About

Welcome!  We established this blog to share a bit about the journey we are going on for 2011:  to buy NOTHING NEW.  We decided to take on this personal challenge in response to a feeling of clutter – in our homes, and in our hearts.

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know
to be useful or believe to be beautiful.
-William Morris-

The Filter for Purchases:
1. Can I borrow it instead?
2. Can I buy it second-hand?
3. Do I really need it?
4. Where will it go?

Exceptions:
1. First Aid and Safety
2. Hygiene and Beauty Products
3. Undergarments
4. Groceries
5. Business Expenses
6. Experiences (travel, museums, theater, pampering)

About Us:

Laura

Growing up in Wisconsin, I’m a Midwest girl at heart. Small town speaks volumes to the way I see the world. I met my husband Jeremy while studying abroad in Scotland (no, he’s not Scottish but still oh so adorable!).  Four years later, we were married in the quaint and quiet town of Randolph, WI on July 17, 2004.

On August 15, 2010 we welcomed our first child, Emma Grace into our family. Parenthood has changed my life forever. I consider it a great honor and privilege to raise this little girl. She challenges me on every level and teaches me to see the mundane as extraordinary. I’m gushing with love for this tiny chubby cheeked lady!

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, and friend, my life is full. My 20s served as a foundation building decade. Working as a professional organizer and executive assistant for the best coaching company in the world, I learned about living with intentionality. Priority living became a part of my language and I have enjoyed turning this passion into a creative expression of ministry. Finding Simplicity was born in January 2008 and has plans to officially launch in the summer of 2011. Like a newborn discovering her legs for the first time, I’m finally walking into the message of my life.

Living under an urban roof, I secretly crave cowgirl boots. Not rounding up cattle in the pouring down rain (though there’s something strangely romantic to that vision too), but a dream of homesteading. Cultivating a piece of land where goats, chickens, and peacocks(strange I know!) run free. A space where we offer the gift of the simple life to those that come to visit. A modest home where we respect what we have and find contentment and courage in the messy parts of life. A small town girl hungry for something different than the American dream.

The Nothing New challenge will inspire me to keep curious and to keep dreaming. There is more to life than things and mindless collecting. So, as we pioneer through the bumpy prairies of consumerism, will you saddle up too? I’m excited for this ride!

Jessica

I may have grown up in Northern California, but I’m an Oregonian at heart.  I met my husband Steve while attending the University of Oregon (GO DUCKS), and we were married in downtown Portland on September 10, 2004.

We welcomed our son, Henry Oliver, on June 11, 2009.  I absolutely love being a mom.  Henry brings so much joy and laughter into our lives, and already I’ve learned a lot about the nature of God and what is truly important in life.

When I’m not chasing after my busy toddler, I serve part time as the Communications Coordinator at Building Champions, the awesome coaching company where I’ve worked since 2002.  I also run a side business – Paper Flourish – creating custom handmade cards and invitations, a longtime passion of mine.

I have a reputation among my friends as an excellent bargain shopper, and I look forward to channelling my shopping skills sensibly this year into the Nothing New challenge.  Bring on the thrift shops, Craigslist ads, and garage sales!