Eat, Recycle, Repeat

Well I completed the Live Below the Line Challenge – and it went as well I as had expected. My main source of food was the chicken broth I made from $1.00 chicken bones, and the only time I noticed a pinch was when I went to the vegetable market. I’m used to buying whatever [...]

Yes, it did. I failed once. I bought a mechanical pencil because I wanted it. Before I would have said I “needed” it for new kanji study, but that just isn’t true. One thing about this experiment is that it helped me recognize my true wants and needs, and also the reasons, justifications, or excuses [...]

Inspired by the Paleo Parents, I am doing my own no-spend month in February. I want to concentrate on buying only what I need, using what I have in my fridge, thinking of other people’s needs before my own desires, and re-prioritizing. You can read all about the no-spend guidelines here. A few points that [...]

Let me get this out of the way first – I have a bias against Black Friday. I don’t like crowds; I don’t like stress; I don’t like competive jostling for junk just because it is on sale; and I really don’t enjoy shopping all that much unless it is of the grocery variety. But [...]

* This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who left comments and participated. You are amazing and I appreciate each one of you. I’ll announce the winner Tuesday!* I’ve talked about how I love shopping with a cause because it is a win-win situation. I get to support local, eco-friendly stores, find useful [...]

Added bonus – my five favorite things are available at a local business too! This is my favorite store, period. It’s called Just Act Natural and it is located in lovely downtown Appleton, WI. The owners, J.C. and Dianne, are my inspiration for easy, green living. I love going in and checking out the fun [...]

Over the next few weeks I’ll be covering a theme I like to call “Shop with a Cause”. It’s about supporting local businesses, companies, and products that work for you, your health, and are sustainable or provide opportunities for others to lift themselves up. I’m all for donating to a good cause (here are many [...]