simple living – Page 2 – Signora Sheila

My ABC’s of Simple Natural Living

A lush hanging basket overflows with pink, peach, and yellow petunias, green leaves, and cheerful blooms in a bright garden setting.

What are my ABCs of simple, natural living? It’s all about getting back to basics. My husband and I strive for simplicity. We have found greater peace and tranquillity by reducing clutter and living without debt. We’re also trying to live more naturally because it’s good for our health and the planet. For us, aContinueContinue reading “My ABC’s of Simple Natural Living”

Can We Be Too Frugal?

Cozy pastel bedroom with rumpled pink and mint bedding, blush pillows, sheer curtains, and flowers by a sunlit window; soft, serene mood.

I’m a frugal grandmother and I’m proud of it! But we can become too frugal, in which case we need a wake-up call. Or in my case, maybe a sleeping pill! Because you see, I had these sheets. They were flannel, perfect for our cold and drafty Italian houses that never seem to heat upContinueContinue reading “Can We Be Too Frugal?”

If I Could Live Life Over {My ABC Bucket List}

Glowing orange sun sets behind silhouetted grasses and a dark horizon, casting a warm reflection across calm water in a tranquil scene.

It’s not possible, and it’s a good thing it’s not. But if I could go back and live my life over again, there are so many things I would change. I would strive to… 🪞 A – Accept myself for who I am. 🥹 B – Be more patient. 🕊️ C – Cultivate more peace.ContinueContinue reading “If I Could Live Life Over {My ABC Bucket List}”

Spring Cleaning? Time to Declutter!

Cleaning tools arranged together: a white yarn mop, colorful green-and-pink broom, wooden handles, and a yellow dustpan on a gray background.

Our current house is half the size of the previous place we had up north, and at first I struggled to fit everything in. So I began to see the need to declutter. Life here in our peaceful valley is also slow and simple. It has helped me to rethink my values and priorities. It’sContinueContinue reading “Spring Cleaning? Time to Declutter!”

Why I Choose Simple Living

Minimalist white home office with a white desk, olive-green chair, framed art, small potted plant, and vase of grasses; calm, airy mood.

People often ask me why I choose simple living, aka minimalism. It’s not always easy to explain, particularly to those unfamiliar with the concepts. It’s even more challenging when I explain that my journey began with a bottle of vinegar after I discovered that my daughter had stopped using chemical cleaners. Cleaning with vinegar andContinueContinue reading “Why I Choose Simple Living”

My Hard Times Cookbooks

An open cookbook rests on a dark counter beside green onions, garlic, herbs, and a rolling pin in a creative kitchens scene.

Before we left for the mission field, we had to downsize our belongings. But I decided to bring along three essential books. A medical book and what I call my hard times cookbooks. These cookbooks, especially during our first few years here, were lifesavers for me! Reading recipes in Italian was beyond me until IContinueContinue reading “My Hard Times Cookbooks”