Slow Living in the Suburbs | Intentional Lifestyle | Minimalist Mom
In 2016 our blended family downsized our house by 2,000 finished square feet after living a minimalist lifestyle for a year. Practicing minimalism and slow living has allowed myself and my family to live more intentionally, heal our nervous systems, and be present with one another.
After decluttering over half of our possessions, I also worked to heal my problems with impulse spending and overcome my shopping addiction. On this channel I will share vlogs as a slow living mom in the suburbs, decluttering your home ideas, intentional shopping practices, and any other self growth tips I pick up along the way.
I have an ongoing donation box in my closet and if I pull something out but don’t wanna put it on, or I put it on and then don’t feel great in it, it goes straight into the donation box - no matter if it’s brand new or an old fave. Out it goes!
Now you are on to something!!! I will 100% be doing this…especially in this economy! And not just for special occasions but also for “thinking of you” moments ❤️❤️❤️
That re-using bath water for other family members is not new In the 1950's (after WW2) my grandparents did that with their 8 children The last child had the dirtiest water
After having my son a year ago I have not been able to go back to jeans. They are just way to hot and uncomfortable on my changed body. It's so strange to me because jeans were all I ever used to wear. Dresses are now my go-to.🤷♀️
I hate denim, but I kept buying it over the decades because everyone said “it’s essential”. I hate the stiff, rough, hot and thick fabric and the killer waistbands. I never found a single pair of jeans, or any trousers, that fit me in 50 years, my hips are just too narrow, even men’s don’t fit. Nor do I really like the super-casual, worn look on me, my style is more elegant. I love soft, natural fibers, so that’s all I wear nowadays. I’ve always preferred skirts and, especially, dresses for their superior comfort, so that’s what I wear most days. At my age, 64, one no longer tries to force one’s body into clothing that just isn’t right.
Actually I used to hate the feel of jeans as well. But then I found Ann Taylor. They have a lot of stretch built in and the fit is fantastic. I have a curvy butt and just buy the curvy ones. People always say they look good and I'm astonished. You might actually end up sizing down one size. I had to.
Not you Not you 😂 I have been on this journey for the longest time, about 7 years. And my taste is changing, lots more has left . My daughter said there's a difference between a minimalist closet and nakedness
I don't see you as a minimalist. You have clutter on the bed stands.. A picture above the bed. And worst of all a patterned bed cover. You are normal .
Minimalism for me is not about meeting some sort of aesthetic. It's about intentionally owning things that I love and enjoy every day. Like the books on my nightstand and a blanket pattern that reminds me of being out west. Thanks for thinking I'm normal though.
I heard this from someone on my blog as well. I think being really honest with yourself about whether or not you'll actually do them is a great place to start.
By simplifying my day to day and my home, I have been able to build a life that allows me the freedom to show up for my family whenever I choose. I can see how it would be confusing and there is definitely a lot to say about it.
I mean... Even with clutter I'd still drop everything to be there with her. I don't understand how one conflicts with the other? When has a messy house take precedent over sickness, or birthdays? If you did have clutter and a more complicated life, would that have stopped you from visiting you sick child on her birthday? If yes, I think then it goes past just the clutter and most likely stimming into mental health, like compulsion and control.
I mean that I redesigned my life completely, not just through decluttering but deciding I wanted to simplify so much so that I didn't answer to a boss and could show up for my family whenever they needed me. By downsizing and eliminating what didn't matter from my life I have been able to work for myself on my own schedule, which means I've never had to ask for time off, or bargain with a boss, or have work to make up for if I need to be home with a kid.
GIRL you need some COLOUR............and try the Maxamalistic lifestyle instead....it is so much LESS STRESSFUL......love your day, live your life, .......give yourself as MANY choices as possible........really try that. ............
I did that 🤣and it caused me so much overwhelm. My closet used to be filled with color...and I never wore them. They weren't what I reached for. Instead I have embraced who I am, my style and prefer to keep selection easy. Having simple processes, like picking out an outfit helps me feel calm and focused.
I lost my Dad 4 months ago to years of alcoholism. I am 37, i moved across the country 10 months ago to live closer to my dad and brother, left all my best friends, and I had my first child 9 months ago. I am GOING THROUGH IT right now. I have been watching your videos all day because I feel like decluttering and minimizing the material stuff in my life will truly help my mental state. There are thousands of minimalism videos on RU-vid but I think I was meant to find your videos to hear your story about your dad. I have been ashamed to share his cause of death with people. Thank you for being so open sharing your story.
Just found your channel and instantly subscribed! can you please share the brand or the link to the linen pants you mentioned in this closet declutter? I am in search of a good pair for my capsule wardrobe
I commend you for cutting your losses and starting over. The mistake would have been to continue bleeding money and allowing that house to ruin your life and happiness. A lot of people get caught in the trap of keeping up appearances. You were smart!
I have a tub in my closet so every time I get dress and I take something off cause I don’t like it on me anymore, I will put it straight into the container. That way I’m decluttering as I go and not repeating/ forcing myself to like it😅.
I live in a 4 seasons country with extreme weather differences, so I always have a capsule wardrobe. It makes me feel so much better when I only have the clothes that I ware every day on my closet. Everything I love to wear on a day to day basis perfectly ready ❤
Yes. This is why I switch mine too, but sometimes it's tough because the weather can be super warm one day and then really cold the next. Glad you found a system that works for you!
@Simpleisbetterformetoo I would like some wool trousers for winter. I have some dress slacks, some wide leg pants my favorite are like a chiffon type fabric, I have some athletic pants that are loose and like a jogger but in a light drywick fabric. I do want some thermal overalls for winter something to fit over my clothes in winter, I have bad joint pain in the cold and I'm not even 40 yet. I don't mind my trousers yr round except I need a second layer if I wear the same pants. Our summers are over 100 but winters under freezing at times. So I wear thermals under my trousers.
What's considered positive hoarding aka 'collecting' and 'saving', is a generational curse on both sides of my family, In 2018 at the age of 44, I was wrongfully terminated from the NYCDOE two months shy of my 20th anniversary but was invited to the celebration. 2yrs, 1mo and 1day of suffering until I got my job back 3 weeks before lockdown but was on UI and cleaned apts to survive. I was so depressed then pandemic made it worse along with the craziness of unknowingly going through menopause. I started to get rid of stuff with all the time I had especially seeing other people's homes organized and and beautiful by my hard work. I no longer buy 'stuff' and continue to give it away. I'm 50 and it's been a lifetime of things so I have to not beat myself up and be patient with the process. Your story is so inspiring and hopeful. 🙏🏾💖
