Ten Little Steps To Start Living A Simpler Life.

If want to live a simpler life, but have some downsizing and de-cluttering to do, getting started can seem simply overwhelming. I won’t lie; getting from the classic American lifestyle to a simpler kinda’ life can take time – in fact, a lot of time. For some of us, it can take 3 to 4 years to clear out and downsize a home. So be easy on yourself and start small – take baby steps and you’ll get there. You may even find that you’ll really begin to pick up momentum once you grow comfortable with having less stuff. Below are a few easy tips to help you get started on your journey. We are excited that you are taking us along with you.

SIMPLIFY MEALS

Simplifying meals is a great first step because you can cut both shopping and cooking time through simple recipes. Consider tactics like;

• Cooking completely on the grill a few nights a week. If it doesn’t go on the grill, it’s not on the menu. The means you will be more likely to cook with fewer and fresher ingredients.

• Reduce the number of ingredients.  When baking chicken are you shaking it in flour, eggs, bread crumbs? Then oven baking in a dish? Consider instead just a bit of olive oil and seasoning tossed on the grill.

• Reduce foods from boxes and cans. Consider trading in boxed pasta for spaghetti squash. You don’t have to eliminate boxed or canned foods all together, but consider where you might be able to cut back. This will also reduce your household waste.

Try googling ‘simplifying meals’. You will find an abundance of resources, recipes and ideas. You’ll not only simplify meal time, but may also find you’re eating a bit healthier. With this strategy, you’ll also begin to notice that many gadgets in your kitchen grow obsolete. After a few months, mixers, blenders, wiz-bangers, and hoozy-what-its start gathering dust. In fact, you may find yourself itching to do a ‘kitchen clean out’ before too long.

STOP BUYING THINGS

The first step in committing to living more simply is getting rid of the things that we don’t need. The second step is to stop buying more stuff we don’t need (i.e. you should be getting rid of more things than you are collecting). This can be more difficult than it sounds. We often don’t realize how much stuff we buy. Be conscious of how much you are getting rid of vs. how much more you are bringing home.

GET RID OF CLOTHES THAT YOU DON’T WEAR

Chances are that if you are not wearing something, it’s because it doesn’t fit, it isn’t in style, or you just don’t like it. Pack all that stuff up and donate it to charity. Give it to somebody who will actually use it.

DUMP THAT SPICE RACK

Do you have a spice rack? How many of the spices in the rack do you actually use? Do you know if any of the spices are expired? Separate out the spices you use and dump the rest. Dump the rack too. Remember simplifying meals from above? Well, when you simplify meals, you’ll find that spices and herbs (not those that are expired, stale, or of poor quality) become a staple in cooking like never before. Look for a shop in your area that sells spices and spice blends in small amounts. These stores offer endless possibilities for spicing up foods on a budget, because when you can buy spices in packages as small as ½ ounce. In our area, we have Savory Spice Shop, which we love. Look around and see if you have a similar option in your area. You won’t regret it. You can also order online from Savory Spice. Some of our favorite Savory Spice items can be found at the bottom of this blog.

START GETTING RID OF DUPLICATE CONSUMABLES

It’s easy to build up a pile of duplicate or triplicate consumables. Perhaps you’ve been gifted candles, lotions, shaving creams, bath products etc. Maybe you’ve bought garden supplies, cleaning supplies, hair product, cosmetics or other items that you didn’t particularly like? Well, now is the time to start going through the closets, cabinets, dressers, garages and sheds. It’s time to either begin using those items or get rid of them. And if you’ve been thinking, “I don’t want to get rid of that. It’s brand new.”, STOP THAT! You’re about simple living now, so either use it or lose it.

SIMPLIFY YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES

With all the cleaning supplies on the market, it’s no wonder that there is nearly an entire isle dedicated to them in the grocery store. But, do we really need one cleaner for the toilet, one for the bath, one for the mirror, one for the counter, one for the floor, etc, etc? And many cleansers on the market are harsh and abrasive which actually damage the finish on tubs and fixtures. So, consider scaling back and using simpler options.

• Seventh Generation glass cleaner is very nice.

• Water with good old dish soap really makes a great all-purpose cleaner. Add a bit of bleach to clean those germ-y areas.

• A bit of castile soap and vinegar makes a superb all-purpose spray cleaner. If you don’t want to make your own, Method all purpose cleaner is great. 

GET RID OF A COUPLE ‘JUST IN CASE’ ITEMS

Keeping something around that you never use, just in case you might need it? Set a ‘drop dead’ date and if you don’t use the item by that date, get rid of it. Down the road you might need it, but that’s ok. Just borrow it. Even if you have to live without, it’s probably not a show stopper.

GIVE THE LINEN CLOSET THE OL' SNIFF TEST

Linens that never get used can pile up and get musty in the linen closet. Give your closet a quick sniff test and consider getting rid of those linens you don’t use.  

DESTROY OLD RECORDS

Go through your vital records and begin destroying those that are no longer needed. Records that no longer have value should be destroyed for your personal protection anyway.

GO THROUGH SENTIMENTAL ITEMS

Go through items those items that are ‘sentimental’ and give them some serious consideration. Got memorabilia, children’s art, childhood memories, etc stored away in boxes? Consider separating out your favorites and thinking about ways to display them. You favorite items should be where you can enjoy them and the other items…that are not as meaningful to you…really should be given away or discarded. The idea of this can be a little painful, but watch for a later post on ideas for tackling memorabilia clutter.

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Savory Spice Blends that we think rock

• Indian Black Truffle Sea Salt (amazing on Steak with a butter rub)
• Park Hill Maple & Spice Pepper (great on pork chops with olive oil and shallot sea salt)
• Shallot Sea Salt (Out of this world on veggies)
• Capitol Hill Seasoning (great on salmon or add to greek yogurt with a bit of honey over grilled salmon)
• Beacon Hill Earl Gray Tea Rub (Good on just about any meat!) 

The Joy of Traveling Light

Our motto is this: ‘Travel Light, because adventure is waiting and it is NOT three piece matching luggage set friendly.’

If you are reading this, you likely already know that simple living makes life less stressful, yet more rewarding. Well, the same holds true for traveling light.

Have you ever seen one of those romance/adventure movies where a beautiful couple, with that sudden sexual tension between them, is thrown together on some crazy adventure that takes them across the wilds of an exotic country? On said adventure, they enjoy drinks with umbrellas, dare each other to eat questionable foods, photograph (and then run from) dangerous jungles animals and maybe even do some naked cliff diving. But you know what they don’t do on their exploits? They do not drag around a three piece set of matching zebra striped spinner wheeled luggage. Just sayin’.

Let’s not forget why we travel. We travel to get away from it all - to leave the burdens of daily life behind. So, why do we take so much of our daily life with us when we go? Instead of just tossing the essentials into a bag and hitting the road, we pack for every freaking scenario and drag around more crap than we could ever possibly need. It’s insanity.

The truth is that hauling around all that stuff is holding us back. Less stuff equals more flexibility, which means spontaneity and freedom. Also, traveling light means that you never have to check luggage, thus your stuff always arrives at your destination when you do (a huge bonus when traveling abroad). And it’s the only way to go if you’ll be relying on public transportation.

Already feeling that itch to strip down to the bare essentials and head to the airport? Well get ready, because we have a list of tips to get you started. Traveling light means you have to leave some things behind. But if you give it a whirl, we think you’ll become a light traveler and never look back.   

SHOPPING

• Consider buying at shops that ship. This means that you don’t have to fuss with carrying gifts home or trying to ship them yourself. This is particularly nice when traveling abroad, because the shop handles the shipping insurance. Of course, this is not an option for all destinations, but certainly for many.

• Consider keeping all gifts and souvenirs small in size, so that you can easily tuck them in your bag or backpack. This can be a lot of fun!

• Limit your own souvenir(s) to just one. This strategy supports the overall simple living philosophy in that you don’t bring home a bunch of junk you don’t need. The trick with this strategy however, is: buy that one thing you fall in love with, when you see it. There is nothing more frustrating than regretting not buying that cool bowl … in that village you passed through two weeks ago.

BACKPACK OR SUITCASE?

The quick answer for us is ‘backpack’. But that may not be the answer 100% of the time and it may not be the right answer for you. There are a number of things to consider when deciding between the two, including destination, activities, and climate. This author travels with either a 55L backpack or a Rick Steve’s Rolling Backup.

• Consider Terrain. If you expect city streets and sidewalks, then a roller bag might be the way to go. But anticipating cobblestones, dirt roads, endless stairs, waterways? If so, then a backpack is likely a better option.

• What is the rest of your party sporting? Everybody wants to be a good travel companion, right? So, don’t be that person who keeps the group from exploring a ruin or taking an impromptu day trips through a wildlife preserves because you’re the only one hauling awkward luggage around.

• Consider straps. Just be aware when selecting a backup that straps can be an issue if you decide to check your backpack. So choose one with fewer straps or stay 55L or smaller to avoid baggage check all together.  

• You have to carry a backpack all the time. If you’ve never traveled with a backpack, you’ll want to consider weight. If you don’t feel confident carrying your bag at all times, a roller backpack may be a better option for you.

DON’T PACK ITEMS THAT WILL BE PROVIDED

If you are staying in hotels or rentals, ask what toiletries, blow dryers and other items they provide. Then LEAVE THOSE ITEMS AT HOME. It can be tempting to bring your favorite brands or take extras just in case, but don’t do it. Seriously, what’s the worst that can happen? Adventure is about getting out of your comfort zone, so start your adventure with embracing the fact that there might be a bad hair day.

GET TO YOUR DESTINATION WITH ALL YOUR BELONGINGS

Traveling Light means you don’t have to check a bag, which also means you’re 100% guaranteed your stuff will arrive when you do. If you are on a direct flight from San Francisco to Dallas, this may not seem particularly noteworthy. But if you are, let’s say, taking three flights from Seattle to Dubrovnik, keeping your luggage close at hand suddenly becomes enormously appealing.

LAUNDRY SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR VACATION PLANNING

When traveling light, packing a clean change of clothes for every day of your trip simply is not possible. So, work laundry into your trip planning. Research hotels with laundry services, vacation rentals with washer/dryer, or B&Bs with dry cleaners nearby. Planning ahead for this service takes all the stress out of doing laundry. In fact, we recommend that you include laundry services right there into that old budget so that you spend zero time in a laundromat.

CHOOSE CLOTHING CAREFULLY

Traveling light requires careful clothing selection.

• Clothing that is light weight and folds up neatly is your friend. Jeans are bulky to wear and pack, so consider more versatile options. Convertible pants are fantastic because they can be rolled up and worn as shorts.

• Packing a pair of thermal pants can provide added warmth on a cold day and they also make nice lounging pants. Same goes for a thermal shirt.

• Layers, layers, layers. If you pack a heavy coat, you may find yourself too hot or too cold much of the time. Instead, consider packing: a fleece, compact pocket coat or raincoat, hat, lightweight scarf and gloves. By layering, you can stay comfortable in any number of weather conditions.

• Footwear for function, not fashion. When traveling light, you may have only the shoes on your feet, so pick your footwear wisely. If you plan to cover a lot of ground, investing in a good pair of hiking boots (and breaking them in well before you travel) will keep you comfortable no matter the terrain. We recommend something water proof yet breathable. 

MAKE A LIST AND PACK EARLY

When traveling light, always use a packing list. Any seasoned light traveler will tell you they make a list in one form or another. Once you have nailed down your list, do a ‘test pack’ to make sure everything fits.  We’ve shared a sample packing list below, just to get the ball rolling. We’d love to hear your ideas, so please feel free to add comments. 

Documents and Such

• Passport
• Printed copies of travel itinerary, emergency contact info, etc.
• Printed copies of bus schedules.
• Printed maps & Compass.
• Currency
• International Drivers License
• Small Travel Journal

Misc

• Compact pocket day pack for day trips or shopping.
• Clip on water bottle.
• Sun glasses
• Pocket Flash light
• Backpack rain cover

Hygiene

• Hair Conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Travel size lotion
• Travel size hair brush
• Travel size hair spray
• Dental floss
• Travel pack baby wipes
• Travel size deodorant
• Travel size mouthwash
• Small bag q-tips

Electronics

• Power Converters
• Camera
• Extra camera batteries
• Camera Charger
• Tripod
• Earbuds
• Phone
• Phone Charger
• Spare phone battery source
• Tripod

Medical

• Medications
• Pocket first aid kit
• Extra contacts
• Contact case
• Glasses
• Travel size Kleenex
• Lip Balm

Clothing

• Compact pocket raincoat
• Convertible Pants (3)
• Thermal Pants (1)
• Thermal Shirt (1)
• Lightweight shirts (3)
• Socks (4)
• Underwear (4)
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Hat
• Fleece jacket
• Lightweight Cardigan

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To Get The Most Out Of Your Laundromat Visit, You Just Gotta Think Like A Pirate!

Let’s face it, heading to the laundromat can feel an awful lot like walking the plank. But being as we’ve never heard a pirate complain about doing laundry, we’ve concluded that one must simply think a bit like a pirate to have a painless laundromat experience. So below are some quick tips to 'laundromat like a pirate'.

   

FIND A VESSEL BUILT FOR SPEED.  

Many laundromats now have double front loaders that take only about 20 minutes to run. Oh yes, you read that right - 20 minutes. That’s barely enough time to grab a spiced rum and as long as your laundry comes out lookin’ and smellin’ like that fresh sea air, it’s a win. Just remember that as with any ship built for speed, don’t overload them or you’ve wasted your money. Another benefit to font loaders is that they spin faster than top loaders, so this means a less dry time.  

  

DON'T HAUL AROUND A TREASURE CHEST. 

No smart pirate carries around a chest of gold doubloons, so why would you bother with rolls of coins? More and more laundromats are offering the convenient option of rechargeable cards so this means you'll never be worrying if you have enough coins on hand. Charge, swipe, and recharge Jack! Not only will you have one less thing to stress about, but many laundromats also offer bonuses if you put a significant charge on your card. For example, if you put $20 on your card, you get an additional $2 bonus.    

  

RESUPPLY THE SHIP WHILE YOU WASH. 

  

In the habit of choosing the laundromat just because it’s close to home? Are you still going to the same ol’ place even though you are often forced into a sword fight over the last available machine?  Consider, finding a laundromat next to a market so you can get your shopping done while your laundry is in the works. Just set a timer on your phone for when the wash cycle is up. Leave your basket in the isle, dash over to switch over your load and return to your shopping. Don’t be afraid to do this (a pirate wouldn’t care). But, if the idea makes you feel awkward, just ask if you can leave your cart by the register.

  

INVEST IN LAUNDROMAT CANNON BALLS. 

  

Throw those dryer sheets overboard and get yourself some wool dryer balls (aka cannon balls). They rock! They can cut your drying time by 20-30% and you can re-use them over and over again. You can even put a few drops of essential oils on them for scent. We recommend sweet orange or lavender to give yourself a real air of aristocracy.    

  

BUY ONLY THE BEST STAPLES FOR THE CAPTAIN. 

  

Spend less for more on laundry detergent. You ever notice that those ecofriendly laundry detergents, which seem to cost so much, say they require so little per load? So little in fact that you wonder how they can possibly get the job done?  Well, you might be surprised to know that they work quite, quite well and may actually save you money. Those cheap detergents might seem like a good deal at first glance, but you may be getting hornswoggled and spending more money per load. Next time you shop for detergent, shop by the price per load rather than price per container. Right now, we are loving Method 8X Laundry Detergent. Twenty ounces gets you 50 loads! This makes for a nice and compact container. And priced at about $20, that’s only about 40 cents per load.

  

PACK LIGHT FOR SPEED AND COMFORT.

  

Give up the cumbersome hamper for a one or more large eco shopping bags.  Pirates didn’t haul around a wooden chest when they could just carry a duffel or two, right? Eco shopping bags can be easily throw over your shoulder for convenience and you can easily fold them up when not in use. You can also line them up in a closet and drop dirty laundry in them immediately to avoid sorting later.

  

STREAMLINE.

Try to use a single machine. If you often find you have one big load and that one small load that you feel is a waste, consider hand washing those straggler items at home.  Also, consider streamlining by doing laundry more often. If you can do laundry near where you shop, consider dropping in just a single load every time you shop – killing two albatross with one stone.

WHY FOLD IN THE LAUNDROMAT WHEN YOU COULD BE ON THE OPEN SEA?

Unless you love folding your laundry at the laundromat, consider folding at home. Rather than folding your clean laundry on a table that may or may not be clean, you could be back on the open sea and folding in the comfort of your own cabin.

HANG DRY FROM THE MAST. 

  

Got important ports to hit and villages to plunder? Consider giving up that long drying cycle and hang drying at home. Drying is the most time consuming part of your laundromat visit, so if you’re in a rush, skip the dry cycle. If take this approach, you might consider adding fabric softener to your regiment.  

  

  

ALWAYS BE READY TO WEIGH ANCHOR AND HOIST THE MIZZEN!

Hauling your detergent and dryer cannon balls in and out of the house every time you go to the laundromat? Skip that routine. Consider making the trunk of your car their permanent home if you drive. If you don’t drive, consider just leaving them in the bottom of your laundry bag. That way, they are always there and ready to go when you’re ready to wash.

Got more ideas? We’d love to hear your comments! Find Us On Facebook!

Simple Living. It’s No Fad. It’s An Adventure!

It comes as no surprise that the idea of ‘simple living’ is spreading like wildfire. Some people might say we’re all just jumping on a fad. Ok, maybe it is a fad. But maybe it’s our souls screaming out for a just bit of freaking peace and quiet. Maybe it’s our hearts whimpering in agony that we can’t travel to that one place we’ve always wanted to see, because we’re buried in credit card debt. Maybe it’s our very beings head-banging in misery, wondering why we have a dozen flashlights but we can’t ever find one when we need one. Maybe it’s our inner child wondering why we’ve created so much extra work for ourselves with all the crap we own, that we have no time to play. Dramatic, I know. But, my inner child is a bit of a drama queen. But seriously, in this age of high pressure jobs, long hours, stressful commutes, retail overload, readily available credit, and socioeconomic pressures, it’s no wonder that so many of us just want to take it down a notch or two and b-r-e-a-t-h.  It’s no fad – it’s an adventure!

So let’s take this ‘Simple Living’ adventure together, whatever it means to us. Simple living does mean different things to different people but that’s what makes it such a wonderful idea. It’s a philosophy built on unique people and their creativity. If you were to ask to ask ten people for an idea on how they might live more simply, you’d likely get ten very different answers – ten unique perspectives. You might get responses ranging from ‘live in a travel trailer’ to ‘go through three totes in storage and reduce them to only one tote’ to ‘drive myself to places that require more than two buses to get to’ to ‘take a day hike twice a month, no matter what’. We will be asking this question a lot and sharing many ideas, based on the answers, here on this blog.

Many of the ideas you will find here will be well, ‘simple’. You likely won’t find complex plans for building a photoblasting hydromotising phlebo phlabo system on this blog because we’re not mind blowing science geniuses. Unless, of course, a mind blowing science genius joins the team someday. One never knows. But until then, you’ll find tip on minimizing, multi-function gadgets, reducing, simple pleasures, shopping, cooking, etc. We hope that you will enjoy what you find here, share us with your friends and share your simple living adventures with us.

Wishing you a simple life,

Lizzy B.
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