Tag Archives: simplicity

“But I’ve Just Gotten Them Broken In!”

My son does not like change. His personality is such that he likes to keep things simple, comfortable and predictable. He likes some surprises, but he also likes routine. He is not someone I see as going out into the world and taking on all sorts of daring adventures and risks, he tends to really value good friends and family and it has been fun watching as he grows more and more into himself. HOWEVER, the downside is that his avoidance of change means getting him to get a new pair of shoes, a new coat, or even get his … Continue reading →

Looking for a Business Name? Make it Simple and Easy to Spell

So, you have made up your mind to start a small home-based business but you are searching for something to call it? Unless you are doing consulting or freelancing or another type of business where you can simply use your own name, you probably want something creative and catchy that represents you and your business aspirations. Whatever name you choose–try to make sure it is simple and easy to spell… There are all sorts of jokes about long-winded business names that are difficult to say and even more challenging to spell. I know of a grocery store here in my … Continue reading →

Are You Avoiding Going “High Tech”?

I know of a small business where there are NO computers. The bookkeeping is still done in a ledger books and checks are written out using a little “check machine” (I don’t even know what those old-fashioned things are called with the stamping for checks!). The business owner is determined to retire from the business doing things exactly as they have always been done in this multi-generational business. No going “high tech”! I can’t help but marvel at the determination but wonder if this isn’t taking things a little too far. I wonder how many other small and home-based businesses … Continue reading →

I am Broke and Grateful – Three Ways to Appreciate the Things You Have

Three years ago my husband and I were both employed full-time. While we certainly weren’t getting rich we were living very comfortably with the income I was making as a social worker and he was making as a Sheriff’s Deputy. Two children, and minus one full-time income later we are broke – and happy. I’ll admit. I am not always joyful about being broke. In fact, my husband and I went out on a rare “date-night” last night and ate at one of our favorite restaurants. I remember looking at the dessert menu and drooling over the $5.00 tiramisu and … Continue reading →

Frugal Tip – Avoid the Finer Things in Life at All Costs

I’ll never forget the day I went on a weekend business trip with my boss. I adored her. She always treated me more like a girlfriend than an underling. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised when she invited me into the lobby after a long day of meetings to share a fine bottle of wine in front of the hotel fireplace. I used to laugh when she referred to herself as a “wine-snob” until she told me the price of the bottle of wine she was about to share with me. “You just spent $25.00 on a bottle of wine?”….you’ve got to … Continue reading →

Frugal Fashion Tip – Just Say Thank You

Earlier this week I talked about how I am proud to be a cheapskate. While I am not afraid to write about it, don’t expect me to shout about my frugality from the rooftops (especially when it comes to my fashion finds). Okay, don’t get me wrong. I have a frugal friend (who will remain unnamed) who I love to share my finds with. I’ll drive to her home with paper bags in hand and dump them on her kitchen table… “Check out these jeans I got for a buck…aren’t they darling?” – I squeal with delight. “Oooohhh ohhhh ohhh…and … Continue reading →

My Name is Traci…and I am a Frugaholic

I was so excited to start my frugal living posts that I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Traci and I have been blogging for Families.com for the past three months in the home business topic. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to blog about frugal living because I am just as passionate about making money at home as I am saving money. I was taught how to be frugal at an early age. My mother was a home-daycare provider and my father was a diesel mechanic. Both sets of my grandparents were farmers. My parents and grandparents … Continue reading →

Does Keeping Things Simpler Make For Happier Families?

Several weeks ago, I read an editorial or letter to the editor in my local paper and something in the printed piece has stuck with me—the author said something about how it was his belief that the more simple life is in the home, the happier a family truly is. I thought it might be a great topic to mull over here in the Parents Blog as I’m wondering if keeping things simpler really does make for happier families? A few months ago, I wrote about how a friend of mine thinks that smaller houses are better for family bonding … Continue reading →