The Simple "One Thing" Rule I Live By

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One unexpected joy of owning less? I've upgraded everything I do own: One pair of great athletic shoes that work for any walk or workout. One dreamy set of organic sheets. One set of beautiful ceramic dishes that elevate even a Tuesday night pasta situation. You get the picture.

I've found that practicing the One Thing Rule (as in, one high-quality version of something instead of five mediocre ones) has so many benefits - from saving a ridiculous amount of money to genuinely enjoying the things I do invest in.

Here’s how I’ve applied the less-but-better mindset across my home, wardrobe, and even my business. I’m often asked what I personally use and love, so I’ve linked some of my tried-and-true favorites.

Photography by Vivian Johnson

For My Wardrobe

Brands: I love fashion, but hate shopping, so I avoid the malls at all costs and stick to one or two brands I love to support plus a handful of secondhand retailers.

Winter wardrobe: One timeless puffer that's held up for decades.

Formal Attire: I have worn the same simple black maxi dress (a hand-me-down from my BFF) to every single formal occasion for the past 17 years.

Dress Shoes: One neutral pair that works for every formal event and can be worn for hours without silently crying.

Jewelry: Everything I own is stored on my body. No need for jewelry boxes.

A Belt: Just one—because I'm not a belt person and one is enough.

Swimsuit: One chic suit that fits perfectly and makes me feel like my best self on vacation.

Sunglasses: A single vintage pair that elevates any outfit, even if I'm just running errands.

Umbrella: A mini umbrella that works, stays intact during a gust of wind, and doesn't immediately break. The unconditional lifetime guarantee means it's truly a one-and-done purchase.

Suitcase: The very best small carry-on and my ride-or-die water-resistant toiletry case for every type of trip.

Makeup and Skincare

Note: It's tempting to try every new product on the market, but I made a deal with myself to fully use up each item I own before buying anything new. This approach has saved me so much money and eliminated my collection of half-used products - the toiletry graveyard is gone!

SPF: I'm down to a single tub of daily-use SPF that I share with the girls plus a smaller tube for the car.

Skincare: One 3-step regimen that's gentle, clean, and shipped in plastic-free compostable packaging. Truly all I use aside from SPF and a little eye cream.

Haircare: I've gone all in on a single brand for our shampoo, conditioner, and even my hairbrush. My stylist swears by this essentials kit for my thick, frizz-prone hair - excited to try it once we run out of our current rotation.

Makeup: I keep a very minimal routine composed of lip and cheek tint, mascara, concealer, and brow groomer.

Vitamins: I take one multivitamin a day and do my best to diversify my diet instead of taking tons of supplements. Note: this is the only multi- vitamin I’ve tried that doesn’t make me queasy.

For the Home

Gift Wrap: We have a single roll of brown butcher paper paired with cloth ribbon for any and every gift. I love tucking in a sprig of lavender or greenery from the yard - lovely, biodegradable, and almost nothing to store.

Cards and Stationery: We own one set of neutral stationery that works for thank yous, birthdays, and greeting cards.

Towels: I used to store threadbare sets because, who knows, what if we need them for the dog? Now I have one great set for everyday use, and two old towels for the dog. The end.

Sheets: One nice set per bed. We wash weekly and put right back on the beds - no folding, nothing to store, a total win!

Food Storage Containers: Forget the drawer of warped, mismatched lids and bowls. Now I own one nice glass set that stacks perfectly and doesn't leak.

Cleaning Products: This is a biggie. I use one fragrance-free, non-toxic, baby and pet safe cleaning concentrate that can be combined with varying amounts of water to create every single product you need for your entire home. Goodbye, under-sink clutter.

Water Bottle: I don’t believe in owning more than one water bottle, and this one keeps things cold, fits in my car cup holder, and has held up remarkably well after years of use.

Pots and Pans: Instead of a graveyard of scratched nonstick and one-off purchases, I invested in a few durable pieces that handle everything, including a cast iron skillet that just gets better with age.

Tabletop: One set of plates and bowls from local treasure Heath Ceramics.

Life and Business

Social Media: Instead of being everywhere, I focus on one platform - I chose Instagram because it’s a visual platform, but I'm considering investing my time almost exclusively on this newsletter.

Goals: Choosing one single stretch goal or meaningful project at a time and giving it my full attention. It feels less like juggling and more like building and it’s the real key to my productivity.

Books: I read one book at a time and only have one on my nightstand at a time - otherwise I feel behind.

Courses and Workshops: Instead of signing up for every interest that catches my eye, I pick one thing to really dive into—and I actually finish it. If I have too much on my plate I abstain from signing up for anything.

Philanthropy: I focus on donating and fundraising for just one organization at a time to maximize impact.

💬 READER QUESTION: Do you have a one-and-done product or habit you swear by? I’d love to hear what makes the cut—share in the comments!

THE LIFE EDIT is totally free, always. To show your support, tap the heart, leave a comment, forward to a friend, or check out my books for a deeper dive. Your support—any shape, any size—keeps this whole thing going. xoxo

📖 Reading: I am a big fan of Canadian comedian Phil Hanley and can’t wait to dig into his autobiographical book Spellbound, which details his unlikely path to success.

📺 Watching: Totally captivated by the new Chef’s Table mini series which features four culinary legends and is so beautifully shot and produced.

🍽️ Making: Little Emilie just made us this one pot wonder for dinner and it was a huge hit! I’m on a veggie kick so we swapped chicken for roasted cauliflower.

🏡 Home Finds: this woven palm leaf tray makes the perfect catchall in an entry or on your coffee table, pretty utility scissors, and a little lemon wall basket!

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