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Throwback Thursday: Just One

I’m keeping it short and sweet this week with a Throwback Thursday photo from my childhood:

See, even as a toddler I loved the concept of One. :)

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been reading and enjoying all your Comments on my One Coat and One Shoe, and really appreciate your insights and suggestions. The feedback and discussion has been fascinating. I feel so lucky to have a great community with which to share ideas, as it’s not exactly a topic I can bring up at a dinner party or preschool play date. (Can you imagine opening a conversation with “Hey, I’m going to wear these same shoes every day for the next year…”?) Ha!… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Sandra

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.

This week, Sandra tells us how she pared down after the birth of her son, and found her true calling in her newfound space. Visit her blog for more inspiration.

Sandra writes:

Hello! My name is Sandra and I live in Spain with my partner and my five year old son. I have read all kind of stories in this Real Life Minimalists’ section so I know I am nothing out of the ordinary.… {Read more}

The Joy of One: Shoe

I feel a little guilty that last week’s One Coat challenge was so easy. It was a good warm up, though, and I hope it inspired some of you that yes, it can be done! We often discover on our minimalist journey that what might seem daunting or pointless at first can actually be quite doable and gratifying.

But still—a bit of a struggle makes for a more interesting blog post, doesn’t it?

Well, I have that struggle for you today, as I tackle what might be the most difficult item to reduce to One: shoes.

Now, I’m no Carrie Bradshaw when it comes to footwear; beyond looking presentable and feeling comfortable, I have little interest in what’s on my feet.… {Read more}

Let’s Connect

I don’t have a Real Life Minimalist this week, so I thought I’d use this slot for an administrative announcement. Not quite as exciting, but stay with me—I think this development will really help build our community.

(And if you’ve been thinking about submitting your story for the RLM series, now is a great time. It’s first come, first serve, and no long wait!)

So onto today’s note…

I’ve decided to move away from Feedburner for emailing posts. It hasn’t been supported for years, and truthfully, I’m a little afraid it may disappear one day. I’ve moved all subscribers to a new list over which I have a little more control.… {Read more}

The Joy of One: Coat

When I moved from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest, I took the opportunity to rethink my outerwear. I no longer needed my heavy winter coat (goodbye snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures!), but I did need something more waterproof (hello rain!).

I wanted just One Coat that would work for fall, winter, and spring, and settled on a mid-weight raincoat with a removable quilted liner. I opted for one with a hood, to eliminate the need for a hat (and hopefully, an umbrella—optimistic, I know, but so far, so good).

As far as color goes, I normally default to black for outerwear.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists Update: Regina

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.

Today, Regina tells us how minimalism has shaped her daily life and routine since she was featured last year. (I love hearing about the progress our Real Life Minimalists have made!) Stop by her website to read more of her writing.

Regina writes:

So what is a minimalist life like? Is it any different from the life of one who is not? I guess the answer is yes and no. Being a minimalist does not exempt one from the ups and downs of daily life.… {Read more}

The Joy of One

I have long been enamored with the concept of One.

How lovely would it be to have One coat you could wear all year? One pair of shoes that worked with every outfit? One bag that filled all your needs? One pen, One pan, One sauce pot, One spatula, One lipstick of the perfect shade.

Ahhh…..for me, that’s minimalist heaven. It’s the culmination of all the decluttering I’ve been doing, and minsumerism I’ve been practicing, for the past decade.

One is restrained. One is elegant. One is beautiful.

I talk a lot about Limits in my book, The Joy of Less: like limiting our shirts or books or towels or plates to a certain number or certain space.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Claire

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.

This week, I’m happy to feature Claire, who just radiates the joy of minimalism! Be sure to visit her blog to read more of her writing.

Claire writes:

I think I always had a minimalist streak in me, but it took a while to come out, as I grew up in a family of buyers and hoarders!

I remember the first time I realized I was a minimalist: I moved to Canada from the UK, and I took one suitcase with me, plus my small purse.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Clara

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.

Today, Clara reminds us to deal with our clutter now, rather than making our heirs clean it up later. Simple living makes for a more serene life and legacy.

Clara writes:

Two years ago, a very close friend passed away. He had no family, so it fell to me to empty his house, garage and shed. It was a monumental task. This dear person loved life, loved people, and lived life fully.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Laura Beth

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.

This week, I’m pleased to feature Laura Beth, who explains how having fewer possessions brought freedom and financial stability to her life. Read more of her story on her blog.

Laura Beth writes:

Five years ago, I was a discontented divorced empty-nester, suddenly alone for the first time in decades. My life had been turned upside down, my finances were in disarray, and I was completely alone. I knew that I needed to make a change but I didn’t know how.… {Read more}