How To Simplify Your Life

Do you ever get those moments where you are struck by a lightening bolt of inspiration to purge all unnecessary belongings?

Last night was one of those nights for me.

After realizing that Spring would be coming to an abrupt end in 8 days, I decided it was now or never for my annual Spring Clean Purge.

Each Spring, I gather up all unnecessary items and I donate them to charity. Last night I collected 5 bags of things. Many of these items were items that I was having a hard time letting go of last year, and lo and behold I never wore them once! Moral of the story: Always trust your gut.

Sometimes, it takes me a while to part with an item. My motto now is if I haven’t worn it in a full calendar year (all types of weather!) it gets donated. BOOM. If you live in Alberta, you can change that to ‘if I haven’t worn it in a full week’. :ninja:

Eric was so inspired by my donation bags, he decided to do his own SCP…

Yes, those are Daffy Duck and Superman ties. [You know who you are.]

It was amusing watching Eric take each item of clothing from his closet and comment on it. One of my favourite comments was: ‘It is so small on me it barely covers my nipples!’

Where does he come up with this stuff? I seriously lost it laughing on a heap of clothes when he said that. I said, ‘Oh come on, it almost covers your belly button at least!’ Needless to say he donated it. I’m sure some 8 year old will be very happy.

Then it was time for more Farmer’s Market prep!

Good times.

My mother-in-law used to be a huge crafter and she would sell all of her goods from her home. The basement would literally be flooded with her crafts and she would be up until the wee hours of the night preparing.

Eric had the prestigious role of being the crafter’s assistant when he was a child. One of the more memorable (and oddly enjoyable tasks) he recalled was picking the dried glue off the table for his mom. :lol:

His resume also boasts potpourri and wreath maker. Not to brag, but my crafting resume boasts trinket box maker, plaster crafter/painter, friendship bracelet maker (variations: Gimp, bead, string), and clay modeler.

Is it any wonder we fell i love? I think not.

Our window seat in the office is the same length as the market table I am buying, so I thought it would be a good place to do a dress rehearsal on!

The troops all lined up!

I also added some ribbon and an Ikea flower that I hacked gently cut apart.

It’s no Martha, but I’ll take it.

I am going to put two rows of flavours in each basket like so…(obviously it will be full for market open!)

Then I made a trial for the tags. Each flavour will have a tag in front of it with the name and description of the Glo Bar. I think I am going to make the print larger for the final tags just so people can read it easily.

I also made myself and TEAM GLO name tags…

After crafting in the office, I decided to craft in the kitchen. Farmer’s Markets are lots of work to prepare for!

I made GLO BALLS!

Yup, yup I was BALLIN’.

Remember when I made my raw chocolate chip cookie balls in May 2009? Well, I used the recipe for inspiration, threw in some new and amazing ingredients, and came out with a few kick-butt flavours!

They are OFF THE HOOK!

I plan on selling GLO BALLS at the Harbourside Oakville Organic Market in addition to the bars (market starts June 19th!).

I will be giving hints to the flavours all week…so stay tuned.

The market orientation went great today! I met some lovely people and I felt much better after seeing the market site and finding out about how it will all operate. The market is held in GORGEOUS downtown Oakville and it honestly could not be a better spot for a Farmers Market! I am so excited. :biggrin:

However, there is one PROBLEM…

[source]

I pass by the Oakville Whole Foods along my journey!!!!

Normally, this isn’t an issue for me seeing as I live 1 hour away from here, but now I am going into the belly of the monster every Saturday for the market.

When in Rome… :lol:

I finally got my paws on some red and green organic kale!

I was all excited to buy frozen cherries to make a Cherry Bomb, but they didn’t have any. I can’t find frozen cherries anywhere!

Mmmm so happy coconut butter is back in my life. Also starring a new appearance by one of my old pasttimes- Canadian Maple Butter. Best thing in the WORLD!!!!!!!!!

[Insert loooooong day of cleaning the house top to bottom with Eric].

I’m off to balance out the day’s chores with some relaxation, dinner, friends, and a few brews! Hope you have a great night! See you in the AM.