Meet Afterglow Market

Many moons ago, I briefly met Rachel Mirabella. She owned and operated an adorable shop that was the perfect backdrop for a bachelorette shower circa 2009. It was a magical evening shared with friends.

And then 15 years went by.

And Rachel popped back into my world, when my mom and dad dropped by her new shop, Afterglow Market. They called me gushing about how I needed to connect with this incredible female business owner. And worlds collided once again.

I am so excited to introduce you to Afterglow Market, the impact they are making on circular + sustainable fashion, along with the way they are changing the fashion landscape here in Indianapolis. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy my conversation with Rachel!

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerMarch 13, 2024The Baer Minimalist, LLCsustainable, Clothing Rental, FashionComment

DO GOOD RESOURCE // Seeds of Caring

Earlier this year a new organization came to town that our family was oh so very excited about. Seeds of Caring is a non-profit dedicated to creating little do-gooders (ages 2 - 12) by providing easily digestible service projects for kids and parents alike. Their Anywhere Projects can be done…you guessed it, anywhere, and their larger service projects are a beautiful way to get involved in the great community.

I was so excited to connect with Blair Everett, the Indianapolis Program Manager and am even MORE EXCITED to share their mission and ways to get involved through the following conversation.

We are big Seeds of Caring fans and originally heard about it from friends in Columbus, where it originated. What need did you see in Indianapolis that prompted you to start a second outpost?

When we realized we were ready to expand, our Board of Directors dove deep into data to figure out which city had a growing population of young families who wanted to give back as well as plenty of opportunity to help meet real community needs. Hard data led us to Indy but since getting to know the city, our hearts agree that this is a kind community where Seeds of Caring will thrive!

Organized | RESOURCES, Organized | PARENTHOODMaria BaerAugust 31, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCKids, Donate, do good, communtiyComment

Composting 101 // Meet Indy Go Green

A few years back, Audra Boarman joined The Baer Minimalist team. When she’s not organizing, she runs Indy Go Green and Club Compost, which are incredible organizations that everyone should know about.

Over the course of more months than I’d care to admit, she slowly nudged me to give composting a go. In January of this year, we finally bit the bullet. The composting bucket sat our counter while I put off reading what could and couldn’t be composted. And then finally one evening I decided “why not start tomorrow.”

And I’m so glad we did. It has been so fun to get the kids involved, to learn more about the full cycle of growing and composting food, and working to eliminate food waste going into the trash can.

I wanted her to share a bit about her minimalist philosophy and why composting is a big piece of it. So here’s Audra, taking over the blog for the day.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerJuly 19, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCCompost, MinimalismComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Random Acts of Flowers

In every home we organize, there is that one cabinet (generally high up above the fridge) where vases go to live for eternity. When we find their forgotten hiding place, I’m always quick to mention Random Acts of Flowers (RAF) to clients, as there is such a HUGE need for vases to support their mission.

For years RAF has graced our donation guide, but we’ve never had the chance to share their story here. Thank you to Meggie Dials, Board Chair (and all around amazing steward of Indianapolis) for sharing her experience with RAF below.

What need did you see in the community that led you to get involved with Random Acts of Flowers (RAF)?

Many years ago, I started an organization called The Sussy Project where I took nominations for deserving people, and would "surprise someone with kindness" by sending them a "sussy" (defined as a gift given for no reason). The gift was not large in monetary value, but it showed that person that someone was thinking of them and felt they could use a smile. As life got busier for myself, the organization dissolved but my passion for random acts of kindness did not. When I was approached about a board position for Random Acts of Flowers, it felt like a natural fit. What a simple mission! And 5+ years later, I am finishing up my second year as Board President and truly just love what we do.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerJune 6, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, DonateComment

DONATION RESOURCE // 91 Place

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Karynn Adamowicz, Development & Communications for 91 Place, after being introduced by a mutual friend/client/supporter. After bonding over our commonly mispronounced names (“Maria pronounced Mariah” and “Karynn not Karen”), the conversation flowed right into the incredible work that 91 Place is doing inside of the Indianapolis community.

If you aren’t familiar with 91 Place (or even if you are), I encourage you to read the following post because this organization is doing so. much. good. It is amazing to see what can happen when a passionate individual has an incredible idea and gets to work making great things happen.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerMay 30, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, DonateComment

No Spend January

Hi dear readers!

It is hard to believe that another year is wrapping up. And what a year it has been - both from a growth perspective with our business, but to the transformations we have witnessed in our clients homes, and all of the local organizations that we’ve been able to benefit with donations in the process of editing + organizing.

I’m certainly inspired to kick off the new year on a positive note and decided that I wanted to jump on board with a “No Spend” January, after seeing a few minimalist accounts share the challenge.

Well, after posting on Instagram, we now how a group of almost 90 members and I feel like this will certainly hold me accountable in the 31 days to come.

In true “organizer” fashion, I’ve put together an accountability guide/tracker for each of you. And if you’d like to join our group for additional inspiration and resources, just shoot @thebaerminimalist a message on Instagram.

Cheers to 2023! May it be your most organized year yet…and if you need a little help, we are just a phone consult away.

Organized | EVENTS, Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerDecember 31, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCorganize, Minimalism, holidaysComment

20 Days of Giving // A Printable Checklist

In honor of National Gratitude Month, we wanted to share our guide to Donate + Do Good this holiday season. Because after all, isn’t that a huge part of what this season is about?

Doing yourself the favor of decluttering your space before the gifting season gets underway, while benefiting our community in the process is something that is near and dear to our hearts.

We’ve created a printable guide (click on the image below to download your very own copy) and would love to hear all of the little ways you impact local in the coming weeks.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves this holiday season and work to give back while we also take notice of the bounty that each of us is fortunate enough to have.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerNovember 10, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonate, Holidays, DeclutterComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Wishing Wings Boutique

Who remembers that feeling as a teen wanting to pick out just the right outfit for a special occasion? And that magical feeling when you nailed the look from head to toe?

In an effort to provide that experience for teens within the foster care system, Ginger Summer launched the Wishing Wings Boutique in Lebanon, Indiana.

Ginger has been a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) since 2017 which has given her the insight that youth within the system face many challenges. She said, “ I have seen kids go to new homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back or a trash bag full of ill-fitting odds and ends. Going to a new home without proper resources can be stressful and scary even for older kids who are often forgotten when it comes to donations, relocation needs, and other support.” This led her to open Wishing Wings Boutique so that all children have access to essential resources and give them a sense of dignity. Ginger shares a little more about Wishing Wings Boutique and how the community can lend a helping hand.

Organized | RESOURCESGracie GrouzardSeptember 14, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, Kids, Closets, Recycling, DeclutterComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Project Play Inc.

Many parents might agree that toys have a superpower where they seem to multiply overnight…not to mention appear under our bare feet when we least expect it (we’re looking at you, Legos). When we work in homes where there is an abundance of toys that are no longer be pulled out to play with, we love being able to share the impact that Project Play Inc. has on the community (and set up a Donation Pick-Up while we’re at it).

Project Play Inc. takes donated toys and redistributes to children and families in need. The team at Project Play Inc. works diligently to meet the needs of kids who do not have toys or books to use. Angie Lacy, Occupational Therapist, Preschool Teacher and Founder of Project Play, took the time to share with us what Project Play Inc. does and how we can rehome our toys and books while benefitting the greater community.

Introducing The Annual Heirloom Album

According to a Business Insider projection: People would take one hundred billion more photos than the prior year.

And that projection was for 2017.

Five years ago.

One hundred billion more photos.

Before smartphones, we didn’t carry around cameras 24 hours a day. I can list the top five photos that defined my childhood on one hand. Don’t ask me to choose the top five photos of my daughter’s first month of life.

While the number of pictures we snap is staggering, it’s so great, right?! Who cares if I blink anymore! Snap another! Sun in your eyes? Let’s just adjust our position and let the camera do the work (#portraitmode). I love love love what smartphones now offer us.

The Everewear Style Box | A Review

Now that we’ve raved about how Everewear is revolutionizing fashion, I can’t wait to walk you through my personal experience of ordering a style box!

Organized | RESOURCESKamy MitchellFebruary 22, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCFashion, Everewear, consignment, MinimalismComment

Sustainable Fashion is Everewear

Do you love sustainable fashion and secondhand shopping, but dread the work of the treasure hunt experience? What if there was a way to find clothing that was tailored to your style without the hassle of the hit-or-miss experience in a thrift shop? Let us introduce you to Everewear (pronounced everywhere), a new way to experience secondhand shopping!

Organized | RESOURCESKamy MitchellFebruary 8, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCFashion, consignment, Minimalism, EverewearComment

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