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Overhaul Clutter For A Rest-filled Life (Book Giveaway: Simple Mom’s Organized Simplicity)

By Bonnie Gray • March 8, 2011 • 198 Comments
Today's post is part of our ongoing March series on Whitespace:  Restoring Rest.
Let's explore and swap stories.

“Time is a tool — Use it wisely; enjoy it thoroughly.”
~ Tsh Oxeneider in Organized Simplicity

Creativity, community and adventure are critical components to soul rest.

But as the mom of two cherub faced boys under six who defy gravity,  I wake up every day to a mountain of To Do’s that fall into a category I dread:  domestic.

Before having kids, I never considered my lack of domestic diva-ship as a liability.  As an “explorer” of ideas, I get energized by engaging people and brainstorming adventures to go and do.  To recharge, I turn to my introvert lover standbys:  reading, journaling, music, and the outdoors.

Keeping a tidy closet and floors clear has never been a high priority for me. 

My life now as mom sings a different tune.  I juggle my days filled with household duties:  laundry, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping and Lego sorting.  In other words:  clutter management.

To have soul rest, I need soul sanity.

The Logical Need For Less

The rate of clutter emerging from our young family was driving the three elements of soul rest to an all time low.

I figured the only logical way to maximize the time on soul-resting gifts was this:  minimize the number of stuff mommy has to clean up.

For advice, I turned to my high school best friend whose closets stay color coordinated, even after having three kids.

“So, how do you do it?  I get tired just thinking about cleaning.”  I wondered what she’d say.

“I always feel better when everything’s put away…  Don’t you?”

I felt so guilty for not enjoying cleaning up as much as I thought I should.

One book is surprisingly changing my perspective on organizing simplicity:  Organized Simplicity:  The Clutter Free Appraoch To Intentional Living

Organized Simplicity: A Clutter-Free Approach

I am a connoisseur of words, so when I read the subtitle of Simple Mom’s new book — “clutter free approach” — I was curious.  Creating a clutter-free home as a goal didn’t interest me.  A clutter-free approach did.

Simple Mom was founded by Tsh Oxenreider as a site to provide “life hacks for household managers”.  When I turned to the first page of her book Organized Simplicity, I was expecting her to start rallying the troops by telling me “Household Managers shalt be clutter-free.”

Instead, Tsh had me at hello —

“Simple living is not easy, ironically. It’s hard to know where to start, what steps to take and what it really looks like.

Most simple living books are inundated with theories, step-by-step plans and experts who can tell you exactly what your simple life should look like. This is not one of those books…

I want to help you find what simple living looks like for you.“

A welcome surprise was how Tsh organized her book.  The first half is focused on exploring the factors that influence our experience of simplicity:  how we spend our time, money, and the priorities we find meaningful.

I found room to reflect on how I wanted to spend my limited resources.  I got excited about investing them on community, creativity and adventures for me and my family.

My big ah-ha moment about de-cluttering hit me here —

“It’s important to use time to really recharge and not just kill time.”

Everyone has unique motivators to simplify.  I learned time is mine.  I want to spend it on rest-filled activities and people who I am passionate and refreshed by.  Not moving stuff around the house.

An Overhaul of Clutter

I was still very nervous about the actual work of de-cluttering.  The second half of the book provides — Ten Days To A More Simpler, More Organized Home.

“One of the best ebenezers for your decision to live a simpler life is a purposeful, family-wide overhaul of the home.”

Overhaul would have turned me off earlier in life.  Right now, an overhaul is just the thing I want.

Although I will probably complete it in twenty days, I’m eager to walk through the practical steps outlined in bite-size chunks.

The book is written in a reflective, organized, and realistic voice.  It is the perfect find.

I read it to my husband the day I got it.  It was a fun conversation to have together.

Now, I see my overhaul approach to de-clutter as a fun adventure as a family.

Because there is purpose behind this organization, it’s not just about putting stuff in boxes (yawn).  It’s about making time for the life I want, the one God has designed for me and my family to enjoy and live.

~~~~~

How do you make time for rest?

What motivates you to de-clutter and simplify?

Pull up a chair. Click to share a comment or subscribe by email.

~~~~~

** Organized Simplicity BOOK GIVEAWAY **

Thanks to author Tsh Oxenreider, (3) three winners will be randomly selected to receive a copy of Organized Simplicity.

You can also join Tsh on SimpleMom.net this week at Project: Simplify: Hot Spots Revealed.

To Enter

BY 3/13/11 Sunday Midnight PST:
1.  Leave a comment.

For Extra Entries

2. Facebook or Tweet the giveaway (Click on the “Share” button at the bottom of today’s post).

3. Subscribe to Faith Barista

4.  Join me on Facebook.

Comment again for each extra entry.

You’ll be entered to win a copy of Organized Simplicity!

Congratulations to to our winners, who were randomly selected:

Tina (#148), Fiona (#189), Shelli (#50)

Thanks again to Tsh for this special giveaway!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations to Terri #183, randomly selected winner of the Cuisinart Jump Into Facebook Giveaway!
Thank you to everyone who welcomed me to Facebook!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not a subscriber? Get Faith Barista directly sent to you! Subscribe now via email (click here) or RSS (click here).


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198 Comments

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Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

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198 Comments

  • Reply Beth Ridgeway March 8, 2011 at 3:34 am

    I lived in a hoarding environment for nearly 20 years. It was so bad, I was not even permitted to give my own childhood stuff away.

    I’m at the point now where I want to live in a house that’s so small (and decluttered), I’ll have to go outside to change my mind.

    I cannot express the sheer joy I’m experiencing at being able to freely collect clothing to take to the consignment shop. A simple exercise, perhaps, but rife with newly found emotional freedom.

  • Reply Katie March 8, 2011 at 3:38 am

    I have trouble de-cluttering and simplify my life. Find what simplicity looks like for me…. and time with loved ones is a good motivator and rest filled activities. Good thoughts for me to think on some more.

  • Reply Rebecca March 8, 2011 at 4:08 am

    Whenever I think of simplicity and living a clutter-free life, I think back to when my husband and I first got married. We had next to nothing to bring into our life together (18 year olds rarely do, lol), but cleaning the apartment was a breeze! Two kids and four dogs later, that’s not realistic for us, but I still long for that simple place from time to time. 😉

  • Reply Mary B. March 8, 2011 at 4:26 am

    Unfortunately, I usually find time for rest after I ‘hit the wall’ and have no choice to slow down. Sleep evades me often. I declutter when I get frustrated with all the ‘mess’ around me and cannot stand to clean around it any longer. Out comes a Goodwill bag or box in the garage and it doesn’t take long to fill it and out it goes!

  • Reply Jacquie March 8, 2011 at 5:27 am

    I have always been one to save everything. The thought, “I may need this someday” didn’t allow me to depart with much of anything. After an extended time of illness, the clutter and the “mountains of treasures” seem to have overtaken my life. Getting rid of clutter to simplify life…sounds good to me!

  • Reply Dawn March 8, 2011 at 5:44 am

    Getting organized to be focused on what is truly important….

  • Reply Cathy March 8, 2011 at 5:59 am

    I am a packrat! I’m hoping that throughout Lent and with the coming of spring, I can de-clutter many areas of my life, including my heart!

  • Reply rjb March 8, 2011 at 6:08 am

    We do pretty ok in alot of areas – mostly because my husband likes it 🙂 and we have cleaners come in once a month that spurs me to take care of things sitting around so they can get to the parts they agreed to clean! The worst is I need to do an overhaul of my clothes and closets, but it’s a hated chore .. and who has time to sit down with a closet of clothes with a toddler running around? On the other hand, sometimes we like when there are toys everywhere because it reminds us that we have a little one in our life and that we are using the home and space we’ve been blessed with 🙂

  • Reply Cherie March 8, 2011 at 6:08 am

    As a single mother of two busy teenage boys, we have stuff. In being a busy mom, I really need an assistant/a double me. But aside from that, thinking about what’s really important in simplifying my humble abode, I would like to keep only things related to my family. I am an avid book lover, so I have a small library, and a collector of rare unusual toys, antiques and collectibles. But they gather dust… I have a closet that’s overflowing, and floors I can’t see. Time for a Yard Sale, and a trip to St. Vincents. I am truly blessed, but when it comes down to it, family stuff, such as things my family has given me, and photo albums that need to be finished are what’s really important for me to hold onto. Family. That’s the stuff I’m keeping.
    As for the small library, I really need only one, the Bible.
    I would love to simplify, and life would be so much easier.
    Time, large garbage bags, a Venti Caramel Frappuccino and a copy of this book would be wonderful.

  • Reply EFY March 8, 2011 at 6:16 am

    Keeping things in order is so good for my heart, but it is also a continual challenge. I would be thrilled to win this book. Blessings

  • Reply EFY March 8, 2011 at 6:17 am

    I am a subscriber to Faith Barista and I just subscribed to Simple Mom. What a help! Blessings

  • Reply Melanie March 8, 2011 at 6:29 am

    I need all the help I can get! I would LOVE this book!

  • Reply Melanie March 8, 2011 at 6:31 am

    I tweeted 🙂 (MelanieAnneTN on twitter)

  • Reply Melanie March 8, 2011 at 6:31 am

    I subscribe to your blog

  • Reply Beth Werner Lee March 8, 2011 at 6:34 am

    How do I make time for rest? During busy days where there’s too much to be done and I’m scared, I pray that God will be in control of the timing and then I rejoice as things get done in perfect timing…that’s rest in the midst of things. Then too we try as a family to sabbath on Saturdays (church and shopping and prep work Sundays). Come to think of it, today is one of those scary-busy days! I’m up early (thanks Kat!) getting my reading time in.

    What motivates me to declutter is having people over, and my husband lumping all my piles together: then it looks big and I pull up the recycling bin and get to work after I’ve cleaned up from the party (usually Sunday night dinners with students). But decisions, decisions: they’re so hard to make, what to keep, sell, or give away when I might need it again! I think Tsh’s book would give me a rubric.

  • Reply Bev McDougal March 8, 2011 at 6:40 am

    My adventure into de-cluttering isn’t beginning with a trash bag and a broom, but with sorting through all that clutters my mind-past beliefs, tightly held lies, unrealistic expectations, etc. I am sorting out what is true, and throwing out what is false, leaving a whole lot of space for what is good.

  • Reply Lannette Ring March 8, 2011 at 6:43 am

    I feel like I’m de-cluttering all the time. Maybe I’m just not doing it right because I’m still not organized. I REALLY want to simplify my life and our house so I an enjoy spending time with our 4 kids. Maybe it would even make homeschooling more easy! I pray about this a lot and I know that eventually God will get me through this organizing stuff, I just need to figure out how to pare down a lot more!

  • Reply Lannette Ring March 8, 2011 at 6:44 am

    I’m a subscriber! LOVE your blog!

  • Reply Lannette Ring March 8, 2011 at 6:44 am

    I also “LIKE” on Facebook!

  • Reply Barbara Collins @madreminutes March 8, 2011 at 6:53 am

    When my children were little, I have six daughters, I was really good about decluttering. I had to be or it would have taken over my house. I had to stay on top of managing all the STUFF. Now that most have left the house and I only have one at home I have gotten really lazy. Maybe it is my reward for all those years, but I find myself not wanting all this stuff…Thanks for the book and I hope I win. It looks amazing and I am sure it will help.
    Kindest regards,
    Barbara @madreminutes
    http://madreminutes.blogspot.com
    I liked on FB, I shared on FB and I follow both of you…….and I will see you at Relevant….can’t wait.

  • Reply Lucinda March 8, 2011 at 7:00 am

    Thank you for the the chance to try to win the book. I really need help with organizing. Your blog has been so encouraging. thank you!

  • Reply Jennifer Mantle March 8, 2011 at 7:20 am

    I live alone but you wouldn’t think so by looking at my cluttered home. It is truly overwhelming to see clothes piled up that I probably haven’t worn in years filling up my free space. Finding a starting place has always been the problem. I am excited at finally taking control over my home!

  • Reply Jennifer Mantle March 8, 2011 at 7:23 am

    I am joining you on Facebook! 🙂

  • Reply Jill March 8, 2011 at 7:54 am

    I really need to learn how to organize to live simply. Would love to win this book

  • Reply Jill March 8, 2011 at 7:54 am

    Have been a fan of yours on Facebook for awhile!

  • Reply Jill March 8, 2011 at 7:54 am

    Subscribed to your blog…

  • Reply Laura L L March 8, 2011 at 7:58 am

    This is what the Lord is calling me to. I’m working toward making room for Him in my Spirit. He’s calling me to get rid of unneeded stuff in whatever form. My life is full of too much noise, too many responsibilities, too much stuff, just plain TOO MUCH! Little by little He’s showing me how to weed out the too much and welcome in His best…Himself; what a trade-off, my busyness and clutter for Him. That’s Big! This book sounds great.
    Blessings!

  • Reply Melissa Marsh March 8, 2011 at 8:27 am

    @mellohmars just tweeted you book giveaway. Thanks

  • Reply Melissa Marsh March 8, 2011 at 8:31 am

    The line “Keeping a tidy closet and floors clear has never been a high priority for me. ” resonated with me. On a daily basis I could find so many other things to do than keep organized or get organized. However my brain often only thinks about what I should be doing to get my rooms more organized and in a more useable state. My tactic lately is do first things first and don’t worry so much about what still needs to be done because I am a teacher (not a mom) and teachers and moms know there is always more to be done.
    Thanks for sharing I really enjoy your blog!
    Melisssa

  • Reply April March 8, 2011 at 8:38 am

    I am in the process of overhauling clutter as well. This looks like a great book!

  • Reply Melinda Lancaster March 8, 2011 at 8:57 am

    Hi Bonnie:
    Thanks so much for sharing some of what you’ve taken away from this book. It’s on my wishlist at Amazon.com.

    I’ve always been an “organizer” but have come to the realization, in recent days, that I’m not very good at simplifying.

    Our only son has grown and spends 10 months of the year at college. Yet life has become more chaotic for us as a family. The organizational skills that I’ve used in the past are not effective during this phase of life. As a result…we’re tired. We need rest.
    That pretty much explains why this book appealed to me. I’m seeking a rest-filled life more than ever before these days.

    This statement you made stood out to me…”Because there is purpose behind this organization, it’s not just about putting stuff in boxes (yawn). It’s about making time for the life I want, the one God has designed for me and my family to enjoy and live.”

    I’m not sure I’ve ever really seen organization or decluttering as a way to better acheiving my purpose in God or enjoying my family or life. In truth, I’m a neat freak. I like things in their place and I want them to stay there.

    Thanks for helping my desire to grow and for increased understanding of why I’ve begun to crave simplicty.

    Blessings!

  • Reply Melinda Lancaster March 8, 2011 at 8:58 am

    I tweeted about the contest.

  • Reply Melinda Lancaster March 8, 2011 at 8:58 am

    I’m with you on Facebook.

  • Reply Melinda Lancaster March 8, 2011 at 8:59 am

    I’ve subscribed to your blog via email.

  • Reply Melissa Brotherton March 8, 2011 at 9:00 am

    We’re moving this summer, and I have already began looking around our home for things I can give away or sell. I go through times of purging where I cut and slash away the clutter, but then there are other times where I buy and save. Haha!

  • Reply LaTanya March 8, 2011 at 9:19 am

    I feel like I have been de-cluttering for the last couple of years, but it feels like I have only made little progress. I get started and then lose steam. Or one small project turns into a big project and doesn’t get finished. I think the worst part of clutter is how it drains you. I hate seeing clutter, but finding the energy to tackle it is a problem. This is definitely a book I’m going to go get. Seems like the perfect starting place for me.

  • Reply Christine March 8, 2011 at 9:35 am

    Not enough closet space. That’s usually the reason for me to declutter. It’s also removing attachments to things that no longer serve a purpose. (I’m still working on that.) I went from a walk-in closet in my teenie apartment to a very small one in a big house. Most of my shoes are still packed in a box in the garage because there is no room for them in the bedroom closet. I do find that a less cluttered environment is more peaceful. I would like to find ways to organize without spending a fortune on new closet units. I periodically reorganize my pantry and actually put the spices in alphabetical order. I did that with our DVDs that are in a bookcase now. I organized them by category: drama, comedy, etc. And then I alphabetized them. I know….obsessive! Then I added other things to the bookcase so it’s an artful arrangement, too.

  • Reply Beth March 8, 2011 at 9:40 am

    I’m an admitted packrat. I only have two real motivations to declutter: Repeated inability to find what I want or need and fear of waking up to find myself in a house with boxes up to the ceiling full of “stuff”. The frustration leads me to reorganize, but the fear leads me to purge.

  • Reply Tina March 8, 2011 at 10:00 am

    Hello,
    How I simplify is if I have not used it in a year, or worn in, touched it at all, I start a pile and when it is all together I look for someone to give it all to who is in need!! It has been so fun, I have been so surprised at times on how much stuff has accumulated!! Once I have gathered all said items I get a cup of coffee, sit and just rest in knowing that purging in so many ways is a good thing!!!
    Cleansing the house of all unneeded things is like cleansing your spirit for a refreshing of GODS touch and anointing, it prepares you for a new adventure!! 🙂 🙂
    Blessings

  • Reply Laura March 8, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Wow. I typically shy away from those organizational books. I don’t need one more thing to make me feel like I’m doing it all wrong! But this book sounds like it has potential…

    I hope you keep us posted on your ten (or twenty) day de-cluttering, Bonnie. I want to know what that looks like! Me? I’m thinking about moving into the house across the street and visiting my three guys in the evening :).

  • Reply Judy Dudley March 8, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Usually, the onset of spring makes me want to de-clutter. This time of year begs for newness and simplicity.

    I’d love to win a copy of this book! Thank you for a chance to win.

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Reply Sheryl March 8, 2011 at 11:41 am

    I’m intrigued. Your comments make me want to read . . . and jump in. Paper is my nemesis on the clutter front. It overwhelms me. I just don’t know what to do with it.

    I know I feel better when there’s not so much clutter around. I can visually and emotionally rest. I’m just not good at getting there

  • Reply Sheryl March 8, 2011 at 11:42 am

    I already subscribe. ;0

  • Reply Sheryl March 8, 2011 at 11:42 am

    And, I’m already with you on facebook . . . 🙂

  • Reply thefarmerfiles March 8, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    We have moved a lot. We are making our third move in three years this summer. Our moves are big ones. We moved to MA from CA. Before that we moved to CA from HI, and before that VA to HI, and before THAT CA to VA. This summer it will most likely be an international move. I can’t ever seem to get organized because we move so much! I would love to win this book!

  • Reply thefarmerfiles March 8, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    I subscribe to the RSS feed.

  • Reply Shelli Bourque March 8, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I am organized by nature; but organized for simplicity? Not as much as I’d like. The greatest motivator for me recently to simplify is my desire to give to the least of these. I cannot give if I am keeping or adding to what is already enough.

    Thank you for the giveaway; I have me wanting to get Tsh’s book!

  • Reply Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted March 8, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    I tweeted the giveaway!

  • Reply Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted March 8, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    I’m a long-time subscriber!

  • Reply Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted March 8, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    I’m a facebook fan!

  • Reply Belinda Vega March 8, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    Very anxious to read this book!

  • Reply Shannon B. March 8, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Would love to receive a copy!! Lord knows I need the help! = D

  • Reply Ashley March 8, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    I lived with adults who loved to have and collect stuff, tons of stuff, that they did not really need. I hated it, but when I moved out on my own I started collecting stuff of my own. I got caught up in consumerism and ended up with so many things I did not need! Then having a child I amassed even more stuff. Finally we decided to limit what we let into our home: organic, natural, no chemicals, non-toxic, made locally. If it doesn’t fit into one of those categories then we sell it or give it away. We avoid buying new or used items that don’t fit into those categories either, as much as we can. It keeps our buying in check and helps up have viable reasons to get rid of the stuff we’ve never really needed. I read a great book called Little Princes, about trafficked children in Nepal. Those children created their own toys and lived with so little, yet they were so happy! It helped me to realize that children don’t need fancy stuff just like we don’t need fancy stuff. It’s not easy getting rid of stuff and sometimes I just want to pull my hair out trying to organize things, so I would love to read this book! Thanks for having this giveaway!

  • Reply Belinda Vega March 8, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Very anxious to get organized for the spring and summer!!

  • Reply alicia marie March 8, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    I grew up in a home that was the last thing from simple and the last thing from organized and that grew in me a desire for both. NOW. I have a deep connection of my soul and my space and when my space is cluttered my soul feels restless and overwhelmed. I long to create a better environment for my kids while teaching them to keep a peace in our environment that will follow them into adulthood!!

  • Reply Lynn March 8, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    With 6 kids and 4 dogs and homeschooling, I need to simplify and try to do it all the time but the simplifying process has made things more difficult! I just want to scrap everything and go to bare minimum but husband will not be happy with that!

  • Reply Jesica March 8, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    I NEED this book. I am a disorganized wreck! I love Tsh’s blog and helpful hints.

  • Reply jennyw. March 8, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    I would just like to have a place for everything and everything in it’s place. I am tired of too much stuff. I love to see the beautiful pictures of order. There is a hymn that says, “And may our ordered lived confess the beauty of Thy peace.” Where there is no order there is no peace. Enough said.

  • Reply Ashley March 8, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Following through email subscription as well!

  • Reply Ashley March 8, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    And also following on Facebook!

  • Reply Leanna March 8, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    My first time to your blog. You described me to a T. Are we soul mates? I have been thinking about getting Tsh’s book…knowing that YOU loved it makes me pretty sure I will, too. 🙂

  • Reply Catherine March 8, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    My attempt to reuse everything and be green has actually made my house way more cluttered. I’m now attempting to find the balance between saving things for a later use, and keeping a clean house. I think the question that works is, “Do I have a specific use in mind for this in the near future?”

  • Reply Leanna March 8, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    Oh, and I joined you on FB!

  • Reply Leanna March 8, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    And subscribed! 🙂

  • Reply jennyw. March 8, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Just joined you on Facebook.

  • Reply jennyw. March 8, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Just added you to my rss feed.

  • Reply Corrina March 8, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    I would love to win 🙂

  • Reply jennyw. March 8, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    shared the giveaway on facebook.

  • Reply Laurie Hays March 8, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    I SOOO want to be organized, but I have 5 forces working against me! (6 if you count the dog!) Whenever I seem to make progress, it’s undone in no time. I realize it’s part of being a mom, however I know it CAN be done;)

  • Reply Laura March 8, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    Warmer weather definitely motivates me to declutter….was doing pretty good until it snowed 2 feet this weekend:(!! Ugh. I have entered to win Organized Simplicity sooo many times…hope this is my lucky entry!

  • Reply Jessica W March 8, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    Thank you for this post. I’ve been curious about this book and now I’m sure I need it. As a working mommy who is about to transition to the home and welcome baby #2, my home and heart need an overhaul! Would love to win!

  • Reply Kristy March 8, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    My house is in need of some simplifying! I’d love to get a copy of this book!

  • Reply Kristy March 8, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    I subscribe to your blog via Google Reader

  • Reply Sarah G March 8, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    So glad I found your website. I’m also more of an “ideas” girl and can walk by a mess 100 times and never notice it. Fortunately I married a man far more domestic than I who is showing me the ropes : ) Thanks for a chance to win Tsh’s book!

  • Reply Sarah G March 8, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    I subscribed via google reader. I can’t wait to read more posts : )

  • Reply Monique March 8, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    I just have so much clutter…in my mind, house and life…hoping this book could help!

  • Reply Kyle H March 8, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    I need this book! With 4 young children, and a home with very little closet/storage space, I feel like all I do is move clutter from place to place! It’s driving me crazy! I feel like if I could just keep the house somewhat neat and organized, I would be a much calmer, peaceful mommy! Help!

  • Reply Belinda Vega March 8, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Would finally like to get my basement back to a livable condition!!!

  • Reply Sarah G March 8, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    I also just added you on facebook. Before doing so, I wanted to make sure your blog was something I felt comfortable recommending to friends/family. I went to your top 10 and “God’s Pressure vs. Pleasure” caught my eye. What a wonderful read. I’m really looking forward to exploring your blog more : )

  • Reply sarah lynn March 8, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    i would love this book! i am expecting baby #3 day day and have two foster children as well, so the idea of simplifying sounds delightful!

  • Reply Deb March 8, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    As a homeschooling mom… clutter is a constant battle…but worth the fight!
    🙂

    Blessings on the journey~

  • Reply Kyle H March 8, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    I shared this post on FB

  • Reply Kyle H March 8, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    I joined Faith Barista via e-mail

  • Reply Kyle H March 8, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    I “liked” you on FB : )

  • Reply Sharon March 8, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    I would love to give this book a read. I feel there is something big on the horizon for our family and I keep thinking that de-cluttering our house and lives will help us to not be tied down to our “stuff” when a big move comes.

  • Reply Sharon March 8, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    I am now following you on facebook.

  • Reply Suzy McNeilly March 8, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    I joined you on FB & subscribed. I am doing the overhaul challenge … as I need simplicity and little to no clutter in my life. At almost 49, I am cutting back and honestly asking myself what is it I really want.

  • Reply Sara March 8, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    I just subscribed via RSS!

  • Reply Sara March 8, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    Organizing is an ongoing work for me. The last 10 years have seen a gradual shift to purging, simplified living and complete organization. I keep tweaking it, but it feels so good. My mind and space are free of clutter! I would love this book to keep going in the process!

  • Reply Trish March 8, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    It often feels like clutter is strangling me. I know I need to declutter, but it is really tough for this natural-born packrat. I would love to read this book!

  • Reply Trish March 8, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    I “like” you on FB!

  • Reply Piper March 8, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    What a full and rich post! I’ve got a lot to learn!

  • Reply Serena March 8, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    I’m motivated to declutter and simplify so that I don’t have too much to take care of. Even the essentials are too much for me.

  • Reply Nicole March 8, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    I just followed on facebook, as well. 🙂

  • Reply han March 8, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    I neeeeed this book!!!

  • Reply Serena March 8, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    I tweeted. Thank you for the giveaway!

  • Reply Lynne March 8, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    Having recently moved house twice in 6 months has been an eye-opener for me. Until then I had believed myself to be relatively clutter-free. Not so, as I discovered. With the first house move I couldn’t believe how much stuff went to the Salvation Army and Red Cross shops, or got thrown out, and I decided I wasn’t going to become cluttered again. Well, I didn’t add anything to the house, and when I moved the second time I had enjoyed the freedom from clutter so much that we went through all the stuff we had kept and got rid of a whole lot more.
    Our current home feels so much more serene, as a result.
    The things I struggle most with, though, are surfaces. For example I have a big square coffee table which is the first thing you see as you walk through my front door into the living room, and it is a dumping ground for bills, receipts, books and so on. Likewise my computer desk. Etc etc. I’m working hard on this.
    (I would love to win this giveaway, but am not sure if I am eligible because I am in New Zealand.)

  • Reply Nicole March 8, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    I also just shared the post on my facebook page.

  • Reply han March 8, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    I subscribed to your blog via email.

  • Reply Stephanie March 8, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    I am so looking forward to de-cluttering my house and life. And I can’t wait to read the book so I can get the full story!

  • Reply Stephanie March 8, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Posted the link on Facebook.

  • Reply Stephanie March 8, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Joined on Facebook.

  • Reply jennifer March 8, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    I subscribed!

  • Reply jennifer March 8, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    With 4 kids, I need all the help I can get!

  • Reply Heather March 8, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    I just started Tsh’s five week overhaul today! I have 2 small girls and our house is packed with “stuff”. I’m looking forward to weeding through the things that we really don’t need or use anymore.

  • Reply Dianne - Bunny Trails March 8, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    I’ve had my eye on this book for some time, but still don’t have a copy. I was a major packrat for the first portion of my life, so addressing that insanity – both what I already have and stopping me from adding to it – is an ongoing, uphill battle. Thanks for this terrific review of the book. Now I want it even more. 🙂

  • Reply Jacqui Soliman March 8, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    I’m working hard at decluttering, because I just don’t want to use my downtime constantly picking up after stuff! It’s been a hard lesson to learn though, 3 children now and living in a small space has kind of forced me to. But it’s been good!

  • Reply Sarah C March 8, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Have been living with a lot of mess lately because we’re “almost” finished with our house, but it has been almost finished for a long time and I’m getting tired of the clutter. Am starting to toss things in a box for a huge garage sale in the spring, and getting more and more excited as I go.

  • Reply Karen Rodriguez March 8, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    I would love to win this book! Thank you for the opportunity to win it and change my outlook on simple living! 🙂

  • Reply Allison Fambro March 8, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    Ohh this would be an awesome addition to help me with my moving.

  • Reply Allison Fambro March 8, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    I shared on FB

  • Reply Allison Fambro March 8, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    I subscribed

  • Reply Susan March 8, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    Quite honestly, knowing that I can take a break without feeling guilty, and that I will simply breathe better is what motivates me to de-clutter.

  • Reply Susan March 8, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    I tweeted about this giveaway here: http://tinyurl.com/4rz2gxh

    Thanks for the chance to win this fantastic book!

  • Reply Kim J March 8, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    With a 4 and 2 year old, and one on the way, this looks like a great way to help organize my home!

  • Reply cathleen March 8, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    when my house is cluttered, i can’t think. it feels like the clutter outside invades my mind. maybe because the thots running thru my mind are all about: this is in the way, i need to put this away; oh, why didn’t so-n-so take care of this, what is this & where does it belong?, etc. every now and then when it gets SO very bad, i have, what the kids have dubbed, the cleansies. i stop doing anything else, go from top to bottom of the house, picking up and putting away. if others are home at the time this happens, i make sure they help. if i’m home alone, i set out bags labeled for each person and as i come across something not mine, i put it in the appropriate bag. once done, the bags are put in each one’s room. Ah, i can think again! peace enters into the household. then the cycle starts up once again. breaking this cycle would be nice.

  • Reply Carrie Ingley March 8, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    I love the idea of “soul rest.”

  • Reply K Greenwalt March 8, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    I would love a copy of the book. I shared on facebook and subscribed.

  • Reply Leslie G. March 8, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    If you were to ask my husband what I argue with him about more than anything, it would be mess. More than money, more than time, more than anything. Something happens in my mind when I am surrounded by clutter. Living with a self-proclaimed “messy person” it difficult, but I try to do what I can.

  • Reply Leslie G. March 8, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    I tweeted!

    http://tinyurl.com/4b68nxw

  • Reply Leslie G. March 8, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    I subscribed!

  • Reply Leslie G. March 8, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    I’m following on Facebook!

  • Reply Jessica B March 8, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    I NEED this book!!! I’m tired of looking around at all of the chaos! I’m SOOO READY to simplify and organize my life so I can actually begin to enjoy it!

  • Reply Raquel March 8, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Would love the book to help me manage our life better.

  • Reply Brandy March 8, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    I NEED this! 🙂

  • Reply Amanda Gray March 8, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    I need this book!

  • Reply Amanda Gray March 8, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    I facebooked and tweeted about the giveaway!

  • Reply Amanda Gray March 8, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    I subscribed!

  • Reply Amanda May March 8, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    Awesome book, awesome blogs-I can’t wait to read more on both of these sites! Thanks for the great giveaway!

  • Reply Amanda May March 8, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    I like Faith on Facebook!

  • Reply Amanda May March 8, 2011 at 6:21 pm

    I also shared this awesome giveaway and link to your blog on Facebook! Thanks again! I’m so glad I found your blog!

  • Reply Chris March 8, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    My wife is the don’t you feel better when everything is clean type, but I am definitely not.

  • Reply jessica March 8, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    I am joining along and already tackled my closet…I found three bags of things to purge…it feels so good! Ont to my hubby’s closet and my kids!

  • Reply Michelle anderson March 8, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    This book sounds awesome. I would love tips on how to declutter.

  • Reply Angie March 8, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    if i don’t win…i’m buying anyway…looks like it’s right up my alley 😉

  • Reply Angie March 8, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    joined on fb

  • Reply Angie March 8, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    subscribed

  • Reply Angie March 8, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    shared 😉

  • Reply Lena March 8, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    Cleaning and organizing is never on my fun list as well. I have a sister who loves to organize, and clean, and cook…. but not me. Being a mother of three girls, I want to teach them to be organized and self motivated in cleaning after themselves. Its kind of a challenge when I am not into that myself. Thank you so much for offering this book, maybe it would help 🙂

  • Reply Esther March 8, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    Thanks for your post! One way that we have been living with less is to buy fewer gifts for our kids (quality time is so much better!) and routinely give away what is not used.

  • Reply Esther March 8, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    subscribed to you~

  • Reply Katie March 8, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    Sounds like just what I need! 🙂

  • Reply Esther March 8, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    I ‘like’ you on facebook~

  • Reply Esther March 8, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    shared!

  • Reply debbie vance March 8, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    As a mom of 5 boys, I often try to think of ways to “simplify”. It is so ironic that last summer my “new plan” was to cut the laundry in half by donating half of the clothing we owned! It is, unfortunately, still a work in progress. I feel as if I spend all of my time trying to catch up and never get ahead. Any help I can get to accomplish this AND make more time for family is a definite NEED in my life!

  • Reply debbie vance March 8, 2011 at 7:59 pm

    I shared on fb!

  • Reply Tina March 8, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    I try really hard to stay organized but then fail, would love to have this to help me do better.

  • Reply Tina March 8, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    I subscribe by e mail.

  • Reply Emily Joyce March 8, 2011 at 9:24 pm

    I have so been wanting to get this book! I love tsh’s blog and I know her book must be fabulous.

  • Reply Emily Joyce March 8, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    I liked Faith Barista on facebook.

  • Reply tammy March 8, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    Clutter is a major issue in my life…HELP!!!

  • Reply tammy March 8, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    I subscribed…

  • Reply Kathryn March 8, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    I would so love to win this book. I have been eyeing it out for a while and it sounds like a great household tool.

  • Reply Kathryn March 8, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    I have subscribed

  • Reply Kathryn March 8, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    and ‘liked’ you on FB

  • Reply Hitting The Wall: A Place of Need Is A Place of Rest | Faith Barista March 9, 2011 at 12:07 am

    […] I shared yesterday, I have a practical need to clutter-free my home.  But ultimately, rest is an interior […]

  • Reply Heidi March 9, 2011 at 4:59 am

    This book has been on my list I just haven’t been able to buy it. I am very interested in simplifying as much as possible. Life is easier that way

  • Reply Heidi March 9, 2011 at 5:00 am

    I liked Faith on Facebook

  • Reply stephanie March 9, 2011 at 8:20 am

    i’m a fan on FB

  • Reply stephanie March 9, 2011 at 8:21 am

    i love to be organized!

  • Reply stephanie March 9, 2011 at 8:21 am

    i subscribe 🙂

  • Reply Stuart H March 9, 2011 at 8:21 am

    my wife would love this.

  • Reply Catherine March 9, 2011 at 9:24 am

    I would love to win this to further aid my goal of simplifying this year.

  • Reply Nicole March 9, 2011 at 9:26 am

    I have left a comment but it is not showing up. I liked on face book, subscribed and mentioned on my facebook as well as my blog. Just trying again to see if my computer is blocking some how.

  • Reply Nicole March 9, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I left one comment above for trial to see if they took today – my computer kept kicking me off your page yesterday. So we shall count that as the Following you on Facebook one. This comment is for sharing the link and give away on my facebook page.

  • Reply Nicole March 9, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I also subscribed to your feed yesterday and confirmed with email this morning. 🙂

  • Reply Nicole March 9, 2011 at 9:35 am

    So this shall just be my comment thanking you for the oppurtunity to get this book. It is number 2 on my list for 2011. thanks again, and I loved your photo this morning, on the reflection.

  • Reply Nina March 9, 2011 at 10:09 am

    I subscribed to the newsletter and I already follow you on FB. Would love this book to help in decluttering my home and creating a place for soul rest.

  • Reply Sherry March 9, 2011 at 10:11 am

    I would love to win this book!!!!!

  • Reply Sherry March 9, 2011 at 10:12 am

    I “like” you on Facebook!

  • Reply Sherry March 9, 2011 at 10:12 am

    I subscribe via Google Reader!

  • Reply Sherry March 9, 2011 at 10:13 am

    I shared this post on Facebook.

  • Reply Iris H. March 9, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Organized Simplicity has been in my Amazon cart for weeks now- I’d love to win a copy, though!

  • Reply Iris H. March 9, 2011 at 10:22 am

    I “like”d you on FB!

  • Reply Iris H. March 9, 2011 at 10:22 am

    I shared on FB about the giveaway!

  • Reply Chantal March 9, 2011 at 10:33 am

    I so need to read this book!

  • Reply TheDrBuchanan March 9, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    With a pack-rat husband, and recently downsizing from a 4-br house to a 2-br apartment, we could really use this help!!

  • Reply TheDrBuchanan March 9, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Shared on facebook!

  • Reply TheDrBuchanan March 9, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Liked you on facebook!

  • Reply TheDrBuchanan March 9, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Added you to my Google Reader subscriptions… Thanks!

  • Reply Molly March 9, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    Finding what simple living looks like for me…I’m hooked! No more having to compare myself to how other, more organized, women do it. Finding margin in my everyday life without feeling guilty about my home and why it doesn’t look like a magazine ad.

    This approach sounds doable and non-stress.

  • Reply Tiffany March 9, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    I would love to read the book. I’m a huge fan of SimpleMom.net!

  • Reply Donna March 9, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    I would love to win the book. I live in a studio with everything packed tight.

  • Reply Donna March 9, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    I liked you on facebook.

  • Reply Donna March 9, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    I already subscribe to you on email.

  • Reply Diana D March 9, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Am trying to declutter my life…both at work and home. Need all the help I can get. 🙂

  • Reply Christine March 10, 2011 at 1:13 am

    I am so eager to read this book and get started on the overhaul!

  • Reply Melissa March 10, 2011 at 6:33 am

    I have many organizing books and have yet to find the one that works for me. Maybe it’s time to declutter my library and give this book a try!

  • Reply Fiona March 11, 2011 at 4:04 am

    I would love to win a copy of this book. I have seen many competitions for giveaways involving Organized Simplicity, and I haven’t got lucky yet!

  • Reply Fiona March 11, 2011 at 4:06 am

    I am also subscribed to Faith Barista! I like this Blog.

  • Reply ayumi March 11, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    i just shared a little about this problem i have at MTO! When i decided i wanted to be more responsible, a LOT of that meant being neat & organized….you said you were nervous about the actual decluttering– bonnie, we are 2 peas in a pod! 😉

  • Reply Melodie B March 11, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    Your description of the book makes we want it today!

  • Reply Melodie B March 11, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    I subscribe via RSS reader.

  • Reply Diana D March 12, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    Would love some insights into simplifying my life

  • Reply Mrs. Rachel March 13, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    I’ve been eyeing this book on amazon, but haven’t been able to get it yet. Thanks for offering this giveaway!

  • Reply Mrs. Rachel March 13, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    I’m a subscriber!

  • Reply Fiona April 5, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    I am delighted that I’ve won this Giveaway! Thank you so much !

  • Reply Why We Are Afraid To Quit (Starting New Principle #2) | Faith Barista May 19, 2011 at 1:11 am

    […] couple months ago, after reading Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider, I got motivated to de-clutter my closets and get my house in order. Not to save […]

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