Comments on: A Simpler Home: Do More by Hand

By: janice |Sharing the Journey

janice |Sharing the Journey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:41:03 +0000

This list really resonated with me. I used to live in a tiny wee flat in Greece and had very little storage or kitchen shelves. I shopped in the market every day and had a wonderful, simple life where people and creativity mattered more than possessions. My dishwasher broke down recently and we’re thinking of going back to life without one. It’ll be the microwave next.

By: hailey

hailey — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:28:24 +0000

totally agree with your list. i do this: plant your own herbs (even potted). aside from being fresh it is simple yet helpful too.

By: whimsygirl

whimsygirl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:27:15 +0000

I absolutely love these posts of yours. They are the first thing I read in my long list of feeds. I crave that way of life. Thank you so much for taking the time to share these little details. They are encouraging and informative.

I wonder if the Germans would find it funny (or if they would just shake their head) that this American girl needs someone to encourage her to shred cheese by hand!

By: Amber

Amber — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:30:51 +0000

Gardening is one way that I simplify. If you don’t have a yard, sometimes you can track down a community garden plot instead. It’s satisfying, economical, and environmentally friendly. Plus, there’s nothing tastier than your own fresh-picked food. Even my picky 4-year-old agrees.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:42:16 +0000

Awesome post – I love it! Even though I can’t work 400 hours less per year, there are ways to eek out extra time from what we already have. Sometimes I find myself wasting time watching tv shows (online, I don’t even have a TV), and I wonder how people get by when they have 10 different shows they “have” to watch every week. I’d rather go for a walk than sit on a couch for

Making popcorn on the stove is totally worth the extra 2 minutes it takes to wash the pot (it tastes better, and is healthier!).

And writing letters a great thing to do once in a while, because it’s so much fun getting them in the mail! I recently wrote a notecard to a young cousin of mine asking her to be in my wedding, and she sent me a nice long letter back. I love it!

And wear clothes more/wash less? This one is my favorite. I hate folding laundry!

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:59:40 +0000

Thanks for the link, MIHH!

PlantingOaks, I’m not sure about the exact comparison in those terms, either. What I do know is that it’s pretty common to get 6 weeks paid vacation. A law even requires employees to get a large amount of time off (4 weeks? i can’t remember now). Even self-employed people have specific benefits – like maternity leave! Of course, people also pay really high taxes to support these programs.

Begona, thanks for your thoughts. You make some beautiful points.

And Sprout, keep up that good work. You’ll get to sew those curtains one day.

Katie