I read Rhonda Hetzel's Down to Earth blog regularly and am always impressed with her sensible approach to living a simpler life. She often gives tips on approaching frugality and simplicity at all stages of life which is great.
When I started changing over to a less consumerist and wasteful life, I adopted many new techniques (many of them from Rhonda's blog) to help the family come along for the ride. On the whole, we have been quite successful. We spend less than we did, we eat healthily, home made gifts are given and there is pretty much zero food waste.
However, I have to say that as the family shrinks, so the whole process becomes easier again. The processes that were put in place in the beginning are still going strong, but I now have less cleaning, less washing, less ironing, less food shopping etc etc. This in turn means that I have more time to catch up on other jobs and time to socialise.
So yes, of course you can adopt a simpler lifestyle as a family with 4 (almost) adult children, but it's surely got to be easier when there are fewer variations, opinions and needs to meet?
I've also been able to work through my huge list of jobs to do on the house. They're those pesky little jobs that get put off - a kind of 'snag list'. Every day, another little job gets done - painting a door frame, sanding down and refilling a rough patch before repainting, decluttering corners of the house and completing small, outstanding DIY repair jobs.
One job I couldn't do was to replace the mortar on the roof. I suspect the original mixture was a little dry and now it's started to crumble and crack, causing large chunks of mortar to slide down the roof. The other week, I climbed out of the bedroom window onto the roof and cleared the dorma gutter from the largest pieces, but I've had to call in the experts to repair it. I've used a company from
Checkatrade, so I'm hoping they are as good as their reviews. The problem with being a teacher is that certain surnames instantly make you think of certain families and not always in a good way! Despite his potential 'pedigree', he seemed like a by nice young man....
I know, I know, I shouldn't judge a book by its cover or even its surname!
I use little lists to make me tackle problem areas or jobs I keep putting off. I will have to check out the down to earth blog it sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth a look. I do love lists although I suspect I might write too many!
DeleteDown to earth is one of the best, so full of good advice. Looking forward to her new book. Lists and more lists here as well especially DB, he gets such a buzz from crossing things odd!
ReplyDeleteI have been known to add things to the list that I've already done, just so I can cross them off!
DeleteI found Rhonda's blog after a tip from yourself last year. I love it. She talks sense. I found her last 2 posts particularly interesting - the ones on becoming a one income family. There must be something in the air as I'm catching up on little niggly jobs too!
ReplyDeleteIt feels great to be finally ticking off all these outstanding jobs. Yes, Rhonda's blog is still great to read!
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ReplyDeleteWe have just finished expanding the family with now three under 6, I'm struggling to find the right balance at the moment. I so want to grow our own, cook healthy food from scratch, keep a tidy and clean house as well as do lots with the children. I fear due to how unpredictable children (and a dog!) can be, a balance may never be found, more trying to keep ship amongst calm waters and stormy seas! Some good days some days I feel like a simple life just isn't simple and will never happen! You are my light at the end of the tunnel my proof it does get easier :-) x
ReplyDeleteLife will be very full with children, especially whilst they are still at home, but the fact that you have adopted this simpler, frugal outlook will stand everyone in veery good stead. With hindsight, I would say I left it too long and it was hard to introduce it to children who were already used to eating out and more disposable income in the house. Your family unit will be able to work together along the way whatever bumps and hiccoughs come your way. I look forward to following your journey. :)
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