New Greener Family

photo credit: gina pina

In only three weeks Yule and Christmas will be here, and this year I plan to continue last year’s work and make as many homemade gifts as possible. Most people who plan this get started early, and by now would be close to done. But not me, I don’t even think about it until after the turkey has been served. Which means the next three weeks will be full of sewing, melting, mixing, and knitting to get things done.

My plan is to take pictures and share my craftfest here. Both to share the fun of homemade gifts and to keep myself motivated to do it instead of running to the nearest store. I’ve got a well-stocked craft supply area, but a long list of people to make gifts for. And only three weeks to do it. Yikes!

My plans so far are Read more…

Related Books:

Saving Christmas

Christmas Chaos

The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line

photo credit: Birgitta Seegers

When I think about the future there are always three images in my mind.

The first is moving out west, to Washington or Oregon, and buying a nice piece of land out there. I know several families who live out there and I can see myself getting along well with the general eco-friendly politics of the area. Except for the winters we could be quite happy out there.

The next is moving up to Canada. Most homesteading websites have ads for plots of land that are incredibly cheap. We could buy a few acres for less than the cost of buying a new car. And many of the Canadian politics I’m in favor of. But then that winter thing comes up again.

The last scenario, and most expensive, is taking off to Costa Rica. Warm tropical beaches, lush rainforest, and a generally atmosphere and relaxation. After a few people I know online moved down there with their kids I became overwhelmed with the idea of visiting at least. Hopefully making a more permanent move someday. That is, if it weren’t so darn expensive to move there. Read more…

Related Books:

Lonely Planet Costa Rica (Country Travel Guide)

Home (Horn Book Fanfare List (Awards))

Home, School, and Community Relations

photo credit: AJoelle_xo

If anyone ever wants to practice simplicity they only need to move to a new house. Half way through packing they will be overcome with the desire to give away as much as possible so as not to need to take it with them.

This weekend we moved. In the process I managed to rid myself of a few dozen pieces of furniture, bags of clothes, knick-knacks, scrapbooking supplies, and various other things taking up space. I would like to take a moment to send my love towards the person/people who created Freecycle. Finding a new home for all my stuff always feels better than taking it to the dumpsters. Read more…

Related Books:

What's Mine Is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption

Simplicity: The New Competitive Advantage in a World of More, Better, Faster

How to De-clutter and Make Money Now: Turn Clutter Into Cash with The One-Minute Organizer (Organizing for Simple Living)

photo credit: nicksarebi

When I read Amber’s Manifesto for her life I loved it. I loved it so much I wanted to writing something similar for myself, something I could hold out and point to when I needed a reminder of who I am. A list of the things that shape me.

This is my list. Read more…

Related Books:

The World Empathy Manifesto (An "Above Ground Ethical Platform)

Living in Christian Community: A Personal Manifesto

Journal Revolution: Rise Up & Create! Art Journals, Personal Manifestos and Other Artistic Insurrections

photo credit: mlinksva

The end of this week we begin moving into our new home, and I’m pretty excited.

This new house marks a beginning of things for me. The fenced in yard gives me more courage to start a real garden, that and the fact that I won’t be pregnant and ready to birth when next spring rolls in. There is also a perfect little corner where I can stick a compost bin. Hopefully keeping it out of the way will keep complaints from neighbors at bay.

Not that I know what my neighbors think, but in case they think composting attracts animals or smells bad I want to be prepared. Read more…

Related Books:

The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day

Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth

Work at Home 101: Your Work-at-Home Starting Place

photo credit: purpleslog

Making a general goal of “going green” is about as likely to stick as a snowball in July. If you want to complete a goal you have to be specific, you need a set goal that you are striving for in mind. You need a to-do list.

My overall goal is to be be greener, and in doing so to be healthier and happier. Being greener however, means something a little different to everyone and has about a dozen parts to it. So to know exactly what I want I am going to break it down into specific goals. Read more…

Related Books:

CRASH Diet Plans for Women

Achieve Anything In Just One Year: Be Inspired Daily to Live Your Dreams and Accomplish Your Goals

How to Set Goals - for Success and Achievement (Goal Setting, Goals, Personal Growth, Life Changing, Life Lessons, Life Purpose, Self Improvement, Financial Freedom & Self Help)

photo credit: .ygor

I’ve always tried to be green. We recycle, we use reusable products, I even cloth diapered and used cloth wipes. But there was always a nagging feeling that it still wasn’t enough. There was always something more I could do. If only we lived somewhere else, if only the kids were older, if only we had more money, if only…

I don’t want to “if only” my life away. Read more…

Related Books:

Ecoholic: Your Guide to the Most Environmentally Friendly Information, Products, and Services

Eco: An Essential Sourcebook for Environmentally Friendly Design and Decoration

Natural Health Remedies: An A-Z handbook with natural treatments