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Do you make a list every year, whether it is physical or mental? I know I am not alone in this. {that comment was meant to make you laugh by the way} I have overheard and within-heard of people and friends talking about they lists they want to make this year or the opposite and not wanting to make a list at all because they just fail in the end. : / I would be lying if I said it didn't make me sad when I heard the latter.  Lists are good [in my opinion] and fun to keep. I have kept many of my "to-do/change/want/need" lists from years past, and they really crack me up.... Plus, they are hard copies of what I held as priorities. So they become a blueprint as to what my mind was focusing on at the time. Some of the things I am not totally proud of [not like, bad horrible things that would send me to jail but just those tangible wants] but others I find really precious. I hope to make more precious lists as the years go by and as I grow older and learn more and more about what is most important in life.  My list above is simple [on purpose] and there is a formula within that I will share with you. It goes like this: If I {roxy} wants lots of things all the time, then two things come to mind. 1. Am filling some kind of inner void by wanting this? Is it a personal gratification thing or an outsider gratification. Meaning, do I want it just so others can see it and compliment it? and 2. When wanting things all the time, this means I have to set aside time to either search for it online or go to a store. Let's be honest here, most shopping is never in and out in a jiffy...you see other things, NEW things that you want, and then you get sidetracked....yep, still talking about me, but you in general. So this wanting and shopping takes time. It takes time away from me creating and making. It takes time away from Jesse, friends, and family. This is my formula for keeping me from wanting less and shopping less...no matter the income. We all have people we look up to...some of my "hero's" are those that live very minimal lifestyles but at the same time maintain the cozy within. One of my favorite sources of "cozy/minimal" inspiration comes from Nordic Flavor. I live vicariously through these home owner's spaces. Here are some of my favorite images that exudes the kind of feeling and lifestyle that both Jesse and I really love and strive for within our home. I can't wait till we move into a house someday just so I can see what our place will really look like with our items spread out and actually put away. Due to our lack of closet space, many of our "put away" items line our apt. walls, for instance our shop vac and my four poster twin bed frame are just hanging out in our bedroom...it could make some people's skin crawl....but it's actually pretty funny. :)  

Lastly:

Thank you to those who read my blog whether you are anonymous or not. I do feel a little shy and awkward about saying thank you...because it feels almost self-centered. But I have made some really special friends through blogging since 2005...and look forward to making some more. xo