Creating a Cozy Closery (Closet Nursery)
When we were expecting baby girl 1.5 years ago, I looked for a space in our home for her to sleep away from big brother in the bedroom so that she wouldn’t disturb him every two hours overnight with her crying. I went into maximal minimalist mode and transformed our tiny hallway closet into a nursery nook. Behold, the closery!
I Like to KISS … My Finances, That Is
I live my life by the KISS (keep it super simple) philosophy, and that applies just as much to my financial life. Plus, personal finance FTW!
It's the Most Wonderful (Smelling) Time of the Year, Savory Edition
“Decembake” is not just about the sweets – the savory dishes arguably create even more cozy (and lingering) scents that I am reveling in this holiday season.
It's the Most Wonderful (Smelling) Time of the Year, Sweets Edition
This “Decembake,” I’ve been seized by the holiday spirit to fill our home with heavenly scents of goodies baking in the oven (or simmering on the stove), and I’ve found a way to expand my repertoire that’s consistent with my minimalist principles.
Our Approach to (Holiday) Gifting – We’re Not Total Gift Grinches!
While my husband and I don’t engage in gift giving for each other, we use a wishlist for others in our lives who do like to give gifts, and we often default to consumable items rather than durable goods to keep the clutter (and stress!) under control.
How This Minimalist Manages Thanksgiving Dinner
I’ve largely managed to avoid hosting for Thanksgiving, but when I do, I keep it as simple and casual as possible because spending days prepping in the kitchen is not how I want to spend my holiday!
Making the Cut: Bench and Kids Table
I was always nervous about the placement of my favorite bench in the hallway, but now I’ve finally figured out a better place for it, and solved another “problem” in the process.
How to Handle the Hauls of Halloween
I love Halloween for so many reasons, but I need a system to deal with the attendant plastic junk and overflowing candy stash in a way that avoids meltdowns (either mine or the kids’).
Making the Cut: Swedish Dishcloths
I’ve ditched the plastic sponge in favor of the Swedish dishcloth and have (largely) been won over.
Holler if You Hate Hosting at Home
Even if you don’t like to (or can’t) invite people into your home, you can still have company – just take it outside! Whether indoors or outdoors, shared/public spaces may be the answer to your hosting woes.
The (Never-Ending) Evolution of Our Dining Room
I’ve spent years trying to discern my dining room decor style, and I’ve finally found something I’m happy with (for now, at least).
34 Years, 34 Countries and Counting
My husband and I were bitten by the travel bug during my MBA, and are eagerly anticipating the day when we might resume globetrotting (assuming we can figure out some childcare plan for the kids … that’s the catch!)
Capsule Pantry for the Minimalist Cook
Just like how a “capsule wardrobe” enables you to mix and match clothing to create different outfits, I have a “capsule pantry” of ingredients that we mix and match in various combinations to create dozens of recipes.
Breastonomics 101 - Breastfeeding is Not “Free”
Breastfeeding comes at a cost, whether that is physical, mental, emotional, or financial. We should stop calling it “free.”
Making the Cut: 2-Tier Dish Drying Rack
I’ve become a dish drying rack person again, but this time I don’t want to compromise on either form or function.
Trading Corporate America for Crazy Kiddos
I made the difficult decision to pause my career after my second child, even though it went against everything I was raised to do and had worked so hard for.