I have failed to share my journey to this point, mostly due to lack of internet service. But now in our new "little" house, I can get internet and actually use my computer! Yeah!!
We listed our 1850 sq ft home in May and by July 5th we had moved out and began shopping for our next adventure. We were quickly led to a 1290 sq ft home on 1 acre in town. It was exactly what we were looking for! A smaller house with a big back yard, a shop for my husband and closer to our friends! We moved in this past weekend (August 3rd) and are working like crazy to make it our own.
Our recycling plant, that we have used for quite a while, shut down, so I am very thankful our town has the option of recycling with the trash service (a perk to being forced to have trash service).
If you ask my friends that helped us move, we still have too much stuff! :) But after having so much in storage for the last month, it is even more clear that we don't need what we have.
On a side note, our new house payment is nearly half of what it was! We are already planning an anniversary trip and starting to look at family vacations, etc. I will post pictures of our house and the many projects ahead of us as soon as we get a bit more settled.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Friday, October 19, 2012
Letting it go
I cleaned out my kids rooms and anticipated a bit of whining, begging and upset from removing so much. But instead I got happy playing noises, clean rooms and laughter. The baby can play in the bedrooms now. They have been sleeping in a fort for a week and they have voluntarily picked up their toys before getting out a new one. I am almost amazed! Then I started thinking... I lived in a 1930's home several years ago and was amazed at the lack of storage. Before that, we lived in a home built in the 1950s. It, too, lacked storage. But we were only the second owners of that '50s home. The first owners raised 3 daughters in that 2 bedroom, one bathroom house! I remember, as a middle child of 3 girls, asking "HOW!?" Now I get it... They didn't have the STUFF!
I could hear my grandmother, "Shopping was a treat! A time to get dressed up and go 'downtown'. It was an event. Now a days, people throw on the nastiest garb they have to run into Walmart."
So, here's my revelation... Each generation takes pride in providing their children with what they never had. Bigger, better things than they grew up with. My dad was raised in what is now the slums of Ft. Worth, a small house with little money. He then provided for me a much bigger house in the country and here I am trying to 'outdo' whatI had. So here's my chance. I will provide my kids with something I didn't have, but it won't be bigger. It will, however, be better.
I will be home to nurture my kids. Their dad won't have to work overtime to buy them the latest and greatest toys, instead he will be taking them to campouts and car shows. We will enjoy family time, vacations, and making memories.
What do you remember from childhood? The best memories? Was it getting a toy or the time you spent with a special loved one?
Thursday, October 4, 2012
near and dear...
And we're back!
I am entertained by all that I have tried since starting this blog. No microwave, no trash service, etc. What makes it so fun, is that we still have no trash service! I relented on the microwave during a rough pregnancy, but it isn't something I use daily. As I was reading our daily science lesson with my 9 year old, I was pleasantly suprised by his reaction as he read about food and chemicals. I showed him a brief clip of Food, Inc., to which he begged to watch the rest. It seems the little things we are doing is having an impact on my kids! One or two little things can make a bigger difference over time!!
Our next big change will be coming within the next year! We are selling our 1850 sq.ft. house and down sizing. After looking at many house plans and renderings online, we have drawn up what works best for us, and I couldn't be more excited! Our new house will be a whopping 880 sq.ft.
As you pick your jaw up off the keyboard and think how crazy I am, or ask where my things will go, I challenege you to think about the space you live in. How much of it do you use... I mean REALLY USE, not for storage.
I have recently cleaned out my 4 years olds room. I removed 90% of his toys and went through them. I returned the costumes, legos, cars and a few other things. He has a shelf with five bins, each holding one type of toy. Legos, cars and Ben 10 things are in small container up high in the closet. Today he asked if he could play legos. I told him his room had to be clean. This was not a happy moment for him, but he did it. He even hung up his own shirts in the closet and it took him 15 minutes!! That's it! He didn't seem overwhelmed by the amount of junk on the floor. It was really a painless process! I will be doing this in the 9 year old's room soon!!
No worries, though... we aren't just throwing things away and adding fuel to a future fire of questions that are sure to come. "Mom, where is..." I have stashed them, for now. He had 6 months to ask where specific items are. If he has a place to put them, unless they are broken, he can have them back.
All that said, it is hard to think about the mortgage, especially the interest, we pay for storage... If we NEED the stuff, it would be cheaper to rent a storage unit or to build our own metal building to keep it! My home is where I live, not my stuff!
In the next few months, I want to keep a careful eye on what I use and don't use. When the time comes, I will be having one massive yard sale!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Giving In but Keeping Up
Well, I gave in... I am now the proud owner of an iPhone. But in my defense, I had good reason!! Our internet provider went down and could get a signal to us. Homeschooling and being trapped in the house with 3 kids all day warrants time to socialize and sometimes all I get is a few minutes on facebook and a few emails to satify this need. So after nearly 2 months without internet, I found a deal and my hubby and I are back online and carrying cell phones again.
But even though we gave in and got cell phones, we have found that doing without trash has become easier and easier to deal with each month. We have a great recycle center and a friend that allows us to use one of his recycle bins, since our town doesn't offer recycling, and the little bit of trash we do generate, we drop at my in-laws or in a public trash can when we get gas. What makes the no trash service thing even easier with a new baby is our cloth diapers. This is the first baby I have attempted this with and I am loving it. It is actually "fun" to cloth diaper! As crazy as that sounds, it is! All the cute covers to choose from and not having to add the extra money to my grocery budget each month to buy disposables and then paying to dispose of them makes it so worth it! It really isn't as gross as so many think!
We started out using simple prefolds with a PUL cover that i bought online at Sweet Little Blessings (www.sweetlittleblessings.com). The covers come with snap in inserts that I use also. Then we tried Thirsties duo wraps pocket diapers. So far I like the prefolds, but have found the pocket diapers to work almost as well. I found Sweet Little Blessings through a blog I read 'Keeper of the Home'. It teaches a simple way of life and the different ladies contributing easch have a new perspective on raising kids. I have found it extremely helpful!
With all that said, having three boys has made life interesting and introduced us to so many new things. I am still trying to adjust and figure out how to handle it all in public and get it all done at home, but with the help of other blogs, an awesome husband and God, I am handling things quite nicely!
But even though we gave in and got cell phones, we have found that doing without trash has become easier and easier to deal with each month. We have a great recycle center and a friend that allows us to use one of his recycle bins, since our town doesn't offer recycling, and the little bit of trash we do generate, we drop at my in-laws or in a public trash can when we get gas. What makes the no trash service thing even easier with a new baby is our cloth diapers. This is the first baby I have attempted this with and I am loving it. It is actually "fun" to cloth diaper! As crazy as that sounds, it is! All the cute covers to choose from and not having to add the extra money to my grocery budget each month to buy disposables and then paying to dispose of them makes it so worth it! It really isn't as gross as so many think!
We started out using simple prefolds with a PUL cover that i bought online at Sweet Little Blessings (www.sweetlittleblessings.com). The covers come with snap in inserts that I use also. Then we tried Thirsties duo wraps pocket diapers. So far I like the prefolds, but have found the pocket diapers to work almost as well. I found Sweet Little Blessings through a blog I read 'Keeper of the Home'. It teaches a simple way of life and the different ladies contributing easch have a new perspective on raising kids. I have found it extremely helpful!
With all that said, having three boys has made life interesting and introduced us to so many new things. I am still trying to adjust and figure out how to handle it all in public and get it all done at home, but with the help of other blogs, an awesome husband and God, I am handling things quite nicely!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Preparing for life's suprises
I was on here last in October last year with a disappointed attitude of what was accomplished. I kind of gave up for a while and then spent a few months in bed and pretty sick from the joyous suprise of my third child. I am due September 1st with my third boy! As I put it, I am adding to my collection. Although I am sure girls are amazing and a daughter would be a wonderful gift from God, I like my boys and feel better equipped to manage them.
In all this, I have now been up and going at almost regular pace for about 4 weeks. In that time I have accomplished more than I could have ever imagined! Call in nesting or making up for the boredom I found in not being able to walk through the house without getting sick, but I am cleaning and clearing out this house! A new beginning to simplicity with a new life.
With a new little boy to add to the other 2, I have gone an unconventional route for their bedrooms, but just in the 2 days we have been in the arrangement, I can already tell it will be a success! I can say as a child, I had everything I could ever need and want, although I always thought I needed more! My boys are in the same state!! My oldest, who turned eight last Monday, loves to share a room with his 2, almost 3 (14 days) year old brother. I tried to seperate them to no avail. Then I realized what a blessing this could be. So, I seperated the stuff instead! Toys in one room, boys in the other! For 2 days I have had peace, their rooms have stayed clean and I have spent more time enjoying their giggles rather than induring their screaming!
In this opportunity to move the toys to their new play room, or 'my baby woom' as Paxton calls it, I went through their things and took out over half of what was there. Broken toys, trash, thousands of silly bands, and toys to hide away and pull out on a rainy day. Too much stuff caused hardship for these boys. They would rather sit in front of the tv or play video games than play with the 1000's of dollars worth of toys in their room. Now, they are playing peacfully and enjoying the little things they have. And last night, it only took them 8 minutes to clean up the mess from the entire day!
Beyond my boys, I have cleaned out every room and every cabinet in the house. Amazingly, I have found some great stuff to decorate with or to repurpose. I have a great pile for donation and a pile waiting to go to the dumpster. I am excited to see so may of my cabinets empty or close to empty... When you live simply, who needs extra storage!?
I am learning so much about simple living as I prepare for this new little boy. I am looking into alternatives to so many things. I have been led to an amazing blog www.keeperofthehome.org. She spends time talking about natural and simple living. I have been encouraged to try cloth diapers and wipes, to continue recycling and find new ways to challenge my family to daily live in a way that pleases God.
I am thankful God is blessing me with this new life. It is giving me new purpose to change the life I live with my famiy and a new challenge to be watchful of my time, money and other resources so we can live to best life for Him! And it is all worth it to see the stresses begin to deminish and the laughter return with abundance!
In all this, I have now been up and going at almost regular pace for about 4 weeks. In that time I have accomplished more than I could have ever imagined! Call in nesting or making up for the boredom I found in not being able to walk through the house without getting sick, but I am cleaning and clearing out this house! A new beginning to simplicity with a new life.
With a new little boy to add to the other 2, I have gone an unconventional route for their bedrooms, but just in the 2 days we have been in the arrangement, I can already tell it will be a success! I can say as a child, I had everything I could ever need and want, although I always thought I needed more! My boys are in the same state!! My oldest, who turned eight last Monday, loves to share a room with his 2, almost 3 (14 days) year old brother. I tried to seperate them to no avail. Then I realized what a blessing this could be. So, I seperated the stuff instead! Toys in one room, boys in the other! For 2 days I have had peace, their rooms have stayed clean and I have spent more time enjoying their giggles rather than induring their screaming!
In this opportunity to move the toys to their new play room, or 'my baby woom' as Paxton calls it, I went through their things and took out over half of what was there. Broken toys, trash, thousands of silly bands, and toys to hide away and pull out on a rainy day. Too much stuff caused hardship for these boys. They would rather sit in front of the tv or play video games than play with the 1000's of dollars worth of toys in their room. Now, they are playing peacfully and enjoying the little things they have. And last night, it only took them 8 minutes to clean up the mess from the entire day!
Beyond my boys, I have cleaned out every room and every cabinet in the house. Amazingly, I have found some great stuff to decorate with or to repurpose. I have a great pile for donation and a pile waiting to go to the dumpster. I am excited to see so may of my cabinets empty or close to empty... When you live simply, who needs extra storage!?
I am learning so much about simple living as I prepare for this new little boy. I am looking into alternatives to so many things. I have been led to an amazing blog www.keeperofthehome.org. She spends time talking about natural and simple living. I have been encouraged to try cloth diapers and wipes, to continue recycling and find new ways to challenge my family to daily live in a way that pleases God.
I am thankful God is blessing me with this new life. It is giving me new purpose to change the life I live with my famiy and a new challenge to be watchful of my time, money and other resources so we can live to best life for Him! And it is all worth it to see the stresses begin to deminish and the laughter return with abundance!
Friday, October 22, 2010
busy work
This month was a bust, at least in my eyes. I was hoping to rid myself of the 'stuff' and get my life organized. What I have realized, though, is no matter how hard I work to organize the stuff, I have to organize my mind and my time for it all to work. I have been so busy the past few weeks. I feel like I haven't stopped. There has not been one day in the last 3 weeks or more that I have been able to just relax and focus. I have missed out on a great Bible study with my blog girls, I have let my house go and it is time I fight back!
My goal for the month of November is to stop and refocus on my family. Each day I will spend time letting everything go and just spend time with my boys, doing something they want to do. No more "I'm too busy" or "hang on, let me finish"
I have gotten rid of so much and it is truely a releif to feel less dependent on the stuff... so now I am going to become less dependent on doing and focus a little on just 'being'.
I still have committments that can not be forsaken, but I will take the time out each day to organize my time to best serve the committments and spend time with the family.
**on a side note, some great friends of ours have a 2 year old son, Elijah (Paxto'ns best buddy!). He had neuroblastoma and will be, Lord willing, having surgery on October 29th in New York. I ask your prayers for the Fowler family and this precious little boy. If you want to read more of his story, you can find it at
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elijahfowler
My goal for the month of November is to stop and refocus on my family. Each day I will spend time letting everything go and just spend time with my boys, doing something they want to do. No more "I'm too busy" or "hang on, let me finish"
I have gotten rid of so much and it is truely a releif to feel less dependent on the stuff... so now I am going to become less dependent on doing and focus a little on just 'being'.
I still have committments that can not be forsaken, but I will take the time out each day to organize my time to best serve the committments and spend time with the family.
**on a side note, some great friends of ours have a 2 year old son, Elijah (Paxto'ns best buddy!). He had neuroblastoma and will be, Lord willing, having surgery on October 29th in New York. I ask your prayers for the Fowler family and this precious little boy. If you want to read more of his story, you can find it at
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elijahfowler
Friday, October 8, 2010
For my composting friends, I am always trying to figure out what to do with things I would have normally thown in the trash. Since I don't have a trash service, I need to find other ways to get rid of things that can't be recycled. I have looked at other lists before, but found this list and wanted to refresh my list of compostables.
Coffee grounds and filters
Tea bags
Used paper napkins
Pizza boxes, ripped into smaller pieces
Paper bags, either ripped or balled up
The crumbs you sweep off of the counters and floors
Plain cooked pasta
Plain cooked rice
Stale bread
Paper towel rolls
Stale saltine crackers
Stale cereal
Used paper plates (as long as they don't have a waxy coating)
Cellophane bags (be sure it's really Cellophane and not just clear plastic -- there's a difference.)
Nut shells (except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants)
Old herbs and spices
Stale pretzels
Pizza crusts
Cereal boxes (tear them into smaller pieces first)
Wine corks
Moldy cheese
Melted ice cream
Old jelly, jam, or preserves
Stale beer and wine
Paper egg cartons
Toothpicks
Bamboo skewers
Paper cupcake or muffin cups
From the Bathroom
Used facial tissues
Hair from your hairbrush
Toilet paper rolls
Old loofahs
Nail clippings
Urine
100% cotton cotton balls
Cotton swabs made from 100% cotton and cardboard (not plastic) sticks
**It might be a good idea to bury these items in your pile. Just sayin'**
Cardboard tampon applicators
Latex condoms
From the Laundry Room
Dryer lint
Old/stained cotton clothing -- rip or cut it into smaller pieces
Old wool clothing -- rip or cut it into smaller pieces
Bills and other documents you've shredded
Envelopes (minus the plastic window)
Pencil shavings
Sticky notes
Business cards (as long as they're not glossy)
Receipts
Contents of your vacuum cleaner bag or canister
Newspapers (shredded or torn into smaller pieces)
Subscription cards from magazines
Leaves trimmed from houseplants
Dead houseplants and their soil
Flowers from floral arrangements
Natural potpourri
Used matches
Ashes from the fireplace, barbecue grill, or outdoor fire pit
Party and Holiday Supplies
Wrapping paper rolls
Paper table cloths
Crepe paper streamers
Latex balloons
Raffia
Excelsior
Jack o' Lanterns
Those hay bales you used as part of your outdoor fall decor
Natural holiday wreaths
Your Christmas tree -- chop it up with some pruners first (or use a wood chipper, if you have one)
Evergreen garlands
Fur from the dog or cat brush
Droppings and bedding from your rabbit/gerbil/hamsters, etc.
Newspaper/droppings from the bottom of the bird cage
Feathers
Alfalfa hay or pellets (usually fed to rabbits)
Rawhide dog chews
Fish food
Dry dog or cat food
On this same note, I want to tell you... I have been without trash for more than 2 months now and I can't believe how easy it is. When you don't have the easy access to the garbage truck, recycling and composting is just something you do!
Coffee grounds and filters
Tea bags
Used paper napkins
Pizza boxes, ripped into smaller pieces
Paper bags, either ripped or balled up
The crumbs you sweep off of the counters and floors
Plain cooked pasta
Plain cooked rice
Stale bread
Paper towel rolls
Stale saltine crackers
Stale cereal
Used paper plates (as long as they don't have a waxy coating)
Cellophane bags (be sure it's really Cellophane and not just clear plastic -- there's a difference.)
Nut shells (except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants)
Old herbs and spices
Stale pretzels
Pizza crusts
Cereal boxes (tear them into smaller pieces first)
Wine corks
Moldy cheese
Melted ice cream
Old jelly, jam, or preserves
Stale beer and wine
Paper egg cartons
Toothpicks
Bamboo skewers
Paper cupcake or muffin cups
From the Bathroom
Used facial tissues
Hair from your hairbrush
Toilet paper rolls
Old loofahs
Nail clippings
Urine
100% cotton cotton balls
Cotton swabs made from 100% cotton and cardboard (not plastic) sticks
**It might be a good idea to bury these items in your pile. Just sayin'**
Cardboard tampon applicators
Latex condoms
From the Laundry Room
Dryer lint
Old/stained cotton clothing -- rip or cut it into smaller pieces
Old wool clothing -- rip or cut it into smaller pieces
Bills and other documents you've shredded
Envelopes (minus the plastic window)
Pencil shavings
Sticky notes
Business cards (as long as they're not glossy)
Receipts
Contents of your vacuum cleaner bag or canister
Newspapers (shredded or torn into smaller pieces)
Subscription cards from magazines
Leaves trimmed from houseplants
Dead houseplants and their soil
Flowers from floral arrangements
Natural potpourri
Used matches
Ashes from the fireplace, barbecue grill, or outdoor fire pit
Party and Holiday Supplies
Wrapping paper rolls
Paper table cloths
Crepe paper streamers
Latex balloons
Raffia
Excelsior
Jack o' Lanterns
Those hay bales you used as part of your outdoor fall decor
Natural holiday wreaths
Your Christmas tree -- chop it up with some pruners first (or use a wood chipper, if you have one)
Evergreen garlands
Fur from the dog or cat brush
Droppings and bedding from your rabbit/gerbil/hamsters, etc.
Newspaper/droppings from the bottom of the bird cage
Feathers
Alfalfa hay or pellets (usually fed to rabbits)
Rawhide dog chews
Fish food
Dry dog or cat food
On this same note, I want to tell you... I have been without trash for more than 2 months now and I can't believe how easy it is. When you don't have the easy access to the garbage truck, recycling and composting is just something you do!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I found the help I needed!
I was perusing facebook earlier today and saw a friend mention cleaning her house while her kids were down for a nap, yes Hannah, I am talking about you. Anyway, she mentioned doing a Flylady emergency clean. I, and a few others, had never heard of this, so I looked it up. It is a great site. I love the ideas of cleaning and the general encouragement to get you house clean. I thought this went great with my goal of cleaning out and getting my house organized this month! We can all use a little help and encouragement when doing these daunting tasks around the house! So check out the website and see what the fly ladt can help you accomplish.
www.flylady.net
www.flylady.net
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A beautiful fall!
*Stuff* what we really don't 'need' but can't live without! I bet any of us could look around and see at least a dozen things that fall into this category without leaving our seats. There are things that definetly make life easier and more enjoyable! I love my decorations, my books, my new jacket I bought last weekend... but I really don't need any of it! It feels so nice to make your house a home by decorating and hanging memeries on your wall. It makes it cozy and a nice place to relax. But when it overwhelms you and keeps you cleaning continuously, there may be too much stuff. I have watched my 7 year old's toys accumulate over the years, until he was 4 or 5. That is when I began cleaning them out every 6 months. If he didn't play with it, it disappeared. If he asked for it within the next few weeks, I would give it back. If he didn't ask, it went away. This was great until I realized I wasn't doing this to my own toys. I have been accumulating things for years and haven't stopped often enough to clean out and get rid of. I see something I haven't used in years and think, it could come in handy one day. So my piles grow and my attic becomes full and overflowing.
Honestly, I am not in the state anymore. When we moved 3 years ago, I purged a lot of stuff and at one time was quite organized. But with so many changes in the last 3 years, there has been more stuff coming in and not enough going out! So my 'get rid of' goal for October is NO MORE STUFF! But the real goal for October is having a place for everything. If there isn't a place for it, it isn't needed anyway. So, I will be spending my extra time at home, cleaning out, organizing and getting rid of stuff. This, I pray, will keep me busy enough that I don't miss the little shopping trips I enjoy every so often.
On a side note, this morning I finalized our September budget. I was super suprised to find we barely went over. I don't want to go over, but have been trying to get rid of enough, so my water softener payment doesn't come out of our savings. I was not sure this could happen when I started in July, but so far our savings is in tact and our budget is being met! I thought about how much we saved this month and questioned how. I don't remember having to 'go without' this month, but we didn't spend near as much on groceries, gas and so many other things. We actually made less this month than last month, but saved more this month. I am beginning to see the fruits of my labor! And I am not feeling that we are without. What a great feeling to know we have all we need and are happier now than we were a few months ago.
This is why I am doing all of this! Paper towels, cell phones, a microwave... stuff... these are things so many say 'I couldn't do without'. I know many people that need their cell phone for work, so to them I say, turn it off... at least 1 day out of the week. Each thing we have given up works for us. It has lessened the burden not only in our budget, but in the stuff we have to keep up with. It has lightened our load and given us more time to spend talking to one another. You will be amazed at how quickly you realize you don't really need any of the things you have!
One of the greatest things I have gained is the confidence to complete my goals. I have set goals for our budget, for our house and for our family. Some have to be modified every now and then, but for the most part, we are meeting them. It has given meaning to my life to have something to work for short term and long term.
Sorry for the ramblings today... hope you have a great one!
Honestly, I am not in the state anymore. When we moved 3 years ago, I purged a lot of stuff and at one time was quite organized. But with so many changes in the last 3 years, there has been more stuff coming in and not enough going out! So my 'get rid of' goal for October is NO MORE STUFF! But the real goal for October is having a place for everything. If there isn't a place for it, it isn't needed anyway. So, I will be spending my extra time at home, cleaning out, organizing and getting rid of stuff. This, I pray, will keep me busy enough that I don't miss the little shopping trips I enjoy every so often.
On a side note, this morning I finalized our September budget. I was super suprised to find we barely went over. I don't want to go over, but have been trying to get rid of enough, so my water softener payment doesn't come out of our savings. I was not sure this could happen when I started in July, but so far our savings is in tact and our budget is being met! I thought about how much we saved this month and questioned how. I don't remember having to 'go without' this month, but we didn't spend near as much on groceries, gas and so many other things. We actually made less this month than last month, but saved more this month. I am beginning to see the fruits of my labor! And I am not feeling that we are without. What a great feeling to know we have all we need and are happier now than we were a few months ago.
This is why I am doing all of this! Paper towels, cell phones, a microwave... stuff... these are things so many say 'I couldn't do without'. I know many people that need their cell phone for work, so to them I say, turn it off... at least 1 day out of the week. Each thing we have given up works for us. It has lessened the burden not only in our budget, but in the stuff we have to keep up with. It has lightened our load and given us more time to spend talking to one another. You will be amazed at how quickly you realize you don't really need any of the things you have!
One of the greatest things I have gained is the confidence to complete my goals. I have set goals for our budget, for our house and for our family. Some have to be modified every now and then, but for the most part, we are meeting them. It has given meaning to my life to have something to work for short term and long term.
Sorry for the ramblings today... hope you have a great one!
Friday, September 10, 2010
what else, then?
What would you do if you lost everything? What could you live without if you could only take a few things with you?
These are the questions I ask myself when I think of all our culture regards as necessary. We live such a blessed life in this country, even during a recession! I have heard and said I will not. or could not, go without 'that'! since I started this mission. I understand things like air conditioning on a hot Oklahoma day! I don't want to do without that, and, thakfully, I don't have to.
But I do know- I don't need it all! We have done without the extra for years! I don't need a new car, a boat, or any of the other expensive toys that would go so well in my neighborhood. I don't need new or better of anything. I will still wake up and live. I will still wear the clothes in my closet and make what I have great!
So, my goal for October is going to be--no new stuff, for me or my family! I was thinking how this may work for Christmas and other holidays. I hope to buy only practical and functional gifts this year. I have several ideas already! Things my kiddos can make for those we love! Rather than running to the store to buy a new 'whatever' for someone, my kids can hang out with me and we can make something special!
As for September, I am doing okay. I bought some clothes at a consignment shop, later to remember and realize they are from Bangladesh and other similar places. But since then, I am, again, aware.
What I am suprised about is the dishwasher, or lack there of. I haven't really noticed it's absence. I was already rinsing my dishes, so I just added a sink of soap and hot water and a scrub brush. And the dishwasher rack works great for a drying rack!
These are the questions I ask myself when I think of all our culture regards as necessary. We live such a blessed life in this country, even during a recession! I have heard and said I will not. or could not, go without 'that'! since I started this mission. I understand things like air conditioning on a hot Oklahoma day! I don't want to do without that, and, thakfully, I don't have to.
But I do know- I don't need it all! We have done without the extra for years! I don't need a new car, a boat, or any of the other expensive toys that would go so well in my neighborhood. I don't need new or better of anything. I will still wake up and live. I will still wear the clothes in my closet and make what I have great!
So, my goal for October is going to be--no new stuff, for me or my family! I was thinking how this may work for Christmas and other holidays. I hope to buy only practical and functional gifts this year. I have several ideas already! Things my kiddos can make for those we love! Rather than running to the store to buy a new 'whatever' for someone, my kids can hang out with me and we can make something special!
As for September, I am doing okay. I bought some clothes at a consignment shop, later to remember and realize they are from Bangladesh and other similar places. But since then, I am, again, aware.
What I am suprised about is the dishwasher, or lack there of. I haven't really noticed it's absence. I was already rinsing my dishes, so I just added a sink of soap and hot water and a scrub brush. And the dishwasher rack works great for a drying rack!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Think positive!
September 3rd... and so far, so good!
Jon and I, in the midst of 85 mph winds and rain, went grocery shopping. The most entertaining part was standing at the door of the store waiting with a large crowd of people, helpless, patient for the weather to let up just enough to dash to our cars on the opposite end of the parking lot, hopeful we would not get soaked! Then laughing at the impatience of others, shoving their way through with 3 children in tow saying, "IT'S JUST A LITTLE WATER!" Then nearly being knocked over by the force of the winds as they stomp into the torrential downpour, with the poor sack boy, head drooping in dread, following close behind. Most people were kind enough to let the grocery workers wait at the door while they drove up to the building.
Anyway, after all that fun... I have to tell you how simple and yet frustrating my grocery trip was. I have never paid so much attention to the food I was buying until now. The trip was simple because I recognize some of the packaging from local businesses, knowing they are US made. What made the trip difficult was the lack of labeling. When you find things with muliple ingredients, the package will only claim processing or distribution in the US. And I never realized how much of our food comes from Thailand and Guatamala.
On and up note to the US purchases, they were the store brands, the cheap brands... for the most part.
Crest, my store of choice last night, has their store brand that is US made. As I looked over pasta, though, I found that each brand, differing in price by $.10 to $2.00, all came from the same manufacturer. But I managed to find some healthy, whole wheat pasta claiming 100% made in the USA.
I also found that if you look down, you will save money! Kraft Mayo in a small jar was 2 for $5, Kraft mayo in a large jar was 2 for $4. Eggs were $2.79 for 18 or 2 1/2 dozen for $2.50, same brand!
Really, I don't mind the imports so much. I just don't like the toys and plastic junk from China. But this was an eye opening experience and gave me a desire to find out more about where the things I use and eat come from.
On a different note, I was talking with some people about all that we had given up and when they asked why, I had to pause to remember why I started this. It wasn't to make a political or environmental stance, to conserve electricity or be green. It was mearly to see what I could live without that our society deems necessary to live. I can honestly say, each thing that lessens my load of stuff has made me happier. I have found myself living each day with a new sense of awareness. I do things on purpose and have found more time and money to just relax and enjoy my kids and life. All in all, I have put so much less thought and energy into the "stuff" of life and so much more into the sustenance so that my extra time and money can be put where it needs to be!
Jon and I, in the midst of 85 mph winds and rain, went grocery shopping. The most entertaining part was standing at the door of the store waiting with a large crowd of people, helpless, patient for the weather to let up just enough to dash to our cars on the opposite end of the parking lot, hopeful we would not get soaked! Then laughing at the impatience of others, shoving their way through with 3 children in tow saying, "IT'S JUST A LITTLE WATER!" Then nearly being knocked over by the force of the winds as they stomp into the torrential downpour, with the poor sack boy, head drooping in dread, following close behind. Most people were kind enough to let the grocery workers wait at the door while they drove up to the building.
Anyway, after all that fun... I have to tell you how simple and yet frustrating my grocery trip was. I have never paid so much attention to the food I was buying until now. The trip was simple because I recognize some of the packaging from local businesses, knowing they are US made. What made the trip difficult was the lack of labeling. When you find things with muliple ingredients, the package will only claim processing or distribution in the US. And I never realized how much of our food comes from Thailand and Guatamala.
On and up note to the US purchases, they were the store brands, the cheap brands... for the most part.
Crest, my store of choice last night, has their store brand that is US made. As I looked over pasta, though, I found that each brand, differing in price by $.10 to $2.00, all came from the same manufacturer. But I managed to find some healthy, whole wheat pasta claiming 100% made in the USA.
I also found that if you look down, you will save money! Kraft Mayo in a small jar was 2 for $5, Kraft mayo in a large jar was 2 for $4. Eggs were $2.79 for 18 or 2 1/2 dozen for $2.50, same brand!
Really, I don't mind the imports so much. I just don't like the toys and plastic junk from China. But this was an eye opening experience and gave me a desire to find out more about where the things I use and eat come from.
On a different note, I was talking with some people about all that we had given up and when they asked why, I had to pause to remember why I started this. It wasn't to make a political or environmental stance, to conserve electricity or be green. It was mearly to see what I could live without that our society deems necessary to live. I can honestly say, each thing that lessens my load of stuff has made me happier. I have found myself living each day with a new sense of awareness. I do things on purpose and have found more time and money to just relax and enjoy my kids and life. All in all, I have put so much less thought and energy into the "stuff" of life and so much more into the sustenance so that my extra time and money can be put where it needs to be!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September is here!
Well, September first... what a lovely site after a sweltering August. I am thankful for the approach of fall weather. I am looking out my window and wishing it felt as cool out there as it looks! I love fall!
I am looking forward to my challenge of buying US made products! Today will be a true test as I go grocery shopping. We are out of so much and on a tight budget this month! I'll let you know how that goes.
Since I had to open up the purchases to the western hemisphere in oreder to buy bananas and other fruits, I decided to add on another challenge for myself. I thought long and hard about what I have that I could do without. After seeing friends do without, I have decided to try the 'no dishwasher' thing. This will be a challenge since I despise dishes! This may end up being more for a challenge on Jon... but I am going to give it a go, especially since we have to pre-rinse them all due to a lack of water pressure!
My grandfather wouldn't use his dishwasher after my grandmother passed away. He, instead, used it as storage for his plates and cups and freed up cabinet space. So, with the goal of having more cabinet space and using less energy, I want to give this a try.
I am looking forward to my challenge of buying US made products! Today will be a true test as I go grocery shopping. We are out of so much and on a tight budget this month! I'll let you know how that goes.
Since I had to open up the purchases to the western hemisphere in oreder to buy bananas and other fruits, I decided to add on another challenge for myself. I thought long and hard about what I have that I could do without. After seeing friends do without, I have decided to try the 'no dishwasher' thing. This will be a challenge since I despise dishes! This may end up being more for a challenge on Jon... but I am going to give it a go, especially since we have to pre-rinse them all due to a lack of water pressure!
My grandfather wouldn't use his dishwasher after my grandmother passed away. He, instead, used it as storage for his plates and cups and freed up cabinet space. So, with the goal of having more cabinet space and using less energy, I want to give this a try.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Here comes September
The end of August is quickly approaching! If you read a few posts back in August, I wrote about giving up imports for the month of September. WOW!! What a challenge! I have researched this and paid a lot of attention to what I normally buy in a month and found that this is going to be close to impossible! We also looked into only buying things from the western hemesphere; Canada, Mexico, South America, etc. That seems much more doable, since we like fresh fruit and veggies so much! But one other thing has come up this month that is standing in my way. I am starting a new business. I am selling Cookie Lee jewelry, which I love!! Although it is a US based business, like most US businesses, the product is manufactured in China.
So, my goal for this month, where imports are concerned, is to be aware of what I am buying. If it is possible to purchase a US made product instead, I will!
Since I have changed the September challenge quite a bit, I am adding a second challenge for the month. What that will be? I don't know yet, but I have a day and a half to figure it out! :) Any ideas?
So, my goal for this month, where imports are concerned, is to be aware of what I am buying. If it is possible to purchase a US made product instead, I will!
Since I have changed the September challenge quite a bit, I am adding a second challenge for the month. What that will be? I don't know yet, but I have a day and a half to figure it out! :) Any ideas?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
air conditioning consumption
There are a few things I refuse to give up! During an Oklahoma 105 degree summer day, my air conditioner is running strong to cool my house! But we just found a great, and FREE, monitor to tell us what we are using each day! We contacted our electric company (Oklahoma Electric Cooperative) to question our last bill and they offered a daily usage monitor email each day to tell us what we used the day before.
So, yesterday I took the boys to the zoo and was out all day. Today we got the email showing our usage dropped 20 kwh because I turned the air conditioner off while I was gone!
I have never turned it off for a day because I was told it wasn't worth it. But I see now that it is! If you are gone during the day, turn off the a/c unit! It really will save you on your electric bill!
One more electric savings... the dryer. I use my dryer twice a week (about 4 loads). I noticed a spike in the usage on those days of about 10 kwh. To run the dryer twice, it takes half the kwh of electricity that it does to run your a/c all day! So today, my laundry day, will consist of hanging my clothes to dry, just to see what the savings is.
So, yesterday I took the boys to the zoo and was out all day. Today we got the email showing our usage dropped 20 kwh because I turned the air conditioner off while I was gone!
I have never turned it off for a day because I was told it wasn't worth it. But I see now that it is! If you are gone during the day, turn off the a/c unit! It really will save you on your electric bill!
One more electric savings... the dryer. I use my dryer twice a week (about 4 loads). I noticed a spike in the usage on those days of about 10 kwh. To run the dryer twice, it takes half the kwh of electricity that it does to run your a/c all day! So today, my laundry day, will consist of hanging my clothes to dry, just to see what the savings is.
Monday, August 23, 2010
first drop
Jon made the first recycle drop on Friday. It went well! They take a lot more than I expected and were very nice to help sort between plastic types and such. They had a bin for cardboard and a different one for junk mail! So we will be sorting things a little better this time! What was really great about it was talking to my mom-in-law and hearing her scolding my husband for taking it with out her! She has a pile out in her garage of things to take! So I know I have had a little impact somewhere!
I have had several people approach me this last week to tell me I have inspired them through this journey, and it is really nice to hear! But each one has followed up with, "... but I couldn't do it!"
I tell them that each one of has things that we use all the time that we could really do without. We just have to choose what they are and try.
I was asked last night why we got rid of the microwave. She thought it was some health reason. I think she was in shock when I said, "It broke. And I am too cheap to buy a new one when I can do everything on the stove or in the toaster oven with a little patience." This hasn't been a journey to save the environment, but it has been a plus to do something. It hasn't been a political stance or a statement of anything, well- maybe against the materialism and commercialism of our culture, but it didn't start that way.
I just want to encourage anyone that wants to save a little money or learn a little patience to try doing without a few of our cutural necessities, even if just for a few days!
I have had several people approach me this last week to tell me I have inspired them through this journey, and it is really nice to hear! But each one has followed up with, "... but I couldn't do it!"
I tell them that each one of has things that we use all the time that we could really do without. We just have to choose what they are and try.
I was asked last night why we got rid of the microwave. She thought it was some health reason. I think she was in shock when I said, "It broke. And I am too cheap to buy a new one when I can do everything on the stove or in the toaster oven with a little patience." This hasn't been a journey to save the environment, but it has been a plus to do something. It hasn't been a political stance or a statement of anything, well- maybe against the materialism and commercialism of our culture, but it didn't start that way.
I just want to encourage anyone that wants to save a little money or learn a little patience to try doing without a few of our cutural necessities, even if just for a few days!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
what's missing
I have been spending a lot of time lately trying to figure out all the things in my life that aren't necessary. It is fun to see what I can actually live without and what things I don't want to get rid of! But in all this seaching, I am beginning to see all the things in my life that I need. Some of them are obvious, my home, my car, etc. But some of these things have gone unnoticed or absent from my life until now.
First of all, I need a positive attitude. With so much negativity around me in the media, tv and facebook posts of the terrible days people are having, I get a kick out of the positive feedback here, the positive facebook status' and the smiles from my kids. Which leads to my second need, my kids. I love homeschooling! I need to have my kids around me to teach me to let go sometimes and find the kid in me. They show me that sometimes we just need to back out of the moment and spend time laughing and playing. I also know that I need encouragement to get through each day. I am blessed with a great family that supports and encourages me in all the crazy things I do!
So, what I have learned from this revelation of needs is, as I rid my life of the unecessaries, I need to fill it with what is necessary. Positive encouragement that will give a smile to someone that may need it.
On a side note, my 7 year old has noticed the changes we have made and has asked few questions. He has been great to go along with what we are doing! But tonight was the best! I made fish tacos for dinner, which usually have consisted of frozen fish sticks with the trimmings. I decided this time to try a healthier version, so I used fresh tilapia. As I was cooking, he came to me and the conversation went something like this:
Gavin: That doesn't look like fish!
Mom: Well, it is.
Gavin: But it doesn't look like fish!
Mom: But it is.
Gavin: No! They are shaped like sticks! That isn't fish!
The great part about it, he loved the tilapia and was still snitching pieces out of the bowl as it was being put away!
First of all, I need a positive attitude. With so much negativity around me in the media, tv and facebook posts of the terrible days people are having, I get a kick out of the positive feedback here, the positive facebook status' and the smiles from my kids. Which leads to my second need, my kids. I love homeschooling! I need to have my kids around me to teach me to let go sometimes and find the kid in me. They show me that sometimes we just need to back out of the moment and spend time laughing and playing. I also know that I need encouragement to get through each day. I am blessed with a great family that supports and encourages me in all the crazy things I do!
So, what I have learned from this revelation of needs is, as I rid my life of the unecessaries, I need to fill it with what is necessary. Positive encouragement that will give a smile to someone that may need it.
On a side note, my 7 year old has noticed the changes we have made and has asked few questions. He has been great to go along with what we are doing! But tonight was the best! I made fish tacos for dinner, which usually have consisted of frozen fish sticks with the trimmings. I decided this time to try a healthier version, so I used fresh tilapia. As I was cooking, he came to me and the conversation went something like this:
Gavin: That doesn't look like fish!
Mom: Well, it is.
Gavin: But it doesn't look like fish!
Mom: But it is.
Gavin: No! They are shaped like sticks! That isn't fish!
The great part about it, he loved the tilapia and was still snitching pieces out of the bowl as it was being put away!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Living everyday deliberatly
Since starting this purge of the unnecessary, I have come to realize just how unintentional my everyday is. I may have a 'to do' list sitting on my desk, or a plethora of errands to run, but at the end of each day I fell tired and somewhat unaccomplished. This is something I think about a lot as a stay-at-home mom. What am I doing with my life? What do I accomplish each day? I can clean all day and it is messy again by dinner. The laundry is a never ending battle. But usually I stop and remind myself what an impact I am having on my own children and smile because I am blessed to be able to stay at home and raise them each day.
But I still feel like I don't get much done between 8 am and 10 pm. I end up being wired at night because I have spent my day lollygagging around the house finding little things to do that don't amount to much.
I had a brief conversation with a friend recently about all this, a fellow stay-at-home home schooling mom. She told me about a book, "Shopping For Time", and lent me a her copy. It appealed almost immediately, using shopping as a guide to finding more time. It got down to the nitty gritty quite fast and without a lot of fluff... get up earlier and accomplish more. Not what I wanted to hear! I am not a morning person! Getting up too early makes me sick just like staying up too late. The thought of being up before sunrise gives me the shivers!
I am in a season of change in my life. Not just with recycling or composting, but in so many other things. So I have decided, to make my days intentional! To add to the time I have by getting up by 6 am. To find purpose in each day by asking things like "Did I hug my husband before he left for work?" "Did my kids get a healthy breakfast before we ran out the door or did they eat at all?" Have I spent too much time on facebook?" Have I spent each moment of the day doing something to glorify God? to help others?
Each of the things we have gotten rid of has seemed to touch someone around me. I have a friend that took the challenge to get rid of her microwave, I know others that are recycling more. It is an amazing encouragment to me to hear that others are taking an initiative to live life deliberatly! And, hopefully, by the end of each day I will realize what I have accomplished!
And I will start getting up earlier!! :) 6 am, here I come!
But I still feel like I don't get much done between 8 am and 10 pm. I end up being wired at night because I have spent my day lollygagging around the house finding little things to do that don't amount to much.
I had a brief conversation with a friend recently about all this, a fellow stay-at-home home schooling mom. She told me about a book, "Shopping For Time", and lent me a her copy. It appealed almost immediately, using shopping as a guide to finding more time. It got down to the nitty gritty quite fast and without a lot of fluff... get up earlier and accomplish more. Not what I wanted to hear! I am not a morning person! Getting up too early makes me sick just like staying up too late. The thought of being up before sunrise gives me the shivers!
I am in a season of change in my life. Not just with recycling or composting, but in so many other things. So I have decided, to make my days intentional! To add to the time I have by getting up by 6 am. To find purpose in each day by asking things like "Did I hug my husband before he left for work?" "Did my kids get a healthy breakfast before we ran out the door or did they eat at all?" Have I spent too much time on facebook?" Have I spent each moment of the day doing something to glorify God? to help others?
Each of the things we have gotten rid of has seemed to touch someone around me. I have a friend that took the challenge to get rid of her microwave, I know others that are recycling more. It is an amazing encouragment to me to hear that others are taking an initiative to live life deliberatly! And, hopefully, by the end of each day I will realize what I have accomplished!
And I will start getting up earlier!! :) 6 am, here I come!
Monday, August 9, 2010
next month
I have enjoyed the scoffs, laughs and encouragment from people reading this blog and joining my journey... The question I have been asked the most is "whyare you doing this?" The next most asked is "what does Jon think of this?" (Jon is my husband) I would ask him, and like most men he would say "Whatever... it's fine" or wouldn't say anything at all. I have questioned if he is really excited about the challenge of giving things up. But I got my answer this last week.
Jon was sent an email titled "One Light Bulb at a Time" and sent it on to me. It talked about paying attention when you shop for basic things. It said that we have been programmed to believe if we buy things made in the USA they will be more expensive than things made in China or other places. And then went on with brands that are actually cheaper and made right here in the US!
So he challenged me to give up imports next month. To only buy products made in the USA! I laughed and thought, sure! I can do that. So I have started looking around, being aware of things when I shop. I soon realized that this may be my hardest challenge yet, but I have a few weeks to practice before I give it up completely.
So, for September, we are giving up imported goods and putting our money into domestic made items!
Jon was sent an email titled "One Light Bulb at a Time" and sent it on to me. It talked about paying attention when you shop for basic things. It said that we have been programmed to believe if we buy things made in the USA they will be more expensive than things made in China or other places. And then went on with brands that are actually cheaper and made right here in the US!
So he challenged me to give up imports next month. To only buy products made in the USA! I laughed and thought, sure! I can do that. So I have started looking around, being aware of things when I shop. I soon realized that this may be my hardest challenge yet, but I have a few weeks to practice before I give it up completely.
So, for September, we are giving up imported goods and putting our money into domestic made items!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Here goes nothing
So the trash is gone! We had our first real test this weekend with company for dinner. It went suprisingly well! Getting rid of our trash service has not only made me more aware, but has caused so many others to ask what I'm doing and make them aware of what we all could be doing! It had also had me thinking of new ways to do so many things. Yesterday was Jon's birthday, so we went out to dinner twice over the weekend. It was fun, but both times we ended up with leftovers to carry home in those polystyrine containers that really have no place in my no trash efforts. So I have been trying to come up with a plasible plan for these leftovers and have come up with an idea. So many of us have the reusable bags for groceries sitting in the trunk of our cars waiting for the next grocery trip, right? If they are like mine, they sit, forgotten on most trips (except Target-which gives a 5 cent discount for each bag you use!!!) So I figure I can do one of two things... I can add a couple boxes of recyclable sandwich bags to my trunk to carry in with one of my reusabe bags for the extra food or I can carry some glass container from home. I wish I had thought of this last week since now I have 3 containers sitting on my kitchen counter with nowhere to go...
On a different note:
This past weekend I had a garage sale to help purge the house of the piles of extras. Thursday morning my 2 year old had to check it all out to see what we were getting rid of and found a toy replica of the Old Navy truck, still in the package. He loves anything that can say vroom (including some stuffed animals!), so I opened it for him. He was so excited to find the doors would open! But when he opened it and then handed it to me, he was not happy to find the 'metal' had popped off and it was now broken. Jon and I giggled at it being made in China and discussed the process they use to press metal shavings together to make things cheaper. Paxton vroomed the truck around the garage floor until something else caught his inattentive eye. He stood up with his hand hanging all of 12" off the ground and let go of the truck, as he does with most toys. As it tumbled to it destiny, we watched. It hit the ground with very little force and slightly bounced as each and every piece of the truck shattered and spread on impact. The truck was a total loss. So with tears in his eyes, Paxton picked up most of the shattered pieces and said, "Mommy, fix!" Luckily his attention span is a great tool at ditracting his sadness, so we gave him a different toy while the truck pieces were picked up and put in our pile of metal recycling. I guess the upside is we taught him a little about recycling!?
On a different note:
This past weekend I had a garage sale to help purge the house of the piles of extras. Thursday morning my 2 year old had to check it all out to see what we were getting rid of and found a toy replica of the Old Navy truck, still in the package. He loves anything that can say vroom (including some stuffed animals!), so I opened it for him. He was so excited to find the doors would open! But when he opened it and then handed it to me, he was not happy to find the 'metal' had popped off and it was now broken. Jon and I giggled at it being made in China and discussed the process they use to press metal shavings together to make things cheaper. Paxton vroomed the truck around the garage floor until something else caught his inattentive eye. He stood up with his hand hanging all of 12" off the ground and let go of the truck, as he does with most toys. As it tumbled to it destiny, we watched. It hit the ground with very little force and slightly bounced as each and every piece of the truck shattered and spread on impact. The truck was a total loss. So with tears in his eyes, Paxton picked up most of the shattered pieces and said, "Mommy, fix!" Luckily his attention span is a great tool at ditracting his sadness, so we gave him a different toy while the truck pieces were picked up and put in our pile of metal recycling. I guess the upside is we taught him a little about recycling!?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Composting
As I mentioned yesterday, we are getting rid of trash in August. We have already started the process and are looking for ways to reuse or recycle what we don't use.
I started a small garden this summer with hopes to expand it with each season of new yummy vegetables and add a plethora of compost to the soil. I read a little about what I could use and what I shouldn't, which led to a brief disagreement with my husband over lettuce with olive oil on it... could it be composted? He said no, because of the oil. I asked if we could compost olives and on it went... So into the compost the lettuce went! (I always win!)
Anyway, I made a barrell for the compost. It spins around to turn it (quite a nifty contraption, if you ask me!). But now, in light of keeping more trash out of the landfill, what else can be composted?
Well, I found an interesting and entertaining blog that has added a great deal of items to my list of compost! I had really been wondering what to do with my dryer lint!
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_cheapskate/57/how-to-compost-almost anything.html;_ylt=AvPv.v6gHHh8AlyaAdS7NB_IV8cX
Also, here is a picture of my compost barrell!
I started a small garden this summer with hopes to expand it with each season of new yummy vegetables and add a plethora of compost to the soil. I read a little about what I could use and what I shouldn't, which led to a brief disagreement with my husband over lettuce with olive oil on it... could it be composted? He said no, because of the oil. I asked if we could compost olives and on it went... So into the compost the lettuce went! (I always win!)
Anyway, I made a barrell for the compost. It spins around to turn it (quite a nifty contraption, if you ask me!). But now, in light of keeping more trash out of the landfill, what else can be composted?
Well, I found an interesting and entertaining blog that has added a great deal of items to my list of compost! I had really been wondering what to do with my dryer lint!
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_cheapskate/57/how-to-compost-almost anything.html;_ylt=AvPv.v6gHHh8AlyaAdS7NB_IV8cX
Also, here is a picture of my compost barrell!
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