Welcome!
I'm Frugal Trenches (no, not my real name!) a lover of natural, simple and frugal living! I use this space and my camera to document a beautiful, purposeful, downshifted and abundant life! Life is not always simple (oh how I wish it was!) but it is always rich and I hope this space demonstrates beauty and joy!
If you have a question, feel free to leave it in the comments! I read and appreciate every comment and will reply to questions within the comment section, even if it takes a day or two (or three, but whose counting!).
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Category Archives: Family Life
A very different childhood & finding the reason behind waiting…!
As most of you know, for the past 3 weeks I’ve been helping out a friend who hasn’t been able to get a childminder, by caring for her 3 year old daughter. It has been so wonderful both to help … Continue reading
Posted in About Me, Faith, Family Life, Finding Myself, Lessons Learned
37 Comments
Managing your financial expectations.
Last month I spent time with a good friend, she welcomed me into her beautiful home and for the first 12 hours I continually had thoughts running through my mind like if only I could afford a home like this, maybe … Continue reading
Posted in Faith, Family Life, Lessons Learned
25 Comments
Getting out of Debt & Downshifting has stopped my exhausted woman’s syndrome!
A few posts ago I discussed how getting out of debt & downshifting had changed my heart. I have seen a process where I’ve become more home centered, more giving and am learning what it means to give my time, money & … Continue reading
Want to change your finance situation? Learn not to be impulsive!
I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days and as I catch up on emails and telephone conversations with friends in real life (not that you aren’t all friends, but I do have to remind myself lately that not … Continue reading
Oh those No Spending Days
Since Saturday I have managed a total of 4/5 days as no spending days! Wow does it feel good. Correction, it feels great! I can’t quite put into words how good no spending days are for your soul. There is … Continue reading
Posted in Family Life, Frugal Food, Lessons Learned, Simplicity
17 Comments
Simple Living and Reducing Stress – Part I
Today, I am going to start a series on living simply and downshifting by reducing stress. The reality is that we all have stress in our lives, it is a normal, somewhat natural part of living, particularly in a modern … Continue reading
The weekend in pictures
An evening spent with little people – handing out Halloween treats, reading books and playing games, really does warm the soul! Note the adorable solitaire pieces which are lined up! Each one represented a different character in our story! Early Sunday … Continue reading
Posted in Emergency Fund, Family Life
30 Comments
Another wonderful reason to be debt free and live simply
Mothers and daughters have, at times, difficult relationships. Two bodies filled with hormones who love each other fiercely but often don’t see eye to eye, can at times cause quite the stir. Regardless, between most mothers and daughters, there is … Continue reading
Is the modern life of making money bad for us?
Lately this is something I’ve really started to ponder. Yes, life expectancy is increasing, but I’d like to see research around life experiences of middle class people who work full time related to their health. In the last week I’ve … Continue reading
Posted in Downshifting, Family Life, Simplicity
11 Comments
My Downshifting Journey
I should preface this by saying I have in no way completed my downshifting journey but for some while I have been on one and am committed to going the whole hog! I’ve mentioned my dreams before - to have my own rural patch … Continue reading
Posted in Downshifting, Dreams, Family Life, Lessons Learned
1 Comment
