It took me four decades to learn that the key to an organized home is simplicity. When I set myself up for success with things that make life easier, my days feel better. No complicated memory fixes. There is no completely creative organizational system. My home stays tidy when I arrange it to complement the way I live. A bowl was placed where I naturally forgot my keys (because I would drop them there regardless). A hook on which I always toss my coat. An oversized basket where I put my shoes. By choosing smart objects that honor my truth, everything flows smoothly.
But there are many more ideas. Finding comfort in life is not an easy path. It’s looking at the time we spend doing what we right do compared to what we would like to do, freeing up room for later.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
13 simple things to make life easier
This epiphany may be an obvious statement, but I find it to be one of my greatest challenges. That is until I realized that some of the little things that make life easier can make all the difference. This includes accepting things and habits that work for me, not against me. A flat and simple wardrobe. A pan that cooks every meal to perfection. One bag for it all.
Each of these items does just that: They bend and twist, albeit metaphorically, to make my task, decision, or day go faster, allowing more time for other things. I want to do. Like de-stress and embrace every moment of my day a little more. In other words, stepping stones to a joyful life.
Products that make life easier in the kitchen
Register a producer to provide grocery shopping services on autopilot
About 30 percent of food produced in the United States is wasted. This is serious, especially considering that about 10 percent of our nation’s population faces food insecurity. These facts are why I jumped on Imperfect Foods, one of the smart grocery delivery systems that provide a solution to food waste. This is one of my favorite things that make life easier (because it makes my life easier), but it also helps me do a little good for the world.
Versatile kitchen pan that can cook Therefore Much easier
My kitchen arsenal has grown from about 10 cooking pans to two — all thanks to this hero pan. I cook everything in this kitchen, from pasta to chili, turkey burgers to rice.
Honey to enhance the kitchen and beauty quest
Honey is nature’s wonderful antibacterial and antimicrobial agent. I keep a new jar at home for everything: baked goods, salad dressings, marinades, throat drops.
Pre-cut cookie dough for host treatment has it all
Question from Do I bring another bottle of wine? never ran over my head before going to a dinner party now. I carry a pack or two of these yummy cookies with me — and they’re a hit every time.
A kitchen knife to cut a breeze
I’m intimidated by kitchen knives, but I know how essential a good blade is. This will meet you where you are. No giant, heavy handles or odds curves.
Products that simplify your wardrobe
An iron so you can say goodbye to the iron
I use the tiny but powerful steamer every day to clean cashmere sweaters, relaxing cotton t-shirts, and pretty much anything before I put them on. Steaming anything takes less than a minute. At this point, it has replaced my need for an iron.
Chameleon clothing items are suitable for (Pretty much) Any Occasion
Steve Jobs understood. The genius behind Apple wore the same thing every day purely to eliminate having to make a different decision. I’ve found that stocking up on a handful of well-made, all-purpose, non-seasonal items makes my days less stressful. Get these pants.
A useful handbag that keeps everything in its place
At the top of the list of things that make life easier? A convenient catch all. Your everyday handbag is a direct extension of you, which is why it has to feel good and really serve. I’m always rummaging in mine. Keys, phone and lip gloss are missing. No more.
A Good Bodysuit That Makes You Feel Sexy — All the Dead Time
My love for Rose Byrne’s character in Physics based on her choices. Tight suits! Wear with skirts, leggings, jeans, shorts. They never fail to perfect an outfit to perfection.
Products to help streamline your morning routine
Simple skin care to be radiant in minutes
Gone are the days when I applied six skin care products a night. Staying here is my wish for some essentials to keep my skin in great condition. I wanted a routine that was simple – cleanser, vitamin C and moisturizer – but still effective in terms of hydration and nourishment. Evenings and mornings are a lot easier.
Stainless steel containers help reduce plastic waste
A durable travel container is a fixture in my life. From lunches to work to transporting travel snacks to keeping leftovers fresh, I use this container most days. And sustainable stainless steel means there are no toxic plastics to leak toxins into food.
A universal oil for cuts, scrapes, cleaning, and more
While camping in Montana recently, I achieved two consistent things: headlights and all-purpose clean oil. The latter is a godsend for cleansing skin and cuts, soothing bites, moisturizing and soothing summer chapped lips.
Guide to increase joy and happiness
Americans tend to want to be happy. But do we know where to find it? I have found the key to having more fun, which I learned from Ingrid Fetell Lee.
A smart speaker that elevates your day
Out of all the virtual assistant technologies that are very popular today, Google Nest gets my vote. It’s tiny and it does it all, from playing music to answering the most random questions.
