simple living – Page 4 – Signora Sheila

Cultivating Contentment in a World of Stuff

A white watering can sprays sparkling droplets over blooming pink flowers in a sunlit green garden, creating a fresh, peaceful mood.

I once read about a missionary family who were facing difficulties and had limited provisions. Worry, discouragement and unhappiness plagued them. Until one day when their young son prayed before lunch. “Thank you Lord,” he prayed. “Thank you for everything we have. Thank you for our family, for our house, for our clothes, for thisContinueContinue reading “Cultivating Contentment in a World of Stuff”

The Giant, Odor-Free Minimalist {Travel} Towel

Close-up of colorful rolled peshtemal towels in blue, pink, green, yellow, and purple, arranged in a textured textile display with a cozy, vibrant feel.

Do you have a problem with smelly towels? We always did, but not anymore! Over here, especially during Italy’s rainy season, towels take a long time to dry. So if they’re not washed after each use, they start to smell acidic, and so unpleasant to use! But how can we wash them when it rains?ContinueContinue reading “The Giant, Odor-Free Minimalist {Travel} Towel”

One-Bag Travel: Packing List

Folded summer clothes, patterned fabric, white sneakers, and a straw hat arranged on a wooden floor, creating a casual travel-packing scene.

When I talk about why we Travel With Just One Carry-on each, I also share that traveling with so little once seemed an impossible proposition. I like being prepared for anything. And as an organizer and champion list maker, I’d jot down everything I thought might be useful, and then drag it along. Only toContinueContinue reading “One-Bag Travel: Packing List”

How to Do Laundry Almost Free: Naturally

Small white cloth bag tied with string rests on a towel beside a glass jar of soapnuts, creating a quaint, rustic still life.

According to statistics, the average American family of four spends about $18 a year on laundry detergent.¹ Add another $39 for bleach, and $66 for fabric softener. That’s a lot of money going down the drain. (No pun intended!) And that doesn’t even take into account the toll all those chemicals take on the environment. But you canContinueContinue reading “How to Do Laundry Almost Free: Naturally”

Simple Living for Retirement

Close-up of a large white dahlia blooming in a sunny garden, with smaller flowers, a red cottage, blue sky, and lush greenery behind it.

Retirement anymore seems to be right around the corner for us. Yikes! And because of certain lifestyle choices we’ve made, we’re starting to think they’re going to be interesting years, to say the least. Not that we’re alone. It’s not uncommon for people to find themselves in reduced circumstances in their retirement years. And not just with reducedContinueContinue reading “Simple Living for Retirement”

5 Steps to Reclaim Your Life From the Internet

Woman in a straw hat reads on a lakeside dock, with picnic items beside her, calm water reflecting trees, and reeds framing the serene view.

Have you ever had an epiphany moment in your life? Those aha! moments, that make you sit up and take notice? I have, and one came to me recently. It came one evening when I realized that I didn’t want to spend all my time scrolling and reading online. Epiphany: a sudden, intuitive perception of orContinueContinue reading “5 Steps to Reclaim Your Life From the Internet”