Hi Everyone!

Hi everyone! I’m a mom of three trying to slow down and focus on what really matters. Our family is on a journey toward a more intentional life—less clutter, less stress, and more time together.
I’m here to learn from all of you—especially about frugal habits that actually stick, and balancing simplicity with a busy family life.Looking forward to connecting!

Welcome! Looking forward to hearing more from you, ButterflyWings!

I really like your screen name...have you read any of the books about simple living? Most have wise tips on how to achieve what you're seeking.

My tips are not buying packaged food (you'll pay dearly for the packaging) but cooking with whole foods, both for health and economy...don't know how old your kids are but if they can handle sharp implements you could get them helping with chopping and slicing up the fruits & veggies.

And thrift stores are your friends for so many purchases...

Welcome! Where are you located?

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Originally Posted by rosarugosa

Welcome! Where are you located?

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Thanks! I live in New England :)

Thank you for the kind words and great advice! I haven’t read any books on simple living—I mostly just go by what feels right for our family and learn as we go. But I love your tips!
We’ve been cutting back on packaged foods (you’re so right about the cost!) and getting the kids involved where we can. They’re still a little young for sharp knives, but they love washing veggies and stirring pots. And thrift stores are a lifesaver for clothes and toys.

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Originally Posted by ButterflyWings

Thanks! I live in New England :)

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Cool! There aren't too many of us from New England here anymore. I'm a little bit north of Boston. Nice to have you join us.

Welcome! I was also a mom of three young ones way back when (now kids grown and I'm newly retired). Totally agree with thrift store and cooking from scratch. Have you tried making your own sourdough starter for breads, pizza crusts, pancakes, etc? I've had move for more years than I can remember! Definitely keeps me from buying the preprocessed/premade breads and rolls.

My guess is that you already to the whole hand-me-down stuff with shoes and clothing. I also used to buy discount/sales/hand-me-overs (from other people) in larger sizes for those growth spurts.

Anyway, welcome!

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Originally Posted by happystuff

Welcome! I was also a mom of three young ones way back when (now kids grown and I'm newly retired). Totally agree with thrift store and cooking from scratch. Have you tried making your own sourdough starter for breads, pizza crusts, pancakes, etc? I've had move for more years than I can remember! Definitely keeps me from buying the preprocessed/premade breads and rolls.

My guess is that you already to the whole hand-me-down stuff with shoes and clothing. I also used to buy discount/sales/hand-me-overs (from other people) in larger sizes for those growth spurts.

Anyway, welcome!

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Thank you!
Oh yes, :D Hand-me-downs are our lifeline. I have all boys, so it makes it more convenient. There is no point buying expensive clothes for growing kids. They barely wear them for one season.

I've actually tried sourdough a few times—sometimes it turns out great, other times it's a flop! Any tricks for more consistent results?

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Originally Posted by ButterflyWings

Thank you!
Oh yes, :D Hand-me-downs are our lifeline. I have all boys, so it makes it more convenient. There is no point buying expensive clothes for growing kids. They barely wear them for one season.

I've actually tried sourdough a few times—sometimes it turns out great, other times it's a flop! Any tricks for more consistent results?

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There's always the "use at least once a week" rule. I've had my starter for... I can't remember how long! At least 15-20 years. My starter doesn't like cold weather, but does pretty good in the summer. I also like making tortillas out of the sourdough bread dough as well as pizza crust. There is so much more you can do with it besides bread. I would just say... keep trying. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by happystuff

There's always the "use at least once a week" rule. I've had my starter for... I can't remember how long! At least 15-20 years. My starter doesn't like cold weather, but does pretty good in the summer. I also like making tortillas out of the sourdough bread dough as well as pizza crust. There is so much more you can do with it besides bread. I would just say... keep trying. Good luck!

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That's impressive! Thanks for the tip. I will make my starter today and hope for the best.