Simplifying Life - Mark II

stitching_witch

This is exactly the lifestyle I would have if I didn't have DH. He gives lip-service to it; we have chickens and an allotment and we cook from scratch, have a well stocked pantry etc. Unfortunately I can't persuade him to go much further than that.

If I was on my own I would be totally OS. I knit, sew, crochet, make jam and other preserves and I bake (when not trying to lose weight ) but I also work full-time and look after DGD one Saturday a month. DH has been off work for nearly three years, originally very ill but much better now and certainly well enough to do the things I would do if I were at home.

I just need to get rid of DH then I could have the lifestyle I crave......

stitchy x

maryb

Just wanted to say, I've seen various references on OS to the Down to Earth Blog but following Mich's mention I had a proper look.

Ok so I won't get anything done for the next day or so until I've read it all, but hey the housework will still be here. And families don't really need feeding, it just encourages them to eat.

I've always been oriented towards green/simple living ie the sort of green that saves money while living lightly, not the sort that buys Colin Firth's wife's trendy eco fashion (why is eco fashion so dreepy?). I prefer stuff that lasts for ever. I am probably the only person I know who really does wear clothes until they fray and fall apart. It's not because I need to for financial reasons but because I get quite attached to favourite clothes. I can just about still fit into things I have had for years but it is perfectly true - you may weigh the same as you did 10 years ago but it is distributed differently when you are in your 50s. After the DDs were born the weight headed south, now it seems to be heading north again but has stopped for a rest round my tum!

I've joined the gym because I like swimming and it's good exercise for keeping supple but I get so bored with the gym itself. Apart from the swimming I do a weekly Pilates class for my back and that's all the use I make of it. I wish they did a membership which just covered swimming. Apart from that I much prefer to get my exercise by walking everywhere - good weightbearing exercise. I feel belonging to a gym is the complete antithesis of simple living but it actually works out as cheap as going to the local swimming pool on a pay per visit basis. So apologies if I seem as if I am just giving lip service to simple living

Winchelsea

Just had a quick look......and already know this thread is just up my street! I do live a simple, low-impact lifestyle, and can't wait to see how others get on on the same journey. Have to rush out now, but look forward to coming back here.

mrswive

maryb, I know where you're coming from re wearing clothes to death.OH has recently made me throw out my favourite jacket cos I looked like a bag lady!!

maryb

Cruel man!

Actually I have just taken the padded lining out of my winter jacket which was literally in holes (12 years old), although the outer fabric was OK, and used it as a pattern for a new one. I got some lovely chinese silk from the market and some black fleece to interline it and I've made a new warm lining - just got to sew it all together now. The outer fabric is that very fine microsuede which looks quite velevety and is almost waterproof and I couldn't find another one like it. I think the chinese silk with dragons will look quite dramatic when it's done

ginnyknit

maryb your plans for your coat sound wonderful. I have always 'done it myself' but since i retired to look after hubby I have really gone O/S and get such pleasure out of succeeding. All those things I have stashed such as fabric and trimmings are all coming in useful now but am gewtting worried as I am running out of stuff. My Dd loves the fact she can ring me and ask for something for Dgs and a couple of days later its there for him.

My arthuritis stops me doing some things but I will not be defeated. I have started my seeds for my veggies and am going to sort out my little plastic greenhouse soon ready for when the windowsills are all full:rotfl:

I love the slower pace of life after years of running for buses and deadlines, how the heck did I do it - pressure pressure pressure! Now I dance to my own tune and my Nsd's are getting more regular and very pleasing. I think the change to a pure unprocessed diet is a big bonus and food tastes so much better.

We decided when OH got really ill that we would do things by our own clock and not answer to anyone and so far so good. As he sleeps little we sometimes stay in bed till 10 o clock - such luxury :j

Lavandula

I hardly ever buy new clothes and when I do I tend to buy items that will last. Last year I bought 2 M&S thermal vests...and nothing else!

I have a winter coat from Next that is 10 years old and still going strong, I reckon it will easily last another 10 years.:o

My mobile is 10 years old and still works fine so I have no intention of buying the 'latest trendy one'..

mrswive

My mobile is my son-in-law's old (very old) work phone ,with a free sim card, which I had so that my, then pregnant, DD could contact me when she went into labour. Reaction from teenage girls on seeing it -"Wow! Retro phone!"
I'm so uncool I'm cool!!!!:)

FatVonD

Lavandula wrote: »

I hardly ever buy new clothes and when I do I tend to buy items that will last. Last year I bought 2 M&S thermal vests...and nothing else!

I have a winter coat from Next that is 10 years old and still going strong, I reckon it will easily last another 10 years.:o

My mobile is 10 years old and still works fine so I have no intention of buying the 'latest trendy one'..

I've managed to get through this winter wearing black leggings under my summer frocks

bellaquidsin

Love this thread. My lifestyle to a tee. I think I was born OS and have always lived like it although it has taken some courage to go it alone and not go with the flow.

It's interesting to hear from those of you who are battling on to sustain this lifestyle in the face of those physical ills and ails which advancing years bring with them.

I am struggling with a very painful foot after an operation. If anyone has had a bunion removed and can tell me it is normal to be in pain after 12 weeks, I would be very encouraged.

I have made bread this morning and jam the other day (from frozen fruit) and am doing what I can, but I do fear that my OS way of life is under threat. I can still knit sew and crochet whilst I sit and rest my foot, but am raring to go in the kitchen and garden.

Bella.