Yes! I feel like a wierdo most of the time because we are the only one of our friends that lives in a small home and also don’t buy new cars all the time. Sometimes it bothers me, but I’m very focused on the big picture of living below my means so we are never in debt. I also love having a smaller house to clean and the cozy feel of our home. Entertaining is fun in the house because it’s small and intimate. Although I’m sure there are some that don’t think so.

I realized a long time ago that people will have fun at your place because of YOU and the atmosphere you create, not the size or decor in your home. I used to live in a one-room studio apartment in Oakland. The one room had our bed, two love seats, a tv, bookshelves and computer desk. We entertained in there constantly. We would cook up a simple meal in our little attached kitchen, invite 8-10 people over, they would bring wine and bongo drums sometimes and we would have a blast all night. Often, we would have to KICK people out of there saying we needed to get some sleep! I always say it is the sign of a good party when you have to make people go home! I also had Thanksgiving in my small home last year and crammed about 30 people into my tiny, tiny home. At one point, you couldn’t even walk through my kitchen/lving room/dining rooms without asking pepole to move. I know everyone had fun, though.

You’re not weird, you’re awesome!

I just started reading your blog this past month. I really love how you’re trying to live a simple, sustainable, enjoyable life. Don’t let those who don’t understand get you down. I’m one of those *weirdos* too. When I tell store clerks that I brought my own bags, they look at me like I’m crazy – and these are sometimes stores that SELL reusable bags! And I can tell that my MIL tries very hard to understand where I’m coming from sometimes; but she just doesn’t *get* it.

I’ve started noticing, too, that friends who have money and can afford bigger houses, new cars, etc., are like us and continue to drive their vehicles past the 200,000 mile mark, don’t eat out a lot, have their kids wear hand-me-downs, and so on, and are enjoying life. Those who are scraping to get by are always buying the *latest* and then worrying about their financial situation. I find a lot of peace in living simply and within my means, and trying to make the world a better place.

My love of clean lines, open space and minimalist furnishings is misunderstood by family and friends. Especially, family. It bugs the heck out of them that we don’t feel compelled to fill every inch of space with stuff. I prefer a simple vase filled with fresh flowers over a bunch of junky, knick-knacks.

God bless MIL’s! LOL, mine is similar, love her to bits, but the idea of excess is sometimes beyond her.

My husband and I have made a very deliberate choice to not buy new cars. We do not want car payments, and honestly the cars we buy are easily repaired ( at home!), run forever, look good and best of all are “free” each month. We have a BMW and a Jaguar, and people give us a certain look when they hear that, like we have reached some milestone. And then those exact same people get a snotty look when they realize our cars are 20+ years old. I just laugh to myself because I don’t need the newest Minivan when I have a BMW that is great looking even though it is old because I refuse to let my car define who I am.

Kristi, you are a HUGE source if inspiration, thank you for your site!!

I wrote you a HUGE comment, and somehow it got deleted I will try to remember what I said and re-post it later!

Quality over quantity has always resulted in the best choice for me. Your post today especially echoes my own experience and point of view. As others have succinctly confirmed, yours is a lifestyle of genuine quality. This comes across in how you write and what you write about.

I truly enjoy seeing friends and family feel at home in my “sanctuary.” It has good vibes and a place of welcome and inspiration for all who enter. It’s clean and uncluttered, allowing space and place for new ideas, yet quirky enough to spark creativity – in me and others. Personally, I’ve found the spaces of other artists to be inviting and most interesting. One can observe beauty in that which isn’t intentionally “decorated” or too studied, simply appreciated.

“Bella Figura” suits you perfectly, dear Lady. You and “EuroChic” (though both years younger than moi) continually inspire/remind me of the value in living a graceful life.

Jean
ps: Another thing I adore about you and EuroChic is your authenticity. You both take the time to acknowledge and respond to questions from your readers. This etiquette alone set you apart, making you both tres special

I understand perfectly.

Think about how strong and healthy you are getting by swimming up-stream. . .

Yes! Small houses are my favorite–I love them. Cozy and intimate, small houses are a delight! Bonjour Madame recently posted on her small house, and, I love to browse the small house tours on apartment therapy. You HAVE to check out this recent one

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/house-tours/lorin-luxuriates-in-a-studio-house-tour-094007

I think you have a wonderful attitude. I think people that judge anothers worth based on their personal possessions, bank balance or house size are shallow. Sometimes these are the people that know the price of everything but the value of nothing. Your time in your studio with your friends sounds like such a great time, these are obviously friends who value the quality time they spend with you over your physical surroundings. Also on a side note, I also used to get funny looks when I brought my own bags to the supermarket. I don’t see many people that re-use bags over here so it’s nice to hear that others do it also. In Ireland if you want plastic bags for your groceries you have to pay 25 cent for it. I think this is a good initiative as it encourages people to be more mindful of waste and the environment. As a result more people bring their own bags and hoard the plastic ones they have to buy religiously – just in case! My flatmate laughs at my giant bag of plastic bags all the time! Sorry for the long post, hope you have a great long weekend!

I think I am very lucky because my best friend, my sister and most of my cousins really understand my desire for simplicity. They don’t live in small houses, and would never want to downsize, but they know why it is important to me and are very supportive. If you can find it, read Choosing Simplicity by Linda Breen Pierce. It is full of stories of people like you, people who care about quality of life not making the most money. It has been such an inspiration to me since I purchased it a few years ago.

Annecychic: I love Lorin’s apartment. I have been dreaming about it ever since I saw that tour on AP. I would move in there tomorrow if I could. I love the little library she made. I am always amazed at what people can do with small spaces.

A,
I love it .I love the kitchen. I’ve been trying to talk my dh into the blakc and white floors for years …

Lunasa,
That is one of my favorite lines: Knowing the price of everything but the value of nothing.
Two years ago when I started bringing canvas bags people (especially the market clerks and including my family) didn’ tunderstand and I told them, “Just you watch, in a few years everyone will be using them.” Now in my city, the market actually gives me a credit for using the bags and I see more and more people doing it.)

I can identify with you as far as the lifestyle, and last year I made myself a set of cloth shopping bags. When I shop, I’m usually the only one using reusable bags, but I get lots of positive comments from people. So maybe I can start a trend!

I love this post and like that you continue to do what you know is best for you and your family despite others not quite “getting it”. My mom is and was a collecter of things – and paper and you-name-it. Then one sister in law moved in with my brother – into my mom’s basement and turned it into an apartment – that was clutter free and gorgeous. My SIL and I bonded instantly over our love of open spaces and no clutter – and my mom is slowly but surely coming around. We’re patient with her