I just looked at the description for better off on amazon~it looks interesting.
nice to see you here
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"If you only believe what you see, then you are limited to what's on the surface. If you only believe what you see, then why do you pay your electric bill?" Dr. Wayne Dyer
When I went looking, I found there are a couple of books with this title. Have you the author?
Eric Brende
It has a lot to do with the concept that technology created to "simplify" our lives often does not. The author and his wife lived in an amish-like community for 18 months to see if they could do it and how it would change their lives.
It was a pretty easy read. I got it at Half Price Books for about $5 new.
Definitely changed how I'm looking at things. For instance: why do I drive everywhere? Does it really enrich my life? What can be gained by either doing without, staying home, or WALKING to the store even though it is more than a mile away? Since reading it, I've been walking more, buying less (do I really need to take another trip to the store because I'm bored or crave social interaction?)
It also made me think about how so often consumerism is really entertainment because we are estranged from our community. That is so me. So, now I'm planning an annual Sunflower_Momma family peach fest and inviting the neighborhood ladies over to help can the peaches off my peach tree when it ripens. I a) cannot can it all by myself and b) would enjoy the social contact through shared work.
Anyway, just random thoughts that have sprung from that book.
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I loved that book! While it is something we will never do, it really made me think.
I am balancing my interest in simple living and thrift with DH's "early adopter" tendencies and huge love of travel. I've finally come to a place where I am willing to pay the HELOC a little more slowly than we could if we didn't travel, and after that I'll accelerate the car and then probably let it go at that. DH isn't that interested in paying off the mortgage early, and honestly our mortgage is so high (So Cal) that it would have to be a very long-term goal. Also, I think I would rather have the mortgage and a huge savings account so our next cars can be bought with cash, etc. We are not used car people, mostly because DH will be looking for the most advanced technology available. We bought a 2005 Prius a year ago and will be looking for a safe, fuel efficient car in maybe 9 years. We average 6000 miles a year on the 4Runner, so it will easily be a 20 year truck.
Back to simple living. I am always working on the concept of "Enough". I don't need a closet full of clothing or shoes. I don't need any clothing that is so trendy it can't be worn until it wears out. I like muti-tasking clothing; I throw on a sweat jacket instead of a robe in the morning, and slip my feet into my clogs instead of slippers. I can live with my dishes that are 17 years old. My cheap polyester comforter keeps me warm enough that there is no justification in replacing it with a wool or down comforter (which is good as I struggle with veganism once more), organic cotton quilt, etc. My house is enough; big enough in a nice neighborhood even if it doesn't have a family room and isn't in a "prestigious neighborhood". Where I am now we can walk downtown and do many errands on foot.
My simple personal care routine is enough. No makeup, long hair in a ponytail (it's classic and simple), clean body and teeth. I buy simple products that are environmentaly sound. Wash and condition hair 4X a week. Use a gentle cleanser on my face (I plan to make my own or buy from a WAHM when this bottle is gone); just use Dr. B's soap in warmer months. No need for toner or moisturizer most of the time; one bottle of natural hand lotion used daily lasts 4-6 months.
We eat simple, whole foods. I don't do a lot of baking (other than bread for the boys); we just eat other foods. I cook beans from scratch. We eat whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables, lots of greens.
We emphasize the REDUCE part of reduce-reuse-recycle. Always asking if what we have already is enough. Can we use something else? Is there a way to borrow something we want/need? Can we ask for it as a gift?
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Back to simple living. I am always working on the concept of "Enough". I don't need a closet full of clothing or shoes. I don't need any clothing that is so trendy it can't be worn until it wears out.
[snip]
We emphasize the REDUCE part of reduce-reuse-recycle. Always asking if what we have already is enough. Can we use something else? Is there a way to borrow something we want/need? Can we ask for it as a gift?
yup! I read something a few years ago about not buying any clothing unless it is better than what you already have. So, for instance, do I really need another pair of jeans when the ones I have are just fine? Do I really need another black tee-shirt?
I've made a deal with myself on the clothing front that I cannot buy anything new clothing wise unless I'm willing to donate two things I already own to Goodwill.
And, I do like the REDUCE part. I think we often forget that.
I'll put that book on my "to read" list.
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