Simple

I have just finished preparing tonight's dinner (meatballs in a pepper/tomato sauce, to be served with rice) and have made the shopping list online for the next few days.  Incredible how quickly things add up but there were a few offers that I took advantage of and I suppose that saves some pennies in the long run.  I did have to review the list a couple of times as it is far too easy to load up the virtual shopping trolley and as I hate being wasteful, I try and think twice about whether we actually need something.  That way we can keep waste to an absolute minimum and meal planning very much helps with that.

When you think about it, there is really very little you truly need.  Yes, shelter, warmth, food, water and clothing are pretty essential but even there things can get scaled down a bit.  Why have an enormous house when a smaller one would do or have a wardrobe full of stuff that never gets worn?  Ever since moving here I have made some progress with simplifying things but there is still a long way to go.  I love it when I do "go simple" though.  For example, yesterday's lunch was just some bread, a chunk of cheese, a couple of tomatoes and some homemade chutney.  It was satisfying and simple - just what I needed and not more.  Perfect!