Young House Love

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How To Minimize & Live With Less

I don’t know if it’s the economy, the downsizing trend or just my obsessive compulsive personality, but lately we’ve been more into living with less than ever before.

From paring down our closets and cabinets for a soul-cleansing Goodwill run, to sorting our files and folders in an attempt to whittle down our paperwork, we’ve officially been bitten by the “it’s-a-new-year-so-lets-organize-the-whole-house-for-real-this-time” bug. But not only do we find ourselves striving for a clean house with everything in its place. Lately I’ve actually been craving less. Less to buy. Less to clean. Less to store. Less to use.

For example, here’s what we now see when we step into the shower:

simplify-post

We recently realized we both liked the same shampoo and conditioner (Burt’s Bees) so why not stop buying our own bottles and share? Purchasing a single bottle of each breaks the constant cycle of someone needing shampoo or conditioner every time we go to Target (or worse, someone thinking they do and realizing they don’t when we get home). And using the same body wash (Jason) allows us to pick up a jumbo sized bottle every once in a blue moon which saves us money, time spent replacing smaller bottles more often, and even cuts down on packaging waste. We also share a loofa, a bar of face soap, and a pumice stone (ok, the last item’s all me) so other than the razor (also all me) there’s nothing else cluttering up our shower or frequently appearing on our shopping list. Just the small decision to share shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a bar of soap has seriously cleaned up our act in the shower. But there are a few more places that we’ve opted for less. Update: we’ve since switched over to Avalon Organics shampoo & conditioner and Dr. Bronner’s body wash (which is even more natural) and we love it!

Thanks to a lot of our eco-related changes, pairing down in a few other areas has gotten downright automatic. Relying only on Seventh Generation laundry detergent (no bleach or fabric softener) makes shopping for laundry products few and far between (and makes storing a single bottle a breeze).

And now that I only use all natural eco-friendly and organic makeup, I find that I no longer amass a pile of new products in my makeup bag that I never use. Presto- no more impulsive purple eye shadow or bubble gum pink lip gloss purchases that seemed like a good idea at the time. I’ve also permanently passed on painted fingernails (and painted toes most of the time) and must admit that I love the clean and never-chipped-and-in-need-of-a-touch-up look. Of course there are water based non-toxic formulas (like Honey Bee Gardens and Zoya) but something about completely eliminating that expense and the time it takes to maintain painted fingers & toes feels like more of a gift to myself than polished ones ever did. And I still keep ’em clipped and buffed for a polished appearance so I hardly feel like I’m “letting myself go.” Not that John would even notice if I was (love ya for that, honey!). And in the rare event that I do paint my toes, I use one of three vegan non-toxic polishes that I own (soft pink, deep red and punchy coral are all the colors I’ll ever need). No more spending money on the trendy hues or having to store dozens of bottles.

Here’s another example of the simplicity bug. Ladies (and gents?), I give you my makeup bag:

makeup-paring-down

You’ll have to excuse my $5 fake Louis purchased in Chinatown over six years ago (can you believe the zipper still works?) but the point is that all the makeup that I own lives in this little bag. It’s not a travel bag, it’s my only bag (which makes it easy to pop into the suitcase when we do hit the road) and it only holds a handful of tried and true products that get me through the day and the occasional fancy schmancy event.

Here it is all emptied out:

less-is-more-simple-organic-makeover-makeup

Organic Wear bronze and blush (in recyclable paper containers) not only add a bit of color to my too-pale face, but the bronzer also doubles as shimmering tan eye shadow when applied with the little padded brush. Then I just curl the ol’ eyelashes, slick on some mascara and polish things off with a little brow gel and I’m good to go. I’ve never been great with anything like liquid liner or fake eyelashes, so for those of you who are, maybe I don’t know what I’m missing. But either way, my simplified makeup bag facilitates super speedy makeup application, which actually results in my looking more polished than ever before, thanks to a streamlined process that actually appeals to an on-the-go girl like me.

In short, I’ve never felt like less of a slave to beauty products. Or hair products and perfume for that matter. I’ve always been a wash and wear girl, so hairspray and pomade have never been my thing, but I’ve recently made the decision to forsake perfume as well (after years of somewhat religious use). All those chemical fragrances can be irritating and can actually contribute considerably to indoor air pollution, and I actually love the smell of my organic soaps and lotions so I hardly miss the alcohol-riddled scent of perfume hanging in the air before I leave the house. And now there are entire sections of magazines about makeup, perfume and polish that I can gloss over entirely. I can’t tell you how nice it is to not always want everything I read about.

By choosing to covet less (and only buy organic and all natural) it cuts way down on the products that can jump into my cart on a whim. And it doesn’t feel like I’m missing out on anything at all, on the contrary, it feels like I’m gaining so much more. A healthier and more pure lifestyle, closet and cabinet space to spare, more moolah in my wallet, and extra time that I can spend doing things other than shopping and obsessing over every new product to hit the shelves.

It’s official. Life is good when it’s simple. And I’m dying to know what you guys do to make life easy and live with less. From sharing products and even making your own to forsaking certain things and purchasing specific items in bulk, we’d love to know what you guys are doing to clean out your closets (and your lives) for 2009! Dish the less is more dirt.

*Check out this great post over at decor8. There’s something in the air! Everyone’s getting back to basics.

**For an exhaustive list of our favorite certified organic/all natural/chemical-free products, check the comment section of this post for specific names of everything that we use and love.

Comments

  1. Jen says

    I, too, love the feeling of paring down AND doing something good for my body/skin. I’m curious about what you use for baby products. I’m 9 months pregnant and have received so many products (think: most popular brands) from well-meaning friends and family members. But, I want to use green and healthy products for my future daughter. Any ideas?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We only use two things: California Baby Calendula Cream (the kind in a tub from Target) for diaper rash and other rashes/dry skin and California Baby Shampoo for bath time. In nearly 11 months it’s all we’ve ever needed and it’s so nice and pure that Clara has never had irritated skin. Hope it helps! And good luck with the little one on the way!

      xo,
      s

  2. Noel says

    This post was so unbelievably helpful to me. I read Gorgeously Green, but it made me feel so overwhelmed (probably because of all the changes I had to make) and the products she recommends are on the pricey side. I love that you guys provide affordable alternatives that can even be found in Target! I wanted to “go green” but I had no idea where to start, so I tried some of the products you use and I fell in love with them (especially all things Dr. Bronners!). Thank you for such a wonderful post that shows that you CAN be green on a budget!

    Reply

  3. Hailey says

    Hello! While this original post was made quite a while ago – I was just browsing the site and found it for the first time & had to comment! :) I know that several of your readers mentioned it, but in addition to the personal benefits of organic & natural products they are also typically not tested on animals, which is awesome! I’m always a little surprised that people aren’t aware how many of their cleaning products & personal care products are tested on animals. The more attention you can bring to that issue – the better!

    Also… while Burts Bee’s was purchased by clorox they are still doing things the right way. I was able to take a tour of their Durham facility about a year ago & they are an amazing company & they’ve helped make Clorox greener too! They apparently helped them develope the greenworks line, which is not tested on animals.

    I still support them because they are local (for me), they are still natural, and they don’t test on animals.

    Thanks for the post!
    Hailey

    Reply

  4. Katie B. says

    Sooooo…. I’ve been ogling your website for like… 1.5 hours at this point. Kinda pathetic, eh? :) Love your writing style(s) and the awesome projects! I just got married and the hubs and I are already sharing shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, body wash… etc. We joke that we’re living it up “Recession Style” – less is more because we don’t have much other choice. ;) Love the blog – lots of inspiration! (We have an old house, too! 1950’s old!)

    Reply

  5. Casey says

    Sherry,

    Hello fellow VA lover. My husband and I currently live in Northern Virginia and are so inspired by you site. We are forever trying to find ways to simplify our crazy lives between work, traffic, children and pets. This blog really got me thinking about my cluttered mess of cosmetics that I rarely use and I have begun to perge thanks to you. Your site is bookmarked and I have checked in everyday since my husband found younglove. It has always been our dream to find an old fixer upper and get to work so thanks for all the amazing ideas. As I am trying to make the switch from harmful chemicals to strickly natural/organic products I am very intrested in your trial runs and feedback. I will stay tuned and spread the word about your site…..really silly question where did you get your soap dispenser? I love it!!! Such a clean and classy look very Pottery Barn ish.

    Thanks again and happy blogging.

    Casey

    Reply

  6. Casey says

    Found the soap dispenser from another comment on the blog. Target here I come :) I know you are super busy so thought you would let you know no need to respond unless you want to.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  7. Megan says

    Love this post. While I am not ready to give up certain things (perfume and nail polish…I can’t even explain how much I love painting my nails), we are moving into our first house soon and this inspired me to get rid of lots of stuff. I am a product junkie, especially bath products. And even though I figured out awhile ago which colors of makeup work for me, I still have makeup from 8-10 years ago (in a separate “makeup you don’t wear often” container– wth?).

    Anyhow, while I’m not ready to give up certain categories of products, this post inspired me to get rid of extras and stick to the “one thing at a time” philosophy- like one thing of body lotion and NO MORE until that one is gone, etc.

    Reply

  9. Donna says

    Sherry, just read this and it was really informative. I buy organic food but never thought about items like makeup and soap. I hope you run more posts like this in the future!

    Reply

  10. Monica says

    I love love love that your family maintains a healthy organic and natural lifestyle. As well, thanks to your blog, you show us just how easy it is to incorporate non-chemical cleaners and products and bonus! how cheap it is, too. What really struck me was just how many products that you use that are also cruelty-free. Is that intentional? If not, perhaps it could be your next “challenge” in a natural and eco lifestyle? I’m not a psycho PETA person, but their site does have a wealth of info on products (http://tinyurl.com/notestanimals). Since I’m going to buy sunscreen anyway, I might as well buy cruelty-free (I love Alba brand.) The best part? Not all organic natural products are cruelty-free, but all cruelty-free products are organic and natural. *Getting off of my cruelty-free soapbox. PS — Burt’s Bees is cruelty-free (awesome!) but is part of Clorox brand which isn’t (whomp whomp). Also Tom’s of Maine is (hurrah!) but is part of Colgate which isn’t (boo).

    Reply

  12. Sandra says

    Did you ever do an updated post? I would like to start switching to all organic products as well. When you made the change did you wait until you used up all of your old cleaners before buying organic or is there another way to donate or get rid of them so i can make the change right away?! Thanks for the help! :)

    Reply

  13. Lori says

    Sherry, you are a girl after my own heart. Last September I gave up my expensive facial cleansing system for a homemade concoction of olive oil and castor oil. Apparently the oil draws the oils from your skin. And the hot towel process is soothing and relaxing. Other than the occasional pimple, my skin looks great and I get compliments all of the time. This weekend I am purging my makeup bag, simply because I hold onto makeup too long. Thanks for the inspiration, sometimes it to too easy to hold onto the little things.

    Reply

  14. Heather says

    Sherry:

    Just curious…I too love Physician’s Formula Organic Wear (mascara & powder). It’s been a while since I’ve needed to buy any, but now I need it and I’m having a hard time finding it anywhere. Have you had the same problem lately? I can’t seem to find anything about it being discontinued.

    Reply

  15. Kim says

    I have 4 boxes and 2 large bags of “stuff” to go to Goodwill this coming week, and an overflowing box of kitchen items for a friend who is moving to her first apartment. With a new baby (Z is 7 months old!) who is starting to become more mobile, space to play is FAR more valuable than any stuff! I should attack my wardrobe. I’m working on losing the baby weight so it’s hard to get rid of the things that “don’t fit right now but in 10 pounds they’ll look great” outfits!

    Reply

  16. Whitney says

    Hi Sherry and John,

    I have to say how much I love your blog – it is truly inspiring and absolutely magical to see the transformations you have made to your living spaces. I have one random question. In my shower, I have the same towel rack situation, and have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to hang a shower caddy from the horizontal bar. It seems like you have already figured out, with those two metal hooks on the side! What are those hooks called and where could I buy them? Are they intended for shoes – that’s my guess, but haven’t had any luck searching the Internet.

    Thanks so much!

    Whitney

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We actually found those in person at Home Depot (and have also seen them at Bed Bath & Beyond). I’m not sure what they’re called but in person at either of those stores in the closet/hanging/rod rows hopefully you’ll see them! Mayeb they’re called S-hooks?

      xo
      s

  17. Archer says

    Hey Guys! I’m so late posting to this post and I don’t even know if you read or respond to comments on old posts, but I just wanted to commend you for being so natural and organic savvy! I had no idea you were this into organic products. Good work, seriously. Glad that you can be an example to others who may not know as much about toxic products! Where’d you get all your interest in natural & organic stuff?

    Reply

  18. Kate says

    This has always been one of my favorite posts!! :) Have you found any new ways to live simply and reduce in the past couple years? Especially now with a new house?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, we have a few changes we’d love to make here (LED bulbs in every room, a Nest thermometer, paring down even more, etc) so we’ll definitely keep you posted!

      xo
      s

  20. Rebecca Ford says

    I know I’m posting on a 3 year old post, but I’m a relatively new reader and click on most every link in each post which brings me to posts like this! :-)

    I love living with less. Totally not makeup-product-related at all, but we currently do not have a microwave. Our apartment had one so we never bought one, and once we moved into our house we have never gotten around to it. Although it’s annoying not to be able to pop leftovers into the microwave, we really haven’t missed it at all (I usually save leftovers for work anyway, where there is one!). I tell myself we’re avoiding the tiniest amount of radiation and using less energy, but who knows?

    I really should clean out my makeup drawer. It’s full of all these things that I never use. I can’t wait to switch to organic makeup! I’m trying to wait it out until I run out of what I have, but I may have to bite the bullet. I’m a less is more kind a girl too.

    As always, LOVE your blog. <3

    Reply

  21. Breann says

    I am a huge fan of using everything organic! As a hair colorist, I know the importance of using great shampoo, conditioner and hair products to protect your expensive investment. Here are my favorite organic lines and tips for keeping a glossy mane.

    – ACURE argan and stem cell shampoo and conditioner. (I also use their organic face oil which is fabulous)
    -MOP shampoo and conditioner Vita C. If you have super thirsty dry locks, I highly recommend. They also have a lemongrass volumizing spray for you fine hair ladies.
    – Plain old organic argan oil at whole foods or the health food store. Just make sure when you apply you go from the ears down and start with damp hair.
    – Coconut oil. Yup, I swear by this stuff. Grab a jar of the organic stuff at your grocer, emulsify in your hands and rub through your ends after a shower. It smells great and is super hydrating. Doubles as a body lotion as well.

    As far as your hair color itself, there is new technology that IS organic. Currently I believe there is only two organic professional lines on the market with no ammonia and has the ability to cover those pesky grays. Loreal Innoia is one as well as Keune Organic’s line. I personally use Keune on my clients and I can honestly say it ROCKS. It has zero ammonia and leaves your hair glossy and shiny with no “I just had my hair colored” smell afterwards. Call around to salons to see if they offer organic services! For something that is on your head for 35 minutes every 4-6 weeks, it is important to be natural! Don’t think your going to come out of the salon looking like a granola tree hugger- the majority of my client are socialites and upper crust professionals who demand on getting the best of the best! It’s a win win!

    Also, use COLD water ladies! Nothing will fade color faster than hot water. Even if you can do a cold rinse I promise it will improve the depth of your color. As well as please please stop scorching your hair with dryers, flat irons and curling irons every day! The number one thing that kills your hair is heat! Regardless of how much money you spend on your cut or color, nothing looks better than gorgeous shiny HEALTHY hair. Please take care of it!

    Reply

  22. Sara Galloway says

    Just ran across this post, and although it’s old, I thought I’d share some info. I believe you guys cloth diaper like we do. Not sure if you would be interested since you’re baking another bun, but we, as well as several friends and family members, are completely loving Allen’s Naturally laundry soap. allensnaturally.com is the company’s website, but we tend to buy from amazon.com or shop locally for it. We’ve switched to this for all of our laundry and it’s wonderful! I’ve had the same gallon since last February (2013), and we still have plenty left, which makes the $40ish per gallon price tag well worth it – about $0.10 per load!

    Reply

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