simple living – Signora Sheila

Debt-Free Living or Pop Goes the Money?

Colorful decorative box overflowing with U.S. dollar bills and coins on a table, suggesting money spilling out disappearing too quickly.

Do you remember singing “Pop Goes the Weasel” as a child? Or hearing it played by a jack-in-the-box or an ice cream truck? This traditional English song originated in the mid-19th century as a country dance, nursery rhyme, and singing game. It has entertained children for decades. I hadn’t heard this song in years, soContinueContinue reading “Debt-Free Living or Pop Goes the Money?”

Abundant Minimalism

Nested glossy red heart-shaped bowls sit on a tabletop, surrounded by colorful dishes, creating a playful, loving mood.

Even though I strive to be a minimalist, I’d say there’s a problem with minimalism! Because like hoarding, minimalism focuses on possessions – just from a different perspective. It’s not that material possessions are necessarily bad. I mean, who doesn’t like a warm, comfy bed? But it’s also because God delights in blessing us. He doesContinueContinue reading “Abundant Minimalism”

Swedish Death Cleaning

Eclectic, cozy desk display with a clock, books, abacus, plants, lamp, toys, pillows, woven baskets, and a rolled blanket.

Now that both of my parents have passed away, my brothers have been “death cleaning.” I know it hasn’t been easy, especially for my youngest brother who has always lived there. They hired an estate sale agent, which made the process easier and hopefully reduced some of the emotional stress. I don’t have many childhoodContinueContinue reading “Swedish Death Cleaning”

Christmas Clubs and Budget-Friendly Gifts [Video]

Red satin ribbon bow rests on a glowing Christmas ornaments, surrounded by warm white string-light balls, creating a cozy festive mood.

In the 1970 musical Scrooge, even the grumpy Christmas-hating Scrooge eventually realized that “December the 25th is the dearest day of all the year!” (Watch the trailer here.) I never needed any convincing about that. The sound of Andy Williams singing that Christmas was “the most wonderful time of the year” had always filled ourContinueContinue reading “Christmas Clubs and Budget-Friendly Gifts [Video]”

Smart Clothes Shopping: Easy as 1-2-3

Two smiling women shop for clothing in a modern boutique, carrying paper and reusable bags while comparing a garment; cheerful retail scene.

Many women I know love shopping in groups, but not me. Shopping is stressful enough without bringing a bunch of people along. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting together with my girlfriends. Maybe we could grab lunch or a frothy cappuccino. Is anyone free this week? It’s hard for me to find clothes thatContinueContinue reading “Smart Clothes Shopping: Easy as 1-2-3”

Slow Living in Christ?

Barefoot woman in a light blue dress walks through a harvested field, carrying a woven basket in warm evening light; peaceful rural scene.

In our busy and hectic world, life is lived in the fast lane. Constant activity is equated with achievement, and feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists is seen as a positive thing. But are these assumptions truly valid? Having a growing list of contacts, profiles, followers and things to do can make us feel accomplished, importantContinueContinue reading “Slow Living in Christ?”