29 Ways I’ve Incorporated Slow Living & a little French Culture into my Life

I want to share a few ways that we can live more simply and traditionally  . . . and pretty much like the French have embraced.

Most of these things are activities and habits that anyone can cultivate, no matter where or how they live. Traditional living doesn’t necessarily mean going back to the 1800’s. There are many people that want to maintain traditional values but still enjoy the benefits of modern technologies. You certainly don’t have to live off-grid and cook with a wood burning stove to live traditionally!

Although I have listed the items below, in no way is this a checklist.

I haven’t arrived as the ultimate simple living person.

And I do have this book on my list of things to read, looks like a great read ⤵️

It is however something that I am nurturing and leaning into as a priority in my life. And I truly enjoy it.

If you feel called to a simple, traditional life much like myself, you can live this way ANYWHERE. You do not need to live in a cottage core fantasy world or homestead on 10 acres.  It’s a choice and a way of life, a mindset if you will.

There are so many more ways I’d like to slow down and become self sufficient but these are the ones I am enjoying right now.

 

1. Limit packaged foods

2. Cook and bake from scratch

For me, I have found even more pleasure in this task by incorporating treasures while antique hunting with copper pots, German kettles and beautiful bowls.

3. Grow herbs for afternoon tea, like lemon balm

Lemon balm is one of the easiest herbs to grow, almost failproof for someone like myself brand new to gardening. The lemon balm patch continues to thrive and I pop out to the garden in the afternoon to harvest a handful of leaves for tea.

4. Save my scraps for compost

Items such as egg shells, coffee grinds and banana peels make fantastic fertilizer.

5. Keep a well-stocked pantry

Buy in bulk and menu plan for ready-to-go meals at home.

6. Bike to the local dairy farm

I am so thankful the dairy farm is about 3 miles away and the local city has a trail that leads me almost all of the way there. At the farm store, not only will I discover raw milk, eggs, butter and cream but also local jams, meat and treats.

7. Support road side veggie and fruit stands

Not only stop to make purchases but get to know them. Get curious, ask questions.

8. Roast delicious coffee at home

I snagged my green coffee beans right over here, then roast them outside in our fire pit.

9. Cook frugal meals

The more ingredients in your pantry combined with herbs, the more money you can save and continue to live simply.

10. Live debt free

A lesson I learned when I was younger was this:

If you can’t buy it with 100% cash, then do not buy it.

So many live with the burden of debt on their shoulders only because they want the nicer home, nicer car and now become chained to the job. Of course, this is not always the reason but when I look at statistics and data, this is the main reason.

Give yourself the gift of a much simpler life.

11. Walk or ride my bike instead of driving

As our area has grown, I can easily walk or bike to a number of businesses within 1 mile such as the dentist, a few grocery stores, a pizza parlor, CVS, cafe and much more. With the exception of July and August, I try to use my own energy to stay close to home.

12. Make time daily for creativity

Finding time to be the forever amateur artist has unleashed even more creativity in all that I do in work and home. Watercolor, videography, photography, beeswax crafts such as lotion bars and candles, making tinctures, drying flowers and even watercoloring marshmallow fondant with food color. We keep the TV out of the home and usher in all the creativity.

13. Bake my own bread

I’ve been most successful at english muffins but trying to branch out to bread and pasta.

14. Create and place floral arrangements around the home

Mostly via foraging from nature or my backyard.

15. Put your apron on in the morning

Remember, aprons have pockets, such a great way to be industrious in the AM.

16. Dress head to toe

Although we work from home, after we walk the dogs and get our exercise in, we shower and put on beautiful clothes.  Yes, I wear dresses most days with jewelry to feel and look my best.

17. Repurpose and recycle

As they did in the Great Depression, everything can be repurposed.

18. Learn to sew

I am still quite the beginner but this is definitely a skill I would like to improve upon.

19. Learn to make your own candles

There are plenty of beekeepers who sell their beeswax over here, this is what I purchase.

20. Repurpose and recycle

Nothing goes to waste – jars, jugs, coffee grinds, rain water – we put it all back into use.

21. Make homemade gifts

22. Put a clothesline in your yard to dry your clothes

23. Show hospitality to friends and community

24. Embrace spontaneous deep discussions (especially favorable at the cafe)

25. Use homemade laundry soap or soap nuts

Reducing fragrance and chemicals is good for the body.

Here are the soap nuts that I have.

26. Try doing all of the chores around your home before hiring help

It makes for a great workout too!

27. Find joy in art and antiques

28. Choose intentional right work

Each year I become more and more focused on what work looks like for me.  Currently I focus on my online projects such as print on demand, content websites and graphic design (including my etsy shops).

As I seek out client work, I am intentional with the industry and the professional that I am working with.

29. Take care of your immune system

For me, I put a good amount of my time in nature + I add garlic to as many meals as possible.  I’m even growing garlic for the first time and crossing my fingers that it works.

I want to know about you! What are you favorite ways to cultivate a traditional or simple lifestyle? Or incorporate that French life into your day?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

 

Until next time,

Becca