Leisure | The Lean Times

Posts Tagged ‘Leisure’

A Little Play = Being More Productive

June 25th, 2010

game night Since I started The Lean Times, I have been trying to push myself to always use my time in a constructive manner. I am always looking for ways to be more productive; I listen to podcasts or audiobooks when I am taking public transportation as it is usually too crowded to read. I find myself constantly thinking about what I should be doing, whether it is writing a post, putting something in the slow cooker, sewing, washing the cat, etc – you get the idea. I was exhausting myself and not really getting as much as I would like done.

Then one day on the tube, I saw someone playing Scrabble on their iphone and I immediately wanted that app. I have found that for me, if I take a bit of time out for fun, the more productive I can be. I am now going to attempt to schedule (still a control freak) fun stuff.

I have several activities that I love but just have not made time for recently – reading fiction, watching films, listening to audiobooks that are not about personal finance. I am sure there are a lot more but it has been awhile since I have given myself a break from trying to be productive.

Has any of my lovely readers found the same phenomenon that when you take a break, you actually get more real stuff done? Also what are your favourite things to do in your down time, besides drink wine, of course.

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Posted in Leisure, Random Ideas, Schedule, productivity

Tags: Hobbies Leisure productivity

Make do and Mend

March 12th, 2009

makedo1

Make do and mend was one of the slogans of wartime England since clothing and fabric was rationed for the war effort. It seems these times, of a kind, are back again in that we are fighting an economic war of sorts. We have redundancies, people worried if they are going to lose their job at the drop of a hat which is making people reluctant to spend their very hard earned cash.

I believe this is the main reason there is a resurgence in crafting. Learning to sew, knit, crochet, and make jewellery has become trendy. The trend has been bubbling under for a while with certain groups like the Queens of Vintage. Making things is not only for people that are interested in the past, many young want to be fashionistas, are making their own interpretation of designer items. Who can blame them when the price of a designer item has same cost as a couple of months rent. One of these fashionistas is Outi Pyy, who calls what she does Trashion and is profiled here. I love her view on finding and reworking garments.

There are many people out there that are fed up with disposable fashion that is cluttering up our wardrobes and landfills, as well as looking like everyone else. For us sad souls (like myself) that did not learn to work with our hands, there are many classes, and crafting groups that are offering to help. To look for classes go to your local college, sewing or knitting store. There is The Make Lounge in London that will teach you what you need to know in a semi social environment. They teach survival sewing, the basic how to use a sew machine, jewellery making just to name a few classes.

There seems to be quite a few of these type places cropping up or at least there should be. Please drop me a line if you find anymore as I am going to put together a little list for The Lean Times readers.

I am hoping that the Credit Crisis will bring more to us than strife; perhaps we will learn to make more than just dinner reservations. I am hoping that we will not be as celebrity, status bag driven and start to want to be individuals with our own sense of style.

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Posted in Fashion, Fun, Leisure

Tags: Crafts Fashion Leisure

Credit Crunch Romance

September 16th, 2008

How the Credit Crunch going to affect our relationships? How are we going to be romantic if we don’t have the money to go out to dinner or to the cinema?

Let’s get creative – some things are basic as in cooking at home instead of eating out. Any man would be happy to eat in and usually will not be super picky about your cooking skills, just happy that you made an effort. If you are cooking in; cover the TV so there will be no distractions such as ‘can we watch Match of the Day’. Candle light is less expensive and much more romantic than electricity. Keep the cooking simple for a romantic night there is no need for a three course gourmet meal. Do a main and a chocolately dessert. Start with a bottle of Cava, much less expensive than champagne but will still get you into a festive mood.

Since the weather is getting ready to turn autumnal, how about an indoor picnic? Lay down a blanket, put on the radio to a cheesy station and enjoy.

What other romantic activities can we do without spending a fortune? I like pubs that have board games. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon than by hanging out with your beloved and playing Scrabble? You drink less when playing a game as opposed to when you are just hanging out in the pub. Also if you drink wine, buy a bottle it is much more economical than by the glass.

When was the last time you visited a museum? Museums have free admission, what could be Leaner? It is also fun to find out what your significant other’s taste in art is. The Natural History or the Science museums are fun too.

Does anyone else have any good Credit Crunch Romance ideas? I mean besides going for a walk in the park.