Book Review: The Good Stuff by Emily Ley
The Good Stuff: Embracing a Sweet, Simple Life by Emily Ley Ever need a reminder to get you back on track? Well Emily Ley delivered the reminder on embracing the simply path with so much compassion and kindness that I didn’t realize she also gave me a swift kick in the ass at the same … Continue reading Book Review: The Good Stuff by Emily Ley
Book Review: Eat and Run by Scott Jurek and Steve Friedman
Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness by Scott Jurek, Steve Friedman I loved Scott’s other book about attempting to set a new fastest known time record on the Appalachian Trail. If I’m going to be honest, this book fell short of my expectations. Maybe because I find vegans to be annoying at … Continue reading Book Review: Eat and Run by Scott Jurek and Steve Friedman
Book Review: Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery Series by Carolyn Haines
Clearly the Sarah Booth Delaney series is binge worthy because I wrapped up three books in less than two weeks. In typical Carolyn Haines fashion, she sucks you in and shocks you with who did it. After reading over 10 of her books, I thought I would be able to figure it out. But nope! … Continue reading Book Review: Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery Series by Carolyn Haines
September 2020 No Spend
September 1st Total Cash: $9,288.12 Liquid Investments: $3,000.39 (3 Month CD – Matures 9/30) Savings Goal: $15,000.00 Money Left to Save: $2,711.49 Current Car Debt: $12,058.32 Current Student Loan Debt: $46,010.21 Last month I planned to pay an extra $750 on my student loans starting this month. Well, I paid extra on debt but I … Continue reading September 2020 No Spend
High Yield Savings Account: Emergency Fund
Last week I posted a huge announcement on the Beautiful.Minimal.Millennial Instagram account. It’s really huge. Like make the biggest extra payment ever in my life HUGE! Well that just happened last night. Mr. BMM and I were on a walk talking about finances and paying down debt. He made a suggestion on the order that … Continue reading High Yield Savings Account: Emergency Fund
Questioning What is Essential
What a year 2020! I mean 2020 started off on a high note and quickly became a dumpster fire of all dumpster fires. I think you can relate. We quickly determined what was essential vs. what really was great to have or do but wasn’t exactly essential. For me personally, I use to have a … Continue reading Questioning What is Essential
Best Planner for 2021
I don’t know about you but I’m ready for 2021. With the new year comes a new paper planner. Maybe I’m a unicorn of a millennial because I still use a paper planner but I don’t care. Each year I search the stores and the internet for the PERFECT PAPER PLANNER. I’m talking it gets … Continue reading Best Planner for 2021
Freedom of Screen Time Limits
When my phone smashed to smithereens last month, I decided to switch teams and order an iPhone. One of the main reasons was the customizing that could be easily done with an iPhone rather than searching for an android app to do the same thing. App Limits: I limit myself to 15 minutes of Instagram … Continue reading Freedom of Screen Time Limits
How Many Forks Do I Have?
It’s really interesting to sit back and observe humans. We all seem to be focused on being the best runner, the best employee, the best partner, the best minimalist, the best blah blah blah. We will search the internet for definitions and how to’s and tips/tricks in order to be the best. We act like … Continue reading How Many Forks Do I Have?
31 Day Declutter Challenge
If you have read any of my posts, you know I love to declutter, remove the excess, and pay off debt. I also love to listen to decuttering/organizing/debt pay off podcasts and read books on the same topics. There are a lot of decluttering challenges out there. Most of them focus on the stuff. The … Continue reading 31 Day Declutter Challenge
Budget Monday
Mondays can be rough. First day of the work week. First day back from the weekend. Monday. Ugg. Emails. Meetings. To do’s. OMG. But for me it’s Budget Monday! I love Budget Monday! I love my budget! So what happens on Budget Monday? Every single Monday morning I open up our excel budget and review … Continue reading Budget Monday
Quit Saying You are Too Tired or Too Busy
Americans seem to think the busier the better. They wear the badge of busy like it’s some type of high honor. The “I’m so tired” and “I’m so busy” are their go to responses to practically everything. Want to go for a walk? No, I’m so tired. Want to meet up for coffee? No, I’m … Continue reading Quit Saying You are Too Tired or Too Busy
Book Review: Wishbones (Sarah Booth Delaney #8) by Carolyn Haines
I still can’t remember how I came to love this series but I LOVE IT! The books within the Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery series can stand alone but work so well with each other. I have been in the mood for some cozy mystery book reading and Wishbones delivered. Some readers did not care for … Continue reading Book Review: Wishbones (Sarah Booth Delaney #8) by Carolyn Haines
Nesting this Fall
Recently I have had this intense sense to declutter, clean, re-organize, and turn our house upside down. These feelings usually happen with the change of season. Typically my seasons follow the astronomical seasons or equinoxes, which all started with a roof top fall equinox guided meditation. Around each equinox I also smudge sage. It marks … Continue reading Nesting this Fall
Itching for a Smaller Capsule Wardrobe
Maintaining two capsule wardrobes seem to be taking a toll mentally. I periodically bring up this topic about what to do with my clothes during this new normal state. Here is the reality. It’s late August and I went into the office one time in five and a half months. I probably wore a dress … Continue reading Itching for a Smaller Capsule Wardrobe
Book Review: Country Living Tiny Homes by Country Living
Country Living Tiny Homes: Living Big in Small Spaces by Country Living Five star for this tiny little gem. Country Living Tiny Homes showcased homes ranging between 1,400 and 100 square feet. This book is set up with a chapter dedicated to a single home. I enjoyed seeing the creative designs for both storage and … Continue reading Book Review: Country Living Tiny Homes by Country Living
August 2020 No Spend Recap
August 1st Total Cash: $7,312.84 Liquid Investments: $3,000.57 (3 Month CD) Savings Goal: $15,000.00 Money Left to Save: $4,686.59 Current Car Debt: $12,232.04 Current Student Loan Debt: $46,251.38 August started with high hopes with going back to the salon part time and working Saturdays. I really missed the creative part of being a hair stylist. … Continue reading August 2020 No Spend Recap
How Much Does it Cost to Eat Per Day?
One day last week Mr. BMM and I were talking about expenses. He commented how expensive it must be to eat a Strongman diet. I asked him what he thought we spent per month on food, snacks, toilet paper, etc. He ever so sweetly thought we spent $300 a month. I kindly responded that we … Continue reading How Much Does it Cost to Eat Per Day?
Book Review: America’s Cheapest Family by Steve and Annette Economides
Is it possible to grocery shop only once a month and spend $350 for a family of seven? Before you look at your current grocery budget, it is important to note that the $350 in 2007 equals $458.19 in 2020. “According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for food were 30.91% higher in 2020 versus 2007 (a … Continue reading Book Review: America’s Cheapest Family by Steve and Annette Economides
Homemade Chocolate Energy Bars
I have been mentioning these bars in a couple posts recently and let’s just say I have to share the recipe. It can be vegan but it is grain free and gluten free. Blend for about 10-15 seconds: 1 cup cashews (I like raw but you can certainly try different types) 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds … Continue reading Homemade Chocolate Energy Bars
Decluttering During Quarantine
Two years ago I KonMari‘d my things before it was cool. Yet I am still finding things that do not spark joy or get much use. During our state shut down or when the rules of engagement continue to change or when I just don’t feel like driving to the donation center, I needed to … Continue reading Decluttering During Quarantine
Book Review: Little House Living by Merissa A. Alink
Little House Living: The Make-Your-Own Guide to a Frugal, Simple, and Self-Sufficient Lifeby Merissa A. Alink Not sure about you, but I enjoy reading books where the author is totally honest. You know the one that show you a glimpse into their not to perfect life. We are are only eight and a half months … Continue reading Book Review: Little House Living by Merissa A. Alink
The Day My Ninja Started Smoking
In January 2019 our Ninja started to smoke. January 2019 also happened to be my first month of my 2019 No Spend year. After a couple more days of using the Ninja the smoky smell disappeared. Then a couple months later the blade to make individual smoothies broke. That piece got replaced very quickly. Sometimes … Continue reading The Day My Ninja Started Smoking
Mr. BMM Learns to Cut Hair
Have you ever received a terrible haircut and had to have someone help you fix it? I have received so many unwanted mullets and terrible hair cuts that I lost track of the numbers and people responsible. I mean how on earth does it happen when I specifically state I want it a little shorter … Continue reading Mr. BMM Learns to Cut Hair
Book Review: Overkill by Paul A. Offit
Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far by Paul A. Offit, M.D. Personally, I felt that the pandemic caused people to just accept information without question. I watched information change rapidly simply over masking. At one time we were told do not wear a mask unless you are sick, then it was mask daily but … Continue reading Book Review: Overkill by Paul A. Offit
FREE: Yoga – It’s Totally Possible
I absolutely love yoga. I feel stronger yet more flexible, calmer still with a side of sassy, and more at peace when I start my day with yoga. My yoga journey started back around 2002 when I picked up the MTV Yoga DVD featuring a member of The Real World show. That class helped me … Continue reading FREE: Yoga – It’s Totally Possible
Living Small for U.S. Standards
I remember seeing these homes that had more space, more bedrooms, more closets, more bathrooms, and more yard space. And I wanted one of them until reality set it. All of these homes needed new carpet and a fresh coat of paint throughout the house. The kitchens and bathrooms were stuck in the 1960s. Some … Continue reading Living Small for U.S. Standards
Book Review: Home Sweet Maison by Danielle Postel-Vinay
Home Sweet Maison: The French Art of Making a Home by Danielle Postel-Vinay I am a huge fan of books from other countries that focus on a single topic or subject. I enjoyed Cosy from England, Ichigo Ichie from Japan, Making Memories, Hygge, and Lykee from Denmark, Sisu from Finland, and Lagom from Sweden just … Continue reading Book Review: Home Sweet Maison by Danielle Postel-Vinay
Working From Home – Tips For Saving Money
Back in March we were sent home with the hopes of returning back to the office in two weeks. Those two weeks turned into another month at home and yet another month and another month. Just last week they announced we won’t be going back until January. I personally think that is a bit too … Continue reading Working From Home – Tips For Saving Money
July 2020 No Spend Recap
2020 GOAL: $4,000 for ROTH IRA + $11,000 in SAVINGS = When I Can Start Paying Extra on Debt July 1st Total Cash: $6,087.35 Liquid Investments: $3,000.00 (3 Month CD) Savings Goal: $15,000.00 Money Left to Save: $5,913.00 Current Car Debt: $12,707.04 Current Student Loan Debt: $46,418.57 July certainly came in like a wrecking ball … Continue reading July 2020 No Spend Recap
Finding Discounts – Gym Membership and Saving $$$
I love running and I love training with a trainer. Two years ago when I started my no-spend year (now years) I made it a point that fitness is a top priority. I would forego the Spotify membership in an effort cut expenses/save money/pay off debt without hesitation. But the gym membership, running shoes, and … Continue reading Finding Discounts – Gym Membership and Saving $$$
How to Convert Others To Minimalism
Just finished listening to a special Patron episode of How to Be a Minimalist where Katie discussed what to do when you are the only minimalist in your home. She offered some great tips. It got me thinking about my journey to minimalism and how I converted Mr. BMM. To give some background on Mr. … Continue reading How to Convert Others To Minimalism
Book Review: Near Dark by Brad Thor
As far back as I could remember, I always looked forward to the release of Brad Thor’s latest book. More recently I started taking the day off of work to celebrate and have a summer reading splurge day. My day started off with a pup walk then we had breakfast. During breakfast I gave myself … Continue reading Book Review: Near Dark by Brad Thor
2020 Theme: Slow – Preferred, Not Required
A couple months ago I wrote about the possibility of having my job eliminated. It is a bit stressful but at the end of the day “what happens if you just took the summer off” statement from Mr. BMM helped. I have been applying to a couple jobs a week. It is interesting when job … Continue reading 2020 Theme: Slow – Preferred, Not Required
Paying of House Debt in Less than 5 Years
During our Operation Staycation 2020, Mr. BMM and I got to talking about paying off debt. We asked each other a lot of questions. During our walks we asked “How do you feel about debt?” During car rides we asked “When do you want to be out of debt?” While relaxing around the house we … Continue reading Paying of House Debt in Less than 5 Years
Update: Operation Staycation 2020
Today is currently Sunday and it is day 9 of our Operation Staycation 2020 adventures. While I’m not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow morning, I have to admit that I haven’t been more relaxed after a vacation than this one. Yesterday Mr. BMM and I were chatting about how much fun we … Continue reading Update: Operation Staycation 2020
Book Review: The Subtle Art of Not giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Before you start reading this review, know that in the spirit of this book, this review does contain “bad language.” If that’s not your thing, cool. Skip to another book review. But if it’s ok with you, keep on reading and then read my review of Mark’s other book. The Subtle Art of Not Giving … Continue reading Book Review: The Subtle Art of Not giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Why We Shop: Have You Met Diderot?
Recently I have been wondering why I haven’t been drawn to purchasing anything new. No new decorations for the house. No new kitchen appliances or gadgets. No new clothes or shoes. Nothing except for food and replacements to broken well used things. Then I heard about the Diderot Effect. A light bulb went off. When … Continue reading Why We Shop: Have You Met Diderot?
Operation Staycation 2020
With all things 2020, global pandemic, killer hornets, and possibly aliens right around the corner, we decided to have a staycation this summer. We are focusing on what we are gaining rather than focusing on what we are losing. Sure we don’t get to check out a new place this year. We don’t have to … Continue reading Operation Staycation 2020
Plastic Free July
Adios plastic wrap! Mr. BMM just had to deal with a situation where you would have worked but instead he opted for foil (because I hid the plastic wrap). Anyone want a half used box of plastic wrap? I am so inspired by all of the blog posts and Instagram pictures supporting plastic free July. … Continue reading Plastic Free July
Personal Freedom
Where did BMM go? I am here!!! I got some news this weekend that was bitter sweet and completely blocked my mind from writing. See for the past 26 years (yep it started when I was a small child) I have been trying to break away from some really bad people. On July 4th, I … Continue reading Personal Freedom
Manifesting the Good… no the GREAT Stuff
Back in 2005 I started on my journey towards my dream job. I applied to my local community college to work towards my B.S. of Accounting. I worked 2-3 jobs at a time while going to school full time. I don’t know how I did it. In 2009 I landed my first job with my … Continue reading Manifesting the Good… no the GREAT Stuff
Book Review: Playing with FIRE by Scott Rieckens
Playing with FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early): How Far Would You Go for Financial Freedom? by Scott Rieckens Again the reviews on Goodreads seem to be focused on the Rieckens’ household income of $142,000 per year. Let’s put some things into perspective. The median (not the average but the family in the middle’s) household income … Continue reading Book Review: Playing with FIRE by Scott Rieckens
June 2020 No Spend Recap
2020 GOAL: $4,000 for ROTH IRA + $11,000 in SAVINGS = When I Can Start Paying Extra on Debt June 1st Total Cash: $6,348.00* Corrected to include my mutual fund Savings Goal: $15,000.00 Money Left to Save: $9,100.63 Current Car Debt: $12,927.67 Current Student Loan Debt: $46,581.24 During this month I refinanced my car and … Continue reading June 2020 No Spend Recap
Book Review: North by Scott Jurek and Jenny Jurek
North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trailby Scott Jurek, Jenny Jurek I picked up this book because I enjoy running and I love the mountains along the east coast. What I didn’t know was the real story behind these badasses, Scott and Jenny Jurek. Who decides one day to run 2,189 over 46 … Continue reading Book Review: North by Scott Jurek and Jenny Jurek
Oops. I Shopped.
Over the past 18 months, I have been on a no shopping ban. It has been wildly successful by getting my finances on track to build an emergency fund, fund a Roth-IRA, and pay off debt. And things were going great. Yesterday I shopped. I did not shop from my approved shopping list or from … Continue reading Oops. I Shopped.
2020 Summer Theme: Summer of Burgers
A little while ago I wrote about my summer meal planning that involves one single rule. No OVEN! Rather that using the oven and heating up the house, I use the crock pot, grill, and smoothie or juice maker for all of our meals and snacks. This will be my second summer in a row … Continue reading 2020 Summer Theme: Summer of Burgers
Life After Cancelling Amazon Prime
About 10 days ago I cancelled Amazon Prime. I started to see that it truly was not benefiting us. Rather than haphazardly reordering items on Amazon Prime, I started actually price comparing. Take for example banana chips. I spent $21.99 on a 5 pound bag on Amazon. After taking an extra couple of minutes, I … Continue reading Life After Cancelling Amazon Prime
Book Review: Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
We are members of the cult of efficiency, and we’re killing ourselves with productivity. … Far too many of us have been lured into the cult of efficiency. We are driven, but we long ago lost sight of what we were driving toward. We judge our days based on how efficient they are, not how … Continue reading Book Review: Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
Fanny Pack Friendship – Do you Need an Official Minimalist Label?
Mr. BMM is friends with a guy from our gym. Mr. BMM plans for the guy from the gym and his wife to meet up for a motorcycle ride. We start chatting. The guy from the gym’s wife recently ordered a fanny pack. We have only met twice. Is it too early or weird to … Continue reading Fanny Pack Friendship – Do you Need an Official Minimalist Label?
