Comments on: Less is More: Lessons from our little basement apartment http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Thu, 24 May 2012 17:32:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: B http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289041 B Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:04:35 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289041 This is what I needed today. I am currently living at home and not very happy about it. I so appreciate this article today. Gave me things to think about. This is what I needed today. I am currently living at home and not very happy about it. I so appreciate this article today. Gave me things to think about.

]]> By: Rebekah http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289040 Rebekah Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:42:03 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289040 Thank you for this reminder. I needed it today. Thank you for this reminder. I needed it today.

]]> By: Mama Bear http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289039 Mama Bear Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:42:57 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289039 Great post! I can vacuum my entire apartment without changing plugs, too! I'm linking to this in my first ever link love post at my blog. Great post! I can vacuum my entire apartment without changing plugs, too! I’m linking to this in my first ever link love post at my blog.

]]> By: Jennifer http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289038 Jennifer Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:31:23 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289038 Your blog has been such an encouragement to me and I really appreciated this last article as it was a good reminder to be thankful for what we have been given. My husband is in the midst of raising support as a missionary and the last several months have been very tight, but God has indeed used the time to increase our faith and help us enjoy the simple things. Though always frugal, I had no idea how much could be saved through coupons. There is no CVS here, but I never would have benefitted from the savings at Walgreen's without your blog. Thanks for all the ways you have blessed me and my family! Your blog has been such an encouragement to me and I really appreciated this last article as it was a good reminder to be thankful for what we have been given. My husband is in the midst of raising support as a missionary and the last several months have been very tight, but God has indeed used the time to increase our faith and help us enjoy the simple things. Though always frugal, I had no idea how much could be saved through coupons. There is no CVS here, but I never would have benefitted from the savings at Walgreen’s without your blog. Thanks for all the ways you have blessed me and my family!

]]> By: Michele http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289037 Michele Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:12:11 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289037 Thank you so much for this post! :) Your story has many similarities to experiences my husband & I have had as well. (Although you certainly made better use of God's wisdom that I did originally!) I have a Simple Living series on my blog that shares our story, and I love reading others' stories (like yours!) too. By the way, I can still do the "vacuum from one outlet" thing, and I really wouldn't want it any other way! :) Blessings, Michele :) www.frugalgranola.blogspot.com Thank you so much for this post! :) Your story has many similarities to experiences my husband & I have had as well. (Although you certainly made better use of God’s wisdom that I did originally!)

I have a Simple Living series on my blog that shares our story, and I love reading others’ stories (like yours!) too.

By the way, I can still do the “vacuum from one outlet” thing, and I really wouldn’t want it any other way! :)
Blessings,
Michele :)
http://www.frugalgranola.blogspot.com

]]> By: Hannelore http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289036 Hannelore Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:05:07 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289036 Thanks for your encouragement and example to pursue contentment. A scripture that goes along with this is Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said,'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" It's hard to be content with what you have unless you are content in the Lord. In contrast, even if we have nothing besides Him, we are RICH! Thanks for your encouragement and example to pursue contentment. A scripture that goes along with this is Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said,’I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” It’s hard to be content with what you have unless you are content in the Lord. In contrast, even if we have nothing besides Him, we are RICH!

]]> By: Amy http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289035 Amy Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:59:38 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289035 I just love this post because it echoes what has been on my heart lately. We lived in a teeny apartment with a futon to sleep on and two board games to our name for entertainment. We moved somewhere unfamiliar and had no friends...yet, my life was rich and my marriage was strong. There are times where I wish I could go to that simplicity and the newness of it all. Thank you for this reminder, Crystal! I just love this post because it echoes what has been on my heart lately. We lived in a teeny apartment with a futon to sleep on and two board games to our name for entertainment. We moved somewhere unfamiliar and had no friends…yet, my life was rich and my marriage was strong.

There are times where I wish I could go to that simplicity and the newness of it all. Thank you for this reminder, Crystal!

]]> By: Mrs. Kyle McVay http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289034 Mrs. Kyle McVay Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:25:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289034 I have been looking for someone to explain the CVS thing to me! I am already a professional "cheapy pie". I enjoy your site and will be back to learn lots! Blessings, Kyle I have been looking for someone to explain the CVS thing to me! I am already a professional “cheapy pie”. I enjoy your site and will be back to learn lots!
Blessings,
Kyle

]]> By: Tracy http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289033 Tracy Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:18:35 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289033 Your story moved me. Our living situation was very similar for our first 5 years of marriage with 1 then 2 small children. We live in the largest, wealthiest city in South Africa. We moved here from our small hometown a month after getting married - we were only 21 and already had a 2 year old daughter (another story). I remember never inviting anyone over and struggling to make friends because our tiny, rented home, furnished entirely with stuff other people threw away, didn't even begin to compare with the large, elaborate homes others we came across (at Church and business) had. BUT, that time with my little girl was so precious. Stuck at home in a huge, crime-ridden city without a car (no public transport here) and my new husband working 12 hour days, my daughter and I spent all those days together. We'd walk to a nearby park and feed the ducks and play. I sewed and knitted most of her clothes. We had tea parties. We baked and cooked our frugal meals together. Sometimes we could get a ride to the mall but without ANY spending money, we'd spend hours just looking around and would finish the day with a shared cup of coffee at a small, inexpensive coffee-shop. The people in the shop got to know us and after a few times we got drinks and cookies free! During those afternoons walking around the mall, most people got to know us. I think it was a formative time in my daughters personality - she is very outgoing and friendly and this has opened many ministry opportunities for her. Anyway, we often look back and talk about those times - they were the best! We eventually earned a bit more and bought a large house. But guess what? With the cost of maintaining it, the hours that go into keeping the yard and with little extra money to re-decoarte or fix-up its many rooms (which means I often still feel too embarrassed to invite people over), we sometimes long for the little rental home we had all those years ago and the simple but blessed times we shared together there! Your story moved me. Our living situation was very similar for our first 5 years of marriage with 1 then 2 small children.

We live in the largest, wealthiest city in South Africa. We moved here from our small hometown a month after getting married – we were only 21 and already had a 2 year old daughter (another story). I remember never inviting anyone over and struggling to make friends because our tiny, rented home, furnished entirely with stuff other people threw away, didn’t even begin to compare with the large, elaborate homes others we came across (at Church and business) had.

BUT, that time with my little girl was so precious. Stuck at home in a huge, crime-ridden city without a car (no public transport here) and my new husband working 12 hour days, my daughter and I spent all those days together. We’d walk to a nearby park and feed the ducks and play. I sewed and knitted most of her clothes. We had tea parties. We baked and cooked our frugal meals together. Sometimes we could get a ride to the mall but without ANY spending money, we’d spend hours just looking around and would finish the day with a shared cup of coffee at a small, inexpensive coffee-shop. The people in the shop got to know us and after a few times we got drinks and cookies free! During those afternoons walking around the mall, most people got to know us. I think it was a formative time in my daughters personality – she is very outgoing and friendly and this has opened many ministry opportunities for her. Anyway, we often look back and talk about those times – they were the best!

We eventually earned a bit more and bought a large house. But guess what? With the cost of maintaining it, the hours that go into keeping the yard and with little extra money to re-decoarte or fix-up its many rooms (which means I often still feel too embarrassed to invite people over), we sometimes long for the little rental home we had all those years ago and the simple but blessed times we shared together there!

]]> By: Suzy http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289032 Suzy Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:31:48 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289032 When my husband was in grad school, we lived in a tiny shoebox apt. that had such poor A/C we would literally sweat unless we sat right in front of it. In winter we had to sleep with hats on because the heat was so poor too. We had no car and it was just over a mile to the grocery, so I would walk and just take back what I could carry. We didn't spend anything unless it was a necessity - I was working a job that only paid $5 an hour. However, I wouldn't trade that time for anything - it grounds you, and makes you shake your head at the whiners in life who go into debt because of what they think they have to have. When my husband was in grad school, we lived in a tiny shoebox apt. that had such poor A/C we would literally sweat unless we sat right in front of it. In winter we had to sleep with hats on because the heat was so poor too. We had no car and it was just over a mile to the grocery, so I would walk and just take back what I could carry. We didn’t spend anything unless it was a necessity – I was working a job that only paid $5 an hour. However, I wouldn’t trade that time for anything – it grounds you, and makes you shake your head at the whiners in life who go into debt because of what they think they have to have.

]]> By: amanda http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289031 amanda Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:08:50 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289031 I love being stretched like this! You make the best of so many more situations. When I was younger my parents were divorced and my dad could literally not make ends meat but would end up finding the COOLEST free stuff for us to do and inventing the coolest games. I would not trade those experiences for anything in the world :). Now I can pass them on when I have little kiddos (some day in the FAR future :)) I love being stretched like this! You make the best of so many more situations. When I was younger my parents were divorced and my dad could literally not make ends meat but would end up finding the COOLEST free stuff for us to do and inventing the coolest games. I would not trade those experiences for anything in the world :) . Now I can pass them on when I have little kiddos (some day in the FAR future :) )

]]> By: Jackie http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289030 Jackie Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:06:13 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289030 Crystal, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful website. If it wasn't for facebook I would have never found this website. Also thank you so much for your encouraging words. I usually spend about $75.00 on grocery shopping, but now since I have found your website I spend about $60.00. I am a stay at home mom to two wonderful kids. My son is 2 1/2 years old and my daughter is 1 1/2. My husband and I just started following Dave Ramseys plan this year when we were not able to make our minimum payments on our credit cards. I wish I would have known Dave's plan before we got ourselves in this mess, but with the Lord's help I know things will work out. The Lord is showing his mercy to us now, he just gave my husband a second job which is an answer to prayer! I know that I am a total stranger, but I just ask that you please keep my husband in your prayers. We are 27 years old, but my husband has a heart problem that runs in his family, so I ask that you pray that the Lord will take care of him while he is working two jobs. I know the Lord will take care of him, but it is so nice to know that other Christians are praying for him. Once again thank you so much for this wonderful website. May the Lord keep blessing you and your family. Thanks again, Jackie Crystal, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful website. If it wasn’t for facebook I would have never found this website. Also thank you so much for your encouraging words. I usually spend about $75.00 on grocery shopping, but now since I have found your website I spend about $60.00. I am a stay at home mom to two wonderful kids. My son is 2 1/2 years old and my daughter is 1 1/2. My husband and I just started following Dave Ramseys plan this year when we were not able to make our minimum payments on our credit cards. I wish I would have known Dave’s plan before we got ourselves in this mess, but with the Lord’s help I know things will work out. The Lord is showing his mercy to us now, he just gave my husband a second job which is an answer to prayer! I know that I am a total stranger, but I just ask that you please keep my husband in your prayers. We are 27 years old, but my husband has a heart problem that runs in his family, so I ask that you pray that the Lord will take care of him while he is working two jobs. I know the Lord will take care of him, but it is so nice to know that other Christians are praying for him. Once again thank you so much for this wonderful website. May the Lord keep blessing you and your family.

Thanks again,
Jackie

]]> By: Elizabeth http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289029 Elizabeth Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:36:22 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289029 Wonderful post, Crystal. I read on another blog, a remark made by George McDonald (who wrote some amazing novels): "No words can express how much the world owes to sorrow. Most of the Psalms were born in the wilderness. Most of the Epistles were written in a prison. The greatest thoughts of the greatest thinkers have all passed through the fire. The greatest poets have 'learned in suffering what they taught in song.' In bonds Bunyan lived the allegory that he afterwards wrote, and we may thank Bedford Jail for the Pilgrim's Progress. Take comfort, afflicted Christian! When God is about to make pre-eminent use of a person, HE put them in the fire." When we live in a place as you did, without friends, it helps us get to another destination, and often I think the FATHER works through "circumstances"...though I no longer believe in such a thing as circumstance!! A loving FATHER, will help HIS children reach their destiny. Wonderful post, Crystal. I read on another blog, a remark made by George McDonald (who wrote some amazing novels): “No words can express how much the world owes to sorrow. Most of the Psalms were born in the wilderness. Most of the Epistles were written in a prison. The greatest thoughts of the greatest thinkers have all passed through the fire. The greatest poets have ‘learned in suffering what they taught in song.’ In bonds Bunyan lived the allegory that he afterwards wrote, and we may thank Bedford Jail for the Pilgrim’s Progress. Take comfort, afflicted Christian! When God is about to make pre-eminent use of a person, HE put them in the fire.”

When we live in a place as you did, without friends, it helps us get to another destination, and often I think the FATHER works through “circumstances”…though I no longer believe in such a thing as circumstance!! A loving FATHER, will help HIS children reach their destiny.

]]> By: Jan http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289028 Jan Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:14:54 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289028 My husband and I are at the other end of life as you describe it--we are looking toward retirement, and trying to pare down and simplify our lives. We are currently building a cabin with a (less than)600 square ft. "apartment" on the ground floow--1 bedroom, bath/laundry, living/dining/kitchen. The upstairs is the same size, but just one open room, with a bath, which will be heated and cooled only when we have family or friends staying over. We are still in the process of planning to make the most out of less. Thanks for your tips. My husband and I are at the other end of life as you describe it–we are looking toward retirement, and trying to pare down and simplify our lives. We are currently building a cabin with a (less than)600 square ft. “apartment” on the ground floow–1 bedroom, bath/laundry, living/dining/kitchen. The upstairs is the same size, but just one open room, with a bath, which will be heated and cooled only when we have family or friends staying over. We are still in the process of planning to make the most out of less. Thanks for your tips.

]]> By: Eleanor http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289027 Eleanor Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:18:56 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289027 Excellent post. So often God gives us the best opportunities and beginnings where we least expect them! Excellent post. So often God gives us the best opportunities and beginnings where we least expect them!

]]> By: Donielle http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289026 Donielle Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:41:04 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289026 What a wonderfully written post! This past winter has been the first real period I haven't been working full time (or caring for a newborn like the winter before!)and it happened to be we were lacking financially and with gas prices on the soar along with winter storm after storm, I was literally trapped at home as well. Also lacking in friends, I had only the internet to my disposal. :-) What a blessing in disguise it's actually been. Especially since I've found your 2 blogs! We've been learning how to really save money. And through your blog carnivals I've found so many other women who have the same values and interests. (one thing I can't find in my town!) Plus I've been able to really research healthier and more frugal food options for our family. I've tried tons of new things I never would have because there are so many women who post about their projects and give pictorial step-by-steps. Thanks for all you do Crystal, you have a lot of friends out here in bloggy land! What a wonderfully written post! This past winter has been the first real period I haven’t been working full time (or caring for a newborn like the winter before!)and it happened to be we were lacking financially and with gas prices on the soar along with winter storm after storm, I was literally trapped at home as well. Also lacking in friends, I had only the internet to my disposal. :-) What a blessing in disguise it’s actually been. Especially since I’ve found your 2 blogs! We’ve been learning how to really save money. And through your blog carnivals I’ve found so many other women who have the same values and interests. (one thing I can’t find in my town!) Plus I’ve been able to really research healthier and more frugal food options for our family. I’ve tried tons of new things I never would have because there are so many women who post about their projects and give pictorial step-by-steps.

Thanks for all you do Crystal, you have a lot of friends out here in bloggy land!

]]> By: Michelle http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-2#comment-289025 Michelle Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:05:27 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289025 A neat article on yahoo this morning... http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/110/never-pay-retail-again/. A neat article on yahoo this morning… http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/110/never-pay-retail-again/.

]]> By: Leah http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-1#comment-289024 Leah Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:58:56 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289024 Thank-you so much for your posts! I'm learning so much from your posts, and I decided to try a bunch out this week. SInce I'm a beginner, I'm using the Grocery Game. But with your encouragement, ideas, help, and support...I've saved $70 this week. My husband and I debate buying a new car with soaring gas prices, but have two old paid for, debt free cars. This post about less being more remind me we have so much! Two cars! Paid for! Less is more. I think we may need to hold on to them for a while longer--at least until they die. Again, thanks for all that you do! It's amazing! Leah Thank-you so much for your posts! I’m learning so much from your posts, and I decided to try a bunch out this week. SInce I’m a beginner, I’m using the Grocery Game. But with your encouragement, ideas, help, and support…I’ve saved $70 this week. My husband and I debate buying a new car with soaring gas prices, but have two old paid for, debt free cars. This post about less being more remind me we have so much! Two cars! Paid for! Less is more. I think we may need to hold on to them for a while longer–at least until they die. Again, thanks for all that you do! It’s amazing!

Leah

]]> By: Kimberly L http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-1#comment-289023 Kimberly L Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:54:02 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289023 Thank you so much for everything! I signed up with Dave Ramsey today -- I already feel like my life is changing :) Thank you so much for everything! I signed up with Dave Ramsey today — I already feel like my life is changing :)

]]> By: lylah ledner http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/06/less-is-more.html/comment-page-1#comment-289022 lylah ledner Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:51:28 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/06/less-is-more-le.html#comment-289022 Your personal story is one that proves out again how any woman can make lemonade out of lemons. God's given women such an ability to influence and be creative, but when we have a pity party, nothing creative can be released. I love your story. Blessings...lylah Your personal story is one that proves out again how any woman can make lemonade out of lemons. God’s given women such an ability to influence and be creative, but when we have a pity party, nothing creative can be released.

I love your story. Blessings…lylah

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