| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| bboopster |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 09:23:57 AM
Hello,
I took a Christmas job selling See's chocolates in a local mall (45 miles away) and can not believe how out of place I feel. I work with wonderful women but how different I feel compared to them. They all shop daily, spend money with out a thought and then shop some more. One women works about 80 hours a week (wonder how she finds time to shop) and complains of not enough money to buy what ever the item of the minute is. I met a woman who had a beautiful shawl on and asked her where she got it. She said Macy's and there where 1/2 price. So on my break I went to Macy's and sure enough they where 1/2 price but they were still over $35 and the one I really liked was $55. I made a comment out loud about my husband would shoot me if I spent that much money on a shawl and the woman next to me said "Who cares what he thinks". I was blown away. I always care what my DH says and thinks don't always agree but care. I am just truly blown away at the prices of stuff in the real world. I haven't been in that world for about 15 years and boy how do people do it? I can't imagine paying those prices when I can go to the nearest Goodwill or St. Vinnie's and buy for less then $10 and I even think they are getting pricey. So to top things off one of the women I worked with complimented me on my outfit that day and asked me where I got it. I thought for a moment do I tell her really where I got it or lie to fit in and/or save my shopping secrets. I did tell her Goodwill less than $12 for the pants, shirt, and sweater, all 3 pieces were designer along with my handbag. You should of seen her face. I'm not sure if she was confused or disgusted or what. I do know that I like my simple life and working in the mall has reminded me of how STUFF and WANTS can get in our way if we let it. I may not ever make a million $ but I do know that when push comes to shove I can still have what I truly need and be happier then a pig in a cool mud puddle on a hot day. 
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Nov 24 2007 : 07:37:20 AM
It's so beautiful to see that so many people are like-minded in this way! I am a fervent believer in simplicity, and being 22 years old, I find it especially encouraging to see others of my generation following the same path. I am inspired, and I'm going to log off the internet and go and write a letter to a friend, by hand. :)
- Elizabeth (sitting in front of a woodstove, in a house nestled in the snowy forest)
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.
E. B. White
http://resolutelyoutmoded.etsy.com
http://myspace.com/elizabethannbarlow |
| DaisyFarmGirl |
Posted - Nov 18 2007 : 11:31:05 PM
I agree with Patsy. Although the simple life is harder sometimes, I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. |
| peggysue |
Posted - Nov 18 2007 : 10:37:00 AM
i personally am a thrift store queen. i always shop at thrift stores. my entire wardrobe came from there, well, everything but certain unmentionables..
Life is too short to be narrow minded. |
| Annika |
Posted - Nov 18 2007 : 08:51:57 AM
AMEN! Patsy that is really all part of it. The continual desire for more bigger, newer, better causes stress and unhappiness. It is freeing to let go of things that bind you and hold you down in life, the more you have the more you want and want causes stress. I think, for myself simplicity is best described as breaking one society string after another that are just meaningless obsessions with a material existence that has nothing to do with real life...
I'd rather be making my own or recycling something. If I want to look spendy, there are a lot of well off and money conscious people in my town and they have huge yard sales every summer and I have enough VERY expensive clothing to impress if I want. I dunno, maybe it's being over 45. My focus has turned away from quantity and price to quality and nice ;)
my goal is to live a fulfilling life under my means with less junk to trip over and more time spent with family and friends enjoying the turn of the seasons, the scent of fresh bread, the simple real things
I guess my complete thrill at seeing the cycles of nature and ENJOYING owning my own mobile/manufactured home are strange to some, but I'm happy as a clam with it I'm a city kiddo getting to learn, sometimes the hard way, how to live on a farm. Ill take it any day over living in a condo.
Wishing you joy in small things and peace in your heart
Annika
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/ |
| Patsy |
Posted - Nov 18 2007 : 05:54:54 AM
In this day and age, sometimes it isn't simple to live simply! I don't even know what mp whatever players, ipods, strawberries or blackberries or blueberries machines or whatever they are called are for. And who is Gucci, Louis Vitton and all the rest and why is it important to have their things? Who said so? Does that make you sleep better at night? Does it make you calmer, more peaceful?
Does it make me a country hick that I don't have a phone connected to my ear?
I eat simply but the food is delicious. My clothes are old but are clean and mended. I live in a mobile home and I drive a ten year old car. I wear things out and use them up before they are discarded. I shop first at Goodwill and thrift stores and only go to the other shops if I cannot find something I need. I grow most of my own veggies and feed the birds and squirrels. Is this living simply? Lol. Sometimes it isn't easy but I can lay my head on the pillow at night knowing I don't have huge credit card bills.
So good for us!!
May God bless those who love the soil,
Patsy
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| mima |
Posted - Nov 16 2007 : 1:54:39 PM
hey Jennifer- Being originally from So. Cal. I totally understand-my daughter just moved back home from Newport Beach(the O.C.!) and I think that she is feeling sooo refreshed to be back in Santa Maria away from all that conspicious consumption!! |
| Peanut |
Posted - Nov 16 2007 : 11:20:58 AM
My mom is one of those who has to buy everything new. However, she doesn't mind that I buy things off Ebay. I told her that I could go buy clothes at the thrift store for $3 and under or I could wait for someone else to buy them and put the for sale on Ebay and I could pay three times that much, plus shipping!
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Nov 16 2007 : 11:07:04 AM
Hi Alee!! I don't mean to hi-jack the thread but we are doing great!!! It has been SOOO nuts around here....I will post more later..
Cheers,
Heather |
| Alee |
Posted - Nov 16 2007 : 10:42:44 AM
Heather!! Welcome back! I haven't seen you around for a while! Maybe I was missing your posts?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| catscharm74 |
Posted - Nov 16 2007 : 08:46:50 AM
Ok, from a girl who tried what I would call the "Fancy life" and grew up in a family where image was/is everything, you are not alone. My favorite clothing comes from a combination of Walmart, Old Navy, and Target (my Neiman Marcus.. : ) ) I can't do thrift 99% of the time because I can't find clothes that fit over the old, girls...ahem...but I do find some things for my DS.
We are currently back in CA for now (long story about the Texas move) and we enrolled DS is daycare while I finish working on my degree. The mothers and fathers all drive up in their fancy import cars or HUGE trucks with rims...ick...(Ok, in Texas, huge trucks are ok- they actually use them to haul things/farming or go mudding...lol) They are dressed to the nine's and I suspect it is only to impress- having heard a 10 minute conversation on a $300 purse and why it was better than Walmart.. And I always get comments about my cowgirl boots- "Are you from Texas or something" "They are so....cute (said with half smile)" but hey I ain't out to impress. I consider "dressed up" to mean dark jeans with a button down shirt...and cowgirl boots of course!!!
We are looking for a small house in Texas and the real estate agent kept showing up these cookie cutter homes and I hated them all. So I printed out pics of what I wanted and she was either offended or scared...so we decided to change agents...
DH and I have been working really hard on getting out of debt this year so when his time is up in the military, we can start fresh. We still eat out once a week and I can shop if I wanted, choose not too. People can't figure out how I don't work and have DS in daycare (My GI bill for college covers ALOT of expenses), We live frugal and simple.
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| Canadian farmgirl |
Posted - Nov 16 2007 : 07:54:57 AM
I'm glad I'm in such good company here. I shop for certain things at thrift shops, and I'm proud of the great finds I get there, and I wear them to work, too! I even bought a skirt for a wedding this year, and wore it proudly, got lots of compliments on my outfit, and had the last laugh, paying $4.49 for the skirt! Just this week, I found a brand new golf shirt for my husband, for only $5. It probably retails for at least $40! It was in a smelly store, yes, but I came home, washed it right away, and I'm going to wrap it up for Christmas for him, and I know he won't mind, he's proud of my finds! We're the smart ones, why pay big retail prices? Save your money for other things!
I'm currently reading books on thrifty living, and they really advise you to never pay full price for anything. I am now in the habit of asking myself, do I need it, or do I just want it?
Have you ever just stood back in a mall and watched the people? It's awful to see how everyone just looks like ants on an endless search for more, more, more! I am trying to stay out of malls as much as possible this Christmas, and spend my hard-earned money carefully at smaller downtown shops.
My favourite moment on Christmas morning is when my daughter opens something I have secretly made for her, and wonders how I got it done with her around! This year I am crocheting a scarf (working on it after 10 p.m. each night!) and I can't wait to see her reaction!
My parents are those people who just keep buying stuff they don't need, and wonder why they have no money. They can't seem to learn, either, after declaring bankruptcy once, they are now maxxed out on credit cards again. Let me tell you, it's really hard to try to advise your parents about money. I shudder to think what my siblings and I are in for down the road, but that's another story. Spending does not make you happy!
Give me the simple life any day.
Lori |
| lisamarie508 |
Posted - Nov 16 2007 : 06:17:29 AM
I learned to shop at thrift stores and yard sales many years ago when trying to keep three growing boys in decent clothing. I haven't bought anything new off the rack since. Other than underclothes and boots. When the boys were little, someone once commented how much they liked the outfit I was wearing and how did I afford it (they knew my financial situation). I told them I shopped at the thrift stores and that being poor doesn't mean I have to look like a bum. They were really surprised!
Kate, what is there, really, that can't be washed? Well maybe leathers and furs, but I don't even have those. I suspect there is a way to clean those at home, too, though. I wash linen, rayon, silk, down garments and wool - all with dry clean only labels on them. It's bogus! If done properly, there is no need for a dry cleaner.
I agree with you all about these people trying to find happiness at the mall. I have a sister who has to have the latest, best, most expensive of everything. She likes to brag or show it off, but she doesn't really appreciate it, nor is she ever really happy. But then how could you be happy when you're putting yourself in debt with credit cards? True happiness eludes these folks because they are misguided into believing this lifestyle is what it's all about when they are really being led in the opposite direction. The farther they get into it, the worse the simple life seems to them. My own sister doesn't even talk to me because I live a much simpler life than she and I'm just a lowly hillbilly to her. God forbid her friends should ever find that out! It's such a shame that she's such a snob. It makes me sad that she will never feel the contentment of a simple life. She has no idea what she's missing.
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 11:36:45 PM
Betty Jo -- don't feel out of place! You are the one with the real life and many blessings. Those ladies are trying to fill an empty hole in their heart with "things". Who in the world would want to work 80 hours a week just so you can go buy stuff?? Not this gal! I love my simple life. And I try to avoid the mall or shopping at all costs. Just doesn't interest me anymore. We are all truly blessed because we know the true meaning of life and what is really important.
On another note -- I'd sure love to have a piece of See's candy!!
Visit my Etsy Shop! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 10:48:10 PM
I loved reading all your posts, mainly because that is how I feel a lot of the time - a fish out of water. I don't know if it's harder living in So Cal than other places or if I'm just getting older and really tired of the shallow stupid contrived life of the people around me. Maybe I'm FINALLY coming into my own and don't give rip about what other people think. I'm smart and capable no matter what the label on my butt says. I'm really beginning to think I can't live here when I retire. I'm not even sure I want to stay after DD goes to college.
This afternoon DD had a classmate over to work on a project and the girl wouldn't go out back because she saw the chickens and thought they might attack her. Later the two of them walked to the market(about a mile) to pick up supplies and the classmate refused to walk back - it wasn't even dark yet. She said her mom drives her everywhere. After DD called and told me what happened I picked them up on my way home from work. I jokingly told the girl she should come back and go on our 3 mile walk and enjoy the scenery. She asked why we would want to walk the 3 miles when we could drive.
I wonder if parents realize what a disservice they are doing (or have done) to their kids by pushing all this consumerism on them. DaisyFarmGirl made a good point about "NEEDS" and "WANTS" I just don't think that all this shopping and having the latest and greatest IS making them happy. They are frantically chasing something they will never find in the mall. They have to slow down and enjoy the simple things they can't buy in a store before they will really be happy.
I feel badly for DD sometimes because I think she is going to have a harder time than I did. Luckily I grew up in the late 60's and 70's when the area was smaller and there were a lot of back to the land people and hippies, so raising animals and growing your own wasn't so "wierd" like some think it is today.
But, I think WE all should be grateful to the "keep up with the Joneses" crowd, because without them WE wouldn't know how truly lucky we are to be able to enjoy and/or live a simple farmgirl life no matter where we all live. |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 9:17:36 PM
I feel the same way as the rest of you ladies. Feel proud Betty that you aren't a slave to credit cards or debt. Don't feel bad that you don't buy the latest and greatest. That is "their" secret to getting you to buy more junk you don't need.
Recently, my whole family had to remove all of my Aunt's hoarding of junk she left at my Grandma's. (for fifteen years) It has caused years of tension and resentment and it caused a rift that will never be repaired. She shopped daily-all of her free time. She didn't pay bills to buy another pair of black pants or what have you. (Her natural gas bill was shut off and it is very chilly here now.)
You wouldn't believe the crap she had hoarded all these years. The clothes that were basically ruined after sitting in a bag/box/tote all these years in the musty, dusty, damp garage and attic. This is just the stuff at my Grandma's house.
She has her own house full four blocks away. She has enough stuff to open a really nice retail store of her own. 300+ pairs of shoes, mountains of clothing, and tons of household stuff. Most of it still in the box or with tags still on it.
I on the other hand am getting better every day with respect to that. I have to really need it or really love it, or out it goes. I either donate or recycle it, or give it away to friends.
I don't need the latest and greatest stuff. I tend to dress classic styles and conservatively and of course comfortable. So my wardrobe isn't very flashy save an outfit or two for dress up.
I do have an ipod, but only because my boss gave it to me for a job well done-but shhhhhh don't tell the other girls I work with.
Otherwise, I would have never bought one. I would have borrowed my son's-that he saved up and paid for.
I love the new goodwill closest to me. I found Ralph Lauren docker style pants for $2.49. I think they were worn once. I also found two pairs of jeans and a pair of black work pants for nine bucks. The black pants still had tags on them.
I always wash stuff before I use it. I also don't buy stuff I can't wash. LOL
Drycleaning is for the birds.
I am proud of my simple life. It took me a long time to realize stuff doesn't make me happy. Going to the poor house to buy stuff really doesn't make me happy.
My healthy beautiful children, my cute little house, and cute little doggie make me happy.
I finally "got it", I couldn't be happier.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| mima |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 7:24:51 PM
I'm always complimented on my thrift stores clothes!!! Thats all I wear-except new undies of course! I love the way I dress and can't imagine spending big bucks on clothes! My splurges are on gap jeans and dansko clogs which I buy every few years until they are trashed! Also really good organic food- other than that gimmee the simple life! HUGS! |
| bboopster |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 6:37:27 PM
I can only imagine the pressure on you younger women. I see it in my own daughter who is your age. Stand strong! If you don't find a Farmgirl your own age to hang with once in a while, invite a more experience one to join you. It's a tough world out there! We need to stand strong!
P.S. I am very fortunate with the resale shops in our area. They are very clean and the clothing is also very clean. I still wash before I wear.
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 6:12:54 PM
Jill - the thrift stores here wash everything before it is placed out for sale. However, anything that I purchase goes straight from the front door to the laundry room and is thoroughly re-washed! I'm admittedly a little over the top in that department!
My personal feeling is such that I see no comparison in buying good quality clothing and household goods at better stores that will last a long time, as opposed to HAVING to have the newest, biggest, best, designer items with big names to make one's self feel happy or to appear successful or cool amongst one's peers. That to me is very sad, particularly the pressures it places on families and today's youth.
Di
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| sweetproserpina |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 5:59:54 PM
Cassidy! Don't worry, there are other girls your age (or abouts) that are into Simple Living too. I'm 24, and have just moved from the west coast (i know, i know) to a gorgeous place in the country in ontario. I can have a great big garden, go for walks in the woods, read my books.. wonderful. Your ipod story made me think of my own mp3 player. I held onto my casette walkman till about 2 years ago. It worked fine, I had paid 50! whole dollars for it and I was going to get all I could out of it. Sure people probably thought I was a bit crazy carrying around that old clunker, but it worked and that was all I needed. When it finally broke, I researched around and bought a refurbished Iriver, like an Ipod but without the crazy pricetag (you want how much for that!) It works just fine - and I don't need to watch movies on it, lol!
Glad you joined the board, there's a lot of us youngin's around, keep your eye out!
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
| primjillie |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 1:21:17 PM
I too try to live the simple life. No big screen tvs, video games, ipods, fancy cars, etc. However, I can't bear to shop for clothes at goodwill. Maybe it is the thrift stores in my area, but everything smells and I have never found anything I would buy. I do buy my clothes at better stores, because I want the quality since I wear them for years. I wouldn't mind paying that for a shawl if I loved it, because I know that I would use it and treasure it for years to come. I'm not fancy, but I do prefer quality items for myself and my home. I work with a lady who shops almost every day. She has hundreds of shoes and wears watches for the "look" - she doesn't even set them!! I only go shopping when I absolutely have to. My exception is book stores - I love books and magazines! |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 11:33:44 AM
Here's a chuckle for you Betty Jo...Cassidy just asked me if I had two ID's on this forum. |
| DaisyFarmGirl |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 11:09:40 AM
Here is a perspective from somebody that is 23 years old. It's all very wierd to me because I don't know anybody that is like me. All the people I know that are my age are completely different. They need to have all the latest electronics and designer clothing and I think the key word here is "NEED". They truly are not happy unless they have this product and can show it around to everybody. I see it all the time at Costco, kids returning their IPOD's, not because there is anything wrong with it but simply because they new one has come out and the "NEED" to have that one. I think this is really sad because these people will never be truly happy. There is always going to be something that they "NEED". I honestly think that the people who are truly happy in life are those who are happy and content with the simple things around them. People who don't need "STUFF" to make them happy. Betty Jo I can truly say that I can see where you are comming from. Not fitting in there. I don't think I want to fit in there, going to the mall makes me realize how much I like my farm and my simple life.
One of my main reasons of goining maryjanes farm is maybe to meet other girls my age that are like me. It seems to me that these people that we see in the malls are swimming in a sea of material "must haves" and are drowning in the depths of debt in an attempt to find happiness. |
| Peanut |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 11:08:08 AM
I keep children on our farm and the first thing I tell parents is that "your kid will get dirty".
I keep one little boy who is not allowed to get dirty at home. His parents drive the latest and the best cars and care greatly about labels - they actually are really tacky but they think they are "glamorous". I feel sorry for how he has to grow up.
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| bboopster |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 10:49:49 AM
Diane I agree with you it is us who live in the real world. My children have had the luxury of living in the simple world with me and the fast world with their dad. My daughter decided to marry into that fast world and she is having a hard time or should I say her hubby is having a hard time with us and the simple. Every chance she gets she runs home to simply relax in a prairie dress and and bake or cook and just talk. I have always told my children that when they bring the Grandchild they should be prepared for them to get dirty and have fun as their will be no game stations and computer games. A bit of TV only after every book and game has been played. Home cooked meals and baked goods with their help. Their bib overalls and aprons will hang at the back door waiting for them to jump into and take off into the real world. I sure hope the grands come as I know the other grandparents will be of another world. Well off to another night of the mall to watch the people scurry to buy just the right stuff.
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Nov 15 2007 : 10:36:50 AM
I honestly believe that those who are living truly happy lives are those who chose to live simply.
On many occasions I have had people come to the farm to buy produce in their designer jeans and look down their nose at me in my thrift store clothes that I work in. They drive SUV's that are bigger than my garage and have children in designer clothes that are promptly told to not get dirty. I find it very sad. These children cringe at the thought of eating a carrot pulled fresh from the dirt it's grown in and are bored to death here.
Then I have people that come here who live simple lives. Their children take off like a shot to see the chickens and feed the rabbits and play in the creek with the dog. These children are excited, they laugh, and almost never want to leave. They are so full of life.
I truly don't mean to sound judgemental of people's lifestyle choices, but it is a very interesting "study". What I do see is people's lifestyle choices and the effects they have on their inner happiness...strongly reflected in their children.
Diane
ps. You know gals, I like to think that it is us who live in the real world. |
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