photo by oldflowers4meStaying home is one of the simplest ways to have more time, spend less money, accumulate less clutter, and to simply live a less busy lifestyle!
Staying home used to be so hard for me. I’d go out to the mall or even drive over to the next city over for some ‘better shopping’, way more than I needed to. These trips would always result in money spent on lunch out, deals I may have thought I needed, and probably takeout for dinner because I was too tired to cook! Totally not worth it. I’m so much happier at home.
I don’t cut out every activity because I do value time spent with my girlfriends. And spending time with our extended families is important to me as well. But even these times can be held at home if necessary. I love to cook dinner for my parents as I feel it gives them a much needed break once in a while.
I’m amazed at how much I can get done at home when I limit my time out on the town. I actually enjoy my once a week grocery shopping trip because I have had time to plan ahead. Some days, like today, I seemed to be out more than I was at home. (groceries, a visit with my Grandma in the hospital, library) Tomorrow I’m planning on staying home to catch up! When I’m at home more, I pay more attention to the important person in my life, my husband. We both reap the benefits of me staying home more! I also love spending the time on our biggest investment, our home.
Staying home more really works for me!
Here are some ideas to be happy at home:
- Invite friends or family over for a movie/dinner night
- Buy/pick some inexpensive flowers such as daffodils
- Read a good book
- Take a nice bath
- Enjoy a dinner by candlelight
- Clear out as much clutter as possible, clean off the kitchen countertops, get rid of at least one pile of papers
- Listen to your favorite music
- Listen to your favorite music LOUD when you’re cleaning
- Surround yourself with the things you love, allow no room for things that don’t make you feel happy
- Take time to enjoy your favorite hot or cold beverage in the mornings (or evenings)
- Keep your favorite candle burning
- Bake: it tastes great and smells wonderful
- Work at wanting what you have rather than having what you want
- Play board games with family or friends
- Stop resenting what your house isn’t and start appreciating what it is.
- Display family photos
What would you add to this list? I’d love to hear your ideas!
