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Archives for September 2010

My Minimalist Workspace

Today I thought I’d give you a peek at my minimalist workspace – in case you’ve ever wondered, this is where the magic happens. :)

From the time I was a child, I’ve never been a fan of desks. When I was young, I used to spread my homework out on the floor; somehow it felt more expansive, more conducive to creative thought. I was always slightly uncomfortable in schools and offices, where I had to conform to a more proper workspace.

When I moved into my new flat, I was thrilled to see the deep, low windowsills – a perfect minimalist office!… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Alisa Moore

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details. (Note: the schedule is now full through mid-December — but if you don’t mind waiting, feel free to send me your submission!)

Today, it’s my pleasure to present Alisa Moore’s story. I think her minimalist lifestyle on Bainbridge Island sounds wonderful, and I hope you find it as inspiring as I do!

Alisa writes:

I come from a family of minimalists, so it’s not surprising that I feel best living in a small space, owning few possessions, no major electronics, and working from home most of the time, allowing me time to garden, read, hang out with my teenager and his friends, sew, cook, and just think!… {Read more}

Talking with Tammy Strobel

I have a special treat to share with you today — an interview with the fabulous Tammy Strobel, who blogs over at Rowdy Kittens! As many of you know, Tammy left her day job earlier this year to start her own tiny business. She recently gathered up her experience, advice, and some inspirational case studies into a new ebook, Smalltopia, for those who’d like to do the same.

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Francine: Tell us about Smalltopia, and who can benefit from reading it.

Tammy: Smalltopia will benefit anyone who is interested in leaving a traditional 9-5 job. It’s full of tips, tools, and strategies that will help folks create personal freedom through a very small business.… {Read more}

Minimalist Living: Movement or Fad?

I was recently asked by a reporter whether I thought the current popularity of minimalist living was a passing fad, or a bona fide movement.

First of all, I’m thrilled that minimalist living is on the radar of mainstream media. I’ve been a minimalist for a long time, and I remember when my Google searches on the term turned up little more than references to modern architecture, John Cage’s music, and 1960s art. Today, the same search returns a treasure trove of websites, blogs, and discussions – and yes, some actual newspaper articles – on how to live a simpler life.… {Read more}

A Minimalist Cookbook

Over the last few months, I’ve received many requests for posts on minimalist cooking. It’s a topic near and dear to my heart, since my new tiny apartment came with a tiny kitchen (you can see it here), and the tiniest fridge I’ve had since college.

Furthermore, I love simple, healthy meals made with fresh ingredients. I’ll take rustic Italian peasant food any day over haute French cuisine.

However, I have to admit, I’ve dropped the ball. While I think it’d be fun to blog about cooking, I’ve yet to find the motivation to pick up my camera and document what I’m doing while making dinner.… {Read more}

A Year Ago on miss minimalist

Now that my blog has celebrated a birthday, I can write cool flashback posts on what I was blogging about last year. How fun! :-) I think it’ll be a good way to introduce new readers to some of the topics I’ve covered, and maybe spark some new and interesting discussion.

Here’s what I wrote in my first week of blogging, this time last year:

I Have Freebie Phobia: My thoughts on turning down those little gifts, tchotchkes, and trial sizes companies try to give us. Goodbye, Stuff: My “Dear John” letter for breaking up with my stuff. How to Create a Minimalist Bathroom: Ten ways to create a space that soothes your soul while you brush your teeth.… {Read more}

On My Blog’s First Birthday

Today marks one year since I published my first post here. (Wow, how time flies!)

This time last year I had just moved to a new country, and started blogging on a whim – mainly to entertain myself and indulge my passion for minimalist living. I considered it a creative outlet, a way to practice my writing, and never expected to have more than a handful of readers.

The response, however, was incredible. According to my latest statistics, I have over 3,000 RSS subscribers, and received 76,000 unique visitors last month. I can’t tell you how excited I am that so many of you are interested in minimalist living!… {Read more}

Minimalist Makeover: Barry’s Bookshelf

When it comes to downsizing our possessions, some things are easy — like knickknacks we don’t like, dinnerware we don’t need, or clothes that don’t fit. Others, however, present more of a challenge; and I don’t think I’m the only one who puts books near the top of that list.

Therefore, I was excited to hear from Barry, who recently decluttered his bookshelf. He kindly agreed to share his “before” and “after” photos with us:

Here’s what he wrote about his experience:

As a book lover and a graduate of medical school some years back, I’ve carted half a ton of books around wherever I’ve lived.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Fawn

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details. (Note: the schedule is now full until December — but if you don’t mind waiting, feel free to send me your submission!)

This week, I’m honored to present Fawn — one of my minimalist idols! I’ve been reading Fawn’s posts on the Simple Living Network for almost a decade, and they’ve been an incredible source of inspiration to me. I’m so excited to introduce her to all of you!

Fawn writes:

Minimalism by the Numbers

I think that a preference for minimalist living is a personality trait like extroversion or a dark sense of humor.… {Read more}

Minimalist Philosophy: Wildflower Goals

When you spend time in the blogosphere, you hear a lot of talk about goals: personal goals, professional goals, finance goals, development goals, creative goals, short-term goals, long-term goals, etc. (Sometimes it can be exhausting just reading about them all!)

And if you’re a blogger, you’ll inevitably be asked to talk about your own goals. The question often comes up during interviews, and should be a snap to answer, right? Err, not for me.

You see, I’ve never been good at long-term planning – I don’t really like to outline (or even know) where I’m going to be one, five, or ten years from now.… {Read more}