Last month I talked about unplugging for a weekend, taking time off to spend it with my family, and just taking a breather. While unplugging is nice for every once in a while, I honestly can’t see myself unplugging all the time.
Earlier this week, my mom and I took the kids out to Shipshewana, which is right in the heart of Amish Country in Indiana. It is about a 2.5 hour trip from our area, but it was worth the trip.
Growing up, I had always been fascinated with the Amish culture — not to say I would ever want to be a part of it though. Let’s face it — I can’t live without twitter and/or email for more than an hour at a time.
We probably picked the hottest day in the history of the world to head out there — in fact, at 7:00 when we left, it was “only” 84. By the time we were heading home, the thermostat read 98 degrees. Let’s just be thankful you can’t smell us through these pictures because I am sure you would never come back here again if you could.
We spent our day at the farmer’s market/flea market, eating lunch at a down home country style restaurant, taking buggy rides (on which my niece had a problem with filtering what came out of her mouth — talk about embarrassing), and shopping at the local grocery store.
However, for the sake of simplicity, which we experienced on Tuesday, just enjoy the pictures. No more words coming from me — take it while you can because I can assure you it may not ever happen again.
Question: How do you “simplify” your life on a daily basis?
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like an excellent way to unwind and, more importantly, unplug! I generally just “simplify” by playing a little with the kitties. So simple, but fun.
Beautiful pics! Looks like a lovely place.
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I love amish markets! We used to have the best one right around the corner when I lived in Maryland and I never took full advantage of it. I need to find one in NJ!
Those glasses totally freak me out. Yet I want some for a night out at the bars…
What a great day! Those glasses were a trip!
Pictures: stunning. Glasses: hilarious. Post: beautiful
I to make my life simple all the time. That means un-plugging everything, going for long walks with my dog, friends or family. Playing board games instead of watching movies and knitting haha. I am getting quite good at it
$2.50 for a box of tomatoes?!?! That’s why Indiana rules.
I know, right? I also got 1/2 peck of peaches for 3.00!
I don’t think I’d be able to completely unplug either. When I’m away from the ‘net for too long, I just start feeling like I’m missing out on so much and I have to come back.
My family took a vacation to Amish Country (PA) when I was like 10. The only things I remember are the buggies and a smorgasbord that we ate at. I love family style dining! Your pictures are beautiful!
Love the glasses pics!! I need to head out to shipshewana one of these days!
Awesome farmers market!!! I wish mine had good stuff like that! Cashew butter is fantastic!!!
Looks like a great day!
I wouldn’t say I simplify on a daily basis but I make a point of unplugging on Friday and Saturday nights.
Sometimes I feel like I really need to simplify more. However that is easier said than done for a career mom who also likes to blog on a daily basis.
My favorite ways to simplify is to grill dinner outside on a Sunday afternoon while the kids play in the backyard. We kick soccer balls, swing in the hammock, and slide/swing on the playset. Dinner is even better if we picked up some fresh corn and watermelon from the Farmer’s Market the day before. Ahh, if it would just cool down outside so I could have one of these lazy Sundays again soon.
I once visited an Amish town, but I was pretty young so I didn’t appreciate it (actually, I was really mad at my parents for making me go haha). I’d like to go back and check it out again.
I bet those jams are amazing!
During the week I don’t do too much to simplify or unplug, but weekends and vacations are another story. I only blog on weekends if I find myself with extra time, in fact, I don’t really touch the computer much on weekends at all.
Those glasses are hilarious!
I “simplify” my life on a daily basis by making a point to get outdoors if possible and just enjoy pure nature. It’s nice not always being connected to your phone, computer, etc.
all that produce looks amazing! gluten free sweet potato chips (!!!!)
I spend time with mah manfriend, work out, read a book (I’m still working on Room!), or watch some SYTYCD on Hulu, except that one’s not really unplugging or simplifying is it? I BREATHE. That works a lot. I love those glasses ahahah I hope you got them!
Let me know when you finish it so we can have a tweet fest!
I have a soft spot of the Amish as well. My parents used to own an amish furnature store when i was growing up. I still love snuggling up in their homemade quilts when I visit my family back home.
By the way, love all the peaches!
My mom and I just went to Amish Country in Holmes County Ohio last weekend. I was more excited about it than going to Disney World! We had so much fun, but unfortunately everything closed at 5pm, and we still could have went on for another 5 hours! Shopping was great and they had one huge store called the natural marketplace. I got some unique items. I also got some natural Amish deodorant that is aluminum free baking soda and some herbs and oils. The BEST ever! I wake up the next morning and still smell minty fresh. Sounds like you had a blast as well!
That deodorant sounds awesome!
I love this post, Chelsey!
SUCH beautiful images and glad you had this market trip.
I live so close to Shipsee (that’s what we call it =P)!!!! I used to love going when I was a kid. Now…not so much. But, seeing your finds makes me want to go back now!
Cute pictures! Love the glasses, and those peaches look delectable. I really love visiting places like that, it’s nice to get a taste of other lifestyles, particularly ones that respect and utilize nature. I definitely could never live “off the grid” though, I like my luxuries too much! Though I do my part to make sure I care for the environment, my electricity and flushing toilets are a necessity as have become Twitter and my Droid!
I want to visit Shipshewana someday! My friend, who’s from Elkhart, IN, has talked about it (I think it’s kind of close to where she’s from), and it’s only a few hours from my house. I tend to overwhelm myself by multitasking way too much. To simplify, I try to focus on doing one thing at a time…even though it doesn’t always work. I always feel like I need to be doing something!
That’s a good one! I find that I am best when I multi-task!! It helps me accomplish a lot!