Downsizing, minimalism and zero waste have dramatically affected our household budget. We handle, process and tidy less which means we have more time. There’s less shopping because we need and maintain less. We’re better at using what we have more creatively without sacrificing outcome. In fact, it would have been impossible for our family to live …
In late 2016, I participated in a fantastic EdX.org course entitled ‘Vernacular Architecture of Asia: Tradition, Modernity and Cultural Sustainability’. The course is archived and still available on EdX – I highly recommend. Studying Asia’s Vernacular Architecture gave me immediate window into our new part of the world. Vernacular Architecture in our Cities Modern urban environments can feel quite similar …
I recently participated in a course on ‘Vernacular Architecture of Asia: Tradition, Modernity and Cultural Sustainability’ at EdX. While taking the course I heard Kuala Lumpur Vernacular Architecture referenced and had to learn more. Kuala Lumpur Vernacular Architecture Vernacular buildings can be described as common structures of ordinary purpose built by or with the owners using local materials and commonly …
We landed in Bali with absolutely incorrect expectations discovering quickly that there are many dishonest reviews online about Bali, even on AirBnB. Many Bali locals don’t exactly like when people report less-than-positive experiences or images of their country, as it puts the lucrative tourist industry at risk. A visit to Bali can be wonderful when you have correct expectations. I hope this …
As parents, one of our greatest resources is a good book. My husband and I used to say that having kids is getting new roommates every 6 months to a year. Children may need entirely new wardrobes and shoes every few months, and about every 6 months to a year or so when you are …
Savvy travelers already know that you’ll pay a premium if you pay with US Dollars (USD) when traveling abroad. If you haven’t experienced this yourself, you eventually will when you buy something from a local, international merchant. At check out, they may ask whether you’d like to pay in USD, and avoid the hassle of …
What’s in your Attic? Are you storing memorabilia boxes in your closet, basement, attic, or storage unit (or all the above)? If so, I imagine most readers barely mention a dozen items in their memorabilia box – out of how many items? I want to inspire you to declutter your memorabilia boxes and actually visit your …
Parents, family, and even strangers regularly ask why we chose homeschooling over sending the kids to school. My reason is time. Time to be with my children and time for them to explore their many interests. I was so busy in school trying to learn things I didn’t care about, that I didn’t have time to figure out …
Homeschooling. Unschooling. Worldschooling. Is there an app for that? Not really. It would be awesome if there were, but until there is, parents who decide to homeschool will have to figure it out as we go. Our children are our best teachers, after that, we look to other parents and area experts who have gone …
We don’t spank. We can’t conceive of an occasion where spanking would have benefited us or one of our children or affected positive change. Mistakes, Poor Judgement and Spanking One day, our two kids and I were discussing and trying to remember their biggest mistakes. A nail polish spill on the couch was one such unfortunate incident. …