On my journey to simplifying my life and our household, I have come across many blogs, books, Instagram accounts, and more. There has been one author that I have continually learned something from every time I read something of hers or listen to her speak. 

Emily Ley. 

Emily carries herself with such grace, openly speaks about her relationship with the Lord, and strives to keep her life full of only what matters most. 

I’ve actually shared many of her ideas with you guys. 

After following her on Instagram for some time I decide that her book, A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools For Intentional Living, was something I needed to read. 

Let me tell you about this book and why you need to read it. When I read it I truly felt like, this woman and I are the same person.

And she says everything so well! You will truly feel like you’ve made a new friend. 

First Impression of Emily Ley’s A Simplified Life

• It’s beautiful. This book looks great displayed on my bookshelf or nightstand. 
• It’s quick and easy to read. 
• It is full of real actionable steps you can take to simplify your life.

What Is The Book About?

A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living, is a guide on how to simplify 10 different areas of your life. Emily walks you through what she does to simplify her space, style, meals, schedule, finances, hospitality, technology, self-care, motherhood, and faith. 

Emily gives you real tools and steps to take. She tells you what to do and exactly how to do it, all while also telling you a story and showing a piece of her life. She truly invites you in and writes as if you are her friend. 

The book also includes journal entries and a few of Emily’s favorite recipes. 

The journaling pages are designed to help you reflect on the areas of your life that need simplified and come up with a plan of action. 

The book is full of gorgeous photos and quote pages, again making this a beautiful display piece in your home. 

My Favorite Parts

I loved many things about this book. I love the ease of it, the look, and the information. 

I asked for this book for my birthday, wondering if I would ever really have time to read it. I haven’t read an entire book in probably 4 years. I had made a goal for myself to read more and spend less time online, but I still wasn’t sure how I was going to get this done. 

This book made it happen. It is very easy to read. Emily is a great author. She gets straight to the point while still making you feel included. She is honest and tells it like it is, while still being graceful.

Because she doesn’t spend a lot of extra time with narrative and fluff, you can get this read quickly. 

I read this book on the floor of the bathroom while my daughter was in the bath and during our 15 minutes of silent reading a day. It didn’t take me long at all. Any on the go, busy mom, can get his book read. 

Also, when you read the book you will come away with tools that will help you take back some of the time in your life!

So seriously, get it, and read it. 

What I Didn’t Like

Okay, so there really wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about the book. 

I personally did not use the journaling pages. One because I didn’t want to put my messy handwriting all over the perfect pages and two because I was reading it in spurts. Journaling really isn’t my thing. 

At first, I had some hesitations about the self-care section, but I do think she handled it well. 

I see a lot of self-care messages these days. Now is not the time to share my opinion on that, but I do know that we are not first, BUT we do need to take care of ourselves and we are not last. There is a fine line and some people cross it. 

Emily handled this topic really well and did a great job of giving you real ways to take care of yourself so that you can be the best for your family. It’s not about getting your nails done and taking a bath. It’s about being healthy and simplifying your life so that it’s not so overwhelming. 

I’ve always thought we add to our drama in our lives and over complicate things by putting too much on our plate. Emily says this beautifully and gives real ideas for helping you through the overwhelm. 

Bottom Line… Should You Read It?

Yes! Get it now and read it quickly. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to take action from the very first pages.

I loved this book so much I have bought it as a gift and have recommended it to anyone who I think would gain from it. 

I recently bought her first book, Grace Not Perfection and can’t wait to dive into it. I’ll let you know how it is. 🙂
 

Do You Need More Simplifying Tips?

Beyond recommending Emily’s book, I have many tools here on this blog that may help you as well. If housework, and life in general, are just overwhelming to you, I would like to invite you to stay awhile and look through the resources I have to offer. 

I have many many blog posts, which are free for you to read. I encourage you to look below (and above in the categories) for more posts that may be encouraging to you. 

Make sure you check out my library of free printables. You will find many resources such as various cleaning checklists, budgeting tools, and 101 Things to Declutter Today. 

If clutter is your problem. I suggest either my 3-day challenge or my Declutter Handbook.

3-day challenge – Declutter Your Bedroom in 3 Days.

Declutter Guide – Declutter Your Whole House In Your Own Time.

Also, check out the list of other related blog posts, below.

Thanks for stopping by! Come back anytime. 

Read More:

Decluttering Sentimental Items :: How to Let Go

Find Time To Declutter When There Is No Time

Why Decluttering Is So Hard And How To Overcome It

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