a group of children standing on a stage

After Missing a Week of School With Pneumonia, My Son Told…

Mar 2, 20266 min read

You jump when your phone buzzes with a morning text about a school performance, because…

A couple greeting a guest at their doorway, capturing the warmth of a home during the holiday season.

Things Guests Do at Christmas That Hosts Secretly Hate

Dec 24, 20255 min read

Ah, Christmas! A time for twinkling lights, festive music, and the smell of delicious treats…

A woman sits pensively on a bench outside after a breakup, while a man walks away.

8 Things People Are Mentally Ready to Get Rid Of

Dec 24, 20254 min read

You know that feeling when you wake up one day and realize your closet’s bursting…

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6 Things People Realize They Never Needed

Dec 24, 20254 min read

Ever found yourself staring at a pile of stuff you thought you couldn’t live without,…

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The Most Common Christmas Etiquette Rules People Ignore

Dec 24, 20255 min read

Christmas gatherings bring together different families, habits, and expectations — and that’s often where things…

Stacks of colorful ceramic bowls on a wooden shelf.

7 Items People Feel Weirdly Guilty About Owning

Dec 24, 20254 min read

Ever opened your closet or scrolled through your phone and felt a little twinge of…

A man in a sweater looks thoughtful and sad at a decorated Christmas table indoors.

5 Things You Should Never Say to Someone Spending Christmas Alone

Dec 24, 20254 min read

Ah, Christmas. The season of joy, twinkling lights, and, let’s be honest, a fair bit…

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

Two women enjoying bruschetta and wine at a vibrant outdoor restaurant.
Woman eating a burger at a lively diner with colorful decor.
A woman sitting alone on a wooden dock by the lake, showing solitude and reflection.
A close-up of vintage letters tied with twine alongside an old black and white photograph.
A sophisticated display of gold jewelry and hands on a marble surface, exuding luxury and elegance.
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A family engages in a thoughtful discussion around a table with coffee indoors.
Vintage black and white wedding photos displayed on a wooden table.
A thoughtful young girl talking with her mother on a bed, fostering a strong emotional connection.