I want to make positive  changes to simplify my life.  So, when the time is right, Ernie and I can take off for the great beyond around the world.  It’s about paring back on the amount of stuff I live with daily so when it’s time to live for a month or two out of a carry on bag I can do it without getting out of my comfort zone, struggling or freaking out.

Okay, maybe not just a carry-on.  A carry-on and one checked bag.  I think I can do that.

Recently, I’ve pitched four pairs of shoes.  Still have dozens more to go.  I have four pairs of pink shoes.  I have a pair of sandals with kitten heels in lime green. Yes, Ernie calls me, “Imelda.”  And, so many clothes I can’t neatly fit ‘em in my walk-in closet and massive, antique bird’s eye maple bureau.

Getting simple isn’t always easy. We’re bombarded with thousands of marketing and selling messages daily screaming, “Buy me! Try me!!” All promising to make us happier, healthier, sexier, more organized, less stressed, more connected, more sexy, more youthful. More, more, more. Did I mention more sexy?

It’s hard to keep saying “no” when our culture, our economic system thrives, no, depends on us saying “yes.” In fact the feeling is we must be crazy not to trade our hard-earned dollars for all the things we should need and want.

Yesterday I was skimming through “Real Simple” magazine to check out the “simplicity” found there.  Here’s what I discovered in the September 2010 issue:

• Navy wool vest:  $498
• Red wool jacket: $595
• Vintage leather ankle boots: $595

Let’s see – that totals $1,688.  Does that sound simple?

We could pay our mortgage for two months.  You could buy a round trip ticket to India.   I’m just sayin’.  What could you do for $1,688 that would help you get closer to your excellent adventure?

Studies show when you buy something on credit, its far less satisfying than paying for it with cash. Or, for greatest satisfaction, buy an experience.  Don’t use $1,688 to buy a sofa. Buy a vacation.

I also checked an article in the online version of “Real Simple” entitled, “7 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes.”  Most of the ways involved buying something. Surprise!

One natural way was to double up on pillows at night. The other “natural” way was to eat dark chocolate. Believe me, I’ve tried that method.  I hate to admit it,  it doesn’t work. Delicious? Yes. Effective? No.

Want my cure-all method to reduce circles and puffiness? Take two tea bags. Get ‘em wet.  Lie on the sofa.  Place the teabags over your eyes for 15 minutes.  Relax.  The tannic acid reduces circles and draws out the puffiness. It works and you probably have tea bags at home.

Every other suggestion involved buying a special cream or antihistamine.

So, real simple really isn’t.

Okay, let’s all do it together.  What three items in your closet can you chuck in the garbage or give to charity this week? It’ll feel great when you’re done, trust me.