Intentionally Arranging Our Minimalist Bookshelf (start with the small things)

Hello again! My name is Tracy @theChicHomemaker, and I'm a wife, a mother of two, and a warm welcome to my blog.

Today I am showing you a task I finished: arranging our bookshelf with the existing books I have from our other place, a few knick-knacks from our travels, and my certifications on some of the milestones I've achieved.

So we are still moving slowly in our new home, and I wanted this move to be more intentional by taking our time and not rushing into it.

We are starting with the small things. Because they are the biggest obstacles contributing to clutter, we first find their place in the house to get them out of the way. I'm sure you, my fellow homemakers, have heard of the saying, "a place for everything and everything in its place." Also, to make the shelf come to life, I've adorned it with green plants to give it a little contrast to the white background and give the frame a nice, cozy feel.

Here are some books I've collected through the years, notes from my Yoga Teacher Training in 2009, and even photo albums of the kids. I prefer to put the soft-covered ones in a closed cabinet, and for an accent shelf such as this one, hard-covered books work best as displays. It stands better, which makes it look neater and more organized.

So there you go; I'm most happy and proud with the turnout because I've managed to get intentional by turning it into a personal space for everything that means something to my family and me. I've also committed to keeping it minimal, and the plants helped simultaneously make the area look calm and pleasing to the eyes.

Dining At Home

Now that I have looked at homemaking positively and accepted it as one of the most important jobs, I’ve begun to cook more and even baked some foods from scratch. Also, I have become more conscious of my budget for groceries and lessened eating out (only when necessary, like on special occasions). It’s cheaper, you can adjust your ingredients, and you can practice formality and dining etiquette at home with your family. I cook simple foods, yet I can make them a pleasant and formal dining experience. How? I set the table using my best cutlery, dishes, and napkins, sitting down without gadgets and enjoying each other’s company.

Here is a sample of our table setting at home. The cotton napkins I use as I journal this blog is no longer new from the constant washing. Haha! I also like changing up the plates according to season. Since we only have two seasons, these blue “knock-off Spode plates” from Claytan will do for fall. I will change my plates soon for Christmas and then next for summer. :)

I like to use rattan chargers as placemats. It just organizes everything on the table.

And here are some simple, mostly organic and healthy dishes I make at home that the whole family loves. Also, I prefer plating my kids’ meals. I know how much they can finish.

Pasta Bolognese

Pasta Carbonara

Organic Pork Sinigang

Organic Chicken Afritada

Vegetabel Ramen Noodle Soup

Homemade Cheese Pizza

Caesar Salad

Salmon and Veggies

Wagyu Steak and Veggies

Air-Fryed Organic Chicken and Sautéed Kangkong

Spam and Veggies (Yes, we eat spam from time to time.)

Organic Egg Sandwich with Air-Fryed Organic Potato Chips

Homemade Easy Pancakes

Puto Muffins

Coco Sugar Choc Chip Cookies

Blueberry Jam Muffins

Homemade Butterscotch Pudding with English Tea (I love me my version of hot milk tea in the afternoon)

No-Bake Granola Balls with Hot Milk Tea (always!)

I'm still learning many recipes along the way that I can make and that my husband and kids will love. And they are the reason why I'm doing what I'm doing.