Easy Amazon alternatives from a single mom who doesn't have time and money to waste: eBay for random shiz (yes, they're blue on Goods Unite Us), Thrive Market for weird food and personal care things your typical grocery store doesn't carry, Target for groceries (both them and TM have subscriptions), and Costco if it's in your area.
Sarah, just wanted to say a huge thanks for sharing us your writing again. I’ve taken bank boost twice previously and have been such an admirer of you and your wisdom. This was much needed, to say the least. Thank you. 💜
What kind words! I've actually been thinking about running Bank Boost again for my OWN accountability - we have a big house project coming up this fall and I'd love to pay for half of it with cash. I know going through Bank Boost with y'all would be the nudge I need to take it a bit more seriously!
Yay! The one bit of good news this week is this newsletter being published again. :)
If you have a special skill, consider if there is a community that can’t afford to access it and if there’s an amount of time you could donate that skill to improve access to justice/education/safety/care! For example, many legal aid organizations are looking for interpreters and pro bono lawyers.
I grabbed it out of a Tiny Free Library having never heard of it and it has been a DELIGHT! I hope it gets made into a movie. And so glad to hear there's a sequel!
In the line of supporting the survival of important institutions: Use the post office!
I have a small resale business and made the commitment to myself to ship by USPS whenever possible. Other ideas: send real birthday/etc. cards, surprise your friends (even local ones) with random postcards, subscribe to quality print magazines as part of your news diet (I feel so much more sophisticated in waiting rooms when I'm reading the Atlantic vs. using my phone), and buy extra books of stamps to donate to school teachers or senior centers.
Whenever I hear of a book I’d like, I first check paperbackswap.com and put it on my wishlist. It feels so good to pass books around! I’m also planning on going to see my local ComedySportz show next weekend - supporting local folks and getting a good laugh is a win-win.
I love that you are reading a YA novel! My favorite YA author is Gillian McDunn. If you haven't read "Caterpillar Summer" I highly recommend it. That novel is a beach vacation between two covers! I fell in love with the setting and the characters.
I also recommend going to see productions at local high schools. These are usually a fabulous and inexpensive night out! Ask around to see which schools have thriving theatre and music programs, and go check them out. At our local high school, most theatre productions are $16 per ticket, and that money goes to helping the kids do what they love. I always say that, if anyone thinks teenagers are awful, go to the high school theatre. Those kids are working super hard for zero pay, and they have to keep their grades up to keep that privilege.
I’m so happy you are sharing your writing again. I’ve missed it. Thriftbooks.com sells used books but I am also an avid library user and Goodwill shopper!
Your writing in my inbox was a lovely surprise to wake up to this morning! Even if I live far from the US, I have been thinking about (and unsuccesfully googling) exactly this topic through this week. Of course you'd be the to offer the needed support 🐯
Hi Sarah! I have been following you for years and recently thought I really missed your blog. And then I got this email that you were back to sharing your writing. I'm so glad to hear it. Thank you so much and look forward to reading your posts!
Easy Amazon alternatives from a single mom who doesn't have time and money to waste: eBay for random shiz (yes, they're blue on Goods Unite Us), Thrive Market for weird food and personal care things your typical grocery store doesn't carry, Target for groceries (both them and TM have subscriptions), and Costco if it's in your area.
Ohhh, super helpful! Thank you!
I hear that Target dropped their DEI practices, is that true?
Yes - I wrote this before that news came out. I am now Team Aldi + Team Spartan Stores (Michigan).
Sarah, just wanted to say a huge thanks for sharing us your writing again. I’ve taken bank boost twice previously and have been such an admirer of you and your wisdom. This was much needed, to say the least. Thank you. 💜
What kind words! I've actually been thinking about running Bank Boost again for my OWN accountability - we have a big house project coming up this fall and I'd love to pay for half of it with cash. I know going through Bank Boost with y'all would be the nudge I need to take it a bit more seriously!
Yay! The one bit of good news this week is this newsletter being published again. :)
If you have a special skill, consider if there is a community that can’t afford to access it and if there’s an amount of time you could donate that skill to improve access to justice/education/safety/care! For example, many legal aid organizations are looking for interpreters and pro bono lawyers.
This is so smart! Thanks for sharing this idea!
I hope you’re enjoying TJ Klune — that is one of my favorite books of all time, and the sequel did not disappoint!
I grabbed it out of a Tiny Free Library having never heard of it and it has been a DELIGHT! I hope it gets made into a movie. And so glad to hear there's a sequel!
What a lovely story to stumble upon!
So very glad to see you in my feed. All your sensibilities.
It's so good to be back! It's only took, oh, THREE YEARS to recover from burn out!
That is the real deal. It took me at least that long. Committed to staying part time as much as possible so I can keep my family and myself growing.
In the line of supporting the survival of important institutions: Use the post office!
I have a small resale business and made the commitment to myself to ship by USPS whenever possible. Other ideas: send real birthday/etc. cards, surprise your friends (even local ones) with random postcards, subscribe to quality print magazines as part of your news diet (I feel so much more sophisticated in waiting rooms when I'm reading the Atlantic vs. using my phone), and buy extra books of stamps to donate to school teachers or senior centers.
Whenever I hear of a book I’d like, I first check paperbackswap.com and put it on my wishlist. It feels so good to pass books around! I’m also planning on going to see my local ComedySportz show next weekend - supporting local folks and getting a good laugh is a win-win.
I love that you are reading a YA novel! My favorite YA author is Gillian McDunn. If you haven't read "Caterpillar Summer" I highly recommend it. That novel is a beach vacation between two covers! I fell in love with the setting and the characters.
I also recommend going to see productions at local high schools. These are usually a fabulous and inexpensive night out! Ask around to see which schools have thriving theatre and music programs, and go check them out. At our local high school, most theatre productions are $16 per ticket, and that money goes to helping the kids do what they love. I always say that, if anyone thinks teenagers are awful, go to the high school theatre. Those kids are working super hard for zero pay, and they have to keep their grades up to keep that privilege.
Yes, I looooove high school and community theater - I get teary EVERY TIME. They're working so hard! They're so excited! It's so, so, so WHOLESOME.
Sarah is hereeeeeeeeee! Welcome. Have read your words an eternity ago (2012? 2014?) Lovely to meet you again
I’m so happy you are sharing your writing again. I’ve missed it. Thriftbooks.com sells used books but I am also an avid library user and Goodwill shopper!
Really needed this reminder thank you for sharing! I did go ahead and cancel my Amazon subscription as a start.
So fun to see your name pop up here!
Your writing in my inbox was a lovely surprise to wake up to this morning! Even if I live far from the US, I have been thinking about (and unsuccesfully googling) exactly this topic through this week. Of course you'd be the to offer the needed support 🐯
So glad to see your writing pop-up in my inbtix and this list IS truly immediately soothing. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏼
I'M SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK.
I’m so glad you’re back! Appreciate this message
Hi Sarah! I have been following you for years and recently thought I really missed your blog. And then I got this email that you were back to sharing your writing. I'm so glad to hear it. Thank you so much and look forward to reading your posts!
Best wishes,
Aliona
Thank YOU for reading, Aliona!