Minsumer Movement

Like a growing number of people, I have become dejected with rampant consumerism. One of the "icky" feelings I get is rather pronounced at this time, when there is a frenzy of spending for this time of year. The way we have been programmed to "must have" the lights, the decorations, the foods, the drinks, the presents..... and we get into this mode of panic if all on the list cannot be cleaned and changed and cooked.......
I feel the need to simplify life.

I have been looking at the Minimalist Movement, and feel that I must share this link from Miss Minimalist because it hits home at the very heart of the "ickyness" I have been feeling at the excessive-ness that I see around me.
The new movement of "Minsumerism" is one to watch. It speaks to environmental and financial responsibility, and seeking happiness not in the things that you can buy, but in the people and experiences around you. That's where life's riches really are. Anyway, here is the link:
Minsumer Movement

And a link to her book Frugillionaire

What's Designing.......... Egyptian tile

Been working on an Egyptian inspired tile for an Egyptian Tile maker who liked my lotus flowers. The design actually begins with the Egyptian Lotus Flower which usually takes the side view instead for the view from above.
This picture shows four tiles together.....hmmm...needs a special border design I think.

Can I be a minimalist????

Taken from the blog Miss Minimalist

Before I moved out of my last apartment I had a growing discomfort stemming from the number of "things" I had in the place. Well... it may have not been the number of things, but maybe the size of the furniture in the rooms.

Rooms have gotten smaller, but furniture retained the same proportions. I started wondering about the idea of minimalist living, all with the aim of using the space I have more effectively. I wanted to be able to retain some unused space in the apartment so that I could spread out when I was working on something.
I started looking around and found Miss Minimalist....whose goal is to own 100 items or less. That's a picture of her bedroom......sorry love....too austere!

No..not my space, just a visualization tool of what may be possible. :)

I have spent three months or so living with my parents (try packing three kids and an adult into a  bedroom) and have taken stock of the things I actually use. I am just making mental notes for now because I realize that it may be the idea of lugging out the box to look for the item that turns me off of doing the task......I may need the item after all.

But I think minimalist living is something to think about....because I wish to simplify things, because I cannot abide clutter and because I would like to do more with what I have....space and money.

This would be a very interesting journey......onward ho!!!!

OOOhhh link to try: http://www.missminimalist.com/