4 Things The City Taught Me About Simplicity

I was just chatting the other day about how you now have to plan for a character lunch at Disney World over six months in advance – six! I know when I was a kid I met them, and I know for damn sure my parents we’re planning ANYTHING six months in advance. Times are changing, and it’s inevitable that we have to change with it – and become more efficient and organized to keep up with the times. You know what that makes me? Exhausted.  So, I’ve been trying to somehow combine my past roots with my future survival. How did we get along? How can things be easier?

1. Travel light. 

Walking through the city today with a client she was amazed at how well (and light) I could pack. City living teaches you one main thing – minimalism. You don’t need a lot of “stuff” to get by – and that includes food.  I’ve always been a fan of jerky. It travels easy, keeps well, doesn’t crumble and packs a lot of protein. It is allowed on planes, trains and automobiles (and doesn’t make a huge mess!). 

Current favorite: Uncle Andy’s Jerky. These modern flavors give an age-old favorite new life. Inspired by the craft beer industry, you’ll find fun, tasty flavors like Maple Bourbon, Bandito Coffee, and even Gent Lemon Mint. Plus, it’s made in one of my favorite states, Colorado (did you know I lived there during my childhood, too?) so you know the ingredients are mountain crisp and fresh!

2. Keep it clean. Minimal.

I used to love living in a huge farm house – massive rooms, a long, wood staircase that opened a balcony at stop surrounded by room after room, a wrap around porch. Now I look back and wonder how the F did my grandma keep that massive house clean let alone still cook three meals a day, garden, and everything else? I’ll take my tiny little apartment now every time. Less is more to me these days, and feeling clean and relaxed in your home after being a big dirty city all day is critical. 

Current favorite: Fresh Wave. These natural odor eliminating products are now available in Target and are perfect for keeping your place feeling and smelling fresh. Dirty soccer clothes, sopping wet shoes and strollers, shoes that have been romping in subways all day – from pet shampoo to vacuum pearls to soy candles and air sprays – Fresh Wave can make coming home feel fresh again. 

3. Own a good pair of shoes.

We’re not really Carrie Bradshaw up here walking the city in Manolos and taking cabs everywhere. We walk. And we walk a lot. And we walk fast. It’s just the way things are up here – everything is fast. And just like how I found out recently you need to be fitted for shoes to run a marathon (which was the best thing I ever did – those shoes are perfect!), you need something that is comfortable and will keep up with you, not give you blisters, and not fall a part. Just like growing up, we didn’t have tons of shoes, we had one really good pair of walking shoes, one pair of rain boots and a couple “fancy pairs” for dressing up. When is the last time you wore all those heels under your bed?

Current favorite: My everyday shoe is still Toms. I invested in my first pair when I was pregnant and would walk the city, and they cushioned my feet from my heavy belly as I walked block after block. These are the perfect slip on shoe for city living (plus you can just throw them right in the washer to clean!). AND they make them for kids, too!

4. Give to a good cause.

As a mom, editor,and blogger I am just accumulating way too much stuff – from toys to grown-out clothes to even a full box of diapers that we just don’t need now that Max is potty trained…what do you do with it all? Sometimes I just want to ignore the piles because that means he’s growing up and doesn’t need it anymore, but let’s be realistic – there is someone who does. There are so many great charities in New York City, and also so many ways to give coming up for the holidays (including #GivingTuesday with MommyNearest.com!), so go through your things and pack up what you don’t need. Not only will you feel better about removing the clutter, but you’ll feel better about helping other fellow moms and/or kids who really need it.

Current favorite: Depends! Fellow mom and friend Shana Freeman founded NYC Mommas Giving Back is great for dropping off items you don’t need anymore (bring items in need listed on the website and receive a free music class for your child in return!) – they are always looking for donations that can be given to less fortunate moms in the NYC area. My friend Gemarla also does Project Baby Bundle. 

{Giveaway}

Ok, phew. After all that cleaning and purging you’re going to be hungry, and need that house to smell fresh and so clean clean, so guess what – Uncle Andy’s Jerky and Fresh Wave have graciously offered to help. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway