Well we’re back from a lovely holiday in The Algarve and I feel totally rested, however having all that spare time has given me more time to think about stuff, the usual stuff for me, simple living, saving money, paying off the mortgage, and eco living. My mind has been racing.
Simple Living:
Having survived quite easily in a small studio apartment with hardly any clothing, a couple of books* and a mini kitchenette, it really hit home just how little I need in life. I’ve returned home and feel like the house is still far to full of possessions, we have too many clothes, the kids definitely have too many clothes, we have too much of everything!
Saving Money:
I feel a new found determination to reduce our household utility spending. I’m going to take a really close look at the telephone costings and attempt to reduce the electric and gas usage as much as possible, starting with new house rules regarding TV’s left on overnight.
Paying off the mortgage:
Just going to keep at it!
Eco Living:
I know I’m not the only one that feels like this but I find the whole eco living thing very overwhelming. There’s so much I want to do, but I need to do things bit by bit. My main task throughout the rest of August and all of September will be to reduce the amount of rubbish in our bin. I need to do more research on recycling and really reduce the amount of packaging coming into the house in the first place.
*These books are the best I’ve read in a long time, wonderful and very thought provoking.
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good luck with your aim I did it and now live in algarve now for 3 years .
all the best
http://www.lagosman.tk
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I can really relate to all (except the mortgage!) of the above… especially the clutter. I like to call it ‘transitional’ clutter, it won’t stick around forever and I only need it because I’m stuck in one place… Get moving and it disappears! I’m sure you won’t take it all with you… have you booked the moving lorry yet?
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Are you still on track to pay down your mortgage by your goal date?
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Hi! Nice to hear from you. You must have had a great tour at Algarve – this is very much required to get your mind refreshed. I have few travel plans as well but time has been a big factor for me.
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Glad you enjoyed your break. I bet the sunshine did you the world of good.
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Good luck and great job with what you are doing and have done so far! You inspire me to live simply with less and try to get my debts paid off quickly! Thanks!
Kristina in Nebraska
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Hi
Glad you enjoyed your break!
I know just what you mean about realising how little we need – everytime we go on holiday I always love the lack of clutter in our accomodation and am amazed how much easier everything is!
I also know just what you mean about changing to eco living being very overwhelming – I try to think that each small step we take helps.
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Glad you had a good time and have returned focussed. I did a post earlier this week about the reduced amount of rubbish we now have, now we’ve upped our recycling. The recycle now website is also hugely helpful!
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@peter..wow, thanks
@ exe..yes, though it will be tough
@nilz..thanks and good luck with your own travel plans
@sharon..thank you..sunshine is a great pick me up
@kristina..thank you, do you have a blog?
@my life makeover..thank you, its small steps for me
@apieceofwood thank you, I’ll be using that website alot
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@emma..I haven’t booked the lorry yet, but I’d like to
Do you have much stuff to take with you?
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In my clutter free mind it’s not much…but when we are off to the airport my husband and I always argue because I always seem to have extra bags that just appear from nowhere! You post inspired me to start on E’s toys, I’ve filled a box already to take to charity.
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Hi Laura. Glad to know you´re back determined, and that you enjoyed the rest of your vacations.
This weekend the weather is cloudy, there goes my beach plans. Write you soon. Cheers.
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Yep, we really don’t need a lot of “stuff” to lead a happy life. I often find the less stuff I have the happier and more free I am – and you REALLY don’t need a big mortgage – what for? – you can only sleep in one bed at night
What really amazes me is how people are prepared to get in credit card debt in order to buy what is mostly useless junk.
It’s also great to hear from someone for who the fog of illusion over our modern western ways has so obviously lifted – it’s a nice view isn’t it?
Glad you are back refreshed.
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Hi mize, thank you, we had a great time and it was great to meet you and your family
thanks tony, the fog has definitely lifted, I just wish it had lifted sooner!
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Hi Laura. It was great to meet you too. I will never forget it because it was the first time I meet a net friend, in flesh
I already cared without knowing you, now I cherish our frienship even more.
Remember my promisse about Fado music? Instead of sending you the video of Mariza by mail I posted it in My Country Home.
Write you soon. Cheers.
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