Frugally Sustainable

A Resource for All Things Frugal and Sustainable

They Call Us Crazy: How To Thrive When Living a Non-Mainstream Lifestyle

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
~Steve Jobs

Without a doubt, sustainable living and frugality are coming into vogue.

Yet by-and-large this lifestyle remains an ideal…something few people do and most people only talk about.

For those of us who challenge the status quo and act on our thoughts by stewarding the earth’s resources, living within (or below) our means, preparing for emergencies, making our own medicine, and growing our own food — well, by society’s standards, we must be nuts!

The world still loves to label free-thinkers crazy.

But what’s “normal” anymore?

Many individuals view it as you versus them. You have to be crazy…or else they are, and that’s simply unacceptable.

You see — independent, sustainable lifestyles are a threat to the mainstream flow. The only way our culture can attempt to manage it, is to make you feel like an outcast, marginal, a crazy person. This type of treatment can leave us feeling alienated and defeated.

I come to you today saying, there is a way to thrive when living a non-mainstream lifestyle. Yes, we must battle conformity at every turn, but haven’t we always? And look, those desires you have to…

  • live debt-free
  • save money
  • do what you love
  • become less dependent
  • live within your means
  • birth babies at home
  • keep a few chickens
  • store food and supplies for emergencies
  • homeschool your children
  • knit, crochet, and sew
  • learn how to put up the harvest

…continue to pursue them! Don’t let anyone crush your spirit. You can continue fighting the good fight — refusing to go with the flow.

Tips for Thriving

1. Be confident in who you are. Knowing who you are and what you believe will plant you firmly on the ground. When ads come on the TV, when people try to persuade you otherwise, or when the feelings of defeat start to creep in…being confident in who you are will give you the courage to once again step away from the crowd.

When we stop looking for the approval of the world and those around us, we thrive.

Read more here…

2. Live in community. I often hear people talking about how difficult it is to live a frugal and/or sustainable life…that is takes too much time and back breaking effort. If we go at it alone, this can be true. But, we were never meant to live this life alone.

I find it fascinating when I read vintage homemaking books written 100-150 years ago! The authors, throughout the book, write with the understanding that women would work to put up the harvest, make soap, birth babies, and mend clothing…together. They did it together, in a group, as a tribe!

Yet, our modern societal pursuit of, and desire for, rugged individualism has created a culture of isolationism and dependence. In order to thrive, we must embrace a community of like-minded others.

3. Share your successes. Don’t be afraid to share your successes! When you discover a new way to do something, when you find a great deal on bulk foods, or when your first seeds sprout…share it. Let people see your joy, and the freedom your lifestyle affords. Trust me…they’ll be asking for your tips soon enough!

4. Read, read, and read some more. I find myself vulnerable and more susceptible to “giving in” to the norm during times when I am unsure of the facts or not confident in my beliefs. Reading blogs and books on the subject of frugality and sustainability has given me great insight. Knowledge is power!

I’ve been asked several times to recommend books that I love, but if I were to list them all…well that’s impossible. But here are a few that have the most highlighted pages and creased corners:

5. Find encouragement. I think we’d all agree that this transition away from a consumer culture into the brave world of sustainability is a journey…right? And, each of us are at different points on that journey. Not everyone will be where you are and there will always be someone ahead of you. In order for us all to thrive, we have to encourage and support one another! Look for ways to do that today 🙂

Now it’s your turn! What tips can you share for thriving in a non-mainstream lifestyle?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Oh how much I love this post!
    They call us crazy because we have a vegetable garden and raise chicks and rabbits…can you believe it?

    I will keep this post as a precious gift.

    Francesca from Italy

    • Francesca,

      When we lived in Italy, we had a wonderful neighbor who grew vegetables, and raised rabbits and chickens. Her name is Maria Guilia and she gave us some of the best tasting tomatoes and basil (they tasted much better than any tomatoes at the grocery store). I miss living next door to her.

      It is NOT crazy to do what you’re doing. 🙂

      Keep up the good work!

      Beth

      • Oh yes Beth! I will!
        Wow, you live in Italy, I am glad you have such precious memories!

        Francesca

  2. I am so looking forward to when we can add chickens to our new (to us) growing house/homestead. Every time you post about it my chicken-feeding fingers itch.

    I want to add that people criticize sometimes because they DO want to do what you are doing, but aren’t. They provide a list of reasons why they don’t (or in their words, “can’t”) when they see a garden or CSA box instead of a Shaw’s bag or a rag bin instead of a roll of paper towels. These are the people it is reasonably easy to encourage (without being preachy!) to change one small thing. That often gets the ball rolling for them. I love watching it happen and just wait for the day we can start sharing bread recipes.

    Thanks for helping to bring all of this into the mainstream. I love reading your home-y tips.

    • I agree with Beth! I like this post but worry about the “they/us” language. Separating a bunch of other people from ourselves is not only often incorrect (in the sense of being un-factual), but also it can be hurtful to our society. Think of how different (and less defensive) this post would be if it had been titled, “Sometimes I think I’m crazy”.

      As, for a matter of fact, sometimes I do.

      • Excellent point Miser Mom! I totally see where you’re coming from, and worried about that myself when writing the post (to be completely honest) because there’s only so much the written word can communicate — unforunately on blogs we miss out on the face to face. My sincere hope is that this post would be an encouragement to all. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts…I really appreciate you!

    • Well.said.Beth. Boy you really nailed it! And you are so right…it’s all about baby steps. Rarely do people get somewhere all at once, it’s a process. I personally have to remind myself of that all the time.

  4. The BEST (and most difficult) thing I did was give up TV. And I didn’t do it because it was the hip new thing to do or even because I wanted too. I did it because I simply couldn’t afford it. I felt anxious and lost without TV and I absolutely HATED it! That was 2 years ago. I still miss it but, the truth is, I can’t even watch it when I want to. I’ve tried, when visiting family with TV, to veg out and soak up the big screen but I can’t. It overwhelms my senses. My husband has the same reaction to TV now. He also has an insatiable need to understand why. He bagan to research the effects of TV on the human brain and found some very interesting, and sad, facts. TV actually puts the brain in a transe like state. The part I found most disturbing was how this hypnotic state doesn’t stop when we turn the TV off. Unless, it’s turned off for good!

    • That’s so interesting Mary! I believe it though…it stifles creativity wouldn’t you say!

      • Agreed! Now, when I want to veg out, I sit and watch my chickens. It’s usually a rerun but I don’t care. 😉

        • Amen Mary!! I raised cattle and chickens… we used to say that our entertainment for the day was to go watch the cows eat… and I loved to go out and have a little chat with my chickie girls… I miss them a lot since I moved back to the city… the coolest thing was that we DID a lot of that stuff when I was raising my children, and now I am trying to figure out how to incorporate these principles into city life… I already started making my own laundry soap and am looking into hair care.. and am planting a garden, and oh it feels GOOD!!!

    • I had the same reaction when I gave up watching television. I find that I can watch for longer then halfan hour now a days without getting either bored by the repetitive adverts they play every 2 minutes or a headache!

  5. Andrea-
    This was a truly inspiring post for me today. Like Teresa said, it was a encouraging boost that I think I needed to hear this morning. And, as Francesa says, they all think we’re nuts because we have a huge garden and are preparing for chickens. And are really, really excited about it! LOL I made violet syrup and dandelion syrup on my spring break last week and honestly? You’d think I had two heads the way some people looked at me! It’s wonderful to know that there are lots of people out there who are trying to live the way we are and think the way we think. Your blog is my newest addiction and I’ve already tried so many things that I’ve read on here. I love getting your emails every day! P.S. You should add a share button because I’d love to share this post on my Facebook but I don’t see a share button.

    • Thank you for the “share” button tip! I’ve been meaning to look into that 🙂 Violet syrup…do share!!! That sounds super yummy. Thank you so much for your readership Shannon 🙂

      • The syrup recipe came from a link on your blog, actually! LOL I think it was from Herban Lifestyle? I can double check but I’m pretty sure that’s where it came from. It is delicious and has wonderful medicinal uses!

        • Okay, yeah 🙂 I pinned one on Pinterest a while back! Unfortunately we currently live in the desert…violets don’t grow here:) But I have enlisted my sister-in-law in WI to gather them for me 🙂

  6. I try to remind myself that the people who are calling me crazy are likely drowning in debt and don’t have any money in their pockets. 😉

  7. Great post. Have people called me crazy? I’m sure not to my face, but I know they think it. The reason I live my life the most eco-friendly way possible is not to follow a fad, nor to stand out against the crowd. It is for the love of my children, and the love of our beautiful Mother Earth. Simply put, somebody has to care. It doesn’t matter to me how others perceive me and my life..what matters is that I know in my heart I am doing the right thing for my kids’ futures and well being. And if they want to call me a hippie or a treehugger, than so be it! I feel honored knowing that what I do has made enough impact that others around me see it so clearly. I know my little corner of the Earth is a greener place because of my efforts.

  8. Excellent post! Just when I start feeling discouraged about our homesteading and sustainability efforts a post like this comes along.

    I have found it difficult to find any like-minded people where I live and have been getting discouraged after bringing up the subject only to be looked at like I’m crazy or told that I need to have faith. I do have faith which is why my hubby and I feel the need to be prepared for difficult times.

    Thanks for this post… I feel encouraged again!

    • I actually met someone in my area by participating in a canning group on FaceBook. I never thought about the possibility of actually finding a new “real” friend by joining the group, but I’m thrilled that it happened!! You should think about joining a group on FB that is one of your interests. All the folks in the groups I’m a part of seem to be caring and helpful individuals. Hope it works out for you too!! 🙂 Good Luck!

  9. Loved this post! I great reminder as to why we do this thing called frugality and sustainability. It is a journey that I’m not sure anyone ever arrives at but keeps striving for. It hasn’t been easy for my family to go from normal to “crazy” but we’ve loved every minute of it! And you are right….we are normal and they just might be crazy 🙂 LOVE LOVE your blog and everything it offers….it is a source I come to several times a day! Speaking of, tried to click on your link to Liquid Hand Soap and nothing came up. Is it gone?

  10. HI,

    This is a very good post. You are right about the competition in this consumer driven nation.
    I have been reading you blog recently. I love the idea of living sustainable lifestyle. I come from India and have lived in the US for the past 6 years. Initially I got pulled into the American lifestyle which is all based on consumerism. After my baby was born 2 years back, I wanted the best of everything for him. I got him organic fruits and vegetables and no processed food. And now as I research more into sustainable living I find that we are going back to our roots. India is not yet as commercialized. When I was growing up,
    1. My mother cooked at home everyday,
    2. Sewed clothes,
    3. Used as less electricity as possible – we did not own a washing machine or a dishwasher and no microwave.
    4. Used all natural products for washing hair and face.
    5. We did not use anything disposable.
    The list goes on and on. I am glad I have not forgotten any of this and am trying to lead a life similar to that.
    Reading all your post makes me think, this is what my mom used to do and that is the best thing to do. All the processed products in the main stream grocery stores make me worry me about my sons future.
    Your blog is very encouraging. I am going for all things homemade now. I recently made my first batch of laundry detergent. 🙂

    • Anjali! Something about your comment has caused me to tear up! You are experiencing a beautiful journey. Thank you for sharing your story. And I think your mom was a wise woman! I too am so glad that you remember all of those things and can now pass on those same values to your son.

  11. We live in the suburbs of Manhattan where many different religions, races, ethnic backgrounds are tolerated. However, if you introduce chickens, bees, ducks or any other animal that is not the standard dog or cat as a pet, people begin to look as if you are odd. Yes, some will tolerate you, while others will call the town zoning inspector when your hen’s celebrate laying an egg and complain about the noise. Barking dogs, idling trucks, leaf blowers removing every fleck of soil or leaf off of the driveway or workmen cutting rock or stone for weeks on end, while a 3 person family are enlarging their house another 1500 sq ft, is considered normal, accepted and part of the “growth” process. I call it urban sprawl.
    If you plant fruit trees and you are not a first generation immigrant from Italy, South America or some foreign place, people think that you are a doomsday prepper and hoarding. The idea of being self sufficient is an alien concept to almost 90%+ of our neighbors. Children as young as 4 years old have commented to me about how we are different from other people.
    I like to point out that my low carbon footprint lifestyle is helping to enable many of those that laugh at us or make snide comments to continue their oil and coal consuming, waste producing lifestyle that much longer.

  12. Thank you for this very encouraging post! It is easy to get discouraged about sustainable living, because it is HARD work, but it is worth every moment! What a lot of nay-sayers don’t realize is that we can multitask while doing this hard work. Rather than just sitting on the couch watching TV, I pull up my favorite show online and watch it while I work in the kitchen, or listen to podcasts or pandora while I work. These are times one can spend with her children, teaching them valuable lessons. If one truly doesn’t have time because their family is never home, maybe their best option for cutting the budget and living more frugally is to sell some of their stuff and downsize their living space (since they aren’t home to live in it much anyway).

    • You’re so on it Holly! And it was for the discouraged that I wrote this post! And you know, it is hard work living this way…but life in general is hard! When I was working full-time as a nurse, that was hard freakin’ work 🙂 Now that I’m working at home, it’s hard freakin’ work 🙂

      • I worked for years as a CNA in nursing homes, and honestly, I work harder at home than I did on the floor! At times I wouldn’t mind going back for a break.

  13. Thank you for this post! It is truly encouraging me to move forward on getting chickens. We have 3+ acres of land in Vermont and and going to try square foot gardening this year and get some chickens either pullets or some hens from a person who is downsizing there flock. Then will add chicks this summer. I have always made food from scratch and love it. I want to continue to lessen my debt and my carbon inprint on our world. Our community is working on getting a farmers market this year and they have just started cash mobs on local businesses.

    Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I love your blog!

  14. I’ll be the first to say, it IS hard work, when you’re doing something besides vegging out to a tv. Here at our house, I don’t use a washer/dryer, simply because we can’t afford one. I have a Dubl Handi washboard and a clothes line. It works year round, even in the cold winters. I make my own laundry soap that also doubles for cleaning other areas of the house. This saves us tons in money (the cost of one box of Tide makes us many months of soap). I cook from scratch (ok, there’s times when we grab McD’s or a take/bake pizza, but those are far and few between) most often. I sew clothing for us and to sell. We have a garden in the front of our house (best sun), just a small thing, but enough to work with, and will be hitting farmer’s markets and sales to have extra to do canning this year. We live in town, so not allowed chickens and the like, but that’s ok.

    I do get the odd looks when I mention what I do. Most folks around us are busy and have no desire to try things differently. I am an oddity, I know, at least here. But that’s ok. I’m doing what I can to stretch our meager budget and make do with what we have.

    • You Angie, are a rock star! I need to look into the washboard you mentioned. Where did you find it? And, do you sell your handmade clothes online or just locally?

      • OOOOOOh no, not a rock star (but I do appreciate that!)…. 😉 I found my board at an antique shop for $4, but they are still made through the Columbus Washboard Company (and found online for $20 to $30 new, or on ebay and etsy as lesser prices used.)

        Yes, I sell online (have 3 shop buttons on my blog), and locally when I can. Mostly modest skirts, custom work, dresses, etc. The girl on my buttons is my stepdaughter in her handmade clothing. 🙂

  15. Thanks so much for saying this so eloquently! I get so tired of people thinking we are poor because we make different choices. And that I must be crazy for spending so much time making things when it is so easy to purchase them. It’s all about choice people! You do what works for you and I will do what works for me 🙂

    • You bring up an interesting point Back2BasicsMom! During the peak of the Industrial Revolution people who were living sustainable lifestyles were told they were poor…that they needed to leave the farms and go work in the factories in order to earn a wage and buy the new things that would make life “easier.” It makes me sad when I hear these older women talk about “being poor” when they were growing up on the farm. I guess it’s all about perspective isn’t it?

      • It is obviously in the best interest of businesses to make people think their products are indispensable. Yet we need to be careful not to vilify all business either. Not everyone can live an agrarian lifestyle, and if we didn’t have commercial businesses this whole computer and internet thing we use to learn about more traditional lifestyles wouldn’t exist 🙂

        I wonder how many farmers feel that they are ‘poor.’ Although farming is THE most critical of all businesses it pays very, very poorly and traditionally many farmers have had to do something else because they could not make a profit. Subsistence farming has its own challenges as well.

        I have been known to call myself ‘poor’ yet we have 2 computers, a tablet, 2 cell phones, 2 cars, etc. We are trying to reduce our consumption, live responsibly, and be satisfied with the bountiful blessings of God, yet the greed monster ofttimes whispers in my ear when someone else goes on a Hawaiian vacation or I see them use their smartphone or come out of a restaurant I know I could never afford. It’s a work in progress.

  16. Great post – so much inspiration plus actionable tips. Love it.I think we all struggle with this in some way or another. A life somewhat out of step with mainstream will always involve a certain effort that seems odd to those not doing it….I think the only solution is to get so many of us taking those baby steps that we *become* the mainstream!

  17. You are so inspiring!
    I am really looking forward to moving into a house where we can implement growing a vegetable and herb garden, possibly have a few chickens, be able to reuse rainwater/grey water, etc… but for now (at least until December) we are stuck in an apartment in one of the most mainstream cities on earth! Los Angeles!

    Its challenging when you don’t have a yard, or ample storage, or even a pantry….. and its especially hard when you live in such a selfish and consumer-driven environment.
    But, we have made some serious adjustments to our lifestyle the past year and a half.

    Here are some of the things we have done to live less “mainstream” while still living in an apartment in LA:
    http://coffeewineandyoga.blogspot.com/2012/04/trying-to-be-more-frugal-more-green.html

  18. I love this! My dad raises cattle so we always had beef, my grandmother, dad and uncle had huge gardens so we never had to buy any veggies, my great grandmother had chickens so we got eggs from her. If we didn’t have it, we knew someone who did and most of the time, they gave it to us. When I got married, we moved to an urban area and the transition has been hard for me. I really miss being able to walk outside and pick what I wanted out of the garden!

  19. Great post! I loved Radical Homemakers – awesome book. 🙂 We try not to let people’s comments get to us. Some days are easier than others. We just have to do what works for us. And the non-mainstream life works!!!

  20. I love your blog and website!!! Can I make a comment for those of us who do not have land or who live in the city like I do? We still want to, and now can, grow our own organic vegetables, herbs and some fruits in a very environmentally friendly method, using only 10% of the water that normal land gardens use. And in a very small space. I applaud all of your suggestions, so please take a look at another suggestion for those of us who don’t have the land to grow. My website is http://www.lorrie.towergarden.com. We have a very forward thinking company who inspires healthy living around the world, and I very proudly represent them. This was developed by a man who see’s the future as all of us being able to grow our own food and to let our earth repair. Here’s to growing our own food, and to be able to pick our vegetables outside our back door, whether we live out in the country, or in an apartment, condo or in the city. Thank you for letting me comment!

  21. I am so happy to have found your blog and absolutely love it!!! My family including my daughter think that I am an absolute nut because I have started to live a more simple frugal lifestyle(and my 19yo daughter still lives with me!) They think it is crazy to make your own bread when you can just buy it, they don’t understand why I am going through the trouble of starting a veggie/herb garden on my patio and why I want to buy a sewing machine. Or why I don’t eat out anymore, go to the library or shop at Goodwill. And they especially don’t understand why I have parked my car, canceled my insurance and now use public transportation. I have not turned on my a/c yet this year and I live in New Orleans, I have my windows open and up to 2 fans in each room. Eventually, I would like to move out of the city to a more rural community which my daughter then said that I am living in a dream world, but I would love to not have a container garden but a huge veggie garden and I would love to have chickens and maybe even a goat or cow which I can’t have any because I rent.
    I’m not crazy just a frugal simple gal wanting to live my life to the fullest!

    • My parents think I’m crazy for the same reason, but my mom’s starting to re-think that when she noticed that I’m slowly but surely paying off my debt and not acting like they are an ATM (like one of my siblings). And I live in Baton Rouge, so I know how warm it’s been down here lately (before all these cool fronts started to come through). I can’t believe you haven’t turned on your a/c yet this year! I keep my thermostat set on 80 and have a very small apt so it stays fairly cool in there. When it’s 90+ outside, 80 is comfortable. 🙂 I’ve been considering what my next step should be, and I think you’ve inspired me to work towards that. Thanks!

  22. I read your blog on a gifted Kindle Fire (thanks Mom!) Yes I can’t give up the Internet! Oh well! Feel like I need it! Thanks for posting!

  23. Thank you for the inspiring post, it came at the absolute perfect time. I was just coming to terms with the fact that I am not cut out to be the typical suburban soccer mom. I have tried, been fooling myself for sometime now and have only dreamed of having my own homestead. I have dabbled here and there and reading a ton. I am implementing what I can from our rental house now and hope that this summer will bring us to our new home where I can really embrace growing my own food, raising chickens, and homeschooling my children. Wow! I am getting excited again. Thank you for the encouragement.

  24. One of the things that I love about the internet, is this wonderful sense of community. Every time I feel like I’m the only crazy person out there, I log on and am reminded that I’m now. Frugality is an art. It isn’t about being cheap and I don’t think the average person gets that distinction. Thank you for what you do.

  25. Andrea, I want to thank you for inspiring me everyday! Your posts are so positive and they make me feel like I can truly live a sustainable lifestyle and also revel in the joy of it! – All of our entertainment used to be centered around things that cost money, like going out to eat, shopping at the mall, skating at the rink, and going to the movies. Now we go for walks in the park, visit different libraries and free museums, visit our state parks and hike the trails and feed the ducks in our neighborhood. Also, I avoid stores as much as possible. I don’t want my daughter to equate “entertainment” with consumerism anymore.

  26. I love your blog! You always have such great inspiration!
    I’ve been having a hard time with adjusting from living down south to moving to the middle of the city. Everything is a blur here and don’t live the type of life I want to. So I enjoy waking up and reading your blog in the mornings!

    I have a question that is along the lines of consumerism.

    What about hobbies? My hobby is photography. I can’t get around it without buying the equipment but it’s also expensive so sometimes It feels very un-frugal! hehe So what do we do for hobbies we enjoy? Is this an area that is justified to spend more in as hobbies benefit your life? I know frugal means something different to everyone but I’m just curious as to where expensive hobbies fit into frugality. Or maybe they don’t at all?

    Could you maybe write a blog post on this???

    Thanks! I really appreciate your ideas and your blog 🙂

  27. I love your point about living in community. We all have something to offer someone else. I may not be able to raise chickens, but I make cloth diapers. I love trading with other people for thiings.

    As for your recommendations for books, there is enough on your blog to keep me busy for the next few years.

    I think a squirrel dug up my nasturtium seeds, or maybe it was my toddler!

  28. I love your blog….I’ve always had the tendency to live frugal….I was able to stay home with both my kids for that reason…now that I have a grandson I really want him to learn the values of being a hard worker…live a simple life…take care of the world around you…not conform to what the world says you should be doing…but what is the right thing to do for you and your family….I’ve started making my own house hold products…my hubby built be a close line…I have a veggie garden…we are looking into chickens…I’m loving all of it…thanks for all your great hints…

  29. Im new to your blog so forgive me if I’ve missed something…but I’m still living a visibly “mainstream” lifestyle, as are most of my friends, and we all recycle, have gardens, buy locally, use rags, eschew waste and make our own yogurt! And none of us would be so rude as to comment uninvited on someone else’s choices. Might you be misinterpreting looks of interest as disapproval, at least sometimes? Like most things, there are shades of grey, yes? I appreciate MiserMom’s comment; no point increasing divisiveness. We can all learn from each other.

  30. Well written article. I hope over time to become more and more like a few of the points you mentioned. I have always been the black sheep in the family, and enjoy letting my uniqueness show. 🙂

  31. I’m thankful to live in a part of the country where the things considered “weird” here are perfectly normal. I have gotten a bit of concern from my father in law about the home birth I’m planning this July, but that is based on typical worries that medicine is necessary all the time. The rest- my huge garden, goats, foraging, cloth diapering, and everything else we do is just considered normal or at the very worst, a little eccentric, but very nice when tomato season rolls around. Most people I meet who aren’t of like mind are generally envious that I “get” to do all these things I do.

  32. Thank you for inspiring us, I love reading your blog and implementing what I can. And, thank you for your book list, I have 2 of them now 🙂

  33. Thanks for the great advice! It can get discouraging when you want to share your excitement over something, and when you do, the person you shared it with looks at you like you’re crazy!

    Just last night I was carrying on about how excited I was to be finally getting my bees in a few weeks, and my husband said “Well let’s hope Leo (our crabby neighbor) doesn’t fine out”. I wish someone could tell me when bees became a BAD thing?? Especially considering we live in the country on 10 acres with another open 10 acres separating us from Leo?? I’ve had people ask “Why are getting bees?” Ummm….really?? Honey and pollination right her in my own yard??

    Then there are those that wonder why I can when I could buy “the same thing” at the grocery store! I just smile and say it’s my hobby and keeps me out of trouble. Funny, those same people are more than happy to accept quarts of tomatoes and pickles when offered. Huh, I wonder why they just don’t go buy them at the store?? 🙂

  34. I’ve slowly started making the transition to a more frugal and sustainable lifestyle. At first I was afraid my friends and family would think I was crazy but, ssurprisingly, a lot of people startto ask how I made some of the products I’m making. My mom’s still a bit iffy on the fact that when I have kids I want to homeschool them but, she just told me to do what makes me happy which was pretty assuring.