In the Barnyard: Who are Bohemian Farmgirls?

Bohemian Farmgirl is something that has evolved over years of trying to figure out how to weave all of the meaningful parts of my life together. This is what it means to me, and if it touches part of your soul then my guess is that you are a Bohemian Farmgirl too.

1. Growing a Family--First and foremost, comes family. This may be your biological or chosen family, but whomever your family includes, it's roots dig deep and provide grounding for growth above the surface of the soil.

2. Planting a Farm--Modern homesteading is a way of life for a Bohemian Farmgirl. This may include anything from a windowsill garden to acres of land, buying local and supporting small farms to growing and raising all of your food yourself, and cultivating dreams of homesteading no matter if you live in the city or country.

3. Nurturing a Creative Life--This is the heart of a Bohemian Farmgirl and what brings us all together creating a community of ideas and inspiration. Living a creative life is the wellspring of joy that provides energy to make our dreams reality, no matter what the circumstances. And we all help each other along the way.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

My Custom Homestead: Steps 8 & 9

Even though I don't have my rural homestead yet, it's time to incubate my golden nest egg in preparation for hatching.  Jill Winger, author of the eBook, Your Custom Homestead: Awakening a Fresh Vision of Homesteading, recommends some fiscal evaluation in steps 8 ("Start Organizing Your Finances") and 9 ("Live Frugally Now").  I found a great link on Pinterest for just this sort of financial inventory:  http://www.thebudgetdiet.com/cut-your-spending-by-400-a-month .  There are plenty of others too if you enter "save money" into the search bar.  But I like this one because it offers a four page checklist of things you can do to cut your spending by $400 a month starting right now.  Doing these simple things will help me get on track to purchase a homestead and require as little money as possible to maintain a simple life.
Even this photo was free! 
I have some tricks up my own sleeve that will help me prepare financially in ways that are creative and fun.  In past and future posts under Green Housekeeping, I offer some DIY recipes for nontoxic cleaning products that will save you a bundle.  I have also challenged myself to think about how to repurpose something old or make something myself before I run out and buy it.  I'm pretty savvy when it comes to finding things for free or deeply discounted if there is something I need.  Some of my favorite online places to shop are Ebay, Craigslist, and ThredUp.  If you must buy something new, try joining Ebates where you can earn cash back for shopping online.  Of course, shopping at flea markets and vintage shops is a lot of fun, and I love to make clothes for myself and my daughter.  And if I am tempted to make an impulse purchase, I ask myself, "Do I want this ____ more than I want a farm?"  If the answer is no, I keep walking.  If the answer is yes (because I believe it will add some value to the lifestyle I desire), I wait at least a week before making the purchase or wait until it goes on sale.  If I still want it after a week and I can pay in cash (not credit!), then I may just buy it.  Often times, I find that something I thought was absolutely gorgeous a week ago I now judge to be ugly and I am glad I didn't get it!
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)