Simple living is a growing trend that I fully support. As a professional organizer, I see the consequences of TOO MUCH STUFF. I call it "over-abundance" and it takes up time, money, and space.

Check back here frequently, as I add to this page. I'll be adding tips for simple living, recommended resources and books, information about sustainable living, and other great ideas for simple living.

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.
— Laura Ingalls Wilder

I highly recommend the book Clean House Clean Planet by Karen Logan. It's full of non-toxic, inexpensive household cleaning recipes. I use these in my own house. They work wonderfully, cost next-to-nothing, and leave only a fresh, clean scent. I never have to worry about harmful fumes or chemicals with these great cleaners.

I personally use many of these homemade, non-toxic cleaning products. Simple combinations of baking soda, vinegar, borax, and essential oils make a variety of cleaners, which I use on the mirrors, windows, toilets, sinks, floors, and more. They are effective, cheap, and -- best of all -- I don't worry about my kids getting into them. In fact, my boys help with the cleaning! Here are some of the recipes. (Some of them have been slightly modified by me, as I experimented with the ingredients for best results.)

Toilet Cleaner: Sprinkle 1/4 cup Borax and a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus or tea tree oil are antiseptic) into toilet, scrub, let sit for a few minutes, scrub again, and flush.

Floor Cleaner: In a squirt bottle, create a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, add a few drops of essential oil (peppermint or lavender are nice), squirt cleaner onto floor, and mop up.

Glass Cleaner: Club soda in a squirt bottle works well, as does a mixture of water and vinegar. Wipe down with a lint-free cloth.

Tub and Sink Cleaner: Shake some baking soda mixed with a a few drops of essential oil (orange or lime is nice) into sink or tub, wipe with damp sponge, rinse.

Slowing Down, Living Deliberately

Rush, rush, rush. We hurry out of the house to get in our cars to zip along the freeway to our jobs. As we run errands on the way home, we tap our feet impatiently as the person in front of us takes too long. We hastily prepare dinner, eat in ten minutes flat, and get the dishes in the dishwasher. We hurry through the evening activities and fall into bed.

We are so busy rushing through life that we forget to slow down to enjoy it! Take some time to reflect on the things that you usually rush through each day:

• Adopt a new attitude by deliberately choosing how you will spend your time.

• While it is important to schedule time to get things done, it is equally important to take time to simply appreciate life. Take a walk. Spend time talking (and really listening) to family and friends.

• Connect with nature by bringing nature inside: a window sill herb garden, fresh-cut flowers from your garden or farmers’ market, a babbling fountain, a fresh breeze, or some nature music on CD.

• Expand your universe. Visit new places, like libraries, museums, and schools. Learn new things by listening to books on tape, attending workshops and seminars, or joining a book club. Share your thoughts and ideas with those you meet.

• Try to live in the current moment instead of always worrying about the future. Rejoice in the gifts you have and make the most of today. Accept that you and others around you are not perfect.

Simple Web Sites

The concept of simple living is becoming more popular as life’s hectic pace and the overabundance of material things clog our lives. The following web sites may inspire you to move toward a simpler lifestyle:

Live Simple: includes valuable techniques for simplifying your home, life, routine, and possessions.
www.december.com/simple/live

Seeds of Simplicity: designed to teach parents, educators, and children about the value of living simply.
www.seedsofsimplicity.org

Simple Living: inspires and supports people who are interested in simplifying their lives.
www.simpleliving.com

Simple Living Network: newsletter, calendar of events, resource list, chat rooms, and guide to living simply.
www.simpleliving.net

Simplicity Resource Guide: extensive resource list for those looking to simplify their lives, including book reviews, tips, and articles. www.gallagherpress.com/pierce

My Motto:
SIMIPLIFY!

Life gets complicated... Or at least, we seem to make it more complicated than it needs to be. So I remind myself to SIMPLIFY every time I step into my office!