How Can You Live Large with Less?

Totally agree on the chocolate!

Well, chocolate will make you larger. And kids will suck the life out of you. So I sort of see where you're going with this.

Curling up with a cup of green tea and the latest issue of Dwell/New Yorker (or BusinessWeek!) is a great way to recharge. A square or two of chocolate doesn't hurt either ;)

We invested a couple of hundred dollars in camping equipment last year and have started to really enjoy camping vacations. Sometimes you have to plan ahead to get good camping reservations, but most camping fees are $20 a night or less... makes for a fun and cheap vacation! We camped 5 nights along the southern coast of Georgia for about $100 + food and firewood cost. It was great!

$50 (including tip) for 1-hour incredible Chinese massage on East 4th Street in NYC

I've been living local. Instead of pricy Manhattan restaurants, I've been trying to patronize cheaper, local establishments. (Mama's Empanadas cost just $1.49 each, cash only). On a slightly unrelated note - one of my concerns is what will happen to "up-and-coming" neighborhoods such as mine if local businesses start suffering and it becomes a less attractive place to live. (I know - it's not all on me, but still...)

I had been trying to lose weight for a while but couldn't. I used to go to a gym then I lost my job to cheap labor in India. I found a bicycle on Craiglist for $20 and now ride it everyday for an hour or two, or three. I am dripping weight by the hour. Now I am losing weight, while looking to gain employment...

Time with Family, BBQ's and three of us have small children , so the wives club (just family) meet once a week at Grandmas and have coffee and whatever we brought baked.

Also, our moms group has lots of get togethers for just the women, families and some friends have started couples nights for home sales stuff. All of it is mostly free and full of friends and family! Back to the grass roots for me!

How do I live large?

Riding my old, robin’s-egg-blue Saab convertible with the top down – regardless of the weather. The kids especially go nuts for it, and wave their arms in the air like on a rollercoaster, when we crank up the music and drive up and down the hills of our town.

Daring myself to train for, and compete, in a sprint triathlon – and doing three more since.

Dunking in the outside hot tub behind my house -- the worse the weather, the more the fun.

Being outside for the first rays of day light, soaking up all the Spring signs of life, and watching for what has sprouted from the day before.

Taking a walk, holding hands with one of my kids, at night – walking along the sidewalks under the moon, when everyone else in the neighborhood seems to be worshiping the blue beam of light in their family rooms.

Having a date – anywhere, doing anything – with my husband.

Coming up with a wacky, out of the park idea at work, and putting it into action.

-- Polly Pearson