About Pen

In 2008, Pen was a twenty-something corporate attorney in a big city, living a hurried life of extravagance and luxury.  After an unexpected layoff, she found herself moving to a small southern town, buying a tiny house, and taking a public sector job.  With a new abundance of free time and a sudden drop in income, Pen strives become a happy adult living a sustainable, responsible, frugal, and delicious life.

She grows her own produce, and what she doesn’t grow, she buys from local farms.  Her eggs come from her chickens.  And her milk and butter come from the dairy just down the road.  She cooks to savor.  And refuses to buy into food-fads.  She believes that butter is not the root of all evil.  And that good cupcakes, in moderation, are a key to sustained health.

She dreams of one day adding a goat to her fur-family.  And, after decades of being a competitive athlete, she runs, rides, and swims for fun: choosing the trails over the road, leaving the watch at home, and taking her trusty four-legged training partner.

This blog documents her discovery of a simple, slow, intentional lifestyle, as Pen proves that being an eco-loving, penny-pincher can still be full of amazing food and luxurious adventures.