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One Less Thing: Perfume

An important part of being a minimalist is realizing what you can do without. It’s a continual process of discovering One Less Thing that—despite what peers, advertisements, or societal norms tell you—you just don’t need.

Several years ago, I discovered One Less Thing I could do without: perfume.

As a young girl, I associated those fancy glass bottles of fragrance with glamour, sophistication, and femininity—and was thrilled to receive my first one (the lemon-y Jean Naté—oh, the nostalgia!) as a birthday gift in junior high. I graduated onto the hipper Calvin Klein Eternity in high school, had a brief fling with Le De Givenchy during an Audrey Hepburn phase, and spritzed daily with Chanel Allure as an adult.… {Read more}

A Year Ago on miss minimalist

The Minimalist Wallet – Seven Ways to Slim It Down: I try to keep my wallet as light and streamlined as possible (no Costanza wallet for me!). To this end, I’ve found the following strategies to be particularly useful: 1. Carry one credit card. In fact, own as few as possible; signing up for every store card, or offer that comes in the mail, only complicates life. Who wants to deal with all that paperwork? (And worse yet, all that potential debt!)…{read more}

Minimalist Philosophy: Doing Less: A few years ago, I was involved in a group conversation about work and careers.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Aaron and Hsinya Lin

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 May — but if you don’t mind waiting, feel free to send me your submission!)

This week, we have an inspirational story from Aaron and Hsinya Lin. They’ve drastically reduced their consumption out of concern for the environment, and blog about their green and minimal ways at Greenimalist.

Aaron writes:

For some, minimalism runs in their blood. Not for me–my family has packrat genes.… {Read more}

100 Possessions: My Handbag

I’ve decided to start a new series here on Miss Minimalist called “100 Possessions.” My intent: to feature each item I own, and explain why I chose to include it in my minimalist life.

Sure, it may seem ironic to be talking about stuff on a minimalist blog. However, given that the majority of us are not Buddhist monks, we need a certain amount of things to function (and be comfortable) in our homes, jobs, and daily lives.

Furthermore, as minimalists, we must be mindful of, and make smart decisions about, the things we own—because the more versatile and functional each item, the less overall we need.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Sarah

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 April — but if you don’t mind waiting, feel free to send me your submission!)

This week, Sarah gives us an international perspective on minimalism: she’s moved from Trinidad to Spain to the United States. She also shares what steps she’s taken to simplify her life.

Sarah writes:

I’m an international student from Trinidad and Tobago, and first got into minimalism a few years ago, having stumbled upon Leo Babauta’s blog, Zen Habits.… {Read more}

A Year Ago on miss minimalist

Ode to January: January is my favorite month of the year. It’s not simply a matter of aesthetics—though I do appreciate the beauty of bare branches, snow-covered ground, and a monochromatic winter landscape. The appeal, however, is more psychological than visual: after the excesses and over-stimulation of December, January is like a huge sigh of relief…{read more}

Minimizing Paperwork: Print to PDF: Like many people, I make the majority of my financial transactions online: from shopping to paying bills, from retrieving statements to managing bank accounts. In the past, I used to print off a paper confirmation of each one.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Katy

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 March — but if you don’t mind waiting, feel free to send me your submission!)

Today we hear from Katy (who happens to be the twin sister of Rachel, who was profiled last month). She tells us why she’s decided to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, and how it’s changed her outlook on life. I think you’ll find her story quite inspiring (be sure to check out her blog)!… {Read more}

Happy Holidays!

This year, I’ve decided to give myself a very special Christmas gift. Don’t worry: it wasn’t bought at the mall, and it won’t clutter my closet – in fact, it doesn’t take up any space at all.

I’m giving myself a digital sabbatical.

From now until January 10, I’ll be completely unplugged from the internet: no blogging, no Twitter, no email. I also won’t be logging in to moderate comments. If you’ve commented in the past, your new comments should be published automatically. Otherwise, your comments will stay in the queue and be published as soon as I’m back (I apologize for the delay, but it’s necessary to keep things spam-free!).… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Rachel Jonat

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 March — but if you don’t mind waiting, feel free to send me your submission!)

This week, I’m pleased to feature Rachel Jonat. She and her husband are striving to live a minimalist lifestyle while raising their young (and might I say adorable!) son. To read more about their experiences, please visit her blog, theminimalistmom.com.

One more thing: a little bird told me that Rachel just celebrated a birthday — so let’s send some birthday wishes her way as well!… {Read more}

Minimalist Inspiration from Istanbul

A few weeks ago, I took a trip to Istanbul – a gorgeous city, though not one you’d ever describe as “minimalist.” In contrast to the cool, refined grandeur of many Northern European cities, Istanbul is colorful and exotic, full of history, intrigue, and arabesques. (And all the more beautiful for it.)

Yet even in such lush and embellished surrounds, I managed to dig out a few minimalist nuggets for your appreciation. When I travel, I enjoy soaking up the décor and cuisine and traditions of other cultures, and pondering how I might incorporate some tidbits into my own lifestyle. Here’s what inspired me in Istanbul:

1.… {Read more}