Category Simplify

Close-up of a paper recycling bin in a messy kitchen, promoting zero waste and sustainability.

I Let My Kitchen Counters…

Dec 30, 20254 min read

Embracing the Clutter So, here’s the thing: I’ve let my kitchen counters…

I Don’t Own a Bedroom…

Dec 30, 20255 min read

Goodbye, Dresser! You heard that right: I don’t own a bedroom dresser…

Family enjoys a joyful moment while unpacking boxes in their new kitchen.

I Keep Every Single School…

Dec 30, 20254 min read

Why I Keep Every Single School Paper My Kids Bring Home You…

person holding stone

I Stopped Replacing Broken Things…

Dec 30, 20254 min read

Breaking the Cycle of Replacement Have you ever had that moment when…

cup of black coffee and two cookies on saucer

I Don’t Own a Coffee…

Dec 30, 20254 min read

Unfancy Coffee: The Joy of Simplicity Let’s face it. We live in…

I Let My Kids Keep…

Dec 29, 20254 min read

The Messy Truth So, let’s talk about mess. You know, the kind…

green ceramic mug on wooden desk

I Quit Hosting Thanksgiving and…

Dec 29, 20254 min read

Thanksgiving: The Most Wonderful (and Stressful) Time of the Year Thanksgiving is…

a living room with a couch and a table with a vase of flowers on it

I Don’t Own a Coffee…

Dec 29, 20254 min read

Goodbye Coffee Table, Hello Open Space! So, I did something a little…

woman sitting on white bed while stretching

I Stopped Making My Bed…

Dec 29, 20254 min read

Why I Gave Up on Making My Bed You know that feeling…

Curly haired woman in brown browsing a library card catalog with focus and curiosity.

I Don’t Have a Junk…

Dec 29, 20254 min read

Decluttering: A Journey to My Three Organized Drawers You know that moment…

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About Me

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Madison Cates

Mom, Wife, Minimalist.

Join me in my journey to declutter my life and live a simply beautiful life.

Gallery

Woman Secretly Plans Escape From Mean Husband And Asks The Hardest Question Yet: How Do You Tell The Kids Their Lives Are About To Change?

Parents Split Over Whether A First Birthday Should Be A Big Bash Or A Quiet Family Memory, As Pressure Builds To “Do It Right”

boy in red polo shirt lying on bed

a woman holding a baby in her arms

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Parents Grow Alarmed After 15-Month-Old Keeps Holding Her Breath In The High Chair For No Clear Reason, Turning Every Meal Into A Panic

Woman Reeling From Surprise Second Pregnancy After Infertility Says The Positive Test Brought Sadness, Guilt And Fear For Her Marriage

Mom Of A 5-Year-Old Confesses She Hates Pretend Play And Feels Guilty For Wanting Connection Through Crafts, Chores And Conversation Instead