Thursday, September 25, 2025

Normalizing Can Save Dollars

 Hello to all.  Here we are again, coming upon a weekend.  It is supposed to be a lovely weekend in these parts.  This morning, I surprised to wake up hearing rain!  I really didn't think we were to get more, but we did.  After today, it looks like it will be dry for many days to come.
It is cool and gloomy this morning.  It sure doesn't look like we will have fall weather for a while.  They say the next week or two is supposed to be in 70's and 80's.  Forecast is for a warmer than normal October.  Love it!
Let's see, I have fed both kitties, fed the critters, washed my head, made the bed, and filled the seed containers.  I will soon go out for a walk.
Bitsy is in the window, watching the world go by - and Licorice is curled up on the glider on the porch napping after his breakfast.  We are all in slow mode!
Funny, I thought about going to the store to get a couple items and laid in bed last night and talked myself out of it.  I truly need nothing!  More than enough here.  Why the heck go?

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading

Color me - ALL OF THESE!!!!!!
Goodness sakes, this is me.  I just live slow and simple and it is NORMAL for me.

I have many quality items that have been around for years and years - and they are still good.
My life is mainly around the home.
I make a lot of gifts for people.
I rest when I want.  I used to think naps were a waste of good time - not now.  I love a short catnap - it seems I actually sleep better on those days.  I find if I work hard, and no nap, I have a hard time sleeping during the night.
Porch sitting with neighbors (or alone) is a nice thing to do.
I walk a lot to get exercise - and yard work also helps with free exercise.
I have been trying to stay off the computer more.
I cook at home and enjoy the food.
I rarely pay full price for anything and love looking for a thrift bargain.
I make no debt - pay what bills I have on time.
I know how to say NO!  
I truly love the sound of 'quiet'!

None of these costs a thing.  It is normal and it is lovely.  You can save money and KEEP money in so many simple ways.  
I truly advise everyone to make these things normal in your life.  You really won't be sorry.
There is much to be said about peace and tranquility.
YEP!
That is a good reason why decluttering is a good idea.  The less 'stuff' you have the less 'stuff' you have to take care of and clean.  Sure, it is work to get to that point - but go slow and stay steady and you will get it done.
Appreciate the fact that sitting and watching and listening to nature, or reading a book, or talking with family or neighbors, or working around the yard is far better than fighting the crowds at a mall or on the road.
Slow and steady really does WIN!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend just chilling and enjoying the season.
Have a superbly wonderful day!

30 comments:

  1. We had rain again last night too but it is 63 and sunny this morning here. It is supposed to be sunny and 82 on Saturday so it will be perfect weather for our local Fall Festival. A few years ago my best friend was here for the festival and it was freezing. You just never know what the weather will be.

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    1. Glad you got rain too. Not a bit of sun here YET. It is about 70 out. No, from year to year things change so much so you never know. Enjoy the Festival!

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  2. Fabulous post! Time to chill out and enjoy life, not run yourself ragged (and broke).

    I thought everything looked wet this morning when I got up. Didn't think rain was predicted. The Farmer says it will get warm again. We may go from summer-type weather to winter.

    Enjoy your day! The weeks sure do zip by!

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    1. Rain wasn't predicted - but we got some!
      I keep reading thee outlooks that say Oct. Nov. and Dec. will be above normal here. Who knows.
      Yes, it is time to enjoy life and kick back a little

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  3. All of this! I'm once again doing my fall wandering and looking around. Perennials divided and replanted. At least 10 plantings (depending on how recipient divides), have been gifted through FB Buy-Nothing. 2 short trellis have been hanging in the garage too long-posted on FB to be gone soon. And I just posted 2 vinyl zippered bags that new twin flannel sheets arrived in. It does make me sad that so much packaging is standard. At least paper wrap and a small box would be recyclable. I sure hope reuse happens!

    The wandering will continue for several days.

    I started a new habit a few weeks ago. Each mug of coffee requires a short walk outside-meaning 1/2 mile minimum. I've walked 1.5 miles this morning. It all adds up. Yesterday I went for many walks and landed at 9 miles :-)

    Happy Thursday ya'll :-)

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    1. Good for you - it is always nice to let things go and hoping others find a use. I often wonder about the shipping materials - things could be done so differently.
      Good for you and the coffee challenge with the walks. I have been out as well today already.
      Happy wondering.

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  4. Great list of ways to live well. I do most of these things, sometimes to extremes. My clothes and even my underwear are very old and my pjs look like rags. Although I still believe in not upgrading unless necessary, I’m finding the negatives of having an old house as I’m planning to sell.

    I do not believe in over scheduling. I’m taking today OFF after three busy days with the floor guys. I could be buying mulch for the old house but it can wait.

    I’m glad that you’ve been getting rain, Cheryl, and I hope your leaves start turning. Living in Florida, I miss the fall colors!

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    1. I have so many older clothes, and those were purchased at thrift stores. I have a niece that always buys me something pretty and new at the holidays!
      Good for you taking a day off - I do that more and more. I have done a couple small things today and I walked, but for the most part it is a day of rest!
      I do like the seasons, although not a huge fan of winter.

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  5. Wow, have less to do, what a concept. I loved this post.

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  6. I love being able to decide what *I* want to do in my free time.

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    1. There is such a joy in that. I agree whole heartedly!

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  7. Interesting list. I recall a manager telling me once that I could tell others that "No" is a complete sentence. ;)

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    1. Indeed it is. Some people would have a lot less stress if they remembered that!

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  8. Saying "no" is sometimes hard. There are people who want to know why the answer is "no". I figure they are nosy folks who are trying to trick/guilt me into saying "yes". ;)

    MaryB

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    1. It can be hard - but always stick to your guns. None of their business why!!!! It is an answer and a perfectly fine answer.

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  9. We've gotten a good little bit of rain. It was needed and it's still warm enough the little one can go play in the puddles and mud without getting cold.

    I'm really bad on the taking breaks and resting part, but good for most others. I've been doing a lot of decluttering, it just never seems to end.

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    1. Glad the little one can still have some good old fashioned fun. I loved playing in puddles.
      De-cluttering seems to never end!!!

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  10. I am getting much better at saying No, it has taken me many years of practice. I have also learned that I need to rest a bit more since my arm trouble. However staying in and at home has always been my preference.

    God bless.

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    1. It does take time to learn.
      Good for you. Being a homebody is my choice for sure. Not a thing wrong with that.

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  11. Cheryl,
    I practice a lot or shall I say, "I live" a lot of the things that were in the graphic. I did notice some that I need to work on. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

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    1. Glad you are living the stress-free life as much as possible. I think there are always things we can work on - and things that become more norm as we age.

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  12. Not upgrading when it isn't needed like my cellphone is one we practice. The grandkids thing we are silly for not getting the newest phone but ours is good enough. We just don't see the need for an upgrade.

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    1. Exactly. I just want my cell phone to be a phone and that is it. I have a flip phone - no internet or computer - just phone.
      That is good.
      Glad others don't fall into the trap either.

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  13. Glad to hear you're gonna have a lovely weekend!!!!!

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    1. Some weekends I do something special, but generally most days are the same. That's retirement!!

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  14. Cheryl, I love that list! Speaking of upgrading...I had the same phone (iPhone 8) while everyone was already on the iPhone 15! I finally upgraded this year and will keep this one until the cows come home because I can't imagine what else it would need to do!

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    1. It seems phones can do everything today. I just want it to be a phone! LOL
      Glad you like the list. I think we all need to do more of these things, and life will be calmer.

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  15. Perhaps a bigger picture outlook on why doing all of this makes life easier. Hubster got a diagnosis that Doc says will require him to sleep near 45degrees incline for the rest of his life (severe acid reflux). Because we are frugal, we could pay $$ for the adjustable bed and new sheets, mattress pad and we can afford a tiny increase in electricity to run the bed. And yes, we get the split King so mine will do the same, in case it's a need in the future to adjust for my body.

    We are grateful for our habits.

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    1. Good example. Yes, we are frugal and do the simple life, just IN CASE we need to spend money in the future. We never know - so it is really mindful to do the 'right' things now - just in case.
      Hope it gives him peaceful sleep.

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