My therapist and I were talking about this last night! I am totally going to start hosting small intimate gathering with my friends instead of going out all night and wasting a lot of money on drinks.

I've started cooking again now that I can't justify the expense of eating out. Which is great, because I made a bomb bison steak yesterday.

I've always been that of a simple person. I'd rather cook than go out as often as some people and would rather find free or low cost things to do just enjoying others company versus having to go in town, waste gas, pay a cover and all that stuff. I prefer being a simple person...I see way too many people waste their money still. Ha.

I'm the same as aimeeb. I've always been into the simple things, so there isn't much difference for me.

yes, I'm only spending money on the basics, and I've begun knitting again in order to give handmade presents this year... things like a new TV (mine is gonna die with the digital requirement) are on the back burner because of money...

I think I've always been more on the simple, homey side to begin with, so I haven't had much adjusting to do.

No. Not enjoying it. Can't wait that the economy gets fully bloomed in 2010 like the years before. I am not used to simpler life, never want it and never will enjoy it. This is something that I can say *never* *ever!*

I have started to cook more at home. I also buy drinks and drink at home.

I love simplifying! There's so much pressure when you try to live a materialistic lifestyle. I've taken up little arts and crafts and DIY projects (etsy.com!)...it's so much more empowering and interesting and creative. And healthy...I eat healthier now that I stay in more.

Yes, I'd say these past few months have helped me scale down. I cook more than eating out. I rent movies instead of going to the theatre; have bottles of wine at home instead of out at bars, etc. I've been frequenting the library more too! But the biggest way I save money is by hanging out with friends on weekend days rather than at night. That way, we can go to parks, windo shop, or have lunch rather than spend expensive evenings out for dinner and booze!

I think the 'simple life' is relative.

To me it's the quality of life - whether you are rich or poor, living in a mansion or shoe box apartment, wearing Dior or Target (ladies - that Target with the silent t at the end)...As long as you are surrounded by loved ones, and have a sense of passion and empathy for the things and people around you, I think it aint no matter whether we are going through an economic crisis or boom. You just gotta keep living the quality of life that you've always lived!

I find economy posts annoying. If you are whining about these "trying times" and trying to scale back luxuries, then you really need to visit poorer areas of the country and world.

"If you are whining about these "trying times" and trying to scale back luxuries, then you really need to visit poorer areas of the country and world."

I have to disagree. These posts are meant for us to discuss our particular circumstances, and I think a lot of people do find them reassuring.

Cute woman in the picture, love beautiful talented women. Simple is fun and happy. Why make things complicated. Nothing wrong with a simple life.

Hello Sugar Babies!

At 18 I married and at 23, after the death of my son, I divorced; a broken and sad and old, old woman with two daughters. For the next 17 years I worked 3 jobs always to survive in the USA. I got my education on my own, I got my everything on my own. Always with 3 jobs (at least... sometimes I also cleaned houses in my 'spare time'). The at 40 when my daughters were raised and relatively on their own... I fulfilled a lifelong dream of teaching abroad so for the past 8 years...I now live in the people's Republic of China. All of my friends are in crisis, but I have escaped it. Living a simpler life...for sure, but in may ways...for the fist time, actually living. I have a housekeeper that comes in 15 hours a week and cooks and cleans so I am free to work and pursue other creative interests that are important to me like music, writing, and curriculum development. I actually can watch a DVD from beginning to end, and I have a facial (USD $5) and a manicure (USD $2.40) and a massage (USD $6) once a week. Besides working full time (20 hours a week..as opposed to 65 hours a week in the USA) I take walks, and go to the hot springs. I even spend time with friends. I have had the chance to actually get to know myself and this past week I turned 50. Everyone says I look much younger, but you know...I must because I am so happy all the time.

If you are suffering the complex live and trying to make it simpler... you may want to consider changing your routine. If you always do what you have always done... you will always get the same result. Isn't that the definition of insanity? Do you feel your life is insane? Consider thinking more global.

Do I miss family? NO. My teaching contract pays for me to take a month long trip home every year. When I lived at home I never got to spend a month with my family.

CHOOSE the life you want. You are not a victim...just think global and this may be the answer for you.

Sincerely: Eva Lynne

No real difference here, I've always loved cooking, so I don't need to eat out. I don't have a car so it's either carpooling or public transport. I never really go out, I prefer to have people over.

Only difference now is that I've got to be sure to have something to take to work for lunch, saves me ten bucks each time.

I too, have always been one to enjoy the more unembellished things of life.
Then again, I've always been without money, so perhaps it's been a lifestyle choice, lol!

I have definitely found an appreciation for the simpler things in life. These economic times are so scary! But I have learned through all this that it IS the simple things in life that bring true happiness.