How to Complete 5 EASY & CHEAP New Year's Resolutions for Your Home

Noelle McGough
by Noelle McGough
3 Materials
$100
1 Day
Easy
It’s the start of a new year and the start of a new and exciting things for Monk & Nun AND FOR YOU! We want to share in your journey and invite you into ours and with that....we will be posting updates about what we at Monk & Nun have been up to, exploring some of the latest trends and hopefully work with you as you continue to make your house a home. Let's start with the 5 tips and tricks to kick the New Year off right!
'Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions. It’s such a great time of year to remind ourselves of some of those goals that we keep pushing to the wayside. (Although for some of us, perhaps making a resolution not to make any more resolutions may be slightly more successful!) For the start of this season, let’s look at things that either benefit others or don’t involve more ‘stuff’. There are options here that can suit any time commitment and any budget. If you have other ideas that you think would be great to add, make sure you tell us about them either through our Facebook page or our Instagram!
Declutter
Time: **
Budget: n/a
Benefits: Your family, your community
There are some people who are great at the whole ‘decluttering’ thing and then there is people like me who own 14 chopping knives (and that is after unloading some on a knife-less friend). There is never going to be a time that I will ever use 14 knives all at once, yet here I am. Use this New Year to decide what in your cupboards is not needed and pass it on. Recycle it by donating it to a thrift store, passing it on to your neighbour or giving it to your local church or shelter.
Reduce Consumption
Time: ***
Budget: n/a
Benefits: The environment, your pocket
No, I’m not talking about this in reference to your waistline! I’m talking about it in terms of ensuring your washing loads are full and then drying them on a rack or outside when the weather decides to cooperate. Or try reducing the amount of electricity your household uses by turning lights and appliances off when not in use. Or why not take your own mug to your local coffee shop so not to use a paper one? The biggest effort here is just changing our habits...and hey! I'm with ya, I need to change some too!
Plant a Tree – or Three!
Time: *
Budget: $
Benefits: Your family, the environment
Sorry-not-sorry about the rhyming title. This is not only fun and easy to include everyone, but you will have a positive impact on the future. It can create a tree that provides food, gives shelter or offers a place for the tree house that you have been dreaming of making for yourself your kids. Make it extra special by creating a new tradition of planting one on each person’s birthday (although you might need to find some great ones that you can start growing indoors for all those winter babies!)


Reduce Waste
Time: ***
Budget: $
Benefits: The environment, your pocket
Even within just this category there are so many options, each with their benefits. Try using all your leftovers (even the small stuff) instead of throwing it out – a favourite of mine is making stir-fry with leftover rice. If the kitchen is not where your magic lies, try using a pretty scarf (check out your local thrift store) or paper to wrap the next birthday present- add some ribbon, string and seasonal foliage for added wow-factor. Write your ‘card’ in a book to simply reduce the number of things that get discarded – It also adds to the gifting magic!
Check out these coasters that we made from off-cuts. I know, right?!
Hunt for Good Thrift Finds
Time: ***
Budget: $-$$
Benefits: The environment, your pocket, your community
Many an inspiration comes from a trip to the thrift store. All the proof you need is in our Facebook and Instagram pages! It also immediately reduces the number of things that end up in our landfills. That kitchen utensil that you need to replace? That vase that you are wanting to buy? Check out your local thrift store. You also get the added bonus of supporting a community focused organisation. Just make sure you don’t undo all of your ‘decluttering’ efforts!


We always love to see what our Monk & Nun family are up to, so keep sending us your amazing pictures of what you have been up to! Check out our Facebook and Instagram and connect with us, we can’t wait to be as excited about your success as you are!
Resources for this project:
Fiddle Leaf Fiscus Plants/Trees
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Noelle McGough
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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