Simple Sapien » Simple Living

Small and Simple Houses From Tumbleweed

Jack Rugile — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:05:09 +0000

I got an email from my dad the other day with a link to the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. We are both huge fans of simplicity and small housing. I opened the site and was blown away by how small, simple, and appealing their houses are.

I have included some photos from their site of my favorite ones (the smallest ones, of course) below. Check out their website for more information and more photos of their houses.

Tumbleweed houses range from 65 to 837 square feet. The smaller ones come on wheels and don’t require a building permit! How cool is that? Park your simple and cozy home anywhere across the country.

They also give you the option to buy the house ready made or build it yourself. I think if you have the time and the money, building one would be a lot fun. Here are three of my favorites from their site. Yes, they are the smallest ones.

I hope to one day have home that is just the right size for me and my girlfriend. It would be a blast to get rid of all our unnecessary possessions and travel the world with our house on the back of our car or truck. If I ever end up having kids… well, maybe these houses wouldn’t be the best idea. But until then, they are awesome in my book!

I am curious, what do you look for in a house? If you could have a house custom built for you, what would it be like? Post a comment below and let us know!

20 Essential Internet Resources That Will Simplify Your Life

Jack Rugile — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:35:48 +0000

Over the last century, technology has advanced at an alarming rate. Cars, planes, medicine, microwaves, cup holders… you name it, we have invented it.

However, there is one that has left them all in the dust. And that is the internet.

The internet has the ability to connect people across the planet in a fraction of a second. And not just with voice like a phone can, but with a number of mediums such as text, audio, and video.

The internet has played a huge part in my journey toward a simpler life. The internet’s tools and resources have changed so many lives.

In this post I want to share with you 20 essential internet resources that have helped me simplify my life. I have linked to a few of the key players in each category to get you started. I hope you find the websites useful and benefit from them as much as I have!

1. Maps and Navigation

These online mapping sites have saved me an incredible amount of time and stress. With these you can get directions, locate businesses, alter your route to your specifications, print your directions, view satellite photos and much more. Amazing!

2. Photo Hosting

Photo hosting online is a great way to store, organize and share your photos. And best of all, it is free! Photos can be categorized, albums can be created, photos can be edited and contacts can be made.

3. Free Software

Before going out and buying that shiny, expensive piece of software you have always wanted, see if you can find a free alternative on the internet. You can find quality programs for word processing, graphic design, anti-spyware, anti-virus, finances, etc.

4. Social Networking

Some will argue that these websites will only complicate your life instead of simplifying it. That is definitely a possibility. But if they are used for the right reasons they can help you connect with friends and family with ease. Whether you want find old friends and schoolmates or keep up with your current social group, these sites can definitely help.

5. Encyclopedias

Forget that huge collection of dusty, outdated books in your basement. Online encyclopedias are the way to go. Not only are they constantly updated, but they are easy to search. Plus, Wikipedia is edited by experts and readers just like you, so there is a vast amount of information that is unbiased.

6. Dictionaries

Find a definition in an instant. Some of these online dictionaries also have a sound file attached with each word so you can hear the correct pronunciation. Be sure to sign up for Dictionary.com and Urban Dictionary’s word of the day e-mail subscription. They are informative and quite entertaining.

7. Translations

These will never beat a professional translation, but since they are free and instant, they are definitely valuable resources. Many different languages are offered at all of these sites.

8. Blogging

Ah, the one thing that takes up most of my time on the internet. Blogging is a great way to share your knowledge on a particular subject, share your views, go on rants and rambles, talk about your personal life, or just vent like you would in a journal. Setting up a blog with each of these websites is free and easy. I highly recommend you start one!

9. Employment

If you are searching for employment in a particular location or field, these sites can help tremendously. LinkedIn will help you connect with people in your field and start networking.

10. E-Mail

I am sure all of you reading this have an e-mail address by now. But are you using one that is easy to organize and operate? I highly recommend Gmail. It is the most user friendly, free e-mail service out there.

11. Music

Information about the the most popular and the most obscure music can all be found online. Download MP3′s, discover new musicians, find similar artists, read biographies, find lyrics, watch music videos, etc.

12. Movies

These three sites are essential for movie lovers. IMDb has extensive information about almost every movie and actor out there. Netflix is a cheap alternative to the video store that is cheap, quick and reliable. YouTube allows everyday people and professionals to upload their video content and share it with the world.

13. News

Keep up to date with the latest news with these online news sites. There are many out there, but these were the biggies that I thought should be mentioned. Be sure to search for news sites that pertain to your local area as well.

14. Search Engines

I vote Google the number one most useful site on the internet. It sorts through the crap on the internet and brings you the highest quality content that is related to your search query. Extensive information about any topic is just a few clicks away.

15. Weather

Be prepared and plan ahead with these online weather sites. Great for any outdoor endeavors you will be participating in. Also useful if you are planning on traveling.

16. Buy, Sell, Trade

These sites are great for buying new, used, and free items. I have found some of the most incredible deals on Craigslist for some pretty rare items. These sites are also great for de-cluttering. Clean out your house while making some money in the process.

17. Health

These won’t substitute a visit to the doctor, but they can provide you with some valuable information about your health. If you are curious about the symptoms of a particular disease, how to ease pain, or want dieting tips, these sites are perfect.

18. Finance

My finances would be disastrous without online banking. It makes managing your money so much easier and you can save time and money by paying your bills online. Some banks and financial sites even offer investing options. Look up your current bank on Google and see if they offer any of these features. I use Wells Fargo and they have a high quality, secure website.

Online Banking
Online Bill Pay
Online Investing

19. Miscellaneous

These last few don’t quite belong in any of the other categories, but are valuable nonetheless! Google Reader is a tool that utilizes RSS (Really Simple Syndication) to provide you with the latest updates for all of your favorite sites. If you read a lot of blogs or bookmark a lot of sites that you check frequently, then this resource is a must.

StumbleUpon is a social media tool that allows you to rate all the websites, photos, and videos you come across on the web. It also lets you “stumble” through other pages that match your interests. This allows you to find some hidden gems that you would have never comes across otherwise. It is also great for meeting people with similar interests.

HowStuffWorks is an excellent resource for you curious readers out there. Do you know how a microwave works? Do you know how a plane works? Do you know how hormones affect your body? Go look it up on HowStuffWorks!

20. Add Your Own!

My list has helped me simplify my life a tremendous amount. But I know that there must be some amazing sites that I am missing. I would love it if you would share a few internet resources that have helped you simplify your life. Post a comment below and let us know!

Update: Here are some links to some resources that people mentioned in the comments:

Bloglines, OpenOffice, Firefox, Google Docs – Added by Rob.
Quamut – Added by Marelisa.
Freemind – Added by Maya.
Indeed, RealMatch – Added by Johnathan HR Dude.

Interview With Sara From On Simplicity

Jack Rugile — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:05:59 +0000

This is an interview with Sara from On Simplicity. She is, in my opinion, one of the best simplicity bloggers on the scene today. I highly encourage you all to check out her blog after reading the interview. Her writing is inspiring, honest, insightful and entertaining. Enjoy!

For starters, tell us a little bit about yourself. What is the life of Sara like?

I try to keep it simple, focusing on hobbies I enjoy and people I care about. I have a full-time job that puts me out in the community, but outside of that, I love to be home with my husband and dog. I really do take pleasure in simple things, so that means that my life is pretty quiet. To be honest, blogging is what has made my life complicated and crazy, but I wouldn’t give it up.

When did you create On Simplicity?

I created On Simplicity in April of 2008. I was ready for a new hobby, something I could throw myself into with a passion, and took the leap. I started with a free wordpress.com blog, but within a month, I knew I was
hooked and moved over a hosted domain.

Why did you choose the topic of simplicity? What inspired you?

I think simplicity choose me. I tried writing about other topics, but nothing ever “took.” It never felt authentic. Over the last two years, I’d become more and more convinced that having less stuff was a key part of my own happiness. As soon as I tried using just one pencil at work, I loved it. I couldn’t *not* write about it, and that one idea is what fueled the creation of the entire blog.

Were you a writer before starting On Simplicity?

Yes and no. I’m not a professional writer, but I’ve spent a few years in the web publishing and editing fields. Writing is something that’s always been a pleasure for me, so I relished every chance I got in my editing job to tackle a writing project. And I totally won first prize in the fifth grade fiction contest back in the day, so there is that…

What are some of your simple pleasures in life?

Food. I *love* food. I can spend an entire hour eating a chocolate bar, savoring every bite. Watching things bloom. Feeling sunshine on my skin. And I love music. Just laying on the floor, listening to an entire album, and letting my dog intermittently lick my face is pure bliss.

What is your definition of a simple life?

A simple life is one in which you can consciously choose what you’re surrounded by and how you spend your time. It’s about letting go of what others expect and tuning into what speaks to you. I don’t think it has to be about what you wear, where you live, or what you drive. At the core, a simple life is about doing what works for you, not about where you fall on any spectrum.

Do you consider your life to be simple?

That’s the million dollar question! Blogging really has made my life more complex, but it’s also caused me to value my time and space more than ever before. I would say that my life is simple in terms of the space I occupy, the hobbies I pursue, and the relationships I value, but my dreams and goals are far from simple.

Do you think humanity is moving in the direction of simplicity or complexity?

I would definitely say that things are becoming more complex. There are simply more sources of input and more ways to create output. I think the amount of choices available to us is what drives most of the complexity. In that light, it’s not a bad trend, but I do think people can live more satisfying lives by figuring out what choices work best for them and then letting the rest go. And who knows? It might all come full circle as a lot of new technologies become better integrated.

How do the readers of your blog help you and inspire your writing/life?

Through the “Three Things” series, I’ve learned to value a lot of things that I would otherwise take for granted. When someone lists a priority that I hadn’t even considered, it’s humbling. Plus, my readers just have awesome ideas. I’ll write a tutorial or guide piece, and then find way better ideas and insights right there in the comments. Again, humbling but wonderfully appreciated. Most of all, knowing that other people value simplicity is what keeps me writing and pursuing fresh ideas.

What other blogs/websites about simple living do you recommend? (Besides Simple Sapien of course, heh!)

I *do* recommend Simple Sapien. Your laser focus is such a treat! I veer toward personal finance blogs like Get Rich Slowly and The Simple Dollar since I feel it’s hard to live a truly simple life if you aren’t in control of your finances. Zen Habits and Think Simple Now are great for getting inspiration, and I love the honesty and realness of Remodeling This Life.

If you could only give one tip to readers about simplifying their lives, what would it be?

Oooh, hard question! Keep only what truly matters to you; the rest is just stuff.

Thank you, Sara, for agreeing to do this and providing inspiration to simplicity addicts (like me) around the world!

Live Simple To Create Balance In Your Life

Jack Rugile — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:05:40 +0000

This post is part of the Life Balance Group Writing Project that is being hosted by Stacey at Create a Balance.

Balance is an essential component of happiness. When all aspects of your life are in harmony, it puts your mind, body, and spirit on an equal level. The definition of balance will be completely different from person to person. It is up to you to find the balance that is right for you. However, living simple will always help you create balance in your life.

Many of us have lives that are like a person attempting to walk a tight rope for the first time. We buckle. We wobble. We try to stay on by flailing our arms. But eventually, no matter how hard we try, we fall off the edge.

Some of us will give up. Some of us will get back on the tight rope and try again. Some of us will find a whole new way to balance. Those of us who find a new way to balance our like people riding bicycles. The balance is tricky at first, but once you get some speed and gain momentum, it is completely natural to stay in balance. Living a simple life is like riding that bicycle. It does not guarantee that we won’t ever fall off, but it greatly increases our chances of staying in balance.

Finding balance in your life can be a difficult thing. It most certainly will not happen overnight. There will be many hours of contemplation, reflection, imagination, frustration, and inspiration involved in the process. And even if you do find balance in your life, that balance may morph and change as your life changes. Things that are important to you now may mean nothing to you five years from now. Achieving balance in your life will be an ever changing experience.

Complications in your life make finding balance a much more difficult task. That is why I suggest living a simple life to help you create balance in your life. The less things you have to deal with in life, the better. Balancing five stones on top of each other is much easier than balancing thirty stones. The more we can focus on individual aspects of our lives, the better. When we spread ourselves too thin, our balance is bound to be thrown off.

Ways To Create Balance By Living Simple

Forget multi-tasking, single-task instead – By putting your full focus and energy on one specific task at a time, your best work is achieved. Put quality before quantity. Always strive for excellence in all that you do. Do few things, but do them well.
Spend more time with friends and family – Never forget your loved ones. They are the ones that will catch you when you are about to fall. They are the ones who will guide you when you are lost. They are the ones that will support you when you are feeling weak. Cherish them and provide the same support for them. Always let the people who are important in your life know how much they mean to you. It can never be said too much.
Eat healthy – In the words of Count Rugen from The Princess Bride: “If you haven’t got your health, then you haven’t got anything.” Implementing a simple, healthy diet into your life will not only make you feel better and more balanced, but it will also be cheaper. Eating fast food or prepackaged food not only costs more, but has less nutritional value. Don’t forget to enjoy and savor what you eat.
Exercise regularly – The quote above can be applied to this one as well. Exercise is needed to balance out the time that you are inactive. Combine this with a healthy diet and your body will be balanced physically.
Spend less than what you make – This simple principle is easy to understand, but can be difficult to live by. If you are in mounds of debt, that is obviously going to disrupt the balance in your life. By spending less than what you make, you can slowly get out of debt and stay out of debt.
Integrate your passions with your career – Having a job that you are passionate is so important in achieving balance. A good chunk of everyone’s life will be spent at work. If there is no meaning or passion behind your job, it will have a negative affect on you. Following your passion in your career might not yield you as much money, but it will bring you much more happiness and balance. The benefit of living a simple life is that you don’t need that much money to sustain yourself anyway, so money should not be a problem.
Rid yourself of material possessions – Having too much stuff can make you feel trapped or weighed down. Give away or sell the things that you never use anymore. When you go shopping, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”
Write in a journal or blog – If you are anything like me, then you have ideas and thoughts swirling throughout your brain all day. I forget things and lose track of things so easily. Writing your thoughts and ideas down helps you remember them and make sense out of them. It helps you see the big picture in your life. It can provide insight as to what areas of your life need work and what areas are going smoothly.
Learn from others – Observe your friends and family. Which ones are successful, happy, and seem to live a quality life? What is differentiates their lives from yours? What habits do they have? Don’t be afraid to talk to them and ask them questions about how they live their life. Finding balance should never have to be a lonely task.

There are many other ways to bring balance to your life by living simple. What are some ways that living simple has increased balance in your life? What is your definition of balance? Let us know in the comments section.

Photo By star5112

Video Post: About Simple Sapien

Jack Rugile — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:00:59 +0000

Hey guys, here is my very first video post! I am going to try to do one every once in awhile to keep things fresh. Text can get old and stale after a while. I will be using YouTube to host my videos. I introduce myself in this video and talk a little bit about Simple Sapien. Here is a text version of the video for those of you who can’t play it or don’t have audio. Enjoy!

“Hey guys. This is Jack Rugile from SimpleSapien.com. Just wanted to do a little video post. I’ve never done one before, so it’s all experimental. I wanted to let you know a little bit about myself, my blog, and what I am trying to accomplish with it all.

I’m not an expert on simplicity or anything like that. I don’t have a completely simple life either. I am basically just trying to share my ideas about simplicity, frugality, environmental sustainability, relationships, personal growth, and just trying to become a better person in general. It is one of my first internet endeavors so I am learning through the process.

What I am finding out is that the best content is from you guys. It is from the comments and the feedback that I get. I try to stimulate the conversation and put out some ideas, but you guys can run with it and share your experience in life. I am sure there is so much that you have experienced that I will never even come to see in my life.

Thank you all for checking out the website. Be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed. If you are not sure what that is I have a small link on the front of my website. You can check out what it is. It’s just an easier way to stay updated with the site and other sites as well. Thanks for checking out SimpleSapien.com and I hope to see you guys around. Thanks!”