| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Oct 23 2012 : 06:04:05 AM
Folks I'm having a mid-life crisis, not in a bad way, in a good way (I think!) I've been going through some changes and with recent surgery I've been home for a few days & time to do some serious life-changing thinking (Oh brother, my poor DH!) It has dawned on me during my usual busy-ness & hectic lifestyle I literally don't have time to think let alone read, pursue any hobbies, or just enjoy life. Like being on autopilot just go through the motions working at a job I can"t stand to pay for crap I don't need. Huge mortgage payment on a big house, nice new car costing a small fortune in monthly payments. I find myself "therapy shopping" trying to buy happiness because I'm miserable. Seriously not feeling sorry for myself & don't expect anyone else to, I'm happy to finally wake up realize what needs to be done, and raring to go after it (after recoup from surgery). Some people are forced to make these changes because of the economy. I'm considering taking some pretty drastic measures, completely voluntarily, selling my car & the house and MAJORLY downsizing & getting back to the country. My life is filled with too many things&stuff, wanting to de-clutter, downsize & simplify in a big way. It can't happen overnight but I've got to start taking baby steps toward goal of a happier simpler life. My first being to reduce spending, paying off credit cards then socking away $$ for some acreage in the country. I've done little things over the years but need to do so much more, make my own soap & laundry soap, canning & freezing. Tell me your experiences & what you've been through in making major lifestyle changes, and pray for me to be successfull in this life-changing journey. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 17 2012 : 10:41:27 AM
Tracy that's awesome and I love your tag line ! Sometimes the reality of living our dreams hits us square on the head and it ends up not being all it's cracked up to be. I always thought I wanted to retire to a place by the ocean but now I know it's best left as a place to visit on occasion. After Hurricane Sandy I seriously wouldn't want to live there now. |
| mommatracy |
Posted - Nov 14 2012 : 1:33:14 PM
I am all for downsizing. When we moved to the beach back in 2001 we lived in a 4500 sq.ft. house on the water. I had 8 toilets to clean, 3 kitchens,5 full baths to go with 5 bedrooms,two fireplaces, a boathouse, on and on......stuff to take care ofnot to mention what the salt air did to the outdoor light fixtures, a/c units, wiring, we were always having to call someone to fix stuff. I kept the house all by myself and we had a house full of company every weekend! We sold that house in 2007 and moved into a new 2500 sq.ft. house. Still too big and lots of stuff and furniture left over from the other house in storage. Sold that house and built a 1,400 sq.ft. home just like I wanted and I LOVE It. It is my favorite house and a heck of alot less work. We live on 1/2 acre with a 22X20 screen room built on the back, barn, shelters and garden. I pay cash for my (used)car. No more new ones and detest any kind of shopping. I still have stuff to get rid of and deal with but it is so much better. I am 58 and have had more than I will ever need.
www.cottagebythebay.blogspot.com
~Trust in the Lord...but row away from the rocks~ |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 09 2012 : 06:51:29 AM
Annika I've been doing the same thing! Leaving a box by the door, it's kinda hard to get rid of things if I think I might need it later I want to hang on to it. There have been times I've gotten rid of things and regretted it later but if I'm ever gonna get a grip on this clutter I have to make myself do it! |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 09 2012 : 06:09:30 AM
There are also tutorials on making dishwasher soap, I store my canning jars in my dishwasher so it never gets used! For those of you who like ginger (I personally LOVE it) try making homemade ginger ale, I made some and DH drank three glasses last night, he loved it. Going to the brewing shop today to get "ale yeast" so I can make ginger beer/soda, for the time being I just mixed my ginger syrup with club soda, lemon and lime juice, it was SO good. This is one of those recipes that you can tweak to your own taste any way you want, if you prefer use berries instead of ginger, etc. I added whole cloves, cardamom, and a tsp of peppercorns during the steeping process and couldn't believe how good it was, so easy. |
| Annika |
Posted - Nov 08 2012 : 08:40:51 AM
I just wanted to add that having been something of a pack rat and still working to pare down, I've found that having a bin or box by the door helps encourage me to put things in more spontaneously. I think it the visuals of reminding me every time I walk by and notice it "Oh yeah, I could add more to the bin before the weekly trip to the thrift drop off"
Anita, I have to try the dish soap! I'm trying to wean myself of the dishwasher but I hate the commercial hand washing detergent, because it bugs my eyes getting near it. Thank you!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
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| Catherine L |
Posted - Nov 08 2012 : 08:03:27 AM
Wow! Anita, if it will get my husband to wash dishes I will definately try it. Thanks for the link.
~Cathy~
Farmgirl 2428 http://www.my-fairhaven.blogspot.com/
http://adaywithnonnaandboompa.blogspot.com/ |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 08 2012 : 07:56:01 AM
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8318755/handmade_liquid_dish_soap_from_scratch.html?cat=22
Here's the link to the crockpot dish liquid, hope I did it right:-) I did put the lid on my crockpot during process even though her video didn't show that because every other hot process video I watched did put the lid on. DH was so impressed with it he's been doing the dishes !! Gotta love that! |
| hialtfarmgirl |
Posted - Nov 07 2012 : 7:48:56 PM
Downsize & Simplify!!@#$%
We moved from a 3000 sq ft house to a cabin 15' x 30'...did away with alot, a HUGE yard sale, and still have a hoophouse with alot in WAYYYYY too much stuff,,,I have to wonder, if I could get rid of all of that sooo easy,,WHY OH WHY DID I KEEP IT ALL ANYHOWS??? LOL!!!
"LOVING" life at 4000 feet elev. |
| ClaireSky |
Posted - Nov 07 2012 : 06:04:31 AM
Terri, I Love your blog! I am adding it to my list that I follow.
Julie
Farmgirl #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
| ClaireSky |
Posted - Nov 07 2012 : 05:54:12 AM
I would love to have that dish soap recipe too!
Julie
Farmgirl #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
| rphelps4 |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 05:49:13 AM
Anita do you have a link for the dish soap recipe? Roxanna |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 04:56:41 AM
I made hot process dish liquid in the crockpot this weekend, it was fun, easy, and I was VERY impressed with the results. No need to get store bought ever again, I love it! |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 04:54:39 AM
Yes Betty, keep on quiltin' honey, how the art and work of our hands can be comforting and healing, not only for us during the process but those who receive the gifts from our hands. |
| Betty J. |
Posted - Nov 02 2012 : 07:43:33 AM
Anita, it sounds as though you had a "fairly normal" life of the time. I, too, lived part of my life on a farm with no running water, an outhouse, and no electricity until the early 1950's. We had a wood/coal/corncob stove that heated Grandma & Grandpa's two-room house. I felt it was an important job to haul water to fill the copper vats on the stove on "wash day." We also hung the clothes on the line winter and summer. Now we are so spoiled that my Grandma never got to enjoy the times we have. I've been told by a cousin of mine that my Grandmother never complained about her life. I can truly believe that. She was a strong woman. Of course, she never learned to drive and that was a drawback. Grandpa was a farmer and Grandma was a participant.
As much as I may complain, my life is good. I would like to have a male companion to share it with, but if it's to be then it will happen. Until then, I'm going to "Keep on Quiltin"
Betty in Pasco |
| mountain mama |
Posted - Nov 02 2012 : 07:18:09 AM
Good job. You will be the homestead diva in no time.
Marilyn
Farmgirl #408
Stress relief: go fishing, play in the dirt. go on a road trip, talk to a farmgirl. |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 6:10:13 PM
Just did my first barter, so excited I had to spread the news. I needed a crockpot for soaping and beeswax. Don't want to use the ones I use for food, so it has to be designated for soap/candles etc. Saw one at Walmart for $20 but thought there has to be a million crockpots out there someone doesn't want so I posted a trade on a local Buy,Sell,Trade and immediately traded. A) didn't spend a dime B) didn't patronize Walmart C) probably made a new friend d)she's as happy with the deal as I am.....win win |
| marlee |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 4:24:57 PM
Anita , sent you an email!
Marlee
God is the painter, he paints the picture. And his son builds it, for he is the Master Carpenter!
Silly Boys Trucks Are For Girls |
| mountain mama |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 11:26:01 AM
Anita,
I sent you a couple of e-mails. Did you get them?
Marilyn
Farmgirl #408
Stress relief: go fishing, play in the dirt. go on a road trip, talk to a farmgirl. |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 10:38:23 AM
Thank you! Oh and we collected beeswax from our hives, I can't wait to make beeswax candles! |
| rphelps4 |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 08:05:42 AM
Congratulation Anita, on being chosen farmgirl for the month of November!! Roxanna |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 07:23:22 AM
I'm so honored Marilyn! (While bowing and saying I'm not worthy!) Haven't been on in a few days, had to go back to work earlier than expected, coworkers are scrambling to squeeze in their last vacation days before end of the year. How I long to stay home. Been having so much fun, trying 'recipes' and have made homemade veggie & fruit wash, dish liquid, fabric softener, shampoo, and next going to try deoderant. I've been consciously using less, spending less, being mindful of how everything I do and use has an impact. Haven't eaten out in over a month and it feels GOOD! As I pass fast food restaurants the smell actually sickens me, I can't believe I ate so much of that stuff, GROSS! It's as though I've gone through some kind of shift in consciousness. These things have always been in the back of my mind but more urgent and powerful now. Hearing the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, my heart is breaking for people with no resources and more determined than ever in efforts of disaster preparedness and simpler living. One silver lining to natural disasters is people without power will have to TALK FACE TO FACE, come out of their boxes, communicate and come together. Having no conveniences forces people to change their priorities and do basic things many of us have forgotten how to do. Thanks for the encouragement, I love hearing everyones stories and suggestions. DH is having a hard time with wanting to sell my car and other steps I'm wanting to take and has asked me to think it over this winter but my mind is made up. This is no longer something I WANT to do, it's something I HAVE to do. |
| mountain mama |
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 09:04:32 AM
Anita,
Because of your attitude and your determination to simplify your life. I have the pleasure of choosing you to be farmgirl of the month of Nov.
You will find that things never replace the people who walk through our lives and the happiness we can feel for the terrific beautiful earth we live on.
Enjoy your month.
Enjoy your revised life.
Marilyn
Farmgirl #408
Stress relief: go fishing, play in the dirt. go on a road trip, talk to a farmgirl. |
| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 08:15:06 AM
I am trying to do what you are doing Anita,, I do not need or want all these things I have collected over the years. I just want to downsize, simplify, pay off debts, sell the house so I can realize our dream of having a small cabin in the woods on maybe 10 acres. Dreams do come true I know that, so lets not give up farmgirls we can do this. (Wish I would have come to this conclusion years ago before I was in my 50's) :-)
Congratulations Anita on being our November Farmgirl of the month.
Hugs,
Debbie
If you are lucky enough to live in the mountains you are lucky enough.
www.etsy.com/shop/CollectThisTreasures
www.etsy.com/shop/MountainWingsAntique
http://debbielynnf.blogspot.com
http://myworld.ebay.com/debbt |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Oct 30 2012 : 08:18:39 AM
Anita,
Hang in there! Your dreams can come true!
Few years back an injury and some health issues sidelined my life into different directions.
Went from a large home, 5 acres to a suburban apt in another state.
It was hard, maybe at times still is? Major downsizing!
But I am learning each day how to make things work in fun 'farmgirl' ways !
Each spring I'm getting better at container herb gardening on my balcony. Might not have my land anymore?
But I'm realizing that sitting out on the balcony that overlooks a park like area is really a blessing and great quiet am time as sun rays are tipping and my coffee is hot!
I'm actually doing more things from scratch. Re learning my sewing and knitting skills.
Tonight at my churches Pinterest group we are learning to crochet, which I haven't done in many a year. Forgot how and I'm excited to learn again!
I hope for each of us? Our farmgirl dreams come true !!! Whether that dream of a home and land?
Suburban homesteading? Or those in the city? Much like the Mjf bloggers we enjoy!!!
Take root where we are planted as best we are able.
Make our dreams, whatever they are, come true !!
So thankful for each of the Farmgirls and these forums!
Farmgirl hugs,
Linda
www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
| Calico Hen |
Posted - Oct 30 2012 : 05:13:48 AM
Anita,
Sounds like you are at a point we reached about 3 years ago (also after I had surgery)! About that time we took the Dave Ramsey course and cleaned up our finances. What we didn't expect was how the course helped us clearly see our priorities. What we wanted (gardening, animals, farming) was the opposite of what we were doing in a huge city. We spent the next two years looking at farm properties and "staging" our move. Money not tagged for essentials went into the "farm fund".
This month marks the end of our first year living in the country and complete change of lifestyle. I have never been so busy! There is always something to do but the important thing is that I am smiling as I do it! I love not being caught up in the materialistic lifestyle we left behind and I especially love not paying outrageous property taxes in the city. As for the material things we brought on our move, we are using all the tools/furniture/work clothes/cars. The things that we are not using include our closets of career clothing and many of the dishes we had used for entertaining. It will now be easy this winter to declutter as I know from experience what we will use or not. Although this first year has by no means been easy, we have learned so much, made good friends, eat healthy homegrown food and are in better physical condition. Good luck on your journey! |
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