I was running errands over in Northeast Portland yesterday. Dropping off kid stuff at the consignment shop, hanging out with my friend Sasha, loading up on gourmet goodies at The Grocery Outlet, (I had a coupon!) and meeting up with my step-mother for a cup of tea. I had a few minutes to kill, so I decided to pop into The Title Wave bookstore, which sells old library books. (I had a $5 voucher, which was burning a white hot hole in my pocket.)
I decided to buy a couple of books to use as giveaways for the blog. I quickly found copies of Dave Wann’s Simple Prosperity: Finding Real Wealth in a a Sustainable Lifestyle as well as Vicky Robin and Joe Dominguez’sĀ Your Money or Your Life.
Long time readers will recall that Simple Prosperity was used for The Non-Consumer Advocate book club last year. A great idea that proved beyond my time/energy constraints. (Seriously, I cringe with shame whenever I think about how I dropped the ball on this one.) However, I’m still a great fan of this book and now have a genuine preowned library copy of this book to use as a giveaway!
To enter to win your own personal copy of Simple Prosperity, enter your name and one change you’ve made in your quest for simple prosperity in the comments section below. The winner will be randomly chosen Monday, May 31st at midnight PST. U.S. residents only, please enter only one time.
Good luck!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
{ 74 comments… read them below or add one }
My husband and I no longer go shopping as a hobby (it’s amazing how $3 here & $8 there adds up to lots of money spent…not to mention takes up valuable space in our home!) This saves us time, money and keeps our house less cluttered!
Rachel beat me to it–we’ve dropped shopping as a hobby. Okay, not totally–we still browse in bookstores and record shops, and occasionally we’ll visit thrift stores or the local nonprofit store..but we never go to the mall or Target or stores of that ilk unless we have a specific purpose.
I now bring lunch to work 3/4 of the time, at least, and almost never buy breakfast. I’ve learned to make muffins and breakfast sandwiches so I have something easy to take with me rather than picking up someting on the way.
Great idea for a giveaway, Katy.
And don’t beat yourself up over the bookclub thing. I am always impressed with your willingness to try new things! If some of those things don’t work out as you planned, well, that’s only to be expected. Better to try and see than never to take a risk!
instead of instantly buying a book online at amazon i now check to see if they have it at my library (which ive had a card for years just never used it). Im also growing my own garden to save money on produce throughout the summer.
I’ve given up cable. I often only watched TV when I was bored and was never really all that interested in anything that was on. Watching TV did however contribute to my desires to have the latest and greatest gadgets/clothes/etc. Now, I’m not as susceptible to the siren call of the “cult of the new”…if something is new and would really fill a void in my life, I tend to hear about it from those around me who know I would be interested.
I’m working hard on changing our eating habits of our family of 4. We have some heath risks which run in our family and I’m already taking 3 medications each day. I keep telling myself that good fruits and veggies are cheaper than a triple by-pass. I am shopping weekly at our local farmers market and growing some of our food.
If I don’t win this book – I may have to see if the library carries a copy.
I’ve started changing breakfast. Rather than constantly buy poptarts or toaster strudels, I make a big batch of pancakes on the weekend and pop them in the toaster for breakfast. My son loves it. Now I just have to find a good dough recipe (that I can make) to make strudels. I also try to pre-cook and freeze dinners.
I’m with Renee, I may have to find a copy of this book in my library if I don’t win it.
I use the library for most books, DVDs and music. I also shop at the farmers markets when i can.
I’ve quit drinking soda. It’s astounding how much that saves.
We’ve discovered the joy in having (and doing) less. Society dictates that we need every new gadget and an active social life that would tire the most ambitious of folks. There’s something so calming about saying “no” to things or obligations that keep us occupied but add no real value to our lives. Keeping things simple has made me more relaxed, more centered, more focused on what is really important to me. This translates into cooking more “slow” foods, cutting back on my work schedule, enjoying activbities that require little or no cost.
We’ve discovered the joy in having (and doing) less. Society dictates that we need every new gadget and an active social life that would tire the most ambitious of folks. There’s something so calming about saying “no” to things or obligations that keep us occupied but add no real value to our lives. Keeping things simple has made me more relaxed, more centered, more focused on what is really important to me. This translates into cooking more “slow” foods, cutting back on my work schedule, enjoying activities that require little or no cost.
I regularly go through books/DVDs/CDs I own to see if my local library (or the library network – 3 counties! ) has a copy. If so, I set it aside to be considered for reselling or giving away. Even a small town library can have a good selection in a variety of fields. I also check the library first if I see a book I’d like to buy, especially if it’s a read once or make a project from it kind of book. This way I can also allow myself to still go shopping since I can get ideas for what the library might have in the future.
No more TV in our house.
Got a bread machine on Freecycle to make hubby’s sandwich habit cheaper, more healthy and less wasteful.
I’ve learned how to really cook, I’ve taken my own private pledge to buy only used clothing for a year ….sshhhh….not telling the husband or the kids. I will only buy new underwear, shoes if I need them and purses. I just don’t like used purses but thrifted-new works for me. It’s been 2 months so far and my wardrobe has never been more fun! We are looking into solar power. We are growing some vegis this year. We switched to cloth napkins almost completely. And I found a local source for eggs. I’m in Orange County Ca-it took me 6 months to find someone with extra eggs. Sorry for rambling….I’ll stop now.
Jana
I have an intimate, personal relationship with our local library. No more book buying or cable having!
I’m compacting this year, and the family is in on it too! So far we have made a few exceptions, but it’s really amazing how it’s simplified our lives.
Tossed the t.v. about 5 years ago and totally enjoy having a much less cluttered mind! Donated my extensive hard-back book collection to the library and got a library card about 3 years ago. Have recently taken two truckloads of “unwanteds” off to auction and plan to keep going ’til there is no more to take! š
I’ve been foraging fruit in my neighborhood for a few years now and last year started canning for the first time and just loved making all sorts of jams, sauces and chutneys. I think my favorite was plum jam from Zenger farm plums, which came out kinda runny for on top of pancakes, cheaper than maple syrup! Yummy…
I’ve let go of giving the perfect, expensive seeming gift. I was never that great of a gift giver anyways. Now I give gifts from the heart, like hydrangeas from my garden for a co-worker’s recent birthday, and don’t worry about what their reaction will be.
I have been using every last thing in my CSA basket. If I don’t know what to do with something I am committed to finding out. The internet makes that pretty easy. I have also been using cloth napkins to include in lunch boxes, for several years now and will never go back to paper. I also make jam and marmalade and waterbath can tomatoes and fruit. We are in the process of removing our front lawn with the intent of having an edible landscape. It is going very slowly, but surely (I think).
My sister, mother and I are a bit unconventional at Christmas. We look for used items as gifts for each other.. These are found at thrifts, garage sales etc. It is so much fun to find a great item, gently used and to repurpose it. For the rest of the family at the Christmas gathering, each family brings a gift for each of their own children. In that way, the parents have control over what the item is and how much is spent. We have found that with one gift the children are very satisfied and hopefully are learning a great lesson in what is truly important i.e. family and not wasting our valuable resources.
I’m in the process of packing for a move to another state to work with my son and family helping with inner-city at-risk youth. I’m experimenting to see just how little I need in order to live a satisfying life (downsizing). I “retired” from online designing today, and plan to open an Etsy shop to sell some of my surplus vintage items and then handmade items (following my passion). I’m also reading, reading, reading everything I can get my hands on concerning a more simple lifestyle. I just found your blog yesterday and I’m looking forward to reading more of it and your future posts. Thanks for the generous offer of the book.
I could repeat a lot of what’s already been said! But here’s an unusual one for you: I’ve simplified my life by deciding to no longer fight my naturally wavy hair with products and appliances. I spent $27 on a good cut at Rudy’s (downtown Portland) and just embraced whatever it wants to do. And you know what? I’ve been getting more compliments than ever! I actually like the personality that it has instead of forcing it do a certain thing. So now I spend way less $ on bad chemical products in evil packaging, and less time/electricity on the hairdryer (which I know my husband appreciates). I don’t know if that fits your definition of “simple prosperity” but it sure has simplified my life a lot.
Good for you!
I’d like to know who the heck decided that only straight hair was beautiful. Straight, curly, wavy- it’s all beautiful if you don’t try to change it to fit the current trend.
I’m trying to be more brave at trying new recipes for even the simple things that I could easily go and buy for cheap. The other day I made homemade hamburger buns. I had the ingredients and the time so I figured, why not! They ended up being a little too heavy for the burgers, but we ate them anyways and the leftovers made a GREAT breakfast with butter and cinnamon sugar on them! My kids loved them!
I stopped buying books from large chain bookstores and now buy from small used bookshops and borrow from the library.
We are keeping our old cars instead of buying new or new to us used. We may have more repairs now and then but we are big do it yourselfers. This way we don’t have a monthly payment and our car insurance costs are much lower.
I’m gardening this year – I did some last year, but this year will be a good year!
We went to the u-pick strawberry farm today with a friend and our children and now I am elbow deep in stawberries! Making lots of jam, freezing some berries for later and will probably make some shortcake, pie and of course, ice cream! All simple things that make me feel very rich indeed!
We find out what the going it food recipes are and we try to make them ourselves instead of going out for them
As a librarian, I’m loving all the posters who have become (or always were) library users. Keep it up! As for me, I buy used items whenever possible. I pass on to others gifts given to me when they’re not something I can use (or want). And I buy local whenever I have the choice.
One of the changes I made to practice simple prosperity was to start teaching myself how to make my favorite dishes at home. Taking intiative to prepare my meals myself allows me to save money while enjoying some of the same foods that would cost significantly more if I were dining out. Some of the items that I started preparing at home include veggie dumplings, singapore noodles, summer rolls, falafel bread, and cream fruit smoothies made with chinese yogurt.
I am following the Compact this year. Also have planted a small veggie garden. I also get all my books at the library. I only buy one if it is a good reference book and I have a gift card.
I have been spending free time de-cluttering, giving away and selling to consignment shops rather than bringing new (or even used) things into our home. I already feel free-er! My home is less cluttered, I have fewer things to manage and, even though my house isn’t going to win any Martha Stewart cleaning prizes, it is cleaner than it was before (not so much stuff collecting dust!)
I’d love to read Simple Prosperity. Thanks for the opportunity!
Please, Katy, don’t beat yourself up about the Prosperity book. You did 5 chapters of it with excellent excerpts, summaries, and thoughtful questions. I printed out all of your posts about it and continued reading the book on my own. You did a GREAT job. Thanks.
Thank you. I feel awful about flaking out on this one.
-Katy
Going to the library, making own mayonnaise and granola, getting a CSA, and not buying new (The Compact). It’s all been positive.
This has been a gradual process, somethings I have been working on for years and others are more recent- I have stopped shopping recreationally, I carry my own lunch and soda/water to work. I shop at the farmers market and try to buy local if possible. I am trying to de-clutter and give things away. Thank you so much for the chance to win!
We’re growing vegetables this summer for our family!
We buy oats in 50 lb bags, and make 4 days worth at a time in our crockpot, adding our homegrown dried organic apples, cinnamon, raisins and our bees honey as sweetener. We eat it 365 days a year and never tire of it. Tastes great, really cheap!
This year my husband and I have looked at our debt and made a chart that is hanging on the kitchen wall so from month to month we can watch the debt go down. We created a very strict budget and I’m proud that we’re not just sticking our heads in the sand. I love your blog! Valerie Heck
Sounds like a great book. I haunt the local thriftshops and try to meet most of our purchasing needs with pre-loved items. I also try to buy local, which not only helps folks in my community, but also keeps me out of department stores so ends in less total shopping.
My husband retired on Tuesday of this week! We had already begun eating out a good bit less during the past year or so but I had resolved that we would try to cut the expense of eating out after church on Sunday. This one is kind of hard since we often find it a good opportunity to visit with friends. They DID ask us at the last minute for Sunday but we smiled and said we had dinner at home already. (Leftover spaghetti.) It was not possible for that particular Sunday, but we plan to begin asking friends to share a meal with us at home instead of dropping $30 a pop on eating out.
I have learned how to take really great lunches to work everyday, so much so that I haven’t missed convenient fast food options. As a result, my food waste has gone way down and I’ve lost several pounds. It’s great how there are many benefits as a result of one focused change.
I have embraced cloth diapers for my son and I am in the process of hanging up a clothes line!!!
I also use usable grocery bags, frequent our local farmers markets and go to library as much as I can.
Hooray for cutting back – it saves money and it better for our world!
I’ve done lots to cut spending, but things that I have done that are value-added and make me feel “rich” are – homemade bread – nothing better. Home made yogurt with home made strawberry freezer jam. My home cooking – if I plan it out, I can be a pretty good cook. Pickled and waterbath canned beets. A small veggie garden. My blended at home dried, flavored oatmeal. Used book sales. Eliminating fast food – it’s yucky – why do I do that? One thing I’m learning is that when I focus on doing things myself rather than “deprivation”, I can more easily make changes and actually look for more and better ways.
We recently decided to start using cash for anything $3.00 or less and save the change… Doing this made us realize 1) how quickly little things add up — water, snacks, etc. & etc. So, we don’t really spend impulsively as much anymore…
I no longer buy new books or magazines. I swap with friends or at a used book store where I bring in books I’ve already read, and pick up some new ones.
It took me a while to figure this out, but thanks to your blog, I’ve discovered how amazing Goodwill is for my clothing needs – especially work clothes! This has really helped save money and boost my work wardrobe. š
We joined a CSA this year that grows vegetables on vacant city lots. I live too far from work to consider biking, but we purchased a scooter last year that will cut our gas consumption and be fun too!
We got rid of our television. Now we spend more time actually doing things together as a family, AND we no longer see advertisements!
I started with renting books and videos from the library instead of buying them on Amazon. I moved on to hanging my laundry to dry outside. Now I have a small veggie garden, and I get my other produce from a CSA and the Farmer’s Market. I have instituted “no driving days.” I am cooking from scratch, with very little eating out.
No more paper towels or napkins. No one feels particularly deprived, either.
But the best change I’ve made is that my daughter (11, and homeschooled) and I volunteer once a week at a local sustainable goat cheese and organic vegetable farm! We are learning all about goat and chicken care, gardening, etc. It is our favorite part of the week by far!
Kate
Found a grocery store with a giant bulk foods section. Switched to buying in bulk for most everything like spices, flour, cereal, pasta etc to reduce the amount of packaging I purchase. Our garbage is almost never full and my wallet is full more often. Win/Win.
I swap clothes, shoes, bags… on swapping websites – it’s a fun way to renew my wardrobe spending little and getting rid of wrong purchases š
(I hope you can ship the book to Italy if I win!)
Oops, “US residents only” :-/
We have reduced the size of our garbage can to the smallest one the company will allow. Besides being good incentive to reduce waste, it has saved us money over the long run. Next, I’m thinking on how I could eliminate garbage service all together…..
We no longer buy DVDs, but use a minimum rental level with Netflix to watch instantly and occasionally by mail.
We don’t have cable and would often make trips to the video store on weekends for our 5 kids. Now we have Netflix. We save money and have so many better movie choices. And we don’t have to go out. And the kids don’t have to browse amongst all those horrible video covers dipicting sex and violence.
We keep a plastic gallon jug in or near the kitchen sink to catch the water normally wasted when washing hands or vegetables/fruits, plus running water ’til the hot water arrives. Makes me feel good to save water, but it serves as a constant reminder to make sure the plants are watered, indoors and out.
Began flexible meal planning (combo of “pantry principle” and planning meals ahead) so we shop only once a week, subscribing to a CSA, and buying local grassfed beef through a buying club. Even though we’re buying more organics, our food bill has held steady. Also we expanded the veggie garden and are already harvesting lots of greens and radishes.
We have switched to mainly rags in our house and only use paper towels for really nasty kid/animal messes.
In 2007 I had a year of not shopping that has forever changed the way I shop, think, act and work. These days I buy less (and work less), buy used, swap, med, plan purchases carefully etc. Shopping doesn’t ,make you happy but then not shopping doesn’t make you happy either – happiness is not about stuff!
I started using reusable “dryer balls” instead of dryer sheets, and I’ve secretly stopped refilling the paper towel holder ~ and nobody has noticed!
I cook from scratch and use cloth napkins, hankies, and kitchen rags instead of paper products.
We signed up for a CSA from an organic local farmer this summer. It’s within peddling distance, so we can get exercise by riding there and back. That’ll give us an opportunity to get to know the farmers (it’s a family op), see their farm, and handpick our produce. We are excited to support this local farming family, and especially excited that we can use pedal power instead of our car!
So interesting to read everyone else’s ideas! I started cutting up all worn out sheets, etc- into tiny rags to use instead of paper towels. Also, although I don’t have any outdoor space, I am growing green onions and chive inside by my south-facing window. Delicious, cheap, healthy (no pesticides, etc) and good for the environment.
After downsizing from a four bedroom house to a two bedroom apartment, my husband and I are learning more everyday on how to live small. Our utilities are less, our maintenance fees are 0, and we love walking our golden retriever through the new neighborhood. Thanks for all your inspiration.
My husband and I use cloth napkins, dishcloths instead of paper towels, wash clothes in cold water & line dry those clothes. I even found that vinegar is a fabric softner and like it better than those fabric sheets. Enjoy the blog. Thanks.
I started an automatic withdrawl to credit union savings account so I now have a good start on an emergency fund!
Our family motto is “use all the buffalo.” Two examples: our dog digs in our bed, wrecking havoc on sheets. Today I took three torn sheets, cut out the usable sections, and sewed a new sheet to use. The smaller pieces will be used for other projects or rags. Then my daughter and I went to the bank, putting the paycheck from my 2nd part-time job against the principle of our home loan. Splendid day all around.
So many changes over the last few years. Most recently we scrounged together an old bicycle to ride 1.6 miles to our mailbox on days when neither of us has to go to work. It was just too foolish to drive there and get the mail.
Well, I am trying not to recreational shop and use what I have. I love a good thrift store or garage sale but it still costs money, resources and time.
Thank you for the chance to win!
Kariann
I buy baking soda in bulk and use it for tooth paste and shampoo, saving money on personal care items.
I have been inspired to make mostly everything from scratch. Instead of ordering out for pizza, I now make whole wheat veggie pizza from scratch…used to spend $30.00..now I can make say 6 pizza’s for the same amount. I teach school so I am currently looking forward to the summer so that I can learn to make homemade breads and noodles. I have been looking for a used pasta maker for a while now.