Simplicity
Money and Frugality
Some thoughts on money and frugality
Economics comes from the Greek word meaning ‘household.’ We have to come to the realization that frugality and plain living originates in the home, and should focus on the well being of the family, and raising our children as well as influencing other members of extended families and households to practice positive ways of obtaining and saving money.
For the most part, we have not yet accepted the fact that the United States is interwoven with the whole world. To concentrate on protecting one’s own house or apartment is like thinking that we are the super power and all knowing, We need to create transactions of goodwill and good faith in order to promote a more meaningful economic structure where the importance of human need and responsible stewardship of our earth is the goal.
When you are honest in your transactions, whether you’re bartering, trading, or exchanging your services for goods, show signs of appreciation and goodwill and you’ll find, more connections than ever before will come your way.
We are lots if times driven by greed, and that is why, I believe our nation justifies wars based on economic interests and for some reason feel overthrowing governments is acceptable due to similar reasons.
We are all interconnected from home to our government and we should know that both should accomplish money and business ventures with the notion that the bottom line is the reciprocal satisfaction. Simple and plain frugal living creates a planet where starvation can easily be eliminated and everyone can have needs met and peace shall rein among all nations.
The economic decisions you make in your own home can so change our world simply by becoming more self-sufficient and dramatically reducing your consumption of unnecessary items.
Money has unfortunately become a great God. It’s interesting how money just can’t stay where it belongs. It should be a means of supporting life to meet our needs and has taken over the meaning of real security such as self-sufficiency, family and friends. Although money can affect our freedoms and give us power or even happiness, it should only be the catalyst to a better life and should never signify happiness and well being itself.
By giving money great importance, you easily remove the important meaning in your life where money is merely one way of reaching certain goals rather than holding money as the great deity in your life.
I can’t understand why there is still growing anxiety regarding scarcity in this nation. This anxiety about scarcity affects our lives at both a psychological and sociological level. We listen to what others tell us we should strive for in order to obtain abundance of material goods that somehow leads us to great happiness.
Simplicity can take you down the road to freedom and true happiness; affecting your immediate surroundings and extending to the world itself by not taking more than you need. which in turn assures others less fortunate the ability to obtain their needs as well.
By realizing the abundance of what we already have and putting it to good use, generosity is born and with it can only arise true freedom and unconditional love and acceptance of the world around us.
When John D. Rockefeller was once interviewed on the subject of wealth and how much more did he think he needed to attain true happiness and satisfaction, he replied he needed just a little bit more. That just goes to show you the affects of counting on money for true happiness rather than opt for simplicity and frugality in order to attain real freedom and never feeling you need more. Let your needs and wants be leveled and you’ll never feel as though you need more and more.
Thoughts on simplicity and stewardship:
To live a frugal and simple life automatically involves stewardship. Simplicity involves what we own and how much we choose to own and be responsible to take care of.
Stewardship is the use we make of what we already have that has not been attained through our own doing.
Simplicity dictates we should not live beyond our needs and learn to truly realize the differences between our needs and wants, thereby, never having more than what we really need.
Stewardship, on the other hand, somehow teaches us to take care of what we already have or were given through good fortune.
This all comes down, in my opinion, to deciding what we should and should not keep. Items which tend to weigh us down, get rid of; these are items that do not allow us to move forward thereby not permitting us to take total control and care of what is really important.
We need to realize that having great amounts of money should only lead us in the ways of doing good with that money and not glorify yourself because you feel the attainment of such great wealth was somehow a gift to you for having been so good.
Money earned through dishonesty or even wars can’t possibly be distributed for the common good and needs of man. It carries within it the seeds of it’s own destruction. The more we have the more we feel we need and therefore sharing simply does not enter one’s mind.
BY THE CURIOUS ARITHMETIC OF LOVE,
THE MORE WE SHARE, THE MORE WE POSSESS;
THE MORE WE WILLINGLY GIVE,
THE MORE WE MULTIPLY.
By: Lowell Wright
Later,g
Posted in Frugality, Simplicity, Thoughts | 
Tags: frugal, Frugality, greed, ownership, scarcity, sharing, simple living, Simplicity, voluntary simplicty
How to Make a Sachet
Nothing to this. How to make a sachet with common household items. My bathroom smells much better now.
Global Warming
GLOBAL WARMING
A few simple ways to help:
1) Switch your regular light bulbs to fluorescent light bulbs. They cost more but last longer.
2)Purchase energy saving appliances. For more information go to – www.aceee.org/consumerguide/chklst.htm or www,energystar.gov/products. Try washing dishes by hand or hanging your clothes to dry.
3)Lower you thermostat in the winter a few degrees and raise it a few degrees in the summertime. Seal off spaces under doors and check windows as well. Drape off areas in your home during the cold season to retain heat in specific rooms.
4) Get an energy evaluation. You can perform your own at www.energyguide.com.
5) Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees. Try cool showers in the summer time and wash clothes in warm or cold water. Take less showers and wash less clothes.
6) Switch to energy saving computers and office equipment. Go to www.energystar.gov for more information. The only way to conserve energy with electrical equipment is to unplug them altogether. Using power strips than can be turned on and off work as well and are easier to use.
7)Go off the grid all together! Use solar, wind or even earth heat to power your home needs. Go to www.green-e.org or www.epa.gov/greenpower. 
Drive less and walk more. Ride a bike or look into hybrid cars or cars run on vegetable or hemp seed oils. Share a ride to work.
9) Don’t sit in your car with the engine running and travel when there’s less traffic. Drive according to the speed limit – after 55mph, your car loses efficiency. Carry the least amount of weight in your trunk and use higher octane gasoline. Keep up with appropriate air in your tires and always check your fluids. Driving with your windows open makes the engine work harder. Look into possibly switching your own car engine into a vegetable oil run engine!
10) Limit flying in a plane. Stay at home or near home when vacationing. Go camping right in your own back yard or share a vacation with a friend or family member. Travel together in one vehicle if going away on vacation.
11) Buy less stuff and save more money. Live and shop closer to your need level than want level. Don’t shop for cheaper items that don’t last. Spend a little more and shop for items that last longer. Keep large dispensers and refill them. Try to by as many bulk food items as possible. I refill my liquid soap container, laundry bottle, spray bottles and use the same juice bottles for making frozen concentrated juice. Items that are concentrated last longer and come in much smaller packaging.
11) Recycle as many items as possible. I make it a point to recycle aluminum. Find areas near you that will take paper, cans or plastic.
12) Eat less meat! It is more expensive to raise the animal than to grow crops. Many forest areas are dying just to make room for raising more cattle.
13) Although we can’t get rid of everything that contributes to the global warming crisis, we can certainly do something…even if it’s just one thing. One individual doing one part to help is good, but many individuals doing one part makes a huge difference!
To read more about this, pick up the book:
An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It by: Al Gore
Hemp Facts
1) Environmentally safe Cannabis can take the place of almost all petroleum based chemical products.
2) Hemp fiber boards are almost 3 times stronger than boards containing a wood base.
3) Hemp paper products can go through the recycling process many more times than paper from trees.
4) Paper from Hemp is rot resistant and does not decompose.
5) Important documents printed and saved on hemp paper won’t yellow in color like regular paper.
6) Scientists have found Hemp paper that was almost 2,000 years old!
7) Hemp paper can be bleached with environmentally safe compounds. This leads to less production of harmful by-products.
Hemp can produce different quality levels of paper…thick, thin, textured and non-textured.
9) Unlike most crops, Hemp can flourish and grow at very high rates without using harmful pesticides and herbicides.
10) Hemp can be turned into biomass energies thereby reducing our need for fossil fuels or even nuclear power.
11) Hemp fiber insulates better than cotton fibers, grows in a longer more abundant amount and is much stronger than cotton; It also repels moisture from your skin therefore being many times more absorbant than cotton.
12) Stalks of Hemp don’t contain THC.
13) There is no THC in Hemp seeds. These seeds are even more nutritious than soybeans and have fatty acids that surpass any other protein source. A complete protein, these seeds are more easily digested by humans than soy. If you need to regulate your bowels or ease your symptoms of menopause, try some Hemp seeds.
14) The oldest fabric found in the history of the world is a piece of Hemp believed to date back as far as 8,000 B.C.
Posted in Simplicity
Primitive Simple-Living
Primitive Simple Living is an entirely different animal, although, for those who have already chosen to simplify, it can be a much easier transition and can be a totally unique and satisfying experience. Primitive is just what the name says, being totally self reliant and self-sufficient, ready for any emergencies and or dangers that may come your way.
This way of life certainly speaks to a chosen few men and women who’s heart and soul carry a sense of adventure, hard work ethics and essential pioneering skills. Loving nature is not enough.
Don’t try to go out there without any knowledge of wilderness survival skills and expect to make it. Country living or even living on a farm is pretty much self-sufficiency in action, but… wilderness living doesn’t offer much in ready-made supplies.
Before you try and set off on this new and exciting adventure watch as many documentaries as possible. Take a few wilderness courses and read lots of books. Alibris.com has one of the largest selections of wilderness books, stories and training manuals.
If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll find it! Get familiar with a few catalogs that offer survival gear and remember. Nowadays you don’t have to walk into the wilderness alone without training or supplies – be smart.
The web has lots of information as well and you could even sign up for the more popular courses. Mother Earth News offers information on schools and businesses related to wilderness survival.
You can also go to www.motherearthnewsmagazine.com. Earth Knack offers classes in stone-age skills. For further information you can go to www.earthknack.com or get in touch with Bart or Robin Blankenship at: PO Box 508, Crestone, CO 81131 or call – 719-256-4909.
This next school is actually the one I would like to sign up for myself. It’s reasonably priced and teaches everything from tanning hides to plant identification.
They actually take you on wilderness treks, with training and testing on site. They are Hollowtop Outdoor Primitive School located at: 12 Quartz St., Pony, MT 59747 You can visit their website at – www.hollowtop.com.
It has some great links to other schools and reading and learning materials. If you’re really into primitive training, join The Society of Primitive Technology. I did and I’m glad I did. I have now met quite a few people through the society’s networking. Upon joining, you’re automatically signed up to receive
The Bulletin of Primitive Technology twice a year and special editions. The Bulletin offers a way to meet others with similar interests and offers information on upcoming classes and workshops. You’ll also be able to obtain information on shopping for much needed tools and supplies. The book, Primitive Technology: A book of Earth Skills had published articles by society members and editor, David Wescott. I just ordered the book and can’t wait to get it.
More books before you trek:
There are tons of wilderness books out there but here are a few of my favorites. Some of these are fiction stories but still an interesting and educating read.
Primitive Wilderness Living and Survival Skills by: John McPherson and Geri McPherson
One Winter in the Wilderness by: Pat Cary Peek
You Can’t Wallpaper My Igloo by: Katherine Norberg
How to Live in the Woods on Pennies a Day by: Bradford Angier
The Final Fontiersman by: James Campbell (I am so upset I did not pick up the last copy they had on the shelf at a nearby store. The first time I met Haimo and his family was through a National Geographic Documentary called Braving Alaska. The documentary also contains the story of other families that have chosen to brave the Alaskan Bush. The book is about Haimo and his family years later. They were known to be one of the most isolated families in the world.)
Wilderness Wife by: Bradford Angier – loved it!
Alaska’s Wilderness Medicines by: Eleanor Viereck
Living with Nature by: Art Ludwig (this guy has a very strong argument on living primitively) I really enjoyed what he had to say.
***The Emergency Disaster Survival Handbook by: Doug King available from ABC Preparedness, PO Box 795, Sandy, UT 84091(free shipping)*** EVERYONE NEEDS TO HAVE ONE OF THESE WITH THE WAY THE WORLD IS BEHAVING NOWADAYS!!!***
In my opinion, the simpler you know how to exist and the more you know about survival skills, the better off you’ll be in case of an emergency or disaster. Disasters and primitive living have many similarities! Think about it, if you could live in the wilderness, those disasters might not affect you like those living in cities.
If I could get rid of Cable, I would… but my husband and kids would not be very supportive. I do understand there are certain educational shows that are good for them, but I’m happy with news and public television. Anyway, www.pbs.org offers shows, documentaries and books.
Two of my favorite documentaries take families back to both the 1600’s and 1800’s. The names of these two projects are Colonial House and Frontier House. You get to see how people live without electricity, running water and grocery stores. A few people actually wanted to remain living in the Project.
Another documentary offered through pbs.org is Alone in the Wilderness – my favorite by far.
It’s about a man named Dick Prinoeke (I think I spelled his last name correctly, if not…you can find it through the title name). There’s also a book out based on the journal he kept while living for MANY years in the Alaskan Wilderness!
He was in his 50s when he decided to leave civilization and the rat-race and set off to the wilderness to build a log cabin all by himself, fished and hunted for food, had a fresh water source and prepared animal hides for warmth and clothing. Except for a bush plane that came a couple of times a year, leaving much needed supplies, everything he needed was built by hand using only what the land had to offer. Alibris.com offers used copies at really cheap prices (as they do all there books). You can still visit Dick’s cabin if you’re ever in Alaska.
There’s a really interesting show on the Discovery Network called Survivorman – www.discoverchanel.com. This guy gets dropped of in different locations and climates all over the world, with little to no survival tools or gear. He teaches as he goes,showing the basic survival techniques applicable to the different situations.
Construction Ideas and Building Materials:
Environmental Housing Ideas – get in touch with Robert Bolman 541-344-7196; 888 Almaden St., Eugene, OR 97402.
A man named Ole and his wife built a totally sustainable house in Portland Oregon – www.rdrop.com/users/krishna. They specialize in low-impact living such as harvesting rainwater, building a home out of straw bale, toilets that don’t use water, heating your home with compost. growing plants and crops on your roof. Pretty amazing and I think if you get in touch with them, you can drop by for a visit.
www.hhinst.com – This site offers information on creating natural and environmentally safe dwellings.
www.homeenergy.org – they offer you ways to drastically reduce home energy bills.
www.buildinggreen.com – Lots of articles and links to alternative housing and building materials. They have a directory called GreenSpec Product Directory. This directory is loaded with information on cheap, yet safe building products!
The Fox Maple School of Traditional Building, specializes in teaching people about all kinds of building methods like straw bale, clay/adobe, earth plaster, corncob, and daub and wattle. They’re located at – Corn Hill Road, PO Box 249 Brownfield, ME 04010 – 207-935-3720 – fax: 207-935-4574.
This lady Charmaine Taylor is amazing! She publishes and produces The Dirt Cheap Builder’s Catalog and wrote The Dirt Cheap Houses Guidebook on Disk…she covers lime building, paper construction, ancient earth dwellings, collecting rainwater and even building your own cooking units. She has her own mail order business and offers an interesting and useful selection of books and videos. On these she covers building the cheap and natural way, living off the grid, earth dwellings, underground homes and my favorite – travel-trailer homesteading. There’s another section on simple and sustainable living right where you live…you don’t have to leave everything behind and buy a piece of land in the middle of nowhere to live off the grid and be totally self sufficient! You can contact her by writing to: PO Box 6985, Eureka, CA 95502 – fax and phone: 888-441-1632 or see what it’s all about at: www.dirtcheapbuilder.com.
Building With Wood:
Shelters, Shacks and Shanties by: D.C. Beard – This is a classic and the best in my opinion. Written in 1914 by one of the founders of the Boy Scouts, he’ll show you how to build primitive shelters just by using an ax and a knife.
www.logbuilding.org – shows you tons of information on building your own log home.
www.yurts.com – Yurts are tent-type dwellings that can easily be moved around. They can be used as temporary dwelling or be made into a sturdy permanent house. It originates from the Mongolian Nomadic People. They even make some now that can withstand around 100 mile an hour winds as well as 100 lb/sq ft. of snow! I’ve seen some really big and beautiful ones. They’re probably one of the cheapest dwellings around and come in an assortment of sizes and styles.
www.castearth.com – teaches all about different types of natural earth dwellings.
www.strawhomes.com – Building with straw.
For papercrete building write to Laura and Gordon Solbert: earth@zianet.com
For thatched roof information (one of my favorites) go to – www.thatching.com – he’s an Irishman that is a master roofer specializing in these ancient type roofs!
I’d like to end with some tips on living on a farm if you’re interested in more of a homesteading direction rather than a bare-bones primitive lifestyle. The cheapest way to go, nowadays, with modern conveniences is buy a cheap travel trailer and pay lot rent. Take your time choosing trailer communities especially if you have children.
1. Save as much money as you can and try not to buy on credit.
2. Keep a diary of every single expense and how you can continuously trim down.
3. Don’t be late on credit payments. This way, when you need car repairs or animal feed, the stores will know you’re trustworthy.
4. Re-invest money made from crops back to growing more crops.
5. Choose crops that sell easily and are in high demand.
6. Sell your crop when the demand is high and no one else has that particular crop. Grow crops no one else has but don’t grow strange crops that people don’t normally consume.
7. Don’t forget it’s a business like any other and you’ll have to know certain market and advertising strategies!
8. Avoid selling wholesale.
9. Your local county extension agent can furnish you with much valuable information, if you’re ever in doubt about producing and selling.
10. Buy cheap, when purchasing anything to do with operational support – save the difference.
11. Buy animals and land during off-season when others don’t have the money or are simply not in the market to buy.
12. Try to buy animals that are pregnant and never buy an animal without inspecting it your self.
13. Keep yourself updated with the latest farming information. Go to the library, attend workshops and classes, subscribe to helpful periodicals and attend any meetings, conventions or product demonstrations offered through your local product associations.
14. And most of all remember your land and animals are very much a spiritual responsibility. You will only get out of them what you put into them.
15. Live with family or friends when saving to purchase your farm.
16. Look around for land that has potential for growth and livability. For example, you don’t want swampland or land without water sources. Make sure you can get electricity and indoor running water. Will the mailman deliver or will the bus be able to pick up your children for school? Make sure you write down all of your needs and wants before you buy. Never buy land that sounds too good to be true without seeing it first. Nearly all of the time it is too good to be true.!!
17. Learn as much about any poisonous critters that might be indigenous to the area and learn first aid in case of bites.
18. An ideal place might be some isolation but not too isolated. Buy far enough from your neighbor or the nearest city but make sure helicopter service is available in case of extreme emergencies.
19. You have to have some wilderness training even when homesteading on a not so wilderness area.
20. Most of all make sure this is really what you want. You might even want to try and work on a farm or ranch environment before having your own. Farm life can at times be lonely, especially for mothers and wives. You have to be able to handle everything around the home front, especially if your husband still has to maintain and outside job…but in the end you will see the fruit of your work through your family, children, land and animals, Everything you put into this beautiful way of life will come back tri-fold.
A LITTLE BIT OF LAND
A little bit of land is all I ask, Just a small place to call my own,
Where I can put down roots so deep So deep,
That great-grandchildren still will Call it home.
Is it so much to ask? A lane of trees,
Bringing birdsong and covered leaves,
Sweet lilacs holding in their arms,
The lawn. Tulips and yellow daffodil,
Spattered up and down the cellar hill,
Sweet gurgling brook, fresh and cool,
The brush beyond
Sheltering grouse and sage,
And shy sweet deer.
Oh aching heart, hungry hungry soul.
What little bit to make a grateful
Whole.
Is there no spot in all this universe/
A little valley, with a cabin home,
A bit of garden I can call my own,
I would not bruise the land, or tear
It apart,
But keep it beating with a happy
Blooming heart.
Each bit of soil, which God had
Surely blessed,
Would be a cozy home for seeds to
Rest,
And grow and nourish, comforting
All men,
With fruit and shade, and food for
Every soul.
A little bit of land, to call my own,
Within its small confines, a loving
Home,
And fertile soil
No matter the toil,
I would so grateful be
If God would take a little chance on
Me
And give me a small plot of lonely
Sod
That needs a gentle hand, and God.
Written by: Jennie Senrud Hutton
Just a note: One of the people not affected by the Great Depression were the Amish, Conservative Mennonites and The Hutterites (plain people of the plains).
Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi
**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we
simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the
gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or
those of your fellow reader. **
Home Life
MAMA’S MAMA
Mama’s Mama, on a winter’s day,
Milked the cows and fed them hay,
Slopped the hogs, saddled the mule,
And got the children off to school,
Did the washing, mopped the floors,
Washed the windows and did some chores,
Cooked a dish of home-dried fruit,
Pressed her husband’s Sunday suit,
Swept the parlor, made the bed,
Baked a dozen loaves of bread,
Split some wood and lugged it in,
Enough to fill the kitchen bin,
Cleaned the lamps and put in oil,
Stewed some apples she thought might spoil,
Churned the butter, baked a cake,
Then exclaimed: “For Mercy’s sake,
The calves have got out of the pen!”
Went out and chased them in again,
Gathered the eggs and locked the stable,
Returned to the house and set the table,
Cooked a supper that was delicious,
And afterwards washed all the dishes,
Fed the cat, sprinkled the clothes,
Mended a basket full of hose,
Then opened the organ and began to play,
“When You Come To The End Of A Perfect Day.”
This poem was written by a lady named Anna Rees Henton in 1953 – she was 85 years old.
The home-front is the foundation of life and all you do. I’d like to offer some information on creating a more peaceful, simpler and healthier home environment. What happens at home affects not only our state of being but the environment as well.
I’d like to begin by giving you a simple list of helpful hints…this is especially helpful for stay at home moms and dads or if you’re simply a home-keeper.
After my second child was born I went through many dark periods of depression…not so much after my first born. It was a big let down for me that both of my babies had to be born by c-section. I somehow felt, as most women do, that to really given birth, a vaginal delivery was the only way to go…I soon got over that and realized no matter how children come into this world (even if adopted), you have given birth.
As mothers, we somehow feel our maternal instincts immediately kick in; or at least that’s what we’re told. I felt guilty that mine took a while but once it did kick in, I was totally in love with my babies.
Many women I’ve spoken to feel a c-section birth takes longer before you truly bond with that baby. It’s o.k. and very normal and because of the guilt, lots of women suffer in silence. Staying home with children is the hardest job, and yet; sometimes it’s work that goes unnoticed.
I call it the invisible mom syndrome. We do little things everyday like picking dirty clothes up off the floor, putting out fresh towels, making sure dishes are cleaned and ready for use, clothes are washed and ready to wear, you drive everyone around and get them to where they need to be and so on and so forth.
The list goes on and on. It’s almost as though we, as parents, stand still and stop our lives so our children can have a solid foundation to grow and move on. I believe more mothers groups should be available so we don’t feel so alone.
I think most care-takers suffer through this and they need to know there are ways to make these active parenting years a bit easier. No parent is perfect no matter what a family looks like on the outside. It’s o.k. to feel inadequate and insecure.
Anyway, I’d like to give you a few tips on how I made it easier to stay home. I hope some of these helpful hints will encourage you because you’re not alone. I love my daughter and son with all of my being.
I know that when the time comes for them to fly away, they will carry with them happiness, love, peace as well as a deep sense for helping those in need. It will be all worth it and they will always remember me and keep me in their hearts forever.
A paycheck can never give you a feeling like that…. and in those quiet and unexpected times when they look into your eyes and say “I Love You Mommy,” …you know you’re doing everything right!
C-SECTION BLUES
My belly was big
It went way out to there.
So they put it under a machine and then they shaved off
all the hair.
Honey , let me tell you about those c-section blues.
didn’t dilate too wide
So they tried to induce.
Blood pressure went sky high and I thought” what the
hell’s the use.”
Honey, I’ve got those high blood pressure c-section blues.
So they gave me a bikini cut
But they cut it too high.
I can’t wear a bikini now I think I’m gonna die.
Honey, I’ve got those changing body image, high blood pressure c-section blues.
Now I’ve got a big scar.
It runs from here to there.
I can’t sit-up without assistance, so I ain’t goin’
nowhere.
Honey, I’ve got those can’t sit up, changing body image,
high blood pressure c-section blues.
Then they sewed up the bikini cut.
And they stapled it shut.
As soon as I can move without pain, I plan to kick some
butt.
Honey, I’ve got those mean enough to kick butt, can’t-sit-up, changing body image, high blood pressure c-section blues.
Yes, you heard me right.
I’ve got those natural childbirth classes amounted to
nothing, mean enough to kick butt, can’t sit up, changing
body image, high blood pressure, caesarian section blues.
Written by: Karen and Clark Iverson
Gigi’s Helpful Home Hints: These are some of the things that I found help me through the day.
1) As soon as I wake up I jump in the shower and get dressed. Don’t stay in your night clothes all day, as this will not give you a sense of purpose and makes you feel sluggish through out the day; this was part of my own depression. You want to be ready for anything.
2) I didn’t realize I had let myself go until my daughter pointed it out one day. She really did not feel comfortable for mom to be seen by friends and she was absolutely right. Take care of your appearance everyday. You’ll feel much better all the way around and everyone else will be happier.
3) I have a calendar book that I update almost every night. I look to see what’s going on for the next day and write down any errands I may need to do. I save my shopping for Sunday mornings when I can go alone and relax. Get as many things done around the weekend so that during the week you only have to be concerned about school and extracurricular activities; I even try to schedule any doctor’s appointments on Sat. mornings. Some doctors and dentists offer that service.
4) Find a good friend you can talk to about your feelings and share helpful ideas with. It certainly takes a village of mothers and fathers to raise all of our children. I find although I can share many things with my husband and he certainly tries to be understanding and appreciates all that I do, I feel at times it’s a bit more beneficial for me to have that close girl friend who’s also a mother. They understand…they’ve been there and done that.
5) Find and join groups that address your particular needs and interests. We are more than mothers and fathers. We are individuals that didn’t just die after we had children. Keep your interests alive and do little things to get out of the house and feel like a real person again. You don’t work 8 hours a day(although some corporations do this) without a break; you shouldn’t go all week without having some personal alone time. I go for long walks, do research and write. I also take some time in the early morning to center myself and get some very needed alone time. Pray, chant, meditate, read or do some yoga before staring your day.
6) Try and keep a positive attitude.
7) Replace negative thinking and habits with things that bring you happiness such as happy family and friends and getting yourself involved with interests that bring you joy.
Don’t spread yourself thin especially during the holidays. You can’t please everybody all of the time. Don’t feel bad about being a little selfish and do what makes you comfortable whether it’s spending less for gifts or simply choosing to stay in your own home and celebrate.
9) Make sure your friends and family understand your time with yourself and your children is precious to you. Set boundaries in a kind way. I do most of my writing between 10am and 1pm. Everyone pretty much knows I won’t be answering the phone unless it’s an emergency; after all, no one calls people at their regular jobs to chat.
10) Get your husband and children to help around the house. My kids clean up their rooms and pick up after themselves and my husband is in charge of trash and lawn. You’re not Super Mom or Super Dad; you can’t do it all or you won’t have any quality time left over to spend with your family.
11) Avoid drugs, coffee, sugary drinks and soda pop, tobacco and/or chewing snooze. Drink plenty of fluids, walk and eat healthier…don’t over eat!
12) Don’t talk about what you have to do, just do it.
13) Turn off your television or simply throw a blanket over it; if you’re able, get rid of it altogether.
14) Do one task at a time.
15) Keep active and use less heat during the winter months.
16) Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
17) Home school your little ones.
18) Keep up with the cleaning and picking up. It’s a whole lot easier to maintain than to try to do it all in one day. I wipe down the toilet and kitchen everyday. These areas tend to be the most active and harbor the most germs.
19) Set aside time to do NOTHING AT ALL!
20) And finally…STOP WORRYING; the dirty dishes will still be there tomorrow and so will the dirty laundry. Make the most of each and everyday and be thankful. Worrying will resolve nothing!
***For all of you stay at home dads, I commend you. You also have many of the same worries and needs. I hope the above information can be of some help. Good luck to you and enjoy each and every moment; know you hold the most important job you you’ll ever have and we thank you.***
Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi
Related Books:
Spiritual Midwifery by: Ina May Gaskin (you can also read more on Ina and her way of life at- thefarm.org – this may be the best book ever written on natural child birth)
Heart and Hands by: Elizabeth Davis
The Complete Book of Midwifery by: Barbara Brennan
Diary of a Midwife by: Juliana Van O Phen-Fehr (I could not put this one down – great read as well as valuable information)
Midwifery and Herbs by: Willa Shaffer
A Simple Choice by: Deborah Taylor Hough
Simplicity is Genius by: Criswell Freeman (a must-have on your bookshelf)
Simple Living by: Frank Levering
Resources for Living: A Plain Man’s Philosophy by: Gains G. Atkins (a must have)
Coping With Life by: Merritt W. Borden
Websites:
www.freenclearstuff.com (offers a vast array of really totally free stuff…good selection for babies and children) you can also get a fee subscription to parenting a baby magazines!
www.mennonitemaidens.com (they offer a nice selection of home-made plain and simple children’s toys as well as baby blankets, environmentally safe baby and adult diapers and baby wipes)
www.motherhood.com (great pregnancy apparel at modest prices)
www.wendysmodestdress.com ( home-made comfortable attire and lots of very low priced gentle used clothing)
www.Alibris.com (they carry every book known to man covering parenthood, children, cooking, cleaning and care-taking) I think they’re the best!
www.blair.com (comfortable dress at amazingly low prices!)
www.butterflymama.com (fair-trade store…beautiful, sexy and flowing tops)
www.soul-flower.com (some cool plus size apparel)
Backwoods Home Magazine – write to editor@backwoodshome
Common Sense at Home Newsletter and Books – write to cash@lakeozarknet
These last two websites and newsletters deal with everything from home- to alternative home energy sources…perfect for anyone staying home with kids, working from home or interested in home tips and alternative living.
www.lalecheleague.org (help with breastfeeding)
There are also many websites that offer a wealth of information to dads as well as connecting them to other stay-at-home dads.
Life is a series of tests; but if you pass
your tests, you look back upon them as good
experiences.
Peace Pilgrim
Fruggle Fooding
Gigi’s simple and cheap eating:
Try to buy as many organic products as you can afford. It’s important we support organic farmers; they use no pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or genetically altered crops. This is extremely important to our children’s health in the future. There is an alarming growth in childhood cancers and obesity.
Since I can’t afford to purchase everything organically grown, foods my family consumes the most, are always purchased with the organic label (milk, eggs, yogurt, macaroni and cheese, some fruits and vegetables, cereals on sale, and cream cheese). My local supermarket also carries naturally made generic products, such as: natural peanut butter made with only peanuts and salt, natural jams and jellies with no added sugar or preservatives, natural juices, breads, and an array of snacks and drinks.
My daughter is the meat lover in the family and although I tend to limit her intake of flesh, I make sure any meat she consumes come from organic farmers.
Look for sale ads on organic products or even buy one get one free offfers. I have to be careful though, because once I walk down that organic isle, the temptation to purchase non-food items (lotions and potions, fragrance oils and body and hair care products)begins. Try and limit these purchases to a minimum.
-Oh, there’s also a variety of organic canned chili made with soy protein that my daughter just can’t get enough of. She never even realized it was meat-less until I told her and even then she couldn’t stop eating it. Nutrition can be a simple process…buy cheap, natural and organic whenever possible. Limit your intake of refined sugar, white flour, candy, chips and soda pops. Try baking your own bread, pastries and cookies and look for ways to make more foods from scratch in bulk amounts. Drink plenty of water, take a daily vitamin and don’t forget that apple a day. Simplicity in food shopping can save you plenty of money, not to mention helping to avoid visits to the doctor.
Eat to live
Don’t live to eat
Anonymous
Some advice from some older folks on living a long life:
drink plenty of water
eat whole foods
cook with lots of olive oil
don’t eat red meat
butter is better than margarine
don’t over eat
no junk food
if you can’t read the label, don’t eat it
keep active
and always look at life in a positive way
Gigi’s frugal food ideas:
Your favorite beans on whole grain toast with melted soy or regular cheese. You can mash and re-fry the beans from the night before.
Your favorite beans and rice dish. We love black beans over steamed white rice topped off with chopped green onions and a strong drizzle of extra virgin olive oil!
Natural peanut butter and jelly with sliced banana. Makes a good sweet treat.
Boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs over your choice of steamed rice…top this with sardines and olive oil, sliced onions and your favorite spices. Tastes even better the next day!
Cream cheese sandwiches or cream cheese on toast. Cream cheese is cheaper than regular cheese and goes with a variety of toppings…also very useful in home-made desserts.
Potato and onion sandwiches. This one came from my ex-husband, Jeff…something he ate lots of while traveling as a hippie.
Mayonnaise, miracle whip or butter sandwiches. Something I ate quite a bit of as a kid when hard times hit. Oh, and let me not forget, when I got real creative and mixed the butter with the sugar!
Peanut Butter and sliced banana sandwiches. I think it was Elvis’s favorite – except the bananas were fried.
Peanut Butter and mayonnaise sandwich. One of my husband’s favorite.
Ramen noodles with chopped celery and green onion. From my husband’s bachelor days.
Onion sandwich. Another one of my ex-husband’s.
And who could forget the famous ketchup and pasta or on bread combination.!
Fried bologne and eggs or fried bologne sandwiches. A country favorite. You could even try some fried canned spam.
Chopped celery, green onion, mushroom and tomato on cuban bread with some homemade salad dressing on top. I make my homemade dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar and water. I then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper(black and red), and add mustard and honey when I feel like adding some sweetness. This combination of vegetables and dressing make a great side dish on hot summer days and celery and green onions are about the cheapest vegetables around. Green vegetables are the healthiest.
Try having breakfast for dinner like: Jiffy blueberry pancakes with a side of turkey bacon or even some fried hot dogs with sliced onion. Jiffy is the cheapest baking mix.
I buy good quality hot dogs without preservatives or fillers and fry them up. I add them to pasta dishes, rice, potatoes, salads, toast, and have even stuffed them in my oven baked green peppers. My mom used to stuff fried hotdogs in her home-made potato balls.
When I’m really pressed for time, we’ve been known to have cold cereal and milk for dinner.
Trash salad: I often make this one as a main dish with my home-made dressing as the end of the month approaches and funds are running low. Just like my garbage soup which incorporates bits and pieces here and there that are not enough for one serving, I do the same with this salad. I get some lettuce and whatever vegetable and fruit that’s laying around, chop these up, add peanuts, grated cheese, left over turkey bacon bits, sliced cheese, crunched up saltine crackers or triscuits (even old bread that I baked in the oven with garlic), hard-boiled eggs, raisins, and if you really want to be bad some crunched up potato chips. Chop, slice or crunch your ingredients all up and mix with your lettuce in a big bowl. Top with my home-made dressing and it’s more than a complete meal! It tastes even better the next day for lunch on some toasted cuban bread.
A bowl of warm oatmeal with raisins, honey, brown sugar, molasses and cinnamon. My favorite anytime as a meal or sweet snack. A healthy snack when you’re pre-menstraul and craving sugar!
The kids favorite is our family night buffet. I make small portions of the following: pasta and sauce, fried hot dogs or bologne, trash salad and garbage soup, hard boiled eggs, fried potatoes, cream cheese on crackers, peanut butter and jelly squares, home-made rice krispies, popcorn and your choice of drinks. It’s cheaper and more fun than going out to a sit down buffet.
Well, I could go on and on but will leave more food ideas for the near future. My whole point is food doesn’t have to be expensive and complicated to be good or good for you. Make simple dishes that are both healthy and cheap. I know lots of the foods I mentioned are not the healthiest but eat them on a moderate basis or as a special treat. Omit the meat if you’re a vegetarian(meat is expensive and unhealthy). Simple cooking allows you more time with family and friends and in the end you won’t break the bank and feel healthier.
***don’t forget to take a walk after dinner***
***it takes lots more land to raise the animal for slaughter than to grow fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains…less meat consumption means more food to go around…don’t forget your vitamin B-12 supplement if you’re going meat-less – and that includes fish***
I don’t preach vegetarianism more because
we haven’t learned not to kill each other yet. I
realize we’re probably far from a step like this.
Peace Pilgrim
Here are some of my favorite cookbooks:
More – with – Less Cookbook by: Doris J. Longacre (simply one of the best)
The Vegetarian Epicure by: Anna Thomas
The Encyclopedia of Country Living by: Carla Emery (my favorite author and book of all times…although Carla is no longer with us, she will forever remain in my heart…it was because of her and her book that I fell in love with simple living and self sufficiency; thanks Carla, your book was a constant friend and companion through both happy and sad times. There’ll never be another one quite like you)!
An Amish Table by: Phyllis Pellman Good
For more great cookbooks go to:
www.mennonitemaidens.com
goodbks.com
Lehman’s.com
Alibris.com
Order the GVS Catalog: PO Box 310 Versailles, MO 65084
There are many periodicals that contain book order information or simply some great recipes and tips on simple living:
www.countrylivingmagazine.com
www.backhomemagazine.com
Wisdom’s Gate PO Box 374 Covert, MI 49043
Keepers at Home Magazine
Country Woman Magazine
www.motherearthnews.com
you can also find free recipes, brochures, books and magazines at: www.freenclearstuff.com
Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi
Financial Simplicity
Financial Simplicity:
I really can’t think of anyone who is debt-free. The way things are going, many people don’t have much choice, but to fall deeper and deeper into the trap. It seems more people these days are taking out high interest loans and some even use home equity loans to finance car titles; some even for survival.
Pay off your credit cards, school loans and anything preventing you from saving monthly. Don’t use one credit card to pay another and if you find yourself buying food and medicine on credit that should be an immediate sign you need to budget and simplify.
Try public assistance and medical assistance if need be. There are tons of free services offered for the disabled and veterans of war. Most states offer food, medical, money and housing for mothers with young children.
If you really need the help, take it and don’t feel ashamed…it’s better than getting yourself into debt you might never be able to get out of. We pay taxes and should accept the benefits when we’re really in need.
When you finish paying off your credit cards, don’t charge again! I keep a few cards around for emergencies. You no longer need a credit card to rent a car. Some rental car places will let you use a debit card. Sometimes I treat myself to a small purchase but make sure I pay it off immediately.
Late payments and high interests rates will get you in the end. If you don’t pay it off immediately, you end up paying more for each product purchased.
Keep away from home shopping channels and television. Don’t allow the advertisers to tell you what you need. Once you’ve established the difference between your wants and needs you should have no problem controlling desires to purchase unneeded material possessions.
If you can’t pay off your credit card balances every month, definitely try 10% and no less. Be careful with some of those companies offering consolidation loans; there usually seems to be a catch. Research anything and everything!
One method I use for keeping my finances under control is the CHEAP and NECESSARY METHOD. When I go through my checkbook, every month, I try and make sure that all purchases were cheap and or necessary. Sometimes you can’t go cheap , still, think about alternatives before purchasing.
No matter what, treat yourself and your family from time to time; and remember, there’s lots of fun and free activities out there. If you don’t have the cash, try to do without – but don’t charge! Buy used and save the difference.
Investigate financial institutions before going with just any bank. I bank at a credit union. I find they offer more services than banks and pay higher interest on savings. They’re more about membership then catering to the rich. There was a time anyone could get into a credit union but nowadays they might check your credit and won’t offer you a checking account upon joining…it’s worth the wait though.
Fashion Simplicity:
The fashion bug has affected all of us at some point; for the most part females. We are constantly made to feel we must have a certain product or we won’t fit in and be beautiful enough. Too often, we think we’re fat and need to buy membership at the nearest gym, or call a weight loss center and purchase their expensive, unhealthy meal packages to end up looking like something we’re not – and there goes more money.
For exercise, I walk as much as my time allows. It’s free, healthy for almost any age and helps maintain a healthier weight. I don’t live on a diet but rather incorporate regular mild exercise, drink lots of water and choose more natural foods. I don’t feel deprived at all and I still enjoy Peanut M&M’S every once in a while.
A healthier diet can reduce your grocery bill as well.
Cosmetic and fashion companies know just how to make you feel less of a person; as do some of the new TV shows that make people feel like they have absolutely no sense of dress or make-up application. Sometimes I think after people are made over on some of these ridiculous shows, they actually end up looking worse.
I wear very little or no make-up at all. I don’t wash my face with soap every day as that will tend to dry out your skin. Women spend so much money on creams and cleansers that actually remove the ph balance from skin. Sometimes plain water is all that’s necessary. I’m 41 and at times still get carded.
If I want to smell extra special other than just a soap and water scent, I use natural perfume oils or naturally scented lotions. I find lotions last longer on the skin and have a moisturizing benefit.
I can’t see paying hundreds of dollars on ladies fragrances mostly containing drying alcohol and other ingredients I can’t even pronounce. I love the fragrance and body products from http://soul-flower.com.
They’re reasonably priced, great customer service and most items are handmade…great soaps! Another great site for homemade soap, modest dresses, self-sufficiency products and books is http:/mennonitemaidens.com.
Jewelry: well, lots of women love it and it’s another way of wasting your hard earned money. Lately, I stopped wearing much jewelry at all and even my wedding band seems to get in the way.
I don’t feel as free to move and work when I am wearing it. I recently found that sterling silver contains a natural antibiotic element. Gold contains elements which may cause certain skin allergies.
I prefer 999 pure silver as opposed to 925 silver. Organic jewelry is cheaper and generally looks more beautiful than over-priced items being sold at most jewelry stores.
I am lucky enough to have a free clothes store nearby. I simply walk in and pick out whatever I want for free. I usually trade out clothes that no longer fit. They also have free books, games and accessories; a local church runs it and their only rule is you limit your visits to once a month.
My children and I have gotten the nicest outfits there and no one would ever guess they were used and free. Wear what you feel comfortable in and what you like, although you can’t go wrong with a good pair of sandals or tennis shoes… That I don’t skimp on. Your feet carry your whole body and having just one pair of good shoes that last (like my Birkenstocks or Doc Martens) is worth paying more. I have a friend that wears her comfy sandals even to weddings and dressy affairs. Hippyshop.com has some great comfy sandals.
Simple Transportation:
Most of us have no choice but to own a vehicle. I don’t like monthly car payments so I’ve always driven older Volvos. Try to buy used and save the difference. This buy used and save the difference is a concept that could work for almost every single aspect of living.
There are some benefits to leasing but you will always have payments without owning (unless you have a lease to own option) so read the fine print. Many companies such as Honda and Toyota are leading the way in alternative, more efficiently run cars. Lots of people are switching to engines run on hempseed oil or veggie oil. Honda is experimenting on cars run by oxygenated water.
Look around for lowest cost auto insurance and keep up with oil and fluid changes as well as tires, etc. Learn as much about your car as possible and learn to buy used parts and fix it yourself. Try to find a job close to home and carpool whenever possible.
Working at home is your best bet and with your new simplification you might very well have the extra time, money and energy to start your own business. Walk or ride a bike instead of driving and take full advantage of public transportation.
Education:
Some of the smartest self-made business people I’ve met never went to college. I’m not against a college education but be smart about it. Don’t go on credit. Work and pay as you go or investigate different options such as grants and/or scholarships. There are many payment programs that never have to be paid back.
As far as educating children goes, there are many more special programs offered through the public school system than that of private schools so investigate before choosing an expensive private education that’s not worth it. You can save that money for college or helping you child in the future for self-employment. My daughter is in the gifted program at public school and I found most of the private schools in the area did not offer anything close to it.
Also, home-schooling is another option when schools in your area are simply not good enough. Look for families of home-schooled children in your area and start a school of your own. There are home-school summer camps and conventions throughout the nation…simply sign up and go.
Just remember, expensive, private education is not always the way to go… lots of these institutions simply want your money; make sure you get what you’re paying for! As far as religious private schools go, I’ve always wondered why they wouldn’t offer FREE tuition!
Entertainment: Tips for fun…
Have a weekly movie or game night.
Go camping in your backyard.
Public libraries offer many fun summer events.
Look in your local paper for free concerts and events.
Go on a one-tank trip.
Take a vacation in your own home.
Go on picnics, window shop or walk on the beach.
Buy a travel-trailer and live on the road…you’ll have hours of travel and entertainment every day of your life.
Be creative about having fun. Try everything at least once, no matter how silly it may sound. There’s a lot to do out there for free or low cost. It’s not always where you go or what you do but rather spending that very needed quality time with family and friends.
Remember…buy used and save the difference and no the difference between your actual wants and needs. Try the cheap and necessary method.
Create a sensible budget and stick to it. Try saving a percentage of any money earned; you need to have money in case of emergencies.
Think of different ways to make more money; maybe you have a service to offer…think about what you’re good at or simply enjoy doing.
Talk to friends and family and figure out ways to trade services. Clean someone’s home, mow their grass, run errands or walk someone’s dog.
Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi
We limit ourselves by thinking that
Things can’t be done. It’s the one who doesn’t
Know it can’t be done who does it.
Peace Pilgrim
Self Simplification Wherever You Are.
The simple life is not all that simple. Self sufficiency or living off the land takes lots of work, commitment and self discipline.A rural life could be a means towards a simpler existence, but for most of us, making the drastic changes involved in relocation would be virtually impossible; so, for those people, begin simplification right where you are.
I have seen many try to simplify their lives and actually end up creating more complications. Many books describe this process with rituals and procedures, and make it sound as though it could all be done in a day.
Simplifying all aspects of your life has no set time line. Each person is different. Some can achieve both an inner and outer need level immediately, and some may take years. Once you’ve made the choice to simplify, start from within. Listen to your inner voice, and use that as your guide.
I began about 5 years ago and am still learning and growing every day! For me it was about seeking a more peaceful existence and obtaining more freedom to enjoy the REAL important things in my life. I began by bringing my total existence to my own personal need level.
We all have different need levels but once you’ve found yours you’ll soon experience a sense of freedom and tranquility, leading you towards a more meaningful way of life. You’ll no longer feel as though you’re spreading yourself thin.
Without a cluttered mind and the added responsibilities of unnecessary material possessions, you’ll have more time to concentrate on family and friends or even begin and finish projects you had no time for.
Our material world does not and cannot fulfill us. It can, at best, provide a temporary bandaid, that leads to debt, stress and health problems. So many of us are enslaved and we don’t even realize it. We’re caught up in credit cards, new car payments, fashion, expensive homes, driving really long distances to work, high insurance payments and expensive vacation traps. All of this soon leads to a weary mind and lots of health problems.
People won’t remember what you had, but rather what you did. The choice to live a simpler existence positvely effects family, friends, our environment as well as your children’s future. People will notice the difference in you and will begin to ask questions. Use this as your opportunity to share, leaving behind a very important legacy.
A few first steps:
After you’ve made the choice to simplify your life, clean out your mind, body and environment. You can begin by cleaning out closets. Donate or simply give away as many items as possible. This will give you a good feeling, knowing that others will benefit from STUFF that no longer has use to you.
Clean out your car and follow up with your work space(whether at home or away). Once you’ve uncluttered all areas of your environment, you can then begin to simplify yourself from within. Start by getting rid of any bad habits that affect your finances as well as your overall health and well being.
Remove negative thought patterns, eat healthier and stay clear of any negative influences such as people, places and temptations that might cause you to overspend. You’ll soon learn that self simplification has a domino affect in all areas of your life. Take your time and enjoy the trip.
The simplified life…
Much more calm, much more life
The realness is unveiled
Projects move forward which in the past failed
What beauty and serenity it’s given me
Beautiful Simplicity
Anonymous
Suggested Reading:
1) The Joy of Simple Living by: Jeffrey P. Davidson
2) Simple Gifts by: June Sprigg
3) Simple Living by: Jose Hobday
4) Your Money or your Life by: Joe and Vicki Dominguez (one of the best for financial freedom)
Catalogs:
GVS – PO Box 310 Versailles, MO 65084 (takes you back to a simpler time; good quality products and shoes)
Gohn Brothers – Box 1110 Middlebury, IN 465401110 ( family owned; large amount of simple products)
Yoder Dept. Store – State Road 5 PO Box 245 Shipshewana, IN 46565 (lots of simple home made items and great quality garments)
Write to the above addresses and they will send you a free catalog. Businesses listed above use no phone or internet service…snail mail only. They walk their talk and have superb customer service!
Websites:
http://lehman’s.com – (one of my favorites for a huge array of simple, natural and self- sufficiency products; excellent customer service and great books) you can also sign up for Lehman’s Life…folks share information on simple living.
http://goodbks.com – some great gift giving books on the plain life as well as beautiful stationery.
http://www.thefarm.org – a walk through communal and self-sufficient living…began as a dream and still lives on… doing some great work from midwifery to helping communities in need; interesting handmade products.
Periodicals:
1) http://www.backhomemagazine.com ( great farm companion)
2) http://www.motherearthnews.com (the original magazine for self-sufficiency)
Products:
1)Tom’s of Maine – family run, natural/safe products…love their deodorant!
2)Kirk’s – has been around for a VERY long time…great castile soap and hair products.
These companies sell all natural products safe for you and the environment. They are lower in cost than most of your organic products and can easily be found in almost all supermarkets around the US. I purchase mine at SweetBay Supermarkets.
Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi
Posted in Simplicity