Our Frugal Lifestyle

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Passionate about eco-frugality. I used to party hard, clubbing my way from pay-packet to pay-packet. Never getting ahead, just getting by. Then came our much wanted baby with no savings in the bank - only an old car. Changes were made to our lifestyle and we didn't turn back. In the past 6yrs we purchased a flat, found employment, lived below our means, built an emergency fund, purchased a reliable car and saw the financial benefits of our frugal lifestyle. Our only debt is our mortgage. Our aim is to manage our cash flow wisely, pay off our home quickly and eventually work for pleasure, not necessity. Join us on our journey, share insights, tips and tricks to help us and others to get ahead while having a good time.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Restoration of Self

As we mend and restore ourselves from our six months of disillusionment I have found a few quiet moments this week for crafting which I find calming, meditative and fulfilling. I have used what I had on hand always being thoughtful to frugality and being ecological.

The simple act of ripping, cutting and pasting beautiful or inspiring images and words from old magazines into a book has been therapeutic. The hand me down magazines have been taking valuable space in our home. As I purge I have ripped my favourite images for reflection, inspiration or the simple act of admiring beauty.




I have also sewn together more pieces of vintage and reclaimed fabric into owls. My skills have improved as each time I learn from my mistakes and work in better ways. This pretty owl was ordered by a friend for a newborn baby girl. We will be given a little money for our work, with this we will purchase new quality sewing threads, needles and pins.




I have also sat down with my beloved stamps from Freecycle, small scraps of fabric, vintage thrifted books, broken jewellery and old cards. I have upcyled them into four new cards for Thank You, Birthdays and Congratulations which I will give with very well thought out gifts. Gifts that are easy on my pocket and under $5, but show that I care and appreciate these people in my life.




The pasting and sewing is not only an exercise in creating but it's also an exercise in calming my busy mind and heart. A process of restoring and reflecting on what is important to me and my family. A time for me and my soul after a busy day.

Stephanie @ Frugal Down Under.

2 comments:

  1. I love the craft you have created. We are in Hobart house sitting at the moment. Best wishes to you and the family

    ReplyDelete

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