about

christine elise

Welcome, y’all! I’m Christine – a twenty seven year old grad school drop out forging my way as an amateur homesteader. I make lots of mistakes, have fat floppy kittens, and love being in the woods above all else. I’m currently employed with our municipal government’s Parks and Rec department, as the Trails and Open Space Supervisor. When I’m not at my day job, you can find me in my garden, in my kitchen, or on my yoga mat. This is a blog documenting the unique path I’ve chosen for myself – the path to financial independence and self-sufficiency.

my purpose & goals

A few years ago, thanks to the wonderful early retirement community, I realized that my purpose in life is not to work a traditional day job until age 65. My boyfriend, Andrew, and I practice self-provisioning and live a simple non-consumer lifestyle that allows us to save over 60% of our income. We are planning to retire from traditional employment by age 40 at the latest – hopefully many moons earlier! I am striving to adapt homesteading, permaculture, and zero waste practices in our life to provide us with a rich, abundant, and mindful existence. We feel that we live like royalty, eating a fresh and high quality plant based diet, constantly adventuring in the wilderness, and indulging in all life’s pleasures.

My dream is to one day run a small homestead in the Southern Appalacian mountains. Maybe build our own Earthship. Maybe run our own business. Who knows – since realizing that we don’t have to work our entire life away, the possibilities have seemed endless.

the barefoot budget

I’m a barefoot mountain mama – I would never wear shoes again if I had the choice. I love what bare feet represent – freedom, grit, and minimalism. Feeling the earth under my bare feet brings me to life. It’s a full bodied experience, rich with sensations. These are the things I need in my life, and that’s why I’m on “the barefoot budget”.