The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist - Page 51 of 115 -

© 2026 Freya Theme by Sparrow and Snow | Disclosure Policy

The Art of the Thrift: Why Almost Everything We Wear Is Second-Hand

Our family wears almost exclusively thrifted clothes…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I get a fair number of questions about what we do (and don’t) buy second-hand, and how it all works in…

Continue Reading

My Kids Don’t Read (Except They Totally Do?)

A quick post today with two simple questions:

Do audiobooks count as reading?

What about re-reading the same book over and over?

Is it a straightforward yes? A hard no? Or somewhere in between?

I find myself…

Continue Reading

Network or Know-How?

If you had to bet your future success — financial, relational, or otherwise — on just one thing, would you choose Who you know or What you know?

Sure, real life blends both. Relationships open…

Continue Reading

Life
Jun, 23, 2025
22 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 20 June

This week’s post is extra long (even by my verbose standards). A lot is happening! For the first time ever, I’m starting with a little TL;DR for those who would prefer the headlines: Belle…

Continue Reading

How, When, and Why I’ve Been Reading So Many Books in 2025

This year I’ve been doing a monthly blog series with reviews and ratings of all the books I’ve read.

(January. February. March. April. May.)

People seem curious about how I find the time to read so…

Continue Reading

Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Habits, Reading
Jun, 19, 2025
55 Comments

Gratitude, Minimalism, and Frugal Living With Kathleen Paley

Updated July 2026: This interview was originally published in June 2025, when Kathleen was working as a lawyer, pursuing financial independence, and hosting a podcast called The Minimal(ish) Mom. She has since retired from…

Continue Reading

Travel, Gratitude, Guest Post, Minimalism, Thrifting
Jun, 18, 2025
28 Comments

Never Have I Ever…Part 8

Used a metal detector.

Consumed Mountain Dew (I have tried Dr. Pepper, though!)

Had a part of my body impacted by frostbite.

Owned a dog or a cat.

Caught a wave on a surfboard. (I’ve tried surfing, but…

Continue Reading

Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
Jun, 17, 2025
47 Comments

© 2026 Freya Theme by Sparrow and Snow | Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy