Simplifying Life

Domestically_Challenged

Puss and Ceridwen, thanks for the advice. I'm going to have a good read through the blog you recommended later on.

DC x

rosieben

Domestically_Challenged wrote: »

... but I have been looking into what can be grown indoors- any suggestions would be most welcome. ....

Mrs MCawber gave this link on the 'If things get tougher' thread; I'm definitely getting some of these tomatoes to try; at the moment there's too much draught coming through the windows but I'm having secondary glazing installed soon and I'll still have nice deep window ledges! hint- its always worth reading Mrs MC's posts - she's a total inspiration!

And of course, sprouting seeds are great for winter salads and stir frys

mary43

ceridwen - thanks for the link...........I'll have a good read later once I get some peace and quiet in our manic household..............lol

roseiben - I'll definitely show OH that and pass it on to my son........he's only got a windowbox so grows herbs but not much else.

Charis

ceridwen wrote: »

I think it might be possible to grow a few things like tomatoes, peppers type stuff on sunny windowsills. [...] must have a go at turning a cardboard box into a suitable thing to put growing containers in - ie cut off the side nearest windowglass and put reflective foil around the inside of it - which I gather means they get reflected light as well and, with that, dont bend towards the light coming through the window.

You could also give the pot a quarter turn each day.

Some windowsills might even be too hot (if we ever have a summer again*) the plants might need to be on a table or low bookcase top near the window, to prevent scorching. Don't know about the space though. I've already had difficulty secreting the dried foods away without looking like I'm preparing for a siege Everything seems to flourish in my friend's conservatory. If I get a big enough windfall/legacy I shall have a sunroom built. Conservatories cost too much to heat in the winter, even with a polycarbonate roof.

Charis

*The sun has just shone here for ten seconds :T that seems to be all for today.

Charis

Anyone struggling with simplifying? Not managed to get through the last of the decluttering (particularly those of us who have been here since the thread began)? Don't worry, I have found the perfect antidote to that persistent voice that keeps nagging about the stuff you haven't shifted yet.

http://www.nataliedarbeloff.com/how_to_de-clutter.html

Charis

Rowan9

hello simplifying peeps:hello:
hello newbies - you'll love it here

I haven't posted in here in a l o n g time but think of you all often when I do something which makes my life simpler or more meaningful. I wish I had kept a diary with some of the changes I've made along the way - you know how it is...you just don't notice how the little changes you've made add up but realise suddenly that you've come a long way.
One thing I've learned from this thread is to take more time out for myself, make sure I sleep enough and eat regularly. I function better then. Isn't that so basic? So simple? I've been 'guilty' of working 'til burn out before - well, until I'm exhausted - then too tired to eat, go to bed, sleep badly then up and same again. But I have found that I enjoy quiet things much more now and also am more aware of changes I can make. One example is that I love listening to Radio 4 but used to squirm on my way to work listening to John Humphreys etc tackling some politician. Know what? I can change to |Radio 3! Yes, I can. What a difference it's made. I now consciously choose whether I want info or not instead of it being habit.
I've simplified my wardrobe a lot by putting bags of clothes to charity shops before summer so |I now have a more limited choice of what to wear.
I keep only one shampoo, one shower gel for DH and one soap for me by the shower. It has meant much less cleaning of surfaces- or it's easier to move things to clean them now.
These might be obvious choices to organised or already simplified (!) people but I had to think about what would make things easier.
aaaaaaaaaaahh it's nice to be back in here
Big (((hug))) to those who want one
w

rhonda_jean

Hello everyone! Every so often I get a lot of visitors to my blog from this thread so I come to see what's happening over in this neck of the woods.

Domestically Challenged, don't forget sprouts. They grow indoors, are the most nutritious of all the vegetables and take only a week or so to grow. Buy organic seeds for sprouting, some agricultural seeds have "additives" in the form of antifungicides etc. I would also try the soft lettuces - like buttercrunch and mignonette, not the hard centered ones like great lakes (they take too long to grow). Good luck with whatever it is you decide to grow. I hope your move towards a simpler life goes well for you.

I just wanted to say to everyone else how much in keeping this thread is with a simple philosophy. Simple living is not just about the physical things like decluttering, cooking from scratch and growing food, it's also a philosophy of kindness and generosity and a willingness to help those who need it. This thread, and all of you who contribute to it on an ongoing basis, are helping people, with your gentle encouragement and advice, towards a simpler, more frugal life. That is a wonderful thing to do. :- )

Charis

I just thought of something I do to simplify life that seemed too obvious to mention but perhaps it isn't. I once read that some people try to keep more than one diary/calendar at once (one on the computer, one in the handbag for example) and that we should only keep one, into which everything goes, to avoid those occasions when we forget to synchronise the calendars.

I keep a spiral bound A5 diary (happens to be a Collins) open flat on the unit behind my computer chair. Appointments, engagements, school hols, guests expected, deadlines for assigments, everything goes in there, together with online shopping times, records of when I have been to the doctors, when I am expecting answers to mail, everything I need to keep a record of. I have learned to use a pencil as things so very often change or are cancelled.

This particular diary has a blank page on the left for general reminders for the week or whatever and a week at a glance on the right hand page. Once the events are over I stick reminders in there of the pleasant ones, theatre tickets, poetry festival tickets, little things to jog my memory, so as the year passes the diary becomes a journal of my year. I do my real journal writing spasmodically elsewhere but the diary keeps a chronological record of the year's events.

An added bonus is that I can look back over several years now, remember all that has happened and sometimes check the actual day/date I did something if I can't remember when it was. Only a little thing but my memory is not to be relied upon and this is a useful PNDA (personal non digital assistant). I expect I could keep it on the computer but I prefer to have a tangible record and it still works during power cuts.:D

Domestically_Challenged

Thanks very much for everyone's suggestions and advice regarding growing indoors. I think I'll starrt with sprouts first (as they seem straight forward and surely even I can't kill them ) and will then progress to lettuce and tomatoes next year (I need to sort kitchen and organise space etc). I've had a quick peek at the various blog suggestions but will have a more indepth read later on.

Charis - I think I've had a visit from the mlutter monster.

WMF -re what you were saying about enjoying quiet time; I used to have an awful habit of having the tv on in the background, even though I wasn't watching it. No wonder I couldn't think straight. Now I actually like quiet, or I listen to the radio, not to mention saving electricity.

Rhonda Jean - thanks for your message. What you say about the simple living philosophy is so true; it's not just the physical clutter etc, but for me, organising myself and creating a happy home means that I'm now better able to start thinking of others. Working from home can be isolating; I enjoy it, but I have been thinking lately about doing voluntary work of some sort as I don't want to become 'insular' (if that makes sense).

Simplifying is a work in progress for me, but I wouldn't have it any other way, and I've so enjoyed reading this thread. Thankyou.

DC x

mary43

rhonda - it's also a philosophy of kindness and generosity and a willingness to help those who need it

.

rhonda - how true that is and it makes me feel a whole lot better about myself. I''ve lived by that kind of philosophy for many years but sadly I find it hard to do the 'simplifying bit' as far as the house goes. I keep trying and feel I'm getting there then something happens and it seems I'm back to square one ! But I do keep trying so surely, in the end, I'll get there -but I mustn't lose sight of the fact that surrounding myself with odds and sods.......well thats part of me and who I am.............

charis - as one who is finding it hard, particularly at the minute when I'm surrounded by my half-done christmas 'projects' that link was just perfect and one I'm going to print out and keep by my side.
Might even show it to OH - last night we almost had a row (something we've never done !) over the amound of 'stuff' that accumulates in what was -still is as its not finished yet - our building site/freezer/boiler room.
Then our oldest boys door wants fixing -too much slamming through anger - the kitchen could do with painting, outside of the house needs painting........all of a sudden all these things built up in my head ! Daft really - there are things far more important to worry about...........ooops - mustn't say worry -remind myself of the 'rocking chair' and stop it !
Oh - yes, I'm also one of those people who has a diary in the kitchen and one in my bag...........all started with the best of intentions but theres no need for two when one will suffice................hardly dare mention the fact we have three address books........one in the lounge near the phone...........one in the kitchen near the phone and one in my den ! Why 3 ? Don;t ask............lol

wmf - Good to see you. Yes, wish I'd kept a diary (sorry Charis -that would make 3 !!) particularly this year with the emotional upset I had and how the counsellor helped, how I felt........stuff like that. I could refer back to it then and see ways of helping myself maybe, plus its always interesting to see how we all change in one way or another................next year I may just do that.
I'm a great radio listener but for me it's Radio 2.............background sometimes and other times a reason to actually sit and listen which I can do when I'm making cards. I must admit, this year particularly I've learned to prioritise better.......work our whats important to me and my family, how I must make time for 'me' and learn to say 'no' occassionally.
Clearing out my wardrobe earlier this year (7 bags full !!!) has made getting up in the morning easier though I have to confess to buying a jumper from the charity shop this morning..........!!


DC - good luck with the simplyfying............you'll get there. I find it easier not to expect too much of myself too soon otherwise I'm doomed to feel a failure.............little at a time. Might be snails pace but still going in the right direction