a catalog and realized there would be some great stuff in there for me to mention here. So there you have it. I suppose there will be other posts from this catalog company as I did see a couple other items I'm thinking about, but then, another catalog might arrive with great ideas too.

Do you have some favorite sites/catalogs like Improvements for me to check out? Would love to know about them!

The Coolest Little Table Ever!

2010-03-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

I found the perfect table for the next trailer we own. When we have that sweet fifth wheel, I shall tell them to keep their dining room table and replace it with this sweet little space saving gem!

It will live against a wall - perhaps beneath a sunny window - when not in use and it will be so perfect! See?

And when it's time to enjoy dinner or something that requires a little more table space, I'll open it up and do this:

And if we have more company, I'll get the 2 extra FOLDING chairs and the two extra leaves out of the "basement" storage and do this!

What style I choose depends entirely upon the interior decor of the fifth wheel. I like them both equally. Pretty neat, huh? This would work really well in a studio apartment too.

Find it here: www.improvementscatalog.com

What do you think?

Green Candlelight

2010-03-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

WHAT???

Ok, living in a trailer, it's sometimes a bit scary to have open flame around the house, even if it is romantic, pretty or just gives a festive feel to entertaining. I had to find a solution to that problem but then I saw this and while the disposable ones last a long time, this one just seems more responsible to me.

If you've never tried these, I hope you will. Burning wax isn't the best thing for your health or the environment - where did you think that wax goes??? I wasn't big on artificial candlelight, but I picked up some GE battery powered artificial candles back in 2008 to use to make the rustic ladies restroom at the park into a less rustic and more inviting space for women to check their makeup and it was just another nice touch to add to the specialness of the day. (The purse hooks we hung up are still on the stall walls! More on those hooks in a future post.) I went up the hill in my gown to use the facilities and I was so impressed with the ambient glow of those little lights. They really do flicker like candlelight. I was impressed and so were so many of the ladies who weren't even attending the wedding festivities - just enjoying a day at the park. I was so happy for them to enjoy it too. Unfortunately, there are no photos of the restrooms. Our photographer was male. :)

These little cuties are rechargeable. Again, a solution best left on the shelf until I have a basement area to set this up and then I can have some charging while using the others. These only last 12 hours, and I'm absolutely certain the GE disposables (though you can replace the batteries) last a lot longer than that. This is simpler than replacing the batteries and can be put out of site. I think it's a good solution!

You can also pick these up at www.improvementscatalog.com

Dotz!

2010-03-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

I first learned about these on the Radiant Organizing blog - a great blog with useful tips on getting, and staying organized.

DOTZ are a colorful little clamp on, easy to use, cord organizing solution. Preprinted labels - picture labels, so it doesn't matter what language is spoken, anyone can figure these out - are included with a set.

When you move things around a lot, (disconnect the flatscreen and put it safely on the bed so it won't topple on a hard right turn) it's useful to have a "map" rather than starting all over again: Where does the DVD cable go? what's this one? How come I have an extra cable??? :-D

This is a simple idea but makes so much sense! Check them out! These are also available at Improvements.

Managing Mail

2010-03-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

The husband and I get a lot of mail. Seems it's an unending stream of paper coming in and not so much going out. I have as many things coming to us as "paperless" as I can, yet still, we are indated with wood pulp.

We used to have a multi purpose printer/scanner/fax/copier in the house but after moving a couple times, the husband decided we "didn't need it." I continue to sing the ballad of "Yes we do and here's why!" Yet, here we are, over a year later...and no printer/scanner/fax/copier here. I am one sad panda, I tell you.

Part of the problem is that we need a table for it. This table must serve well. It must be of a certain measurement - I believe something like 24 inches wide by no more than 14 inches deep - yet not much more shallow either - probably closer to 3 feet tall rather than 2, have no bottom shelf but allow access for our doggie to get to her food and water because those bowls will need to keep their home under that table. If I can just find the right table...I will have my printer back!

I want to scan all this paper and turn it into bits and bytes that we can access when we need to. Back it up in "the cloud" and then shred the actual paper for recycling.

We had an issue with mail piling up on the dinette table or on the mini counter in front of the Television so we purchased some wall pockets which hubby installed for us each on the wall on our sides of the bed. These work pretty well to "catch" incoming mail and paperwork. Still, they get to overflowing due to having no where to really store all that stuff.

I want my printer/scanner/fax/copier back please...pronto. But I need to find the perfect table for it. Any ideas? I've tried so many places!

Storing Crutches

2010-02-04T14:55:00.001-08:00

Yes, you read that title correctly. I'm currently on crutches and that makes me a very sad person. I don't know yet why it is that I cannot bear weight on my right leg without pain, but tomorrow's MRI will tell all and hopefully the solution is simple, quick and easy.
Heck! I'll go for simple, slow as molasses and easy too. Just keep me out of the "complicated" range. Complicated involves scalpels and sutures and icky stuff like that!

In the meantime, I've been glad to have found a local drugstore that RENTS crutches for $2 USD per day. I would much rather rent them or borrow them than have to purchase yet another pair and then give them to good will or some other place that will use them since I have nowhere to store them and no reason to WANT to.

But there is another way, and if you have an unused pair of crutches, a wheelchair, canes, bathroom safety supplies, and/or perhaps a nursery monitor, blood pressure monitor, or some other reuseable piece of medical equipment, I invite you to do a google search for "loan closet" and your city to see what comes up. If you do get a hit, it's generally from the American Red Cross or a local Hospice service. Both great causes to which you can donate your items. Saves you on storage and also, should you need an item in the future, you can contact them to see if they can loan you what you need.

For me, this completely solves the storage issue while allowing me to give something back to the community. After my mother died back in 1989, we donated everything we'd purchased for her comfort to the hospice care that helped us care for her. That included a baby/nursery monitor. So you never know what they may have that might help you out in your time of need.

Times are tough for many, and those folks still get hurt and need crutches or wheels...$50 for a pair of crutches is affordable to many, but too many have to give up some food or heat to be able to buy them. So donate items or cash to your local American Red Cross. They do so much more than just disaster relief.

Yes, I could live here!

2010-01-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

I saw this a few weeks back and thought to myself, "I could totally do this for a couple years!"

Not permanently, no way...but to live in NYC near Central Park amidst the hubbub and fun...in a tiny, easy to manage space...so very, very cool!

175 square feet of bliss for 2-3 years...yeah, I'm into it.

I would change a few things: I LOVE wine, but I'd replace the wine rack with an armoir for closet space. I wouldn't have cats (allergic) and I'd install one of those slick, over-the-toilet cabinet racks. Jef and I both work on laptops using online tools for storage of data and documents...so I do like the idea of a wall monitor for viewing movies and hulu shows. :)

The biggest challenge would be finding the right way to hang the guitar and the keyboard on the wall for easy access when needed and out-of-the-way decorative storage when not needed.

Didn't think I could ever want to go smaller than my current living space...but you know what they say: Location, Location, Location!

Nail Polish Storage

2010-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the wonky post, I've been trying to get this one posted for an hour now...IE keeps freezing up so, I'm doing it MY way, and will start the way IE wanted me to ANOTHER time. :p

On to the post for today:

Since I've recently re-ignited my interest in nail polish/nail art thanks to the wonderful technology that is "quick dry top coats," I need a workable option to store all these bottles in one place and in a neat, organized fashion.

A couple weekends ago, I headed out in search of such a solution and after hours of wandering the storage section of my local Kmart, finding shoe storage boxes that tapered or had grooves I didn't need, I happened upon the special "Christmas decor storage" section.

See, I was looking for something truly squared at all corners and flat on the bottom. Stackable was definitely a necessity as adding on to the stack in the future was a great possiblity...(I think I have room for three tiers. LOL!)

I turned the corner and found THIS:

So perfect for my space, and each level comes with cardboard inserts to create sections, but you can purchase plastic inserts as well.

You can find more information here:

Snapware

I still have room in the second tier and will be getting some of the plastic inserts (using cardboard for now)...I need to be able to have one tier just for nail art supplies eventually, so I may end up with 2 of these complete boxes as that is what will fit in the spot under my couch.

I was hoping these would fit inside the small closet on my side of the bed, but alas! they are just a bit too wide to fit through the door opening. They'd fit well once inside, but getting them in and out would involve tipping them on their side. NOT a good idea when dealing with glass bottles. :(

So, I'll use this solution until they make one just a bit slimmer - yes, I've asked them to make one. In the meantime, I have a workable container and place to keep my "stash!"

What storage options do you use for your hobby(ies)?

Getting this out of the way...then on to better things

2009-12-09T06:48:00.001-08:00

This policy is valid from 09 December 2009

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact me at simple.sym at gmail.com.

This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations.

The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.

The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org/

It begins...

2009-12-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Blogosphere (again!)

This time I visit you to write about my experiences of trying to keep it all together in a teeny-tiny space. I'll share tips, products, recipes, thoughts, pet photos and ideas for helping keep their stuff organized and anything else that fits the theme I've set for this space.

I've never been a very organized person, (one visit to my office at work will verify that!) And yet, for some reason, whenever I go camping or travelling I become the most organized person I know. Lucky for me, my husband and I made the leap a few years ago to become full time RV dwellers. Let me make it clear, we are not "trailer trash." Though my house sometimes gets a little messy before a good cleaning happens again, in fact, it's about that time now! We are not forced to live this lifestyle. We chose it and we LOVE it! Hopefully, as I write more here, that will become clearer to anyone who visits.

In July of 2006, we purchased a Fleetwood Pioneer Travel Trailer and moved in. We tried a few spots and settled on a nice park just a 5 min walk from the house we were renting for more than 3 times what we pay now. And that, especially during the current economic climate, is a very good thing!

When we first moved into the trailer, my then 17 year old son was still living with us and going to high school. He did his best to cohabitate, but the challenges in this little space were just too much for a young person to bear, and so he lives somewhere else now. I did do some cool things to try to create a space for him that was his own and I'll share that somewhere down the line.

I will say this: You do not realize how much you need a separate room with an actual door that shuts until you DO NOT have one. So there is a plan to upgrade to a model with a separate room at some point in the not too far future.

We hope to travel the states with our little home one day, but for now we are quite happy to live and work in Santa Barbara, CA where the average temperature year 'round is about 70 degrees. I am not sure I could find a better place to live this lifestyle.

There are definitely days when I wish I had a bigger space, a house, a yard...all the things that go with that...but I had those and while they were nice, they weren't a good fit for me. I feel at home this way. I like the idea of travelling and taking my place and all my stuff with me wherever I go! So come with me and learn how to make the most of a small space, whether you travel, live in a studio apartment, are a fellow RV full-timer or just want to pick up some tips for keeping things from taking over the space you have.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll figure out a way to transfer these skills to my workplace.

Simple Symmetry is about keeping life simple, not overloading yourself with "stuff" and keeping the "stuff" you really do value together and easy to find, use and put away again. It's also going to be a little about just keeping life simple. Stepping out of the rat-race and living authentically. Checking to make sure you're not encumbered by too much "stuff."

This is my vision for this blog. I hope you'll enjoy it and visit often. I will post something at least weekly, but hope to post at least three times a week.