Wednesday, August 24, 2016

A "Shabby Chic" Frugal Farm Lifestyle ~ Diary Entry #1


This last week, as I was reading the book Living on His Income, a flood of memories flowed through my mind of these past five years, when we first arrived on our homestead from the city. While our life was never one of wealth, and I mean never, moving on to the farm took it to the next level of frugality. We were going to start from scratch and with a clean slate. No credit cards, no loans. If we could not afford it, we would not buy it.

"Of course if my husband were to say to me, "finances are going to be extra tight for a little while. I need you to cut back on some of the bills." I will gladly do what I can to economize, lower the utility bills, and be more creative with our kitchen resources. We will put off certain expenses and go without some things. This is how we work together to get through the rough times."
~ Mrs. Sharon White, Living on His Income


You see, dear reader, my husband and I had a similar conversation before our move. As most of our savings was going to go into the farm equipment, I knew very well that operations were going to be tight and for awhile. The old farmhouse was about 100 years old and not well maintained. There was no hot water in the kitchen (something I took for granted all my life) and only one area with a little sink, three drawers and a cabinet which was called a kitchen. There was an old fashioned beveled glass oven hood which I decided to appreciate with all my heart. For when we began this journey, I created a frame of mind in my head to survive and hopefully thrive on. We would be living a "shabby chic" lifestyle.


For those who are not familiar with this decorating style, it is basically a rags to riches approach on taking the old and worn things, cleaning them up and appreciating the simple beauty in them (in the brand name sense it means lots of roses and antiques too). It would be like finding the pretty in the imperfect. This would be my motto for our frugal farm life.  While he would earn the money, I would do my part to maintain it, stretch it and preserve it while appreciating the little things along the way. It would be a challenge but as the Good Book says, "in all labor, there is profit".

The walls are crumbling in some areas of the house, specifically the living room. I love old architecture and tell myself that I am living in an antique building. As I wipe the constant dust that accumulates on the walls, paint chips away. These walls have character is how I must think. It can be beautiful like an old weather-beaten statue. Many of the Victorian novels share how the virtuous poor women always had a neat and tidy cottage though she had little. While I don't consider myself "poor" by any means, I think this is something we can all learn from. Making the best with what we have will make all things beautiful. Keeping everything clean will maintain the home's integrity. Letting the walls go by ignoring them because you are unhappy with them will make them look ashamed and dismal. Keeping them fresh and pleasing will bring out their charm.
During the spring, we will get a plague of what we call "storm bugs" before a storm. These gnats can really frustrate things. Legions come in through the crack above the front door. The only barrier we could think of is duct tape across the top opening which keeps them away. Yet in the other months of the year, when you peel the tape off, I am left with cracked paint to welcome our visitors. I have resolved to call this the "shabby chipped paint" look. I try and keep the door clean and consider it a part of the distressed cottage decor.  People do this to their furniture. Why can't walls and doors be included? Changing our perception helps us to enjoy what we have.
I remember the day I walked around my home and thought, what is God providing for me here in the outdoors? This is when I discovered the loveliness of flowers and herbs as being a part of our daily life! Decorative, medicinal and so forth. But that is best left for another day, for another entry, my friends.
And I have learned many things in this new path! For instance, having one car can stimulate the creativity in a woman (did I mention I had to let go of my extra vehicle?). When she stays home for longer periods of time, she begins to see things in a new light. An ordinary act of organizing and cleaning the home can become a moment of art and adornment. Homemaking becomes a hobby. If I am going to look at that item every single day, how can I make it pleasing on pennies?


To share in detail what kind of lifestyle it brought would be hard to manage in one post. I know many are interested in simplifying, frugality and budgeting and so I thought to write as much thoughts and in very fine detail on the "little, everyday things" concerning this (for it is the small details that make up the big picture!). I am thinking of random posts as a mini-series so you can get a clear idea of what this meant (and means) in our life, something along the lines of "miscellaneous musings and  mentality of our frugal journey". Well, it is time for me to step away from the computer and enter the "real world" called "home".  I am wondering if there is interest in this sort of thing? I think I might enjoy typing it, but the question is, will you enjoy reading it? Have a lovely week!

Next in the Series:

All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making MondaysModest Mom Monday'sMonday's MusingsMake Your Home Sing MondayGood Morning Mondays,  The ScoopTitus 2 TuesdaysTuesdays with a TwistRaising HomemakersWise Woman Link UpHomestead Blog Hop Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and ConversationHomemaking ThursdaysHome Sweet HomeOur Simple HomesteadAwesome Life Friday Link UpFive Star Frou Frou Friday, and Shabbilicious Friday. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).
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104 comments:

  1. Yes!! There's nothing better than hearing how others live frugally to me! We live on such a low income for so many people. It's amazing for me to glean wisdom and ideas from others to keep us going. I would love a series like this :)

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    1. I think the fun part will be to share ideas with one another too! I would love to hear the pertaining comments on each subject. Learning from one another makes it so very enjoyable! :) Thanks for the feedback!

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  2. Oh, JES...how I enjoyed this post! It made me smile as my dear mother and father have brought my sisters and I up to appreciate the simple things in life and embrace that which we have been blessed to receive...even if it is a car that is hopelessly too small for so many or a home that is decorated with bits and pieces we have thrifted along the way...{{smiles}} I love your view on having a ''shabby chic'' home and I am always so inspired by all that you do to create a beautiful enviroment to live and work in... Ah, home...what a delightful word that is!! {{smiles}} I would greatly enjoy a series such as this...
    Blessings and love...and happy end-of-summer!

    Hugs,
    Kelly-Anne

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    1. Thanks for sharing Kelly-Anne! That is precisely how we feel over here! I think I would get along famously with your mother also :) I already love you!

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  3. I would love to read more about this. We live with four children on only one very modest income. I would love to learn some tips on beautifying our home with little or no expense. :)

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    1. Hi Laura, YES, I will be including some of that also! A part of this series was born based off of one of our "conversations" a year ago or so... about having little to work with. We will all learn from each other I hope! :)

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  4. I bet your farmhouse is lovely Jes! It's amazing how many pretty you have made it on a tight budget. I remember when people would come in my house and say oh it's so pretty on the inside. The outside was in need of much repair! Still is (it's old too). I can't wait to hear more on the series!

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    1. Thank you Vickie! I am right there with you. Our outside is in desperate need of a paint job but again, I will consider it antiqued for now :)

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  5. Oh yes, I enjoyed every aspect of this post and would love to read more posts on the same subject. Actually, I find it tiresome reading what fabulous items someone has purchased and placed in their well-appointed mansion. *sigh*
    I love beveled glass anything so I'd love a peek at the beveled glass oven hood, but only if you care to share it. And I can go you one better on those charming paint chips... In our kitchen there's a sizeable spot on the wall where the chimney is plastered over that has a big round, pushed out muck of plaster to supposedly cover where a wood cook-stove once was vented. I'm not really good at home decor so I just keep a calendar over it. LOL Twenty-three years and counting.
    Have a great day!

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    1. Love your "cover up" story!!! :) And I agree, it is easy to make things look fabulous when the funds are plenty and yet, I don't think they have the same satisfaction which is felt when we do our primping on pennies, don't you think?

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  6. Would love to read your thoughts and ways on Frugality. I love Mrs. White-she inspires and motivates me! I have been married for 37 years and I still have the same oak furniture that is now painted white in a shabby chic style. I live in a log cabin in the woods-so I need lighter colors living with logs:) We grow some of our food and have chickens and try to live as simply as possible.! Looking forward to your posts! Becky

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing Becky! It looks like we have a lot in common! And I agree, Mrs. White is such a blessing :) I hope to hear any extra ideas or input you on have on the subjects we will be sharing.

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  7. Yes! So interested. At our house it is the siding on the exterior that we are constantly patching and painting. It is never ending and bothers me sometimes but we work along as best we can at maintaining it. I think it bothers me the most and others probably don't even see it.

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    1. Exactly! We are looking at everything with hawk-eyes on our own property when everyone else probably sees a very cosy and loving home! Thank you so much for sharing some feedback here today! :)

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  8. I will enjoy it since I live a similar lifestyle.

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    1. Oh yes you do! And I always marvel at what you are able to procure for free with all your reviews and so forth! Such a blessing you are Laura! :)

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  9. Sweet JES, thank you so much for this wonderful and timely post. I would truly love a series like this.

    I hope you are well...summer has been quite busy, but I think things will be slowing down. Ah, the joys of autumn :) Love and hugs to you!

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    1. Nice hearing from you Stephanie! I have to agree with you, there is nothing like autumn! Fireside warmth, books and blankets! Have a lovely week!

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  10. A resounding "YES"--we will all love reading about this! These last couple of weeks have been a stressful start to the new school year. Your blog provides a nice calming escape! God bless and keep you, JES! Janis

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    1. Thank you Janis for your kind encouragement! It really does bless me! :)

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  11. We live in an older home, and I do like the character. Even though the dirt still gets to me!

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    1. Oh dear yes, I think the dirt will always get to me! But there is such satisfaction after tidying it all up! :)

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  12. YES, JES!!!! I would LOVE a series like this. We are on a minimizing, simplifying journey, and I seek out any helpful advice I can find..especially what comes from a Christian viewpoint. So, this would be wonderful. I will look forward to and cherish each post! God bless you on this new venture. :)

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    1. Hello Cheryl, thank you for the feedback! It is much appreciated! And I do hope you share with us along the way any ideas and inspiration you have on the subject matter! :) Have a lovely week!

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  13. Please do! I am looking forward to reading it all :-)

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    1. Thank you Judy for your interest! I think it will be fun to learn from one another. Have a wonderful week! :)

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  14. Love, love, love this post! I would definitely be interested in more like this one. This is the way my grandmother (and best friend) lived for so many years. I miss her very much, but striving to live a frugal and joyful lifestyle makes me feel like she is smiling down from heaven. :-) Oh, and your shabby chic door is wonderful!

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    1. Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to share! I really appreciate it! :)

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  15. I say yes to this wonderful idea...I love reading about a frugal life style because we have to live it! And you write so well and nice so...yes please!

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    1. Thank you very much Angela! I am hoping we can learn from one another along the way so please do share along the way! Have a wonderful week! :)

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  16. It was an enjoyable read. My house is seldom sparkly clean but it's clean enough. I hope friends come to visit me, if they come so they can leave and gossip (about a dust bunny that hopped away or whatever), they are not true friends and need not come back. Now if you're a nasty hoarder like the ones depicted on tv, that's another situation-those people need serious help. My Mom, now 83 grew up on a farm....she loved my Grandfather dearly but he was stingy. She said he could at least have bought them all a wringer washer. They had no running water at all in the house and had to wash clothes in the creek. They had an outhouse, which I remember! Oh the stories she told. Once a year they had to swallow a teaspoon of kerosene with sugar added to get rid of any parasitic worms, she got an ear ache & her Dad would get sap from a tree and put it in her ear and it cleared up. She almost cut a toe off...13 children meant not going to a doctor or hospital. They poured kerosene on it carefully so as not to blister her skin. No heat except the wood burning fireplace in the front room so they piled on the blankets and quilts made out of old clothing. 5 girls shared a bed in one room, the 8 boys shared 2 beds in another room, huddling help provide warmth. The parents slept in what was supposed to be a pantry off the kitchen. Getting up before the sun to milk the cows and other chores before walking to school. They didn't have any vehicles and it was miles to school and to the nearest store. I never knew my Grandmother but I share her joy of crochet and quilting. She taught her daughters to crochet with string off packages and they boiled flour and feed sacks for clothing, etc. I only remember seeing Grandpa once-thus my memory of that outhouse. I wish I could have grown up knowing them. It's hard to imagine such a rough life-it seems made up but it wasn't. Of course that was the great era of “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” Hang in there-God will see you through.

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    1. Thank you for sharing with us! It certainly puts things into perspective doesn't it?! While our life is in no way that demanding, we can certainly learn contentment and be appreciative with the beautiful modern conveniences we do have. When we read about the family life in the past, our homes become palaces! And our frugality is quite luxurious!

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  17. I am looking forward to reading the next series in this very timely post, Thank you. Sue

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    1. Thank you Sue for taking the time to share! I sometimes wonder which things are my own peculiar interests and often assume they are too "out there" for everyone else to enjoy. The feedback really helps!

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  18. Of course we would like it- everything you do is beautiful. Some of the finer points would be adored and appreciated by more than myself I'm sure. As you say the small things make the larger. Every blessing~

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    1. Thank you kind friend! Looking forward to hearing suggestions from you along the way too! :)

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  19. Oh yes, I would love to read more on these subjects for they interest me too. : ) God seems to be speaking quite a bit on contentment lately, it seems many sermons on our radio and online seem to mention this lately. God is so good. It always does my heart good to read of other sisters in Christ who share creative ideas God has given them. I also live in a rural area and appreciate and understand so much of what you are sharing. Thank you!

    Blessings!

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    1. Hi Amelia, thank you for sharing! I think the "keeping up with the Jones's" mentality is starting to really affect the people financially making contentment a hot topic right now. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and hope to learn from one another along the way! :)

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  20. I love this post! Thank you for sharing this perspective of gratitude. A 100 year old house - What a treasure! Our home was built in 1935. Not only do I need to stay on budget, I want to be true to that era as much as possible. I hope you continue this series. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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    1. Your stone home is quite lovely Marci! Thank you for taking the time to share. I really appreciate it! :)

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  21. Great post. I enjoyed reading this!

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    1. Thank you Sherry! Nice hearing from you :)

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  22. Hi Jes!

    This is a wonderful post!! I think you're right on target here, and would love to read more!!

    Yes, it is funny how we go through different phases and challenges. Right now, I am more and more interested in the outdoors - & what it can provide - rather than the shops. Old, rotten tree stumps (along the lines of pine tar and wood turpentines!) have caught my interest!!!!! I have just spent my 'little house' savings on seed of various kinds, so I will be learning with that.

    I am looking forward to this series of yours!

    With warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. Nice hearing from you Rachel! I am right there with you! There is so much that God provides in nature that we can glean from and enjoy without going into debt! Once we open our eyes, blessings abound! Look forward to having you share any insight with us along the way! :)

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  23. I noticed in myself the tendency to compare my home with other's I see on catalogs or on HDTV or when I go to a party. I have to constantly remind myself that what others show you is not the whole picture. Especially the glossy photos!!

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    1. Exactly! And we also don't see the credit card debt each month that that lifestyle often brings... Give me a small cozy cottage and peace of mind any day... Thank you for sharing! :)

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  24. I read your blog as I sit here crying. The verse was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much.

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    1. Isn't it a beautiful verse! I am glad it has blessed you (as it does me)... Thank you for taking the time to comment Maria :)

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  25. I loved this post! Gave me so much to think about and improve my gratitude.

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    1. Thank you Cindy for taking the time to share! Looking around, it seems as if everyone is living these lavish lifestyles and so you don't know how many are in the same boat as yourself. I appreciate you taking the time to comment! :)

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  26. Dear JES,
    What a beautiful post! Making my home cosier with what I have has been on my mind today. I have just finished cleaning our dining chairs. These were my Nan's and I remember sitting and eating meals at this dining table when I was small. For years I've been thinking I need to get them reupholstered but that would cost hundreds. They look much better now they are washed. There are a few holes, but I will stitch them later. Making the most of what we have is empowering. Your home is gorgeous and I love the "shabby chic" door frame! I have painted many furniture in our home in that style! In regards to the gap and bugs getting in, could you stuff it with rags? Anyway, have a great day xx

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    1. Dear Mel, thank you for taking the time to comment and share what is in your heart! I agree with you wholeheartedly that "making the most of what we have is empowering" and often challenging and fun! :) I am sure your chairs are beautiful and as grandmother taught me, a little soap and water does go a long way! As far as the door and bugs, the gap is too small for rags... It is just a small opening but those gnats are even smaller (smile)! Have a lovely week of homemaking! :)

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  27. Hello Jes,
    Perfect houses make me feel a little uncomfortable I must admit. I would much rather visit a home that is a real home put together with love. Our home is filled with furniture that has been given to us over the years. My dear Mum's lounge is the one I sat on as a child. I'm 65 now and she had that lounge covered twice over the years. It's wearing now but I love it still. Please keep writing on this subject. As you can see by the comments there is a lot of interest.
    Blessings Gail.

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    1. Thank you Gail for the encouragement and for sharing a bit of your life! It seems there are more of our kind out there than I thought! :)

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    2. I so agree Gail and it's my experience the older furniture that has stood the test of time is higher quality than some of the very expensive items offered today. I cherish my 1948 Singer Featherweight that still sews a wonderful stitch. I'm sure it will still be around when my newer machine with bells and whistles gives out. And the memories are priceless......I look forward to future writings on this subject also.

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  28. Dear JES,
    Oh, I would love a series like this! I enjoyed this post so much. My husband and I have been married for five years and have always lived on his income so that I could stay home. Frugality has been a big part of our lives, but one that we enjoy. As you said, there is so much satisfaction in making the most of what you have, and God calls us to be good stewards of what he has given us. Even though things have been tough at times, we are so happy. To me, being "rich" has little to do with money.
    Your home is beautiful. I echo the other ladies in saying I prefer a loving home with carefully thrifted and handmade pieces to a show piece with a big price tag any day!
    I will be looking forward to more of your "diary" entries!
    With lots of love, Kelsey

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    1. Dear Kelsey, Thank you for sharing! It sounds like we share the exact sentiments in this area! I love this opportunity of "meeting" like minded ladies! :) Have a lovely weekend!

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  29. Dear JES, yes, please continue with your diary of your move from city to country life! This is of such great importance to all of us because it addresses two critical areas: our contentment with and appreciation for what we have -- no matter how little -- and the practical nuts-and-bolts teaching of how to live a simple and frugal life well. I look very forward to reading more of this, as you have time to write. I greatly appreciate your blog as you combine valuable spiritual counsel with practical homekeeping information and guidance. Thank you for all you do to enrich the lives of your readers. Nancy D.

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    1. Thank you Nancy for the encouragement! I too appreciate this kind of information so if you have anything to share along the way, please do! :) Have a lovely weekend!

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  30. Yes, I would love to see more posts like this one! : ) We too are a one car family and it can make a big difference in the budget. I find that since I stay home more I am not tempted to go shopping and I must use my time at home on creative projects. During the winter months it is not uncommon for me to stay home 2 weeks at a time (my husband will pick up extra groceries on his way home from work).

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing Sarah! It is amazing to me at how many ladies are doing the same things and I am glad for the opportunity to share with one another. I could be home a month straight if you don't count going out for church services! This is where my daily walk comes in handy. It allows me to "get out", breath in the fresh air, clear out my muddled brain and exercise at the same time. And yes, less money is spent when you don't shop and the more creative we get at home! :)

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  31. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. I've not quite thought about looking at the "imperfections" in my home as shabby chic and so forth. I think just reading that and applying that alone will benefit me greatly. Anything you share is always such a blessing.

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    1. Thank you Melinda for the needed feedback! I hope your weekend is a lovely one! :)

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  32. I would love to see this a series! We, too, live on one income--and have ever since our son was born 23 years ago! Had one car for years and years--now are blessed with two, but you learn how to share when you only have one! I canned what I could, or froze or dehydrated. Even learned how to make home made grape juice when I had access to free grapes from a neighbor!

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    1. Exactly! Thank you for sharing! We certainly learn to be more resourceful which can lead to sweet satisfaction. I hope you share with us along the way! :)

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  33. I enjoyed your frugal ramblings. Please continue.

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    1. Ah, thank you! That is the word I was searching for... "ramblings" and yet it wouldn't come out. I find these types of posts to be more fun to write as they are more sporadic in thought. Have a lovely week and thank you for sharing Erica! :)

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  34. I would love to hear more about your lifestyle. I live far more simply than most people realize and I'm always hearing others journey.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by! I too love frugal minded posts! There is so much we can glean from one another! Have a wonderful weekend! :)

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  35. Your stories will bring back many memories for me, I'm sure. I grew up in an old farmhouse. I thought it was in poor shape 40 years ago, but a family still lives there! The owners were kind enough to let us tour it awhile back, and I can not believe my parents raised 10 children in those cramped quarters. (And we girls squawked if we got nudged by each other accidentally: "Mom, she's touching me!") Believe it or not, the new family raised 9 girls there. So, yes, I will definitely find my way back here to read your diary.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing! Women of the past lived on so much less... and they are a great encouragement! Hope to hear from you again soon and have a lovely weekend! :)

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  36. Darling JES,
    we also lived such a life when we left the city for the country when we moved here, more than ten years ago, even if times were better here in Italy then ... but we were and still are so very happy for we're living in God's grace, so very grateful for everything each day gives us ... everything is a blessing, isn't it ?
    I'd love to read the book you suggest, sweet friend, I'm going and look for it on the web and order it right now, thank you !

    Hope you're enjoying your day, I'm sending my dearest love to you, with the utmost thankfulness

    Xx Dany

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    1. Dear Dany, It is always a joy to hear from you! I am sure you have much to share! Please do chime in with any ideas along the way. Have a lovely weekend! :)

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  37. Jes, I enjoyed that post. That is how we have lived most of our married life after my husband hurt his back a few years after we got married and we have always lived on a low income. It is amazing what you can do without :-)

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    1. You are very right! For some reason, our quality of life has been lifted so high that living within one'e means is being viewed as "poor" when in reality it used to be normal. Please do contribute with any wisdom you have gained through the years!

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  38. I would love to read about your shabby chic style! I loved this post and can relate to the old farmhouse character. I always told myself we were living in a museum piece.

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    1. Museum piece is a good one too! I will have to keep that in my back pocket :)

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  39. Great post. This is coming at a great time. My family (husband and 2 kids) live in the city right now, but dream to have some land of our own with some chickens. Not sure how to make it work. We also live on one income and have one car to share. We find money very tight no matter how frugal we are. Maybe I can get some insight on your wounderful blog here. Thank you for writing on this topic. God Bless

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to leave some feedback on the subject! There is so much we can learn from each other and I am looking forward to share, I hope you do too! :) Have a lovely weekend!

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  40. Thank you Jes for this great post. It made me look around my home with new eyes. If we were only allowed one site on the internet to visit I would pick yours as I have been so truly blessed here as a daily visitor.
    God really uses you to bless others,what a ministry you have!
    Blessings Susan

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    1. Thank you Susan for taking the time to comment and encourage! It really blesses me! :)

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  41. Hi Jess! This afternoon I'm visiting all the bloggers that linked at my Fabulous Fall Party last year. This year's party will be at my new blog beginning Sept 1. I hope you'll come over and join the party again! Come see me here: http://mychristmasjourney.blogspot.com/
    Let's celebrate Fall together!

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  42. I shall enjoy this series Jes, and thank you for taking time to bring us along on the journey. Bless you lovely gal. xx

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    1. Nice hearing from you Jenny! I hope you are enjoying your new bundled blessing! :)

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    2. Indeed I am, Jes. Little Cully May has brought sunshine into our hearts in abundance. :-)

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  43. Dearest Jes, I love and appreciate you and yours even more! You have taught us through diligence and hard work and God given creativity is a wonderful thing and we should not waste one little bit of it!
    I know your home is lovely and cozy and filled with what is really important!
    Hugs, Roxy

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    1. You are such an encouragement! Thank you Roxy! :)

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  44. Dear, Dear JES,

    This is a wonderful, inspiring, and uplifting post. Your blissful contentment comes through. What a blessing this is to me. And God bless YOU, My Dear!

    M.

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    1. Hi M., It is very nice to hear from you and I thank you for the warm sentiments you leave here on your visits! :)

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  45. Love your post! So important o just be content! Thank you for sharing on Our Simple Homestead Blog Hop, as one of the co-hosts I will be featuring it this Thursday! Look forward to reading more!
    - Nancy (Nancy On The Home Front)

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    1. Thank you Nancy! I really appreciate that! :)

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  46. We did this when my first two sons were small and it was the best thing we ever did. We have have a lot of great memories from our time as a family then. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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    1. Memories are what life is made of! Thank you for sharing that! :)

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  47. My sister is always using the term "Shabby Chic" and we are embracing it now ourselves too! Lovely post.

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    1. It certainly comes in handy when things aren't perfect! And how often is that?

      Have a lovely week!

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  48. Pretty late to the party, but just had to say that your post blessed me! Looking forward to your series. You have inspired me to do a few "tweaks" to my living room actually! Thank you!!

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    1. How exciting! Thank you for sharing with us! I am hoping the "tweaks" turn out! :)

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  49. I am hanging on every word! This too is how we live. One vehicle as well. I will read-read-read! I discovered Mrs. White several months ago and I too have her book. I have learned so very much from her. I appreciate you sharing this more than I can say.
    God bless you and yours.
    Mrs. O

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    1. Thank you Mrs. O for taking the time to share! That makes it very enjoyable for me to hear from like-minded (or lifestyle) women! Looking forward to having you share any ideas along the way! :)

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  50. Dear Jes, I somehow missed this post first time around. So I am very thrilled that you shared it at Five Star Frou-Frou, to give me the opportunity to enjoy it and to have others do so. How lovely your thoughts are on this topic! It's featured at A Tray of Bliss today. Mimi xxx

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  51. Hi I too live 29 years in on single income with two kids and husband and at the end we separate and still living on one income. I have one car and I small house. I learned a lot from your webpage and still learning. It is possible and we can live and you too will make it. Best luck for new year.

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  52. Hello. I have just found your website from Jenny of Elefantz. Thankyou for a place to rest awhile and enjoy your tips. Have a blessed Eater

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