Radical Simplicity

I've just started reading the book Radical Homemakers which delves into why we all need to live simply, produce more than we consume, and follow our passions. It's such an interesting read I tell you! I can't put it down, it's so fascinating. It's about living with less and making and growing more. Spending more time with family.

In other words, it is totally counter cultural.

Not sure about you but I never had any experience with growing my own food. And I am a self professed uncrafter ( trying to change that...). I used to live simply, until I moved to LA and caught the BUY BUY BUY bug. You know, you go to target for one thing and come back with much more. And it has taken me years to get over this need to be a constant consumer, I struggle with it daily as I have many interests and things tempt me.

But in my heart, the only thing I really need besides stability and ample time with my family is good food. I never compromise on this. Junk food isn't food and it doesn't really interest me. And yet, I need to learn how to cook more as again I am used to eating out often ( which was common where I grew up) and my cooking skills are decent but not great.

We have a few dreams, one being that indeed we will move to the country and grow much of our food ( not all as I don't see us making olive oil any time soon...) and maybe teaching classes of some kind. That seems pretty radical, doesn't it? I know it does. But to me, with my anxiety and desire to live in a quiet yet open minded place I would prefer to be immersed in nature and having the kids outside more than in.

I have friends who are living this simple, radical lifestyle in Hungary. Cheryl and Roland, founders of Handcrafted Travellers, have an organic farm and a mission to live simply and be interconnected with their environment. They cook at home and spend their time on the farm, homeschooling their daughter.

I dream of us being self sufficient and have our dream driven businesses help others to follow their dreams and also help make the world a better place. No matter what one does however, one can begin to grow basic herbs and food at home and consume more wisely, such as from Fair Trade sources. I highly recommend Radical Homemakers to anyone who is looking for a change to a more organic lifestyle. :)