Living the simple life......

   I've tried so hard in the last few years to live a more simple life.  It's almost become a game with me to find areas where I can cut back or make do with something that I thought was a throw-away.  It's amazing what I've been able to do in my own backyard.  First of all, I hang as much laundry out as I can (no underwear....ever) but my sheets and bedding always.  I even hang most of my clothes now including jeans, t-shirts, p.j.'s, linen outfits and all my vintage linens that I take to the shop.  Lots of the time, I don't even need to iron them.  The electric dryer is seldom used.  I've noticed a big difference in my electricity bill this summer.

 

My garden which isn't that large gives me so much.  Not only do I get my veggies but I also have lots of garlic, basil, chives, sage, rosemary, thyme, arugula (just found out it's an herb), mint & oregano.  This summer I've been drying my herbs and putting them in bottles to use this winter.  I'm loving them and I know where they come from and that they're totally organic.

I cut more lavender today and will dry it.  My plan is to make little lavender pillows to put on your bed.  It's supposed to help you have a more peaceful sleep.  My sweet annie is growing like crazy and soon I'll be able to harvest it and sell at Leola's.  The hydrangeas have already been dried and hung in bunches at the shop.  All these things basically pay for my garden.....what a deal!

 

I've almost completely stopped eating fast food (sometimes I can't help myself) and have noticed a change in the way I feel.  The biggest change is making my own bread.  All I have to do is have a sandwich made with store-bought bread to realize that it has a terrible effect on my stomach.  It saves because I make smaller loaves and have very little waste.  Besides that, it's yummy!

 

Anyway, I'm continually looking for ways to simplify.  My lifestyle definitely isn't for everyone but it works for me and I love it.

Here are a few projects I've been working on.  These are some quilts that I bought at the great auction last weekend.  Thinking I might use some that are not in great shape and make stockings for Christmas.  Not certain what I'll do with the rest but love the way they all look together.

 

 

These are some of the wooden utensils I bought.  They were all dried out so I put oil on all and what a difference.  

The weather is incredible today and has been a good day to get things done on the back porch.  So nice to have these little breaks during the summer.  Also, the garden loves it.

Better get the laundry off the line.....looks like rain!