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Hello, and happy May!

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When I surveyed you last month, 28% of you said that decluttering and keeping the house organized is your greatest simple living challenge.

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Can I ever relate to that!

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We're preparing to sell our house and move, and while it's been a ton of work it's also been fun to see our house lighten up and shine.

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One of my biggest projects was whittling down my collection of books, especially my cookbooks.

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Here's the progression of the living room bookcases.

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As you can see, every shelf was packed with books. Then I culled the collection and gave away two-thirds of the books. Those were packed, and today the space contains just a chair, table and lamp.

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Now I'm making quick decisions about photos, mementos, and heirlooms.

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Oh, how I wish I had started this process sooner! But one of the great benefits of moving is having a deadline to deal with the stuff.

Looking Ahead

I hope the memory of this move sticks with us, so that we can enjoy less stuff in our new house, more open spaces, and more time to enjoy loved ones and the things that really matter.

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Simplifying at home is like clearing a path, and every step forward feels lighter.

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Best always,

Eliza Cross Owner, Happy Simple Living ​Read my story​

P.S. For a quick home organization win, you might enjoy the 15 Minute Decluttering Challenge. Tackle a small project like the space under the kitchen sink. Set the timer and go!

🍓 Everyone Loves Strawberry Cheesecake Dip

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This Strawberry Cheesecake Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packed with all the flavors of your favorite strawberry cheesecake dessert.

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It's perfect for Mother’s Day brunch, graduation parties, or any spring gathering, and pairs beautifully with an assortment of cookies, fruit, pretzels, graham crackers, and other dippers.

A Few Fun Goodies for You...

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❤️ News You Can Use: Read the results of Serious Eats' research of the best chocolate brownie mixes.

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😀 Guaranteed smiles: A chain of humans helped a bookstore move all the books down the street to their new location.

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🍪 Bake and Tell is a nice (nontoxic!) Facebook group where home cooks share what they're making. I've found some fun baking recipes here!

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🍗 Need some new quick dinner ideas? Taming Twins has a big collection of family friendly meals you can make in 30 minutes or less.

A Guide to Growing Rhubarb

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Rhubarb is truly a superstar in the garden. It comes back year after year with minimal effort, and its tart, ruby-red stalks are perfect for pies, jams, desserts, and more. Plus, it's a beautiful, showy plant. (Ours grows among the flowers in the front garden!)

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In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to grow rhubarb organically—from planting to harvesting—plus a collection of yummy rhubarb recipes.

Mother's Day Mini Dessert Ideas

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Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate Mom with something sweet—and what could be sweeter than a delightful little treat made with love?

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I’ve rounded up 30+ charming mini desserts that are perfect for Mother’s Day, from dainty pies and tiny cakes to elegant parfaits. These bite-sized beauties are fun to make and guaranteed to bring smiles to the special women in our lives.

🥓 Try This Jalapeno Popper Dip for Cinco de Mayo

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Warm, cheesy Jalapeño Popper Dip is a crowd favorite loaded with crispy bacon, jalapeños, cream cheese, and cheddar. It’s the perfect party dip for Cinco de Mayo and so good served with crunchy tortilla chips.

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This recipe is from our sister site, BENSA Bacon Lovers Society:

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