Starting a backyard compost can drastically decrease the solid waste you add to landfills, where it’s hard to break down, and will provide you with easy access to nutrient rich soil to use in your yard or garden. Starting a backyard compost is easy. It’s easy to start composting with a compost bin for your yard. You will be amazed how much you compostable waste breaks down in your composter. Next year, you will be lucky to save money using your own compost instead of buying it all for your garden.
2. Install a Rain Barrel
Install a rain barrel in your yard. A rain barrel will reduce runoff water from your home while providing you with garden water. This means you can also reduce your water consumption and your water bill. For those in drought prone communities, it may take your rain barrel longer to fill between rains but permits some watering in the driest times.
3. Invite the Birds & the Bees
Invite the birds, bees, and other pollinators into your yard. You can start by adding a bird feeder with seeds or hummingbird feeder with sugar water. Take it a step further by adding native trees, shrubs, or other pollinators to your garden. These plants will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your yard for the food they need to do their work. You will get the added bonus of a beautiful garden thanks to their pollination and can enjoy their presence as they flutter across your landscape.
4. Cut Back on Paper Towels
Reducing your paper towel consumption is easy when yourself, and your kitchen, up for success. Adding a few sweedish discloths to your kitchen can do the trick. These reusable alternatives can be washed in your washing machine or your dishwasher. They are even compostable when it’s time to retire them from your kitchen. Now you can hide your paper towel roll somewhere off the counter (which may also help you break any habits of reaching for a paper towel all the time).
5. Modernize Your Food Storage
Stop blowing through single-use sandwich bags by switching to silicone sandwich bags. These silicone storage bags are reusable, free from plastic toxins, and dishwasher safe. Making the switch pays off over time but is expensive to get started. If you can’t make the switch overnight, add a few at a time until you can stop spending money on the disposable bags.
Consider adding a digital declutter to your 2023 spring cleaning. A digital declutter creates a tidy and organized digital, or online, space that can support your wellbeing and productivity. Decluttering digitally is clearing out your computer, phone, tablet and internet or cloud-based applications and accounts. Here are ten ideas to get started with a digital declutter as part of your 2023 spring cleaning.
1. Clean Your Desktop
Your desktop is probably the first and last thing you see each working days. Take the time to time get your home base looking and working its best. A clean desktop gives you a clean working space that isn’t fragmented or distracting.
Avoid storing floating documents, downloads, or screenshots on your desktop. Consider adding a nightly or weekly cleanup to your routine if you have this tendency. A clean screen will help you feel and appear more organized. You probably know which of your coworkers and vendors allow their desktops to become a graveyard for downloads from times they’ve shared their screens.
Set a background that creates the right atmosphere for the time you spend at your computer. Recently, I’ve setup different backgrounds on my laptop and my monitor- this gives me two different views from my desk, with a more generic background used to when screen sharing at work.
2. Organize Your Documents
Keep your documents and photos organized by storing them in folders that make sense for you and workflow. If you don’t have a consistent naming convention or systemization, think about how you can use these digital tools to your advantage. Organizing documents and photos in folders with naming conventions that are consistent and make sense, will make documents easy to find and improve your workflow. If you know where a document is and what its called your less likely to download or duplicate documents you already have saved somewhere else. Having an organization system will help you to keep your desktop clean because you know where different documents should belong or make sense.
3. Delete Unused, or Unnecessary, Apps
Clear your phone and tablet of apps you no longer use, or would like to avoid using. You’ve likely downloaded more than a few apps over the years that no longer serve you. Are you still playing candy crush? Do you use all three of your weather and map apps? Delete them. Are there any apps that you find stealing your time or emotional capacity? Delete them. If it isn’t serving you, making your life easier or better, delete it.
4. Close Browser Tabs
Did you know your iPhone’s Safari app only lets you have 500 tabs open? I learned this after I maxed out my open tabs and wasn’t able to open my 501st. Close any open tabs that you won’t really go back to read. If you cannot remember that it’s open, you don’t need it.
5. Clear Your Inbox
Take the time to go through your inbox(es) and clear out what you can. Take the time to read, archive, organize, or delete old and unread emails. If your inbox has become unmanageable, search senders you know you can delete messages from and do a batch delete (ex. The newsletters you never read or wanted to come back to or marketing emails from stores you frequent).
6. Click Unsubscribe
While you’re in you’re clearing out your inbox take the time to unsubscribe from all the marketing emails inundating your inbox. Start moving unwanted marketing and junk emails to your junk folder and unsubscribing from them as soon as they hit your inbox.
7. Schedule Your Time to Focus
Set yourself up by scheduling time that’s for focus, time that’s away from work, and consider including time that is away from screens and technology. Most phones, computer software, and browers help you do this by limiting what notifications you can get during specific times of the day. Many phones will even block you from accessing many of your apps at night to break the doom scroll habit.
8. Review and Remove Duplicate Unnecessary Photos and Contacts
Many of us have old screenshots, duplicate photos, and unnecessary photos on our devices. These can make finding important photos harder and are taking up unnecessary storage in the cloud and our minds. Delete things that are completely unnecessary. Review your contacts for duplicates, people listed separately for their email and phone number or- for those old enough, separate home and cell phone numbers. You may even have some contacts in your phone that you can’t remember and could delete all together.
9. Secure Your Accounts & Passwords
This may be one of the most important. Secure passwords may not bog you down in the moment but if you get locked out of accounts, or worse, have accounts hacked and personal data breaches you will have a headache you could have avoided. There were days we used the same passwords on repeat, then maybe you started to add a capital letter, a number, or a character. Those days are over. Take your cyber security seriously by using strong, unique passwords, resetting them regularly, and not storing them where they can be seen or hacked themselves. Data breaches and security concerns are all-too-common, be proactive, responsible and diligent with your online presence and security.
This one is less about cleaning what is stored digitally and more about cleaning how you see it. Clean your screens, change cracked cases and covers, and clean your keyboards. We use our devices so often and rarely give them the care we should. Wiping your screens, with safe products, and replacing cracked screen protectors or screens changes how everything we do on them appears. You probably wipe your desk off so you aren’t working in dust and crumbs- try using a compressed air duster to clean out your computer keyboard too.
Have you heard about True&Co? I want to spill, they are my absolute new favorite spot to shop for unbralievable bras! Almost a year ago I saw an instagram ad for, honestly, a very ugly bra. This bra wasn’t anything along the lines of what I usually purchased but it looked so comfortable! I’d also been hearing about potential problems that stemmed from underwire bras so I decided to give it a try. When my order arrived, I instantly fell in love! Not only was this bra incredibly comfortable but it also looked great under my blouses for work. It was so smooth and seamless. Since purchasing this one I’ve found three more I love from True & Co. I’m excited to share my four favorites from True&Co! If you try them, I hope you fall in love as much as I did- you should spill the secret with others too!
I recently ordered The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush by DryBar. Then, I heard about Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer. They look really similar, both have great reviews but have a $100 difference in price. I needed to give them both a comparison to decide which was a better spend! Here’s my face-off review!
// The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush //
This brush by DryBar is $150. It’s a good amount of money to spend on a hair tool. Until a couple months ago I have been using the same $30 blowdryer that I purchased in high school. Admittedly, it didn’t get much use. $150 was a hard pill to swallow but I wanted to try it out. After my first use I was pretty impressed. My hair dried faster, smoother, and with much less effort than I was used to. My mom’s thought was that it was fast and easy but she couldn’t get the same volume as a brush and blowdryer so she would pass on the purchase herself.
//One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer //
This brush by Revlon is $56.99. That’s a lot less expensive than the one I tried from DryBar. Had I heard about the Revlon option first, I wouldn’t have even tried them both. After trying the DryBar brush, I tried this one a few times. They are very similar. The Revlon’s sound is a little louder and get’s a little hotter. It also makes a strong plastic smell, which I read is normal and will go away.
// Decision //
The price difference is $100. It’s a not a huge difference functional difference between the two. Between the smell and the extreme heat that I don’t want to damage my hair I decided spending the extra money on DryBar’s double shot was worth it. If you decide to try them both for yourself, try starting with Revlon’s– it could change the outcome.
My mom and sister did not love either option. If you’re someone who has already mastered the process with a round brush and blow dryer you may prefer the option for more control, like them.
It was a great time for me to give them both a shot and I am excited to have a better way to do my hair in the mornings through COVID-19 life and when I return to the office and can begin socializing again!
We’re all getting through this differently. One of my less-productive quarantine past-times is binge watching a few favorite shows! I would be lying if I said I didn’t always love a good binge session but I’m especially enjoying them right now because I have a little less guilt.Here have been ten of my favorites from Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
// Orphan Black //
A Canadian science fiction thriller starring Tatiana Maslany, who is playing several roles– as clones! Try this show out if you wonder what ethical issues may exist around human cloning and how it effects identify! You can watch all five seasons of Orphan Black on Amazon Video.
// I’m Sorry //
This is a Netflix Original series created by and starring Andrea Savage, a comedy writer, wife, and mom experiences unexpected life situations. I thought the show was absolutely hysterical and blew through the entire series.
// Ozark //
This Netflix series released the third season. It’s about a finance Chicago based professional who must move his family to MO to continue laundering money for a drug boss. This is one of the few shows on the list that may actually appeal to you and your significant other!
// The Good Place //
This is an NBC show that’s available on Netflix through Season 3. The show gives you a look into afterlife as you evaluate what makes you a good person and how you can make it to “The Good Place”. I don’t want to give away too much, but it stars Kristen Bell so, enough said.
// Little Fires Everywhere //
This is a Hulu series based on Celeste Ng’s book, starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. It’s currently being released one episode per week with the first seven episodes are available now. This is one that I’m watching with my mom and sister and it’s getting somewhat mixed reviews.
// Marvelous Mrs. Maisel //
This Prime original takes you back to the 1950s in Manhattan. The comedy follows a witty Jewish girl who’s perfect life took a change that allowed her to discover her comedic value. This one’s been popular for awhile, but if you haven’t joined the cult– now’s the time!
// The Handmaid’s Tale //
This Hulu series is based on Margaret Atwood’s 2013 dystopian novel. The show stars Elisabeth Moss in a future that plays with questionable power, gender, religious, and political issues. Warning: it’s dark.
// Catastrophe //
In this catastrophic Prime comedy, an American visits London and life and mistakes play from there. Take a little time from your own mistakes and watch the stars of this show see that life can go different than expected.
// Schitt’s Creek //
This Candadian sitcom is a true cult-favorite. It aired on CBC (it’s last episode aired April 7, 2020). You can watch seasons 1-6 on Netflix now. Watch the wealthy Rose family go broke overnight and learn to adapt to their new lives in Schitt’s Creek. I will admit, it took me almost an entire season to appreciate the dramatic, sarcastic acting but I have loved it since then! Plus, Alexis Rose (played by Annie Murphy) is my fashion idol!
// You //
This Netflix original is based on Caroline Kepnes’ novel. The show stars Penn Badgley from Gossip Girl. The main character is a brilliant man who would do anything for love.
I generally enjoy decorating for the holidays. I feel like it gives you the chance get to enjoy something different around your house for about a month and can really help you create a mood. Right now, it’s Halloween! I’m all about the mums and spooky side of things and less into the cutesy (read orange) part of Halloween.
When I decorate for a holiday, I prefer to keep it simple and not over-clutter my small space by choosing for small-touches instead of adding a too many large pieces that don’t fit into the rest of my home.
I typically buy 1-2 new decorations every year and try to do it after the holiday so I can get items after the prices have been slashed. Here are a few spots around my house from this year!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale rolls around each year around this time. In preparation for the sale I have historically seen other bloggers give it a ton of hype. Last year (my first year trying this whole blogging thing), I immediately got started on my #NSALE post to get it up before the sale was open to give you a preview to the sale and hopefully inspire some fall fashion ideas and highlight my favorites. This year, I’ve intentionally gone about it very differently. I chose to wait until everyone could shop the sale so I knew my style and picks would be in stock and shop-able (at least when the post went live).
My 2019 NSALE Picks
Sweaters & Jackets
Tops
Pants and Skirts
Dresses and Jumpers
Shoes
Lounge & Sleep
Bags & Accessories
Beauty
Active
Home
I’m not sure if it just me, but this year I’ve definitely seen a shift, for the better, in the blogging world about around the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. There is more recognition that it’s not so urgent or important. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Anniversary Sale, it’s a great time to fill my fall wardrobe with a few pieces and grab some staples on sale but I 100% don’t believe on going overboard about the sale and here are three reasons why.
1. The items that sold out quickly, will come back.
People go crazy over this annual sale! Lot’s of people, myself included, buy items in multiple sizes planning to try things on for the best-fit. The returns will restock the website for most items.
2. Many of same items on sale now, will go on sale again in a few months.
I cannot count the number of times in the past that I’ve purchased something from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale thinking that I was getting a good deal to find it marked-down again later, even more than when I purchased it. If you use the heart option on the blog, you can get notified when these items go back on sale after the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is over!
3. You don’t need to open a new credit card to shop.
The sale is great but your financial stability and credit is a lot more important. If you don’t have or want a Nordstrom credit card, I don’t think you should get one just to shop a sale a couple days early.
The holidays are the best excuse to get out and do things that you don’t always do. It’s a great excuse to spend time with friends, dress up, and cheese on life! This winter I am spending the days leading up to Christmas with my friends and family in Pittsburgh. I’ve made a short list of five things I don’t want to miss!
1.Bob’s Garage – is a Pittsburgh staple. It’s a dive bar in Blawnox, a suburb of the city. Around Christmas the bar is fully decked with decor and lights. It’s so much fun, involves karaoke, and all types of tacky!
2. Phipps Botanical Garden– has an amazing holiday showcase. If you go at night you will get to see everything all lit up.
3. PPG Plaza Ice Rink– You can bring your own skates or rent. It’s a beautiful outdoor rink in Market square. Stop by and skate, have some local foods, and grab some coffee.
4. See a show. Some options include: Elf, The Trans Siberian Orchestra, The Nutcracker
5.Gingerbread Houses and International Santas- There are hundreds are Gingerbread houses submitted to this showcase, in fact you can submit one too! It’s a great way to see the whole Pittsburgh community together. Mixed in are international Santas, with a small description of their history and culture!
Cranberry Rosemary Mules are the perfect winter cocktail. It has all the right colors and flavors to be festive through the holidays.
// Ingredients //
vodka
ginger beer (I use Fever Tree)
limes
rosemary
cranberries
Cranberry Juice
granulated sugar
// Directions //
Soak rosemary in cranberry juice overnight.
Sugar Cranberries- Wash Cranberries, roll in granulated sugar, lay on paper towel to dry.
Pour 2oz. vodka, 8oz ginger beer, splash of soaked cranberry juice over ice.
Squeeze in lime
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and candied cranberries.
There’s nothing that starts getting me in the holiday spirit like layering up with some red sweaters. As temperatures drop sweaters are the perfect way to layer in all different climates and red brings so much brigtness to your look and the early evenings. I love that a red sweater can be festive enough for the holidays but simple enough for everyday and post-holiday wear.
Thanks for checking out Colorfully Grey.