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Simple Living Mamas Tribe! - Page 4

post #61 of 239
1/5/08 at 4:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LucyRev View Post
subbin!

I feel kind of like that...I unofficially compacted for the last year. I didn't really, but my mindset shifted so much that I hardly wanted to buy anything. My definitions of NEED and WANT really changed and I just realized there were very few things I really needed.

Most of my clothes were old to begin with, but now after buying hardly any clothes for a year, stuff started wearing out and fitting wrong. I needed new shoes and jeans, so I bought some. BUT, instead of the way I used to be, where I would buy cheap clothes, feel unsatisfied and buy more cheap clothes I didn't really like, I bought only the clothes that fit REALLY well and were going to last. The money I spent, is at least a good investment, and I won't need to buy more any time soon.

Are you wanting to buy things just because, or are they things you really need? I've been getting more excited about buying quality things that help my daily life, rather than just acquiring stuff.
I agree with you about buying quality over quantity and try to do that too.

I think I'm just feeling conflicted from basically going from not buying much new to then allowing myself to do that and then feeling frivolous and try to justify to myself why I am doing that. I bought a few things which make my home work better for me, I enjoy to look at, but in reality aren't a NEED kwim? So it's not clutter, nor actually solves a real problem, but I like it. I guess there's not really a problem - but what brought the whole feeling to a head yesterday was visiting with my parents who are pretty big spenders. They buy quality and it's all really useful stuff that I would love myself but can't afford - storage ideas, books and more books (I love books) etc. So I felt like I was missing out, whereas in reality, even if I weren't aware of or desiring to live simply, I wouldn't splurge like that anyhow coz of financial reasons.

Anyway, I guess there isn't really a problem, and I'm content most of the time. Thanks for listening.

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post #62 of 239
1/5/08 at 4:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by magstphil View Post
i'm so glad to see this thread is going so well!

has anyone read, or is anyone reading, the Simple Living Guide? i have had it for months and have been browsing but it's just not all that great. was anyone able to take anything away from it? it's a huge book and i was hoping for suggestions and ideas. so far i have gotten a few but that's really it.
I love this book. I find it very inspiring to read the stories of what other people have done. I think many of the practical suggestions are in the books and other resources she recommends at the end of each chapter. Each chapter is an overview of a topic related to simple living, with some examples of people making changes, then a list of resources to really dig into that topic if it's an area where you wish to change/explore more.
post #63 of 239
1/5/08 at 5:52pm
I'm in! I'm to the point where I am SICK AND TIRED of having clutter around me..I want to start setting a good example for dd especially now in school where everyone has to have Hanna Montana tickets and 100 webkinz
post #64 of 239
1/5/08 at 6:03pm
Count me in. We were forced to live pretty simply because of moving and because of a dire financial situation and I love it, but still need suggestions with things that I'll get into later.
post #65 of 239
1/5/08 at 6:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by beansricerevolt View Post
Great pictures!

I really need some type of small dresser with drawers. It has to be really small tho because we are lacking the space.
Check craigslist or freecycle. You may have to wait, but generally, you can find something cheap or free that will suit your needs.

Good luck.

****************

I find when I'm going through an unsatisfied phase, I can deal with it if I add some change to my life. Like (when it's warm) going to the park and laying out or swinging or knitting, in the park. Going to the mall to people watch. Making food for the people at church. Playing a video game, reading a book, listening to a book on tape. Going to the zoo or art museum on the free day.sewing crafting, ect.
post #66 of 239
1/6/08 at 12:49pm
I am in for sure. I have been thinking of living more simple for a very long time and have been in the information gathering stage so now I am ready to act.
post #67 of 239
1/6/08 at 10:08pm
I am totally in.
Do any of you have simple living tribes in real life? I realize that part of my sadness, frustration, and lack of long term commitment to my values and ideals is that I know very few people IRL who are on a similar path. I need to find likeminded people, and I don't know how.
post #68 of 239
1/6/08 at 10:18pm
a2mama, I hear ya! I don't have like-minded friends who are into simple living as such - there are certain aspects I share with others (or others are starting on the journey in a lowkey kind of way that I've observed but not really discussed). However, I am currently working on the Law of Attraction to find my RL tribe!
post #69 of 239
1/6/08 at 10:27pm
I'm in! Though I'll probably be living vicariously through all of you once my wee one arrives (any day now!) For now, I'm feeling awfully nesty, and off to organize some crafty things into canning jars.
post #70 of 239
1/7/08 at 1:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by a2mama View Post
I realize that part of my sadness, frustration, and lack of long term commitment to my values and ideals is that I know very few people IRL who are on a similar path. I need to find likeminded people, and I don't know how.
I know how you feel. I know no-one IRL that is striving for simplicity! It is hard, I am trying to compact, simplify, cloth diaper ds, and go vegetarian and I don't know anyone who does any of those things
post #71 of 239
1/7/08 at 12:22pm
Id like to join all of you. I try to live simply. Trying to do instead of buy right now. I only know one other person who is on this path but she doesnt have kids so its a little bit different.
post #72 of 239
1/7/08 at 12:46pm
Well I know plenty of people IRL who live 'simply'. Most of them do it because they were raised that way (on a farm/in the country) or they don't have a lot of money to spend.

Ok, they're not super crunchy or anything, but they have gardens, chickens, etc and follow the "make it do or do without" rule. It's the way I was raised and I desperately want to get back there! I feel like once I moved out I went on a spending spree and buying everything new, eating convenience foods etc. In the past couple years that has changed, but I want to take it to a whole new level.
post #73 of 239
1/7/08 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nathansmum View Post
a2mama, I hear ya! I don't have like-minded friends who are into simple living as such - there are certain aspects I share with others (or others are starting on the journey in a lowkey kind of way that I've observed but not really discussed). However, I am currently working on the Law of Attraction to find my RL tribe!
Psst! Have you heard of Wise Ways of Women? It's an LoA based forum.
post #74 of 239
1/7/08 at 1:55pm
hi again!

there are a few different playgroups that I'm involved with, that are APish, homeschooling, and unschooling. I think some of the mamas I've met are simple living mostly because of financial restraints. I haven't had a chance to get to know people well enough to have a specific conversation about it though.

do you have a local craigslist? you could post on the strictly platonic section seeking friends maybe?
post #75 of 239
1/7/08 at 3:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ***Heather*** View Post
Psst! Have you heard of Wise Ways of Women? It's an LoA based forum.

Ahh, Thanks! I wondered where y'all disappeared to with your discussions (assuming it was started in response to all the secret threads....)
post #76 of 239
1/7/08 at 4:22pm
I thought I already joined, but I don't see my reply. I'm definitely in! We have made some major leaps toward simple living, but there's still lots of room for improvement.
post #77 of 239
1/7/08 at 4:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ***Heather*** View Post
Psst! Have you heard of Wise Ways of Women? It's an LoA based forum.
i just tried to join but my email address was banned?
post #78 of 239
1/7/08 at 5:12pm
One of my simple living goals this year is to start composting. Any of you who do have some good websites with lots of information? Thanks!
post #79 of 239
1/7/08 at 5:24pm
I'm in
post #80 of 239
1/7/08 at 5:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AidynElyMama View Post
One of my simple living goals this year is to start composting. Any of you who do have some good websites with lots of information? Thanks!
I'm sure this is a silly question and I should know this but......Why should we compost?

You may also like:

Sitting or Squatting: What's Really Best in the Bathroom?
There Is Not Always a "Fix" For the Difficult Child
10 Things You Don't Need For a New Baby