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Slow down and simplify

Busy is the new fine – why I am fighting back

February 17, 2016

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This is what buffer looks like … and how it feel

This is what buffer looks like … and how it feels is even better.

I can’t stress enough the value of adding buffer to your days, weeks and entire approach to life.

Proactively factoring in time for contingencies helps prevent life falling off the rails due to the most minor thing, but it’s more than that. It’s the peace of mind it brings as you face the day.

Case in point, Monday. Starting a new job. Need to be there by 9. Train timetable doesn’t align perfectly. There’s one scheduled that should get me there, maybe with a minute to spare. There’s another than arrives with 20 minutes to spare. I’ve just had three weeks of holidays - I would love an extra 20 minutes in bed in the morning, but I choose the early train.

As tempting as it is, the late train provides no buffer. If it’s late, I’m screwed and I know it. So even if I’m lying in bed for an extra 20 minutes, for that 20 minutes, the 15 minutes on the bus and the 50 mins on the train, that thought will be hanging over me. Stressing me, out whether the train is on time or not.

Instead, I get up earlier. The trip is uneventful. I have time to go for walk along the waterfront and calm my nerves before meeting my new boss.

Buffer isn’t wasted time. It’s strategy for to prevent your energy being eroded by stress and give yourself breathing space. Plus bonus walks in the sun.

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#slownotlazy #moretimethanmoney #slowlivingmovement #slowlivinglifestyle #slowlife #intentionalliving #simplehappylife #unbusylife #lessismore #theartofslow #livesimple

Yesterday we had an epic family adventure on Kapit

Yesterday we had an epic family adventure on Kapiti Island.

Kapiti Island has been a nature reserve since the 1890s, so it’s a bit like going back in time for a glimpse what Aotearoa New Zealand was like before there were so many humans around.

The weather was unbelievable, we got a great view from the summit across to the South Island and even Ruapheu in the distance. I nearly melted in the heat and can still feel the 500m+ climb in my legs!

The most striking thing is the noise, so many birds! My son is now totally enamoured by weka (a very cheeky flightless bird).

If you ever find yourself in the Wellington region, you must make this trip.

For families considering it, Mr 9 was fine walking to the top. There were a few moans in places and a bit of “how much further?”. There were other families too, with kids around the same age and slightly younger. There’s a bird feeding station halfway up that provides some good entertainment to break up the climb.

If you’ve got younger kids or a 4km hill climb isn’t your thing, there’s a shorter loop walk that gets you into the bush and through coastal flats. You’ll see and hear just as many birds, but just won’t get the epic view.
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#kapitiisland #kapitiilandnaturetours #kapiticoast #newzealandfinds #nzmustdo #exploringourbackyard #tinybigadventure #outdoorkidsnz #theoutdoorkidsproject #simplefamilies #simplicityparenting #nzbloggers #slownotlazy #moretimethanmoney

A reminder in the midst of all the New Year, New Y

A reminder in the midst of all the New Year, New You! rhetoric.

Don’t let wanting to improve trap you into thinking you aren’t good enough.
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#newyears2022 #newyearfeels #slownotlazy #moretimethanmoney #slowlivinglifestyle #simplefamilies #simplicityparenting #minimalismwithkids #simplifyyourlife #slowlivingmovement

Wishing everyone a happy New Year. Goodness knows

Wishing everyone a happy New Year.

Goodness knows what we’re in for!

#2022herewecome #slownotlazy #slowlivinglifestyle #moretimethanmoney

The cash envelope budgeting system, old school but

The cash envelope budgeting system, old school but it works.

Recently my husband and I hit a big financial milestone and were reflecting on how we got there. “The envelopes”, as we fondly refer to them played a pivotal role in how we got there.

He credits our time using the envelopes as being a life-changing adjustment in how he approaches money.

For me, the envelopes gave me enough peace of mind during significant financial stress to commit to self-employment, a life-changing adjustment in how I work.

They’re so significant to us, when we stopped using them, I stashed the envelopes away in the box of treasures under my bed!

If you’re in a tight spot financially or could do re-calibrating your spending, I highly recommend giving the envelope system a try.

On the blog, I’ve written up why we love the envelope system and how you can get started with it.

Have you used the envelope budgeting system? I’d love to hear your experiences.
#envelopesystem #cashenvelopes

I don’t pretend that picking up rubbish on my wa

I don’t pretend that picking up rubbish on my walks will save the world. But it helps me keep helping.
#iammakingadifference
#take3forthesea

Confession: I’m a fan of Eat Well for Less. Any

Confession: I’m a fan of Eat Well for Less. Any chance to snoop in other people’s trolleys and pantries.

One thing I wish they’d add is an analysis of how much food and packaging waste the households could save.

Making better choices doesn’t have to cost more.

#eatwellforless #reducefoodwaste #spendlikeitmatters

Last day of Term 2 today Halfway through the schoo

Last day of Term 2 today Halfway through the school year.

Over halfway through his time at primary school and nearly halfway to adulthood.

Very glad we could and did make the decision not to rush through this part of his life. That said, it’s still flying by.

He wears my sneakers now.

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