The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Welcome and General Discussion => Topic started by: lifejoy on July 07, 2017, 07:34:26 PM
-
List here. Come back as often as you like!
-
Today I bought a foaming soap dispenser from Bath & Body Works :)
I love foaming soap, and I also love re-using the dispenser for years because you need to fill it with half water and half soap for it to work properly, so it saves me soap in the long run and I love the lack of waste and (albeit, minimal) savings.
I wash my hands many times a day so it's lovely to enjoy it.
-
Looking out my window in the early morning or late afternoon, when shadows are long and the landscape looks gorgeous
-
Listening to my children laugh together when they are playing nicely together.
-
Dancing to concerts in the park.
Biking by the water.
Curling up in the corner of the sectional.
When DH puts the dish soap bottle down and a few bubbles escape. I will even stop a rant to watch those bubbles, they are my zen and joy.
Living in a small space that means I can curl up in the corner of the sectional and watch the dish soap bubbles at the same time :)
My volunteer position that has me spending a few hours once a month on a boat with a stopwatch.
Watching other people with colorful kites, hot air balloons or paragliding, or even brightly colored sails scooting across the water.
Laying in bed listening to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me.
-
The smell of coffee as I brew it in the morning
-
A bath, and a free magazine from the health food store
-
When my children (2 and 5) use the wrong words or grammar. For example, right now my 2 year old keeps pronouncing coffee as "fuck-ee". Each morning my wife makes coffee and Avery is standing there and talking to her saying over and over, "mommy fuckee, mommy fuckee". We correct her each time, but a part of us wants her to say it wrong just a bit longer. My favorite was when we were walking at the beach in the morning, drinking coffee, and she shouted "mommy fuckee, mommy fuckee" in front of a large group of people.
Bedtime routine with DS (5). We read 2 books, then "snuggle", which means I lay there in bed next to him for a while. Then I tell him, alright, I need to head to bed. And every night he says "Daddie, but I want you to snuggle just a little tiny bit longer". And then I say "yes, but just a little tiny bit longer". I'll be sad when he stops asking that.
Watching someone who is the best at what they do, usually regardless of what it is. Human potential, the human body, and the human mind is an incredible thing, and it's neat to see people who excel at different things.
Seeing things done in an efficient manner:)
Playing on Excel and doing my monthly net worth updates
Producing winning tennis teams as a coach.
-
When I'm browsing the "what's avaliable" section of the library, and find a book I've been waiting to read. For free! It makes the library feel like magic.
My miniature spatulas also bring me a level of joy that far outstrips their cost. They are tiny, but incredibly useful.
That moment of total zen when the ship and I are one unit, maneourvering into the dock. Not only is it free, they pay me to have this much fun.
-
+1 to the magic of library books!
Also, I love picking blueberries in my backyard in the morning. It is bliss. One for me, one for the bucket. One for me, one for the bucket...
-
Walking, pretty much anywhere within reason. It's a great way to relieve stress and i love exploring new places in my city.
-
Cat cuddles. They're very rare around here, since the fat bastard is an ex-feral. And I guess he's not really cheap to keep. But when he's in a cuddly mood I'll put off other things because it's just so rare! I have actually been late for work because of a cat cuddle.
-
Using up something to the very last bit. Especially satisfying if you want it gone, or if it's hung around for a long time.
-
Dang, my whole life is about the cheap things that make me happy, seriously!
Some off the top of my head include:
Sleeping in when it's not my day to take le pooch out in the morning.
Listening to all kinds of good music for free on my speakah!
Making ice cream with coconut milk and whatever else, super cheap and oh so good on these hot days.
Taking le pooch hiking or to the park to play, I can't decide who likes it more, me or him. :)
Playing Fallout Shelter, because it's scratches that itch and it's free.
Playing with le petit kitty cat when she gets all frisky.
Waking up in the middle of night and having le petit cuddled by my side, pushing me aside. Warms my heart.
-
@GreenShirt - omg waking! A million times yes!
And cat cuddles, human cuddles, any kind of cuddles... ahhh so nice.
I also enjoy consciously lighting a candle. Sets a serene mood and sometimes smells quite nice.
Being given chocolate (whether as a gift or a free sample) is a special type of joy for me.
-
Looking at the peonies my wife brought in from the garden. We're lazy gardeners but these things keep coming back each year without any effort on our part, amazing!
-
Walking through a beautiful tree-filled park on my way to the office and watching the tiny leaves float gracefully down on me.
-
Swimming in the river in our village.
-
Walk through the woods.
Waterfalls.
Naps.
Waking up in the middle of night and having le petit cuddled by my side, pushing me aside. Warms my heart.
^ this too
-
Singing and making music. Playing the piano and the cajon, and best of all doing this together with my kids. However I doubt whether this is cheap. The piano cost me a fortune and music lessons weren't free either. :-)
-
Seeing my kids use their imagination with items they repurpose into whatever their heart desires. Last night, my toddlers made a tea party while I cooked dinner. Mind you, they don't have tea cups as they are little, but they used little backpacks for their plates, coloring books for a lovely tablecloth, and then they sang happy birthday to their stuffed animals. They used canned food for the candles and were deliriously excited. I love when they make stuff up. Just the simplicity of kids being kids. The giggling, smiles, joy, teamwork, and endless imagination. I never want them to stop thinking outside the box.
Quiet, peaceful coffee time alone in the morning.
A wonderful summer afternoon breeze on my back porch or front lawn, with nowhere to be.
Music. Especially free outdoor music on a gorgeous summer night (there's one tonight!)
Listening to music while bike riding.
Decluttering. Organized, clean space.
Cooking (note very different from making dinner, which is slapping something edible to eat). The smell of cilantro, garlic scapes, onions cooking, basil I guess those things aren't free.
Putting in a good day's work and accomplishing my daily goals.
Holding my toddler's hand.
Time to reflect.
Someone else said using something up and I agree. I get a weird satisfaction of using up our CSA weekly produce and making all my meals around using something up. Or, creating something out of stuff I already own. Repurposing.
-
Walking downstairs to get a "free" cappuccino from the apartment (I'm sure we more than pay for this in rent)
Finding a swing by the waterfront park downtown
Produce from the farmer's market
Evening walks around the apartment complex
Getting into a really good book or video game
Increasing my free weights another five pounds
Laying on the beach ten minutes away/playing in the ocean
Daydreaming with SO about our future together
-
Sitting on my back porch with a cup of coffee.
Getting act cuddles.
Going for walk around my community on a nice sunny day.
Being out in the yard gardening.
-
Taking my dogs to the dog park and seeing how happy it makes them.
It's like Disney World for dogs but only $20 a year.
-
Sitting on my patio at dusk watching the fireflies.
Facetiming my fat little nephew and watching as he recognizes me and lights up.
Watching people do stuff they enjoy.
-
Being outside.
Growing things.
-
Library books
Board games
Walks to the animal shelter at night to play laser pointer with the cats through the window
Sitting in the backyard watching the bird feeder while eating dinner
Going to Museums with free passes from the library
-
Watching my cat wash his face
Hearing my husband grind morning coffee from my warm spot in bed
when my kids get giggly
meadowlarks
my mom's crazy excessive disorganized garden
my mom's "bee bath" (she puts water out for the nearby hive)
-
Sitting on our deck last night looking at the moon and watching the clouds pass over it and accent the subtle ring of rainbow encircling its fullness. Did anyone else see that?
-
Cutting herbs to cook with from our patio garden.
Watching hummingbirds fly around the water feature.
Watching le petit eat her food, nom nom nom.
-
PBR
-
Watching dogs play at the dog park.
Hiking in the woods and fields with the Best Black Lab in the whole world.
Propagating a whole bunch of new rose bushes from one I bought years ago.
Watching a lawn sprinkler when the light is just right.
Having my back scratched.
-
Tomatoes that have regrown as volunteers for three years so far now.
Homemade bread
Dip cone from McDonalds for $1 (not sorry)
Audiobooks from the library for my commute
Dogs and cats (these are priceless at a cost I can afford)
-
Chiclets multiple flavored gum, found at the Dollar store.
-
Hiking with my wife and dogs at the river
Homemade pizza
Smell of rain
Reading blogs
Making sweet tea
-
Watching someone who is the best at what they do, usually regardless of what it is. Human potential, the human body, and the human mind is an incredible thing, and it's neat to see people who excel at different things.
Ooh, I forgot this one! This experience is so satisfying and amazing. Love it!
Some of the PEOPLE ARE AWESOME videos on Youtube show this.
-
Hiking with my wife and dogs at the river
Homemade pizza
Smell of rain
Reading blogs
Making sweet tea
One of my happy things is the word "petrichor" - "a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather."
-
A game of catch with my daughter (I could do that all day)....hearing my littlest laugh....just looking at my beautiful wife and wondering how I got so lucky...a homemade beer on the back porch with friends.
-
Sitting on the porch watching the fireflies ... happy to be alive and healthy.
FaceTime with my husband and baby ... hearing my baby is laughing and dancing after learning to "pee" on the toilet ...
Happy and sad at the same time ... counting down the 21 days until we are together again!!!
Fresh baked portuguese bread ... and the butter there .... so tasty ... and almost free ...
A fridge that makes ice cubes ... automatically :) (I'm spoiled)
Sitting down after a particularly hard day of working in the garden and realizing that my body feels good (sore) but good!!! Not like work at all :)
Hearing a friend say how much they missed me while I was gone. How nice it is to see me... makes my heart melt!
-
Having a mouth (almost) full of painfree teeth. Having once had a cracked molar, I'll appreciate this for the rest of my life, or for as long as the situation lasts.
The moment in early spring when the pot of reticulata irises outside my front door comes to life.
The view from my favourite viewpoint.
Getting to the top of a long hard climb on my bike and going wheeeeeeeeeeee! down the other side.
Constructing a logical plan for dealing with a problem at work.
Warm scones with jam and cream.
Seeing a weasel dart across the road.
-
Homemade hot-chocolate
Marshmellows over a fire
Oh I forgot.... reading the MMM forum ;)
-
Looking out of the window watching birds or squirrels (we attract them with sunflower seeds and nesting houses).
Hiking
Reading my free Samsung deal Kindle book.
Stargazing (after the initial investment it doesn't cost to use it).
Drinking tea.
Camping in a tent in the mountains, for free.
Cross country skiing, also after initial investment. Although often we need to pay for some fuel and sometimes for parking.
-
Being able to chat in real-time with a friend on the other side of the world thanks to the magic of the internet.
Seeing my baby beam up at me with a smile that melts my (normally ice-cold) heart.
Chocolate!!
Watching great TV shows online free or cheap.
Flowers in my garden and those of my neighbours.
Taking five minutes to snuggle up to my husband on the couch.
A clean toilet.
-
Having a mouth (almost) full of painfree teeth. Having once had a cracked molar, I'll appreciate this for the rest of my life, or for as long as the situation lasts.
The moment in early spring when the pot of reticulata irises outside my front door comes to life.
The view from my favourite viewpoint.
Getting to the top of a long hard climb on my bike and going wheeeeeeeeeeee! down the other side.
Constructing a logical plan for dealing with a problem at work.
Warm scones with jam and cream.
Seeing a weasel dart across the road.
Oh man, gotta agree with so many of these!!!
Pain-free teeth: YES!!!!!! Ask me how I know, haha.
And warm scones with jam and cream are one of the biggest delights of my life <3
-
Watching my dad watch humming birds at the humming bird feeder, as he joyfully exclaims, "Well HELLO there, little buddy!!"
-
Being able to chat in real-time with a friend on the other side of the world thanks to the magic of the internet.
+10000000000
Especially if that friend has a new baby that has her up at crazy hours that helps out the major time difference between us :)
-
Sex.
Walking into a clean, uncluttered room. Especially if it's a room in my house. And especially if it's my bedroom, kitchen, or office.
The smell of lilacs, lily-of-the-valley, abelia, clethra, milkweed, viburnum, or whatever other pleasant spring/summer scent that may come along on the breeze.
Freshly picked fruit -- especially berries and apples.
Pulling weeds and watching bees in the garden.
Ice cream cones and s'mores in the summertime with the kids.
A campfire.
New England fall foliage.
Visiting an apple orchard in the fall.
Enjoying a really good cup of coffee with a scone or doughnut.
Sledding in the snow, and hot chocolate afterward.
Mountain vistas -- from afar and from atop.
-
Homemade bread. So cheap and so delicious.
Eating a home-cooked meal that tastes as good as (or better than) a restaurant meal - this always make me happy because I feel pride in something I made, I save a bunch of money, and it tastes good!
-
Library: books, DVD, CD, and nice conversation with the librarians.
-
Sitting at the beach and watching the waves.
-
Biking to the beach on a warm summer morning.
Homemade double-shot mocha smoothie on a hot summer afternoon.
Having the house to myself for a weekend or longer.
Star Trek TOS marathon!!!
-
Being able to chat in real-time with a friend on the other side of the world thanks to the magic of the internet.
+10000000000
Especially if that friend has a new baby that has her up at crazy hours that helps out the major time difference between us :)
<3
-
The joy of meeting like-minded people on the internet, and especially this forum. I've made friends with such wonderful humans here. You guys rock.
-
Good Coffee:) - Good Chocolate:)
Hanging out in my garden, enjoying the sunshine or the shade, sipping something, watching the birds and the butterflies, the resident garden kitty, the wind rustling in the trees, the water splashing in the fountain, inhaling the scents of jasmine and roses, petting (yes, petting) the leaves in my herb garden:), my eyes embracing the riot of colors and shapes in my unruly garden - heaven:).
Good friends - good books - learning something new.
My all time favorite thing that costs nothing, (if I can get there:) - sitting in a sunlit meadow in the middle of an old forest - Nirvana:)
The glory of an old apple tree, gnarled and defiant, raining a million white and pink blossoms - the promise of succulent apples in the fall.
... and now that I live in Florida near the beach, the sound of waves crashing on the rocks - soothing and somehow invigorating all at once.
-
A room of my own
Sunshine and a library book
Sunset and a library book on my patio
Tea and a library book
Coke zero and a library book
A library book in the bath
Taking my library book on a walk or to the pool
Camping
-
It is interesting that most of these things are not only cheap - they're FREE!
-
Waking from a restful nap, that feeling of rest in such a short amount of time, mmmm.
Walking around when it's hot and taking a sip of water from my canteen.
Seeing friends I haven't seen in a while.
Sharing good food made from scratch, with friends and family.
-
Riding my bike down Roller Coaster Road (which is very well named).
Seeing baby bobcats in my backyard!
Harvesting peaches, pomegranates, and grapefruit from the yard.
New strings on my mandolin.
Potlucks and movie nights with friends.
-
Just having pets and the joy they bring. One dog, one cat, best friends.
-
Homemade hot-chocolate
Marshmellows over a fire
Oh I forgot.... reading the MMM forum ;)
All this.
Plus, hanging out with you.
You're cheap and you make me happy. :D
-
$35 per year to join my state's Trail Association. After that it's just gas money to get to the hikes, and I get to go to state and regional parks for free, during trail association hikes and events. Also I get free access to most of the amusement lovations in my state, through work. I haven't been able to attend a lot of hikes because of scheduling conflicts, so I also purchased an annual pass to regional parks and will go walking on my own time.
Surfing the Internet, reading blogs, audiobooks on YouTube, which I listen to while working; it really makes the day go by faster. I absolutely love and adore my part-time job (like I would volunteer for free as a docent), so not only is it cheap, but it earns me money. Hanging out with family (for some reason, friends always do things that cost money... but I guess it helps when your family is frugal also). I also spent a lot of time with my pets (they are frugal too).
Come to think of it, I really don't spend that much on regular entertainment. Not necessarily because of money either, I just don't ever seem to enjoy the things many of my peers do, like frequenting restaurants, and doing laser tag, playing pool, comedy clubs, bars. I like trying new restaurants, but I don't need to go back until I've tried everything on the menu for the second time. I'm also not big on mega concerts and rare times I go to concerts, I prefer small intimate settings.
-
Reading a book in the bath and not destroying it by accident! Best!! X10 if it's a library book!
Baking and carrying out "quality control".
The thoughtfulness of dear friends, shown in so many different ways.
Books that I don't want to end. Movies that make me cry happy tears.
Walking in public by myself - able-bodied and without fear. So nice.
Super soft bed sheets.
Nice smells from my nebulizer (sp?).
Super soft sweaters.
Sushi.
Food I made and put in the freezer for quick and easy snacking.
When my teeth feel really REALLY clean after a dentist cleaning (covered by benefits).
-
I hear ya with the library books in the bath thing.
-being able to run, (not fast or particularly far), that first bound from your start
Position always makes me feel free
-stretching after sport
-cuddles from my baby niece
- a well cooked bolognese
- being able to sleep in on Sundays
- doing math- there's something so satisfying about getting a calculation right
- dancing
- watching a movie at home with the fam
-
Watching my fifteen-month old daughter run around the backyard investigating everything... flowers, grass, rocks, everything is new and wonderful to her and it's amazing to see.
-
Homemade hot-chocolate
Marshmellows over a fire
Oh I forgot.... reading the MMM forum ;)
All this.
Plus, hanging out with you.
You're cheap and you make me happy. :D
awww shucks.
*blushes*
-
Great thread!
Playing and cuddling with my cats
Playing and cuddling with my husband
Pottering in our veg patch at the community garden
Making art in my studio
Watching movies from the library
Baking and cooking from scratch
Hiking
Camping
Walking around lakes
-
I like playing older MMO's on free servers. Free, fun, and since they are a bit older you don't need a super computer to run them.
-
Spending time doing anything with my family.
Watching my niece play with a stick as if it's the most glorious object she's ever encountered.
Playing outside with the man I love.
Reading.
Cooking.
Eating.
-
Reading this thread you might think we're a bunch of hippy dippy types...And maybe we are.
Money is just a tool.
-
Blogging
Reading
Taking a walk when the weather is perfect
Sitting on my front porch sipping a cold beer on a hot day when everyone else is at work
Playing my guitar
Talking trash to my family while I crush them at various board games (and when I'm losing)
-
During the early morning hours at the beach, when its quiet and cool, I like to bury my toes in the wet sand. That or find sand crabs.
-
Reading this thread you might think we're a bunch of hippy dippy types...And maybe we are.
Money is just a tool.
Or maybe hippy dippy types are just the ones that know how to find the easiest, most accessible forms of happiness? :)
-
Can't believe there hasn't been a "YOUR MOM" joke in this thread yet.
Seeing my daughter smile.
Cracking my toes in the shower after working out.
-
Playing the banjo and singing to my 7 months-old - can't wait for her to be able to chime in :) Actually, almost anything else related to the wee one.
Reading a good book in the sunset.
Long walks with a good friend.
-
Watching my cats watch the birds eating from the bird feeder
Sipping a cup of coffee in the early morning hours, long before my husband wakes up
Sitting in the shade of a tree in our backyard, watching the hummingbirds and buzzing insects go from flower to flower
Visiting the library
Cat snuggles (of course)
Husband snuggles (rare in this hot weather)
-
Cuddling with the cat while I read a book and drink tea. I have a snuggly purry-beastie! Bonus points if it's raining.
Looking at pictures of places I want to travel to.
Writing short stories. I get to research old myths and the countries they originate from. I get a lot of my research materials from the library.
-
Touching my grandson's feet and feeling his toes curl around my fingers.
Watching him nap.. right now.
-
Library books (and audiobooks!) delivered free instantly to my Kindle.
Pandora and Spotify - free versions
The weight of my cat in my lap
-
Having my husband tell me that a meal I made was delicious.
Shutting the door of the shed after having put the lawnmower away and knowing our yard looks much better.
Cat head buts against my hand.
Friday's at 4:30 (getting off work for the weekend.)
Having someone notice at church that I'd lost some weight (30 lbs since January.)
The neighborhood stray cat lounging under one of our plastic chairs on the deck after we fed her.
Seeing one or both of the foxes in the neighborhood park.
Finding out that grinding up a date + 2 tsp of cocoa powder + frozen banana makes for a pretty darn good chocolate craving reducer.
Seeing our first eggplant growing in our container garden.
Watching my husband watching two butterflies zoom around our deck/container garden with utter delight.
Finding out that a favorite author has come out with a new book - which is available at the library.
Having a favorite song come on the radio.
-
Playing with my dog and his favorite rope toy.
Seeing a bee pollinating/grabbing nectar from our plant, I love feeling I have helped that bee in a small way.
-
Picking herbs from my garden, and then cooking with them.
Looking up through the trees from my spot in the hammock.
Reading a good book, free, from the library.
Cooking from scratch.
Sleeping in.
Late nights alone with hubby.
Making something / repurposing fabric & old clothes into something beautiful & useful.
Making dresses for my baby.
-
I recently went to Paris for two weeks and it ended up costing nothing (travel hacking plus a travel delay) and it was all the better for the lack of reduction in my net worth.
When I returned home the tiny cucumber plants that I had started from seed had enough cukes on them to make a quart jar of pickles. It made me happy that they had grown so much while I was gone.
Long walks in the early morning light.
Learning something new
Making things with my own hands.
-
This is sooo good!
Plying a new skill - i just learned to cross stitch. Watching the pattern come to life and making gifts.
Getting homemade crafts from DH (he just made me a cross stick holder that is wonderful).
Putting my toes into running water - bath, brook, ocean.
Watching storms roll through.
I LOVE to watch hail bounce off cars (I guess that could be expensive for some). Yes, even my own car. I also like to catch it and eat it.
Eating fresh fallen snow.
Teaching someone something new.
Learning something new.
Laying in soft beds.
-
Been waiting, no one said it,
a good roll in the hay!
It free and you don't really need hay.
-
Been waiting, no one said it,
a good roll in the hay!
It free and you don't really need hay.
Au contraire! (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/cheap-things-that-make-you-happy/msg1617567/#msg1617567)
Sex.
-
Walking through the landscape covered in fresh snow when its not even that cold
Walking through lush greenery, by running water, listening to the birds sing and talk
Sitting in the grass in the shade on a hot day
Listening to hummingbirds wage war with each other for the hummingbird feeders
Watching the sunrise and the changes in color on the clouds
Listening to a storm roll through
Watching my dog crawl up to my chest to get attention after he has seen that I woke up in the morning
Looking at the stars and moon on a clear night
Cooking with my husband
That moment when my clever idea actually works
Watching squirrels race up and down trees, watching hawks soar overhead
-
One time when Arebelspy said that he liked an idea I had. He even called me Ambi. I'm all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it. Heaven help me if I would ever meet Mr Money.
-
Nature, cat love, library, MMM forum.
-
The wind through my hair.
The sound of water moving in rivers or along the beach.
Great sex.
Being with people who make you happy.
Reading a good book that transports you elsewhere.
Learning a new skill via DIY.
-
Can't believe there hasn't been a "YOUR MOM" joke in this thread yet.
Seeing my daughter smile.
Cracking my toes in the shower after working out.
Haha! Lame jokes are one of my favourite cheap happy things ;)
Also a full night of sleep.
Good weather for walking (not too hot, not too cold.)
Jeans that fit right.
-
Been waiting, no one said it,
a good roll in the hay!
It free and you don't really need hay.
Au contraire! (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/cheap-things-that-make-you-happy/msg1617567/#msg1617567)
Sex.
Well *technically* it has not been said because maybe they were referring to a nice log roll outside? LOL ;) Hay optional!
Going down a hill as a kid was quite a terrifying treat!
-
The way the ends of my hair feel after a (sometimes cheap) haircut. Head massages, too, omg!
Buying one piece of fancy chocolate and savouring it is a real delight.
Netflix and chill.
Voluspa candles when gifted to me.
Sunglasses or hats that fit me (most don't).
-
Slow-cooked pork or chicken does it for me.
The library is also awesome. Per-use, great value.
-
Sitting on my back porch with a cold drink and a good book.
Canning - and then stepping back and looking at my shelves loaded with preserved fruits and veggies. Always helps me feel abundant and productive.
Walking to the lake and sitting and looking at the water. Or, going to the dog beach and watching the happy frolicking dogs.
-
Looking at the peonies my wife brought in from the garden. We're lazy gardeners but these things keep coming back each year without any effort on our part, amazing!
+ a million.
When we bought our house in the late fall we had no idea we had peonies. To my surprise and joy several bushes (is that the correct term? They are huge!) came up and I had absolute armloads of them. For almost three glorious weeks I had vases of them all over my house.
-
Coffee
Library
Fruit
GF's shoulder massages when I have a headache
-
When the quick, easy and clever ideas I have in my head actually turn out to be quick, easy and clever once I try doing them.
My puppies melting into my lap when sleeping.
Spotting uncommon animals when out walking/camping (Foxes, snakes, lizards, beavers).
Watching the hummingbirds darting around like mini jetfighters on crack.
Watching thunderstorms roll in.
-
You know, I think we should just keep this thread going forever ...:)
Seeing an old couple walking hand in hand and smiling at each other.
Good food - music and dancing (although, I am a terrible dancer:).
Mr. R's surprisingly sarcastic humor.
The surprise visits when my son drops by and we hang out in the garden together. Blessings:)
Creating something - I'm the happiest when I'm in the zone - writing, photographing, jewelry making, a really special dinner or designing a space/garden.
Anything that stretches the imagination - a new perspective or a new way to design and improve something.
-
You know, I think we should just keep this thread going forever ...:)
I couldn't agree more! It's so nice to pop in this thread and see all the updates of life's little pleasures :)
I'm going to add: quick healthy meals/snacks like frozen peas or chili from the freezer that I made. So nice to have something quick and nutritious when exhausted!
-
The sound of rain at night.
-
Muscle over motor and all that, but a nice car ride through the country side or the mountains is gas well spent. I hike and paddle plenty as well.
A walk through my pasture can often fix what ails me.
Backrubs are mighty fine.
A dinner of homegrown meats and vegetables is very satisfying.
A clear starry night.
Wild critters. Especially when they are catching and eating other wild critters.
Finding wild fruit or nuts.
-
First glimpse of a full moon through the trees.
Silence.
Shooting stars.
Holding hands.
-
First glimpse of a full moon through the trees.
Silence.
Shooting stars.
Holding hands.
Yes, to silence:)
..... and that amazing feeling of inconsequence of self, when you are way out in nature with nothing but space around your insignificant self.
-
Love this thread.
Laughing with my daughter.
Taking a walk at lunchtime.
Listening to music and podcasts
Fresh brewed coffee I make myself.
Finishing a run.
-
Chirping at my cat and having her chirp back. :D
-
That extra special silence when there's snow.
The feeling when you don't have anywhere to be and you choose to stay home.
Having a cup of coffee in an actual mug at home as opposed to a travel mug on the way to work.
-
Rubik's cube; video games!
I spend 10-100$/yr on rubik's cube for the last 10 years.
Videos games 60-200$/yr over the last 10 years.
Basically, my only two hobbies are than going out to eat :D
Rubik's cube is a good internet hobby and gets me out to meet people at events.
And video games is how my friends and i love to pass the time!
-
Taking my son (2.5 y/o) out to explore the trails and pond backing to our neighborhood.
Watching him splash around in puddles on rainy days.
Helping him put his proudly picked flowers from our yard (clover and dandelion) into a little vase by the window to admire.
Toddler bear hugs.
Listening to audio books from the library while cooking.
Long talks with close friends.
Meditation
Taking time to do nothing but watch clouds on days when they are big and puffy backed by a bright blue sky.
Coffee
-
Lying in bed in the early morning with the sun streaming in through the windows.
Being outside in the rain with a broad-brimmed hat.
-
- Hiking
- when my kids put on fashion shows that combine star wars costumes with princess dresses (seriously, this is better than any sitcom)
- "shopping" at the library
- getting my meat CSA every month (ok, not cheap but my god it's like Christmas every month)
- taking a nap after my long run on Saturdays. best. sleep. ever.
- free tea at work. whoever stocks the tea with 10 different kinds is an angel sent from heaven.
-
Seeing a Great Horned Owl take flight in the local park.
Meeting a fellow bookaholic while walking in the park.
-
$2 falafel in Montreal.
Baby animals.
Shoes that don't hurt (even on long walks).
Fall weather when you can wrap yourself in cozy layers.
A glass of wine with a friend.
Chocolate.
-
Surfing. Once you get beyond buying the board and wetsuit it can be 100% absolutely free. Insiders know the free parking by the killer breaks. Hours and hours of pure ecstasy harnessing the oceans energy. Dolphins, seals, big fish, sun , surf. SO MUCH FUN.
-
Naps
-
The sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot in the fall
The smell that's in the air when spring thaw warms the ground.
Watching tree leaves dance in the wind.
Playing scrabble with my husband
Drinking a cocktail or glass of wine while puttering on projects
Reorganizing a room so its more efficient, getting rid of clutter
-
That first cup of coffee my hubby brings to bed for me.
A hot shower after working in the garden all morning, followed by a cold beer.
The smell of rain hitting hot pavement after a heat wave.
Watching the fireflies start their show just as dusk falls in.
A hike with a nice view.
The first Sungold tomatoes, sugar snap pea pods, raspberries- they never make it into the house.
Crackling fire on that first cool evening.
Late afternoon sunlight streaming in the windows.
Relaxing on the patio with a glass of wine in the late afternoon.
-
That first cup of coffee to savor. The Pink-ish night sky you get during a heavy snowstorm. Watching the campfire flames dance. Walking into the middle of a deer herd when out walking in the woods.
-
Chocolate. Anything chocolate. I get discounted organic bars wherever I find them. Sometimes I melt it in the microwave and put it on a graham cracker. So cheap and so gooooood.
-
That first chill of fall at night (when you're really sick of the summer heat, and before it gets mindnumbingly cold). I suppose the first warm spring day has that same feeling too.
-
Hiking lonely trails.
Traveling to a new place and the thrill of discovering new things.
Coffee. First or fourth cup.
Long chats on the phone with old friends.
Good podcasts.
Books.
Cold beer after mowing the grass.
Feeeling that tightness in my noodle arms after a hard workout at home.
Making the most of employer paid travel time.
Doing what I love at work and being successful at it.
Talking to interesting people.
Snuggling the babies in my life that have parents to deal with the messy/hard stuff.
-
Going for a run at dawn in the nearby bushland with no one but the native birds and kangaroos for company.
-
Drinking water from my Brita pitcher (maybe $15/year for the filters).
Floating in warm water at the lake (free but seasonally limited).
Playing board games (maybe $75/year for one or two carefully chosen new games/year).
Reading books I already own (free, and I usually get rid of them afterwords).
Taking a hot shower and feeling the soothing warm water (Maybe $0.25 worth of electricity/day).
-
Second hand paperbacks from the back of the bookstore...
Reading "Slim, The Standardbearer" for 2€.
-
Fixing things around the house & inexpensive DIY that looks pro quality.
Making things like curtains, roman shades, other home decor, then getting compliments knowing my only cost was fabric ( which I probably got on sale).
Homemade grilled pizza.
Compost pile - taking scraps and turning it into beautiful soil, home to many worms, makes me ridiculously happy.
Herb gardens. Something about spending $2.50 for a plant and getting enough for all of my cooking.
-
A cold shower--or more specifically, the knowledge that you can support one, and that feeling of invincibility each time you step out of one.
-
My $10/month cell plan
My voip home phone
My homemade pizza.
My over the air HDTV Antenna for free TV.
-
About 6 months ago, I bought 10 dozen medium eggs for $0.10 per dozen. It felt so great to eat a .8 cent egg compared to the usual 6.5 cent egg.
Also had a 3 egg $10.00 omelet at a restaurant with my wife this week. Lovely time with my wife, even if it was the financial equivalent of a 154 egg omelet :)
-
Watching the neighborhood wildlife (this morning it was cats, quail, and rabbits)
Seeing my giant poodles do stupid things... one just learned how to 'drink' from the sprinklers. Meaning he stands in the spray and tries to bite it.
Waking up with a poodle lying on his back next to me in bed with his head on the pillow. Makes me laugh every time.
Popping open a jar of something I preserved.
Making things that are ridiculously priced when buying premade (kombucha and french macarons come to mind)
Early morning walks to work through old neighborhoods.
A clean and organized house. Doesn't happen often, but it's a great feeling when it does.
Finishing a long run.
Eating things I grew myself.
Fishing in the river near the house.
-
Listening to my wife and 2 daughters talk at 1:00 a.m. while waiting for me to go outside to try to see the northern lights. I even took longer than I needed just so I could hear them more :)
Didn't see any, and probably wouldn't due to the large city due north, but we have had great viewings of meteor showers in the past.
Did anyone see the northern lights last night?
-
Seeing bunny rabbits on walks by the lake.
Smelling the plumeria blossoms which are blooming for the first time on a cutting I rooted last year.
Thunderstorms and rain.
The beautiful plants on my patio.
-
Good thread. Of things that are tied to a monetary value, here's my very short list:
The smell of coffee brewing.
When the grill ignites.
Dry red wine.
Extremely hoppy beer.
Eating something out of our garden.
The feeling of cool air coming through my windows on an early summer morning.
Turning on my fireplace when it's snowing.
Skateboarding while my daughter scooters.
-
Seeing bunny rabbits on walks by the lake.
Smelling the plumeria blossoms which are blooming for the first time on a cutting I rooted last year.
Thunderstorms and rain.
The beautiful plants on my patio.
I see some wild rabbits on walks in a neighborhood near me. They're cute little fellas.
-
About 6 months ago, I bought 10 dozen medium eggs for $0.10 per dozen. It felt so great to eat a .8 cent egg compared to the usual 6.5 cent egg.
Also had a 3 egg $10.00 omelet at a restaurant with my wife this week. Lovely time with my wife, even if it was the financial equivalent of a 154 egg omelet :)
Ha, a year or two ago I snagged a 10 lb bag of potatoes at Aldi for $1. It was such a good deal I still talk about it now! lol.
-
I really enjoy road-tripping and staying in cheap motels. There is something romantic about such a huge, infrastructural undertaking like the interstate highways, and the cottage industry of motels, diners, and rest stops that sprouted up so that people could travel along them.
Stopping at a $39 motel and then just staring out into the mountains or the desert or whatever I've been driving through, honestly I'm getting a buzz just thinking about it right now.
I think that this is an experience that will go away within my life too. With self-driving automobiles, we'll be able to travel all night while the "driver" just sleeps.
-
I love this thread.
- Stretching out under clean sheets after a shower
- Walking outdoors when the weather is perfectly suited for a comfy hoodie
- Asking my 2.5yo son if he wants to see the Penguins or the Elephants first at the Zoo, then fulfilling his desire
- Pulling my son around the neighborhood in a wagon, while he wears tiny sunglasses and grins like a mad man
- Having a sauna to myself after a hard workout
- Reading a book while sitting under an umbrella at the beach, feeling the breeze, smelling the sea
- A pitch-in with friends, including board games, video games, and/or movies
- A cup of coffee with a slice of leftover Boston Cream Cake from the pitch-in
-
I love this thread.
- Stretching out under clean sheets after a shower
- Walking outdoors when the weather is perfectly suited for a comfy hoodie
- Asking my 2.5yo son if he wants to see the Penguins or the Elephants first at the Zoo, then fulfilling his desire
- Pulling my son around the neighborhood in a wagon, while he wears tiny sunglasses and grins like a mad man
- Having a sauna to myself after a hard workout
- Reading a book while sitting under an umbrella at the beach, feeling the breeze, smelling the sea
- A pitch-in with friends, including board games, video games, and/or movies
- A cup of coffee with a slice of leftover Boston Cream Cake from the pitch-in
Yes!!!
-
Sitting in my comfy camp chair in a state park listening to nature well reading.
-
Hiking with my wife and dogs at the river
Homemade pizza
Smell of rain
Reading blogs
Making sweet tea
One of my happy things is the word "petrichor" - "a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather."
Same. Aside from the smell, my favorite part is that it almost literally translates to "blood of stones":
Petrichor (/ˈpɛtrᵻkɔər/) is the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. The word is constructed from Greek πέτρα petra, meaning "stone", and ἰχώρ īchōr, the fluid that flows in the veins of the gods in Greek mythology.
Great thread!
-
I love this thread.
- Stretching out under clean sheets after a shower
- Walking outdoors when the weather is perfectly suited for a comfy hoodie
- Asking my 2.5yo son if he wants to see the Penguins or the Elephants first at the Zoo, then fulfilling his desire
- Pulling my son around the neighborhood in a wagon, while he wears tiny sunglasses and grins like a mad man
- Having a sauna to myself after a hard workout
- Reading a book while sitting under an umbrella at the beach, feeling the breeze, smelling the sea
- A pitch-in with friends, including board games, video games, and/or movies
- A cup of coffee with a slice of leftover Boston Cream Cake from the pitch-in
Yes!!!
And to add to that, the feeling of a brand new hoodie against one's skin!!
And to add to that, the fact that people in Saskatchewan, Canada refer to hoodies as "bunny hugs" delights me to no end! :)
-
Went for a late walk last night. For the first time in my life, the fog formed around me, giving the appearance of being swallowed by the fog.
Cool.
-
- Feeling and hearing the crunch of freshly fallen snow underfoot
- Hearing from an old friend
- Sewing with friends and catching up on life
- when someone you care about has something good happen to them
- watching fog roll in from the Mississippi river in the fall
- watching the sunset
- glitter especially all the glitter that accumulates all over my house during Mardi Gras, I get sad when I clean it up after it's over
- making yummy food with my husband
- cat cuddles
- looking at the stars
-
Fresh bread hot out of the oven.
Coffee (any time).
-
And to add to that, the feeling of a brand new hoodie against one's skin!!
Yes! I have a hoodie I love so much I bought a second one because I couldn't bear the idea of having to part with the first one through misadventure.
The only way to tell them apart is the softness of the fleece inside.
-
- Watching the mountain mist disappear as the sun rises
- Listening to a wood thrush sing
- Getting cold, wet, and tired on a winter run -- then taking a warm bath
- Hearing my kids belly laugh
- Discovering some small miracle of nature right at my feet, because I took the time to look
- The smell of evergreen woods
- The smell of garden soil
-
The herbs I planted two years ago. I now have giant rosemary, oregano, Mexican tarragon, sage, mint, chive and green onion (scallion) plants that keep my kitchen permanently supplied.
-
Walking or driving in the morning through a heavy fog where the gnarled trees covered in Spanish moss look like something out of a fairytale
-
Sitting on my screen porch overlooking the moss covered cypress trees along the bayou, while having a late afternoon drink, with jazz piano rifts in the background.
Enjoying my retirement, knowing that it was worth all the years of sacrifice to save for what I have today.
Having good health.
Having a loving trustworthy wife, and successful kids.
Playing music at some cool venues with some terrific musicians, and thinking, how in the heck this happen!
Having good friends and family along with wonderful social interactions and respect in the community
-
Playing pickleball at the park
Teaching and watching my son learn something new
Fresh brewed coffee
Fixing something
-
We moved to Bend OR last fall. Now we drive downtown to he Deschutes river, park for free, hop onto our tubes with the kids and float the river for free while listening to blues and jazz from the surrounding restaurants and music venues. Its incredible, the little ones love it and we have the backdrop or the Cascades. Its a resort town so a bit pricey housing wise, but there is a never ending list of free beautiful activities.
-
We moved to Bend OR last fall. Now we drive downtown to he Deschutes river, park for free, hop onto our tubes with the kids and float the river for free while listening to blues and jazz from the surrounding restaurants and music venues. Its incredible, the little ones love it and we have the backdrop or the Cascades. Its a resort town so a bit pricey housing wise, but there is a never ending list of free beautiful activities.
I'm incredibly jealous. I'm in Hillsboro and would relocate in a heartbeat if my employer had offices there.
-
Picking fresh herbs and smelling them.
Getting a favourite article of clothing repaired (or doing it yourself) and having it succeed beautifully.
-
Writing a to-do list and getting it DONE!
Having a plan and seeing it through.
Making up my mind and finally moving forward always makes me happy and it's FREE!
-
Wandering around the garden in bare feet picking fruit, vegetables... and weeds
Talking philosophy, FI, minimalism and science with my 18-year-old
Cuddling with the cat
Holding hands with my husband
Watching flowers and plants over a season
Having good friends over
Planning special events with family and friends
Walking around the neighbourhood in all seasons
A hug from my kids
Facetiming across continents
Writing
Talking with my best friend every day
Looking at the lake from our balcony
Watching the quail in the backyard
Lifelong friends
-
Picnic dinner on the hill at Shakespeare in the Park.
Concerts the kids have participated in over the years.
Memorial day parades, followed by everyone in the village respectfully listening to the Veterans' and Firemen's speeches on the Green. Followed by a duck derby on the canal.
Fireflies at my bedroom windows.
Fred the cardinal waking me - also at my bedroom windows.
Walks along the canal footpath with DH, or walks in the nature preserve.
Scoping out beautiful old houses whenever we are driving somewhere.
When someone compliments me on a necklace I made.
Making and stretching mozzarella cheese for homemade pizza.
-
(http://chessbase.in/media/12606/ivanchuk12.jpg?width=600&height=400)
-
Walking (to explore a new city/state). A benefit of switching employers every ~two years :)
-
Unclogging the pipe which was causing water to back up in our gutters and flood our basement.
Safely making it down the ladder from our roof in the rain.
-
My garden; total spend this year is tiny, but it's so good to spend time there and marvel how things grow. I'm a big believer in the transformative quality of nature following the seasons and seeing plants grow brings so endless pleasures. And the food isn't half bad; had berries galore, rhubarb, potatoes, lettuce, radishes and the apples, pears and courgettes are just coming into their own now.
-
Lying on the cool floor
-
Finding all my kids reading a book together, or playing a board game together that they initiated
-
What an awesome thread. Y'all are a bunch of coffee addicts and bibliophiles.
Running
Listening to podcasts
Running while listening to podcasts
Cuddling with SO
Talking with SO
Running with SO
Hikes and bikes with the kids
Audiobooks
Dirt cheap travel (hacks, airbnb, miles, priceline (love getting $10 per day rental cars)
Mass State parks pass ($65 per year, must use 75+ times)
80s music on Amazon Prime
Camping at state parks ($17 per night) and unplugging with the family
-
-Watching my little one sleep or smile (she's still working on laughing)
-Cooking healthy meals for my family
-Petting my cat
-Knitting
-
What an awesome thread. Y'all are a bunch of coffee addicts and bibliophiles.
...
Your user name!
Jack (none) Reacher?
-
I had a pretty frugal and productive Sunday:
Prepped chicken for SO.
Baked cookies and sent some to the neighbors.
Baked bread.
Weeded the strawberry patch and picked our first ever ripe strawberry - it was delicious!
Reorganized the basement - so much room for activities now!
Made dinner with enough leftovers for three days worth of lunches.
Had a nice bath and played video games until bedtime.
-
+1 to homemade baking
-painting my nails
---while watching tv :)
-free or cheap community events
-buying second-hand baby clothes (like $0.50 each! And so cute!!)
-selling stuff on Facebook buy and sell, such a thrill
-doing errands on a weekday when everyone else is at work
-
Exercise
Cooking
Sex
-
snark
-
Exercise
Cooking
Sex
Especially when done simultaneously ;)
-
Exercise
Cooking
Sex
Especially when done simultaneously ;)
Lol!
Watching comedians
Receiving a massage (either from DH or covered mostly by benefits!)
Walking in an air-conditioned mall (and usually not buying stuff)
Buying a greeting card for a huge discount because it's 5-months away from being useful
Sending mail to people I care about
Netflix
Thrift shopping $1 racks
Getting a free drink any time anywhere
Facebook messenger app helping me talk to people that live far away
Blueberry pecan waffles that my dad makes and puts in the freezer for me to eat in the middle of the night
-
snark
+ 1 - well done snark is a thing of beauty.
One of my favorite co-workers bought me a mug that says "snark master" and I cherish it every time I take a sip.
-
Picking food from the garden, snagging something great on Buy Nothing, clearing out clutter (the end result, not the process!), seeing the monthly spending go down a little every month.
-
Sleep.
-
Sitting outside in my spa on a winter night.
Making music.
Making our own sausage and charcuterie.
Listening to one of the cats purr.
-
Exercise
Cooking
Sex
Especially when done simultaneously ;)
I thought it said exercise, cookies, sex.
Still good!
-
Lentils, esp. curried with spinach and a few other veggies.
Woods, and days when I don't have to go down off the mountain.
-
When you're noodling away on bass and other people join in to completely derail the purpose of the rehearsal, but you still make a joyful sound.
Neat lawn edges.
-
snark
+ 1 - well done snark is a thing of beauty.
One of my favorite co-workers bought me a mug that says "snark master" and I cherish it every time I take a sip.
You need to put only very bitter coffee in it, though.
-
Gardening. Sometimes cheap, sometimes free. Occasionally expensive, but it doesn't have to be.
-
Evening walks with my honey bring me great joy.
-
- Spotifys discover weekly. It's a treat four times a month!
- The MMM way and mindset. I've been worried about automation and the future, now im much more at ease. I just hope we manage to get to FIRE before any potential shit does hit the fan.
- One of my favorite feelings is when you have a few days off, and stay up so late its early. Being somewhat dizzy from the lack of sleep, seeing people in the city waking up to go to work. Knowing you can stay in your happy bubble.
Being RE would really mess with my sleeping pattern.
-
sitting on the couch rubbing the dog's ears while wife and baby are sleeping. I get to read whatever I want, and it's probably the only quiet we'll today get with an 18 month old.
said 18 month old trying words on for size or making up his own.
watching him flap one arm like crazy and yell "hummy!" when there is a hummingbird at the feeder.
speaking of, the monitor just lit up. pretty excited for the hug I get getting him out of the crib, and I'm always enjoying his first words of the day. typically "book?" "DOGGY!" or 'nack (breakfast time!)
-
Sleeping in my own bed after a three week vacation.
When we left on vacation we had some strawberry bushes with green strawberries. When we got back 3 weeks later there were still red strawberries to be found. Enough for 2 portions.
-
Sitting on our front porch, listening to the baby laugh and play
-
Peaches.
This thread is awesome! I've kinda been avoiding it for some reason, thinking it may have some negative undertones...don't know where I got that! I'm so encouraged and uplifted hearing these... almost to tears at all the mentions of people's children and their "hugs", "smiles", laughter, "speech"...crazy how much those can be enjoyed even when they are young still 'trying them on for size'! And the mention of intellectual conversation with your 18 y/o is soo cool too.
Not a parent yet, not even close
-
Biking
Counting my money, doing calculations for FIRE, etc.
Actually, many things.
-
Peaches.
This thread is awesome! I've kinda been avoiding it for some reason, thinking it may have some negative undertones...don't know where I got that! I'm so encouraged and uplifted hearing these... almost to tears at all the mentions of people's children and their "hugs", "smiles", laughter, "speech"...crazy how much those can be enjoyed even when they are young still 'trying them on for size'! And the mention of intellectual conversation with your 18 y/o is soo cool too.
Not a parent yet, not even close
Sometimes I "save up" the updates in this thread so I can read a whole bunch of feel-good statements! The contributions never fail to lift my spirits :)
-
When DH makes me dinner (beyond restaurant-quality!)
Kraft dinner (sorry, not sorry!)
Lanolin (yeah I'm a new mom)
The fall season and wearing layers
Gas station candy - like one $0.25 big twizzler once in a blue moon
-
Painting my nails
Netflix and chill (currently enjoying GLOW)
Talking on the phone to friends or family - a good catchup session.
Wearing soft fabrics. Like a really good cotton tshirts or a cashmere... ahhh
Hot showers. Hot baths.
-
Morning cuddles with my 14 month old. We nurse a little, snuggle a bunch and rough house. He has the best laugh.
Walking to work with my wife, baby and dog. I am incredibly lucky, and I feel incredibly lucky most mornings.
Spending time in the garden.
A weekend nap. This one is amazing.
-
Making a delicious meal from things in the refrigerator.
-
We have a small garden, and been picking veggies in the past few summers. We mostly have cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers and some spices that my wife planted.
We harvested a good size melon today - our first ever, so that made our day!
-
Hearing a stream or waterfall gurgle and bubble
Seeing a field of wild flowers with the attendant butterflies all fluttering around
Watching a swarm of bees come off a bush they have all been feeding on
Watching the clouds pass overhead and cast shadows on the ground
Having my pug sing to me while I give him scritchies
Coming across an odonate (dragonfly/damselfly) coloration that I either haven't seen before or see rarely
-
A solid night of sleep
-
A solid night of sleep
^^^ this ^^^ It is such a seldom thing to happen for me.
Or a good, clear night of sky watching followed by sleeping out. ;-) That is also a seldom thing when you are dependent on doing this during the weekend. Clear skies are always on Sunday night.
Which brings to the cheap things that make you happy... After you have invested into a telescope and all the extra's that you need, sitting outside a night beside your own house, watching the sky, does not cost anything extra and makes me very happy and relaxed. Cheaper solution: go to some astronomy event and look through other people's scopes. Or buy a set second hand.
-
A solid night of sleep
+1 (thread reboot attempt)
-
Being able to pick my son up after cross-country every day. Going fishing in the middle of the week and being the only person at the boat ramp. Mowing my yard on Wednesday morning. Binge watching my new favorite program in the middle of the afternoon.
-
this thread
mornings where we don't have to get up immediately and we slowly stretch and lounge in bed far longer than necessary
-
Hand-me-downs of baby clothes!!!
-
- going for a run through the forest
- fall weather when the air is crisp and leaves start to turn colour
- pickling season - making hot sauce from scratch
-
tents
-
tents
Okay, I need elaboration here. What type of tents and why? There are lots of ways to take this and curious minds want to know.
-
Hammocks
Internet
Blackberries on the side of the road
-
- going for a run through the forest
- fall weather when the air is crisp and leaves start to turn colour
Running and spring, now that it's finally here. Perfect combination.
-
- going for a run through the forest
- fall weather when the air is crisp and leaves start to turn colour
Running and spring, now that it's finally here. Perfect combination.
From the UK, I'd say running has become much more fun now autumn is here, the crisp cool air is a delight.
-
Early morning walks before the world wakes up.
Watching College streaming Soccer particularly of my Son and Friends kids from over the years.
-
Yoga.
-
hiking
climbing
drinking cheaply
-
Finding edible mushrooms in the local forest.
Attending a free course in something interesting.
Walking to work, while listening to interesting podcasts.
Sufring on internet, this forum, mushroom facebook sides, etc.
Buying stuff that you need on sale and skipping all other stuff the shops might have on sale.
Walking past shops and commenting to your SO how much useless stuff many shops sell.
-
Going to a place I don't normally have reason to go to and watching people I don't normally have an opportunity to watch.
-
Going to a place I don't normally have reason to go to and watching people I don't normally have an opportunity to watch.
People watching is the best!
-
Peeling lint off the dryer filter.
Sleeping through the night (my kids are 2 and 4, so a full night sleep is still not a guarantee unfortunately).
The smell of autumn.
-
Today I'm borrowing my neighbour's dog and taking her to the beach (it's spring where I live, not beach weather but a good place to take dogs). We'll both get a walk, collect some driftwood and have a little adventure. Doggo seems to enjoy being whisked off for unknown adventures during the day while her Mum and Dad are at work. Obviously, I have the neighbour's permission and doglet knows me well! Her parents will get adventure selfies to see what we've been up to as well!
-
(Free) babysitting from my MIL.
A salted caramel donut from a fancy bakery, enjoyed in a beautiful park with new friends.
The last chocolate from my husband's Father's Day present, which he saved just for me.
Not cheap as an overall purchase, but very cheap on a cost per use basis: my excellent secondhand pram which makes it easy to take the baby out for walks.
-
Hummingbirds.
-
Big swig of ice cold water.
Seeing the wildlife coexisting with us in the campground each day
Staying up late whenever I want to, and then sleeping in just because I can!
Talking to my mom on the phone and NOT having to say goodbye because I am too busy - priceless
DH asking me for something, no matter how little and I can say sure because my time is now my own (and sometimes his)
The list goes on and on!
-
Love this thread, thanks for starting it, Lifejoy!
- Walking up to my rooftop at night and gazing around at a 360* view: hundreds of twinkling windows and silhouettes of ancient hills nearby.
- Watching the sliver of sea view from my apartment become obscured by dusk
- Lying in bed in my tiny highrise as birds circle and dart overhead between our buildings, silhouetted against the sky
- Reading the latest book published by my Protagonist's small company
- That wild coffee scent as it hisses out of the espresso machine, pungent final drops
- Walking up the hill hand in hand on a weekend, past a ceramic kiln museum to the Protagonist's apartment in the countryside, sweating on a humid evening and looking forward to a cool shower upstairs
- The thwack of folding an antique linen coverlet to make my sofabed into a daybed after a good night's sleep
- Checking out the ever-evolving bamboo scaffolding on a neighboring street as I walk to the metro station for work
- The 'beep' of security as I enter a building at work. I absolutely love my job!
-
playing dota2 videogame for free. I probably played over 1,000 hours according to steam.
My kids playing Roblox videogame for free.
-
I live in Southeast Texas, and I often miss living somewhere with four seasons...when all the magazines in the rack have casseroles on the cover, and all we want is a nice light salad...
But boy, those first cool days after the summer are wonderful. I had my sliding glass door open this morning while I drank my coffee and it was great.
-
Teaching my old dog a new trick.
When my cat and dog, who pretend to hate each other, accidentally end up with their backs touching when we are having second sleep/cuddle on a weekend morning.
Discovering for the 100th time, just how freaking smart my cat is.
Urban sketching - mixing people watching with my art practice.
-
Hanging out in bushland, particularly with birds.
Cycling somewhere nice.
Talking with my husband.
Playing the accordion.
Gardening.
Looking at pictures of happy dogs.
Making jam / cooking / brewing.
-
Calculating my net worth.
-
Wearing a hoodie sweatshirt while sitting around a bonfire with friends on a Fall evening and having a beer/wine.
An active vacation, i.e. cabin in the woods and hiking, mountain biking, etc.
-
Having my hair dryer on a hook and positioned to blow its warm air to the middle of the bathroom. When I'm in a rush I turn it on after my shower to have it dry my hair as I dry with a towel.
On cool mornings like today, I turn it on and let it take the chill out of the room and the tub as I get the cloths I will put on after my shower.
-
Walking everywhere.
Taking the local bus to go further places instead of taking the car for all of $0.75!
-
Free showing of Casablanca, complete with free popcorn at the local art house cinema.
-
- Drawing
- Showing off a drawing
- Singing in harmony w/ someone else
- Giving things away to someone who is really stoked to get them
- Clothing swaps
- Sitting in a hot springs
-
- Drawing
- Showing off a drawing
- Singing in harmony w/ someone else
- Giving things away to someone who is really stoked to get them
- Clothing swaps
- Sitting in a hot springs
You're my kinda person! Clothing swaps are my favourite thing :)
-
Tacos.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
You're my kinda person! Clothing swaps are my favourite thing :)
Yes, they are all the fun of shopping, combined with all the fun of staying home and hanging with your friends instead of shopping!
-
Non-apple brand lighting chargers
-
Non-apple brand lighting chargers
I have a genuine Apple charger at home and at work, but my husband tends to leave chargers in hotel rooms so I buy him cheap colourful ones. The rule is that the white one is not allowed to leave the house.
I also bought him a three-metre lightning cable to leave next to his bed so of course he ended up putting it in the car. >.<
-
Non-apple brand lighting chargers
I have a genuine Apple charger at home and at work, but my husband tends to leave chargers in hotel rooms so I buy him cheap colourful ones. The rule is that the white one is not allowed to leave the house.
I also bought him a three-metre lightning cable to leave next to his bed so of course he ended up putting it in the car. >.<
My apple ones keep breaking, which is super lame, so cheap replacement ones with woven cords make me VERY HAPPY :)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170912/8fea8d71968d730a1c3aa321993bf5c3.jpg)
-
A salted caramel donut from a fancy bakery, eaten with new friends in a beautiful park!
Clean sheets.
Ibuprofen when I have aches and pains.
-
A salted caramel donut from a fancy bakery, eaten with new friends in a beautiful park!
Clean sheets.
Ibuprofen when I have aches and pains.
+1 to clean sheets on a freshly made bed! Or clean sheets drying on the line and walking through them and their silky coolness
+10000 to light pain medication to making life nicer when needed
-
A salted caramel donut from a fancy bakery, eaten with new friends in a beautiful park!
Clean sheets.
Ibuprofen when I have aches and pains.
YES to clean sheets. It' so lovely to get into clean sheets, especially if they've dried in the sun all day, and extra especially if there was a seashore salt breeze as well. Really one of life's little pleasures.
-
A nice crisp glass of white wine once the kids are in bed (cheap as here in Europe wine is CHEAP)
Talking with my kids
walking to and from work (40 minute walk each way) while either talking to a walking companion or listening to a podcast
-
Sharing a bottle of wine at home w/ DW.
-
Oranged
-
my mom's "bee bath" (she puts water out for the nearby hive)
I had no idea about bee baths - just looked up some videos. So lovely! Thanks for this :) :)
-
Watching hummingbirds fly around.
This, and sitting on the porch swing looking out at the lake.
-
Taking a walk and enjoying the views in my neighborhood. We live in a townhome, so one of the most affordable houses in the area. Our view is the same as the $500k to million dollar homes (and this is in a very LCOL area!) across the way (pretty native canyon area between). So I get to enjoy the same area at a fraction of the cost.
Libraries
Doggie snuggles
-
Walking on a beautiful day, listening to podcasts or TED talks. Makes me smarter & more fit, and it's free. :)
Popping by school to sit with my kids during their lunch period.
-
Fire and fairy lights.
-
Fire and fairy lights.
Gorgeous. Looks peaceful <3
-
Half priced (or cheaper) books (I'm a little anal about condition, when it only costs a buck or two to get a good spine or non-smoker). Lately, I have splurged on PSP games since I don't game often but like portable versions of the classics. Seriously, there is so much multimedia out there, and all of it is cheap after a very short shelf life.
-
Today a trip with two friends in our local forest fouraging for mushrooms. We ate homemade sandwiches for lunch. No money spent today.
-
Today a trip with two friends in our local forest fouraging for mushrooms. We ate homemade sandwiches for lunch. No money spent today.
Linda, how did you learn to tell the edible ones from the poisonous ones?
-
Long weekends
Leisurely Saturday mornings in my PJ's with a mug of tea.
Skyping with my kids.
Pinterest
Photography
-
Today a trip with two friends in our local forest fouraging for mushrooms. We ate homemade sandwiches for lunch. No money spent today.
Linda, how did you learn to tell the edible ones from the poisonous ones?
I starting simple with a mushroom book and learning 1 or 2 new species per year, go out in the forest a lot and pick them a lot. Double checking with book, internet, and preferably another person. Then you'll get very good and certain at these species. I did this for about 14 years.
Last year when I knew about 15 species, I did a 40 hour course (two weekends from Friday evening to Sunday evening) to learn the 120 most common species (edible and poisonous). The course was very reasonably priced. It was difficult to absorb all the information on the course, as I new so little to start with. The whole winter I studied the course book several times and read about the same species in other mushroom books.
The whole summer and autumn I have been offered and attended several free repetition courses where we go out to pick and discuss the findings with an expert afterwards. From June on I have spent most of my free time in the weekends searching for mushrooms and trying to give determine their names afterwards.
We have a facebook group for people like me where we lay out pictures as exercices and we need to provide the name and a good description. There are experts and a biology teacher in the group who correct us.
Tomorrow morning I will do an official test. If I pass that test I will be allowed to officially check other people's mushroom baskets. I think that will become my little hussle as you can actually receive some tax free money (approx 1100 USD/year) for manning the public "have your mushroom basket checked" events on Sunday afternoon, or for manning the digital app where people can send in pictures of their findings on their phone, or for giving guided mushroom tours. I was already invited as an assistant for such a tour, but was on vacation at that point.
-
Non-apple brand lighting chargers
I have a genuine Apple charger at home and at work, but my husband tends to leave chargers in hotel rooms so I buy him cheap colourful ones. The rule is that the white one is not allowed to leave the house.
I use to travel a lot for work. I found that thick (wide?) bright / neon yarn can be tied to small things that might be left behind and takes up virtually no room in a bag. The more expensive the thing, the longer the piece of yarn I put on it.
-
Non-apple brand lighting chargers
I have a genuine Apple charger at home and at work, but my husband tends to leave chargers in hotel rooms so I buy him cheap colourful ones. The rule is that the white one is not allowed to leave the house.
I also bought him a three-metre lightning cable to leave next to his bed so of course he ended up putting it in the car. >.<
My apple ones keep breaking, which is super lame, so cheap replacement ones with woven cords make me VERY HAPPY :)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170912/8fea8d71968d730a1c3aa321993bf5c3.jpg)
I had problems with earbuds breaking. And some of them cost way more than charger cables. I bought some liquid goop that is for repairing the coating on dishwasher racks. It goes on thick and dries stiff - neither to rigid or flexible. I haven't had earbuds break where I put the coating on.
-
Fixing anything that is broken:
DW wanted to toss out my 25 yr. old vac a couple of times but I keep resuscitating it with replacement parts or self-manufactured parts.
Also fixed our ancient oven a couple of times before it gave up the ghost
Just fixed a recalcitrant Dremel tool that I tried to sell at a yard sale. Man that felt good!
Using (or seeing others use) anything I built myself (sailboat, canoe, chairs, kids wagon, cutting boards, futon and too many others to list here).
-
Non-apple brand lighting chargers
I have a genuine Apple charger at home and at work, but my husband tends to leave chargers in hotel rooms so I buy him cheap colourful ones. The rule is that the white one is not allowed to leave the house.
I also bought him a three-metre lightning cable to leave next to his bed so of course he ended up putting it in the car. >.<
My apple ones keep breaking, which is super lame, so cheap replacement ones with woven cords make me VERY HAPPY :)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170912/8fea8d71968d730a1c3aa321993bf5c3.jpg)
I had problems with earbuds breaking. And some of them cost way more than charger cables. I bought some liquid goop that is for repairing the coating on dishwasher racks. It goes on thick and dries stiff - neither to rigid or flexible. I haven't had earbuds break where I put the coating on.
Cool tip!!
-
Today a trip with two friends in our local forest fouraging for mushrooms. We ate homemade sandwiches for lunch. No money spent today.
Linda, how did you learn to tell the edible ones from the poisonous ones?
I starting simple with a mushroom book and learning 1 or 2 new species per year, go out in the forest a lot and pick them a lot. Double checking with book, internet, and preferably another person. Then you'll get very good and certain at these species. I did this for about 14 years...
Tomorrow morning I will do an official test. If I pass that test I will be allowed to officially check other people's mushroom baskets. I think that will become my little hussle as you can actually receive some tax free money (approx 1100 USD/year) for manning the public "have your mushroom basket checked" events on Sunday afternoon, or for manning the digital app where people can send in pictures of their findings on their phone, or for giving guided mushroom tours. I was already invited as an assistant for such a tour, but was on vacation at that point.
Very interesting, thanks! I have noticed that foraging for mushrooms is a weekend hobby for some of my European friends, and I was curious.
-
Sleep. Getting enough of sleep.
-
Tacos.
-
Sleep. Getting enough of sleep.
+1!
It's a pity that this is so challenging to do on normal working days. But I've learned to go to bed pretty early (around 10pm) so that I can get my 8 hours of netto sleep.
-
- Going to bed really early (like 8:30)
- Getting up early and having the quiet world to myself for a couple hours. I do my best thinking early in the morning, and I feel the happiest.
-
- Getting up early and having the quiet world to myself for a couple hours. I do my best thinking early in the morning, and I feel the happiest.
Indeed, to add to this, I feel an almost limitless optimism in the early AM.
Walking to get errands done rather than getting in my car.
Drinking my homemade cold brew coffee
-
Boondocking/dispersed camping out in the woods.
-
space heaters. Okay, not cheap when it's my electricity. But well loved anyway
-
My neti pot was cheap and makes me happy.
-
Boxed wine.
-
space heaters. Okay, not cheap when it's my electricity. But well loved anyway
I'm going to add heating pads and heated blankets to the mix. When you need 'em, they're AMAZING.
-
Netflix!!
-
Buying my free Kindle book from the Samsung book deal on my phone. I can choose from 4 books every month. Usually only 1-2 sound interesting. I send them to my Kindle and read them there, as I don't like reading a book on a phone.
-
walking into a warm space from the cold.
microwaving my homemade frozen meal (like lentil soup), and the satisfaction of knowing that I just finished "cooking" dinner
watching hummingbirds outside the window
walking outdoors around the neighborhood and catching a cool breeze
watching autumn leaves fall
sitting outside and listening to the rustle of tress and the chirping of birds
taking deep breaths and resetting to the gratitude of being alive
-
homemade pumpkin doughnuts and mulled hot apple cider. perfect for the first cold weekend of fall.
-
Figuring out a new recipe for the repertoire. I get a good sense of accomplishment coupled with tasty results, double win.
Played around with braised pork shoulder with roasted carrots and sweet potatoes. Pork shoulder is just over $2/lb and I was every bit as happy with the results as when we did a beef pot roast for 3x more. Spent about $15 on a big batch with 5 lbs of meat that covered 3 meals for 3 people, and made 4 lunches. Really good paired with a almost no-kneed loaf for sopping up juices with.
-
Learning something interesting.
-
Oatmeal made with pumpkin pie spice and topped with a banana.
-
My squeeze bottle that holds my cooking oil.
My plastic avocado gadget.
A $1.25 kid’s scoop of ice cream on Tuesdays.
-
Doing small repairs/improvements of your house by yourself. Like painting something that needs paint.
-
Brushing my dog
Walking the neighborhood - especially once the weather gets cooler
Finding/Picking hidden veggies from the garden
Reading
Doing puzzles
-
Nice question LJ! BOOKS! And Netflix (the only service I pay for but I loop in the others which let me watch One Mississippi or Bojack Horseman or Younger or whatever I am slowly enjoying). And choir, which is $100 for a 4.5 month season. Movies, which I go to free. Pay what you will museum nights. Walking in the park. The subway (so many people co-existing). Walking around Brooklyn. Someone mentioned blankets so I'll say throws, they make me so cozy (I am usually cold). My plants even though I don't take super good care of them! Cat and jungalow accounts on instagram. The $2.50 empanadas from the empanada cart...
-
Listening to my children laugh together when they are playing nicely together.
This.
There's nothing like the sound of their giggles when they're having fun together. Makes me smile just thinking about it.
-
Hiking. I just met someone recently and we got to talking about the places we like to travel to. After a bit, she commented that pretty much every place I talked about included the word, "hiking". I may just be a wee bit obsessed.
I'd also like a lot of other outdoor activities - but really avoid getting into activities that cost money. Other than canoeing. That's my other obsession.
-
Listening to my children laugh together when they are playing nicely together.
This.
There's nothing like the sound of their giggles when they're having fun together. Makes me smile just thinking about it.
The best sound in the world!! :) Only to be topped by the whole family laughing together.
I also extend that goodwill outside my family circle. I know people often grumble about noisy kids, annoying teens or whatever. If they're smiling and laughing, the noise never bothers me and never fails to make me smile.
-
I'll add:
Something that happens on this forum all the time, and something I saw first-hand during the recent hurricanes: people helping people
-
Today a trip with two friends in our local forest fouraging for mushrooms. We ate homemade sandwiches for lunch. No money spent today.
Linda, how did you learn to tell the edible ones from the poisonous ones?
I starting simple with a mushroom book and learning 1 or 2 new species per year, go out in the forest a lot and pick them a lot. Double checking with book, internet, and preferably another person. Then you'll get very good and certain at these species. I did this for about 14 years.
Last year when I knew about 15 species, I did a 40 hour course (two weekends from Friday evening to Sunday evening) to learn the 120 most common species (edible and poisonous). The course was very reasonably priced. It was difficult to absorb all the information on the course, as I new so little to start with. The whole winter I studied the course book several times and read about the same species in other mushroom books.
The whole summer and autumn I have been offered and attended several free repetition courses where we go out to pick and discuss the findings with an expert afterwards. From June on I have spent most of my free time in the weekends searching for mushrooms and trying to give determine their names afterwards.
We have a facebook group for people like me where we lay out pictures as exercices and we need to provide the name and a good description. There are experts and a biology teacher in the group who correct us.
Tomorrow morning I will do an official test. If I pass that test I will be allowed to officially check other people's mushroom baskets. I think that will become my little hussle as you can actually receive some tax free money (approx 1100 USD/year) for manning the public "have your mushroom basket checked" events on Sunday afternoon, or for manning the digital app where people can send in pictures of their findings on their phone, or for giving guided mushroom tours. I was already invited as an assistant for such a tour, but was on vacation at that point.
Do the blue/green bruising ones go into the special pile for later use to watch the northern lights on?
-
Doing small repairs/improvements of your house by yourself. Like painting something that needs paint.
Or coming home late in the evening from a board meeting to find that DH has painted the fireplace that needed painting.
-
I looked after a deliciously cuddly and happy baby for the day. He always makes me happy too.
-
Getting to know my neighbours.
-
A picnic on a beautiful day. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171007/636ccc29ddfd8bf71a3acaace69e504b.jpg)
-
Poetry. You can read all the wonderful poetry you want totally for free. And this is the golden age of poetry reading, in America, because poetry is so obscure that you can strike up friendships with your favorite poets. Honest, you just find them online and email them to say, "Goddamn this was an excellent poem, I loved this, and these lines have just been ringing in my mind for days!" and they WRITE BACK TO YOU and say thanks, I wasn't sure about this part, did that work? And you say, you bet, but what the hell was that wheelbarrow doing in that other part? And you're off.
This is not the way it works in more popular arts -- you're probably not going to be making friends with your favorite recording artist or film director any time soon -- but it's how it works in poetry.
-
being outdoors, walking, reading library books
-
Poetry. You can read all the wonderful poetry you want totally for free. And this is the golden age of poetry reading, in America, because poetry is so obscure that you can strike up friendships with your favorite poets. Honest, you just find them online and email them to say, "Goddamn this was an excellent poem, I loved this, and these lines have just been ringing in my mind for days!" and they WRITE BACK TO YOU and say thanks, I wasn't sure about this part, did that work? And you say, you bet, but what the hell was that wheelbarrow doing in that other part? And you're off.
This is not the way it works in more popular arts -- you're probably not going to be making friends with your favorite recording artist or film director any time soon -- but it's how it works in poetry.
Wow, that is so true! I never thought about that. I always focus on the fact that I can't own the Mona Lisa but I can own the works of Shakespeare. How is the written word so damn affordable and often free? Amazing. :D
-
Being out on the trails in the crisp fall air with my trusty canine companion.
-
Homemade lattes. (green tea or chai)
Sitting by the river, chatting with a friend.
Walking the dogs.
Fall hikes.
...All of those things at the same time. Basically heaven.
-
In October, in approx 15 degrees C, while there is quite a cold wind, sitting out of the wind in the afternoon sun outside my house. Cleaning the mushrooms I found, while the birds are relaxed doing their thing in the tree beside me.
-
space heaters. Okay, not cheap when it's my electricity. But well loved anyway
I'm going to add heating pads and heated blankets to the mix. When you need 'em, they're AMAZING.
Dual-zoned heated mattress pad! (So good for the marriage.) And the room doesn't need to be kept as warm if I can get into a toasty bed.
-
Dual-zoned heated mattress pad! (So good for the marriage.) And the room doesn't need to be kept as warm if I can get into a toasty bed.
I LOVE our dual heated mattress pad! The problem is being so cozy that I don't wanna get out of bed. ;)
-
Dual-zoned heated mattress pad! (So good for the marriage.) And the room doesn't need to be kept as warm if I can get into a toasty bed.
I LOVE our dual heated mattress pad! The problem is being so cozy that I don't wanna get out of bed. ;)
I love it too. I just forgot to put it on last time I changed the sheets. It is now laying in the bedroom to put on at the next occasion which will be soon. We only turn it on 45 minutes before bedtime or so.
-
Babybel cheese -- and squishing the wax cover after I eat one!
-
Babybel cheese -- and squishing the wax cover after I eat one!
That reminds me, I get way too much enjoyment out of bubble wrap.
-
Having the house to just myself and DW on a long weekend. Seriously, the older I get, the less I tolerate other people in my space, my wife is the only one who doesn't trigger the nails on chalkboard stress feel.
-
Having the house to just myself and DW on a long weekend. Seriously, the older I get, the less I tolerate other people in my space, my wife is the only one who doesn't trigger the nails on chalkboard stress feel.
I can relate. The next three days I will be home alone and I'm looking foreward to it. Especially because it is just for a couple of days.
Next week my DH will be home alone for three days.
What I have trouble with is spending the whole day with my colleagues. This was the case last week when we had an event in a hotel. I managed to get an hour of private time in my room.
Next week I will see my colleagues three days and having breakfast, lunch and dinner with them. I hope I will be able to find some time for myself in between. Maybe a little walk in the parc before the conference starts.
Small thing that make me happy is to check off a task in my Doit app. Great to get things finished.
-
Having the house to just myself and DW on a long weekend. Seriously, the older I get, the less I tolerate other people in my space, my wife is the only one who doesn't trigger the nails on chalkboard stress feel.
I can relate. The next three days I will be home alone and I'm looking foreward to it. Especially because it is just for a couple of days.
Next week my DH will be home alone for three days.
What I have trouble with is spending the whole day with my colleagues. This was the case last week when we had an event in a hotel. I managed to get an hour of private time in my room.
Next week I will see my colleagues three days and having breakfast, lunch and dinner with them. I hope I will be able to find some time for myself in between. Maybe a little walk in the parc before the conference starts.
Small thing that make me happy is to check off a task in my Doit app. Great to get things finished.
I eat at my desk well working and then use my lunch break to go for a walk outside to get some alone time at work and help unwind and get exercise. It keeps me sane(r).
-
Having the house to just myself and DW on a long weekend. Seriously, the older I get, the less I tolerate other people in my space, my wife is the only one who doesn't trigger the nails on chalkboard stress feel.
God yes.
I had about six weekends in a row where we stayed with friends, then had people stay with us, then had several weekends of multiple functions. I was so worn out by the end of it I spent a day inside, blinds shut, watching Netflix. Usually I will potter around, ironing or cooking or working on my laptop, but this was just a pile of cushions and me wrapped in a blanket. It sounds lazy but it was so restorative.
It's something I'm trying to keep in mind, as you say, as I get older. I look at my diary and think, I could catch up with Friend A over lunch then Friend B over dinner, but I know I'm likely to be done with people after lunch, so it's better for everyone if I leave some space in my schedule.
-
Today's fun for free is going to a nice place to do birdwatching! It is fall migration still here in FL..
We check on ebird.org and see where the hotspots are in our area. Love that site.
-
It's amazing how easily and quickly people lay claim to your time and weekends. While it's fun to see people and socialize,
I'm not into the non-stop getting together with friends and family.
I can be quite happy by myself doing something stimulating, intellectual, or just plain outdoorsy.
Some folks seem to get lonely if they're by themselves for more than 6 hours!
Beware of becoming very close to people like that. They will be constantly calling you and dropping in .... working to make themselves your top priority.
-
Feeling my baby girl wiggle inside me (I'm 32 weeks pregnant)
How much joy my 2 year old gets from examining the canister of kitchen utensils
Keeping track of the mpg on the Prius we just purchased (okay, the car wasn't cheap but the gas is!)
Netflix, YouTube, PBS
Homemade gluten free corn bread muffins
When my son takes a good long nap (and I get to sneak one in as well)
FitnessBlender
-
Having a really slow paced breakfast. Enjoing the nice view from the window, watching the birds, reading the online newpaper, surfing on this forum, making plans for the day.
Sometimes I do this on a weekday as well and use 20 minutes extra for my breakfast. It gives me a moment of relaxation at the start of the day.
-
Seeds or seedlings for my garden!
-
Working in the garden on a sunny day, then enjoying a cold beer with my SO afterwards as we survey our handiwork.
Totally agree on a weekend at home by ourselves - I love having guests but I need my alone time!
-
Working on product photography and documenting the jewellery I own! It's free fun and helps me not buy more.
-
A fat fuzzy purring cat on my lap. Makes me happy.
-
Looking for images in the clouds, or in other places that they sometimes hide.
Bird watching. I especially like crows, humming birds, woodpeckers, any soaring birds.
Fish watching from a pier. I enjoy feeding them too, & occasionally catch a few.
Having bonfires.
Getting creative with leftovers.
-
Having coffee in the morning with no particular hurry.
-
1. Finding severely discounted candy after the holidays/close to the sell by date. This also falls under the MPP category. Many times I have to stop myself from buying more than a couple of bags of "snack size" candy for .50 a bag because I already have a few other bags still uneaten.
2. Getting a compliment from a complete stranger on purse/piece of clothing I'm wearing. I'm proud to respond that I got it at a thrift store for a dollar!!
2a. Them not cringing at where the item came from.
3. Getting "free item" emails from Starbucks, Peet's, Krispy Kreme, Raising Cane's, Auntie Anne's pretzels, etc. for my birthday.
4. How good I feel after a good nights rest.
5. Buying a responsible amount of vegetables.
5a. Actually eating all the vegetables.
5b. Actually enjoying the vegetables.
5c. enough to purchase, cook, and eat again in the near future.....not, like, years later ;) I just found out that I enjoy cauliflower and cheese(it's like mac and cheese) way more than any other method of eating it.
-
- learning about things of interest to me, or things that make my job easier/more engaging
- nature...even just walking on the rough brick in the backyard, barefoot, on one of my work breaks
- training and interacting with my "flock" (parrots)
- interior design and architecture (ok this can be expensive, but I get a lot of pleasure just sketching or typing out inspirations, collecting photos etc)
- driving around neighborhoods in the morning and late afternoon, looking at houses, and how other people in the community live. I especially feel peaceful driving through farming/ homestead communities. Sometimes one of my parrots comes along for the ride
- life-mapping and goal setting. I have a huge whiteboard in my room that has a Calendar on it but also plenty of space for writing little notes to myself. I like to set mini goals and put down things I want to accomplish this year or eventually.
- helping my grandmother in her garden
- movie nights with my mom and siblings
- planning trips we'll probably never take (at least in the near future), with the old "gang". Families, schedules, and distance has kept us from being able to all meet together at once. But it's fun to exchange vacation ideas.
-
Hummingbird feeder.
-
Fresh homemade bread. I love bread. If we didn't have a child whose is gluten-free, I would make bread WAY more often.
-
Sitting with my girl under an umbrella, at Dog Beach, with a cold Sculpin after a good surf.
-
Good music in my headphones on a bike ride.
-
Home make stock. Save the bones. Mellenianials...you did not invent soup stock...(which is what bone broth is...sorry..you did not discover 3000 year old cooking techniques).
I love homemade stock as well. I did however have to learn how to make it because no one in my family made it. I suspect a lot of the "make things from scratch" movement has to do with a lot of families having already lost these recipes and techniques and thanks to the internet, we can find them again. I know our oldest recipes only go back 3 generations. Due to a sick childhood my grandmother didn't learn to cook until she was 28 and newly married so we have definitely been working to rebuild our ability to cook. At least I started with knowledge from my mother and grandmother. My husband didn't learn to cook anything until after he started dating me. My husband's mother also had to experiment with her mother's recipes until she could make them again because only the ingredient list, not the recipe had been written down.
Online recipes make me happy. Being able to learn at a moment's notice how to make that dish I am craving is absolutely wonderful.
-
The healthy sautee is my new joy! I started doing this earlier this year, and have not cooked with any oil since. Only using raw oil - EVOO and cold pressed coconut
A thin layer of vegitable broth in a pan, with any vegitable. Heat is on med-low, once the broth starts to steam, add the vegetables and cover, cook for about 5 minutes.
I've been doing home grown beets in that with salt and pepper and little lemon juice. So good! The delicate flavors of each vegetable standing in their own right.
Had broccoli out of my garden for the first time this year. So delicious! Raw, the home grown broccoli has this amazing sweet taste up front, with a spicy note and an earthy slightly bitter finish. Really amazing how much flavor my home grown had vs the grocery store.
Also grew carrots that were amazing.
I've been doing so much with ginger lately. After a healthy sautee of a vegetable medly - adding a homemade peanut sauce. It's so bomb!!!!
Fresh ginger, finely minced, freshly ground peanuts, tamari, fruit vinegar or rice vinegar, at least 7 cloves of fresh garlic, EV olive oil, garlic chili paste, and filtered water to the consistency you want. You put this on top of the vegitables, add some beans and rice. WOWWWWW it's so good. And so inexpensive!
Grr the pic i am trying to insert is coming through massive sized, what the heck. I'll just link the URL
https://imgur.com/a/lorET
-
My back yard right now. I love the green and flowers of spring, the different flowers of summer but oh, autumn.
All the colors of the trees and plants touched by a hint of frost!
-
Bonfires are great.
I've been limbing up a lot of old oaks & instead of hauling the limbs to the curb in reasonable size piles each week I decided to have a few bonfires. The place is on a lake with a wonderful view to the West. My wife & I go over just before sunset and with a few beers & some simple snacks. It's been really nice.
-
The library. So many different books to read! And if my local library doesn't have something specific that I want, they can get it through Interlibrary Loan.
-
$20 for a bag of daffodil bulbs.
Yellow flowers in April/May and the ability to divide them in the fall. I've been doing this since 1981 and last year I counted 186 daffodils in my yard.
It makes me very happy
-
Having my hair dryer on a hook and positioned to blow its warm air to the middle of the bathroom. When I'm in a rush I turn it on after my shower to have it dry my hair as I dry with a towel.
On cool mornings like today, I turn it on and let it take the chill out of the room and the tub as I get the cloths I will put on after my shower.
I do this too! Our bathroom floors are stone, and the bathroom entry is merely an arch to the bedroom. There's radiant heat in the floor, but it's expensive and silly, so hairdryer to the rescue! I set mine on a non-skid pad and aim it towards my towel. It warms the towel and the air in the room. Nice!
-
Making cookies.
Cookies, and the making thereof, have become my concentrated, encapsulated, personal symbol of FIRE. It's what I tell myself I will do, and have TIME to do, once we hit FIRE.
My company is going through a divestiture right now and people's jobs will be changing or getting eliminated. I have not yet learned whether I'm on the chopping block or not, but I don't actually think I much care about how it turns out--so this weekend, for the first time in more years than I can count, I made cookies. It was WONDERFUL--and they were DELICIOUS.
Come to think of it, a nice severance package or retention bonus would be awesome. So I guess "losing my job" can also go on the list of cheap things that make me happy. ;-)
-
Got a new tool box, and was trying to figure out a cheap material to use to line the drawers. I then remember that I saved some laminate material from last year when we re-do the flooring at one of our rental. Free, and if these get dirty, I can just cut up some new ones.
-
Tea lights in salsa jars.
-
The European grocery store had boxes of truffles on sale for 2.75
I am so happy. I might buy some as gifts, but they are perfect snacks
-
Got a new tool box, and was trying to figure out a cheap material to use to line the drawers. I then remember that I saved some laminate material from last year when we re-do the flooring at one of our rental. Free, and if these get dirty, I can just cut up some new ones.
Another cheap option is to grab a roll of non-skid shelf liner at your nearest Dollar Store. Has the added benefits of well, non-skid, but also dampens sound, which is kinda nice, and it's super easy to cut to fit. I know they sell it, because in my pre-FIRE days, I used to sell it to them by the truckload. Made a lotta money that way.
-
Going to one of the lakeside parks, sitting there and watching all the water birds. I always feel calm next to the lake (it's a man-made lake but doesn't matter).
Following cute animal accounts on social media.
Sitting on the couch with DH and cat in peaceful silence. (ok, silence isn't always guaranteed because someone small and furry often has to tell us aaaaall about her day of napping and grooming and eating and napping etc)
-
Ice cream cone. My wife and I like spending time together just not always inside the house so going to McDonalds with our dogs for just an ice cream cone together is something we do a lot. It is time out without eating a complete meal out. I don't own a cell phone so we actually talk to each other too.
-
A bike ride with my fella on a crisp Fall morning, putting on a record during lunch, raking leaves! :)
-
Sent a friend an anonymous card in the mail, with a $5 Tim Horton's card, to cheer her up.
I think I will try to do more random acts of kindness. They give me the good feels.
-
A strand of twinkly indoor Christmas lights. DD and I like to turn off all the lights in the apartment and play by the light of those tiny Christmas lights.
-
Irish coffee at home on my day off.
-
Buying my well fitting, but worn through winter shoes on sale online at black Friday. A few years after I bought my current pair they now sold the same pair in a different color, but same model.
-
The way the sun shines across the valley at dawn and dusk on a clear day, highlighting every detail. It's beautiful.
-
Old dogs.
(Who, come to think if it, are super cheap until suddenly and unexpectedly they become VERY expensive at inconvenient times. Worth it, though.)
-
A freshly made bed. I put clean sheets and a cotton blanket on my bed earlier and my cat was sound asleep in the middle of it just minutes later.
-
Walking outside in the thin November sun.
Last night: stargazing (cheap once you have the equipment).
-
Switching out my summer and winter clothes. I now have a wardrobe full of ‘new’ dresses. It’s nice to have a change every now and then.
-
Completing a piece of writing I began several days ago. Although to any observer it looks as though I'm sitting at my desk not moving much, mostly thinking and once in a while pecking at my keyboard, I feel as though SOMETHING BIG HAS HAPPENED. It's so cool.
-
Making cookies.
Cookies, and the making thereof, have become my concentrated, encapsulated, personal symbol of FIRE. It's what I tell myself I will do, and have TIME to do, once we hit FIRE.
My company is going through a divestiture right now and people's jobs will be changing or getting eliminated. I have not yet learned whether I'm on the chopping block or not, but I don't actually think I much care about how it turns out--so this weekend, for the first time in more years than I can count, I made cookies. It was WONDERFUL--and they were DELICIOUS.
Come to think of it, a nice severance package or retention bonus would be awesome. So I guess "losing my job" can also go on the list of cheap things that make me happy. ;-)
Well, looks like I'm staying--so much for the nice severance/retention thing. So I guess "keeping my current job and my current boss" can now go on the list.
I made another batch of cookies to celebrate. :)
-
The library. So many different books to read! And if my local library doesn't have something specific that I want, they can get it through Interlibrary Loan.
Agreed!!!
-
Switching out my summer and winter clothes. I now have a wardrobe full of ‘new’ dresses. It’s nice to have a change every now and then.
Yes to this!
-
Flannel sheets. Its like taking ecstasy.
Being on track to have eaten 100% of the Thanksgiving leftovers (just a bit of one item left, intending to eat it tomorrow)
-
A day in December warm enough to open all the windows and doors and get fresh air into the house.
-
An AMAZING pink and orange sunrise - I wouldn't have seen it if I wasn't at work at 6 am, so it made my shift slightly more tolerable :)
-
I've taken over the cooking the last year and thoroughly enjoy it. Plus with me doing the cooking there is no argument of staying in the budge! so win win...
-
Today:
Cross country skiing in beautiful December sunlight.
Seeing the supermoon rising above the horizon.
-
A day in December warm enough to open all the windows and doors and get fresh air into the house.
THAT! Did this several times recently.
-
A day in December warm enough to open all the windows and doors and get fresh air into the house.
THAT! Did this several times recently.
For me right now, it's a December day COOL enough to have all the windows open and let fresh air into the house :D
-
Walks to the community mailbox.
Baby cuddles. (Arguably getting to be expensive, lol.)
Wrapping gifts. (Ok the gifts might not be cheap but the wrapping is!)
Taking photos for contests.
Talking on the phone to loved ones.
Netflix at 2am.
Hand-me-down amazing stroller that lets me go on walks in any weather.
Organizing my possessions and deciding which to give away and to whom.
Choosing excellent library books for my parents.
Homemade blueberry-pecan waffles.
-
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)
I was just talking about this at work :) Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).
-
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)
I was just talking about this at work :) Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).
One of my colleagues has a daughter who is learning to become a cook. The daughter often bakes cakes and her mother doesn't want to eat all these cakes at home. Therefore they often end up in our office. I love those cakes.
-
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)
I was just talking about this at work :) Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).
One of my colleagues has a daughter he is learning to become a cook. The daughter often bakes cakes and her mother doesn't want to eat all these cakes at home. Therefore they often end up in our office. I love those cakes.
Yes, this is terribly/wonderfully self serving, but maybe a collective note of thanks and appreciation would ensure a steady flow of deliciousness. What learner doesn't appreciate positive feedback?
-
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)
I was just talking about this at work :) Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).
One of my colleagues has a daughter he is learning to become a cook. The daughter often bakes cakes and her mother doesn't want to eat all these cakes at home. Therefore they often end up in our office. I love those cakes.
Yes, this is terribly/wonderfully self serving, but maybe a collective note of thanks and appreciation would ensure a steady flow of deliciousness. What learner doesn't appreciate positive feedback?
We usually thank the mother very much. But I'll make sure she will give a thank you to her daughter from all of us. I'll think of something.
-
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)
I was just talking about this at work :) Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).
One of my colleagues has a daughter he is learning to become a cook. The daughter often bakes cakes and her mother doesn't want to eat all these cakes at home. Therefore they often end up in our office. I love those cakes.
Yes, this is terribly/wonderfully self serving, but maybe a collective note of thanks and appreciation would ensure a steady flow of deliciousness. What learner doesn't appreciate positive feedback?
We usually thank the mother very much. But I'll make sure she will give a thank you to her daughter from all of us. I'll think of something.
I feel like a quality cookbook picked up at a charity shop would be a great thank you gift. Pick one with tasty looking recipes to serve a dual purpose...
-
Free things that made me happy:
-being appreciative and grateful.
-contentment. (the french word for happy is content/contente)
-interaction with kind, good people who really cares.
-being with loved ones.
-being healthy, improving strength and fitness.
-personal growth
-doing things that I didn't think I could do in the past. (for example, public speaking & teaching in a classroom, community organizing)
etc.
-
Going for an evening run. It's always a pain to get going, but even going just a mile at a slow pace makes me thankful for my legs and my lungs.
-
Lovely little sandwiches (curried egg! Cucumber and cream cheese!) at a new friend's party :D
-
Having my kids home for the holidays.
-
A cheesy $7 Star Wars T-shirt at Walmart with Yoda saying "An elf, I am not!"
-
First snow of the year! And watching my pup walking in it. Adorable! =)
Also, this thread!!!
-
A cheesy $7 Star Wars T-shirt at Walmart with Yoda saying "An elf, I am not!"
Hahahahahaha that is AWESOME!
Certain words make me happy. Like “petrichor”.
Other people making me dinner.
Hand lotion.
Chocolate almonds.
Head massage.
My baby giggling for the first time!!!
Mailing small gifts to far-away friends.
-
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal. He doesn't chew it. He just wanders around and cuddles with it. And I find it hilarious.
-
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal. He doesn't chew it. He just wanders around and cuddles with it. And I find it hilarious.
Cute...
-
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal. He doesn't chew it. He just wanders around and cuddles with it. And I find it hilarious.
Cute...
Pics or it didn’t happen ;)
-
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal. He doesn't chew it. He just wanders around and cuddles with it. And I find it hilarious.
Cute...
Pics or it didn’t happen ;)
For your enjoyment...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/EZo0umyhG9ah79rV2 (https://photos.app.goo.gl/EZo0umyhG9ah79rV2)
I kept getting an error when trying to post the photo, so you have to really want it.
-
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal. He doesn't chew it. He just wanders around and cuddles with it. And I find it hilarious.
Cute...
Pics or it didn’t happen ;)
For your enjoyment...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/EZo0umyhG9ah79rV2 (https://photos.app.goo.gl/EZo0umyhG9ah79rV2)
I kept getting an error when trying to post the photo, so you have to really want it.
Oh man, that was worth it!!! Thank you!
-
Deleted the album, because my name was in it.
Maybe this will work?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Cyps216HZy_gdnDLOYPUp9rPozVa3e9kzA2BZP2h6QhkBYZX9RWCr4Hm-QRu4kVJL6D8O-4HggEJXFm8wYK17o53UpT9AGpIFZVg94Sc4BB9IFtgfrhMCjoIC6Zs6OaK3V7b_gt2xh6vdO9wZm88SaftxdsUX1c3d1U-hb2mlL5nrDF_2JirA1fOgqDrjCsbm0o78WUrFMjUX7_BX0zmqQ3NoqWW2QtdapkXc9gSHQ4_YfGZbz-bhg64b-eewBL9heam1wOAFpuhRL2orDHsZGmnbzkX2qVXSspU6uRDJakM60ABy50f2v_-EjTiGB3G6sJedN-I3LiBwJtTdjOWLDtWKnYDnl-zuXCJPR_ya_u-LVMNCQh_UXgKiveUY3K6bkYceJYvMyvAP3x3a5YoNvjfpB4LJdP1QZM1PRiJNJc-65hQOtZBDStAdApQ3R2UWmwaryEh3D0Bi6pAKOoRIEoVFy9yhpmCeUQBQ9hS5XYqgYHNmoC8Td3XaO6P3XpbFHfs4jde3IAzoB_Q_I4izXgfrUX3U6STZa2lGUAyr9tFz6sWWGvKsMkl_6nLcEzzUQSL6CYQ8SecqLWqzMQcgq7DgZszTd63kdUX4y51LylO1TajRyNxeHhgFoHGLaSkK-GuH4zmZYGiEBXQtEKFRJ6lsz4slE4OncE=w879-h1172-no)
-
Deleted the album, because my name was in it.
Maybe this will work?
<...>
It worked fine.
Cheap and positive thing: standing outside on the terrace with DH, watching a weak northern light. The good thing about our current house is that you can see the north if you step outside. I missed that in our previous house.
-
Watching my cat play with a fidget spinner. (I have a video of this which I need to upload to youtube.)
-
Watching my cat play with a fidget spinner. (I have a video of this which I need to upload to youtube.)
I am *very* ok with this thread turning into a photo fest of cute animals doing adorable things, yummy-looking meals, and beautiful scenery. Feel free....
-
A super-deluxe, multi-adjustable, top of the line $25 shower head. Want a gentle spray or in the mood for a sandblaster? No problem, it's got it all and I use it every day (OK, *almost* every day). It's the best.
-
That first glimpse of twinkling blue pacific ocean when you're headed to the beach.
Water, the luxurious pleasure of drinking delicious water straight from the tap on a hot day. I didn't realise how amazing water is until I ended up with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and couldn't drink it for six months without vomiting. Just being healthy is amazing, to go outside and have a fresh breeze on your face and move lightly and freely. You don't realise how precious it is until you don't have that ability anymore.
Walking, we always had a orientating walk when we went somewhere, even if it's just a friend's house for a day. I like looking at houses and knowing where I am. I also love the coastal walks and harbour walks in Sydney, didn't realise I lived in such a beautiful city until I lived elsewhere.
Freshly baked bread still warm from the oven. Grocery shopping in the neighbourhood market when I lived in brussels. I loved loading up the front and rear baskets with fresh produce and cheese bought straight from the farmer. I loved how economical it was and enviro conscious. I would brink back the yoghurt jars for a discount to reuse.
Fresh herring lightly fried and served with steamed savoy cabbage. Peasant food but so damn delicious. Too bad you can't get fresh herring in Sydney.
-
Attending church services. Participating in church small group activities. It's hard to explain why but I find these kinds of activities uniquely refreshing and satisfying (more than the usual social activities like dinners and get togethers).
Cleaning my car inside and outside. It feels like brushing and flossing my teeth after I haven't done it for more than 24 hours. And yes, I wash my car even in winter time up here in Canada (using a no-rinse solution).
-
My dollar store readers because I can see
-
Magic 8 Ball. Useful to predict current multiple bosses decisions in the face of business challenges.
-
Late phone calls past bedtime
-
Lighting candles
-
Seeing photos of ginormous dogs carrying around their favourite toy in this thread. The cuteness!!!!!!
Driving around the suburbs with DH looking at all the Christmas light displays and chatting with some of the people who put up the displays on their house. Fun! The community spirit is heartwarming.
Kitty snuggles (preferably when it's not a heatwave)
Getting texts from DH saying 'Love you'
-
A big bunch of sweetpeas from my garden.
-
Sharing minty dark chocolate with my husband on the couch at the end of a long day.
-
Receiving a bag of marzipan from my colleague, whose daughter got it from her job and whose family doesn't like it.
-
The IKEA restaurant having free coffee for their 'IKEA Family members'
We're twins! we just had this yesterday, along with their incredible $2 breakfast which consists of pancakes with jam, 2 sausage links, potatoes and eggs. With the free coffee, breakfast for two of us was $4.32 which we ate in an uncrowded open seating area looking out the window into a sunny morning with some tasteful Christmas music playing in the background.
-
WOW that is a cheap meal!
-
My favorite cheap things include:
A bottle of wine! ($1.99 at Trader Joe's)
Reading a blog, books, or message forums.
Watching my cat play because it is precious.
Cleaning my house/car because it keeps it nice and makes me appreciate it more.
Listening to music on Pandora or Spotify for free.
Reorganizing my clothes in my main closet into "new collections" (instead of buying new stuff).
Watching the waves at the beach!
PS - What a feel-good thread! I like it a lot.
-
30 minutes to a 1 hour afternoon nap! I get up early (3-4am) and this feels so good!
-
-A walk on a crisp fall day. . . particularly if there are dry leaves to crush on the way
-A cup of hot tea on a cold day
-
watching birds flit around in the trees.
-
Seeing my animals all snuggled up and asleep, nice and warm. I can almost see their smiles.
Walking around running errands instead of driving.
-
https://caitflanders.com/2017/12/13/minimalist-holiday-traditions/#more-25511
List of minimalist holiday traditions, most of which are cheap and make a person feel happy.
Feels relevant
-
Coming home to a quiet, neat, minimalist house after three nights in the chaos, clutter, and noise that is my parents' house.
-
Talking to my parents about everything and nothing.
Watching my kids sleep.
Reading a book in bed at the time when you are awake but not ready to get out of bed.
Snuggles with loved ones.
Talking to my grandparents (100 and kicking) about their life when they were my age.
-
Having a family I truly enjoy. Plenty of flaws in all of us, but just knowing it's a village. I was super sick over Christmas, and there was not even a moment where the kids needed anything. Everyone was helping out, taking them on bike rides, reading with them, making gingerbread houses.. . And, my family is like this even when I'm not unwell.
Also, it's cheaper than from a bar/restaurant, but not necessarily "cheap" generally, but pomegranate martinis that my husband makes. He knows how much I like lime, and bought an extra bag from Costco & hand juiced them for this batch.
-
Chocolate-covered dried cherries :D
Singing Christmas carols with family
A cup of tea
Discovering some article of clothing in my closet that I forgot I had but am happy to see
Playing the board game “What?!”
Listening to the right songs that just lift up your spirits!!
Wine that has been gifted to us
Riding my bike on empty country roads
-
Building stuff in Minecraft.
Eating vegetarian for the day.
Lifting weights and feeling slightly sore the next day.
Walking to the market with my wife and our pooch.
Remembering that it's all a matter of perspective.
-
The $8 elf costume for my baby to wear at Christmas was relatively cheap and definitely made me happy!
-
The $8 elf costume for my baby to wear at Christmas was relatively cheap and definitely made me happy!
Do you have a pic of the costume? (with or without bub inside)
-
The $8 elf costume for my baby to wear at Christmas was relatively cheap and definitely made me happy!
Do you have a pic of the costume? (with or without bub inside)
Preserving my child's anonymity, pics below :-)
-
*melts from cuteness* Very cute bubba! (and totes worth $8)
-
I am my happiest when I have performed a good and exhaustive physical workout, in particular outdoors on a nice day, e.g. rowing or running. Apart from membership fee in the rowing club (which is well worth the investment), this is very cheap.
-
*melts from cuteness* Very cute bubba! (and totes worth $8)
If only the baby himself had only cost $8!! #bargain
-
*melts from cuteness* Very cute bubba! (and totes worth $8)
If only the baby himself had only cost $8!! #bargain
If only. #bargain
-
The start of the day: waking up when the kids are still asleep and having my peaceful breakfast of porridge, fruit and coffee under the trees in the front garden. The cats sit with me, birds come to tell them off, one of the trees is full of bees at the moment.
The smell of clean laundry. I hang it just outside the laundry door (fully and shamelessly exposed to everyone on the side street, which I know will be shocking to Americans) and the lovely sunshiney, fresh smell floats back in through the laundry door.
All the free planting I've done in the last year - cuttings and seeds collected while out walking, or donated by friends. We've had a good amount of rain in the last few months so the garden's looking quite lush.
My homemade moisturiser (beeswax, olive oil, lavender oil; also good for shoes and furniture).
-
Warm showers outside in our outside shower on a cool, dark and moonless night when all the stars come out in our exceptionally dark sky. Looking at scorpio.
It's summer now, so cool showers under the stars will have to do. And orion.
-
Seeing an old couple walking hand in hand and smiling at each other.
The other day, I was at my favourite resturant at closing time when an older gentleman (80+) walked up the bar and ordered a coffee for himself and for his wife (of similar age): "A gin and tonic. But less tonic and less ice so she can have more gin!". After a while, they giggled themselfs out of the resturant, like drunk teenagers in love... ahh.. .to age like that. :)
And to continue the thread:
A sandwich with fresh bread covered in thick slices of good, aged cheese. And a strong coffee ...
Music. A solo string instrument up close, or in the headphones.
Just a slow walk outside on a sunny day.
Manual, repetive labour or handiwork. Yesterday I spent an hour sharpening my kitchen knives. Still feel relaxed.
An early morning before others are awake. Especially closer to summer, when the sun rises before most people.
-
-Playing board games with the kids on a rainy day. Taught them how to play Yahtzee yesterday. Many laughs were had.
-Flying kites on a windy day, exploring the beach
-
Getting more involved locally, which lately means taking part in and volunteering at a community event, chatting to other runners, and shopping local.
-
Being healthy. Not to be underestimated.
I am currently not healthy and have a bad cold and it sucks in many ways.
-
Being healthy. Not to be underestimated.
I am currently not healthy and have a bad cold and it sucks in many ways.
Hope you feel better soon, Linda.
-
Being healthy. Not to be underestimated.
I am currently not healthy and have a bad cold and it sucks in many ways.
I was going to post the same thing. Got food poisoning tonight and feel awful. Being healthy is too easily taken for granted and is a huge contributor to happiness - not necessary for happiness, but helpful. And good health is extremely cheap as long as you stay that way. Really feel for people who are not blessed with good health who have the physical struggles that presents as well as the financial burden.
-
Leftover Thai red curry. Yum.
-
leveling up in candy crush!
-
Playing ball
Watching my kids play ball
Baking pie
Folding my other half's clothes
Making an attractive graph that gets the point across in a glance
-
Going Cross Country Skiing for the first time in 25 years for $18 including rentals at a sort of local state park.
-
Today I just had a happy moment sharpening a couple of knives on my whetstones. OK, the hardware was not that cheap when I bought it, but per use it's quite cheap. And fun, and usable result.
-
When my wife tells me she spent no money today.
-
-Hot tea on a cold day.
-The feeling you get after a long workout. Somewhere between exhausted & invigorated.
-
Spotting uncommon animals when out walking/camping (Foxes, snakes, lizards, beavers).
+1
I our previous house we sometimes saw uncommon animals around our house, like a fox with youngs and a badger. I loved that. No we have squirrels. I still get excited about unusual birds.
During trips other places we have seen a bear and a lynx, beavers, unusual birds, mooses and other deer. It is always a pleasure to see them.
-
completing my workout for the day
-
Glorious rain and a thunder storm tonight. I'm sure it wasn't so pleasing for people who had to endure traffic and blackouts, but I love watching weather.
-
I started a thread with similar topic matter in my drummerworld forum so I'd contribute here as well.
“Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.”
― Ernest Hemingway
However, A lot of things surprisingly make me happy.
Walking my dog on a nice spring day, watching him chase birds or swim after ducks and sniffing around. Also, cuddling with him after a long days work. We lay on the couch and his favorite spot is between my legs resting his head on my stomach, he's a 100# Labrador btw haha.
I also enjoy listening to music, especially while driving. I drive a lot for work as a PM so it's nice to get alone time to blast music. It's where I feel I can listen to music as loud as I want with no interruptions.
Playing drums.. I currently play in 3 bands, so playing is a great escape and something I've been doing my entire life. It recently started to be profitable within the last 3 years because I now get payed to play out. Which cancels out all the $$$ I spend to support the hobby.
-
leveling up in candy crush!
+1!
And playing kingdom rush a billion times. Definitely got my $5 worth of investment out of that game!
-
Sitting quietly on the couch with kitty. (well, technically she is on the coffee table right now but earlier today she was either on my lap or curled up next to me)
Thinking through my personal values and goals and how they have shifted over the years. Lasting change tends to be slow and incremental for me.
-
Maybe not cheap for my company, but cheap for me.
My team moved offices at the start of the year and I've gone from a desk in an open-plan section to an office that is larger than my bedroom and has a park view.
-
Words of support and praise coming my way. They say that words are cheap but I still like ‘em ;)
-
Coming home to a quiet, neat, minimalist house after three nights in the chaos, clutter, and noise that is my parents' house.
Don't ever have a kid....
-
A more leisurely morning. I get to WFH on Fridays, so get to indulge in a slightly slower pace by cutting out commute time.
-
Coming home to a quiet, neat, minimalist house after three nights in the chaos, clutter, and noise that is my parents' house.
Don't ever have a kid....
Well that is the plan. DH and I do not have any, nor plan to have children. We currently both work with children. We have been foster parents. We also have many nieces and nephews that we enjoy. So we like children and know what it is like to live with them. But we don't feel the need to have our own. Perhaps another cheap 'thing' that makes us happy.
The chaos of my parents house has more to do with a pack of yappy dogs who crap all over, my parents abundance of things that they spend too much on and that over fills their large home, and their lack of financial planning which prevents their ever being able to retire. I find all this very overwhelming in a way that is beyond anything a child could do.
-
Last time we visited FIL amd BIL with his one child was visiting, I noticed that the house easily got cluttered. E.g. The hall way, which we need to go through from the living room to the kitchen, had the floor full of tøys, because the three year old wanted to play there.
My cheap nice thing this weekend were two cross country skiing trip. The cost a little diesel, but it was not far from home and free parking. We brought along a warm drink and some food, so we didn't need to buy drinks and food like other people do. Just nice skiing. My body is finally getting better since my cold.
-
Watching the sun rise each morning. The rise is a little bit earlier, and a little bit further north each day, a sure sign that spring is on the way.
-
My stylebook ($5) or smart closet (free) apps that help me curb shopping and also let me geek out and catalogue my whole wardrobe.
My username used to be “libraryjoy”, after all...
-
Sharing a bottle of wine (or two) with my wonderful neighbors
-
Rain.
-
Rain.
I think I can understand that from an Australian perspective. Here in the wet part of Europe, we appreciate rain only after a long period of dry weather. I appreciated it very much in the mushroom season last autumn.
-
Noticing and appreciating other creatures for what they are.
This may make some people shudder, but we have a couple of large cellar spiders in our shower. We just leave them there, as they cause no harm and they eat troublesome insects. When I take a shower in the morning, the spiders walk around and wave their front legs, as though they like the warmth and humidity. They are beautiful -- so incredibly delicate and yet strong.
-
Noticing and appreciating other creatures for what they are.
This may make some people shudder, but we have a couple of large cellar spiders in our shower. We just leave them there, as they cause no harm and they eat troublesome insects. When I take a shower in the morning, the spiders walk around and wave their front legs, as though they like the warmth and humidity. They are beautiful -- so incredibly delicate and yet strong.
A few years ago I also had a spider that lived in the corner ceiling of my shower! It was a daddy long legs, also, so not very scary. I would check on him every day when I went in the bathroom and he was just happy in that spot. =)
-
Noticing and appreciating other creatures for what they are.
This may make some people shudder, but we have a couple of large cellar spiders in our shower. We just leave them there, as they cause no harm and they eat troublesome insects. When I take a shower in the morning, the spiders walk around and wave their front legs, as though they like the warmth and humidity. They are beautiful -- so incredibly delicate and yet strong.
A few years ago I also had a spider that lived in the corner ceiling of my shower! It was a daddy long legs, also, so not very scary. I would check on him every day when I went in the bathroom and he was just happy in that spot. =)
:)
-
Today:
Playing with watercolors.
Going on a bike ride.
Reading library books while my pup snuggles with me
Chatting with family.
All good stuff. :)
-
Watching young people flirt with each other and remembering myself doing the same thing many years ago..:)
-
Watching young people flirt with each other and remembering myself doing the same thing many years ago..:)
Similarly, seeing old people hold hands makes my heart sing :)
-
Yes, rain and snow. I'd take either right now. Been so dry for so long around here.
Love taking a walk in the snow when everyone else is home. It is so peaceful and pretty.
-
Taking walks around my neighborhood, watching the cranes on the ponds and the lizards and squirrels running around.
Curling up with a library book on my Kindle. After living so long in a city that had a meh-to-bad public library system, I'm glad that where I live now has a good one.
Having tea on the lanai with Mr. Mandalay and watching Poe sun himself and chatter at birds.
-
Rain.
Seconded. Because...
Despite all our achievements we owe our existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.
-
A clean house.
The ability to throw together a few simple sweet treats based on what's in my pantry, for hosting on short notice. I love knowing how to cook!
-
Salted caramel Lindt chocolate. (DH buys it whenever it's on special because he knows I like it <3 )
-
Rain.
Our local river running. This will be the first time in 18 months.
-
30 year old mountain bike, runs like a swiss watch. Riding it along the river to see what bits are frozen or running, all winter.
30 year old road bike, ditto, but in summer.
40 year old classical guitar, still sounds as good as I can get it to sound.
Library books and music.
Veggie chili.
And so on.
-
Watching young people flirt with each other and remembering myself doing the same thing many years ago..:)
Similarly, seeing old people hold hands makes my heart sing :)
LOL, I am old. I am also FIRE, whereas DH is "only" FI. Every morning, I walk him to work. It's a short distance, but it's up a steep hill. We make it easier by holding hands. ♡♡♡
-
Watching young people flirt with each other and remembering myself doing the same thing many years ago..:)
Similarly, seeing old people hold hands makes my heart sing :)
LOL, I am old. I am also FIRE, whereas DH is "only" FI. Every morning, I walk him to work. It's a short distance, but it's up a steep hill. We make it easier by holding hands.
Awww Dicey, you’re livin’ the dream!
And this warms my heart :)
-
Watching young people flirt with each other and remembering myself doing the same thing many years ago..:)
Similarly, seeing old people hold hands makes my heart sing :)
LOL, I am old. I am also FIRE, whereas DH is "only" FI. Every morning, I walk him to work. It's a short distance, but it's up a steep hill. We make it easier by holding hands. ♡♡♡
This is very sweet, but... You are so not old :-P
-
Spending time with other new mums, where we get to just chill out and talk about life and cheer each other on. And eat cashew brittle :D
-
Signed up for the free digital magazine app from my local library. I now have access to 200+ magazines on my phone and have been enjoying reading a science magazine for free.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I was gifted a nice diary by my sister for Christmas, it is lovely with sketches and watercolors all throughout. I don't have the need for a day planner as I use Ical. So now it is by the bed and every night I write in the small area.. something memorable about the day. So far all nice things - even if they are small things like seeing a flock of birds above us on our walk this morning.
-
Walks on the beach, reading, playing the piano, playing Bridge/board games with family, bike rides, hiking, listening to music, various blog reading and podcast listening. For 2018, one of my goals is to begin re-reading the St Johns Great Book list I studied in college.
-
Snow days in the south- no school, no going anywhere, slept in, hot coffee, sewing on a quilt that was started 50 years ago (by a departed grandmother), hot Guinness stew in the oven, fresh baked bread.
Taking a short walk in 23° weather, snowflakes dusting my nose.
.....
Then this morning when school opens back up, delayed start, a blessing. Baking fresh bread for lunch, quiet, sun streaming through the windows.
-
Little Percy snores
-
Coffee with friends! Not free, but cheap and an easy way to get out of the house with babies :-)
-
A trip to the beach with my kids on a beautiful summer's day.
-
-Snuggles & conversation with my almost 12 year old at night. When he gets tired, he wants to chat & share everything. It's my favorite. I learned, for example, that a girl asked him to be "her boyfriend", and he said yes, but then ran to the bathroom & cried. Classic middle school. :-)
-The library. Despite my recent fine fiasco, it's a place where a community can just go. You see people using the free computers, others reading, and generally just taking advantage of shared services.
-
Risotto.
-
Risotto.
Awww yes! I haven’t had risotto in forever!
-
Seeing 3 mooses when I open tje bedroom curtain at our mountain cabin.
-
Risotto.
Awww yes! I haven’t had risotto in forever!
Yes! Love risotto. I make a cheater oven baked one. Not as good as the slow stirring kind, but much more practical for my life.
-
Risotto.
Awww yes! I haven’t had risotto in forever!
Yes! Love risotto. I make a cheater oven baked one. Not as good as the slow stirring kind, but much more practical for my life.
This is a great cheat risotto: http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/sweet-potato-spinach-risotto-lamb-cutlets/926795b0-2ccd-4eb7-a439-c784c05514af
Works with pumpkin instead of sweet potato, too.
-
I made my last Risotto with mushrooms. Worked well.
-
Homemade pizza! Especially when a friend brings all the ingredients over and makes it for me :-P
-
I made my last Risotto with mushrooms. Worked well.
I made that sometime last week as well, with selfpicked and dried mushrooms. I totally forgot to add anything meaty or other protein source. I added some grated cheese when I noticed.
-
I made that sometime last week as well, with selfpicked and dried mushrooms. I totally forgot to add anything meaty or other protein source. I added some grated cheese when I noticed.
And todays food: Spanish Tortilla. Eggs, unions, potatoes. Added some grated cheese and some greens. Nice to cook good to eat. :)
-
-self-threading needle
-conducting a successful transaction decluttering
-fast commute on the subway
-
-self-threading needle
-conducting a successful transaction decluttering
-fast commute on the subway
I love all of those!!! And I’m impressed that after so many lovely posts, people are still coming up with new and exciting things to appreciate :)
-
-self-threading needle
-conducting a successful transaction decluttering
-fast commute on the subway
I love all of those!!! And I’m impressed that after so many lovely posts, people are still coming up with new and exciting things to appreciate :)
I thought of you today Lifejoy so while DW and I were downtown this morning I decided to hold her hand as we walked along (not unusual for us) but make a note of of the college kids reactions that saw us.
Sure enough out of the 20 young people or so we saw almost all the girls looked at our holding hands and made a little smile. The guys almost universally didn't notice.
Shame about the guys but kind of cool to bring smiles.. so we have resolved to do this more.. Besides.. its very pleasant anyway..:)
-
Doing nothing
-
Doing nothing
My favorite kind... especially zoning out with music in background
-
I thought of you today Lifejoy so while DW and I were downtown this morning I decided to hold her hand as we walked along (not unusual for us) but make a note of of the college kids reactions that saw us.
Holding hands with your loved one while walking is very nice and feels romantic. But in that case it is best to have the same pace. It feels a bit strange if one takes more steps than the other to cover the same distance. This is my challenge. ;-) DH is quite tall and his steps are longer than mine. When we are walking hand in hand, and more so if his arm is around my shoulders, I try to adapt my pace to his, which feels a bit unnatural, taking such long steps. So we often change back to walking hand in hand again. But even then it is nicer with the same pace.
-
Yesterday I did a meal plan for this week for low effort dinners that are appetising and don't require any cooking or much energy to prepare in this heat. Yay!
Changing out of work clothes into comfy light clothes when I got home today.
-
-self-threading needle
-conducting a successful transaction decluttering
-fast commute on the subway
I love all of those!!! And I’m impressed that after so many lovely posts, people are still coming up with new and exciting things to appreciate :)
I thought of you today Lifejoy so while DW and I were downtown this morning I decided to hold her hand as we walked along (not unusual for us) but make a note of of the college kids reactions that saw us.
Sure enough out of the 20 young people or so we saw almost all the girls looked at our holding hands and made a little smile. The guys almost universally didn't notice.
Shame about the guys but kind of cool to bring smiles.. so we have resolved to do this more.. Besides.. its very pleasant anyway..:)
Hehe what an excellent experiment! Thanks for reporting back ;)
-
Doing nothing
My favorite kind... especially zoning out with music in background
May I recommend the music of estonian composer Arvo Pärt?
If you're really slow: For Aline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmBrepbZji0
For normal relaxation: Spiegel im Spiegel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZe3mXlnfNc
It's amazing. And I'm a hard rock fan. :)
-
these are cute little things that make me happy. Cheap silicon blinkey lights, $1 each on Ebay. I strap them on wagons, scooters, small kids. Keep a set in my backpack as backup for my bike and give-away for unlit cyclists.
-
Washed the car.
Helped DS fix his bike. Long bike ride for DS.
New chain for my own bike. 65F bike ride 'round the neighborhood.
Helped neighbor try to fix his chainsaw but I think he "unfixed it" b/c he did something else afterwards that resulted in parts being leftover. ;) I told him to take it to the shop b/c I think there were pieces missing too. In its present condition it is safe b/c it won't start.
-
May I recommend the music of estonian composer Arvo Pärt?
If you're really slow: For Aline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmBrepbZji0
I bought this on CD many years ago. I was shocked to find out that the CD contained three times song number one and twice song number two, with small variations, and nothing else. I felt a bit betrayed, but maybe I just wasn't caught by the magic that you feel for this music.
-
Getting something repaired under warranty.
Getting lost in a new podcast
Handwritten letters or notes
The feeling in your mouth after flossing/sonicare
The warm house feeling after a long satisfying winter night walk
Re-reading old journal entries and seeing how somethings stay the same and some things get resolved in time
Listening to the sound of someone who can type with skill
Catching a strangers eye just for a moment without saying a word
Discussing FIRE with someone who understands.
-
Tongue scraper for continued minty fresh breath and oral health.
Baking bread at home with my sourdough starter named Rodger.
Watching my freshwater aquarium flourish.
Hugging my husband and running around the house like idiots.
-
Time with my wonderful students, Heck, I even get paid for that!
-
Getting something repaired under warranty.
Getting lost in a new podcast
Handwritten letters or notes
The feeling in your mouth after flossing/sonicare
The warm house feeling after a long satisfying winter night walk
Re-reading old journal entries and seeing how somethings stay the same and some things get resolved in time
Listening to the sound of someone who can type with skill
Catching a strangers eye just for a moment without saying a word
Discussing FIRE with someone who understands.
Wow, yes yes yes.
Reading entries in this thread and being reminded of special simple things in life that make me happy!!!!
-
Brightening someone else's day.
A work contact just sent me two dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts (for when excess isn't enough).
I gave them to the guys in the mail room.
Means more to them than me, and I believe in looking after the people who keep the lights on and make sure everything in the building runs smoothly. They have more power - and more information - than most of the managers in this place.
-
- Making a friend happy by showing him a ticket home is 1/3rd of the price he thought it was, enabling him to go home for two weeks in his semester break to see his parents after 2 years.
- Being invited by the same friend to come see him and his country when he's there. When I told him I was hesitant as he's only got two weeks with family and I don't want to take any of that time he replied "well just come at the end of the two weeks when my family isn't craving to see me anymore, I'd love to show you around". The trip itself won't be cheap tho
If he was an international student like I was, he would never forget your help! You've certainly made his day.
-
Baking bread at home with my sourdough starter named Rodger.
This made me laugh out loud! My mom had a sourdough starter named Herman. I guess when those guys are around long enough they become part of the family. :)
-
Baking bread at home with my sourdough starter named Rodger.
This made me laugh out loud! My mom had a sourdough starter named Herman. I guess when those guys are around long enough they become part of the family. :)
I saw a TV program last night about a bakery store that had a female sourdough starter, that had her own living space in a fridge. She was somewhat like 160 years old.
The show said that sourdough tastes better than factory bread. I should also make one, and then use it.
-
Getting back to my normal sleep patterns after a busy period.
Realizing I have no meetings scheduled and thus don't have to go to work today.
Hankering after a particular food, then realizing I have all the ingredients for it in the house!
When somebody says something very witty during an otherwise serious endeavour... the kind of thing where you remember it later and laugh all over again.
Bacon fried rice.
-
Baking bread at home with my sourdough starter named Rodger.
This made me laugh out loud! My mom had a sourdough starter named Herman. I guess when those guys are around long enough they become part of the family. :)
He's a good pal! I've only had him for about 6 months, but his parent is 5 years old. He's my very favorite blob of flour, water, and bacteria. His farts taste amazing and I get giddy after feeding him when I see it gets all frothy and happy looking.
-
Finding fresh deer tracks very close to the front door of our house.
-
Listening to someone "tell on themselves" - telling us a story about some experience, usually a mistake they learned from and that we can learn from too. Sometimes these stories can be really funny. Then getting tickled and having the laughter/giggles resurface all evening.
One example was about a guy who tried to pet a squirrel on a camping trip. Another was DIY home improvement mistakes.
-
Walking my dogs early in the morning when the streets are quiet, then having a cup of coffee when I get back home
-
Baking cookies from the cookie mix in the mason jar, our friend's kids gifted us for Xmas. Today on a rainy, cold day with hot tea - indulgence. Mr. R. was happy to get a whiff of the cookie baking when he came home from work. Happiness:)
-
When I'm browsing the "what's avaliable" section of the library, and find a book I've been waiting to read. For free! It makes the library feel like magic
Ooooh that's a good one!
I love my library's reserve service. I get to choose my books online, they find them on the shelves and set them aside, and my husband grabs them on his lunch break (he works bear the library, I don't) - perfect! FREE books and then I don't even have to store them in my house afterwards :D
-
When I'm browsing the "what's avaliable" section of the library, and find a book I've been waiting to read. For free! It makes the library feel like magic
Ooooh that's a good one!
I love my library's reserve service. I get to choose my books online, they find them on the shelves and set them aside, and my husband grabs them on his lunch break (he works bear the library, I don't) - perfect! FREE books and then I don't even have to store them in my house afterwards :D
OMG I love placing holds at the library!!!
-
When I'm browsing the "what's avaliable" section of the library, and find a book I've been waiting to read. For free! It makes the library feel like magic
Ooooh that's a good one!
I love my library's reserve service. I get to choose my books online, they find them on the shelves and set them aside, and my husband grabs them on his lunch break (he works bear the library, I don't) - perfect! FREE books and then I don't even have to store them in my house afterwards :D
OMG I love placing holds at the library!!!
I'll add the ebooks to this list as well. So easy to check out from a couch, download and read immediately! All for free!!
-
Baking scones in the morning.
-
Baking scones in the morning.
My dad baking his famous lemon blueberry scones. Yum!!
-
Walking down to the road in the pre-dawn morning to get the newspaper, and hearing the rooster crowing from the farm across the valley.
-
I just made Indonesian martabak manis.
It's cheap to make, delicious and an excellent excuse to get in touch again with all my Indonesian friends by sending them a picture and asking how they are doing.
-
I just made Indonesian martabak manis.
Oo, I've only had that in restaurants. Do you have a recipe?
-
Seeing this mug at Starbucks. I didn't buy it (even though it was on clearance) because I don't like the handle, BUT I'm going to use my ceramic pen to make one of my own on a plain colored mug I already have at home. I think it's an excellent reminder to keep on my desk at work.
-
Butter. Room temperature, kept in a butter dish, non-store-brand butter.
I'm in my 30's and I had no clue how different brands of butter could be. Even the ubiquitous Land-o-Lakes stuff is good. And the price difference between blah store brand and a good but still common brand is maybe $1/lb. For a little more you can get European butters with higher fat content that have usually been cultured.
It doesn't matter much for baking, but an extra dollar for a month's worth of butter is super cheap and worthwhile if you butter your toast.
All that time I ate Great Value brand butter... jesus the years of flavor I missed out on. Spend that extra dollar, and get a butter dish.
-
Butter. Room temperature, kept in a butter dish, non-store-brand butter.
I'm in my 30's and I had no clue how different brands of butter could be. Even the ubiquitous Land-o-Lakes stuff is good. And the price difference between blah store brand and a good but still common brand is maybe $1/lb. For a little more you can get European butters with higher fat content that have usually been cultured.
It doesn't matter much for baking, but an extra dollar for a month's worth of butter is super cheap and worthwhile if you butter your toast.
All that time I ate Great Value brand butter... jesus the years of flavor I missed out on. Spend that extra dollar, and get a butter dish.
This is my butter dish and I <3 it. It was $6.99 at World Market, and it is always full of delicious Kerrygold butter. It makes me smile every time I use it.
-
I can't believe I just now discovered this thread! Reading through it has been so much fun.
On my list right now:
My son asking to "kiss the baby" (I'm expecting) and talking to my belly.
Having a freezer well-stocked with meals for the nights I'm too tired to cook (and to keep my husband fed during my upcoming trip)
Toasted, homemade sourdough bread with good butter.
Watching the sunrise from our deck.
Wearing the perfectly beat up/broken in boots I bought 8 years ago - they only get better with age.
-
Butter. Room temperature, kept in a butter dish, non-store-brand butter.
I'm in my 30's and I had no clue how different brands of butter could be. Even the ubiquitous Land-o-Lakes stuff is good. And the price difference between blah store brand and a good but still common brand is maybe $1/lb. For a little more you can get European butters with higher fat content that have usually been cultured.
It doesn't matter much for baking, but an extra dollar for a month's worth of butter is super cheap and worthwhile if you butter your toast.
All that time I ate Great Value brand butter... jesus the years of flavor I missed out on. Spend that extra dollar, and get a butter dish.
This is my butter dish and I <3 it. It was $6.99 at World Market, and it is always full of delicious Kerrygold butter. It makes me smile every time I use it.
Gorgeous butter dish, @chaskavitch.
I had to switch from using a flat butter dish with a domed lid to a tub-style dish with a flat lid after 90 per cent of my guy friends proved themselves incapable of placing the lid over the butter. Instead, I'd find the lid jammed on and in the butter. >.<
-
Butter. Room temperature, kept in a butter dish, non-store-brand butter.
I'm in my 30's and I had no clue how different brands of butter could be. Even the ubiquitous Land-o-Lakes stuff is good. And the price difference between blah store brand and a good but still common brand is maybe $1/lb. For a little more you can get European butters with higher fat content that have usually been cultured.
It doesn't matter much for baking, but an extra dollar for a month's worth of butter is super cheap and worthwhile if you butter your toast.
All that time I ate Great Value brand butter... jesus the years of flavor I missed out on. Spend that extra dollar, and get a butter dish.
This is my butter dish and I <3 it. It was $6.99 at World Market, and it is always full of delicious Kerrygold butter. It makes me smile every time I use it.
Gorgeous butter dish, @chaskavitch.
I had to switch from using a flat butter dish with a domed lid to a tub-style dish with a flat lid after 90 per cent of my guy friends proved themselves incapable of placing the lid over the butter. Instead, I'd find the lid jammed on and in the butter. >.<
Yeah...I can see that happening once our toddler is old enough to get his own butter. At least the butter is still delicious!
-
Friendship! Free, yet priceless.
-
This is my butter dish and I <3 it. It was $6.99 at World Market, and it is always full of delicious Kerrygold butter. It makes me smile every time I use it.
mmmmm, Irish butter :-)
-
Friendship! Free, yet priceless.
Especially frugal friends!
-
Using MS Paint to doctor pictures my mom sends me of my brother and the wee beastie he loves.
-
My Amco stainless steel measuring cups. I really fancy measuring cups for some reason (good childhood baking memories?). I've had them for 10+ years and they're just flawless and beautiful and I love baking with them.
Santa Ana winds
Watching the bees forage on the African blue basil
Fanfiction. Free on AO3 and some of the stuff in my main fandom is written by talented humans who must be slumming from their real jobs as authors or professors or some such
-
My Amco stainless steel measuring cups. I really fancy measuring cups for some reason (good childhood baking memories?). I've had them for 10+ years and they're just flawless and beautiful and I love baking with them.
Measuring cups seconded. I have some bright orange measuring cups/spoons from the 70's that belonged to my grandparents. I love that there are 2/3 and 3/4 cups included in the set. I will never give them up for anything in the world. They've helped me make memorable, perfect meals, and then many many disasters.
-
My Amco stainless steel measuring cups. I really fancy measuring cups for some reason (good childhood baking memories?). I've had them for 10+ years and they're just flawless and beautiful and I love baking with them.
Measuring cups seconded. I have some bright orange measuring cups/spoons from the 70's that belonged to my grandparents. I love that there are 2/3 and 3/4 cups included in the set. I will never give them up for anything in the world. They've helped me make memorable, perfect meals, and then many many disasters.
Time for me to leave this thread before my dissatisfaction with my measuring cup situation pours out!
-
Hot baths, with Epsom salt from Costco.
Water's included in my rent, so it doesn't cost me anything to run a nice, hot bath with tons of Epsom salt. I bought myself a cheap (but really pretty) bath caddy off Amazon for Christmas and I can set up my laptop or my book and just watch/read while I soak. It's so nice.
-
You enjoy your bath salts. Isn't that illegal? :)
-
Hot baths, with Epsom salt from Costco.
Water's included in my rent, so it doesn't cost me anything to run a nice, hot bath with tons of Epsom salt. I bought myself a cheap (but really pretty) bath caddy off Amazon for Christmas and I can set up my laptop or my book and just watch/read while I soak. It's so nice.
OMG FREE WATER???? Jealous! I am the bath queen and I hate how much it costs but I just can’t say no.
-
Learning something new that changes everything I thought I knew.
-
Hot baths, with Epsom salt from Costco.
Water's included in my rent, so it doesn't cost me anything to run a nice, hot bath with tons of Epsom salt. I bought myself a cheap (but really pretty) bath caddy off Amazon for Christmas and I can set up my laptop or my book and just watch/read while I soak. It's so nice.
OMG FREE WATER???? Jealous! I am the bath queen and I hate how much it costs but I just can’t say no.
Ooh we have a well with a pump so its almost free... I handn't considered that people actually pay money for water.. How naive is that?
-
Taking a nap in the middle of the day cus I can..:)
-
Hot baths, with Epsom salt from Costco.
Water's included in my rent, so it doesn't cost me anything to run a nice, hot bath with tons of Epsom salt. I bought myself a cheap (but really pretty) bath caddy off Amazon for Christmas and I can set up my laptop or my book and just watch/read while I soak. It's so nice.
OMG FREE WATER???? Jealous! I am the bath queen and I hate how much it costs but I just can’t say no.
Ooh we have a well with a pump so its almost free... I handn't considered that people actually pay money for water.. How naive is that?
We used to have a pump as well, and a septic for the grey water. Now we have a house with communal water where we pay for the water and we pay for an equal amount of water for the sewage system. Even if we drink some of the water or spray it into the garden.
-
The forecast for the next 5 days is below 30C!!!!!!!! I am so happy about this.
Also, it's really quite cool now so the house is cooling down nicel from the recent heatwave. And we've had heaps of rain for the past couple of days so we won't need to water our garden for quite a while now.
Learning something new that changes everything I thought I knew.
Cool! What new thing did you learn? (if you don't mind sharing)
-
The forecast for the next 5 days is below 30C!!!!!!!! I am so happy about this.
Also, it's really quite cool now so the house is cooling down nicel from the recent heatwave. And we've had heaps of rain for the past couple of days so we won't need to water our garden for quite a while now.
Isn't it glorious?
The cool change is just coming through here.
-
The forecast for the next 5 days is below 30C!!!!!!!! I am so happy about this.
Also, it's really quite cool now so the house is cooling down nicel from the recent heatwave. And we've had heaps of rain for the past couple of days so we won't need to water our garden for quite a while now.
Isn't it glorious?
The cool change is just coming through here.
It's pissing down here. And the breeze going through the house has a definite chill to it. Bliss! I might even sleep a bit better with these cooler temps.
-
I read “below 30C” as “minus 30C” and for a second wondered who in their right mind would be glad that it was so friggin freezing cold. Then I realized you’re talking about temperatures being in the 20s and everything suddenly made sense.
My cheap happy thing currently is hanging out under my warm fluffy comforters because it is currently very cold here.
-
I read “below 30C” as “minus 30C” and for a second wondered who in their right mind would be glad that it was so friggin freezing cold. Then I realized you’re talking about temperatures being in the 20s and everything suddenly made sense.
My cheap happy thing currently is hanging out under my warm fluffy comforters because it is currently very cold here.
That's 9:30 pm. Its not getting any cooler tonight.
-
Went to bed an hour early last night b/c my wake up time is fixed (work).
-
Cool! What new thing did you learn? (if you don't mind sharing)
Most recently (as in the past month), that my low carb diet that I've been on for years is dangerous and that a plant-based diet is much better/healthier (though I did lose a lot of weight on the low carb diet, so that was a plus). It was very hard for me to admit this to myself, as I've always been a pretty heavy meat eater. As I age I get more and more concerned about these things, seeing relatives get cancer, etc.
All that said, I sort of meant my statement in general -- I love learning something that changes my previous assumptions. It's a good feeling when you change your mind on something that you were clinging to, almost a freeing feeling. I'm happy to say I've remained open minded enough that this has happened to me continuously through life.
-
Snow mornings or watching a blizzard from indoors
Planning local hiking/camping trips with friends
A writer who uses the english languge with skill
Jumping in lakes on hot days, or cool days (working the senses!)
Spices like cardomom, coriander in cooking and squeezing limes on tacos..
-
Yes! I used this one and it turned out almost the same as I've had them in Java!
http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/indonesian-sweet-martabak-terang-bulan-439412
Thanks, Hirondelle! I think I thought I was asking about something else -- I've had a plainer martabak with coarse sugar in Malaysian restos -- but now I wanna try this one!
-
-A great night's sleep
-Sourdough toast with melted butter
-Getting the perfect ratio of milk in your morning coffee
-
Getting up at O-My-Gosh-fourty-five and going for a hike up the mountain to the west of town this morning with my 13-year old and a few other friends to try to see the lunar eclipse. We saw it leaving the house to drive to the trailhead (about 1/3 eclipsed), then had no moon as we hiked because it was already behind the mountain, then got to the summit and found the moon had disappeared in an unfortunately placed cloud bank. However, we had a lovely hike up the trail with headlamps, a pretty hike down, and were perfectly positioned to watch the sunrise over the eastern part of the state in a blaze of reds and pinks and oranges and yellow.
Got home, and my sweetie had already made the coffee. Plus, by 7 am I had done plenty of exercising for the day, thankyouverymuch.
-
Watching puppets play D&D on Twitch. The hours of laughter are better (and cheaper!) than therapy!
-
Watching last nights super blue blood moon. Eclipses are always fascinating to watch.
-
Trying out a new recipe and having it turn out perfectly.
-
-Sourdough toast with melted butter
This is truly spooky, MBM . . . I just logged on to post this exact same thing . . . Sourdough toast with melted butter. I'm having it right now for breakfast.
Another yummy option -- sourdough toast with goat cheese and honey.
-
Watching last nights super blue blood moon. Eclipses are always fascinating to watch.
I would have loved to watch it, but we had fog, and the eclipse was a bit too early (5pm), with still daylight present. At a previous a lunar eclipse, we came out of bed at 3:30 AM to watch it.
-
Yes! I used this one and it turned out almost the same as I've had them in Java!
http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/indonesian-sweet-martabak-terang-bulan-439412
Thanks, Hirondelle! I think I thought I was asking about something else -- I've had a plainer martabak with coarse sugar in Malaysian restos -- but now I wanna try this one!
Coarse sugar? Haven't seen that one before I think. Was it the same thick pancake-like structure? Maybe it was just a simpler version indeed. This time I used cheese + nutella + peanuts as a topping, yum.
-
-Sourdough toast with melted butter
This is truly spooky, MBM . . . I just logged on to post this exact same thing . . . Sourdough toast with melted butter. I'm having it right now for breakfast.
Another yummy option -- sourdough toast with goat cheese and honey.
Oooh, yum. One of our favorite appetizers is goat cheese crostini. Mix goat cheese, lemon juice, garlic & thyme. Spread & on lightly toasted bread for 8 minutes. So yum. We top with either thinly sliced cucumbers or pomegranate seeds. Great served with martinis. :-)
-
Coming home from a long trip & seeing your kids for the first time in a week. Hearing all about their school fun, getting hugs, and just generally soaking in the love. Ditto for your spouse. :-)
-
Eating homemade empanadas fresh out of the oven for dinner. They’re enough work that I don’t make them often, but very much worth the effort when I do!
-
-Sourdough toast with melted butter
This is truly spooky, MBM . . . I just logged on to post this exact same thing . . . Sourdough toast with melted butter. I'm having it right now for breakfast.
Another yummy option -- sourdough toast with goat cheese and honey.
Oooh, yum. One of our favorite appetizers is goat cheese crostini. Mix goat cheese, lemon juice, garlic & thyme. Spread & on lightly toasted bread for 8 minutes. So yum. We top with either thinly sliced cucumbers or pomegranate seeds. Great served with martinis. :-)
Mmmmm. I love martinis. Thank you for this tip! I am so going to make those crostini. Can you help me understand the 8 minutes?
-
Downloading my free Samsung Deal Kindle book each month.
At the moment I don't have so much time to read books, so this one book a month suits me fine and I hardly need to buy/get additional books.
-
-Sourdough toast with melted butter
This is truly spooky, MBM . . . I just logged on to post this exact same thing . . . Sourdough toast with melted butter. I'm having it right now for breakfast.
Another yummy option -- sourdough toast with goat cheese and honey.
Oooh, yum. One of our favorite appetizers is goat cheese crostini. Mix goat cheese, lemon juice, garlic & thyme. Spread & on lightly toasted bread for 8 minutes. So yum. We top with either thinly sliced cucumbers or pomegranate seeds. Great served with martinis. :-)
Mmmmm. I love martinis. Thank you for this tip! I am so going to make those crostini. Can you help me understand the 8 minutes?
@Trifele - you bet. Here is the recipe. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/goat-cheese-crostini Quick & easy
-
-Sourdough toast with melted butter
This is truly spooky, MBM . . . I just logged on to post this exact same thing . . . Sourdough toast with melted butter. I'm having it right now for breakfast.
Another yummy option -- sourdough toast with goat cheese and honey.
Oooh, yum. One of our favorite appetizers is goat cheese crostini. Mix goat cheese, lemon juice, garlic & thyme. Spread & on lightly toasted bread for 8 minutes. So yum. We top with either thinly sliced cucumbers or pomegranate seeds. Great served with martinis. :-)
Mmmmm. I love martinis. Thank you for this tip! I am so going to make those crostini. Can you help me understand the 8 minutes?
@Trifele - you bet. Here is the recipe. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/goat-cheese-crostini Quick & easy
Thanks!
-
Using the online shopping service at the grocery store. I add things to my grocery list for a couple of weeks and when I’m ready I checkout online, choose a pick up time, drive to the store, and someone brings out the bags and loads them in the car. This has eliminated virtually all impulse buying so I’m okay with the $5 fee. I used to shop at 6am on Saturday mornings to avoid the crowds. This morning I slept in until 7am, made some breakfast, and putzed around the house planning my day. Went to get groceries and was home with everything brought inside in under 20 minutes. Best thing ever.
-
It was nearly 80 degrees today as we strolled through downtown with our visiting guests. Whee! They live in Wyoming, so they were ecstatic.
All meals this weekend will be scratch cooked from my pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Weekend meals for six with no shopping, score!
I walk DH to work at the crack of dawn each morning. We were thrilled to see the eclipse on Wednesday. We're usually the only ones out, but we ran into our neighbors who had gotten up early just to see the eclipse.
-
Repairing a wardrobe door with badly running wheels, without buying new wheels. Turned out there was a lot of sticky stuff in the aluminium rail. We took of the door and I cleaned the rails. Now it runs okay.
Cross country skiing in good trails in sunny, but cold weather.
-
Finding out that a friend wrote on his Linkedin profile that his new job is: "none at all, free as a bird". He is 10-15 years older than I am, so somewhere near fifty-five or sixty. I think he just went off with RE. Good for him.
-
Eating healthy. As long as you don’t need organic/grass fed, eggs, chicken, beef, etc, is all pretty cheap compared to a lot of things. Frozen pizzas can be $8+ often anymore, while chicken is $2-$3/lb.
I have a gap hoodie my mom bought me around a decade ago. It probably wasn’t “super cheap” but it’s my absolute favorite hoodie and has been since I got it. Still fits great and the quality of it is just top notch. Very dense fabric that has held up to tons of wear over the years.
-
When you check the advertisements from your supermarket for the next week and see soy yoghurt is gonna be on sale. That's perfect so I can try a recipe that someone suggested in the vegan thread!
-
Being given chocolate as a gift. So good!
-
Getting an unexpected gift in the mail. Technically, it was for the kids & was from my parents. I love that moment right before they open it, and also when they tear it open & see what's inside.
-
Finding out that a friend wrote on his Linkedin profile that his new job is: "none at all, free as a bird". He is 10-15 years older than I am, so somewhere near fifty-five or sixty. I think he just went off with RE. Good for him.
Wow! Congrats to your friend!
-
My dog.
Her enthusiasm for a new day every morning.
How she can't walk because her tail is going TOO HARD when we come home at night.
How she makes the perfect pillow/arm rest/cuddle buddy.
Her old man grumbles when she's tired and cranky.
Her going to sleep dog noises.
Yep, basically my dog 24/7.
-
Coarse sugar? Haven't seen that one before I think. Was it the same thick pancake-like structure? Maybe it was just a simpler version indeed. This time I used cheese + nutella + peanuts as a topping, yum.
I was thinking of the thin oiled dough thing usually spelled murtabak, except with sugar. And now I realize that's usually called Roti Canai. So now I have to make and eat both versions!
-
Rain. Warm, gentle soft rain. All day.
-
Rain. Warm, gentle soft rain. All day.
Farm girl. This is one of my absolute favourite things.
-
And coupled with the rain - petrichor! (I just learnt this word and have been longing to use it)
-
I have some (free) zucchini from a friend's garden. We didn't have the energy to grow zucchini this year (we just did tomatoes) so it was really nice to get a surplus from someone else's yard. DH is now turning the zucchini into zucchini fritters. YUM
-
And coupled with the rain - petrichor! (I just learnt this word and have been longing to use it)
Keep on using it and make it your own. :)
-
And coupled with the rain - petrichor! (I just learnt this word and have been longing to use it)
Keep on using it and make it your own. :)
Petrichor is both the best word and best smell.
-
And coupled with the rain - petrichor! (I just learnt this word and have been longing to use it)
Keep on using it and make it your own. :)
Petrichor is both the best word and best smell.
We should have a Word of the Day thread.
-
I would love to claim it, but the honour belongs to Aussies!
https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/.../petrichor-the-smell-of-rain.pdf
-
oops looks like that link doesnt work, try this
https://theconversation.com/the-smell-of-rain-how-csiro-invented-a-new-word-39231
-
Broccoli roasted with garlic and salt.
-
Skyping with an old friend and feeling your heart grow.
-
Pytt i panna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyttipanna
-
Writing (and receiving) letters.
-
Broccoli roasted with garlic and salt.
YES.
Also:
- listening to rain fall at night while lying in bed
- rising at 5am on the weekend to enjoy silence and coffee alone
- re-reading an old favorite book I haven’t read in a few years
- helping someone out. I love helping friends move, babysitting on short notice, supporting someone’s art in all forms, etc
- giving and receiving a good hug
-
Feeling connected to other people.
Being proud of myself for some good reason.
-
A slow weekend without commitments and errands. Cooked my own food. Slowly. Even went to the library to borrow a poetry book. :)
-
A Slurpee, taken occasionally, perhaps once per month. I guess that's true of any treat. The rarity makes it more enjoyable. Ooh, a strawberry cream slush from Sonic is heavenly, but more expensive.
You know what is the best food ever invented? Frozen grapes. Seriously. Try it sometime. They're as easy to eat as popcorn, and way tastier than any candy.
A slow weekend without commitments and errands. Cooked my own food. Slowly. Even went to the library to borrow a poetry book. :)
We just got back from vacation, and had a Saturday with almost no schedule. It was awesome. We took the kids to a matinee of The Greatest Showman. All 8 of us got to watch it and we spent less than $30.
-
Washing my own car, for some reason it's relaxing for me.
-
Working at a different location than normal where they do have decent cappucino WITH cacao to sprinkle over it :D
-
Even though a yearly check with the dentist is not exactly cheap, hearing him tell that my teeth are strong and healthy, makes me feel good. It certainly makes me happy not having to come back to get some holes drilled in my teeth.
-
Washing my own car, for some reason it's relaxing for me.
Very much this!
-
Even though a yearly check with the dentist is not exactly cheap, hearing him tell that my teeth are strong and healthy, makes me feel good. It certainly makes me happy not having to come back to get some holes drilled in my teeth.
Preventative care is definitely cheaper than fixing problems later!!
-
Watching the Olympics
-
Taking warm laundry out of the dryer
Leaving the library with heaps of new books :)
-
Watching the Olympics
Did you see any of the half-pipe? What they can do is just sick :)
-
A free private tour of a local cave (my dh's family owned the cave/land for many, many years. The cave was closed up when they sold the land in the late 90's, and just opened up again a few years ago by the new owners. A local teacher has written a book about the cave's history - my husband's included in the book. :) I had never been to the cave, although I'd heard plenty about it from dh over the years.)
During the tour of the cave - standing close enough to a hibernating bat that I could have easily reached out and touched it. I thought about taking a picture ... but wasn't sure if the flash would disturb it. The bat was really tiny - I could have cupped it in my hand.
-
Yoga. Just starting to discover how amazing it is.
-
During the tour of the cave - standing close enough to a hibernating bat that I could have easily reached out and touched it. I thought about taking a picture ... but wasn't sure if the flash would disturb it. The bat was really tiny - I could have cupped it in my hand.
Cute. I would love to watch a bat sitting still some time. I have only seen them flying around in the very dark when they look like birds, but flying irregularly.
-
Watching the Olympics
Did you see any of the half-pipe? What they can do is just sick :)
As a Dutchie most of the broadcasts focus on ice-skating but yes I've watched quite a bit of the half pipe too! Love it :)
-
Finally, 20 years after moving to this country, I have borrowed my first library book. I had registered online some time ago, but didn't manage to log in online. I found out that the library has really long opening hours. So today I went there and got help to log in. Ordered the book I want to borrow in the future, but need to wait for. And borrowed 2 books that I can read during next week's vacation. All for free.
-
During the tour of the cave - standing close enough to a hibernating bat that I could have easily reached out and touched it. I thought about taking a picture ... but wasn't sure if the flash would disturb it. The bat was really tiny - I could have cupped it in my hand.
Cute. I would love to watch a bat sitting still some time. I have only seen them flying around in the very dark when they look like birds, but flying irregularly.
It was very cool. :)
-
Chocolate rice pudding
-
1. Staying in my Pajamas
2. Drinking green tea
3. Sleeping in
4. Travel hacking
5. Listening to podcasts/watching Netflix/reading kindle books from the library
6. Being snowed in
7. Going to hotsprings
8. Gardening
9. Spending time with all of our animals
-
Birdwatching from the comfort of my own home - FREE :)
There's a house finch couple that has been sleeping right outside my front door every night for over a week now. There's a spot underneath the porch roof that's big enough for the two to comfortably sit. My front door has little windows at the top and I can see them through it. They can see me watching them through those same windows when they arrive at dusk, but don't seem to mind. I'm super excited about the idea of them possibly building a nest there and having some eggs/cute little babies I can watch grow up. I am fine with cleaning up bird poop off of my porch for this!
-
An awesome breakfast cooked at home.
An outdoor nap after a good hike!
-
Looking out my window in the early morning or late afternoon, when shadows are long and the landscape looks gorgeous
THIS! We purchased a house with wooded conservation land behind us and it's so damn beautiful!
-
Yesterday I made croissants from Antonio Bachour's "Bachour the Baker" cookbook. It's a beautiful cookbook I got for Christmas from my husband. This was my second attempt at a laminated dough, the first one was a mid-summer disaster in 2013. End results from last night were not so beautiful as my shaping leaves much to be desired, but they were delicious. Good thing I have 28 more in the freezer, waiting for their second proof, egg wash, and bake!
-
Coarse sugar? Haven't seen that one before I think. Was it the same thick pancake-like structure? Maybe it was just a simpler version indeed. This time I used cheese + nutella + peanuts as a topping, yum.
I was thinking of the thin oiled dough thing usually spelled murtabak, except with sugar. And now I realize that's usually called Roti Canai. So now I have to make and eat both versions!
Mmmm...did someone say Roti Canai? I will eat most kinds of Roti but Roti Canai's layers of oily goodness is definitely my favourite. Especially with dahl. Although I have never let go of my childhood love of dipping it in dahl curry followed by coarse sugar. DELICIOUS! And dirt cheap.
Nowadays we usually eat tandoori naan from Costco (extremely cheap and easily accessible). Best pan fried with a bit of coconut oil and a sprinkle of rosemary.
Sent from my STH100-1 using Tapatalk
-
Bar Keeper's Friend. My stainless steel pots and pans get so gleamy when I use it on them. It costs $2 for a canister that lasts a long time.
-
Sitting on the back deck and watching my son play on an unseasonably warm day.
-
Oddly enough a good corn broom and steel dustpan.
-
Banana nut muffins - there's just something so magical about turning old mushy bananas into a delicious treat.
-
Listening to my budgies sing in the morning.
They're so adorable!
-
Finding a new accessible green space in a busy city.
(Simpson Park in Miami, if you were wondering.)
-
Sitting on the back deck and watching my son play on an unseasonably warm day.
+1
Had an amazing Saturday watching all the neighborhood kids bike, rollerblade and scooter around. Chatted with the neighbors and enjoyed the early spring.
-
Sitting on the porch early in the morning listening to the night sounds (owls and tree frogs) transition to morning birdsong.
Mild spring weather that is just right. Sleeping with the windows open for the first time since last fall.
Working outside til you're tired and dirty, then coming inside for a warm shower and drying off with a clean fluffy towel.
The Mary Worth comic strip.
-
Slowly...... VERY slowly cooking down maple sap into maple syrup. About 40 gallons will yield about 1 gallon of syrup, and will take about 20 hours to cook down. I am using the top of an old gas grill, taken off it's stand, and placed on the ground. I make 2 fires, 1 on each side, and use the middle to add wood. I used 2 old canning kettles that needed replacement as the containers to boil down the sap.
Gas grill was literally garbage, and the wood I am using is from 3 maple trees that came from our rental property. They were dropping limbs onto the roof and needed to be taken down. I was going to be charged $750 to haul the wood away, so I split it myself and hauled it to my home. I figure it is about 5 or 6 full cords.
Total cost was the gas to split and haul it, but I "saved" $750 by taking the wood instead of paying to have it hauled away.
I must admit it feels a little cannibalistic to make maple syrup with maple wood, but what a great day outdoors, and maple syrup...YUM :)
-
Beware the Maple Syrup Federation!
(Just watched Dirty Money on Netflix. The episode about the Maples Syrup Heist)
-
Beware the Maple Syrup Federation!
(Just watched Dirty Money on Netflix. The episode about the Maples Syrup Heist)
Wow.... I never knew. I think I should switch to cooking down milk instead of sap. You know... for the safety of the family :)
Somehow, I don't think it will taste the same.
-
Friends who really "get it" and you can just be honest with about the crappy stuff as well as the good.
Husband coming home on time or even early!!
-
The rain dumping on Sydney over the past couple of days.
Glorious.
-
Spending a week in our mountain cabin with really good weather and good snow for cross country skiing.
Being allowed to fill up our cans with drinking water at the neighbouring farm.
Seeing 3 mooses right in front of our cabin for half an hour. Seeing 2 more mooses during a ski trip. Seeing lots of birds: the usual suspects at our feeding tray, but also quite a few rock ptarmigans during ski trips and an overflying western capercaillie and a unidentified predator bird.
-
- Snagging a cheap bargain.
- Cheap delicious food and shopping on holidays in Malaysia.
- My weekly Friday/Saturday night take out at my favourite Malaysian restaurant where the food actually tastes like home (however I do not enjoy the massive queues for tables or take away... but I guess that's the price of being popular and serving authentic cuisine)
- Organising and/or attending church events
- Free lectures
- Free concerts
- Library books
- Free movies from the library
-
Trued up my bike's back wheel in anticipation of riding it to work.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=truing+rear+bike+wheel+zip+ties
-
Coffee prices in Italy (€1.50 for a cappuccino compared to the €2.50 I pay at home)
-
100% germination from a $3 packet of basil seeds. Its late in the season, but I'm hoping for a long mild autumn, and a few more months of fresh pesto.
-
Filing my tax return and see how much I get back this year :)
-
Today I did something illegal. I want to own a certain out of print book that is very popular amongst my group of people. It is not possible to buy second hand, because there are so few copies left and the publisher doesn't want to print more copies or sell the right to someone else.
I was able to borrow the book from the library and spent a few hours at work after working hours to scan it as pdf file. 700 pages... Now I finally have my own copy in digital version, which is much better than not having it, as it all about the content and not the book itself.
-
Netflix. 8.99 per month.
Walking habit I'm creating. 10k steps a day.
-
Today I did something illegal. I want to own a certain out of print book that is very popular amongst my group of people. It is not possible to buy second hand, because there are so few copies left and the publisher doesn't want to print more copies or sell the right to someone else.
I was able to borrow the book from the library and spent a few hours at work after working hours to scan it as pdf file. 700 pages... Now I finally have my own copy in digital version, which is much better than not having it, as it all about the content and not the book itself.
I want to know the topic!!
-
Sunrise and sunset.
Home-cooked meals, cooked by others ;) and made with love.
Walks by the ocean.
Blogging.
Selling stuff I own.
High quality cotton products.
-
This week, while it's been warm enough during the day to melt the snow, and cold enough at night for the runoff to refreeze: there are tons of little "ice shelfs" and cool frozen ice bubbles along the road and sidewalk. Perfect for me and my 6-year-old to crunch / stomp on the walk to and from school. Makes me feel like a kid again.
It's a little like crunching fallen leaves in the autumn but WAY more satisfying!!
-
Today I did something illegal. I want to own a certain out of print book that is very popular amongst my group of people. It is not possible to buy second hand, because there are so few copies left and the publisher doesn't want to print more copies or sell the right to someone else.
I was able to borrow the book from the library and spent a few hours at work after working hours to scan it as pdf file. 700 pages... Now I finally have my own copy in digital version, which is much better than not having it, as it all about the content and not the book itself.
I want to know the topic!!
A thick mushroom book with Norwegian text and good pictures. The best mushroom book available in Norway. Considered "the bible". Out of print since 2001.
-
A sick day spent wallowing under clean crisp sheets and all the hot tea hubs can make
-
Watchin the sunset from the train.
-
This morning I pressed coffee from freshly-ground beans, made French toast from good sourdough bread (with cinnamon in the batter), then topped it with real butter and good maple syrup. Then I took my time eating breakfast and drinking coffee while reading the news.
-
The $1 Big Mac I ate for lunch today!
-
Perhaps this will make other crazy cat ladies and their cats happy!
Did you know there are videos on YouTube for cats? I turn them up on my Roku TV and my cats are enthralled. They are especially fond of Paul Dinning’s channel. There are peacocks, budgies, bald eagles, all kinds of beautiful and sweet sounding nature to enjoy in your living room with your house panthers. Makes me happy, makes my cats happy.
-
Perhaps this will make other crazy cat ladies and their cats happy!
Did you know there are videos on YouTube for cats? I turn them up on my Roku TV and my cats are enthralled. They are especially fond of Paul Dinning’s channel. There are peacocks, budgies, bald eagles, all kinds of beautiful and sweet sounding nature to enjoy in your living room with your house panthers. Makes me happy, makes my cats happy.
YouTube videos, in general, are pretty freaking awesome! Check out the Slow Mo Guys: https://m.youtube.com/user/theslowmoguys/playlists?shelf_id=9&sort=dd&view=50
-
Fika with a friend. And "fika" beeing the Swedish term for a cup of coffe, preferably with something sweet on the side... :)
-
Free cappuccino from the building next door (my own building doesn't have cappuccino in their coffee machine)
-
Vanilla almond milk. $3 makes me 10 days' worth of mock vanilla lattes. Coffee makes me happy. Vanilla lattes make me happier.
-
The first few cuts on brand new fabric shears. My husband keeps using my fabric-only scissors on paper and other things, which does not make me happy.
I also love flooring it on my sewing machine. I don't get to floor it in my car too often, so the desire is fulfilled in the comfort of my home. Going full-speed on a sewing machine while listening to my favorite Swedish melodic death metal band makes me feel like less of a granny.
-
The first few cuts on brand new fabric shears. My husband keeps using my fabric-only scissors on paper and other things, which does not make me happy.
How annoying. Do you have enough normal scissors available in convenient places? If he can easily find a proper scissors, he might not look for yours. And can you write the work "sew" on yours?
-
Blowing bubbles. On a recent warm, springlike day, I went out in the sunshine and blew bubbles with one of those plastic wand thingies. I always keep some of that stuff around, and no, we don't have any children. :)
-
Broccoli. Why do I so often forget how much I love it?
-
Weather warming up, rode my bike two days in a row.
-
The first few cuts on brand new fabric shears. My husband keeps using my fabric-only scissors on paper and other things, which does not make me happy.
That was one of two truths universally accepted in my house growing up.
I could borrow my mum's sewing scissors, but if it wasn't for fabric, thread, ribbon, or interfacing, she would put me up for adoption.
(The other was that she would always win the "who can play their music the loudest" competition.)
My only suggestion - if you can't get him to respect your scissors - is to hide them. Leave an old pair where he knows where they are, then hide the new ones.
-
The first few cuts on brand new fabric shears. My husband keeps using my fabric-only scissors on paper and other things, which does not make me happy.
That was one of two truths universally accepted in my house growing up.
I could borrow my mum's sewing scissors, but if it wasn't for fabric, thread, ribbon, or interfacing, she would put me up for adoption.
(The other was that she would always win the "who can play their music the loudest" competition.)
My only suggestion - if you can't get him to respect your scissors - is to hide them. Leave an old pair where he knows where they are, then hide the new ones.
This (https://www.thriftyfun.com/Protecting-Your-Sewing-Scissors-1.html) is also an option. :-)
-
The first few cuts on brand new fabric shears. My husband keeps using my fabric-only scissors on paper and other things, which does not make me happy.
That was one of two truths universally accepted in my house growing up.
I could borrow my mum's sewing scissors, but if it wasn't for fabric, thread, ribbon, or interfacing, she would put me up for adoption.
(The other was that she would always win the "who can play their music the loudest" competition.)
My only suggestion - if you can't get him to respect your scissors - is to hide them. Leave an old pair where he knows where they are, then hide the new ones.
This (https://www.thriftyfun.com/Protecting-Your-Sewing-Scissors-1.html) is also an option. :-)
I'm seriously contemplating a padlock, I want to keep these new. I don't know what goes through his noggin when he's using our other scissors around the house, but he feels the need to hide them. We can almost never find our "all purpose" scissors when we need them. It's like how I have a second set of cheap knives for him to use in the kitchen because he isn't allowed to use my Wusthof collection after I found them dirty and dull days after he used them. I'm very protective of my sharp things.
-
The first few cuts on brand new fabric shears. My husband keeps using my fabric-only scissors on paper and other things, which does not make me happy.
That was one of two truths universally accepted in my house growing up.
I could borrow my mum's sewing scissors, but if it wasn't for fabric, thread, ribbon, or interfacing, she would put me up for adoption.
(The other was that she would always win the "who can play their music the loudest" competition.)
My only suggestion - if you can't get him to respect your scissors - is to hide them. Leave an old pair where he knows where they are, then hide the new ones.
This (https://www.thriftyfun.com/Protecting-Your-Sewing-Scissors-1.html) is also an option. :-)
I'm seriously contemplating a padlock, I want to keep these new. I don't know what goes through his noggin when he's using our other scissors around the house, but he feels the need to hide them. We can almost never find our "all purpose" scissors when we need them. It's like how I have a second set of cheap knives for him to use in the kitchen because he isn't allowed to use my Wusthof collection after I found them dirty and dull days after he used them. I'm very protective of my sharp things.
http://irishmammies.ie/product/good-scissors-tea-towel/
-
Bringing spaghetti souffle to work. I made it on the weekend using a few eggs, some flour and some milk and butter. Soooo good warmed up in the microwave.
-
Today at work we got the question whether anyone wanted to join a free first aid course after lunch. The course is organized by another division, but they have some places left for us to jump in. I volunteered and got accepted. I think this is a good personal skill to have. And I could use an update after my previous first aid course at the age of 10.
-
Chatting to neighbours while I garden by the footpath. I really like knowing most of the neighbourhood and counting a lot of them as good friends.
-
My Friday night swim - the quietest hour of the week usually.
-
Listening to music on a nearly empty bus.
-
Listening to music on a nearly empty bus.
My train of thought on reading this:
Ooh, I wonder if @HappierAtHome is back at work.
*Checks post history, finds new journal*
First day back!
Hope it went well in addition to bus party. :)
-
Listening to music on a nearly empty bus.
My train of thought on reading this:
Ooh, I wonder if @HappierAtHome is back at work.
*Checks post history, finds new journal*
First day back!
Hope it went well in addition to bus party. :)
Thanks @mustachepungoeshere - it was an excellent first day back! :D
-
Chopping vegetables with a freshly sharpened chef's knife.
Early morning toddler snuggles.
Coffee and toast from homemade bread, with Kerrygold butter and good local honey.
-
Homemade bread. So cheap and so delicious.
Eating a home-cooked meal that tastes as good as (or better than) a restaurant meal - this always make me happy because I feel pride in something I made, I save a bunch of money, and it tastes good!
I agree. There’s nothing better than homemade bread. I’ll add pizza dough to this list which is basically flat bread. I love the way a properly fermented and hydrated pizza dough looks and feels. It’s soft and supple like a floured butt cheek. The taste and consistency we get from our dough is better than any pizza shop within an hours drive. People have offered to pay us to make them pizza and deliver it to them. Yup, I’m totally bragging about my pizza skills.
Bread & dough = pure cheap happiness
-
Received a message from my boyfriend that he would cook my favourite curry and special pasta on next Wednesday after a hard working day <3
-
Early morning toddler snuggles.
^^ So much this.
-
Early morning toddler snuggles.
^^ So much this.
+20 MILLION!!!
Some people would say this is expensive, but I say: Maybe the toddler is expensive but once you've got 'em the snuggles are free!
-
I also love flooring it on my sewing machine. I don't get to floor it in my car too often, so the desire is fulfilled in the comfort of my home. Going full-speed on a sewing machine while listening to my favorite Swedish melodic death metal band makes me feel like less of a granny.
I love learning that there are others who get a thrill from revving their sewing machines, and doubly so at the notion of melodic Swedish death metal! @ElizaStache, what's the band?
Yesterday I made a gardening apron out of an old curtain, and today I got to enjoy home made bread with home made wine - the luxury abounds!
@Sun Hat I was listening to Amon Amarth's album Fate of Norns and then went on to listen to Hypocrisy's album Virus. Metal and sewing go together very well for me.
-
Slow rains and sounds of wet tires on the pavement. Managed to do this myself - bike tires on a wet road, slow rain and nobody else around. Fenders are a good thing.
-
Sharing my illegally scanned book in pdf form with a friend who also wanted the book and who was planning to maybe steal it from the library. At least I prevented a bigger crime...
-
I like collecting live audience recordings of my favorite bands. The computer and internet access I have anyway, so it's cheap to hunt for recordings and download them.
Favorite artists are Prince, Steely Dan, Tower of Power, Deerhoof, Mike Watt, and Zeppelin/Floyd of course.
And the best part is I get to listen to them while I organise it all and make/find custom album art and such. There's something about organizing stuff...
-
Fresh air and sunshine on the trail with my dog.
-
Found and finally tried Wiley Wallaby red licorice at the dollar store (so a dollar for a bag). Oh, my god, where has this been all my life? I'll never be able to eat Twizzlers again.
-
Rolling out my back on a foam roller every night before bed. I've had ongoing back problems for years, and while this doesn't solve it . . . it feels so great & does help. See also: rolling out after a hard run as well.
-
Pencils and notebooks. They aren't cheap compared to stuff you buy at Staples in bulk, but they're cheap in an absolute sense. Bonus: they also help me stay organized, which keeps the money coming in.
Also, coffee (Hairo V60!).
-
I just had a McDonald's ice cream cone for under a dollar a few days ago. I rarely get a sweet tooth, but for whatever crazy reason that just sounded awesome. God, don't judge me.
-
Rolling out my back on a foam roller every night before bed. I've had ongoing back problems for years, and while this doesn't solve it . . . it feels so great & does help. See also: rolling out after a hard run as well.
I do this too, every day. I roll out on it, but also turn it lengthwise and lie on it awhile with my arms flung out sideways. Stretches out my shoulders, which get pulled forward from desk work. That roller was one of my best purchases ever.
-
Vegemite toast.
-
Crocheting while cheaply streaming my favorite British tv shows.
-
Watching the ginormous storm roll in (we are in a very arid climate, so each precious drop of water is viewed with hungry anticipation). The leading edge of this storm is quite ominous.
Not just cheap, but totally free.
-
Spreadsheets ;-)
+1 for thunderstorms and we need one right now
-
Rolling out my back on a foam roller every night before bed. I've had ongoing back problems for years, and while this doesn't solve it . . . it feels so great & does help. See also: rolling out after a hard run as well.
I do this too, every day. I roll out on it, but also turn it lengthwise and lie on it awhile with my arms flung out sideways. Stretches out my shoulders, which get pulled forward from desk work. That roller was one of my best purchases ever.
I find that i get the best chest/shoulder extension by running it so the majority of the length is under my shoulders & just lay there for a few deep breaths. i agree - it feels incredible.
-
Home made pasta.
Craving some right now.
-
Cheesy old-school horror movies, watched with family or friends. We just watched "Salem's Lot" (miniseries version) last night. Fun!
-
Sawdust. Washing the family car by hand.
-
Homemade worm compost that looks like chocolate cake
The sound of rain on the roof of a parked car
Picking up trash and recyclable cans while out walking
-
Receiving cute photos of my baby and husband hanging out together during my work day. I'm happy to be working, they're happy to be together, everyone wins!
-
Oh, and I cannot post this frequently enough: CHOCOLATE.
-
Oh, and I cannot post this frequently enough: CHOCOLATE.
Even better: free after eight mints at work, during a tea/coffee break at Friday 2pm.
-
Having a whole week off for Easter holiday the coming week. Staying at our own cabin with lots of snow and wildlife like moose.
Cabins are not cheap, but if you already own one, you'd better use it a lot so the fixed cost can be divided over more days.
-
Having a whole week off for Easter holiday the coming week. Staying at our own cabin with lots of snow and wildlife like moose.*
Cabins are not cheap, but if you already own one, you'd better use it a lot so the fixed cost can be divided over more days.
* I saw what you did there ;-). Hope you have a great week at your frugal-ish cabin!
-
Paying compliments to strangers.
Renewing my library books online.
The combo of chocolate and peanut butter.
Washing my hair.
A day nap.
Thrift store finds of things you kind of need - like my set of several tea cups for $5!! I have already used them to host one “high tea” which is much cheaper than going out for the high tea experience :)
Closet apps like “smart closet” (free) and “style book” (like $5).
Watching “the good wife” on Netflix (again).
Hugs from people I love.
Chats with old friends. Feeling KNOWN.
Candy crush.
Clean teeth feeling.
-
Freshly baked biscuits and a cup of tea.
-
Daffodils blooming in the median on my way to work. They're just such happy flowers :)
-
Watching my cat chase a ping pong ball all over the house.
I took him in after a neighbor abandoned him. Getting him healthy again is an ongoing journey, but seeing him doing regular "cat stuff" like chasing a ping pong ball or picking a favorite toy and carrying it around in his mouth, makes my heart smile! And all his toys were hand-me-downs from family members with cats!
-
-Watching my kids laugh & have fun at soccer
-A hot cup of tea, snuggled up on the sofa reading a book
-
Freshly laundered sheets.
-
Our chocolate share among co-workers.
-
being able to walk down to my basement shelves and choose something yummy that I preserved from my garden. Tomato soup tonight!
-
Pulling a large batch of frozen white bean and chicken chili from the freezer when I don’t feel like cooking. Even better when there’s enough for dinner and lunches the next day.
Coming home from my morning gym routine to breakfast and coffee ready for me, made by the sweetest husband anyone could ever ask for
Finding expensive books available electronically via the library
Making meals for friends at their house instead of going out to dinner. Spend no money out and am not ever expected to clean up! (Though I do anyway)
Sparkling water with lime in it. Why is it so refreshing?
-
Watching a great film on Netflix.
-
A morning walk with a friend as late summer slides gently into autumn. Trees beside the river are just starting to colour up, and the air is soft and warm, with rain on the way.
-
Exchanging "where the really discounted stuff is" tips with strangers at the supermarket.
Lemon grass tea.
Going to bed early, turning down the heat, and piling on the quilts.
-
I just had a McDonald's ice cream cone for under a dollar a few days ago. I rarely get a sweet tooth, but for whatever crazy reason that just sounded awesome. God, don't judge me.
I’m too busy trying not to react to the Vegemite toast. 😊
As for me, I love coffee and a good book.
-
- A free trial of Stan to re-watch a TV series I've been thinking about
- Looking at how much I've progressed with running over the past six months
- Running of an evening and smelling wood fire smoke (though the Mustachian part of my brain is saying, It's March, it's not even close to being cold...)
-
Free chocolates in the coffee room at work :D
-
Forum babies and forum mamas
-
Cross country skiing trails in the mountains with a beautiful view in good weather, nice temperature and little wind and very few people.
-
Signing up for a free trial of CBS All Access, finding out it's more like CBS Very Limited Access - including NOT having full episodes of Person of Interest (which is what you signed up for ...) Then going to Netflix and searching for something else, and up pops Person of Interest all 5 seasons!
(I just hadn't seen Season 5.) So ... now am watching them for no extra cost.
-
Reading on my patio.
-
Free vintage linens to turn into little girl's dresses.
Making things, nice things, I want or need from cheap or free things.
Saving money by DIY, and feeling so much pride from a successful result. This thrills me so much.
-
Daffodils blooming in the median on my way to work. They're just such happy flowers :)
The cheeriest!!
-
Our chocolate share among co-workers.
Tell me more about this, please! :D
-
Watching a great film on Netflix.
...such as??
-
Geocaching. A free app and a smartphone with GPS is all that's needed. DW and I found a surprise cache walking up to the store to get milk today -- made us both smile!
-
Taking a walk with my family to the riverwalk near our house. Aaaahhh, spring!
-
Watching a great film on Netflix.
...such as??
Just watched Annihilation. So good!
-
The Little Free Libraries (take a book, leave a book) all around my neighborhood. https://littlefreelibrary.org/
Just found a memoir of a paleontologist and read it this afternoon. Tomorrow while walking the dogs, I'll take it and a decluttered book to a different Little Free Library to keep things moving around.
-
The Little Free Libraries (take a book, leave a book) all around my neighborhood. https://littlefreelibrary.org/
Oh I LOVE my local Little Free Libraries! There are a heap within walking distance of my house :D
-
Free stuff makes me happy. like free coffee and free breakfast in the office
-
- A cup of homemade cold brew coffee with some oven-baked french toast, using up the halfprice raisin turkish bread, topped with fresh banana, maple syrup & walnuts. So many gold stars for my husband and my son for this one today :)
- The dog-and-child friendly park out back of our house- we get to see all the people and dogs going to and from, and there are generally some pups that would welcome a pat and a ball-throw. Last weekend there was a free blues concert there from 3-6 and it was such a lovely atmosphere and great crowd.
- This morning's workout on the homegym we found on the last hard rubbish day.
-
Listening to podcasts while cleaning the kitchen.
-
The sunsets I can watch right from my window every day. If they're exceptionally pretty I get out onto my balcony to take pictures.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUgvAoTzWBA
-
Friends doing silly, cool April Fools pranks.
Free DVDs of a series I'd been meaning to show Mr Happier, via Buy Nothing.
-
Just discovered I only drank half my beer with supper a half hour ago, so that's like free beer, right? :)
-
Game night at a co-worker with potluck food and leftover beers from his birthday last month.
-
Visiting my Nana. She's almost 90. We sit and chat and do jigsaw puzzles together. She can no longer do them easily herself but she always has one set up for me to work on while I'm there.
-
A thing at work: doing a test together with a developer on the other side of the world and discovering that the many major issues we found were not that bad after all and most had a logical explanation.
-
The Decorah eagle cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
-
The Decorah eagle cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
This is awesome! We have a bald eagle nest within view of our house, but it is up in a tree so we don't get this fabulous "in the nest" view! Our eagles also seem to have at least one fledgling - we see the adult feeding something in the nest.
-
The Decorah eagle cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
This is awesome! We have a bald eagle nest within view of our house, but it is up in a tree so we don't get this fabulous "in the nest" view! Our eagles also seem to have at least one fledgling - we see the adult feeding something in the nest.
It really is awesome -- totally addictive. We've been watching a lot the last few days; their last egg hatched late last night. This pair is very experienced -- they've been together since 2007, and the chick that hatched last night is #31 for them. :)
-
"Naked Ladies"
When we bought our house, 37 years ago, the guy next door kept a flower garden, in her yard, so the invalid woman who lived here could see them out her window. There were 5 Naked Lady clumps.
A Naked Lady is a very old fashioned plant, sprouts up a clump of leaves that look like daffodil leaves on speed, that die down about May.
Then in August, it sends up one stem, about 3 ft high, with 4-5 lily looking pink flowers on it.
I've been splitting the clumps in the fall, and now have 39 clumps growing. Some are old, will have 7 flower stems!
They have some official scientific name, but to me they are known as 'Naked Ladies" I walk outside a lot in the spring, usually with a smile on my face.
-
Waking up to a clean house.
-
I love doing things that normal people spend insane amounts of money on for free or close to it.
Examples of my recent exploits..
Removed three trees by climbing/delimbing first then felling. One was overhanging the house/barn and two were VERY close to 20kV overhead powerlines.
Redesigned and made parts for my Wife's late model car to get around serious design errors (the dealer simply replaces parts for $700 each time it fails.. which is about every 3 or 4 years).
Rinse/lather repeat on 3 issues.. all done for some ingenuity on my part.
New roofs on my three buildings.. I don't like it but its easy to do.
Built an entire boom sprayer rig for the tractor to be able to spray the 5 acre pasture for weeds.
Come to think of it I have never hired a contractor or mechanic.
-
Built an entire boom sprayer rig for the tractor to be able to spray the 5 acre pasture for weeds.
I've done this too for our 25 acre property. A salvaged landrover with no brakes or dashboard, an empty pallecon, about $50 worth of parts. It starts, runs and sprays!
-
Built an entire boom sprayer rig for the tractor to be able to spray the 5 acre pasture for weeds.
I've done this too for our 25 acre property. A salvaged landrover with no brakes or dashboard, an empty pallecon, about $50 worth of parts. It starts, runs and sprays!
Thats even more inventive.. Well done! I at least had the luxury of the three point hitch and a PTO..:)
-
The Decorah eagle cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
I am mesmerized!
-
cheap salsa dance lesson (free with canned food donation) and latin social dance night
-
The Decorah eagle cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
I am mesmerized!
Me too!
Thank you for sharing this @Trifele I watched last night, and first thing this morning thought "wonder how the eaglets are doing?"
-
The Decorah eagle cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
I am mesmerized!
Me too!
Thank you for sharing this @Trifele I watched last night, and first thing this morning thought "wonder how the eaglets are doing?"
Haha -- me too! The re-wind feature is cool. You can catch up on what you missed on the live stream. The nighttime infrared is neat too.
-
Page 15 of this topic
There's 'Basenji' and 'rosarugosa'
Before my car accident, I was active in breeding and showing basenjis. When I decided that I could breed in a way that would help the breed, I had to choose a kennel name. I chose Rugosa. (Basenjis have wrinkled foreheads, are considered one of the least domesticated breeds in the AKC and I wanted to retain the dogs quirks and wild spirit, while still being a welcome addition to a human family. )
I was also a flower gardener and knew that 'rosa rugosa' was the wild form of the rose - hardy, let them go and they'll take over. Rugosa refers to the wrinkled leaves.
My first show dog, my foundation bitch, was Rosa Rugosa. She was typical basenji, but with the temperament that I wanted to be the base of my kennel.
It made me smile seeing 'Basenji' and 'rosarugosa' on the same page, only a few messages apart.
-
Gathering wild edible plants (clover, dandelion, linden, rose, etc)
-
Gathering wild edible plants (clover, dandelion, linden, rose, etc)
In May I will be going to a course to learn this. I have a small book already, but I think some of the plants are a bit too similar. It will help to get some instructions.
-
Page 15 of this topic
There's 'Basenji' and 'rosarugosa'
Before my car accident, I was active in breeding and showing basenjis. When I decided that I could breed in a way that would help the breed, I had to choose a kennel name. I chose Rugosa. (Basenjis have wrinkled foreheads, are considered one of the least domesticated breeds in the AKC and I wanted to retain the dogs quirks and wild spirit, while still being a welcome addition to a human family. )
I was also a flower gardener and knew that 'rosa rugosa' was the wild form of the rose - hardy, let them go and they'll take over. Rugosa refers to the wrinkled leaves.
My first show dog, my foundation bitch, was Rosa Rugosa. She was typical basenji, but with the temperament that I wanted to be the base of my kennel.
It made me smile seeing 'Basenji' and 'rosarugosa' on the same page, only a few messages apart.
Hey WH, I'm glad I helped make you smile! RR has been my screen name and online identity since 2009 when I created a profile on Deadnet (a Grateful Dead site). My DH had used one of our garden pics for a profile pic (sunflower) and I was looking for a cool pic to use and found a nice shot of a RR from our garden. I decided that could also be my name since it sounded like a kind of cool Italian hippie chick, lol.
-
Page 15 of this topic
There's 'Basenji' and 'rosarugosa'
Before my car accident, I was active in breeding and showing basenjis. When I decided that I could breed in a way that would help the breed, I had to choose a kennel name. I chose Rugosa. (Basenjis have wrinkled foreheads, are considered one of the least domesticated breeds in the AKC and I wanted to retain the dogs quirks and wild spirit, while still being a welcome addition to a human family. )
My first show dog, my foundation bitch, was Rosa Rugosa. She was typical basenji, but with the temperament that I wanted to be the base of my kennel.
It made me smile seeing 'Basenji' and 'rosarugosa' on the same page, only a few messages apart.
Woof!
-
"Naked Ladies"
When we bought our house, 37 years ago, the guy next door kept a flower garden, in her yard, so the invalid woman who lived here could see them out her window. There were 5 Naked Lady clumps.
A Naked Lady is a very old fashioned plant, sprouts up a clump of leaves that look like daffodil leaves on speed, that die down about May.
Then in August, it sends up one stem, about 3 ft high, with 4-5 lily looking pink flowers on it.
I've been splitting the clumps in the fall, and now have 39 clumps growing. Some are old, will have 7 flower stems!
They have some official scientific name, but to me they are known as 'Naked Ladies" I walk outside a lot in the spring, usually with a smile on my face.
Wanting to see what these look like, I instantly thought, “Oh! I should google ‘Naked Ladies’”
HA! Guess I’ll just have to imagine them ;)
-
Page 15 of this topic
There's 'Basenji' and 'rosarugosa'
Before my car accident, I was active in breeding and showing basenjis. When I decided that I could breed in a way that would help the breed, I had to choose a kennel name. I chose Rugosa. (Basenjis have wrinkled foreheads, are considered one of the least domesticated breeds in the AKC and I wanted to retain the dogs quirks and wild spirit, while still being a welcome addition to a human family. )
I was also a flower gardener and knew that 'rosa rugosa' was the wild form of the rose - hardy, let them go and they'll take over. Rugosa refers to the wrinkled leaves.
My first show dog, my foundation bitch, was Rosa Rugosa. She was typical basenji, but with the temperament that I wanted to be the base of my kennel.
It made me smile seeing 'Basenji' and 'rosarugosa' on the same page, only a few messages apart.
Wow! That’s really special :)
The universe works in mysterious ways...
-
"Naked Ladies"
When we bought our house, 37 years ago, the guy next door kept a flower garden, in her yard, so the invalid woman who lived here could see them out her window. There were 5 Naked Lady clumps.
A Naked Lady is a very old fashioned plant, sprouts up a clump of leaves that look like daffodil leaves on speed, that die down about May.
Then in August, it sends up one stem, about 3 ft high, with 4-5 lily looking pink flowers on it.
I've been splitting the clumps in the fall, and now have 39 clumps growing. Some are old, will have 7 flower stems!
They have some official scientific name, but to me they are known as 'Naked Ladies" I walk outside a lot in the spring, usually with a smile on my face.
Wanting to see what these look like, I instantly thought, “Oh! I should google ‘Naked Ladies’”
HA! Guess I’ll just hdave to imagine them ;)
Belladonna Lilies
-
"Naked Ladies"
When we bought our house, 37 years ago, the guy next door kept a flower garden, in her yard, so the invalid woman who lived here could see them out her window. There were 5 Naked Lady clumps.
A Naked Lady is a very old fashioned plant, sprouts up a clump of leaves that look like daffodil leaves on speed, that die down about May.
Then in August, it sends up one stem, about 3 ft high, with 4-5 lily looking pink flowers on it.
I've been splitting the clumps in the fall, and now have 39 clumps growing. Some are old, will have 7 flower stems!
They have some official scientific name, but to me they are known as 'Naked Ladies" I walk outside a lot in the spring, usually with a smile on my face.
Wanting to see what these look like, I instantly thought, “Oh! I should google ‘Naked Ladies’”
HA! Guess I’ll just hdave to imagine them ;)
Belladonna Lilies
Heh thanks!!
-
Feijoa season, yum, yum! This may be a NZ thing, feijoas are a delicious autumn fruit that grows easily in many parts of the country. When they are in season they are so abundant people bring bucket loads to work, and share them round the neighbourhood. Feijoa crumble, feijoa muffins, feijoa chutney, feijoas everywhere. After month or two they are finished and its a year to wait until the next crop.
-
Bumping against a curious word and finding there's an extensive thread discussing it on Language Hat: http://languagehat.com/feijoa/
-
I don't normally buy books, but I bought $18 worth of books today. My library has a book sale every ~6 months and they sell donated hardbacks for $2 each and paperbacks for $1 each. These are generally extremely good condition, practically brand new in some cases. I buy books typically at every book sale to support the library. I feel I get tons of worth out of the library and I like to support them beyond just the local taxes I pay. I always budget myself to $20 for each sale, so I don't spend too much but get a bunch of things to read!
-
Not really happy, but makes me content: our second-hand bought composting bin is doing a good job with temperatures now being above 0C. When I open the lid and pour the contents from last winter around, the damp comes off. What lays under has already turned to black earth.
-
Evening walks with my family.
-
Not really happy, but makes me content: our second-hand bought composting bin is doing a good job with temperatures now being above 0C. When I open the lid and pour the contents from last winter around, the damp comes off. What lays under has already turned to black earth.
+1. Compost in general makes me very happy. I love the smell of a cooking batch of compost -- it's like the essence of life.
-
Going for an evening walk with my wife and adult daughter, and happening to stumble on one of my favourite singers, Missy Higgins, doing a sound check the night before her concert at a local beach. About 20 of us got a short impromptu concert, which we really really enjoyed. Missy Higgins seemed to like our feedback too. A pity the tickets were $140, or I may have been tempted to go to the concert.
-
I went to bed early last night and woke up refreshed and chipper. My cat curled up next to me and just as we were falling asleep, he gave one of those contented little sighs that completely melts my heart. :)
-
A good, not expensive meal, cooked by DH.
DH repaired a broken bifold door in our house by himself.
-
DH repaired a broken bifold door in our house by himself.
In the same vein, fixing a major problem with an inexpensive part, without having to call a technician or tradesman. For example, a week ago our water heater's relief valve started leaking severely. A quick trip to the hardware store and a $15 part fixed it. I was worried it would turn into an $800 water heater replacement at first. It's 12 years old, so I also ordered a new anode rod.
-
Practicing my violin! I played for 12 yrs, then took a 16 yr break, and am now getting back to it. I bought the Suzuki book and CD, but now so the practice I want is free.
-
Much-needed rain.
-
Much-needed rain.
I wish!
-
Much-needed rain.
I wish!
No rain for grey haters.
-
Much-needed rain.
I wish!
No rain for grey haters.
Hahahahahaha! Good one HaH!
-
Practicing my violin! I played for 12 yrs, then took a 16 yr break, and am now getting back to it. I bought the Suzuki book and CD, but now so the practice I want is free.
Thanks for this. I need to dust off my old violin and see what I can do. If you have an orchestra nearby that could be a fun little side gig! I still have my suzuki books and my kid is learning piano (future accompanist! ), so no reason not to play again.
-
Right now, spring cleaning and decluttering is making me happy.
-
Much-needed rain.
We missed the rain too. But Yay for cooler weather!
-
Finally hitting some cooler weather (25-28C!) and enjoying the fact that I am not in 7C torrential rain NZ right now.
-
Spending the day in front of the fire, as we get hammered by the first winter storm! Its been very cosy.
-
Spending the day in front of the fire, as we get hammered by the first winter storm! Its been very cosy.
Nice! So not hit by the power disruption? [My sister has been]
-
Sitting on our terrace, out of the wind, in the thin springtime sun, in the morning, watching the birds and a squirrel.
-
Pancakes for breakfast on Saturdays. Used up some sour milk and taste delicious!
-
Seeing the first blue flowers growing where the snow is gone.
Sitting with DH on a dock at the seaside, in the sun with no wind, relaxing.
It won't take too long now before the forest is snow free.
-
Free walking onion and leek starts from neighbors
-
My homemade chicken and vegetable curry with steamed rice and a nice bottle of craft beer for dinner.
A rum and Coke made with rum agricole, which is rum made from fresh sugar cane juice instead of refined sugar or molasses.
Eye contact, human touch, deep conversations. :)
-
Chicken corn soup made with the chicken carcass and leftover meat from dinner last night, an onion, carrots, celery, frozen corn and herbs from my garden.
-
The cool breeze finally blowing away the particles from the controlled burn-offs.
-
Carmelized onions and chickpeas with Maldon sea salt, made in my cast-iron skillet, is a cheap thing that makes me happy.
-
Black coffee and a good book on a early sunday morning. Today the book was "How Proust Can Change Your Life" by Alain de Botton".
-
Good advice and support from wonderful posters here.
-
I got myself a mint and cilantro plant yesterday and potted them. Now they're waiting to be eaten while being green and leafy and providing me with oxygen in my little room :). I hope I'll be able to make them survive for long and get many many mint teas, curries and spring rolls out of them.
If I'm succesfull I'm planning to expand to basic and parsley as well.
-
Butterflies. I just watched one emerge. ❤
-
I got myself a mint and cilantro plant yesterday and potted them. Now they're waiting to be eaten while being green and leafy and providing me with oxygen in my little room :). I hope I'll be able to make them survive for long and get many many mint teas, curries and spring rolls out of them.
If I'm succesfull I'm planning to expand to basic and parsley as well.
I planted a rosemary and oregano yesterday in a window box. They make me happy ever time I enter that room. Here's hoping they get enough sun in our little apartment!
-
I got myself a mint and cilantro plant yesterday and potted them. Now they're waiting to be eaten while being green and leafy and providing me with oxygen in my little room :). I hope I'll be able to make them survive for long and get many many mint teas, curries and spring rolls out of them.
If I'm succesfull I'm planning to expand to basic and parsley as well.
I planted a rosemary and oregano yesterday in a window box. They make me happy ever time I enter that room. Here's hoping they get enough sun in our little apartment!
Same here! Though I've read that mint should be an easy one, the cilantro will be more tricky. My balcony is facing the north so not a lot of sun and on the west side window there's a building only a few metres away so I'm also afraid they won't get enough sunlight :(
-
I got myself a mint and cilantro plant yesterday and potted them. Now they're waiting to be eaten while being green and leafy and providing me with oxygen in my little room :). I hope I'll be able to make them survive for long and get many many mint teas, curries and spring rolls out of them.
If I'm succesfull I'm planning to expand to basic and parsley as well.
I planted a rosemary and oregano yesterday in a window box. They make me happy ever time I enter that room. Here's hoping they get enough sun in our little apartment!
Same here! Though I've read that mint should be an easy one, the cilantro will be more tricky. My balcony is facing the north so not a lot of sun and on the west side window there's a building only a few metres away so I'm also afraid they won't get enough sunlight :(
We have planted basil and chives seeds in the kitchen. I hope that when the 50cms of snow in the garden have melted away that the parsley we planted last year will come up again. But it is much better to have herbs in the kitchen, then the threshold for using it is much lower.
Last year we also had spinach in the garden, which worked well.
-
DH and I love a good cup of coffee brewed at home. Our vice was to buy pricey coffee beans that delivered the perfect (to us) cup of coffee. But a little while ago, his coworker sold us a second hand large coffee roaster for a third of the normal price in perfect condition. Buying green beans from all over is SO MUCH CHEAPER, DH loves experimenting with roasting larger batches of coffee and it tastes absolutely divine.
-
DH and I love a good cup of coffee brewed at home. Our vice was to buy pricey coffee beans that delivered the perfect (to us) cup of coffee. But a little while ago, his coworker sold us a second hand large coffee roaster for a third of the normal price in perfect condition. Buying green beans from all over is SO MUCH CHEAPER, DH loves experimenting with roasting larger batches of coffee and it tastes absolutely divine.
May I ask what roaster you use? I just use a popcorn popper and things get so smoky! I wonder if a roaster is less intense.
~~~
I'm grateful for the existence of fandom communities. Wonderfully talented people write about characters I love, and it's all available for free.
A whole category of cheap things I love is kitchen equipment from the thrift shop. I've developed a collection of durable midcentury cookware and some modern appliances from Goodwill, estate sales and even trashpicking. We live in an abundant world.
-
DH and I love a good cup of coffee brewed at home. Our vice was to buy pricey coffee beans that delivered the perfect (to us) cup of coffee. But a little while ago, his coworker sold us a second hand large coffee roaster for a third of the normal price in perfect condition. Buying green beans from all over is SO MUCH CHEAPER, DH loves experimenting with roasting larger batches of coffee and it tastes absolutely divine.
May I ask what roaster you use? I just use a popcorn popper and things get so smoky! I wonder if a roaster is less intense...
We have been using the Behmor 1600 Plus Roaster: https://www.sweetmarias.com/product/behmor-1600-plus . It’s been great, incredibly easy for him to use and experiment with, quiet and does not turn our kitchen into a smoke pit.
He was originally using a small, handheld ceramic toaster which was fine but he had to make tiny batches at a time, there was chaff all over the kitchen and it was pretty smoky.
-
DH and I love a good cup of coffee brewed at home. Our vice was to buy pricey coffee beans that delivered the perfect (to us) cup of coffee. But a little while ago, his coworker sold us a second hand large coffee roaster for a third of the normal price in perfect condition. Buying green beans from all over is SO MUCH CHEAPER, DH loves experimenting with roasting larger batches of coffee and it tastes absolutely divine.
May I ask what roaster you use? I just use a popcorn popper and things get so smoky! I wonder if a roaster is less intense...
We have been using the Behmor 1600 Plus Roaster: https://www.sweetmarias.com/product/behmor-1600-plus . It’s been great, incredibly easy for him to use and experiment with, quiet and does not turn our kitchen into a smoke pit.
He was originally using a small, handheld ceramic toaster which was fine but he had to make tiny batches at a time, there was chaff all over the kitchen and it was pretty smoky.
Thank you!!
-
A batch of cottage pie (like shepherd’s pie but with good grass-fed ground beef), with a pound of turnips in place of a pound of potatoes in the mash layer to reduce the starch level. It was so good that I’ll do that from now on.
The sun came out for about an hour today.
Got a big box of sheet music for my summer choir (I’m the librarian so choir funds paid for the scores).
-
A batch of cottage pie (like shepherd’s pie but with good grass-fed ground beef), with a pound of turnips in place of a pound of potatoes in the mash layer to reduce the starch level. It was so good that I’ll do that from now on.
That sounds delicious! I frequently use mashed cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes for shepherds/cottage pie, but it hadn’t occurred to me to try turnips. Cauliflower can be expensive out of season and hard to find not wrapped in plastic, while I can get turnips in bulk. :-)
-
Taking a walk in the neighbourhood in the evening, picking up some garbage on my way home. I didn't plan it and didn't carry a garbage bag. Should be thinking about it next time.
The days are now getting very long, so I could start walking at half past 7 pm.
-
Going to a slide show on native woodland plants that will grow in my garden. Spring will come.
-
Finding treasures by thrifting, part of the fun and happiness is in the hunt! It makes me happy to re-home items that may have otherwise become trash. It makes me happy how inexpensivly I can make purchases. It also makes paying retail espescially painful. It makes me happy that I find unique items that beautify my wardrobe and home.
-
Our bread machine purchased for $6 at the local Goodwill. It has made us numerous loaves of whole wheat bread and pizza dough. I also love how healthy it is with so few ingredients versus supermarket bread...and the aroma it gives off, nothing better then entering the house and smelling the bread baking!
-
When you're feeling a bit deprived in a no grocery spending month, and then realize you have a paid day off and all the ingredients to make chocolate chip scones. Mmmmm
-
Yesterday, for the first time in months, I had my first walk in a snow free forest not so far from my house. The first wild flowers had appeared and some green grass was starting to grow. It felt good.
I saw that the forest close to my house also is becoming snow free. Things are really going fast now.
-
Taking the rubbish out to the bins on the street (large communal bins in Spain) and walking back to the house, looking down thr road to the sun sparkling off the sea.
Been here over two years and it never ceases to make me happy - when I was in the UK I was 2 hours from the sea :)
-
Helping a very lost elderly man and his equally elderly wife who doesn’t speak the local language find their way back home. Glad my parents made me learn four languages while growing up.
-
DH spent his day in a useful way, finding a good looking second hand induction plate and oven, for 150 dollars. These are going to replace the old fashioned and partly broken electric cooking top and old fashioned dirty oven that we have in our muntain cabin.
The induction top was very dirty and according to the seller this couldn't be cleaned. DH managed to clean it anyway.
-
Taking the rubbish out to the bins on the street (large communal bins in Spain) and walking back to the house, looking down thr road to the sun sparkling off the sea.
Been here over two years and it never ceases to make me happy - when I was in the UK I was 2 hours from the sea :)
That sounds amazing.
-
Watching an interesting movie, borrowed for free from the library.
-
Watching the sunrise from the home office my husband designed and built for me - nothing but windows on the south and east walls. Admittedly, the office was not cheap, but it's a sunk cost now, and sunrises are 100% free. :)
-
Wanted some irises in my yard, asked the neighborhood fb gardening group for resources and ended up with a neighbor sharing her plants for free. 1. I love sharing and generous neighbors 2. I now have yellow iris plants in my soggy corner of the yard. Landscaping my tiny plot of earth makes me happy.
-
The Decorah eagle cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
Thanks for sharing! I checked this out yesterday afternoon and now I'm sucked into the drama of their lives! Dad disappeared a week or so ago and the human monitors just called off the search for him and think he's never coming back. An unidentified male eagle is hanging around now and is possibly the cause of Dad's disappearance.
This is way better than The Bachelor or whatever drivel is on network TV now.
-
The Decorah eagle cam: https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
Thanks for sharing! I checked this out yesterday afternoon and now I'm sucked into the drama of their lives! Dad disappeared a week or so ago and the human monitors just called off the search for him and think he's never coming back. An unidentified male eagle is hanging around now and is possibly the cause of Dad's disappearance.
This is way better than The Bachelor or whatever drivel is on network TV now.
I've been sucked in too -- I've spent countless hours watching the last week. Personally, I don't think the unidentified male had anything to do with Dad's disappearance . . . I don't know why he disappeared, but this is migration time, and it is no wonder if a passing male heard Mom's cries, checked it out, and found no male was around. I would hang around too for that awesome territory at the fish hatchery, complete with a beautiful and accomplished female eagle.
Those two eagles had such a great run of it -- 11 seasons of success raising their babies. It is sad to see that ending, but the next chapter should be fascinating.
-
Listening to the birds in the flowering trees on my sunrise bike ride to work :)
Also, not freezing on said bike ride due to our current warm weather blip.
-
Hummingbird feeder - Hummy and Spud are so cute
-
The look on my 11 year old's face when he made a huge save as keeper at soccer. . . that smile! The look of pride. Loved everything about it.
-
Two years ago DH built a squirrel nesting case that hangs in a tree. Today there were two squirrels in that tree. One went in and out of the nesting case all the time. So maybe this year for the first time, we might get a nesting squirrel in it.
-
Co-worker offering me chocolate.
I wonder how many times I've written this in the thread already :D
-
Co-worker offering me chocolate.
I wonder how many times I've written this in the thread already :D
I write "chocolate" in this thread over and over again!
-
Baby having an extra long nap - I got so much done AND had a nice break with a cuppa :-)
-
Last night I replaced a power steering hose on my car, thus deferring the need to purchase a new car by some number of months. It cost about $20. I get a rush out of fixing things. :)
-
Walking to work in the sunshine. interesting work and pleasant colleagues.
-
Rediscovering a $50 home depot card which allowed DH and I to gather supplies for a small pathway project for around $20 out of pocket. That, and a beautiful day to do it on!
-
It's finally spring! For dinner, I made refried beans, pico de gallo, and corn tortillas from scratch, along with fresh chorizo from the local Mexican grocer. We ate the meal outside on our patio and enjoyed the sunshine and warm breeze.
-
Time with my Dad. I will likely outlive him by many decades; best to soak up all his awesomeness and love right now while we're both around to enjoy it.
-
Yesterday I picked a whole basket full of wild garlic leaves. I have been chopping it in the kitchen machine and put a whole bunch in the freezer to be frozen en cut into useful size blocks. Another bunch has been made into pure. I put the flowers in vinegar/sugar, as an experience, to be used in salads.
-
Star Magnolias and daffodils
-
Coming back home after being away and realising how great your life (and your own bed) is.
-
Coming back home after being away and realising how great your life (and your own bed) is.
this is it.
plus..lake-swimming
-
Coming back home after being away and realising how great your life (and your own bed) is.
this is it.
plus..lake-swimming
+1 for lake swimming.
-
The updated version of Your Money or Your Life is available as an eBook, and I’m second in line on the library waitlist. (The first version was only available as a hard copy, and I couldnt borrow it because I live overseas.)
-
Waking up this morning to the sound of the wood thrush singing. My favorite bird song -- so ethereal, so beautiful
-
Sorry this is OT but Freedomin5 how do you join a library when you live overseas? I'd love to get free library books on my device from my home town library but I assumed I couldn't since I'm in a different country.
-
I am currently doung a course of eating wild plants. Had my first course evening on Thursday. Yesterday and today I picked quite a lot of edible species that we are now trying out to eat, not too many at the time.
Downside about the course: the course book we got for free is the small book that I purchased last year. So now I have 2 similar books. I might put one at our cabin.
Other positiv thing: reading nice books from the library.
DH tried out his homebuilt packraft for the first time today and it worked well.
Going on a 4 day padling teip to Sweden on Thurday to Sunday. It is about 2 hours driving. We bring our own canoe and own dried trip food and sleep in our tent in the free nature. A reasonably priced trip.
-
Learning to recognize trees. I have learned two new ones this weekend. I am using an app on my phone.
-
Sitting on the porch and hearing nothing but birdsong, bugs, and the wind in the trees. We sometimes get a little road sound in the distance in winter, but nothing once the trees leaf out. The leaves muffle sound at a distance, I guess,
-
Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk <3
-
Watching the honeybees forage on our borage flowers
Lemon-creme nasturtiums
Scrolling Twitter
-
Taking up a sick day (which does not cost me anything at all). Yesterday morning I felt lousy and called in sick. Spent my day picking up a library book, studying several library books and taking notes of them, packing trip gear for a trip on Thursday, looking for mushrooms around my house, baking a pie of wild plants.
If was pretty tempting this morning to call in for a second sick day, despite for feeling fine. But as usual I have too much of a conscience to do that.
-
Walking around the lake in the park with my wife and dog.
-
Sprouting seeds in the window.
Playing in the dirt... I'm headed out to till the garden this morning. :)
-
Sent a history article to a nearby friend. He said "oh yes, I have a signed copy of the book the article referenced." Want to read it?
"Why yes, thank you."
-
Came back from 12 days' of travelling to find that all of our seeds have come up. I love those little ragged lines of different shades of green at this time of year.
-
I love that because of Overdrive, a friend can recommend a good book and I can be reading it within minutes (for free! Or at least fir the small percentage of my taxes that funds libraries. :p).
-
Learning to recognize trees. I have learned two new ones this weekend. I am using an app on my phone.
What app, @Linda_Norway ? I'd like to grt better at recognizing plants.
-
Early morning, public holiday - black coffee and a coursera lecture on buddism and psychology.
-
Early morning, public holiday - black coffee with milk and a coursera lecture on buddism and psychology. good book
Sounds like we have similar desires today :)
-
Sorry this is OT but Freedomin5 how do you join a library when you live overseas? I'd love to get free library books on my device from my home town library but I assumed I couldn't since I'm in a different country.
@Hula Hoop I have property (and hence property related bills) in my home country (Canada). Next time you’re in your home town, bring your bill with your home address to the library and request a card. If you have an old library card from when you used to live in your home town, you can just ask the librarian how to activate eBooks on your library account. In my case I had to link my card on OverDrive to the library.
-
Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk <3
Oh yes. A delightful luxury!
-
Sorry this is OT but Freedomin5 how do you join a library when you live overseas? I'd love to get free library books on my device from my home town library but I assumed I couldn't since I'm in a different country.
@Hula Hoop I have property (and hence property related bills) in my home country (Canada). Next time you’re in your home town, bring your bill with your home address to the library and request a card. If you have an old library card from when you used to live in your home town, you can just ask the librarian how to activate eBooks on your library account. In my case I had to link my card on OverDrive to the library.
Thanks - I don't own any property in my home town but I do have a couple of bills with my dad's address on them.. When I'm back visiting this summer, I'll visit the library and see what I can do.
-
I am currently doung a course of eating wild plants.
Purslane!!!
-
Learning to recognize trees. I have learned two new ones this weekend. I am using an app on my phone.
What app, @Linda_Norway ? I'd like to grt better at recognizing plants.
@Mezzie A Norwegian app, called "Treslag i Norge". I recommand you to find something with English text.
I have another one called "picture this". I am not all friends with it yet. But worth trying out.
-
Old Navy flip flops.
-
Hummingbirds- we were at a camp in Gunnison CO and we had a hummingbird come check us out for a good 5 minutes, it investigated everything red in our campsite (including the car emblems) and we got some really nice views of him hovering within a couple feet of us. In general hummingbirds are fun, the sounds they make flying around we jokingly refer to as fighter planes on crack.
Birds in general, one of our campsites in NM had a tree where the vultures liked to nest so we had about 20 of them roaming around. We also had northern cardinals and a desert cardinal(Pyrrhuloxia), Sand Piper's, cranes and several duck species. The Gunnison CO camp also had a Stellar's Jay that came and checked us out.
Scavenged items- walking the dirt road by our last camp netted us a few goodies 1) a small locking carabineer, 2) a working rear led taillight for a bike and 3) a brand new(no dirt or scuff marks) ratcheting tie down straps with 2 hooks that it looks like they overloaded and snapped the nylon webbing.
-
Finding out that we have Garlic Mustard and Gound Ivy in our garden. I learned those yesterday at my course in edible weeds. Lovely to have a facebook group for edible plants where the admin very soon confirmed my pictures and termination.
I am currently drinking tea made from fresh ground ivy and it tastes nice.
I hope I can pick some more when we are back from our 5 day trip. Then I will dry some for tea. And try out fermentation of leaves for tea.
Unfortunately I am still working and I do not have the time to do everything I want with the plants.
The coming days we prioritize to go to the west coast, trying to see and photograph puffins in the breeding season. Camping cheaply, of course. And combining it with DH free diving for shells and fish. And foraging seaweed en kelp. We are still in a learning process about the seaweed.
I am bringing along a pile of library books about edible plants and how to recognize trees.
-
Free workshop at the library today.
-
Hello,
I'm from India so my reply may not contribute as expected but I felt I should say something here....
The cheap thing, I am getting benefit from is my radio!
It entertains me, educates me and updates me........ I love the traditional radio more than today's FM radio and those radios are fixed with mobile phones.
-
Good one, Pkygola. We listen to our radio daily as well.
What's making me happy right now is listening to the rain falling. It's falling slowly, but in drops not mist. So it's making that lovely pitter-patter sound on the roof.
-
That state when it's wet outside and all the greenery looks extra verdant and lush against the dullness.
-
Wow @Linda_Norway what does ivy tea taste like? Are the leaves fresh or dried? Sounds wonderful.
I'm enjoying a fresh crop of sprouts every couple of weeks. Gratifying and tasty treats from the sun.
-
Hearing my 10 year old DD squeal with delight when she gets home from school and smells fresh muffins that I baked (just to hear her squeal with delight!).
All the free content on YouTube (or the internet in general). As of late I am enjoying some 20 minute kettle bell workouts from an awesome trainer, as well as a math channel I found that does an amazing job of breaking down various match concepts (DD just started decimals).
Afternoon smoothie: almond milk, banana, date, cacao powder, almond butter, cacao nibs, spinach, cherries. Yum!!!!!
Currently sipping a delicious glass of red wine that I bought at a 20% discount for buying 6 bottles ($5.60 per bottle).
Library books.
-
A cup of tea made for me just when I need one.
-
Toast on homemade bread and iced coffee while I listen to the rain.
-
Toast on homemade bread and iced coffee while I listen to the rain.
Ooooh good one.
-
Fresh clean sheets after a long hot shower!
-
Going on walks in the evening with my wife and two young sons. Normally go on about a 3 mile walk!
-
Fresh clean sheets after a long hot shower!
That’s gonna be me tonight! 😊
Lately my favorite is walking through my neighborhood looking at everyone’s beautiful gardens.
The lilacs have peaked and the peonies are about to appear ❤️
-
Walking to the bus stop in the morning and hearing chickadees, robins and crows, and getting a friendly greeting from a neighbour's dogs.
-
That magical time of year when we can sleep with the windows open, and wake up to the singing of birds and a cool breeze. Especially if it's a Saturday and we can snuggle back under the covers.
-
Spending time with my tiny niece.
-
Finally seeing rain in the forecast after a very dry month.
-
The glorious sunsets we have been having lately.
-
Oddly, being sore the day(s) after lifting weights for the first time in a few months.
-
Waking up after a good night's sleep. That feeling of waking up a few minutes before you need to be, because. . . you feel reasonably refreshed. This is particularly good as I'm between international business trips and my body is going to be super jet lagged again in another week.
-
Waking up naturally a few minutes before my alarm clock.
-
Podcasts. Yes, they require a smart phone or some other way to listen to them, but people are putting amazing content out there for free.
Great coffee. I spent a little money up front for a good grinder, but now I get fantastic coffee for pennies a day.
-
PC games like Path of Exile, League of Legends, Overwatch, etc... free to play, small hardware investment.
Seattle area:
20+ awesome lakes around me, swim, kayak, paddleboard, fish, etc
100s miles of bike paths
100s of miles of hiking trails
Snow in the winter for cross country skiiing, tubing, etc (very cheap).
5 libraries in biking distance. Super modern content, it is pretty amazing.
Low cost or even free training on any skill or subject i can think of
-
Wow @Linda_Norway what does ivy tea taste like? Are the leaves fresh or dried? Sounds wonderful.
I'm enjoying a fresh crop of sprouts every couple of weeks. Gratifying and tasty treats from the sun.
@expatartist: I used the plant fresh, including stilk, leaves and flowers. Difficult to decribe the taste, but it tasted smooth and warming and no strange after taste. I just picked some more to dry for future tea. My garden is full of this herb.
Yesterday I also picked some raspberry leaves and fireweed leaves to use in tea. Never tasted those before, so it is an experiment. Both are drying.
I also picked a bunch of rowan tree leaves. They can be used to cook in cream and make ice cream of it. Gives a nice nutty taste, like pistachio. I hope they will also work after drying.
-
Just been on a camping trip. Sleeping in our tent on campsites, pretty low cost. Watching and photographing puffins birds and white-tailed eagle. And me snorkling and DH freediving and shooting fish to eat. Me foraging edible plants. We even ate some of it in the soup, sorrel and asian knotweed.
-
The sudden peal of laughter from my wife's office when she's struck by something comical on the internets. Makes me grin every time.
-
Showing kids how to catch crabs at the beach with a mesh onion bag and some old lunch meat.
-
My daughter told me yesterday a red-tailed hawk was perched on our wood pile, about 100 feet from our patio door. I didn't even see see it, but was reminded of seeing 2 males fight for a female far above my head while I was in my garden a few years ago.
-
The €7 Asian food place close to my friends house. If we don't cook at home it's my favorite place to eat out around here :)
-
List here. Come back as often as you like!
Evening walks, Weekend coffee, Reading books, Watching movies.
-
Strong coffee on a sunny morning.
-
Taking up a sick day (which does not cost me anything at all). Yesterday morning I felt lousy and called in sick. Spent my day picking up a library book, studying several library books and taking notes of them, packing trip gear for a trip on Thursday, looking for mushrooms around my house, baking a pie of wild plants.
If was pretty tempting this morning to call in for a second sick day, despite for feeling fine. But as usual I have too much of a conscience to do that.
My mom used to call those “mental health days” or “I’m sick of you people” days LOL!
-
Early morning, public holiday - black coffee and a coursera lecture on buddism and psychology.
Oh cool! What’s the course called?
-
Sorry this is OT but Freedomin5 how do you join a library when you live overseas? I'd love to get free library books on my device from my home town library but I assumed I couldn't since I'm in a different country.
@Hula Hoop I have property (and hence property related bills) in my home country (Canada). Next time you’re in your home town, bring your bill with your home address to the library and request a card. If you have an old library card from when you used to live in your home town, you can just ask the librarian how to activate eBooks on your library account. In my case I had to link my card on OverDrive to the library.
Thanks - I don't own any property in my home town but I do have a couple of bills with my dad's address on them.. When I'm back visiting this summer, I'll visit the library and see what I can do.
I do this and don’t feel guilty - it’s good for library stats to have more users :)
-
Cheap sunglasses. Functional and not the end of the world when they get lost of broken.
An app called “one second every day”. It is delightful to link the 1-second videos and see my baby grow up! It was $7 which is expensive for an app but CHEAP for a baby-item, and the cost-per-use is very good. It delights me.
Free baby clothes. So many hand-me-downs passed along to us with love :)
-
Hello,
I'm from India so my reply may not contribute as expected but I felt I should say something here....
The cheap thing, I am getting benefit from is my radio!
It entertains me, educates me and updates me........ I love the traditional radio more than today's FM radio and those radios are fixed with mobile phones.
+1
I love radio. It has filled a void for me now and again, over the years.
-
Good one, Pkygola. We listen to our radio daily as well.
What's making me happy right now is listening to the rain falling. It's falling slowly, but in drops not mist. So it's making that lovely pitter-patter sound on the roof.
And this website for when I miss the rain: https://www.rainymood.com/
-
Toast on homemade bread and iced coffee while I listen to the rain.
“People in the country and the coast. They always ask, what do I like most?
I don’t wanna brag and I don’t wanna boast, I always tell ‘em... I like toast! YEAH, TOAST!”
Haha song I heard as a kid
-
Fresh clean sheets after a long hot shower!
Omg the best... tied with warm fluffy towels after a long hot shower!
-
Learning that caraway soup tastes very good.
On Wednesday my course group for learning to eat weeds, went picking edible weeds. Yesterday we went cooking them and made several dishes. The big surprise for me was the caraway soup, made from caraway leaves and root. I made tempura wild flowers, which was also appreciated.
Where we picked the stuff, there grows loads of caraway. In earlier times people used to harvest it commercially for export. I will pick some more there, when I ever find the time... Working FT sucks. On the other hand, I have been doing this course in the evening. I could just as well go picking the caraway in the evening.
-
Friday afternoon at work: free icecream paid by my boss, eating outside in the sun during working time.
-
One of the regulars at the cafe/restaurant where I work brought me three homemade hot sauces yesterday. I love building community through food and am happy that he thought of me.
-
Youtubing upbeat music and dancing around the house with my son and singing along (sorry neighbours).
-
Unplanned hikes!
Went on a drive with my 13 year old and discovering a trailhead on state land tucked away on a dirt road we had never noticed before. The trail followed a beautiful little creek and ended at a lake we had previously believed had no public access points beyond a boat ramp.
-
Old Navy flip flops.
Or - just any old flip flops. My current pair is really hanging in there. Just a cheap pair from a big box retailer before a vacation to the beach.
-
Walking in very 'fresh' weather (slightly windy and cold).
-
Breakfast on the balcony, listening to birds, trying to identify everything we could smell (mock orange blossoms, petrichor, neighbour frying potatoes).
Free birding trips: http://www.torontobirding.ca/site/outings
-
landing a formation flight on an aircraft carrier with your old college buds while trying not to crash into each other or the ocean in microsoft flight simulator online. A $25 game that has entertained for years!
-
Early morning, public holiday - black coffee and a coursera lecture on buddism and psychology.
Oh cool! What’s the course called?
"Buddhism and Modern Psychology" from Princeton University. This link hopefully goes to the right place:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/science-of-meditation/home/welcome
-
$3 trees
I bought these 25 years ago for $3 each, and see them from the window I pass the most inside.
-
A cool shower after a morning of yardwork in the sun and heat.
Also, the new Miss Kim lilac, Rose of Sharon bush, and hanging fuchsia in my yard (anniversary gifts from my parents).
-
Nesting birds in the garden. Unfortunately only 1 out of 4 nesting boxes that we have hung up is occupied.
-
My chickens make me incredibly happy. They are funny, sweet, and interesting. After five years I am still learning new things from them.
-
Sipping a glass of homemade blueberry mead on my patio after watering my veggie garden.
-
Seeing roots on the mint cuttings that I stuck in a jelly jar.
Listening to my husband watching Talking Heads videos with my preschooler.
Hearing my oldest son's deep new voice upstairs (looks like he'll be a baritone).
-
I received a fitbit as a gift. A friend who is a personal trainer has been including me in the various daily/weekly/weekend challenges. Turns out I'm quite competitive. I'm enjoying finding ways to get more steps in my day and try to beat strangers or my own goals. I've also discovered there is an option to do solo challenges to "hike" famous trails. When I get a certain number of steps I am rewarded with a beautiful scenic picture of places I'll probably never go. Adds a bit of interest to my otherwise boring and sedentary workday.
-
The ability to get up early and bake a cake for tonight’s meeting before the weather turns hot (cake went in the oven at 7 am). A well-stocked baking cabinet and fridge, which meant that I could bake a marbled poundcake large enough for a crowd. I love baking. :)
-
The ridiculously gorgeous clouds out my work window right now. More like a painting of clouds than real.
-
We have a male bird in our garden, the European pied flycatcher (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_pied_flycatcher), that has been whistling like mad for many weeks around our nesting cases, trying to attract a lady bird. This morning I noticed a brownish bird coming out of the nesting case. So I think he has finally found a female. Yesterday evening I had noticed the male bird was not singing as usual.
We have had these birds before. One year, one of them didn't find a female at all and I felt very sorry for it. But this year, it is looking good, but I need to confirm it later today, as I am (wasting my life) at work.
-
I was on the library waitlist for the updated Your Money or Your Life ebook, and it’s finally my turn to read it!
-
Facetime with hubs while we are apart this month. We just hang :)
-
Library and park time with my kiddo.
Cooking the first broccoli of the season from our CSA box.
Kiddo wanted to sing a bedtime song to his little brother (in utero). My hormonal self may have cried a bit...
-
Letting people know I care.
-
Singing with my choir friends.
-
All of the flowers I have in bloom around my little plot of earth make me so happy. Today in bloom: Two different day lilies, gladiola, gardenia, hosta, strawberry, tomato, basil (need to trim those buds off!).
Picking herbs from my garden makes me so happy- this week I've made chimichurri from parsley & cilantro, Greek marinade from oregano, parsley, basil. I've got rosemary for my pork chop marinade today too.
Any successful diy project rocks my socks off. I'm so pleased when I save hundreds with just a little sweat & hard work (or a lot of sweat & hard work).
-
DH ate the first strawberry from our garden today. It still tasted a bit sour, but the strawberries are doing well in these times with 28-30 degrees C.
-
I was on the library waitlist for the updated Your Money or Your Life ebook, and it’s finally my turn to read it!
Oh good!!!!! I hope you like it. First time I read it and soaked up the ideas. The second time, I really did the steps and it was very satisfying.
-
I was on the library waitlist for the updated Your Money or Your Life ebook, and it’s finally my turn to read it!
Oh good!!!!! I hope you like it. First time I read it and soaked up the ideas. The second time, I really did the steps and it was very satisfying.
I have checked, but my library doesn't have the book. :-( Maybe because it is a foreign language books, which they have fewer of.
On the other hand, I think I really have understood what I think is the concept of the book. Most things you spend your money on are not worth it, especially if working (FT) is negative for your health.
-
Husband and I are enjoying the evening sunshine on our patio while watching the resident wild rabbit wash his face and snack on the lawn. We’ve already seen a robin chasing a squirrel out of a tree (much screeching from both parties) and a two-bird scuffle in the driveway.
-
The bath. With or without accoutrements
-
Flowers, fruit, vegetables and other produce from our garden.
Looking down at our plates and knowing everything on the plate came from our own backyard.
-
Flowers, fruit, vegetables and other produce from our garden.
Looking down at our plates and knowing everything on the plate came from our own backyard.
@flower_girl That is the best! I'm so excited for all of our vegetables this year.
-
Thank you @chaskavitch. Good luck with your garden. The supermarket in your own backyard is definitely the best one there is IMO!
-
Seeing one of these beauties today, a Bee-eater :)
http://regnskove.dk/biaeder-som-rovdyr/
It flew across my path while I was driving and I had time to slow down and watch it perched on a branch :)
-
First blackberries are ripe on the south-facing slope.
-
We have discovered a picnic blanket under a tree in our back yard. Snacks, water, free-range short people, a book..... life is pretty great. It is even better when I can do naked baby time and watch the littlest try to eat grass with her baby bums on display for me to admire.
-
The alumni BBQ of my masters programme. It took me 3h by train and €20 to get there, but it was totally worth it. Definitely got the value of the €20 back in food and beer, but I would've gone for just the great company!
-
My patio. It becomes another living/dining room from May to October and is the perfect place to relax with dinner and drinks on a summer evening, especially once the fireflies are out.
-
My colleagues making things work out today despite lack of time and experience in the specific thing.
Holding a presentation for 6 strangers who were friendly and interested in the subject.
-
My patio. It becomes another living/dining room from May to October and is the perfect place to relax with dinner and drinks on a summer evening, especially once the fireflies are out.
Yes. This one may not be cheap for me, though, since I paid $700 for a patio couch. I have really enjoyed it for 4 years and counting even when it is hot and humid.
Another one is having blueberry bushes. Delicious.
-
I'll say it again: Sharpening my kitchen knives. Spent an hour yesterday with the knives and the stones, and it's very mind relaxing in a meditative way. And with noticable results, since the cooking session that followed was a pure joy of sharpness.
-
Walking in a what we call 100-meter forest. This is just a river valley between housing areas. Lots of trees. I hadn't been there before, even though it was not far from home. It was nice and quiet.
-
Walking to the nearest park to enjoy the winter sunshine.
-
I've got a cheap, solar-powered calculator that I bought new for $1.00 ~ 20 years ago.
It's made by Canon
It makes me happy because it always works (no dead batteries).
-
- Nature. I'm hoping to suck up some green tomorrow. Mother nature is such a great artist. Also love animals and enjoy them (although three swallows' nests under your roof means an incredible amount of bird poo next to your house).
- My kids
- music, movies, good TV series.
- repairing something myself or making something myself.
-
Public transport. So much cheaper than taxi or uber, and I learn a new city.
-
Public transport. So much cheaper than taxi or uber, and I learn a new city.
But sometimes you feel really like the odd person out. Sitting on busses in Los Angeles or Atlanta made me feel really... not fitting in. But I got where I wanted to get.
-
I found a bunch of earlicheer growing wild on my walk this morning. Its wet grey winter here, but now the scent of spring fills the kitchen.
-
Having a relaxed Sunday. Sleeping out, eating croissants, reading an interesting book outside in the sun. Knowing we painted the outside of the house yesterday, so today we deserve a day off.
-
Tide pools and summer evenings.
-
I found out today that I'm going to get to ride in an autonomous shuttle tomorrow. (driverless) Our city is getting to "test" this shuttle for ten days in our downtown area, but tomorrow is the pre-public testing day out at our university's campus. It also means that I get at least an hour off of work. :)
-
Harvesting my garden and fixing three different dinners in one batch cooking event - incl. a soup with tons of greens in it, celery leaves and chopped celery, garlic chives, parsley - one of my plants reverted to what looks like a wild plant, peppers, fresh bay leaf - lemon thyme and a twig of rosemary while I cooked the chicken.
Made the kitchen smells delicious for two days:)
-
Gluten-free (brown rice+millet) ramen noodles and rotisserie chicken from Costco. I bought both today, removed the meat, used the bones to make stock, and had ramen in stock topped with chicken and vegetables for dinner.
I recently (last weekend) watched a program about Japanese noodles and lamented the fact that celiac disease means no more traditional ramen. I'm so full and happy right now.
-
Birds- prior to retirement and starting to live full time in a van, I never really noticed the birds and their calls. Now, it feels strange to be in a city and not be able to hear the birds. I found out that Sandhill Cranes have a call that sounds like a woodblock being played(tock-tock). Hummingbirds sound like giant bumble bees or mini fighter jets.
-
I found out today that I'm going to get to ride in an autonomous shuttle tomorrow. (driverless) Our city is getting to "test" this shuttle for ten days in our downtown area, but tomorrow is the pre-public testing day out at our university's campus. It also means that I get at least an hour off of work. :)
Me, too! But maybe we're in different cities...are you in Nebraska? I get to ride the shuttle during an unheard of 1 hour lunch break while listening to one of my professional heroes speak. Two days of free, excellent professional development, a free autonomous shuttle ride during lunch, & earning extra pay at an hourly rate to attend aforementioned professional development.
-
Getting up early to have breakfast with my husband before he leaves for work and kiddo wakes up.
Watching fireflies.
-
Driving through the fog. Back where I grew up(Midwest) we would get it occasionally, but out in CO it is pretty rare( I think I have driven through the smoke from forest fires more often which is not nearly as cool).
-
This is the best thread ever, totally cheered me up.
My favourite thing to do is reading in my warm, sunny conservatory with a cuppa and something home baked. Lots of little birds are busy in my garden too (summer here) and I love looking up to watch them as I sit there.
-
The fresh apricots in today’s Hungry Harvest box are SO good.
-
Getting up early and riding to a big park to look at birds and "forest bathe" before the heat/humidity kicked in.
-
Sunshine on a cold day.
-
We have discovered a picnic blanket under a tree in our back yard. Snacks, water, free-range short people, a book..... life is pretty great. It is even better when I can do naked baby time and watch the littlest try to eat grass with her baby bums on display for me to admire.
Ha! I had to read this twice. My first thought was, "Who left a blanket under ysette's tree and, ew, gross, why are they sitting on it?" Then I realized it was your fresh, clean blanket that your baby's cute buns were lolling on. Free-range, naked short people are the best. I hope ypu are taking pictures you can em-bare-ass them with later. Thanks for the chuckle!
-
I realize my lack of sleep is translating into poor written skills. Sorry for the confusion! You are too generous to assume my picnic blanket is in fact clean. At this point it is pretty covered in random crumbs and baby drool. :)
-
And yes, of course I am taking lots of photos of those naked baby bums! How can I not when she is currently so delightfully fat? There will be plenty of fodder for future admiration.... ;-)
-
On Sunday, the kids made 'diamonds' with paper (just one corner folded in and a diamond pattern drawn on it). They wanted to hide their treasure in the garden but weven told them to bring them to the woods and that we would hide them there.
In the woods, the kids started to collect wood to build a hut and a fire. So we helped them build a hut and flame shaped leaves became their fire.
We hid the diamond three or four times for them and had so much fun. Had a nice walk too and saw the remains of an old castle. Always fun to try and figure out wich wall and room was what
-
Strawberries:
- for free in the fruit bowl at work
- for free from our garden
- the small ones that grow for free alongs paths in the forest
-
Pictures if my 3-month old niece and her adorable expressions. She's out of town right now, so I can't visit, but even the pictures fill my heart.
-
I found out today that I'm going to get to ride in an autonomous shuttle tomorrow. (driverless) Our city is getting to "test" this shuttle for ten days in our downtown area, but tomorrow is the pre-public testing day out at our university's campus. It also means that I get at least an hour off of work. :)
Me, too! But maybe we're in different cities...are you in Nebraska? I get to ride the shuttle during an unheard of 1 hour lunch break while listening to one of my professional heroes speak. Two days of free, excellent professional development, a free autonomous shuttle ride during lunch, & earning extra pay at an hourly rate to attend aforementioned professional development.
Yes, I am in NE :)
Last Friday I got to ride on the shuttle again, while I was volunteering at the shuttle site. 4 hours in the fresh air and lots of steps in!
-
The fact that nobody else in Toronto seems to realize that Saskatoon berries are edible and delicious. :-)
-
A larger-than-average population of fireflies, decent live electric guitar music from one of our neighbors, and enough DIY fireworks shows in the neighborhood that we should have a decent view from our own backyard.
-
Homemade iced tea that I can make to the exact sweetness level I like.
Summer breakfast - steamed zucchini and yellow squash from the garden with fresh eggs from my parents' chickens while sitting on the bench in the backyard.
Fireworks! (that I don't have to pay for...) I'll be riding my bike over to the stadium tonight. I'll be able to hear the concert pretty well, and the fireworks are better from outside on the lawn anyway. AND. Since I'll ride my bike, I'll be home and in bed before most people have managed to escape the gridlock around the stadium.
Hot air balloon regattas... my city has one of these every 4th for three mornings. I was only able to go to one this year. I take the dogs and a contigo full of tea. We wander around watching the balloon inflate and then take off. And then the games! They have to throw bean bags at targets on the field, and my favorite, they have to try to pop big helium balloons on tethers above the field with 3' sticks. I look forward to this every year.
-
I love this thread! It's actually a great exercise to train to appreciate the little things in everyday life more often that get so easily overlooked or taken for granted . . .
My hit list for today so far:
- the glowing smile on my little daughter's face when she brought home a good grade from school.
- watching our Border Collie Cookie taking a refreshing bath in the little creek nearby after a walk in hot weather, lapping the clear, cold water while lying in the middle of it.
- the prospect on our family holiday on the Isle of Skye in Scotland in upcoming August. Haven't been there in twelve years; back then I wasn't even a dad, this time it's the first time with our two little daughters (ten & eight years old)! Can't wait to show them my spiritual home away from home!
More to come!
-
I love this thread! It's actually a great exercise to train to appreciate the little things in everyday life more often that get so easily overlooked or taken for granted . . .
My hit list for today so far:
- the glowing smile on my little daughter's face when she brought home a good grade from school.
- watching our Border Collie Cookie taking a refreshing bath in the little creek nearby after a walk in hot weather, lapping the clear, cold water while lying in the middle of it.
- the prospect on our family holiday on the Isle of Skye in Scotland in upcoming August. Haven't been there in twelve years; back then I wasn't even a dad, this time it's the first time with our two little daughters (ten & eight years old)! Can't wait to show them my spiritual home away from home!
More to come!
I was on Skye in May and LOVED it! Super excited for you, it's such an awesome place.
-
Walking through a park in a new city, hearing new sounds that are not traffic.
Petting a cat in the same park a little later.
-
I was on Skye in May and LOVED it! Super excited for you, it's such an awesome place.
Tank you very much, my friend! I think it is impossible not to like Skye! Been there at least six time, always by motorcycle. Don't know about your experience, but I was always very lucky with the weather. Let's hope it will be like that this time, too . . .
-
It's the first day in a week that we haven't had a heat advisory or excessive heat warning. Clear blue skies and low humidity make me very happy.
-
Making banana ice cream from leftover very ripe bananas from work.
The rain last night and the rain that will come on Monday. We have been in a period of extreme draught, extremely high risk of forest fire, farmer's land not producing grass, national airport soon out of water.
The north of the country has so long only had rain for months. We have only had sun and 28C since May or even earlier.
-
Visiting a park in the city that I hadn't been before.
The nice weather that seems to be neverending this summer. Am I really in the Netherlands?!
My favorite simple vegan curry recipe.
-
Watching a great World Cup game (on TV) with friends.
-
Going for a gelato with my 6 year old at the local gelato place. Euro 1.60 a cone (3 flavors plus cream on top) and the most delicious gelato I've ever had. They make it out the back with all natural ingredients.
-
Days like today, my wife and i sat near the lake and watched our two youngest fished and had a few beers watching the boats , people watch etc..
-
free:
-going out for a walk
-a sunset
-getting rid of useless things in my house or on our property, bonus points if we can sell them. Being born and raised in NYC, other than family/friends and financial things, I value nothing more than uncluttered space.
-just being with my wife
-anytime I check my account balances and see I've earned money by doing nothing except saving/investing
cheap:
-a delicious homebrew or a bottle of wine that someone gave us as a gift.
-homemade dinner made by the wife
-
Watching people in my rearview mirror sing along with the radio with complete abandon. Totally makes me smile.
Weeding. No, really. It's mindless, meditative AND productive.
My kids going out of their comfort zones - trying a new food, taking on a leadership role they're a little scared of, reading a book they didn't think they'd like but end up joining the fandom :)
Used books.
-
Impromptu picnic lunches with my son. I always keep a blanket or old beach towel in my car for just such occasions!
-
Weeding. No, really. It's mindless, meditative AND productive.
I find weeding very difficult. We strew out seeds of wild flowers in our flower patch. How do I know the difference between a wild flower and a weed? And a weed is after all only a plant growing in an unwanted place.
-
Getting a free diagnosis of our El Cheapo car. My colleagues has 2 theories. One theory we can check and repair ourselves, the other theory needs repair, probably by a professional.
-
You know what made me happy the past days? How the whole world connected and cared about those boys and their coach in Thailand. We should have a minute of applause worldwide, like we have a minute of silence when large disasters happen and people die. Applause for everyone involved, that they survived and that we finally agreed and cared about the same thing for once. Of course we should also applaud the diver that lost his life trying to save the boys. I have read there were 50 Thai divers and 40 from all over the world.
More positivism.
-
I spent a lovely morning with an old friend and her adorable daughter.
-
Swimming swimming in my swimming pool
-
-Dinner outside with my husband, putting our patio table to good use
-Finally achieving a milestone. I haven't run consistently in years, and have been trying to get to three miles without stopping, so I can join my friends in our half marathon training. Did it today. Felt amazing!
-
Taking my kid to the park.
-
Last week, watching our local July 4th fireworks. From the deck I built last year with my own hands.
-Finally achieving a milestone. I haven't run consistently in years, and have been trying to get to three miles without stopping, so I can join my friends in our half marathon training. Did it today. Felt amazing!
Congrats on the progress thus far!
-
Thanks, @zolotiyeruki !
-
Taking my lunch to the park across the street from work every chance I get. It's nice to get out of the building and nap in the government issue grass that's so much softer than my own!
-
Recently got a bike and have really enjoyed biking to work - I paid $5 for access to the building's bike cage, but I've been using the free rack just outside the cage more often since I can shave a few minutes off of fighting with the lock to the cage, ha ha! But it's nice to have a spot if I arrive too late for the free rack.
I get about 20mins of cardio a day from the ride, and I get free parking.
But beyond that, I've started enjoying more and more random bike rides. There's so many lovely parks and spaces near my house I never knew about when I drove around. Plus, I'm smack between two farmers' markets! I usually buy things when I go there, but there's times when I go where I don't spend a dime and I just enjoy the atmosphere, talk to my favourite vendors and cuddle all the dogs I can get my hands on.
-
Recently got a bike and have really enjoyed biking to work - I paid $5 for access to the building's bike cage, but I've been using the free rack just outside the cage more often since I can shave a few minutes off of fighting with the lock to the cage, ha ha! But it's nice to have a spot if I arrive too late for the free rack.
What was the biggest hurdle transitioning to biking to work? I've been thinking about for a while now.
-
Re biking to work: Consider an ebike if you live somewhere hilly. Made such a difference for me.
Re cheap and happy: seeing our dog get SO EXCITED about a walk. She loves to walk and she also loves to jog along when I bike. After a recent bike repair I think she was more excited than I was to put in a mile or so.
-
Recently got a bike and have really enjoyed biking to work - I paid $5 for access to the building's bike cage, but I've been using the free rack just outside the cage more often since I can shave a few minutes off of fighting with the lock to the cage, ha ha! But it's nice to have a spot if I arrive too late for the free rack.
What was the biggest hurdle transitioning to biking to work? I've been thinking about for a while now.
Mine was honestly just getting a bike. I didn't want to spend $300 to get a new one. I ended up being able to use my mom's old bike.
I also bought a rack, panniers, bell, and helmet since I didn't have those.
From there, I took it out the first weekend I had it and did a dry run of the bike commute all the way to the bike garage.
I didn't do the whole "build up to it" that seems to be common advice. Mostly because bus tickets cost about $3 each and busing actually takes longer than biking. I have only done maybe one perfect 5/5 days of biking, but usually I bike 3-4 out of the 5 days. I sometimes still drive to work, but only if I'm super-late in the mornings. The commute home takes twice as long as the bike commute if I drive.
My commute is only 4km and 90% is either painted bike lane or separated bike lane. Going home, it's 50-100% depending on the route.
-
Recently got a bike and have really enjoyed biking to work - I paid $5 for access to the building's bike cage, but I've been using the free rack just outside the cage more often since I can shave a few minutes off of fighting with the lock to the cage, ha ha! But it's nice to have a spot if I arrive too late for the free rack.
What was the biggest hurdle transitioning to biking to work? I've been thinking about for a while now.
Mine was honestly just getting a bike. I didn't want to spend $300 to get a new one. I ended up being able to use my mom's old bike.
I also bought a rack, panniers, bell, and helmet since I didn't have those.
Stateside I live in Northern NY where it snows a lot and temps are not ideal but still worth a shot. Especially during the nice summer months.
-
Seeing a guy across the street picking up trash :)
-
Family reunions. This one was probably the last with a favorite uncle (cancer sucks), but he was feeling well enough to come out for the whole day and it was wonderful to see him. I also had the happy surprise of spending time with my last living great-uncle and great-aunt, both of whom are in their mid-80s and don't always make it to events.
-
Family reunions. This one was probably the last with a favorite uncle (cancer sucks), but he was feeling well enough to come out for the whole day and it was wonderful to see him. I also had the happy surprise of spending time with my last living great-uncle and great-aunt, both of whom are in their mid-80s and don't always make it to events.
So much this. My parents always regretted the fact that my siblings and I didn't know our cousins very well, so they have sponsored biannual reunions to help us all reconnect and make sure the cousins get to spend time together.
-
Family reunions. This one was probably the last with a favorite uncle (cancer sucks), but he was feeling well enough to come out for the whole day and it was wonderful to see him. I also had the happy surprise of spending time with my last living great-uncle and great-aunt, both of whom are in their mid-80s and don't always make it to events.
So much this. My parents always regretted the fact that my siblings and I didn't know our cousins very well, so they have sponsored biannual reunions to help us all reconnect and make sure the cousins get to spend time together.
It's a great tradition. We've been doing ours since 1945 (my dad's cousin remembered hearing that WWII had ended on route to the first reunion). I admit to getting a little misty watching the littles take turns at the piñata because I remember doing that with my cousins 30-odd years ago, and my dad did the same 60-odd years ago.
-
Stateside I live in Northern NY where it snows a lot and temps are not ideal but still worth a shot. Especially during the nice summer months.
I'm up in Western Canada, so we get about 7ish months of cold weather and sometimes snow (I feel like our recent winters have been pendulum-ing between thick fluffy snow Oct-May or a brown Christmas and frigid slush from January to May, the former is my favourite and the latter my bane).
I'm enjoying our super-sunny summertime right now, but come October I expect it to be colder. I do much prefer sweater weather, so the October-November months I think will be fun. I worry a bit about snow, but this winter I chatted with a cashier at my local store who bikes in and she recommended I just let out air in my tires for some extra grip. I'll have to plan for a longer bike commute, but I want to try it out.
I did walk to work in the winter when I first moved to my new place, and it's a nice walk in winter. I find it not too bad, especially since I bought new boots and a coat last winter.
My plan is to bike/walk as much as I can and only take the bus or my car if it's really, really horrible. Considering busing to work is the same cost as parking, it's not much of financial savings over driving.
-
Watch the hummingbirds drink nectar from the lavender.
-
A skype conversation with our grand kids every morning.
Watching the birds, deer, turkeys, rabbits and other wildlife out the window.
-
An unexpected meeting with and old friend while walking through the city.
-
Time with my husband. We work opposite hours, so a whole day together is a rare treat.
-
Walking three miles round trip during lunch time to grab a giant $1 iced coffee from McD's, the weather has been pretty awesome lately for walks.
My coworkers are starting to question why I'm so tan when they see me.
-
-Meditating. I'm just getting started, but the peaceful time is really amazing
-Convincing team members to do a walking meeting vs sitting at a desk. For all of my 1:1s, I try to do walking meetings. It's great to get a smidge of exercise, but I also find it makes conversations easier
-
Free morning teas, lunches and after work drinks. My lunch will still be good today after yesterdays freebies.
-
Knowing I have cash in the bank for a rainy day.
Puppy cuddles.
-
People watching!
Watching young people flirt and remembering my youth with a mixture of fondness and horror..:)
-
Watching young people flirt and remembering my youth with a mixture of fondness and horror..:)
I'm with you there. We just got back from a family reunion, and after spending time with the college-aged kids, I am SO glad I don't have to "play the game" any more.
-
And lets hope neither of us ever have to.. I wouldn't have a clue now..:)
-
Recently got a bike and have really enjoyed biking to work - I paid $5 for access to the building's bike cage, but I've been using the free rack just outside the cage more often since I can shave a few minutes off of fighting with the lock to the cage, ha ha! But it's nice to have a spot if I arrive too late for the free rack.
What was the biggest hurdle transitioning to biking to work? I've been thinking about for a while now.
Getting over my fear of the cars I shared the road with. We don't have good roads for bicycling here. Seldom a shoulder, never a bike lane, no paths. The ride in to work was a deal killer partly b/c I was out of shape, partly b/c it is so hilly. On the plus side anyone doing that ride would be ready for bike competitions in just a few short months.
I went with an ebike kit and added it to my bike. Big improvement. Now I can maintain 15 mph most of the time and don't feel as vulnerable on the hills where I was walking or making 2mph in granny low gear. Plus I arrive in decent condition to work rather than needing time to recover.
Bonus: talk to other people. Just recently I had a conversation with a neighbor who keeps different hours but works near me. He told me about a whole different route that I knew about but never considered bicycling. Yep, lots better. A couple segments that I expected to be scary (big roads) aren't b/c the traffic is far lower volumes than I expected.
My fitness has improved slowly with the ebike as I have reduced the motor boost and slowly gotten stronger. I haven't lost much weight surprisingly. Show me that my evening meal/snacks are the problem b/c my breakfast and lunches are light.
-
Stateside I live in Northern NY where it snows a lot and temps are not ideal but still worth a shot. Especially during the nice summer months.
I'm up in Western Canada, so we get about 7ish months of cold weather and sometimes snow (I feel like our recent winters have been pendulum-ing between thick fluffy snow Oct-May or a brown Christmas and frigid slush from January to May, the former is my favourite and the latter my bane).
I'm enjoying our super-sunny summertime right now, but come October I expect it to be colder. I do much prefer sweater weather, so the October-November months I think will be fun. I worry a bit about snow, but this winter I chatted with a cashier at my local store who bikes in and she recommended I just let out air in my tires for some extra grip. I'll have to plan for a longer bike commute, but I want to try it out.
I did walk to work in the winter when I first moved to my new place, and it's a nice walk in winter. I find it not too bad, especially since I bought new boots and a coat last winter.
My plan is to bike/walk as much as I can and only take the bus or my car if it's really, really horrible. Considering busing to work is the same cost as parking, it's not much of financial savings over driving.
Add fenders to your bike if you don't have any. Keeps the road grime off of you. Planet Bike makes some universal fit fenders that have served me well.
-
Discovering a cool hidden gem of a park in the middle of a residential area.
-
Having a refrigerator in your room when you are away on business.
Followed up with finding a reason anyone would pay money for hard boiled peeled eggs vs a box of eggs.
-
A snack of raw almonds, dark chocolate, and a fresh orange.
-
Walking my dog a few times a day.
-
Discovering poems on the radio.
Trusting strangers on the internet.
Reading great books from the MMM best book ever thread.
Taking pictures of my cute kid.
The feeling of freshly-brushed hair.
Playing speed scrabble.
Pumpkin pancakes.
Life is good :)
-
Being caught in a torrential downpour. I didn't have to go anywhere but home, and it felt good after such a hot humid day. Plus, my skinny jeans and canvas shoes were so completely drenched that hilarity ensued.
-
Making pesto with basil from my garden.
-
Going for a walk and discovering a whole new library I had no idea existed.
@Exflyboy Gosh yes, I really enjoy watching the Youth of Today smacking into the world- they're great and I am *so pleased* to have moved on from that stage. Bless'em.
-
Voting. Today was primary Election Day in my state, and my US House district will finally have representation again (we’ve been unrepresented in DC since December).
-
So my toddler and I have a game we started a long time ago where I cover his face and enthusiastically ask “where’s the baby?!?!” followed by removing the cover and saying “there he is!!!” Later we stopped saying “baby” and started using his name as a way to teach him that, anyway.... now he’s talking, and we still play the game except when he pulls the cover off his head HE says “there he is!!!” and it hits so hard in the heart that I can’t make myself correct him.
-
So my toddler and I have a game we started a long time ago where I cover his face and enthusiastically ask “where’s the baby?!?!” followed by removing the cover and saying “there he is!!!” Later we stopped saying “baby” and started using his name as a way to teach him that, anyway.... now he’s talking, and we still play the game except when he pulls the cover off his head HE says “there he is!!!” and it hits so hard in the heart that I can’t make myself correct him.
This is the cutest, and I'm going to be so sad the day our toddler doesn't want to play peekaboo like this anymore <3
-
So my toddler and I have a game we started a long time ago where I cover his face and enthusiastically ask “where’s the baby?!?!” followed by removing the cover and saying “there he is!!!” Later we stopped saying “baby” and started using his name as a way to teach him that, anyway.... now he’s talking, and we still play the game except when he pulls the cover off his head HE says “there he is!!!” and it hits so hard in the heart that I can’t make myself correct him.
This is the cutest, and I'm going to be so sad the day our toddler doesn't want to play peekaboo like this anymore <3
This made me smile, and remember happy times with our kids when they were younger (they're 12 and 15 now). When I see pictures of them as toddlers my heart aches. And yet -- I have to say that I absolutely love each successive stage, and I would not go backward for anything. Each age really is more wonderful than the last. Seeing a child bloom all the way from birth to adulthood, with all of life's ups and downs, is the best thing in life.
-
The weather has cooled off after several days of high heat and humidity. It's cool and breezy this morning and one of my neighbors apparently has a wood fire going, so the breeze blowing in my window smells like camping in Northern Michigan (i.e., my happy place).
-
Waking up an hour earlier than I have been so far this summer; it gives me more time to get stuff done before the blazing sunshine hits. Which, in turn, makes me feel more successful and productive.
-
So my toddler and I have a game we started a long time ago where I cover his face and enthusiastically ask “where’s the baby?!?!” followed by removing the cover and saying “there he is!!!” Later we stopped saying “baby” and started using his name as a way to teach him that, anyway.... now he’s talking, and we still play the game except when he pulls the cover off his head HE says “there he is!!!” and it hits so hard in the heart that I can’t make myself correct him.
This is the cutest, and I'm going to be so sad the day our toddler doesn't want to play peekaboo like this anymore <3
This made me smile, and remember happy times with our kids when they were younger (they're 12 and 15 now). When I see pictures of them as toddlers my heart aches. And yet -- I have to say that I absolutely love each successive stage, and I would not go backward for anything. Each age really is more wonderful than the last. Seeing a child bloom all the way from birth to adulthood, with all of life's ups and downs, is the best thing in life.
It's pretty amazing. You have one of those "how can it get better than this?" moments and then you notice your kid trying to sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' with their tiny voice and toddler enunciation and you're back to "awwwwww!!!"
-
Last week we were at our cabin. I found lots of mushrooms. Finally, after a long summer of draught. I also did a mushroom trip with a beginner who lives locally and who really appreciated it.
There were lots of Penny Buns (Boletus Edulis and Boletus pinophilus). I didn't have my food dryer there, but I used the oven to dry a lot of them. Maybe I'll sell some as a side-hustle. I have ordered nice plastic bags to sell them in.
-
Walking my dog a few times a day.
Your canine friend would prob say that this is their favorite cheap activity too. ;)
-
So my toddler and I have a game we started a long time ago where I cover his face and enthusiastically ask “where’s the baby?!?!” followed by removing the cover and saying “there he is!!!” Later we stopped saying “baby” and started using his name as a way to teach him that, anyway.... now he’s talking, and we still play the game except when he pulls the cover off his head HE says “there he is!!!” and it hits so hard in the heart that I can’t make myself correct him.
This is the cutest, and I'm going to be so sad the day our toddler doesn't want to play peekaboo like this anymore <3
This made me smile, and remember happy times with our kids when they were younger (they're 12 and 15 now). When I see pictures of them as toddlers my heart aches. And yet -- I have to say that I absolutely love each successive stage, and I would not go backward for anything. Each age really is more wonderful than the last. Seeing a child bloom all the way from birth to adulthood, with all of life's ups and downs, is the best thing in life.
Hear! Hear! Child rearing is not however a cheap thing... ;)
We're at the stage where the eldest teen is hardly home anymore. On the cusp of moving out.
We'd gladly time travel to get an evening of little kid time again. Nothing permanent b/c we too have enjoyed each stage. Now has been fun too.
-
The view of the lake through the trees from our cottage.
Picking wild raspberries.
Hot running water for a shower (this one made me very happy after spending a week in a rural village in China with no running water)
-
Long trail run yesterday with my kids.
Listening to a screech owl singing in the pre-dawn hours.
-
Sorting my tools. Also found a decent toolbox for sale at a heavily discounted price. :)
-
Apple cake. I made one from leftover apples in the office. Spent approx. 1,5 $ on the cake.
-
A handwritten note from my wife. Even if it's a few words scribbled on the back of an envelope, it makes me smile.
-
A lunchtime walk, that meant I could meet with my wife who works nearby and chat for a while.
-
The daily page in the cartoon calendar that we have on the dining table. BIL gave that to my DH as a Christmas present. It has office-jokes.
-
PERFECTLY peeled and hard-cooked eggs from Trader Joe's.
$2.99 for 6.
-
I'm going to a free festival in the city tomorrow, using DH's train ticket. DH will drive as a passenger in someone else's car. I will meet a friend who lives in the city and who has been trying to meet me.
-
So I am 100 work days from FIRE now. I borrowed an idea from forum member Okcisok, and printed off a free coloring page showing a lovely beach scene. I numbered the sections from 1 to 100, and each day I color in a section. So much fun. I'm taking a picture each day too, so at the end we can combine them into a happy little fill-in-the-color video. :)
-
So I am 100 work days from FIRE now. I borrowed an idea from forum member Okcisok, and printed off a free coloring page showing a lovely beach scene. I numbered the sections from 1 to 100, and each day I color in a section. So much fun. I'm taking a picture each day too, so at the end we can combine them into a happy little fill-in-the-color video. :)
Congrats. A 100 days, that is just a little over 3 months!
-
Having a refrigerator in your room when you are away on business.
Followed up with finding a reason anyone would pay money for hard boiled peeled eggs vs a box of eggs.
PERFECTLY peeled and hard-cooked eggs from Trader Joe's.
$2.99 for 6.
Hmmm...
-
So I am 100 work days from FIRE now. I borrowed an idea from forum member Okcisok, and printed off a free coloring page showing a lovely beach scene. I numbered the sections from 1 to 100, and each day I color in a section. So much fun. I'm taking a picture each day too, so at the end we can combine them into a happy little fill-in-the-color video. :)
Congrats. A 100 days, that is just a little over 3 months!
Thanks Linda! Well, it's 100 work days . . . so a bit longer. But yes getting closer!
-
Having a refrigerator in your room when you are away on business.
Followed up with finding a reason anyone would pay money for hard boiled peeled eggs vs a box of eggs.
PERFECTLY peeled and hard-cooked eggs from Trader Joe's.
$2.99 for 6.
Hmmm...
I was hungry. I didn't have time to cook the eggs myself. They were $2.99 for 6, which, at 2 eggs per meal, equals 50 cents a meal, ALREADY COOKED AND PREPARED.
Those eggs made me really happy.
-
Rest days
Kitten snores
Baked beans
-
Sitting in the park on a beautiful summer day.
Listening to the birds. Petting the cat that wandered by.
Nowhere I had to be ... just sitting and relaxing.
Bliss.
-
Taking a short hike in the forest close to my house. It is extremely dry, but I went to the narrow crevasse that is a bit humid and found a few edible mushrooms that we had for dinner. Also found a new species compared to last weekend.
During dinner we saw an amazing rainbow.
-
I bought one of those basketball hoop that you usually see in the backyard. The kid (an aspiring NBA player haha) and I been playing one on one everyday as long as it is not raining outside.
-
Hummus
-
Wife's apple pie. Wow she makes the best. I only ask for one maybe twice a year. I married such a smart lady. She's taught me how to cook enough to keep me and kids fed on nights when she is traveling for work. Nobody's died from my cooking yet but I'm more adventurous than the kids' palates still so I can't go wild in the kitchen.
-
Home-roasted coffee in the afternoon. It might keep me up too late into the evening but DH roasts and brews a mean batch of coffee...
-
Re-reading a good book you haven't read in a few years.
-
Re-reading a good book you haven't read in a few years.
+10.
On a related note, now that the weather is slowly indicating a change to fall, I'm looking forward to re-reading all of Harry Potter as another cheap thing that makes me happy. The change in seasons kicks off the desire to re-read something nostalgic while bundled up in my well-loved robe and cozy socks with a warm beverage at my side. *swoon*
-
Local apples with peanut butter.
Thunderstorms.
-
Happy hour deals make me happy. $4 top shelf vodka martinis? I know where I'll be in an hour.
-
Been wanting to have a rain barrel but too cheap to buy the barrels lol. We happen to stumble a local company who was giving away 50 gallon plastic barrels (used to store some sort of sauce) last week.
I been watching youtube trying to figure out the best (and cheapest) way to divert water from our gutter.
-
Our local car wash gives away its 55 gallon plastic drums that the car wash soap is shipped in. The drums are very stout.. I have aquired about 6 of them in recent years.
One of them I use as the tank on my homebuilt boom sprayer attachment for our tractor..:)
-
Been wanting to have a rain barrel but too cheap to buy the barrels lol. We happen to stumble a local company who was giving away 50 gallon plastic barrels (used to store some sort of sauce) last week.
I been watching youtube trying to figure out the best (and cheapest) way to divert water from our gutter.
We also got a barrel for free and did this with a kit we bought on line from EarthMinded for $30. If you do that, be sure to buy a separate metal spigot, as the plastic one that comes with the kit is flimsy. All-in it was about $45 bucks for us. Works great.
-
Reading The Boys in the Boat while enjoying breakfast and a full French press of coffee on my balcony this morning
-
Reading through the ASOIAF books for the first time after being a fan of the GOT TV show for years
-
Finding a shitload of penny buns in the forest near our cabin. The 9-layer drying machine is running on full.
Meeting a local person for the second time, teaching her which mushrooms are safe to eat. We got along pretty well.
-
Home made espresso in a keep cup - enjoyed it on the way to work and didn't need to buy a coffee. Thousands of dollars saved each year.
-
I went on a two hour walk with my friend yesterday, up and back down a local hill, which has a tower at the top. Beautiful day, beautiful view, excellent company. Cost: 0.
-
A really fresh Snickers bar, a bag of hot buttery microwave popcorn, and an interesting show on PBS.
-
We've been working hard on our house renovation. Our house is half gutted, everything is disrupted, and we've fallen way behind in housekeeping. I've been using the same increasingly dirty bath towel all week.
Last night when I got home from work I found my kids had done a load of whites, and I had a clean fluffy towel for my shower in the morning. It made me so happy.
-
Our local car wash gives away its 55 gallon plastic drums that the car wash soap is shipped in. The drums are very stout.. I have aquired about 6 of them in recent years.
One of them I use as the tank on my homebuilt boom sprayer attachment for our tractor..:)
Be careful with those, that "soap" is pretty strong stuff. I got one with some dregs, so I poured them out on the asphalt and it started dissolving the pavement!
-
I bought glass dishes at the thrift shop for the cat food and water bowl. The plate cost about $1 and the bowl about $2.30. They look fancy to me because they're cut glass with cool old-school patterns. I get a ridiculous amount of happiness every time I see them.
-
Free spring rolls being handed out at work because they had been defrosted and wouldn't last until Monday. Friday night dinnet was sorted for free.
-
After several miserably hot, humid days, today was cool enough to make butternut squash soup for dinner.
-
Sudoku and cryptic crossword books.
-
Rain at home while I am somewhere else. We have had an extremely dry summer and we need rain.
-
Seeing one of the resident turtles walking around our farm. We see them often enough that we can recognize individuals. Seeing one of them just makes my day.
-
A nap that's a couple of hours longer than I planned.
-
Plumbing and potable water on demand at the faucet.
-
Flavored sparkling water. If I'm feeiln' real fancy, then key lime pie-flavored La Croix. So. yummy.
-
Path of Exile, League of Legends, both free.
-
Plumbing and potable water on demand at the faucet.
We recently had the water turned off by the community, without pre-warning. And tomorrow evening they are going to flush the water pipes. This means a lot of brown, sandy water our of the faucets before the water is clean again, typically 2-3 large bath tubes full. Guess who is paying for running the faucet in my house until the water is clean? They do this several times a year and I think it makes out 10% of my water usage.
So yes, it is very positive when the water from my faucet is clean and potable. You realize it after such a brown-water event.
-
So I am 100 work days from FIRE now. I borrowed an idea from forum member Okcisok, and printed off a free coloring page showing a lovely beach scene. I numbered the sections from 1 to 100, and each day I color in a section. So much fun. I'm taking a picture each day too, so at the end we can combine them into a happy little fill-in-the-color video. :)
Seeing your idea bring someone else happiness :) Congratulations on the your imminent FIREing!
-
Rain at home while I am somewhere else. We have had an extremely dry summer and we need rain.
I love siting under our covered patio, having a cup of coffee while it is pouring outside. It is so loud and calming all at the same time.
-
Biking to school/work and noticing that I’m going faster on my bike than the cars that are stuck in traffic.
-
* Our little succulent strip that was entirely free to install! (A friend ripped out her succulent bed and gave us everything she took out, and neighbors tore out a ton of mother-in-law tongue and I rescued several pieces. It's all growing really well in a space that couldn't be used for anything else because of water and light circumstances.)
* Photographing local wildlife and sharing and learning via the iNaturalist app
-
having a good swim on a sunny day
-
From tomorrow: Going on a week's vacation in our own country. We will drive and stay in our tent in the wild. We will be hiking, photographing, mushroom hunting, free diving, fishing. All free/cheap hobbies after you've made the initial investment for the equipment.
-
Been wanting to have a rain barrel but too cheap to buy the barrels lol. We happen to stumble a local company who was giving away 50 gallon plastic barrels (used to store some sort of sauce) last week.
I been watching youtube trying to figure out the best (and cheapest) way to divert water from our gutter.
Yesterday was the first time we use the water that we collected from our two rain barrels. For some reason I could not stop grinning over free water.
-
Backyard butterflies: Monarchs, swallowtails, Gulf fritillaries, painted ladies, mourning cloaks, sulphurs, blues, skippers
-
I started getting up 15 minutes earlier each day so I can sit around and sip a cup of tea . Tea is cheap and it makes my mornings so much better!
-
Listening to audiobooks from the library on my bus ride home from work makes me happy because:
1) Free books
2) I can tune out annoying people and overwhelming traffic noises.
-
I started getting up 15 minutes earlier each day so I can sit around and sip a cup of tea . Tea is cheap and it makes my mornings so much better!
Right on. I used to wake up, shower and drive straight to work when I had to be there early. They feed us for free but not necessarily the healthiest of foods.
Now I wake up 25 minutes earlier, make breakfast which is healthy and have a cup of coffee before work. My entire day is so much better because of it. Even if I get 25 minutes less sleep.
-
From tomorrow: Going on a week's vacation in our own country. We will drive and stay in our tent in the wild. We will be hiking, photographing, mushroom hunting, free diving, fishing. All free/cheap hobbies after you've made the initial investment for the equipment.
This sounds amazing. Enjoy!
-
-Meals from the freezer. Such.a.relief after a crazy day
-Laughing with my kids when they discover 90s movies (they are 11 & 12) & think "Adventures in Babysitting" is the funniest thing ever
-Cheap (but not bad) wine. Currently enjoying the TI from Costco (similar to Kim Crawford, if you like Sauvignon Blanc)
-
Together with SwissMister: having off on a regular Tuesday afternoon and walking to the local town hall to attend friends' wedding ceremony. Invited to champagne afterwards by the lake. Walking back home again in glorious weather.
All this knowing that I will be FIRE in a few days (SwissMister already is).
-
Frozen blueberries from the dollar store.
-
When my 7 yo laughs from his belly
-
Today it was free books downloaded from the library, taking my dog to the dog park and butternut squash is on sale at Aldi. My butternut squash soup withdrawal is almost over!
-
Waking up before the alarm goes off, and the first smell and taste of strong, black coffee. Time to conquer another day!
-
A family card game. Last night my 12 and 15 year olds finally 'got' euchre, and we had a great time.
-
Today it's the homey smell of the vegetable soup cooking in my crockpot. I'm blessed to have a HUGE farm behind my condo (living in Ohio has it's perks). Went there this morning and bought just picked cabbage, green peppers, corn on the cob, yellow beans, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and garlic. Smells like heaven.
For less than $11 I have at least 7 meals.
-
A family card game. Last night my 12 and 15 year olds finally 'got' euchre, and we had a great time.
Excellent. A rite of passage.
-
Making little color-coded envelopes for my wallet cards out of construction paper and washi tape. I labeled the outside of the envelopes with what rewards are best to put on that card at the time; i.e, Chase Freedom 5% bonus reward categories are Walgreens, Gas, and Lyft through October, when they switch to Department Stores, Warehouse Clubs, and ChasePay.
My debit cards are in one, my insurance cards in another. Now I can get through a checkout process without fumbling and trying to remember which card I should charge what tranaction to, or handing the dental receptionist my vision insurance card. The construction paper was bought on clearance years ago, and 5 rolls of adorable washi tape cost a total of less than $3. Fun crafts on a rainy afternoon that will keep me from being frustrated later.
-
Going to a free presentation and photo display of something interesting in the city.
-
Seeing my kids smiling and happy!
-
While disposing of some old televisions at my local hazardous waste/e-waste drop off location, I noticed they had a section off to the side offering free cleaning supplies and used cans of paint. I took away full bottles of Goof-Off and toilet bowl cleaner. Sounds weird to say, but walking away with free toilet bowl cleaner that someone else got rid of kinda made my day.
-
Maracuya Icecream :)
Reading a new chapter of my favorite Manga.
-
I have a blouse in a very nice blue and pink cloth, one size fits every Italian sized women. I am Dutch and bigger than that and the blouse was sitting too tight to wear. DH, on my request, remade it today into a top with very short sleeves and some splits in the sides. Now I can wear it again.
-
Pulling out and wearing my favorite cozy socks to wear now that autumn is here and the weather is finally changing a bit.
Homemade meals with friends. It's certainly cheaper than going out for a meal and drinks. Plus I don't have to wear shoes so I can show off the above-mentioned cozy socks.
-
Spending days to make some beef stock in my crock pot and then using that stock to make some french onion soup.
I enjoy making soup in general. Tomorrow I am going to make some tomato basil. I just love soup season!
-
My beautiful black suede and leather tall boots fit again.
I had gained about 20 lbs over the last 7 years due to depression, overeating, and inactivity. I bought these beautiful boots on clearance about 8 years ago and haven't been able to wear them in at least 2 years because of weight gain. I've worked hard to drop 17 lbs since June 1, and the boots fit again as of this evening (I couldn't zip them up 6 weeks ago).
I found out last week that a beloved dress that hasn't left the closet in 3 years also fits again. Yay for a free wardrobe expansion!
-
My friend of Russian heritage coming over for blini.
We sit around the table talking and laughing while making these thin little semi-sweet pancakes on the griddle and throwing anything into them, cleaning out the fridge, basically: tonight what we've got is lox for a start and ginger preserves for a finisher, and who knows what she's going to bring.
Kind of a variation on stone soup: you can make blini out of practically anything.
-
It’s pouring rain to the point that the street is flooded in front of out house. Husband has the day off and I work from home, so we’re spending a cozy morning sipping coffee and being grateful that we don’t have to go outside for a few hours.
-
Homemade chicken noodle soup.
-
While disposing of some old televisions at my local hazardous waste/e-waste drop off location, I noticed they had a section off to the side offering free cleaning supplies and used cans of paint. I took away full bottles of Goof-Off and toilet bowl cleaner. Sounds weird to say, but walking away with free toilet bowl cleaner that someone else got rid of kinda made my day.
I scored a nearly full bottle of toilet bowl cleaner from the trash room at my complex when some neighbors moved out. I was very pleased with myself every time I used that free bottle of (name brand!) free toilet bowl cleaner. :)
-
My friend of Russian heritage coming over for blini.
We sit around the table talking and laughing while making these thin little semi-sweet pancakes on the griddle and throwing anything into them, cleaning out the fridge, basically: tonight what we've got is lox for a start and ginger preserves for a finisher, and who knows what she's going to bring.
Kind of a variation on stone soup: you can make blini out of practically anything.
This sounds really lovely!
-
Just stopped at Aldi and got a bunch of food. I wasn’t keeping track in my head at all and expected the cashier to say it was at least $60. Ended up being $30.
-
More Trash Room Treasure! I didn't think about it being the end of the month when I went to drop off trash/recycling. The trash room was neatly stacked with tons of great stuff with a note that said it was all free for the taking. Judging by the randomness of the amalgamation, someone just got tired of packing and moving. I got two new looking barstools, many cleaning products, even some kitchen tools that were neatly wrapped in plastic. A large storage tub was stacked with dishes & serving utensils, even small appliances. At the bottom of the pile I found a furniture dolly and a 36-bottle flat of water! I stacked everything on the furniture dolly and rolled it to my apartment. I'm giddy over my new free items!
If it's not all gone by the end of the weekend, I'll take it to Goodwill jic our maintenance team decided to throw it in the Dumpster.
-
Reading great books from the library, either digital copies or actual ones.
Sometimes the waitlist can be incredibly long for electronic copies of popular books but there's something so awesome about waiting it out and seeing the email notification show up a couple weeks or months later saying it's yours for the reading :)
I used to buy new books compulsively if I wanted to read them. Now that they're the Gazingus Pin I've given up for 2018, I can honestly say not buying them has 1) freed up more cash to invest, and 2) produced a new appreciation for delayed gratification
-
Reading great books from the library, either digital copies or actual ones.
Sometimes the waitlist can be incredibly long for electronic copies of popular books but there's something so awesome about waiting it out and seeing the email notification show up a couple weeks or months later saying it's yours for the reading :)
I used to buy new books compulsively if I wanted to read them. Now that they're the Gazingus Pin I've given up for 2018, I can honestly say not buying them has 1) freed up more cash to invest, and 2) produced a new appreciation for delayed gratification
I never utilized the library very much until MMM. I never bought many books and the ones I did buy were always from local used stores, but I gotta say I'm a complete library convert now.
-
Being able to afford to stay home with a good cup of coffee - with fancy milk foam and what not, without any impact on my budget.
Yes, the library - although I often cuss it, since they don't always have what I want to read - so I've begun to see that as my opportunity to hang out at B&N, spend a bit on a new book and coffee and a croissant - what's not to love?:)
Being Mustachian I have a 20% discount card and I often find something in specially reduced section too:)
-
A call from a far away and cherished friend.
I have a family friend who is almost 98 years old. She's known me my whole life, and is like my grandma. She called me yesterday just to see how I was doing, and it just made my day. I'm traveling to visit her in a few weeks and am so looking forward to it. I appreciate her even more now that my bio-grandmas and my mom are gone. Relationships with elders are so, so precious.
-
Free banana at work.
-
Getting a “just-because” snail mail postcard from a friend!
And sending one back. Snail mail is such a simple and cheap delight.
-
On my walk last evening I saw a bat and a toad, which made me really happy.
-
Dinner came out delicious. I'm happy about my cooking skills :P
-
Dinner came out delicious. I'm happy about my cooking skills :P
+1
-
Dinner came out delicious. I'm happy about my cooking skills :P
+1
+2. Husband is currently scraping the last bits from his bowl.
-
hummingbirds at the feeder on my balcony
reasonably cheap delicious Greek food at the festival a short walk from my home
-
The feeling of satisfaction from a DIY job finished right. Today I fixed the ignition cylinder in my car, changed the oil and replaced the front sway bar bushings. Total cost: about $5 for two new car keys, about $11 for the oil and filter, and $6 for the bushings.
Even better, in the process, I discovered that the shop that did the alignment (after I replaced a tie rod bellows) didn't bother to untwist the bellows after adjusting the tie rods. It literally took me less than five minutes to remove the wheel, loosen the bellows, untwist it, and put the wheel back on, but I'm pretty disappointed in seeing them take such a shortcut that saved them maybe 30 seconds at the time.
-
I spent $28 at Walmart for a new cooler today. I felt so spendy for getting it when we have other coolers, but it is perfect for our needs (perfect size, good Igloo made in the USA, matches our team's colors, wheels on it, nice lid/cup holder setup for tailgates). I'm sitting here 8 hours later still admiring it and thinking about good times ahead, so yes, it was a good buy and today was a good day...
-
I made homemade posole, with green chiles I roasted myself, and it came out amazing! And cheap to make, too!
-
Studying my books for a new (for me) mushroom species that I found that day and being able to figure out with 100% certainty which specie it is.
-
Ability to video call and see my family that lives far away. I call them almost daily and these conversations make me very happy(Well, most of the times!). I remember using Skype a few years back and it was always buffering. Video calling was always messy. Now, whatever app I use (Whatsapp or Viber etc ) the quality is great. Thank you technology.
-
Trying a new recipe and having it come out well! Made saag paneer, with home-made paneer, despite no experience with cheese-making or Indian cooking. Surprisingly easy, and delicious. Will have to add more Indian recipes to my rotation.
-
Ability to video call and see my family that lives far away. I call them almost daily and these conversations make me very happy(Well, most of the times!). I remember using Skype a few years back and it was always buffering. Video calling was always messy. Now, whatever app I use (Whatsapp or Viber etc ) the quality is great. Thank you technology.
True to your name!
-
Using a long weekend to spend a lot of time with friends/family, make new recipes and basically try out the FIRE life I'm working so hard toward.
-
Using a long weekend to spend a lot of time with friends/family, make new recipes and basically try out the FIRE life I'm working so hard toward.
good on you zeli!
-
Trying a new recipe and having it come out well! Made saag paneer, with home-made paneer, despite no experience with cheese-making or Indian cooking. Surprisingly easy, and delicious. Will have to add more Indian recipes to my rotation.
Sounds delicious !! In similar type, you can try palak paneer, paneer tikka masala etc.
-
Spent about $100 this past week and 9 hours of work putting a custom wood trim paneling above our fireplace in the 2 floor great room. When we built our house 5 years ago it was almost $1000 to have them do it. With little kids in the home it took 5 years to get to it but it’s been gotten to.
-
My choir started rehearsing tonight for our Christmas concerts. I love singing with these people.
-
Learning Spanish on the free app Duolingo.
-
Hilary Hahn plays Bach. The new album, released last week. Available on your favourite streaming site.
-
The first dry, cool air of the season after a particularly long, hot, humid summer
I've decided cold fronts should be named as well as storms. I call this "Cold Front Pumpkin Spice WhatEVrr".
-
Hot cup of coffee when raining
Driving when raining
Being warm in the home when raining
Dripping sound on your windows when raining
All makes me happy :) I enjoyed all of them today.
-
Reading these forums with fresh cup of coffee on a friday morning.
-
Wow. I second that.
-
Coffee on the couch, watching snow fall outside the window. Ahhhh I love Winter!
-
Watching hilarious barbershop quartet routines (Main Street, Newfangled Four, Fred, Rural Route 4, Storm Front, etc) on youtube.
-
Getting your senses of smell and taste back after a bad head cold. (after you get through the "everything smells weird" stage)
-
Potluck dinner with friends on a Saturday night :)
-
Alone time in my home.
-
Finally, a day off with my husband and a sunny afternoon! It seems like the weather is terrible every other time we have a day off together. I’m going to push for a long walk in the state park downtown.
Edit: the long walk happened. Deep blue sky, bright blue sparkling water, a bit of color on the trees, and lots of white sailboats against the blue sky and water. Also a heron bobbing in the Detroit river that looked a tiny Loch Ness monster from shore.
-
Meditate. Been reading up on how meditation produces more gamma brain wave.
-
Meditate. Been reading up on how meditation produces more gamma brain wave.
Do you follow any specific type of meditation? I'm interested in that area and wanted to incorporate that into my life.
-
The weather when its little cold.
The small plants that I grow on the side of kitchen windows.
-
Do you follow any specific type of meditation? I'm interested in that area and wanted to incorporate that into my life.
I think what I do might be call mindfulness meditation? All I do is observe my breathing and any thoughts that pop up.
-
Do you follow any specific type of meditation? I'm interested in that area and wanted to incorporate that into my life.
I think what I do might be call mindfulness meditation? All I do is observe my breathing and any thoughts that pop up.
Ok thanks. I have heard about that but is time to practice it.
-
I've lost a decent amount of weight since last fall. My beautiful wool and cashmere sweaters that I bought pre-weight gain now fit again. It's like free new clothing.
-
Speaking of cashmere, a cheap thing that makes me happy is a lightweight cashmere sweater at the thrift store with a hole or two in it - the perfect decadent pajama top. The one I'm wearing currently cost me $1.
-
My beautiful black suede and leather tall boots fit again.
I had gained about 20 lbs over the last 7 years due to depression, overeating, and inactivity. I bought these beautiful boots on clearance about 8 years ago and haven't been able to wear them in at least 2 years because of weight gain. I've worked hard to drop 17 lbs since June 1, and the boots fit again as of this evening (I couldn't zip them up 6 weeks ago).
I found out last week that a beloved dress that hasn't left the closet in 3 years also fits again. Yay for a free wardrobe expansion!
Congratulations @OtherJen!
-
...Yes, the library - although I often cuss it, since they don't always have what I want to read - so I've begun to see that as my opportunity to hang out at B&N, spend a bit on a new book and coffee and a croissant - what's not to love?:)
Being Mustachian I have a 20% discount card and I often find something in specially reduced section too:)
Wait! Is this a test or a joke or something?
Let me see, it's bad to do this at Starbucks, but it's okay if you're buying a brand-new book?
Let me be clear, you are free to spend your money any which way you want, but posting what you did where you did is hard to swallow, especially when you add the part in bold above. Glad it makes you happy, but it ain't cheap, especially compared to the library.
Where is my face puncher when I think I'm going to need it?
-
Cracking open a beer and taking a long stroll around the neighborhood after a storm has left us with no electricity and really pleasant cool air.
-
Goldfish are cheap and make people happy. The "feeder fish" for under 20 cents each are really cheap. :)
Last year I bought "$5 worth" from the pet shop to stock the empty little pond at the nursing home where my dad was living. I got about 40 fish and saved one to keep in his room. We named that one "Lucky". ;)
Btw, if you place a plant cutting or two in the goldfish bowl to root you really don't have to feed it. It'll just nibble on the roots.
-
A flavored sparkling water. Can almost squint & feel like it's a cocktail. (Caveat, I get them for free at work) I'm a big fan of the La Croix Berry flavor.
-
Going for a walking meeting with someone, vs sitting at a desk or in a conference room. We're in California so the weather is perfect for this right now.
-
Where is my face puncher when I think I'm going to need it?
Banned. RIP42 :D
Way back when, there were facepunchers aplenty. Now they're getting scarce. I can hardly believe no one else even noticed.
-
High quality talks and lectures on Youtube. Good content is soo accessible in these times. Good.
-
High quality talks and lectures on Youtube. Good content is soo accessible in these times. Good.
True. I hear some inspiring & funny talks while working (the work that doesn't need thinking).
-
The cool online Amazon-Kindle-Local Library connection that my two boys use now. They download and read to their voracious appetites and now we dont have to pay late fees or replacement fees for books lost.
-
pre-portioned, frozen steel cut oats that I made months ago, that have been making the past few mornings breakfasts so yummy! I hate waiting for oatmeal to cook, and forgot I had these in the freezer, and have been loving a warm breakfast on our first week of winter temperatures.
-
Not having to scrape the frost off of my car windows this morning.
-
Walking my dog, especially on 60 degree mornings like today.
-
...Yes, the library - although I often cuss it, since they don't always have what I want to read - so I've begun to see that as my opportunity to hang out at B&N, spend a bit on a new book and coffee and a croissant - what's not to love?:)
Being Mustachian I have a 20% discount card and I often find something in specially reduced section too:)
Wait! Is this a test or a joke or something?
Let me see, it's bad to do this at Starbucks, but it's okay if you're buying a brand-new book?
Let me be clear, you are free to spend your money any which way you want, but posting what you did where you did is hard to swallow, especially when you add the part in bold above. Glad it makes you happy, but it ain't cheap, especially compared to the library.
Where is my face puncher when I think I'm going to need it?
Whoah Dicey - I never said a thing about Starbucks - here is my entire post:
Being able to afford to stay home with a good cup of coffee - with fancy milk foam and what not, without any impact on my budget.
Yes, the library - although I often cuss it, since they don't always have what I want to read - so I've begun to see that as my opportunity to hang out at B&N, spend a bit on a new book and coffee and a croissant - what's not to love?:)
Being Mustachian I have a 20% discount card and I often find something in specially reduced section too:)
My coffee comment means that I remember a time when I had to re-use my coffee from the day before, never mind affording coffee beans and I certainly didn't even dream of a milk foamer (mine is a cool little hand operated thingie that was a free giveaway when I ordered the coffeemaker).
So yes, I enjoy the hell out of good coffee and I am happy that I am retired and I am able to afford any damn coffee I want.
But, squeak, you stepped on my toes:) I think I should clarify my post, since in re-reading I can see that it sounds a lot worse than it is.
IRL context - I've been to B&N four times this year - one of those times was just a walk-thru to see what they had in the finance section so I could then order those books at my library.
The other three times I did indeed enjoy my coffee and even a lunch croissant for $4 half of which I enjoyed for lunch the next day.
As far as the new books, yup I bought three brand new - one I first got at the library and wanted to study further, the other is the JL Collins book which I could not get at my library at all and finally decided to buy.
The other is by a romance author I love and it was just really nice for once to hold a crisp new copy of her latest book - read it and donated it to my library.
In addition, I bought two books in their reduced, specialty edition section, one a specialty book I'd been looking for and the other simply a frivolous purchase.
The fact that I can tell you in detail what I purchased and why, months later, should signify that none of these purchases were without thought.
Let me add that the first half of this year was especially rough for me, because I was focusing on two financial goals and ridding myself of an acquired jewelry addiction - so this B&N day became the only highlight and "allowed" expenditure - because otherwise, I would have run screaming for the hills.
I've already met all my goals for this year and then some, so my strategies paid off and I actually feel pretty damn good about my MMM inspired ways.
Roughly $120 for books, coffee, food at B&N for the entire year so far - I consider that part of my annual dining out and entertainment expense - without apology.
A jewelry habit - finally kicked - yeah, I had a lot of wins this year. Maybe I should list that as a Cheap Thing that made me happy, because it cost me nothing to take part in the gazingus pin gauntlet, except excruciating pain working through the why's and wherefore's and facing bitter truths like most of us who are totally emotional about money and wrestle with an MMM mentality.
I would say that we are all trying our best - that is why we are here. I don't mind you calling me out, I see why, but I couldn't let it stand the way it was presented. If you still feel the same way - so be it.
Maybe you are one of the lucky "I've always been frugal and sensible with my money and MMM is my spiritual home" people.
I'm not, I have to work hard at many concepts introduced in this forum and then find ways to adopt the necessary strategies into my own financial life.
Perhaps on the surface, it sounded face punch worthy since I said "often", but what I really meant was that when I do go (which is not often:) - I often find something in the reduced special edition section as well.
That is the exact area I completely curtailed when I first started culling my bookshelves and rethinking my book purchases, which was way before MMM even existed.
I remember times in my life when payday meant enough gas for a trip to the library, a bag of pretzels and a big bottle of Coke. I would have shrieked at laying down say ten bucks for a book and there were also decades in my life when I made good money and picked up $120 worth of books without thinking, because I could - and believe me I read every damn one of them.
I grew up in a family of bibliophiles with very little financial sense - so learning that you do not spend hundreds on your favorite thing, books, even when you think you have the money was something I had to figure out on my own.
Books and coffee are definitely two pleasures in life that I am not willing to give up. Over the years I found ways to throttle my book addiction mainly via thrift stores and the library - but you will not find the latest books on the many subjects that I am interested in reading about in a thrift store and at least 40% of my interests have little to no representation in the library - that is a fact.
Maybe I'm just a weirdo with strange interests all over the map:)
I actually found that the little beach town near us has the best selection of finance books for instance - so yeah, I do my research.
My next two evaluations involve whether that B&N discount card actually paid off (it was an X-mas gift-but a renewal) and finding out if there is a way to link online to more libraries then I have access to online right now. More cheap thrills:)
Given the choice between clothing and a book - I'd choose the book.
Given a choice between eating and a book - I have on rare occasions, back in the day, chosen the book.
I am a bibliophile who has learned to stick with three bookcases - period - via the 'one in and one out' method.
End of squeak:)
Just sayin' - sorry to have derailed this thread - my apologies.
-
Speaking of cashmere, a cheap thing that makes me happy is a lightweight cashmere sweater at the thrift store with a hole or two in it - the perfect decadent pajama top. The one I'm wearing currently cost me $1.
I used one of my days off to go to the nice Goodwill in my city. My objective was to look for nice work jeans to wear on Fridays. I found a pair of Joe's Jeans (super pricey $156 new) in my exact size for $6. I snapped those right up along with a nice Climalite North Face shirt for 99¢. I then went to the library & got the documentary "OJ: Made in America" along with a beautiful ukelele, both of which I have for 3 weeks. For $7 & some electricity to charge my electric car, I have a fantastic new work outfit & entertainment for 3 weeks. I've been wanting to try out a ukelele & see if I enjoy it enough to purchase one. My 3 year old son has really been enjoying helping me play the ukelele. He's a not very verbal kid with Autism who is now singing along when I play the few chords on the ukelele that I know. This melts my heart.
-
[Big snip]
I am happy that I am retired and I am able to afford any damn coffee I want.
[Even bigger snip]
@Rosy, if you are retired, you have won the game! Hell yes, you can have anything you can afford. I know I do. But the fact that you are retired, and presumably FI, was not apparent to me in your original post. Maybe a FIRE status designation in one's profile might be more useful than the size of one's [in my case and probably yours, imaginary] mustache. Alas, there are so many variations on the theme, it might be way too confusing. Nonetheless, I think it's a good idea, but I digress...
If you are FIRE and still hanging around here, I'd guess that you and I might have similar motivations. I stay because I want to be a beacon to others, especially single women, on the path to FIRE. I was never a high wage earner and I live in a HCOLA. The path in the days of YMOYL and The Tightwad Gazette in book form was far less interactive and far lonelier. It pleases me to help others who are still learning the ropes. Therefore, your comment could not go unremarked upon in this place, especially on this particular thread. It was the words as they were written that I reacted to and not you, the person, Rosy. I congratulate you on your success. Wanna meet at B&N for coffee sometime? My treat. I think I have an old gift card moldering in a drawer somewhere.
-
Come on down to Florida anytime, @Dicey - you are welcome:) to enjoy some coffee in our gazebo in the garden. Sorry for all that confusion.
While I'm retired it is Mr. R. who has a couple of years left to RE.
He was/is the main reason that I am here, but then I found that I also could do a lot more for my own finances than I ever imagined possible. (we met late in life and keep our finances separate).
So presently, I am sort of reverse engineering to improve whatever is left of my financial future, but I'll officially be done in Dec 2019 - so in MMM terms maybe that should be my true FIRE date.
I do have a tough time with scrimping and saving for an extended period of time, I need a break in between. I'll be glad when I can leave off the scrimping part in 2019 and simply sail into the sunset:). Saving will remain part of my budget, I am happy to have enough money to easily save some. It is the scrimping part that I'm not OK with - but hey - it is all for a very good cause - my financial freedom.
Together we will have a comfortable retirement with his 401K and investments. Thankfully MMM saved our asses from borrowing from the 401K and other stupid shit ideas. I needed the motivation to dig up one more, small pension I could have started five years earlier - lucky for me, they paid it retroactively.
Yup, I remember the Cheapskate and Tightwad gazette fondly and a few early sites, then I found My Money Blog which I still like, although Jonathan doesn't write much anymore and if I want a good laugh, good links and quirky ideas I read Budgets Are Sexy.
The main idea I came away with from the first Your Money Your Life book was my first true understanding of compounding interest and I started evaluating each purchase from the perspective of how many hours or days do I have to work for this item?
For me and that is humbling to say, the JL Collins website and book was the last piece of the puzzle. Why did it take me so long to figure it out? I'm still secretly intimidated by the Bogleheads:)
MMM has changed my life in unexpected ways, but it is this forum that gives lifeblood to his ideas and polishes them up or takes them apart and re-invents them to fit "our" lifestyle.
... and I am totally on board with inspiring single women to pay attention and plan for their future, but I've also seen too many married ladies who never paid attention, did only for others, neglected their own security and paid a hefty price when it was too late to fix their own financial wagon.
I have had a rollercoaster life, so I don't quite fit in anywhere. A lot of poor decisions and a total disregard for money and property cost me a good 401K and a property I owned. Consequences, baby, consequences.
I'm still reeling from the reality that I went from nothing but two suitcases, just before I hit fifty, to a now comfortable retirement. Mr. R. came along and turned out to be a really good man. Slowly I fixed my financial life once more and now we have a good life near one of the finest beaches in the land. I lucked out financially only because I have decent pensions and health care for life - so all in all, I'm just fine after all is said and done.
... which, btw was the second time in my life that I started from scratch.
Some people are shining beacons of what not to do:) - and maybe, just maybe, there is something to be said for - it is never too late - you might not be able to fix everything, but I can think of a time when $200 more a month would have made a world of difference and warranted a huge sigh of relief. Now I'm saving nine times that much and still have money left over to spend on whatever I want.
I will echo the universal sentiment of, "Make hay while the sun shines" - but - it will do you no good, unless you actually invest/save 30%-50% of your income. My age and my health made it a lot more difficult to fix my financial life a second time around - the first time was a breeze - good job, good habits, but I didn't understand that you have to fight for what is yours or live with the consequences.
FWIW Dicey, I always enjoy your posts and y'all do come down to see us:) It was nice to hash it all out with you:)
-
Husband's friend gave us a butternut squash from his garden. For dinner, I peeled, cubed, and roasted it in a mix of butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt. Mmm.
-
I might have mentioned it before, but I like my monthly free Kindle book on the Samsung book deal. But I recently got an email from Amazon that they are stopping the deal. :-(
Maybe, instead of buying books, I should start reading over the books that I already have. Some might even be a surprise.
-
It’s autumn, and that means apple season. Except I live in a hot and humid foreign country with no autumn, no fall leaves changing colours, no crisp chilly air, and no snuggly sweaters.
So I did the next best thing and baked apple strudel muffins, and now a wonderful aroma of apples, cinnamon, and butter permeates my apartment. Just had a soft, warm muffin straight from the oven — delicious!
I was going to let DD take some to class to share with her classmates, but they are too yummy! And...er...I don’t think I sprinkled the strudel topping artistically enough, yes, now that I think about it, they are quite ugly to look at...I had better keep them at home and eat them all myself. :P
-
Catching the train to work. It takes a little longer, but it costs less than the fuel alone, let alone the maintenance on the car. And I get to read. I haven't read in a long time and am really really enjoying it, even when I do get slight motion sickness from it.
-
Catching the train to work. It takes a little longer, but it costs less than the fuel alone, let alone the maintenance on the car. And I get to read. I haven't read in a long time and am really really enjoying it, even when I do get slight motion sickness from it.
Oh, me too! I'm not sure it even takes longer, now that my city is all clogged up with cars: one of my happy train moments -- I'd thought of posting that here, but I thought maybe it was more gloating than happy -- is glancing up and seeing that I'm flying past all the cars stalled out on the freeway. An eighth of the cost *and* half the time *and* I get to read my book.
-
We were invited to test an escape room tonight. A young man we mentored a few years ago invited my DH and I to get a group together for the test session. The young man has been helping the owner build the room for 2 years!
The room was so much fun. There are still some small issues to work out, but overall the whole experience was a blast.
I think the room would have cost $20 each. So $100 savings for our group.
-
Catching the train to work. It takes a little longer, but it costs less than the fuel alone, let alone the maintenance on the car. And I get to read. I haven't read in a long time and am really really enjoying it, even when I do get slight motion sickness from it.
Oh, me too! I'm not sure it even takes longer, now that my city is all clogged up with cars: one of my happy train moments -- I'd thought of posting that here, but I thought maybe it was more gloating than happy -- is glancing up and seeing that I'm flying past all the cars stalled out on the freeway. An eighth of the cost *and* half the time *and* I get to read my book.
I used to commute by train for 15 years and I also loved to read. I don't take the train anymore, because my job is now somewhere else and I miss the reading. I do not miss the delays, though. Trains are great as long as you can sit in them and they are not overly crowded. And as long as they go on time.
-
I started getting up 15 minutes earlier each day so I can sit around and sip a cup of tea . Tea is cheap and it makes my mornings so much better!
Right on. I used to wake up, shower and drive straight to work when I had to be there early. They feed us for free but not necessarily the healthiest of foods.
Now I wake up 25 minutes earlier, make breakfast which is healthy and have a cup of coffee before work. My entire day is so much better because of it. Even if I get 25 minutes less sleep.
Or wake up 45 minutes earlier than that, make breakfast and coffee - and then bicycle to work. Its so close to bliss that I almost don't even mind going to work. Almost. Now if I could ride a bike path with a view all the way to work I might be unbearably happy.
-
Or wake up 45 minutes earlier than that, make breakfast and coffee - and then bicycle to work. Its so close to bliss that I almost don't even mind going to work. Almost. Now if I could ride a bike path with a view all the way to work I might be unbearably happy.
When I was at school, from age 12 to 18, I cycled 30 kms a day through some nice scenery on quiet roads, passing this windmill:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Netherlands,_Vlist_(3),_Bonrepasmolen.JPG
At that time I didn't value it that much, although I did enjoy it from time to time in good circumstances. It was much further than if I would have visited the local schools. But I was sent to a school for children with higher IQ-test results.
-
Not free, but relatively quite cheap, I just bought a sunrise lamp for $25 (as opposed to the $200+ model I've been eyeing for 5 years) so that I can wake up to "sunrise" light every morning instead of pitch black darkness well into the morning. It's usually still pitch black by the time I get to work all winter.
It's cheap because it's not a SAD light, which I don't need. I don't actually mind the cold darkness of winter here and don't get depressed at all, I just find it really hard to wake up without light, so this has been awesome. It's only been 2 days and I'm already waking up without my usual dark-morning headache.
I have a Philips Wakeup light alarm clock. And before that one from Lumie. I think the philips cost approx 100 USD a number of years ago.
I really like waking up with a light rather than a beeping alarm clock. And going to sleep with a fading light. My current alarm clock also has options for the sound. When I use bird twitter, I wake up really early because the birds outside my house start long before the alarm clock in the spring (4 in the morning or so). So now I have Zen piano or something like that.
The Philips Wakeup Light has way too many buttons, I think 15 or so. I regularly press the wrong one with my sleepy head. The number of buttons is partly because it also has a radio function that I don't use. But in comparison, the Lumie had only 3 buttons. With the Lumie I sometimes changed the clock time instead of the wake-up time, because you needed to press the buttons in the right sequence.
-
FIRE means you don't need an alarm clock, right? ;)
I've got the fury type of alarm clocks. The pitter patter of their little paws on the hard floor tells me to get up now, or mop up a puddle or two later. They're sweet & I love them, but I'd sure like to sleep in some days...
-
I've got the fury type of alarm clocks.
What, you get woken up by Samuel L Jackson every morning?! :P
-
Spending a few hours hiking in the local forest, at my own pace. I brought everything I needed and didn't feel anxious about anything.
-
Re-truing my bike wheel. Maybe even replacing a spoke if necessary. Buy a bundle of spokes and they last forever. Anyhow a task that is very thoughtful and calming.
-
Re-truing my bike wheel. Maybe even replacing a spoke if necessary. Buy a bundle of spokes and they last forever. Anyhow a task that is very thoughtful and calming.
My DH has the same idea about doing this.
-
Tea, popcorn, and Netflix with my 3-year-old on a rainy afternoon.
-
Spending the evening home alone, laying on the sofa, nice melacholic music on, tempered light and reading the last hours of my book.
-
My four-year-old’s logic. A few days ago she told me she wanted all of us to live with grandma when we repatriated. Great! She’s frugal and she loves grandma, right? Nope. I asked her why and she said, “Because grandma has a big bathtub.”
-
A long walk tbrough the forest with my wife this afternoon. Blissful.
-
Realizing that I live in modern times - I found out by electronic means that my train is an hour late before I got out my chair to walk to the station. Now I can read some more. :)
-
Roses. A big bunch of Souvenir de Mme Leonie Viennot, grown from a cutting taken from an abandoned garden a few years ago. They are so beautiful.
-
My walk in the forest this morning. Late in October with vold, but sunny weather. It felt like pure medicin against whatever difficulties I might have.
-
Guacamole, because really, what more do you need? Oh, and chips to help facilitate the guacamole eating.
-
Art books from the library sales, all softcovers for $1 and hardcovers for $2. It is always worth the trip downtown for me, invariably I find books on my wish list as well as a surprise or two. My favourite art books in my collection were found there.
-
Finding flowers in the garden even after waking up to snow on the ground.
-
My old dog still having the energy to go for a walk in the woods twice a day.
-
My friend with advanced cancer celebrated another birthday over the weekend, and the current meds seem to be controlling the disease really well.
-
My friend with advanced cancer celebrated another birthday over the weekend, and the current meds seem to be controlling the disease really well.
That is wonderful.
Over the weekend we went to a state park with my annual pass. I’d pay for a pass even if we didn’t use it, just to support the parks. Day of hiking that I paid for over 6 months ago. Perfect weather and good times with DH and the doggo.
-
Swimming in the river in our village.
Erma - you posted this a long time ago, but I took a vacay to Switzerland this year and I envy you! The rivers and lakes looked so inviting - as if they weren't even real, like Disneyland or something. What an unbelievably beautiful country. In fact, when the jackpot for a lottery in the US was $1.5B recently, the fantasy I kept returning to was escaping to a Swiss mountain village for a few months and just breathing that air.
Free thing I enjoy - I am crazy for the fall colors on a sunny cool day this time of year.
-
Leaving work after a really stressful day to run a company errand. Normally I'd be irritated to have to drive across town to pick up one tiny item, but today I was really grateful to get out and see the lovely fall foliage and listen to my (free from the library) audiobook.
-
Getting into bed that's been warmed up by a heated mattress pad on a cold night! Should have bought one years ago!
-
Getting into bed that's been warmed up by a heated mattress pad on a cold night! Should have bought one years ago!
I will counter that with: getting into bed with cool freshly cleaned sheets.
-
Walking through a park in Berlin full of very mature deciduous trees. We don't have so many of these in Norway.
Nice to see lots of runners and cycling commuters in the park.
-
Getting into bed that's been warmed up by a heated mattress pad on a cold night! Should have bought one years ago!
I will counter that with: getting into bed with cool freshly cleaned sheets.
... or my favorite, fresh off the line sheets, still smelling of sunshine:) - sometimes even still warm from the Florida sunshine.
-
So happy that it is finally cool enough to open the windows again - yeah, fresh air, no more AC.
-
trick or treaters at my door
-
A carpet of amazingly colorful leaves on the road as I go to work, courtesy of a nice rainstorm last night.
-
IKEA 'date' with friends and then walking around the whole thing looking at furniture we don't need (nobody bought anything!)
-
Going on a walk this morning with DW and hearing the crackling of the leaves underfoot. Fall is such a magical time!
-
Halloween! I just love it. Best costume I saw was a neighborhood family that had their huge black and white spotted Great Dane trick-or-treating with them. Mom, dad, and three kids were all dressed like the dog in full spotted onesie suits with tails. The littlest child was maybe 15 months old, wide eyed and just starting to grasp the concept of trick-or-treating.
Young toddler in a homemade puppy costume with a little tail on it -- cutest thing ever.
-
Went for a trail run yesterday with my twelve year old son. Weather was crisp and cool, and we made a game out of catching falling leaves as we ran.
At the end as we walked to the car, he took my hand and held it. Magical.
-
I found out that the particular cell phone I'm interested in buying, is available for $30 cheaper than I first presumed.
-
I found out that the particular cell phone I'm interested in buying, is available for $30 cheaper than I first presumed.
Yay! Which phone did you choose?
-
A one pot meal that I cooked in my big heavy cast iron frying pan that everyone has seconds of.
-
Falling asleep at 730pm and waking up a smooth 10 hours later, ready to take on the day. The. Best.
-
Crunching leaves when walking around outside
-
New recipes! This week we've made a lovely chana masala, and I attempted to make chicken mole with plantains. Less than fantastic, but no worse than I was expecting given that it was very experimental, and we had to substitute several ingredients we didn't have on hand. Still fun to try something new, and it wasn't half bad.
Not really cheap, but so grateful to have a good emergency fund and a fully funded HSA. DH wound up in the ER last night after a minor accident at the woodshop. Fortunately it's not serious and he's going to be fine. But it was so nice that he could be more upset about missing part of the class he was attending than about the bill we'll be getting from the hospital. When FIRE seems so far away, it's nights like this that remind me why we do this whole financial independence thing.
-
Our home cooking.
This week we have had:
Spaghetti bolognese, with extra chilli and a cut up chorizo (onsale really cheap) added. Yum
Fish and chips - home fried fish ($2 for 2 of us) and a bag of chips in the freezer ($1.90 at Aldi)
Kebabs (wraps) using left over meat from a roast a while ago, shredded lettuce, capsicum, cheese and tomato with a bit of greek yoghurt.
Pumpkin Penne - pumpkin pan roasted, with a few sausages cut up and tossed through, onion, balsamic vinegar, a bit of cream and cooked penne. Top with parmesan.
I'm hungry...
-
I’m drinking coffee and watching the first snowfall of the season from my cozy kitchen. It’s so pretty—big flakes falling straight down—and the best part is that I don’t have to go out in it until the afternoon.
-
Watching interesting chess world championship on TV with Norwegian title defender.
-
My car needed an oil change, tire rotation, and an air filter.
So, I bought a 5 gallon fully synthetic oil from Walmart for $22 dollars, oil filter for $5.50, and $10.50 air filter, with taxes, it came out around $40 dollars.
I went home and did the oil change and replaced the air filter by myself. Took about 30 mins. So then I called Walmart Auto center to see how much they'd charge just to rotate the tires. They said $2.50 per tire, 4 tires would be $10.
So I took over there and they put my car into the system and it's happened that I had my tires replaced at another Walmart which I forgot about it, so they said it FREE!!! I couldn't be happier with all that for around 40 dollars!
-
Found a free crochet pattern for a cardigan online. Got a bunch of yarn for free from a friend who was moving back to her home country. Now I’m in the process of crocheting myself a cozy cardigan for fall/winter.
-
with my kid - drawing an entire imaginary world, and all the animal characters in it, on a giant roll of paper
-
with my kid - drawing an entire imaginary world, and all the animal characters in it, on a giant roll of paper
Several years ago, my brother bought our kids a big roll of paper. We used it for five years. Hours and hours and hours and hours of fun for the kids.
-
Along the same theme as the giant rolls of paper -- giant cardboard boxes are wonderful!
When our kids were little we used to go to the local appliance store for boxes (they gave them away free). Our kids took those refrigerator and stove boxes and connected them into whole box 'cities' in our basement. They decorated them and put furniture inside -- a total blast.
-
we had the giant roll of paper, too! I think it lasted for about 11 years of my childhood, and we did everything with it! I have no idea where it came from, but it was the most used form of entertainment when I was a kid
-
All this talk about rolls of paper remind me of my grandmother. Her exclusive wrapping paper was a huge roll of meat paper. Every birthday and Christmas gift was wrapped in white freezer paper.
I still think of her every time I prepare meat for the freezer.
-
with my kid - drawing an entire imaginary world, and all the animal characters in it, on a giant roll of paper
Several years ago, my brother bought our kids a big roll of paper. We used it for five years. Hours and hours and hours and hours of fun for the kids.
Thank you! You just gave me a Christmas gift idea for my niece and nephew. They loved the box of art supplies I gave them last year but would have a blast tracing each other and drawing play maps on giant paper.
-
It used to be that you could buy ends of newspaper rolls cheaply right at the source. Alas, our local paper is now regional and not nearby. We had them throughout our childhood and found so many uses for it. Where does one acquire such paper these days? I'm pretty sure my granddaughters going to need some very soon.
-
I got my giant roll of paper at IKEA for pretty cheap - I think it is an accessory for one of their art easel contraptions. It's not GIANT - more like medium-Giant.
-
Not really cheap, but so grateful to have a good emergency fund and a fully funded HSA.
This! DH had a root canal last month. Got the bill for $1200 and didn’t stress over it. We’ve got the money in our HSA. Too bad our work moved away from HSA plans. But at least we’ve got some cash stashed for emergency medical stuff.
Then insurance came thru after the bill and we only owe a couple hundred. Wonderful.
-
That first smooth, quiet ride after applying desperately needed chain oil to my bicycle.
-
Our daughter coming home from University for the next 3 months. :)
-
Another new recipe to add to my repertoire! Made chicken tikka masala for the first time last night. It's been wonderful expanding into Indian cooking, because I had always thought I didn't like Indian food. Anytime we tried it at a restaurant, it was always too spicy for me and I couldn't taste the flavors over the burning. Now that I can control the spice level, I find it very tasty, and so far not too hard to make either.
-
Worked on a big, comfy cardigan based on a free crochet pattern I downloaded off the internet. It’s my first big crochet project, and I accidentally chose the wrong yarn — the yarn is much heavier than the one in the pattern. It is a happy accident though, because that extra weight is just so comforting. It’s like wrapping myself up in a cottony soft crocheted weighted blanket. So therapeutic.
-
Citrus fruit in December. Yum.
-
My Rumble Roller.......I foam roll and use it to crack my back on a daily basis. Amazing contraption.
-
Just a long walk. :)
-
Walking through a park that has art installations in it with my wife and youngest, and discussing the art. So much pleasure for free.
-
Dog bed heater. My elderly Dane now grunts contentedly in his sleep instead of whimpering at intervals, making this one of my better $20 expenditures.
-
A sunny day warm enough to take a walk without a jacket and open the kitchen window for a few hours (the latter also made the cat happy).
-
Free spicy biscuits at work, because it is December.
-
Falling a sleep for a nap in my recliner most days after lunch for a half hour or so
-
Running water and a toilet that flushes, as well as the ability to take hot showers from the comfort of home. All things that I currently do not have in my home right now because I live in China, and that’s how they roll — randomly turn off your water and NOT turn it back on even though you’ve paid the bills on time — just because they feel like it...or because they do shoddy work and don’t fix their shoddy work in a timely manner
-
Cold-smoked salmon from Aldi. Yum.
-
A dinner of leftover nachos with a side of leftover fried rice
-
The local metroparks system.
-
Two mornings ago, the waning crescent moon just before sunrise, with earthshine illuminating the rest of the disk and Venus bright in the blue sky.
-
Two mornings ago, the waning crescent moon just before sunrise, with earthshine illuminating the rest of the disk and Venus bright in the blue sky.
I saw that too, then I walked to work yesterday. I noticed the earthshine on the moon in particular.
Most of the walking to and from work this time of the year is a bit depressing, because it is so dark. But the night sky can give an interesting view with it's brighter objects.
-
Eggs. My best frugal food. $.97 for 18 pack at my local grocery store. I have been eating a ton of them for the past few months. They are also a big reason I have dropped a lot of weight and body fat since August.
-
Over easy are the best, on a slice of toasted bread, with some salt and pepper sprinkled into the yolk. Yum
-
I love my egg poached, on multigrain toast with sriracha sauce and parmesan.
-
I prefer an over-medium egg with salt and pepper on a slice of buttered toast.
-
Baby slept in enough that I could have coffee in bed with my husband this morning. A very cheap luxury!
-
I was working outside my house, cleaning out snow by hand. Then I heard a woodpecker. I always like to hear them minding their own business close to people doing their work. I couldn't locate it though, and I hope it was pecking into a tree and not somewhere into my house. There are lots of trees around my house.
-
Baby slept in enough that I could have coffee in bed with my husband this morning. A very cheap luxury!
Ahhh, coffee.
-
Waking up early (not to early)rested. All is quiet, a cup or two of coffee and doing what I am doing now. Reading/on my laptop and enjoying the peace and quiet with the fire on low before the day gets rumbling!
-
Making a giant batch of pesto from my basil plants I just harvested. Because it's December, and that's when basil growing season ends in Houston...
-
It was really cold this morning (16ºF/-9ºC), and neither husband nor I had anywhere to go. We slept in and then enjoyed coffee and a hot breakfast in our south-facing kitchen with the winter sun streaming in. I love the angle of the light in December.
-
Took the dog for a bike ride this evening. Was sprinkling ever so slightly. Just enough to make everything wet. I love to hear the sound of the bike tires on the wet pavement, the dog's toe nails trotting along, the sound of the trees and the wind. She's snoring a little right now, sound to sleep on her dog bed.
-
Yesterday I had my first cross country skiing trip this winter. Very good tracks most of the way. Very few people in the tracks. Nice light in the sky.
-
Love the color of the sky @Linda_Norway !
I baked gingerbread today, and now the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla permeates the apartment. DD said it smells like Christmas. Once the icing sets, we are going to have fun decorating the gingerbread house.
-
Love the look of that, Linda. No snow that stays here yet. That's life of Söte Bror.
My happy cheap thing today is soup. Today with lentils, onion, carrot and selleri. With a sandwich on the side and glass of milk too. Not quite ready yet, but I better go check my stove again.
-
My happy cheap thing today is soup, too! Ham, veggie and potato, simmered in the crockpot all day...time from entering the door from work and eating was less than 5 min. Perfect after a 10 degree bike ride home!
-
Yes to soups and stews! Last night I made a big pot of black-eyed pea stew with bits of ham and sausage. Served it hot over rice with vinegar sprinkled on top. Very cheap and yummmm.
-
Have to jump on the soup/stew/crockpot -cooking train! Made a new vegetarian lentil chili this weekend that was absolutely delicious on such a cold day. And have lots of leftovers for this week, yummy :)
-
The feeling of the sun on your back on a very cold day.
The look on someone's face when they expect you to have a complaint or problem and you give them a present instead. I dropped off a small box of cookies for our apartment's leasing office, and for our IT department at work, and the look on their faces was wonderful. This is my favorite part of the holidays.
-
Pomegranates. They’re $1.19 each at the local Aldi and they’re both delicious and oddly satisfying to pull apart.
-
The look on someone's face when they expect you to have a complaint or problem and you give them a present instead. I dropped off a small box of cookies for our apartment's leasing office, and for our IT department at work, and the look on their faces was wonderful. This is my favorite part of the holidays.
We do a lot of business with the local post office. We always drop-off cookies, snacks, fruits, etc around Christmas in the past several years. They are always slammed around this time of the year. The line snakes all the way into the lobby. We hope our little gift makes their day a bit brighter.
-
Coffee and fruitcake for breakfast, tamales to follow, and a peaceful Christmas Day with no scheduled plans.
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
-
Venus was absolutely gorgeous this morning before dawn -- huge and luminous, shining like a diamond in the southeast sky.
-
being able to mountain bike and hike again after two long surgery recoveries this summer/fall
-
Library books, $4 Revlon sale lipstick, bars of Ivory soap, and Costco coffee. Just love 'em.
-
Tea while watching the whistling ducks on the lake behind our house.
-
Eating frozen blueberries with chopsticks.
-
I woke up, looked out the window, and it was snowing! We've been lamenting that we didn't get a White Christmas, so it was nice to see. :)
-
A game of give-and-take with a friend’s very cute and mostly non-verbal early toddler. Basically, she would give a little stuffie to me (or sometimes throw it at me which was apparently hysterically funny), I would thank her and hug it, give it back to her, and get a joyous squeal in return. Rinse and repeat until she hit peak glee.
I really don’t get to spend enough time with kids aged 6-18 months. They’re so much fun.
-
At Christmas I found out that my brother has found a job again. A bit outside his exact field of expertise, which makes him more generally attractive as an employee. As he has been without a job for some time and only had temp jobs before that. He likes the company, has a decent commute and can in the morning cycle his sun to school before going to work. I am very happy for him.
-
A surprise December day in the mid-60s F. Like today. Except the rains set in shortly. Still enjoying hearing the wind roaring through the tall trees.
I'll take what I can get.
-
Finding a pair of earplugs in my pocket during the countdown to "midnight"* with a dozen screaming kids.
*The parents don't want to stay up until midnight, and don't want the kids to stay up either, so we pull up a video of the Sydney fireworks and show it at 7pm :)
-
Or an occasional internet failure near bedtime...
-
Really good leftover food from a New Years Party! Mini Pizzas! :D
-
Finding a pair of earplugs in my pocket during the countdown to "midnight"* with a dozen screaming kids.
*The parents don't want to stay up until midnight, and don't want the kids to stay up either, so we pull up a video of the Sydney fireworks and show it at 7pm :)
My kids are grown now. That's one thing I miss about when they were little - the ability to trick them. It's an underappreciated but satisfying aspect of parenting.
-
Yesterday my DH found out that the new season of one of our favorite TV shows is back on TV (world champions in different sports competing each other). We missed the first episode, but watched it online together last night. It was every bit as interesting as the other years.
It is on the channel that we have to pay for anyway, as we own a TV. So there is no additional cost. It is also commercial free.
-
What is the name of the TV show?
-
Path of Exile... free
-
Libraries, libraries, libraries. Wandered around the stacks of my local library today. Found and borrowed a book I've wanted to read, "The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South." Sooo good. I had first seen the author, Michael W. Twitty, in a 18th-century cooking YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwkRWIwZ43A
-
I'm almost 41 years old. At this morning's dentist appointment, I learned that I still have not developed my first cavity. AND I got a bag of freebie dental products.
-
Slept early last night so I woke up early on Saturday, then enjoy my coffee and browsing for news in my home office. Really appreciate the quite time before my little troublemaker wake up lol
-
I'm almost 41 years old. At this morning's dentist appointment, I learned that I still have not developed my first cavity. AND I got a bag of freebie dental products.
kudos to that! Seriously, that is awesome.
I was not responsible with oral care in college, and also ran a lot of long distance races (so ate a lot of sugary energy products) in my late teens, and now 10 years later I'm paying for it with 4 cavities I have to get filled with no dental insurance. I also skipped the dentist for about 5 years, which is another thing I'm kicking 18 year old me for.
-
I'm almost 41 years old. At this morning's dentist appointment, I learned that I still have not developed my first cavity. AND I got a bag of freebie dental products.
kudos to that! Seriously, that is awesome.
I was not responsible with oral care in college, and also ran a lot of long distance races (so ate a lot of sugary energy products) in my late teens, and now 10 years later I'm paying for it with 4 cavities I have to get filled with no dental insurance. I also skipped the dentist for about 5 years, which is another thing I'm kicking 18 year old me for.
Yeah, my minimal sweet tooth has definitely helped. But a lot of it is sheer dumb luck. I have celiac disease that wasn't caught until I was in grad school so my teeth have loads of white spots due to nutrient malabsorption, to the extent that a new dental hygienist asked if I had been malnourished as a child. I am careful with my teeth, though. My grandma had full dentures, and I think that scared me into good dental hygiene as a kid.
-
Days like yesterday in the Fridgid upper Midwest getting up to 50 degrees and sunny and able to walk along the Lake front in January.
-
Today I joined a free mushroom picking trip from the club that I'm a member of. There was a real expert too, so I learned some new species. Nice to meet many familiar like-minded people again. And I even found an edible species, in January! Flammulina Velutipes.
I took the train on my husband's train card, so the transport didn't cost anything.
Tonight I am making food that contains a plant I found in the spring.
-
I live the snuggle of a comfortable shawl when the room is a little cool, but not cold enough to adjust the thermostat.
-
Made a tray of lasagna from scratch. Taking cheap generic Prevacid antacid which allows me to eat the lasagna without too much of a problem with acid stomach. Putting on grubby clothing for a walk up and down a local hill, to burn some calories and to affect the blood numbers in a good way.
-
Progress on projects around the house. Thanks to warm weather: repairs to two of our cars so I can ready one for sale.
-
Went for a hike today and rounding a rock outcropping get a nice view of a great horned owl perched about 20 ft away watched us. It was almost noon so even though it was cloudy I was not expecting to see one out and about.
-
Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips leftover from Christmas baking.
-
The slight pops and crackles in vintage records before the music starts. Bought at the thrift store for $1 of course! So much magic out there you will never find on iTunes or Spotify or Soundcloud...
-
Having a good conversation at home where we find resolving solutions for stressful problems.
-
The inaturalist app on my phone. Searching for and identifying birds, plants, and most of all mushrooms 🍄 Very challenging!
-
"dog hugs" and a happy dog.
-
Internet Connection
Board Games
Free Offline Games
Listening YT songs
Read forums
-
paying cash and getting a discount from businesses that don't report their earnings
-
It’s snowing fairly heavily right now. I don’t need to leave the house today.
-
It’s snowing fairly heavily right now. I don’t need to leave the house today.
+1 for days when I never change out of sweatpants and a bathrobe.
-
It’s snowing fairly heavily right now. I don’t need to leave the house today.
+1 for days when I never change out of sweatpants and a bathrobe.
sadly, it fell to me to remove the 10" of drifted snow that accumulated on our driveway, so I had to get dressed today.
Of course, snow days are also great opportunities to tackle projects inside the house as well
-
I mentioned eggs earlier in the thread. Now, I am going to mention tilapia and broccoli.
-
In the moning, seeing a red squirrel in pur garden, eating the sunflower seeds we put in a feeding devise. It sat there for some time, digesting the bunch of foid. I filled up again for tomorrow.
Having a nice ski trip close to home with DH. Beautiful winter sunshine on frosty trees.
-
Here is the other picture.
Sorry, I don't know how to delete the second picture on the iPad...
-
A lunar eclipse and a clear night. It's too cold to spend more than a few minutes outside at a time (3°F plus wind) but we can see it easily from our driveway. If only I could keep my glasses from fogging up.
-
The full moon rise last night was stunning. The sky was shades of blue and purple that you only see in the winter.
Thanks for the pictures @Linda_Norway! So beautiful.
-
A lunar eclipse and a clear night. It's too cold to spend more than a few minutes outside at a time (3°F plus wind) but we can see it easily from our driveway. If only I could keep my glasses from fogging up.
That *was* really cool to see. We pulled our kids out of bed to see it, too. Some of them even woke up.
-
Here is the other picture.
Sorry, I don't know how to delete the second picture on the iPad...
That's gorgeous. I wish we had winters like that.
-
Dog snuggles.
-
A warm house on a cold night, and the possibility of finally finishing this sweater I've been knitting since before Thanksgiving.
-
A warm house on a cold night, and the possibility of finally finishing this sweater I've been knitting since before Thanksgiving.
And the sweater is off the needles!
-
Not having to go to work during this snowstorm weather (because it's Sunday).
-
Going to our local HS sporting events. Just on a whim and sooooo bored because were in Midwest Freeze lock my one DS was going to go the the Girls varsity BB game. Never been. Went and it was quite entertaining.
-
Going to our local HS sporting events. Just on a whim and sooooo bored because were in Midwest Freeze lock my one DS was going to go the the Girls varsity BB game. Never been. Went and it was quite entertaining.
+1 to that. When our first child was about 1, our local girls varsity High School team was playing in the state championship. There was this sophomore phenom that was supposed to be great to watch. We knew know one, but it didn't matter.
Best game I have ever been to. The opposing team just shut down the phenom, and the rest of the team stepped up. They won after about 4 lead changes in the 4th quarter on a buzzer beater 3 pointer.
I couldn't hear for about an hour. Well worth it.
-
Going to our local HS sporting events. Just on a whim and sooooo bored because were in Midwest Freeze lock my one DS was going to go the the Girls varsity BB game. Never been. Went and it was quite entertaining.
+1 to that. When our first child was about 1, our local girls varsity High School team was playing in the state championship. There was this sophomore phenom that was supposed to be great to watch. We knew know one, but it didn't matter.
Best game I have ever been to. The opposing team just shut down the phenom, and the rest of the team stepped up. They won after about 4 lead changes in the 4th quarter on a buzzer beater 3 pointer.
I couldn't hear for about an hour. Well worth it.
Yea similar experience was ours. Our HS wasnt ranked but played the # 4 ranked team in the state and there was a girl 3 or 4 D1 Colleges were there to watch on the opposing team. Our HS shut her done and won by like 17. So loud and fun. Between the band and the student section with there chants I was just glad to be sitting on the other side of the gym!
-
Every day I can add something to this thread:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/what-small-things-did-you-do-today-to-save-money/
-
Watching hummingbirds collect milkweed fluff to line their nests.
Listening to my kids play Monopoly with my husband.
Making crispy paprika chickpeas in my vintage cast-iron skillet that I thrifted for .99 a decade ago.
-
-Conversations that happen on road trips. I read somewhere that the best conversations with your teens/kids happen in the car, & it's true! We had a failed ski trip a few weekends ago due to weather, but had some amazing conversations with the kiddos.
-Quieting my brain for a few minutes when meditating. So refreshing in the day to day distracted world I normally occupy.
-
Catching up with friends. Hearing how their projects are going.
-
Having your cat waiting patiently for you to sit down to eat breakfast (at the computer in my office) and then immediately jumping up and curling up on your lap to go to sleep. (This does make it difficult to get to work on time - having sleeping kitty on lap and it's time to get going - go to work and disturb kitty, or let kitty sleep and not go to work ...)
-
Three days of sunny, warm weather in January. 50s and 60s!
-
Three days of sunny, warm weather in January. 50s and 60s!
+1. Although it is surreal to swing from -13°F to +50°F within a 4-day period.
-
Being able to help out a guy with a flat tire and a broken jack. First time we had used the jack for our van but worked like a charm as his small SUV was nowhere near the same weight class. So two cheap things that make me happy for the price of one
-
The weather surprised me and they are calling for mid-70s F tomorrow! Of course I'll be at work... Dang it! :)
If I wasn't demo'ing a big project tomorrow, I'd call in sick with "cabin fever" or something.
-
This weekend I met a guy who was wearing his long johns (indoors) with a short woolen thing with trousers over it. He said it had belonged to his grandmother and was many decades old. His aunt had adjusted it, so that it fit his body. We were all amazed to hear that a woolen garment was still fully functional after so many decades. I felt happy hearing that someone reuses such an old garment during his winter trips.
-
This weekend I met a guy who was wearing his long johns (indoors) with a short woolen thing with trousers over it. He said it had belonged to his grandmother and was many decades old. His aunt had adjusted it, so that it fit his body. We were all amazed to hear that a woolen garment was still fully functional after so many decades. I felt happy hearing that someone reuses such an old garment during his winter trips.
That's cool @Linda_Norway. Was it a "union suit" with a flap in the back, like this?
-
This weekend I met a guy who was wearing his long johns (indoors) with a short woolen thing with trousers over it. He said it had belonged to his grandmother and was many decades old. His aunt had adjusted it, so that it fit his body. We were all amazed to hear that a woolen garment was still fully functional after so many decades. I felt happy hearing that someone reuses such an old garment during his winter trips.
That's cool @Linda_Norway. Was it a "union suit" with a flap in the back, like this?
No, there was no flap in the back. More something like this:
https://www.lanullva.no/lanullva-tynn-ullboxer-off-white
But then much older with thicker wool.
-
This weekend I met a guy who was wearing his long johns (indoors) with a short woolen thing with trousers over it. He said it had belonged to his grandmother and was many decades old. His aunt had adjusted it, so that it fit his body. We were all amazed to hear that a woolen garment was still fully functional after so many decades. I felt happy hearing that someone reuses such an old garment during his winter trips.
That's cool @Linda_Norway. Was it a "union suit" with a flap in the back, like this?
No, there was no flap in the back. More something like this:
https://www.lanullva.no/lanullva-tynn-ullboxer-off-white
But then much older with thicker wool.
Ah, got it. Just the short bottom, not the whole body. (I guess we don't have a word for that garment in English that I know of. It's not a union suit, and I don't think it's long johns since they are short. I guess wool boxers? is as close as we can come. Or maybe we should just call them "short johns" haha ). That is very impressive that it has lasted that long and is still being used.
-
This weekend I met a guy who was wearing his long johns (indoors) with a short woolen thing with trousers over it. He said it had belonged to his grandmother and was many decades old. His aunt had adjusted it, so that it fit his body. We were all amazed to hear that a woolen garment was still fully functional after so many decades. I felt happy hearing that someone reuses such an old garment during his winter trips.
That's cool @Linda_Norway. Was it a "union suit" with a flap in the back, like this?
No, there was no flap in the back. More something like this:
https://www.lanullva.no/lanullva-tynn-ullboxer-off-white
But then much older with thicker wool.
Ah, got it. Just the short bottom, not the whole body. (I guess we don't have a word for that garment in English that I know of. It's not a union suit, and I don't think it's long johns since they are short. I guess wool boxers? is as close as we can come. Or maybe we should just call them "short johns" haha ). That is very impressive that it has lasted that long and is still being used.
The ones that I linked to look very comfortable for CC skiing trips in low temperatures. I was looking for something like that myself several years ago and ended up buying 2 pairs of 3/4 long johns in much thinner wool. But these look very tempting...
But being Mustachian, let's not buy them, as I don't really need them. There are always clothes that will look tempting for various reasons.
-
This is more a free thing that made me grateful:
10.30am: GP appointment for cervical screening test and routine breast exam. GP found a lump in my breast and made me a same-day appointment for an ultrasound and mammogram at a radiology clinic. Cost of GP appointment and cervical screening test: $0.
1.30pm: breast ultrasound. Got the results on the spot, everything is normal, no mammogram needed. Cost of radiology appointment: $0.
So in less than four hours I had a possible health problem detected and cleared, and it cost me nothing.
Lots of Australians are complaining about health care in this country because health insurance premiums are set to rise again in April, but we are so fortunate.
-
That's a great one, @mustachepungoeshere - and fantastic that you got the all clear!!
-
Using my late Dad's mug for my tea.
-
Using my late Dad's mug for my tea.
A beautiful example of the important things in life...
-
Using my late Dad's mug for my tea.
A beautiful example of the important things in life...
My mom sewed a fleece hat for me several years ago, before she passed away. It looks somewhat silly, but it's warm, and I like it, so I wear it.
-
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91Po1lrLG%2BL._SX425_.jpg)
Soooooo good! Add some chicken or beef makes it even better.
-
Using my late Dad's mug for my tea.
A beautiful example of the important things in life...
My mom sewed a fleece hat for me several years ago, before she passed away. It looks somewhat silly, but it's warm, and I like it, so I wear it.
It's so special to have something made for you by a loving parent.
Not quite the same thing, but I have some of my Dad's stories he printed and signed for me and I cherish them now.
-
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91Po1lrLG%2BL._SX425_.jpg)
Soooooo good! Add some chicken or beef makes it even better.
Oh man. I can’t eat those anymore because of celiac disease but yes, those are the king of packaged ramen.
-
Getting free solar heat by opening the blinds.
Saving my heat pump by keeping the house cool in winter and just heating my bedroom with inexpensive portable heater.
Spread (clean and unused) cat litter on icy sidewalk. Don't have cats anymore so it's good to make use of the cat litter, instead of throwing it out.
-
Using my late Dad's mug for my tea.
A beautiful example of the important things in life...
My mom sewed a fleece hat for me several years ago, before she passed away. It looks somewhat silly, but it's warm, and I like it, so I wear it.
Having a cold and using my late dad's white cotton handkerchief. One that I gave him many years ago. He wrote our last name on it with a Sharpie in shaky old man's printing. God, I miss him. RIP, Pops - you were a good man.
-
ESPN+ for 4.99 if you go through MLS. I like all sports and You get everything including the 30 for 30's and other great shows. My kid wanted for X-mas and really was a good deal. Goes up though and probably done with it.
-
Basmati rice. I don't know why I don't make it more often, it doesn't take any more effort than plain rice and it always feels like a treat.
-
Using my late Dad's mug for my tea.
A beautiful example of the important things in life...
My mom sewed a fleece hat for me several years ago, before she passed away. It looks somewhat silly, but it's warm, and I like it, so I wear it.
Having a cold and using my late dad's white cotton handkerchief. One that I gave him many years ago. He wrote our last name on it with a Sharpie in shaky old man's printing. God, I miss him. RIP, Pops - you were a good man.
I use my Dad's hankies, partly because I'm practical (why should they go to waste?) and partly because I know he would have found it funny. Having one your father wrote on must be even more special <3
-
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91Po1lrLG%2BL._SX425_.jpg)
Soooooo good! Add some chicken or beef makes it even better.
+1. I am sure not good for my health but it is perfect on cold evening in winter. I made mine spicy + 2 egg.
-
On thursday night we saw an owl flying over the road in front of the car. I see owls very seldom, so that was nice.
-
Walked a bit this morning. Cool air bordering on cold. Very mild this winter here. I don't usually walk in the morning. Usually walk out of our house, hop in the car and park 150 ft from the door of my work place. Mornings are often hectic. Not this morn. Have had a few minutes this morn to drink my coffee in peace at work as I follow up on emails and check MMM. Caught up on work projects for the moment.
-
Replaced the battery in my old Casio G-shock myself, and managed to get it working without too much fuss. :)
-
A $10 bucket of mastic. There's something therapeutic about slathering the sealant on all the duct joints with a paint brush, without having to worry about whether it looks good. I'm gradually working through all the joints I can reach in our basement, hoping to improve airflow to some of the rooms that don't seem to get enough.
-
I have a book to identify a certain type of mushrooms, Russula. Everytime I find an unknown mushroom, I need to read all descriptions and compare them because the book doesn't contain a determination key. Now I have finally put all the characteristics for each species in an excel sheet. Now I am creating my own determination key.
-
I actually thought about this thread the other night while I was lying in bed listening to rain outside and the cat snoring beside me. That's a very good combination of sounds.
-
Funny I was just reflecting on this yesterday, when after a morning of reading and writing, I went out for a little XC ski in the local park.
(Yes, I drove 5 minutes to the park, when I could have figured out a way to strap the skis to my winter bike. But hey, fresh snow and slow clearing of the bike paths made it safer. Got some groceries on the same trip. But anyway . . .)
-cheap vehicle, a 10 year old hatchback with only 130,000k on it. Paid for. Cheap to run. Makes me happy!
-cheap skis, actually free, a neighbour was chucking them out because they are "obsolete." They have 3-pin bindings which work just fine. Makes me happy.
-cheap, actually free, ski trails along the river at the local park. Sunshine. Kinda cold (-15), but you can dress for that. Makes me happy.
-then back at home afterward, listening to choral music on my top of the line (in the 1990s!) stereo, bought used of course, nearly free and very very good-sounding. Makes me happy.
Everything that went into a perfect afternoon COULD have been VERY expensive: a "safer" SUV with AWD, up-to-date skis and gear, a multi-thousand dollar new stereo. But none of that would have made it any more fun. (And of course, I would have been at work paying for it instead of outside in the sunshine.)
-
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
-
tonight I went to the local brewery 4 blocks away for free live music with some friends. I rode my bike there, and used a free beer coupon for my drink! Free night, and so good for the soul after a really long/cold winter of feeling a little reclusive.
-
Today, I had a quiet moment to myself while at work. I'm savouring the moment right now.
-
I actually thought about this thread the other night while I was lying in bed listening to rain outside and the cat snoring beside me. That's a very good combination of sounds.
OMG, my cat snores, too!
-
I actually thought about this thread the other night while I was lying in bed listening to rain outside and the cat snoring beside me. That's a very good combination of sounds.
OMG, my cat snores, too!
Quiet little squeaky snores are the best.
-
A tire on our car that kept going flat is finally fixed. Was nice to come outside and not see a flat when I needed to go somewhere.
-
On my Friday off, doing a hike with a new friend who doesn't work (for medical reasons). The weather was really nice. We went to a new place, walked through a hidden valkey full of snow, exciting. Had lunch with a thermos bottle and packed lunch.
-
Spent a weekend afternoon sitting in a cushy beanbag chair, sipping a mug of tea, and enjoying the drumming of the rain outside.
-
Taking my group of middle school special needs students to Legally Blonde, the musical, performed by a local youth theater organization. It was amazingly well done & I got hugs from former students. Watching my students enjoy an afternoon with peers, away from their parents absolutely warmed my heart on this cold & very snowy March afternoon. They were so excited about having an afternoon out.
-
I actually thought about this thread the other night while I was lying in bed listening to rain outside and the cat snoring beside me. That's a very good combination of sounds.
OMG, my cat snores, too!
Quiet little squeaky snores are the best.
My cat snores like a 400 pound sealion. No delicate little snores at all. I actually got it checked out at the vet when he was a kitten. My friend's huge husky has a cute little 'wuffle fluffle' kind of snore. Doesn't really match the body at all!
-
I actually thought about this thread the other night while I was lying in bed listening to rain outside and the cat snoring beside me. That's a very good combination of sounds.
OMG, my cat snores, too!
Quiet little squeaky snores are the best.
Oh, hers are completely not quiet or little or squeaky. They do make us, and any guests who hear them, laugh, and laughter is good for you, right? Therefore, if cats are good for you, the snoring cats are the best.
-
I actually thought about this thread the other night while I was lying in bed listening to rain outside and the cat snoring beside me. That's a very good combination of sounds.
OMG, my cat snores, too!
Quiet little squeaky snores are the best.
Oh, hers are completely not quiet or little or squeaky. They do make us, and any guests who hear them, laugh, and laughter is good for you, right? Therefore, if cats are good for you, the snoring cats are the best.
Nothing like a snoring cat!
-
I actually thought about this thread the other night while I was lying in bed listening to rain outside and the cat snoring beside me. That's a very good combination of sounds.
OMG, my cat snores, too!
Quiet little squeaky snores are the best.
Oh, hers are completely not quiet or little or squeaky. They do make us, and any guests who hear them, laugh, and laughter is good for you, right? Therefore, if cats are good for you, the snoring cats are the best.
Nothing like a snoring cat!
Reading this exchange was cheap and delightful
-
I actually thought about this thread the other night while I was lying in bed listening to rain outside and the cat snoring beside me. That's a very good combination of sounds.
OMG, my cat snores, too!
Quiet little squeaky snores are the best.
Oh, hers are completely not quiet or little or squeaky. They do make us, and any guests who hear them, laugh, and laughter is good for you, right? Therefore, if cats are good for you, the snoring cats are the best.
Nothing like a snoring cat!
Reading this exchage was cheap and delightful
ditto, reading this was my cheap happy thing for the day
-
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
This, but eaten at a totally non-mustachian ski resort, where lunch is $30/pp. And, you have your PB&J, water & an apple & enjoy life.
-
Getting low on washing powder, and finding your preferred brand on special at the shops, at half price. We normally buy in bulk, but I'm pretty sure we have at least 6 months worth in the cupboard now.
-
Yesterday I walked around the neighbourhood, listening to a podcast. I discovered that my favorite financial podcast (in Norwegian) had a follow up episode on FIRE. The week before, they talked about the FIRE concept for the first time, with a FIRE blogger as a guest. This time they were answering the response from listeners. I turned out they had gotten more reactions than ever after that first episode, both positive, negative and sceptic reactions. The financial expert in the podcast was in many ways quite positive about the concept and thought that many would benefit by gaining more financial freedom.
-
I found out today that we owe some in taxes to the Fed this year, and are getting some back from the State. It's netting out to less than $100. I'm just ridiculously thrilled at hitting that close to 0.
-
DH told me about a new outdoor podcast, which was nice to listen to. They talked about a book that might have been interesting to look through. I was able to order it in the library app. It might be available in 7 weeks from now, but that doesn't really matter.
And if it had been earlier in the winter, I would have said: snow. But now, after some weeks with very warm temperatures and signs of springtime, it seems more of a hassle to have to clean a thick layer of snow. At least, I hope that we will be able to cross country ski on a fresh trail tomorrow. (we no longer work on Fridays by default)
-
Hiking in the mountains just outside of my local city. Only real cost is fuel which is split between 2 - 5 people. Get hours in the outdoors to talk to friends among peace and quiet
-
Working at my kitchen table this morning. The table is in a nook with floor to ceiling windows so my view is woods, blue sky, sun and my next door neighbor's daffodils. Every single morning I'm grateful that I work from home.
-
There is a financial magazin that I tried out for free 3 months. I wasn't as relevant as I thought it would be, too many articles about how to buy foreign properties for your own vacations. So I cancelled it on time before the 3 months were over. Now I got an offer per email to get a new copy for free (and 1 month online reading) with automatic cancellation. Of course I accept it. On their podcast, they promised to come back with an article about FIRE, so I hope that will be available within this month.
-
I buy my eggs from a local woman who raises chickens. She uses different breeds so the eggs are all colors (white, dark brown, light brown with dark brown spots, some are even pale blue-green) and she takes really good care of the birds so the shells are thick and the yolks are brilliant orange-yellow. They taste amazing. She only charges $2/dozen and she delivers them to my door. Every few weeks she gives me a free dozen because I return the cartons.
She has one of those big personalities that radiate joy and good will. Buying her eggs makes me happy.
-
Free admission to the big art museum downtown because I live in one of the three counties supporting it with millage funding. Tonight, I enjoyed an excellent concert while surrounded by Rivera's "Detroit Industry" murals and perused the visiting pop art exhibit.
-
Arguing with Sol about healthcare policy.
:)
-
Arguing with Sol about healthcare policy.
:)
Following both threads.
This is the best post I've read today.
-
Not needing to go outside on a chilly, rainy, windy day.
-
Not needing to go outside on a chilly, rainy, windy day.
mmmmm, yes, this!
-
Not needing to go outside on a chilly, rainy, windy day.
mmmmm, yes, this!
+1
+ those days with heavy snow and lots of cars getting stuck and blocking the roads from/to our home.
+ days with frozen rain
-
First sunny and warm day of the month! The smell of spring is in the air.
-
Noticed the fields are turning green, the birds were chatty outside this morn, and of course the temps are more comfortable. I think spring is around the corner. March can be surprising though with winter weather.so we're not there yet.
-
Noticed the fields are turning green, the birds were chatty outside this morn, and of course the temps are more comfortable. I think spring is around the corner. March can be surprising though with winter weather.so we're not there yet.
Yeah, sometimes we get snow into mid-April. One year, my dad and I had opening day baseball tickets in early April. We bundled up for temps in the low 30s and sat through 5 innings of sleet before we decided that it would be more fun to listen to the rest of the game in the warm car.
I never expect comfortable weather until the last week of April. It’s a nice surprise if we get a few warm, sunny days before then.
-
A walk in a park on a sunny day and a good book on a rainy day :)
-
I'm doing it right now......At the library reading all my favorite newspapers for free....
-
Just took a walk on my break and came upon a jack rabbit on the trail behind my office. Too cute.
-
Taking my group of middle school special needs students to Legally Blonde, the musical, performed by a local youth theater organization. It was amazingly well done & I got hugs from former students. Watching my students enjoy an afternoon with peers, away from their parents absolutely warmed my heart on this cold & very snowy March afternoon. They were so excited about having an afternoon out.
This gave me the feel goods!
-
Walking in the 60 degree weather - first day I've been able to do that without a jacket since October!
98% of the snow and ice has melted!
My DH got his bloodwork results back yesterday (after having had a heart attack in October) and his numbers were fantastic!
-
I fixed something!!!
-
Today is the first day this year that's been nice enough to ride my bike to work (according to my wimpy standards). Of course, now it's early afternoon and we're getting pelted with rain...
-
Today is a Saturday. Despite of that, the ski track was not crowded at all. We got a nice workout and didn't need to pass many people with kids, sledges, dogs ect.
-
Welch's and champagne yeast.
-
Our newly adopted cat sleeps deeply and twitches his paws and whiskers while he sleeps. It’s adorable.
-
Home brewed beer.
-
Home brewed beer.
I love home brew. Probably too much.
-
My garden moments in the past two weeks have been quite interesting. It is gardening season here in Florida and the weather has been practically perfect, so we've been using the gazebo daily for dining al fresco and taking breaks from our spring gardening.
Today was the first time I've ever seen our red-headed pileated woodpecker on the ground - up close and in person, instead of on high in the trees. He was pecking for bugs on a rotting limb that had fallen from our big oak tree.
He is definitely a big, beautiful bird - it was a thrill to see him live and up close.
That's probably the fifth time in the last two weeks I really wished I had my camera handy. Such a good shot that would have been, he was practically posing in front of my big, green ferns, sigh:).
Yesterday's thrill of the day was a bird of many vivid colors that visited the birdbath - breathtakingly beautiful and exotic looking, I'm still not entirely sure what it was.
Later laughing at a young chick, a sort of parrot-ty looking bird, greenish, yellowish, with all its feathers standing on end, having a ball taking maybe its first bath.
Roly-poly funny.
Half cussing - half laughing at the damn squirrel's antics getting into the bird feeder ... tsking about the bird bully, some grey and black thing that wants to claim the bird bath for himself ... seeing two new birds we've never seen before, apparently stopping over on their way up north.
Get surprised by the red-shouldered hawk swoop by surprisingly low, his wings almost brushing me. Seeing the heron take off with a fat frog in his bill, the frog's legs dangling wildly.
Being delighted by our new neighbor's two-year-old daughter getting all excited about the big turtle sunning itself on the ditch bank.
... and my macabre - favorite moment - dang, why didn't I have my camera on me:
We found a skeleton of a skull a few months back. Not sure what critter, in the back forty, I mean back yard - so I included it in my newest garden design, by putting it on display.
I wondered why it kept falling off its flat stone pedestal:) - well, I got my answer.
Coming around the corner - I stopped in my tracks, here was the black snake all stretched out, resting his head on that very skull.
Just soaking up the sun - he was the culprit who knocked the skeleton off the display stone:)
Btw - the black snake is harmless, it is called a racer and eats the fruit tree rats and other vermin, a good, resident garden snake to have around.
Did I mention huge, pretty butterflies everywhere and a steady buzz of bees, dragonflies and green and blue iridescent flies that hover midair?
The latest ... Mr. R. told me he just saw the first little night owls in a long time ...
Cheap entertainment:). Happiness is that first cup of coffee in the garden while the mist is still in the air and a white fog shrouds the neighbor's home and horse barn and the world is still and quiet and somehow a tad surreal.
I am indeed most grateful for the new neighbor's for not having a parking lot full of business vehicles - now I again have an unimpeded view of the horses out in the field and the old trees hung with Spanish moss.
Life is good.
-
Home brewed beer.
I love home brew. Probably too much.
How long does your homebrew stay in secondary? Does it need to age in the bottle as well?
-
Home brewed beer.
I love home brew. Probably too much.
How long does your homebrew stay in secondary? Does it need to age in the bottle as well?
I brew in the primary only, leaving it for about a week. It has usually fermented after about 3 days, but it lets most of the yeast drop out. I then bottle it into 1.25 litre plastic bottles (old soda water bottles washed out) directly from the fermenter, with a couple of teaspoons of sugar. Then it needs about two weeks to be ready and drinkable. It gets better up to about 8 weeks, and then not a lot of change from there.
Storage and chilling requires the bottle be kept upright as otherwise you will disturb the sediment. Poured with reasonable care, a 1.25 litre can be resealed for a few glasses without too much disturbance of the yeast at the bottom. Resealed, they are fine the next day, but don't leave it a week, as it starts to oxidise over time.
-
Home brewed beer.
I love home brew. Probably too much.
How long does your homebrew stay in secondary? Does it need to age in the bottle as well?
I brew in the primary only, leaving it for about a week. It has usually fermented after about 3 days, but it lets most of the yeast drop out. I then bottle it into 1.25 litre plastic bottles (old soda water bottles washed out) directly from the fermenter, with a couple of teaspoons of sugar. Then it needs about two weeks to be ready and drinkable. It gets better up to about 8 weeks, and then not a lot of change from there.
Storage and chilling requires the bottle be kept upright as otherwise you will disturb the sediment. Poured with reasonable care, a 1.25 litre can be resealed for a few glasses without too much disturbance of the yeast at the bottom. Resealed, they are fine the next day, but don't leave it a week, as it starts to oxidise over time.
That's cool. I'd like to try real brewing sometime but I don't want to own the equipment, I own very little stuff. Maybe I could find some type of co-op or something.
-
Home brewed beer.
I love home brew. Probably too much.
How long does your homebrew stay in secondary? Does it need to age in the bottle as well?
I brew in the primary only, leaving it for about a week. It has usually fermented after about 3 days, but it lets most of the yeast drop out. I then bottle it into 1.25 litre plastic bottles (old soda water bottles washed out) directly from the fermenter, with a couple of teaspoons of sugar. Then it needs about two weeks to be ready and drinkable. It gets better up to about 8 weeks, and then not a lot of change from there.
Storage and chilling requires the bottle be kept upright as otherwise you will disturb the sediment. Poured with reasonable care, a 1.25 litre can be resealed for a few glasses without too much disturbance of the yeast at the bottom. Resealed, they are fine the next day, but don't leave it a week, as it starts to oxidise over time.
That's cool. I'd like to try real brewing sometime but I don't want to own the equipment, I own very little stuff. Maybe I could find some type of co-op or something.
I got into home brewing mainly to keep the cost of beer to a minimum. If you were to go to a co-op or elsewhere it will probably increase the cost a lot. You really only need a sealed bucket of some kind that can hold enough and go from there. I think my kit cost me around $40 AUD and allows me to do 20 litres at a time. Each kit costs about $15 all up, so I get beer for less than a dollar a litre. Much cheaper than buying it from a bottle shop, and it makes my eyes water when a beer costs $10+ for a pint in a pub.
-
Hearing the small birds getting into springtime/mating modus.
-
Knowing today is the equinox.
The days getting shorter does not make my happy, but understanding why they are getting shorter, and being able to teach students about it does make me happy.
-
The sandwich I made for breakfast: salami, ham, provolone, tomato slices (very decent greenhouse tomato), fresh basil, salad mix, and homemade vinaigrette on gluten-free bread. Almost all components were purchased at Aldi, so a fairly cheap and delicious meal that reminded me a bit of the Italian-style subs I used to buy before I had to stop eating gluten.
-
Alexa, play some Jazz. And a cup of coffee.
-
Petroleum jelly! First it fixed my late-onset eczema when the expensive creams and moisturizers didn't help at all. Then I found how much better it worked for avoiding blisters on marathon training runs that what I had used before (Two Toms, BodyGlide, etc.). Now I've been using it on road burn/badly ripped up knees from falling (also running!) and it's helped the healing tremendously. And it's so cheap I don't hesitate to slather away - a humongous tub for under $4. Makes it even more satisfying to use!
-
Has anyone mentioned grown-up time with the SO???
-
Pushing my granddaughter on a swing while she sings her little made-up song with the lyrics "Happy happy happy happy happy happy happy HAPPY"
-
Running. All it costs is a pair of running shoes. Nothing feels better than running outside as the sun rises and it is literally free.
-
Pushing my granddaughter on a swing while she sings her little made-up song with the lyrics "Happy happy happy happy happy happy happy HAPPY"
:)
-
Our garden is now partly snow free, apart from the place where we shoveled all that snow to. But even there, the snow is slowly pulling back. And today I saw the first careful flower popping up just beside the snow.
-
The tulips we planted last fall (harvested when the HOA was ripping out some landscaping) are emerging all around our front beds!
-
Listening to podcasts. I learn a ton about health, current events, classes, history, interviews (on about any topic) audiobooks, old radio theatre. Where else would you learn about the mechanics of fire-engines, ice-climbing, dulcimer groups, and people's amazing life experiences. When I write to podcasters, they always write back and sometimes even want to interview me (!) Funny.
-
Making a dinner that was soooo tasty I realized I would have paid good money for it at a restaurant.
-
My little cat, Cocoa Puff, snores too. I thought it was just her but I guess not after reading these posts. I guess it was a case of, "my child is the most beautiful, but I won't tell anyone"
-
Hot water on tap any time you want it is a monumental achievement of modern civilization.
-
Absolutely outstanding weather today, and enough free time this afternoon to hike a 2-mile nature trail in one of the metroparks. It’s supposed to snow tomorrow, so the warm sunshine was extra special.
All of the trees in the park have leaf buds. Everything should be spectacularly green in a couple of weeks.
-
My little cat, Cocoa Puff, snores too. I thought it was just her but I guess not after reading these posts. I guess it was a case of, "my child is the most beautiful, but I won't tell anyone"
That's a great name for a cat.
-
Sleeping with the windows open after the weather starts to warm up in spring. Lovely!
-
Toasted gluten-free wrap sandwich filled with provolone, salami, deli turkey, diced tomato, and salad mix tossed in homemade mustard vinaigrette. I think I may have perfected my favorite sandwich, and the sum total cost of ingredients is about $1.
-
Today at our cabin perfect circumstances to ski everywhere. The snow is holding us on ski's. Nice sunny weather.
-
Petroleum jelly! First it fixed my late-onset eczema when the expensive creams and moisturizers didn't help at all. Then I found how much better it worked for avoiding blisters on marathon training runs that what I had used before (Two Toms, BodyGlide, etc.). Now I've been using it on road burn/badly ripped up knees from falling (also running!) and it's helped the healing tremendously. And it's so cheap I don't hesitate to slather away - a humongous tub for under $4. Makes it even more satisfying to use!
Amen. And its cousin mineral oil (which is just petroleum jelly before you jelly it.) You can buy creams and moisturizers for a zillion dollars an ounce, but I haven't found anything that actually works better than mineral oil.
-
Hot water on tap any time you want it is a monumental achievement of modern civilization.
Yes. That. and air conditioning. A hot bath in winter and a cool room in summer.
-
At the risk of sounding pretentious, I have to say museums. Never been the smartest kid in the class, but found that I like learning. Plus museums let you see actual artifacts that I'd only know about in a book otherwise.
That's not pretentious. The whole point of museums is to share human culture (or science, art, whatever the focus may be) with the populace at large rather than keeping it all hidden away and limited to the elite few. I'd say museums, and appreciating them, are the exact opposite of pretentious.
-
At the risk of sounding pretentious, I have to say museums. Never been the smartest kid in the class, but found that I like learning. Plus museums let you see actual artifacts that I'd only know about in a book otherwise.
+1. Love museums. We visit many of them, often.
-
At the risk of sounding pretentious, I have to say museums. Never been the smartest kid in the class, but found that I like learning. Plus museums let you see actual artifacts that I'd only know about in a book otherwise.
That's not pretentious. The whole point of museums is to share human culture (or science, art, whatever the focus may be) with the populace at large rather than keeping it all hidden away and limited to the elite few. I'd say museums, and appreciating them, are the exact opposite of pretentious.
I appreciate you saying that. Not a lot of people in my life understand why I like museums and have no interest in going to one at all, and some did say they are pretentious.
Museums are for everyone, and calling them “pretentious” says loads more about the person who said that than about you.
A few years ago, there was a major public outcry when the City of Detroit, during bankruptcy proceedings, considered selling off its collection housed at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The public considered the art to be held in trust for current and future generations, and the surrounding tri-county area actually passed a millage proposal to support the museum. Anyone living in the 3 counties now has free admission to the general galleries, and works like the ”Detroit Industry” murals (https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-1010/art-between-wars/latin-american-modernism1/a/rivera-detroit-industry-murals) by Diego Rivera remain available to the public and are protected for the future.
-
We found a field filled with one of our earliest spring wildflowers, the sagebrush buttercup. Except, this population has been cut off by suburbia for decades, and has mutated excessively. Boy2 carefully harvested a few so he can try to cross them with some non-mutated ones from a different area just to see what happens. Cost was nothing but an afternoon walk with my teen, since we have plenty of pots, etc, for his impromptu science project.
I am happy for:
Tucked away public greenspaces
Vernal ponds and fairy shrimp
Walks with my son
Flower mutants
-
having a pain-free enough week to ride my bike to work in the balmy 60 degree spring weather. There is nothing more amazing than pedaling home leisurely at the end of the day in the warm, still sunny evening. This week I've been pedaling a wide loop around town to get an extra 10 minutes of enjoyment out of the ride.
-
Blood oranges being in season. Homemade lemon curd....
-
A thunderstorm! Nothing remotely severe is predicted so I'm just enjoying the occasional flashes of lightning, crashes of thunder, and smell of rain through the window.
-
Yeast! Saf Instant is like $5 for a pound that sits patiently in the fridge. Only 1/4 tsp to make delicious and easy no-knead bread (https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/11376-no-knead-bread), and those little hardworking cells wake up and turn flour and water into bubbling dough while we sleep. It's really amazing that we've tamed these microorganisms -- or that we've co-evolved!
-
Yeast! Saf Instant is like $5 for a pound that sits patiently in the fridge. Only 1/4 tsp to make delicious and easy no-knead bread (https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/11376-no-knead-bread), and those little hardworking cells wake up and turn flour and water into bubbling dough while we sleep. It's really amazing that we've tamed these microorganisms -- or that we've co-evolved!
The other day on the highway I passed a large tanker truck that was labeled "Yeast." I spent quite a while trying to imagine how many of those little guys were in there.
-
Girls’ night in with good friends. We ate ice cream and watched movies. Definitely needs to be a regular thing.
-
Yesterday we did an easter egg hunt followed by a picnic in the park with a big gang of friends with kids. After the picnic a few of us stayed in the park while our kids played in the playground. We just sat on a picnic blanket in the sun and talked. Then we went to a friend's house nearby for cups of tea with Easter cake (gift from one of her students) and chocolate easter eggs with tea. Very inexpensive and made me really happy.
-
I opened the curtains last night and fell asleep with the moon shining on the bed. It was nice, and I actually thought about how it was completely free.
-
I made a walk in high terrain in the forest and 99% of my path was free of snow.
I dislike that period between winter and summer when the snow is still there, as icy patches on the roads and paths. That seems now mostly over.
-
We had the windows open. House smells so good. Then the cold came back. Oh well.
I stood on a mtn side this weekend and marveled at all the different greens I saw below. Trees, grass, everything. More sparsely placed were flowering trees and bushes. So much neon green!
I'm much admiring the redbuds this year. Hardly ever noticed them before. I'm turning into my grandparents.
-
I stood on a mtn side this weekend and marveled at all the different greens I saw below. Trees, grass, everything. More sparsely placed were flowering trees and bushes. So much neon green!
I'm much admiring the redbuds this year. Hardly ever noticed them before. I'm turning into my grandparents.
+1. The redbuds are gorgeous. Especially right next to that bright pale green of the broadleaf trees opening up. Wow.
-
Got the first seeds in the ground!
-
Tackling a long to do list & actually seeing progress!
-
Birds.
-
Garlic sprouting in the vegetable patch.
-
The small birds around the house in nesting modus, taking in use our 4 nesting boxes.
-
I'm getting happier. when I give gifts to relatives
-
Walking to work in nice weather while listening to podcasts.
-
The UK gardening show "Big Dreams, Small Spaces" on netflix.
Normal people work hard, are encouraged and chastised by Britain's favorite gardener.
Now to clean up my patio :)
-
Writing things for my own amusement. Cost: free if you already have a computer, which I do. Entertainment value: very high.
-
The weather. OMG, the weather this week. Bright blue skies, tiny pale green leaves on the trees, spring flowers everywhere, and warm enough to skip the jacket. I'm taking every opportunity for a walk.
-
Meeting up with dear friends and family. We've traveled across the country for a wedding, and decided to make a family vacation out of it. We spent a few fun days with the in-laws, spent a few days with the family of the bride-to-be (and mostly staying out of their way), met up with family members for a hot dog roast (cheap, DIY food, and cousins get to play!), met up with some best friends from a few years back (lunch at an inexpensive place), and had dinner with other family members for the cost of some ingredients (and cousin time!). We've gone to an awesome dinosaur museum (cheap), a super cool aerospace museum (free), gone to several really nice parks (free!), played with baby chicks, and generally enjoyed the beautiful spring weather.
Tomorrow we finish the trek to the wedding location. We'll hit some cool (free!) attractions on the way down, and I'm looking forward to a couple days of casual hanging out, splashing in the pool, and spending time with more family. We really have been blessed with awesome relatives.
-
Bailing out of the airport during a connection to go walk in the nearby woods. I saw finches, and a couple of deer!
-
Listening to the monumental, exquisite recorded performances of famous orchestral music made under the conductor Sergiu Celibidache. He worked with the legendary Fürtwangler, and was later influenced by Zen Buddhism.
Among the thousands of performances and recordings by various conductors and orchestras, this small number of absolute gems I've listened to hundreds of times by now and yet still keep coming back to...
- Debussy / La Mer (Celibidache, Munich Phil, 1992) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e5oXylRF-I)
- Bartók / Concerto for Orchestra (Celibidache, Munich Phil, 1995) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocYox6ZRZgw)
- Bruckner / Symphony No 8 (Celibidache, Munich Phil, 1990) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elVHvTrEM34)
- Schumann / Symphony No 4 (Furtwängler, Berlin Phil, 1953) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk8AtH0t2BU)
- Schubert / Symphony No 8 "Unfinished" (Furtwängler, Berlin Phil, 1953) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuN1xnv7Ogg)
- Dvořák / Symphony 9 "New World" (Celibidache, Munich Phil, 1991) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9RT2nHD6CQ)
- Ravel / Piano Concerto in G (Celibidache / Michelangeli, London Symphony) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGxbA0WJ0k)
Here, the work of performers and conductor alike are exceptional. The full inner complexity and richness of the music is revealed. The execution is of such a high level of mastery that the performance itself is art. Thus, art transcends art.
These unique and precious sounds are so deeply burned into my memory that I can "play" them back in my mind, without even having the recording available! (This has come in handy in the dentist chair or getting blood drawn lol!)
This is music for a lifetime.
I love the feeling that whatever happens to me, even if I find myself in poverty or in the middle of a war (which is highly unlikely), I will always have the memories of this music to draw on for comfort and strength to endure anything. This music will always exist for me, embracing me with open arms.
Thankfully, life has been much much sweeter than that. Listening to these while going for a long walk late at night or a run during the day is the best!
-
Lunch and an afternoon of conversation with my dad on his 70th birthday.
-
This is the time of year that wild edible plants have started growing.
And it is raining, stopping the forest fire dangers.
-
Just celebrated a dear relative’s 80th birthday. Time with family is priceless.
-
Among the thousands of performances and recordings by various conductors and orchestras, this small number of absolute gems I've listened to hundreds of times by now and yet still keep coming back to...
Thanks for this @conwy! Neat post.
-
I repaired my bicycle and rode it for the first time this season this evening. Ahhhh....
I like riding one of our other bikes but mine is just right...
-
Rode my bike to the park, with my miniature dachshund running along side.
He gets really excited going for a run, and his ears flap about in a hilarious way once he reaches full speed
-
A rainy day today, but the sun came out at sunset and lit up the world. So beautiful.
-
Among the thousands of performances and recordings by various conductors and orchestras, this small number of absolute gems I've listened to hundreds of times by now and yet still keep coming back to...
Thanks for this @conwy! Neat post.
+1, I'll definitely be checking out your list @conwy
-
Listening to podcasts. I learn a ton about health, current events, classes, history, interviews (on about any topic) audiobooks, old radio theatre. Where else would you learn about the mechanics of fire-engines, ice-climbing, dulcimer groups, and people's amazing life experiences. When I write to podcasters, they always write back and sometimes even want to interview me (!) Funny.
This is a good answer. I find podcasts to be extremely entertaining and make almost any activity seem like fun time. True crime and interview based ones are generally my favorite, but I've consumed dozens of different ones. I can't listen to them at work, but they are great for yard work, house work, cooking, cleaning, exercising, etc. A few friends have or had podcasts and it almost feels like hanging out to listen to those ones.
-
Homemade pizza and board games with friends last night :)
-
Thanks for this @conwy! Neat post.
+1, I'll definitely be checking out your list @conwy
Thanks peeps!
I don't know if everyone would get them, and it may take repeated listens to get really familiar with the music.
Especially with Bruckner, I found it easier to put on the music in the background while I'm doing something else like walking or programming, and just wait for the "thunderbolt" effect (https://www.abruckner.com/editorsnote/brucknerthunderbolt/) to ensue!
What I can say is, once you really commit to and follow the music, these recordings open up a whole other dimension that most other recordings would never have come close to. It's really an experience. There's nothing comparable.
-
Another cheap/free thing that I find tremendously enjoyable:
Visiting places from my past.
This is very cheap for locations that are within the same city. I merely have to catch public transport and do a bit of walking.
It can be a street, a whole suburb, a train track, an abandoned building, a park, you name it.
I'm not quite sure how to put it in words, but there are aspects of nostalgia, atmosphere and mindfulness to this. I like re-connecting with the sights, sounds, memories of a particular area. Kind of reminiscing and being very present. I'll take a long walk through an area, maybe rest here and there and just take in the scenery. Maybe pull out my laptop and do some work or listen to a podcast. Just basically "be there" in that place. It's very calming and peaceful.
I get that the world is ever-changing and we need to adapt to that, but at the same time, I like to maintain some kind of continuity amidst all the change, and I find that returning to places from the past helps give me that continuity.
Anyway, I don't think change in the world is always instantaneous or arbitrary anyway. It's usually gradual and un-even, with patches of the new mixed in with patches of the old. Like, when smartphones came out, it's not like everyone instantly had an iPhone - people had different phones at different times, and competitors like Samsung came along very early on, so even a change as massive as that was gradual and uneven.
Locations are like this - you see a new building come up one year, then a year goes by and nothing changes, then a building comes down or a part of the road gets renovated, etc. etc. So I see that the character of a location is very slow to change and usually bears some chain of continuity with the past. And most places seem to retain some kind of "essence" that's very very slow to change. I can look at pictures of certain neighbourhoods from when I was a child and see some common elements between now and then.
So I enjoy "keeping in touch" with a place and watching it evolve over time. Somehow it makes me feel more connected to the world and to myself. I think this is the kind of connection people seek when they get out into nature or look up at the stars. For me it's most visceral when it's connected to places from my past, both recent and long ago.
Also I like the freshness of being in a place right now, that I was in years ago. Somehow I feel more alive and awake from having a memory of some phenomena and simultaneously being in direct contact with those phenomena in their present form. Again, perhaps this goes back to the idea of 'mindfulness' and escaping being in one's head by getting back to being in direct contact with the world.
-
@conwy -- love your musings. Have you ever read any books by Alain de Botton? He has one called The Art of Travel that I think you might enjoy. In it he talks about what travel means to him and also discusses the wanderings of famous historical figures. He tries to get at the root of what travel means to humans. It's deep stuff, but a very light read.
-
I wanted something sweet, so I'm making Apple Crumble with the apples from our farm box.
Easy, tasty, and even reasonably nutritious!
-
Reasonably cheap... we are this weekend going to an island, owned by the defence department. We can sleep inside for free, simple military accomodation. Boat trip is for free. But we pay for our own road trip there, approx 2 hours driving each way. Maybe parking near the harbour. And our own generous amount of wine/beer to socialize with the rest of the group.
-
This morning after feeding the cats, I went into the kitchen and took my oatmeal out of the microwave. I was a bit hazier than usual ... My cat (the one I had before DH and I married 3 years ago) did a "mew mew" and that jolted me out of my haze. I turned around and took her "treats" out of the cupboard (medicine for preventing UTIs.) I normally give them to her as soon as I walk into the kitchen after feeding the cats. :) Cats definitely have their humans trained. :D
-
"Cheap" is relative, right?
We were quoted $1100 for a car service. It turns out that every 60,000 kms the car needs a new timing belt. I did some research, and it seems fairly important (like blow up the engine important). But $1100 seems a lot for a $3000 car.
So I found a timing belt kit online, for $300. A bit more digging and I found Repco had the same kit at a couple if stores as a clearance item, for $109.
A few youtube videos, and this weekend I will do a complete service for less than $200. Unless it rains, then it will be next weekend.
-
"Cheap" is relative, right?
We were quoted $1100 for a car service. It turns out that every 60,000 kms the car needs a new timing belt. I did some research, and it seems fairly important (like blow up the engine important). But $1100 seems a lot for a $3000 car.
So I found a timing belt kit online, for $300. A bit more digging and I found Repco had the same kit at a couple if stores as a clearance item, for $109.
A few youtube videos, and this weekend I will do a complete service for less than $200. Unless it rains, then it will be next weekend.
Excellent! You should post this to Share You Badassity too!
My latest cheap happiness: as a newly certified Master Naturalist I can camp for free on many federally protected lands with no time limit if I am working on a volunteer project (like, you know, counting fireflies or something). Although this makes me happy it also generates a new Mustachian People Problem: Of the millions of acres of federal lands available, which would I choose and how long woult I want to stay???
-
My latest cheap happiness: as a newly certified Master Naturalist I can camp for free on many federally protected lands with no time limit if I am working on a volunteer project (like, you know, counting fireflies or something). Although this makes me happy it also generates a new Mustachian People Problem: Of the millions of acres of federal lands available, which would I choose and how long woult I want to stay???
That's awesome! A Mustachian people problem for sure :) I didn't know about the Master Naturalist, and will look into this.
Cheap happiness here: after burying some cantaloupe rind/seeds for compost, I now have a free surprise patch of very healthy cantaloupe growing.
-
Rode my bike to the park, with my miniature dachshund running along side.
He gets really excited going for a run, and his ears flap about in a hilarious way once he reaches full speed
Cute. Would love to see a picture of that...
-
This morning just outside the kitchen window, I saw a squirrel hanging on it's toes lifting up the bird feeding device and eating the few leftover sunflower seeds in the bottom of the device.
That was the good part. When it was finished, I saw the feeding device had fallen down. These squirrels can be quite devastating.
As the winter is passed, we should have taken away that feeding device some time ago.
-
Playing tin whistle. Yes, they do cost some money but there are plenty of cheap options that are actually fully playable instruments and even an expensive one is often only 200-300 dollars and then that is a quality instrument even at that price. Compared to many other instruments that is still incredibly cheap. The only downside is that since they are relatively cheap many players own a whole bunch of whistles. I have three and I could see myself buying two or three more over the next couple of years but I know plenty of people who have like 15 whistles.
-
Rode my bike to the park, with my miniature dachshund running along side.
He gets really excited going for a run, and his ears flap about in a hilarious way once he reaches full speed
Cute. Would love to see a picture of that...
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTheSausageDog/videos/1729734337337517/
-
Rode my bike to the park, with my miniature dachshund running along side.
He gets really excited going for a run, and his ears flap about in a hilarious way once he reaches full speed
Cute. Would love to see a picture of that...
AW so cute!!!
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTheSausageDog/videos/1729734337337517/
-
"Cheap" is relative, right?
We were quoted $1100 for a car service. It turns out that every 60,000 kms the car needs a new timing belt. I did some research, and it seems fairly important (like blow up the engine important). But $1100 seems a lot for a $3000 car.
So I found a timing belt kit online, for $300. A bit more digging and I found Repco had the same kit at a couple if stores as a clearance item, for $109.
A few youtube videos, and this weekend I will do a complete service for less than $200. Unless it rains, then it will be next weekend.
Excellent! You should post this to Share You Badassity too!
+1 that is absolutely badass! I have fixed a lot of things (and saved a lot of $$) but timing belt is one thing that scared me lol. The next timing belt service for our new (used) car is in 5-6 years (previous owner did it right before we bought the car last year), so maybe I will have the courage to try it myself.
-
"Cheap" is relative, right?
We were quoted $1100 for a car service. It turns out that every 60,000 kms the car needs a new timing belt. I did some research, and it seems fairly important (like blow up the engine important). But $1100 seems a lot for a $3000 car.
So I found a timing belt kit online, for $300. A bit more digging and I found Repco had the same kit at a couple if stores as a clearance item, for $109.
A few youtube videos, and this weekend I will do a complete service for less than $200. Unless it rains, then it will be next weekend.
Excellent! You should post this to Share You Badassity too!
+1 that is absolutely badass! I have fixed a lot of things (and saved a lot of $$) but timing belt is one thing that scared me lol. The next timing belt service for our new (used) car is in 5-6 years (previous owner did it right before we bought the car last year), so maybe I will have the courage to try it myself.
I've done it a few times. It's certainly not an easy way to start working on cars, but if you've got the right tools and have a little experience fixing cars (e.g. you've replaced your brake pads and rotors), it's worth it. It's a pretty big job in any case (it takes me 7-9 hours), and you have to be careful to get the timing marks lined back up correctly.
-
"Cheap" is relative, right?
We were quoted $1100 for a car service. It turns out that every 60,000 kms the car needs a new timing belt. I did some research, and it seems fairly important (like blow up the engine important). But $1100 seems a lot for a $3000 car.
So I found a timing belt kit online, for $300. A bit more digging and I found Repco had the same kit at a couple if stores as a clearance item, for $109.
A few youtube videos, and this weekend I will do a complete service for less than $200. Unless it rains, then it will be next weekend.
Excellent! You should post this to Share You Badassity too!
+1 that is absolutely badass! I have fixed a lot of things (and saved a lot of $$) but timing belt is one thing that scared me lol. The next timing belt service for our new (used) car is in 5-6 years (previous owner did it right before we bought the car last year), so maybe I will have the courage to try it myself.
I've done it a few times. It's certainly not an easy way to start working on cars, but if you've got the right tools and have a little experience fixing cars (e.g. you've replaced your brake pads and rotors), it's worth it. It's a pretty big job in any case (it takes me 7-9 hours), and you have to be careful to get the timing marks lined back up correctly.
I have done brake pads, rotors, replacing all shocks and springs, water pumps, radiators, etc etc. I believe I have the tools to do it. I have watched youtube. It just something about timing belt that just scared me, so last time this came up on our previous car, I end up paying someone to do it.
-
I have done brake pads, rotors, replacing all shocks and springs, water pumps, radiators, etc etc. I believe I have the tools to do it. I have watched youtube. It just something about timing belt that just scared me, so last time this came up on our previous car, I end up paying someone to do it.
With all that under your belt, a timing belt shouldn't be a problem. Wait, you've done a water pump but not a timing belt? Interesting--I know a lot of times the water pump is buried under the timing belt, so it's a "you might as well replace it while you're in there" type of thing. You just need to take the time to check and double check the position of the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys before you button it all back up and turn the key.
-
Started using a fancy scented bar soap I got for my birthday last year. Feels like the ultimate luxury.
-
A $6 egg boiler that I use to make perfect hard boiled eggs for my breakfast every morning. Makes my day start just right :-)
-
I finally got a garlic press. It was cheap, and probably unnecessary, but now I don't have to get gross sticky garlic bits on my hands while trying to dice it super small.
-
refinishing/repurposing old furniture
-
Frozen pean and ham soup, reheated on a cold day. My wife makes big batches and we freeze it in two-people sized packs.
-
Frozen pean and ham soup, reheated on a cold day. My wife makes big batches and we freeze it in two-people sized packs.
Perfect! Was just thinking about what soup batch to make for the freezer, and I haven't made pea and ham for ages. Thanks
-
Flying downhill on the curvy sidewalk when riding home from work....just riding the bike in general, really. Not very original, but the bike thing is really something special.
-
Started using a fancy scented bar soap I got for my birthday last year. Feels like the ultimate luxury.
I just started buying these bars.
https://albertanaturalproducts.com/en-ca/index.php/soaps.html
I just LOVE them and they are only $2.99 and so nice. I've now bought 4 different flavors and they each serve a different use from a nice conditioning bar (Goat Milk) to a body scrub replacement (Orange Cinnamon) to a morning pick me up (Spearmint Garden) & a mild antiseptic (Tea Tree Poppy Seed). I am also very attracted to the fact that they are sold with NO packaging.
They are "local" to me and much cheaper than farmer's market bars the same size that sell for $8.
It's nice to enjoy the simple things.
-
Took a ten mile bicycle ride with our kids one evening over the weekend. Then a 9 mile the following evening. Along the way we saw deer a couple of times. Folks waved to us from their porch. A load of folks in a Jeep out for a ride all gave us waves and hellos. Saw thousands of fireflies on the ride home.
DW had an incredible tasty dinner waiting for us.
Looked at Google Maps this morn and have mapped out an all afternoon bicycle ride far into the country. DW is not a long distance bike rider (yet) but I'll leave her with the bike rack on the family car in case we need to call for a flat tire rescue. We've lived in this town for years but for some reason I never mapped out rides in this direction.
These are fun country roads with light traffic.
-
I finally got a garlic press. It was cheap, and probably unnecessary, but now I don't have to get gross sticky garlic bits on my hands while trying to dice it super small.
I like my garlic mincer, which is probably the same thing. It's a pain to get clean but less of a pain than those "gross sticky garlic bits on my hands".
-
I finally got a garlic press. It was cheap, and probably unnecessary, but now I don't have to get gross sticky garlic bits on my hands while trying to dice it super small.
I like my garlic mincer, which is probably the same thing. It's a pain to get clean but less of a pain than those "gross sticky garlic bits on my hands".
Garlic lovers! I had to share this easy way to remove the skins with a knife. Not the crushing way you would think.
https://www.reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/c1hkfx/speedpeeling_garlic/
-
I finally got a garlic press. It was cheap, and probably unnecessary, but now I don't have to get gross sticky garlic bits on my hands while trying to dice it super small.
I like my garlic mincer, which is probably the same thing. It's a pain to get clean but less of a pain than those "gross sticky garlic bits on my hands".
Garlic lovers! I had to share this easy way to remove the skins with a knife. Not the crushing way you would think.
https://www.reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/c1hkfx/speedpeeling_garlic/
As a dedicated garlic lover - I have to try this. I have never seen that before. Thanks.
I usually do the flat of the knife crush routine, or if I am going to freeze the cloves, then I peel laboriously by hand.
-
I finally got a garlic press. It was cheap, and probably unnecessary, but now I don't have to get gross sticky garlic bits on my hands while trying to dice it super small.
I like my garlic mincer, which is probably the same thing. It's a pain to get clean but less of a pain than those "gross sticky garlic bits on my hands".
Garlic lovers! I had to share this easy way to remove the skins with a knife. Not the crushing way you would think.
https://www.reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/c1hkfx/speedpeeling_garlic/
As a dedicated garlic lover - I have to try this. I have never seen that before. Thanks.
I usually do the flat of the knife crush routine, or if I am going to freeze the cloves, then I peel laboriously by hand.
An even easier way is to put them in the microwave for a few seconds, and they will just slide right out of the skins.
I have an Oxo garlic press, and I love it. I use it all the time.
-
+1 recommending the OXO garlic press. I hate mincing garlic.
Otherwise, I’m planning to spend a whopping $5 tonight to sing in a 1-night choir. It’s a major piece that several friends and I recently performed with our own choir, and we’re excited to sing it again.
-
Listening to podcasts. I learn a ton about health, current events, classes, history, interviews (on about any topic) audiobooks, old radio theatre. Where else would you learn about the mechanics of fire-engines, ice-climbing, dulcimer groups, and people's amazing life experiences. When I write to podcasters, they always write back and sometimes even want to interview me (!) Funny.
This is a good answer. I find podcasts to be extremely entertaining and make almost any activity seem like fun time. True crime and interview based ones are generally my favorite, but I've consumed dozens of different ones. I can't listen to them at work, but they are great for yard work, house work, cooking, cleaning, exercising, etc. A few friends have or had podcasts and it almost feels like hanging out to listen to those ones.
Right on. My bike ride to work is almost exactly one hour--perfect for listening to a full episode of my favorite podcasts. I feel like I am somehow cheating the rest of the world when I arrive to work my brain intellectually primed, armed with increased cerebral blood flow and an hour's worth of deep thought.
-
Listening to podcasts. I learn a ton about health, current events, classes, history, interviews (on about any topic) audiobooks, old radio theatre. Where else would you learn about the mechanics of fire-engines, ice-climbing, dulcimer groups, and people's amazing life experiences. When I write to podcasters, they always write back and sometimes even want to interview me (!) Funny.
This is a good answer. I find podcasts to be extremely entertaining and make almost any activity seem like fun time. True crime and interview based ones are generally my favorite, but I've consumed dozens of different ones. I can't listen to them at work, but they are great for yard work, house work, cooking, cleaning, exercising, etc. A few friends have or had podcasts and it almost feels like hanging out to listen to those ones.
Right on. My bike ride to work is almost exactly one hour--perfect for listening to a full episode of my favorite podcasts. I feel like I am somehow cheating the rest of the world when I arrive to work my brain intellectually primed, armed with increased cerebral blood flow and an hour's worth of deep thought.
How do you manage to focus on podcasts while biking? I'd love to do that, but I'm afraid to take any of my attention off the road with the crazy drivers around here. Do you have mostly bike paths along your commute?
-
Listening to podcasts. I learn a ton about health, current events, classes, history, interviews (on about any topic) audiobooks, old radio theatre. Where else would you learn about the mechanics of fire-engines, ice-climbing, dulcimer groups, and people's amazing life experiences. When I write to podcasters, they always write back and sometimes even want to interview me (!) Funny.
This is a good answer. I find podcasts to be extremely entertaining and make almost any activity seem like fun time. True crime and interview based ones are generally my favorite, but I've consumed dozens of different ones. I can't listen to them at work, but they are great for yard work, house work, cooking, cleaning, exercising, etc. A few friends have or had podcasts and it almost feels like hanging out to listen to those ones.
Right on. My bike ride to work is almost exactly one hour--perfect for listening to a full episode of my favorite podcasts. I feel like I am somehow cheating the rest of the world when I arrive to work my brain intellectually primed, armed with increased cerebral blood flow and an hour's worth of deep thought.
When I walk to work, it is 1 hour and 10 min each way. I also listen to podcasts, some scientific, some financial, some just telling a story. It is a nice way to be entertained while being active.
-
Last night, a generous scoop of strawberry ice cream from a local ice cream parlor and an evening stroll through a riverfront park. I love summer.
-
Listening to podcasts. I learn a ton about health, current events, classes, history, interviews (on about any topic) audiobooks, old radio theatre. Where else would you learn about the mechanics of fire-engines, ice-climbing, dulcimer groups, and people's amazing life experiences. When I write to podcasters, they always write back and sometimes even want to interview me (!) Funny.
This is a good answer. I find podcasts to be extremely entertaining and make almost any activity seem like fun time. True crime and interview based ones are generally my favorite, but I've consumed dozens of different ones. I can't listen to them at work, but they are great for yard work, house work, cooking, cleaning, exercising, etc. A few friends have or had podcasts and it almost feels like hanging out to listen to those ones.
Right on. My bike ride to work is almost exactly one hour--perfect for listening to a full episode of my favorite podcasts. I feel like I am somehow cheating the rest of the world when I arrive to work my brain intellectually primed, armed with increased cerebral blood flow and an hour's worth of deep thought.
How do you manage to focus on podcasts while biking? I'd love to do that, but I'm afraid to take any of my attention off the road with the crazy drivers around here. Do you have mostly bike paths along your commute?
I mostly ride on residential streets and sidewalks during my commute, but for the most part I am able to multitask decently. I have a small bluetooth device that hooks on my ear which allows me to preserve my hearing. There are still times when I wish I could rewind 30 seconds back though.
-
I picked a large portions of strawberries from our garden. And there are many left that just need a little more sun. It is an extremely good strawberry year. The plants have also multiplied themselves.
We have some other plants that are not working as well. The secret for good growing is to have them against a south facing wall.
-
Watermelons are on sale now. The ones grown locally in an area called Nanhui are especially known for their sweetness and juiciness. The locals call this particular strain of watermelon the “8424” type. We bought one today and blended it into fresh watermelon juice. It was refreshing and delicious. We also added it to lemonade, which made it especially delicious. It cost $4 for 3 liters of watermelon juice.
-
Having fresh strawberries from our garden to put in my oatmeal each morning for the last couple of weeks. Bummed that they are coming to an end but our Raspberries are just now starting to come on so..... :-)
-
My commuting route is lined with lilacs in very full bloom. I rode home from work through the perfume of flowers!
-
There's a special Star Trek exhibit at the local history museum this summer. Lots of props, costumes, and model ships from the various series. We already have an annual membership, so it didn't cost us any extra to geek out for an afternoon.
-
Various people in our neighborhood spend way too much money on fireworks each summer, which means we can enjoy a decent free show every July 4 just by taking an evening stroll. Tonight, we spotted a group that had particularly good ignitables; one of them may well lose some fingers tonight, but they seemed to be having fun.
-
one bean tostada from Taco Bell. Easy beans, extra lettuce, extra cheese, extra sauce.
I grew up on Taco Bell. In high school, I ate tostadas for lunch. They were 25 cents back then. That worked because my mom gave me $2 a week for lunches.
-
Sitting on the couch at my son's house, listening to him play piano (beautifully) in another room.
-
A bowl full of big, ripe strawberries from our garden. I still find it amazing that they just grow there by themselves and that the plants multiply by themselves.
Yesterday I watched a TED talk that talked about happiness. The speaker had every day for a whole year thought well about what she was most grateful for and taken a picture of it. That taught her to look at the world in a different way and become happier.
This thread has had a bit of the same effect on me, just finding the little/cheap things that make you happy. But I haven't been able to notice something on a daily basis. I will from now on for myself do this more consequently and try to find something every day. I'll try to find some suitable app on my phone to register it in.
-
Afternoon tea at the Crowne Plaza. Total cost: $2.50 for a taxi. We splurged on transportation rather than taking a bus as it was a difference between a 10-min car ride versus an hour-long bus ride.
My friend got a coupon for free afternoon tea for two. We were happy to help her use the coupon. Now DD is happily enjoying the children’s play zone, and I’m happily enjoying the air conditioning and quiet atmosphere.
-
A bowl full of big, ripe strawberries from our garden. I still find it amazing that they just grow there by themselves and that the plants multiply by themselves.
Yesterday I watched a TED talk that talked about happiness. The speaker had every day for a whole year thought well about what she was most grateful for and taken a picture of it. That taught her to look at the world in a different way and become happier.
That's an awesome idea. As a family, we gather at the end of each day for a prayer, and then each name one thing we're grateful for. It's a fantastic way to end the day!
-
The library and playing soduko.
-
Giggling and laughter around the dinner table. Dinner is ready very, very soon. I can't wait.
-
Cast iron pans. I love everything about them.
-
Making something out of 'nothing'; a full meal from leftovers, making a new item out of scrap fabrics, a mailing pouch from plastic shopping bags, etc. Trash to treasure!
-
Made a TON of bolognese sauce today -- enough to put a whole batch in my freezer "souper" cubes, which I love.
And roasted brussels sprouts... my favorite.
-
...As a family, we gather at the end of each day for a prayer, and then each name one thing we're grateful for. It's a fantastic way to end the day!
Aww, I love this, zolo! This might be my very favorite comment on this thread.
-
Yellow bananas (exactly the right ripeness) available at work for free. I eat lots of them.
-
Queen's "A Night at the Opera". Hadn't listened to it in a while. It's always such a fun ride.
-
I love the first rain after a bit of a dry spell. The air smells wonderful, the plants stand up and stretch, and lots of little critters come out and walk around: turtles, lizards, salamanders. :)
-
The scent of my garden early in the morning.
The scent of jasmine when I open the window.
When the Cosmos self-seeds and I have a garden full of sunny yellow and happy orange blooms for free - like right now:).
When I've successfully figured out how to propagate my favorite African Blue Basil.
Seeing my son walk thru the door for a visit - an indescribable feeling.
-
Having a mountain at walking distance with a good path to the top. Nice weather and access to fresh water halfway the climb. Not meeting any people on the 2 hour trip, a beautiful view on the top, but also along the way. And seeing some birds.
-
Went on a 5-mile hike yesterday morning with our Boy Scout patrol. The weather was beautiful, the birds were singing, the trail (well, paved bike path) was smooth, the river was gorgeous.
-
Sandpaper and what a person can do with it.
-
Eating my breakfast in our little backyard garden. I’m determined to provide a hospitable habitat to our fellow creatures and it seems to working.
Some of the creatures I’ve seen just this morning: fence lizard, scrub jay, monarch butterfly, hoverfly, black phoebe, and more.
-
Library books. It’s fun outing for DS and I and free to boot. Ours has done away with late fees; we keep them for a few weeks and return for the next round.
-
Watching the country critters that walk across our land. Over the weekend we watched six does walk out of the woods and then down across the road for a snack in the field across from us.
All sorts of bird calls to listen to. A bullfrog that lives in the artificial pond that came with the house. An occasional groundhog or skunk. A fox or one of the 1001 rabbits we see.
Riding a bike is great b/c we see stuff that didn't see us first.
Yesterday the girls (does) were back (three of them) and they strolled across the yard fairly close to the house. No garden for them to pilfer. Just moving from one place to another.
Can't imagine what our dog is thinking. Can't decide if she thinks they are really tall dogs or snacks on hooves or simply something that should not be in "her" yard.
-
My dad passed away three years ago. Last winter I decided to try to revive his raspberries. They did not produce last year. I watched a youtube video and I pruned and fertilized according to instructions. This summer we have so many raspberries. I go over twice a week, pick the raspberries and give them to my mom who just loves them. Dad's raspberries, and it cost me a couple of hours of yardwork and a dollar in fertilizer.
-
My dad passed away three years ago. Last winter I decided to try to revive his raspberries. They did not produce last year. I watched a youtube video and I pruned and fertilized according to instructions. This summer we have so many raspberries. I go over twice a week, pick the raspberries and give them to my mom who just loves them. Dad's raspberries, and it cost me a couple of hours of yardwork and a dollar in fertilizer.
Welcome @hounton! I'm sorry about your dad, and glad that you have that lovely connection to him and your mom.
Have you checked out the MMM gardening thread? https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/plantinggrowing-your-own-2019/650/
-
Small sponges (aka, cutting the usual rectangle ones into thirds or quarters).
Washing dishes is just so much less frustrating when I can get into curves and grooves and maneuver around.
-
Fresh, homegrown zucchini! My coworker brought in a few to give me, as she had too many and knew I would be able to use them.
-
A cool shower on a hot, very humid day.
-
A cool shower on a hot, very humid day.
Maybe not cheap, but living in a place that is never hot and humid is a source of endless joy for me
-
Duolingo
-
A cool shower on a hot, very humid day.
Maybe not cheap, but living in a place that is never hot and humid is a source of endless joy for me
I don’t mind the heat but a lack of humidity would be nice. My housing cost per square foot is less than 10% than the average in SF, so that’s the trade-off.
-
Tracking down the tree blown apart by lightning last night near us; the ground shook and windows rattled 4 blocks away where we are. Also, lingering to hear the stories of its impact on the neighbours (no one was hurt). ETA: okay, not thrilled on the tree`s behalf, but impressed by the power involved!
-
Thanks for this @conwy! Neat post.
+1, I'll definitely be checking out your list @conwy
Thanks peeps!
I don't know if everyone would get them, and it may take repeated listens to get really familiar with the music.
Especially with Bruckner, I found it easier to put on the music in the background while I'm doing something else like walking or programming, and just wait for the "thunderbolt" effect (https://www.abruckner.com/editorsnote/brucknerthunderbolt/) to ensue!
What I can say is, once you really commit to and follow the music, these recordings open up a whole other dimension that most other recordings would never have come close to. It's really an experience. There's nothing comparable.
I had been selling off my classical records but now I plan on keeping them, and listening to them all, over the years.
Cheap but mind-blowing : attending local college voice recitals. Just the soprano with a piano or cello with her, in a small auditorium. French art songs. German lieder. I just love it. I used to hate this style of music but obviously I have changed. It's an intensely beautiful, spiritual thing for me.
Listening to a soprano on tape is a close second, but, to paraphrase you, Conwy, the live performance is something unique and alive unto itself.
-
Watching a group of young squirrels chase each other up and around the neighbor’s tree.
-
Cheap but mind-blowing : attending local college voice recitals. Just the soprano with a piano or cello with her, in a small auditorium. French art songs. German lieder. I just love it. I used to hate this style of music but obviously I have changed. It's an intensely beautiful, spiritual thing for me.
Listening to a soprano on tape is a close second, but, to paraphrase you, Conwy, the live performance is something unique and alive unto itself.
+1 to this. I went to a performance of Messiah this past winter put on by our local [excellent] choir and baroque orchestra. Mind. Blown.
-
Cool days!!! So done with the hot, AC sucking, weather. 105 this week.
Give me some 70 to 80 degree days, please.
-
My dad passed away three years ago. Last winter I decided to try to revive his raspberries. They did not produce last year. I watched a youtube video and I pruned and fertilized according to instructions. This summer we have so many raspberries. I go over twice a week, pick the raspberries and give them to my mom who just loves them. Dad's raspberries, and it cost me a couple of hours of yardwork and a dollar in fertilizer.
I'd love a link to the best video you found.
-
Duolingo
¡Yo también!
Cool days!!! So done with the hot, AC sucking, weather. 105 this week.
Give me some 70 to 80 degree days, please.
While some cooler weather sounds really nice right about now, I am enjoying it not being cold. Every day I'm wearing flip flops instead of a coat is a good day to me.
-
The boardgame Blockus. It's like $20 to buy new but you could easily make your own from cardboard and crayons for free. Many, many, many, many hours of fun.
-
The boardgame Blockus. It's like $20 to buy new but you could easily make your own from cardboard and crayons for free. Many, many, many, many hours of fun.
Dang, that is a great idea. We love Blockus.
-
Just walking on the beach and looking for a coin. Feels like I'm a millionaire.
-
Sleep!
A good 8 or 9 hours of sleep feels like a million bucks.
-
Enjoy to drink some beer<after hard day 1 bottle of beer,help me to relax
-
A few days of temperature drops in the middle of a hot, humid summer. It's so lovely to take a walk at 6PM without risking heat stroke! Cool breezes, flowers blooming, birds singing.
-
Costco rotisserie chicken. For $5, I got enough meat for two dishes with several servings each, plus 2 quarts of stock from the skin and bones.
-
Free thing that makes me happy. There's an empty house along my library route, with wonderful montmorency cherries hanging over the sidewalk. Yesterday I realized that its front hedge is actually a series of gooseberry bushes. Some kind of small red gooseberry, looking like red currants but much sweeter and complex. Man, what a treat.
-
Long early morning bike ride with DW on a quiet peaceful rail trail while kids are still sleeping.
Cooling off by sticking my head under an ice cold garden hose after cutting grass on this very warm day.
-
The ridiculous buffet of mostly homemade Mexican food at the family reunion. Conversations with several relatives in their 80s. Watching the younger generations enjoy the same traditions that my first cousins and I enjoyed decades ago, and that our parents enjoyed decades before then.
-
Another free zucchini from my coworker's garden! This is after the two she brought me last week. I 'repaid' her by bringing in a zucchini bread to share with the team today.
-
My Friday afternoon nap in the recliner with the sun streaming in the window.
-
There was a truck giving out free mustard ice cream with a pretzel cookie for national mustard day. Sounds weird, but it was delicious. And free!!
-
I sewed buttons back onto two pairs of shorts today so they are as good as new. That made me oddly happy. I like repairing things in general, though.
-
I just repaired a washcloth that was frayed at the edges.
-
First fresh local corn! Season's starting late this year. My lip-smacking lunch cost me about 45 cents.
-
Figuring out a walking route to work that takes me through the most shade and air conditioning during ridiculous heat and humidity.
-
Figuring out a walking route to work that takes me through the most shade and air conditioning during ridiculous heat and humidity.
My wife showed me a shadier way to the local downtown. Goes along a lake, but also has horse poo along the trail.
-
My old laptop. Needs a new battery so I can unplug it for longer than 30 minutes, but is still doing it's basic job.
-
cuddling Cocoa Puff and hearing her purr
-
Making something and having it turn out well - food, wood, pictures, etc.
-
I voted!
Our city has a few city council seats up for election and a large group of candidates, necessitating a primary election. I've met all of the candidates, chatted with several, and organized a candidate forum. I love local elections. Voting can make a big difference at this level, and the politicians are usually more accessible.
-
I voted!
Our city has a few city council seats up for election and a large group of candidates, necessitating a primary election. I've met all of the candidates, chatted with several, and organized a candidate forum. I love local elections. Voting can make a big difference at this level, and the politicians are usually more accessible.
Excellent! Not only does your vote count more but the decisions made by the local politicians can have a direct impact on your day to day life.
-
Waking up every morning in the summer and walking through the garden and seeing everything grow and ripen. Although it may seem barbaric, I also get great satisfaction finding and ending the lives of tomato horn worms and squash bugs. I get some help from spiders and wasps, my insect executioner friends but they don't get them all so I have to play executioner in the morning to protect the crops.
-
I voted!
Our city has a few city council seats up for election and a large group of candidates, necessitating a primary election. I've met all of the candidates, chatted with several, and organized a candidate forum. I love local elections. Voting can make a big difference at this level, and the politicians are usually more accessible.
DH and I also (pre)voted for the local election today. It feels good to have done that.
Norway has a funny system, where you can vote on one party, but give a personal vote to a person from another party. I used that function today, as a know that person from the other party personally.
-
I covered a coworker's class & in addition to receiving my hourly rate of pay for giving up my plan period, he generously provided me with garden fresh produce. Stopped by the Goodwill 99¢ sale tonight & bought an outfit for myself, 2 pairs of jeans & 1 pair of shorts for 4 year old son & a NWT I love my auntie onesie for sister's baby due in 2 weeks. Spent $6.36 for all of it. Swung by the library on the way home from Goodwill & got 7 DVDs for family movie marathon this long weekend. Drove the Leaf, too, so 100% electric. Good Friday night!
-
My bidet. Best $65 I’ve ever spent. Mornings never felt so better (and cleaner...and fresher). :)
-
Selling things on FB Marketplace. I keep thinking I've completely decluttered, then I'll find another gazingus pin and sell it. $20 her, $10 there, and it's all added up to about $300 so far this year. Doesn't cost me anything to post, and it's time well-spent on social media (pun totally intended).
-
Laying alone. Completely alone. Feeling delightfully forgotten and left alone by the entire world, in the silence.
Making the last toilet paper roll last 11 days when average is 9 (you have to pencil the date on the inside of the roll when you start it) ;)
Waking up in the middle of the night and getting 4-5 chips from the kitchen to take back to bed.
Fine-tuning business processes and comparing year over year--joyfully jawdropping.
-
My bidet. Best $65 I’ve ever spent. Mornings never felt so better (and cleaner...and fresher). :)
Shout out for the bidet! Yeah, they're pretty awesome, no matter how weird your parents and in-laws think you are for having one :)
-
My bidet. Best $65 I’ve ever spent. Mornings never felt so better (and cleaner...and fresher). :)
Shout out for the bidet! Yeah, they're pretty awesome, no matter how weird your parents and in-laws think you are for having one :)
We used to have one in our previous house. It was green, like the toilet, bath and sinks. I think something was missing at the end of the faucet, because the water didn't come out in a controlled way. We couldn't use it the way it was intended. I just used it as a place to empty an occasional bucket of water. When we removated the bathroom, we left it out.
-
My bidet. Best $65 I’ve ever spent. Mornings never felt so better (and cleaner...and fresher). :)
Shout out for the bidet! Yeah, they're pretty awesome, no matter how weird your parents and in-laws think you are for having one :)
We used to have one in our previous house. It was green, like the toilet, bath and sinks. I think something was missing at the end of the faucet, because the water didn't come out in a controlled way. We couldn't use it the way it was intended. I just used it as a place to empty an occasional bucket of water. When we removated the bathroom, we left it out.
I think we're talking about different kinds of bidets. The one I have is an attachment to/inside the toilet, where you can attach it via a "t" in the water line running from the wall to the toilet, and there's a little dial you can turn to run it. I don't know if anyone in the US has a stand-alone bidet. They're too European or something? Too French? There's an irrational anti-bidet sentiment here.
-
A cheap thing that makes me happy is people posting their urban wildlife sightings on social media. I’ve seen bobcats, mountain lions and wild turkeys in front yards and on crosswalks via FB & Insta lately and I’m here for it.
Citizen scientists are a good and powerful thing.
-
Library books and iced coffee (made from leftover morning coffee, of course!)
-
So this morning I had a happy accident where I combined some leftover cold brew coffee in the fridge with some of my elderberry syrup. (They were both in mason jars next to each other, and I poured them together thinking they were both cold brew). Wow! It's so tasty! I made the syrup a few weeks ago from home-picked elderberries, honey, ginger, and cinnamon. Who knew that would taste good with coffee?
-
Had to travel about 4km today (each way - so 8km altogether) in the inner city, i.e., lots of traffic, congestion etc.
Driving my own car would have been about $14 based on my long-term cost-per-kilometre calculation
Public transport cost would have been about $5 in total (there and back)
Uber was $24
Uber pool was $18
Taxi would have been about $30
Ended up using Uber Pool with 2x $10 off vouchers (one each way). Total cost - $nil!
-
A new game my 2.5 year old granddaughter made up: Sing the nursery rhymes as fast as you can. She watched me sing and make the gestures for Itsy Bitsy Spider super fast and she just laughed and laughed.
Yep, it's the simple dumb stuff that we'll all remember.
-
Biked to work yesterday morning to help score a 7th grade volleyball game. Up & out the door by 7 am, home by 11:15 am, got exercise & saw my students win all 3 games plus I made $30 in extra pay & helped out a coworker in a pinch.
Ate a quick lunch & walked over to son's church based daycare where the church was having a fall themed applefest in their urban orchard. 4 year old son enjoyed a bounce house, slide, balloon hat made by a clown & ate popcorn & I reluctantly allowed him to have a very small cotton candy (verdict: he said that it was too sweet).
All activities & treats were free. Son had a great time. We were encouraged to pick free apples from their orchard, so we came back with 3 largeish free organic apples that son loves.
I walked back home to watch the Nebraska/Colorado game on our TV courtesy of our antenna (so, free except for the cost of electricity & amortization of our 7 year old TV). Unfortunately Colorado won but it was a nail biter of a game. Nursed my disappointment with homemade home fries & homemade mead.
Overall a great day filled with exercise and family fun. Note: while the apple festival was free & they didn't even ask for donations, we do plan on adding a bit extra to our daycare check (made out to the church) tomorrow. As nonreligious people, spouse & I were very appreciative of the festival having zero mention of religion or spiritual beliefs & we want to help support that event in the future.
-
Wild blackberries that grow on the mountain behind my house.
-
Just walking 10 minutes from my home and come back with 4 types of chantarells and several other edible species. Each week I find new ones.
-
Hiking my two dogs early morning, a chill in the air, when the sun's coming up over the mountains and no one else is out on the trail. Watching them running around, sniffing everything in sight, and being very happy pups.
-
Turning up unannounced, midday when she's home alone, to take the neighbour's husky for a walk. She's always so delighted. She does those husky noises roh-roh-roh-roh and bounces on her front legs. She's the happiest to see me that anyone or anything has EVER been!
Yes, her parents know I make these visits. They leave a lead outside for me.
-
Watching Good movies and documentaries in YouTube and Netflix.
-
Finding an interesting mushroom on my walk to work.
-
Watching Good movies and documentaries in YouTube and Netflix.
GREAT deep sea diving doc on Netflix called Last Breath. Check it out.
-
11 hours sleep after the most stressful week of my life. And still waking early enough, and having the energy and headspace to make the most of this beautiful day.
-
Watching Good movies and documentaries in YouTube and Netflix.
GREAT deep sea diving doc on Netflix called Last Breath. Check it out.
sure thank you for the suggestion
-
Everyone up and ready for school/work in a good or reasonable mood. Bonus points to anyone who beats the alarm clock.
-
1.Getting a compliment on my second job from the manager who I am afraid of slightly.
2. Watching the customer from hell get thrown out and banned on the Schadenfreude side and keep being tossed out.
-
Getting a rare moment of peace in this newborn-baby life to read a few pages of a book and drink some (caffeinated!) tea.
-
The way my 4mo chirps and squawks and howls with happiness when he sees me and wants to “talk.”
My 3yo signing “I love you” for no reason.
Doing homework with the 6yo and 9yo and getting interesting insights into their brains.
-
1.Getting a compliment on my second job from the manager who I am afraid of slightly.
2. Watching the customer from hell get thrown out and banned on the Schadenfreude side and keep being tossed out.
That #2 sounds like a fantastic story!
-
A morning smile from either of our kids. None of us are morning people. We have great morning poker faces. ;)
-
My best friend, who has a very complicated schedule and lives five hundred miles away, just took up texting. Love being able to have little chats throughout the day...
-
Strong T-storms last night took out the local electrical grid, but we were only without electricity for 7 hours. Husband is a little annoyed because he’d gone out for ice and packed up the fridge contents in a cooler right before the fridge turned on again. I’m thrilled because 1) we didn’t lose any food and didn’t even have to open the freezer and 2) I don’t have to drive around looking for a cafe with power so that I can submit my work online.
-
A home cooked feast. Cooking for the family. That makes the whole day special and memorable.
-
That Friday night feeling!
-
Recently I found some apps that is helping me track things like weight, habits, mood etc. Loving it, very useful and making me feel happy that I do have some good control on my life.
-
That Friday night feeling!
Happy to report that when you hit FIRE, every night has that Friday night feeling. Or whatever night you want it to feel like. Totally worth the effort it takes to get there.
-
Family of 4. Enjoy swimming/playing on the lake beach. Family time, great weekend.
Costs $7. (entry fee for a car).
-
Having the flexibility to take 3.5 days off work to help my dad while he recovers from surgery.
Pulling a bucket of beets from the garden, washing them, and throwing them directly into the pot. Picking a bucket of green beans to saute. Fresh picked tomatoes in a salad. There really is nothing like fresh garden produce. I'm feeling very lucky that Dad's surgery coincided with the harvest season. Even luckier that his recovery is going well.
-
Went to the Goodwill 10 for $10 sale. Found new with tags designer jeans for work on Fridays x 2 pairs. Bought 4 year old son 1 pair of jeans, 3 larger sized pairs of shorts & 2 swim trunks plus a rash guard all for next summer. Bought myself a new synthetic UPF 50 top for hiking & kayaking. Spent $10.70 for all of it, tax included.
Came home, threw the clothes in the washer to wash with homemade detergent. Harvested many fresh bell peppers & tomatoes from the garden while they washed. Came back in & took the clothes out of the washer to air dry & found a $5 bill laying in the bottom of the washer. Someone donated clothes & money, apparently, to Goodwill.
Read a library book while swinging my 4 year old son on the tire swing.
Drove the electric car to my parents' house to watch the football game & celebrate my dad's birthday. Toasted my dad's birthday & continued good health. We all are waiting anxiously for news of my new neice or nephew, to be born any day now. My poor uncomfortably pregnant sister is 2 days past her due date & she's ready to meet this baby...who apparently has other plans.
-
Dumpster diving! ;)
We've scavenged everything from bedframes and shelves, to clothing and electronics from the student dumpsters surrounding us. My partner got new-in-box Converse yesterday! It was in a bag of mostly designer clothing (not in our sizes) that I'm washing right now so we can drop it off at the consignment store. We loop through the closest parking lots after our evening walks every weekend to see the new goodies being put out.
A second cheap thing that makes me happy: There's so much waste, that we've been scavenging stuff we don't need/want and rehoming it on our neighborhood buy nothing group. Making other people happy is a wonderful side effect.
-
Walking while holding my wife's hand.
-
Craigslist. I just bought a decent bike in good condition for $35.
-
DH came home from a fishing trip with a bag full of trout that I put in the freezer for another day.
-
Peanut butter is now being sold at the dollar store within walking distance of my house for $1 for 10 oz. That makes me very happy.
-
A dear friend received good medical news.
-
A coworker brought a large bowl full of plums from his or her own garden to our department. These home grown plums always taste so much better than what they in Norway sell in shops, which are often unripe.
I ate 3 already and will probably eat some more later.
-
$100 outdoor solar shower from Amazon. Definitely had more than $100 worth of warm showers this summer :)
-
A beautiful sunrise exactly while I'm having breakfast and can look at it. It is only two periods a year that sun rise matches my get up times on working days.
-
Fresh basil from our garden.
-
$100 outdoor solar shower from Amazon. Definitely had more than $100 worth of warm showers this summer :)
Can you share a link to the one you bought? Would love to learn more about this.
A cheap thing I love is resuscitating houseplants that other people gave up on. Currently gazing at a rubber plant and a draecena that were very unhappy when I met them and are currently putting out all kinds of new shoots.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
The first cool day after the summer heat breaks. Sometimes it is just a tease with many hot days left. Sometimes not. Rode my bike 10 miles at lunch time today.
-
Getting my use out of my Annual National Parks Pass. $80 gets you 13* months(*We got at the beginning of February 2019, and it's good through the end of February 2020). Carlsbad caverns was $30 each($60 total), we have also done Crater Lake($25), Craters of The Moon($20), Arches($30), and Grand Canyon-north rim($30). The pass been worth it.
-
Watching my 4 year old son play with his cousin who is 2. Last night, we went to the library book sale & he selected a book to give to his 2 year old cousin & newborn cousin. He's the oldest of all of the grandchildren on both sides of the family & he's so delighted to play with all of his cousins, boys & girls. It makes my heart happy to see cousin bonding. We also received a very positive report from school yesterday & he loves his teachers at (free, full day, public) preschool. They are so good with him.
Giving away our crib, which we purchased used but nearly unused from a family friend. The couple is unexpectedly pregnant with #2 & the baby is due on my son's 5th birthday. Happy to pass along the crib to a family in need.
-
Pumpkin spice muffins with homemade cream cheese frosting on a cold, blustery, drizzly day.
-
Double glazed windows that shut out the sound of the neighbour's kids screeching.
-
Sitting out on the deck to enjoy quiet rainy mornings with a home brewed coffee before anyone else has woken up.
-
Hopefully, our new fridge. Old one from 2001 bit it. Spent hours searching online, went a few places, realized that legitimately the best fridge out there for us was a $350 one from sears. Usual price $700, but it is from 2017, so discounted.
In the meantime, the 10 yo dorm fridge I bought off craigslist for 50 bucks (was using in my office) has come in handy.
-
Made vegan chickpea salad at home!
Here's the link for the recipe https://vegan.org/chickpea-salad-sandwich/
-
Going for a walk in the evening with my 12 y.o son, when the temperature is just right. Not too hot, not too cold. Seeing lots of neighbors, tossing the volleyball, chatting about life.
-
Nice hot shower.
-
Sitting on a warm beach until the sun sets.
-
Soup season!
-
$100 outdoor solar shower from Amazon. Definitely had more than $100 worth of warm showers this summer :)
Can you share a link to the one you bought? Would love to learn more about this.
Bump! I'm curious too. TIA
-
I saved a bee yesterday. It had flown into the pool and was floundering around. I scooped it up and put it on the side, and after it dried off it flew away. Made me happy.
-
$100 outdoor solar shower from Amazon. Definitely had more than $100 worth of warm showers this summer :)
Can you share a link to the one you bought? Would love to learn more about this.
Bump! I'm curious too. TIA
I think it is this device, seen the price.
https://www.amazon.com/Giantex-2-Section-Backyard-Poolside-Installation/dp/B07RJV9L9P/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=Solar+Outdoor+Shower&qid=1570691888&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQ0RCUk9LNzAzT1o0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTM2OTA4Mk5KM09PU1lEMEFFNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjEwNjE5MkFCM0lHU1kyS1ZRSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
-
Cooler weather for big bike rides.
Crunch of dry leaves under foot.
Seeing our dog this afternoon after a tough week at the vet's. That isn't cheap but dog affection will be nice.
-
Seeing a squirrel hanging by it's hind legs from a branch, eating from the bird feeder.
-
When my alma mater college football game is being televised on one of the mainstream TV channels, so I can see it at home (for free, sort of) instead of going out to a bar to see it, which is what I have to do if it is being shown on a 'premier' channel like ESPN, which I don't subscribe to.
-
Khan Academy. Khan Academy is a free thing that makes me so so happy.
-
Playing table tennis, Sequence and kicking a ball around the garden with my teenage son over the weekend. I am so grateful he still sometimes wants to hang out with his old mum.
-
If you take some pumpkin spice coffee from Trader Joe's and put a little almond milk (either regular or TJ's pumpkin spice almond milk) in it, you get a homemade pumpkin spice latte-ish drink that I find WAY WAY tastier than any PSL that I have bought from Starbucks or another coffee shop. Much less sweet, and since it's homemade I can have one every day if I want without cringing at the price!
-
Piece and Quiet in a comfortable chair with something good to drink and a great view preferable of water and nature not the ocean so much but inland lake.
-
$100 outdoor solar shower from Amazon. Definitely had more than $100 worth of warm showers this summer :)
Can you share a link to the one you bought? Would love to learn more about this.
Bump! I'm curious too. TIA
I think it is this device, seen the price.
https://www.amazon.com/Giantex-2-Section-Backyard-Poolside-Installation/dp/B07RJV9L9P/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=Solar+Outdoor+Shower&qid=1570691888&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQ0RCUk9LNzAzT1o0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTM2OTA4Mk5KM09PU1lEMEFFNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjEwNjE5MkFCM0lHU1kyS1ZRSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
That's the one!
-
The Budget Bytes website! The recipes are all so good and so cheap. It's become my go-to for when I want to find something tasty and new to add to my dinner menu rotation.
-
The Budget Bytes website! The recipes are all so good and so cheap. It's become my go-to for when I want to find something tasty and new to add to my dinner menu rotation.
Seconded! It's such a good resource. I don't think we've found a recipe that we didn't like.
-
$100 outdoor solar shower from Amazon. Definitely had more than $100 worth of warm showers this summer :)
Can you share a link to the one you bought? Would love to learn more about this.
Bump! I'm curious too. TIA
I think it is this device, seen the price.
https://www.amazon.com/Giantex-2-Section-Backyard-Poolside-Installation/dp/B07RJV9L9P/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=Solar+Outdoor+Shower&qid=1570691888&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQ0RCUk9LNzAzT1o0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTM2OTA4Mk5KM09PU1lEMEFFNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjEwNjE5MkFCM0lHU1kyS1ZRSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
That's the one!
If I buy and use that shower, how long will it take for my body to look like that? It's the shower that does that, right?
-
Warm sunny weather, an evening glass of very decent rosé ($6.99 at Costco) on the patio, and the loud and impassioned conversation I just witnessed between two squirrels on the back fence.
-
Walking in our woods with my husband. Sassafras and hickory, oak and mountain laurel. Also found a black walnut after a decade of looking on our property.
-
I just made pie crust successfully for the first time in my adult life.
-
* It's Santa Ana winds season in Southern California -- dry and hot during the day with an Indian summer energy, but at night it's positively magical and you want to live outside forever.
* Breastfeeding a hungry baby to sleep is a treat
-
The hour after cleaning up a part of the home. Today I cleared out the mess of cables under my computer desk, and the floor is now totally free from loose cables - future cleaning will be much easier (until entropy hits again).
-
Sitting out on the deck, in perfect upper 60s fall weather. The leaves going from green to golden. We were supposed to go camping this weekend, but I have a lot of grading to do, but I’m enjoying this compromise. At least I’m outside.
-
We are preparing our home for public viewing for sales tomorrow.
Today we did a lot and the rest is just last minute stuff that we can do tomorrow. So today we had time for a walk outside. We saw a half modern and a bitt older water turbine beside the dam that is renewed. And saw a surprisingly old tree.
-
$100 outdoor solar shower from Amazon. Definitely had more than $100 worth of warm showers this summer :)
Can you share a link to the one you bought? Would love to learn more about this.
Bump! I'm curious too. TIA
I think it is this device, seen the price.
https://www.amazon.com/Giantex-2-Section-Backyard-Poolside-Installation/dp/B07RJV9L9P/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=Solar+Outdoor+Shower&qid=1570691888&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQ0RCUk9LNzAzT1o0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTM2OTA4Mk5KM09PU1lEMEFFNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjEwNjE5MkFCM0lHU1kyS1ZRSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
That's the one!
You might want to be careful with solar showers due to Legionnaires.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legionnaires%27_disease
-
Watching the snow from our kitchen/dining room windows while drinking another cup of Starbucks coffee and just relaxing. I only have one client this afternoon....perfect Monday!
-
1.Repairing two of my reusable cloth bags clumsy stitching but it is done.
2.Helping to get our team coordinated at second job to get orders out during a rush of customers..
And finally getting around to giving you all the backstory about the customer who got thrown out and banned earlier:
He was a homeless guy that's no sin and most who come in order something small and are quiet and generally well behaved. But this one was obnoxious. He'd place orders then constantly backtrack to match the actual money in hand holding up the line. He'd also openly panhandle in line if he was short of cash. This is not allowed inside the store if we catch you you can be asked to leave. Outside it doesn't matter. He was also very rude to us cashiers and the managers. That particular day he came in ordering milkshake after milkshake yet also complaining milk upset his stomach. He got so rude and abusive the manager put him out then banned him on the spot.
-
If I buy and use that shower, how long will it take for my body to look like that? It's the shower that does that, right?
If I use that shower and start to look like that my DW (and everyone else) might have some questions...
Went kayaking with a friend, their daughter and our kids. Waded in the chilly creek water, colors everywhere, nice warm breeze, birds, we all giggled watching one of the kids learn to keep their white water kayak tracking straight on the still waters. It frequently wanted to spin on the return trip.
Enjoyed the fall rains this past weekend. Mostly light and steady. Listening to the rain landing and dripping here and there.
Cleaned out the garage with our kids. Chores can be satisfying and free! We had fun together. Just made more organized and efficient use of the space.
-
Watching the snow from our kitchen/dining room windows while drinking another cup of Starbucks coffee and just relaxing. I only have one client this afternoon....perfect Monday!
@citrine And the big question is: why do you drink spendypants Starbucks coffee in your own kitchen, where you probably have your own coffee maker?
-
The Budget Bytes website! The recipes are all so good and so cheap. It's become my go-to for when I want to find something tasty and new to add to my dinner menu rotation.
Seconded! It's such a good resource. I don't think we've found a recipe that we didn't like.
I made a salad with kale and apple:
https://www.budgetbytes.com/autumn-kale-and-apple-salad/
It tasted okay, but DH ended up upsetting his stomach/intestines. Maybe because of the kale being eaten raw? The kale I used was in a pack, marked as "washed, ready to eat", so I didn't wash them. Maybe is wasn't washed well enough? My sensitive bowels were fine. The cheese I used was still fresh, as we have eaten it later without trouble.
-
Homemade masala chai latte. The spices (specifically cardamom and cloves) were notoriously hard to find in China, but I found it in a hole-in-the-wall shop, and now I have several months’ worth of chai spices in my cupboard.
And it’s much cheaper than the $8 per cup chai latte at the local coffee shop.
-
Watching the snow from our kitchen/dining room windows while drinking another cup of Starbucks coffee and just relaxing. I only have one client this afternoon....perfect Monday!
@citrine And the big question is: why do you drink spendypants Starbucks coffee in your own kitchen, where you probably have your own coffee maker?
Starbucks brand beans are widely available for purchase in most grocery stores here.
-
Reclining in my deckchair in the shade, reading, with my 2 dogs next to me while the rest of the neighbourhood is at work and all I can hear are birds.
-
The king-size (aka 4-pack) package of Reese's peanut butter cups that I split with my husband after dinner. Those were always the holy grail of trick-or-treating when I was little, so they made tonight a bit festive.
-
Financial stability mostly because we haven't really built up a savings yet (having all the bills paid on time is the greatest stress relief).
Also creating. I love putting a lot of work into sewing or painting something in a notebook (https://onplanners.com/planners/cool-design), and being able to see the end result.
On a very related note, seeing self-improvement. I can put two things I've made together and see a definite change, and that's awesome.
-
There's nothing in the world better than putting a new set of strings on an acoustic guitar and banging out some open chords.
-
We found out that there is a much simpler and cheaper solution for a problem that either the new owner of our house gets, or we get, if we don't get sold because of this issue.
-
Fall chores -- raking leaves, cleaning up the garden, laying in farm supplies like straw, mulching, and generally battening down the hatches for winter. Fall is a beautiful time to be outside, and the chores feel so productive and good.
-
Today we worked together with a neighbor, removing weeds and branched from an area where we will build a playground. Nice to be working together on it.
-
On a cold autumn night sitting around a firepit with friends.
-
Catching the train to work. It takes a little longer, but it costs less than the fuel alone, let alone the maintenance on the car. And I get to read. I haven't read in a long time and am really really enjoying it, even when I do get slight motion sickness from it. And the only way I'm determined to work is to set up a calendar (https://www.itscalendar.com/printable-march-calendar.html).
-
Walking to work down a quiet tree-lined street. Properly paved sidewalks where you don’t trip every five steps and practically need to wear hiking boots to survive the trek. NOT being at risk of being run over by a scooter or shoved by a fellow pedestrian as soon as you step foot out the door. Not being jam-packed like sardines on the subway.
Also, having neighbors who don’t verbally and physically abuse each other and their toddlers is nice.
-
Riding my bike in cool and even cold weather. Didn't require alot of money to gather the gear spread out over time. Nicer than riding some of the summer days.
-
We've been under a winter weather advisory all day (~5 inches of snow since morning rush hour and it's still falling). I got my daily exercise in by shoveling heavy, wet snow from the sidewalks, and my choir rehearsal was canceled so I can stay home tonight and make soup instead of dealing with idiots on the roads.
-
Rain as we head toward summer.
-
Last year I started playing hockey again. Scrounged up the gear from second hand stores and family members (aside from the skates, which I bought now).
There is really not much that is more fun than getting out and playing a sport with a bunch of like minded folks for an hour or two, then having a couple of beers/whatever in the dressing room after. Costwise it works out to a few bucks a session, more if I have a beer (maybe one time in 3). A bargain at ten times the cost.
-
The sunset. City of Rocks state park in NM has some of the prettiest I have seen.
-
Fresh dry washing off the line
-
A really good choir rehearsal.
-
Hot homemade lasagna on a cold night
-
Raising monarch butterfly caterpillars and providing backyard habitat for birds and other critters.
-
Fixing or mending something. :)
-
There’s nothing in the world better than taking our child to the bookstore and watching them browse and read. And having ice cream afterwards. Because it won’t last
-
A beautiful balmy sunny autumn weekend.
-
Finally getting over the worst cold I've had in years. Finally able to sleep at night and breath through my nose!
-
A really good choir rehearsal.
Thank you, OtherJen, for being in a choir.
I love going to free college recitals by sopranos and mezzosopranos, singing 19th century art songs, with just a piano accompaniment. Beautiful, life-affirming,
mindblowing, and all free !!
If there is a choir performing free, I go to those too.
-
A really good choir rehearsal.
Thank you, OtherJen, for being in a choir.
I love going to free college recitals by sopranos and mezzosopranos, singing 19th century art songs, with just a piano accompaniment. Beautiful, life-affirming,
mindblowing, and all free !!
If there is a choir performing free, I go to those too.
I started going to a local barbershop chorus about a year ago. My schedule keeps me from going more than about once per month, but I enjoy it when I get to go.
-
Enjoying a coffee on the front verandah listening to the birds in the early morning sunshine.
Pity I had to go to work afterwards.
-
Heavy rain! I love a good downpour, especially when I'm able to stay inside.
-
Cooking for my family. Ironing clothes. Pumping some iron at the gym.
-
Holding my child’s hand while walking them to school
-
I just made a batch of chicken stock to use in next week's Thanksgiving dinner. Free aromatherapy for the house.
-
Making spaghetti sauce from home-grown tomatoes.
-
Thunderstorms. Most weather phenomena.
When my dog gets wiggle-butt-happy when I get home.
Fixing and building things.
-
The free PDF reader app, which means I can just scan everything and plunk my iPad in a black folder for concerts, rather than dragging the heavy book of carols and a separate folder of sheet music on stage.
-
A happy topic!
I have to come to deeply appreciate the things I don’t do that make me happy. I don’t watch much TV. I don’t go to shopping malls. I don’t engage strangers on politics or religion. I don’t fill out surveys. I don’t vote. I don’t smoke. I don’t take flyers. I don’t watch professional sports.
To me, selective nonparticipation is the essence of freedom.
-
I dont go to meetings and that makes me soooo happy!
-
A happy topic!
I have to come to deeply appreciate the things I don’t do that make me happy. I don’t watch much TV. I don’t go to shopping malls. I don’t engage strangers on politics or religion. I don’t fill out surveys. I don’t vote. I don’t smoke. I don’t take flyers. I don’t watch professional sports.
To me, selective nonparticipation is the essence of freedom.
I am with you on not visiting shopping malls and that it is great not to watch TV. I even turned down some surveys, the last one is from my job that I have already given notice to.
But for the non voting thing, that means you would have to live with the consquences. That could be a disaster for you personally, depending on your situation (like ACA or no ACA).
-
Decorating our hand-me-down Christmas tree with homemade ornaments while listening to Christmas carols. It looks so cozy and homey.
-
The sunrises this week have been gorgeous -- bright shades of pink and orange coming through fluffy clouds.
-
A quiet, early morning cup of coffee with DW while the our kids are still asleep.....does not happen often enough :-)
-
A happy topic!
I have to come to deeply appreciate the things I don’t do that make me happy. I don’t watch much TV. I don’t go to shopping malls. I don’t engage strangers on politics or religion. I don’t fill out surveys. I don’t vote. I don’t smoke. I don’t take flyers. I don’t watch professional sports.
To me, selective nonparticipation is the essence of freedom.
I am with you on not visiting shopping malls and that it is great not to watch TV. I even turned down some surveys, the last one is from my job that I have already given notice to.
But for the non voting thing, that means you would have to live with the consquences. That could be a disaster for you personally, depending on your situation (like ACA or no ACA).
I have to live with the consequences regardless.
I don’t want to steer a good thread into a discussion of politics so I’ll try to limit my response. I do have philosophical views on this topic, but no need to go there either. I can address this easily enough through math. The US is a winner take all election system. The only instance where my one vote would change the end result is in the case of a near tie when one vote would sway the result one way or the other. We have thousands of elected officials near ties do happen, and actual ties are very rare. We’re talking “winning the lottery” type of odds that a single voter will cast the deciding vote in an election. From my perspective the cost of the time voting, not to mention the time spent preparing to vote is a poor investment given that my one vote is extremely unlikely to affect the end result.
-
Yeah, if the intent of voting is to directly change the outcome of that particular vote, then the time investment isn't worth it. I take it (and the preparation for it) as a duty -- an acknowledgement of what I owe to the people around me. From that perspective the time spent preparing for it is a win, rather than a loss. But there's lots of ways of thinking about it.
-
A happy topic!
I have to come to deeply appreciate the things I don’t do that make me happy. I don’t watch much TV. I don’t go to shopping malls. I don’t engage strangers on politics or religion. I don’t fill out surveys. I don’t vote. I don’t smoke. I don’t take flyers. I don’t watch professional sports.
To me, selective nonparticipation is the essence of freedom.
I am with you on not visiting shopping malls and that it is great not to watch TV. I even turned down some surveys, the last one is from my job that I have already given notice to.
But for the non voting thing, that means you would have to live with the consquences. That could be a disaster for you personally, depending on your situation (like ACA or no ACA).
I have to live with the consequences regardless.
I don’t want to steer a good thread into a discussion of politics so I’ll try to limit my response. I do have philosophical views on this topic, but no need to go there either. I can address this easily enough through math. The US is a winner take all election system. The only instance where my one vote would change the end result is in the case of a near tie when one vote would sway the result one way or the other. We have thousands of elected officials near ties do happen, and actual ties are very rare. We’re talking “winning the lottery” type of odds that a single voter will cast the deciding vote in an election. From my perspective the cost of the time voting, not to mention the time spent preparing to vote is a poor investment given that my one vote is extremely unlikely to affect the end result.
As someone who works in non-partisan voter service, I recommend at least voting in local (municipal and school district) elections for the people who actually make the on-the-ground decisions about your local taxes, ordinances, and services. One vote can absolutely make a difference at that level, and you will have opportunities to meet your local candidates and elected officials and share your concerns. The candidates may even be your neighbors (our last city council election included a candidate a couple blocks away from me), or fellow church or club members.
I still vote in state and federal elections, but definitely understand why one might not want to bother.
-
A happy topic!
I have to come to deeply appreciate the things I don’t do that make me happy. I don’t watch much TV. I don’t go to shopping malls. I don’t engage strangers on politics or religion. I don’t fill out surveys. I don’t vote. I don’t smoke. I don’t take flyers. I don’t watch professional sports.
To me, selective nonparticipation is the essence of freedom.
I am with you on not visiting shopping malls and that it is great not to watch TV. I even turned down some surveys, the last one is from my job that I have already given notice to.
But for the non voting thing, that means you would have to live with the consquences. That could be a disaster for you personally, depending on your situation (like ACA or no ACA).
I have to live with the consequences regardless.
I don’t want to steer a good thread into a discussion of politics so I’ll try to limit my response. I do have philosophical views on this topic, but no need to go there either. I can address this easily enough through math. The US is a winner take all election system. The only instance where my one vote would change the end result is in the case of a near tie when one vote would sway the result one way or the other. We have thousands of elected officials near ties do happen, and actual ties are very rare. We’re talking “winning the lottery” type of odds that a single voter will cast the deciding vote in an election. From my perspective the cost of the time voting, not to mention the time spent preparing to vote is a poor investment given that my one vote is extremely unlikely to affect the end result.
As someone who works in non-partisan voter service, I recommend at least voting in local (municipal and school district) elections for the people who actually make the on-the-ground decisions about your local taxes, ordinances, and services. One vote can absolutely make a difference at that level, and you will have opportunities to meet your local candidates and elected officials and share your concerns. The candidates may even be your neighbors (our last city council election included a candidate a couple blocks away from me), or fellow church or club members.
I still vote in state and federal elections, but definitely understand why one might not want to bother.
I am not allowed to vote in Norway in the national eclections, because I am not Norwegian. But I am allowed to vote locally, which I do, to push my local politics in a good direction. I gave one of my neighbours an extra personal vote, because she is very engaged and with an okay party.
I am still allowed to vote in my country of birth, which is a bit weird because I don't pay taxes there. The first election after I had moved out I didn't bother. Only when they got an extreme person as a prime minister candidate, I registered as a voter again. I felt it as a duty to do my best to prevent his election. Sometimes a small number of votes make the difference.
-
Sitting on my balcony, occasionally looking up from my book to look out at the ocean. It is warm, but not too hot (Florida).
-
Today we worked together with a neighbor, removing weeds and branched from an area where we will build a playground. Nice to be working together on it.
On my property and adjacent to it much brush has been cleared so now I have my own 800-yard mountain bike trail. I like being out on my bike as the sun comes up over the mountains to the east.
-
Having lots of small birds and a daily visit of a squirrel at the bird feeder with sunflower seeds.
-
Everyone has been asking my 4 year old son what he wants for Christmas. His response is always the same: Christmas cookies, a Christmas tree & seeing his cousins. And "buying" books from the library. They've mentioned toys & he doesn't even know how to respond. I'll take simple holiday requests for as long as I can.
-
The huge lighted tree, skating rink, and holiday decorations have been installed downtown. I love Christmas, and downtown is all sparkly and festive. It was a great to walk around and enjoy the lights.
-
Riding my bike in cool and even cold weather. Didn't require alot of money to gather the gear spread out over time. Nicer than riding some of the summer days.
There's something very satisfying about gearing up and being fully-kitted out for a bike ride in cold weather. Base layer, insulating layer, wind-proof/rainproof layer, face mask - you feel like a cross between a ninja and a bear about to enter hibernation.
-
Being greeted by our family dog in the evening. She barks sometimes but when she sees DW and I walk in we often get her "rooooooo.... rooooooo....." and lots of tail wagging. We call it yodeling.
-
Being greeted by our family dog in the evening. She barks sometimes but when she sees DW and I walk in we often get her "rooooooo.... rooooooo....." and lots of tail wagging. We call it yodeling.
Has she got husky in her? My good buddy is a husky and she rooo-rooos also.
-
-When a little one grabs your hand while walking
-Getting the next book in a series you love free from the library without any waiting
-A hot shower on a cold day
-Going to sleep under a down comforter in a cold bedroom
-Walks on a sunny autumn day
-My dog having the zoomies when I get home
-
I spent a dollar on fertalizer and an hour of time to bring back my deceased father's raspberries. It turns out he got some kind of ever berry and the produced from July until the first frost in November. Every time i see them in the store for 4 dollars a pint I gasp.
rice and beans
hiking
electric blankets -- bought on the cheap
PBS tv and podcasts
cooking from scratch
The fan I bought in January for 90 percent off. The cashier gently mocked me for buying a fan when it's cold. Ten years later I'm still using it.
-
A really good choir rehearsal.
Thank you, OtherJen, for being in a choir.
I love going to free college recitals by sopranos and mezzosopranos, singing 19th century art songs, with just a piano accompaniment. Beautiful, life-affirming,
mindblowing, and all free !!
If there is a choir performing free, I go to those too.
I started going to a local barbershop chorus about a year ago. My schedule keeps me from going more than about once per month, but I enjoy it when I get to go.
Caught a local high school choir performing at a church. They had a soprano soloist for one song, accompanied by piano. Strong, clear, firm beautiful voice, even with the high notes, which is not always the case.
I wrestled with whether or not to compliment the soprano afterwards. I did. She said she was hoping to make a living singing, after graduating from a 4 year music school. I told her I thought she would be a success due to her beautiful voice.
-
A really good choir rehearsal.
Thank you, OtherJen, for being in a choir.
I love going to free college recitals by sopranos and mezzosopranos, singing 19th century art songs, with just a piano accompaniment. Beautiful, life-affirming,
mindblowing, and all free !!
If there is a choir performing free, I go to those too.
I started going to a local barbershop chorus about a year ago. My schedule keeps me from going more than about once per month, but I enjoy it when I get to go.
Caught a local high school choir performing at a church. They had a soprano soloist for one song, accompanied by piano. Strong, clear, firm beautiful voice, even with the high notes, which is not always the case.
I wrestled with whether or not to compliment the soprano afterwards. I did. She said she was hoping to make a living singing, after graduating from a 4 year music school. I told her I thought she would be a success due to her beautiful voice.
All the choir love on this thread makes me happy! I'm with you. Our two highschoolers are both in choirs. Their choirs perform sometimes alone and sometimes with various adult choirs/orchestras around the area for a big holiday concert or special event. I love their performances. And what a great activity for people of all ages -- meeting up with like minded folks to make beautiful music together.
-
A really good choir rehearsal.
Thank you, OtherJen, for being in a choir.
I love going to free college recitals by sopranos and mezzosopranos, singing 19th century art songs, with just a piano accompaniment. Beautiful, life-affirming,
mindblowing, and all free !!
If there is a choir performing free, I go to those too.
I started going to a local barbershop chorus about a year ago. My schedule keeps me from going more than about once per month, but I enjoy it when I get to go.
Caught a local high school choir performing at a church. They had a soprano soloist for one song, accompanied by piano. Strong, clear, firm beautiful voice, even with the high notes, which is not always the case.
I wrestled with whether or not to compliment the soprano afterwards. I did. She said she was hoping to make a living singing, after graduating from a 4 year music school. I told her I thought she would be a success due to her beautiful voice.
All the choir love on this thread makes me happy! I'm with you. Our two highschoolers are both in choirs. Their choirs perform sometimes alone and sometimes with various adult choirs/orchestras around the area for a big holiday concert or special event. I love their performances. And what a great activity for people of all ages -- meeting up with like minded folks to make beautiful music together.
Please encourage them to keep singing after high school! My family wanted me to give it up when I went to college so that I could focus solely on "real" academics. Turns out that the 1-credit choir courses both filled an arts requirement and were essential to my sanity. I'm about to start my 27th year of choral singing, and it's amazing how much more I learn each year.
-
A really good choir rehearsal.
Thank you, OtherJen, for being in a choir.
I love going to free college recitals by sopranos and mezzosopranos, singing 19th century art songs, with just a piano accompaniment. Beautiful, life-affirming,
mindblowing, and all free !!
If there is a choir performing free, I go to those too.
I started going to a local barbershop chorus about a year ago. My schedule keeps me from going more than about once per month, but I enjoy it when I get to go.
Caught a local high school choir performing at a church. They had a soprano soloist for one song, accompanied by piano. Strong, clear, firm beautiful voice, even with the high notes, which is not always the case.
I wrestled with whether or not to compliment the soprano afterwards. I did. She said she was hoping to make a living singing, after graduating from a 4 year music school. I told her I thought she would be a success due to her beautiful voice.
All the choir love on this thread makes me happy! I'm with you. Our two highschoolers are both in choirs. Their choirs perform sometimes alone and sometimes with various adult choirs/orchestras around the area for a big holiday concert or special event. I love their performances. And what a great activity for people of all ages -- meeting up with like minded folks to make beautiful music together.
Please encourage them to keep singing after high school! My family wanted me to give it up when I went to college so that I could focus solely on "real" academics. Turns out that the 1-credit choir courses both filled an arts requirement and were essential to my sanity. I'm about to start my 27th year of choral singing, and it's amazing how much more I learn each year.
I will -- promise! They've been singing since first grade, and hopefully will continue their whole lives.
-
Being greeted by our family dog in the evening. She barks sometimes but when she sees DW and I walk in we often get her "rooooooo.... rooooooo....." and lots of tail wagging. We call it yodeling.
Haha, we call it her "Wookie call" when ours makes that noise.
-
Being greeted by our family dog in the evening. She barks sometimes but when she sees DW and I walk in we often get her "rooooooo.... rooooooo....." and lots of tail wagging. We call it yodeling.
Has she got husky in her? My good buddy is a husky and she rooo-rooos also.
Definitely no husky in this dog. Wrong size, wrong breed, etc. ;)
I love the "wookie call" name for it!
Another cheap happy thing - simple anticipation. Anticipation of anything positive.
Today it comes from seeing family this week, a nice holiday meal, hanging out with our kids tomorrow and taking a bike ride together.
-
Annual Thanksgiving Eve lunch and grocery shopping with Mom.
Annual Thanksgiving Eve cooking/baking blitz while watching "This Christmas" and "Miracle on 34th Street" on the iPad. My house smells amazing.
-
Under some circumstances: snow.
The weather has been depressing for weeks, with mostly rain. But I have hope that we might actually get so much snow this weekend that we can go cross country skiing, one of my favorite hobbies.
Under other circumstances, snow can be a PITA, like when you have to drive to work. That problem should be solved in other 2 weeks, because of FIRE.
-
The annual local Thanksgiving parade on TV, cheesy commentary and all.
Family dinner with an excess of good food.
Leftover Thanksgiving dinner for the next couple of days.
-
A really good choir rehearsal.
Thank you, OtherJen, for being in a choir.
I love going to free college recitals by sopranos and mezzosopranos, singing 19th century art songs, with just a piano accompaniment. Beautiful, life-affirming,
mindblowing, and all free !!
If there is a choir performing free, I go to those too.
I started going to a local barbershop chorus about a year ago. My schedule keeps me from going more than about once per month, but I enjoy it when I get to go.
Caught a local high school choir performing at a church. They had a soprano soloist for one song, accompanied by piano. Strong, clear, firm beautiful voice, even with the high notes, which is not always the case.
I wrestled with whether or not to compliment the soprano afterwards. I did. She said she was hoping to make a living singing, after graduating from a 4 year music school. I told her I thought she would be a success due to her beautiful voice.
All the choir love on this thread makes me happy! I'm with you. Our two highschoolers are both in choirs. Their choirs perform sometimes alone and sometimes with various adult choirs/orchestras around the area for a big holiday concert or special event. I love their performances. And what a great activity for people of all ages -- meeting up with like minded folks to make beautiful music together.
Please encourage them to keep singing after high school! My family wanted me to give it up when I went to college so that I could focus solely on "real" academics. Turns out that the 1-credit choir courses both filled an arts requirement and were essential to my sanity. I'm about to start my 27th year of choral singing, and it's amazing how much more I learn each year.
I will -- promise! They've been singing since first grade, and hopefully will continue their whole lives.
I wish I was in a choir. My DD is and will be performing with the local concert band. They are doing the Hallelujah chorus this year. The best part is the friends that she is making in this group.
-
Cardio Strength training class at my local gym. The instructur kept saying "Wheee!" during hard reps. Made me smile & giggle so I forgot how hard I was working. Now I'm home, showered, sitting by a warm fire with a cuppa tea and feeling amazing.
-
Selling jewelry made by women rescued from prostitution and slave trafficking in Asia, with all proceeds going back to supporting the women. Cheap for me. Not so cheap for the lovely people who purchased the jewelry.
-
I'm going with Thanksgiving leftovers
-
Yesterday my 13 y.o. son helped me work in the garden. Afterwards we were just sitting there talking, and he picked a blade of grass and tied it on my wrist as a bracelet. It made me so happy.
-
- Meditating on the train on my way into work
- Running with my dog in the mornings
- The photo of G all dressed up for his very first formal
- Going for a wee walk at lunchtime by the river
-
When all of the random fridge leftovers come together to make a meal that satisfies: a picky 12 y.o, a starving teen, a Keto friendly adult, and a lactose intolerant adult. It was like leftover magic.
-
The Christmas lights in the neighborhood reflected on the snow.
-
Just watching the snow fall. Best walking opportunity. First snow of the season. As usual we are far enough south that it seldom amounts to anything.
-
Crocheting a pair of mittens as a gift.
-
South Park :).
Hiking, chess, time with friends and family.
-
Sound of rain on our aluminum awning and wooden deck
Couch to 5K app
-
Seedless navel oranges. They’re relatively cheap right now and so good.
-
I've resisted this thread for a long time and now feel sad that I did! It's lovely!
Mine today is when I get an email from the library saying a book I put on hold is ready for me to checkout. It's a great surprise and probably the happiest things I ever see in my inbox. It's so exciting to then open it like a present, not knowing which of the many books I have on hold it will be until I can get a good look at the contents.
Libraries, man. They are the best.
-
I've resisted this thread for a long time and now feel sad that I did! It's lovely!
Mine today is when I get an email from the library saying a book I put on hold is ready for me to checkout. It's a great surprise and probably the happiest things I ever see in my inbox. It's so exciting to then open it like a present, not knowing which of the many books I have on hold it will be until I can get a good look at the contents.
Libraries, man. They are the best.
I have a list of books I would like to borrow from the library. But if I order them, they do indeed usually arrive very fast. And I just don't have the time to read them yet. I hope that changes very soon when I FIRE. Maybe I finally will have time to read whatever I want at any time I want. The library is great.
-
Sunshine (good lord, finally), above-freezing temps, and holiday paper sales by the local Goodfellows organizations.
-
The retro bubble lights on my Christmas Tree!
My grandma had some when I was really little and I just thought they were beautiful. My parents always thought they were tacky so would never use them on the family tree.
I bought myself some four years ago and I love them so much! I sit and look at my Christmas tree and something in me is so happy that I have something that I wanted so badly as a child. I FEEL like a little kid when I look at them.
I love this. I still remember the weird lights that looked like ice balls on my grandparents' tree (always a huge and real tree, with loads of tinsel). I would love to get a set for our tree.
-
Knitting. (Well, the yarn's not always cheap but the activity is free and lovely. Very meditative.)
-
Freshly prepared CC ski tracks. And seeing a moose during the ski trip.
-
Our (free) Christmas tree with homemade ornaments. Our tree is little - about one meter tall. A few years ago we spent several weeks crocheting amigurumi ornaments. Another year we sewed felt ornaments. It’s definitely not a designer tree and nothing matches on the tree, but it looks and feels so homey.
-
Also today, I spent a few hours making fancy designer candles.
Natural smokeless soy wax cost $1.50 for 500 g (enough for five to six small candles). I had friends collect small tea tins and jars for me. The designer scents cost $0.40 each.
I looked online at Anthropologie and some of the other big name stores to see what scents were popular this year, then bought those scents online - English Pear and Freesia, White Tea, & Japanese Yuzu. I also bought a couple Chanel (knock off?) scents.
We now have several beautiful, sumptuous-smelling fancy candles that cost less than $1 each to make.
-
@Freedomin5 - those candles sound fantastic!
-
Also today, I spent a few hours making fancy designer candles.
Natural smokeless soy wax cost $1.50 for 500 g (enough for five to six small candles). I had friends collect small tea tins and jars for me. The designer scents cost $0.40 each.
I looked online at Anthropologie and some of the other big name stores to see what scents were popular this year, then bought those scents online - English Pear and Freesia, White Tea, & Japanese Yuzu. I also bought a couple Chanel (knock off?) scents.
We now have several beautiful, sumptuous-smelling fancy candles that cost less than $1 each to make.
Care to insert some links for all the great ideas here? I kinda really really want to make my own candles now...
-
Also today, I spent a few hours making fancy designer candles.
Natural smokeless soy wax cost $1.50 for 500 g (enough for five to six small candles). I had friends collect small tea tins and jars for me. The designer scents cost $0.40 each.
I looked online at Anthropologie and some of the other big name stores to see what scents were popular this year, then bought those scents online - English Pear and Freesia, White Tea, & Japanese Yuzu. I also bought a couple Chanel (knock off?) scents.
We now have several beautiful, sumptuous-smelling fancy candles that cost less than $1 each to make.
Care to insert some links for all the great ideas here? I kinda really really want to make my own candles now...
I make candles from leftover stumps of old candle. Without scent and ornaments. But just normal functional candles.
-
Tonight’s choir concert got an immediate standing ovation. We had a blast performing it, and apparently the audience equally had a blast listening to it.
-
Also, Kirkland (Costco) Prosecco. One $7 bottle gives us each 2 generous glasses of tasty, festive wine.
-
Also today, I spent a few hours making fancy designer candles.
Natural smokeless soy wax cost $1.50 for 500 g (enough for five to six small candles). I had friends collect small tea tins and jars for me. The designer scents cost $0.40 each.
I looked online at Anthropologie and some of the other big name stores to see what scents were popular this year, then bought those scents online - English Pear and Freesia, White Tea, & Japanese Yuzu. I also bought a couple Chanel (knock off?) scents.
We now have several beautiful, sumptuous-smelling fancy candles that cost less than $1 each to make.
Care to insert some links for all the great ideas here? I kinda really really want to make my own candles now...
I looked at several sites. Some taught you how to melt and pour the wax. Others talked about oil flashpoints (temperature at which the scent evaporates). I didn’t buy any of the fancy tools that they recommended (kitchen scale, candy thermometer), but it still turned out okay.
Here are some sites to get you started:
http://eazyglam.com/simply-amazing-diy-candles-you-can-make/ (http://eazyglam.com/simply-amazing-diy-candles-you-can-make/)
https://pin.it/erehxyhphjf2n6 (https://pin.it/erehxyhphjf2n6)
https://pin.it/d6aq6kar5pzby7 (https://pin.it/d6aq6kar5pzby7)
I can’t help you with the cost of materials since I live in China and buy most of my materials online from the manufacturer/exporter.
-
Tonight’s choir concert got an immediate standing ovation. We had a blast performing it, and apparently the audience equally had a blast listening to it.
♡♡♡♡♡
-
This is kind of contingent on the cost of tea, but a good homemade cup of loose leaf tea. Especially pu-erh or oolong. They can be re-steeped several times for maximum enjoyment, so it's totally mustachian, right? :P
Also, the act of cooking homemade meals at home with my husband is so fun, usually accompanied by great conversation, laughing, background music, and wine or kombucha. The drinks are extra, I guess, but all in all it's so much of a better experience than going out and being waited on!
-
Simple walks outdoors when it rains or snows, eating popcorn while watching a movie cozied up on the couch, and hugs when they're needed most.
-
A good afternoon nap
-
Tonight’s choir concert got an immediate standing ovation. We had a blast performing it, and apparently the audience equally had a blast listening to it.
:)
-
Unseasonable weather: cool summer day or warm winter day.
This weekend was warm. Spent time outside. It was nice and dry and 60s F.
Chores for us, helped a friend with their chores. Good weekend.
-
I just baked a pan of chocolate chip bar cookies for a weekend party. My house smells wonderful!
-
Seeing things I have never seen before. Out walking with DW and the dog a little while ago we saw a tarantula. I had never seen one outside of a petstore or a zoo before.
-
The CSPAN news channels. Interesting topics plus NO COMMERCIALS = cheap happiness.
-
Making Xmas cookies
-
Seeing things I have never seen before. Out walking with DW and the dog a little while ago we saw a tarantula. I had never seen one outside of a petstore or a zoo before.
Does that seriously make you happy? I live in a country without poisonous or so big spiders and I would freak out if I would encounter a tarantula in the wild, while visiting another country.
-
Making a little kid laugh and any dog wag its tail.
-
Seeing things I have never seen before. Out walking with DW and the dog a little while ago we saw a tarantula. I had never seen one outside of a petstore or a zoo before.
Does that seriously make you happy? I live in a country without poisonous or so big spiders and I would freak out if I would encounter a tarantula in the wild, while visiting another country.
We have wild tarantulas here in California and they are sort of like sleepy-sloth spiders--furry and slow-moving and really fascinating. I saw one once while on a camping trip and was thrilled.
-
Seeing things I have never seen before. Out walking with DW and the dog a little while ago we saw a tarantula. I had never seen one outside of a petstore or a zoo before.
Does that seriously make you happy? I live in a country without poisonous or so big spiders and I would freak out if I would encounter a tarantula in the wild, while visiting another country.
We have wild tarantulas here in California and they are sort of like sleepy-sloth spiders--furry and slow-moving and really fascinating. I saw one once while on a camping trip and was thrilled.
Agree! I was driving down a back road in the desert east of San Diego a dozen years or so ago, and saw one on the road. It was big enough to see going 50 mph from a high truck! We stopped and I have a picture of me sitting next to it on the pavement. I hadn't seen one since my 4th grade class's pet tarantula, whom we all got to take home one weekend during the year and feed grasshoppers. They are impressive creatures.
-
Baking a coffee cake for tomorrow's holiday brunch, using my mom's recipe (which I suspect she got from her grandfather, a professional baker). Again, my house smells amazing.
-
Baking a coffee cake for tomorrow's holiday brunch, using my mom's recipe (which I suspect she got from her grandfather, a professional baker). Again, my house smells amazing.
Well now we all want you to share this recipe with the class!
-
Free mindful yoga instructions (on you tube or only by sound) to do at home.
-
Baking a coffee cake for tomorrow's holiday brunch, using my mom's recipe (which I suspect she got from her grandfather, a professional baker). Again, my house smells amazing.
Well now we all want you to share this recipe with the class!
Haha, later this week when I have time to type it out! I'm about to leave for the brunch, and this evening I'm in a holiday concert which has an after-party. Then there's another holiday party later tonight. It's seriously the holiday gauntlet.
Cheap happy thing today: the prospect of a quiet day tomorrow. :-)
-
I like flea markets on weekends. Funny loud crazy boys and girls. The smell of the pages of an old book. New fast technique. Warm wind with the smell of leaves. I like swim quickly and deeply diving and quickly surface up. When everything turns out)
-
Riding my bike when I'm moving faster than all cars and people walking. Zipping through downtown when a road is closed off. Not having to worry about parking when there are a zillion people going to pay to look at xmas themed horses pulling carriages. Not following the crowd and landing at the library to learn for free.
-
Visiting this thread and being reminded of all the simple pleasures in life. It feels good knowing so many others feel them too.
-
Street party for Christmas. Just a bring and share, good company and a fun lunch and afternoon.
-
Visiting this thread and being reminded of all the simple pleasures in life. It feels good knowing so many others feel them too.
When I was a child, I had a poetry book where other people could write poetry/rhymes in. One of my teachers wrote a rhyme about being befriended with small things, like a bird singing, a flower growing, a butterfly flying. If you are befriended with the small things, you'd be a happy person. I have found that to be so true. I can get very happy by just watching the small birds on the bird feeder, or watching other birds elsewhere. Of watching squirrels, or seeing an interesting insect.
This morning, the small birds are back at the bird feeder at home. They weren't there for for last week because we were not home during the previous weekend and didn't fill up the feeder. But after a week of abstinence, they are back.
-
Linea,
I love that idea of being "befriended" with small things.
Mine is going to the birthday party for my one year old granddaughter yesterday. A simple affair with balloons, homemade cake and cupcakes, and a smiling baby girl surrounded with loving relatives.
-
Friends who open their lovely homes for holiday parties. I am exhausted today but had so much fun yesterday at two parties with friends from different volunteer circles.
-
Linea,
I love that idea of being "befriended" with small things.
Mine is going to the birthday party for my one year old granddaughter yesterday. A simple affair with balloons, homemade cake and cupcakes, and a smiling baby girl surrounded with loving relatives.
I love first birthday parties. The reaction of the guest of honor to his or her first piece of cake is priceless.
-
Baking a coffee cake for tomorrow's holiday brunch, using my mom's recipe (which I suspect she got from her grandfather, a professional baker). Again, my house smells amazing.
Well now we all want you to share this recipe with the class!
Haha, later this week when I have time to type it out! I'm about to leave for the brunch, and this evening I'm in a holiday concert which has an after-party. Then there's another holiday party later tonight. It's seriously the holiday gauntlet.
Cheap happy thing today: the prospect of a quiet day tomorrow. :-)
Eagerly awaiting the recipe as well! Sounds delicious.
-
That reminds me, I need to set up a bird feeder here. We just moved here last Spring. It's on the water, so there are plenty of larger birds around, but I need to invite the sweet little song birds.
One of the large bird species we happen to have here are Turkey Vultures. I've always appreciated the clean-up work they do, but never thought I'd enjoy watching them. They roost somewhere nearby, so there are often dozens of them soaring like eagles over the water. Yesterday was quite breezy and they were putting on quite a performance. (They look a lot less "buzzard-like on windy days. ;) )
We also have quite a few Ospry. One day while feeding the fish I heard a large splash behind me. I turned to see what it was and saw an Ospry had dived into the water to catch some breakfast. But he didn't emerge like they usually do. He seemed stuck in the water, like a duck flapping on the surface. I thought he may have been injured by the impact. As I watched he kept flapping his wings and swimming towards the shore, about 100' away. When he finally reached the shore I saw that he had a huge fish in one of his talons. It was probably 14-15" long and much too heavy for the Ospry to fly with, so he dragged it to shore instead of releasing his prize. The bird rested for about 5 minutes at the waters edge, grasping the fish by its tail. After catching his breath, he pulled the fish further away from the water and then enjoyed the feast.
Another "bird" that we enjoy watching are the Bats around sunset as they chase mosquitoes for dinner. They are amazing fliers. I think we might have two different species of them here, because there are a few that are larger than the others. We've always talked about putting up a Bat house, maybe this will be the year.
I'll have to tell about all the other interesting critters we have. They are all little gifts from nature.
-
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is available for free viewing on the ABC app.
-
Hanging with my cousins - they are so funny as adults. We laughed so much.
-
Having a nice CC ski trip on my first FIRE Monday. This time not so many other people like in the weekends, only some persioners.
-
Congrats, Linea, on your first FIRE Monday! It feels good, doesn’t it?
-
I have some to add to the list. They all are in the category of cheap junk food that makes me happy.
1. McDonald's ice cream cones. As long as the ice cream machine is working, this is the best treat for the money available, in my opinion. Especially when they run their $.79 cent cone bargain. But even when they're not on sale, I think they're $1.29.
2. Costco cheeseburger. I didn't notice they started doing these until about six months ago. Now, you can get a cheaper cheeseburger, but I don't think you can get a BETTER cheeseburger for the money. Unless you live somewhere that has In N Out. Which we don't.
3. Box cake mix when they go on sale for $1. Makes enough cupcakes for my whole homeroom and I can dress it up with whatever icing I'm trying to use up from a more ambitious baking project. I just became the hero homeroom teacher and it cost me ~$3 to feed the whole class.
So I'm clearly not a person who worries overmuch about what I eat...but those things ARE cheap and they DO make me happy.
-
I bought some granola for breakfast and to use up a bunch of plain yogurt I had from another recipe, and something that is making me disproportionately happy is toasting the granola on the stovetop briefly before mixing it with the yogurt. I could be more mustachian and make my own granola, of course, and I probably would if granola made me really happy, because then it would also be cheaper! But, I'm only an occasional granola person and this discovery of toasting a commercially-made cereal before eating it has made my breakfasts so exciting the last few days!
-
The first shower after I clean the bathroom, when everything is smooth and sparkly and the air is extra fresh.
-
Emptying my dishwasher full of Corelle plates and bowls. They’re basically unbreakable and so lightweight. I’ve lived with a dishwasher for the last 10 years and all Corelle dishes for the last 5 years, but I still smile in appreciation every time I empty the dishwasher nowadays.
-
Sitting on our lanai, looking out towards the ocean.
-
Emptying my dishwasher full of Corelle plates and bowls. They’re basically unbreakable and so lightweight. I’ve lived with a dishwasher for the last 10 years and all Corelle dishes for the last 5 years, but I still smile in appreciation every time I empty the dishwasher nowadays.
We just got Corelle dishes a few weeks ago, and replaced our broken dishwasher last week, and the last few days have been excellent :)
-
Today we had nice tempered sunlight on a icy/snowy landscape. I could watch it both from home and on my local walk.
-
Another Correlle fan. My family grew up using Correlle. At some point in last 10 years switched out our mismatched thrift store dishes for correlle and I love it.
I totally ditto: watching the birds, going for a walk and just being outside in the fresh air. Sleeping in clean sheets and having a clean house in general (I've been cleaning/decluttering a little every day since Saturday, and so enjoying a less cluttered more clean house). Exercising with my daughter at the Y.
Something I look forward to, is during the Christmas season you can find Aplets and Cotlets (or sometimes Fruit Delight or Turkish Delight) at the Dollar general for $3 a box!
The manufacturer sells them for $12 a box. https://www.libertyorchards.com/
and my kids love Piroulines, so I get those at the dollar store as well for christmas stockings 1 or $3 a tin depending on the size.
-
The local library is awesome!
-
The local thrift store. We got Christmas decorations and clothing. And some of the items were 75% off!
-
Emptying my dishwasher full of Corelle plates and bowls. They’re basically unbreakable and so lightweight. I’ve lived with a dishwasher for the last 10 years and all Corelle dishes for the last 5 years, but I still smile in appreciation every time I empty the dishwasher nowadays.
We just got Corelle dishes a few weeks ago, and replaced our broken dishwasher last week, and the last few days have been excellent :)
Ha, awesome!
-
The John Rutter carol, What Sweeter Music (https://youtu.be/1ucVQSJunR4).
I was invited to sing with a dear friend's church choir on Christmas Eve, and this is one of the pieces they've selected. I first performed it 25 years ago with my high school choir and have loved it ever since.
-
This is the month of choral music. All of it makes me happy.
Last night: performed in a concert with the small choir that I and several friends founded a few years ago. We have a new director this year and are better than ever.
Tonight: got to sit on the other side and watch/hear several friends in a glorious Lessons and Carols service.
Both audiences were so full of friends that they felt almost like family parties.
-
The sound of rain on the aluminum awning over our back door
-
Tamales.
-
Watching a dog bark in his sleep. It’s so ridiculous, makes me laugh every time (although very quietly, so as not to end the hilarious spectacle prematurely).
-
The first palm tree I see when I exit the airport in Tampa.
-
My grandma's handwritten recipes and the Motown Christmas album.
-
Another Corelle fan! I got a set for 16 at an estate sale and donated all my stoneware and all those little Corelle coffee cups.
I should have done it years ago. My daughter took the little plates out of the cabinet yesterday and said, "These are so pretty."
It's the old blue floral print on white. Plus twice as many take up 1/2 the space.
$20 for 16 dinner plates, 16 dessert plates, and 16 bowls.
-
Ikea OFTAST plates (similar to Corelle, and two-three times cheaper)
A good Hidden Object game. A good PC game that I’ll enjoy (forever grateful for Terraria!)
Babbel subscription
Hobby supplies that may be not cheap at the point of sale but will last a long time like a Mirabilia cross stitch kit that takes me a year to complete
-
I really like my Fiestaware dishes, but they're heavy. Corelle is so nice and lightweight.
Our next set of dishes will probably be Corelle, although the Fiestaware seems fairly indestructible so it might be a while.
-
Darning my socks makes me happy! It sounds difficult and old school, but is just a weirdly specific word for something that is super simple. Sadly, socks are so cheap that nobody cares much to fix them and, being socks, they probably should be thrown out at some point... Darn them
-
The sound of rain on the aluminum awning over our back door
I like the muted thrum of rain hitting the metal roof on my house.
-
Emptying my dishwasher full of Corelle plates and bowls. They’re basically unbreakable and so lightweight. I’ve lived with a dishwasher for the last 10 years and all Corelle dishes for the last 5 years, but I still smile in appreciation every time I empty the dishwasher nowadays.
Corelle is terrific!
I was given some used plates that are 40-years old that still looked brand new.
If possible, if the ceramicists can do it, I'd like Corelle that's glassy clear.
-
Congrats, Linea, on your first FIRE Monday!
YES!
YES!
YES!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-
Taking a shower with solar heated water
-
Yesterday I got a 2020 calendar from my local hardware store.
It has beautiful pics of animals.
It was free which is better than cheap.
-
Living in a big city with not one but two massive library systems, which have a combined 15+ million items in circulation *and* offer the opportunity to borrow and read ebooks right through my smartphone
-
Walking
Cycling
Daydreaming
-
Living in a big city with not one but two massive library systems, which have a combined 15+ million items in circulation *and* offer the opportunity to borrow and read ebooks right through my smartphone
your post inspired me. I downloaded Libby app from my local library website and have now listened to 5 agatha christies while making art :)
yay!
-
Living in a big city with not one but two massive library systems, which have a combined 15+ million items in circulation *and* offer the opportunity to borrow and read ebooks right through my smartphone
your post inspired me. I downloaded Libby app from my local library website and have now listened to 5 agatha christies while making art :)
yay!
Oh I'm thrilled. Enjoy!!
-
Other people's cast offs make me happy. It's amazing what people throw away.
-
Watched our dog sniff her way around the yard today.
Free old movie reruns. A small dose of old fashioned suspended reality. Tonight watched "White Christmas". Last week watched "Wonderful Life".
Vacuumed out the car. A clean car is nice.
-
Cracking open a jar of tasty goodness from my cold cellar. Salsa verde was fantastic.
-
Finding recipes for foods I've never even imagined. This week, Haitian Sos Pwa Nwa (basically, gravy made from beans!).
-
Oatmeal cooked on the stove. It is so much better than oatmeal from the microwave.
-
Sunshine reflecting off the snow
-
Had leftover slightly chewy raw carrot sticks from NYE. Had leftover Chicken Adobo sauce from supper. Cooked carrot sticks in adobo sauce. Big yes. Gonna make that deliberately in the future.
-
A sunny day in the winter.
My first well tasting sourdough bread.
-
Explaining the “OK Boomer” phenomenon to my boomer mom and watching her crack up laughing.
-
Last night we got two inches of beautiful wet snow, and the temperatures today were precisely perfect for building snowmen. I took our two youngest out and we built three snowmen with the neighbor kids.
-
Taking the retirement dog for a walk. Although I’m not retired.
-
We had three red squirrels in and around the tree with a bird feeding device in it, that is also suitable for squirrels. They were chasing each other around the tree trunk several times. Very amusing to watch from close by behind the window.
-
Diced dried apricots in my oatmeal. They are so much tastier and less cloying than raisins.
-
Diced dried apricots in my oatmeal. They are so much tastier and less cloying than raisins.
Expanding my vocabulary. I hadn't run into "cloying" before!
-
watching youtube videos
-
I made a disk with seaweed, which tasted good. It is stuff we collected ourselves, so free and natural food.
-
Vegetarian chili. I was skeptical. Was really good. DW is such a great cook.
-
Living like a POW 18 hour days sleeping on the mat--today I didn't have time to make a sandwich so I actually took the bit of chicken wrapped in saran and put it in my coat pocket and grabbed the loaf of bread on the way out. Gently unwrapped it and took a couple bites every couple hours.
-
Living like a POW 18 hour days sleeping on the mat--today I didn't have time to make a sandwich so I actually took the bit of chicken wrapped in saran and put it in my coat pocket and grabbed the loaf of bread on the way out. Gently unwrapped it and took a couple bites every couple hours.
I'm so confused - are you sleeping for 18 hours on a mat, or doing something else (being imprisoned?) for 18 hours and sleeping for the other 6 on a mat? And which part (the imprisonment, the sleeping on the mat or the nibbles at bits of chicken and dry bread) is the part that makes you happy? At least I can understand that none of those things seem to cost a lot, so there's that.
For me, I bought a $10 hot water bottle. I've been so cold for so long. I'm just dreaming about all the ways I will use it when it arrives. In my bed before getting in. In my lap/at my feet while work/relaxing at home. Maybe even tucked into my house-jacket to really heat me up in my core? Such sweet dreams of warmth! I think it's going to solve all my problems. Maybe even other people's problems. I hope I'm not setting my expectations too high.
-
Actually *worked* out in the yard and vegetable garden, prepping for spring plantings...
...It's January....I live in the "frozen tundra of the North"....it was 50 degrees F with sunshine...
Cheers!
-
Actually *worked* out in the yard and vegetable garden, prepping for spring plantings...
...It's January....I live in the "frozen tundra of the North"....it was 50 degrees F with sunshine...
Cheers!
Our highest temperature today with sunny weather was - 15 celsius. I stayed mostly inside. DH went for a walk to watch sunset. Now we watch nice TV on a non commercial channel.
-
For me, I bought a $10 hot water bottle. I've been so cold for so long. I'm just dreaming about all the ways I will use it when it arrives. In my bed before getting in. In my lap/at my feet while work/relaxing at home. Maybe even tucked into my house-jacket to really heat me up in my core? Such sweet dreams of warmth! I think it's going to solve all my problems. Maybe even other people's problems. I hope I'm not setting my expectations too high.
You are not! Thank you for reminding me of my own cheap ($15?) water bottle I bought 2 winters ago. One of the best cheap purchases ever. If you remember, put it in the bed 30 minutes before you do and move it again in 15 minutes. You can warm your foot area and the top area and slide it around to take the chill off the sheets. It is also great tucked into the small of your back while sitting.
Pro tips here: https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Hot%20water%20bottles%20safety%20alert.pdf (https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Hot%20water%20bottles%20safety%20alert.pdf) I had not known you can burn yourself if you leave it in place too long - we scooch it down below our feet at night so nobody gets burned, but it still gives off its heat.
-
For me, I bought a $10 hot water bottle. I've been so cold for so long. I'm just dreaming about all the ways I will use it when it arrives. In my bed before getting in. In my lap/at my feet while work/relaxing at home. Maybe even tucked into my house-jacket to really heat me up in my core? Such sweet dreams of warmth! I think it's going to solve all my problems. Maybe even other people's problems. I hope I'm not setting my expectations too high.
You are not! Thank you for reminding me of my own cheap ($15?) water bottle I bought 2 winters ago. One of the best cheap purchases ever. If you remember, put it in the bed 30 minutes before you do and move it again in 15 minutes. You can warm your foot area and the top area and slide it around to take the chill off the sheets. It is also great tucked into the small of your back while sitting.
Pro tips here: https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Hot%20water%20bottles%20safety%20alert.pdf (https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Hot%20water%20bottles%20safety%20alert.pdf) I had not known you can burn yourself if you leave it in place too long - we scooch it down below our feet at night so nobody gets burned, but it still gives off its heat.
Yay, good to hear and thanks for the safety tips!
Another thing that makes me happy that is not cheap, but FREE is working on my library hold list. I just get excited even thinking about all the books I will look up, choose between audio and electronic, put on hold, pause the hold for x amount of time to ensure proper sequencing of arrivals. It's a fun game and the prize at the end is the email I get notifying me a book is ready, about which I already posted here previously!
I actually like doing all this possibly more than I enjoy reading the books (except for maybe the very best ones). I feel like this should tell me something about my interests and values upon which I can capitalize in my growing free time, but I've not quite achieved full understanding. In the meantime, off I go to play around on the library portal!
-
Living like a POW 18 hour days sleeping on the mat--today I didn't have time to make a sandwich so I actually took the bit of chicken wrapped in saran and put it in my coat pocket and grabbed the loaf of bread on the way out. Gently unwrapped it and took a couple bites every couple hours.
I'm so confused - are you sleeping for 18 hours on a mat, or doing something else (being imprisoned?) for 18 hours and sleeping for the other 6 on a mat? And which part (the imprisonment, the sleeping on the mat or the nibbles at bits of chicken and dry bread) is the part that makes you happy? At least I can understand that none of those things seem to cost a lot, so there's that.
For me, I bought a $10 hot water bottle. I've been so cold for so long. I'm just dreaming about all the ways I will use it when it arrives. In my bed before getting in. In my lap/at my feet while work/relaxing at home. Maybe even tucked into my house-jacket to really heat me up in my core? Such sweet dreams of warmth! I think it's going to solve all my problems. Maybe even other people's problems. I hope I'm not setting my expectations too high.
Ha! Yes working 18 hour days. Congrats on the water bottle. I'll be on the alert for the butterfly effect.
-
Coming home with a bag of books and movies from our public library.
Streaming Masterpiece Theatre on the PBS app.
Store brand Mac and cheese.
Nesting at home during snowstorms and doing relaxing tasks like cooking beans and baking bread.
Listening to music from around the world on our Sonos App.
Expressing gratitude.
-
The prospect of not needing to drive anywhere for the next 3 days, as we’re under a flood watch (forecast is for 2-3” of rain) and we live just north of a flood plain.
Also, not having a basement. It’s at least the fourth time in 5 years that I’ve been grateful for that, as major floods are increasingly common.
-
That random warm winter day. Which leads to...
Watching the wind make the trees dance and listening to that wind in those trees. Which leads to...
Watching the rains move in from the west. The sky changes, paints the fields with ever changing colors - mostly orange and gold. Then the sky turns dark.
Then we can't see the furthermost tree line a couple of miles away.
Then we can't see the field to the west.
Then we can't see the field across the road at the end of our property.
Then we can't see the end of our yard.
And then the rain and stormy winds are upon us and we retreat to watch the show through the windows.
Our cat wants in, then the dog, and we all settle down to relax and DW and I have leftovers for lunch. Instant Pot roast and veggies from last night.
-
Oh - and cheap/easy home projects detailed out for free on various websites like:
https://www.honeybearlane.com/
https://www.ana-white.com/blog/2015/02/project-roundup-spring-ahead-and-organize-your-garage
The alternative is buying some sort of expensive pressboard prefab solution when real, chunky wood will last forever. Or hiring it out and that's not in the budget.
-
Explaining the “OK Boomer” phenomenon to my boomer mom and watching her crack up laughing.
Watching my mom explain to my confused teenage children that she is actually older than the boomers.
-
Turning a bunch of leftover ham that I'm tired of dealing with in other dishes into one of my favorite soups - split pea with ham. Second batch is slow cooking now and I'll be portioning and freezing for many meals to come.
-
Home made guacamole.
And I'm sure i've posted this before, but I still get a kick seeing this kid really enjoying playing her drums:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkw57uGnSrs
This is why I started playing music myself in my teens -.. IT'S FUN! But I never attacked a snare drum with that level of energy... :)
-
Cloth napkins that I purchased at estate sales for very little -- we don't need to fuss with paper napkins for messy foods and it's a tiny added bit of fanciness in our day
-
Procuring and installing the equivalent LED bulb each time another light burns out around the house.
-
Staying at home and vegging out in a warm, dry, quiet apartment.
-
Staying at home and vegging out in a warm, dry, quiet apartment.
Yes. We received several inches of snow last night, and I don’t have to go anywhere today. It’s the best.
-
Staying at home and vegging out in a warm, dry, quiet apartment.
Yes. We received several inches of snow last night, and I don’t have to go anywhere today. It’s the best.
Same here! I was supposed to have friends over today, so I even have a pan of burritos ready to go in the oven. Now if I could just tear myself away from my laptop, I could go sew all day!
-
Pencils make me happy. Old school Ticonderoga #2s, freshly sharpened. They look good, smell good, and sound good when they click together.
-
I love this thread, actually, and it brings me so much joy and is free.
I also like making coffee at my house. I've worked on upgrading my equipment and skills over the years, and now I feel it tastes pretty comparable to coffee out. I like doing it myself, and I like relaxing in my own space. I can't believe I spent so much money on coffees out so much. At some point it became a habit, and I tricked myself into thinking it was a reward, but when I thought about it, it was really just a psychological crutch where I felt I would "treat" myself to try to avoid stress. It doesn't make sense, because pouring caffeine in my body has rarely worked to reduce stress, and I like coffee the most when I am relaxed.
I also like lazy mornings around the house AFTER a hard, productive week where I hit my work and personal goals. What a nice reward, and then I'll be geared up to go work hard again after I reset.
-
Staying at home and vegging out in a warm, dry, quiet apartment.
Yes. We received several inches of snow last night, and I don’t have to go anywhere today. It’s the best.
Same here! I was supposed to have friends over today, so I even have a pan of burritos ready to go in the oven. Now if I could just tear myself away from my laptop, I could go sew all day!
I have a crock pot meal planned so I'm going to start that soon, finish my work (maybe 3 more hours worth), and spend the rest of the day knitting.
-
Of late it's been cooking on cast iron pans. We have some that my wife inherited and I've been making much more use of them. After scrubbing and scrubbing and scrubbing on a so-called nonstick pan, I decided that I could cook on cast iron for this much aggravation. As it turns out, cast iron isn't that aggravating. And it takes more skill to cook with it.
-
Listening to the owls outside my house at night. Posting to iNaturalist and learning about all of the plants, animals, insects, etc living around me. Watching nature there is something new every day!
-
Sawdust... Progress generate sawdust. Interesting projects generate sawdust.
-
After a 4 hour bike ride, sitting in a recliner with my feet up, a mug of chamomile tea, and the MMM forum.
-
After a 4 hour bike ride, sitting in a recliner with my feet up, a mug of chamomile tea, and the MMM forum.
Hour long "walk" (read half-run) with husky, similarly sitting feet up with a coffee.
-
Having a door between me and the office workers at my current temp job, so I can do jumping jacks and squats when I get bored. Offsets the delicious home made cin amon scrolls someone brought in!
-
Staying at home and vegging out in a warm, dry, quiet apartment.
Yes. We received several inches of snow last night, and I don’t have to go anywhere today. It’s the best.
Same here! I was supposed to have friends over today, so I even have a pan of burritos ready to go in the oven. Now if I could just tear myself away from my laptop, I could go sew all day!
I have a crock pot meal planned so I'm going to start that soon, finish my work (maybe 3 more hours worth), and spend the rest of the day knitting.
I spent an afternoon crocheting.
-
For me, I bought a $10 hot water bottle. I've been so cold for so long. I'm just dreaming about all the ways I will use it when it arrives. In my bed before getting in. In my lap/at my feet while work/relaxing at home. Maybe even tucked into my house-jacket to really heat me up in my core? Such sweet dreams of warmth! I think it's going to solve all my problems. Maybe even other people's problems. I hope I'm not setting my expectations too high.
You are not! Thank you for reminding me of my own cheap ($15?) water bottle I bought 2 winters ago. One of the best cheap purchases ever. If you remember, put it in the bed 30 minutes before you do and move it again in 15 minutes. You can warm your foot area and the top area and slide it around to take the chill off the sheets. It is also great tucked into the small of your back while sitting.
Pro tips here: https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Hot%20water%20bottles%20safety%20alert.pdf (https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Hot%20water%20bottles%20safety%20alert.pdf) I had not known you can burn yourself if you leave it in place too long - we scooch it down below our feet at night so nobody gets burned, but it still gives off its heat.
Hot water bottle just as awesome as I had hoped! No more cold feet in bed. A nice warm spot waiting for me. I've used it in the evenings on my lap or at my feet. The heat lasts forever. All life problems solved!
-
Spent the afternoon teaching a friend how to install and use free Mint Linux KDE. Its easy to use but different names for different features than Windows. Also I use some of the time to show off some of the "wow" software available for free.
-
Procuring and installing the equivalent LED bulb each time another light burns out around the house.
Same here. It's nonsensical but I keep hoping my old bulbs will burn out quicker so I can finally get rid of them all.
-
Rain, rain, rain. Blissful, soaking rain. On tinder-dry SW Victoria.
-
Rain, rain, rain. Blissful, soaking rain. On tinder-dry SW Victoria.
That is good news. You guys need all the rain you can get.
-
Yesterday I saw a squirrel on Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day.
-
Slicing up our homegrown turmeric for use in a dish feels very rewarding.
Tidying up a little corner of our street that has no owner unless you count CalTrans. Swept up some broken glass today and it looks much better.
-
Choir rehearsal. Madrigals are fun.
Also, rediscovering a gorgeous choral work via classical music radio and learning that I probably won't have to twist my choir director's arm at all to have it included in the summer program this year or next.
-
Choir rehearsal. Madrigals are fun.
Yes they are!
My kids' choir is doing a raga this semester. Whuuttt? Very challenging and interesting. The meter is absolutely wild, and there are many notes that produce higher "ghost tones."
-
Reading this thread puts my mind at ease and my soul finds peace.
-
Eating the delicious summer fruit from my own trees: currently peaches and apricots, with plums and nectarines almost ripe. This is the first year I have had excess, and gave some away.
-
My wife made pancakes today. I made coffee. Now it's 11am and I am still in pajamas. I love lazy Saturdays.
-
A leisurely morning bike ride along the river path to get to a meetup with the local Mustachians!
-
My wife made pancakes today. I made coffee. Now it's 11am and I am still in pajamas. I love lazy Saturdays.
+1 for pancakes! It’s my first time frying them using coconut oil, and we were quite pleased with the result.
-
- A public holiday at home with my DS - slept in and currently in my pjs wasting time
The breeze. It is magical
Learning for free - I am loving the Crash Course series and Khan Academy at the moment
Library books
Naps
Using cupboard leftovers (sunken cost food) to make creative and tasty meals and snacks.
My house with decent insulation. Not cheap, granted, but our previous house didn't have an insulated roof, and it was awful in summer. This one does, and it is 1000x more pleasant, so we don't need to use aircon often
-
Library day, free seminars, playing cards with friends, working on the yard.
-
Having a brother I can talk to
Knowing that everyone in my immediate family is tucked safe and warm in their beds tonight, as the chill rolls in around our house
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
-
Finding out about social differences around the world thanks to this forum :)
-
The "Free Table" at our local Senior Center. I take a class there and will be dropping off some extra items like clean, usable file folders; calendars; 3 new toothbrushes I'd gotten free from my dentist; a new package of glue (I bought the wrong kind but someone else could use it); small photo frames; newish magazines; etc.
A month ago I'd dropped off some small notepads with magnets for use on refrigerators and they were snapped up. Gave me the idea to continue looking around the house for small usable items to donate, with the added bonus of decluttering. win-win
-
Time with friends or family, helping friends or family with chores.
Conquered a bit of clutter this weekend. Things are looking better bit by bit.
Our stuff just needs a home rather than creating visual clutter.
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
Don't buy too much at a time. Popcorn kernels go stale, while they may still pop, the popped kernels are not a big and fluffy if the kernels are stale.
I love making my own popcorn, I always make it on a stove top with coconut oil. Yum.
-
Procuring and installing the equivalent LED bulb each time another light burns out around the house.
Same here. It's nonsensical but I keep hoping my old bulbs will burn out quicker so I can finally get rid of them all.
For what it's worth, they payoff for LED bulbs vs incandescent is so quick--about a penny per hour of "on" time--that unless you plan on moving in the next year, it's financially beneficial to swap out the incandescent bulbs now, even if they have life left in them.
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
Don't buy too much at a time. Popcorn kernels go stale, while they may still pop, the popped kernels are not a big and fluffy if the kernels are stale.
I love making my own popcorn, I always make it on a stove top with coconut oil. Yum.
Hahaha... I will admit I have a big bag of popcorn kernels I bought in bulk some time last year and when I tried popping them over the stove top (when they were new) they didn't all pop. Not sure what I was doing wrong because the pot was already hot so it should've worked. I just had only a few popped kernels and the rest were just an oily hot slightly burnt mess. Now I never try to eat popcorn anymore and should probably just throw out those old kernels... D:
-
^ You can also pop those kernels in a paper bag in the microwave if preferred.
And cheap thing that made me happy, sorghum will also pop like popcorn, and be about 1/4 the size. It's adorable and tastes the same!
-
Looking at photos of beautiful buildings on skyscraper city forum (the general photography thread).
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
Don't buy too much at a time. Popcorn kernels go stale, while they may still pop, the popped kernels are not a big and fluffy if the kernels are stale.
I love making my own popcorn, I always make it on a stove top with coconut oil. Yum.
Hahaha... I will admit I have a big bag of popcorn kernels I bought in bulk some time last year and when I tried popping them over the stove top (when they were new) they didn't all pop. Not sure what I was doing wrong because the pot was already hot so it should've worked. I just had only a few popped kernels and the rest were just an oily hot slightly burnt mess. Now I never try to eat popcorn anymore and should probably just throw out those old kernels... D:
Those unpopped kernels are called old maids. Popcorn pops because steam is generated inside. Some popcorn is just too dry to pop well and you get a lot of old maids. Shop around because some brands of kernels are definitely much better than others for poppability.
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
My dad always popped corn that way, so I've been doing it my whole life. It's so cheap, easy, and taste better.
White popcorn is better than yellow. For a yummy & healthy treat after popping spray the corn with Bragg's amino acids & dust with nutritional yeast (same as brewers yeast I think). The Bragg's is like soy sauce & the yeast is like parmesan cheese.
When you get really good at popping corn you'll learn to fill multiple large bowls using a normal size pan, by emptying the popped corn a couple of times while it's popping. The ultimate goal is to get 100% popped kernels without scorching any. Simple pleasures. ;)
-
Putting on a pair of jeans that fits just right.
-
Taking the bus downtown to do errands and walking between stops.
Lingering at things I enjoy with no time pressure.
My super warm and sturdy winter boots.
Finding items I need at the thrift store for pennies.
Good sleep.
-
A beach swim on a hot day, especially when most people are working:-)
-
Days off when everyone else is working can be really nice - less crowds, sometimes less traffic. Plus it feels like playing hookie even if it is a vacation day....
-
Fresh clean air and not having to wear a face mask when walking outside for fear of contracting a certain virus.
-
A bright, sunny warm day, more like April 2nd rather than February 2nd.
-
A bright, sunny warm day, more like April 2nd rather than February 2nd.
It's 35 degrees C here, with a hazy beige sky and an orange sun. Looks like the frickin apocalypse. Tomorrow is supposed to be 19 and raining. I can't wait!
-
We're getting a perfect spring day. Already a couple of my coworkers have gone home early. Even if I did go home, I have home projects to complete. Ugh! ;)
Another couple weeks of evenings and the projects will be done.
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
Don't buy too much at a time. Popcorn kernels go stale, while they may still pop, the popped kernels are not a big and fluffy if the kernels are stale.
I love making my own popcorn, I always make it on a stove top with coconut oil. Yum.
Hahaha... I will admit I have a big bag of popcorn kernels I bought in bulk some time last year and when I tried popping them over the stove top (when they were new) they didn't all pop. Not sure what I was doing wrong because the pot was already hot so it should've worked. I just had only a few popped kernels and the rest were just an oily hot slightly burnt mess. Now I never try to eat popcorn anymore and should probably just throw out those old kernels... D:
Those unpopped kernels are called old maids. Popcorn pops because steam is generated inside. Some popcorn is just too dry to pop well and you get a lot of old maids. Shop around because some brands of kernels are definitely much better than others for poppability.
"Old maids"?! Heck on that last-century sexist biz. Let's start calling them "Corny incels" instead. :D
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
You want even easier? Keep an eye out for an air popper when you're out thrifting. The secret is to let it preheat before adding kernels. Bonus is the fragrant warmth it adds to your kitchen on a cold day. And Orville Redenbacher's is worth the premium, IMO.
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
You want even easier? Keep an eye out for an air popper when you're out thrifting. The secret is to let it preheat before adding kernels. Bonus is the fragrant warmth it adds to your kitchen on a cold day. And Orville Redenbacher's is worth the premium, IMO.
Or a microwave popper -- super cheap and easy. Buy the popcorn in bulk and put in a quarter of a cup. We've been doing it that way for a long time.
-
Popcorn! $1/lb of kernels and we had... an eighth of a pound maybe? I always assumed making it "from scratch" must be really hard or something... Otherwise why would people buy it in those prepared bags? My husband's been bugging me to let him buy some kernels in bulk and I was like, ok, but you're in charge! I don't want to be part of this complicated project!
Well, I sure learned something new tonight!
You want even easier? Keep an eye out for an air popper when you're out thrifting. The secret is to let it preheat before adding kernels. Bonus is the fragrant warmth it adds to your kitchen on a cold day. And Orville Redenbacher's is worth the premium, IMO.
Or a microwave popper -- super cheap and easy. Buy the popcorn in bulk and put in a quarter of a cup. We've been doing it that way for a long time.
Hahaha-ouch! About six months ago, I let myself be talked into trying something called "Mighty Fix". I bought one of these, because the casita in the Desert only has a microwave. It arrived the day after we left for there, right before Christmas. I put it "somewhere" for safekeeping and haven't seen it since.
FWIW, I let it be the last straw and cancelled MF. Good riddance. Oh well, I suppose it's good to be reminded every score of years or so why I dislike subscription services. <---- I know that's slightly off topic, but it's a PSA just in case any of you are considering MF. Unless you're just starting out and have nothing, it's overpriced crap you can source elsewhere for less if you really need a new whatzit. Hint: you probably don't.
-
Went to the store. The small size of a particular item was marked down from $4.99 to $2.99. The large size was not but I wanted the large. Bought two small sizes. Cheaper than the large size. No coupon necessary. Just being in the right place at the right time. My inner debate was whether to go back and buy all of the smalls but didn't want to be greedy.
-
Lots of different birds on the feeding tray.
Lots of different animals tracks in the snow during our ski trip.
Seeing two deers.
Having a ski trip with a beautiful thin sun and fresh snow on the trees and everywhere.
-
Animal watching is so much fun...
-
Watching the snow falling in the light from the streetlight before the sun comes up, from the window so I'm nice and warm.
Then bundling up and taking my dog out to frolic in the new fluffy snow
-
* Coming into a snug, well-insulated home after a long stretch outside in chilly weather
* fuzzy slippers
-
Finding a HUGE, slightly more than a foot long, pure white feather on the beach ON MY BIRTHDAY! It's a present from the universe. I also found a piece of driftwood that is clearly a wand. Does anyone know how to charge it?
Also got given a fabulous birthday cake, and slices of the leftover are now in the freezer for later celebration.
-
Finding a HUGE, slightly more than a foot long, pure white feather on the beach ON MY BIRTHDAY! It's a present from the universe. I also found a piece of driftwood that is clearly a wand. Does anyone know how to charge it?
Also got given a fabulous birthday cake, and slices of the leftover are now in the freezer for later celebration.
Maybe you need to write down a spell with your feather.
-
Finding a HUGE, slightly more than a foot long, pure white feather on the beach ON MY BIRTHDAY! It's a present from the universe. I also found a piece of driftwood that is clearly a wand. Does anyone know how to charge it?
Also got given a fabulous birthday cake, and slices of the leftover are now in the freezer for later celebration.
Apparently some chap named Ollivander can help you. Once you’re all set, remember that the correct pronunciation is “Wingardium Levi-OH-sa.” ;-)
-
We woke up to a fresh blanket of snow and big fat snowflakes swirling around. Neither of us has to go out today. I’m currently enjoying a hot cup of coffee while watching the snowfall.
-
Home grown tomatoes in February! I still have quite a few frozen and canned from my garden last year, and I love making recipes with them. Delicious!
-
Finding a HUGE, slightly more than a foot long, pure white feather on the beach ON MY BIRTHDAY! It's a present from the universe. I also found a piece of driftwood that is clearly a wand. Does anyone know how to charge it?
Also got given a fabulous birthday cake, and slices of the leftover are now in the freezer for later celebration.
Apparently some chap named Ollivander can help you. Once you’re all set, remember that the correct pronunciation is “Wingardium Levi-OH-sa.” ;-)
Yeah, I need some different spells. I have people to smite.
-
Finding a HUGE, slightly more than a foot long, pure white feather on the beach ON MY BIRTHDAY! It's a present from the universe. I also found a piece of driftwood that is clearly a wand. Does anyone know how to charge it?
Also got given a fabulous birthday cake, and slices of the leftover are now in the freezer for later celebration.
Maybe you need to write down a spell with your feather.
The quill part is so large it would easily fit a pen inside, not just the pen inner bit. Not sure I want to alter such a cool feather though.
-
We woke up to a fresh blanket of snow and big fat snowflakes swirling around. Neither of us has to go out today. I’m currently enjoying a hot cup of coffee while watching the snowfall.
That sounds amazing. Snow is my very favourite weather but it's so rare here in Chch NZ. We might get an inch or two every few years. You're so lucky.
-
We woke up to a fresh blanket of snow and big fat snowflakes swirling around. Neither of us has to go out today. I’m currently enjoying a hot cup of coffee while watching the snowfall.
That sounds amazing. Snow is my very favourite weather but it's so rare here in Chch NZ. We might get an inch or two every few years. You're so lucky.
It really is beautiful, especially now that I don’t have to commute in it. Every year about this time, the cold and dark start getting to me and I fantasize about moving somewhere with warmer winters. Honestly, though, I would miss the distinct seasons. They’re all beautiful and special.
Today, I’m enjoying relatively inexpensive and very good avocados. I know the avocados go on sale to capitalize on Super Bowl parties, but I hope they stick around in the markets for a bit longer. It’s a nice treat in the dead of winter.
-
Instructional videos on youtube.
Can basically learn anything on youtube these days. Been watching a lot of climbing and skiing instructional videos and then I implement them. Same with exercises and using proper form.
-
I'm not sure if this was mentioned earlier, but: nice bed sheets.
I prefer a crisp percale or sateen weave (depends on the manufacturer) with long-staple cotton like supima, around 500 thread count (more is not necessarily better). I've been able to find a nice set of sheets like this for around $50 on Amazon.
And then there's the fit. Fitted sheets that are too small are irritating to put on the bed. And too large looks and feels sloppy. There's nothing like a really nice fitted sheet that fits the mattress perfectly.
-
I found a small packet of goat cheese in my fridge that I forgot I had purchased. The sell by date is still two months away. My dinner salad now has goat cheese on it, and I am very happy.
-
Cooking something from scratch. Just made maple glazed pork roast and the sauce for Chile verde.
-
Chocolate waffles made from Devils Food cake mix. A $2 box makes a dozen. :)
-
Watching the full moon rise last night. Wow!
-
Finding (forgotten) frozen bananas and making a tasty smoothie to go along with some homemade granola.
Drinking coffee on the couch and watching the day begin outside. A frosty clear morning with no need to rush or get anywhere.
Feeling better from a cold, but still having days off from work.
Receiving cute updates from my sister about my nephews antics (2.5 years old)
The simple act of drawing. Close observation and how it reveals new things.
Audiobooks from the library. Cleaning the house while hearing a good story :)
-
I'm not sure if this was mentioned earlier, but: nice bed sheets.
I prefer a crisp percale or sateen weave (depends on the manufacturer) with long-staple cotton like supima, around 500 thread count (more is not necessarily better). I've been able to find a nice set of sheets like this for around $50 on Amazon.
And then there's the fit. Fitted sheets that are too small are irritating to put on the bed. And too large looks and feels sloppy. There's nothing like a really nice fitted sheet that fits the mattress perfectly.
If it's winter where you are, get yourself some flannel sheets. I just had to buy a new set and they were like $35 off Amazon. Sooooo soft and it's lovely not sliding into cold sheets in the winter.
-
I'm not sure if this was mentioned earlier, but: nice bed sheets.
I prefer a crisp percale or sateen weave (depends on the manufacturer) with long-staple cotton like supima, around 500 thread count (more is not necessarily better). I've been able to find a nice set of sheets like this for around $50 on Amazon.
And then there's the fit. Fitted sheets that are too small are irritating to put on the bed. And too large looks and feels sloppy. There's nothing like a really nice fitted sheet that fits the mattress perfectly.
If it's winter where you are, get yourself some flannel sheets. I just had to buy a new set and they were like $35 off Amazon. Sooooo soft and it's lovely not sliding into cold sheets in the winter.
Love, love, love flannel sheets in cold weather. My husband claims they are scratchy, but I find them soft - just not as *smooth* obviously, because there is texture there.
My cheap thing is the high after a tough workout. I used to hate working out so much, even though I felt pretty good afterwards. It was like classical conditioning didn't work on me or something - I kept overeating till I was painfully full, but didn't do things that made me feel good? It took a while, but I finally do things that make me feel good and I very rarely eat so much that I am in pain. I am grateful for this reversal of my poles because, apparently, I am now more aligned with what actually *is* good for me. Right now, I have that feeling like my lungs have been scrubbed out nice and deep and clean, because I worked them so hard.
-
If it's winter where you are, get yourself some flannel sheets. I just had to buy a new set and they were like $35 off Amazon. Sooooo soft and it's lovely not sliding into cold sheets in the winter.
Hah, I just recently ditched our flannel sheets for a smoother sateen weave. I'm in a cold climate and our thermostat is set to 55 at night. But I sleep fairly hot, and our mattress topper made it even worse. The flannel was killing me!
-
If it's winter where you are, get yourself some flannel sheets. I just had to buy a new set and they were like $35 off Amazon. Sooooo soft and it's lovely not sliding into cold sheets in the winter.
Hah, I just recently ditched our flannel sheets for a smoother sateen weave. I'm in a cold climate and our thermostat is set to 55 at night. But I sleep fairly hot, and our mattress topper made it even worse. The flannel was killing me!
Interesting - I also sleep hot, but I found I sweat less using flannel sheets all the way into spring. But we have a ceiling fan we run all night, which probably helps.
-
$5 tickets at a nearby movie theater on tuesdays! Get to see great movies on the big screen (like parasite and 1917) without having to feel like I've been ripped off.
-
Seeing the sun on the way home from work for the first time this year!
-
A friend from Switzerland messaged me to ask if she could visit for a week in May. Oh ya!!!!!
-
Beethoven's Symphony no. 9 on internet radio while I work.
-
Freedom to leave the house when I feel like it. Freedom to have friends come and visit me.
All the housing complexes in our neighborhood in Shanghai have closed and locked their gates. No resident is allowed to exit or enter without an access card issued by the complex. Non-residents are not allowed in the complex.
-
Glorious sunny day and a beach walk and swim with a friend. Decided to bring thermoses of tea and coffee and home made treats in future.
-
My wife and kids each made me a valentine's day card.
I like homemade cards way more than store bought ones. :)
-
A Winter bloom. I'm not sure what these are called, but a friend shared them with us about 25 years ago & we've enjoyed them ever since. Of course we've shared them with other friends too over the years.
-
A Winter bloom. I'm not sure what these are called, but a friend shared them with us about 25 years ago & we've enjoyed them ever since. Of course we've shared them with other friends too over the years.
Not sure but think this might be amaryllis
-
A Winter bloom. I'm not sure what these are called, but a friend shared them with us about 25 years ago & we've enjoyed them ever since. Of course we've shared them with other friends too over the years.
Not sure but think this might be amaryllis
[/quote
It's similar in size and form to amaryllis, but doesn't come from a large bulb. It's been a while since dividing one, but I think it has about thumb sized tubers. Oddly, it won't bloom well until it becomes rootbound. Also, I think it has bloomed twice in the same year occasionally. I don't know what planting zone it requires, but I'm going to try it here at our new place near Charlotte, NC (zone 7a, I think).
-
40 degree sunny weather after a couple frigid cold days and the snow melting in my driveway that I hadn't bothered to clear out.
-
This "long spring" aka warm winter we are having. We have lots to do, thankful the weather has been mostly cooperative.
-
Lunch with my dad. A location and lifestyle that enable random weekday lunches with Dad.
-
Epsom salt soaks in the bathtub!
-
Gel pens in a wonderful variety of colors and a $3 advanced coloring book in which to use them.
-
I signed up for a CSA share from a farm in my county. I knew that the farmer grew up in my home city. He just sent me a thanks and welcome email, and from his surname, I'm 99% sure that I went to grade school with his sister. My home city (~95,000 residents) is such a big small town. I love that.
-
Going for an early morning run with my dog. It sets the day up right.
-
Finishing small tasks that I'd been procrastinating about.
-
Rearranging the unread books on one of my bookshelves. So satisfying to see all the riches that await me this year as I am making time to read all 87 of them.
-
Walking with my dog. Cleaning the kitchen sink!
-
Actually noticing that the noon sun is getting progressively higher in the sky this time of year.
Calm, clear, crisp winter sun rises. Let the dog out yesterday around sunrise; it was very cold (0*F), but no wind, a bright crescent moon and sun just about to rise made it perfect.
I probably posted this already, but thunderstorms.
Watching dogs play. I will have a stupid smile on my face every. single. time.
Wrestling/playing rough with my dog.
-
I just made an actually good homemade almond flour pizza crust (the previous attempt was very mediocre). I planned to wait until dinner to eat the finished pizza but couldn't resist eating two slices for lunch. The homemade pizza sauce from fire-roasted tomatoes is a nice touch.
-
Having the time this morning to make a delicious breakfast of sauteed mushrooms, zucchini and tomatoes with a toast breadroll, eaten with a second cup of coffee.
-
Coffee, always coffee.
-
Warm (well, for February), sunny weather and a brisk nature walk.
-
Socks drying on the closet floor.
-
Home made pretzels straight from the oven.
-
The evenings are getting longer. Yay....
-
Navel oranges and a new episode of “This Is Us.”
-
Cleaning the kitchen and bathroom.
-
New grout in the shower. Old grout was impossible to clean. Looks so clean.
-
Making homemade bread. MMMMM, tasty.
-
Watching a snowstorm raging outside while I drink coffee in our cozy home.
-
The wee foot stamping dance that big dogs do when they're just delighted with something they know you're about to do, like fishing a treat out of your handbag
-
Trying to talk to my little nephew on the phone and him just sing-yelling my name over & over & over again :)
-
Attracting a new species of butterfly to the yard
-
We feed our pet rabbits at roughly the same times each day. One of them recently started hopping into my office near the afternoon feeding time and will circle my chair until I get up. Today, I have a space heater running under my desk, and he seemed to have trouble deciding whether he wanted to get food or stay in the warm air.
-
Finding someone to give a few items to that we had been planning to give to Goodwill anyways.
-
I used leftover cloth from previous sewing projects to make cloth face masks. Super comfortable, washable, and they fit really well!
-
Opening a window after rain to let the fresh air in.
-
A not-too-tricky sewing project, a cup of coffee, streamed radio from my favorite independent music station, a busy week to look forward to but ample time for creativity now.
-
Homemade donuts made from our new-to-us cake pop maker.
-
Winter days that are warm enough for me to crack a window to “blow out the stink”. I have pets and I keep my place clean but nothing refreshes like fresh air. Cheap and happy inducing.
-
Unexpected rain
The smell of freshly turned leaf mold as I add it to a planting bed as a soil top-dressing
-
We feed our pet rabbits at roughly the same times each day. One of them recently started hopping into my office near the afternoon feeding time and will circle my chair until I get up. Today, I have a space heater running under my desk, and he seemed to have trouble deciding whether he wanted to get food or stay in the warm air.
Can you housetrain bunnies? Seems like a critter that would need constant monitoring in the house for cleanups.
-
A new corn broom. Swept the shed out over the weekend. Almost new corn broom. Dunno why but it made me happy.
-
"Ubi Caritas" (Durufle) by the Trinity College choir on Classic FM. That was a nice late afternoon treat.
Ooh, so was "If Ye Love Me" (Tallis) by the choir of St. George's Chapel, Windsor.
-
The tastiness of congee (and how utterly Mustachian it is!)
Browsing seed catalogues and garden planning
Red tulips in a bronze vase
A snowstorm outside while I'm cozy inside with lemon tea & honey
-
Nights getting cool enough to sleep.
-
Nights getting cool enough to sleep.
Yep. One of the cheap pleasures.
-
Sunshine!
Cardinals on the birdfeeder
Sunshine on cardinals on the bird feeder
-
A touch of fresh snow on everything to brighten things up
-
Sunny days, at last.
Cooking with dried beans.
A nap, when I really need it.
Winter seed sowing.
-
Sipping tea from the discount store with plant-based milk from the discount store and sugar that was on sale, homemade biscuits, while my son watches a movie from my friend’s Hulu account - a peaceful morning before everyone else wakes up.
-
People working together towards some goal. Barn raising for example.
-
A not-too-tricky sewing project, a cup of coffee, streamed radio from my favorite independent music station, a busy week to look forward to but ample time for creativity now.
Me too! Except I listen to audiobooks from the library, or podcasts.
-
Finished knitting sleeve one of two for husband's sweater.
-
Finished knitting sleeve one of two for husband's sweater.
I hugely admire the precision displayed in the "of two" part of this post.
-
Finding a HUGE, slightly more than a foot long, pure white feather on the beach ON MY BIRTHDAY! It's a present from the universe. I also found a piece of driftwood that is clearly a wand. Does anyone know how to charge it?
Also got given a fabulous birthday cake, and slices of the leftover are now in the freezer for later celebration.
Apparently some chap named Ollivander can help you. Once you’re all set, remember that the correct pronunciation is “Wingardium Levi-OH-sa.” ;-)
Yeah, I need some different spells. I have people to smite.
You might want to play a Paladin in Dungeons and Dragons. There is many a smite to choose from.
-
Finished knitting sleeve one of two for husband's sweater.
I hugely admire the precision displayed in the "of two" part of this post.
Hey, I'm a professional editor. Precision is important. I will be even happier after sleeve two of two. :)
-
I voted for a millage renewal for the Detroit Institute of Arts and in favor of the school bond proposal. Plus, our precinct has great poll workers.
-
Riding my bike in the cool autumn morning to the train.
Getting the single seat carriage so it was blessed solitude this morning.
The feeling of unsubscribing from mailing lists.
-
The tool library run by my city library. Today we checked out a drain snake and removed a giant obstruction from our bathtub pipes that was at least a couple dozen feet in, all without calling a plumber. With opportunities like this, we are encouraged and incentivized to be more self-sufficient, building new little skills and working on projects as a team, which is fun for us!
-
The tool library run by my city library. Today we checked out a drain snake and removed a giant obstruction from our bathtub pipes that was at least a couple dozen feet in, all without calling a plumber. With opportunities like this, we are encouraged and incentivized to be more self-sufficient, building new little skills and working on projects as a team, which is fun for us!
A "tool library" at the public book library. That's an awesome idea. I'd be happy to donate to a tool library. I'll have to approach our library starting one.
-
The tool library run by my city library. Today we checked out a drain snake and removed a giant obstruction from our bathtub pipes that was at least a couple dozen feet in, all without calling a plumber. With opportunities like this, we are encouraged and incentivized to be more self-sufficient, building new little skills and working on projects as a team, which is fun for us!
A "tool library" at the public book library. That's an awesome idea. I'd be happy to donate to a tool library. I'll have to approach our library starting one.
Both my current city and previous city have one and they are super popular and useful. Can't recommend it highly enough!
-
Speaking of libraries, ours just closed for a week. I'm very happy that we have access to good online library resources.
All local museums seem to have closed and I expect my choir and other volunteer work are cancelled for the next month, so those online books and audiobooks will be put to good use.
-
Speaking of libraries, ours just closed for a week. I'm very happy that we have access to good online library resources.
All local museums seem to have closed and I expect my choir and other volunteer work are cancelled for the next month, so those online books and audiobooks will be put to good use.
Yep. Khan Academy is free and brilliant. I won't have any problems working on math with my kids during "social distancing."
-
All local museums seem to have closed and I expect my choir and other volunteer work are cancelled for the next month, so those online books and audiobooks will be put to good use.
Check out this resource of 12 world famous museums offering virtual tours. Looks fun! https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours
-
All local museums seem to have closed and I expect my choir and other volunteer work are cancelled for the next month, so those online books and audiobooks will be put to good use.
Check out this resource of 12 world famous museums offering virtual tours. Looks fun! https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours
That's awesome! Thanks.
-
Currently knitting a sweater sleeve and listening to Tchaikovsky on internet radio. This is the first Saturday in ages without any plans or reason to be somewhere other than my house.
-
Husband found some tamales for Christmas in the freezer. Yay for festive brunch!
-
DD’s birthday lunch/party was cancelled due to the virus. We invited one family over to our place, and in keeping with our “balloon” theme, we made paper (round) link chains, served round foods, made cake pops, put the loot bags in a giant round Easter eggs, and now the kids are outside having a blast on a scavenger hunt.
-
Running with our dog this morning and there was a wee nighthawk moth flying around her head for a couple of blocks. It was like a reskinned Spiro the Dragon.
-
Tending to my indoor plants.
Noticing some are.ready to repot and divide so new plants for free! Great to give as presents as well.
-
About three weeks ago, I bought three bunches of flowers to make the house representable for the sale with public viewing. Today, all the flowers are still looking representable, although it might not last so long anymore. I bought three bunches for the price of two.
Things have improved. In the past, about twenty years ago, flowers in Norway hardly lasted for five days.
-
Leftover corned beef from last night’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner.
-
Running with our dog this morning and there was a wee nighthawk moth flying around her head for a couple of blocks. It was like a reskinned Spiro the Dragon.
I have no idea what this means, @mspym, and it still makes me happy. :)
-
Not being under total lockdown makes me happy. I suspect that things will get stifiling if/when that comes around.
-
About three weeks ago, I bought three bunches of flowers to make the house representable for the sale with public viewing. Today, all the flowers are still looking representable, although it might not last so long anymore. I bought three bunches for the price of two.
Things have improved. In the past, about twenty years ago, flowers in Norway hardly lasted for five days.
Has your water been chlorinated in those 20 years?
-
Running with our dog this morning and there was a wee nighthawk moth flying around her head for a couple of blocks. It was like a reskinned Spiro the Dragon.
I have no idea what this means, @mspym, and it still makes me happy. :)
Haha, very old school game in which you were a super cute dragon running around, with a health dragonfly, fighting Napoleonic frogs. There are probably playthroughs somewhere on YouTube but maybe I should let the memory stand. It may not have aged well.
-
Not using the heater, even though I'm freezing my ass off and sometimes my hands and feet get a bit numb even with the socks on. :P It's that satisfaction of not having a $200/mo bill and not waking up completely dried out.
-
I found a new (for me) mushroom species today. Edible, so I had them for dinner.
-
One of my pet rabbits just hopped into my office and circled my chair to remind me that it is afternoon feeding time. He's so cute and completely oblivious to the world situation. As long as he's fed regularly, he's a happy boy.
ETA: Also, Classic FM is playing the full choral version of Borodin's Polovtsian Dances, which is one of my favorite pieces to perform. It's bittersweet because my director just cancelled our choral season due to COVID-19.
-
This morning I saw a male cardinal courtship-feeding his mate. So sweet!
-
I was.mowing the lawn yesterday afternoon and a kookaburra followed me around, looking for bugs to eat. I passes within a metre of it a number of times. Such a confident bird.
-
In the interest of trying to remain cognizant that not everything is terrible all the time, I figured it was time to give this thread a bump.
I made a batch of fresh guacamole this morning.
I just finished a good vocal warm-up/workout and am trying to do those most days so I'm not out of shape when my choirs are eventually able to resume.
I'm done knitting husband's sweater. Now I just have to wash and block it, seam the armholes, finish the cuffs, and weave in the loose ends.
-
The smell of fresh-baked brownies in the air.
-
DH made some beehive parts for me in his wood shop and I treated them with pure linseed oil. I loved the gift from DH, I love the process of oiling wood, and I love the smell of linseed oil -- it's like cucumbers.
-
sweeping off the deck in the sunshine.
-
I just scored a deal on a Total Gym. I'd been looking at them, but didn't pull the trigger. Then a couple of days ago I found a like-new one on Nextdoor for a great price.
-
The weather was amazing today, after several days of chilly gloom. It was nice to get out in the sunshine.
-
Being safe at home during self-quarantine. It's amazing how little money I need to spend to take care of myself when I just stay home.
-
Having weekly catchups on Zoom with my dear group of girfriends. We are scattered all over Australia and it is rare to have all 8 of us gather IRL.
-
Planning our balcony garden. We are a bit late to the game since we are under mandatory quarantine, but we are planning to buy seedlings and young plants of whatever stuff is still for sale next week. So far, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, mint, and kale are on our list.
-
A new stripey strap for my bag. More comfortable, I can make it exactly the right length, and it adds some hues that extend the range of clothes I can wear the bag with. Also buying vintage bags for almost no money and then rehabbing them. It's just very satisfying to take something that looked sad and worn and making it beautiful again.
-
The smell of garlic cooking.
Being out of quarantine and going for a walk!
Figuring out Bibim Bop.
-
Having weekly catchups on Zoom with my dear group of girfriends. We are scattered all over Australia and it is rare to have all 8 of us gather IRL.
Spent two hours this morning on Zoom with four other women I'm in a group with. Same here, that we would never be able to schedule all of us together at one time before quarantine. I reset my gratitude meter every day by reminding myself of the positives in this new normal.
-
Rode my bike for the first time since cold weather. It was bliss...
-
Having weekly catchups on Zoom with my dear group of girfriends. We are scattered all over Australia and it is rare to have all 8 of us gather IRL.
Spent two hours this morning on Zoom with four other women I'm in a group with. Same here, that we would never be able to schedule all of us together at one time before quarantine. I reset my gratitude meter every day by reminding myself of the positives in this new normal.
Yes! I had a virtual happy hour with a few dear friends tonight via Zoom. It was almost as good as seeing them in person. I think I'm going to try to set up a Zoom family visit for my MIL's birthday this month so we can also loop in my SIL and her family.
-
Went for a run yesterday morning. Despite the temperatures still hovering in the 30's, and the darkness at 5:20am there were myriad birds out singing their hearts out. Magical!
-
Practising Yoga with Adriene on Youtube with my daughter. Adriene is such gift in these times. We love her!
-
The smell of fresh baked sugar cookies in the air. We used gingerbread house cookie cutters and will make a Spring/Easter house.
-
Coffee I made at home, in my reusable ceramic Starbucks mug.
Watching the baby crawl around. (He's expensive generally, but family together time is not.)
-
Watched the sun rise this morning with my DH, sipping coffee and tea on the porch.
-
Sitting on the front porh with DW, watching a thunderstorm roll in/by
-
Picking apples off my own trees and stewing or dehydrating the excess. So delicious.
-
We just got 3 ducklings to raise. They've added a bit of fun to our time of social distancing. Surprisingly our little Shih Tzu is in love with them. She wants to be a mama duck.
In 3-4 months they should be big enough to turn loose into lake.
-
Cheap things that make you Happy
1. Hearing the Laughter of Little Children..so Pure, so Innocent.
2. Squabbling with my hubby and Winning 80% of the Time.
3. Seeing and discussing Life and the Future with and through my Darling Daughter's eyes...whilst taking walks in the midst of this Dreadful Covid lockdown.
-
Whenever Queen Elizabeth II wears something green, the internet turns it into a green screen. Sometimes with hilarious results. (I am not making light of her actual speech last week, which was kind and compassionate and very appropriate.)
https://www.boredpanda.com/queen-green-screen-outfit-photoshop/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BPFacebook&fbclid=IwAR2kNeKFpgkTowsc_O9z3QJ29Hlyeogae3FeIHz6lQNUrGSCl6MR2O_VxwY (https://www.boredpanda.com/queen-green-screen-outfit-photoshop/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BPFacebook&fbclid=IwAR2kNeKFpgkTowsc_O9z3QJ29Hlyeogae3FeIHz6lQNUrGSCl6MR2O_VxwY)
-
Also, the weather was nice enough that we have had the windows open all day. And all of my perennials have leaf buds.
-
Watching "The Last Waltz" on Youtube. Love The Band!!
-
-Discovering old tv series with the kids (they don't get to watch TV during typical school weeks)
-The way the kids still try & hide & scare each other every night before bed. Some nights, it's irritating, but I often get a chuckle out of someone jumping out of a closet, and the other kid shrieking
-A huge variety of tea. I ordered a 120 pack in early March, when our office moved to WFH. It's been such a gift every day
-Marco Polo with friends & family
-
We're still trying to decide on names for these 3 little cuties. (don't know why it posted sideways)
-
Our homemade face masks make me happy. I used pretty, patterned fabrics and a design that is more comfortable than looping the elastics on your ears. They get washed everyday in hot soapy water, so it always smells like fresh laundry (instead of that plastic-y, weird smell for the disposable masks). I also like the fact that reusable washable masks create less garbage.
-
Practicing walking and climbing stairs with my cat, who had major surgery on both femurs two weeks ago. I've never been so excited to see him go up a few stairs, even though most of his life I would curse his sister and him for their incessant counter-surfing. Cost of practicing with him is cheap at just a few treats per training session.
-
Playing three-handed cribbage with my kids. We had one epic match that stretched over several days (first one to 10 games won was the winner). My 14 year old son won that mega-match in a squeaker final game, and he felt like a king.
-
This, starting at about 8:30 in the video. That little girl is going to remember this birthday for the rest of her life, in a really good way.
VIDEO: Original HAMILTON Cast Reunites to Sing 'Alexander Hamilton' on John Krasinski's SOME GOOD NEWS (https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/VIDEO-Original-HAMILTON-Cast-Reunites-to-Sing-Alexander-Hamilton-on-John-Krasinskis-SOME-GOOD-NEWS-20200406)
-
Having friends over now that we are no longer in lockdown. Swapping our extra apples for a fresh loaf of bread with a friend. Sharing extra cloth masks that I made with another friend.
-
Windows open, fresh air blowing through the house
Vacuuming then washing the living room floor--seems so tidy now
Using up bits & ends of food to make tasty treats (i.e...more apple/rhubarb crumble)
-
Whenever Queen Elizabeth II wears something green, the internet turns it into a green screen. Sometimes with hilarious results. (I am not making light of her actual speech last week, which was kind and compassionate and very appropriate.)
https://www.boredpanda.com/queen-green-screen-outfit-photoshop/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BPFacebook&fbclid=IwAR2kNeKFpgkTowsc_O9z3QJ29Hlyeogae3FeIHz6lQNUrGSCl6MR2O_VxwY (https://www.boredpanda.com/queen-green-screen-outfit-photoshop/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BPFacebook&fbclid=IwAR2kNeKFpgkTowsc_O9z3QJ29Hlyeogae3FeIHz6lQNUrGSCl6MR2O_VxwY)
That was a gift, thank you!
-
A flock of about 100 cedar waxwings has been hanging around here this past week, eating the berries off our holly trees. They're the most beautiful birds.
-
Waking up really early and discovering that the birds ar already singing, the sun is starting to get out and than be able to snuggle up and fall a sleep again for another half hour before the kids wake up.
-
Whenever Queen Elizabeth II wears something green, the internet turns it into a green screen. Sometimes with hilarious results. (I am not making light of her actual speech last week, which was kind and compassionate and very appropriate.)
https://www.boredpanda.com/queen-green-screen-outfit-photoshop/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BPFacebook&fbclid=IwAR2kNeKFpgkTowsc_O9z3QJ29Hlyeogae3FeIHz6lQNUrGSCl6MR2O_VxwY (https://www.boredpanda.com/queen-green-screen-outfit-photoshop/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BPFacebook&fbclid=IwAR2kNeKFpgkTowsc_O9z3QJ29Hlyeogae3FeIHz6lQNUrGSCl6MR2O_VxwY)
That was a gift, thank you!
I second this--so good!
-
For a couple of days our bird feeder has been visited by the European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), which is a bird that I have seldom seen. Only many years ago in our previous house. I hope they will nest in our garden. They tend to nest in pine trees which our garden is full of.
Also happy that there are lots of good alternatives for lightly used cars of the type we want to buy. Therefore we will buy used instead of new.
-
Went for a run yesterday morning. Despite the temperatures still hovering in the 30's, and the darkness at 5:20am there were myriad birds out singing their hearts out. Magical!
Yes, there is something magical about the stillness an early morning run brings.
-
Seedlings popping up in their little seedtrays
Airing and beating out the carpet
Quiet mornings, with the sounds of little critters and birds over the traffic :)
-
This, starting at about 8:30 in the video. That little girl is going to remember this birthday for the rest of her life, in a really good way.
VIDEO: Original HAMILTON Cast Reunites to Sing 'Alexander Hamilton' on John Krasinski's SOME GOOD NEWS (https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/VIDEO-Original-HAMILTON-Cast-Reunites-to-Sing-Alexander-Hamilton-on-John-Krasinskis-SOME-GOOD-NEWS-20200406)
THIS HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK!! I will continue to rewatch! This kind of act reminds me of the good that has come of this situation.
In much less thrilling news, I had some mystery seeds sprout in my compost bin. I spent the early afternoon carefully transplanting them to an empty flowerbed. I may have a ton of pumpkins, acorn squash, or cucumbers. Who knows??
-
Finding replacement running shoes at 60% off.
-
Being able to work on a puzzle using the whole dinner table.
-
Our strawberry plants, blueberry bush, orange tree are all starting to bloom. And our mint and citronella also seem to have made the journey and transplant successfully.
-
This, starting at about 8:30 in the video. That little girl is going to remember this birthday for the rest of her life, in a really good way.
VIDEO: Original HAMILTON Cast Reunites to Sing 'Alexander Hamilton' on John Krasinski's SOME GOOD NEWS (https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/VIDEO-Original-HAMILTON-Cast-Reunites-to-Sing-Alexander-Hamilton-on-John-Krasinskis-SOME-GOOD-NEWS-20200406)
THIS HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK!! I will continue to rewatch! This kind of act reminds me of the good that has come of this situation.
thanks for sharing this...so wonderful :)
-
Wikipedia existing so I can easily "fact-check" the historical melodrama TV series I'm watching
-
Wikipedia existing so I can easily "fact-check" the historical melodrama TV series I'm watching
I am so guilty of doing this too. Watching "The Crown" we kept using Wikipedia to check on the side stories and different characters we didn't remember or know.
-
My DD is working on a ridiculously hard puzzle. She wants us to help. I am overjoyed when I fit in one piece. Last night, as the puzzle is now approaching 75% complete, I did about ten pieces.
-
Even though I'm just staying at home most of the time, I occasionally use this strawberry conditioner from The Body Shop that just lightens up my mood and makes me feel like I'm going on a date lol
-
Al fresco lunch on the balcony in the sunshine, sitting at a little cafe table amongst our plants and bushes.
-
Having all the time in the world to make a quilt for our big bed. I am loving cutting out all the squares of material, saved from other projects, and the kids' outgrown clothes. It is so meditative, and playing with colour combinations is so soothing.
-
daffodils in my garden - even before they open up completely they are delightful.
-
This morning, it’s Some Good News by John Krasinski and various virtual guests: https://youtu.be/VQLi2GYVULc (https://youtu.be/VQLi2GYVULc)
He actually held a virtual prom after seeing a video of a dad who set up an at-home dance with his daughter so that she could wear her dress. So much fun! (My friend posted photos of her preteen girls dancing to it in their party dresses. Adorable!)
-
Running classes for my students from a nearby park. Hearing the birds and the sound of a stream babbling away.
-
Being able to work on a puzzle using the whole dinner table.
I have one that's been on my entire coffee table for weeks now. Then we started another one on SO's coffee table. Such maddening fun
-
Just a morning walk in the sunshine and clean air that my little corner of the world gave me today. :)
-
Reaping the rewards of planting for pollinators: today we had monarchs, mourning cloaks, cloudless sulphurs, gulf fritillaries and umber skippers in the back garden.
-
This morning, it’s Some Good News by John Krasinski and various virtual guests: https://youtu.be/VQLi2GYVULc (https://youtu.be/VQLi2GYVULc)
He actually held a virtual prom after seeing a video of a dad who set up an at-home dance with his daughter so that she could wear her dress. So much fun! (My friend posted photos of her preteen girls dancing to it in their party dresses. Adorable!)
Just watched the new episodes and cried happy, uncynical tears. Love this man and what he is doing.
-
Seeing the first bloom of my new rose - it is prettier than I thought it would be - a lively pink, not too pale but not screaming pink either.
Better yet - the scent is truly heavenly - a true rose scent.
Been waiting for three months:) worth the wait.
-
Family walk!
-
Sunshine streaming in through the windows this morning. We have forecast a week of rain, so I am enjoying the beautiful (but cold) weather while I can.
-
Our little redbud tree is going to bloom for the first time this year (we planted it in 2017).
-
This morning, it’s Some Good News by John Krasinski and various virtual guests: https://youtu.be/VQLi2GYVULc (https://youtu.be/VQLi2GYVULc)
He actually held a virtual prom after seeing a video of a dad who set up an at-home dance with his daughter so that she could wear her dress. So much fun! (My friend posted photos of her preteen girls dancing to it in their party dresses. Adorable!)
Just watched the new episodes and cried happy, uncynical tears. Love this man and what he is doing.
Yay! I agree. Martha Stewart (one of my favorites) showed off the pierogis on Instagram ahead of the new episode so I knew she would be on, but it was still more fun than I expected.
-
Just visited with a dog friend that I haven't seen in a month due to lockdown. There was jumping and barking and general silliness, which was lovely.
-
Wearing a short sleeved shirt outside! My southern California self may never get completely used to northern California/ Bay Area weather and the previous few days I can wear short or sleeveless shirts anytime throughout the year. I am appreciative of something I didn't used to know warranted appreciation! It's been absolutely heavenly.
-
Watching my sourdough starter peak after feeding. Weirdly satisfying, and it happens readily now that the days are warmer.
A bed that's layered and made up like a hotel's. Not expensive, it's just the method. A few minutes can make the bed look so serene and inviting.
-
It is 74°F/23°C and sunny. I just got the front landscaping weeded and cleaned up. The windows are open, and we’re getting a great breeze in the house.
-
Okay, I have one...I got an email from @lifejoy, the originator of this thread and the instigator of many lively forum discussions in the past. I told her this thread is still thriving and she said she'd try to take a peek. Hope she does, so all her old forum friends can get the same thrill I did! Miss you, LJ!
-
Okay, I have one...I got an email from @lifejoy, the originator of this thread and the instigator of many lively forum discussions in the past. I told her this thread is still thriving and she said she'd try to take a peek. Hope she does, so all her old forum friends can get the same thrill I did! Miss you, LJ!
Woohoo! *waves at LJ*
-
We are at our cabin and see a squirrel again. This one jumps from the high snow on the ground upward to the feeding tray, a trick I haven't seen used before.
It put a hazelnut in it't mouth to hide somewhere and was looking around for a second thing to add. It found the empty walnyt shell that still smelled good. So those two items were buried somewhere.
-
Hanging out with my teenage son and solving Rubik's cubes together. I am still amazed that I can even do this!
-
Watching the dogs play in a their kiddie pool filled with water from the rain barrel
-
Okay, I have one...I got an email from @lifejoy, the originator of this thread and the instigator of many lively forum discussions in the past. I told her this thread is still thriving and she said she'd try to take a peek. Hope she does, so all her old forum friends can get the same thrill I did! Miss you, LJ!
Woohoo! *waves at LJ*
:)
-
A long walk..combination of sun, wind and gentle rain
Hoopla audiobooks from the library.
Such a treat to listen to stories while on these long walks..
Seeing a guy drive by in his old classic truck, painted bright cobalt blue..a slightly beat-up, work-truck but you could tell he loved that vehicle
-
Last year I planted milkweed in my garden, and today I watched a monarch butterfly laying her eggs on it. :)
-
Last year I planted milkweed in my garden, and today I watched a monarch butterfly laying her eggs on it. :)
This is awesome. What a great reminder too about the long-term benefits of actions. Thanks for the smile this morning.
-
Sat on the balcony at midday, breathing that clean pure Toronto air. Not a sentence I may get to use too often in future years.
-
Sat on the balcony at midday, breathing that clean pure Toronto air. Not a sentence I may get to use too often in future years.
LOL!
I could say the same thing about my Ottawa air, on a busy street.
-
Listening to the soft, soothing crackling of a wood wick candle that I handle poured nearly a month ago. Beeswax candles really do last forever.
-
Finding some more mystery sprouts in my compost. Don't know what they are, but it will be something I like to eat, so in the garden plot they go! Second-hand tools, locally sourced soil additives, and free plants! I love the smell of the wet earth and leaf mold and growing things. My dog comes out to investigate, finds no food that she considers edible, and flops on the ground for a nap. Add a cool breeze and it's perfect.
-
Sitting outside while on a morning walk to watch the sky wake up over the city while the magpies qwork away to each other.
-
I used leftover cloth from previous sewing projects to make cloth face masks. Super comfortable, washable, and they fit really well!
I am also enjoying mask making - how about a wardrobe of masks? My first was simply pleating a beautiful vintage handkerchief, embroidered and lace-trimmed, that I'd never known what to do with because the fabric was strangely heavy (probably a child's project). Then I tried a contoured design with a nose wire out of a snippet of some feather print I'd bought celebrating my Cherokee registration. Now I'm making ones that exactly match my sewn clothes. Just before all this exploded, I bought a dress on closeout because it was a size too big. I've taken it in, and used the trimmings to piece together a matching mask. Next will be a windowpane check blouse with a matching windowpane check mask.
My mother reports embroidering a smile and a "hi!" on her cloth mask. Which I may do too.
-
Since corona measures started, I have been listening to online presentations about mushrooms and edible food. Today I got a free course in how to ferment food. I am inspired to find some plants to try this fermentation process.
-
Sunshine. Glorious sunshine!
-
A nice cup of tea
-
A nice cup of tea
Yes! Preferably made by someone else.
-
Figuring out how to make my own chai tea latte's(most of the instant packs are too sweet): Make up a cup of Chai tea using tea bags(I use 2 or three bags for a 20 oz cup to make it strong), then add sweetened condensed milk to desired sweetness level(I didn't know until recently you can get sweetened condensed milk in a squeeze bottle which really makes this easy.
-
When I see my cat sleeping in a box. And it's a cheap thing that makes her happy, too.
-
The 20th birthday celebration for this otter at the Shedd Aquarium (https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/the-shedd-aquarium-celebrates-its-oldest-sea-otters-birthday-with-seafood-cake-and-live-music-050520?fbclid=IwAR2rmWNF4no3cHCl2HMMvdh7UaXuM8bhEDzAiR75z2AWp2dpDBNOu7IidNQ).
-
Our aged garden tractor broke down. Heard from several people I should go buy something new and fancy aka expensive. Rather than replace it I replaced a few worn parts inside the engine and we're back in business for less than the price of dinner out. A few parts wore out, not the whole machine. Why replace the whole machine?
Also, cleaning and doing a little extra maintenance along the way. Maybe it'll last another twenty years.
-
Watching my niece's wedding via Zoom!
Our aged garden tractor broke down. Heard from several people I should go buy something new and fancy aka expensive. Rather than replace it I replaced a few worn parts inside the engine and we're back in business for less than the price of dinner out. A few parts wore out, not the whole machine. Why replace the whole machine?
Also, cleaning and doing a little extra maintenance along the way. Maybe it'll last another twenty years.
Funny you mention that. I'm wrenching on my 25-year-old car today, replacing engine mounts that have long since passed their expiration date. I'm looking forward to less vibration as I drive!
-
My mother reports embroidering a smile and a "hi!" on her cloth mask. Which I may do too.
Unless you do it on just the outermost layer, I'd avoid this. You'd be putting lots of holes in your masks. You could try writing on it with a Sharpie. They come in lots of fun colors and don't make holes.
ETA: I love the idea, just not the holes.
-
Spending time with family on Mother's Day with no cooking or elaborate plans.
Playing in the yard on a gorgeous day with bubble wands.
A quiet evening curled up on the couch with classic 80's antenna tv.
-
Being allowed to take our dogs for a walk this morning after a 5 week lockdown ban.
-
Watching my niece's wedding via Zoom!
Our aged garden tractor broke down. Heard from several people I should go buy something new and fancy aka expensive. Rather than replace it I replaced a few worn parts inside the engine and we're back in business for less than the price of dinner out. A few parts wore out, not the whole machine. Why replace the whole machine?
Also, cleaning and doing a little extra maintenance along the way. Maybe it'll last another twenty years.
Funny you mention that. I'm wrenching on my 25-year-old car today, replacing engine mounts that have long since passed their expiration date. I'm looking forward to less vibration as I drive!
Did the new motor mounts work?
I mowed today. It worked! Looks like cut hay out there right now. Need to adjust the valves tomorrow.
-
Watching my niece's wedding via Zoom!
Our aged garden tractor broke down. Heard from several people I should go buy something new and fancy aka expensive. Rather than replace it I replaced a few worn parts inside the engine and we're back in business for less than the price of dinner out. A few parts wore out, not the whole machine. Why replace the whole machine?
Also, cleaning and doing a little extra maintenance along the way. Maybe it'll last another twenty years.
Funny you mention that. I'm wrenching on my 25-year-old car today, replacing engine mounts that have long since passed their expiration date. I'm looking forward to less vibration as I drive!
Did the new motor mounts work?
Actually, no. In fact, the vibration (in gear, at idle, like at a stop light) actually got worse. Grrr. At least it doesn't clunk when it downshifts any more. There's some other clunks in the 25-year-old suspension I'll have to chase down as well.
-
My young niece is an avid reader. I can't wait to give her so many good books.
-
We don’t have to wear a mask anymore when we are outside (unless we walk past another person, then common courtesy dictates that you put up your mask to cover your mouth until you pass each other). I really enjoy not having to breathe through a cloth.
-
The clean smell of a room after I've wiped down the surfaces.
Noticing changes in our houseplants.
-
Being allowed to take our dogs for a walk this morning after a 5 week lockdown ban.
Whoa! You couldn't even walk your dogs? Where are you located? (In general)
-
Reading books from my shelves and realising how many wonderful books I own. Some of them I bought 20 years ago and remained unread till now.
-
Warblers coming back! And finding a new place to see them.
-
Eating a bowl strawberries straight from the garden out on the patio while the dogs play in the kiddie pools. After the strawberries are gone I toss then the tops like treats.
-
I loan out 25 USD twice a month at Kiva to some people in developing countries to help them build toilets, solar energy or a business. It makes me happy to see the different project that I have enabled and see the loan getting repaid so I can invest the money again. I also think it is fun to choose the next project.
-
baltimore oriole pair was hanging out with me while I gardened at my Dad's farm. I was really missing my Dad today but being in nature was such a treat.
-
The smell of fresh homemade cinnamon buns baking in the oven. And now the smell of homemade roast chicken.
-
Watching the birds in our back yard - we have a pair of cardinals that hang around, a blue jay that seems to live in the neighbor's tree, and various robins, starlings, house sparrows, and a grey bird I haven't identified yet.
-
Watching the birds in our back yard - we have a pair of cardinals that hang around, a blue jay that seems to live in the neighbor's tree, and various robins, starlings, house sparrows, and a grey bird I haven't identified yet.
Definitely this. We moved last August, so this is our first spring in our new house, and we have so many birds we didn't see when we were in town - Bullock's orioles, a western tanager, hummingbirds, meadowlarks. Yesterday my husband saw what he thinks is a Western kingbird, which I've never even heard of before, but it's pretty. Our 4 year old always gets really excited about the ones he knows the names of :)
-
Being out on the lake in a borrowed canoe. Exercise, sun, and fresh air. Even took a quick nap on the beach under the shade of my thrifted sunhat.
-
a grey bird I haven't identified yet.
Uh oh, this kicks off my helper/mansplainer gene... catbird? Mockingbird?
-
a grey bird I haven't identified yet.
Uh oh, this kicks off my helper/mansplainer gene... catbird? Mockingbird?
I did a bit of research after posting and I believe it may be a catbird. I didn't see one yesterday to verify, though.
-
Teaching my son how to make his favourite dinners: tacos last night, san choy bau tonight.
-
Helping my deaf dog learn useless but adorable tricks
-
Helping my deaf dog learn useless but adorable tricks
. Yayyyyyyy!.
Our silly dog is learning how to stand on her hind legs. We might try add a spin in there next
-
Teaching my son how to make his favourite dinners: tacos last night, san choy bau tonight.
San choy bau was new to me, at least under that name. Gonna make some for my celiac sweetie. Thanks!
-
Helping my deaf dog learn useless but adorable tricks
. Yayyyyyyy!.
Our silly dog is learning how to stand on her hind legs. We might try add a spin in there next
I taught her to hop over a hurdle today. She also knows how to roll over and how to walk backwards.
-
Nice! We take ours on a nightly super long lead walk (she's a bolter) in the park next door. She used to get tangled around trees but has now work out how to reverse her path and unwind herself - we give her lots of praise and a treat every time she does this and it's really helped the learning curve.
-
I bet she loves that long lead
-
I bought $15 computer speakers to replace the old ones that are slowly breaking. I've been putting up with the instability of the current speakers for 6+ months.
looking forward to them arriving tomorrow!
-
Free art videos, primarily Met Opera and NYCBallet, but today I found a series of modern dance - Merce Cunningham library.
-
Watching my niece's wedding via Zoom!
Our aged garden tractor broke down. Heard from several people I should go buy something new and fancy aka expensive. Rather than replace it I replaced a few worn parts inside the engine and we're back in business for less than the price of dinner out. A few parts wore out, not the whole machine. Why replace the whole machine?
Also, cleaning and doing a little extra maintenance along the way. Maybe it'll last another twenty years.
Funny you mention that. I'm wrenching on my 25-year-old car today, replacing engine mounts that have long since passed their expiration date. I'm looking forward to less vibration as I drive!
Did the new motor mounts work?
Actually, no. In fact, the vibration (in gear, at idle, like at a stop light) actually got worse. Grrr. At least it doesn't clunk when it downshifts any more. There's some other clunks in the 25-year-old suspension I'll have to chase down as well.
Any bad sensors? I recently replaced a cam position sensor and the idle quality improved. Like you - idling in gear...
-
Saw a big white owl of some sort. I hear them from time to time but never see them. This big owl landed where I could see him and then waited almost until I had my camera out before flying away. No picture. Still a treat all the same.
-
Watching my niece's wedding via Zoom!
Our aged garden tractor broke down. Heard from several people I should go buy something new and fancy aka expensive. Rather than replace it I replaced a few worn parts inside the engine and we're back in business for less than the price of dinner out. A few parts wore out, not the whole machine. Why replace the whole machine?
Also, cleaning and doing a little extra maintenance along the way. Maybe it'll last another twenty years.
Funny you mention that. I'm wrenching on my 25-year-old car today, replacing engine mounts that have long since passed their expiration date. I'm looking forward to less vibration as I drive!
Did the new motor mounts work?
Actually, no. In fact, the vibration (in gear, at idle, like at a stop light) actually got worse. Grrr. At least it doesn't clunk when it downshifts any more. There's some other clunks in the 25-year-old suspension I'll have to chase down as well.
Any bad sensors? I recently replaced a cam position sensor and the idle quality improved. Like you - idling in gear...
While troubleshooting an ignition issue a few years ago, I replaced that same sensor. Didn't make a difference then, so I'm pretty sure it's fine. I may replace the fourth engine mount (replaced a couple years ago), just so it matches the other three, to see if that makes a difference. The funny thing is, if it's just a few RPM higher, it's nice and smooth.
-
I have a houseplant that I found next to my neighbor's garbage can before COVID-19 broke out. It had been left for dead, but it is doing really well with me in its new home! And I am around a lot to appreciate its growth every day and notice all the new leaves that are emerging.
-
The satisfying "pop" that dandelions make when you pull them out of the ground.
Speaking of dandelions, plucking the clocks and blowing the bits of fluff into a gentle breeze on an evening walk.
-
It's getting quite cold here and a hot water bottle is such a nice way to keep warm.
-
Walking on the beach in the rain with my husband and dog.
-
My first zucchini plant is starting to grow, after pampering the seed better than my first attempt.
-
Finding ways to use foods I previously composted: 1. watermelon rind - just the white part, not the green part. I read somewhere that an average watermelon is 25 pounds, 7 of that rind. most of that it white, so say 6 pounds of vegetable I didn't have to pay extra for. We don't pickle it, just add spices and cook in a pressure cooker. The chopping takes time but the cooking is easy.
2. ridged gourd is a popular indian food, which my Mom used to grow. I found it on the quick sale rack yesterday, still perfectly fine. a few spots, but that would happen anyway. Like the watermelon, Mom used to peel it heavily - two peelings, one for the thick ridges and then for the peel. I composted the ridges but saved the peels to make another vegetable. Lots of fiber plus vitamins.
ETA: 3. cauliflower leaves 4.strawberry tops
-
While troubleshooting an ignition issue a few years ago, I replaced that same sensor. Didn't make a difference then, so I'm pretty sure it's fine. I may replace the fourth engine mount (replaced a couple years ago), just so it matches the other three, to see if that makes a difference. The funny thing is, if it's just a few RPM higher, it's nice and smooth.
I have an aged watercooled VW who has similar issues. I wonder if the flywheel or pressure plate is not balanced or indexed correctly. Also replaced motor mounts with minor improvements. Planning on selling it so not something I'll try to solve.
Have you checked compression, cylinder leak down or injectors? We had a V6 once that idled poorly due to a burned valve (cracked exhaust valve) that was mostly okay above idle.
Hope you find your gremlin!
-
Riding my bike on smooth gravel country lanes. The sounds the tires make on the gravel chips. Looked like they chipped the road, no tar. Doesn't seem very durable but whatever. Rode ~25 miles yesterday with our youngest. Great afternoon. Wasn't utterly spent after we returned which was nice. I need to exercise more often.
-
-Watching plants we started as seeds begin to come up
-Sitting by the pool on a hot day
-Free library books via an app, so I don't have to miss out when the library is closed
-The anticipation of our imperfect produce delivery
-
MIL gave me a start of a hosta that I did not have...lime green leaves with a dark, sage colored border.
-
fresh greens from my garden.
-
The smell of lilacs in bloom!
-
The smell of lilacs in bloom!
Yes! I’ve been taking extra walks lately because of it.
-
Seeing people's hearts melt a little when my big, allegedly "scary looking" dog flops down at their feet to ask for belly rubs.
Please pay photo tax
-
I loan out 25 USD twice a month at Kiva to some people in developing countries to help them build toilets, solar energy or a business. It makes me happy to see the different project that I have enabled and see the loan getting repaid so I can invest the money again. I also think it is fun to choose the next project.
I've done this for years! I love seeing just how many different small industries/projects and countries my initial $25 has traveled through.
-
fresh greens from my garden.
Yes! Now picking radishes and leaf lettuce. Salad season!
-
Getting letters/cards in the mail
-
Watching the cheeky rainbow lorrikeets in my ornamental pear trees from my bed.
-
Quality neck fuzz
-
Seeing people's hearts melt a little when my big, allegedly "scary looking" dog flops down at their feet to ask for belly rubs.
Please pay photo tax
My magnificent cuddly buddy.
I love big dogs. He's such a cuddle bun, not scary at all.
-
I was talking to a friend who is Sheltering In Place at her daughter's house, about nine hours south of here. Friend is older, and when she was diagnosed with pneumonia, daughter zipped up, grabbed her, and took her home. Friend says she's doing much better, but needed to do some shopping. "What do you need?" I asked. The reply was underwear. She wanted a specific type of Jockey Undies. I'm in the Jockey "club", so I hopped online and ordered them for her and charged it to her credit card. She was thrilled. Today, I got a handwritten thank-you note from her.♥️♥️♥️ In a pandemic, friends help friends buy underwear.
-
Working in my herb garden, with my black cat rolling around in the catmint completely blissed out! Priceless...
-
Found a new one. Was bicycling in my hiking sandals here in the country....
Cheap thrill: grass ticking my toes if I ride close to the edge of the pavement.
Repeat thrill: having the house open to the clean air, birds chirping, etc. Its quiet this morn. No motorcycles, no mowers, no human noises at all right now.
-
Took a little drive in the countryside yesterday. Seeing a quite young foal gallop merrily around its mother filled me with joy.
-
Seeing people's hearts melt a little when my big, allegedly "scary looking" dog flops down at their feet to ask for belly rubs.
Please pay photo tax
My magnificent cuddly buddy.
I love big dogs. He's such a cuddle bun, not scary at all.
These pics of your pup are a cheap thing that make me happy! :D
-
My husband and I could not stop laughing last night at the enthusiasm with which our boy cat runs into the kitchen when we get the salad spinner out. I can't believe he recognizes the sound of the salad spinner! We use the spinner to clean all of his favorite brassicas as well as lettuce, which he also loves, so I guess the salad spinner is his Pavlov's bell now, and it's very cute and funny.
-
Yesterday I got a squirrel to eat nuts out of my hand.
-
The smell of warm rain at this time of year. Lilac, lily of the valley , honeysuckle, dogwood and viburnum are in bloom. A sprinkle of rain mingles it with wet earth and it is glorious.
-
The little magazine our local electric cooperative puts out has some really tasty sounding recipes for summer squashes this month
-
Playing tennis with the kids on the neighborhood court on a sunny evening. With school (almost) out!
-
Going through old photos and remembering good times. Not that old, just a decade ago. :)
-
Last year I planted milkweed in my garden, and today I watched a monarch butterfly laying her eggs on it. :)
This is awesome. What a great reminder too about the long-term benefits of actions. Thanks for the smile this morning.
The eggs hatched and the caterpillars are doing well! They make me happy every day.
-
Sunlight falling on my clean dishes in the dish drainer makes my heart sing. Don't know why, but it does.
-
Last year I planted milkweed in my garden, and today I watched a monarch butterfly laying her eggs on it. :)
This is awesome. What a great reminder too about the long-term benefits of actions. Thanks for the smile this morning.
The eggs hatched and the caterpillars are doing well! They make me happy every day.
That's so exciting! We have some surprise milkweed at our new house, and I'm really hoping that we get some monarchs this year, or eventually.
-
Sitting on the front porch during a gentle rain...watching a box turtle walk across the yard. Where to? No idea...but that little sucker moved like he was on a mission! Must be mating season...
-
Our library system announced that it will start curbside service next Monday. Yay!
-
Also, avocado toast for breakfast: 1/2 avocado, $0.50; 1 slice gluten-free bread, $0.25; butter, lime juice, salt, and chili-lime seasoning, $0.10.
-
Our library system announced that it will start curbside service next Monday. Yay!
I'm off this afternoon to pick up the first of my sweetie's curbside library orders. I think she's more excited about this than about our last vacation!
-
New neighbors moved in two houses down. Introduced ourselves. Noticed they had no furniture on their porch, so gave them a small wooden set we used before someone handed down a larger metal set.
+1 decluttering +1 neighborliness +1 paying it forward
-
Eggs were nearing the end of their shelf life so spouse made a pineapple upside down cake
-
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels. They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.
-
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels. They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.
Any chance of a recipe, @Hula Hoop ?
-
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels. They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.
Any chance of a recipe, @Hula Hoop ?
Here you go:
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757 (https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757)
-
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels. They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.
Any chance of a recipe, @Hula Hoop ?
Here you go:
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757 (https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757)
Thanks!
-
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels. They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.
Any chance of a recipe, @Hula Hoop ?
Here you go:
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757 (https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757)
Thanks!
@Hula Hoop These bagels are SO GOOD. And super easy! Thanks again for the recipe!
-
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.
-
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.
Recipe please?
-
Fruits are in season and instead of paying $4/125g box of blueberries, they are now $1/box. I’m buying several boxes and freezing the fruit for smoothies. So refreshing when it’s 32C/92F and humid!
-
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.
Recipe please?
4 eggs
1/2 block of cream cheese, softened
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 c almond flour
(I added a tsp of vanilla on the second batch)
Blend up together, then cook in a hot skillet with melted butter. They are the fluffiest keto pancakes I've found yet. Very close to regular pancakes!
-
Fruits are in season and instead of paying $4/125g box of blueberries, they are now $1/box. I’m buying several boxes and freezing the fruit for smoothies. So refreshing when it’s 32C/92F and humid!
Our service berry bush/tree is heavily-laden with fruit, as is our mulberry tree. A few more days and we can start harvesting!
-
Our service berry bush/tree is heavily-laden with fruit, as is our mulberry tree. A few more days and we can start harvesting!
On a similar note... we planted Nanking Bush Cherries when we moved into our house a few years ago. THis year was their first really good year of production. we have had delightful cherries all week, and the raspberries are almost ready to replace them.
-
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.
Recipe please?
4 eggs
1/2 block of cream cheese
1 tsp baking powder, softened
1/2 c almond flour
(I added a tsp of vanilla on the second batch)
Blend up together, then cook in a hot skillet with melted butter. They are the fluffiest keto pancakes I've found yet. Very close to regular pancakes!
Thanks. I'll have to remember to buy cream cheese next time I shop. What is the weight/volume of your cream cheese blocks?
-
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.
Recipe please?
4 eggs
1/2 block of cream cheese
1 tsp baking powder, softened
1/2 c almond flour
(I added a tsp of vanilla on the second batch)
Blend up together, then cook in a hot skillet with melted butter. They are the fluffiest keto pancakes I've found yet. Very close to regular pancakes!
@okcisok -- have you by any chance made this with other flour substitutes like coconut or sunflower seed flour? Do those work as well?
-
It's persimmon season. I LOVE persimmons.
-
When you can't travel, look at forgotten pics from previous trips. This was found in a snap from a TV at a bar in Canada:
(https://i.ibb.co/dQXmjnd/DSC-0142.jpg)
I guess that I should... stay away from Oklahoma? :)
-
@okcisok -- have you by any chance made this with other flour substitutes like coconut or sunflower seed flour? Do those work as well?
[/quote]
Not yet. I just happened to have almond flour on hand, and that's what they called for.
-
Thanks. I'll have to remember to buy cream cheese next time I shop. What is the weight/volume of your cream cheese blocks?
[/quote]
8 oz blocks, so 4 oz for the recipe.
-
Since earlier in the year I've been waking up earlier and feeling better because of it. Was once a 10AM kind of person if left to my own devices. Now its 6-something.
Am enjoying sitting on the front porch, reading, starting the morning with a tall ice water and watching our dog inspect the front yard. Don't worry, dog is not in danger. Big front yard. Won't got the road without me.
-
the smells from the flowering trees and shrubs in our neighbourhood have been fantastic this year. Right now it is late lilacs and black locust and wild roses and peonies. The peonies are out of this world.
-
I get a kick out of growing things, especially if it's free. Vegetables from seed, fruit trees from seed, ornamental bushes from cuttings, etc.
Planting a tree from a tiny seedling and watching it grow to maturity knowing it will long outlive you is also satisfying.
-
Laughing at our dog and cats.
Dog will lay on the front porch in the morning and when a tractor appears in the field 3/4 of a mile away our "vicious guard dog" will bark at it.
Then the tractor will disappear behind the hill or the trees and dog is content. Then the tractor makes another pass - and the dog has to announce it.
And then the tractor disappears again - dog happy again. Eventually she'll give up and accept that the tractor will come and go as it cuts the hay.
Animals can be so entertaining. Also - the cats ambushing each other as they move around the house.
-
Harvesting salad greens from the patio
Rain, rain, rain
-
@Just Joe (https://heybuddycomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/87957530_180126256770078_3415037009398333440_o.jpg)
-
Love the cartoon!
-
A good sharp kitchen knife.
I am making dinner and chopping away, often with a dull knife. I have really good knives, and when they are sharp, dinner prep is SO MUCH easier.
-
A good sharp kitchen knife.
I am making dinner and chopping away, often with a dull knife. I have really good knives, and when they are sharp, dinner prep is SO MUCH easier.
For me, sharpening the knives is a happy process in itself. Meditative, zen-like, and with a good result if you do it right. :)
-
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.
Yesterday, we played a variation of this game at home. I curled my hands into monster claws and pretend stomped around while yelling "IMA!! GONNA!! KISS!! YOUR!! TOEBEANS!!" while my dog danced around ecstatically, daring me to catch her.
No toebeans were harmed in the playing of this game. (Or actually kissed, either). Also quite dignified, as I always am at home.
-
I love this community. Whether it's people sharing stories about their furry comic relief, or LindaNorway sharing details of her idyllic life hand-feeding squirrels or skiing to work, I feel like we understand and appreciate one another, and that makes me happy.
Happiness is finding your communities. When I go to the community garden plots and look at all the asparagus and rhubarb and masses of vegetable goodness, I feel like I am surrounded by my tribe. Even though I have actually met only 8 of them. Same feeling at my choir, or my fibre group.
-
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.
this is so cute! Love it.
-
A good sharp kitchen knife.
I am making dinner and chopping away, often with a dull knife. I have really good knives, and when they are sharp, dinner prep is SO MUCH easier.
For me, sharpening the knives is a happy process in itself. Meditative, zen-like, and with a good result if you do it right. :)
I collect pocket knives so I've taught myself how to sharpen them (and my kitchen knives too).
I have a flat steel with rounded edges, a rounded, tapered steel, and a ceramic rod.
Sharpening my knives is relaxing and satisfying.
I enjoy it and am pretty good at it.
-
It's persimmon season. I LOVE persimmons.
I've eaten them a few times when picked right off the tree.
My friend's aunt grew them in her side yard.
-
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.
I do the same thing with neighbour's husky, yelling "catch that butt, ima catch that butt!". She'll finally let me catch her great big hairy husky butt for a full on butt scratch. It's a totally mutual chase game where she's just pretending to not let me get her butt, because any other time she'll actually back up to me for butt scratches. Husky butts are hilarious, great fuzzy, floofy, waggy things!
-
It's persimmon season. I LOVE persimmons.
I've eaten them a few times when picked right off the tree.
My friend's aunt grew them in her side yard.
.
People who don't eat them regularly get them wrong. They should not be even slightly soft. Soft persimmons are horribly slimy. They need to be a deep orange and very firm. They will be kind of crunchy and very sweet, with a melon-y/pumpkin-y flavour.
-
The smell of jasmine on an evening walk. Jasmine is a smell that I feel like I would hate if it were in a perfume or other products, maybe even indoors at all. But when you just get a couple big nosefuls of it in passing while on a walk, it is a strange combination of stimulating and ethereal.
-
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.
I do the same thing with neighbour's husky, yelling "catch that butt, ima catch that butt!". She'll finally let me catch her great big hairy husky butt for a full on butt scratch. It's a totally mutual chase game where she's just pretending to not let me get her butt, because any other time she'll actually back up to me for butt scratches. Husky butts are hilarious, great fuzzy, floofy, waggy things!
I just love playing with dogs. We don’t deserve them and their purity.
-
Cheap golf courses. There is a county course that is $10 full length 9 hole course with no carts. It is a little rough but right on Lake Michigan. If you go to a nice course, its $75+ for 18 and a cart, it is usually packed, judgmental people on the course and clubhouse. At this course and similar county courses, it is definitely more laid back and relaxing. Wearing gym shorts and a running shirt, no one blinks an eye.
-
I recently taught my 1 year old goldendoodle to play hide and seek. Well, I hide and she seeks, for now. We'll work on the reverse.
I tell her to sit and stay, then I leave the room and go hide somewhere. She waits until I yell "come find me!", sometimes up to a minute. Watching her search every room and closet and behind every door is awesome. She gets so happy when she finds me.
Side effect that she now first looks behind doors if she's searching for something (a toy or a human).
-
We enjoyed a bit of bird watching today. We were out on the lake and saw about 8 Osprey soaring around & one swooped down close enough to see that he caught a nice Catfish. Later, back at the pier we were watching a nest of Blue Heron with 3 large chicks. They are almost ready to fly. They actually have more than one nest because the 5 of them won't fit in a single nest. And finally, our 3 ducklings are grown and swimming around the cove. They followed a Mallard around for a little while and explored farther from our pier than they had yet.
Oh, and last week we saw a Bald Eagle. :) I've only ever seen one here before, which was about 10 years ago. We saw this Eagle 2 days in a row, in the same exact place, perched up on top of a tall power tower.
C-19 seems to be good for bird watching...
-
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.
Yesterday, we played a variation of this game at home. I curled my hands into monster claws and pretend stomped around while yelling "IMA!! GONNA!! KISS!! YOUR!! TOEBEANS!!" while my dog danced around ecstatically, daring me to catch her.
No toebeans were harmed in the playing of this game. (Or actually kissed, either). Also quite dignified, as I always am at home.
Sadly, a toebean was harmed in yesterday's home nail trimming. I made it all the way to the last nail and cut too short, resulting in blood and an entire day of reproachful looks from her while curled up in a tiny, insulted ball on the couch.
Cheap things that make you unhappy..?
-
The smell of jasmine on an evening walk. Jasmine is a smell that I feel like I would hate if it were in a perfume or other products, maybe even indoors at all. But when you just get a couple big nosefuls of it in passing while on a walk, it is a strange combination of stimulating and ethereal.
I feel the same way about magnolias. I can smell them from a long way off, and just adore their sweet smoky scent. I've never found a manufactured form of the smell that's true. I always look for a low-hanging blossom that I can bury my nose in to enjoy while they last. They fall apart in no-time if you cut them and try to bring them indoors, so I just enjoy them on the tree.
-
Mmmm jasmine. I love the smell of jasmine, rose, and gardenia flowers and cannot bear them as perfumes. And in the case of rose-perfume will break out in hives. Daphne is another one they just can't capture.
-
The fresh smell of the earth after a good rain.
-
The sound of young birds around the house, asking their parents for food.
-
Sadly, a toebean was harmed in yesterday's home nail trimming. I made it all the way to the last nail and cut too short, resulting in blood and an entire day of reproachful looks from her while curled up in a tiny, insulted ball on the couch.
Cheap things that make you unhappy..?
Oh no! I know that heart-achy feeling all too well. It seems that no matter how many times that you try to kiss the injured toebean better, the reproach remains. Since a similar accident in February, my dog turns into a thrashing giant squid whenever I get the clippers or dremel out. I wonder how many games of chase, kisses and butt-scratches it takes to earn forgiveness.
I collected rose petals and made rose water. It smells heavenly but I'm not decided on how to use it. Any suggestions?
Rose water used to be used for baking the way vanilla extract is now.
-
The smell of jasmine on an evening walk. Jasmine is a smell that I feel like I would hate if it were in a perfume or other products, maybe even indoors at all. But when you just get a couple big nosefuls of it in passing while on a walk, it is a strange combination of stimulating and ethereal.
Honeysuckle too. Especially when bicycling. Slower speeds so the scent lasts a few more moments.
-
Also, a clean floor.
-
finding things on the road while out for a bike ride. tools, money...
-
Soliciting cat pictures from my friends and family (for I, alas, am catless.)
-
The first cup of coffee on a sunny morning.
Also, having gotten my sewing machine back from service. Bought a classic model for cheap on the local auction site and after a trip to a store for service, it sews like new. "You probably need another service in ten years or so", the clerk told me. Worth it. :)
-
Grilled cheese sandwiches made from freshly baked bread.
-
finding things on the road while out for a bike ride. tools, money...
Nice watches, fancy smart phones... I found the phone's owner and returned it. The watch I still have.
-
Surprise strawberries in today's CSA share!
-
finding things on the road while out for a bike ride. tools, money...
I've found 8 cents over the past few days while out on my walks. Easy money!
-
Every evening I turn on a little radiant heater for the cat to bask in front of. Sue me, he's an old man with old bones! I've discovered that I can heat some socks next to the cat, and putting them on slightly chilly feet is bloody orgasmic.
-
Every evening I turn on a little radiant heater for the cat to bask in front of. Sue me, he's an old man with old bones! I've discovered that I can heat some socks next to the cat, and putting them on slightly chilly feet is bloody orgasmic.
I'm just imagining this phrase in a thick NZ accent...
-
Lying in bed next to the open windows and listening to the loons call to each other across the lake.
-
+1 on smells: smelling things (flowering trees, mostly) that I've never noticed before. Locust and linden especially.
Also, Toronto is jam-packed with fruiting trees and nobody else picking. Chuckley pears (aka saskatoons), mulberries, red currants, sour cherries. Our evening walks are movable desserts.
-
Today, I felt happy walking to a friend’s apartment to hang out without wearing a mask, and not feeling worried about getting COVID. We haven’t had a local case here in months, and it’s delightful to see people sitting outside at cafes enjoying the hot, humid weather. We still avoid crowded public places and try not to walk in close proximity to anyone else, but life has started to return to a semblance of normalcy.
-
+1 on smells: smelling things (flowering trees, mostly) that I've never noticed before. Locust and linden especially.
Also, Toronto is jam-packed with fruiting trees and nobody else picking. Chuckley pears (aka saskatoons), mulberries, red currants, sour cherries. Our evening walks are movable desserts.
Linda the flowers are very special on a late spring evening. They are sickly sweet however.
-
(for I, alas, am catless.)
I love this description of your cat status (not that you are without cat). I am currently catless as well, but have a dog that's very much a handful.
-
Riding around the harbour with sunset blazing up the sky
-
We salvaged seeds from a Roma tomato and spaghetti squash early this year and planted a few of each in seed starters. Now we have four tomato plants and two spaghetti squash that are growing vigorously. The squash plants are covered in buds and blossoms, and the tomatoes are starting to flower.
It’s been a great growing season so far. The local farmer who runs our CSA program has said that he can’t believe how much he’s been able to harvest already.
-
Hand-washing dishes, oddly enough. (With a dishwasher to carry part of the load).
-
A good umbrella that doesn't flip inside out in the wind.
It's rainy season, and the forecast is calling for rain and thunder storms for the next seven days.
-
Every evening I turn on a little radiant heater for the cat to bask in front of. Sue me, he's an old man with old bones! I've discovered that I can heat some socks next to the cat, and putting them on slightly chilly feet is bloody orgasmic.
I'm just imagining this phrase in a thick NZ accent...
Yeah, the kiwi accent sucks
-
Glorious rainbows on grey winter days.
-
We salvaged seeds from a Roma tomato and spaghetti squash early this year and planted a few of each in seed starters. Now we have four tomato plants and two spaghetti squash that are growing vigorously. The squash plants are covered in buds and blossoms, and the tomatoes are starting to flower.
It’s been a great growing season so far. The local farmer who runs our CSA program has said that he can’t believe how much he’s been able to harvest already.
Roma is a hybrid so the genetics of your volunteers will be interesting. Please post what the tomatoes are like once they fruit. Some hybrid offspring are still similar to the hybrid parent and some are wildly different.
-
Teaching my sullen, unmotivated teenage son to use a sewing machine, and seeing that he actually enjoys it. He is making cloth masks for school credit.
-
Mopping our floors (steam mop). Looking at the dirty mop head and seeing all the dirt there knowing it isn't on the floor.
With all the feet and paws in our house the floors take a beating.
-
Homemade corn tortillas.
-
A slow walk in the sun. :)
-
Bloop Bloop getting his arse locked down for six weeks.
-
Bloop Bloop getting his arse locked down for six weeks.
He did? Where Is it posted? Maybe he will learn something from it.
-
Bloop Bloop getting his arse locked down for six weeks.
He did? Where Is it posted? Maybe he will learn something from it.
Melbourne has been re-locked down for 6 weeks.
-
Bloop Bloop getting his arse locked down for six weeks.
He did? Where Is it posted? Maybe he will learn something from it.
Melbourne has been re-locked down for 6 weeks.
LOL I thought you meant here.
My cheap thing that makes me happy is that everyone in Eastern Ontario, including Ottawa, now has to wear a mask inside (stores, etc). Some people went a bit overboard for Canada Day.
-
Rescuing cheap or free stuff to upcycle for my community garden plot. Gardeners tend to be generous people.
-
Rescuing cheap or free stuff to upcycle for my community garden plot. Gardeners tend to be generous people.
And good at repurposing.
-
When you discover a very geeky, but very low key Youtube channel with interesting information.
Here about the English language evolution, comparing Southern US accents to what Shakespeare would have spoken:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rb0HPDnc8Y
The whole channel is worth watching. :)
-
So many things...
Flannelette sheets on my bed in winter.
Hanging washing outside in the sun to get that delicious air-dried smell.
Listening to Beethoven's Top 100 on ABC FM Classic radio, on repeat.
Baking a lemon cake with home grown lemons.
-
Many expats are leaving China...I scored a free set of ice cream dishes and a couple child-size plates.
-
I had short hair for many years. I stopped getting my hair cut last year, part laziness and part mustachianism. It just got long enough to try French braiding it, and I did it! Somehow (after 25 years) my fingers remembered how. Fun and practical.
-
DH found this season's first edible mushroom at our mountain cabin. I put it on the pizza.
-
DH found this season's first edible mushroom at our mountain cabin. I put it on the pizza.
Braiding DW's hair. It's super thick and wavy, and a couple years without a haircut means it's nice and long, and looks super cute in two braids.
-
Growing my own vegetables.
-
Embroidery. It's dirt cheap, occupies your hands, and it builds up in a series of tangible steps - it's a leaf, it's a branch, it's a tree, here is a night sky. Oh and you can use it to cover up clothing repairs and make them look good.
-
After-dinner bike ride down a local trail. And ice cream for dessert.
-
Embroidery. It's dirt cheap, occupies your hands, and it builds up in a series of tangible steps - it's a leaf, it's a branch, it's a tree, here is a night sky. Oh and you can use it to cover up clothing repairs and make them look good.
How hard is this to get into? I've been looking for a hobby like that, but I'm not very artistic and have had a hard time with crochet and knitting.
On topic, I love making bread. Mostly the process of kneading, so people think I'm crazy for not using my stand mixer to make it.
-
@scrunchythief it's super easy - I basically taught myself using machine sewing thread and an idea I had to sew a rainbow on a jacket. I can't manage tension for knitting or crochet but embroidery doesn't have those problems since you have the materal as the base. If you are interested there are heaps of books at the library to teach you how to do it, most handcraft/sewing stores sell little kits if you want to try it out, also there is a whole revival on the internet. A lot of people like cross-stitch, I tend to be more free-form making patterns mostly with splitstitch. Embroidery thread is worth buying - it's less than a dollar and is pretty and won't knot up as easily.
I hear you about kneading dough - that's the part I enjoy!
-
@scrunchythief it's super easy - I basically taught myself using machine sewing thread and an idea I had to sew a rainbow on a jacket. I can't manage tension for knitting or crochet but embroidery doesn't have those problems since you have the materal as the base. If you are interested there are heaps of books at the library to teach you how to do it, most handcraft/sewing stores sell little kits if you want to try it out, also there is a whole revival on the internet. A lot of people like cross-stitch, I tend to be more free-form making patterns mostly with splitstitch. Embroidery thread is worth buying - it's less than a dollar and is pretty and won't knot up as easily.
I hear you about kneading dough - that's the part I enjoy!
Thanks @mspym! I'll give that a try. I have some embroidery thread and a hoop somewhere that I picked up cheap from yardsales thinking they might be good for crafts some day.
-
Growing a garden.
And also going to my favorite garden store and discovering that all seed packets were a quarter. I now have a robust seed vault.
-
@scrunchythief I have definitely picked up bags of craft supplies on the supercheap from secondhand shops. It's nice to get 50 skeins of embroidery floss for 50 cents!
-
Lemon and blueberry muffins, made by my daughter.
With a pot of strong English Breakfast tea. Who needs cafes?!
-
I wanted a yo-yo that sleeps longer than my Duncan yo-yo so I bought one that has a bearing on its axle.
My new yo-yo is made from aluminum, is lighter, and does sleep longer.
And the way it is formed gives it a nicer feel in my hand than my Duncan.
I thoroughly enjoy my cheap new toy.
It's fun!
-
Morning “exercise” by hauling one of the dogs off the ground by the tug toys. We call them canine overhead extensions. The dogs are delighted and jostle for the next turn.
-
A moment of coolness early in the morning before hot July weather arrives for the day.
Doing ANYTHING enough that you're good at it.
-
A moment of coolness early in the morning before hot July weather arrives for the day.
+1.
Right now it's 92F in my house.
-
A nice cup of tea.
-
Blueberry picking with my daughter and cousin in the fields behind our houses. We got enough for pancakes tomorrow.
-
I just put library holds on “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and “Blackout” by Sarah Hepola. I couldn’t get either through the electronic library resources without huge wait times (months) but should be able to pick up hard copies of both in a few days!
-
A moment of coolness early in the morning before hot July weather arrives for the day.
+1.
Right now it's 92F in my house.
that's damned hot
-
Whipped coffee. I just discovered it, and have now bought some slightly-fancier instant coffee to make it with because it's so good (and easy to make). Still less than 30 cents per cup.
-
Blueberry picking with my daughter and cousin in the fields behind our houses. We got enough for pancakes tomorrow.
It's blackberries for us right now. I've been picking buckets full with my kids, and will be making jam.
-
@OtherJen Blackout is so good! It's also an odd one for me because Hepola was one of my early blog roll reads and then she sort of disappeared and I never knew what happened to her.
-
@OtherJen Blackout is so good! It's also an odd one for me because Hepola was one of my early blog roll reads and then she sort of disappeared and I never knew what happened to her.
I'd heard interviews with her, and my interest was piqued. I hope she's okay.
-
Cooking dried beans. Lame, but true.
-
A moment of coolness early in the morning before hot July weather arrives for the day.
+1.
Right now it's 92F in my house.
that's damned hot
I hope you have a fan running!
-
Aldi chocolate. Currently enjoying the Choceur Rich Dark, but can also vouch for the Scottengen (?) their other chocolate line.
-
Baking a batch of Scottish shortbread cookies. 3 cheapo ingredients and you're good to go-- If I'm feeling fancy, I dip them in chocolate. Back in The Before Times, I'd have friends clamoring to take some home!
Sorting and inventorying my backlog of crafting fragrances. Part mental exercise, part business planning, part excuse to smell a bunch of nice scents and feel good about it. :)
-
Okay Fish Sweet - can I beg for the recipe? PLLLLLEEAASSSEEE? ;)
-
Crafternoon with tea and cake with a friend.
-
Okay Fish Sweet - can I beg for the recipe? PLLLLLEEAASSSEEE? ;)
You got it!! :)
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/scottish-shortbread/
-
Thank you!
-
Homemade chunky monkey chocolate peanut butter banana popsicles
-
Homemade plum jam and soft goat's milk cheese on crackers.
-
Homemade dill & lemon cashew spread on fancy crackers.
Magnolia flowers against a clear sky.
Finding the good and very cheap Thai curry pastes.
The really good peanut butter at a 50% discount.
-
Homemade peach butter on homemade whole-wheat sourdough.
Having the time to spend an afternoon making peach butter.
-
Homemade peach butter on homemade whole-wheat sourdough.
Having the time to spend an afternoon making peach butter.
I’ve made apple butter but hadn’t ever thought to make peach butter. It sounds amazing!
-
Homemade chunky monkey chocolate peanut butter banana popsicles
I have no idea what this even means, but it sounds deliciously decadent!
-
Homemade peach butter on homemade whole-wheat sourdough.
Having the time to spend an afternoon making peach butter.
I’ve made apple butter but hadn’t ever thought to make peach butter. It sounds amazing!
This was my first try, and it was well worth it. Tastes like summer! I've made apple butter before, but certain people in my family prefer apple sauce to apple butter, so my apples usually go there and I wanted something else to put on toast. I've heard of pear butter as well, just have to keep an eye out for a good price on pears.
-
Homemade chunky monkey chocolate peanut butter banana popsicles
I have no idea what this even means, but it sounds deliciously decadent!
One banana, one tbsp peanut butter, a bit of cocoa powder, a bit of milk. Blend together and pour into popsicle molds. Or add a few ice cubes before blending to make a smoothie.
ETA: Actually you should probably double that recipe. It’s that delicious.
-
A can of pork and beans a couple hours ago, a bowl of grape nuts with brown sugar and a banana just now, and a dozen bookcases filled from years of attending semi-annual library sales.
-
Homemade chunky monkey chocolate peanut butter banana popsicles
I have no idea what this even means, but it sounds deliciously decadent!
One banana, one tbsp peanut butter, a bit of cocoa powder, a bit of milk. Blend together and pour into popsicle molds. Or add a few ice cubes before blending to make a smoothie.
ETA: Actually you should probably double that recipe. It’s that delicious.
OMG, we made 6 of these this morning. Very yummy. One was dropped accidently and my neighbours black lab lept on it and quickly ate it. Thanks for the tip!!
-
Homemade chunky monkey chocolate peanut butter banana popsicles
I have no idea what this even means, but it sounds deliciously decadent!
One banana, one tbsp peanut butter, a bit of cocoa powder, a bit of milk. Blend together and pour into popsicle molds. Or add a few ice cubes before blending to make a smoothie.
ETA: Actually you should probably double that recipe. It’s that delicious.
OMG, we made 6 of these this morning. Very yummy. One was dropped accidently and my neighbours black lab lept on it and quickly ate it. Thanks for the tip!!
You’re welcome! And they’re healthy, so you could eat as many as you want and not feel guilty because you’re mainly eating fruit, protein, and calcium! :D
-
So many things...
Flannelette sheets on my bed in winter.
Hanging washing outside in the sun to get that delicious air-dried smell.
Listening to Beethoven's Top 100 on ABC FM Classic radio, on repeat.
Baking a lemon cake with home grown lemons.
I was happy to see my neighbor, a neighbor at our weekend house, hanging her laundry. That is cool. Our weekend house is in a small town where, when I walk down the alleys, I am transported back to 1963.
High quality lemon desserts with strong lemon flavoring are the bomb!
-
Lemon desserts are the best!
I just picked about a dozen shishito peppers from our plants. We’ll have a couple of jalapeños and spaghetti squashes soo, and we already have loads of basil.
-
Discovering that my old Panasonic Villager 10 speed road bike is still roadworthy, after simply pumping up the tires. Have been taking it out every morning for a few miles of fun. Good exercise too.
-
Freezer/pantry item made-up recipes that turn out! I created a casserole with gifted pheasant, free from work celery, carrots, a can of soup, and some canned corn. SO said it was the best pheasant he'd ever had, and he's an avid hunter that's eaten a lot of wild game.
Sam's Club Member's Mark pre-made margarita mix. SO pointed out that an entire bottle (probably 8 cocktails) is cheaper than one drink at our favorite Mexican spot. Cheers!
-
Bloop Bloop getting his arse locked down for six weeks.
He did? Where Is it posted? Maybe he will learn something from it.
Melbourne has been re-locked down for 6 weeks.
LOL I thought you meant here.
LOL, me too...
-
watching a juvenile squirrel haul an immature white pine cone back to his stash. The cone was bigger than the body of the squirrel but he was bringing it home.
-
speaking of squirrels, we get the occasional white squirrel around here. usually they are grey but there are some mutants that are white, not albino. i consider it good luck to see one. last year i saw 3 in one day. i haven't seen one in a while.
-
Discovering that the Everlane "cropped" length is the correct trouser length for me. I don't have to get 5" of fabric removed to have the right trouser length!
Although, in the other direction, a decent tailor tweaking ready-to-wear clothes is a cheap way to feel like a million bucks in all your clothes.
-
A hot bath Epsom Salts with a glass of red wine.
-
Family bike ride after dinner. Not having to wear a mask during our family bike ride.
-
Sitting in our sun room on a cool summer morning with the windows open and a cup of coffee. The small breeze is just enough to bring the outside in and make it feel like I’m in a treehouse.
-
A hot bath Epsom Salts with a glass of red wine.
Seconded! I miss having a bathtub so much!
-
Taking a walk with a friend in the park and talking.
(With masks on.)
-
Sharing 3 HUGE tomatoes with Mr. Z...fresh from the garden. One bowl, two forks, and a salt shaker.
We will dream about that when the snow flies.
-
A game of ultimate Frisbee with extended family at our reunion. Although the sore muscles I'll have tomorrow might not make me very happy :)
-
Virtual choir rehearsal. I hit a C6 (high C) comfortably during warmup. Good to know that I still can!
-
Virtual choir rehearsal. I hit a C6 (high C) comfortably during warmup. Good to know that I still can!
That's nuts! Good for you.
-
Here is an odd one:
anticipation
I'm looking forward to cooler weather b/c I am more active when I'm not melting.
I'm looking forward to a home cooked meal with my family tonight.
I'm looking forward to streaming a movie or TV show with one of our teens this weekend.
I'm looking forward to returning to some of my hobbies now that we have a big project behind us.
The actual activity is nice but the anticipation is nice too.
-
The delicious little orange cherry tomatoes in today’s CSA share. Yum!
-
Building a youtube channel as a hobby. It's got me out the house for the past month chasing things down. Made me ride my bike to get to the right places, and has cost me the price of two 64gb SD cards.
All the rest of the camera, tripod, pc etc I already had.
I guess now that lockdown is over I feel I need to get out and about more, and this gives me something to aim at
-
Making ice cream with coconut milk and whatever else, super cheap and oh so good on these hot days.
Making a quick thank you card (https://printsbery.com/cards/thank-you/general) from a chocolate wrapper.
Fresh basil and tomatoes from our garden.
Going for a walk with my dog
-
Watching a (https://bestmattressesreviews.org/casper-mattress-reviews/) sunset on the beach.
-
Spending time with my wife.
-
A break in the hot, humid weather and a bike ride before it started raining again.
-
Homemade biscuits
-
Watching snow fall outside while warm in front of the fire. We rarely get snow (maybe once every 5 years) and seeing it come down is so beautiful. It melted as it hit the ground, but still so magical.
-
We planted peach trees in our back yard 7 or 8 years ago. This is the first year we've finally gotten a decent crop, and our kitchen smells AMAZING from the peaches ripening on the counter.
-
Watching snow fall outside while warm in front of the fire. We rarely get snow (maybe once every 5 years) and seeing it come down is so beautiful. It melted as it hit the ground, but still so magical.
That sounds magical
-
An evening warm enough to sit out on a pullout in the hills with a pizza with a view to the city and the Golden Gate Bridge both partially shrouded (of course) in fog. And all I needed was a light sweater! Magic!
And it was DH's birthday, so double happy.
-
An evening warm enough to sit out on a pullout in the hills with a pizza with a view to the city and the Golden Gate Bridge both partially shrouded (of course) in fog. And all I needed was a light sweater! Magic!
And it was DH's birthday, so double happy.
Oh hey! Fellow San Franciscan, I see. (Well, for now. We might move soon.)
My favorite thing recently has been biking to the top of all the different hills in the city early in the morning. It's too foggy to see much about 80% of the time, but the other 20% is amazing.
-
Playing tennis with a friend. Old racket, used balls, public court. Priceless.
-
Yoga with Adriene on Youtube, 3 times a day. I may be addicted.
-
Yoga with Adriene on Youtube, 3 times a day. I may be addicted.
My DW has so many good things to say about that channel. DW is encouraging me to try it to.
-
Watching snow fall outside while warm in front of the fire. We rarely get snow (maybe once every 5 years) and seeing it come down is so beautiful. It melted as it hit the ground, but still so magical.
The magic kinda dries up around when you're shovelling the second foot of the damned stuff out of your driveway at 5:30 in the morning to get your car out of the driveway and begin the interminable slog through snow traffic to work.
It does look pretty falling down though. :P
-
Donating a bag of clothes to someone in need. Having friends over for a potluck.
-
Yoga with Adriene on Youtube, 3 times a day. I may be addicted.
My DW has so many good things to say about that channel. DW is encouraging me to try it to.
Do it! My teenage daughter reluctantly started doing a 10 min bedtime one with me 2 months ago and hasn't missed a day, even when she is severely pissed off with me! We started a 10 min wake up session on top of that this week. And I am working my way through all the 30 day challenges. The comments are worth reading too. So uplifting.
-
That's a great idea. Will see if our HS teen will try it.
Always trouble going to sleep and waking up again.
Although teen is trying a 9PM bedtime so that the morning wakeup is easier which we are grateful for.
-
+1 on Yoga with Adriene. I've enjoyed every video I've done. Her headache relief actually worked! She has other targeted videos that I have gotten a lot of use out of.
-
+1 on Yoga with Adriene. I've enjoyed every video I've done. Her headache relief actually worked! She has other targeted videos that I have gotten a lot of use out of.
Just to pile on, she's awesome. I also use her neck and shoulder pain practices to help with my tension headaches from too much computer work with poor posture, and they've helped SO MUCH. They also put out a new playlist every month, so if you don't have a specific kind of practice you're looking for, you can just search for one of the 30 day programs and follow along.
-
Donating a bag of clothes to someone in need. Having friends over for a potluck.
Finding out that the dresses I donated went to a four-year-old little girl for whom these are the first dresses she has ever received. It’s hard to fathom that there are four-year-olds who have never owned a dress before. And it makes me happy that I helped to make her day a joyful one.
-
It’s hard to fathom that there are four-year-olds who have never owned a dress before.
I've managed to live for 39 years without owning a dress. And only one blouse. Although, in my defence I thought it was just a fancy shirt.
:P
-
When it's not rushed, a nice, long, hot shower. And playing DnD (Dungeons and Dragons) with friends.
-
Reading a really good book.
Watching my dog try run up trees.
My morning coffee.
Here's one that is a net asset - getting paid to stretch my brain in interesting ways and hitting that deep flow state where you come out of it an hour or two later with an entire conceptual model nutted out and in a format that other people can understand
-
Watching snow fall outside while warm in front of the fire. We rarely get snow (maybe once every 5 years) and seeing it come down is so beautiful. It melted as it hit the ground, but still so magical.
The magic kinda dries up around when you're shovelling the second foot of the damned stuff out of your driveway at 5:30 in the morning to get your car out of the driveway and begin the interminable slog through snow traffic to work.
It does look pretty falling down though. :P
You left out the beautiful view of a snowbank seen from ground level when you've just slipped on the ice and hit your tailbone/hit your head/twisted your knee. Winter is not for the faint of heart.
-
Watching snow fall outside while warm in front of the fire. We rarely get snow (maybe once every 5 years) and seeing it come down is so beautiful. It melted as it hit the ground, but still so magical.
The magic kinda dries up around when you're shovelling the second foot of the damned stuff out of your driveway at 5:30 in the morning to get your car out of the driveway and begin the interminable slog through snow traffic to work.
It does look pretty falling down though. :P
You left out the beautiful view of a snowbank seen from ground level when you've just slipped on the ice and hit your tailbone/hit your head/twisted your knee. Winter is not for the faint of heart.
Yep. Or when it's snowing again for the 5th time in a week and you run out of places to put the shoveled snow from the driveway so you just end up pitching it over the fence into the neighbor's yard.
-
But since it is summer here, mine is a fun 6-mile bike ride on a Metropark trail surrounded by fields of wildflowers. It smelled heavenly, and there were so many butterflies.
-
That can of costco chili or pork and beans that I eat in my car for breakfast at about 3pm after fasting all morning and early afternoon. Super-tasty today!
-
My husband figured out how to get the light fitting thing off (basically, bang it hard & continuously with the grip end of the pliers), so now the ceiling light in our bedroom works for the first time in 2-3 years. Winning!!
-
Being the only one in my house who likes the skin on rotisserie chicken, so I get to eat all of it :)
-
Being the only one in my house who likes the skin on rotisserie chicken, so I get to eat all of it :)
Must be crispy.
Baguettes: when DD was little she didn't like the crispy crust and I loved it, so she got the inside and I got the outside. Win/win.
-
Being the only one in my house who likes the skin on rotisserie chicken, so I get to eat all of it :)
Must be crispy.
Baguettes: when DD was little she didn't like the crispy crust and I loved it, so she got the inside and I got the outside. Win/win.
I have a good deal with my DH like this, too. I love skin and fat, so I get all of that whenever we eat meat. He gets the crusty parts of bread, which just tear up the roof of my mouth.
-
Being the only one in my house who likes the skin on rotisserie chicken, so I get to eat all of it :)
Must be crispy.
Baguettes: when DD was little she didn't like the crispy crust and I loved it, so she got the inside and I got the outside. Win/win.
I have a good deal with my DH like this, too. I love skin and fat, so I get all of that whenever we eat meat. He gets the crusty parts of bread, which just tear up the roof of my mouth.
Garlic Bread - I love the ends, my wife doesn't like them at all. Yes!
-
getting the BBC tv via proxy. Makes me feel more at home here in the US of A.
-
Did that once upon a time but my method broke. What's your's?
-
Leftovers for lunch. Specifically home made baked beans on sourdough toast. Mmmmmm.
-
Getting groceries at ALDI. In and out in 20 minutes with a cart full of groceries for under $100.
-
Trashpicking. Scored some gift wrap and a rolling ice chest, both brand new!
-
I ordered lots of books and had them sent to my local library. It was closed for many weeks during the summer. Now they openend again and gave me notice that my pile of books has arrived. But now I am an vacation. I kindly asked them to keep the books for another week for me and they let me know they would do this.
-
I ordered lots of books and had them sent to my local library. It was closed for many weeks during the summer. Now they openend again and gave me notice that my pile of books has arrived. But now I am an vacation. I kindly asked them to keep the books for another week for me and they let me know they would do this.
I feel so RICH when I have a stack of library books to pickup. Libraries are the best!
-
Added fresh mint from our balcony garden to a salad. Scored some free stuff at a garage sale.
-
Harbor Freight Tools. :)
It's great for when a cheap copy is all you really need.
-
My daffodil and bluebell bulbs, which I planted a couple of years ago, have multiplied like crazy and I have divided heaps of them so I have free bulbs to plant in other parts of the garden.
-
Perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes from a local farm.
-
Getting a letter in the mail
Getting the recycling out to the curb on time
-
Playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends! Completely free with some internet resources and our imaginations~
-
Finishing a good book.
-
Elastic! 1/2 price clothing at the local thrift shop, so I bought a few pieces which have now been dissected to supply narrow elastic for face masks, as its sold out everywhere!
-
Elastic! 1/2 price clothing at the local thrift shop, so I bought a few pieces which have now been dissected to supply narrow elastic for face masks, as its sold out everywhere!
So smart!! Keeping items out of the landfill and creative reuse for the win!
Using scrap paper from a work office clean out. I wrote a pantry inventory on a piece with a print date of 5/2009 0.o
-
Elastic! 1/2 price clothing at the local thrift shop, so I bought a few pieces which have now been dissected to supply narrow elastic for face masks, as its sold out everywhere!
An even easier solution is to slice up old t-shirts to make mask ties! I prefer them to elastics, much more comfortable and secure.
-
Cheap pinot noir and fanfiction.
-
A post-prandial walk with my neighbour, marvelling how light it is now getting in the evenings.
-
Cheap pinot noir and fanfiction.
Tell us more???
-
Sadly, a toebean was harmed in yesterday's home nail trimming. I made it all the way to the last nail and cut too short, resulting in blood and an entire day of reproachful looks from her while curled up in a tiny, insulted ball on the couch.
Cheap things that make you unhappy..?
Oh no! I know that heart-achy feeling all too well. It seems that no matter how many times that you try to kiss the injured toebean better, the reproach remains. Since a similar accident in February, my dog turns into a thrashing giant squid whenever I get the clippers or dremel out. I wonder how many games of chase, kisses and butt-scratches it takes to earn forgiveness.
I collected rose petals and made rose water. It smells heavenly but I'm not decided on how to use it. Any suggestions?
Rose water/syrup can be used in a milkshake, with cardamon/nutmeg/cinnamon.
Growing up, had a lot of it. Also, I miss having a Falooda https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falooda (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falooda). Very common in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, parts of India.
-
Cheap pinot noir and fanfiction.
Tell us more???
Oh nothing special. I just buy whatever is on sale or bottom shelf. This bottle was $7. I just have a super unrefined palate.
-
Jiffy corn bread mix: $0.55
2/3 can of cream corn: $0.36
The most moist, most delicious, most simple cornbread ever cooked in a cast iron skillet: priceless
Topped with some of my mom's homemade wild blackberry jelly: gastronomic ecstasy
Makes enough cornbread for four meals or snacks. Very little nutritional value but not as bad a comfort food as say, boxed macaroni and cheese. :)
-
Jiffy corn bread mix: $0.55
2/3 can of cream corn: $0.36
The most moist, most delicious, most simple cornbread ever cooked in a cast iron skillet: priceless
Topped with some of my mom's homemade wild blackberry jelly: gastronomic ecstasy
Makes enough cornbread for four meals or snacks. Very little nutritional value but not as bad a comfort food as say, boxed macaroni and cheese. :)
I am totally going to try this. Sounds delicious.
-
I received a new mushroom book in the mail, that I contributed to by finding materials. So the book was for free. Normally I would have bought it.
-
i snipped some basil, and made delicious fried rice for dinner with eggs, basil and a bit of soy sauce.
-
Divided a huge rhubarb crown and passed bits on to friends. It costs me nothing but makes others happy!
-
Did that once upon a time but my method broke. What's your's?
We use a website called ukproxy.tv - they do everything for ya! :) It's great
-
I am grateful for each day that I can send DD to school because there have been no virus cases in the city.
-
a good audio book on a long road trip.
-
Watching our broody hen out and about with her new chicks. Watching our young rooster see his first batch of chicks, and make sweet noises to them. Adorable.
-
Perusing a stack of library books on gardening, and planning a new summer garden space. The planning part is the most fun, before the actual physical effort and spending $ on plants!
-
- YouTube jazz or chillhop mixes, as background music for work
- Free hand-me-down bags from family. Haven't had to buy my own bags for years now.
- The free coffee at the office
-
Throwing some old boxes into the yard and letting the dogs go wild shredding them
-
Walking to the national park that's a mile from my house and going on a hike through crisp autumn air.
-
I have been admiring/lusting after the massive snake plant on display at my fishmonger's for years. It is almost bursting out of its planter so I cheekily asked if I could take a cutting to help tidy it up. I am there almost every week and have a good relationship with the women who work there so they were more than happy for me to help myself. And bonus, the piece I took had roots attached so will establish much quicker than a cutting. Got to love a free indoor plant!
-
The sun shining today after the wet snow storm at night and in early morning.
-
Jacaranda flowers against a blue sky. They are impossibly purple
-
Did that once upon a time but my method broke. What's your's?
We use a website called ukproxy.tv - they do everything for ya! :) It's great
Thank you!
Cheap things that make us happy: up early on Saturday, coffee and a bit of mild TV before our offspring are awake.
DW loves the Great British Baking Show. I'm hooked right now on https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=absolutely+history
Watching our kittens wrestle and chase each other all over the house. Double kitten naps are entertaining to watch too.
Oh! I painted the mailbox. Geeez We sound so damn boring! ;)
It is our introverted antidote to a busy, extroverted week!
Time for chores now.
-
Finally tweaking my bike/birding trips so that I have the sun and wind at my back. And some unseasonably warm weather to go with it!
-
The smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven.
-
Jacaranda flowers against a blue sky. They are impossibly purple
Ooh, I love jacarandas. They don't grow here. I was mesmerized by them when I visited San Diego in late spring.
-
I'm very happy that the kitten we adopted 4 weeks ago has fit into the household so seamlessly. Our other cat takes his self-appointed role as foster dad very seriously, and our rabbit is only annoyed if the kitten startles her.
-
Jacaranda flowers against a blue sky. They are impossibly purple
Ooh, I love jacarandas. They don't grow here. I was mesmerized by them when I visited San Diego in late spring.
I really miss jacarandas. So startlingly beautiful that even someone like me, oblivious to almost all plants, flowers, trees, couldn't help but notice them.
And congrats on your animal family. Sounds so sweet!
-
I have been admiring/lusting after the massive snake plant on display at my fishmonger's for years. It is almost bursting out of its planter so I cheekily asked if I could take a cutting to help tidy it up. I am there almost every week and have a good relationship with the women who work there so they were more than happy for me to help myself. And bonus, the piece I took had roots attached so will establish much quicker than a cutting. Got to love a free indoor plant!
I wish we lived closer-I’d suggest exchanging cuttings.
-
This morning, I sipped hot coffee, and ate toasted homemade bread, slathered in butter, sprinkled with flaky sea salt. I was in the moment, and felt content, more than I have been in months.
-
I have been admiring/lusting after the massive snake plant on display at my fishmonger's for years. It is almost bursting out of its planter so I cheekily asked if I could take a cutting to help tidy it up. I am there almost every week and have a good relationship with the women who work there so they were more than happy for me to help myself. And bonus, the piece I took had roots attached so will establish much quicker than a cutting. Got to love a free indoor plant!
I wish we lived closer-I’d suggest exchanging cuttings.
Oh that is so sweet! I am constantly offering friends plant cuttings.
Today's happiness experience was going for a beach walk after dinner. It has been a hot day and the sea breeze was delightful.
-
Today I found out a coworker is being severely abused by their spouse.
I’m grateful for a loving spouse and a family ethos where we strive to treat each other with respect and kindness. Cheap and priceless!
-
I went on a hike and discovered the woods behind our neighborhood have a bunch of Holly trees. I'm going to take a few cuttings and put them in a wreath. I took some small moss samples
too and started some terrariums in old candle containers that I saved over the years. It's a project I've been meaning to do for a while and it feels good to finally have my little window sill moss garden set up.
I also bought myself a dried flower bouquet. I'm usually anti cut flowers but these seem like a really nice alternative that will last months if not years. PM me if you want a link to the flowers I found. They're only $37 for a big bouquet that's very colorful.
I'm feeling a bit of winter blues especially with social distancing so I'm hoping all these plants will add some cheerfulness to my house.
-
The angle of the sun this time of year. We have big south-facing windows across the front of our house, so we get lots of bright sunshine on days like today.
-
I went on a hike and discovered the woods behind our neighborhood have a bunch of Holly trees. I'm going to take a few cuttings and put them in a wreath. I took some small moss samples
too and started some terrariums in old candle containers that I saved over the years. It's a project I've been meaning to do for a while and it feels good to finally have my little window sill moss garden set up.
I also bought myself a dried flower bouquet. I'm usually anti cut flowers but these seem like a really nice alternative that will last months if not years. PM me if you want a link to the flowers I found. They're only $37 for a big bouquet that's very colorful.
I'm feeling a bit of winter blues especially with social distancing so I'm hoping all these plants will add some cheerfulness to my house.
Also take a look at fake flowers. They are looking better nowadays than they used to look like in the past. We have some nice ones from Ikea. Dried flowers can maybe last for a very long time as well.
-
Also take a look at fake flowers. They are looking better nowadays than they used to look like in the past. We have some nice ones from Ikea. Dried flowers can maybe last for a very long time as well.
Thanks, I think fake flowers are a great idea for the kitchen since it's sunnier and more humid. I hadn't really considered that before. I haven't received the dried flowers yet but according to the reviews they still smell nice even though they're dried. I'm thinking I'll add a few lavender sprigs if they start to lose their fresh scent. I also like the idea of being able to just compost it if I change my mind and don't want the bouquet anymore.
Edited to add: The flowers arrived! They are lovely and smell like cinnamon. Definitely a cheap thing that makes me happy.
-
Celebrating the Summer Solstice by going for a beach swim in the rain with friends.
-
A beautiful sunset.
-
During our holiday break, Ofpym and I have been going for long walks with our dog, getting a coffee from a different small cafe in the neighbourhood each day. It's an enjoyable preview of our future and if our biggest holiday expenses is $40 in delicious coffees, I think it's money well spent.
Yes, we have an espresso machine at home and normally that is what we drink but we deliberately loosen up the purse strings a little on holiday.
-
Listening to the rain drum upon the roof and porch, while cozy in a blanket sipping a glass of two buck chuck. :)
-
I have a window in the back of my house that doesn't need curtains. I installed a curtain rod across the middle and hung up some prisms, small windchimes, and a few other tiny charm-like fun items from the rod.
Now when the sun shines the prisms creates some rainbows on the walls. Just a fun little piece that makes me happy when I look at it.
-
Line drying my sheets so I can have that sun-fresh smell when I go to bed tonight. Hell, I might even wash my hair and put on clean pjs too. The holy trinity for a good night's sleep.
-
Yesterday we arrived home after a week vacation. In that week it has been snowing at home. To our surprice, our driveway was cleared of snow by a tractor. No idea who ordered that. Maybe it included in the rental an included in the rent? Luxury.
-
Excellent craft beer on sale at half price, only due to being near 'best by' date, or slightly past. There's so much hops and alcohol though, it never goes bad (in my humble opinion!).
-
I love the containers for the hummus we buy. You know how incredibly irritating it can be to have a collection of plastic tubs in your cupboard, and you can never find a lid that fits the container you've just filled with something?
Well, there are two brands of hummus we buy and they have distinctive lids. The larger one is perfect to hold a single serving of leftover pasta/sauce, chili, stir-fry, etc. The smaller one is perfect for holding random bits of food (e.g. half a container of coconut milk). I can always find a container and I can always find a lid that fits. Life is so much easier. The lids fit well and stay closed, so we can freeze food in them and provide leftovers to other people, too, without worrying about spills.
-
The crossword puzzles in the weekend newspaper. I can’t remember the last time I did a crossword, but I just entertained myself thusly for the last 90 minutes. It’s so satisfying to fill in the boxes and then have another answer or two become apparent.
-
Stocking the little library near my house. It's fun to pass books along to other readers.
-
The crossword puzzles in the weekend newspaper. I can’t remember the last time I did a crossword, but I just entertained myself thusly for the last 90 minutes. It’s so satisfying to fill in the boxes and then have another answer or two become apparent.
I just discovered the (free) jigsaw puzzles that come with Windows 10. More challenging than cribbage or sudoku on the computer.
-
Excellent craft beer on sale at half price, only due to being near 'best by' date, or slightly past. There's so much hops and alcohol though, it never goes bad (in my humble opinion!).
IPA, India Pale Ale, was made in England to supply the market for the English colonials in India, who wanted beer from home. They found that making it extra strong and extra hoppy was the best way for it to survive the long sea voyage and still be drinkable, they specially bewed this Ale for India, and it became India Pale Ale. Thats why an IPA was always strong and hoppy.
Cheap little facts like that make me happy
-
We had a salad that included a wee handful of arugula from the garden (grown in a half-assed cold frame I built out of a found glass door). Just the idea of greens from the garden in a Toronto January makes me smile.
-
Going for a walk in the sunshine and soaking in some Vitamin D. I also take a Vitamin D pill every morning -- it makes a huge difference in during winter.
-
We had a salad that included a wee handful of arugula from the garden (grown in a half-assed cold frame I built out of a found glass door). Just the idea of greens from the garden in a Toronto January makes me smile.
Arugula is delicious! Well done.
My husband just started a new round of basil seeds for his indoor hydroponic setup. The last batch made the best pesto I’ve ever eaten, so I’m optimistic.
-
I'm 19 days sober. Cheap because I haven't had to spent a single penny, happy because I'm not hungover!
-
Finally getting around to old home organization chores I have put off for a while. Tools for example. When something broke I was able to make the repair quickly with zero irritation. We moved some time ago and I've never really settled into my garage shop completely. Getting better. Slowly.
-
Free or inexpensive online courses from top notch universities.
I'm doing an intensive 3 month course on Canadian Indigenous history, which is free, or $65 for a certificate that can be linked on my LinkedIn.
-
I'm 19 days sober. Cheap because I haven't had to spent a single penny, happy because I'm not hungover!
Ditto! (Yay for us!)
Also, free yoga via "Yoga with Adrienne" on YouTube, and a multi-grain bread recipe that makes fluffy bread.
Yay for us! A sober forum I'm part of is big on Yoga for Adrienne. I've just got into yoga and am loving it.
-
I'm 19 days sober. Cheap because I haven't had to spent a single penny, happy because I'm not hungover!
Ditto! (Yay for us!)
Also, free yoga via "Yoga with Adrienne" on YouTube, and a multi-grain bread recipe that makes fluffy bread.
Yay for us! A sober forum I'm part of is big on Yoga for Adrienne. I've just got into yoga and am loving it.
Wow! I tip my hat to both of you! Congratulations!
-
The days are getting longer, which means that just as we prepare breakfast, the sun peeks over the horizon and floods our home with light.
-
Getting and giving away things through my local BuyNothing group - I have gotten gently used Bogs boots, a bunch of classic books, given away a crib, clothes, etc. It is so great to have a community of this sort - it is a win win - de-clutter my space and and the same time find someone who would truly enjoy having the items you don't need.
-
Getting and giving away things through my local BuyNothing group - I have gotten gently used Bogs boots, a bunch of classic books, given away a crib, clothes, etc. It is so great to have a community of this sort - it is a win win - de-clutter my space and and the same time find someone who would truly enjoy having the items you don't need.
A positive thing about the internet for sure! I've become so spoiled by my Buy Nothing group that when I don't have a response for something that I've posted within 20 minutes, I check to see what I did wrong with my post. Truly, one person's trash is another person's treasure!
-
I second Yoga with Adriene. I try to do at least two of her videos a week.
Knitting myself a headband after losing my store bought one.
Working on a puzzle that was a Christmas gift.
-
Proofing whole wheat pizza dough for dinner tonight. I've never used 100% whole wheat flour for pizza dough. It's KA flour and a KA recipe, so I'm optimistic!
-
I worked on a 5D diamond painting with DD. It was so nice spending time with my daughter and doing something relaxing and creative. We already have the perfect spot for it in our apartment, once it's done.
-
Oooh I'll play.
Not just library books, but libraries in general are magical places to me. Anywhere I've travelled I've always insisted on visiting at least one local library. Old book smell is lovely to me!
On the note of smells - candles and the smell of coffee
Hiking and nature. I love quiet walks in nature
My lovely dog being so excited to see me after the end of a long day
And last but not least, my family - my husband's corny jokes and my baby's gummy smiles :)
-
I had an apple that was looking a bit shriveled in the fridge, so I used it to make a German apple cake. All I could think of as I was beating the butter and eggs into oblivion was, “No wonder there’s the stereotype that German women are strong if this is how they made their cakes without the benefit of a mixer!”
-
Not just library books, but libraries in general are magical places to me. Anywhere I've travelled I've always insisted on visiting at least one local library. Old book smell is lovely to me!
+1
Our local library is off rakish 60s design (I love it); the fairly newly built library in Birmingham (UK) is of contemporary design outside but has a Harry Potter -ish interior in places (albeit thoroughly modern). I wish more had a cafe. Bookshops with cafes are as good as libraries sometimes - but they’re not free :-(
-
Found a one bowl banana bread recipe. It's a rainy day, so chocolate chip banana bread it is!
-
A warm loaf of banana nut bread is good. But my favorite is hugs. Warm, loving hugs.
-
Watching my son hang out with friends he hasn't seen in a year. Seeing him so happy makes me even happier.
-
I had an apple that was looking a bit shriveled in the fridge, so I used it to make a German apple cake. All I could think of as I was beating the butter and eggs into oblivion was, “No wonder there’s the stereotype that German women are strong if this is how they made their cakes without the benefit of a mixer!”
I like how 90% @Freedomin5 's posts are about food (or maybe those are just the ones that I notice). It makes me feel like we're neighbours instead of half a world away.
Making yummy food makes me happy! 😊 DH and DD aren’t always impressed by my culinary experiments though. Today, I finished off my pumpkin carrot soup because no one else wanted it. Last night, DD ate an entire bowl of the soup while giving me a thumbs down. When asked, she said it tasted bad but she ate it because she’s not allowed to complain about the food.
-
I gave DD a haircut and gave her bangs. She received several compliments from teachers today. I copied my old hairstylist’s moves to create a layered, piece-y look. It also helps that DD has a cute round face and large eyes, so it’s easy to just frame her face with a shoulder-length layered bob. Probably saved myself between $20-$40 (I have no idea how much a children’s haircut costs).
-
Trying new recipes for the first time and having them turn out well. This one was a make ahead breakfast egg "muffin" and the bacon ones were delicious! Today I'm going to make caprese stuffed Portobello mushrooms for lunch.
-
The herb seeds that I have planted have begun to sprout...now I have tiny bits of green to brighten my mood and kitchen counter.
-
Chickpeas.
Chickpeas are wonderful.
-
Writing another chapter of my fanfiction, then going back to look it over and thinking to myself "Damn! This is good!"
-
The sound wind makes through pine tree needles.
Watching my dog and her "cousins" play every week: https://photos.app.goo.gl/WnLWYV8YK2s3riAQ9
-
My cosmos seeds are now strong little seedlings. Looking forward to a riot of summer colour in a few weeks. Plus my dahlias are huge and prolific. I love my garden.
-
The sound wind makes through pine tree needles.
Watching my dog and her "cousins" play every week: https://photos.app.goo.gl/WnLWYV8YK2s3riAQ9
What is that white stuff on the ground? I've never seen 3-4 inches of frost.... ;)
(We live south of the Mason Dixson line. We don't get much snow but we had a white Christmas this year! Wahoo!)
-
I cut my hair. It’s now a more manageable length, and I’m quite satisfied with how it turned out.
-
Long walks outside in extremely bright and sunny but absolutely freezing days. Getting ready for one now (-30C/-22F).
It's not the coldest today, but it's cold enough that there's something about the air and the way sound travels that's different.
-
Long walks outside in extremely bright and sunny but absolutely freezing days. Getting ready for one now (-30C/-22F).
It's not the coldest today, but it's cold enough that there's something about the air and the way sound travels that's different.
Glad to find someone else who enjoys this!
Whenever it got below -25ºC I'd walk over to the St Lawrence (frozen) and look at the city of Levis across from Québec - instead of the normal "twinkling" the lights would just be completely clear and almost... closer... looking. There's so little distortion in the air at those temperatures, and almost zero water.
Plus... it keeps most people inside!
-
Long walks outside in extremely bright and sunny but absolutely freezing days. Getting ready for one now (-30C/-22F).
It's not the coldest today, but it's cold enough that there's something about the air and the way sound travels that's different.
Glad to find someone else who enjoys this!
Whenever it got below -25ºC I'd walk over to the St Lawrence (frozen) and look at the city of Levis across from Québec - instead of the normal "twinkling" the lights would just be completely clear and almost... closer... looking. There's so little distortion in the air at those temperatures, and almost zero water.
Plus... it keeps most people inside!
So true. It feels almost post apocalyptic when it's cold enough. Today isn't quite that cold, but when it's -40C/-40F or colder, that's when it feels like I've got the city to myself.
I expect others to be out on the river path today though. It's not ultra cold yet.
-
Long walks outside in extremely bright and sunny but absolutely freezing days. Getting ready for one now (-30C/-22F).
It's not the coldest today, but it's cold enough that there's something about the air and the way sound travels that's different.
Glad to find someone else who enjoys this!
Whenever it got below -25ºC I'd walk over to the St Lawrence (frozen) and look at the city of Levis across from Québec - instead of the normal "twinkling" the lights would just be completely clear and almost... closer... looking. There's so little distortion in the air at those temperatures, and almost zero water.
Plus... it keeps most people inside!
So true. It feels almost post apocalyptic when it's cold enough. Today isn't quite that cold, but when it's -40C/-40F or colder, that's when it feels like I've got the city to myself.
I expect others to be out on the river path today though. It's not ultra cold yet.
It's -17C here this morning and the sun is sparkling off the snow. So pretty. May take a walk later if it doesn't cloud over. This is much nicer than -5 and full overcast.
-
Long walks outside in extremely bright and sunny but absolutely freezing days. Getting ready for one now (-30C/-22F).
It's not the coldest today, but it's cold enough that there's something about the air and the way sound travels that's different.
Glad to find someone else who enjoys this!
Whenever it got below -25ºC I'd walk over to the St Lawrence (frozen) and look at the city of Levis across from Québec - instead of the normal "twinkling" the lights would just be completely clear and almost... closer... looking. There's so little distortion in the air at those temperatures, and almost zero water.
Plus... it keeps most people inside!
I love this, too. I take an hour-long walk every day. There’s almost no one out these days, which makes it even better.
-
Long walks outside in extremely bright and sunny but absolutely freezing days. Getting ready for one now (-30C/-22F).
It's not the coldest today, but it's cold enough that there's something about the air and the way sound travels that's different.
Glad to find someone else who enjoys this!
Whenever it got below -25ºC I'd walk over to the St Lawrence (frozen) and look at the city of Levis across from Québec - instead of the normal "twinkling" the lights would just be completely clear and almost... closer... looking. There's so little distortion in the air at those temperatures, and almost zero water.
Plus... it keeps most people inside!
I love this, too. I take an hour-long walk every day. There’s almost no one out these days, which makes it even better.
There were a few people out on the path today. I live by a very long river path, which is heavily used year round. There were about a half dozen cyclists and two cross country skiers out this morning.
That's another cheap thing I love, not sure if I've posted it already, but I live right by a river with a paved walking/biking path on both sides that I can walk or bike for hours and hours on end. It's the best thing about my city.
-
Long walks outside in extremely bright and sunny but absolutely freezing days. Getting ready for one now (-30C/-22F).
It's not the coldest today, but it's cold enough that there's something about the air and the way sound travels that's different.
Glad to find someone else who enjoys this!
Whenever it got below -25ºC I'd walk over to the St Lawrence (frozen) and look at the city of Levis across from Québec - instead of the normal "twinkling" the lights would just be completely clear and almost... closer... looking. There's so little distortion in the air at those temperatures, and almost zero water.
Plus... it keeps most people inside!
I love this, too. I take an hour-long walk every day. There’s almost no one out these days, which makes it even better.
There were a few people out on the path today. I live by a very long river path, which is heavily used year round. There were about a half dozen cyclists and two cross country skiers out this morning.
That's another cheap thing I love, not sure if I've posted it already, but I live right by a river with a paved walking/biking path on both sides that I can walk or bike for hours and hours on end. It's the best thing about my city.
Not sure if it can be considered "cheap", but we are contemplating spending ~$50k more to live a few hundred meters from a paved walking/biking path that would connect us to the town's main street, the commuter rail and easy, safe commuting to both work and our daughter's school. Being close to this path is the #1 thing we like about the location (and we could "save" a lot of $ by moving a couple miles away).
-
Long walks outside in extremely bright and sunny but absolutely freezing days. Getting ready for one now (-30C/-22F).
It's not the coldest today, but it's cold enough that there's something about the air and the way sound travels that's different.
Glad to find someone else who enjoys this!
Whenever it got below -25ºC I'd walk over to the St Lawrence (frozen) and look at the city of Levis across from Québec - instead of the normal "twinkling" the lights would just be completely clear and almost... closer... looking. There's so little distortion in the air at those temperatures, and almost zero water.
Plus... it keeps most people inside!
I love this, too. I take an hour-long walk every day. There’s almost no one out these days, which makes it even better.
There were a few people out on the path today. I live by a very long river path, which is heavily used year round. There were about a half dozen cyclists and two cross country skiers out this morning.
That's another cheap thing I love, not sure if I've posted it already, but I live right by a river with a paved walking/biking path on both sides that I can walk or bike for hours and hours on end. It's the best thing about my city.
Not sure if it can be considered "cheap", but we are contemplating spending ~$50k more to live a few hundred meters from a paved walking/biking path that would connect us to the town's main street, the commuter rail and easy, safe commuting to both work and our daughter's school. Being close to this path is the #1 thing we like about the location (and we could "save" a lot of $ by moving a couple miles away).
I LOVE living right by this path. I used to be a few miles away, and I didn't use the path as much because it was a bit of a haul just to get here. Now it's a couple of hundreds of yards from my door, and we use it constantly. It was DH's path to work before Covid as well, which was perfect. Housing near this path is starting to explode here, I'm so glad we bought when we did.
-
A nice set of bed sheets, comforter, and pillow make a world of difference.
-
It’s sunny and not freezing cold today. I went for a forty minute bike ride in the sunshine. The smell of baked goods also makes me happy — brownies, granola bars, and buttery cake.
-
Scotland gives its plows funny names and and tracks them in real time: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab)
-
A nice hot loaf of home made bread right out of the oven. The smell was amazing. I smeared a slice with butter and the crust was still crispy.
Being able to appreciate the small things. I mean, really recognize and being able to enjoy the small things that are right in front of us.
-
Scotland gives its plows funny names and and tracks them in real time: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab)
This is amazing. I'd be honored to spot Buzz Iceclear or Lord Coldemort in person.
Yesterday there was a dove sitting outside my window. I love seeing wildlife.
-
It’s sunny and not freezing cold today. I went for a forty minute bike ride in the sunshine. The smell of baked goods also makes me happy — brownies, granola bars, and buttery cake.
my bike commute home from the gym passed a steakhouse, a brewery and a coffee roaster. it was lovely.
-
Our new puppy taking a nap on top of my feet. She's lovely.
-
Biked to a flower market this afternoon and bought a few plants for our balcony.
-
After averaging 120-130 miles cycling a week in 2018 and 2019, I moved to a new town in 2020. I had my routine thrown out and slacked off on my riding, to the detriment of my mental and physical health. I think I ended 2020 with less than 1000miles for the year.
Today I just finished two weeks in a row of 6 mornings per week cycling 11 miles on a quiet gravel and bitumen road loop from my house. This morning I attacked some of the undulating hills and finally started to feel fit and powerful on the bike, beat my best time by 3 minutes. I forgot how important that regular, intense effort in the beautiful still morning hours was to me, and how it sets up a great base line for the rest of the day. I feel so good after this 2 weeks that I'm going to continue and target a modest 60mi/week for the rest of the year.
We'll see how far into the southen hemisphere winter I can keep to the goal (it falls below freezing regularly in the winter mornings here).
-
It’s finally warm enough to have lunch on the balcony!
-
A hot cup of tea!
-
Scotland gives its plows funny names and and tracks them in real time: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab)
Lol, Sled Zepplin and Spready Mercury! Thanks for this fun link, OJ!
-
Scotland gives its plows funny names and and tracks them in real time: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab)
Lol, Sled Zepplin and Spready Mercury! Thanks for this fun link, OJ!
I’m a big fan of the simply-named “Mr Plow”
(See The Simpsons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Plow) S4, E9)
-
Scotland gives its plows funny names and and tracks them in real time: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab)
Lol, Sled Zepplin and Spready Mercury! Thanks for this fun link, OJ!
I’m a big fan of the simply-named “Mr Plow”
(See The Simpsons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Plow) S4, E9)
Seeing the joy these names being is a cheap thing that makes me happy.
I'm surprised they haven't caused more accidents. I can't help turning my head to check the name every time I see one in real life!
-
Scotland gives its plows funny names and and tracks them in real time: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2de764a9303848ffb9a4cac0bd0b1aab)
Lol, Sled Zepplin and Spready Mercury! Thanks for this fun link, OJ!
I’m a big fan of the simply-named “Mr Plow”
(See The Simpsons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Plow) S4, E9)
These are my three favorites.
-
Sex
Hammock
Hiking
Campfire
Stargazing
Sex
Board Games
Video Games
Talking with Friends
-
Spent some time down at the salvage yard this morning, picking up a few parts for our old cars. I pulled a couple of seatbelts to send off for new webbing--the ones in my car are very reluctant to retract.
Car parts out of a salvage yard are stupid cheap. The one I go to has their vehicle inventory posted online, with the location of each vehicle in the lot, so it's super easy to find what you're looking for.
-
Sex
Hammock
Hiking
Campfire
Stargazing
Sex
Board Games
Video Games
Talking with Friends
Sounds like a good way to spend a Sunday
-
8-foot galvanized steel cattle panels on sale for $13 each to use as a garden trellis. I think they look cool and modern propped against a fence. They’ll look even cooler covered in vines in a few months.
-
Sex
Hammock
Hiking
Campfire
Stargazing
Sex
Board Games
Video Games
Talking with Friends
Sounds like a good way to spend a Sunday
Thanks it was!
-
Spent some time down at the salvage yard this morning, picking up a few parts for our old cars. I pulled a couple of seatbelts to send off for new webbing--the ones in my car are very reluctant to retract.
Car parts out of a salvage yard are stupid cheap. The one I go to has their vehicle inventory posted online, with the location of each vehicle in the lot, so it's super easy to find what you're looking for.
Who re-webs seatbelts? Thanks!
-
Spent some time down at the salvage yard this morning, picking up a few parts for our old cars. I pulled a couple of seatbelts to send off for new webbing--the ones in my car are very reluctant to retract.
Car parts out of a salvage yard are stupid cheap. The one I go to has their vehicle inventory posted online, with the location of each vehicle in the lot, so it's super easy to find what you're looking for.
Who re-webs seatbelts? Thanks!
This is the company that I used this time: My Safety Belts (https://www.mysafetybelts.com/webbing-replacement). It's $75 per belt. Safety Restore (https://www.safetyrestore.com/webbing-replacement) charges $100/belt.
-
Thanks. I have a couple antique cars and we're putting our old car back on the road when our teen takes over our second oldest car. 20 year old seatbelts are a little worrying.
-
That moment of peace in the home gym with my wife after the 4 and 2 year olds have been fed, bathed, brushed, read to and put down for the night.
-
A deck of cards.
I have discovered (old game that has been around forever) Yukon Solitaire. This is my favorite Solitaire game I've played so far, it involves a lot of movement and thought. You can obviously find a video on youtube showing the mechanics of how to play or just play online from multiple sites.
We had a family get together and I taught everyone to play.
My tips:
Worry more about organizing the columns (K down to A, opposite color) than building the foundations.
Just because a move is available, doesn't mean it is the best move.
Uncovering cards is the key, and what keeps you from winning. Focus especially on the larger piles to the right.
-
Continuing on the cards theme -- Cribbage makes me very happy. I've been playing it with my kids since they were in grade school (it's great for teaching math) and we still play it several times week. It's usually a two player game, but with just a few minor rule tweaks and a three-player board, it's an awesome game for three. Three-handed cribbage has been our go-to family activity for the pandemic lockdown. Some days when everyone is busy doing their own (usually online) thing, it's the only time when we sit down together.
-
Continuing on the cards theme -- Cribbage makes me very happy. I've been playing it with my kids since they were in grade school (it's great for teaching math) and we still play it several times week. It's usually a two player game, but with just a few minor rule tweaks and a three-player board, it's an awesome game for three. Three-handed cribbage has been our go-to family activity for the pandemic lockdown. Some days when everyone is busy doing their own (usually online) thing, it's the only time when we sit down together.
I taught DH Cribbage when our power company was triggering days-long power outages, the summer before last. We sit down to play together almost every night after dinner (despite the fact that our power never went out, lol). DH has become an insanely good player and regularly trounces me, as detailed in my journal the other day. (Sorry if you've heard this before.). Last night, i skunked him again, followed by another win. He won the final game by just a few points. After a week long string of losses recently, I admit, it felt great to skunk him twice in close succession.
My Dad took up Cribbage after I was up and out of the house. He played with friends and my youngest sister. It makes me feel connected with them every time DH and I sit down to play.
-
Continuing on the cards theme -- Cribbage makes me very happy. I've been playing it with my kids since they were in grade school (it's great for teaching math) and we still play it several times week. It's usually a two player game, but with just a few minor rule tweaks and a three-player board, it's an awesome game for three. Three-handed cribbage has been our go-to family activity for the pandemic lockdown. Some days when everyone is busy doing their own (usually online) thing, it's the only time when we sit down together.
I taught DH Cribbage when our power company was triggering days-long power outages, the summer before last. We sit down to play together almost every night after dinner (despite the fact that our power never went out, lol). DH has become an insanely good player and regularly trounces me, as detailed in my journal the other day. (Sorry if you've heard this before.). Last night, i skunked him again, followed by another win. He won the final game by just a few points. After a week long string of losses recently, I admit, it felt great to skunk him twice in close succession.
My Dad took up Cribbage after I was up and out of the house. He played with friends and my youngest sister. It makes me feel connected with them every time DH and I sit down to play.
:)
It really is a great game.
-
Thanks to Spotify, I just learned that the band Faith No More recorded a decent cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” (a much beloved song from my childhood).
-
I miss cribbage. Before we moved I had a few people in my life who knew how to play. Since we moved, I ask every one I meet and still haven't found anyone who knows how.
You can play online and keep your skills sharp until you find some players IRL.
-
Thanks to Spotify, I just learned that the band Faith No More recorded a decent cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” (a much beloved song from my childhood).
i love a good cover version.
-
Thanks to Spotify, I just learned that the band Faith No More recorded a decent cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” (a much beloved song from my childhood).
i love a good cover version.
Fun fact! The guitarist from Faith No More quit the band at the height of their success as a touring musician playing to tens of thousands of fans each night because he wanted to chase his true dream - of being a pumpkin farmer. :P
-
Thanks to Spotify, I just learned that the band Faith No More recorded a decent cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” (a much beloved song from my childhood).
i love a good cover version.
Fun fact! The guitarist from Faith No More quit the band at the height of their success as a touring musician playing to tens of thousands of fans each night because he wanted to chase his true dream - of being a pumpkin farmer. :P
is he into smashing pumpkins now?
-
Thanks to Spotify, I just learned that the band Faith No More recorded a decent cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” (a much beloved song from my childhood).
i love a good cover version.
Fun fact! The guitarist from Faith No More quit the band at the height of their success as a touring musician playing to tens of thousands of fans each night because he wanted to chase his true dream - of being a pumpkin farmer. :P
is he into smashing pumpkins now?
I'm on my phone and usually zoom in enough that I don't see names or avatars of people responding. So you can imagine my shock when I realized that this reply *wasn't* from dadjokes.
-
Thanks to Spotify, I just learned that the band Faith No More recorded a decent cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” (a much beloved song from my childhood).
i love a good cover version.
Fun fact! The guitarist from Faith No More quit the band at the height of their success as a touring musician playing to tens of thousands of fans each night because he wanted to chase his true dream - of being a pumpkin farmer. :P
is he into smashing pumpkins now?
Ha! Well played.
Also, didn't Bill Berry (drummer) of REM also quit to be a farmer? I guess even crazy famous rock stars dream of FIRE.
-
Thanks to Spotify, I just learned that the band Faith No More recorded a decent cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” (a much beloved song from my childhood).
i love a good cover version.
Fun fact! The guitarist from Faith No More quit the band at the height of their success as a touring musician playing to tens of thousands of fans each night because he wanted to chase his true dream - of being a pumpkin farmer. :P
is he into smashing pumpkins now?
Ha! Well played.
Also, didn't Bill Berry (drummer) of REM also quit to be a farmer? I guess even crazy famous rock stars dream of FIRE.
i think he had an aneurism? brain tumor? i think he quit when they were already past their prime.
-
Remaining resolutely off-topic, even fairly famous musicians make less money than people think. In fact, some record industry contracts have clauses forbidding musicians from discussing their earnings, because the amounts are so little!
And I remember that when a fairly well-known Canadian band (Blue Rodeo) decided to go full-time, one of them quit because he didn't want to give up his job at the post office.
Back on topic, seeing my first vulture of the year made me happy, because it's the bird that confirms that summer will probably actually show up this year.
-
Poppies in the spring! When I lived in Southern California, I was completely unfamiliar with my state flower. Now that I live in the northern half, springtime hikes bring lots of green hills covered in cheerful orange. They are a deceptively simple flower, but just so dang uplifting, especially in large groups.
-
Remaining resolutely off-topic, even fairly famous musicians make less money than people think. In fact, some record industry contracts have clauses forbidding musicians from discussing their earnings, because the amounts are so little!
The author Robert Greene has in several interviews mentioned his time working in Hollywood and drew the conclusion that many people there are in it mainly for the fame and others have found ways to stay under the radar but keep the big bucks. Probably similar in the music industry.
Speaking of cheap things that make you happy - listening to interviews with great minds like that of Robert Greene does it for me.
As does the good weather hitting my part of the world today - I'm finally able to have lunch outside and thus with a friend I've hardly seen for a year even though we live quite close. Good weather for me in March means sunshine and 12-13 degrees Celsius, which I think is north of 50 degrees in Freedom Units. :)
-
Thanks to Spotify, I just learned that the band Faith No More recorded a decent cover of the Commodores’ “Easy” (a much beloved song from my childhood).
i love a good cover version.
Fun fact! The guitarist from Faith No More quit the band at the height of their success as a touring musician playing to tens of thousands of fans each night because he wanted to chase his true dream - of being a pumpkin farmer. :P
is he into smashing pumpkins now?
rofl
-
All ebook and emagazine offerings from the library are a cheap thing that makes me happy—I think I’ve got all my systems sorted after a year of pandemic lockdown. It’s so fabulous to be able to read Mother Earth News, for example, without having to recycle or return a physical object later on. I’ve been reading so many books about permaculture topics, fungi, soil ecosystems, food systems, cooking and so forth.
-
Poppies in the spring! When I lived in Southern California, I was completely unfamiliar with my state flower. Now that I live in the northern half, springtime hikes bring lots of green hills covered in cheerful orange. They are a deceptively simple flower, but just so dang uplifting, especially in large groups.
Me, too! I also love that they help me tell time. If they're not open, I know it's too damn early to be out hiking. If they begin to close, I know I don't have much daylight left and I need to get a move on.
-
I just bought 3 journals for 2 euro each. I can finally keep track of my Dungeon and Dragon campaigns separately. Instead of having 4 storylines mixed up. And they came in fun colours too!
-
The Detroit Tigers won their home opener, and it was absolutely free to listen to the game on my little AM/FM radio.
-
Made a delicious cold soba noodle salad for dinner on a hot day, from ingredients I had on hand. The dressing was killer.
-
Made a delicious cold soba noodle salad for dinner on a hot day, from ingredients I had on hand. The dressing was killer.
Please share! :)
-
@Trifele happy to oblige! Dressing was
1/2 fresh lime, juiced
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1.5 tbps soy sauce
1 tbps rice wine vinegar
1.5 tbsp maple syrup
2 teaspoons sriracha
Just boiled soba noodles, cooled , then chopped up avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and spring onion (I think?) and tossed together.
-
Composting! Try a layered pile of leaves, grass clippings, house veggie wastes and then put a lawn chair nearby... After about 2 weeks, turn the pile. Then a week or so later, put a thermometer in to ensure it's around 110 to 125 degrees so it's warm, but doesn't kill off the good critters breaking things down. Then enjoy the show watching bugs and worms and fungi all playing in the pile the next couple of months. Then spread on anything you want to grow VIGOROUSLY!
-
@Trifele happy to oblige! Dressing was
1/2 fresh lime, juiced
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1.5 tbps soy sauce
1 tbps rice wine vinegar
1.5 tbsp maple syrup
2 teaspoons sriracha
Just boiled soba noodles, cooled , then chopped up avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and spring onion (I think?) and tossed together.
Thank you @lazycow! That sounds fabulous. it's going to be dinner tonight.
-
@lazycow -- you were right, sauce is killer! Dinner was great and I just made another batch for breakfast. Mmm.
-
This BBC headline: Mystery tree beast turns out to be croissant (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56757956)
-
Taking leftovers to work for lunch and having my coworkers comment how good my lunch looks while they eat lunches that they paid 5-8 dollars for.
-
This BBC headline: Mystery tree beast turns out to be croissant (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56757956)
Thank you! That was hilarious and brightened my day.
-
A classic that never gets old -- watching the sun rise. :)
-
Got a booklet of US Post Office stamps titled "Fruits & Vegetables." Wow, the paintings are lush, almost like a medieval style. Colors and lighting are fantastic.
Yes, I still use stamps to send cards and the occasional letter, but I almost just want to keep these on my desk as artwork.
-
A classic that never gets old -- watching the sun rise. :)
Amen to that! I was a few minutes early this morning to catch the sunrise, but I saw it hitting the peaks of the roofs as I got home. To add to the sunrise, the pond by our house was mirror-smooth this morning as the pre-dawn light bloomed over the horizon.
-
Embroidery. The supplies are really cheap and it takes up a good bit of time. I love seeing the picture emerge and doing the stitches is relaxing.
-
Replaced a scraggly and fracturing old fence rail with a brand new one I painted with linseed oil protectant. Fence looks a lot better now! Wasn't cheap imho, but I saved a fortune doing it myself, therefore it makes me happy.
-
the salad or the recipe??? ;)
-
My mint plant is growing very well, and today, I put a sprig of mint in my pink lemonade. Perfection!
-
Embroidery. The supplies are really cheap and it takes up a good bit of time. I love seeing the picture emerge and doing the stitches is relaxing.
It's one of my favourite forms of meditation!
-
Just bought some cute planner (https://printsbery.com/planner-templates/daily/undated) online. Today the sun is shining, it's Saturday, one of my closest friends is coming over for pizza and Disney movies, and my dogs were super cuddly this morning when we woke up.
-
My therapist says I need to practice more intentional gratitude so here goes:
Good coffee
Biking weather
Getting $100 worth of books for free from the library
Fresh herbs from the garden
-
Good coffee
Amen to that. That first cup of strong black coffee at the break of dawn.. that's life. :)
-
My therapist says I need to practice more intentional gratitude so here goes:
Good coffee
Biking weather
Getting $100 worth of books for free from the library
Fresh herbs from the garden
I have an app that prompts me to write a half dozen things I'm grateful for. I thought I was hokey bullshit until I read some of the excellent research behind the habit. So now I dutifully, although grudgingly, do it every morning.
-
Biking weather
All weather is biking weather, so you must be happy all the time!
-
Biking weather
All weather is biking weather, so you must be happy all the time!
Touché. I do take the bus when the roads are icy, but most days are biking days recently.
-
Cheap fleece blankets make me happy. So soft. So cuddly.
-
@Trifele happy to oblige! Dressing was
1/2 fresh lime, juiced
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1.5 tbps soy sauce
1 tbps rice wine vinegar
1.5 tbsp maple syrup
2 teaspoons sriracha
Just boiled soba noodles, cooled , then chopped up avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and spring onion (I think?) and tossed together.
Thank you @lazycow! That sounds fabulous. it's going to be dinner tonight.
This sounds so good I think I'll make a double batch to start. It's a bonus that I have every single ingredient on hand.
-
It was a beautiful bike ride this morning. Fog was covering the hilltops, spring in the air, things are greening up, a brisk 40 degrees. Perfect!
-
My neti pot is making me cheaply happy now that the pollen counts are sky high. :)
-
My net pot is making me cheaply happy now that the pollen counts are sky high. :)
So gross, so satisfying.
-
With our lovely spring weather I've been going to bed in the evening with the windows open, and listening to the wood thrushes sing. It echoes in the woods. Such a beautiful, ethereal song -- It makes you feel like you're in a magical place like Rivendell . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7TXeou9XQk
-
yes birds :)Right now I have the hummingbird coming around, we call him Spud, and titmouse, cardinal, woodpeckers, a whole bunch of others. It is lovely.
I bought a really cheap magnetic screen thing for our back door, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ESSA9VO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_389WP8KMGFFRX98Z84KK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
and the feeder is right outside it. I'm drinking a cup of tea right now watching the birds - or I will be once I'm done typing.
-
I'll third the birds! Right now I'm watching a flicker maneuver around our small suet block on the deck. My cat is "armchair hunting" the flicker from the couch, but due to a sturdy glass door the flicker is completely safe and it knows it.
-
We don't have songbirds, but we have peeper frogs in the swam near our house. I don't know what species they actually are, but they make this cool, musical peeping noise. It's so lovely on our evening walks.
-
I love the peepers this time of year
-
Spent four dollars on succulents and made a little fairy garden. DD painted a little wooden house to put in the fairy garden.
-
My therapist says I need to practice more intentional gratitude so here goes:
Good coffee
Biking weather
Getting $100 worth of books for free from the library
Fresh herbs from the garden
I also have to remind myself regularly to focus on positive things and experiences. It is so easy to fall into the fault-finding mental trap of negativity.
So I second the fresh herbs - and lettuces! - from the garden (or atm, our greenhouse) and the biking weather.
We started the seedlings in the beginning of March and now have already lots of chives, mint and parsley - as well as a variety of lettuces.
Basil and coriander are still a bit behind, and ofc we are still waiting for the tomatoes and zucchinis to blossom.
Add to the cheap things that make me happy: a cozy, lazy Sunday morning, sitting in my PJ just reading curious and entertaining things (not so much news, too toxic these days) with a fruity non-alcoholic cocktai or herbal infusion.
-
First cheap thing that makes me happy: Foraging. We spent a day in the woods and came home with plenty of spruce tips, elderflowers, and nettle (along with a few stings).
Second cheap thing that makes me happy: Cooking, preserving, and brewing with the foraged foods.
-
Birds birds birds!!!!
Migration is in full swing, and in our yard or neighborhood in the past two weeks we've had:
western kingbirds ('squeaky toy birds' as I call them), avocets, black-necked stilts, scissortail flycatchers...
-
...broad-winged hawks, Swainson's hawks, and Mississippi kites all arriving back.
-
Meanwhile, the squabbly, free-loading pine siskins are still straggling around refusing to go north.
And in the past couple of days we've seen yellow warblers, breeding plumage lark buntings, and a peregrine falcon all moving through on their way north.
Side note, I'm always amazed when we are out and about how few people notice spectacular raptors flying right overhead. Peregrines, prairie falcons, red-tailed hawks, and Swainson's hawks will regularly cruise the 'pigeon scene' at the outdoor pool on the college campus, flying RIGHT OVER the pool full of people. I'll be rubbernecking at a peregrine and look around and no one will have noticed that the fastest bird on earth just flew right over their head about 30 feet up LOL. Years ago, I remember spending ten minutes standing in a Trader Joe's parking lot watching a pair of peregrines doing a mating display flight right overhead. Not one other person noticed, which was sad.
April and May are so fun!
-
This year we have red-winged blackbirds on our property, which has never happened before. I love listening to them.
I've also seen a few yellow-headed blackbirds for the first time, as well as a single yellow-rumped warbler. Having our birdfeeders right outside our kitchen window is amazing.
-
This year we have red-winged blackbirds on our property, which has never happened before. I love listening to them.
I've also seen a few yellow-headed blackbirds for the first time, as well as a single yellow-rumped warbler. Having our birdfeeders right outside our kitchen window is amazing.
RWB calls are DELIGHTFUL. We have curve billed thrashers in our neighborhood every year, but we finally have a pair with a territory that includes our yard and their song is also absolutely charming. Aw, look at these little trouble makers!
-
1st - @wenchsenior, did you take those pictures? They look fantastic!
2nd - I'm not sure whether this qualifies as cheap, perhaps the advanced mustachians here can reach a verdict. My local aquarium offers a single year membership for $95. They've just reopened, and I spent the morning wandering around and crying in front of the sea otter tank, I was so happy to be back. I can now go after work whenever there's a spot within under their reduced occupancy limits. There's just something about planting yourself in front of a jellyfish tank and staring for a half hour... it feels like magic.
-
I found fresh, edible mushrooms today on my walk. When I was least expecting it, with the winter just gone and no rain for many weeks. Luckily I carried an emergency foldable basket and a knife in my backpack.
-
1st - @wenchsenior, did you take those pictures? They look fantastic!
2nd - I'm not sure whether this qualifies as cheap, perhaps the advanced mustachians here can reach a verdict. My local aquarium offers a single year membership for $95. They've just reopened, and I spent the morning wandering around and crying in front of the sea otter tank, I was so happy to be back. I can now go after work whenever there's a spot within under their reduced occupancy limits. There's just something about planting yourself in front of a jellyfish tank and staring for a half hour... it feels like magic.
Hell no, I don't have that kind of patience! It's enough trouble to chase them around with binocs. I just cribbed the pics from various birding sites.
-
@rebel_quietude I am ALL about aquariums. The deep blue quiet is a balm for the soul, especially if you go off hours and are the only one there!
My sister got a membership to our famous-ish local aquarium so she could study in front of the big sea tank. Talk about feeling like a billionaire!
-
Today we went to a animal rescue shelter and adopted a sweet five year old brindle pitbull. The volunteer asked us if we were looking for anything specific breeds and we told her that we wanted a dog that we could take on long walks and who was friendly(all dogs love my wife, however a lot of dogs either react to me with fear or aggression). The first dog we looked at was a spaniel puppy(10 months). He was fine until the volunteer walked away, then he hid behind my wife and growled at me, so an obvious no go. The second spaniel puppy was more friendly but still more skittish with us when the volunteer wasn't there. Then they brought in Gemma, who they had already warned us was nervous around guys. She entered the pen, came right up to me an sat in my lap for scritchies. The volunteer immediately pulled out her phone and started taking pictures because she had never seen her act like that with a man before, especially at first meeting. Needless to say we adopted her on the spot. Gemma had been abandoned at a boarding kennel in February 2020 and then ended up in the animal rescue shelter in January of this year so she's had rough last 15 months. She is such a sweet girl and we're so happy to have been able to give her a home.
-
Did some youtube yoga videos today. I always forget 1. How hard yoga is 2. How great I feel afterwards. The movements are so simple, but it activates muscles that my office worker body never uses.
-
Actually knowing (and liking) our neighbors. Yesterday was gorgeous. While DD played with her friends at the playground, I kept bumping into people coming home from work. Spent a few minutes just chatting with people. It was nice.
-
A family Zoom today, with the whole crew. We looked at old photographs sharing the screen. Lots of reminiscing. :)
-
Teaching my kid to drive. A hour in an empty parking lot is cheap fun for both of us.
-
Walking on a sunny day (seeing how much happier all the people you pass are because the sun showed up)
Light is so enriching.
Plus. Photosynthesis..the leaves are bursting out of their buds in our little mountain town, quite late compared to so many other places but it is light, bright green everywhere you look.
-
Today we went to a animal rescue shelter and adopted a sweet five year old brindle pitbull. The volunteer asked us if we were looking for anything specific breeds and we told her that we wanted a dog that we could take on long walks and who was friendly(all dogs love my wife, however a lot of dogs either react to me with fear or aggression). The first dog we looked at was a spaniel puppy(10 months). He was fine until the volunteer walked away, then he hid behind my wife and growled at me, so an obvious no go. The second spaniel puppy was more friendly but still more skittish with us when the volunteer wasn't there. Then they brought in Gemma, who they had already warned us was nervous around guys. She entered the pen, came right up to me an sat in my lap for scritchies. The volunteer immediately pulled out her phone and started taking pictures because she had never seen her act like that with a man before, especially at first meeting. Needless to say we adopted her on the spot. Gemma had been abandoned at a boarding kennel in February 2020 and then ended up in the animal rescue shelter in January of this year so she's had rough last 15 months. She is such a sweet girl and we're so happy to have been able to give her a home.
Awww, sweet. I hope she exceeds your expectations in every way.
-
Spring. I just love spring!
Approx. 20 minutes of my bike commute take me along beautiful forests on one side of the trail with nature awakening from its hibernation these days (and weeks), birds chirping etc.
Also the other day I was just lying on my back on a park bench for an hour and a half, watching and listening to the birds, enjoying the sunshine and the mild breeze moving the leaves of the tree above just a bit. Even put on some not-too-loud relax music.
It was perfect!
-
Today we went to a animal rescue shelter and adopted a sweet five year old brindle pitbull. The volunteer asked us if we were looking for anything specific breeds and we told her that we wanted a dog that we could take on long walks and who was friendly(all dogs love my wife, however a lot of dogs either react to me with fear or aggression). The first dog we looked at was a spaniel puppy(10 months). He was fine until the volunteer walked away, then he hid behind my wife and growled at me, so an obvious no go. The second spaniel puppy was more friendly but still more skittish with us when the volunteer wasn't there. Then they brought in Gemma, who they had already warned us was nervous around guys. She entered the pen, came right up to me an sat in my lap for scritchies. The volunteer immediately pulled out her phone and started taking pictures because she had never seen her act like that with a man before, especially at first meeting. Needless to say we adopted her on the spot. Gemma had been abandoned at a boarding kennel in February 2020 and then ended up in the animal rescue shelter in January of this year so she's had rough last 15 months. She is such a sweet girl and we're so happy to have been able to give her a home.
Awww, sweet. I hope she exceeds your expectations in every way.
She is absolutely great :) Very very very loving and smart as a whip. We have a section of the North Country Trail near us so have been taking her for a walk each day. You can see how much she enjoys it. She is a little leery of gunshots so we got a thunder shirt for her and she has slready learned not to bark when delivery drivers pull in.
-
Spring. I just love spring!
Approx. 20 minutes of my bike commute take me along beautiful forests on one side of the trail with nature awakening from its hibernation these days (and weeks), birds chirping etc.
Also the other day I was just lying on my back on a park bench for an hour and a half, watching and listening to the birds, enjoying the sunshine and the mild breeze moving the leaves of the tree above just a bit. Even put on some not-too-loud relax music.
It was perfect!
Me too! For me, it's running in May/June. Smells so good, so nice and cool. I do a 6-7 mile loop every morning and about 5 miles of it is by the shore.
-
Giving the cats a saucer of milk first thing in the morning, watching then take turns, and then letting the dog in to clean up the ends of the saucer.
Finding a double yolk egg this morning for our poached egg breakfast.
Making patterns in the coffee with the foam.
-
Giving the cats a saucer of milk first thing in the morning, watching then take turns, and then letting the dog in to clean up the ends of the saucer.
Finding a double yolk egg this morning for our poached egg breakfast.
Making patterns in the coffee with the foam.
After getting one double yolk egg from a new pack of 12 eggs on Wednesday morning, we got two double yolkers on Thursday morning and two again this morning. The pack is a usual pack of 700g eggs from the supermarket, and all 5 eggs so far have been double yolkers.
We would normally get one or two a year. I don't know what has happened to the chickens at the moment, but they are making us happy in the mornings.
-
Many expats are leaving China (it's nearing the end of the school year, so many expat families choose to leave in the summer to avoid disrupting their children's education), and they're posting lots of good stuff for sale. My cheap thing that makes me happy is that I have been browsing the listings and have realized there is nothing I want to buy. We have everything we need.
-
During today's warm, sunny walk: a classful of kids at recess on the local elementary school playground—besides the masks, it looked like a normal school day—and a serenade by a bright red male cardinal (bird, not prelate) in the park.
-
Giving the cats a saucer of milk first thing in the morning, watching then take turns, and then letting the dog in to clean up the ends of the saucer.
Finding a double yolk egg this morning for our poached egg breakfast.
Making patterns in the coffee with the foam.
After getting one double yolk egg from a new pack of 12 eggs on Wednesday morning, we got two double yolkers on Thursday morning and two again this morning. The pack is a usual pack of 700g eggs from the supermarket, and all 5 eggs so far have been double yolkers.
We would normally get one or two a year. I don't know what has happened to the chickens at the moment, but they are making us happy in the mornings.
Our whole dozen were double yolkers. The next dozen have 2 normal eggs from 2. So back to normal programming.
-
Picking radishes I grew from seed, and eating them raw. I'm new (and, really not yet great) at gardening, so it's a really fun thrill. I love seeing the plants every day.
-
Air that smells like lilacs, even downtown.
Interesting migratory birdsong (even downtown!).
All our transplants "took".
Chicken thighs on sale!
-
Sitting near the front window drinking a second coffee and watching birds on the feeders.
-
Sharing the kombucha love! I have two healthy gallon glass jars of kombucha going at all times. The original scoby, brew jars, and the growlers I bottle it in all game from my neighborhood Buy Nothing group.The original scoby was just a sliver, but over the last year I've grown it to two big mothers, which I have divided and shared once before. My scoby's are giant again, so today I'm sharing a few with some more neighbors via Buy Nothing!
-
Empty cigar boxes make me happy -- they're so sturdy and colorful and useful. I get them at a tobacco shop for $1 and use them for many things.
-
Empty cigar boxes make me happy -- they're so sturdy and colorful and useful. I get them at a tobacco shop for $1 and use them for many things.
That's a great idea. But do they pick up the tobacco smell?
-
Empty cigar boxes make me happy -- they're so sturdy and colorful and useful. I get them at a tobacco shop for $1 and use them for many things.
They're best used as slide guitars:
(https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/822aa65f4aedccece529d353bacddc63-1200-80.jpg)
:P
-
@RetiredAt63 —no, they don’t have a smell. I guess because the cigars are wrapped?
@GuitarStv — that’s too funny, because they really do sell them to people who make those little guitars out of them. The guy at the shop says the really nice, all-wood boxes are usually bought by the guitar makers. :). They sell for more — in the $5 — $10 range.
-
Going for walks through some of the parks in my suburb. When we went into lockdown last year pool closed so we could not swim. So my swimming group found so many lovely parks to walk through. Now I regularly walk in them.
-
we drove up to the sepulga river in alabama and dug for sharks teeth in the river bottom. it was a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon.
-
Helping a friend.
Since I'm not working, I have time to help. And I currently have two friends who needs help with stuff and to be able to just take some time of my day to give a ride to the guy who can hardly walk or to to shop some stuff for the friend who's stuck in a hospital bed feels nice.
-
Hearing the cicadas singing. I'm on the east coast and while they're a little gross, I am still delighted by them.
-
Hearing the cicadas singing. I'm on the east coast and while they're a little gross, I am still delighted by them.
It sounds like an alien invasion from a 1950's science fiction movie. I do like it (for a while, not permanently).
-
Hearing the cicadas singing. I'm on the east coast and while they're a little gross, I am still delighted by them.
It sounds like an alien invasion from a 1950's science fiction movie. I do like it (for a while, not permanently).
Oh . . . maybe THAT'S why the UFOs are here!
-
Screech Owls talking to each other somewhere near our balcony last night (even though we live in the city!).
Finding new walking trails we can sorta get to on transit.
-
Screech Owls talking to each other somewhere near our balcony last night (even though we live in the city!).
We also hear more of the owls - or maybe paying more attention. Even caught a couple courting in the backyard once.
-
Screech Owls talking to each other somewhere near our balcony last night (even though we live in the city!).
We also hear more of the owls - or maybe paying more attention. Even caught a couple courting in the backyard once.
I hope the courting couple were owls.
-
Screech Owls talking to each other somewhere near our balcony last night (even though we live in the city!).
We also hear more of the owls - or maybe paying more attention. Even caught a couple courting in the backyard once.
I hope the courting couple were owls.
Seems it would still be an interesting event to observe either way.
-
Screech Owls talking to each other somewhere near our balcony last night (even though we live in the city!).
We also hear more of the owls - or maybe paying more attention. Even caught a couple courting in the backyard once.
I hope the courting couple were owls.
Seems it would still be an interesting event to observe either way.
We have an entire industry built on observing such events though.
-
Love how tidying up a space makes it feel completely different. Yesterday I dusted the objects on our floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and quickly hand-mopped the floor.
DELIGHTFUL!
-
I hope the courting couple were owls.
If they were owls, how would I get the clip onto <something>HUB?
-
We have an entire industry built on observing such events though.
Ornithology? :-)
Another cheap thing that makes me happy: a sporting event I want to watch (Euro "2020") on a channel I can get with my rabbit-ears antenna!
-
Campfire
-
Photography.
OK, this can be expensive if you want to (gear, travels etc etc) but the basic act of observing something pretty or interesting and taking a good picture of it. Feeling a bit artistic. I love it.
And once you wade through the more spammy stuff, there's lots of good information out on the internet that can teach you to get better at this craft.
-
The hot, grossly humid weather broke, at least temporarily. It's 66⁰F and only 63% humidity at 10 PM, instead of 78⁰F and 85% humidity. I can actually dry our laundry before it reeks of mildew.
-
Also, this: She’s nearly 100. He’s 2 and lives next door. Here’s how they became best friends. (Washington Post) (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/07/28/best-friend-neighbor-100-2/)
-
The hot, grossly humid weather broke, at least temporarily. It's 66⁰F and only 63% humidity at 10 PM, instead of 78⁰F and 85% humidity. I can actually dry our laundry before it reeks of mildew.
80's makes me happy for afternoon temperatures - don't mind the humidity much but don't like cooler temps as much for biking.
-
The hot, grossly humid weather broke, at least temporarily. It's 66⁰F and only 63% humidity at 10 PM, instead of 78⁰F and 85% humidity. I can actually dry our laundry before it reeks of mildew.
80's makes me happy for afternoon temperatures - don't mind the humidity much but don't like cooler temps as much for biking.
We don't have central AC so when the humidity gets above 80%, everything (including the floors) feels sticky and hanging laundry doesn't dry before mildewing. It's not pleasant.
-
Our two peach trees' harvest ripened in the last week, and we picked all the peaches a couple days ago. We got probably 75 lbs of peaches, most of them from one of the two trees (the other is sick). They're spread across one of our counters, and our kitchen smells heavenly. Fresh, ripe, straight-from-the-tree peaches are the best.
-
Also, this: She’s nearly 100. He’s 2 and lives next door. Here’s how they became best friends. (Washington Post) (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/07/28/best-friend-neighbor-100-2/)
It's behind a paywall, boo!
-
Finding stuff you need on Craiglist or FB marketplace. Got a 1.5 ton 19 SEER minisplit for $700, got 5 interior doors with correct size and swing for $40 a piece and they are solid wood, 9 panel and already painted white. The doors alone saved a pile.
-
I served as precinct chairperson for a local election today. It was fun, humbling, and absolutely fascinating. I've worked three elections and still can't believe that my city pays me to do this (last year's earnings were split between a few charities).
-
I *might* have posted this before, but omg Trader Joe's chocolate croissants. You get a package of 4 for less than $5 which is about the cost of just one at a bakery. And there is no better time to eat them than when they are fresh out of the oven, which you don't get at a bakery unless you are extremely lucky/early. We have this for our Sunday Breakfast Ritual (our version of church) once every month or two and every time I just marvel at the texture (soft! doughy! flaky!) and the lovely warm melty chocolate. They also have almond croissants, but I'm so taken with the chocolate ones, I can't bear to switch even for one Sunday - but I bet they are delicious, too. There are a lot of good deals to be had at Trader Joe's, but this is the one where I reflect at my good fortune every single time I indulge.
-
They also have almond croissants, but I'm so taken with the chocolate ones, I can't bear to switch even for one Sunday - but I bet they are delicious, too.
I could not agree with this more. For the record: the almond are equally delicious. Part of my nightly coffee-prep ritual is sticking one of these in the electric toaster to rise for the morning. Box and a half a week, comes out to less than 10 bucks for a fresh pastry every day. No better incentive to get up early!
-
I *might* have posted this before, but omg Trader Joe's chocolate croissants. You get a package of 4 for less than $5 which is about the cost of just one at a bakery. And there is no better time to eat them than when they are fresh out of the oven, which you don't get at a bakery unless you are extremely lucky/early. We have this for our Sunday Breakfast Ritual (our version of church) once every month or two and every time I just marvel at the texture (soft! doughy! flaky!) and the lovely warm melty chocolate. They also have almond croissants, but I'm so taken with the chocolate ones, I can't bear to switch even for one Sunday - but I bet they are delicious, too. There are a lot of good deals to be had at Trader Joe's, but this is the one where I reflect at my good fortune every single time I indulge.
Damn you for reminding me, sui generis. I love those but fell out of the habit on shopping at TJs during the pandemic. Now that I feel comfortable shopping anywhere I'll be heading for a pandemic 15.
-
finding interesting things on the roadside on my bike commute. i found an old necchi sewing machine the other day. i had to get the company truck to go back and get it as it was too heavy to carry on my bike (35lbs). a few drops of oil and it works like a champ.
-
A fresh tomato from our backyard garden, sliced and eaten with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
-
Hearing the cicadas singing. I'm on the east coast and while they're a little gross, I am still delighted by them.
It sounds like an alien invasion from a 1950's science fiction movie. I do like it (for a while, not permanently).
Except when one of the cats decide to bring one inside at 5AM. We have a cat that has figured out how to unlock the cat door though I haven't entirely witnessed it. I do love the sounds of summer - crickets, frogs, the cicadas, birds, coyotes, livestock, etc. Looking forward to the sounds of winter too - the wind in the bare trees.
-
I've found how I can effectively made myself a chart of basic things I need to do each day. I just synchronized my goal planner (https://digital-planner.com/goal/planner/dark) with a calendar and it’s much better to keep me accountable.
It sounds dumb, but it makes me excited to look at the list to see what to do next!
-
I've found how I can effectively made myself a chart of basic things I need to do each day. I just synchronized my goal planner with a calendar and it’s much better to keep me accountable.
It sounds dumb, but it makes me excited to look at the list to see what to do next!
i love lists. it's so nice to check things off and i don't waste time trying to remember what it was i was supposed to do.
-
The look on someone's face when they taste something new and delicious for the first time. Yesterday I made chocolate chip cookies, and our foreign exchange student -- who had never had one -- LOVED them.
I remember when our kids were young and ate their first ice cream cones. Similar wondrous and happy look.
-
The look on someone's face when they taste something new and delicious for the first time. Yesterday I made chocolate chip cookies, and our foreign exchange student -- who had never had one -- LOVED them.
I remember when our kids were young and ate their first ice cream cones. Similar wondrous and happy look.
Ain't sugar grand?
-
If we're talking sugar, I was introduced to an Italian bakery place that I didn't know existed. I bought a box of fresh almond cookies, so delicious.
-
Used up two ripe bananas and made banana bread today. Very yummy!
-
You know how many of us just buy a 6-pack of tube socks when they need some new ones? Well, when you get home, don't put them all into your sock drawer and start using them. Leave a couple pairs in their plastic bag, unused.
Then, on a day that you're a bit down, or just aren't feeling life, and will just sit around home all day: crack out one of those fresh pairs. Even cheap socks have that extra mm of cushion when they're new and feel pretty premium. You'll notice on every trip from the couch to the fridge all day! :)
-
My frugal kid and biking places makes me happy.
DD has a play date today. We were talking about ways to get to her friend’s house. It’s a 10 minute taxi ride ($4), 20 minute bike ride ($0), or 30 minute bus ride ($0.40). DD asked to bike there because it’s faster and saves money. All of this makes me happy — her play date, her frugal 7 year old mind, being able to get some exercise, and being able to use my bike to run errands while she is playing with her friend.
-
Hiking and biking in the north woods in October. I'll admit biking has a little entry cost, but nearly free after that.
-
An empty laundry hamper.
-
You know how many of us just buy a 6-pack of tube socks when they need some new ones? Well, when you get home, don't put them all into your sock drawer and start using them. Leave a couple pairs in their plastic bag, unused.
Then, on a day that you're a bit down, or just aren't feeling life, and will just sit around home all day: crack out one of those fresh pairs. Even cheap socks have that extra mm of cushion when they're new and feel pretty premium. You'll notice on every trip from the couch to the fridge all day! :)
Thanks for the reminder. I'm running low on socks. ;)
-
Walking through the woods with my wife with both of us singing "The Teddy Bears' Picnic"
-
Writing and recording a song, like this one...
https://youtu.be/XZExHXgJju4 (https://youtu.be/XZExHXgJju4)
-
I have a late work call today, and my neighbor had an early one. So I'm dropping off their puppy with my dog at day care in a little while.
My happy thing: watching the two puppies roll around mouthing at each other on the bed as I drink my coffee. They're just happy as clams and all is well with their world.
-
Put a bag of frozen Atlantic salmon pieces into my cart, then saw fresh Atlantic salmon on sale at same price ($5 a pound, which is cheap) so put the frozen salmon back. Went home, cooked up half the fresh salmon (baked it, pretty good) then froze the other half for later.
-
Baking.
Morning gratitude list.
Watching The Simpsons with DD (age 14) near the fireplace.
-
You know how many of us just buy a 6-pack of tube socks when they need some new ones? Well, when you get home, don't put them all into your sock drawer and start using them. Leave a couple pairs in their plastic bag, unused.
Then, on a day that you're a bit down, or just aren't feeling life, and will just sit around home all day: crack out one of those fresh pairs. Even cheap socks have that extra mm of cushion when they're new and feel pretty premium. You'll notice on every trip from the couch to the fridge all day! :)
I do this with underwear as well. Excellent tip. That new feeling... (wagging imaginary primate tail)
-
Watching my sourdough starter grow after I feed it twice a day. (I'll start cooking with it sometime this week!)
Admiring my air plants - one hangs in the kitchen, the other one hangs in the shower and is a lot bigger thanks to all that warm water haha
Spying on my 3 little guppies (Fishmael, Fichonne, and Fishabella) as they swim around and socialize in their luxurious 20-gallon aquarium.
-
Working local elections. It's fun and interesting, contributes to our democracy, doesn't cost me anything except a few hours of sleep, and I will receive a check from the city to fuel some holiday season charitable donations.
-
Advocating for more housing and bike infrastructure and less oil drilling in my community
-
A new screen protector for my phone to replace my old cracked and chipped one.
-
Listening to good discussions by experts who bring out the best in each other. This time it's a Youtube discussion about about microphones by a couple of sound engineers. :)
-
An empty laundry hamper.
ooohh yeahhhh, I'll take that and raise you an empty kitchen sink.
Also a freshly cleaned bathtub when I want to bathe instead of shower.
-
Spent yesterday completing a 1,000 jig saw puzzle with family members. Good conversation and company. I love fall and winter for the opportunity it provides for cozy pleasures such as puzzling, reading etc.
-
my weekly bowl of popcorn that DH makes me before movie afternoon...that I promptly ignore as I am not a movie fan...and put on my noise canceling headphones and zone out while Sunday dinner is in the oven....best part of the cold wet months.
-
Hot cup of water with lemon in the fall/winter
-
Fresh baked bread
-
The satisfaction of dropping off big bags of fallen leaves at our local municipal composting center.
-
My new toilet seat. The old one had cracked and been repaired a couple of times, and I finally replaced it with one on which I splurged the extra $5 for a "soft-close" feature. Every time one of the potty-training grandkids is thwarted in the attempt to bang the lid down, I am happy.
-
Taking care of our tools - some old, some older, few expensive, many used when they came to us.
Can be the tools in the kitchen or the tools in the garage.
Chores must be done, that's life. Chores done with good tools can be satisfying. A sharp edge on our 50 year old electric tractor's mower blades (possibly 50 year old blades!) A sharp edge on my pocket knife. A paint brush with miles on it but with many more miles left in it. A screw driver that fits the screw slot just right.
A job well done. A rest and a beverage cold or hot depending on the season. Sitting on the porch listening to life around me.
Sat on the porch last night at 2:30AM listening to the breeze and the trees. The world at sleep. My insomniac dog marching around the field with her nose in the cold grass and leaves.
-
Not sure if it's cheap enough for the Mustache crowd, but just got my first tattoo (age 51) for $140, including tip. I've been thinking of getting one since about age 21, when the cost would have broken me for a pay period or two.
-
A walk around my neighborhood to look for any interesting changes, and a possible socializing opportunity or two.
-
My sweetie and I are continuing our plan to visit every library in our town's system (and explore the surrounding neighbourhoods a little while we're there). We added two more today, got some good books, and hit up a nearby Asian superstore for some great cheap meat and interesting produce.
-
I use a binder clip as a cheap money clip for cash and cards. I have "retired" my wallet.
-
Walks with friends, making bread, watching my son's ship come into the harbour, the cup of coffee DH brings me in bed every morning, cat on my lap, reading the threads here ... so many things!
-
Fire in the fireplace, reading, helping DD with math homework. Mahler Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Minor.
House clean (confession, living room clean).
-
Looking out our sunroom window in the morning, cat on my lap and coffee in my hand, as the sun rises.
-
Watching college football on my antenna TV.
-
I'll add a crisp fall day getting firewood. The hardwork is enjoyable and good for keeping this middle-aged body in decent shape, the wood heat in the winter is so comfortable, and it seems like a bonus that I save $$.
-
Changing to a new watch strap on my wrist watch. Or a "new for the season" at least - I have a few.
-
I may have mentioned this before, but I derive a strange joyful satisfaction from using something up completely or wearing something out until it fails, and also seeing how far I can stretch something out. I am nearing the end of my current tube of toothpaste and I am already anticipating the last squeeze I can possibly get out of it.
-
Putting up our Christmas tree with homemade ornaments, homemade hot chocolate, listening to Christmas music while DD prances around the living room pretending to be a dancer.
-
spraying a little catnip on a piece of cardboard and watching my middle-aged cats behave like their kitten selves. Better than tv.
-
I may have mentioned this before, but I derive a strange joyful satisfaction from using something up completely or wearing something out until it fails, and also seeing how far I can stretch something out. I am nearing the end of my current tube of toothpaste and I am already anticipating the last squeeze I can possibly get out of it.
You squeeze it and then cut it open, riiight?
-
I may have mentioned this before, but I derive a strange joyful satisfaction from using something up completely or wearing something out until it fails, and also seeing how far I can stretch something out. I am nearing the end of my current tube of toothpaste and I am already anticipating the last squeeze I can possibly get out of it.
You squeeze it and then cut it open, riiight?
Don't know about FIRE Artist, but when I have squeezed out all the toothpaste there is no point cutting it open. ;-)
-
I get a couple more toothbrushings out of the tube after squeezing it (using toothbrush to flatten) and then cutting it open. There's a lot of toothpaste left in there!
-
Watching the progress of my garden since I planted it last spring. The initial planting wasn't as cheap as I planned but all the enjoyment since then has been free. I take pictures each week so I can eventually make a little video of a few years of growth. It's a nice long form creative outlet.
-
I get a couple more toothbrushings out of the tube after squeezing it (using toothbrush to flatten) and then cutting it open. There's a lot of toothpaste left in there!
I do the same thing. It probably makes no difference in the grand scheme of things, but it is gratifying!
-
I may have mentioned this before, but I derive a strange joyful satisfaction from using something up completely or wearing something out until it fails, and also seeing how far I can stretch something out. I am nearing the end of my current tube of toothpaste and I am already anticipating the last squeeze I can possibly get out of it.
You squeeze it and then cut it open, riiight?
I don’t need to, I can typically get several more brushing out of the tube after I have flattened the body of the tube by working my way around the collar (I use an electric toothbrush so use only a pea size per brushing, it takes me a looong time to empty a tube of toothpaste). Then, once that method yields no fruit, for the final brushing, I press as hard as I can on the center of the neck, and actually dig the toothpaste out of the end with my toothbrush.
For my art paint tubes, which are still made out of aluminum, I have a tube crimper and I basically use the same method, but get the super gratifying satisfaction of periodically crimping the tube from the bottom and squeezing all the remaining paint up to the top of the tube. For expensive pigments I will cut the tube open, just in case there are some dregs left, but usually there is not much left at all, it typically isn’t worth if for oil paints, but watercolours can be enough to use for a painting.
-
Fishing. $20 Kids uglystik rod, $20 Daiwa reel, $3 lure. Hundreds of hours of fun outdoors, food for the table, and a few laughs as serious fisherman with their $$$$ setups watch in awe.
-
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste
-
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste
A while back, I got a screaming deal on fancy imported tomato paste in metal tubes. I've been using the toothpaste crimper on them, but what a pain in the ass! I'll never buy those again. Good thing the lesson was learned with something that cost $1.00. Alas, I bought 12 of them. Nine down, three to go...
-
Post covid vaccine, I've been traveling alot.
One unexpected thing that i noticeably enjoyed was rain shower heads.
Something like this ($10):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313043542822
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/x-EAAOSw2bBgtyDO/s-l1600.jpg)
But i wanted a square one so ordered one from Lowes ($15).
(Still waiting...)
-
Post covid, I've been traveling alot.
What is this "post covid" thing you speak of?
-
Post covid, I've been traveling alot.
What is this "post covid" thing you speak of?
heh.. ok, edited to say post covid vaccine
-
Repurposing the parts of my cheapie plastic greenhouse into a fruitcage (the metal tubes and plastic connectors; summer) and leafcage (the wire shelves; autumn).
I've been lusting after a proper fruitcage ever since I became aware of its existence, then last year my brain actually engaged and I realised I could build one with the bits and pieces I had stored in the garage attic!
-
A spoonful of vanilla ice cream stirred into a hot cup of coffee.
-
The property I'm closing on shortly.
-
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste
What's that?
-
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste
What's that?
https://www.amazon.ca/Chengu-Toothpaste-Squeezer-Dispenser-Bathroom/dp/B07MSF4WHY/ref=asc_df_B07MSF4WHY/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459459417351&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18223927570957434607&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000665&hvtargid=pla-617323110206&psc=1
-
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste
What's that?
https://www.amazon.ca/Chengu-Toothpaste-Squeezer-Dispenser-Bathroom/dp/B07MSF4WHY/ref=asc_df_B07MSF4WHY/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459459417351&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18223927570957434607&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000665&hvtargid=pla-617323110206&psc=1
Put the bottom of the tube of toothpaste in the palm of your hand. Push the palm of your hand against the edge of your bathroom counter, and slowly draw it down so that the remaining toothpaste is squeezed to the top.
There - saved you 11$ and saved the environment from one more useless bit of plastic.
:P
-
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste
What's that?
https://www.amazon.ca/Chengu-Toothpaste-Squeezer-Dispenser-Bathroom/dp/B07MSF4WHY/ref=asc_df_B07MSF4WHY/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459459417351&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18223927570957434607&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000665&hvtargid=pla-617323110206&psc=1
Put the bottom of the tube of toothpaste in the palm of your hand. Push the palm of your hand against the edge of your bathroom counter, and slowly draw it down so that the remaining toothpaste is squeezed to the top.
There - saved you 11$ and saved the environment from one more useless bit of plastic.
:P
LOL...I could use one of these for my bladder.
-
When you get all the toothpaste out - send all of your dental "trash" here https://oralb.com/en-us/recycling/ they even take used floss.
Love,
Mother Earth
-
Post covid vaccine, I've been traveling alot.
One unexpected thing that i noticeably enjoyed was rain shower heads.
Something like this ($10):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313043542822
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/x-EAAOSw2bBgtyDO/s-l1600.jpg)
But i wanted a square one so ordered one from Lowes ($15).
(Still waiting...)
Installed it into my small stand alone shower.
It looks huge and ridiculous in that small space.
Maybe if I had a bath tub/shower combo.
Returning it
-
Post covid vaccine, I've been traveling alot.
One unexpected thing that i noticeably enjoyed was rain shower heads.
Something like this ($10):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313043542822
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/x-EAAOSw2bBgtyDO/s-l1600.jpg)
But i wanted a square one so ordered one from Lowes ($15).
(Still waiting...)
Installed it into my small stand alone shower.
It looks huge and ridiculous in that small space.
Maybe if I had a bath tub/shower combo.
Returning it
I installed a large square rain shower head and I absolutely love it. It has 225 little nozzles (15 X 15). Mind you, when I redid the bathroom, I made the shower space quite large, 5 ft X 5 ft.
-
Watching my cat chase a crumpled-up paper bag around the house like a wild thing for a solid 10 minutes. Who needs cat toys anyways?
-
Not being addicted to expensive, toxic substances.
I've been to several events recently with smokers/drinkers, and it's astounding how much money I save by NOT poisoning myself daily.
-
Scoop yourself a big ol' spoonful of peanut butter and savor it while enjoying this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iUduCtx7cA&ab_channel=DiscoveryUK
-
The satisfaction of a sidewalk free of snow and ice.
-
Getting a new library card and finding books friends have recommended in the collection. And the books are available too!
I definitely prefer "real" books to e-books, but the ease of borrowing from miles away is immense.
-
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid. A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's. Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.
-
I sometimes write out to-do lists. In pencil. I discovered recently that it felt really good to erase completed items rather than crossing them off. For some weird reason it’s much more satisfying.
-
I recently put some of my rarely-used kitchen appliances into storage as part of new year decluttering/cleaning efforts. The 'extra' counter space feels so liberating! (next step is biting the bullet and actually donating them, but we're working up to that 😬)
-
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid. A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's. Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.
Dorsai?
-
socks.
over the years, my socks have been worn thru and so i throw them away once a hole appears.
it's down to the point of timing laundry because i'm down to 1 or 2 pairs of clean socks.
The mental effort of keeping track is not worth it when they're so cheap. (12pack of socks at walmart for $10)
next up: t-shirts
most of my tshirts have pit stains. i guess im getting old because it's starting to bother me.
waiting for hanes/fruit-of-the-loom to have their annual sale with or walmart carries the '+2 free' tshirts package
-
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid. A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's. Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.
Dorsai?
Of that series, indeed. Tactics of Mistake. My older sister had a bookshelf of sci-fi and fantasy books that she left behind when she went to college, and I absolutely devoured them.
-
Today's free thrill: cruising on my bike past the Tesla stopped as a red light hohoho
-
next up: t-shirts
most of my tshirts have pit stains. i guess im getting old because it's starting to bother me.
waiting for hanes/fruit-of-the-loom to have their annual sale with or walmart carries the '+2 free' tshirts package
Pit stains can be removed by washing with white dishwasher soap (or a tablet in the bottom of the washing machine). It can also help to put them out in the sunshine after washing, when still wet. The sunlight is a bleacher.
-
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid. A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's. Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.
Dorsai?
Of that series, indeed. Tactics of Mistake. My older sister had a bookshelf of sci-fi and fantasy books that she left behind when she went to college, and I absolutely devoured them.
lol.. i sorta guessed right. i should buy a lotto tix.
you only read Tactics?
none of the 3 previous books in the Childe Cycle arc? (Dorsai being the 1st book in that series)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childe_Cycle
Too bad the author died before releasing the final book. :(
-
Very basic, but a runny yoke on a perfectly cooked poached egg makes me smile every time
-
Very basic, but a runny yoke on a perfectly cooked poached egg makes me smile every time
Ooh, this reminds me: I recently tried the Budget Bytes Hollandaise recipe, and it came out perfectly: https://www.budgetbytes.com/easy-hollandaise-sauce/
(... then I remembered I'm pregnant and I'm not supposed to eat it, so I haven't made it again yet :-P)
Seems so fancy, yet not actually expensive or hard to make!
-
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid. A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's. Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.
Dorsai?
Of that series, indeed. Tactics of Mistake. My older sister had a bookshelf of sci-fi and fantasy books that she left behind when she went to college, and I absolutely devoured them.
lol.. i sorta guessed right. i should buy a lotto tix.
you only read Tactics?
none of the 3 previous books in the Childe Cycle arc? (Dorsai being the 1st book in that series)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childe_Cycle
Too bad the author died before releasing the final book. :(
I've read Dorsai! and The Spirit of Dorsai recently as well--when my sister was purging her collection a few years ago, I picked up a few dozen of her books, including those. I want to say I read Soldier, Ask Not as a teenager, but I don't think I ever read Necromancer.
-
Pit stains can be removed by washing with white dishwasher soap (or a tablet in the bottom of the washing machine). It can also help to put them out in the sunshine after washing, when still wet. The sunlight is a bleacher.
What is white dishwasher soap?
i've used bleach in my washing machine. didnt help. :(
-
Very basic, but a runny yoke on a perfectly cooked poached egg makes me smile every time
(... then I remembered I'm pregnant and I'm not supposed to eat it, so I haven't made it again yet :-P)
You can buy pasteurized eggs to make hollondaise! Or if you've got a sous vide, you can pasteurize them yourself: https://www.streetsmartkitchen.com/how-to-pasteurize-eggs-sous-vide/
-
White dishwasher soap: uncoloured, a tablet that's not half blue with a red ball in the middle :)
-
White dishwasher soap: uncoloured, a tablet that's not half blue with a red ball in the middle :)
i dont use a dishwasher and i dont use pods for laundry.
How do i use the dishwasher soap in my washing machine?
-
White dishwasher soap: uncoloured, a tablet that's not half blue with a red ball in the middle :)
i dont use a dishwasher and i dont use pods for laundry.
How do i use the dishwasher soap in my washing machine?
I don't know the answer to this, but I will say dish soap (I'm not sure about dish*washer* soap) is great for stain removing. I just got an old (i.e. already went through washer and dryer before I realized it) wine stain out of a new shirt by doing a sequence of vinegar soaking and dish soap gently rubbed with an old toothbrush. Never tried it on pit stains, but now thinking I should.
-
Specialized Lip Vaseline, sometimes my lips get dry enough that they crack and bleed which is always a pretty painful experience.
While normal Vaseline can work, it's often far thicker than needed and the smell ain't great when it's that close to your nose.
You barely need any for your lips, so I bought a Vaseline Lip Therapy that was only 17g that I expected wouldn't last very long despite it costing $8.
Well I was wrong, as I still have the thing years later, and it's saved my lips multiple times in that time frame.
Easily one of my better purchases.
-
@FIREin2018, @Siebrie - Here's a link to one of my favorite blogs. I chose this article because it contains a link to the original post. I can attest that this pit stain remover formula works great and it's cheap!
https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/about-that-whole-homemade-oxi-clean-vs-dollar-store-oxi-clean-thing/
-
@FIREin2018, @Siebrie - Here's a link to one of my favorite blogs. I chose this article because it contains a link to the original post. I can attest that this pit stain remover formula works great and it's cheap!
https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/about-that-whole-homemade-oxi-clean-vs-dollar-store-oxi-clean-thing/
So I did a cost comparison on this and got $0.32 per use ($0.20 for baking soda and $0.12 for the peroxide). Brand-name Oxi-Clean costs $.10 per load in my area ($12.19 for 5.9 lb size which yields 127 loads per the package). Are the building blocks of the DIY version less expensive in some areas?
[Edited: math error! But still more than brand name.]
IIRC, it was cost and effectiveness that gave the victory to the homemade recipe. Also, if you shop at Costco or Sam's, which TFG does, the cost of baking soda is far less than that. I buy my Oxyclean at estate sales for an even better deal. Last time, I got the giant warehouse box (11 pounds, I think?) for $5.
-
@FIREin2018, @Siebrie - Here's a link to one of my favorite blogs. I chose this article because it contains a link to the original post. I can attest that this pit stain remover formula works great and it's cheap!
https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/about-that-whole-homemade-oxi-clean-vs-dollar-store-oxi-clean-thing/
thx!
unfortunately, i need to soak the tshirts overnight.
i'm not going to remember or might be too lazy to do the laundry the next day.
the clothes might stay in the bucket for days.
no idea if that's good or not with this mixture?
-
@FIREin2018, @Siebrie - Here's a link to one of my favorite blogs. I chose this article because it contains a link to the original post. I can attest that this pit stain remover formula works great and it's cheap!
https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/about-that-whole-homemade-oxi-clean-vs-dollar-store-oxi-clean-thing/
So I did a cost comparison on this and got $0.32 per use ($0.20 for baking soda and $0.12 for the peroxide). Brand-name Oxi-Clean costs $.10 per load in my area ($12.19 for 5.9 lb size which yields 127 loads per the package). Are the building blocks of the DIY version less expensive in some areas?
[Edited: math error! But still more than brand name.]
IIRC, it was cost and effectiveness that gave the victory to the homemade recipe. Also, if you shop at Costco or Sam's, which TFG does, the cost of baking soda is far less than that. I buy my Oxyclean at estate sales for an even better deal. Last time, I got the giant warehouse box (11 pounds, I think?) for $5.
oh wow.. oxyclean is currently on sale at costco!
i'll pick it up to try.
if i dont like it, i'll return it and try white dish soap (whatever that is).
What's TFG?
-
@FIREin2018, @Siebrie - Here's a link to one of my favorite blogs. I chose this article because it contains a link to the original post. I can attest that this pit stain remover formula works great and it's cheap!
https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/about-that-whole-homemade-oxi-clean-vs-dollar-store-oxi-clean-thing/
So I did a cost comparison on this and got $0.32 per use ($0.20 for baking soda and $0.12 for the peroxide). Brand-name Oxi-Clean costs $.10 per load in my area ($12.19 for 5.9 lb size which yields 127 loads per the package). Are the building blocks of the DIY version less expensive in some areas?
[Edited: math error! But still more than brand name.]
IIRC, it was cost and effectiveness that gave the victory to the homemade recipe. Also, if you shop at Costco or Sam's, which TFG does, the cost of baking soda is far less than that. I buy my Oxyclean at estate sales for an even better deal. Last time, I got the giant warehouse box (11 pounds, I think?) for $5.
oh wow.. oxyclean is currently on sale at costco!
i'll pick it up to try.
if i dont like it, i'll return it and try white dish soap (whatever that is).
that's TFG?
It's in the link. The Frugal Girl, one of my favorite blogs. It was a go-to before MMM existed.
-
Secondhand wool cardigan and sweater keeping me toasty
Fireplace roaring with wood I cut myself
Realizing my old dog didn't want her bed in front of the fire, she wanted it next to *me* where I'm currently working. Now her bed is in a patch of sunshine on the floor by my chair and she's snoring quietly instead of pacing back and forth between me and the fireplace looking put out. :)
Balancing my checkbook to the penny (even though I rarely write checks anymore, I still use the register). Bills paid through the end of the month with the rest allocated to its work
Slow cooker burbling away full of sale and discounted ingredients that will make a delicious soup
Working from home on a snowy day so there is no spending at all
Working up a sweat and taking off my coat shoveling my drive
-
Just making the things we already own last longer. A simple repair, a minor refurbishment, being satisfied with what we already have, etc. I wasn't always like this.
Once upon a time, upgrading to something newer was important but that was seldom as satisfying as I thought it would be. Okay the new thing does a couple things differently or better but is it really a worthwhile improvement?
Tracfone says my smart phone is out of date and I should buy a new one. Phone is only 3-4 years old. Red Pocket tells me they can provide service at an affordable price of $20 per month. So, I dodged a $400+ phone purchase for another few years. Besides, I already like what I have b/c it is already paid for. Bye bye Tracfone. RP SIM card enroute.
-
Just making the things we already own last longer. A simple repair, a minor refurbishment, being satisfied with what we already have, etc. I wasn't always like this.
Once upon a time, upgrading to something newer was important but that was seldom as satisfying as I thought it would be. Okay the new thing does a couple things differently or better but is it really a worthwhile improvement?
Tracfone says my smart phone is out of date and I should buy a new one. Phone is only 3-4 years old. Red Pocket tells me they can provide service at an affordable price of $20 per month. So, I dodged a $400+ phone purchase for another few years. Besides, I already like what I have b/c it is already paid for. Bye bye Tracfone. RP SIM card enroute.
When i was gaming, i would upgrade my bang for the buck mobo/cpu combo every year (thanks Frys). plus a bang for the buck video card.
looking back, i should have only upgraded the mobo/cpu every other year and just upgrade the video card yearly
-
I carry a 1 month calendar/planner in my pocket. I lost my old job with the color printer so I have to print at home in B&W. But then I saw a pack of Crayola color pencils on sale at the grocery store for $0.99 and I decided to pull the trigger.
I told a friend that I don't want to buy a pencil sharpener because it seems like one of those things you would just like, have, either from when you were a kid, something that you got in box of stuff from someone, or, just something that was magically always there. We work in manufacturing and concluded that pencil sharpener shouldn't cost $1, but maybe $0.25: blade, small screw, piece of plastic. At this point he said something I'll never forget:
The best things in life are usually free or near free
A week or two later I was jogging and, lo and behold, as I was passing by a school's driveway, I saw in the grass a shiny new pencil sharpener. But not the cheap ones I mentioned above (which I later found were 8 for $1 at Dollar Tree), this pencil sharpener has a slot for thick pencils and another for thin pencils. Plus it holds all the shavings. The best pencil sharpener ever! I haven't needed to use it yet, but I'm happy with it because I think this is a great story.
Here she is. I got the blue one!:
(https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/aa478d83-8b14-49db-9dfd-046aa61b2d03.fcf38d63dc2b9c1df7f614d4f5305966.jpeg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF) (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fiskars-Flip-Sharpener-Tetris/757125129)
-
My dog! :)
-
next up: t-shirts
most of my tshirts have pit stains. i guess im getting old because it's starting to bother me.
waiting for hanes/fruit-of-the-loom to have their annual sale with or walmart carries the '+2 free' tshirts package
Pit stains can be removed by washing with white dishwasher soap (or a tablet in the bottom of the washing machine). It can also help to put them out in the sunshine after washing, when still wet. The sunlight is a bleacher.
What kind of deodorant do you use? I read that pit stains happen when the aluminum in your antiperspirant or deodorant mixes with your sweat and gets absorbed into your clothes. I switched several years ago to the crystal stick kind, and have literally not had a single pit stain since. They're also incredibly mustachian since 1 of the large ones lasts me over a year.
https://www.kingsoopers.com/p/crystal-body-deodorant-stick/0008644900225
-
Today is in the mis-40s and I went out into the sun to started the first of this year's seeds. Such joy!
-
next up: t-shirts
most of my tshirts have pit stains. i guess im getting old because it's starting to bother me.
waiting for hanes/fruit-of-the-loom to have their annual sale with or walmart carries the '+2 free' tshirts package
Pit stains can be removed by washing with white dishwasher soap (or a tablet in the bottom of the washing machine). It can also help to put them out in the sunshine after washing, when still wet. The sunlight is a bleacher.
What kind of deodorant do you use? I read that pit stains happen when the aluminum in your antiperspirant or deodorant mixes with your sweat and gets absorbed into your clothes. I switched several years ago to the crystal stick kind, and have literally not had a single pit stain since. They're also incredibly mustachian since 1 of the large ones lasts me over a year.
https://www.kingsoopers.com/p/crystal-body-deodorant-stick/0008644900225
The crystal deodorants have plenty of aluminum in them, it's just in a different form - potassium aluminum nitrate (sometimes called potassium alum) instead of aluminum chlorohydrate.
I've always like the idea of them, and tried them a few times . . . but unfortunately they don't work for me. When wearing the crystal stuff my shirts will soak through with sweat, and I'll start smelling later on in the day whereas with a conventional antiperspirant I don't. For me, sweat stains were more significant with the crystal deoderant stuff. YMMV though.
-
These sweet scissors
https://www.amazon.ca/Dressmaking-Upholstery-Dressmakers-Materials-Right-Handed/dp/B07MPH38YM/ref=sr_1_6?crid=22DVQWP6W0C3J&keywords=fabric+scissors&qid=1645549625&sprefix=fabric+scissors%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-6
I never get tired of them.
-
Morning coffee in bed while thinking about starting the day.
@Seamster that is one sweet pencil sharpener!
-
These sweet scissors
https://www.amazon.ca/Dressmaking-Upholstery-Dressmakers-Materials-Right-Handed/dp/B07MPH38YM/ref=sr_1_6?crid=22DVQWP6W0C3J&keywords=fabric+scissors&qid=1645549625&sprefix=fabric+scissors%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-6
I never get tired of them.
I have shears like that, they were my mother's and must be at least 60 years old, if not older. Super to use.
-
These sweet scissors
https://www.amazon.ca/Dressmaking-Upholstery-Dressmakers-Materials-Right-Handed/dp/B07MPH38YM/ref=sr_1_6?crid=22DVQWP6W0C3J&keywords=fabric+scissors&qid=1645549625&sprefix=fabric+scissors%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-6
I never get tired of them.
I have shears like that, they were my mother's and must be at least 60 years old, if not older. Super to use.
I bought a pair like that for $2 at a secondhand market and they are a dream to use.
-
next up: t-shirts
most of my tshirts have pit stains. i guess im getting old because it's starting to bother me.
waiting for hanes/fruit-of-the-loom to have their annual sale with or walmart carries the '+2 free' tshirts package
Pit stains can be removed by washing with white dishwasher soap (or a tablet in the bottom of the washing machine). It can also help to put them out in the sunshine after washing, when still wet. The sunlight is a bleacher.
What kind of deodorant do you use? I read that pit stains happen when the aluminum in your antiperspirant or deodorant mixes with your sweat and gets absorbed into your clothes. I switched several years ago to the crystal stick kind, and have literally not had a single pit stain since. They're also incredibly mustachian since 1 of the large ones lasts me over a year.
https://www.kingsoopers.com/p/crystal-body-deodorant-stick/0008644900225
The crystal deodorants have plenty of aluminum in them, it's just in a different form - potassium aluminum nitrate (sometimes called potassium alum) instead of aluminum chlorohydrate.
I've always like the idea of them, and tried them a few times . . . but unfortunately they don't work for me. When wearing the crystal stuff my shirts will soak through with sweat, and I'll start smelling later on in the day whereas with a conventional antiperspirant I don't. For me, sweat stains were more significant with the crystal deoderant stuff. YMMV though.
Not sure if you can get Lume deodorant in Canada, but I've been using it for a year with no pit stains. It's the only natural option I've tried that doesn't cause me to break out in a rash or stop working after a couple of months.
-
Husband and I enjoyed a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts today. Thanks to a millage that was renewed in 2020, all residents of our county and two others that border Detroit get free general admission. It's always such a treat to visit Rivera Court (https://www.dia.org/riveracourt).
-
PTF
-
I was just moving around the property picking up sticks from winter winds and checking on little bushes and trees DW planted last year. Dear dog was sniffing around checking things out. Warm sun, warm breeze, sounds of the wind in the trees. Sweeping the garage out, sweeping the driveway off. The seasons are in flux again.
Pretty wonderful.
-
The choral version of Borodin's "Polovtsian Dances" (from Prince Igor), which is currently playing on Classic FM online. This was one of my favorite pieces to perform with my choir, and it's so much fun to hear it again.
-
DH had surgery on both feet this week. Despite his protestations that it wasn't necessary, I decided a wheelchair would be
helpful essential to my sanity and his continued survival. I requested one via NextDoor. I had an offer from someone nearby within ten minutes. She had three to choose from, and wisely suggested the one he could propel himself. Today is Day 2 and it's already been a godsend.
-
Butter Croissants from Costco. $4.99 for 12, warm in microwave, add some cheddar cheese, a banana, and a big glass of water and I have a delicious, filling meal for about $1.25.
-
Went out with some friends for a couple of hours on Sunday morning and picked up trash from a little section of a greenway multi-use path. I bike commute along that path, and it had been bugging me, so I recruited a couple of friends and then contacted the city. They have a well-designed volunteer coordinator, who set us up with grabbers, trash bags, gloves, masks, waivers (so we don't sue them, obviously!) and they pick up the bagged trash later, asking only that we not leave it blocking the paths. I put up a post on NextDoor, inviting other folks to join us, but I figured if it was just the three of us that was fine.
Turns out 5 adults with intent can pull a LOT of garbage out of a creek/greenway in two hours. The place looked a ton better, we piled up .. I dunno, a dozen full-sized trash bags worth of stuff, and it felt so nice to actually DO something to make the place a little cleaner! Plus, not only did we pick up every piece of plastic that we found, we also found a prairie dog skull that everyone thought was cool!
-
Good on you! I was just noticing a country road near our house that was looking scruffy due to trash. Alot of people haul their garbage to the transfer station along that road. Things blow out of their pickup trucks I guess.
Well, the county must have read my mind b/c the next day the road crew were out there picking up. Loads better!
-
Went out with some friends for a couple of hours on Sunday morning and picked up trash from a little section of a greenway multi-use path. I bike commute along that path, and it had been bugging me, so I recruited a couple of friends and then contacted the city. They have a well-designed volunteer coordinator, who set us up with grabbers, trash bags, gloves, masks, waivers (so we don't sue them, obviously!) and they pick up the bagged trash later, asking only that we not leave it blocking the paths. I put up a post on NextDoor, inviting other folks to join us, but I figured if it was just the three of us that was fine.
Turns out 5 adults with intent can pull a LOT of garbage out of a creek/greenway in two hours. The place looked a ton better, we piled up .. I dunno, a dozen full-sized trash bags worth of stuff, and it felt so nice to actually DO something to make the place a little cleaner! Plus, not only did we pick up every piece of plastic that we found, we also found a prairie dog skull that everyone thought was cool!
The world would be a much better place if more people would:
a) Put things in a trash can
b) Pick up a small amount of trash on a routine basis
Good on you!
-
Went out with some friends for a couple of hours on Sunday morning and picked up trash from a little section of a greenway multi-use path. I bike commute along that path, and it had been bugging me, so I recruited a couple of friends and then contacted the city. They have a well-designed volunteer coordinator, who set us up with grabbers, trash bags, gloves, masks, waivers (so we don't sue them, obviously!) and they pick up the bagged trash later, asking only that we not leave it blocking the paths. I put up a post on NextDoor, inviting other folks to join us, but I figured if it was just the three of us that was fine.
Turns out 5 adults with intent can pull a LOT of garbage out of a creek/greenway in two hours. The place looked a ton better, we piled up .. I dunno, a dozen full-sized trash bags worth of stuff, and it felt so nice to actually DO something to make the place a little cleaner! Plus, not only did we pick up every piece of plastic that we found, we also found a prairie dog skull that everyone thought was cool!
The world would be a much better place if more people would:
a) Put things in a trash can
b) Pick up a small amount of trash on a routine basis
Good on you!
+1
-
Okay, so the tickets to see Sting in concert last night on the other side of the state weren’t cheap. They were, however, worth every penny: husband and I both have been huge fans for decades, and Sting’s performance was 2 hours of sheer joy.
The cheap part was the side trip today to surprise my SIL and niece and nephew (surprise assisted by my BIL), who live on the other side of the state. We hadn’t seen them in person since Christmas Eve. My SIL was teary-eyed. The kids body-slammed us with hugs. Such a great day.
-
I got out for a short run this morning, and was stunned at the amount of birdsong there is at 5:15 in the morning. It sounded like hundreds and hundreds of birds singing as loud as they could. Half an hour later, just as the sun was cresting the horizon, they seemed to have calmed down.
-
When the grocery store stocks the one type of cream I like for my coffee.
-
Rode my bike down to the farm fields near our house almost at dark and watched a thunderhead cloud cross the sky. Quite a lightning show and confined only to that one thunderhead cloud. It was several miles north of my location. Its been a real treat to live in a place with fields and the open sky above. We still have trees and shade around the house.
Our previous house was in a neighborhood. While we enjoyed the shady trees, there wasn't a way to see very far in any direction.
-
I got out for a short run this morning, and was stunned at the amount of birdsong there is at 5:15 in the morning. It sounded like hundreds and hundreds of birds singing as loud as they could. Half an hour later, just as the sun was cresting the horizon, they seemed to have calmed down.
The dawn chorus! Now I need to get up early this week to get me some of that.
-
Coming home this afternoon with the windows down, smelling all the plants. Huckleberry, fresh cut grass (hay), and all the others. No traffic so I could coast along at 30 mph.
-
When the person in the 120k RV in the campsite next to you points at your tent and says that they used to camp like that, and you reply, "yes, I can afford a 120k RV, but I prefer a tent."
-
A midsummer night. OK, it's still a few weeks to go here, but at my latitude it's still full daylight at 9 PM now. The formal sunset is at 10 PM and dusk at 11 PM. I love summer light at night.
-
Free plants from a giveaway pile!
-
When the person in the 120k RV in the campsite next to you points at your tent and says that they used to camp like that, and you reply, "yes, I can afford a 120k RV, but I prefer a tent."
Hahaha, we represent that remark. Of course, we paid half that for a rig that has doubled in "value" in two years, which we never expected. Truth is, we're in our sixties now and we would be miserable sleeping in a tent. We did it when we could, but we've earned our creature comforts now. Of course the cash we paid for the rig was part of the proceeds from our side hustle.
-
Free plants from a giveaway pile!
Same here! I volunteer at a nonprofit orchard and its freebie table this spring has been fantastic. Really excited about the black cap raspberries I just got.
-
There are so many small things in life that can bring us happiness, and often, they don't cost a thing. A sunny day, a phone call from a friend, a good book to read - these are all things that can make us smile. Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most.
-
A shower at the end of the day, especially if you have worked or played hard during the day. Start of warm and transition to nice and cold......It doesn't even have to be long to be tranformational.
-
A good night’s sleep, a delicious coffee and a painfree run
-
A good night’s sleep, a delicious coffee and a painfree run
That does sound nice.
-
A good night’s sleep, a delicious coffee and a painfree run
That does sound nice.
Studies indicate that forgoing the coffee will significantly increase the chances of the good night's sleep. :P
-
That super satisfying pleasant soreness the day after a hard workout
-
That super satisfying pleasant soreness the day after a hard workout
If you play your cards right, you can get that every day.
-
@GuitarStv-- you are so right. I love the little bit of soreness the next day ALMOST as much as the sweat soaking through my shirt on the day of a hard workout. Hurts so good.
-
Sitting outside in barely-breezy 75-degree weather, on the deck I built myself, on chairs given to us by a neighbor who was upgrading, in the shade of a massive umbrella picked up off a curb, eating ice cream and chatting with family. Life is good.
-
Sitting outside in barely-breezy 75-degree weather, on the deck I built myself, on chairs given to us by a neighbor who was upgrading, in the shade of a massive umbrella picked up off a curb, eating ice cream and chatting with family. Life is good.
Realizing you could be anywhere in the world, I love that you are eating ice cream at 10:30am (my time)!!!
-
Sitting outside in barely-breezy 75-degree weather, on the deck I built myself, on chairs given to us by a neighbor who was upgrading, in the shade of a massive umbrella picked up off a curb, eating ice cream and chatting with family. Life is good.
Realizing you could be anywhere in the world, I love that you are eating ice cream at 10:30am (my time)!!!
LOL! I was describing yesterday evening. That said, I have at times enjoyed a root beer float at 10:30 am! :D
-
Sitting outside in barely-breezy 75-degree weather, on the deck I built myself, on chairs given to us by a neighbor who was upgrading, in the shade of a massive umbrella picked up off a curb, eating ice cream and chatting with family. Life is good.
Realizing you could be anywhere in the world, I love that you are eating ice cream at 10:30am (my time)!!!
LOL! I was describing yesterday evening. That said, I have at times enjoyed a root beer float at 10:30 am! :D
I see nothing wrong with that.
-
Sitting outside in barely-breezy 75-degree weather, on the deck I built myself, on chairs given to us by a neighbor who was upgrading, in the shade of a massive umbrella picked up off a curb, eating ice cream and chatting with family. Life is good.
Realizing you could be anywhere in the world, I love that you are eating ice cream at 10:30am (my time)!!!
LOL! I was describing yesterday evening. That said, I have at times enjoyed a root beer float at 10:30 am! :D
I see nothing wrong with that.
Am I the only one who thinks morning ice cream is totally normal??
Coffee and ice cream is a fantastic combo.
-
'course, so is beer and ice cream: if you use stout and a really good vanilla it makes a great shake.
-
You can make an incredible float using raspberry lambic and vanilla ice cream.
Not exactly "cheap" but it won't break the bank.
-
'course, so is beer and ice cream: if you use stout and a really good vanilla it makes a great shake.
Less appropriate for the morning though.
-
'course, so is beer and ice cream: if you use stout and a really good vanilla it makes a great shake.
Really???
I'd have never considered this combination, but can kinda mentally picture it.
-
'course, so is beer and ice cream: if you use stout and a really good vanilla it makes a great shake.
Really???
I'd have never considered this combination, but can kinda mentally picture it.
Really? You totally strike me as the kind of dude who would figure out beer floats on his own. I used to love a chocolate ice cream and Blanche de Chambly float back when I drank alcohol. I just found dealcoholized Kronenbourg Blanc though, and that would work well.
Many beers do well with sweet flavours.
-
'course, so is beer and ice cream: if you use stout and a really good vanilla it makes a great shake.
Really???
I'd have never considered this combination, but can kinda mentally picture it.
Really? You totally strike me as the kind of dude who would figure out beer floats on his own. I used to love a chocolate ice cream and Blanche de Chambly float back when I drank alcohol. I just found dealcoholized Kronenbourg Blanc though, and that would work well.
Many beers do well with sweet flavours.
Yeah, I wanted to keep it easy with the vanilla option, but chocolate works really, really well with some beer varieties.
Now it's 9 AM, I have a ton of stuff to do today (including some technical work) and I kind of want a beer float... Thanks, everyone!
-
'course, so is beer and ice cream: if you use stout and a really good vanilla it makes a great shake.
Really???
I'd have never considered this combination, but can kinda mentally picture it.
Really? You totally strike me as the kind of dude who would figure out beer floats on his own. I used to love a chocolate ice cream and Blanche de Chambly float back when I drank alcohol. I just found dealcoholized Kronenbourg Blanc though, and that would work well.
Many beers do well with sweet flavours.
Yeah, I wanted to keep it easy with the vanilla option, but chocolate works really, really well with some beer varieties.
Now it's 9 AM, I have a ton of stuff to do today (including some technical work) and I kind of want a beer float... Thanks, everyone!
As I said, Kronenbourg makes a dealcoholized white beer, perfectly acceptable for a morning beer float
-
The new handsoap my wife switched over to ~6 months ago and the corresponding all purpose spray to clean the counters with. It smells amazing and literally makes me clean the counters more often just because I like the smell.
My ~$10 coffee grinder that I've had for ~10 years. Thing is a tank and the smell of ground coffee beans might be just as important/nice as the coffee itself.
Pilot G-2 pens. My wife and I literally don't buy any other pens. Love how these feel when writing and get very frustrated when force to use inferior alternatives.
Adam's Polishes Leather Conditioner. That stuff smells amazing. When using a foam applicator, a little goes a very long way. Keeps the leather in the car nice and helps car smell fresh.
Our Roku. Between the ability to use an app on my phone as the remote, a button on the device to ping and find the remote, the small profile of the actual device, support for 4K, and the generally easy-to-use nature of the device as well as continually updated/supported apps (unlike every Smart TV I've ever owned)....the Roku is pretty amazing.
My carryon suitcase. It was a cheap gift, but damn this thing is durable. Hundreds of work trips and this carryon suitcase has never let me down.
-
'course, so is beer and ice cream: if you use stout and a really good vanilla it makes a great shake.
Really???
I'd have never considered this combination, but can kinda mentally picture it.
Really? You totally strike me as the kind of dude who would figure out beer floats on his own. I used to love a chocolate ice cream and Blanche de Chambly float back when I drank alcohol. I just found dealcoholized Kronenbourg Blanc though, and that would work well.
Many beers do well with sweet flavours.
More of a rootbeer than real beer guy myself honestly. :P I may try this ice-cream beer thing though, it has piqued my curiosity.
-
My workout membership. I started working out with this company for free in 2015 (there were occasionally ads on the videos) and it was something I actually stuck with. They started a premium membership so they are making a lot of subscription only workouts. Although I could have stayed with the free version and had plenty of workouts to keep me busy (over 600), I decided I liked some of the premium features and I wanted to support the couple that was making a go of their small business. So I subscribed about two years ago.
Over the last year, I've paid less than $0.22 per workout.
-
The Uniball Jetstream SX-210. It’s such a good pen - beautiful writing action, fast drying waterproof ink - it’s worth paying for and just ditching all the cheap or free temperamental or gluggy ballpoints. It feels as good as writing with a fountain pen but without the risk that a drop of water will make everything unreadable. (I donated my Pelikan after realising I hadn’t used it in a few years because I always reached for a jetstream)
-
The Uniball Jetstream SX-210. It’s such a good pen - beautiful writing action, fast drying waterproof ink - it’s worth paying for and just ditching all the cheap or free temperamental or gluggy ballpoints. It feels as good as writing with a fountain pen but without the risk that a drop of water will make everything unreadable. (I donated my Pelikan after realising I hadn’t used it in a few years because I always reached for a jetstream)
I don't use pens if I can avoid it, but am a really big fan of the uniball Kuru Toga mechanical pencil. It's the best mechanical pencil for writing that I've ever used. You just never break the pencil lead.
-
Uniballs are one of the few commercial products to which I have borderline-creepy-intense loyalty.
-
The sound of the washing machine doing a load of laundry.
-
Homemade soft pretzels. The key is to brush melted butter on it as soon as it comes out of the oven.
-
Taking my dog for a long walk when it finally cools off in the evening. When I look down and she's trotting along with her big pittie smile and she looks up at me with a face full of love and happiness--right in the feels.
We stop to put items we find in the street in the appropriate receptacle; cans in recycling bins, soggy newspapers in trash cans, a penny in my pocket :) We even found a nice throwing stick in the gutter to take home. We checked out the little library and made it home before full dark.
Speaking of ice cream, I've been having an Aldi knockoff Klondike bar with my dinner. So nice and cool when it's so hot out.
-
Taking my dog for a long walk when it finally cools off in the evening.
Summer evening walks are the best. Especially with fireflies out.
We went out for one a couple days ago and, on our way home, saw a huge tree with fireflies lighting it up with sparkles way up into the darkness.
-
Taking my dog for a long walk when it finally cools off in the evening.
Summer evening walks are the best. Especially with fireflies out.
We went out for one a couple days ago and, on our way home, saw a huge tree with fireflies lighting it up with sparkles way up into the darkness.
Firefly gazing is magical.
-
I agree. We live out in the country so the dog goes tromping around in the yard (field) out front while I sit and watch the fireflies for a while. Also, the airplanes 30K+ feet up while I wonder where they are coming from or going to.
-
'course, so is beer and ice cream: if you use stout and a really good vanilla it makes a great shake.
Really???
I'd have never considered this combination, but can kinda mentally picture it.
my stomach is bubbling just thinking about it.
-
Washing windows is a cheap thing that makes me happy, especially when the sun moves far enough north in the summer to shine through some of them, highlighting how dirty they can get.
-
Received a $60 gift card to one of our favorite restaurants.
-
Good takeaway coffee drink with a friend while walking her dog through a waterfront park.
-
Got up on the early side and went for a walk with a friend and her dog at 7 am, before it got crazy hot here. We usually go at 11:30, but this was so very much nicer!
-
Sitting, drinking tea, watching whales
-
A long phone call with an old friend - left me with a smile on my face. We cheerfully blasted various US/Euro/China politics, the 1%, international banking groups and their shenanigans. Very satisfying!:)
Then I put together my new coffee maker (not so cheap but I paid for it with gift cards I'd earned or received).
Next I made myself an excellent lunch from leftovers. Isn't it wonderful when you can combine a bunch of itty-bitty parts into a tasty treat?
Followed by a great cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie. Two of my favorite things in life:).
-
My workout membership. I started working out with this company for free in 2015 (there were occasionally ads on the videos) and it was something I actually stuck with. They started a premium membership so they are making a lot of subscription only workouts. Although I could have stayed with the free version and had plenty of workouts to keep me busy (over 600), I decided I liked some of the premium features and I wanted to support the couple that was making a go of their small business. So I subscribed about two years ago.
Over the last year, I've paid less than $0.22 per workout.
Fitnessblender? I adore them. About to renew my yearly Plus subscription because I love the new stuff.
-
Homemade pita breads. Just 250 grams of flour, some yeast, salt, and oil. Faster to make than a loaf of bread (only needs one rise) and sooo delicious. Makes store-bought pita taste like cardboard.
-
Homemade pita breads. Just 250 grams of flour, some yeast, salt, and oil. Faster to make than a loaf of bread (only needs one rise) and sooo delicious. Makes store-bought pita taste like cardboard.
@Dreamer40 , could we get that recipe? Sounds fantastic with homemade hummus!
-
Reading a good book from the library or a used book sale.
-
Homemade pita breads. Just 250 grams of flour, some yeast, salt, and oil. Faster to make than a loaf of bread (only needs one rise) and sooo delicious. Makes store-bought pita taste like cardboard.
@Dreamer40 , could we get that recipe? Sounds fantastic with homemade hummus!
You bet! This is almost identical to the version I have in a book.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pitta_bread_97296/amp
I don’t use seeds in mine. The dough rises for about an hour (longer on cold days). And I bake them on parchment-paper-lined trays instead floured-trays. The recipe is easy to double and I bake 2 trays at a time to speed it up.
-
Homemade pita breads. Just 250 grams of flour, some yeast, salt, and oil. Faster to make than a loaf of bread (only needs one rise) and sooo delicious. Makes store-bought pita taste like cardboard.
@Dreamer40 , could we get that recipe? Sounds fantastic with homemade hummus!
You bet! This is almost identical to the version I have in a book.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pitta_bread_97296/amp
I don’t use seeds in mine. The dough rises for about an hour (longer on cold days). And I bake them on parchment-paper-lined trays instead floured-trays. The recipe is easy to double and I bake 2 trays at a time to speed it up.
I love home made flat breads too. Ours is for two, to use as a "wrap" around refried roast meat (with loads of garlic), lettuce, cheese, tomato, capsicum and greek yoghurt.
150 grams plain flour
105 grams warm water
8 grams olive oil
5 grams yeast
3 grams salt
Mix it all together, and let it rise in it's bowl until it about doubles. In summer, about an hour. In winter, 2 hours.
Then turn it out onto a floured table, cut in half and make 2 balls. Roll it out into a large flat circle (don't work it too much and use plenty of flour to stop it sticking). When about 25 cm's diameter, place it onto a very hot flat plat (we use the BBQ) and let heat until bubbles form. Sometimes I get a full puffed up bread, sometimes just bubbles. Trun and leave for around a minute. Pull off the heat and use immediately.
Sometimes I add a bit of paprika.
-
@middo, thanks for the additional recipe! It looks like I need to get a food scale... I'm a typical American who usually uses imperial volume measures, but the more baking I do the more it seems measuring by weight is the way to go!
-
Sitting in the garden on a quiet summer Sunday afternoon, listening to the regular hydroponics water cascade (for salads and veggies). Flowers are abundant, too, so I don't really need vacations ☺
-
DIY to for patio around the house. It's so satisfying to lift and lay bricks, and see the beautiful/functional outcome right in front of you.
-
@middo, thanks for the additional recipe! It looks like I need to get a food scale... I'm a typical American who usually uses imperial volume measures, but the more baking I do the more it seems measuring by weight is the way to go!
Besides accuracy, weight is also a lot easier! Put your bowl on the scale and start dumping ingredients in. No need to fuss with cups and spoons (or have a bunch of little things to wash after). I’ve been using the same $10 food scale for years and it works fine. Doesn’t need to be fancy.
-
Taking care of our things and lengthening their usefulness. Like this so much knowing I don't need to replace something when I can repair or just take care of it in the first place.
-
Walking and swimming. They are the best. Being in nature/outside.
-
Homemade sushi. Spent $14 and fed five kids and two adults.
-
Random shoot-the-sh*t calls with my grown children.
-
My Sunday morning ritual of sitting in my living room soaking up the sun through the bay window, with a pot of tea and a logic puzzle.
-
On a cold day, if I've done something outside and wrapped up early enough to have a late morning, screaming hot cup of coffee. I mean like so hot you can hardly take it out of the microwave.
-
My Sunday morning ritual of sitting in my living room soaking up the sun through the bay window, with a pot of tea and a logic puzzle.
It is not going to be "cheap", but we're talking with an architect about re-jiggering the inside of the house so that we can spend the next few decades doing this (but not in the living room, because that's on the west side of the house -- great for sitting in the afternoon sun, etc. etc.)
Mine is taking advantage of the cold weather to bake cookies and various types of fruitcakes, and then sharing them with friends and neighbors!
-
Made several gingerbread house kits to give to friends.
-
Bright sunshine on white snow..everything looks so perfectly gorgeous.
-
A big pot of soup/stew on the stove and homemade bread. Watching the winter sunset out of the sunroom. Happy Solstice!
-
Being warm and inside with no outdoor obligations during this decade's fourth Storm Of The Century.
-
Being warm and inside with no outdoor obligations during this decade's fourth Storm Of The Century.
Same. I'm isolating before major surgery in a few weeks, so no Christmas obligations for me. I'm very much enjoying that I don't have anywhere to be and already have weeks worth of food in my house.
DH on the other hand? He went out for a run last night because he does that every time he gets an extreme weather warning on his phone. I think he's in a dick measuring contest with God or something.
-
My wife has perfected the art of making green chili. She made a batch using the last of the Hatch chili's and it's been heavenly.
-
Stretching (in the morning, in front of the fireplace)
-
A really good cup of tea in a quiet house.
-
Orthopedic supports when you've had orthopedic surgery.
One of my very favourite possessions in the whole wide world right now is a $17 leg lifting strap. I've had it by my side, under a pillow in my hospital bed because I don't want anyone to accidentally move it somewhere.
There are just all these little useful aides that so dramatically increase my quality of life right now.
-
Fortune cookies.
There's no logical reason to care what's printed on the little slip of paper, but I still enjoy seeing what they say. The last one I opened was in English on one side and in French on the other. The lucky number was only on the English side, so I guess I'm lucky to speack English. ;~)
-
Home baked bread
-
Fortune cookies.
There's no logical reason to care what's printed on the little slip of paper, but I still enjoy seeing what they say. The last one I opened was in English on one side and in French on the other. The lucky number was only on the English side, so I guess I'm lucky to speack English. ;~)
Same. Love them.
-
Finding that lost thing. Looked high and low for a tool yesterday. Haven't needed it for several years since before we moved last time.
After checking every possible place, I thought of one more place to look and there it was... Then I remembered my friend putting it there (inside a cabinet) so it wouldn't get lost.
Was prepared to buy it again, won't need to now.
-
After 24 hours of stomach pain and vomiting from a bout of food poisoning, it's feeling really spectacular to just not be in pain and nauseous.
-
Orthopedic supports when you've had orthopedic surgery.
One of my very favourite possessions in the whole wide world right now is a $17 leg lifting strap. I've had it by my side, under a pillow in my hospital bed because I don't want anyone to accidentally move it somewhere.
There are just all these little useful aides that so dramatically increase my quality of life right now.
My father is waiting for a shoulder surgery and constructed a pulley system in order to gain/increase his range of motion in the injured arm. It's true--amazing what some straps, rope, pulleys can do for quality of life.
-
Home baked bread
Agree. Especially when it is a bit warm still.
I made a loaf one time and left it on the kitchen counter to cool before I went to bed. When I woke up in the morning I went downstairs and there were just crumbs left. My teenage daughter came home and ate the whole loaf.
-
Modern dentistry. Maybe not so cheap as say watching whales and drinking tea (which sounds wonderful, BTW) but thank God for endodontists and anesthetic. $375.00 (after insurance) and I'm now the proud own of a root canaled tooth and no more pain.
-
Random, unloved condiments from the food pantry are making me happy today!
People often donate interesting condiments to the food pantry that we can't give away. They usually sit on a shelf for 6+ months and then we cycle them through. Once they go in the trash, I have been known to ask if I can have them.
Now some of my fellow volunteers ask me before throwing them in the trash and I scored three jars of momofuku chili crunch (with an expiration date of december 2023) last weekend!
I ate a delicious bowl of noodles, spiraled butternut squash and cooked spinach with a chilicrunch/soy/honey/chicken broth for lunch and it made me really happy!
-
Random, unloved condiments from the food pantry are making me happy today!
People often donate interesting condiments to the food pantry that we can't give away. They usually sit on a shelf for 6+ months and then we cycle them through. Once they go in the trash, I have been known to ask if I can have them.
Now some of my fellow volunteers ask me before throwing them in the trash and I scored three jars of momofuku chili crunch (with an expiration date of december 2023) last weekend!
I ate a delicious bowl of noodles, spiraled butternut squash and cooked spinach with a chilicrunch/soy/honey/chicken broth for lunch and it made me really happy!
When you say, "can't give away" is that because customers don't select the condiments or because of some food pantry rule?
-
Random, unloved condiments from the food pantry are making me happy today!
People often donate interesting condiments to the food pantry that we can't give away. They usually sit on a shelf for 6+ months and then we cycle them through. Once they go in the trash, I have been known to ask if I can have them.
Now some of my fellow volunteers ask me before throwing them in the trash and I scored three jars of momofuku chili crunch (with an expiration date of december 2023) last weekend!
I ate a delicious bowl of noodles, spiraled butternut squash and cooked spinach with a chilicrunch/soy/honey/chicken broth for lunch and it made me really happy!
When you say, "can't give away" is that because customers don't select the condiments or because of some food pantry rule?
I didn't realize how funny that must sound for a food pantry :) Badly used phrase on my part. The customer's don't choose them.
While the pantry generally has limits on how many of an item each individual can take (2 condiments per visit, etc), with items that sit too long we eventually move them to a shelf that says "help yourself! Take as many as you like!" And them some of the more esoteric items still there until we eventually throw them out.
I've gotten bags of dried figs and prunes, different hot sauces, mustards, ghee, and loose leaf teas from the toss shelf. I like keeping it from going into the landfill.
-
Turning up the thermostat on our waterheater just a few degrees higher.
-
Random, unloved condiments from the food pantry are making me happy today!
People often donate interesting condiments to the food pantry that we can't give away. They usually sit on a shelf for 6+ months and then we cycle them through. Once they go in the trash, I have been known to ask if I can have them.
Now some of my fellow volunteers ask me before throwing them in the trash and I scored three jars of momofuku chili crunch (with an expiration date of december 2023) last weekend!
I ate a delicious bowl of noodles, spiraled butternut squash and cooked spinach with a chilicrunch/soy/honey/chicken broth for lunch and it made me really happy!
When you say, "can't give away" is that because customers don't select the condiments or because of some food pantry rule?
I didn't realize how funny that must sound for a food pantry :) Badly used phrase on my part. The customer's don't choose them.
While the pantry generally has limits on how many of an item each individual can take (2 condiments per visit, etc), with items that sit too long we eventually move them to a shelf that says "help yourself! Take as many as you like!" And them some of the more esoteric items still there until we eventually throw them out.
I've gotten bags of dried figs and prunes, different hot sauces, mustards, ghee, and loose leaf teas from the toss shelf. I like keeping it from going into the landfill.
Those items are bio degradable though. They will break down in any landfill or in any compost pile, even better.
-
Fresh basil in the winter (we have a basil plant that lives indoors)
-
Now some of my fellow volunteers ask me before throwing them in the trash and I scored three jars of momofuku chili crunch (with an expiration date of december 2023) last weekend!
I ate a delicious bowl of noodles, spiraled butternut squash and cooked spinach with a chilicrunch/soy/honey/chicken broth for lunch and it made me really happy!
Chili crunch has been a hot item in 2022. I got my brother and nephew hooked on it. I prefer more salty spice like jalapeño on my pizza, but I’ve been wondering what to put on my butternut noodles so I’ll try it.
-
Plants sprouting from seeds that I sowed.
-
Plants sprouting from seeds that I sowed.
Yeeeesssss!!!!
-
Drawing. So simple and profound.
-
Plants sprouting from seeds that I sowed.
Yeeeesssss!!!!
me toooooo!
-
I just discovered (free) online jigsaw puzzles!
And while I thought I would miss the tactile part of actually manipulating the pieces, I thought it was really fun and didn't miss the physical pieces! I haven't been able to do puzzles in years because my cats would want to "help" the entire time (even if I could find a good way to protect a big puzzle between work sessions), so this is a great solution.
Not that I needed more games to play, but I'm FIREd so theoretically I have time??
-
Plants sprouting from seeds that I sowed.
Double yes!!! This never gets old.
-
The smell of cookies baking..
And deep, fresh snow on a ski day (the skiing isn't cheap but I have a pass & my gear but the weather really changes everything!)
-
The smell of cookies baking..
And deep, fresh snow on a ski day (the skiing isn't cheap but I have a pass & my gear but the weather really changes everything!)
Just finished baking a tray full of cinnamon rolls to take to a ski race tomorrow. Friends are racing, I'll be a course marshal.
Enjoy the snow!
-
Just finished baking a tray full of cinnamon rolls to take to a ski race tomorrow. Friends are racing, I'll be a course marshal.
Enjoy the snow!
thanks @jeninco --best day of the season so far! Hope the races went well :)
Library books (and the ability for librarians to bring in books from other districts if I request them). Such abundance.
-
Cheap things that make me happy: My morning coffee, early morning drives, and quiet time.
-A few days a week I'll get up an hour or so before daylight and sit in the dark/quiet, drink my coffee, and just think or zone out.
-Other times I'll read at this time but only with a little book light.
-On the weekends I'll sometimes get up before daylight, make my coffee, and take a little drive while the wifey and majority of the city sleeps in.
I have a demanding/stressful job so this is one hour a day a few times a week where I know it will always be peaceful and relaxing.
-
Random, unloved condiments from the food pantry are making me happy today!
People often donate interesting condiments to the food pantry that we can't give away. They usually sit on a shelf for 6+ months and then we cycle them through. Once they go in the trash, I have been known to ask if I can have them.
Now some of my fellow volunteers ask me before throwing them in the trash and I scored three jars of momofuku chili crunch (with an expiration date of december 2023) last weekend!
I ate a delicious bowl of noodles, spiraled butternut squash and cooked spinach with a chilicrunch/soy/honey/chicken broth for lunch and it made me really happy!
When you say, "can't give away" is that because customers don't select the condiments or because of some food pantry rule?
I didn't realize how funny that must sound for a food pantry :) Badly used phrase on my part. The customer's don't choose them.
While the pantry generally has limits on how many of an item each individual can take (2 condiments per visit, etc), with items that sit too long we eventually move them to a shelf that says "help yourself! Take as many as you like!" And them some of the more esoteric items still there until we eventually throw them out.
I've gotten bags of dried figs and prunes, different hot sauces, mustards, ghee, and loose leaf teas from the toss shelf. I like keeping it from going into the landfill.9
Related tangent: I run a large-scale annual food drive. During a planning session, I asked about cash donations vs. food. The answer was both, because people donate things the Food Bank doesn't buy, like branded cereal and...condiments.
As a result of what I've learned over the years, I personally give money, because the FB's buying power far exceeds my own, but I always watch for screaming deals on condiments to donate. (LOL, I don't buy branded cereal either.)
-
A delicious meal made from my pantry/freezer/cold cellar. Even better when I grew some of the ingredients. Easy to cook. It's like a gift from past me.
-
Last night I made cookies and this morning, I made homemade ice cream. I've found making ice cream really fun since I know what is going in it, and I keep tweaking the recipe over time.
-
A delicious meal made from my pantry/freezer/cold cellar. Even better when I grew some of the ingredients. Easy to cook. It's like a gift from past me.
It's always better when you grew some of the ingredients!
-
Just finished baking a tray full of cinnamon rolls to take to a ski race tomorrow. Friends are racing, I'll be a course marshal.
Enjoy the snow!
thanks @jeninco --best day of the season so far! Hope the races went well :)
Library books (and the ability for librarians to bring in books from other districts if I request them). Such abundance.
It was ... a day. Someone else drove, but we were in a car for 5+ hours (combined). It was single-digits while we were mostly standing stil (and cheering for the racers)l on the race course, and my partner and I wound up kind of trying to dissuade a moose from re-crossing the race course by ringing cow-bells (and wondering if we were going to have to stop the race, which we would've if the moose had come back towards the course).
Seconding the library books, and +1 for Libby, which lets me just download them onto my iPad!
-
Just finished baking a tray full of cinnamon rolls to take to a ski race tomorrow. Friends are racing, I'll be a course marshal.
Enjoy the snow!
thanks @jeninco --best day of the season so far! Hope the races went well :)
Library books (and the ability for librarians to bring in books from other districts if I request them). Such abundance.
It was ... a day. Someone else drove, but we were in a car for 5+ hours (combined). It was single-digits while we were mostly standing stil (and cheering for the racers)l on the race course, and my partner and I wound up kind of trying to dissuade a moose from re-crossing the race course by ringing cow-bells (and wondering if we were going to have to stop the race, which we would've if the moose had come back towards the course).
Seconding the library books, and +1 for Libby, which lets me just download them onto my iPad!
You don't want to mess with moose. They're kinda goofy looking and usually pretty relaxed animals so people tend to underestimate them. If they get upset they're very capable of killing you - unexpectedly quickly.
-
Library books (and the ability for librarians to bring in books from other districts if I request them). Such abundance.
+1
I also enjoy chatting with my librarians. That's another cheap thing that makes me happy. :)
-
Just finished baking a tray full of cinnamon rolls to take to a ski race tomorrow. Friends are racing, I'll be a course marshal.
Enjoy the snow!
thanks @jeninco --best day of the season so far! Hope the races went well :)
Library books (and the ability for librarians to bring in books from other districts if I request them). Such abundance.
It was ... a day. Someone else drove, but we were in a car for 5+ hours (combined). It was single-digits while we were mostly standing stil (and cheering for the racers)l on the race course, and my partner and I wound up kind of trying to dissuade a moose from re-crossing the race course by ringing cow-bells (and wondering if we were going to have to stop the race, which we would've if the moose had come back towards the course).
Seconding the library books, and +1 for Libby, which lets me just download them onto my iPad!
You don't want to mess with moose. They're kinda goofy looking and usually pretty relaxed animals so people tend to underestimate them. If they get upset they're very capable of killing you - unexpectedly quickly.
Yep -- unpredictable, scary, and freaking HUGE. But there are 6 or so that live at the X-C ski area where we patrol and where the race was, so we mostly try to keep the people and the moose separated... I guess my "cheap thing" for the weekend was "I got to see a moose!" which was improved by "and it was moving steadily away from me at the time!"
-
Homemade brownies! I made a batch to take to a friend's house and they were so good I made another batch for us to have at home.
-
@jeninco @GuitarStv
I agree that moose sightings are amazing (when from a distance). My parents have animal crossing paths on their property so whenever they don't have a dog, you can see the footprints (and once a mother and baby moose resting under a tree).
Yesterday I spotted a Northern Goshawk while out for a wintery hike. Apparently a rare sighting and thankfully I was able to get a (blurry) photo. So wild and beautiful.
-
The luxury of time. Today, I worked out for two hours at the gym this morning, went home and had lunch, and am now lying in a sunny spot on the sofa reading the forums and a good book from the library.
-
Getting lost in a good book. The hours fly by.
-
A job well done. I just finished painting all of my kitchen cabinets. Dramatically cheaper than hiring it out, probably not done to the same standard, but now I get to appreciate the fruits of my labor daily.
-
Chatting over the fence with my lovely neighbors.
-
The cold. I've been sitting on the front porch in the evenings listening to the night sounds and our dog sniffing her way around the yard. I've been testing colder and colder temps. 50s were nice. Then started sitting in the 40Fs with a blanket. Last night I sat outside for 30 minutes in ~35F weather. I think I outlasted the dog.
Sometimes, spend the time reading stuff on my phone, or using the internet, or ...listening to my 50 year old AM/FM/SW radio. Analog dials, etc. Runs forever on a set of cheap D-cell batteries. Sitting on the cold front porch, running up and down the dial on all the frequencies, listening to this and that from far and near. Listened to the HAM guys the other night, lots of foreign places, AM radio (WSM Grand Old Opry) one recent Saturday night. Avoiding all the political talk radio with opinions based on ??? Hearsay? Don't want to inhabit the world those people think they live in.
-
The cold. I've been sitting on the front porch in the evenings listening to the night sounds and our dog sniffing her way around the yard. I've been testing colder and colder temps. 50s were nice. Then started sitting in the 40Fs with a blanket. Last night I sat outside for 30 minutes in ~35F weather. I think I outlasted the dog.
Sometimes, spend the time reading stuff on my phone, or using the internet, or ...listening to my 50 year old AM/FM/SW radio. Analog dials, etc. Runs forever on a set of cheap D-cell batteries. Sitting on the cold front porch, running up and down the dial on all the frequencies, listening to this and that from far and near. Listened to the HAM guys the other night, lots of foreign places, AM radio (WSM Grand Old Opry) one recent Saturday night. Avoiding all the political talk radio with opinions based on ??? Hearsay? Don't want to inhabit the world those people think they live in.
I like you.
-
Podcasts. Homemade crepe pancakes. The tv show Ted Lasso.
The strangers that smiled (understandingly) at me when I accidentally blocked the cross walk with my car today.
Going on vacation using visa points.
Reading this thread :)
-
Writing and giving thank you cards.
-
Reading this thread :)
Same. Thanks for creating it, @lifejoy!
-
I love a good cup of black coffee at 6 am.
I also love a good, crisp apple.
-
I love a good cup of black coffee at 6 am.
I think that is my most favorite part of the day.
-
Writing and giving thank you cards.
Seeing you around these parts.
-
Writing and giving thank you cards.
Seeing you around these parts.
Ditto!
-
Podcasts. Homemade crepe pancakes. The tv show Ted Lasso.
Reading this thread :)
Podcasts and Ted Lasso are right up there for me, too.
A fire in our fireplace. Good hot soup. The satisfaction of a shoveled sidewalk.
-
Writing and giving thank you cards.
And making them!
There's a fancy hand-made paper store in our town, and I go past there and buy (honestly, not super-expensive) sheets of various kinds of beautiful paper-y things. Then I cut them into rectangles and squares (and hearts for Valentine's Day) and glue them onto card-stock that I buy by the ream at a regular office supply store, along with A4 envelopes. A half hour being low-key craft and we're set with really lovely cards for the next couple of months.
-
- A heating pad for my neck and shoulders on cold winter days/nights.
- A cat curled up next to me on the couch.
- My milk frother. It was a Christmas gift, cost ~ $12, and I've used it every day to make my creamer a bit frothier for my morning coffee.
- Mai Tai Fridays. During lockdown, DH and I perfected our Trader Vic's mai tai recipe. On Fridays now, we make them and serve them in our Trader Vic tiki glasses.
- Silicone straws. I bought them at BevMo when we were stocking up for holiday party beverages. We cut some of them in half for shorter drinks, and just toss them in the dishwasher's silverware basket when used. I LOVE THEM in comparison to paper straws. They don't stick to my lips, or disintegrate after 10 minutes in the glass.
-
I successfully got an old white paint stain out of a thrifted Patagonia fleece this morning using a splash of paint thinner as a spot treatment before laundry day! Shite like this is a VICTORY!
I also was cheaply happy today when I took a free afternoon nap.
-
Longer days, the sun now reaching directly into our living room for a portion of the afternoon again :)
-
The free weekly film screenings at the art gallery. They are tied to whatever exhibition is on and I generally catch at least half of them.
-
I successfully got an old white paint stain out of a thrifted Patagonia fleece this morning using a splash of paint thinner as a spot treatment before laundry day! Shite like this is a VICTORY!
Great job @Loretta! I love wins like that.
-
On days like today, my balaclava
-
On days like today, my balaclava
Out here in pa my version this week is my raincoat.
-
Post-run stretching. It feels so good and is so good for your body.
-
A clean kitchen sink. Dinner cooking. Fresh sheets, laundry folded. Cat box clean. Little but real satisfactions.
-
A clean kitchen sink. Dinner cooking. Fresh sheets, laundry folded. Cat box clean. Little but real satisfactions.
Those are really good ones @Extramedium -- agree completely.
-
A day sunny and warm enough to have an indoor plant field trip. I put them on the back porch out of the wind but in the sun and give them a nice thorough watering.
-
-The smell of dinner being cooked downstairs (and since it's pesto, potato & bacon pizza tonight it's particularly tantalizing)..
-an afternoon nap
-
Repairing my dead motorcycle without needing to buy any parts. Discovered it was only a dirty battery connection. :)!
-
@Serendip, YES to the afternoon nap. I always say that my favorite simple pleasure is being able to eat when I'm hungry and sleep when I'm tired.
Other cheap things that make me happy:
Being known by name at my local library
Long walks on the beach with my dog and son
Sunday morning snuggles with DH
-
Ice cream on a blazing hot afternoon. Reading a good book that I found in a street library. Listening to an interesting podcast while doing embroidery.
-
A day sunny and warm enough to have an indoor plant field trip. I put them on the back porch out of the wind but in the sun and give them a nice thorough watering.
What a good plant mom you are!
-
A battery operated milk frother. My sister got it for me for Christmas, and I've used it every morning since then to make my coffee taste even better.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09D8T11YS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-
My oldest bicycle. Bought it almost new in 2000. I ride it places where it may damaged or stolen. It may be beat up to the point now that it isn't worth being stolen.
-
lighting a lovely scented candle on a cool overcast day and curling up with a library book.
listening to my teenager pick out a song he likes and attempt to play it on the guitar for which I bartered for a bottle of bourbon!
-
I put on new windshield wipers, went a little pricey for ones that said they were good for ice.. WOW wished I did that a loooong time ago.
-
Laying down in the grass for a nap while four of my kids LARP battle in the park. It's mid February in northeast Illinois, and we are enjoying a beautiful nearly-50-degree day with a nice, warm sun.
-
My 2 cups daily (maybe 3!) of Moka Pot coffee - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moka_pot
Love this with oat milk and a smidgen of honey and cinnamon
-
Leaving a box out and watching my cat play in it.
-
My morning ritual of cheese omelette with salsa, and good coffee. Making an omelette perfectly is so difficult to do consistently, and the practice is fun.
-
Leaving a box out and watching my cat play in it.
Yesss. I recently collected a bag of leaves and added a bunch to the box and she is so happy. It's adorable and hilarious to watch her. Real role models about enjoying the simple pleasures of life!
-
My self-sown seeds sprouting.
-
Getting really comfortable in my bed makes me happy. What a luxury it is to have such a warm, comfortable bed!
-
Chamomile tea with a teaspoon of honey.
-
A battery operated milk frother. My sister got it for me for Christmas, and I've used it every morning since then to make my coffee taste even better.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09D8T11YS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So funny! I bought one of these three weeks ago because I was envying my friend's new $$$ espresso/milk steamer combo and I figured I could achieve almost the same thing with the Aeropress I already have and a milk frother. I felt frivolous buying such a gadget, but I have very much enjoyed my lattes! And the frother has come in handy for emulsifying home made dressing and for my 6 year old daughter to help me whisk eggs with no mess.
And here someone is posting about it as something cheap! Thanks for the validation!
-
Going for a run in the woods with my dog.
-
My dog. $117 SPCA special. $10 /mo dry dog food :)
-
A battery operated milk frother. My sister got it for me for Christmas, and I've used it every morning since then to make my coffee taste even better.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09D8T11YS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So funny! I bought one of these three weeks ago because I was envying my friend's new $$$ espresso/milk steamer combo and I figured I could achieve almost the same thing with the Aeropress I already have and a milk frother. I felt frivolous buying such a gadget, but I have very much enjoyed my lattes! And the frother has come in handy for emulsifying home made dressing and for my 6 year old daughter to help me whisk eggs with no mess.
And here someone is posting about it as something cheap! Thanks for the validation!
Ha! I may have posted it on your journal at some point.
And I may have purchased two for friends this past month. ;)
-
The endorphins that come after a nice, long, easy run. I'm working to get back into shape. Ran 5.2 miles last night at about a 9 minute mile pace. Not very fast, but that's not the primary goal. The goal is to feel and be healthier. The faster times will come on their own if I can exercise consistently.
-
That sounds great, @zolotiyeruki ! Keep them coming, those miles build and they can feel super awesome.
-
The endorphins that come after a nice, long, easy run. I'm working to get back into shape. Ran 5.2 miles last night at about a 9 minute mile pace. Not very fast, but that's not the primary goal. The goal is to feel and be healthier. The faster times will come on their own if I can exercise consistently.
Don't knock your 9:00/mile pace! No matter fast you are, there are people faster than you and slower than you. Run what you run, and love the experience. Glad you're feeling good and getting faster. I'm around your pace and distance, and it comes and goes. I keep track, but don't get attached to any times. As long as you're getting healthier and having fun, like me!
-
The endorphins that come after a nice, long, easy run. I'm working to get back into shape. Ran 5.2 miles last night at about a 9 minute mile pace. Not very fast, but that's not the primary goal. The goal is to feel and be healthier. The faster times will come on their own if I can exercise consistently.
Don't knock your 9:00/mile pace! No matter fast you are, there are people faster than you and slower than you. Run what you run, and love the experience. Glad you're feeling good and getting faster. I'm around your pace and distance, and it comes and goes. I keep track, but don't get attached to any times. As long as you're getting healthier and having fun, like me!
Being now middle-aged, I look back at what I did in high school in absolute awe. My dad asked me last week to look up my times (he was talking to a current HS student), and I ran a 5k in under 18 minutes as a freshman, and under 17 minutes as a junior. My 3-years-older brother has been a big motivation, but he's got an extra inch of height and 15 lbs less weight than I do :)
-
Running vs cycling is kinda weird how different they feel. With cycling I'm always up and down. There will be lows and then huge highs where I get adrenaline flowing and feel great from the pumped up hyper-aware feeling. It's an extroverted good feeling. With running I find that it's more even keeled, introverted, and also feels good . . . but in an overall whole body very different kinda way.
-
Hand-me-down clothes. My office wear outfit consisted of 2/3 gifted and 1/3 thrifted.
-
Transportation that lets me smell plants and air and stuff. I spent last week birding in Arizona, and all the travelling was by car. Back home now, Toronto is full of spring blooms, and riding my bike is super energizing and nice-smelling.
-
I'm newly into birding and finding out the names of all the sweet little creatures around here is a joy.
The free Merlin app is a great tool.
-
Clothing flopping around on the clothes line in the sun.
-
Enjoying a cold beer on the porch on a warm evening with my gf and dog. Bonus points for the cool neighbors that stroll by and chat with us a bit (which is saying a lot coming from an introvert). Occasionally we can hear live music from the restaurant down the block.
Everything just comes alive when the warmer weather hits; such a stark contrast to the winters here.
-
A delicious plant based home cooked meal. Tonight was parmesan polenta with oven roasted broccoli, zucchini, red onions, bell pepper and tomato. It was great
-
A lovely cup of tea, drunk while sitting in a patch of sun. Even fancy expensive tea is only 18-40 cents a cup!
-
Reading history books and learning fun trivia about history. I especially like the sarcasm used by enemies and history writers about the once powerful and mighty.
One ancient Swedish king is know in Swedish as "Erik läspe och halte" which translates to something like "Eric, with a lisp and limping" or as Wikipedia writes it "Erik the Lisp and Lame".
Now I just learned about another king of old sometimes known as "Inge Bredarsle" meaning "Inge Broad Arse" or "Inge with the fat ass". He killed another king known as Blot-Sven. Sven is still a common name and "Blot" was the ancient pre-christian religious sacrificial ceremony. This was partly a religious fight as Inge was christian and Sven followed the old faith.
Imaging being know a millennium later as "the one with the fat ass". Perhaps we can think of what some of our current world leaders will be know as in a thousand years?
-
Seeing my dds' 2 guinea pigs in their hutch on the lawn in our backyard. They are fun to watch, the keep the grass short, they fertilize the lawn, and I have to clean their inside cage less often and provide less dry food.
-
Hitting a new lifting PR!
Much like my net worth, I never get tired of seeing the numbers go up.
-
Riding our bikes to the library!
-
Inflation sure has made my list of "cheap things" a lot shorter, but I'm still happy. ;~)
-
Tiny green tomatoes forming on my plants- a harbinger of good things to come!!
-
Finding out that the repair to our sprinkler system will be quick, easy, and cheap (just a few inches of pipe. If I can find that small of a quantity).
-
Plants taking off in the garden.
Seeds are phenomenal. Every year I am amazed..
-
So many visits with my friends and family!!!
It turns out, if you want people to prioritize spending time with you, just move away for months at a time, lol. When you come back, everyone wants to see you a whole bunch, and when you're leaving again, everyone wants to see you a whole bunch.
There's nothing like the fact that you won't be around for a long time to make everyone take it seriously that they can't let months fly by between visits because that will be a forced thing in not too long.
Life is just so much more fun and exciting when I get to spend a lot of time with awesome people.
-
The Merlin Bird ID app. Watching the app identify all the individual species while I hear bird song from all directions. Blue jays have a huge repertoire of different calls.
-
It turns out, if you want people to prioritize spending time with you, just move away for months at a time, lol. When you come back, everyone wants to see you a whole bunch, and when you're leaving again, everyone wants to see you a whole bunch.
There IS something nice about only having intermittent access to people :)
-
first watermelon of the season. It's so sweet and delicious.
-
Ten years after starting our FIRE journey, we finally have enough time and data on the graph to see a clear exponential curve in our net worth tracking graph!
-
- Manually grinding my coffee beans in the morning
- My 1995 dropbar-converted mtb
- Friday evening pizza
- camping with my girlfriend.
-
Ten years after starting our FIRE journey, we finally have enough time and data on the graph to see a clear exponential curve in our net worth tracking graph!
That would definitely make me happy, but I think it's the opposite of cheap. :)
-
There's a fraction of a second right after you unbalance someone while executing a throw where they are light as a feather in the wind and you know the throw in unstoppable . . . this fraction of a second is a source of intense joy for me.
-
There's a fraction of a second right after you unbalance someone while executing a throw where they are light as a feather in the wind and you know the throw in unstoppable . . . this fraction of a second is a source of intense joy for me.
Judo? BJJ?
-
There's a fraction of a second right after you unbalance someone while executing a throw where they are light as a feather in the wind and you know the throw in unstoppable . . . this fraction of a second is a source of intense joy for me.
Judo? BJJ?
Really bad cycling?
-
There's a fraction of a second right after you unbalance someone while executing a throw where they are light as a feather in the wind and you know the throw in unstoppable . . . this fraction of a second is a source of intense joy for me.
Judo? BJJ?
Really bad cycling?
I would be very interested in seeing someone execute a throw while riding a bike
-
Soaking off the day's dirt in the tub listening to The Greatful Dead hour on the community radio station (yes, I am a member!).
And I don't really even love the Dead, but somehow it works.
-
A rainy morning that cancels outdoor plans just when you need a rest.
-
There's a fraction of a second right after you unbalance someone while executing a throw where they are light as a feather in the wind and you know the throw in unstoppable . . . this fraction of a second is a source of intense joy for me.
Judo? BJJ?
Really bad cycling?
I would be very interested in seeing someone execute a throw while riding a bike
Me too!
BJJ these days. I think my judo time is over . . . finding it too hard on the body as I get older. Jiu-Jitsu is still a great workout, but you're not getting slammed as regularly as you are in judo.
-
There's a fraction of a second right after you unbalance someone while executing a throw where they are light as a feather in the wind and you know the throw in unstoppable . . . this fraction of a second is a source of intense joy for me.
Judo? BJJ?
Really bad cycling?
I would be very interested in seeing someone execute a throw while riding a bike
Me too!
BJJ these days. I think my judo time is over . . . finding it too hard on the body as I get older. Jiu-Jitsu is still a great workout, but you're not getting slammed as regularly as you are in judo.
I did Goju Ryu karate as a teenager but stopped once I started working because I couldn't afford to be banged and bruised up while working 12 hour factory shifts. I'd really like to get back into taking some form of martial arts. Hopefully by the time I'm FI I'll still be young and fit enough for full contact sparring, and won't have to worry about getting injured and not being able to go to work.
-
There's a fraction of a second right after you unbalance someone while executing a throw where they are light as a feather in the wind and you know the throw in unstoppable . . . this fraction of a second is a source of intense joy for me.
Judo? BJJ?
Really bad cycling?
I would be very interested in seeing someone execute a throw while riding a bike
Me too!
BJJ these days. I think my judo time is over . . . finding it too hard on the body as I get older. Jiu-Jitsu is still a great workout, but you're not getting slammed as regularly as you are in judo.
I did Goju Ryu karate as a teenager but stopped once I started working because I couldn't afford to be banged and bruised up while working 12 hour factory shifts. I'd really like to get back into taking some form of martial arts. Hopefully by the time I'm FI I'll still be young and fit enough for full contact sparring, and won't have to worry about getting injured and not being able to go to work.
If you can swing it, stay somewhat active in what you want to study. Your body behaves differently in your 40s than in your 20s and 30s . . . and it becomes exponentially harder to build fitness. Maintaining fitness from your youth is largely doable though. Be willing to compromise or change if necessary too. For me, my eyesight and reflexes are not really up to hard sparring in thai boxing any more.
-
Fresh blueberries from my bushes right outside my back porch.
-
The realisation that I'm not an avid vegetable gardener, and with my current life never will be. I've removed everything to do with growing seeds and small plants, keeping just 1 good basic set for later.
Letting go of this fantasy-me has given me so much breathing space! And it didn't cost me a penny :)
-
The realisation that I'm not an avid vegetable gardener, and with my current life never will be. I've removed everything to do with growing seeds and small plants, keeping just 1 good basic set for later.
Letting go of this fantasy-me has given me so much breathing space! And it didn't cost me a penny :)
This is so important.
It was was eye opening for me reading about how a difference between people who were happy and people who weren't happy was how aligned their image of themselves was with reality.
So if when you think of yourself it's what you aren't, then you are setting yourself up to be unhappy. So if your self vision is some "future" version who is fitter, more stylish, a successful gardener, a passionate writer who sits down to write every day in their idyllic space, whatever the image, if it isn't accurate to who you are now, it will damage your sense of satisfaction with yourself and your life.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't have aspirational visions of possible future, but they shouldn't be part of your identity.
If you incorporate something that isn't real into your sense of self, then when it doesn't fit, it feels like failure. If something is just an idea an experiment you are willing to try, then if it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit, no big deal.
I tried gardening and hated it. I didn't fail to be a gardener, gardening just doesn't fit with who I am.
You wouldn't believe how many people out there are torturing themselves trying to live up to expectations that exist only in their own imaginations.
I did an active experiment when I learned this. I was raised by a former model. For perspective, my mom lost about a fifth of her brain recently and she was putting on a dress and makeup to see her medical team, the people who were changing her diapers. That's the level of vanity I internalized.
When I read about self image, I realized that my internal avatar was always dressed up in full makeup and heels. So I actively dressed her down. Shockingly rapidly, I felt less need to wear makeup, fussy clothes, and heels. Now I call my Converse my "fancy" shoes. Lol. I used to have heels that I called my "casual comfy" shoes.
It's crazy how much control we have over what makes us feel good and bad about ourselves and our lives.
-
The realisation that I'm not an avid vegetable gardener, and with my current life never will be. I've removed everything to do with growing seeds and small plants, keeping just 1 good basic set for later.
Letting go of this fantasy-me has given me so much breathing space! And it didn't cost me a penny :)
This is so important.
It was was eye opening for me reading about how a difference between people who were happy and people who weren't happy was how aligned their image of themselves was with reality.
So if when you think of yourself it's what you aren't, then you are setting yourself up to be unhappy. So if your self vision is some "future" version who is fitter, more stylish, a successful gardener, a passionate writer who sits down to write every day in their idyllic space, whatever the image, if it isn't accurate to who you are now, it will damage your sense of satisfaction with yourself and your life.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't have aspirational visions of possible future, but they shouldn't be part of your identity.
If you incorporate something that isn't real into your sense of self, then when it doesn't fit, it feels like failure. If something is just an idea an experiment you are willing to try, then if it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit, no big deal.
I tried gardening and hated it. I didn't fail to be a gardener, gardening just doesn't fit with who I am.
You wouldn't believe how many people out there are torturing themselves trying to live up to expectations that exist only in their own imaginations.
I did an active experiment when I learned this. I was raised by a former model. For perspective, my mom lost about a fifth of her brain recently and she was putting on a dress and makeup to see her medical team, the people who were changing her diapers. That's the level of vanity I internalized.
When I read about self image, I realized that my internal avatar was always dressed up in full makeup and heels. So I actively dressed her down. Shockingly rapidly, I felt less need to wear makeup, fussy clothes, and heels. Now I call my Converse my "fancy" shoes. Lol. I used to have heels that I called my "casual comfy" shoes.
It's crazy how much control we have over what makes us feel good and bad about ourselves and our lives.
I think that's somehow similar to how drinking alcohol helps a lot of people to be happy in the moment and with their true selves. The lies that we are normally trying to live up to, tend to fade into the background when our minds are occupied with things that require our full attention. Of course, there are many other ways to achieve this, but drinking seems to be a simple shortcut.
-
I think that's somehow similar to how drinking alcohol helps a lot of people to be happy in the moment and with their true selves. The lies that we are normally trying to live up to, tend to fade into the background when our minds are occupied with things that require our full attention. Of course, there are many other ways to achieve this, but drinking seems to be a simple shortcut.
hmm... alcohol sure disinhibits people, but I'm not inclined to interpret that as people feeling better about themselves. I've seen too many people get much more insecure about themselves while drinking. I often refer to alcohol as "sad juice."
-
Walmart Great Value Box of 100 black tea bags for $2.12.
-
The realisation that I'm not an avid vegetable gardener, and with my current life never will be. I've removed everything to do with growing seeds and small plants, keeping just 1 good basic set for later.
Letting go of this fantasy-me has given me so much breathing space! And it didn't cost me a penny :)
This is so important.
It was was eye opening for me reading about how a difference between people who were happy and people who weren't happy was how aligned their image of themselves was with reality.
So if when you think of yourself it's what you aren't, then you are setting yourself up to be unhappy. So if your self vision is some "future" version who is fitter, more stylish, a successful gardener, a passionate writer who sits down to write every day in their idyllic space, whatever the image, if it isn't accurate to who you are now, it will damage your sense of satisfaction with yourself and your life.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't have aspirational visions of possible future, but they shouldn't be part of your identity.
If you incorporate something that isn't real into your sense of self, then when it doesn't fit, it feels like failure. If something is just an idea an experiment you are willing to try, then if it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit, no big deal.
I tried gardening and hated it. I didn't fail to be a gardener, gardening just doesn't fit with who I am.
You wouldn't believe how many people out there are torturing themselves trying to live up to expectations that exist only in their own imaginations.
I did an active experiment when I learned this. I was raised by a former model. For perspective, my mom lost about a fifth of her brain recently and she was putting on a dress and makeup to see her medical team, the people who were changing her diapers. That's the level of vanity I internalized.
When I read about self image, I realized that my internal avatar was always dressed up in full makeup and heels. So I actively dressed her down. Shockingly rapidly, I felt less need to wear makeup, fussy clothes, and heels. Now I call my Converse my "fancy" shoes. Lol. I used to have heels that I called my "casual comfy" shoes.
It's crazy how much control we have over what makes us feel good and bad about ourselves and our lives.
I agree with what you're saying to a point, but I also think that a key part of self improvement is getting into the mindset of the person you want to be, even if that isn't where you're at now. So for example if you want to be able to run a marathon, you should put yourself in the mindset of being a marathon runner. You go for a run every morning because that's what marathon runners do. You pay close attention to your diet and make sure you're getting the proper balance of nutrients, because that's what marathon runners do. Incorporating who you want to be into your sense of self identity is an invaluable tool in reinforcing strong habits. Of course, if you are truly miserable trying to achieve that identity, you might need to reevaluate your goals. But getting bogged down with where you are and what you can do currently can tie a mental weight around your ankles that prevents you from realizing your goals and potential.
The book Atomic Habits by James Clear does a great job of explaining this approach to forming positive habits.
-
For those interested in reading James Clear's philosophy, you can find it here: https://jamesclear.com/three-steps-habit-change
-
I agree with what you're saying to a point, but I also think that a key part of self improvement is getting into the mindset of the person you want to be, even if that isn't where you're at now. So for example if you want to be able to run a marathon, you should put yourself in the mindset of being a marathon runner. You go for a run every morning because that's what marathon runners do. You pay close attention to your diet and make sure you're getting the proper balance of nutrients, because that's what marathon runners do. Incorporating who you want to be into your sense of self identity is an invaluable tool in reinforcing strong habits. Of course, if you are truly miserable trying to achieve that identity, you might need to reevaluate your goals. But getting bogged down with where you are and what you can do currently can tie a mental weight around your ankles that prevents you from realizing your goals and potential.
The book Atomic Habits by James Clear does a great job of explaining this approach to forming positive habits.
There's a difference between aspirationally envisioning your goals vs having an unrealistic sense of self that you aren't living up to.
My entire point was to not envision yourself as someone who is/does things that don't make you truly happy.
-
The smell of wildflowers blooming in the alpine. Amazing scent and good scenery as a bonus.
-
Watching all the many different birds and other wildlife in our backyard “mini-woods” while sipping coffee brewed at home (or Earl Grey tea).
Admiring all of the purple coneflowers and other garden plants and dreaming of an all-prairie yard, no grass.
And fake flying in my flight simulators!
-
Cancelling plans when you need a day off.. :)
-
The whales are back!!!
I mean, they come every year, but this is only my second summer here, and it still blows my mind that I see whales when I walk the dog.
-
Peas - from the garden. Perfectly ripe tender green balls of goodness.
-
Sitting in the sunroom at the cottage, listening to and watching a thunderstorm come over the lake.
-
The loud-ass cicadas I can hear out my apartment window at night. Love em.
Also, my string lights that turn on automatically at sunset.
-
Sitting outside at night listening to the crickets and the irrigation sprinklers in the alfalfa field looking at the stars.
-
A long talk with a small group of close friends.
-
Got the college FM radio station on right now, and they are playing music I like, and the best part is, no commercials.
-
Got the college FM radio station on right now, and they are playing music I like, and the best part is, no commercials.
I listen to my community radio station (and am a business supporter of) even though they don't always play music I like!
Really, it's sea chanties. I like every other type of music except sea chanties!
Lately what's making me happy is fresh picked garden greens: kale for breakfast, lettuce for dinner.
-
One of our peach trees is diseased but not-dead-yet, and has tons of peaches this year. We had to emergency-harvest them a few days ago, and they're sitting on our kitchen counter to (hopefully!) ripen. Our kitchen smells amazing.
-
One of our peach trees is diseased but not-dead-yet, and has tons of peaches this year. We had to emergency-harvest them a few days ago, and they're sitting on our kitchen counter to (hopefully!) ripen. Our kitchen smells amazing.
Major envy here.
-
a clean organized kitchen.
I like my dry goods in sealed containers, my fridge clean and organized, my dishes put away and my counters clean.
-
similar to @zolotiyeruki , (but not our own trees, that'd be AWESOME), the apricot season in my state is so short, but the growers that come to our farmer's market typically have boxes of seconds that are heavily discounted. I had been buying a 7 lb box (I think they were "seconds" because they weren't all evenly ripe, and they aren't similar sizes) but I had to switch my farmer's market day to their mid-week market, and the 7 lb box group wasn't there. So I "had to" buy a 20 lb box of variable size apricots. $35, baby -- and if we actually look like we'll have leftovers (spoiler, we won't) I suppose I could dehydrate some...
TDLR: Cheap thing that makes me happy: being able to snag a fresh apricot or three every time anyone walks through the kitchen. Yum!!
-
a clean organized kitchen.
I like my dry goods in sealed containers, my fridge clean and organized, my dishes put away and my counters clean.
Me too!
-
Good call with the clean organized kitchen! It feels peaceful and makes cooking more enjoyable.
-
Really anything that is clean is so nice... Clean clothes, clean kitchen, clean dog, clean car, etc.
I had been putting off some e-bike maintenance and haven't ridden much this summer. Lazy and its been hot... Completed the maintenance (just bike adjustments) and for no cost, its ready to ride again. Now, just need to make the time. I have a new route picked out to ride.
Maybe this winter I'll tear it down, clean everything (nearly free), and even re-paint the frame (cheap to do). It is 15 years and many miles old. Not as many miles as some of you I'm sure.
-
Really anything that is clean is so nice... Clean clothes, clean kitchen, clean dog, clean car, etc.
I'll add "fresh, clean sheets" and "brand new socks" to that list :)
-
Facetime with my family
Staring blankly
Second hand stuff
Shopping without buying
Reading financial free resource online
Workout at home (not a gym person)
-
Shopping without buying
Ooh, I like this one.
Last weekend, we took the kids to the Renaissance Faire. Near the end of the day, the kids were off exploring by themselves and DW and I wandered the shops. Being the end of the day, most of the crowd had left, and the proprietor for a costume shop invited us to play dress-up. So we did! We had no interest in paying $200 for a late-Elizabethan doublet or bodice, but it was fun getting dolled up. And as it turns out, DW is stunning (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=740660634528589&set=pcb.740660974528555).
-
@zolotiyeruki awesome pic!
-
My annual birthday hike. The "present" part of it is that DH is 100% responsible for organizing. We gather a group of friends and folks I like (no social commitment inclusions here) and we hike to the summit of a peak that looks down on town. There are two routes up: the group that's feeling fit and hale climbs a few thousand feet and about 3 miles, and the folks with injuries, small kids, feeling old, or guests in town drive to the higher trailhead and walk a bit over a mile and a few hundred feet to meet us. We sit on the summit and have bagels with cream cheese and lox, brownies, juice and prosecco (or mimosas) fruit, and various other delicious goodies people bring.
-
My annual birthday hike. The "present" part of it is that DH is 100% responsible for organizing. We gather a group of friends and folks I like (no social commitment inclusions here) and we hike to the summit of a peak that looks down on town. There are two routes up: the group that's feeling fit and hale climbs a few thousand feet and about 3 miles, and the folks with injuries, small kids, feeling old, or guests in town drive to the higher trailhead and walk a bit over a mile and a few hundred feet to meet us. We sit on the summit and have bagels with cream cheese and lox, brownies, juice and prosecco (or mimosas) fruit, and various other delicious goodies people bring.
This is awesome!
Back when my legs worked, my sister and I had a tradition of going for a huge winter hike on January 1st as a way to kick off the new year. We had both given up alcohol, so we celebrated that we were starting off each year fresh and energized and ready to take shit on.
We would sit in the snow and have warm drinks from a thermos overlooking the valley. I absolutely loved it.
-
My hammock.
20 dollars at a garage sale. Can lay down on my back patio and relax in the sun on days that I feel tired and out of it.
-
My hammock.
20 dollars at a garage sale. Can lay down on my back patio and relax in the sun on days that I feel tired and out of it.
+1000
A hammock is contentment that you can touch.
-
Shopping without buying
Ooh, I like this one.
Last weekend, we took the kids to the Renaissance Faire. Near the end of the day, the kids were off exploring by themselves and DW and I wandered the shops. Being the end of the day, most of the crowd had left, and the proprietor for a costume shop invited us to play dress-up. So we did! We had no interest in paying $200 for a late-Elizabethan doublet or bodice, but it was fun getting dolled up. And as it turns out, DW is stunning (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=740660634528589&set=pcb.740660974528555).
Awesome to try something like that for free!
-
Those costumes look great! Now thinking I should buy one and that can just be my Halloween costume each year. Otherwise my costume is middle aged Dad/employee.
-
Those costumes look great! Now thinking I should buy one and that can just be my Halloween costume each year. Otherwise my costume is middle aged Dad/employee.
It's not cheap, that's for sure. The complete (5 piece) outfit DW wore totalled $500.
Honestly, though, that could be a really, really cool FIRE hobby--sewing a custom, high-quality pair of costumes for DW and myself each year for Halloween could be a lot of fun.
-
Today's cheap thing that made me happy: I got new socks that cover my ankles!!
Why did this make me so happy? I've developed a funny looking sock tan from being outside so much. My tan is a two inch strip of skin between the end of my leggings and the top of my socks. My ankles look especially dark. As in, they're so crispy fried tan, they look dirty. That's how dark they've become compared to the rest of my skin.
They got this way despite me wearing sun protective clothing and religiously using good Asian sunscreen.
The new socks cover the tan lines completely. Hopefully my skin will even out in a few months. I took another hour long walk today on a humid Southern summer morning, and having my ankles covered up felt better than I expected.
-
@Adventine-- I get the same tan line!! I call it my tiger stripe
-
@Josiecat23503 I may start calling them that, too!
-
Those costumes look great! Now thinking I should buy one and that can just be my Halloween costume each year. Otherwise my costume is middle aged Dad/employee.
It's not cheap, that's for sure. The complete (5 piece) outfit DW wore totalled $500.
Honestly, though, that could be a really, really cool FIRE hobby--sewing a custom, high-quality pair of costumes for DW and myself each year for Halloween could be a lot of fun.
That's cheaper than I expected though. I would have said $1500. Cheaper to be "Dad".
-
The first substantial rain in a month, and the cooling in the evening and morning that says Fall is on the way. My favorite season.
-
@sonofsven, I agree!! love the smell of fall in the air and the feel of leaves crunching under my shoes. And wearing a cozy vest. Love a vest.
-
@sonofsven, I agree!! love the smell of fall in the air and the feel of leaves crunching under my shoes. And wearing a cozy vest. Love a vest.
Same here. But my tomato and pepper plants disagree.
-
@RetiredAt63 - I get it, my tomato plants are in their last thrall of the summer and it is the best produce season (seriously I could eat corn and peaches at every meal!!) But, fall leads to butternut squash, apples, and soups with crusty bread. And, don't forget, cozy vests.
-
@RetiredAt63 - I get it, my tomato plants are in their last thrall of the summer and it is the best produce season (seriously I could eat corn and peaches at every meal!!) But, fall leads to butternut squash, apples, and soups with crusty bread. And, don't forget, cozy vests.
Oh, I love fall. Fall is my favourite season, then spring. Perfect weather for doing things outside. After the first frost, no mosquitoes.
But we have had cool nights most of the summer so my tomatoes and peppers are way behind, and I want more from them!
-
@sonofsven, I agree!! love the smell of fall in the air and the feel of leaves crunching under my shoes. And wearing a cozy vest. Love a vest.
Stepped out on our porch this cool morning (53F) and stepped on 7-8 leaves by the door. One of our cats likes to get up early and bring us leaves. She goes in cycles.
I'll bet that was what she was telling me about when she jumped up on the bed to talk to me. "Hey! I brought you more leaves. Come see. Some leaves are changing!"
Love that about her.
-
@RetiredAt63 - I get it, my tomato plants are in their last thrall of the summer and it is the best produce season (seriously I could eat corn and peaches at every meal!!) But, fall leads to butternut squash, apples, and soups with crusty bread. And, don't forget, cozy vests.
Oh, I love fall. Fall is my favourite season, then spring. Perfect weather for doing things outside. After the first frost, no mosquitoes.
But we have had cool nights most of the summer so my tomatoes and peppers are way behind, and I want more from them!
Fall here is like "Oh, it's the last week of August huh? Cool, enjoy the slow fade of summer...just kidding, I'm gonna slap you in the face with the air from now on!"
Woke up to 70km winds this morning, lol.
-
Fall here is like "Oh, it's the last week of August huh? Cool, enjoy the slow fade of summer...just kidding, I'm gonna slap you in the face with the air from now on!"
Woke up to 70km winds this morning, lol.
Still in Newfoundland, I take it? :-)
-
Fall here is like "Oh, it's the last week of August huh? Cool, enjoy the slow fade of summer...just kidding, I'm gonna slap you in the face with the air from now on!"
Woke up to 70km winds this morning, lol.
Still in Newfoundland, I take it? :-)
We talked to our kids in CO last week. They live above 8000 feet. Their comment was "Winter's coming, we can already feel it." Hell, in most of California, September and October are the best months of summer!
-
RAIN! Rain rain rain for the first time in months. Soft, gentle, soaking rain. It will green everything up and hopefully help with the forest fires.
-
Fall here is like "Oh, it's the last week of August huh? Cool, enjoy the slow fade of summer...just kidding, I'm gonna slap you in the face with the air from now on!"
Woke up to 70km winds this morning, lol.
Still in Newfoundland, I take it? :-)
Yup, and 70km is just the appetizer.
Not sure when I'm heading home this year, but I should start making plans.
-
Fall here is like "Oh, it's the last week of August huh? Cool, enjoy the slow fade of summer...just kidding, I'm gonna slap you in the face with the air from now on!"
Woke up to 70km winds this morning, lol.
Still in Newfoundland, I take it? :-)
We talked to our kids in CO last week. They live above 8000 feet. Their comment was "Winter's coming, we can already feel it." Hell, in most of California, September and October are the best months of summer!
Winter is definitely coming, the nights are getting nippy here. 10oC tonight.
-
Fall here is like "Oh, it's the last week of August huh? Cool, enjoy the slow fade of summer...just kidding, I'm gonna slap you in the face with the air from now on!"
Woke up to 70km winds this morning, lol.
Still in Newfoundland, I take it? :-)
We talked to our kids in CO last week. They live above 8000 feet. Their comment was "Winter's coming, we can already feel it." Hell, in most of California, September and October are the best months of summer!
Winter is definitely coming, the nights are getting nippy here. 10oC tonight.
Yep, 5C here this morning and that's with it being bright and sunny.
-
Potluck with a group of friends.
-
I'm sure I've posted this before, but it never gets old: fresh baked bread.
Where I am, decent bread is about $7/loaf, so I brought a breadmaker with me this summer, and I just LOVE the smell of fresh bread, and it's so stupidly easy to make.
Our friends here were blown away by our bread maker bread. Breadmaking isn't very common here and there are no bakeries. I found them a new in box breadmaker on Facebook marketplace for $30, and now they're enjoying cheap, superior bread as well.
It's so much fun when the much cheaper option is the far superior option.
-
Agreed, @Metalcat! *As I am preheating the oven to put two loaves in*
-
Agreed, @Metalcat! *As I am preheating the oven to put two loaves in*
I'm way too lazy for that, lol. Breadmaker all the way.
-
I'm smoking ribs for DD & her friends who are coming over for Labor Day. They're a cheap treat. I picked up the most basic electric smoker Lowes carried a couple of years ago & it's been great. No charcoal or gas to buy or worry about running out of, just turn the knob & it gets hot.
If we only had a breadmaker we'd have a real feast tomorrow. I'm adding that to my wish list.
-
I'm smoking ribs for DD & her friends who are coming over for Labor Day. They're a cheap treat. I picked up the most basic electric smoker Lowes carried a couple of years ago & it's been great. No charcoal or gas to buy or worry about running out of, just turn the knob & it gets hot.
If we only had a breadmaker we'd have a real feast tomorrow. I'm adding that to my wish list.
People are always selling used breadmakers. No idea why, they're stupid easy to use
-
My €1,200 electric bicycle. €1,200 is still quite a lot of money, but as electric bikes go, it's very much the discount no-brand version.
We bought the bicycle with eco-vouchers. This is a Belgian government scheme, where employees are given max €250 in vouchers per year, usually in June. Both husband and I were given these, and they are valid for 24 months, so we had around €1,000 to spend. We also had a 10% off voucher for the DIY store where we bought the bike; electric bikes were not excluded that year, but they were the year after :)
I also get commuter's compensation, which is tax exempt for biking commutes. I make €900/year by cycling to work :).
I feel energized arriving at work, not sweaty thanks to the electric support, and any work stress is gone by the time I get home. It's a 30-minute ride, which is often faster than it would have been by car, especially going to work in the morning.
We have since bought a second electric bicycle, which is used by dd1 to commute to her secondary school 16km away. She enjoys it much more than the bus ride, and it saves her time, and the heartbreak of being ignored by her former classmates from our village's primary school.
We are planning to buy a third electric bike this summer; we've saved our vouchers the last year and are waiting on this year's vouchers.
-
I might have posted this before, but my sewing machine makes me so happy. It's a 1956 Singer 301A, and it runs absolutely beautifully. What an incredibly well designed and well built machine. I got it for $85 on Craigslist about five years ago.
-
Our anniversary dinner, which we'll have this evening. I'm currently making a pot of soup/stew (chicken, bean, potato, and veg), which we'll dump into a huge, wide-mouth thermos (this year's anniversary gift: in previous years the kids have been with us, and we've just packed up an entire medium-sized crockpot), and take along with bread, cheese, some veggies, fruit, cookies, and a thermos of hot water for cocoa. Then we'll drive up to Rocky Mountain national Park, cruise up to a pull-out at an overlook that looks down on one of the meadows where the elk hang out, and sit on rocks and eat our dinner while the elk bugle (and sometimes the makes fight, too, which makes a great crashing noise).
In a good year the star watching is also amazing, and we almost always spot some satellites. Bonus points for coyotes howling, and seeing bears and/or moose on the drive up/in.
-
@jeninco what a delightful anniversary! Enjoy!
My cheap thing is: making biscuits today. I did a chocolate variation of Anzac biscuits and they are so good!
-
Spent a few hours redecorating our new house using Design AI. Our house looks beautiful on screen. In real life, our 1980s home is perfectly functional with its 1980s decor.
-
My cheap thing for today is: water.
I mostly only drink water, everyday, all the time. And I have a well, so I only pay for the electric to pump up the water and for depreciation on the well pump.
Water water water
-
My cheap thing for today is: water.
I mostly only drink water, everyday, all the time. And I have a well, so I only pay for the electric to pump up the water and for depreciation on the well pump.
Water water water
Water is mostly all I drink all day too. Except for a cup of green tea in the morning. I drink water out of the tap. When I travel overseas, I bring a Grayl water bottle and use local tap water. No need to buy water in plastic bottles.
-
@jeninco what a delightful anniversary! Enjoy!
My cheap thing is: making biscuits today. I did a chocolate variation of Anzac biscuits and they are so good!
Mmm, chocolate, coconut, oats, and orange peel -- sounds delicious! Do you have a recipe?
We had a great time -- heard loads of elk, saw a moose, watched the stars come out (and spotted a bunch of satellites and at least two shooting stars!) and still got to bed about the usual time.
-
@jeninco --sounds amazing :)
Today's cheap thing that I appreciated was a good hike in the rain with an upbeat friend. We got soaked but still jumped in a lake at the end when the rain slowed down and sun peeked out. The forest was dripping, which is a nice change following a very dry summer.
-
My new professional license that I got today costs less than a tenth of my other license. It turns out it's a lot cheaper to be a professional if there's no blood involved.
-
We got a study desk for free from my husband's boss! He's redecorating his house and needed to declutter some items. He even delivered it to our apartment because it's so close to the office. Score!
-
@jeninco --sounds amazing :)
Today's cheap thing that I appreciated was a good hike in the rain with an upbeat friend. We got soaked but still jumped in a lake at the end when the rain slowed down and sun peeked out. The forest was dripping, which is a nice change following a very dry summer.
That genuinely sounds wonderful -- especially the jump into the lake! I'm always glad I did it when I do (and generally sorry when I flake out...)
-
Rode my bike at lunch today. Ride out was nice, overcast. The ride back was even nicer - in a light rain. Probably not alot of light rains left this year that will be as nice.
-
Bought a tub of vanilla ice cream to go with an apple crisp I made today. Both the kids and DH are pretty excited for dessert tonight 😁 I love fall.
-
Tart/sweet lemon curd, spread on a crunchy/soft toasted English muffin. With a cup of dark roast coffee and frothed milk.
-
A giant, orange Harvest Moon tonight, as seen from the top of the sledding hill in a park near us.
-
Giant moon rising over a hill while we walk our dog in the park, marvelling at the Milky Way
-
We are a hour outside the city staying at a homestay in a Chinese farming village. The local food here is farm fresh and delicious. Some of the villagers have opened a restaurant on their farm, and most everything they serve is grown on their farm.
-
Tart/sweet lemon curd, spread on a crunchy/soft toasted English muffin. With a cup of dark roast coffee and frothed milk.
You know, I have a lemon tree (in a pot: it gets COLD here in the winters) and it currently holds about a dozen ripe lemons. Although I'm the only one in the house who really likes lemon curd, I really like lemon curd. I see a little project for this evening.. Thanks!
-
Fresh crisp sheets on the bed.
-
Tart/sweet lemon curd, spread on a crunchy/soft toasted English muffin. With a cup of dark roast coffee and frothed milk.
You know, I have a lemon tree (in a pot: it gets COLD here in the winters) and it currently holds about a dozen ripe lemons. Although I'm the only one in the house who really likes lemon curd, I really like lemon curd. I see a little project for this evening.. Thanks!
I really like it, too. I have a lemon tart recipe that I drag out for Thanksgiving every few years. Happily, DH does as well. ;)
-
Bike ride by a river, on a village road, through a grove of trees.
-
The southwest living folks might not get this but - watching the grass clippings fly out of my ~52 year old electric lawn tractor discharge chute.
Don't want to rehash the "Kill Your Lawn" thread. If I don't cut the grass, the forest takes over. We don't put chemicals on the grass ever. We just live in the country. Things grow here w/o help.
Still, satisfying to watch the old machine do it's job yet another season. The hum of the cutter motors, the whine of the old transmission. So much nicer than a gas machine with all those noises and vibrations.
Also fun to get up early and see the deer that overnight in our yard.
-
I taught my granddaughter how to turn a marshmallow into "taffy". Kept her fully engaged for at least twenty minutes. Best of all, the marshmallows were leftover from last year's Moab Meetup.
-
reading library books with my husband. We take turns reading 2-3 chapters each out loud to each other and then switch. We drink tea and coffee and discuss the book as we go along and it is one of my favorite parts of our marriage.
-
Pumpkin spice lattes from dunks. One or two a season hits the spot.
-
Got an interesting book from the Little Free Library down the street!
-
Peanut butter. Smooth or crunchy. With or without sugar. Have it on toast, in stir fry, in oatmeal, or just a spoonful when you want something sweet but not too sweet. Just hits the spot.
None of those fancy brands please, store brands are perfect.
And audiobooks for free on Hoopla and Libby. Let your imagination draw worlds to to the spoken words.
-
This forum. :)
-
I made myself a big pot of congee, which is my favorite comfort food for cold weather. Only takes 15 minutes or so in our Instant Pot. 2 cups of white rice, 6 cups of water, 4 eggs, then ginger powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. It'll be enough for 6-8 meals, depending on how hungry I am. And I can easily add greens like bok choy or spinach. Cheap, easy, fulfilling.
-
Such happy, pleasant events. Always make me smile. Thank you.
-
A few years ago I bought a short, lightweight set of metal camping utensils -- fork, spoon, and knife. I carry them everywhere with me in my purse and I've used them so many times. Every time I do it makes me happy to think of the single use plastic I'm not using.
-
A few years ago I bought a short, lightweight set of metal camping utensils -- fork, spoon, and knife. I carry them everywhere with me in my purse and I've used them so many times. Every time I do it makes me happy to think of the single use plastic I'm not using.
I have nylon camping utensils -- 2 ea fork and knife, 4 spoons. They are my daily cooking and eating utensils. The knives are serrated and actually cut. They don't damage my corelle plates, bowls or cookware.
I like that they have a softer 'mouth-feel', esp when eating soft foods.
The spoons are tablespoons. I've looked for nylon teaspoons many times - I'm thinking of 3D printing some.
-
One of the nice things about the small rural town we moved to is people put out baskets of surplus produce. We’ve been feasting on free grapefruit and pumpkin the last few weeks. This morning while I was walking the dog, I came across rainbow chard for the taking so breakfast is rice, eggs and sautéed chard. I can’t wait till my garden gets established and I can join in.
-
One of the nice things about the small rural town we moved to is people put out baskets of surplus produce. We’ve been feasting on free grapefruit and pumpkin the last few weeks. This morning while I was walking the dog, I came across rainbow chard for the taking so breakfast is rice, eggs and sautéed chard. I can’t wait till my garden gets established and I can join in.
How wonderful that people share the bounty!
-
Rainy, cozy day inside reading after a drizzly hike with a newly adopted dog. Very satisfying.
-
Sunshine streaming in through the window.
-
BBC's Horrible Histories (on Youtube) and Six the musical (the Broadway version; on Youtube).
Hikes (on Youtube), where people just walk through nature or a city with their camera. Some even hike through places I've hiked myself, and it's wonderful to reminisce.
-
Returning home after dropping a kid off at school, I got to witness an absolutely glorious pre-sunrise, with all shades of pink, orange, and yellow reflecting off the scattered clouds on the horizon.
-
Realized I need to bring an appetizer tomorrow night. Also wanted to make pizza for dinner tonight, because it's cooling off after a heat wave. Solution: pizza tonight and pizza wheels for the appetizer tomorrow. I have all the ingredients on hand, yippee! First batch of dough is proofing and the next batch is just waiting for me to get on it.
-
Visiting the local shelter.
Lovely people, even more lovely dogs. Lots of tail wagging and tummy rubbing, also socialization for my own lil furball of love (desperately needs it, street rescue..). Also napping, cuddling said furball after. What a glorious day.
-
Visiting the local shelter.
Lovely people, even more lovely dogs. Lots of tail wagging and tummy rubbing, also socialization for my own lil furball of love (desperately needs it, street rescue..). Also napping, cuddling said furball after. What a glorious day.
At first I was like "wow, that's amazing, most homeless shelters don't allow dogs" and then I realized you meant dog shelter.
-
Realized I need to bring an appetizer tomorrow night. Also wanted to make pizza for dinner tonight, because it's cooling off after a heat wave. Solution: pizza tonight and pizza wheels for the appetizer tomorrow. I have all the ingredients on hand, yippee! First batch of dough is proofing and the next batch is just waiting for me to get on it.
Although I make pizza frequently I've never made pizza wheels. I'll think of this two-fer when I need an appetizer from my book group. Pizza is a great clean out the refrigerator meal.
-
Visiting the local shelter.
Lovely people, even more lovely dogs. Lots of tail wagging and tummy rubbing, also socialization for my own lil furball of love (desperately needs it, street rescue..). Also napping, cuddling said furball after. What a glorious day.
Sadly, you're not allowed to do a regular visit to the animals in our local city run animal shelters here in Toronto any more. You have to log in online, look at pictures or read text about animals, then book a 15 minute appointment, then go down to the shelter to interact with one AND ONLY ONE dog and leave.
I think it's a super fucked up covid restriction that somehow never went away but it feels very bizarre.
-
Today we wanted to make a walk in the new town we moved to. We choose a trip goal in a free app where all the goals are visible, followed by another goal. We had a nice walking trip and got to know the area a bit better.
-
Today we wanted to make a walk in the new town we moved to. We choose a trip goal in a free app where all the goals are visible, followed by another goal. We had a nice walking trip and got to know the area a bit better.
What app?!?!?
-
Realized I need to bring an appetizer tomorrow night. Also wanted to make pizza for dinner tonight, because it's cooling off after a heat wave. Solution: pizza tonight and pizza wheels for the appetizer tomorrow. I have all the ingredients on hand, yippee! First batch of dough is proofing and the next batch is just waiting for me to get on it.
Although I make pizza frequently I've never made pizza wheels. I'll think of this two-fer when I need an appetizer from my book group. Pizza is a great clean out the refrigerator meal.
It took two tries, but the end result was a success.
-
DD (teen) asked to go for a bike ride yesterday. Those moments are rare (currently, but hopefully changing) and special.
I baked GF muffins today. I rarely have baked goods, they're not even that great but dangit I ate something warm and squishy straight out of the oven.
-
Visiting the local shelter.
Lovely people, even more lovely dogs. Lots of tail wagging and tummy rubbing, also socialization for my own lil furball of love (desperately needs it, street rescue..). Also napping, cuddling said furball after. What a glorious day.
Sadly, you're not allowed to do a regular visit to the animals in our local city run animal shelters here in Toronto any more. You have to log in online, look at pictures or read text about animals, then book a 15 minute appointment, then go down to the shelter to interact with one AND ONLY ONE dog and leave.
I think it's a super fucked up covid restriction that somehow never went away but it feels very bizarre.
That's just crazy. Do they want to keep them all for themselves?
Anyway, I volunteered a couple hours of a weekend this month with this org. Don't know what their rules for 'normal' people or regular visits are :) but they were excited to see my dog (and myself). Just lovely people.
-
Visiting the local shelter.
Lovely people, even more lovely dogs. Lots of tail wagging and tummy rubbing, also socialization for my own lil furball of love (desperately needs it, street rescue..). Also napping, cuddling said furball after. What a glorious day.
Sadly, you're not allowed to do a regular visit to the animals in our local city run animal shelters here in Toronto any more. You have to log in online, look at pictures or read text about animals, then book a 15 minute appointment, then go down to the shelter to interact with one AND ONLY ONE dog and leave.
I think it's a super fucked up covid restriction that somehow never went away but it feels very bizarre.
That's just crazy. Do they want to keep them all for themselves?
Anyway, I volunteered a couple hours of a weekend this month with this org. Don't know what their rules for 'normal' people or regular visits are :) but they were excited to see my dog (and myself). Just lovely people.
Agreed! When I was at their door and they were explaining it to me through the locked door intercom I could barely believe what I was hearing.
-
Visiting the local shelter.
Lovely people, even more lovely dogs. Lots of tail wagging and tummy rubbing, also socialization for my own lil furball of love (desperately needs it, street rescue..). Also napping, cuddling said furball after. What a glorious day.
Sadly, you're not allowed to do a regular visit to the animals in our local city run animal shelters here in Toronto any more. You have to log in online, look at pictures or read text about animals, then book a 15 minute appointment, then go down to the shelter to interact with one AND ONLY ONE dog and leave.
I think it's a super fucked up covid restriction that somehow never went away but it feels very bizarre.
That's just crazy. Do they want to keep them all for themselves?
Anyway, I volunteered a couple hours of a weekend this month with this org. Don't know what their rules for 'normal' people or regular visits are :) but they were excited to see my dog (and myself). Just lovely people.
Agreed! When I was at their door and they were explaining it to me through the locked door intercom I could barely believe what I was hearing.
We just adopted a rescue dog a week ago and what a joy she already is in our lives. She will take as many tummy rubs as we will offer--dog smiles all around!
Our (very small) shelter limits the people coming in because so many of their dogs are fearful so it can be overwhelming for them. They have volunteers who can walk the dogs often and it's easy to become one, but they find managing too many random humans can take away from their ability to care well for the animals.
To communicate with them, we had to practice patience as they are in constant crisis management with all sorts of people calling about animals left, right and centre..and they don't have much space. It made me empathize with how overworked the staff are (and under-resourced).
They also are always looking for emergency fosters, sometimes even just for a night. And drives to vets, etc. So many young people who can't necessarily adopt can foster pets.
-
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61XMxNCUpcL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg)
Reach waxed floss, $1 at Amazon.
My local supermarket had a sale for their store brand waxed floss for the exact same length (50yds) for $0.50.
It was horrible. it would slip from my fingers as i floss so i had a hard time getting it in-between my teeth.
Ordered from Amazon immediately after that experience and got it next day. (I'm a prime member.)
threw that floss in the garbage
-
A few years ago I bought a short, lightweight set of metal camping utensils -- fork, spoon, and knife. I carry them everywhere with me in my purse and I've used them so many times. Every time I do it makes me happy to think of the single use plastic I'm not using.
Decades ago i thought of buying a foldable titanium spork from eBay that has a butter knife edge on one side of the spoon portion.
So basically a 3-in-1.
but being a guy, i had no easy way to carry it. I'd thought it'd be uncomfortable in my back pocket and would fear it falling out everytime i pull out my keys or phone from my front pockets.
(that's why i only carry 1 item in each pocket)
-
A few years ago I bought a short, lightweight set of metal camping utensils -- fork, spoon, and knife. I carry them everywhere with me in my purse and I've used them so many times. Every time I do it makes me happy to think of the single use plastic I'm not using.
Decades ago i thought of buying a foldable titanium spork from eBay that has a butter knife edge on one side of the spoon portion.
So basically a 3-in-1.
but being a guy, i had no easy way to carry it. I'd thought it'd be uncomfortable in my back pocket and would fear it falling out everytime i pull out my keys or phone from my front pockets.
(that's why i only carry 1 item in each pocket)
Pretty much every dude in my life eventually gets converted to carrying one of these instead of trying to stuff all of their essentials into their pants, which always seems inefficient to me.
https://www.swissgear.ca/en/travel-accessories/small-bags/travel-bags/swissgear-swt0361r-mini-sling-bag-black
-
+1 @Metalcat. My husband lovingly calls his "his manpurse". And states he has no idea why we haven't normalized men carrying bags. He's a convert!
-
+1 @Metalcat. My husband lovingly calls his "his manpurse". And states he has no idea why we haven't normalized men carrying bags. He's a convert!
Lol, yeah, that's why I specifically recommend Swiss Army bags. The branding helps me sneak past them that I'm telling them to carry a purse.
It's seriously life changing for some dudes to suddenly be able to carry so many more essentials and never forget or lose anything. One guy friend is diabetic and literally only wore cargo pants for his entire 20s and 30s because he needed to carry his insulin.
Wife is extremely happy that I finally converted him to Swiss Army bag. He also no longer constantly loses his wallet and keys. She likes me a lot. Lol.
-
I just wear cargo pants. Duluth trading company's firehose pants have amazing pockets. My pants typically weigh about 4.5 pounds with my EDC!
I'd probably forget a bag along with all its contents...
-
I just wear cargo pants. Duluth trading company's firehose pants have amazing pockets. My pants typically weigh about 4.5 pounds with my EDC!
I'd probably forget a bag along with all its contents...
Hey, if it works for you and your spouse doesn't hate cargo pants, then that's great.
The guy I'm talking about is a soft, urban, government office worker who really shouldn't be living in cargo pants in a professional context and wouldn't know what a Robertson screwdriver is. It drove his wife insane that he always wore cargo pants even out to expensive restaurants.
-
+1 @Metalcat. My husband lovingly calls his "his manpurse". And states he has no idea why we haven't normalized men carrying bags. He's a convert!
Lol, yeah, that's why I specifically recommend Swiss Army bags. The branding helps me sneak past them that I'm telling them to carry a purse.
It's seriously life changing for some dudes to suddenly be able to carry so many more essentials and never forget or lose anything. One guy friend is diabetic and literally only wore cargo pants for his entire 20s and 30s because he needed to carry his insulin.
Wife is extremely happy that I finally converted him to Swiss Army bag. He also no longer constantly loses his wallet and keys. She likes me a lot. Lol.
Most guys that I know with a "murse" have a CCW permit and use it to carry their handgun.
My purse is actually my pickup truck that I work out of. I have everything in there: extra clothes, emergency gear, food, water, medical kit, toothbrush, blankets. No handguns though.
-
A few years ago I bought a short, lightweight set of metal camping utensils -- fork, spoon, and knife. I carry them everywhere with me in my purse and I've used them so many times. Every time I do it makes me happy to think of the single use plastic I'm not using.
Decades ago i thought of buying a foldable titanium spork from eBay that has a butter knife edge on one side of the spoon portion.
So basically a 3-in-1.
but being a guy, i had no easy way to carry it. I'd thought it'd be uncomfortable in my back pocket and would fear it falling out everytime i pull out my keys or phone from my front pockets.
(that's why i only carry 1 item in each pocket)
Pretty much every dude in my life eventually gets converted to carrying one of these instead of trying to stuff all of their essentials into their pants, which always seems inefficient to me.
https://www.swissgear.ca/en/travel-accessories/small-bags/travel-bags/swissgear-swt0361r-mini-sling-bag-black
Wow. If guys carried these then they wouldn't load up their wives purses with measuring tapes and such when they go shopping together. (Or at least there were times when 1/3 of my purse's contents were stuff Ex wanted along for a specific shopping trip. Maybe other men just wear cargo pants for those trips?)
-
I've never understood the appeal of one armed backpacks. Any I've ever tried are objectively worse than the two armed variety - smaller, move around more and don't stay properly fixed to your back, weird shaped for trying to carry things like books, not enough pockets . . . ugh.
If you need a small extra pocket, the fanny pack has been around since the '90s. If you need more storage, a regular backpack is better.
-
Sunset over the river. Pink clouds and blue sky over pink and blue water.
-
Most guys that I know with a "murse" have a CCW permit and use it to carry their handgun.
Yup.. Fanny pack with hidden easy accessible pocket for your ccw.
-
I've never understood the appeal of one armed backpacks. Any I've ever tried are objectively worse than the two armed variety - smaller, move around more and don't stay properly fixed to your back, weird shaped for trying to carry things like books, not enough pockets . . . ugh.
IME (lifetime of using small backpacks and slingpacks as a purse) the diagonal one-armed type is more comfortable and useful. I haven't noticed any problem with them moving around. With the diagonal style, you can spin it around to the front to get something out without taking it off (impossible with a two-strap backpack). Some of the units I've owned have two straps you can zip together, so you can choose either one-armed or two-armed wear. I always ended up zipping the straps together and slinging it over diagonally. Just easier.
For situations where you need more carrying capacity and are ready for a true game changer, check out a lumbar/multisport pack. I have a Mountainsmith Tour 6 liter that's 30 years old, and that thing is magic.
-
I've never understood the appeal of one armed backpacks. Any I've ever tried are objectively worse than the two armed variety - smaller, move around more and don't stay properly fixed to your back, weird shaped for trying to carry things like books, not enough pockets . . . ugh.
If you need a small extra pocket, the fanny pack has been around since the '90s. If you need more storage, a regular backpack is better.
Yes, if your goal is to carry more, then a backpack makes most sense.
If you are just looking to carry keys/wallet/cell phone/glasses/etc, just essential stuff, a backpack is overkill and not as easy to access for wallet and phone.
But yeah, a fanny pack is just a differently oriented small bag, it serves the exact same purpose.
-
I've never understood the appeal of one armed backpacks. Any I've ever tried are objectively worse than the two armed variety - smaller, move around more and don't stay properly fixed to your back, weird shaped for trying to carry things like books, not enough pockets . . . ugh.
If you need a small extra pocket, the fanny pack has been around since the '90s. If you need more storage, a regular backpack is better.
Yes, if your goal is to carry more, then a backpack makes most sense.
If you are just looking to carry keys/wallet/cell phone/glasses/etc, just essential stuff, a backpack is overkill and not as easy to access for wallet and phone.
But yeah, a fanny pack is just a differently oriented small bag, it serves the exact same purpose.
Actually here in Europe most people actually wearing fanny packs wear it like the one you originally linked to should be worn.
Way more convenient that way.
-
I've never understood the appeal of one armed backpacks. Any I've ever tried are objectively worse than the two armed variety - smaller, move around more and don't stay properly fixed to your back, weird shaped for trying to carry things like books, not enough pockets . . . ugh.
If you need a small extra pocket, the fanny pack has been around since the '90s. If you need more storage, a regular backpack is better.
Yes, if your goal is to carry more, then a backpack makes most sense.
If you are just looking to carry keys/wallet/cell phone/glasses/etc, just essential stuff, a backpack is overkill and not as easy to access for wallet and phone.
But yeah, a fanny pack is just a differently oriented small bag, it serves the exact same purpose.
Actually here in Europe most people actually wearing fanny packs wear it like the one you originally linked to should be worn.
Way more convenient that way.
Yeah, my 'purse' is a fanny pack that I wear like a sling bag. Many of my women friends carry essentially the same bag and none of them wear it as a fanny pack.
-
$5 Meatloaf Monday at the local diner. Certainly not an every week thing but nice on occasion.
-
We have a big closet off the kitchen that we use as a pantry for canned goods and whatnot. I cleaned it out yesterday and reorganized everything. It made me so happy.
-
Just seeing progress on some of our projects despite everything that interferes!
Also watching eldest demonstrate their know-how about technical subjects they've invested alot of time in.