simple living

#MinsGame: Three Days Left!

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It’s hard to believe we started the #MinsGame nearly 31 days ago!  Where has the time gone?  So far, we have piled up an incredible number of “things” we have accumulated over the years.  It’s easy to forget how much you have until it is all put in front of you.  We are starting to run out of things to put in the pile, which is good in a way.  We just have to remember not to accumulate more.  I think we (the collective “we”) often gather more things after we have gone through a “spring cleaning” bout, for various reasons.   In just a few days we will have a photo up of everything we will have to donate/sell/toss.  Have you thought about downsizing?  We’d love to know about your experience(s)!

Stay beautiful!

CLOSED: Summer Giveaway with Ethique Beauty!

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Happy summer!  We are doing a summer zero-waste giveaway with our friends at Ethique Beauty.  They are based in New Zealand and make wonderful, effective, natural, beauty products that are packaged plastic-free.  The boxes are compostable, which means they are truly zero-waste products!  In case you are wondering, yes, they have vegan products but not all are vegan.  Now, about the giveaway. Continue reading →

Liquid-Free Travel

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Whether you are going on a road trip, or flying the “friendly skies”, the last thing you want is for your liquids to explode.  Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you know what I mean.  You have everything packed, and let’s say you’re taking a flight, which can be stressful enough.  You get to the screening area, and unless you have TSA Pre-Check, you will need to remove your liquids bag.  Unbeknownst to you, the shampoo cap came unscrewed, leaking product all over everything.  Just when things couldn’t get worse, there is a small hole in the bag, and the shampoo has leeched out into the bin.  You’re out of shampoo, have to wash out the bag and wash off its contents, and now you have a bin to clean.  There is a line of people behind you, and the feeling of holding people up just adds to the current stress level. Continue reading →

#MinsGame: Day 4

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We are four days into the #MinsGame, and that means we have gotten rid of 10 items!  The box is beginning to fill up.  This whole process is far easier than I imagined it would be.  I think the difficult part will be the initial upkeep.  Hopefully it won’t be a constant battle between needs and wants.  But isn’t a lot of this a mindset?  If I think about everything I have, I don’t really need any more, well, anything.  Since I have been replacing single-use or limited-use items with products that will supposedly last years (provided I don’t break or ruin them), I won’t have a need to buy replacements for some time.  You can read our other articles about those purchases here.  Continue reading →

Do You Want to Play a Game? (#minsgame)

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I don’t remember how I first read about The Minimalists.  I think it was when I was researching small space organization and de-cluttering.  One of the ads for their documentary video popped up, and I was intrigued.  Around the time I saw them, I was also looking into the whole “Zero Waste Movement”.  The two ideals seemed to coincide a bit.  Minimalism isn’t just about living with less, but living with more meaningful items that you will use (the same with zero-waste), as opposed to having lots of items sitting around collecting dust. Continue reading →

7-Day Challenge: Minimalism

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This week I have decided to focus on minimalism.  I never really thought about how much “stuff” I was accumulating until I moved some things to storage.  Holy s**t!  I have more than enough items.  Do I think that people should never spend or buy things?  No.  But, I want to see what it’s like to focus on being present and here rather than on what I want to buy.  Plus, my wallet will surely thank me.   This will be a huge challenge because I am a sucker for samples.  If it is something I will use, then I’ll take it, but other than that, I will, “…just say no.”

Monday:  Random Thoughts

Today is the first day of this week-long challenge, and there are so many thoughts running through my head.  Am I over-thinking this?  Are the associations I am making valid?  What is consumerism saying about us as humans and as a society?  Why do I keep things thinking I’ll use them later, but in reality I never do?  Do “things” really make us happy?  Why am I so organized with work and school, but not at home?  Will this help increase my productivity?

I never used to associate possessions with the many facets of health.  They were always separate.  The older I get, the more I realize that “things” may really be affecting my health in more ways than one.  There are times when I look around and think that I will go crazy because of all of the clutter.  Or, I look at what I have and realize how grateful I am for everything.  And then there are times when I wonder why I have so much.  Maybe if I scaled down my inventory, I would be happier overall.  Not just because the space would be less cluttered, but there would be less distractions, and I could really focus on just being.  Not to mention the money saved that could be put towards a trip or something really special.  Do you think I’m taking this a little too seriously? Moving on…

It is the first day.  Today I will focus on de-cluttering my sleeping area.  It’s kind of an odd setup, and there isn’t much space.  That being said, I have managed to cram a ridiculous amount of items in this crazy-small space.  After watching tiny house/small space videos, I’ve gotten a better idea of how I want to go about clearing this area.  First I will take stock on what I have.  Then, I will make piles of what I need to keep, donate, and toss.  Until I return…

An hour later, and I already have a trash bag of things I can donate!  The items consist mostly of clothes, but it’s a start.  I love to buy shirts (pants/bottoms, not so much), and I have some that I completely forgot I had.  Many were given to me during CES, and I realized that I’ve never worn most of them.  Maybe someone else can benefit from the shirts I have decided to donate.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:  Less is More?
I’ve been watching a lot of movies throughout the decades, and even in film, you can see the hike in consumerism just in the props.  I am learning that less really may be more in some cases.  Over the past three days, I went through boxes that ha been stored in the garage.  I found three HUGE storage boxes of items to donate.  While part of me would like to sell off what I can, my heart says to donate.  I will be taking some items down to Skid Row, and the rest will go to Out of the Closet.  Seeing so many items really makes me realize how much I have.  It also forces me to see how much I’ve spent over time.  While the majority of items were given to me, a fair amount are items I’ve purchased.  My next venture will be to go through the shed.
Friday:  Still a Work in Progress
It’s Friday!  The weekend is upon us, and the house is decorated just in time for the holidays.  I am still sifting through everything I have accumulated.  There is a “keep” box, “donate” box, and “trash” pile.  Thus far, the donation box has grown exponentially, and there has been little to toss.  Items I thought I would keep ended up needing a new home, as I no longer use them.  I did find a few appliances I was looking for.  The only thing I’m focused on now is finding a particular collection, and making sure I don’t start the cycle of accumulation again.

Minimal (Zero) Waste Swaps & Repurposing

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I am currently writing an opinion piece on the Zero Waste Movement and minimalism.  Until then, I thought I would post up some of the things I have purchased that help control the chaos in my tiny space.  While I have some issues with zero (I prefer minimal) waste, there are some things to be said for it.  Here are some products you may be interested in:

1.  Facekins

Image courtesy of Connie @ Facekins.


I really love these, and have purchased a few packs (7/pack).  Yes, they come packaged in plastic, but that’s okay.  Each pad is cut, hand-sewn, and packaged by hand in the USA by founder Connie and her team–no factory involved at all.  These reusable, washable face pads are ultra-soft and virtually stain-resistant.  They are perfect for travel, and will last ages.  Facekins will save you from having to buy cotton balls, and can be used twice before washing.  Use one side in the morning, the other at night, wash it, and let it dry.  You can also toss them in with your washing.

2.  Reusable Bags

image courtesy of badpickletees.com


We have been lucky to have received several reusable bags/totes from various events.  I have used them for shopping, as a purse, and while we travel.  I love how compact they are, and most are relatively durable.  When they get dirty, just pop them in the wash with your next load of clothes!

3.  Jars

I just love this jar from Mini Monster at the Anaheim Packing District!
It holds about the same amount of liquid as a Trenta at Starbucks.


Before hipsters popularized jars, we would keep and reuse the glass kind, especially if they had a metal cap.  We still do, but over time I have had to buy some to replace those that have broken.  I use them for drinks, picnics, and travel (except on airlines since some won’t allow them).  It’s a spill-proof way to take what you need.  They also take up less space, and they can be washed & reused after.

4.  Feminine Hygiene Products

Hopefully this helps to
show the capacity differences.
Large (green) and Small (clear).


Yes, I periodically purchase liners (I don’t like the feeling of reusable pads/liners.  They remind me of those huge bricks that we had before ultra thin pads came out), and I have tampons in case someone needs them since I no longer use them at all.  That being said, I prefer to use a period cup.  Years ago I had tried them (read more about that, here) and it was the worst experience ever.  I also dislike tampons in general– a plug that absorbs blood seems more gross to me than a cup that will hold it, plus, I was more prone to leaks with tampons.  For years I only used pads.  I figured I would just let it flow out, since that’s what nature intended anyway, but it’s not always easy to get to a restroom every 30 minutes or so.  The first 2-3 days are extremely heavy for me, so I am always in need of a restroom.  My favorite cup is Anytime (yes, they are manufactured in China, and have the testing reports if you want them).  I have four (4) total:  2 small and 2 large– it’s better to have a couple of extras in case of travel or they get lost.  The large cup holds more than the Lena, which I also have, and is the most comfortable for my body.  Menstrual cups will stain over time (it happens), but that doesn’t mean they need to be thrown out.

5.  BeautyBlender & Blotterazzi

Image courtesy of
BeautyBlender & Sephora.com
Image courtesy of
BeautyBlender & Sephora.com


Since BeautyBlender was introduced, I have been using them.  I love that they are reusable, washable, and perfect for personal.  you can use them in a professional setting, but for sanitary purposes, I recommend only using disposable.  If you have the extra disposable income, you can give the used one to your clients, which I have done in the past.  Depending on the set, it may be easier to use disposable sponges, but I’ve found that these little beauties last for ages, and provide a flawless finish.  They also work well in place of oil blotting papers.  They’ve recently launched Blotterazzi, which I like, but could have just used a sponge since they are essentially the same thing.

6.  Miscellaneous/Re-purposing

I also purchase drinks that come in packaging where I can get the CRV back. The packaging is recycled, and we get some money back in return.  I use LUSH knot-wraps as handbags, lunch sacks, and hair accessories.  Empty medication bottles are perfect for storing toothpaste tablets, Q-tips, and more when you travel.  They are also great for storing screws, nails, bolts, and other hardware in your toolbox.  Just don’t forget to label them.  It’s not a swap, but a repurposed item, which saves money.  I have also repurposed my letter trays for makeup and skincare, which stacks easily on the bathroom counter.

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What are your favorite zero-waste swaps?  Do you re-purpose?  Let me know in the comments.

Stay beautiful!

Minimal (Zero) Waste Challenge

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Monday:  The Beginning
Today was a pretty easy day, since I’ve been working from home.  I haven’t purchased anything, and have been eating in.  Conveniently, my leftovers were in a recyclable container, so there’s that.  Starbucks has been calling (though I secretly long for a tea from Coffee Bean), but truth be told, I’m too comfortable to go.  Plus, they end up tossing a cup anyway since they always measure in the plastic cups, with few exceptions.  I normally get Youthberry tea, and when I take a jar, just have them fill it with room temperature water.

Tuesday:  Oh, How I’m Failing
Okay, so today was a letdown of epic proportions.  I had to purchase some mouth wash because I ran out, and it only comes in a plastic bottle.  Before heading to the city I stopped at Starbucks for some tea, and had them just put some water in my jar along with the tea.  By the time I got to the city it had done its cold brew thing, and I was all set.  Lunch was a salad in a recyclable container, and for a sweet treat I put some M&Ms in a small glass jar.  I had originally packed lunch in a tote I received while working a summer camp.  That all flew out the window because I had an impromptu lunch with my best friend.  I got a salad that came in a recyclable container, but it came with plastic utensils.  Of course, I forgot to bring my own.  Not only that, but the drinks normally come in a mason jar.  .  .  if you dine in.  Since we ordered online, there was no way to change the drink, and it came in a plastic cup.  I was able to pour it into my jar, but having the cup defeated the purpose.  Here’s hoping that dinner proves less challenging.  
A side note:  The one issue I know I will have will be at the grocery store.  I buy most items in bulk, and they have the plastic bags there.  While the thought of taking a reusable bag for bulk items is nice, I can see why they are not generally allowed.  California is very strict when it comes to food safety.  All it takes is one instance of cross-contamination to mess things up for everyone.  Even though people wash the reusable bulk bags, and they may be clean by most standards, it is one more thing for the other consumers and retailers to be worried about.  I have seen people stick their hands in bulk bins (always wash the products before you use them!), which is something markets and consumers have to deal with, along with a plethora of other possible issues.  Reusable bulk item bags add another needle to that haystack.  That being said, I will be taking my reusable shopping bags with me, and will reuse the bulk plastic bags until they fall apart.  Maybe I can repurpose them.  .  .  I’ll see what I can come up with.  
Wednesday:  Hump Day  
Today is the first day we are out of town.  I have packed a snack bag using jars—they weigh so much more than using small plastic snack bags, but it’s part of the challenge, right?  I also brought along some empty jars in case we run into Coffee Bean or Starbucks.  I have found that I prefer taking the jar for drinks, because I can pop the lid on and put it in my bag without the worry of it spilling.  I just wish the stainless steel straw came with a pouch.  We went to eat lunch, and I got a kid’s meal because it came with a lunch box!  Is it plastic?  Yes.  Am I keeping it?  No.  I will be sending it off as part of a care parcel.  The box is specifically for my friend’s grandson.  It also was one of the only ways to get Gardein tenders, which I LOVE!  Dinner was amazing, and I ended up with leftovers.  I took a stainless steel lunchbox, since we have a cooler in the room, and put my leftovers in it.  It will be lunch for tomorrow (I love being able to save in multiple ways).                   
Thursday:  A New Day  
Every day is a new day; a chance for a fresh start and a new beginning.  This is the only full day of our trip, and I planned out what will happen during the day in terms of trash.  I have my reusable items, and lunch is covered.  I don’t normally eat in the morning because it makes me sick, so one less mealtime to worry about.  Dinner will be at a restaurant, so I can put leftovers in my tin after I wash it out from lunch, and drinks will go in the jar.  I suppose the jars are also a plus because it forces me to drink more water.  I normally use my Kor or Camelbak, but I forgot them  (>.<)  If we choose to grab a pastry or something later in the evening, I will simply ask them to place it in my alternate tin.  It will save from having to toss the paper and bag.  Here’s hoping all of this pans out.  At least there is a plan.  
Friday:  Workin’ for the Weekend
We are packed up to leave.  First we will have lunch, and then it’s back to the “bump & grind”.  We came back, and I put a load of clothes in.  After that, I continued on a PowerPoint for an upcoming presentation.  Tomorrow will be the day I work on finishing up an application that is required prior to site approval for my dissertation, followed by some product reviews.  Tonight there was a surprise.  It was a trip to a themed dinner!  It was so exciting to get dinner and a show.  I bought a drink in a glass souvenir cup and made sure that the bartender didn’t put a stir stick in it.  Some of my dinner was left over, so I put it in the jar I normally use for drinks.  They didn’t have takeaway utensils, which was a plus.  Two more days of trying out this zero-waste thing.  .  .  and it’s not as hard as I thought it would be.  
Saturday:  No
t Enough Hours in the Day
Today I am going to the store, and taking reusable bags.  I won’t be buying from the bulk bins (see Tuesday’s bit for why), but I am going to get some produce and other goodies.  The dairy alternative that I use is recyclable, and the CRV is refundable, which is why I don’t mind buying it.  The plastic bottle gets recycled, and I get a little bit of change back.  I also have to stop by the mall—Teavana has a few things I want to get with the Starbucks rewards that have been earned.  I also want to stop by LUSH since I have a gift card.  After all of this gets done in the morning, it’s off to Starbucks I go to get working on everything I listed yesterday.  My goal is to complete: the application, at least 80% of the PowerPoint, and the product reviews.     
Sunday:  The End
Well, I made it.  There were some trying times, but I managed to keep my trash to a minimum.  I think I will continue this for another week just to see how I do.  If nothing else, I learned that I was spending so much on “stuff” that I really didn’t need.  In fact, I had buyer’s remorse after purchasing an organizer that I can’t really use.  The idea was there, but when I received the item, it wasn’t as functional as I had hoped.  Eh, such is life.  I also learned that that less really can be more.  I wasn’t able to get to the mall like I had planned, so I suppose I will do that in the next couple of days.  I plan on getting some loose-leaf tea, bulk shampoo, and some soap samples.