A Guide to Living Minimal with Pets
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” -William Morris I used this quote in my last post but I feel that it holds the same truth and value in this post. I was thinking about it a bit and there are a lot of reasons that I have a dog. Some people only need one, which is great too, but I really love for everything in my home to be multitaskers. My dog isn’t just a companion; she has irreplaceable value. I remember when my husband worked 4 hours from Las Vegas and we only got to see each other on the weekends for a year. At first I had no problem being home alone at night but all of the sudden every noise that the wind caused would set me on edge. And every time I was sure someone was breaking into my house. What kept me calm and soothed my worries was having my 45 lbs. A-type labradoodle start sleeping next to my bed. I knew that if anyone was actually coming into the house she would start barking and do her best to protect the home. And it’s a bit funny because I originally got her because, 1, I fell in love with her for no apparent reason at the pet store and, 2, she is a high energy dog that was a perfect companion for my long distance running. (This is Lexy and Caramel’s spot in the house. They know that they can go here and not get bothered if it gets too hectic.) Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better subject to approach in regards to minimalism. Pets are a true reflection on how we approach things. They are so wonderful because they require very little but can bring more joy and life into our living spaces. But there is a known secret about pets that many may not consider. Hold on. This is a bit of a truth bomb. Pets don’t need much. In fact Pets need very little to not only survive but thrive. Consider these needs: They need their own space and a place to sleep. Kennel, dog bed, etc. While kennels may be a bit on an investment and take up a lot of space this ensures that have their own space that they can go when they need to and mimics a den like environment. This may not be necessary if you choose another training method for your dog other than kennel training. Food (and bowls). Another bulky item but something that should be manageable and easy to place somewhere tucked away in the kitchen and out of site. Supplements: supplemental treats for hair, skin, nail, and bone growth or for teeth health. Buy as needed Grooming: Soap/Conditioner, Brush, Nail Clippers (Do it yourself! It’s easy!) Toys: I only have 1 or 2 for each dog at a time. I’m not really into the whole dog toys covered in drool laying all over the floor in my living space look. I would definitely have more when they were puppies but only keep one out and the rest in a basket. Collar/Leash/Harness. This is a must for dog walks or runs. It is up to you to find what works best. Some owners prefer a harness where others do just fine with a leash. Once you find what works get rid of what does not! Medical supplies. This widely differs from pet to pet. I am definitely not an expert but all I can say is use your best judgement on finding what works….and then get rid of the rest! Additional needs: These needs depend on the weather. I don’t really need weather gear for my pets due to the warm weather conditions and little rain. But I would invest in more weather gear for running if I lived in either a colder or rainier climate. (All I bring when I take that dogs for a walk. Well not the whole roll of baggies. I’ll tuck one or two into my workout pants. If I am going for a run I’ll grab my armband too.) Then consider these wants: Some may argue that this isn’t a need but I disagree. When training my puppy I would give them pieces of food that worked perfectly since they were the perfect size the go through a handful of during a training session. To me personally, treats is an extra. I will buy these once in a while but once they are gone I don’t feel the need to keep them stocked in my pantry. Extra toys. If they are a puppy then this really is more important to have but other than that I keep it minimal. Extra of anything. While the above needs are important we don’t necessarily need two of them. But, have not fear, I have a tip that could help with that below. Pro Tip: I have a small enclosed basket in my entryway that houses all my dog stuff. For both doggies too! I realized that I had a little bit of everything around my house but when I put them all in one spot I found I didn’t need a good amount of it. I either had an extra leash or toys or old collars that I no longer needed. To be honest I could probably stand to go through it again. What I like about it is that I can fit EVERYTHING into one spot. There is even enough room for the dog bowls if I really wanted to put them in there for some reason. When you limit space for your dog’s stuff then you can be more choosey about what you decide to keep for them. The trick is not to stuff it. If it’s stuffed then it will be hard to see what is in there and hard to decide what should stay or go. (If this
Melt into Summer at this Trendy Neighborhood Eatery
One of the best things about summer is getting the chance to spend the extra long days with family and friends. Usually this involves relaxing by the pool, around the table or even at a local hang out site. If you’re looking to discover a new go-to-spot in the Avondale Neighborhood we’d like to suggest adding Melt to your list. When you first enter the restaurant it feels more like stepping into a beachside eatery. From the high back, full gloss, wooden booths to rustic cement floors and assorted retro décor. The laid back vibe makes this vibrant spot the perfect place to hunker down and stay awhile. The constant hustle and bustle feels more like people are stopping in for a bite between excursions rather than breaking during their corporate lunch hour. When we sat down with co-owner Paget Pizitz, it quickly became clear why Melt is such a neat place to hang out. The incredibly innovative history behind this public hot spot is what we believe has set a foundation to make it special. “Behind this exceptional eatery is nothing short of sheer passion.” Paget, started her career as a recruiter for the fashion industry, and later broke out to create a very successful dating service, which later sold to a company in Atlanta. A born entrepreneur, with a passion for making human connections, she now had a new venture in mind. Just like that, Paget approached her business partner Harriet Despinakis to start a restaurant. Harriet, who co-founded Ocean and 5 Point Public House, never thought she would be back in a restaurant, much less a food truck. She wasn’t convinced a restaurant was the best move at the time and Paget was able to convinced her to start a food truck instead. All along, Paget’s ultimate vision was to develop a neighborhood eatery but agreed it was clever to start small in order to get to know the community. When Paget walked around observing the area and its residents she knew they had to be part of the Avondale district in a larger capacity. At the time, the heart of the area was a vacant garage called Ted’s Gas station. The garage sat empty for four years and was the 3rd restaurant to open in Avondale once this dynamic duo finalized renovations. Their extraordinary vision saw past the dilapidated station and today, guests can marvel at the converted garage as they sip local brew along with the best pulled pork nachos you ever put in your mouth. These ladies sever food by the mantra “Classic Food with a Modern Twist” and have been slinging cheese since February 2011. Stop by for a drink. Stop by to play a board game. Stop by for both. Either way, you’ll wish you done it sooner.
How To Make The Most Of Your Apartment Space
This post is really going to wet your whistle for minimalism. I didn’t get into the minimalist mindset until later in life and I really wish I could have brought it more into my apartment days. If minimalism interests you but seems too intimidating or overwhelming then I have some things to share that could help you turn your apartment into your own personal retreat. Free from unnecessary distractions and physical things that weigh your life down. To do this you need to think of your own reasons why. Why does minimalism interest you; if it does at all? What is your motivation? You may even need to write the reason/s down on a post it and put it on your refrigerator to remind you when you are starting the bang your head against the wall. Not really- but maybe. Your reasons why will be one of the things that will help you reach the goal of making the most of your space. “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” -William Morris Have you found your reasons why? For me it’s the peace that it brings into my life and that there is less to clean! And if I can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying moments in my home I’m all in. For some, their reasons why include having free time and just simplifying their lives. Got your reason? Ok, let’s go. (My retreat. Sometimes all you need is a good book and a cup of tea. Oh and comfy couch. And some pillows. And maybe some flowers. And a coffee table for when your arm gets tired of hold the tea…not much at all. Book: At Home with Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott) Let’s first talk about need versus want. Every space and circumstance is different and that makes your needs different too. It took me a while to figure this out. And as I continue on this journey I am still figuring this out. Something else that I have also learned is that our circumstances in life often change and so our needs must change with it as well. Everyone on this earth has basic survival needs. Food, water, and shelter. But from there needs widely differ. It would be impossible for me to tell you whether or not you need a computer. In most of our lives that is crucial to our livelihood, and although it does not fill our bellies, it’s still definitely a need. “Love people, Use things. Not the other way around.” -The Minimalists But then let us consider things we don’t need. For example, I could probably say you don’t NEED a giant ice-cream floaty for your pool but everything else you need to navigate for yourself and reflect on. And let me tell you, there will be growing pains. You will look at a pile of stuff you have acquired and wish you could watch paint dry instead. But let me give you some encouragement. It does get easier! And if ever there is a time to practice making your life lighter and more peaceful it would be now; while living in the apartment! There is a 3 step process that clicked with me that I would like to share with you. Although, there are many processes to simplifying your life this is the one that I have naturally created for myself and works the best for my own life. “Tidy house. Tidy mind.” -Unknown Step 1: Take everything out of a room! No, I am not crazy. I have tried over and over to just assess everything in the room and pick out what I don’t want. And this sort of works. But nothing works like this method. I will explain to you why in the steps below. Trust me. Step 2: It is only after everything is removed that I make piles and assessments. My piles are usually keep, giveaway/sell, and trash. This step goes hand in hand with Step 3 which is … Step 3: Create you dream space. Only put back into the room what you love, think is beautiful, and serves YOU to the best of its ability. Because really, who is doing the owning here? The stuff or you? (Can you tell our couch is “well loved”? Our little family of four happily piles onto one couch in our house. We got rid of our other couch during our move to Lancaster, CA from Las Vegas, NV and have not looked back since) Setting you up for success: Need some resources that will give you a tiny kick in the pants? I have some for you that might be helpful to you below. Declutter minimalist 30 day challenge. Interested in challenging yourself? Try doing this. I really like this printable version you can find on Cait Flanders blog. Books to read: At Home with Madame Chic By Jennifer Scott (really anything this wonderful lady writes) The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo Minimalism: Living a Meaningful Life (on my list) by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus Stuff to watch on Netflix: Minimalism: A Documentary About Important Things by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus I am in no way affiliated with any of these sources. This is just me dumping all the stuff I have learned onto you in the hopes of helping you to bring more peace and joy into your life. You’re welcome. Love, The Semi-Minimalist Meet The Semi-Minimalist. Mama and full-time student by day. Blogger and sewist by night. Born in Stuart, Florida she currently resides in the southern California desert. Beginning her blogging journey in December of last year she has also spends her spare time developing both her home with minimalism and beginning the journey of creating her business of ethically sourced clothing. Read more at Thesemiminimalist.com or find her on
