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

Our 2022 Gift Guide

Gahhhh….it’s time for one of our favorite (and let’s be honest, only) blog posts of the year. Each year, we LOVE pulling together a list of intentional + thoughtful gifts for those gracing your list, many of which will add zero clutter to the recipient’s home.

This year we’ve broken it down into categories, and honestly, think there is something for just about anyone that you might have on your list (parents, kids, spouses, friends,…the dreaded minimalist).

Organized | HOLIDAYSMaria BaerNovember 22, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCGift Guide, 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.

Brass Monkey | Decorators' Show House Recap

For the past 6 years, the St. Margaret’s Guild has produced the country’s longest running Decorators’ Show House & Gardens Event. It has been an annual tradition for my husband’s stepmom and me to walk through the doors and celebrate design within the Indianapolis community.

So imagine my delight when I was asked to participate this year, collaborating with Erin Moore from California Closets.

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!