When we moved into our current home about a year ago, we realized (about an hour into unpacking boxes) that there was no microwave. Soon after, Josiah’s parents offered us an extra microwave that they had. We decided “eh. let’s see how long we can live without one…” (it also didn’t have a washer or dryer but we didn’t last long without those!)

So we just took it one day at a time. Living life microwave-free. I don’t even really have anything against microwaves, but we really enjoy not having one. It’s less clutter of a huge bulky item that we just don’t need!

But Lauren, what about ___________…. yes, I’ve got answers.

But Lauren, what about tea?

It’s called a kettle and I love it. We have a lovely blue Le Creuset one. You can have water ready for tea in 4 minutes.

But Lauren, what about popcorn? You gotta have microwave popcorn!

Nope, I’ve got a Whirley-Popand it’s incredible! The Whirley Pop cooks popcorn on the stove and it tastes SO much better than microwave popcorn. Also, it’s fresh. Also, it’s CHEAPER… popcorn kernels are soooo cheap! Also, you get to decide what you want on top (not NEARLY as much butter as that microwave stuff comes with!) Also, it’s done in about 3 minutes. Also, your house will smell so good, like the fair! Also, go get one. You won’t regret it.

 But Lauren, what about leftovers? Aren’t they so easy to re-heat in the microwave?

Yes, and they never taste that good from the microwave! Get out a skillet. Grease it and turn it on medium high heat. Then reheat some chicken and rice or pasta. IT WILL TASTE SO MUCH BETTER THAN IN THE MICROWAVE! Microwaves boil out all the water, hence your dry chicken and rice. We actually enjoy eating leftovers now… they taste the same as the first day we cooked them! (sometimes even better! the flavors get to mingle overnight) Besides, how do you think they heated up “leftovers” before they had microwaves? (way to sound like an 80 year old Lauren, and not the 23 year old you are...)

When it’s a bummer about no microwave:

Cans of soup.
Needing to melt butter for a recipe.
No “defrost” button on my oven.
If you have children who need their food instantly. (I don’t know this one from personal experience. But I can imagine with kids it’s trickier.)

How to fix those bummers: Cans of soup – cook in a pot on the stove. Melted butter – use a little skillet or pot.  Defrost – plan ahead? :)

Not having a microwave does take a little extra time… But we’ve just learned to get over it. And we love it!

Well, there ya have it. We love not having a microwave. I know, we’re weird. But maybe just try this week to not use yours as much… and see if you could live without one too!