The Simple Life

I was watching a series on TV called Living With the Amish (a BBC program on their channel 4 I believe) and it really got my thinking about how to simplify my life. Recently we cut our cable - not literally, we cancelled it though. I still watch a few shows through the TV websites, but the temptation to sit a vegetate is no longer there. My kids at first were upset because they missed watching some of the limited stuff I did let them watch, but they quickly got over it. That got me reflecting on what else I can do to take a step back and I just make myself more in touch with life and keeping things "organic" the way God intended.

One of the things I admire about the Amish as depicted in this mini series, was their devotion to God. They would make sure to start and end their day with Him. How very very important that is. My day is almost certainly a disaster if I haven't spent some of my morning before things get going with the Lord.

So how do I keep my life simple?

We just bought a house in the summer so there wasn't an opportunity to plant a garden, but there will be this year! I'm going to plant herbs and some berries and other veggies that we eat feast on those over the summer and freeze what I can't eat or can.

Which brings me to #2. I hope to can stuff this summer - specifically produce that I either can't buy in the winter or is too expensive in the winter...plus whatever else is left, like tomatoes. Now I have time over the winter months to slowly buy what I need to for this and next year all I will need are new lids.

Laundry is another big thing - with 2 active children, how could it not be? I have been making my own laundry soap for about a year and a bit now. I love it! For 2012, I will spend a total of $6 on laundry, maybe a bit more but certainly under $10. it takes me about 20 minutes to make (plus a 24 hour resting period)one batch that will last about 3 months. And it's soooooo easy!
I also have a laundry line in my back yard and take full advantage of it as soon as it's warm enough! that also saves on energy I have to spend in the winter for my dryer. And did I mention how GOOOOOD clothes smells having been out side in the fresh ocean breeze?

I git a bread maker for Christmas and have perfected my stock making abilities and my pastry.....now to get my pizza dough down! But making those things also saves quite a bit of money as well. and did I mention how much better it tastes? Maybe I will buy a pasta maker for myself next year for Christmas......

I donno if I could wear a skirt or dress all the time, or keep my hair in a bonnet. I like some of the modern luxuries like running water and electricity - which used properly is a good thing (like for a fridge or stove or washer/dryer). I like my internet too - it helps me keep connected with friends and family that I had to leave behind.

But there is something to be said for living simply....it really makes you stop and appreciate the little things.