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Choosing Voluntary Simplicity  A Road Less Traveled By Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.Robert FrostContinue reading... My Thoughts On Grocery Shopping And FrugalityGrocery shopping is one area where big savings are possible, but I don’t think that frugality should ever be the only consideration. I definitely try to keep our grocery bill as low as possible, but I also want the foods I serve my family to be nutritious and healthy, and I want our meals to be appealing and taste good… with portions large enough to satisfy everyone’s hunger. That’s not as easy as it used to be, but here are a few ideas I use that help keep our grocery bills under control.Continue reading... Focusing On The NowIt was a most frustrating day. A really bad thunderstorm that started just after dawn and the resulting power outage got the day off to a rather unfortunate start. Then we discovered we had lost our telephone service as well, although by that time the electricity was back on (briefly) and another storm was in progress. The entire day was full of Murphy’s Law and anything that could go wrong… did.Continue reading... The Petite French Lady’s Italian MinestroneOur weather has suddenly turned really cool, even “nippy,” and it’s just the perfect weather for soup! In our family we have two soups that are favorites, and it would be impossible I think to make any of us choose THE favorite because we like them both so much. The recipes for these soups are old. The potato soup is a soup my great-grandmother used to make… more about that in a future post. I made the other favorite, minestrone, for our supper last night. The recipe for this came from the family of a petite French-Canadian lady who cooked for her own Italian restaurant. And no, the Italian is not a typo!Continue reading... Some Things I Know About YouAs of October 4th, Choosing Voluntary Simplicity has been online for exactly sixteen months. Writing this blog has been an interesting journey that has allowed me to “meet” many of you… my wonderful readers. To celebrate the occasion, here are some things I know about you…Continue reading... Stretching Ground Beef in a RecipeOne day last week I received a very interesting message from a reader named Kirstie. Kirstie is originally from New Zealand, but she and her husband and children have recently moved to the United States because of her husband’s job. She wrote that she especially noticed several of my posts mentioning that we are eating less and less meat because her family is also trying to cut down on meat, partly for health reasons and partly because of the expense. She sent me her description of a method she uses to stretch ground beef in a recipe and asked if I would share it with all of you.Continue reading... Some Thoughts About Voluntary SimplicityVoluntary simplicity is a philosophy. Often called compassionate living, it is a conscious choice to simplify your life and a deliberate downshifting to create the life and home environment that fit you and your family.Continue reading...Why We Chose Voluntary Simplicity: Sometimes There Is No TomorrowTen years ago my husband and I were spending most of our time at work. Financially everything was great... the store we owned and operated was in a wonderful location, it was a spacious, attractive and newly renovated space, and the extra large office meant that our children could always be there with us. To all of us our store was like a home away from home, and the only down side was that we were spending so much time there that we never had any time or energy left for our real home or the other things we felt were more important. As the years went by, we began to realize that we never were going to have that time as long as we had the store. Still, letting go of the store was almost unthinkable because we had worked so hard to get to where we were.Continue reading...Our Journey To A Debt Free LifeOn our wedding day, my husband and I were both just out of school. Neither of us had any savings or anything of any value to bring to our marriage, but I don't remember ever worrying about finances then. My husband had just started a new job and we had rented a small furnished cottage. We had student loans to pay off, and a car payment to make. We bought a bookcase and a sofa bed and signed up for monthly payments on them. And almost every cent of every paycheck had a place to go even before the check was cashed.Continue reading...How We Are Living A Simpler LifeAlthough living simply is second nature to us, we do not live a spartan lifestyle. Neatness and order are very important to me and I do declutter and organize on a regular basis, but I am not a fan of extreme purging, and I do not like the minimalist look. We have many family antiques and a few collections and other "things" scattered throughout the house, and I believe these homey touches add character to a room. We also have books... and more books. We are all voracious readers and over the years we have gathered together a large library of books that we go back to again and again. I do not believe that purging any of these items from my life would make me a freer or happier person... quite the contrary, in fact. But that's me (us).Continue reading...Our Simpler Country LifestyleMany of you have asked how our lifestyle has been shaped by the core ideas of frugality and voluntary simplicity. Actually, we had been living that type of lifestyle for years before either concept became popular. Frugality comes naturally to native New Englanders, I think, and most of us already have a strong streak of individuality and an inclination to do things just a little bit differently than the rest of the world. We have always practiced some degree of frugality, always believed in "living green" and conserving. The voluntary simplicity part came later, nearly ten years ago now... but that's another story!Continue reading...Save Money By Doing It YourselfOne of the biggest ways we have saved money through the years is to do things ourselves. Any time we can make, repair, or do something ourselves, instead of paying someone else to do it for us, we can save big. Our most recent project, for example, was installing hardwood floors in all of the bedrooms in our house. Somehow that project escalated to include repainting the walls and the ceilings, and of course since we've done all the work ourselves, it has taken a longer time than if we had hired someone. But because we saved so much money on the installation we were able to choose a much higher quality of hardwood than if the installation had to be included in the cost. Like all of our projects, installing these hardwood floors was a learning experience. Before we began, we studied all the information and how-to's we could find on the subject, and then we just jumped in. We "practiced" until we were happy with our results, and then we did our first floor. Now that we have so many great looking finished floors behind us, we're already thinking about a possible next project.Continue reading...Green Living And Our Simpler LifeWe strongly believe in doing what is good for the environment and the concept of living green, conserving, and recycling. Sometimes it's difficult to do all we should, but here are some of the things we do on a regular basis...Continue reading...Downshifting To A Simpler LifeDownshifting means working towards simple living by making conscious choices to leave materialism behind and move on to more sustainable living. It does not mean simply cutting back and trying to live the same life only with less money. Downshifting requires prioritizing, an adjustment in values, and a totally different mindset... not just a change to a more frugal way of living.People decide to downshift for a variety of reasons. Many want to get away from "living competitively"... job stress, consumerism, and feeling they have to live up to someone else's expectations. Other people downshift because of a life changing experience, health reasons, or a crisis in the family. Often downshifting comes out of a wish to conserve natural resources. Whatever the reason, downshifting isn't limited to any age or income level.Continue reading...How To Be Happy In A Mostly Unhappy WorldEverybody wants to be happy, but many people don't realize that happiness has to come from within. If you're not content with your life and at peace with yourself, no amount of money or possessions will make you truly happy. True happiness comes from learning to enjoy the life you are living now and learning to appreciate the things you have at this moment. Living for a future time and yearning for the things you don't have will never make you happy.Continue reading...Accepting Responsibility For Your LifeIf you've done much reading about accepting responsibility, you have probably come across the statement that everything that happens to you in your life is the result of choices you have made and that with properly-focused thoughts you can control your life, your success, your health, and your future. I have trouble buying into this viewpoint. However, I do strongly believe that even though you may not have control over everything that happens to you, you do have control over how you react to situations and events.Continue reading...How To Stop ProcrastinatingThe dictionary defines procrastinating as "postponing doing something, especially as a regular practice." Procrastinating is a habit, nothing more. In order to stop procrastinating, you must replace the habit of putting things off with the healthy habit of getting things done... and the first step is to understand WHY you are procrastinating.Continue reading...Organizing, Decluttering, And PurgingI believe strongly in organizing and decluttering and (to a certain extent) purging... but I also believe that not all clutter is material possessions or "stuff." Clutter in your emotional life... bad habits, too many commitments, or a job you hate, to name just a few... can sap your energy and cause more stress than a disorganized house with overflowing closets ever will. That is why I believe that any purging or decluttering effort should always target emotional baggage as well as material possessions.Continue reading... Subscribe in a readerSerenity PrayerGod grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.HostasGrowing HostasHarvesting Hosta SeedsHostas From SeedMy Hosta SeedlingsHow I Divide A HostaCherry BerryChristmas TreeFire and IceGold StandardGolden TiaraGreat ExpectationsGround MasterGuacamoleHalcyonHoneybellsJuneJune And Its SeedlingKrossa RegalLancifoliaPatriotQueen JosephineRegal SplendorShade FanfareSo SweetSum and SubstanceSummer JoyTattooTokudama AureonebulosaTwilightUndulata AlbomarginataUndulata UnivittataWildflowersWild GingerRed TrilliumFoam FlowerBloodrootHepatica americanaBlack-Eyed SusanJack-in-the-PulpitJack-in-the-Pulpit SeedsJoe Pye WeedRed Wild ColumbineIndian PipeIn My GardenSpring Blooms — PrimrosePulmonaria — LungwortBleeding Heart Seeds?Primroses In The SnowBee BalmBleeding HeartCommon FoxgloveCommon PrimroseFeverfewHeucheras From SeedHens and ChickensHeucheraHollyhocksLamb's EarLeopard's BaneLooking For BloomsMoney PlantOrange Day LilyOriental PoppySpiderwortSweet CicelyWhat's Flowering Now?More Favorite RecipesVegetable Stir FryOatmeal Apple CrispBlueberry Snack CakeOatmeal Raisin Nut CookiesMolasses Drop CookiesApplesauce Spice CakeMy Mom's GingerbreadEasy Pickled CarrotsChampion Sponge CakeWheat Banana BreadWhole Wheat Raisin BreadStreusel-Filled Coffee CakeSticky BunsCheesy Herb Potato SticksQuick Pasta SaladAmerican Chop SueyDill Refrigerator PicklesFrozen Cookie BallsTropical Chicken SaladLuncheon Chicken SaladThree Fruit SmoothieBreakfast Fruit SmoothieEnjoying NatureBlazing Autumn FoliageMushroomsBullfrog — Male or Female?Northern Green FrogHow Bees Collect PollenWhy Bumblebees BuzzBee & FoxglovesRemembering SummerBullfrogTiny ToadsFrog, Bullfrog, or Toad?Eastern American ToadFirst Toads Of The SpringSquirrel Proof Bird FeederTurkeys Passing ThroughSites & Blogs Linking Here  Copyright InformationAll the written material and photographs on this site are copyrighted by me. Although I am happy to have you quote a few lines from an article with a link back to Choosing Voluntary Simplicity, please do not copy my articles or use my photographs without specific written permission from me.This Week's PostsA Road Less Traveled ByGrocery Shopping And FrugalityFocusing On The NowThe Petite French Lady's Italian MinestroneSome Things I Know About YouStretching Ground Beef in a RecipeVoluntary Simplicity/Simple LivingThoughts About Voluntary SimplicityWhy We Chose Voluntary SimplicitySometimes There Is No TomorrowLearning To Slow DownOrganizing, Decluttering & PurgingDownshifting To A Simpler LifeBeing Happy In An Unhappy WorldAccepting Responsibility For Your LifeRethinking Multitasking & The Myth of Quality TimeHow To Stop ProcrastinatingSave Money By Doing It YourselfGreen Living And Our Simpler LifeOur Journey To A Debt Free LifeHow We Are Living A Simpler LifeOur Simpler Country LifestyleDecluttering and PurgingRealization Of What Really CountsFrugalityBeing Sensible About FrugalityHow Much For Groceries?How Can I Stay Motivated?Sometimes You Should ComplainStore Brands Or National Brands?Credit Cards Aren't The EnemyGetting Out Of DebtKnow Why You BuyGetting More For Your Money4 Tips For Buying ProduceAre Buyer's Clubs A Frugal Choice?Comparison Shopping Makes SenseHomemade Laundry DetergentElectric Rates, Appliances, & CostsTrying To Keep Heating Costs DownSave Money On Buying YeastCompact Fluorescent BulbsWhy I Don't Play The Coupon GameInspirationHappiness Comes From WithinHappiness Is As A Butterfly...Nothing Is ImpossibleA Friend Is...'Tis Easy Enough To Be Pleasant...Realizing What You Already HaveWith An Open & Grateful HeartHappiness Is...What Is A Home?An Old New England ProverbPersonal14 Things Unique To MeGrapevines & Weaving BasketsA Little Too Close For ComfortMy Husband's Solution To My Creative ChaosThe Town Clerk's MistakeLost On The SchoolbusI'm So Glad Today Is FridayIrradiating The Food SupplyAll Creatures Great And SmallThe Mystery Of Duck Duck GooseOur Uninvited Midnight VisitorGiving The Gift Of A SmileI'm Interviewed About This BlogFarewell, Old HouseIt's The Simple Things That CountA Mother's ThoughtfulnessSpecial Words & Etc.It's Cold Out ThereMy Brush With PoliticsWhen Should You Get Involved?No Old Bold Mushroom HuntersToo Many Crackers Late At NightA Whiny Dryer Can't Be GoodDoing It OurselvesSaving Tomato SeedsNature's Free MulchHow We Make CompostOur Hand Dug Backyard PondDigging A Pond — Progress ReportFirewood — Saving $250+ Per CordOur Handmade SoapHow To Make Natural Body PowderRemoving An Enormous Tree StumpOr How We Saved $576Food Related FavoritesRoasted Chickpeas (Garbanzos)9 Tips For Baking Better CookiesMaking Powdered SugarTurn One Stick Of Butter Into TwoMaple Syrup From PotatoesFreezing Apples For PiesEgg Free, Milk Free, Vegan CakesMix In The Pan Chocolate CakeMaking Your Own Cake MixHearty, Delicious & Frugal SpaghettiMaking Onion Rings From ScratchWhat's In Your Pantry?Pantry Inventory — Things I ForgotWhat's In Your Refrigerator?Quick One-Dish Dinner... Spanish RiceEasy To Peel Hard Boiled EggsHomemade Egg NoodlesMaking Homemade KetchupEffortless Way To Clean Oven RacksQuick & Easy Homemade Ice CreamOur Favorite Homemade YogurtAll Natural Watermelon PopsiclesOther Reader FavoritesHow To Season Cast Iron CookwareProduce, E. Coli, Bacteria & YouDon't Touch That Shopping Cart!Are Your Hands Clean Enough?My Favorite Kitchen GadgetsSmall Appliances — Extravagant or...?Natural Tarnish RemoversRose Petal BeadsMaking BreadKneading The DoughHas The Bread Dough Risen Enough?When Bread Tastes Too YeastyMaking Hamburger & Hot Dog BunsShaping Crescent RollsIce Box Butter BunsTeddy Bear Rolls With Your KidsGetting OrganizedHow To Get OrganizedGetting Organized: No Magic BulletQuick Cleaning The Living RoomWaking Up To A Clean KitchenWashing Dishes Made EasyOrganizing RecipesHow I'm Organizing My RecipesSoy AllergyLearning How To Eat AgainWhen You Have A Soy AllergyLiving With A Soy AllergyWhy I Avoid SoyCan You Trust Allergen Labels?Make Your Own Soy-Free MayonnaiseMaking Soy-Free Soft Butter SpreadSoy-Free RecipesComplete Article Archive ListSearch Recent Comments Yen: WOW! That’s a beautiful scenery there:) Patricia: I absolutely LOVE this photo! And it fits your blog so well. Thanks for... Mary: Hi, Thank you for sharing your recipes. I made a chocolate cake for my nephew,... Alissa: This is a great post! It has been on the forefront of my mind lately, given the... Evelynne: Thank you for writing this post. You’re right, it is so easy to forget... Peggy: That soup looks delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe. My mother in law makes... George G.: I love that title. Very clever! Soup looks good too. Linda: *lol @ the description* We have many ‘italian’ pizza restaurants,... Anita: I live in Greensburg, Kansas, and after a tornado destroyed our town, we are... Anita: This is one of our favorite snacks. Contact meLord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can't handle.Copyright © 2007-2008 by ChoosingVoluntarySimplicity.comvar gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? 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