I decided to start this blog. I wasn’t sure if people would like what I wrote, or if they would even find me – why would anyone be interested in what I had to say? But enough people suggested I try it, so I did. And I’m so happy I didn’t let fear stand in the way. I chose to take a leap… and get over my fear, and just try – what’s the worse that can happen, right?
Turns out, it has been a wonderful creative outlet for me. So much of my life is my business, Designs Adrift, which I love too – but I’m in the ‘background’. I do all the paperwork, writing and photography (some of the photography), taxes, etc…yet Michael, my partner, is the artist in the end…and his work is beautiful, yet this blog, is mine and mine alone. My time writing, photographing, planning and editing is well spent – it allows time for me, to be me. And the added (and unexpected) bonus is, it’s been a great way to meet other, incredibly talented, like minded individuals! Who knew?
So when my first post was published, I was so excited and shocked to have a like and a comment – on my very first post! How did they find me? Who are they? What? People liked what I wrote? Liked it enough to take the time to write a comment? Wow!! It made me smile…Thank you Norma, From Wok to Garden, for my first comment – you inspired me to keep going! I’m still kind of figuring out what readers are interested in (and what makes folks comment), but for the most part I just share my life. I’m just being me, really. Camera in hand, sharing what I love…what I cook, how I prepare it, what I’m interested in and how I keep my expense down…my life in rural Maine, on an extremely tight budget, in other words, The Art of Thrift.
Knowing what to buy and when and more importantly, when not to…recognizing quality and craftsmanship; not to buy cheap, but well, or not at all – it makes all the difference (in my opinion)…for the planet and your wallet. I like to encourage second hand buying – it makes so much sense! (and if your still a bit worried about second hand – don’t be – if you’ve eaten in a restaurant or slept in a hotel, then you’ve used second hand items!)
I know how to be thrifty, but I also know when (and how) to spend…even the NYTimes agrees… and while I’ve accomplished some of what I had set out to do, there’s still so much more to share…I’ve posted a lot of recipes, but not a lot of suggestions for travel, groceries shopping, children’s needs, insurance – everyday stuff – but all things in time right? As long as I can find the time to write and photograph (and get to the library to publish – my dial-up access is a real detriment not only our business, but my blogging!!) I will.
I, thank you all for reading and sharing this past year – it’s been fun and a challenge. (A challenge because of my dial-up!!).
And now this, little miss thrift, needs to find the time to get to the library (wifi, remember?) a little more often so she may become a little more tech savvy – fonts, layouts, widgets, settings oh my…this is one arena where being thrifty isn’t necessarily helpful…but being patient is. All things in time, right?
What have you been doing lately that is thrifty?
Have a fabulous weekend and thank you for reading! xoxo
Enjoy.
Ripe Red Berries 
Congrats Jenn! Keep on blogging. I read every blog and love everything you share. You are an amazing woman. Love you lots. xoxo
Isn’t it awesome how blogging connects you to so many people in far away places? I love the creative outlet, but I think the best part is all of the friends I’ve made all over the world who I never would have met otherwise!
You never cease to amaze me with your dump finds. My trash gets collected from the house so I rarely have an excuse to go to the transfer station. I should probably make a point of going once in a while just to “shop”!
It really is and thank you so much!
Yes, you must get to your transfer station…you just never know!! (:
Always enjoy the blog. As far as thrifty, I’d like to print out some of your recipes, but I end up printing all the pictures, and it uses lots of paper. Any suggestions around this?
Thanks,
Mim
Thank you Mim, so good to hear from you! Good question. Sorry about that – yes, a lot of paper and ink right? Not so good I agree…I will look into how (and if) I can set-up a printable version (without photos)…thank you for the suggestion!
Congratulations on one year of blogging! I first read about your life in Maine in the New York Times. (I bet I was googling “frugal lifestyles!”) I then did a little searching to see if you had a blog and was delighted to see that you did. I had to chuckle when you mentioned dial-up because after many years, my hubby and I just got high-speed within the last year. I could not believe what a difference it made, and it is very inexpensive in our large metro area. I look forward very much to reading about your simple, good life in Maine in the coming year. Some of my favorite blogs are those of people, like you, who create a beautiful home, often for pennies on the dollar (or sometimes free in your case!)
Thank you!
Heres to another year, cheers! Keep em coming.
I’m going to try!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Thanks for the mention. At the time, I did not know I was the first person to comment on your very first post. I do enjoy reading your posts and yes, blogging is a great way to meet other, incredibly talented, like minded individuals.
Thanks Norma!
Well done and happy blogaversary!!!
You know I love a bargain 😀 😀
Thank you! I can’t wait to see all your bargains in your ‘new to you’ house…(:
Congratulations on your blog’s first birthday! I love following it, so please don’t ever stop…
Thank you so much Kate!! I will do my best…(:
I read your Times story on Facebook — I think. Anyway, I was pretty excited when I stumbled on your blog late last year. Love reading about your thrifty life in Maine and am majorly impressed by your beautiful and creative home. I second the motion for printable recipes.
Thank you so much for your comment and the compliments! I am in the process of learning how to make the recipes printable without all the photos…hoping to figure it out soon – perhaps copy and paste for now, without the photos and then print? If only I was more tech savvy…(: