Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View

“How many times in life have we had a conviction that we wanted or needed something? We saw it or heard about it, and immediately decided we would have it, possess it, or do it. No research. No questions. We just go out and accomplish it.  And when we have it, we find out it is either more trouble than its worth, takes more care and attention than we have to give it, or it just doesn’t fit our lif...

Not too very long ago, people tended to stay close together. You knew all your neighbors, and they knew you. If someone needed help, you showed up and got busy. If you were the one in need, you would find your neighbors standing on the porch waiting to do what was necessary.  But it wasn’t just troubles that brought neighbors together. It was also a need to socialize and have a bit of fun. Occasio...

All too often, we forget what incredible people we are. Few remind us. If this is the case, then let me be the one to do it today! This week's episode will help you to remember just how awesome you are. Learn the hazards of trying to be someone else - and instead, embrace the person you are. Find out how living a simple life means bringing your uniqueness to the table to create your own perso...

Life lessons come in all different ways. But the last place I expected to learn one was from a goldfish! But that is exactly what happened. Sherman used his own early life experiences to teach me a much-needed lesson on Resilience. In his classroom I learned the importance of: ·         Recovering quickly from difficulties ·         Being tough ·         Springing back into the person I was meant...

The last thing you probably want to think about in the heat of the summer is planning for Christmas. But right now is actually the best time to do just that.   From planning, making lists, baking ahead, and creating handmade gifts, Christmas can be a hectic season. Listen in and learn how to apply a Simple Life perspective on getting ready for the holidays.  In this Episode, we will be talking abo...

“In my pursuit of living a Simple Life, I look for things that can move me forward on my journey in more than one category. Baking bread is the perfect example. First, I am fulfilling a goal to stretch my wings in the cooking and baking meals at home category. Second, I am applying skills in the frugal category by using ingredients I have on hand in my pantry.  My creative nature is happy because...

Ever feel like you are lost? Then more than likely you are following a few Country roads and taking directions from a few of the locals.  “Driving 10 miles an hour down one of these backroads feels like you are going 110 on a straight paved highway. These roads are paved, gravel, dirt, and grass – all within a two-hundred-yard stretch.” “And Heaven help you if you find yourself facing an oncoming...

Music may calm the savage beast, but it is also a great way to have fun! But music isn’t just for your listening pleasure.  Listen in on ways music can help you improve your mood as well as make your foot start tapping to the beat! Grab a glass of lemonade, pull up a rocker and join the conversation! It’s time to Relax & Enjoy! Find out more about living a Simple Life at The Farm Wife Get help...

From the 16th Century to present day, picnics have been a great source of fun and entertainment. Picnics can be for any occasion, served most any place, and are usually guaranteed to be delicious.  In this episode, you will find a bit of history and a few fun facts about Picnics. There are also ideas on when to have a picnic, where to have it, what to serve – and even a fun way to make it a social...

It may sound fancy and elegant, but in reality, it’s a fun way to enjoy a much-needed break!  Listen in to learn a bit of history on Afternoon Tea. From there, discover why it is important to continue the tradition. Learn what to serve and find out how to enjoy Afternoon Tea as a great break in the middle of the day or how to make it a social occasion.  Go ahead – it’s time to indulge in your firs...

Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to have a Death Grip on your finances. Instead, it’s a combination of knowing the value of a dollar, spending your money wisely, and learning to think ‘outside the box’. Join the conversation on the porch and learn how to live frugally without giving up what you love! And while you are listening in. pull up a rocker, grab a glass of lemonade and get comfortable....

How well you manage your money can be as different as smooth sailing or discovering a hole in your financial boat.  “The biggest reason we don’t want to look closely at our finances is usually twofold. One – we don’t want to see how much we don’t have, and Two – we have no idea where to start or how to manage it.” “Managing your money doesn’t have to be hard, complicated, or scary. It just takes a...

From the beginning of time, homemaking has been an important part of living. But does the perfect homemaker truly exist? You don’t have to be a remake of June Cleaver. You don’t have to wear a vintage apron or wait by the door with a pipe and slippers to be a homemaker.  Learn more about Homemaking from the past, how to adapt it to the present, and in the process, create your own style of homemaki...

Keeping a Journal is more than just writing down your thoughts. It’s a way to guide you forward and give you an opportunity to look back and see how far you’ve come.  Go ahead, grab a glass of lemonade, pull up a rocker and join the conversation about why keeping a Simple Life journal is an important aspect in your journey! It’s time to Relax & Enjoy! Find out more about living a Simple Life a...

“Everyone has goals. Some can be as simple as plans to spend time with friends this weekend, and some can be as big as climbing Mount Everest. But no matter the lifestyle you choose, goals are still necessary. Their purpose is to give us direction, get us from our starting place to the end of the journey. Each goal set and met moves you one step closer. Without goals, there is no direction.” In th...

Choosing a lifestyle that fits best with who you are, your dreams, and passions can be well worth the effort. But shifting lifestyles isn’t an overnight thing and can be a lot of work. It isn’t something you want to try to accomplish in a short time span. Instead, it’s learning to take it slow, focus on your priorities, and saving time to do the things you love to do.  If you are ready to make the...

Changing lifestyles can be a lot of work. But choosing one that fits best with who you are, your dreams, and passions can be well worth the effort. Before you take the next step in changing your current lifestyle, it’s time to determine if living a Simple Life is really for you.  To do this, just ask yourself a few questions, then think hard about the answers. No one know you better than you. When...

We all experience the gut wrenching feeling of fear from time to time. And as much as we try not to, we all make mistakes. The problem arises when our fears and mistakes become obstacles that are difficult to overcome.  It’s time to move forward and learn how to how to work with, around, and overcome the two biggest bullies we have in our lives – Fear and Mistakes. Are you ready to start living a...

Just knowing what it is you want your Simple Life to look like can help you get started on living the life you want. But before you know what that is, you need to spend some time thinking about what that lifestyle could entail.  It begins with asking yourself a question: “If I could do anything, I would ______________.”   The answer to that question will help you to figure out the next step to tak...

Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View is all about learning how to slow down and enjoy life.  It begins with learning more about what a Simple lifestyle is. From there, learn how to create your own definition and deal with the obstacles in life. You will discover how to adapt your current lifestyle.  You will also learn more about all the aspects of living a Simple Life – from homemaking, ga...

I’m Julie, and years ago I lived one of the most chaotic, crazy, busy lifestyles you can imagine. It took moving to a farm, adding even more work to my days, and almost getting to the point of giving up before I had what I call a ‘Come to Jesus’ meeting with myself. From that point forward, I started regrouping, determining my priorities, and learning to live a life that was fun.  My life is now f...

Do you love the idea of living a Simple Life, but aren't sure what it is?  “We often daydream about living ‘The Simple Life’, and as we do, we wax nostalgic about the way our grandparents lived. No cell phones. No computers. No traffic. No distractions. Just sitting on the front porch, drinking lemonade and visiting with the neighbors.” It sounds good on paper, but in reality, the life Grandm...