Gretchen Rubin's Blog, page 2
April 29, 2025
Why Whimsy Is Having a Moment
I’m a huge fan of whimsy. Whimsy makes ordinary objects feel special; it makes everyday moments feel memorable; it adds playfulness and energy to life.
So I’m always delighted to discover some touch of whimsy–a robot vacuum named Cleanopatra, googly eyes on a train car (thank you, Boston), a Tupperware container that warns: Steal this and suffer.
I’ve included many touches of whimsy in my apartment. For instance, I have three miniature landscapes–a secret garden set in a bookshelf, a mermaid lagoon set in a different bookshelf, and best of all, a mountain scene set in a kitchen cabinet. I love seeing visitors’ surprise when they open the door to take a glass or a plate, and instead confront this tiny scene.
Moments of whimsy make us laugh; surprise us where we expect the ordinary; add a humorous touch to reminders, rules, and reprimands; and show us that life doesn’t always have to be serious.
Whimsy appears in the most unlikely places–including very formal, rule-bound places. The research university MIT has a reputation for being serious and rigorous–but each year, the school releases its college-acceptance decisions on March 14 (Pi Day). Whenever I return to Yale Law School, I look for the stone carvings above the main door that show students dozing over their books as a professor yells, “Wake up!” And, in one of my favorite examples of whimsy, my beloved state of Nebraska chose “Honestly, it’s not for everyone” as its unconventional tourist slogan.
What is whimsy, exactly?Whimsy is the addition of some imagination and surprise to daily life.
It might show up in a goofy name for an event on your calendar or how you decorate your desk.
For novelty lovers, something unexpected can make familiar routine feel more energizing. For Rebels//–people who resist rigidity and dislike being told what to do–whimsy might even feel like a bit of welcome defiance when it seems like everyone expects maximum efficiency at all times.
Why we reach for whimsyI remember seeing a photo of one family’s household rules. The heading read, in large capital letters: HEINOUS INFRACTIONS. Beneath it was a list of entirely ordinary chores–clean up your dishes, pick up your shoes, no throwing balls in the living room–presented in absolutely dire language. It worked!
The whimsy of wrapping the rules in such melodramatic terms made the message far less annoying.
Recently, whimsy seems to be having a moment. It has popped up in online conversations, design trends, and seemingly just about everywhere.
Last month, when I asked people to share whimsical things they do, responses poured in. The answers ranged from keeping bubbles by the door to baking elaborate gingerbread houses to making up personalized songs about family members.
As reading this list demonstrates, it’s tremendously cheering to consider examples of whimsy.
Whimsy is an impulse toward delight. In The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, William Blake wrote “Energy is Eternal Delight.” And I would flip that observation to say, “Delight is Energy.”
The post Why Whimsy Is Having a Moment appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
April 25, 2025
Why Whimsy Is Having a Moment
I’m a huge fan of whimsy. Whimsy makes ordinary objects feel special; it makes everyday moments feel memorable; it adds playfulness and energy to life.
So I’m always delighted to discover some touch of whimsy–a robot vacuum named Cleanopatra, googly eyes on a train car (thank you, Boston), a Tupperware container that warns: Steal this and suffer.
I’ve included many touches of whimsy in my apartment. For instance, I have three miniature landscapes–a secret garden set in a bookshelf, a mermaid lagoon set in a different bookshelf, and best of all, a mountain scene set in a kitchen cabinet. I love seeing visitors’ surprise when they open the door to take a glass or a plate, and instead confront this tiny scene.
Moments of whimsy make us laugh; surprise us where we expect the ordinary; add a humorous touch to reminders, rules, and reprimands; and show us that life doesn’t always have to be serious.
Whimsy appears in the most unlikely places–including very formal, rule-bound places. The research university MIT has a reputation for being serious and rigorous–but each year, the school releases its college-acceptance decisions on March 14 (Pi Day). Whenever I return to Yale Law School, I look for the stone carvings above the main door that show students dozing over their books as a professor yells, “Wake up!” And, in one of my favorite examples of whimsy, my beloved state of Nebraska chose “Honestly, it’s not for everyone” as its unconventional tourist slogan.
What is whimsy, exactly?Whimsy is the addition of some imagination and surprise to daily life.
It might show up in a goofy name for an event on your calendar or how you decorate your desk.
For novelty lovers, something unexpected can make familiar routine feel more energizing. For Rebels//–people who resist rigidity and dislike being told what to do–whimsy might even feel like a bit of welcome defiance when it seems like everyone expects maximum efficiency at all times.
Why we reach for whimsyI remember seeing a photo of one family’s household rules. The heading read, in large capital letters: HEINOUS INFRACTIONS. Beneath it was a list of entirely ordinary chores–clean up your dishes, pick up your shoes, no throwing balls in the living room–presented in absolutely dire language. It worked!
The whimsy of wrapping the rules in such melodramatic terms made the message far less annoying.
Recently, whimsy seems to be having a moment. It has popped up in online conversations, design trends, and seemingly just about everywhere.
Last month, when I asked people to share whimsical things they do, responses poured in. The answers ranged from keeping bubbles by the door to baking elaborate gingerbread houses to making up personalized songs about family members.
As reading this list demonstrates, it’s tremendously cheering to consider examples of whimsy.
Whimsy is an impulse toward delight. In The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, William Blake wrote “Energy is Eternal Delight.” And I would flip that observation to say, “Delight is Energy.”
The post Why Whimsy Is Having a Moment appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
March 17, 2025
Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Making Organizing Simpler
Getting organized doesn’t have to be complicated. The best organizing systems make life easier, not harder. The key is to focus on simple, sustainable solutions—items that make tidying up easier, help us stay on top of daily tasks, and reduce decision fatigue.
This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links , meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.
Outer Order, Inner Calm I can’t help it, it’s my favorite book about organizing!
Simple stove shelf This magnetic stove shelf keeps kitchen essentials out of the way, but within arm’s reach.
Label maker How cute is this compact little label maker? Labels provide visual clarity and a sense of structure. Plus they let other people know where things go, even when you’re not there to tell them.
Bank box Everyone in our family has one of these with folders for each year. It’s where we keep important things we want to save so we always know where they are.
Ornament box Storing items that are important, but used rarely, can be a challenge. Investing in an organized storage system is often worth it.
3-tier cart I use this cart for my watercolors, and I love it. All my materials are accessible and organized, and I can easily roll the cart away when necessary.
Chalkboard labels and markers These labels are erasable and reusable. Perfect for spaces and containers that serve different functions at different times, and more durable than a sticky note.
The post Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Making Organizing Simpler appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen Rubin Guide: Make Organizing Simpler
Getting organized doesn’t have to be complicated. The best organizing systems make life easier, not harder. The key is to focus on simple, sustainable solutions—items that make tidying up easier, help us stay on top of daily tasks, and reduce decision fatigue.
This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links , meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.
Outer Order, Inner Calm I can’t help it, it’s my favorite book about organizing!
Simple stove shelf This magnetic stove shelf keeps kitchen essentials out of the way, but within arm’s reach.
Label maker How cute is this compact little label maker? Labels provide visual clarity and a sense of structure. Plus they let other people know where things go, even when you’re not there to tell them.
Bank box Everyone in our family has one of these with folders for each year. It’s where we keep important things we want to save so we always know where they are.
Ornament box Storing items that are important, but used rarely, can be a challenge. Investing in an organized storage system is often worth it.
3-tier cart I use this cart for my watercolors, and I love it. All my materials are accessible and organized, and I can easily roll the cart away when necessary.
Chalkboard labels and markers These labels are erasable and reusable. Perfect for spaces and containers that serve different functions at different times, and more durable than a sticky note.
The post Gretchen Rubin Guide: Make Organizing Simpler appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Organization Using What You Already Have
In Outer Order, Inner Calm, I write about how clearing clutter and creating order can make us feel lighter, happier, and more focused. But getting organized doesn’t mean rushing out to buy new bins or storage systems. Often, the best place to start is by taking inventory and figuring out how to use what we already have.
Actually know what you have
How many times have you bought a new notebook only to find a stack hiding in a drawer? Or picked up more batteries because you weren’t sure if you had any at home? Before bringing in anything new, take inventory. Open every drawer, look through every shelf, and make sure you know what you already own.
Keep things where you use themOrganization isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about making life easier. The most useful things are the ones that are easy to grab when we need them. If you’re always hunting for scissors, don’t keep them in a desk drawer across the house—store a pair where you actually use them.
A few easy adjustments:
Store your keys by the door instead of tossing them onto different surfaces.Keep a small basket of office supplies where you work, rather than stashed in a deep drawer.Place a laundry basket in the bathroom if that’s where clothes tend to accumulate.Love it, use it, or let it goIf you don’t love it and don’t use it, why keep it? I ask myself: “Do I need it? Do I use it? Do I love it?” If not, I consider donating it.
To help decide, ask yourself:
Have I used this in the last year?Would I buy this again today?Is this taking up space that could be better used for something I actually need?Get creative with what you already haveOnce you’ve gone through these steps, you may find you don’t need to buy new organizers or storage solutions at all—you don’t have anything that needs to be organized. Beyond that, you can repurpose everyday items to help keep things in order. You might even have quite a bit of fun in the process. For instance:
Turn a wall or whiteboard into a visual to-do list. Use washi tape and Post-its to create a flexible, movable calendar or task board. Jot down tasks or appointments and move them around as plans shift—no fancy planner required.Repurpose jars and boxes. Mason jars can hold pens, kitchen utensils, or makeup brushes. A shoebox can become a drawer divider, and an old gift box can store chargers and cords neatly.Use an old magazine holder in new ways. Turn it on its side to store cutting boards or foil and plastic wrap in the kitchen. Stand it upright to keep notebooks or mail organized.Label with what you have. Instead of buying new labels, use masking tape and a Sharpie or cut up an old cereal box into DIY tags for storage bins.Make a “put-away bin.” Designate a basket or tote bag as a home for stray items that need to go back to their places—great for tidying up quickly.When we take stock, declutter, and get creative, we often realize we don’t need to buy anything new to feel more organized. We just need to use what we already have—more intentionally.
See Gretchen’s Other Recommendations ARCHIVING AND SAVING SAVE TIME AND IMPROVE FOCUS MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER Simplify OrganizationThe post Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Organization Using What You Already Have appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen Rubin’s Tips on Organizing: Use What You Already Have
In Outer Order, Inner Calm, I write about how clearing clutter and creating order can make us feel lighter, happier, and more focused. But getting organized doesn’t mean rushing out to buy new bins or storage systems. Often, the best place to start is by taking inventory and figuring out how to use what we already have.
Actually know what you have
How many times have you bought a new notebook only to find a stack hiding in a drawer? Or picked up more batteries because you weren’t sure if you had any at home? Before bringing in anything new, take inventory. Open every drawer, look through every shelf, and make sure you know what you already own.
Keep things where you use themOrganization isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about making life easier. The most useful things are the ones that are easy to grab when we need them. If you’re always hunting for scissors, don’t keep them in a desk drawer across the house—store a pair where you actually use them.
A few easy adjustments:
Store your keys by the door instead of tossing them onto different surfaces.Keep a small basket of office supplies where you work, rather than stashed in a deep drawer.Place a laundry basket in the bathroom if that’s where clothes tend to accumulate.Love it, use it, or let it goIf you don’t love it and don’t use it, why keep it? I ask myself: “Do I need it? Do I use it? Do I love it?” If not, I consider donating it.
To help decide, ask yourself:
Have I used this in the last year?Would I buy this again today?Is this taking up space that could be better used for something I actually need?Get creative with what you already haveOnce you’ve gone through these steps, you may find you don’t need to buy new organizers or storage solutions at all—you don’t have anything that needs to be organized. Beyond that, you can repurpose everyday items to help keep things in order. You might even have quite a bit of fun in the process. For instance:
Turn a wall or whiteboard into a visual to-do list. Use washi tape and Post-its to create a flexible, movable calendar or task board. Jot down tasks or appointments and move them around as plans shift—no fancy planner required.Repurpose jars and boxes. Mason jars can hold pens, kitchen utensils, or makeup brushes. A shoebox can become a drawer divider, and an old gift box can store chargers and cords neatly.Use an old magazine holder in new ways. Turn it on its side to store cutting boards or foil and plastic wrap in the kitchen. Stand it upright to keep notebooks or mail organized.Label with what you have. Instead of buying new labels, use masking tape and a Sharpie or cut up an old cereal box into DIY tags for storage bins.Make a “put-away bin.” Designate a basket or tote bag as a home for stray items that need to go back to their places—great for tidying up quickly.When we take stock, declutter, and get creative, we often realize we don’t need to buy anything new to feel more organized. We just need to use what we already have—more intentionally.
See Gretchen’s Other Recommendations ARCHIVING AND SAVING SAVE TIME AND IMPROVE FOCUS MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER Simplify OrganizationThe post Gretchen Rubin’s Tips on Organizing: Use What You Already Have appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Making Life Easier
Some things just make life easier—small, simple items that streamline daily tasks and remove tiny frustrations. As Samuel Johnson wrote, “To live in perpetual want of little things, is a state not indeed of torture, but of constant vexation.”
Sometimes, the right tool at the right time can make our lives much better.
This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links , meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.
Smooth-edge can opener A friend just told me about this item. No better way to open a can.
Swedish dishcloths Reusable, pretty, absorbent.
1-minute hourglass timer For the one-minute rule.
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers These things really are magic at making mess and grease and marks disappear.
Shelf spinner Sometimes called a “Lazy Susan,” (conflicting theories about why) these devices are handy for all kinds of things.
Command Hooks They’re a go-to for college dorms for a reason. The perfect solution when you want to use your vertical space without drilling holes or damaging walls.
Packing cubes I love packing cubes. They help me stay organized while traveling, plus they can save quite a bit of space in a suitcase.
The post Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Making Life Easier appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen Rubin Guide: Make Life Easier
Some things just make life easier—small, simple items that streamline daily tasks and remove tiny frustrations. As Samuel Johnson wrote, “To live in perpetual want of little things, is a state not indeed of torture, but of constant vexation.”
Sometimes, the right tool at the right time can make our lives much better.
This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links , meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.
Smooth-edge can opener A friend just told me about this item. No better way to open a can.
Swedish dishcloths Reusable, pretty, absorbent.
1-minute hourglass timer For the one-minute rule.
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers These things really are magic at making mess and grease and marks disappear.
Shelf spinner Sometimes called a “Lazy Susan,” (conflicting theories about why) these devices are handy for all kinds of things.
Command Hooks They’re a go-to for college dorms for a reason. The perfect solution when you want to use your vertical space without drilling holes or damaging walls.
Packing cubes I love packing cubes. They help me stay organized while traveling, plus they can save quite a bit of space in a suitcase.
The post Gretchen Rubin Guide: Make Life Easier appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Saving Time and Improving Focus
When it comes to saving time and staying focused, the right tools can make all the difference. Sometimes, we rely on workarounds or makeshift solutions that drain our energy. Whether it’s a gadget that eliminates an unnecessary errand or a tool that streamlines a daily task, investing in the right items can free up mental space and give us back valuable time.
This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links , meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.
Visual focus timer Visual timers are a terrific way to keep yourself on task, or even motivate yourself to start.
Loop earplugs If you find it hard to focus with too much background noise, and when it’s too quiet, these comfortable noise-reducing earplugs may help you find your Goldilocks volume.
Speks fidget toy Perfect for keeping your hands busy during a long Zoom call.
Desk treadmill Movement benefits your mind as well as your body. A desk treadmill offers an opportunity to move, even you find it hard to get outside.
Noise cancelling headphones Comfortable noise-cancelling headphones can get you in the zone when you need to buckle down and focus. Even if you don’t feel like listening to anything, just putting them on can be an effective “Do not disturb” signal.
In use/available sign
Sometimes in a shared space, it’s hard to tell what’s currently in use and what’s fair game. A simple sign can take the guesswork out of the equation and help everyone feel more comfortable.
Grip strengthener
Stronger grip muscles help stabilize wrists, reducing the risk of strains and injuries during daily activities and exercise. Plus, this is a workout I can do during a video call.
iPad stylus
Sometimes, you just need more precision on a touchscreen.
The post Gretchen Rubin’s Recommendations: Saving Time and Improving Focus appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen Rubin Guide: Save Time and Improve Focus
When it comes to saving time and staying focused, the right tools can make all the difference. Sometimes, we rely on workarounds or makeshift solutions that drain our energy. Whether it’s a gadget that eliminates an unnecessary errand or a tool that streamlines a daily task, investing in the right items can free up mental space and give us back valuable time.
This post includes products that I believe in and love myself. It also includes affiliate links , meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase from these links. This never comes at any cost to you.
Visual focus timer Visual timers are a terrific way to keep yourself on task, or even motivate yourself to start.
Loop earplugs If you find it hard to focus with too much background noise, and when it’s too quiet, these comfortable noise-reducing earplugs may help you find your Goldilocks volume.
Speks fidget toy Perfect for keeping your hands busy during a long Zoom call.
Desk treadmill Movement benefits your mind as well as your body. A desk treadmill offers an opportunity to move, even you find it hard to get outside.
Noise cancelling headphones Comfortable noise-cancelling headphones can get you in the zone when you need to buckle down and focus. Even if you don’t feel like listening to anything, just putting them on can be an effective “Do not disturb” signal.
In use/available sign
Sometimes in a shared space, it’s hard to tell what’s currently in use and what’s fair game. A simple sign can take the guesswork out of the equation and help everyone feel more comfortable.
iPad stylus
Sometimes, you just need more precision on a touchscreen.
The post Gretchen Rubin Guide: Save Time and Improve Focus appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
