Brown Italian Leather purse, wants a new owner

Hello everyone,

Well, more and more I am going through my wardrobe and finding ways to simplify and share.  Today's give is a beautiful brown Italian leather purse ( yes it was made in Italy.)

It came to me from my Mom in law.  I've used it for a couple of years and then my friend gave me another purse that is almost the same color.  I like both and the one from my friend fits my items just a little better.

So.... this purse can go home with you if you like it and are the first to commit to picking it up.

If you want it, please email me at anna@teammomentumrealestate.com with the subject line" brown Italian leather purse please."

You can pick it up at my office ( with advance notice of course) in University Place or you can mail me a self addressed stamped package that has enough postage for a pound and I will send it to you that way as well.

I just ask that you share a little about you and hopefully a picture of you with the item.

If you have a business or a cause that is dear to you I may even share about your business or cause in the post as well.

This will be fun.  It's funny, I've really enjoyed a number of the items I am gifting now, and still I am finding getting ready and putting together outfits is easier than when I had more items.  I also know what holes I have in my wardrobe  that would really expand it with just one item....with too much of everything I was not sure what I really wanted.

Anna Matsunaga
Team Momentum 
Keller Williams Realty Tacoma
253 212 1252

Silver "tie" necklace needs someone to enjoy it.

Here is another item.

I bought this recently at one of my favorite places to shop Dress Barn,

however, I made the mistake of not trying it on first....a necklace will fit right?

Well sort of, it simply hits in the wrong spot and does not fall right with the things I wanted to wear it with.....thus, I tried to wear it several times and just never did because it did not look how I wanted it to with my clothing.  Maybe if I held onto it for a long time I'd find a piece of clothing it was perfect with, but that would not help me to simplify would it? 

So if you like it, realize the knot is a little high up.  It is silver in color, but not made of sterling.  Maybe it's perfect for you and I'd love to make your day with it.

If you'd like to have it and can pick it up from my office in University Place WA or if you can send me an self addressed stamped envelop for me to send it to you ( be sure the postage will cover at least 8 oz) then it is yours.  I'd just love to have you share a picture of you with it and also a bit about you for the blog.  ( who knows I may even highlight your business or cause if you share that with me.)  

If you'd like to have it email me at anna@teammomentumrealestate.com....subject silver tie necklace and give me your contact info.

Anna Matsunaga

Team Momentum 

Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253 212 1252

www.teamomentumrealestate.com

Simplifying.....simple, and yet not easy.....

If you read the newest home and life style trends you cannot do so with out hearing about "Simplifying".  There are gurus and teachers who have ideas about how to do so pretty much at the touch of a mouse in moments....however this is not a new concept at all.

In fact, if you observe creation you will see that there is no waste at all in nature.  If you read your Bible you'll also be familiar with the concept of simplicity as it echos through out the scriptures.

It's something that many of us really want to do.  What makes it so hard?  Well.....to be real, our lives are complicated in ways no one could have even imagined even 10 years ago. We collect things but we are too busy to discard often.  People give us things and so we have a hard time letting go of them.....and reality is it's HARD to simplify.  The busier we are the more we really need to do it and the harder it is to find the time to do it....and honestly, it's not just our homes that are too cluttered it's also our schedules. ( more about that later)

So here is some about my family's journey.  I really began to feel the need to simplify several years ago.  We have met many of our goals. ( no debt other than our mortgage for instance)  We also have a long way to go.  We have been blessed beyond measure, especially considering the financial crash in 2007-2008 bankrupted our family. In between then and now we've gone from having pre- teens, a toddler and then a one more baby to having grown kids and a pre teen and a teen.. ( whew)  Just that alone means we have lots of extra stuff.  Children's needs change so fast, they grow out of things before you know it you have things in the closet that are 3 sizes too small.....We also went from having 2 pets to....well I've lost count.  ( seems we are not moving in the right direction there)

So what progress have we made?  At least once a week for the last year or so we have brought at least a bag or a box to donation.  I've started to pay attention to if I have doubles of things in my wardrobe.  ( Ok people I really can use more than one black pair of pants or black skirt...but just how many nice brown purses do I need....and even black purses do I need? )  I also went through my clothing and if it did not fit or I did not feel wonderful in it...away it went.....even if it was expensive.  I still need to go through more and I will have more to give away when I do.

Then I also started to pay more attention when buying things.  Did I REALLY love it?  If not, I no longer bring it home.  Does it fit well with things I already have?  If no, then either I buy an entire outfit at once or again, I get nothing.

In the kitchen, I am planning meals more.  I am buying less in bulk.  I thought bulk buying would save money, but more often it lead to having 4 of one thing open in the fridge and wasting.  I've been planning one meal that can be made with left overs of another meal for instance as well.  I've been planning so that meals can be used as lunches if we don't finish them and I've been working to have more beans and veggies and less meat.  This has lowered our grocery bill a little.  If I find something sitting for a bit I freeze it right away and bring it to a family that can use it.

We've also been working in our yard to have less work.  There's always going to be quite a bit of work since we have laurel hedges, but we've put down weed barriers and mulch and so on so there is less weeding to do.  We've made patios a couple places which means less mowing. Instead of wood edgings on most of the flower beds we have cement now, which will never rot or need maintenance.  Our fence as we replaced it has cement footings under it so it will never rot either.   We've been trying to look ahead so that we can do as much work "once and for all" or almost once and for all as possible as far as the yard is concerned.  I've planted perennials through out the yard so that I don't have to plant and buy flowers each year.  ( still enjoy buying a few, so those I buy as my hanging baskets)  We are making progress, with the yard at least.......

I still feel as if we have a very long way to go.  The meal planning, while it does take time and does not feel simple, it actually does simplify.  How? Less wasted food, less grocery shopping trips last second, in the end less spent on groceries and less eating out. ( which also saves money, which means we get to spend more time with each other instead of working)  I am enjoying trying some new things and we are keeping tried and true stand bys on hand as well...so far it's working pretty well.  It's bought us more time with each other and saved money.....

I will keep going,  and I will keep you posted..... oh and I will share what we don't need or want ( but you may) with you.

Anna Matsunaga
Team Momentum
Keller Williams Realty Tacoma
253 212 1252

Fishing poles and reels find a new home and I get to meet a new neighbor.

Here is a success story already- for Simplify Give Shine

These poles were given to us

And they were not the type we use for fishing with our family.  They worked just fine, and so did the reels, but they were just sitting, ( hanging actually) for year in our garage.  So....since we are simplifying they needed a new home.

Enter Debbie L.  Because of these poles I got the chance to meet her.  We could have met a long time ago since she lives in our old neighborhood and now works at the medical center near our current home.  She was sweet and honest since she was not sure they were out for give away.  ( I was not sure and needed to confirm with my hubby too)  But they were and so she came on her lunch break.

I hope to hear about fun fishing trips she gets to have or someone she gets to share them with too.

Debbie, I hope they brought a smile to your day and hopefully fish to your life soon!!!

Anna Matsunaga

Team Momentum 

Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253 212 1252

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Cream Leather Aurielle Purse needs a new owner

Ok  Here is the next item. 

It's a really beautiful soft cream leather purse.  The designer is Aurielle.  It has more than 7 compartments and is lined and has an adjustable strap. You can use it as a a shoulder bag or a cross body bag because of this.  Perfect in color for spring and summer too.

I am gifting it because it does not work well for the things I carry most and so I have barely used it though I love how it looks and feels.  It was given to me by my mother in law, Hiroko Mori who has been very generous with our entire family and I really appreciated it and at the same time it is only taking up space now, so want to share it with someone who will love it and use it.

It can be yours if you are the first to request it, I just ask that you pick it up at my office  or send me a pre addressed package to send it to you in along with the postage to get it to you. 

Email me at anna@teammomentumrealestate.com with subject Aurielle Purse Please if you'd like it for your own.

In the email please share a picture of you and a bit about you so I can share it on the blog.  Also I will get back with you on when you can pick it up if you want to swing by and get it.

Anna Matsunaga

Team Momentum 

Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253 212 1252

Www.teammomentumrealestate.com

3 ladies over sweaters- who wants them?

Today's items to give away and share....

So I started with my wardrobe due to the advice from Marie Kondo famous author of some wonderful books on organizing and simplifying. 

So....for the next bit expect lots of clothing items and handbags and so on to be forthcoming as things I will share with whomever wants them.

These are 3 over sweaters, all in good condition.  Just either I already have others in similar colors or they just are not flattering on me, but likely would look great on you. 

You can have all 3 if you are the first to respond.  Email me at anna@teammomentumrealestate.com and make the subject line 3 sweaters.  You can either pick them up at my office 7525 28th Street West in University Place, Monday through Friday 9-5.  ( let me know in advance so I can have them ready for you.)  Or you can send an addressed package with your address and enough postage for about a pound and I will mail it to you.  Just let me know which you'd like.

I just ask that you share a picture of you with at least one of the items and a bit about you.  If you have a business or a cause you'd like to promote I might also share about that on the blog as well.

I'd also like you to find one thing that is of value that you'd like to let go of and email me a bit about it and about you and how to contact you if it's something our readers would like.  Let's have fun with this!!!

Anna Matsunaga
Team Momentum
Keller Williams Realty Tacoma
253 212 1252

Why Simplify Give Shine? What is it?

Hello!  My name is Anna Matsunaga.




  I am a Pierce County resident. I am also a minister, wife, mother and business owner.  Likely I am a lot like you, my life is abundant with things to do, things in general and decisions.

I love my life and want more time to enjoy what makes it wonderful.  The things that make it wonderful are time to worship, time with family and friends, ( and pets) quiet time, clients who are appreciative, new things to learn, beautiful things that are functional for me and time outside.

When I look at that list, most of the "things" that make life amazing are not THINGS at all.....

In fact, when I think about it more...too many things can actually get in the way of a wonderful life.....for me clutter is overwhelming and drains me.  Debt to pay for things can rob any one of the time they desire for more important things.....each item you have requires care...(ie time and attention)

One of the best guides for a happy life I've ever found is found in this scripture...Matt 6:22-"The lamp of the body is the eye.  If then, your eye is simple ( some translations say focused) your whole body will be bright."

Another wonderful guide is  this scripture- Acts 20: 35  ".....There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving"

My idea for this blog- and movement in my life is a combination of these 2 scriptural ideas.  I'd like to have keeping things simple combined with giving and reap the brightness that comes with doing both.

I will be looking for things that do not bring me joy and happiness that still may be of real value and bring joy to others ( Since they may be a better fit for them).

I will be sharing with you my journey on simplifying.  I will work hard to be transparent and share the changes and challenges that come with doing this.  In the end, it will be a journey that involves many people.  I want to share not just about me as we set out on this journey, I want it to also be about you.  I'd like to share the happiness that our family has as we progress with the goal of simplifying.  I'd like to share the fun and joy when I get to give away things and bless others lives with things I don't need or want.  I'd love to highlight those who are able to enjoy the things we give away and share about them, and I am hoping this can become a place to share for everyone who wants to join me on this journey.

So, that's what this blog will be for.  Sometimes it will be insights, and almost each post will also include an item I would like to give away.  IF you want an item and are local to me, please email me with which item it is.  If you are the first one, I'll email you back with where you can pick it up as my gift to you.  Some of the items will be actually rather valuable, and all will be nice items that someone can use.

I've been reading Marie Kondo's books and I like many of her methods.  So initially many of my give aways will be clothing.  ( since she has you start with your clothing)  at the same time as I am working in my home and office if I find something I know I don't need or want, I will post them right then too.  The items will be things like clothing, art work, jewelry, home goods and so on.  My husband also will be cleaning out his garage...so there may be some things from that too....I also have kids who are growing out of things, so some of the items may be their clothing.

Are you in?  If so like my face book page and follow this blog to see what items you can get from me. Do realize, IF you get some thing I am giving away, I want to share about you too, so I will want to get a picture of you and feed back on how you've enjoyed your item.  :)

Anna Matsunaga

Team Momentum

Keller Williams Tacoma

253 212 1252