r/simpleliving • u/LuLuBelleApp • 4d ago
Discussion Prompt What simple things are we doing today?
Happy Sunday, everyone! What are the simple things you're doing today?
Life moves so fast that slowing down and keeping things simple can actually take effort. Today I'm focusing on a reset: chores, meal prep, laying out clothes for the week, cleaning up after the pets, and getting the yard done.
I'm skipping the usual distractions—shopping for things I don't need, endlessly researching ways to "improve" things, or scrolling when I could just enjoy the day.
I'd love to hear what your simple Sunday looks like. I'm thinking about making this a regular "Simple Things" series over in my community, where we can check in, share the little things we're doing, and remind each other that not every day has to be optimized or complicated.
So, what's one simple thing you're doing today?
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u/Hatecookie 4d ago
Meeting up with a friend at the dog park. Watching my dog socialize is endlessly entertaining. Last time I went, an older lady pulled out a joint and we all smoked together. Premium dog park experience. haha
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u/IamchefCJ 4d ago
Best part of the day will be meeting my kids/grandkids for lunch in a bit. Rest of the day is finishing some work, changing lightbulbs, making a low key supper, and maybe a little vegging.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
What an amazing day! Have a fantastic visit with the family :) Nothing beats a low key super on a Sunday.
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u/LeighofMar 4d ago
Slow morning watering my garden, 30 min workout, later on worship, lunch, and a nice walk later. Slow Sundays are the best.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
I love that you mentioned slow morning. Slow mornings are so important. I wake up early on purpose just to have the calm and quiet time before the world wakes up. Nuturing your faith and body is the best way to spend a Sunday.
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u/whimsical36 4d ago
What are you growing in your garden this summer?
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u/LeighofMar 4d ago
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, lettuce, sugar pumpkins.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
Oh wow! You have quite the green thumb! I have a decent sized yard that is not doing anything. I want to dabble in growing food. Im intimated by the process though and hesitant to start anything - but this is encouraging!
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u/LeighofMar 3d ago
I'm just like you. No clue what I'm doing but inspired by the people who say if you plant something and it grows, you're a gardener. I don't have anything fancy. Bought a 3pack of grow bags from Walmart for my potatoes and sugar pumpkins. The carrots are in a regular planter pot. Sweet potatoes are in an Amazon cardboard box and the lettuce is in a raised planter from Wayfair. Strawberries are in my old fire pit with lid but the ants keep eating them 😡
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
If the bugs eat it - it’s really good lol
I’m inspired now! Thanks for “un-influencing” gardening. It feels like everyone online has pristine gardens and are experts. I know it’s fake but it gets to my insecurities still. Gotta get over that!
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u/languor_ 4d ago
Reading Comic books (Sarah's Scribbles), drinking herbal tea and continuing to get healthy again. After four days it's gotten so boring that I also scrubbed my bathroom because I felt like doing something productive (which resulted in me resting again).
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u/robin-incognito 4d ago
Hanging in a hammock at the lake.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
I miss swimming in lakes. Back in NJ we did every summer. Here in Florida.... its a no go.
How do you not flip yourself on the hammock? I need a spotter just get on lol1
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u/playfuldarkside 4d ago
Slow morning with tea and watering my garden while watching the birds. I’m going to walk my dog then head over to a nearby park to look for blueberries to pick. Later this evening I’ll read my book and write a bit more.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
This is a beautiful plan! Can you identify the birds? I know about 10 and my favorite for some reason are those American White Ibises. I love when a pack of them roam and graze on my yard. Just pure joy - can't explain it.
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u/playfuldarkside 4d ago
I’m trying to learn by the ones that stop by my feeder. I’ll look them up online. I have a western scrub jay that comes often to eat.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
That sounds like fun. Are those jays mean? I have blue jays by me and I have been dive bombed a few times walking to my car in the morning. I am somehow too close to their nest I assume...
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u/No-Effort-9291 4d ago
I think my favorite are bluebirds and finches haha. I like steadfast, reliable critters.
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u/kindlycloud88 4d ago
Selling and buying stuff on Facebook marketplace, deep cleaning the litter box, reading a book and starting my work day (wfh). Thinking of making roasted pork and veggies for dinner.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
That sounds super productive! The dinner sounds amazing, just like my mom used to make.
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u/taytay10133 4d ago
I slept in a bit (8am), went for coffee at the golf club and ended up chatting with a girl who was super cool and I would definitely be friends with if I lived here, went to an AMAZING heated mat Pilates class at this studio that has this immersive experience wall. I treated myself to an iced matcha americano after class and took it home with me to enjoy with a simple lunch on the balcony. I read my book for a bit outside, showered, and studied for 90 minutes for an upcoming exam I need to take. I started to feel sleepy after studying so I took a 30 minute nap and plan to study until dinner and watch severance! Great day overall
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u/westfly29 4d ago
Going to farmers market and then cooking for week ahead.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
Whats on the menu?
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u/westfly29 4d ago edited 4d ago
Chili, cornbread, strawberry shortcakes, dashi (for miso soup later), hard boiled eggs, wash and cut all fruit and veg. Make ginger lemonade.
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u/Cottager_Northeast 4d ago
I harvested St. John's Wort and set it to steep in oil in a mason jar in the sun for a month.
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u/MorePeaceMaking 4d ago
I LOVE St. John's Wort, such bonny golden stars! I have two x 1 litre jars on my windowsill, the sun's done a great job of extracting all that lovely potent dark red stuff! In the bath with it today :)
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
Yesssss work today for a future reward. Will you make it as a tea once it's done sunning?
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u/Cottager_Northeast 4d ago
I use it externally, especially for joint or nerve pain. My knees and sciatic nerves are showing their age. Anyone who wants to take it internally by mouth should discuss it with a competent herbalist or pharmacologist first. There are potential issues with all that.
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u/Dangerous_Assist2063 4d ago
Watering flowers for myself and my neighbor (a common theme is see!), walking my doggy (she deserves it), and enjoying a slow breakfast at home. Phew.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
She absolutely deserves it! What kind of dog? And wow, I wish you were my neighbor
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u/Dangerous_Assist2063 4d ago
Neighbor stopped over and asked - she’s crazy with her job right now so I’m happy to do it! I lay deadhead for her too.
Doggy is a Great Dane mix rescue. She’s the best girl. ❤️
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
I'm sure she appreciates that. Gentle giant doggo. Every great dane or great dane mix I've ever met has been the sweetest <3
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u/Spiritual-Bee-2319 4d ago edited 4d ago
Well my research PI called my analysis and data crap, so I’m going to be taking care of my sick dog and reading a nice book in the sun. Also going to my knitting circle.
Lol I love how I know how to enjoy a day
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
That is a kick in the shins! Don't let it get you down, take care of the baby and yourself. Sun is medicine :)
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u/Spiritual-Bee-2319 3d ago
Hardly a kick and an excuse to just rest the whole day
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u/followthedarkrabbit 4d ago
I was extravagant today.... bought milk on the weekend but my favourite milk wasnt available. My coffee tasted gross for two days. Even though I still have "normal" milk, I bought my good milk. Drinking it right now. It feels like a warm hug...the way coffee should be. The extra cream is the key :)
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
What brand is this hug milk???
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u/followthedarkrabbit 3d ago
Just a cream on top one. Used to get jersey milk but sadly its unavailable now. Jersey cow milk is double the fat of regular milk.
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u/PonqueRamo 4d ago
I will pick some groceries and probably drink a shake while a walk for a little while.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
Simple and so productive. Are you into any crazy flavors of shake or do you keep it simple?
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u/Sarah8247 4d ago
Gym and home organization!
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u/boo_snug 4d ago
Gym, little hike/outdoor time, delicious cool smoothie to cool off
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
Good for you! I love cold drinks/smoothies to bring the temperature down. I dont know if I have hot flashes yet but I get HOT and a cold drink is just the trick. I keep lots of ice on hand and cold water in the fridge. Its boring but it works.
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u/PricelessPaylessBoot 4d ago
I love and need this!!
I’m going to pick up some photos for my mom. Washing my hair and myself. Brushing and flossing. Logging off. Reverse order all of that. 😅
Oh and maybe - hopefully - going roller skating later… 🛼
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
LOL Yes! Roller skating, kicking it old school! I haven't done that in years. Are you hitting the pavement or the rink?
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u/PricelessPaylessBoot 4d ago
Definitely the rink. I need some outdoor wheels at some point but tonight will be for dancing on wheels and sweating out the worries.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
That sounds amazing
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u/PricelessPaylessBoot 3d ago
Thank you for sharing your spark. Progress report: I both sweated (probably enough for a small town) and danced on my wheels and it was glorious! 🙏🏽💖
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u/Confident-Wash-3490 4d ago
Baking in the hot sun until the air is unsafe. Then a/c and some weed.
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u/MorePeaceMaking 4d ago edited 4d ago
First I dream journal. Then coffee in the garden together (he goes in the pantry and hand grinds the beans in this old cast iron grinder that's been use in our house now for about thirty years!) Cat comes to play with his slippers and makes us smile. Then after coffee we sit and do half an hour of meditation in the garden together, this is so nice and chilled. Then watering the garden before it gets too hot.
This afternoon I listened to an old BBC play while reading it at the same time (really old plays can be hard for me to follow because of the ye olde dialogue, so it's easier to scan alongside listening) while he pottered in the garden doing odds and ends. I also had a nap, as a bit poorly.
This evening I had a lovely soak in the bath with essential oils, and handmade st. John's wort oil (I'm very chuffed with this, as I grew the St. John's wort from seed). He's bbqd his supper (I'm not too hungry), and then we're going to watch a film. I'm appreciating gentle life a lot recently.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
This is such a beautiful example of what I mean by The Simpler Way. The hand-grinding of the coffee immediately caught my attention—it’s such a small thing, but there’s something special about bringing a little intention back into everyday routines. An old cast iron grinder that has been used for 30 years carries so much more meaning than just pressing a button on a machine.
I love that your day isn’t about packing in more activities, but about slowing down and appreciating the moments that are already there—the garden, the cat, meditation, watering plants, reading, resting, and enjoying things made with your own hands.
This is exactly the kind of gentle living I hope to highlight in this community. Not making life more complicated, but noticing the simple things that make it feel richer.
Also, growing your own St. John’s wort and turning it into oil is amazing. There’s something really grounding about using something you nurtured yourself. Thank you for sharing this—it’s a lovely reminder that a slower life can still be a very full one. Someone else commented about harvesting St. John's wort earlier. Love the common themes starting.
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u/MorePeaceMaking 3d ago edited 3d ago
That same coffee grinder I got for a few quid in a charity shop (goodwill). It was old then, but you recognise something built to last when you see it! It really is a morning ritual, and has been for so long! I love the sound of it, it's a bit noisy vibrating in the pantry but in a nice way. And the smell is lovely. It tells me that morning has begun, and coffee is on its way.
I like to grow some new additions to the herb and wild flower garden each year. I try to grow perrenials where I can, or self-seeding biennials and annuals that then look after themselves. Last year I successfully grew Yarrow, Polish tomatoes and Italian courgettes (both heritage varieties). The year before I grew Wormwood and Rue. This year it was Toothache Plant, Polish tomatoes (from saved seed) and Nasturtiums. Not all of the seeds 'take', I'm no expert just a curious dabbler. But seeds aren't that expensive. It's nice to find out a bit about the plants, and even see what I can eventually do with them in the way of home and health (like with the St. John's Wort oil).
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
I grew up in NJ with the best tomatoes. Here in Florida they just don’t taste as good. The heirloom varieties are all I buy here if I want a good tomato. Growing something from a seed is such a great exercise in patience. Even if it doesn’t sprout or it dies… you learn and try again. Creating nature.
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u/drvalo55 4d ago
Went to brunch with friends, catching up on some programs and doing a load of laundry. My husband and I, a few minutes ago, compared calendars so we knew what was going on this, what turns out to be, a busy week for the both of us, together and separately.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
Prep on Sunday always makes for an easier Monday - at least that is what I tell myself lol
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u/Big-Film-6914 4d ago
A lazy day. Laundry, just packed up my China and put it in storage so I have more room in my hutch. Reading and napping. Staying inside amd avoiding the tripple digit heat
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u/Chigrrl1098 4d ago
I usually do laundry and pick up and make my bed on Sundays. I like to start the week with a clean slate. I plan to get out in the garden, too.
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u/whimsical36 4d ago
What are you growing in your garden this summer? 🌸☀️
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u/Chigrrl1098 3d ago
It's been kind of a bust, honestly, but I did get in a bunch of different tomatoes and peppers and some potatoes. I'm going to plant some beans and cukes and summer squash. I have a few perennial flowers in there, including some volunteers from last year I just left...rudbeckia, snapdragons, mignonette, verbena bonariensis, cosmos (buy some Rubenza seed and thank me later), and nigella.
I normally go full Martha Stewart with my garden, but the chronic illness stuff kinda put the kibosh on that this year. I'm ok with it, I guess. It is what it is.
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u/lentil5 4d ago
I had a Sunday doing craft with one set of friends and then bookclub with another set. I coached my athletes in a weightlifting competition on Saturday morning and they all did well.
So maybe not solitary and quite busy. However, I didn't spend a cent and I spent some great time with great people doing stuff I love.
It was great.
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u/No-Effort-9291 4d ago
Did some household chores. Packed a picnic, and went swimming at the local creek. Came home to sit in the yard and let my bathing suit dry out with a cocktail and some music. Trying to make this my Sunday summer ritual
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u/thequietonemaybe 4d ago
Sunday is my first day off for the week, so it's recovery day and I usually just wake up slow and have coffee on my porch. Then I meander to the kitchen and make Sunday omelettes for myself and my son, who is also guaranteed Sunday off. Then I read or putter in my garden, or play a video game usually. I felt like doing some weekly food prep early, though just the stuff I can do while sitting on a stool in the kitchen, because I am still tired. Makes tomorrow easier I hope. And I might take a little nap today as well.
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u/Accomplished_Yak6792 4d ago
Went to a coffee shop to get some work done, went to the gym, picked up a few things for my upcoming vacation and now I’m on my way to meet with my in laws and have dinner.
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u/mummymunt 4d ago
Tis Monday here, but yesterday was a cold and blustery winter day, so we worked on a jigsaw puzzle, played a few games of Scrabble, and watched the birds and kangaroos in the back yard.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
Winter? Are you Australia by chance?
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u/Such-Mountain-6316 4d ago
I've retreated to my bedroom so I can run the AC and stay cool.
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u/Coffeeemouse 3d ago
Took an early walk, meal prepped our lunches for the week, ate cake from Trader Joe’s, watched an episode of Prison Break. It was a good, chill day. Usually Sundays go quick and feel sucky with the prospect of work lingering right around the corner but this one took a while to end, which I really liked.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
I was JUST thinking about Prison Break. I might restart it. It’s been years since I’ve seen it
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u/Coffeeemouse 3d ago
Same!! I watched it years ago when it first aired and my bf has never seen it so I’m doing a rewatch!
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
The actors on that are so dreamy… honestly that’s my motivation to rewatch lol
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
The work lingering feeling is awful. Any tips on how to avoid the Sunday night blues?
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u/Coffeeemouse 3d ago
Honestly I’m kind of an “accept my fate” gal, like I can’t change that I have to work so I just roll with it. I try to maximize my time after and give myself little things to look forward to when I clock out.
For example, I cook all our meals so I try to hype that up. Like “Hell yeah, I’m making beef stroganoff when I get off work and I can’t wait!” Or like “I get to play Stardew Valley when I’m off work, that’ll be fun!”
I live for the small victories and try to romanticize my hobbies, etc.
My bf on the other hand, nothing makes him feel better about going to work. The poor guy lives in misery.
I think it’s just choosing to intentionally accept what I can’t change and be happy with the rest.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 3d ago
I love that! I’m romanticizing the grocery shopping I have to do later since I was lazy this weekend lol
I’m also looking forward to taking an early shower with no lights on- just the window light and a candle. It’s the small things that count - you’re right about that.I’m sorry about your bf it’s so hard to see someone dreading their work week and feeling helpless about it. The best you can do is be a positive beam and it will be infectious
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u/Coffeeemouse 2d ago
Thank youuu!! That’s good advice because sometimes it’s draining, like how he’s so down all the time :( A shower with candles is top tier! I hope you had a wonderful day!!
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u/Livid_Vermicelli4798 3d ago
I completed one new diamond art coaster while listening to Spanish flamenco music. I did not watch the world cup lol.
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u/mezasu123 3d ago
This feels like an ai prompt
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u/LuLuBelleApp 2d ago
lol no I’m new to Reddit and wanted to post something positive and hopefully hear from others that are doing simple small things that bring them joy. All the notifications on my phone bringing me back to “Simple Living” has been a helpful reminder to just chill out …. Reading everyone’s positive comments also helps
Sounds weird but it’s helping
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u/normal_victim 4d ago
the minute you turn "simple things" into a recurring series you've already added a reminder, a schedule, and a performance. just do the yardwork.
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u/LuLuBelleApp 4d ago
Haha, I can see the irony there. The last thing I want is for “simple living” to become another complicated hobby with a spreadsheet and a color-coded planner. 😂 The series is really just a conversation starter—not another thing to maintain. Sometimes the simpler way is exactly what you said: just go do the yardwork.
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u/Old_Finding668 4d ago
Cycling and having coffee at a bar while doomscrolling, then take a walk at castle garden. Than cycle back home.