Finding Happiness with Less

recent posts

  • Recommendation: The Minimalist Moms Podcast

    Recommendation: The Minimalist Moms Podcast

    Since having my daughter, I’ve gotten back into the habit of listening to podcasts—especially during stroller walks, car rides, or while winding down at night. It’s become a calming routine for both of us.

    As part of my effort to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle, I recently discovered the Minimalist Moms Podcast. It actually launched back in 2016 and is still going strong, which means there’s almost a decade of content for me to catch up on!

    What I love about this podcast is how relatable and down-to-earth it is. The episodes are full of practical tips and honest conversations about motherhood, intentional living, and simplifying life at home. If you’re a mom looking to declutter your space, your mind, and your schedule, I can’t recommend it enough.

    Whether you’re just starting your minimalism journey or looking for fresh inspiration, the Minimalist Moms Podcast is a great option.

  • My Evolving Relationship with Material Possessions: From Overbuying To Mindful Living

    My Evolving Relationship with Material Possessions: From Overbuying To Mindful Living

    My Evolving Relationship with Material Possessions

    I’ve always loved shopping. Accumulating things used to bring me joy. As a teenager, I was an avid reader (and still am, though « adulting » leaves me with less time). My bedroom boasted a bookshelf filled with over 500 books. My favorite place to buy them was BookOutlet, thanks to their incredible discounts—I placed several orders every year.

    Shopping More, Using Less

    Things changed after I graduated from university and landed my first full-time « adult » job. Suddenly, I had disposable income and a long list of hobbies I wanted to try. The problem? I would buy all the gear but rarely follow through.

    • I bought a quality Canon camera to explore photography. It now collects dust in the basement, unused since a trip to Vancouver almost three years ago.
    • During the pandemic, I tried baking bread from scratch. After two loaves, I bought a proofing gadget—which has now sat unused for nearly five years.
    • I thought I’d take up sewing, especially after my late grandmother gave me her machine. Sadly, I never learned. I finally decluttered it this spring.

    The Running and Triathlon Phase

    A few years ago, I got into running and even completed a triathlon. I bought multiple pairs of running shoes—they were so affordable on The Last Hunt’s website! I also purchased a triathlon bike after my first race, but I got pregnant that fall and have barely used it since. However, I’ve resumed cycling this spring and plan to continue recreationally with my new family priorities.

    My Current Hobby: Coloring

    This winter, I spent a lot of time breastfeeding in a rocking chair and got pulled into the TikTok world of adult coloring. I bought alcohol markers, acrylic pens, Disney mystery color-by-number books—you name it. While I do enjoy it, I now realize I went overboard and will never use all of it.

    Learning to Let Go and Simplify

    This journey has taught me something important: I need to figure out which hobbies truly bring me joy—and what I can realistically manage with a growing family. Decluttering and creating a more minimalist home will give me more time and space to enjoy what I truly love.

    Key Takeaways

    • Buying gear doesn’t equal doing the hobby.
    • It’s okay to let go of hobbies that no longer serve you.
    • A clutter-free space can lead to a more fulfilling life.
  • Weekend Plans: Family Help, Dog Care, and Prepping for Paternity Leave

    Weekend Plans: Family Help, Dog Care, and Prepping for Paternity Leave

    It’s Friday, and we’ve got a busy weekend ahead! My parents are heading off to the Îles de la Madeleine for a full week starting Sunday, and I’ll be taking care of our family dog, Bono, while they’re away.

    To help manage everything, my aunt will be staying with me from Monday through Friday to assist with both Bono and my daughter. Then, my sister will take over from Friday to Sunday next week. I’m incredibly grateful for the support—it really does take a village!

    Meanwhile, my partner has a demanding work week ahead, with five 12-hour shifts. It’ll be his last stretch before starting paternity leave, which will last through mid-August. We’re all really looking forward to having him home for the summer.

    Weekend To-Do List

    Here’s what’s on my agenda for the weekend:

    • Clean the spare bedroom

    • Wash the sheets in the spare bedroom

    • Go for a bike ride on Saturday while Grandma babysits

    • Tidy up the entryway

    • Pick up Bono on Sunday morning

    It’s going to be a full and fulfilling weekend—just the kind I like. Looking forward to some quality time with family, a bit of fresh air, and getting everything in order before the new week begins.

  • My Journey Toward a Minimalist Lifestyle: Why I’m Choosing to Live with Less

    My Journey Toward a Minimalist Lifestyle: Why I’m Choosing to Live with Less

    I decided to start this blog to share something personal and important to me—my journey toward a minimalist lifestyle. Over the past six years, my partner and I have been living in a cozy bungalow-style house. Like many people, we slowly filled it with more and more things. With three bedrooms, it was easy to keep adding, until one day, I realized every room was full.

    When I became pregnant, everything shifted. To make space for our daughter’s nursery, we had to relocate my partner’s home office, and even more stuff came into the house. It started to feel overwhelming.

    Since welcoming our daughter last November, I’ve become much more aware of how much time and energy it takes to manage all our possessions. I found myself constantly cleaning, organizing, and feeling distracted—pulled away from what really matters to me. That’s when I started exploring minimalism and the idea of living with less.

    Now, I’m on a mission to declutter our home, simplify our lives, and focus on what truly brings joy and meaning. This blog is where I’ll document my progress, share tips on decluttering and organizing, and reflect on what it means to live more intentionally.

    If you’re curious about minimalist living, or just feeling overwhelmed by too much stuff, I hope my story resonates with you. Thanks for being here—I’d love for you to follow along as I continue simplifying and creating space for what matters most.

  • My 2025 vision board

    My 2025 vision board

    A little late to the trend (mid-year), I decided to create a vision board for 2025. Granted, the beginning of the year mostly consisted of breastfeeding and contact naps…

    My focus for this year: family, simple living, get back to a healthy lifestyle.

    Here’s to 2025!