As I watched one of the few tv shows I still follow, this Verizon commercial played a few times:
And I could only think to myself, "Why the heck did I buy into this for so long?!"
The commercial isn't wrong, most people DO want more. People want more shoes, more cookies, more time, more friends, more clothes, more vacation, more food...more happiness.
But are we looking for more in the wrong places?
Now that I have stopped (mostly) buying things, I have realized how much the want for more affected my life before a few months ago. I always wanted the newest stuff because like many others, I thought it would make me happier.
Turns out, stuff doesn't make me happier. Spending time with my family and friends, reading, playing games, working out and feeling good, cooking, writing, playing guitar, and doing nice things for others makes me happier.
Do you still crave more? How do we stop craving more?
Friday, May 2, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Story of Stuff
This video, Story of Stuff, sold me (haha, punny) on not purchasing new items.
It was both sad and frustrating to me and ultimately, made me realize that I would prefer to buy things used, borrow things from friends, or just be content with what I have. The one exception to this rule, moving forward, is that I will still probably buy new clothes for myself for work but I will probably make sure I keep an eye on sustainability, fairness for workers, and materials used.
The amount of waste we used to produce as just two people was staggering. Since we stopped buying things and trying to recycle as much as possible, I have noticed that we put out a good amount of recycling and one (not even full) trash bag each week. When you don't buy that much stuff, there isn't that much to throw out!
We do throw out a lot of food waste like peelings and such. Hopefully, we can start composting soon so we can also eliminate most of this waste from our garbage.
It blew my mind to watch the Story of Stuff and to see how much we consume without thinking.
What do you think?!
It was both sad and frustrating to me and ultimately, made me realize that I would prefer to buy things used, borrow things from friends, or just be content with what I have. The one exception to this rule, moving forward, is that I will still probably buy new clothes for myself for work but I will probably make sure I keep an eye on sustainability, fairness for workers, and materials used.
The amount of waste we used to produce as just two people was staggering. Since we stopped buying things and trying to recycle as much as possible, I have noticed that we put out a good amount of recycling and one (not even full) trash bag each week. When you don't buy that much stuff, there isn't that much to throw out!
We do throw out a lot of food waste like peelings and such. Hopefully, we can start composting soon so we can also eliminate most of this waste from our garbage.
It blew my mind to watch the Story of Stuff and to see how much we consume without thinking.
What do you think?!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
The Forest Feast - Minimalist Cookbook Love
Erin Gleeson of The Forest Feast is not a self-proclaimed minimalist (that I know of!) but I would argue that her beautiful new cookbook could fit in perfectly on any vegetarian minimalist's shelf. It's worth buying, even if you're not the kind of person who buys many things.
Here's a little info about Erin from her About section of her lovely website:
For many years I worked as a food photographer in New York City, shooting for cookbooks, magazines, top chefs and restaurants, The New York Times Dining section, and The James Beard Foundation. I also have an MFA in photography from SVA and I taught photography to college students at The Fashion Institute of Technology for 4 years. But in the summer of 2011, my husband Jonathan’s new job prompted a move to Northern California (just south of San Francisco) where we found a lovely cabin in the woods. Inspired by local, seasonal ingredients in my weekly CSA box, I create “photographic recipe illustrations” that are mostly vegetarian and laid out visually. I hope to inspire healthy recipe ideas anyone can make- dishes that are easy enough after a long day at work, yet impressive enough for a party. For more info on me, check out this interview.
I stumbled across Erin's blog a while ago because I know her brother-in-law but then I stayed as a loyal reader for the past year and a half because her work is just magnificent. A talented photographer, artist, and chef, Erin creates vegetarian recipes from local farmers markets and CSA boxes. Then, she takes lovely pictures of everything and has a simple, beautiful, and easy-to-follow recipe.
I've cooked many recipes from her blog including Guacamole Deviled Eggs, Yam and Feta Stuffed Squash Blossoms (OMG yum), and Red Roasted Carrots. As promised, each recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious for both dinner when it's just us or when we have company.
Friday night, we made the Potato and Green Bean Salad, Yam and Feta Stuffed Squash Blossoms (with goat cheese instead of feta) AND the Guacamole Deviled Eggs. It was a Forest Feast Shabbat! And it was awesome.
If you love to cook but sometimes feel like minimalism and cooking do not love one another, check out Erin's scrumptious cookbook. I promise you will NOT be disappointed.
Erin did not ask me to write this post nor did I receive any compensation or a free cookbook for doing so. I simply love her work and want to share it with the world. Enjoy!
*Photos by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast*
Here's a little info about Erin from her About section of her lovely website:
For many years I worked as a food photographer in New York City, shooting for cookbooks, magazines, top chefs and restaurants, The New York Times Dining section, and The James Beard Foundation. I also have an MFA in photography from SVA and I taught photography to college students at The Fashion Institute of Technology for 4 years. But in the summer of 2011, my husband Jonathan’s new job prompted a move to Northern California (just south of San Francisco) where we found a lovely cabin in the woods. Inspired by local, seasonal ingredients in my weekly CSA box, I create “photographic recipe illustrations” that are mostly vegetarian and laid out visually. I hope to inspire healthy recipe ideas anyone can make- dishes that are easy enough after a long day at work, yet impressive enough for a party. For more info on me, check out this interview.
I stumbled across Erin's blog a while ago because I know her brother-in-law but then I stayed as a loyal reader for the past year and a half because her work is just magnificent. A talented photographer, artist, and chef, Erin creates vegetarian recipes from local farmers markets and CSA boxes. Then, she takes lovely pictures of everything and has a simple, beautiful, and easy-to-follow recipe.
I've cooked many recipes from her blog including Guacamole Deviled Eggs, Yam and Feta Stuffed Squash Blossoms (OMG yum), and Red Roasted Carrots. As promised, each recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious for both dinner when it's just us or when we have company.
Friday night, we made the Potato and Green Bean Salad, Yam and Feta Stuffed Squash Blossoms (with goat cheese instead of feta) AND the Guacamole Deviled Eggs. It was a Forest Feast Shabbat! And it was awesome.
 |
| Seriously, a work of art!! |
If you love to cook but sometimes feel like minimalism and cooking do not love one another, check out Erin's scrumptious cookbook. I promise you will NOT be disappointed.
Erin did not ask me to write this post nor did I receive any compensation or a free cookbook for doing so. I simply love her work and want to share it with the world. Enjoy!
*Photos by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast*
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
What now?! Minimalism and Happiness
Since beginning my minimalist journey, I have become happier with my physical possessions and spending habits. I have not spent nearly as much on things I do not need and my physical possessions are weighing less on me (metaphorically) as they take us less room (literally).
I decided to read Gretchen Rubin's book The Happiness Project when I realized that I had a problem some other new minimalists also have: I didn't know how to spend my newly reclaimed time.
I don't want to watch tv or do passive things. I read a fair amount, for school and for pleasure. I play guitar sometimes and that's always nice. But when it came to my day to day activities, I was feeling a little aimless. I was grasping in the dark! I could write for a little while. Maybe I'll do a little homework. I want to work out but I wasn't being consistent.
I always stick to things better when I have two things in place: 1 - a plan, 2 - accountability.
The Happiness Project is Rubin's account of her one year project to become happier by instilling new habits. I have read some really nasty reviews of the book before but I read the blurb about it again and it felt like it could help me in exactly what I was looking for (creating a plan and accountability).
I like that Rubin uses Ben Franklin's idea of a "resolutions chart" each day. She marks off with a check (yay, I did it!) or an X (try again tomorrow) whether or not she sticks to one of 3-5 specific resolutions for a whole month. She did different ones for 12 months and the idea is that once your really stick to a resolution for a month, it becomes habit or you realize that you need to change the resolution. I dig it.
The other thing that I really like from the book is reading about different ways to change your mindset when it comes to happiness in life. Don't love washing dishes? Try to create more "attitude of gratitude" while washing dishes. Think to yourself, "Wow, I am so lucky that I can afford hot water, beautiful dishes, and delicious food that I need to clean off of those dishes." She cites lots of studies about happiness that tell us that the way you think about the things you choose to do affects the way you feel about those things. I buy it and I'm going to try it more.
Minimalism CAN bring happiness into our lives but only in that it frees up our time and money to really pursue the things we want to pursue. I could sell and give away most of my stuff and barely ever buy things but never engage in the things I want to engage and minimalism because worthless. Then, I'm just stuff-less and wealthier than I would have been otherwise.
I have succeeded in step 1 of minimalism by closely scrutinizing my possessions and spending habits (both time and money). I'm looking forward to taking the leap to step 2 in which I figure out how I want to really spend my time and money and then actually DO those things!
I decided to read Gretchen Rubin's book The Happiness Project when I realized that I had a problem some other new minimalists also have: I didn't know how to spend my newly reclaimed time.
I don't want to watch tv or do passive things. I read a fair amount, for school and for pleasure. I play guitar sometimes and that's always nice. But when it came to my day to day activities, I was feeling a little aimless. I was grasping in the dark! I could write for a little while. Maybe I'll do a little homework. I want to work out but I wasn't being consistent.
I always stick to things better when I have two things in place: 1 - a plan, 2 - accountability.
The Happiness Project is Rubin's account of her one year project to become happier by instilling new habits. I have read some really nasty reviews of the book before but I read the blurb about it again and it felt like it could help me in exactly what I was looking for (creating a plan and accountability).
I like that Rubin uses Ben Franklin's idea of a "resolutions chart" each day. She marks off with a check (yay, I did it!) or an X (try again tomorrow) whether or not she sticks to one of 3-5 specific resolutions for a whole month. She did different ones for 12 months and the idea is that once your really stick to a resolution for a month, it becomes habit or you realize that you need to change the resolution. I dig it.
The other thing that I really like from the book is reading about different ways to change your mindset when it comes to happiness in life. Don't love washing dishes? Try to create more "attitude of gratitude" while washing dishes. Think to yourself, "Wow, I am so lucky that I can afford hot water, beautiful dishes, and delicious food that I need to clean off of those dishes." She cites lots of studies about happiness that tell us that the way you think about the things you choose to do affects the way you feel about those things. I buy it and I'm going to try it more.
Minimalism CAN bring happiness into our lives but only in that it frees up our time and money to really pursue the things we want to pursue. I could sell and give away most of my stuff and barely ever buy things but never engage in the things I want to engage and minimalism because worthless. Then, I'm just stuff-less and wealthier than I would have been otherwise.
I have succeeded in step 1 of minimalism by closely scrutinizing my possessions and spending habits (both time and money). I'm looking forward to taking the leap to step 2 in which I figure out how I want to really spend my time and money and then actually DO those things!
Friday, April 18, 2014
Links I Love - Meditation / Hitbod'dut
In Mussar, hitbod'dut (literally aloneness or seclusion) is the practice of sitting alone in silence for an amount of time (maybe 10 or 15 minutes). Hitbod'dut gives you the opportunity to reflect and just "turn off" your brain for a little while. Often, your thoughts will turn to things you have to do, bills you have to pay, or errands that need to run but eventually (and definitely with some practice) you may begin to experience a state of calm and serenity.
Hitbod'dut, or meditation, can help us feel refreshed and ready to greet the rest of the day with gusto. Sitting for a few minutes can also help us calm our mind and leave us capable of focusing on whatever task is next.
Here are some amazing links to help you get started with some easy meditation:
Calm - I feel like I'm in a spa when I use this website. There's also an app for your phone so you can meditate on the go. (Thanks to Tammy at Rowdy Kittens for this awesome link.)
Meditation for Beginners at Zen Habits - Leo Babauta is a wonderful blogger and minimalist. His website was one of the firsts I read to get more into minimalism.
More Meditation, More Gratitude, Better Living - This is a lovely post from Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist. Joshua's story was mainly the one that helped me kick off my own minimalist journey.
Meditation for Real People - Courtney Carver at Be More With Less is also one of my favorite minimalist bloggers.
Do you meditate? If so, do you have any favorite posts that started you off or any favorite apps or other things that help you keep up your practice?
Hitbod'dut, or meditation, can help us feel refreshed and ready to greet the rest of the day with gusto. Sitting for a few minutes can also help us calm our mind and leave us capable of focusing on whatever task is next.
Here are some amazing links to help you get started with some easy meditation:
Calm - I feel like I'm in a spa when I use this website. There's also an app for your phone so you can meditate on the go. (Thanks to Tammy at Rowdy Kittens for this awesome link.)
Meditation for Beginners at Zen Habits - Leo Babauta is a wonderful blogger and minimalist. His website was one of the firsts I read to get more into minimalism.
More Meditation, More Gratitude, Better Living - This is a lovely post from Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist. Joshua's story was mainly the one that helped me kick off my own minimalist journey.
Meditation for Real People - Courtney Carver at Be More With Less is also one of my favorite minimalist bloggers.
Do you meditate? If so, do you have any favorite posts that started you off or any favorite apps or other things that help you keep up your practice?
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Whole Food Plant Based on a (Minimalist) Budget
The New Rules
Every month, we spend a higher majority of money on food than any other expense. Not because we NEED to but because we like to eat out and we are sometimes very lazy (or tired) during the week.
When we took a much closer look at our spending habits, food was the easiest and hardest to drastically change. We made some new rules which we have been following for over a month now:
- Eat one meal out together each week
- Go to Starbucks/other coffee spot once a week
- Buy lunch for ourselves once a week
- Shop at the Hollywood Farmers Market every Sunday, buy anything we can't get there at Whole Foods or Trader Joes
These four rules have helped us cut our spending on food by almost HALF last month! Spending cash at the farmers market also makes us think more about how much we're spending on items since we only bring about $40 or $50 each visit.
We knew we were being a little reckless with our food spending but we were too lazy to change our ways. Then, I saw how much I owe the government in student loans and believe me, that was enough to make me want to eat cheap ramen for the next year (not really, that would be gross).
The Weekly Haul
The husband is on a spring break trip this week so this is all just for me. I am going out with friends tonight but other than that, I plan on eating at home and bringing lunch all week. I spent $49 (including $3 for parking) on groceries. This includes almond milk which will last me a few weeks and eggs which will definitely not be gone by next weekend. Normally, we spend about $70-80 per week for two of us.
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| The Haul |
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| It would have been a little cheaper to buy the rice from TJ's or Whole Foods bulk bin but instead, I supported a local farmer at the market. |
I normally also buy tangerines or some kind of citrus but decided to buy extra cucumbers to snack on instead this week. I consumer tomatoes and cucumbers at an alarming rate anyway, so we'll see how long they last.
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| Japanese cucumbers: AMAZING! I went with four "aesthetically defective" avocados at $1 each because they still taste amazing and who doesn't love the underdog? Those two bunches of kale were only $3 and the four heads of lettuce were $5! That's all my greens for the week. |
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| I bought one basket of these tomatoes. Should have bought two, they are so delicious. |
The Menu
I like to take Matt Frazier's advice from No Meat Athlete and cook as simply as possibly during the week. The menu this week will consist of:
- Brown rice, kale, and black beans (from a previous farmers market trip) with some kind of homemade tahini sauce
- My favorite meal in one bowl: brown rice, tomato, cucumber, onion (the tops of the ones pictures), avocado, and soy sauce. It's like veggie sushi in a bowl!
- Giant salad with Frank's sauced tofu
- Tofu scramble with tomatoes, onions, and red pepper
- Garlic stir fry with broccoli, kale, red pepper, onions, and beans over brown rice
- 2 eggs, cucumber tomato salad, and a yummy smoothy (fresh banana, frozen strawberries, some greens, ground flax and almond milk)
We both value supporting local farmers and our awesome Hollywood Farmers Market, so this weekly trip has been great. Plus, we get an hour and a half together on Sunday morning when we are not rushing or thinking about other things and we share the load (literally) of shopping!
What's your method for keeping your food budget in check? Any awesome tips and tricks?
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Why I'm Learning to Write
In order to finish my graduate program and magically be ordained a rabbi next year, I need to complete a traditional thesis or capstone project.
I chose to write a capstone project and will embark on a journey to learn about ethics, Judaism, and food in order to write an ethical cookbook. The finished project should be about 80 written pages and I am so scared about writing those 80 pages.
Why "learn" to write?
Writing is an important medium we have at our disposal to share ideas with one another. Here I am, blogging away...showing you the thoughts that swirl around in my brain only to be plucked to the top, scooped out and splashed back onto the page in letters and sentences. Pretty cool, right!? I get to show you what's going on inside my head just through this act of writing.
In order to be most successful at completing my capstone and writing worthwhile material here and in other places, I'm embarking on a journey to really learn to write.
I plan to start with Chuck Wendig's ebook 250 Things You Should Know About Writing and basically ravaging any wonderful writing books and blogs I can get my hands on.
Words matter and I want all of the words I send out into the world to make an impact. This, in itself, feels like a very minimalist idea and I'm stoked to begin.
What books or blogs have you read that inspire you to be a better writer?
I chose to write a capstone project and will embark on a journey to learn about ethics, Judaism, and food in order to write an ethical cookbook. The finished project should be about 80 written pages and I am so scared about writing those 80 pages.
Why "learn" to write?
Writing is an important medium we have at our disposal to share ideas with one another. Here I am, blogging away...showing you the thoughts that swirl around in my brain only to be plucked to the top, scooped out and splashed back onto the page in letters and sentences. Pretty cool, right!? I get to show you what's going on inside my head just through this act of writing.
In order to be most successful at completing my capstone and writing worthwhile material here and in other places, I'm embarking on a journey to really learn to write.
I plan to start with Chuck Wendig's ebook 250 Things You Should Know About Writing and basically ravaging any wonderful writing books and blogs I can get my hands on.
Words matter and I want all of the words I send out into the world to make an impact. This, in itself, feels like a very minimalist idea and I'm stoked to begin.
What books or blogs have you read that inspire you to be a better writer?
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