Several years ago we made decision to start to work for ourselves instead for various other people. That completely improved our work-life balance. First because we both do what we enjoy so work is not a stress and sometimes great fun. Second, because we have great flexibility when we do what and how much time we spend as a family.
That as well gives me time do try lots and lots of different crafts, bake lots of cakes and teach our daughter that life is not closed in TV screen (which we don't have). It all happened slowly and gradually. Too much of a shock wouldn't be good in that matter.
So first went the telly. We live without it for almost 6 years now. And apart of the time when I was student first time and didn't have one because couldn't afford it, this is longest time without one. Completely conscious decision, on which we will never go back. And believe me, once you get rid on one then you realise how much time it was stealing. We all are guilty ,of sitting in front of one till 3 am, because we just flicked on different channel. Now if we want to watch something, it's on the computer, on demand and one thing at the time. Or simply go to cinema. But even better read the book. Or do something else. Suddenly there are other things to do.
Then we took up gardening, in a sense of growing our own fruit and veg. We even kept chicken for few years, but they damaged the garden too much, so its easier to buy free range eggs. Especially if you have limited space.
We all are quite big on recycling, upcycling, renovating etc. So we do best we can with limited resources. Because lets be honest, working for yourself means no regular pay cheque. Fortunately we have quite established household, and any investments can be made when we can and want to. Majority of our furniture comes from freecycle, secondhand shops and car boot sales. Some are donation from friends. Most got a bit of work. I don't have photos before and after, just after will have to do. They are on my Instagram
Food, that is whole huge chapter of our lives.
We all need to eat. We all should eat well. We all know that.
I am lucky, I love cooking. It helps me unwind after busy day. To the extent that I not only cook everything from scratch, but as well make my own preserves and pickles. Lots of our activities evolve around the food. Gathering wild fruit for jams and pies, Elderflowers for cordial and wild mushrooms for pates. It is amazing how much wild stuff you can find within urban areas. Just short walk from home we have cherry trees, pears, plums and bramley apples. All it takes is a bit of effort.
We have neighbour who shoots rabbits and drops them on our doorstep. All we have to do is to skin it, gut it and cook it. I know horrible to think for some, but if you eat meat, you have to come to terms with where it came from.
So big question is how do I link my passion for fashion with all of that. Simples - as King Julian would say. Fashion - in all aspects, the one to wear and the one of interior is only inspiration. If I find something I really want and can't afford it, I try to make it. Or something close to. But sometimes it only about idea. Sometimes I can find something close enough on the high street and modify it. Amazing what you can do once you make friends with sawing machine.
And the real luxury is having time for what you like to do, not to buy stuff with designer logo on it for elevated price. And not getting into debt due to said stuff. Only to outdo your friend, or follow favourite celeb.
At the moment my luxury is to have time to do colouring with my daughter (there are some great ones on amazon look for Millie Marotta), choose the best ones and frame them in decoupaged frames from charity shop and create absolutely unique home decor.
I know rather long ramble. And it only meant to be list of the stuff which I want to do during my holiday. Oh well, leave it for next post.
No comments:
Post a Comment