A Small Life Book Club

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

I’m starting a new feature on ye olde blog and I hope that you’ll enjoy it too! One of my goals this year is to read more and I need a bit of motivation. That’s why I’m starting a book club. Each month I’ll announce the book that we are going to read. (I’ll also take suggestions!) And then I’ll read it (I hope you will too) and we’ll discuss it. Easy enough?

Since this is “A Small Life” Book Club I’m thinking the books will center around minimalism, living small and life-changing adventures! The first book we’ll be reading is The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing* by Marie Kondo. You can check it out from your local library or purchase it on Amazon using the link above.

I’ve heard great things about this book. In fact, people are starting to use the author’s last name as a verb to mean tidying up. Too bad my last name is hard to pronounce or I’d totally try to make that into a thing meaning “small living.” We’ll discuss this book on April 1st. I hope you’ll join me!

love,
melanie

*Affiliate link.

Tuesday Thoughts: No Greatness

there is no greatness

It’s easy to be average. It’s easy to be in debt and live above your means. It’s easy to lie to yourself. It’s easy to complicate your life. What’s harder is being great. What’s harder is living simply. What’s harder is looking for the good in the everyday. What’s harder is telling yourself the truth.

How do you cultivate greatness? Let me know in the comments!

love,
melanie

The Small Life: Hannah’s Tiny Toronto Loft

Hannah's Loft 1
Living and embodying the small life doesn’t have to mean living in an Airstream. Living small is living below your means and living in a space that’s physically smaller than average, but full of heart. That’s why I was so excited to hear from Hannah and see her tiny loft. Take it away, Hannah!

Bedroom in the loftMy name is Hannah I live in Toronto. I live in a 584 square foot loft. I have recently decided to simplify my life. It is definitely is not as simple as living in Airstream, but I have downsized my living and I so happy with it. I downsized for many reasons. I downsized because I get so distracted and annoyed when things are not at their place. I also realized I’ve been wasting so much energy and time on daily basis just for THINGS around me when I could’ve spent the time and energy on the stuff that I actually enjoy. I couldn’t keep up with having my surroundings the way I wanted. It was messy and I wasn’t happy.

Loft Kitchenbathroom in the loftSo I decided to get rid of all the extra things. I have done the 30 Day Minimalist Challenge. And I think I’ll do it again.

Hannah's Toronto LoftI feel like the less stuff I have, the more space opens up in my mind. Now I spend less time on cleaning; it only takes me 20 min to clean the entire loft. I have more time to spend on myself and I am thinking of starting a blog with my best friend.

Loft view

If you like to live like a queen in Toronto, check out these amazing Yorkville condos for rent.*

Thanks, Hannah! Hannah has even taken living frugal to the next level. You can rent out her gorgeous loft on Air B&B. In fact, a couple friends and I hope to stay there this summer! You can also check out Hannah on her Facebook page. -Melanie

*This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

Tuesday Thoughts: Let Alone

a man is rich

How many things can you let alone? Can you let alone greed and indifference? Can you let alone self-destruction, ill thoughts and mean words? Minimalism isn’t just about letting physical things alone, it’s also about letting behaviors alone.

And that kids is something to think about.

love,
melanie

The Small Life: Amber’s TinCan

Amber's tin can snowy exterior

Today on “The Small Life” we have Amber’s inspiring story. After divorce and debt, Amber and her “TinCan” are picking up the pieces and in the process, making a simple and lovely home. Take it away, Amber!

Amber's Tin Can Interior Living Room

Hi, I’m Amber. I am 42 years old, and I live and work in central Arkansas. I am a bookkeeper and I work in HR, Safety and Compliance. On the side I am a photographer, artist and blogger. I would love to eventually transition to do these things full-time or at least into something I can do more flexibly while traveling. For now I work for and with some great people at my day job. Since work is stationary, my home is too. I currently rent a space in a local RV/Mobile home park. It isn’t my dream location, but it works well for now. My goal is to be able to spend more time traveling in the future (either on the road in the TinCan or by using her for my home base for even further destinations). Simplifying my life and living in the TinCan is enabling these dreams to become much more attainable hopefully in a year or two. It is amazing how much freer I feel having embraced this simple lifestyle and letting go of so many unnecessary things. I want a life full of moments and experiences not things. I think I always wanted this kind of life, but I didn’t always recognize that I did. Fear of losing my “sense of security” and asking to many negative “What ifs” held me back.

Amber's Tin Can exterior

So then how did I actually end up simplifying and living in a vintage, 1970 Airstream? Let me just say it took some life upheavals to get me on the right track. Several years ago I found myself picking up the pieces after going through the dreaded d-word…divorce. I relocated to Arkansas and spent a couple of years trying to keep up a similar lifestyle to what I was used to. I made some not so great decisions and accumulated more debt than I like to admit. After a few years, I worked my way up to a better job, but I was working all the time and not happy. I realized that I could keep working ridiculous hours to achieve what society says is normal, or I could make new choices that would allow me to be much more in control of how I spend my time. I really liked the sound of those new choices. Therefore, I downsized; first to a studio apartment and then to my beloved TinCan.

Amber and her Tin Can

I have long drooled over Airstreams, but never really thought I would be brave enough to embrace living in one full-time. That changed with a find on eBay and a quick drive to Ohio in April 2013. I had researched a lot online about full-timing, but I had no actual experience of ever even camping in an RV. Thus, the drive to get her was a little nerve-wracking. What did I get myself into? However, it was love at first sight. From the moment I stepped foot inside her, I knew I was home. Fortunately, the previous owners of my TinCan took very good care of her. She was in lovely shape for her age and didn’t need any extensive repairs. I did spend a few months painting, decorating, replacing window seals, stripping clear coat, and simply making her more my own before moving in October 2013 when my apartment lease was up. I’ve done a few more projects over the year and 4 months I have lived in her. I still have a long list of projects to be completed as time and the budget allow. I find it is a pleasure investing my time, money and energy into something that is mine instead of throwing away rent every month.

Amber's Tin Can Interior

My only regret about embracing this simple life and moving into the TinCan is that I didn’t do it sooner. It has been one of the very best decisions I have ever made. My free time is much more relaxed, and I am able to spend more time on things that are important and fulfilling. I am happy to share my story in the hopes that it might help others gather the courage to simplify their lives and reach for the lives they really want. I know reading the stories of others helped me gather that courage too.

Thanks, Amber! I admire your courage, tenacity and grit! And that’s what small living is all about! If you want to hear more about Amber’s story, check out her blog, Auntie Am & Her Big Tin Can and check her out on Instagram @airstream365. And remember, if you have a small space that you want to share, email me at asmalllifemelanie at gmail. com. -Melanie

Tuesday Thoughts: Going Back to a Simpler Life

Going back to a simpler life is not a step backwardsYes, going back to a simpler life is a choice, but it is not a step backwards. It’s a step in the right direction. It’s a step towards happiness. It’s a step towards the life you truly want to live. It’s a difficult step, but it isn’t a backwards one.

Happy Tuesday, friends.

love,
melanie

 

A Little Reminder about Submissions!

Airstream in the snowy woods

It’s a snow day here (although it hasn’t snowed yet!), but it is the perfect time to remind you that I take submissions for this blog. I’m specifically looking for people who live in a tiny house, in an Airstream, in a bus or in a van. I’m also looking for people who have recently downsized their lives and people who simply live “unconventionally.”

I’m also currently taking pitches or other ideas you might have for columns that focus on simplicity, small living and minimalism.

A Small Life is read by thousands of readers each day and could be a great opportunity to get your business/house/bus/life/Instagram/etc. seen!

Please send submissions to asmalllifemelanie at gmail.com. Submissions should include at least 4 photos (jpg or jpeg) that are at least 540 pixels wide. If chosen, I will contact you with further instructions.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

love,
melanie

Tuesday Thoughts: Life is Really Simple

life is really simple

This week I’ve been fretting and worrying and losing sleep over a conference I’m planning. In the midst of Pinteresting table decorations until my eyes crossed, I stumbled across this quote. It brought me back to earth. I live simply everyday, but I still make aspects of my life more complicated than they need to be.

Here’s to keeping it simple this Tuesday and always.

love,
melanie

A Day In the Life of a Full-Time Airstreamer

a day in the life of a full-time airstreamerI swear to you all that I’m not a narcissistic person, although it might seem that way just looking at the title of this post. I came up with the idea to do this post as a way for you all to get a glimpse into what day-to-day life is like in my Airstream. Funny story, I actually did this experiment on a Thursday and the entire day was so boring that I waited until Saturday to try it again. My regular work day mostly consists of me going to work and not spending time in the Airstream at all! (I hope to remedy that one day.) Anyway, I hope this post is at least marginally more interesting than watching paint dry. Here it goes… A day in the life of a full-time Airstreamer.

1/31/15

7:00am
Wake up to take Bambi out. Brr! It’s cold out there. Jump back in bed for a little while longer.

Bambi10:00am
George and I wake up again to Bambi’s smiling face. That girl has so much energy when she wakes up. I am so jealous of that quality!

10:10am
I make sure the hot water is turned off. When it’s turned on, I can’t boil water or turn on the stove or it will flip the breaker. I boil the water first since I also can’t cook while the electric tea kettle is on, it’s a balancing act, but we manage.

IMG_0380IMG_043710:15am
Once the water has boiled, I pour the water over the ground beans to make coffee in our French Press (press it good!), then I get started on the eggs. I have two eggs on a tortilla with guacamole or hot sauce almost every morning. I like not having to think too much about breakfast.

10:30am
I know at this point, I should just do the dishes, but they’ll have to wait because this morning we are headed to our local flea market so we can scout treasures for George to sell. George works for himself as an artist, so it helps for us to have multiple income streams.

I make sure to turn the hot water back on so it’ll be hot by the time we get home. I then throw on (probably too many) layers of clothes and put Bambi in a sweatshirt and hit the road in our (new to us) van.

IMG_042611:15am
We realize on the way to the flea market we have no cash. Cash is king at the flea market, so we stop at a Trader Joe’s on the way. We need coconut oil and sweetened condensed milk. George runs in while I wait in the car. Trader Joe’s has neither coconut oil nor sweetened condensed milk, so George grabs beer and chocolate. Good choices, my husband, good choices. And we’re on the road again!

IMG_043212:00pm
Finally make it to the flea market. Bambi doesn’t like to walk at the flea market. I don’t know if she is scared of the big dogs or she’s just a princess, but I carry her the entire time. My arms ache, but I try to think of it as a workout. We find a few treasures, nothing spectacular, but a few things that we think will sell. We never buy anything for ourselves. It’s hard, but when we’re at the flea market we aren’t looking for ourselves, we’re looking to make money.

1:30pm
We managed to make our way around the flea market and see everything. George brought a few things with him that he sold to a friend, so we leave the flea market to drop off that stuff. I’m fully aware that it’s ironic that George makes most of his money making and selling stuff. Not everyone is a minimalist and that’s ok.

1:45pm
We drop off the stuff and since Trader Joe’s was so bare, we head to a different grocery store on the way home. I try to get most of my groceries from our CSA, but it’s the end of the month and our cupboards are bare!

3:00pm
We finally get back home. By this time, I’m getting hangry, so I fix a small snack. George says I’m stingy because I won’t share, but he can have his own! I’m on a new eating regimen and I only get so many calories a day, so each one is precious! I know it’s mean.

IMG_04333:10pm
I start by tackling the huge mound of dishes. Doing dishes is one of my most hated chores. The dishes never end! Before I even get to the end, I’m out of hot water. I switch the hot water off, so I can boil some more. In the mean time, I start tackling the bathroom.

IMG_04343:50pm
The bathroom is small, so it’s easy to clean. By the time the hot water is boiling, I’m finished cleaning the bathroom. I finish up the dishes and relax for a bit.

4:00pm
While I relax, George sweeps the floors. Cleaning around our house is like a dance, it requires a lot of coordination and it’s difficult for two people to be in the same space at the same time. We usually just take different tasks and try to clean and cook at different times.

IMG_0442IMG_04434:30pm
My afternoon snack was minuscule and I’m getting hungry again. But after cleaning up, I want something fast and easy. I picked up some gluten-free chicken nuggets on my grocery store trip, so I heat those up in our mini convection oven. I also fix a salad. I know it’s not the most healthy meal, but it’s fast, easy and I don’t have to clean much.

IMG_04404:45pm
We eat dinner and then George makes a couple key chains to sell.

IMG_04445:15pm
We head to a friend’s house. This particular friend is fixing up an old school bus to live in. I should have taken a few pictures, but I documenting every bit of your day is sort of weird. Right? I did manage to take a picture of the fire pit?

9:45pm
We head home. It’s Bambi’s second dinner time! I fix another snack and a glass of wine. Of course, I forgot to turn on the hot water so I watch a bit of TV while it heats up. We don’t have a real TV and live happily without one. (Here’s how.)

IMG_044811:30pm
I fall asleep watching Dual Survivor.

1:00am
I wake up and take a shower. I realize how lame I am.

Was this enlightening for you? My life isn’t always exciting, but it’s usually a good one.

love,
melanie

14 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men Under $10

valentine's day gifts for men under $10Shopping for dudes is challenging– especially when you’re on a budget. But after my $100 holiday challenge, I learned that shopping for they guys in my life isn’t so bad if I do my research. And here’s the best part: I did the research for you! Today I’m sharing 14 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men Under $10. And bonus: they’re all available to buy online, so you can stick with your budget, no excuses! Just click the picture below to buy.

Siracha Keychain
This Siracha keychain is the coolest thing I’ve seen in a while. It’s perfect for the hot sauce lover (which is almost every man I know.) I kind of want one for myself too!

Bark Thins
Bark Thinks are George’s and my favorite new snack. It’s a departure from the regular ol’ V-day candy and with add-ins like pumpkin seed you can pretend like these dark chocolate delights are good for you.

Tanka bar
Tanka bars are another one of our favorite snacks. Tanka bars are buffalo jerky with a touch of added sweetness from cranberries. They’re gluten-free, nitrate-free, msg-free, hormone-free AND it’s a native owned company.

Chillin’ Cubes
I’ve been thinking about buying these ice cubes for wine and iced coffee for sometime. They’d also make the perfect gift for the whiskey or scotch drinker in your life. And at less than $10, they’re a steal.

Copper cup
I wanted to buy everyone copper cups for Moscoe Mule makin’ this Christmas, but man, they are expensive. This one I found online is a total deal though. And it’s pretty too!

Beerzicle
These things really work! I recently tested them at a friend’s house and wow! They really do keep your beer cold. Beerzicles would be perfect for those pool parties I’ve been dreaming about.

Wall Mounted Bottle Opener
Every man cave needs a wall mounted bottle opener! And this one is so pretty I wouldn’t mind it being in a woman’s cave either!

Rosewood Pocket Comb
This teensy tiny wooden comb is perfect for combing unruly, manly facial hair. It even fits in your man’s pocket or wallet!

Working Hands Cream
I specifically put this one on here for my man, George. Honey, you need this hand cream. He’s a manly man, but sometimes manly mens need to take care of their rough hands!

Slouchy Beanie
This slouchy beanie is perfectly slouchy. So cute for men or ladies!

Wool Socks
These Wigwam socks are so warm. I have a pair myself and I love them! The gift of warm feet is gold!

Emergency Fire Starter
This emergency fire starter would be great for the woodsy man in your life. Or even the not-so-woodsy one. You never know when you’ll need an emergency fire starter.

Swiss Tech Key Ring
I’m amazed at all the things this little key ring can do. It’s multiple screwdrivers, including a flat screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, and a micro-sized screwdriver. It also includes a bottle opener, straight blade knife, and serrated blade knife. What else do you need?!

Digital tire pressure gauge
This digital tire pressure gauge is a deal! I’ll never have to stop at a gas station again to check my tire pressure? Yes, please.

And if you’re more the homemade type, last year I made these cute printables to add to bagged nuts. Print them out, bag some nuts and go enjoy your valentine!

love,
melanie

Please note, the above post contains affiliate links. By clicking on the links and buying the product, I receive a small commission. The opinions about the products are my own. Programs like this help to keep my blog running. Thank you for your support!