Summary: <p>Living a responsibly sustainable life while raising a young family is definitely a challenge. Join us this week as we learn about one mom’s journey to a joyful, minimalist home.</p> <p>Our guest this week is Stephanie Seferian of Mama Minimalist.</p> <p>Stephanie lives just outside of Boston with her husband and two daughters.<br> She podcasts and blogs weekly about how the themes of minimalism, sustainability, decluttering, low-waste living and parenting intersect. </p> <p>Her podcast, The Sustainable Minimalist, features eco-friendly tips and incremental strategies for cutting through clutter as a means to more fully enjoy life's sweetest moments. </p> <p>Now, we want to hear from you. Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at <a href="http://www.sparkjoypodcast.com" rel="nofollow">www.sparkjoypodcast.com</a> and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. </p> <p>While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.</p> <p><b>In this episode, you’ll enjoy:</b></p> <p>-How Stephanie decided to pursue a minimalist lifestyle after becoming a busy mom.</p> <p>-Her Three Dimensions of Minimalism: Aesthetic, Experiential, Sustainable.</p> <p>-How going down the minimalist path gave her more time to be present for her children.</p> <p>-How our tendency to buy, declutter, and buy again impacts the environment.</p> <p>-The challenges of having young children and maintaining a minimalist household.</p> <p>-How to manage the influx of gifts that come into the home.</p> <p>-Recycling old cellphones at Best Buy:<br> <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/clp/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025&pageType=REDIRECT&issolr=1&searchRedirect=recycling" target="_blank">Best Buy Recycling Program</a></p> <p>-Learn about Cellphones for Soldiers:<br> <a href="https://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com" target="_blank">Cell Phones for Soldiers</a></p> <p>-The struggle of letting go of a beloved wedding dress!<br> <a href="https://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org" target="_blank">Brides Against Breast Cancer</a></p> <p><b>Gems:</b><br> “We are destined to being constant consumers of technology.”</p> <p>“We had the normal parent thoughts of 'When we have a yard, things will be better. When we have a place for our daughter’s stuff, we will be more relaxed.'"</p> <p>“There’s no one path to minimalism.”</p> <p>“It’s about getting out and getting living.”</p> <p>“We emphasize experiences over stuff in our home.”</p> <p><b>What sparks joy for Stephanie:</b><br> “The simple and often overlooked moments with my daughters and husband.”</p> <p><b>Parting words of wisdom:</b><br> “Just take one small step toward simplification. And if it feels right, take another.”</p> <p>To connect with Stephanie, you can find her at MamaMinimalist.com<br> @mamaminimalist on Instagram and Twitter</p> <p>The Sustainable Minimalist on Facebook: <br> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SustainableMinimalists/" target="_blank"></a></p> <p>Listen to her podcast: <br> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sustainable-minimalists-podcast-eco-friendly-families/id1329830361?mt=2<br>%0A" target="_blank">Sustainable Minimalist Podcast</a></p><p>Special Guest: Stephanie Seferian.</p>
