CSA!!

I am happy to report that after many years of hemming and hawing, I joined a Community Supported Agriculture farm (CSA)(Actually 3)! The first CSA that me and my family joined is for grass-fed, organic, locally produced meat. A meat CSA. I know, it's weird. I am not a big meat eater, I seldom eat it. But I am not going to lie, I love bacon. If it wasn't for bacon, I could be completely vegan at anytime. Anywho... the meat CSA delivers once a month a package of specialty cuts beef and pork along with all beef hot dogs with no nitrates or fillers and of course the world's best bacon. This is something new for us. As a family we have bought a quarter of a cow before. Let me just say, it was totally not worth it for us. It ended up being a little lame. The CSA however, allows us plan meals and eat top quality product for a reasonable price. The CSA we joined has been worth every penny so far! It's true, you really can taste the difference.

Secondly, and more exciting for me is that we joined a vegetable CSA! I actually had the opportunity to meet the two women who own and run this farm years ago when I was a student. I would see them run though offices on campus, making these wonderful vegetable deliveries. Of course as a grad student, that was out of my budget. Years later I looked them up and lucky for me and my family they are still farming organically and making deliveries weekly in my St. Paul neighborhood! Although they have already made three deliveries, we signed up late... so yesterday was our first.

I opened up my linen package to beautiful colors or herbs, sprouts and lettuces and the most gorgeous asparagus you have ever seen. I don't even like asparagus and it was amazing! My kids ate it raw. Last night at dinner we ate our fancy meal of sirloin and t-bones with freshly grilled asparagus. Yummy. All the boys dug in, they loved it. And... we got some bonus good news from our favorite gals at the farm, the boys can come out any time and check out the farm! The all went bananas for that. (it reminded me of going to the farm in Hartford, Wisconsin when I was kid. It was the dreamiest place for a city kid like me)

The third CSA I joined because I wanted fruits. I joined one that will deliver fruits and freshly cut flowers. First delivery will be next week. My biggest hope for the summer is that receiving fresh, organic fruits, vegetables and even the meat will help encourage my family to eat better and dive into the fruit and veggies.

We are all looking forward to a summer of CSA fresh, organic goodies! I am tracking our expenses to determine how my household did and what we spent for all groceries during the summer. Quick facts: I have a family of five, three CSA memberships, and a lot of coupons and sale shopping for the rest! The race to budget is on!

If you are interested in joining a CSA for the summer, there are plenty that are still accepting members.  Follow this link to review MN and WI CSA's that deliver to your area, trust me it's a great investment!
MN CSA's

Happy Friday! Just remembered, Friday is VIP day at Unique! take your card and get a discount on all items in the store.

Freddie

Spotlight Revue at the Parkway!

Green Scene

Hello! Oh my word, it's been too long. I will admit to being the worst blogger ever. I stopped blogging for many reasons. Too many. Sometimes life gives you lemons. I really have never understood that quote. It's much easier to say, sometimes you get what you get. And to steal a line from a film; "You can't lose all the time." So I am done with my absence and getting back to the real and cyber world.

I had dinner last night (at a local restaurant) with the most woman who is a dear, dear friend. We had the chance to catch up, talk about our families, our moves, and lives. We chatted about life as a working mom and life as a working mom in the unpaid labor market... you know, a stay at home mom who is constantly working. (driving, cooking, cleaning, accounting, scheduling...) My friend said, "I am at home all the time and I am never caught up. I don't know how working moms and single moms ever have a clean house, how do they do it?" Good point, of course I said, "we don't." If I am really truly honest, the house is never clean enough, I am never caught up with the schedules and I do forget and miss appointments, practices, lunches, and rehearsals. It's almost impossible to live up to it all. Near the end of our conversation, my sweet friend mentioned she used to read my blog and was helpful and inspiring. That helped bring my spark back. To know it matters, even to one person, makes a difference to me.

Ms. W told me last night by going green and making family purchases that were reclaimed, reused, and recycled her family was able to go to one income and pay down a ton of their debt from what they weren't spending on new highchairs, clothes, furniture, and all the other trimmings and trappings we are pressured to literally buy into. None of the family members have gone without and all have a high quality of life without the high price tag or carbon footprint.

So my thoughts for the day are, I am recommitting myself to writing and providing green tips, and mostly recommitting myself to family, friends and work. Lastly, green and simple are awesome. There is no need to ever feel deprived. Best of all, when you make the decision to reuse, reduce and recycle as a lifestyle, you are being a good steward to the planet as well as being thrifty and saving for the future. It all works together!

Repair & Reuse!

Although the majority of my personal purchases are used, vintage, hand me downs, or refurbished gems... I do buy new from time to time. When I buy new, for myself, I tend to buy high quality, often pricey items. But to be fair, I will wait and buy out of season to get the best sale price. I love a good sale!

I prefer to buy high quality instead of buying lesser quality, which leads to buyer more and more often because the quality of a product is so poor. So I'll take my more expensive, better made shoes and purses that will not have to be replaced and that I can and do use for years. Case in point, I just brought in my Seatbelt bag to my local show repair to have the zipper mended. Seven bucks. Not bad. A quick repair and I'll keep using the purse I have had since 2004! Totally worth it to me. I also brought in a pair of boots to have the soles repaired. $14. It makes me happy. I can utilize my local small business and repair and reuse what I have.

Shoe Repair! A dying art, by for the reusing, repairing bunch, a much revered resource and talent.

I know this probably wouldn't work for everyone, but I find the more I keep this less is more mind set on the forefront the happy I am.

Sunday Strib Worth the Read!

Oh Kara! You made my heart go pitter-patter. One of my favorite journalists covering money, debt, and lifestyle, Kara McGuire had the most awesome article this past Sunday in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. (2/7/10)

The article highlighted how being frugal is not the same as being cheap and that it is in fact a phenomenal way to be green. My thoughts exactly, although not worded quite as well. That's the whole point behind econogreenomics.

Save money, spend less than your earn, and yet maintain high standards and a high quality of life. And yes, it is no surprise to me that this is considered being very European and very green.

I love it. It came to my attention, that these skills do not come as easily to others and it isn't a boring topic. Clearly, not to me, I could go on and on.... So props to Kara and an excellent, well written article. Along with a little help from Chris Farrell. Check out the article yourself, Strib Article

My frugal but quality loving self went into action last week. Rumor had it that there was a sale on Frye boots last Friday. To me it was worth the trip to Edina from St. Paul. (90% off) My co-workers gave me a hard time. Naturally. My rationale was simple, a round trip to Edina, was worth it to get a pair of well made Frye's for a steal - I know how they last and that would be worth the promised $60 or less. I made my lunch house trip only to be disappointed - no Frye'e for me. I did come away with a few boutique scores. But if I had walked out with Frye's, I would have be ecstatic! Next year. Again, totally worth the trouble for a high quality product with the potential for being around a minimum of 5 years.

Tip of the day -

You know the hype.... Change your light bulbs already! Compact florescent bulbs are where it's at. One light bulb can save your family cash and save on wasted electricity. A cheap and easy way to go green and save a couple bucks!

Holy Cats! 2010!

A New Year - A New and Better Blogger!!!!

To my loyal friends who check in from time to time - I am sorry for being a total lame-o! As I started my blog several years ago, I got bored. The compact and living with less and doing more - seemed to come fairly naturally to me. And writing about it, became difficult because I didn't take the time to appreciate what I was doing along with my family.

I have been asked several times, to start up the blog again and talk about the daily victories and baby steps I take to be green. So I will! My task will be to highlight steps that are not too painful, to feel a little greener, save a little moola, and still live a sassy and big life.

The compact went well and I am shocked at how many new people I meet that ask me if I was the one that did the compact. The reactions are mixed from Awe to ahhhh....? I'll take either, it's a great conversation starter. It went better than expected and my kids totally got into it. And the best news is, even though we are officially off the compact rules, the boys still think of themselves as a "compact Family." Yay!

Currently, my family and I live in a duplex. We keep our thermostat as low as we can and still strive to minimize our waste. I cringe every time we need more than 1 garbage bag a week! Which happens more than I would like with a family of 5. We recycle like mad - including saving our plastic bottle caps for recycling at Aveda. * if you didn't know, neither Minneapolis or St. Paul recycles the plastic tops from beverage or other bottles. (Boooo!) Thankfully Aveda takes them in for recycling and turns them into new bottle caps for their product!

My family and I are in the process of house hunting. We are going for the "just right" sized house. Not too big and not too small, but with enough elbow room. This will be a challenge, but I am hopefully we will end up in just the right spot.

One of my family resolutions for 2010 is to not eat "fast food." So far, so good. We have been packing lunches and eating at home. (sit down restaurants and take out from local restaurants is allowed once a week) We have been having fun and to date no major complaints. My hope is that we will save a little money, lessen our contributions to extra waste and packaging, feel a little healthier and hopefully shed a few pounds.

I have also been laying off the Diet Coke, for those who don't know, I was a major addict. It started with Tab and then Diet Coke. I have been pounding away DC's for more than 20 years!!! It's like losing a friend. I have taken up coffee (c'mon I need some caffeine!) and also water, not in plastic bottles, but fuzzy water in cans as well as tap. I am allowing myself one can a day with the hope of getting down to 0!! It's a process.

So there you go, a quick re-cap and an update about what's new on the Freddie front. I hope you continue to follow the blog and check in from time to time.

* Tip for the day

You know this one - but as a gentle reminder, turn off that faucet while you're brushing teeth and washing your face. Get your family in the habit too. You'll save gallons and gallons of water!!

Your friend,

Freddie

Bad Bad Blogger!!!

First... another apology. I am a bad blogger...!

How is my progress...? It is going well. It seems the more time I put into not consuming, the easier it is.

What has worked... Not looking at all parts of the Sunday paper. Seriously. I take out all of the ads of the places I am not going to shop for furniture, cosmetics, diamonds, cars, fleet items... etc. Not giving myself the chance to "want" shiny new items has been the best.

Second, and this seems like a no-brainer.. but not going shopping when I am not shopping new. This means, not going to the fall of America, not going on trips to other malls or tagging along my awesome Mamma Mia when she shops.

My set backs so far have been... buying a few new items during the move. Buying a few new items for the boys and their birthdays. I did buy a new mascara... even though I am sure I could have scrounged around for one. (It was so pretty and I love it) But - I did buy it with a coupon at a local drug store, so at least I stuck to be thrifty. :)

Upcoming conundrums... The new school year!

New school supplies??? I am torn. I think we are OK on two out of three backpacks needed. I am more concerned about paper, pencils, and new markers and glue..????

New school clothes?? Shoes - yes. I am OK with purchasing new shoe for the fellas. New clothes... uh, not so much. Is this wrong? A big help so far, is that the boys don't really seem to give a hoot about what they wear or where their clothes come from...

As for me, I have not given in, no new clothes or shoes for me. I have also gotten a few "new" things for the house, but it has all been broken in.

On another note, I have started a new position about a month ago. It pays less, but it so much more rewarding and flexible. Which will carry over into the school year. yeah. This will eliminate the need for before and after school care. Which I am sure many others can attest to, is a beast! I love getting to work each day and never knowing what the day will bring. It is awesome, I am working with talented folks and meeting incredible people - how lucky am I?

Thanks for checking in - hope you are having a fabulous summer!


Freddie

earth day every day...

hello all! no, i didn't forget i had started a blog... i'm sorry for the long dry spell.

i have been fairly pleased with the recognition of earth day this year. i am also
excited for all of the green movements beginning. maybe those of considered
radical environmentalists won't be seen as such freaks after all...? we'll see...

so, no major set backs recently. although i am totally wanting atmosphere's
new album as well as a t-shirt from the store. grrr, i guess i'll have to wait.
i did make an earth purchase, i bought a drying rack. i am in love with it. i
never thought i would be able to live without a dryer, but i am figuring
out. i was called out on my purchase by numero uno immediately, who told me
in no uncertain terms, that i wasn't being a faithful compacter. but i figured
the purchase of new was off set by the fact that i would be reducing my
dependence on the electric dryer.

the drying rack works well for most items, with the exception of jeans. drying
jeans, no matter how much fabric softener i use, is not a good thing. it's like
they have been shellacked, and the boys end up walking around like mini
soldiers. which is not a look i am going for. suggestions?

my other new purchase... a book. i bought new, the last lecture. i bought it new
because there was a wait at the library, and felt my spirits could really use the
type of inspiration offered up by the prof. it has worked. the man is amazing.
and i have every intention of sharing it with others... but not before i reread it.

i have a job interview coming up! i am psyched about it. it seems like a good fit,
and they seem interested, so we shall see what develops. it wold be nice to be part of
an organization again, and having awesome colleagues, as well as a steady income.

more later...

new not new

ok, i did a little unique shopping this week. got several items... jeans for the kiddos, two sets of napkin rings, two sets of cloth napkins... to which my favorite checkout guy said, "hey you're going to have a lot of laundry..." what else... more clothes, for me and the fellas, and some new tupperware cereal containers. and since i shopped on customer appreciation day and received the additional discount, the grand total was 35.00. not too bad.

for some reason my mom really does not love my dining room table. i'm sure why. she thinks it's not a "real table" and not made with "real wood" neither are true. which just makes it all the more funny. so we went to a little reuse shop in south minneapolis that has our favorite finds. we (she) purchased a new table and six chairs, for 89.00. ya-hoo. it didn't matter that i said i didn't need the table, that was part of the deal. oh, and we (she) got a matching hutch. so i am going to be feeling pretty fancy with my new not new items! thanks mamacita!

what really caught my eye was the stack of fiestaware... but alas, my mother told me i have enough. which may or may not be true, but i have plenty. but there were colors that i do not have in my collection... i am going to have to grapple with this one for a day or two....

but other than that, i have been putting up a good fight. not submitting to pleas from my children, or even giving into to my own desires for new items. i think i just have to avoid the sunday papers.... everything is so new and shiny and fancy...

i recently had a job interview. i gave my employer an alternative phone number to my cell and explained about the compact.... i hope i didn't blow my job prospect. and yes i am looking. as a single parent, the consulting gig is hard, especially when the money coming in is contingent on others.... and they may or may not want to haggle on payment after services rendered. which to be fair, is not my best talent.. haggling. and getting tough. not for me. so i am looking for a regular paycheck, and then may take some work or jobs on the side.

so goes the life of a random....

best!

the phone

ok, i think i have to give in and get a new phone. it has gotten to the point of being extremely problematic. new phone...? anti-compact...?

my other compact issue, when my family (my mom) hears that i am going without or not purchasing an item, she really wants to get it for me. bless her heart, she means well, but i am filled with guilt....

i have also run into some folks recently who really cannot get what i am doing. i recently told a woman that i was in the compact and not buying anything new for a year. it turned into a comedy routine... i am not buying anything new for a year. what? i am not buying anything new for a year. what? i don't understand. i am not buying anything new for a year. what? i have never heard of that. and so on. thank goodness i have a sense of humor.

today the twin cities compactors are getting together. can't wait to meet everyone.

sometimes it snows in april

there is no spring in minnesota... not yet. snow in april. prince has a song about this. sometimes it snows in aprril.... i guess he is right.

i have been trying to be good. i have gone thrift store shopping here and there... curtains, aprons... odds and ends. and yes, sometimes, i wear my aprons. i love them.

i have been trying to get settled in, i don't know that i will ever feel settled. but i am getting closer to it.

i have found that the harder i try to live by the goals of having enough, i am tested. new cars, new toys, new clothes.... i have enough. more than enough. i am blessed. but i really want new fiesta ware and a new phone and new....? the most difficult part for me so far has been not buying into conveniences, like baggies and other items... and feeling very guilty when i do.

it has come to my attention that if i plan appropriately, i could be in the position to buy a house within 12 months. me, buying a house. not new, so i think i would still be good with the compact. so my goals have shifted to focus on that. i love imagining my house, my home, small but functional, with my family and i using all areas of it. i will keep you posted. and the countdown has begun.

my new find - aldi's. i have heard mixed reviews for some time. i am not certain if aldi's employees are union or not, like other grocers, but i went to one off the beaten path, and i had a great experience. it was clean. the employees were very helpful and i found bargains galore! i was able to snag cfl's for just over 2 bucks! seriously, it is worth checking out, i was pleasantly surprised!

other than that - i am sticking with the classics, coupons, unique, local crafters, and keeping it low key. trying to work as much as i can, and spending time with the fellas!

to my girls - thanks! you are so awesome! really.

green is the new black

good afternoon!

back to the blogging.... i am finally starting to feel settled, in the new digs, new routine of not going into an office... just with me.

this morning, even with the dst change, our morning went very well. i was able to pack the fellas lunches from home - which they looove and request. that step alone is helpful on getting back on track after the move. we are still buried in boxes, but daily tasks are becoming more manageable. dinners and lunches from home - yeah!

some developments--- my cell phone has gone completely wonky. it has been dropped too many times. the screen is wacky and i can't see calls coming in and can usually only dial out if i know some body's number. but i can make do. maybe i'll look at a refurbished phone. we also got for the first times in years a land line. it's great, but i have no actual phone. so it's off to unique to try and find a gem. also, i need a coffee grinder, and i think through some divine intervention i may have one previously used on it's way. sometime you really do need to tell the universe what you need. (yes, i needed a coffee grinder)

the boys have been doing awesome as compactors, with the exception of showers that are still going longer than they ought to be... they haven't been asking for much lately, and are used to the response of not today or wait until we can go to unique... i have to admit i am a pretty proud parent that the boys are dealing so well, i was prepared for some backlash.

i recently was able to have a coffee break with a gentleman who not supports my philosophy of simplicity, but lives it to the max, i was invigorated by the support, encouragement, and understanding of my goals to declutter the junk to make room for peace, serenity, simplicity... family, friends... god. (thanks, i look forward to more coffee breaks)

for the green-minded job seeker... http://www.greenjobs.com/

green is the new black.

it's about time.

moving right along

hello!

well we have made the move. now it's just time to start going through boxes. so far i am loving the new digs. it's working. now i can get back into my routine of eating in and coupon clipping. it's really been a nightmare eating out and still using the ,dreaded paper plates. i think i seriously have $7 and some purse candy left for the week, so that's pretty awesome. why is moving so expensive? when am i going to start seeing the savings of downsizing, not paying for parking, not eating lunches out, not smoking, and the rest??? in theory i should be building up quite a little rainy day fund. the problem must be it's raining every day.

a special thank you to all the folks (mom, k, t, j) that helped with the move. i know they had much more exciting things to do with their weekend other than to watch me have a melt down packing.

and another special thank you and much love to the benetton crew. just because.

The Move....

Hello!

I am 90% done with moving. What a relief. Just a few more random items to pack up and move 2.2 miles. While in general I am not such a huge fan of moving - this move has been particularly liberating for me. It has come to my attention that my last residence, was one of transition. That is quite true, to be sure. When I last moved it was from my cozy little family home and family life in central MN to St.Paul to become a single parent and manage a new household solo. I am certain that I did not intend to be a single parent to three lively young chaps, but I'll take it.

This time, I feel like I have my bearings, I am more grounded, and not as much in a state of shock, you know, like the deer in the headlights. I think my blank stare has vanished, at least most days. There really is not enough time for one prepare for becoming single again after marriage, and to become single with kids.... It's a lot to absorb and adapt to. No matter how common divorce is, it is still a deeply personal matter, that effects not only the couple, children, but friends and family, not to mention finances.

I do not live in the world of the wacky sit-com divorced mom on the run.... hi jinx around each corner, I do not have a laugh track piped into my walls, no bumbling neighbor, (at least not one who walks in and out of my house unannounced) and no television worthy closet or furnishings. I am just me, trying to make do, and to do as well as I can.

So onto the compact and my pursuit of reducing, reusing, recycling, and restoring..... Not so good this past week. First of all... we have had waaaay too many meals out this past week. Seriously, it's embarrassing, not to mention unhealthy. Blech. Can't wait to get a home cooked meal. The new house has a claw foot tub, that I loooove! I never knew that I always wanted a claw foot tub. This tub was in desperate need of a shower curtain, so I did go to Target to get two new shower curtains. (two because they need to cover all the way around the tub) And to hang the curtains, I did purchase one pack of shower rings, on sale! $2.80. I found a gently used rug for the basement at Unique, but did buy a carpet remnant as well. All in all, not too bad for a move. far fewer purchases than I have ever made while moving. I don't feel as guilty shopping at Target versus other big box stores. Target still seems Minnesota to me, and I do know they give back to the communities they are in.

That is the current move status. The boys are adjusting well, and they are liking the new digs. I am happy because they are happy. I never moved as a child - so I can't relate. In fact my mother still lives in my childhood home, so I am spoiled in that way. As long as the boys are happy and doing well... that's the most I can ask for.

On a completely unrelated note... I would just like to say how wonderful it is that Diablo Cody won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. I will admit, I have not always been a fan, but Diablo and her work have grown on me. I think it is very inspiring, that the little screen play written by an unknown could cause such a stir at the Oscar's, not to mention the much talked about back story. It's inspiring to me and I think Miss Diablo is fabulous! Congrats!

Happy Danes

Hello to All!

I have been under the weather, with a bad case of the Minnesota crud.

I was able to catch part of 60 Minutes, this past Sunday. There was an interesting feature on how and why the Danes are the happiest people on the planet. They are not the healthiest, richest, or the best educated. The belief is that Danes have realistic life expectations and are not motivated or consumed by material wants. Those interviewed mentioned they didn't think having more would make them happier. The piece closed with a young Dane saying that Americans ought to rethink the American Dream, if they believe in it, they will be disappointed.

I couldn't agree more. So simple, yet so thoughtful.

The less I want, the more I hope to gain.

*************************************************************************************

As I get ready to move this weekend, I am starting to have concerns about whether or not I will need items for the new abode. Will I need rugs for the hardwood floors, window treatments...? Argghhhh!

I just keep reminding myself to baby step, baby step....

Hope you are keeping warm in this Minnesota Cold!!!

Happy V D

Ok, I am just teasing... Happy Valentine's Day! My valentine's are all under the age of twelve and under six feet tall. I made home made valentine's and bought some sweets for my sweets. :)

As I delve further into the world of reusing and reducing and Calming down, calm-pact.... I decided it was in my best interest to meet with a financial consultant. I did. It made me want to throw up. It was like standing naked in front of stranger with all of the yuck exposed. Harsh. As anyone who has gone through a divorce knows, the financial aftermath is a mess. I do not know of any exceptions to this regardless of income level or level of acrimony. So.. I am in a mess and need help, so I took the first step towards recovery.

I found myself in the office a beautiful young women, mid-twenties, newly-wed, who is going to guide me through the yuck and get me to the light. I have to admit, after getting through the worst of it, it was very liberating. I was told I am making the changes that would have been suggested to me, downsizing - my housing costs were too much, eliminating or reducing childcare, check, hence the self-employment, and of course she was very happy to hear I was in the Compact. I think I was the first client to be.

I am on my way to repairing the financial pitfalls that have accompanied the dissolution of my marriage. I know it is going to be a rough and rocky road and not like the ice cream, but I can't wait to get to the other side and feel the relief and getting my finances back in order with the rest of my life!

My first assignment is to track every penny I spend for a month. I have been doing this for almost two weeks. What has become clear to me is that I spend an awful lot on caffeine. Coffee and Diet Coke... a lot of coffee and diet.

Baby stepping, baby stepping..... Calm-pact

Confession Time...

I have to confess, I fell off the Compact wagon... I bought an Oprah magazine and the worst part is I also bought, new, and this is so bad, paper cups. There it is. My indiscretion is in the open. I am weak. The O mag... I needed some inspiration and caved in to glossy pictures. As for the paper cups, I do not love doing dishes, at all. They had piled up and I took the easy way out and bought the cups. But as the paper cups sat in my cupboard, they stared at me every time I opened the cupboard doors... taunting me, making me feel so un-Compact-like. So there it is.

On the other hand, I recently had a fabulous lunch with incredible friends, the food was actually so-so but the friends were great! And one mentioned that Target has Spider-man gear in the dollar hot spot. For a brief moment I was excited, thinking, wow I can really make one young tot super excited.... then remembered that I could not in fact, in good conscience, purchase the new arachnid items. My friends laughed a bit and we all remembered the Compact. My mind then starting wondering if it would be okay for the youngster to use his new fin to make the purchases himself...? We haven't been to the big box store yet... so no definite answer as of yet.

Other notes... I have gone this far into the new year, is it still? with not buying any new soap, razors or toothpaste. I did get the Clinique Bonus recently. I need to have Clinique for skin care, seriously I have tried everything under the sun, it's only Clinique for me.. for skin, not make up. And as I am 30ish, 30's with problem skin, this is one area that I couldn't skimp or go 100% Compact on. So I got my skin care product during Bonus time. Yeah.

My most recent adventure including looking for jeans for a picky young charge. So off to Unique I went. And of course I got side tracked. So in addition to 2 pairs of pants, 4 super hero t-shirts, and other clothing items I scored big time in the toy department with k'nex, legos, and rescue heroes. My favorite find of the day was the vintage Levi's that are now my favorite jeans.

I also had the chance to check out the Handmaidens Craft Fair this past weekend. It was awesome. I came home with a beautiful knit scarf for eight bucks, made by a local crafts person. There were great crafters there with many beautiful and creative items. If I had buku bucks I would have come home with the freshest little purse.... but alas that was not meant to be. I have a new craving to learn to knit and sew. I am definitely going to check into some classes for that.

So... I am hanging in there. The world of consulting is slowly coming together. Piece. by. tiny. piece. The moving prep is coming along, a few more boxes packed, a few more things ready to go out the door. I had very good intentions (and we aaall know where that leads) of going through boxes in storage aka the garage but as the weather is well below zero, that task of sorting, purging, and donating is going to be a spring job.

Although I am really taking small steps, and not always forward, sometimes there are a few going back, I hope they are small steps towards making life long changes.

Monday Hello

I made some major progress in sorting and packing for the move over the weekend. I feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulder, like somehow this move will be manageable. A big thank you to my mom and ex for helping me!!! Yay, it's so nice to have help! I am already feeling a little lighter with anticipation of my expenses being reduced in the coming mont

The family and I went to the St. Paul Winter Carnival on Sunday. Perfect day for it, the weather was amazing, we got to be outside, and of course it was free. The kids had a blast. I spent 48.00 in groceries for the upcoming week. I needed to get some fresh fruit and a few items for the lunch boxes.

I am looking forward to a great week and getting through more stuff in the house. I feel like I am having a lifestyle makeover - which is great.

Although, I may not be the strictest compactor on the block, I am trying. So far, I don't feel like I am sacrificing, I genuinely feel like I am gaining so much more.

Best to you,

Freddie

21st Century Depression Era Paradigm

Last night I covered the left overs from dinner with my last shred of tin foil...

I am reverting to a depression era mindset. Use everything you've got, want not - waste not, track every nickle, and be grateful for what you have. Let's be honest, survivors of the Great Depression were Compactors to the max. That is an amazing legacy.

I am thankful for my blessings everyday.

Best,
Freddie

A Work in Progress

Good Afternoon!

I have been very calmed by joining the Compact. It's a relief not to cave to the pressure to consume. I feel like I have a valid alibi for not spending an afternoon at a mall or...? It's as though once I say I can't or rather I am choosing not to shop for new because I am in the Compact, the pressure is off. Although I am really wanting a new brand of mascara... I my eyelashes will have to wait to be fuller and thicker than ever before. In my earlier life, I was a cosmetic consultant, so I am still flush with sample sizes of mascaras and other product. (make-up not skin care, this became a big difference after 30)

This past weekend I went to my favorite second hand store to look for jeans for my oldest dependent. I left with two pairs of Levi's, a 1968 mounted world map from London, a Spider-man sleeping bag, a giant bag of Lincoln Logs, and the find of the day... nine pieces of orange Fiesta ware!! Grand total just a hair shy of 48.00.

My other recent expenses have included a cell phone bill, late of course, 99.00 for groceries (for 4 people for over one week), food only, no sundries, cleaning or paper products, and of course the staple expense of daycare. I have been really lax in the eating out department and the coffee pit stops.

I started my new adventure in consulting, which means a very flexible schedule and too much time for the java. I am working on it though.

Always a work in progress...

As I get ready for my upcoming move, I am going through my home and deciding what to take and what needs to be purged. Today I was able to donate a good size box to the Epilepsy Foundation. I have a little more breathing room and I hope someone else will be able to use some pots and pans and other random items. I was also happy to see on my way in to my temporary office a Freesale in the Prospect Park neighborhood. Very cool.

I am loving the new schedule and the extra time it is giving me and my family.

Best,
Freddie