Thriftiness and minimalism - a return to conscientious living

I have been reading a lot about the minimalist movement in recent times, and the ethos really resonates with me. I know that in many places the post war 50's and 60's spawned the beginnings of consumerism and the obsession we have with owning stuff today. But I also observed a very different approach to life after the second world war shown in the life of my grandmother. She had lived through not only the war, but the great depression as well, and it stayed with her all her life. Grandma would often tell me to thread new elastic in my underpants when the old perished, she home baked everything - and grew a goodly part of what she cooked with -  she kept all her furniture from when she married in the 1940's through to her retirement with Grandpa in the 1990's, only updating her black and white TV when colour came in and even then kept it for Grandpa to watch out in the sunroom. As a child I often played with old stockings (they made great reigns for make believe games of horse and carriages with my sister), and scribbled drawings on butchers paper that had wrapped Grandma's lamb chops when purchased, and she really didn't have anything in her home that wasn't necessary for her way of life. That said, she also kept anything that was useful, like the afore mentioned butchers paper wrapping and old stockings for her grandchildren. My Grandmother was a fine example of thrift and economy, and I for one recall her life as being extremely beautiful, simple and wholesome (albeit hardworking).

 

So, the minimalist movement - is it similar? Well, yes in some ways and no in others.

 

The term "minimalist" is often applied colloquially to designate anything that is spare or stripped to its essentials.

Wikipedia

 

The movement occurring worldwide at the moment is focused on the bare essentials - living with only what is necessary and therefore, removing consumer stress and the ill understood desire to 'have' so prevalent today. By association, minimalism also allows the participant to tread lightly on the planet, be thrifty, save money and enjoy the little things that often get overlooked. As opposed to my grandmothers way of life, which arose out of desire for a frugal personal economy and diligence while still allowing for treats and occasional indulgences,  minimalism reduces living down to the purest bare essentials. Have a look at the wonderful blogs listed below and draw your own conclusions.

 

The Minimalists

 

 

Becoming Minimalist

 

 

Be more with less

 

 

mnmlist

 

As for me, my aspiration is to live as self sufficiently as possible. I am not devoted to the idea of doing without out of principal, but rather, to the idea of living purely and simply - off the land, with the land, in harmony with all living things.

I would like a comfortable, creative home, but I would like it without having to burn fossil fuels to do so. I would like a scatter cushion or two on my couch, but I would like to avoid unenvironmentally sourced fabrics and materials to do so. I love love love pretty clothes, but I don't think I have to buy into fast fashion when I can wear the darling dresses that belonged to my grandmother, or the pride infused garments I have made myself, from vintage fabric found in op shops.

I long to have the time to grow and make my own everything, and I adore the idea of reading classic books together of an evening instead of chowing down to take away and the latest Big Brother offering.....cringe ! To ultimately offer a place of peace, restoration and tranquillity (albeit with satisfying hard work - just like I watched my grandmother do) for myself, my family and friends. Surely its not all that much to ask of a simple humble life?

So let me say - if there are any single, dashing, skilled and well read men out there that share this ideal (!) then I would love to get to know you ...... This is the kind of dream that is better shared !

May you be inspired by these minimalist blogs. May our dreams and aspirations take us all, baby step by baby step, into a better world.

 

Mid Winter Revamp

 

Wild moody clouds are skudding past my windows while I write this article - the first in quite some time. There was one of those deliciously creepy fogs covering the countryside as I drove my children to the bus stop this morning, making the trees and cows loom blackly out of nowhere. And on my morning walk spider webs were shining dully with water droplets. Winter is a hauntingly beautiful, erratic, and very stunning time of year - so long as you can keep well rugged up !

 

But wintertime for many is also a time of mental struggle. Some commuters don't actually get to enjoy sunlight at all, with shorter days seeing them at work with sun up and home at sundown. The darkness, the cold, the wetness can all bring one down - so for all my female readers (and wonderful men who are so inclined) I want to journey down some ways we can make our winter malady so much brighter. The following are some great approaches to making yourself feel much brighter, more beautiful, and on top of the world. And of course, like all good mid century approaches to life, they are thrifty and practically cost less - another reason to put some zing in your steps !

 

1. Be kind to yourself

 

Stop comparing yourself to ANY celebrity - that includes Marilyn, Audrey and Grace as well as Jennifer Anniston or Scarlett Johansen ! Women are beautiful in all our wonderous shapes, sizes, colourings, creative dress senses, quirky interest loves and crazy shoe fetishes. Look at our amazing planet - Africa is nothing like Europe. Vanuatu is nothing like Tokyo. The pounding waves on the shore are full of wild untamed and ferocious beauty, and a gurgling mountain stream happy, spritely and joyful. If the entire world looked like New York (wonderful though I am sure that city is) we would all get bored of it pretty fast. Maybe it was some magazine editor who said that all women must look, act, believe and behave in a certain way, but I for one don't buy it. Just as our world is full of unique loveable places, BE UNIQUE LOVEABLE YOU!!! You are adorabe for all the qualities that make up you - not for being a Jennifer Anniston copy!

 

2. Know yourself

 

Make a list of all the wonderful things about you - what do you love most? What is your character like? What are your dreams and aspirations? What is it about who you are that makes you smile? Celebrate those things (sometimes I give myself a little 'cupcake and coffee' picnic in a beautiful place, just to honour being me!) Treating oneself for the simple reason of loving who you are can become a very spiritual and nourishing practise !

 

3. Day Spa at home

 

Grab your friends (or as I did over the winter school holidays, my children) and have a day spa at home. Put on some tranquil music, chill some wine (if your doing this child free!!), light some scented candles and delight in giving each other facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. Its a wonderful way to reconnect and banish the winter blues. You never know - you may find it becomes and seasonal pamper date !

 

4. Spread the colour love

 

Winter is renowed for its black. Black coats, black boots, black work attire....black black black !! Break this deadening cycle and be daring - wear a bright red lipstick, a big chunky burnt orange necklace, lash out and buy an aqua scarf, or what about some green frames for your glasses. The mid century was know for being vivaciously colourful - so go to it gals ! Lift your mood by splashing some colour around - and the good thing is, black goes with almost anything !

 

5. Believe in yourself

 

OK. This is where I fall down. But hey, I am only human. Confidence. Make no appologies for who you are. Find your favourite outfit and wear it - OK, it might just be grandmas going away dress and its way to over the top for the dinner with friends at the local, but who cares? If you love it, wear it, and wear it with pride. The first time I attempted wearing an 'unfashionable' 50's sundress down the street in Echuca 6 years ago, my heart was in my throat, but you know what? The more I took those chances and 'faked it till I maked it' the more I received compliments on what I wore and the more confidence in my own individuality I grew. OK, I still have times when I stupidly apologise for being me (gotta get out of that habit!), but the best way to grow your confidence, is to throw yourself into the ring and TRY!

 

6. Wear clothes you love

 

Wear what you know you look fabulous in, take a little extra time with your appearance and you will feel great all day. (Pajama days are best kept for the weekend anyhow !!!)

 

7. Surround yourself with positive people

 

Avoid those who bring you down, where possible. Enough said !

 

8. Get a good sleep

 

Nothing refreshes like the ideal 8 hours shut eye. Get a good night sleep and it will do wonders for your bodies health, your personal beauty and freshness of face, and of course, your winter mental health. And what could be better than snuggling under the covers on a rainy winters night anyhow - unless of course its snuggling under the covers with your special someone on a rainy winters night !

 

9. Smile

 

Smiling releases endorphins - did you know? This means that when you smile you get a dose of happy chemicals to lift your mood. So smile away - your co-workers, the guy at the train station, the gal serving you your late - everyone benefits from a smile, especially you !

 

10. Relax with some escapism

 

Books, movies, music - all have the power to lift the spirits. When the 'weather outside is frightful', be delightful inside with your favourite feel good. These things are all the better enjoyed with a friend too - share a book, a movie or a band with someone you can talk about it with later - you will double the enjoyment !

 

There you go lovely ones - put your mind to it and you can make the winter blues just that little bit brighter.....and really, spring is only another month away! Hang in there !

Classic Adds to make you smile.....

I have been working in the marketing department of Mawsons - a wonderful family owned company in the town where I live. I simply have to say, marketing is a fascinating business - ever challenging, and ever changing (especially with the advent of multi media !) But you know, there are some things to be celebrated about change in the marketing industry......check out these hilarious adverts from the days of Don Draper, and whisper a prayer of gratitude for these changing times ! Enjoy !

 

 

 

 

Mid Century diet advantages.....

Well, this is the traditional week of festivities, partying and over indulgence - all of which should be enjoyed with great vigour ! However, when the tinsel has been taken down and the final bon bon bad joke shared, the last new year fireworks display errupted and glass of champers drunk, we tend to throw ourselves into physical 'self betterment' with equal gusto. But before you dial Jenny Craig, or reach for the protien shakes, think of the lifestyle strategies of your forebares.

We are now a more obese culture than at any time previously in history, and yet the diet of the mid 20th century  (when our physical shape was universally slimmer) would not pass muster according to todays health authorities - lashings of butter unrestrained, creamy cheesy meals, and as I remember fondly, desserts, cakes and cookies on frequent occasions...homemade of course !!

So what is the difference today? How can our ancestors, only one generation ago, have kept a healthy weight when today, with our knowledge about health care, we are spilling out of our clothes everywhere?

 

 

Opinion varies, however, my observations come down to a couple of things:

1. Less time playing on the computer and being entertained, and much more time entertaining ourselves - climbing trees as kids, making 'stuff' (sewing our own clothes, growing our own food or building our own furniture instead of buying everything), playing outside - bike riding with the kids instead of taking them to the movies. In short, our everyday lives were far more active 40 years ago.

 

2. Serving sizes have increased. Food is abundant in our rich western society and our plate sizes have made room for this abundance.

 

3. The food itself. A meal from the 1950's would look something like this......some sort of meat, peas, honeyed carrots, mashed potatoes, and dessert that was often stewed fruits with ice cream. Yes, the old meat and three veg diet regulalrly. For many busy people (although, I stress, not everyone eats this way), todays meal looks something like this......Takeaway noodles, or pizza if in a rush, a soft drink to accompany, and an icecream on a stick for dessert. My forebares probably ate a meal like that as a 'treat' maybe 4 times a year. We may not eat pizza every night of the week, but I bet we eat it more than 4 times a year ! And that is the point. Middle of last century, vegies and fruits were regulars in the diet, even if served mashed with butter and cream. Today vegies and fruits just dont appear as frequently.

 

So, before you begin your stint with weight watchers, perhaps think about simply readjusting your lifestyle to include more activity, eat a little less, and enjoy more fruits and vegetables regularly.....then you can relax with your lemon curd tart and coffee at Koondrooks Long Paddock Cafe now and then - completely guilt free !
 

 

Here are some facts about fruits and vegetables to inspire you further....

Bananna's can:

Lift Your Spirits thanks to the presence of a chemical called tryptophan and Vitamin B6

Ease menstrual pains also thanks to vitamin B6

Increase Your Brain Power from the presence of potassium

Reduce the effects of a hangover due to their high mineral content

Assist with quitting smoking - certian vitamins and minerals found in Banannas reduce the physical and psycological effects of niccotine withdrawal. 
 

Regulate temperature and calm morning sickness in pregnant women 

Regulate the acidity of some foods in the stomach effectivly soothing ulcers

Ease mosquito bites by rubbing the inside of the peel on the affected area

Fertilise rose bushes - simply throw the skin at the foot of your rose for healthy blooms

Apples Can:

Protect your brain from Alzheimers and Parkinsons by preventing the breakdown of brain particles (NutritianData.com)

 

Help you loose weight if eaten regularly

Decrease the effects of asthma
 

Reduce the risk of lung cancer

 

Zucchinis can:

Lower Cholesterol

.
Prevent certian cancers

Fight oxidative stress through the presence of powerful antioxidents and vitamins C and A.

Keep you in good prostate health

Funtion as an anti inflamitory inhibiting the symptoms of asthma, oesteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis

Contribute to heart attack and stroke prevention

Lower Blood Pressure



Carrots can:

Improve Vision

Prevent cancer

Fight aging and slow down the aging of cells

Give you healthy glowing skin - when eaten for internal skin health, or applied topically for external skin health

Provide a powerful antiseptic and can even be applied to cuts

Prevent Heart Disease

Cleanse the Body

Give you healthy teeth and gums

Prevent Stroke

Quote of the Month - September 2012

Hope Floats......

 

 

Life is very up and down isnt it?

 I crave the hope that good things will happen and bring joy and happiness, and yet, somehow, I am afraid to hope for these things out of fear I will be disapointed once again......

 

It is a hard lesson, that of staying hopeful and soft hearted in the face of rejection and disapointment....I am not quite sure how it is done.....maybe the passage of time plays a role....

 

M aybe one can hope that the lesson will be of great purpose, even if just for growth in compassion and character........
.

Although character development may not seem to be a very exhillerating thought, it is something to get us through those painful, hurtful times.

One must have hope that good things await around the bend in the road, or the pain of having no hope will leave us deviod of any joy today.

A person must find something to hope for, difficult though that might be to acheive.

 

May you meet people, go places and do things that encourage little threads of hope to weave their way through your life today. Cling to those things. And believe in the goodness of the bend in the road, that you might begin to enjoy the beauty in your life today.

 

 

“That is all I want in life: for this pain to seem purposeful.”
― Elizabeth Wurtzel, Prozac Nation

 

“Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul?”
― John Keats, Letters of John Keats

 

"When I left Queen's my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes--what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows--what new landscapes--what new beauties--what curves and hills and valleys further on."

- Anne of Green Gables

 

 

Just a bend in the road

Lyrics by Eddy Arnnold

 

Are you weary and tired of living
Does it all seem to be thankless giving
Don't worry my friend it isn't the end
It's just a bend in the road

Have you reached for someone's hand
And found that's she just doesn't understand
Keep reaching my friend it isn't the end
It's just a bend in the road

It's never the end there's always one more bend
Another day another way a year or two
So walk one more mile remember with the smile
Happiness can afford to lose you

Although at times you feel so lonely
And you try to find someone to love you only
Keep looking my friend it isn't the end
There'll may be someone around the bend in the road
There'll may be someone around the bend in the road

 

 

Valentines Day - All you needs is love

Darling friends, I know, I know, Valentines Day has been and gone.....contrary to all appearances, I am not caught in some kind of time machine....... blunt truth of it is, I have been just too busy to have posted this on the day itself, or even around the time.....and it's not even still February.......but let me tell you what I did on Valentines Day just the same.....

On Valentines Day this year, as I am deviod of any type of personal love interest of my own, I decided within myself that Valentines Day is simply NOT just for lovers. Look at the world and tell me that it does not require lashings of love spread around everywhere, to all people, every day of the year! So, I decided that I would invite my adorable next door neighbours, Max and Denise, over for a Valentines day afternoon tea - to tell them how much I appreciate and love having them for my neighbours, and to also show my 3 little bundles of energy that it is vital to show care and love to those around us. I did attempt to also teach them the value of table manners and having a dignified afternoon tea, but I think that was expecting just a little too much !!!!

We started by baking a lovely heart shaped chocolate sponge (recipe below), filling it with cream and jam, icing it with choccy icing and crumbled up cherry ripe. It may never have graced the TV program Choccy Woccy Do Dah, but it sure looked good to us none the less ! We got out the 'good china' (which should be used all the time !!!), table cloth and a vase of red geraniums from the pots outside the window, and made a pot of tea....then, when everyone arrived we sat down and devoured it all....It was busy. It was hectic. It was yummy. It was a celebration.

The more I work in the placemaking field, the more I believe that it is celebration that gives life it's zing and magic. We need to make time, make room, make the effort to celebrate - people, moments, good times and honour even the bad times being over. It is celebration that will colour our life with memories to be treasured, that will fill our lives with people who are special. It doesnt matter that Valentines Day is over commercialised, celebrate it and use it as a vehicle to create something special in your life - a memory, a moment, the treasuring of people you love - we can never have too much of such things in our lives.

Chocolate Sponge Cake

4 eggs seperated

3/4 cup cornflour

1 tsp cream of tartar

3/4 cup castor sugar

1 tbsp custard powder

1/2 tsp bicarb soda

3 tbsp cocoa powder

Beat egg whites with a dash of salt.

Add sugar slowly as you go.

Add egg yolks one at a time.

Sift dry ingredients then fold in with a wooden spoon.

Bake in moderate oven (180degrees) for 20-25 minutes.

Decorate and fill as desired.

Close your eyes and dream momentarily - What inspires you?

Sitting in an enchanting little cafe in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy today (and what a captivating place that part of town is) I was inspired to start a little campaign to find out what inspires my readers....and in doing so, I hope it inspires many others in turn !! I want to ask people three questions, because I believe, especially at the beginning of a year, it is important to reflect on where we are at, who we are and where we are heading....sooo......

What Inspires You?

It could be anything from beaded fabrics to man landing on the moon !

What Is Your Dream?

It could be anything from performing with elephants to cooking through Julia Childs cook book in a year !

What Do You Want from Your Life?

It could be anything from making a difference in the lives of unloved children to becoming the next editor of Vogue

Please feel free to share all your dreams and aspirations, no matter how crazy or wild (the wilder the better if you ask me !!) - because we all know that 'putting it out there', and speaking our dreams, even just realising what our dreams are, can begin to set the wheels in motion to manifest these things in our lives.

And as for me......

What inspires me?

a) the richness of the seasons unfolding around me

b) People who overcome great adversity

c) Miraculous occurrences in the everyday

d) People who do not judge others and live great lives of compassion and unbridled love

What is my dream?

a) To have a beautiful, gracious, warm hearted family who are all wrapped up in love for one another.

b) To look back at my life one day and see it as rich, full, victorious, and lived with great beauty, delight, enchantment and wonder.

What do I want from my life?

a) An inspiring occupation that brings much good to society.

b) Kindred spirit friends and family surrounding me.

c) A pretty home of my own, brimming with creativity and joy, in a pretty place, with a wonderful community and the capacity to be somewhat self sufficient.

Ha ! It is just so hard to limit such imaginative ramblings to a couple of lines isnt it !!! My mind could go on and on with all the wonderful things I aspire to !!!

May you do the same!

May you be inspired as you do so !

May your inspirations be the fuel for others too !!!

 

 

Rockin Christmas Songs......

I was spoilt rotten recently by a pressie arriving in the mail from my darling sister - a copy of Michael Buble's Christms Album, which I have played and played and played already. The kids and I just love it !!! My out and out favourite is his version of Blue Christmas with a very dixie land jazz vibe.....and it all got me thinking about the plethora of great (and not so great) Christmas Songs out there....people really love this time of year dont they? They really get into the celebration and festivity and party spirit...I think that is just wonderful, it is what community is all about really - celebration together, creating memorable moments, generosity and warmth. Yes, it is truly a precious gift in itself to be able to get into the spirit of this gratful celebratory season.

So, to help you (and me) get into the party spirit, I have traweled the net for some of the lesser known but still awsome Christmas songs ....there is no Elvis, Brenda Lee or Bing Crosby in this list (although I do love their christmas music), I hope that I bring you something you have never heard before that can get your feet dancing up a storm this festive season - all with  mid century style of course! Celebrate Christmas with me, with all the gratitude in our hearts - for the freedom and life we have thanks to what happened at this time in a quiet little Israeli country town oh so long ago. Cheers everyone !!!

Blue Christmas - Michael Buble

Christmas on TV - Chris Isaak

Senor Santa Clause

Christmas Bell Rock

Merry Twistmas

Hey Santa Claus

I want a rock n roll guitar

Rockin around the Christmas tree - Bill Haley

Run Run Rudolf

They shined up Rudolfs nose

Reindeer Boogie

Dig that crazy Santa Clause

Twistin Bells

Doo Wop Christmas

Merry Christmas

Good old Country Christmas

Sleigh ride

I'd like you for Christmas

What is your density....I mean, your destiny.......

24 years ago I watched Back to the Future for the first time at a grade 5 sleep over party, and my life hasnt been the same since. I mean, Dad had/has the BEST 50's record collection to grow up listening too (and great taste in music too I must add), and I LOVED Happy Days and classic matinees as a very young girl. And lets not forget I adored my Grandmothers....but....... nothing catapulted me into 50's love like Back to the Future.....I could go on and on with how it influenced me, but I wont bore you to your eyeballs with all the gory details.

However, I DO want to share with you how much BTTF helped me appreciate and adore the whole semi geek look, as classically portrayed by Crispen Glover, aka George McFly. I recently posted on Facebook how much I love George McFly, but I dont think anyone really got it (insert smilie face here). Think about it gals, shy, talented, misunderstood guy overcomes his fears, braves his 'arch nemisis' and 'lays him out' to help a gal in trouble....now, what is not to love about that ???????? What a legend !!! Doesn't every gal like to think she is worth fighting for????? Yes George McFly, you are a hero in my books, and therefor I am a humble adorer of the whole semi-cool-geeky look thanks to you. Nowdays 50s/60's glasses make me go weak at the knees, because long before George McFly wore them, Buddy Holly sported them first.......

So, crazy as it may seem to some, I would take a guy with 50's style glasses over some man power, Jamie Durie style bloke any day of the week thankyou very much. And George, I am happy for you to be my density or destiny anyday !!!

And here are some more, what some might call, preppy-geek-glasses look guys for anyone like me with a 'thing' for this !!!  If you want to share more of this look here....please-oh-please be my guest !!!