2009, Good Intentions!
Bonne nouvelle an, everyone!
I hope that this is a year filled with, well, hope. Perhaps things will still be hard this year, but if we have hope, then so much more is possible…
2008 was a year of strained finances for me, mostly because I moved halfway across the world, and started a new life. I have discovered that it is quite possible to live without pedicures, indeed, any luxuries at all. Not that I don’t miss them, mind!
But being strapped for cash has made me inadvertently more environmentally friendly:
- I buy mostly second-hand clothes, if I buy at all.
- I don’t use my clothes dryer anymore, except in emergencies!
- I walk or use public transport everywhere (okay, this was not dictated by necessity; rather, choice, but it looks good on my list).
- We eat every bit of food we buy, and we buy it at the local farmer’s market.
- We barely, if ever eat out, or for that matter, drink coffee out – we prepare ethical food at home. Cheaper and nicer.
So, all in all, a good outcome from a rather uncomfortable situation. I would like to continue these small efforts to saving the world.
And perhaps I could follow some of the fun actions from We Are What We Do, and get a bit more educated about my consumption habits. For example, did you know this?
As to my intentions for blogging, well, I intend to blog when the mood takes me! No obligation. Thank you all for commenting, by the way! A shout-out is coming to you soon, since I haven’t replied to comments for a long long time!
happy new year to you, nadine!
Nadine, Happy Happy New Year! I love that website – I am looking forward to diving in and seeing what I am doing and what more I can do!! Best to you and yours, Nadine!!
Happy New Year beautiful Nadine! For a second there I thought I had lost you but so glad you’re going to pop back in from time to time, no obligation. Thanks for the inspiration to look at what I do as well and make some changes where I can
Hi Nadine! Welcome back and Happy New Year. I had same cash situation in 2008, for different reasons that you, but it has been one of the best experiences of my life. It has helped me align with my true beliefs. I was recently inspired by a friend’s Christmas card who said they lost their car. A tree fell on it and they didn’t replace it. Mind you, we live in subzero climate. They have been biking with the right equipment and walking, taking the bus! Very inspiring to hear how others make changes.
Hi Nadine,
Happy New Year to you too from a freezing cold Paris, -7 degrees and snow!
Just spent 5 amazing days in Bretagne. In a little countryhouse in the middle of nowhere, were a passing car is unusual, where one spends hours sitting infront of a fireplace and reading (of course 2nd hand books), making good hearty homemade food (thanks to Jessica and Holger) and scrapping with pretty pink paper and in general living in the moment – I felt quite yogic. Cities incite spending – Paris most certainly does so I enjoyed being away for a bit from it all. One can enjoy life with less money, living more in the moment and when spending, savouring it that much more, being able to buy that gorgeus organic cotton pink yoga top one has lusted after since months!
…here’s another reason to unravel the unwanted/unloved knitting projects and start again. Fresh yarn and the satisfaction of thrift.
Glad to have you back, girl. Happy New Year!
Hi, Nadine!
All the best for you: health, peace and love in 2009!!!
Your small efforts should be followed by everyone! Actually if you think about it they are not hard to follow. We waste so much, don’t you think!
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!
I have been committed to the “Less is More” life. No car, no wasted food, and a deep love of second hand shopping. We are in the same boat!
Peace