Latest news with #minimalism
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Man details the shocking realities of living in a remote tent in the woods after shunning modern life
A man who sold his apartment to live in a tent in the woods alone has lifted a lid on his unusual lifestyle - revealing he uses baby wipes to bathe and survives off canned beans. The man, named Keith, who is in his 20s and lives in Australia, explained exclusively to the Daily Mail that the idea dawned on him after years of working tirelessly and still struggling to get by. 'No matter how many hours I worked, I'd still have nothing left at the end of the pay cycle,' he said. 'Sham contracting jobs make you liable for taxes at the end of the year.' As someone who is 'naturally introverted,' he enjoys 'solitude' and being in nature, so four months ago, he decided to leave his home and try living in the forest full time. At first he started by sleeping on the tent floor in a sleeping bag, but when he woke up 'drenched and shivering' he got creative. He bought a stretcher and started resting on that at night - and he now insists he sleeps better than he did at his apartment. 'I can sleep better in the woods than with noisy roommates,' he told the Daily Mail. The only items he has with him are some clothes, a mop to dry the floor of the tent if it rains, his sleeping bag, a portable clothesline, and 10 power banks that he uses to keep his phone charged. He sleeps at 'free legal campsites' and usually stays in the same one for a month before he is required to switch to a different campsite. He has a gym membership and goes once a month to re-charge all of his power banks. As for food, he explained that he lives off tortillas and canned beans. 'Twenty flour tortillas at $5 a pack, along with a $1 can of large canned beans (either kidney, chickpeas, lentils, baked beans) lasts me three days,' he shared on Reddit. 'I also buy high protein soy milk cartons, a carton costs me $3 and I consume them within 72 hours of opening since I don't have refrigeration. 'I also buy around 10 packets of family sized snacks (potato, corn, biscuits) for calorie bulking. 'These cost me around $2.50 each. So about $40 on snacks, plus water costs me $20 for two 24 bottled water packs. I take vitamins C, B12 and iron supplements. 'My bloodwork is normal and my BMI hovers around 19. I used to have Type 2 diabetes but it is now in remission since going on this diet.' He uses baby wipes to bathe 'every few days,' but he 'might use a smidge of hand sanitizer once a week with the baby wipes.' 'I use creek water every week or two with the biofriendly soap. I carry a bucket and bathe on the soil away from the water flow,' he added. He wears his clothes for 'three to six days' before he deems them dirty, and washes them in the river without any detergent. 'I immerse them in the flow, take them out, wring it, and repeat three times,' shared Keith. 'I wash the sleeping bag every few months at a laundromat though.' While his tent is waterproof, he said rain sometimes seeps through the seams and collects on the floor, which is why he sleeps on a raised stretcher off the ground. 'I mop up the water and occasionally spray some disinfectant on the tent fabrics during heavy rain,' he dished. As for how he uses the bathroom, he explained the campsites usually have 'drop toilets,' which are non-flush toilets that utilize a drop hole instead of water to dispose of waste. He told the Daily Mail that he has faced some life-threatening situations over the last four months of living in the woods. He said he was once worried about getting hypothermia after he 'got drenched' and once had a large branch fall off a tree and nearly hit him. 'I try to set up underneath a gap in the canopy for this reason. I also try not setting up right besides the road as a careless driver could run me over at night,' he explained. 'And [thankfully] my area stays above freezing even in winter so I just adapt.' As someone who is 'naturally introverted' he said he 'doesn't need constant social stimulation' and is happy to spend his days going on hikes. He vowed that he doesn't get lonely and is able to stay in contact with his family using his phone. He estimated that his living expenses are only $500 a month, which includes his car registration, insurance, gym membership, phone bill, food, and supplies. He lives off 'savings and welfare' and still works 'a few months in the year' to make some income, and he said the 'main benefit' so far has been cutting out his high rent. 'The benefits of this lifestyle are mainly financial, though being able to go on nice walks through the forest trials in the early morning is an underrated advantage,' he explained. While Keith knows not everyone will understand his lifestyle, in the end, he insisted that he is happier than ever. And he said he could see himself doing it 'indefinitely' as long as nothing goes astray.
Wall Street Journal
11-07-2025
- General
- Wall Street Journal
House of the Week: A Santa Fe Home in a Gated Golf Community
Stephen Robeck and his wife, Susan Robeck, were living in Santa Barbara, Calif., when they decided they needed a change. Their house had been robbed twice and the area had suffered devastating mudslides, killing 23 people. 'We were ready to try something new,' said Susan, 73. During a trip to Santa Fe in 2018, the Robecks bought two lots for a combined $715,000 in Las Campanas, a gated golf community about 20 minutes outside of the city's central plaza. They were drawn to the community's privacy and amenities. A year later, the pair moved into a Santa Fe rental and hired local architect Lorn Tryk to build their new contemporary home. The couple say they were very hands-on when it came to the design, and were influenced by the minimalism of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. They didn't want baseboards or crown moldings, and instead opted for walls that hover a few inches off the ground. They also wanted the main living spaces to be open to each other, but also separate—something they achieved using countertops and walls that don't reach the ceiling, visually breaking up the space.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Pristine home on the market for £170,000 leaves people 'nervous' over its extreme all-white interior
A two-bedroom bungalow on the market for £170,000 has come under fire for its pristine white interior that takes the 'greige' design trend to another level. The property, located in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, boasts bright and clean spaces, plenty of storage space and an envious proximity to schools and amenities. But as the 'greige' (grey and beige) trend grows in the world of interiors - where homeowners tear out a property's quirky features and instead opt for bland minimalism and modernism - this house keeps pace. The property listing, from estate agent Gebbie & Wilson, reads: 'Situated within a sought-after residential pocket of Stonehouse, this is an immaculate mid-terraced bungalow, ideal for a variety of purchasers. 'The property is presented in true walk-in condition, with tasteful neutral decor throughout. 'Internally, the accommodation comprises a welcoming entrance hallway, a bright and generously sized lounge and a modern fitted kitchen complete with a comfortable sitting area, providing direct access to a charming patio and the beautifully maintained rear garden.' And in a cheeky nod to the selective interior, one of the listed images features a chunky white hardback book, perched on the corner of a white coffee table, titled The Art Of Living With White. Would-be buyers took to social media to share their horror at the house's ghostly interior, believing the description's use of the words 'immaculate', 'bright' and 'neutral' was an understatement. One person referenced the book, writing: 'Living With White makes it sound like it's a medical condition, along the lines of "living with Alzheimer's" or "living with chronic pain".' To this, another quipped: 'Chronic pain would describe well trying to live with all that white.' Although the exterior is unassuming, the living room immediately welcomes guests into a world of white - with the walls, plush cushions, vase, lampshades, coffee table, rugs and fluffy throws all the same chalky colour. Visitors then walk into the kitchen where, apart from the surprising brown wooden floorboards, all other features are colourless, including the fridge, microwave, cupboards, rug and clock. The pop of colour offered by the garden provides a stark contrast with the house's interior, and one commenter wrote: 'Disappointing amount of green in that garden. Maybe they hadn't got to the chapter on whitewashing the lawn yet.' Another echoed this sentiment, writing: 'I'm shocked the garden isn't just white roses only.' Other prospective homeowners imagined visiting the house as a guest, and being terrified to spill or make any mess. One said: 'This makes me very, very nervous. Can I skip sitting down? I'll just stand here, just here, and not move an inch.' And one person shared a personal experience of that very situation. They wrote: 'I once picked my friend up from her Mrs Bucket mother-in-law's mansion. 'I got asked in for a cup of tea and her mother-in-law took me into that exact room where, once I'd sat down, she handed me a cup of tea and a chocolate digestive. I've honestly never been so petrified in my life.' However, the interior offers a surprising reprieve from the otherwise snowy mania. Where cupboards or chests of drawers are relatively easy to replace, the homeowner has nonetheless retained a deep mahogany chest. Eagle-eyed property fans spotted this, with one saying: 'Disappointed to see a brown wardrobe.' Another chimed in: 'The deep, shiny wood stands out soooooo strangely!! They'd be nice pieces of furniture in a house with more character…' Others noted the difficulty of living in such a house, where the room for error is already so minimal, with children or pets. One said: 'My border collie would permanently change that house within seconds.' However, the all-white interior, extreme though it may be, represents a port in the storm for many potential homeowners who prefer absolute minimalism at home in a chaotic world.
Android Authority
10-07-2025
- Android Authority
Minimalist Android fans, Niagara Launcher's Theme Collection is your new playground
Andy Walker / Android Authority If there's one thing Niagara Launcher users love, besides debating which apps to favorite, it's showcasing their home screen setups online. For a launcher that emphasizes minimalism, it certainly inspires a flood of creativity and innovation from its users. Over the past few months, I've explored numerous personalized layouts of varying taste. It's clearly a facet of the launcher that its fans can't get enough of. Do you use Niagara Launcher? 0 votes Yes, it's my main launcher. NaN % Yes, but I jump between it and others regularly. NaN % No. I tried it, but it doesn't gel with me. NaN % No, I use another third-party launcher (mention which in the comments). NaN % No, I use my phone's stock launcher. NaN % Although I've mostly moved away from using Niagara as my default launcher, I still appreciate how the developers continue to add polish while its users make it shine. I've been using the latest version of the launcher for a few days to try its new Theme Collection feature, and even as a hands-on serial tinkerer, I am impressed. Pick a new theme, apply it, and off you go Andy Walker / Android Authority While I enjoy navigating various menu trees and toggles to build my ideal home screen setup, I also appreciate one-tap solutions that do the heavy lifting for me. Sometimes, I want my phone to create the perfect wallpaper and icon theme pairing to match my mood. Niagara's new theming feature does just that. By going to Settings > Look > Themes, users can now access a carousel of ready-made home screen styles uploaded by the launcher's creators. Each theme combines Niagara's three main visual elements: wallpaper, icon style, and font style. Some themes are plain and ideal for minimalists seeking basic night/light themes, while others are more intricate, featuring adventurous wallpaper or icon combinations. Some draw attention with stylized fonts, while others use a central color throughout. Whichever theme you focus on, each has a distinct personality. It's clear that the developers have drawn inspiration from the community here. Niagara Launcher now offers a collection of themes that can be applied with just one tap. While there are only 17 available themes at the time of writing, at least one should appeal to you. Developers have also promised to add more themes over time, which is an intriguing prospect. Although it's unclear how this feature will progress, there is massive room for growth. Conceptually, this feature has room to expand into a larger community-supported project that possibly includes vetted user-created designs. I am getting ahead of myself, though. Of course, Niagara doesn't rope off the customizations once you apply a theme. You can still tweak individual options of each theme to get the perfect look. Individual elements like wallpaper, font style, and icon packs can all be adjusted. You can still upload a custom font, use a third-party icon pack, or shuffle through your collection of cat wallpapers. Although the feature aims to be approachable for new users, there's still plenty of room for heavy customizers. A few absent options would make Niagara's theming system a clear cut above the rest. Currently, there's no facility to save custom user-made themes that could be saved and reapplied later. I feel this is an oversight, but there is scope for this in future updates. I'd also quite like a theme scheduling system that triggers a particular style based on ambient light, time of day, or the day itself. Niagara developers have also rolled out a new feature suggestion system with this update, so users can propose such features if they desire. Niagara's other significant summer updates Andy Walker / Android Authority With this update, Niagara has added a few more features beyond the theme library. Users now have three new Anycon styles, bringing the total to eight. This is perhaps my favorite Niagara feature, and it really puts Google and Samsung's surface-level icon theming features to shame with its remarkable coverage and consistency. Niagara Launcher has a bright future ahead of it. Its recent updates have added valuable pep to the project, setting it apart from rival launchers on Google's platform. I still value Android widgets too much to stick with it, but I appreciate the developers' moves. More Anycon options and tweaks to animations join the Theme Collection offering with this update. Could the Theme Collection feature bring me back to Niagara? I can see how this feature would appeal to many users who want a customizable yet focused home screen experience — one that shirks grids and prioritizes the handful of apps we all tend to use repeatedly. I appreciate the Niagara developers' work in this regard, and Theme Collections will only add positively to the experience. However, the other smaller features have caught my eye this past week. I've grown reattached to its Anycons feature, Niagara's smart notification summaries, the new animations that appear when a new track starts playing, and the smart Niagara button that I use reliably as a search trigger. The Theme Collection feature is just the cherry on top. You can find the Theme Collection, the new Anycon options, and other minor enhancements in Niagara Launcher version 1.14.0. Also, note that not all themes are accessible through the Niagara free version. You'll need to upgrade to Pro to gain all the goodies.
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Travel + Leisure
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
I'm an American in Paris, and These Are My Ultimate French-inspired Wardrobe Must-haves for Summer—From $14
As I'm typing this, Paris is sweltering with temperatures spiking at nearly 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in a canicule (French for 'heat wave,' which you'll hear a lot this summer), Parisians never lose their sense of style—they adapt, and they do it fashionably. While travelers may be sporting an Emily in Paris-inspired wardrobe that's heavy on heels and miniskirts, Parisians go the opposite direction—comfortable sneakers and structured shirt dresses. As much as I love accessorizing, I often think of the famous Coco Chanel quote: 'Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.' Minimalism is key, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. With the right tailoring and silhouette, a simple sundress could easily look like an expensive designer piece—and in France, where clothing labels are practically taboo, no one would know the difference. To help streamline your summer packing list, I've scoured some of my favorite retailers, like Madewell, Everlane, and Amazon, for the best pieces to complete your wardrobe. From sailor-striped shirts and tanks to a breezy chambray dress and playful jelly sandals, here are 15 of my top finds to add to your suitcase for a French-inspired summer wardrobe. Everlane Oxford Short-sleeve Shirt Dress Everlane I love a simple dress I can throw on without thinking too much about styling. With its A-line silhouette and relaxed fit, this dress from Everlane has the perfect shape to drape (and not drown) my petite figure. Easy to roll up in a suitcase or fold in a packing cube, this is my favorite day-to-day style whether I'm going to a morning market or lunch on a terrace with friends, in which case I'd wear thick-strap leather sandals or elegant espadrilles, a bikini in my straw tote in case I find myself down at the beach later. Reebok Princess Sneakers Amazon As a Florida girl, I naturally gravitate toward sandals, but I've come to understand why the French are such big fans of sneakers in summer. Whether you're clocking 10,000 steps sightseeing or planning a day of shopping around Le Marais, these super comfy sneakers with their removable memory foam insole and minimalist-chic design will ensure you won't need to break because of blisters or sore feet while still looking every bit as stylish as a true Parisian. I have a similar style that I've worn everywhere, from sailing on the west coast of Sweden to a music festival, and island hopping around Montenegro. Free-est Tropics Sweater Pant Set Free People A two-piece set is the easiest travel hack to look instantly put together. This billowy cotton knit is the definition of summer in the South of France with its cropped wide-leg flares and side-slit racerback tank. This is a set I can see myself living in while visiting Nice and Monaco this summer, wearing the top as a cover-up over a bathing suit or the pants over a bikini bottom with a bandeau and button-down linen top. Depending on how you style it, this set can even transition into evening wear with a bright micro purse and gold hardware-accented sandals. Quince Silk Strapless Midi Dress Quince Even though I'm trying to travel as light as possible in summer, one piece I always pack is an evening dress for the handful of nights I find myself at the casino in Monaco or a nicer restaurant like the new Il Grande Palm Beach in Cannes. Since I'm often donning more formal flats or sandals, I've been searching for a dress with the right length that looks elevated without needing heels. This silk strapless midi dress is a timeless staple that ticks all the boxes. Even better, it's washable, making it all the easier to travel with and wear on repeat. On cooler evenings, I'd throw on an oversized pearl-colored blazer, or for a more formal event, a gauzy silk scarf. Iristide Linen Shawl Amazon In France, scarves are a year-round staple, and summer is no exception. An oversized shawl like this one at Amazon can be knotted and tied in several different ways, serving as a cover-up or beach dress, as well as a wrap for the plane. The soft, lightweight fabric is breathable and can offer a layer of sun protection when draped over your shoulders at the beach—or even double as a blanket for an impromptu picnic by the shore. Farm Rio Sicily Linen Romper Nordstrom Linen is the unofficial fabric of choice in the South of France, but that doesn't mean you have to stick with simple neutrals like bone white and beige. A timeless print like this one will instantly transport you to the winding streets of Taormina and exudes the same effortlessly stylish vibes as the characters in season two of The White Lotus. The matching belt, with its bamboo buckle, is reminiscent of Gucci, and while still a splurge, this look won't tire if you wear it season after season. Billabong Feel the Heat Tully Swimsuit Nordstrom This poppy bikini takes a cue from the South of France's legendary painters like Chagall with its geometric patterned print. I practically live in tube tops all summer long, and this suit with its removable straps is the ideal compromise—plus, it pairs nicely with denim shorts and linen pants. This one-piece also has a flattering fit thanks to the cheeky back coverage, which, if you're like me, will gently accentuate your curves. Choklids Bucket Hat Amazon France is not a place known to follow trends, but as soon as designers hopped on the bucket hat bandwagon, the '90s throwback was all over the streets of Paris. In summer, the look is practical since it's easier to fold and carry in a tote (no need to worry about forgetting it on a plane!) and offers enough coverage to protect your face and neck from UV rays at the beach. While Parisians may gravitate toward pricey versions like this one from Jacquemus, the lookalikes at Amazon are every bit as stylish—and will only set you back $15. Grapent High-waisted Barrel Jeans Amazon There's nothing more stylish than a white-on-white ensemble in summer, and one wardrobe staple you should instantly scoop up is a pair of cream-colored, ankle-grazing barrel jeans. The perfect alternative to blue denim in balmy temps, these look great with a cropped tank and sandals while traveling by train throughout Provence or island-hopping in Greece via ferry. All you need to elevate the look is a pair of patent mules and a silky camisole, and voilà—you're ready for a nice lunch somewhere in Paris, like Langosteria or Le Tout-Paris at Cheval Blanc Paris. Madewell Mini Basket Bag Madewell The French are huge fans of bucket bags, but in summer, you'll see leather swapped out for something more casual like raffia—a nod to the Provençal baskets that cart everything from produce at the market to beach towels and sandals. This more structured find from Madewell is a great day-to-night option that can be worn hands-free as a crossbody if you're strolling through a city or cycling along the shore. Or, you can remove the strap, and it becomes an elegant evening top-handle bag. The canvas pouch is also a great feature that keeps all of your essentials from slipping out—and can help prevent pickpockets, too. Quince Chambray Tencel Tiered Long-sleeve Mini Dress Quince Anything wrinkle-resistant is a winner in my books, especially while traveling, and you don't want to worry about ironing everything in your suitcase as soon as you land. This flouncy, tiered chambray mini dress has beautiful movement, but it's also practical for summer, since the fabric is more breathable than cotton. Pair it with leather or jelly fisherman sandal, or dress it up with a pair of wedges or strappy block heel sandals, and this dress will take you from sightseeing in the South of France's perched medieval towns like Saint-Paul-de-Vence to dining at coveted La Colombe d'Or. Sojos Square Sunglasses Amazon My outfits often dictate the sunnies I'm sporting, so I like to have a range to choose from. As a travel writer, the designer versions are far out of my budget, but luckily, there are plenty of stylish lookalikes that I find get as many compliments as the real deal. Case in point: this retro pair of shades at Amazon that feature polarized lenses and ultra-light frames, so you won't have to worry about the sunnies leaving a long-lasting mark on your nose. These stylish shades are perfect for festivals like Tomorrowland in Amsterdam or Rock en Seine in Paris—especially with a structured, wide-brimmed hat and floral sundress. Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck Striped T-shirt I recently spent a few days on Brittany's Pink Granite Coast, and the cliché is true—everyone does wear a classic striped sailor tee. The century-old style started as the official French Navy uniform, but it's gone through numerous makeovers over the years. Go simple with a staple like this cloth boatneck T-shirt from which you can tuck into a pair of denim or structured white shorts or pair with flowy linen pants for a boat day. It'll also seamlessly transition into fall with a pair of sailor jeans, lug-sole loafers, and a trench. Hee grand Jelly Sandals Amazon Fisherman-style jellies from the '80s and '90s are back in full force in France, which I'm glad about since they're a much more stylish alternative to buckled Birkenstock sandals. This look at Amazon comes in dozens of different colors, but neutral black makes it feel just as appropriate for a city like Paris or Bordeaux as well as somewhere coastal like Biarritz. 'I grew up wearing these jellies and I loved them,' one shopper reminisces. 'I looked for them one day because I was thinking about them, and I found them in adult sizes and got so excited! I would order every color if I could!' Sézane Francisco Top Sezane The French know how to subtly make a look sexy with something as simple as a few undone buttons. In summer, a patterned knit is an easy go-to with shorts, over a bikini top, or with a flowing midi skirt. I've seen women throughout Paris sporting variations of this effortlessly chic crochet camisole, but this striped version from Sézane is my favorite yet. I plan to wear it well into early fall with high-waisted, flared jeans and an oversized camel suede jacket, like the label's iconic staple Will Jacket, for a look reminiscent of 1970s Jane Birkin. 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