A light
Things feel really tight for a lot of families right now. I’ve heard from moms whose husbands have lost their jobs, family business owners whose businesses are in a terrible slump, gas prices are astronomical by American standards, groceries are going up. How can we get through this?
We have to try to be better stewards of what we do have, re-access our wants v. needs lists, be creative about how we can reduce our expenditures and increase our incomes. We need to be mindful of our neighbours, and how we can help each other.
Here are a few things you can think about today:
- time to plant a vegetable garden, even if it’s on a little patch. You could save hundreds off your grocery bill, plus get plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
- set aside a little spot for a cutting flower garden - zinnias are gorgeous. The flowers will make you feel uplifted, especially when they grace the dinner table.
- get thrifty - refashion thrifted clothing into better, smaller, more useful clothing items or accessories. Visit this site for LOTS of inspiration.
- hang your laundry out to dry, if you can. Here’s some inspiration.
- Turn off the computer [gasp], and the television one day each week, and read a book out in the sunshine.
- Get to know your local farmers here, buy a farmshare, or make arrangements with a friend to ‘go-in’ together on a share
- Get crafting ~ sewing, knitting, candlemaking, soapmaking ~ buy and sell handmades. You support other artisans and they support you.
- Join a barter network - or email me to moderate your own Simple Gifts barter Network like this one.
- Join the Simple Gifts email list to chat with other ladies seeking a simpler life. We have a Fabric Co-op (only open to members), and Flea Market Fridays!
And if you are in search of additional income, this place is hiring home-workers. Keep that site bookmarked, I happen to know that there are more openings coming!
I wish you a blessed day with your precious family!
