Thrifty Girl
I’ve written a lot on how I live well here, here and here because because I am so often asked how I have the life I have. And while so much of it is glamorous and over the top, most of it is very, very simple because I’m a frugal girl who just happens to also adore living well.
I don’t have a car but I do fly first class. I don’t own a lot of things but I do have a custom down couch and expensive linens. My clothing is expensive, yes, but I afford this because know how to buy on sale, I don’t own a lot and I own no jewellery. I decide where I want my money to go (savings, retirement, living well in the moment, Four Seasons) and where I don’t (credit cards, Target, yard sales and Best Westerns). By living consciously, I live wonderfully. Not tricky, not magic, not special - just totally, readily available to anyone.
My dear friend and amazing writer, Felicia Sullivan, understands this, lives it, and talks about it greatly. She was just interviewed by Fox Business for a site I created, Girls Guide to City Life, to share some of her ideas on how to save money but still live well. So check it out, and her site, for more great ideas. Or share your own!
The easiest way is to get connected is to have posts emailed directly to you. Don't worry, we like you and won't spam you, sell your address or abuse you in any other way - that's just not hygge! To get posts email just enter your email address: 
In the spring of 2008 Apartment Therapy, San Francisco invited me to do a "Home Tour" of my vacation home in 
Despite all the talk about simplicity there are things that I still wish for. Some are simple and useful and some are just pure lust. But lists are good to have and share and you can see my lists at both 
April 17th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Fantastic, succinct post. I’m always intrigued to read about how you choose to manage your resources (money, time, material things, etc..). Very good advice given by Felicia in the video clip.
Thanks!
Ellen
April 18th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Wonderful advice. A couple of years ago I realized that I was spreading myself thin, financially, by mindless buying. I made a mental list of what things were important to me and what wasn’t. That way, I know what I’m going to spend my money on, and what I’m going to save. Frugality is fun when you can look forward to that trip, a luxury item, helping your kids through college and your retirement.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this wonderful blog!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
great post! We should be the one who control what we have and don’t..not the commercial society!
May 16th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Not quite certain why you must have included Target as the place where one should not spend much. On the contrary, I believe that Target is a nice alternative to Walmart for more than one reason but the most important one to me being that supporting Walmart is not a socially responsible idea. Some interesting anti-Walmart documentaries exist out there, by the way. In addition, Target has the most inexpensive, comfy underwear for $2.99 a piece.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
The problem I have with Target - and any store like it (including a lot of drug stores) is that it’s very easy to go in for one thing and then leave with a cart full of stuff you don’t need.
May 19th, 2008 at 1:32 am
My eyes were opened a while back (via a legitimate Documentary) to some of Walmart’s indecent internal/external business practices (from their stingy treatment of employees to their obvious devotion to China). I REFUSE to shop there. When China becomes the next Superpower, Walmart (and we who buy irresponsibly) can congratulate themselves for their role in helping to create the Monster.
May 26th, 2008 at 12:09 am
My tip is to buy clothing that can be worn 2 ways or more. It’s all about getting a lot out of a little.