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But it was still hard for me to let go off “treasured” items. I used to define myself by the books I had in my space. It was pretentious—especially considering I hadn't opened several in many years and my true reading tastes run more embarrassingly to modern mystery stories and the occasional bodice-ripper.

My first step toward a less cluttered mind/space was when I donated my favorite dictionary, thesaurus, and bible. I realized that with the Internet, I was using them less and less. That started the purge. That small step not only made me feel lighter, it seemed to open up space in my surroundings. These were REALLY BIG BOOKS. Now I only get books from the library (such a sweet retro feeling) or download them to my iPhone.

For my husband, the purge state was more difficult achieve. As I defined my smarts by the books I read, he was defined by his books on music and his 1500+ cds. He finally did purge the books keeping only a favorite few…the cds however are a no-go, literally. (CDs for me are probably the next thing to go. Not sure yet…we still play them on the stereo even though more often we stream music downloaded on our computers.) At least the cds have moved from prime apt real estate to out of sight in a closet. Now we only have 30 books on music topics (husband), spiritual topics (cara), and comic compilations (both) — organized by color!

I like to organize my surroundings not only efficiently but in visually pleasing ways. For example, I arrange books, kitchen items, spices, scarves, purses etc. by type and then color. It is slightly crazy but it looks better in small NYC apts with little storage and everything is out in the open.

It also forces messy-me to keep tabs on tidiness and evaluate whether to keep or delete. (I am not allowed to do this with my husband's stuff mostly b/c he is afraid of my delete tendencies!)

Because I am messy, I have to regroup and reorganize aspects of my surroundings at least once a month–offline and online from my bathroom cabinet to my Internet bookmarks.

Most recent tidy: my office supplies drawer. Computer accessories, pens, stamps and post-its seem to migrate. With this re-org, I realized my old mini-tape recorders are useless to me now and can be donated. My digital voice recorder is so much more efficient. I end up with more space and tidier drawer every time—especially since many of my current office supply items I don’t plan to repurchase in lieu of technology. For example, my stacks of, resume paper, beautiful note cards and fun postcards are dwindling finally. I don't plan to restock much of that as evite, ecards, facebook and email have become pervasive for contacting friends and colleagues for me.

Anyway, this effort at tidiness through optimum small space organization/design started me on the less is more pathway and breaking with excessive consumerism. I was on top of deleting, organizing, and beautifying but I was still bringing new items into my life. The impetus to the actual breakthrough was my clothing. I hadn't organized my closet/drawers in awhile. When I finally got around to it, there were 6 pairs of khakis, 5 pairs of jeans, 25 pairs of black panties, suits from my corporate days, every prom/formal gown…it just went on and on. Some still with tags! Some didn't fit anymore! There was no space for the amount of clothing I maintained. I couldn't see what I had much less wear all of it.

As I stared at my gorgeous old suits, I couldn't imagine ever wearing one again. Epiphany—I had been completely unconscious about the changes in my life and lifestyle. One would think “awareness” would have been important to me—based on all the old books I'd been keeping! I had evolved from the suits and certainly from the prom dresses! It was clear that I simply wasn't paying close attention to the shifts in my life and that made me sad. How could I get more conscious?

I had read an article in the NYT (online of course b/c newspapers are messy and wasteful) about a group that wasn't purchasing anything new for a year. It sounded like an interesting way to really think about my daily needs and activities. In fact, I decided I wouldn't purchase period, new or otherwise (except necessities like food…and wine). I would bring anything into the house and would make every effort to winnow un-necessaries out.

My husband thought it would be very hard for me b/c I can easily get my spendey on. I rarely denied myself any little trifle that caught my eye. But it was easy once I integrated the need rather than want ideal. I didn't struggle applying it to kitchen appliances, home decor, clothes, accessories, or make-up. I didn’t enjoy going to the movies so that wasn’t an issue! I had already stopped getting my hair and nails done every two weeks ages ago, so that was easy to stop completely. Do I need a new car? No and I have had the same car for 13 years. Do I need a bigger apt.? No and I have lived here happily for 8 years. Do I need a new TV? Um…yes! I desperately want two new flat screens to replace the old boxy ones.

Technology has been the most difficult place to stop excess consumerism. I want a Kindle, an ipad, a Wii, a new mac, a new printer, blah blah blah. Even though I am not specifically on the no purchase train anymore, I have still refrained from the tech purchases (although I may break down and get a Wii). It is not easy.

After making a conscious choice not to consume unnecessarily, it is now natural for my husband and I to ask ourselves, do we need this item? Most often the answer is a resounding NO.

I think it is important to highlight that for us this awareness and behavior is not just about things and certainly not about money. It’s about recognizing what is special and what is not. We are lucky enough that we can buy a Wii, a kindle, a new car, if we want, but we don't. We haven't bought Christmas gifts for the past 2 years…not because we couldn't but because having a nice xmas morning brunch together is the real celebration. (Although, once again my husband is not entirely on board with this) When we do give gifts we try to make it something the other person will really love and appreciate rather than something with intrinsic value only. For example, for Aric's birthday, I got him the “strategery” promotional poster he loved from the 2009 Broadway play with Will Ferrell “You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush.” After a vigorous online search, I emailed the ad agency that created it and they sent it to me. All I had to do was frame it. Looking at it is always good for a laugh.

In all, we are totally one with reduce. It is the reuse and recycle that is a bit harder as New Yorkers. We do our best. We save vegetable scraps and make broth but it irks us that we can't compost. If we had an outdoor garden space we certainly would. We recycle of course but not everything with recycle symbols are taken in our neighborhood.

I have many friends who are not into this thinking at all. That can be hard sometimes. I find certain conversations very boring and/or shocking. I am glad you are thrilled, but please don't lease a new leased car or purchase another name brand purse (you have one just like it in the back of your closet). The recession may be the best thing that has happened to the US in ages, right? Sometimes it takes a much bigger catalyst to have an epiphany for change and growth–to get closer to living a life independent of things. (if you want to see a picture of my apt, check out my facebook pics)

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