Browsing category: Simple Living

A Sitting Duck and a Noisy FedEx Delivery

We had a few minutes of minor excitement here yesterday morning when the FedEx delivery person bent down to leave a package, suddenly jumped back and screamed.

Except For Those Two Times When We Dug Up Something Else…

I am fairly certain that we have never dug a hole of any size here on this property without encountering at least one boulder-sized rock. It’s a given… we dig a hole, we dig up rocks. Except for those two times when we dug up something else…

Learning To Slow Down

The stress of always being in a hurry drains your spirit, distracts your mind, and prevents you from focusing on what is really important. It fools you into wasting time in areas that don’t reflect your values or your goals.

Hanging Bags of Water… Do They Really Keep Flies Away?

In a book I was reading recently, one of the main characters was hosting an outdoor party… and his preparations for this party included matter-of-factly filling clear plastic bags with water and hanging them from low tree branches.

Can Credit Cards Be Used Responsibly?

Reader question… “Would you share your thoughts about the cash envelope system versus the use of credit cards? I read today that any use of a credit card is irresponsible and that anyone using a credit card will end up spending more money than if they used only cash.”

How Many Servings of Fruit and Vegetables Should Your Family Eat?

I was opening a bag of frozen organic broccoli last night when I noticed that the serving size listed on the bag was four florets… and that the two-pound bag supposedly contained twelve servings.

Peter Lawrence — The Happy Minimalist

Peter Lawrence’s lifestyle is very different from that of the average American. He doesn’t own a bed… instead he sleeps on the floor in a sleeping bag.

Organic Seeds, Heirlooms, Hybrids, Open Pollination, and GMO-Free

A good basic definition of organic seeds seems to be that the seeds have been produced without the use of… or exposure to… insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, artificial or chemical fertilizers, or sewage sludge.

One In, One Out vs. Purging for a Reason

Reader question… “A friend told me that I should always purge an item if I buy something similar, even if the item to be purged is still in good condition or if I am still using or wearing it…”

How Much Does It Cost to Feed YOUR Family? — Updated for 2017

How much does it cost to feed YOUR family compared to these 2017 government guidelines? The guidelines are given for four levels of spending… thrifty, low-cost, moderate, and liberal.