Five areas where I can’t be low maintenance

I am a pretty laid back gal.

Clothes aren’t my jam, and it usually takes me about 20 minutes to get ready for the day. I even have an informal uniform of jeans and v-neck tees.

But there are a few ways I refuse to be low maintenance. I will spend the extra effort and money on something a little more high class. These things aren’t crazy, and I am far from a diva, but they are deal-breakers for me.

Shoes

As I have gotten older, I have come to appreciate the joys of good shoes. Walking 10 or 12 blocks to a restaurant downtown is much more enjoyable in my pair of Rothy’s than in the cheap flats I got from Target. They are far more expensive but are of far better quality. So I shell out the money for good shoes even if that means I have fewer pairs.

Sleep

On a typical day, I am right on the edge of getting enough sleep. I get up at 4:30 am for work, and I usually stay up till around 9 pm. Since I know that not getting enough sleep makes crabby, unproductive, and overeat comfort food, I guard that bedtime with a vengeance (during the workweek, anyhow).

Meat

Jesse and I are privileged enough to be able to raise much of our meat. Our freezer is full of chicken, beef, and pork that was raised by us or someone we know. The upfront costs can be high, and there is a lot more time and planning involved, but it is so very worth it.

Coffee

I used to pick up whatever grounds were cheapest at the supermarket and grab a cup of whatever gas station slop I could find when I was on the go. But I have become much more snobby over the years. I have a french press, a pour-over contraption, and a burr grinder. I have also modified my food budget to accommodate good local coffee; either from Carlson or Kickapoo.

Alone Time

I am an introvert’s introvert. And if I don’t get at least an hour to myself a day, I feel restless and crabby. Jesse and I both work long hours, so this is usually not a problem. But when our days off overlap, I need to make an effort to carve out some time for myself.

Generally, I am a pretty laid back, low maintenance gals, but as for these five things, I refuse to be easy to please.

How about you? Are there areas of your life where you refuse to be low maintenance? Let me know!