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Real Life Minimalists: Me

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[Earlier this year, I ran a series called Real Life Minimalists, in which I invited readers to submit their own stories. I’d love to revive it, and thought I’d start by jumping into the ring myself. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.]

When I started this blog, I had no idea what kind of response I’d receive (to be honest, I never expected more than a handful of people to read it!). I didn’t know if people would find my minimalism a little weird, somewhat wacky, or way off the deep end. Most of all, I didn’t know if there were any other kindred souls out there.… {Read more}

Extreme Light Travel

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A few months ago, I wrote about the contents of my carry-on (Minimalist Travel: What’s in My Suitcase). This is the only bag I travel with, whether I’m going away for one week or three months. You can read about it in detail in my earlier post, but generally it contains a packing cube of clothing, a toiletry bag, and odds and ends like guidebooks, energy bars, camera, iPod Touch, umbrella, etc. in the pockets. After years of overseas travel, I had this system down to a science.

Now that I live in England, however, I’ve been spending a lot of long weekends visiting European cities.… {Read more}

Minimalist Philosophy: Cherry Blossom Living

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. “If there were no cherry blossoms in this world How much more tranquil our hearts would be in spring.”

-Ariwara no Narihira, Kokinshuu

Every year, I look forward to cherry blossom season with great anticipation. I love to sit under the pink clouds of delicate blooms, and wax poetic on the beauty of life. (A few years ago, I fulfilled a lifelong dream, and spent two glorious weeks in Japan doing just that.)

When we lived in the US, my husband and I planted our own Yoshino sakura in our backyard. We’d while away whole afternoons lying under its branches, drinking sake, reading haiku, and letting the spring breeze scatter thousands of pink petals upon us.… {Read more}

Declutter Your Jewelry Box

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Let’s face it—we all have clutter in our jewelry boxes: broken chains, gifts from old flames, grandma’s wedding ring, an uncle’s old watch. Jewelry, however, can be especially difficult to purge. Unlike most clutter, gold and gemstones have intrinsic value—tossing them in the trash is like throwing money away.

Good news: the price of gold is near its all-time high, and jewelers everywhere are buying it from people like you and me. (It may seem contradictory that jewelers would want to buy gold at such a high price, but they make a profit by selling it to a refiner.)

Here’s how it works: clean out your jewelry box of all the bits and bobs you no longer want.… {Read more}

Minimalist Entertainment: Watching Sheep

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Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time watching sheep. I know that sounds strange, so let me explain…

I’ve always been a city girl at heart. I love the people, the buildings, the culture, the vibe; going to bars, cafes, and restaurants; and attending the opera, the orchestra, and the ballet.

Recently, however, my husband and I have discovered a wonderful new pastime: walking the public footpaths of the English countryside. As an American accustomed to fences, private property, and “no trespassing” signs, I was completely taken aback by the concept of the public footpath—in essence, it’s a right-of-way that lets you stroll through the fields, pastures, and meadows that belong to someone else (how amazing is that?).… {Read more}

The Top Ten Ways to Declutter Heirlooms

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I was recently cleaning out some bookmarks (digital decluttering!), and ran across this oldie-but-goodie from the New York Times:

The Tyranny of the Heirloom

In the article, the writer interviews several people who feel compelled to keep the things they’ve inherited — a Victorian settee, an ugly painting, a massive sideboard — despite their dislike for them. Some do it out of guilt, some to hang onto memories, others to preserve their family “history.”

I can relate, as I inherited my grandmother’s twelve place settings of china right after I graduated from college. I dragged them around with me for years, carefully packing and unpacking them during moves across three states.… {Read more}

The Minsumer Movement: A Quiet Revolution

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Something wonderful happens when you start living a minimalist lifestyle: you begin to really think about what you consume, and question the necessity of every purchase.

How amazing would it be if such mindful consumption became the norm? Not only would we all have more time, more money, and more space in our homes; we’d also have a healthier planet, and more resources for future generations.

In order to promote such an idea, however, we have to define it and give it a name. We have to let others know it’s a viable lifestyle alternative, and provide support to those pursuing it.… {Read more}

Spring Decluttering

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So it’s finally here…spring. And you know what that means, don’t you? It’s time for some major decluttering!

I’ve always loved this time of year. The cherry trees will soon be in bloom, as well as the Bradford pears, magnolias, and dogwoods. The whole world seems fresh, new, and beautiful—and I want my home to be just as lovely!

After my major declutter for our UK move, I have significantly less to do this year. Instead of tackling a three bedroom house with a basement, attic, and garage, I’ll only be dealing with a two bedroom flat. Surprisingly enough, though—as minimally as we live—there’s still some work to be done.… {Read more}

Minimalist Seeks Survivalist

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I just finished reading a novel about the aftermath of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack, and it has me thinking about survivalist issues.

As an urban-dwelling minimalist, let’s just say I’d be up the creek if the SHTF. I have three days of food and water at best, and nothing to speak of in terms of tools or other supplies. (I’m certainly not bragging about this, and in fact am a little embarrassed to admit it.)

Although I know it’s prudent, every fiber of my being is against the notion of stocking up. However, I think when it comes to emergency preparedness, I’ll have to fight against my minimalist instincts.… {Read more}

Minimalist Philosophy: Wise Words from a Reader

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One of the reasons I love writing this blog are the comments I get from my readers. They’re a wonderful source of inspiration, and a great opportunity to learn how others incorporate minimalist principles into their lives.

Yesterday, I was thrilled to receive an incredibly insightful comment on one of my older posts. I know that many of you do not receive the RSS Comments feed (you can subscribe by clicking this link), and would likely never see it. Therefore, I’ve decided to highlight it in today’s post, as I want to make sure that nobody misses it.

I think this comment beautifully expresses the essence of minimalist living, and can serve as inspiration to us all.… {Read more}