How did we get here and how do we get out?

A little background, so you can understand where I'm starting that.

I'm currently looking for a job - so I spend quite a bit of time at home. We live in a very small house - around 800sq feet. I have friends with apartments bigger than our house.

Just sitting at the desk looking at my living room, I could tell I have a problem. There are books stacked up on the floor in a corner - all ones I'd like to read, but some I've had for four years. Our closet is full of clothes that either used to fit or used to be in style, but we hang on to them. OUr kitchen cupboards have wedding gift pans that we're not even sure how to use.

It made me think - how did we get here? It wasn't my intention to collect 'stuff'. Nope, in every instance we were convinced that we needed the item, we could use the item, and life would be better because we bought it. I decided enough is enough - and grabbed a couple of packing boxes. Now that gas is over $4.00 a gallon, we also need to be frugal with our money.

During these next few months, I'm finding ways to cut back both on the 'stuff' that is not needed and creatively cutting costs and expenses. Hopefully, you'll be inspired to think outside the box - and find your own steps to living simply.