Favorite (Simple) Blogs and Podcasts

If you have hung around here long, you know I am a blog lover and listening to podcasts is one of my favorite things to do when I'm not caring for babies.  I enjoy consuming information on simplicity from the gurus and savor listening to a good podcast in the car to and from 'the city' (that's country talk).  Today I thought I would share my favorite blogs and podcasts when it comes to simple living.

Blogs

Becoming Minimalist

Joshua Becker has been writing about minimalism for years on his blog, Becoming Minimalist.  There is a wealth of information about living with less on his site, I could spend all day clicking through the articles.  He is a Christian and I appreciate his desire to get past the stuff and be intentional about living a meaningful life.

The Art of Simple

Tsh Oxenreider is a world traveler, writer, and simple living guru.  She is a real person, too, with three kids.  She, along with other contributors, write about living a simpler life at The Art of Simple.  Tsh recently broadened her writing genre and is writing more about other things she loves, but there are tons (and tons) of articles on living a simple, intentional life.  If you scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your name and email, she will send you a list of her favorite posts and podcasts.  Speaking of podcasts, her's is on my list as well.

Design for Mankind

Erin Loechner is a sweet momma and designer who writes about life with her husband and two littles.  Her words are inspiring and lovely and she has the absolute best taste (just check out her pictures).  She has been vulnerable and real and honest with what she writes on her blog.  I know you will love it.

Podcasts

The Next Right Thing

Emily is an incredible writer and speaker, this I know for sure.  She has some bestselling books and speaks all over the country about being a soul minimalist.  She has created a podcast where she talks about 'making room for your soul to breathe'.  It's so good, friends...packed full with wisdom and practical tips.  And they are only about 10-20 minutes, so they are a quick listen.

The Simple Show

The Simple Show features my girl, Tsh, as well as three co-hosts (Erin Loechner being one of them).  They have talked in the past about saying 'yes' and 'no' to the right things and now they are diving deep into other topics such as how to consume the news, what to listen to, and travel.  I look forward to these every week.

The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey

Now, Jamie doesn't talk about simple living, but I couldn't not have her on the list.  She is so good, friends.  Jamie interviews women from different arenas. They talk about big things and small things and you feel like you're right there with them, hanging with some girlfriends.  I couldn't suggest this podcast anymore.  Also, she just released her first book, If You Only Knew.  I devoured it on my trip.  Check her out, you won't be disappointed.  

There they are...my favorites!  I hope you find something in there you love. What are your favorite blogs and podcasts?  

Secure your Mask

Secure your own mask before securing others.  We have all heard this analogy before.  If you don't secure your mask first, you might not be able to get your mask on in time.  I know I am in need of a break when I am securing everyone else's masks except for my own.  Sound familiar?

As mommas, we get the incredible privilege of serving our families day in and day out.  We get to love them, make them meals, read the same book thirteen times in an hour, kiss imaginary 'owies', and give of ourselves all day long. And it's good, really good...most days.  But it's also hard and exhausting and sometimes it can make us weary.  Whenever I get that weary feeling deep in my bones and I've let a deep sigh slip for the fifth time during lunch, I know it's time to secure my mask.

Securing my own mask looks like a coffee date alone.  It looks like a good book in my hands and a hot cup of coffee by my side.  It looks like moving my body in the early mornings before my babies wake.  It looks like a date with my husband.  It looks like writing at a coffee shop.  It looks like meeting a friend to chat.  I feel reenergized and ready to love my people when I take a little time to secure my mask.

This week I am going to do something big to secure my mask.  My sweet husband and I are taking a trip, just the two of us, to have some fun and spend a load of time together.  To be us and to connect so our marriage can continue to thrive.  We are the kind of people who like to be together and to travel, so that's what we do.  We have great grandparents who love to watch our kids, so it is a win-win-win for everyone.

How do you need to secure your mask?  Take time to write down or think about three things that make you feel happy, refreshed, or calm.  Write them down or put them in your notes app.  Try and do one of those things each week for yourself.  Even if it's getting up five minutes earlier to have a cup of coffee before you have children to feed.  Think about it, write it down, and then do it.  It's worth it, friends.  Secure your mask so you can secure those cute, wonderful little humans' masks.  It's worth it. 

Sunny Saturday: Girl-y Things

Happy Saturday, all!  Today we are spending a family day watching Kevin run a 5K and then doing some fun things around town before we head home for the day.  
Last weekend I was able to meet some high school girlfriends for a night away. We browsed shops, talked about great big things like gun control and itty bitty things like what podcasts we are listening to and books we are reading, and had the absolute best time.  It was good for my soul to be with two friends that have known me my entire life.  

And, as girls do, we exchanged gifts with one another.  We are only all together about once a year, so it's a great time to bring each other a little gift.  I LOVE all the gifts I received, so I thought I would share them with you today.

First up, this simple, beautiful mug.  We own eight mugs at the moment and I think one is going to be donated, because this one is a keeper.  My friend introduced me to Rae Dunn pottery and I really, really love it.  They are pricey online, but I was told they are sold at Home Goods, so I might have to check them out there.  My friend, Paige, had a funny story of going to Home Goods with a die hard Rae Dunn fan and waiting by the warehouse door for the truck to come in because I guess people love this stuff.  I am behind on the trend, but I sure am into it now.

Paige also gave me a tea towel with the image of a drawing from her son, Cooper.  He is my godson and I love him dearly.  This is a brilliant idea, isn't it?  This towel is hanging in my kitchen right now.  I am thinking these towels would make great gifts for grandparents, friends, or extended family for Mother's Day or Christmas. 

My sweet friend, Anne, brought some fun gifts for us from World Market.  She lives in Chicago and has an eye for classic, cool things.  (She's maybe my hippest friend.)  This hand soap smells so good. Lily was the first one to use it and she kept sniffing her hands after she had washed them.  And the bottle is just so dainty and pretty.

Last is this vintage looking candle.  It's teeny tiny and perfect for right behind my kitchen sink.  It's the scent of spring and will be burning all weekend long.  Give me all the smelly things.

I hope you enjoy this (almost) spring day!  Have a Sunny Saturday, all!

Five Favorite Simplicity Books

Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light. —Vera Nazarian

We are a family of readers, so far anyway.  Kevin and I spend the early morning quiet hours engrossed in books and Luke and Lily like to make a stack of books on the couch and read book after book after book.  It is yet to be seen if Jude will join us.  His interest in books includes carrying them around and throwing them.  #thirdchild

Recently I had a pile of simplicity books on my nightstand in my bedroom and on the end table in my living room.  I reread my favorite simplicity book and found a new favorite.  Today I'm going to share my top five simplicity books along with a runner up.

The More of Less by Joshua Becker

Joshua Becker is one of my favorite minimalists to read.  He has two kids and loves Jesus.  This book is completely practical, but gets down to the why on simplifying and getting rid of the stuff.  You can find more of his work over at: becoming minimalist.com.

Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver

Courtney Carver is the creator of Project 333, a movement to live with less clothing, 33 pieces for 3 months to be exact.  In her book she writes about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and her need to eliminate stress and her desire to live a more intentional, more love focused life.  I am newer to her writing, but I loved this book.  I love how she integrated storytelling into practical ways to live with less so you can have more time for the good stuff.

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne

I have read and reread this book so many times.  I am in love with the simplistic approach to parenting.  I know not everyone would agree with my thoughts and ideas and that's okay!  Being different is good!  However, I do think every parent could take away something from this book.  It's insightful and backed by research.  I make it a point to reread this book every year.

Clutterfree with Kids by Joshua Becker

Another book by Becker and it hits all the highlights of decluttering and purging with kids.  If you're looking to pare down and you have kids, this is a must read.

Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider

Tsh is a favorite author of mine.  She doesn't know it, but I view her kind of as my simplicity coach.  Notes from a Blue Bike is laid out storytelling style and I couldn't love it more.  Tsh has lived around the world and she uses her experience to craft a book full of wisdom and practical tips and tricks to live a more intentional life.  She discusses food, work, travel, entertainment, and education.  And it's all good.    

Seven by Jen Hatmaker

Seven is my runner up.  Not because I don't absolutely love it, because I do. I love Seven and Jen.  I just borrowed the book from a friend awhile back, so it's not in the picture or my library (I might have to change that).  In Seven, Jen introduces us to her experiment to get rid of the excess.  One of her experiments included only eating seven types of food for a month. Another experiment she only wore seven pieces of clothing.  (Can you imagine??) She turns the 'American dream' upside down and it's a bit shocking, highly motivational, and super enjoyable and witty.  Classic Jen.

If you're looking for a simplicity book, these are some good ones to start with...there isn't a bad one in the bunch.  What are your favorites?  

  

Sunny Saturday

A beautiful Saturday I have ahead of me.  I am spending today with two girlfriends and we have 24 hours to ourselves, sans kids.  

This week was the right amount of slow and full.  We had days at home and days with friends.  We had easy mornings and dinners that lingered and then some early mornings and crescent rolls for dinner on our way out the door to church. I really like when I can balance our week out that way with easy days and full days.

Today I'm sharing some things that made my week a bit sunnier.

I can't not mention these tulips.  They have been bringing me joy every single morning with their vibrant pink blooms and the way they stand taller each and every day gives me a little something to look forward to when I walk into the kitchen.  I picked them up at Trader Joe's (shocker) and they were worth every penny.

Last week, I spoke to one of my MOPS groups about simplicity.  It's a subject I am passionate about and if you've been around here long you already know all about my journey towards simplicity.  I'm talking more about it over at A Simpler Motherhood.  When preparing for this talk, I did a big purge and it felt good.  I love decluttering and refocusing on what is important, which is not my stuff.  Last week I included Soulful Simplicity in my Sunny Saturday post and as I finished it this week, I couldn't help but want to dive in to a more simple lifestyle. She talks about her journey over at bemorewithless.com.  Check it out.

The Life Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson has been a book I read a bit out of every morning.  It's an incredibly well written book about creating a loving atmosphere at home.  I love homemaking so much and it's a good balance to my want-to-get-rid-of-anything minimalism persona.  This book touches on how to create space in your home for connection and love and practical ways to do just that.  It is broken up into months and while I know I should be waiting for May to read the May chapter, it's a library book so I must return it soon. However, I think this is one I could go back to again, so it might end up on my book wishlist.  

My last item is a silly one.  Dips.  Vegetable dips.  Kevin and I have been trying to squeeze more raw veggies in our diets and dips are helping me get there.  I heard on a podcast to use dips to start eating more raw vegetables and it's working for us.  I have been buying them, but I am going to try and make one here one of these days.

I hope you have a splendid weekend wherever you may be today.

Happy Sunny Saturday, all!

  

A Quick Reset

March is so close and it brings mud and hope and the occasional snow fall and spring.  March 20 we will welcome spring.  In the midwest we could have snow or sunshine, one can never be sure.  Whatever the weather brings outside, come March I am always ready to reset, refocus, and open up the windows for some fresh air while I do a little spring cleaning.

Before I can dust the cobwebs and mop the salt off the floor in our mudroom, I like to do a quick declutter.  A reset.  It doesn't take long to prepare my home for the hope of spring that's coming in a few short weeks.  I put the reset on my calendar and to-do list.  Two 15-30 minute sessions always leaves my house a bit tidier and easier for me to clean surfaces and nooks and crannies.

The Reset

1.  Clear surfaces.

Maybe you still have Christmas decorations out.  Maybe you have moved onto Easter already.  I am stuck in between with remnants of Valentine's Day still scattered through the house.  I clear all the surfaces in my main living areas: the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, the entry.  I box everything up or put it in an empty cupboard.  As I clear each surface, I quickly decide if I need to keep each item.  If not, it goes in the donation box in the basement. I don't think a lot about it, I just decide if it's useful or beautiful and move on.

I keep my surfaces clear for about a week or so and slowly bring things back in, once each surface is clean.  This helps me to really decide if I want an item in the space this spring.  Also, this ties into quieting the home, something I did after Christmas.

2.  Make a quick sweep through kid rooms.

I am not talking about a big overhaul here.  I go through each room with a box or bag in hand and take out everything unnecessary: a hoard of books under the bed that hasn't been looked at in awhile, random Kleenex (I know, gross), small knick knack toys forgotten on dressers or in tubs.  I donate whatever is unnecessary and try and quickly put everything back in it's place.  I also make a pass through my husband and I's bedroom, closet, and bathroom.  

3.  Go through the winter gear.

During the winter I try and not look too closely into my kids' drawers in our mudroom that hold mittens, hats, shoes, and boots.  It's just not worth the loss of my sanity.  But now it's time to look (ugh) and take out any unused shoes or accessories so I can give the drawers a good vacuuming and wiping out when it's time to spring clean.  Many times I will put away all of their gloves and mittens and only keep a single basket with one pair of mittens and one hat for each child.  

4.  Paper

Paper doesn't affect my spring cleaning much, but I try and go through the kids' artwork and random papers I haven't decided on in the junk drawer and purge.  It's a good way to start fresh with new art this spring.  

5.  Cleaning Closet

The last thing I do is double check my cleaning closet.  I go through everything that sits on the shelves to see if there is anything that needs to be tossed or recycled.  Earth 911's article on how to dispose of cleaning products has helped me know what to do with supplies I no longer need or use. There may even be some items I need to pick up and I record those so I have everything I need I'm ready to do a deep spring clean.

A reset is something I do a few times a year and right before spring cleaning is my favorite time to do it.  Grab a bag or box or both and declutter areas in your home so you are ready for the hopeful new season of spring.  

Saying Yes

'Momma, I need a mailbox.'  A normal Tuesday morning began with the construction and decoration of a mailbox for Luke (and Lily), deep discussion on where to place the mailboxes, and finally a carefully curated plan on how Momma is going to get the letters into the mailbox without any little eyes seeing.  (I did not lead any of these conversations.)  The day went on with Luke carrying around his mailbox, asking for me to write him letters, then having me read him the letters over and over and over again.  And you know what, on Tuesday I didn't mind.  On Tuesday, my little brain got over my to-do list and said 'yes' to the mailbox and the letters and all of it.

Now, you're probably thinking, that's not such a big deal, saying 'yes' to something so small.  And when I really think about it, it's not.  BUT, there are times, many times I'm embarrassed to say, I have said 'no' for no good reason.  I have squelched ideas, buried creative schemes, and said uh-uh to some  imaginative proposals.  All for the sake of...well that I can't tell you.

I recently received a good reminder from a wise speaker at MOPS about the power of saying 'yes' to our kids.  After about a month of trying it out, 'yes' is coming easier.  It glides out of my mouth without me thinking about it too much.  It has become a bit more natural than the 'no' that used to fly out of my mouth whenever I was asked something by my three foot littles.  

I am now seeing the power behind the 'yes'.  My kids are empowered, they are believing their ideas matter, they are getting to be in control of their fun. They are even seeing Momma have a little fun, too.  I'm not sure about you, but I am all in for being the mom who says 'yes' instead of 'maybe another time' or 'not today' or 'that's too messy' or 'no, no, no'.  I want 'yes' to be the soundtrack my kids play in their brains.  I want my babes to know they can come to me with a crazy idea and there is a good chance I will buy in and jump in with them.  I want to be a 'yes' mom.  

Although I am no where near a pro at this 'yes' thing, I am finding it easier to take a deep breath and dive into my kids' little worlds and look them in the eye to find out their creative endeavor.  I am always, always a work in progress.  #andallthemommassaidamen