2 July 2009

Biggest Kitchen Table - simple home audit

This is one of our Biggest Kitchen Table discussions.

We have been scrutinising our lives again. While sitting on the verandah yesterday, Hanno and I talked about slipping slowly away from our ideals. Auditing is necessary for us. We don't want to turn around one day and find ourselves back on the spending merry-go-round, so regular audits keep us on track. We must continue our mindfulness, make sure we remain on track and stay focused on our values. It is so easy to become complacent and lazy.



There are times in our lives when we make momentous decisions that are life changing, but we also have times when we need to take stock and make sure we have stayed true to our changes and remain on the right path. This is such a time for us. We are reaffirming that our life choice is working for us and going through our home to decide if there are things we can do without, or tasks we can do differently. We want to be sure we are doing all we can to live simply. It's a healthy activity that will enable us to be fully aware of our past choices while making sure what we have here is working for us.

So during our own review, I thought it would be a good idea to gather as many of you as I can and together we can check our homes to see if improvements or changes are needed. We'll be checking a number of things like disposable products and food, to see if they can be replaced with home made products. We'll be checking our household cleaners, aprons, stockpile cupboards and a few other things I'll tell you about later in the week. We'll also include a no spending week, that will start on Friday 3 July and continue till Thursday night, July 9. That will give you a chance to buy milk or whatever else you need if you're at the end of your grocery cycle. Then, it will be absolutely no spending for the week.

Who will join us in our simple home audit? This will be a no guilt audit. We all have past mistakes we'd rather forget about. The aim of this audit is to keep us on track, or, for some of us, to start living more simply. We will just take stock, make adjustments, move towards a fresh beginning and get on with it.

Each day for a week, I will set a simple task to be completed. They won't take long so those of you working outside the home can join in or save the tasks for your days off. We will start tomorrow. Today I want you to add your name if you want to be included in this task. If you wish to, please capture the badge at the top of this post so you can show what you're doing on your own blog. Who will join us?

ADDITION: Shane and Sarndra have returned from their little honeymoon now and Sarndra just has left a comment for all of us here.

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192 comments

  1. I'll join! This sounds like something I definitely need...I'm quite guilty of taking the easy way out when it comes to cleaning :( This is a great reminder to take a step back and review.
    Courtney

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  2. This sounds like something I desperately need. Life is getting too busy. I need to take a step back. Thank you!

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  3. I'll join too :) The past few months have been a flurry of family visits and birthdays, so it's easy to lose track of everything with all the busyness.

    Sarah

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  4. Join me up. Reevaluating where we are and where we want to go will be a welcome task.

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  5. Count me in - I've slipped a little recently due to family issues - I was already planning an audit. so to join in with you and everybody else sounds much better - strength in numbers !

    Best wishes Babs

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  6. I'll join...Thank you for starting this..Lisa

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  7. Me! Me! I need something like this.

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  8. I'd love to join in. Very interesting!

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  9. I'll join in. School holidays start for us next week, so I won't be homeschooling, I haven't made any plans yet, and should have heaps of time on my hands. LOL!! Maybe there'll be some things my children could join in on too. I think my husband will jump up and down with joy when I tell him about the no-spending thing. So count me in.
    Rachel L

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  10. This is a good idea and I will participate, at least informally. However, I won't be able to participate in the no-spend week. It's our Independence Day weekend here in the US, as well as my granddaughter's birthday; we've already made plans to travel and there undoubtedly will be money spent.

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  11. I'm IN!!! We NEED to do this again... it is so easy to slip into the culture... Thanks!
    Heather

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  12. I'll join as well. I really appreaciate that you are including your readers in this thought process.

    Even though it seems that I am endlessly doing household tasks, mostly from scratch and by hand, i know there are many more things I can do.

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  13. I'll join too. I welcome a chance to look through our lives and either get back on course or be able to take another step forward. I look forward to this.

    And, beyond this, I am hoping to make my first soap soon - and inspried from this website. Thanks for your inspiration and constant presence for inspriation.

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  14. Me too! Sounds like it would be a great motivater .

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  15. Great idea, I'm in :)!
    Blessings,
    Catherine

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  16. We'll join in, its so easy to slip, I'd like to check we're still on the right course.
    Maxine
    http://slowingdownwiththejones.blogspot.com

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  17. Hi Rhonda
    Yes I think this would be good for us. We have come a little way along the path but there is still a long way to go. Count us in.

    Pippa

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  18. Count me in! I have just recently found you and finally feel like I'm amongst friends! In my family and friends I am the "odd person out" for wanting to simplify my life.Thanks for including all us who want to change! Darlene

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  19. Count me in :)
    I've been doing a lot of this recently, but I'm sure new ideas and such will come up.
    It's great to know others are on the same track, it always makes one feel better about what s/he is doing.
    -Melanie in Canada

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  20. I would like to do this. I have been following your blog for some time now. I live in England, and it is still yesterday here!! I mean it is still Wednesday.

    But will be good to take stock of what I have managed to change and what I can do next

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  21. Why not? I could use some motivation! Count me in.

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  22. I will join in. I am at that place right now anyway and it will be nice to have an experienced guide.

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  23. I would like to join. I anticipate falling behind as it's too difficult to set aside time for this every day. It may take me a couple of weeks to get through your daily posts, but I will do it.
    I look forward to it!

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  24. I'm in!

    Rachel

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  25. Oh, what a great idea! Couldn't come at a better time. Count me in!

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  26. Hi,

    What a good idea! I will give it a go, but the local fruit is just coming in and this is my busiest month, putting away for the coming winter. To not buy fruit this week means I'd miss the local berries and cherries. Can't do that. Otherwise, I've been buying to simplify, if there is such a thing. Tools, storage, ingredients for homemade toothpaste and mouthwash, cleaners, etc. This came as a result of an earlier audit. We are changing steadily becoming more frugal, but we can always learn from others, and you're such a good teacher! :) Thanks for what you do to make it a better world!
    Deb in Western Canada
    http://suresimple.blogspot.com/

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  27. Hi Rhonda!
    An audit is a great idea and I'm in. Independence Day and our 33d anniversary are during this week, so some spending will occur, but I'm going to try to keep it as simple and home-centered as possible. Thanks for inviting us along!

    Donna in CO USA

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  28. This is my first reply to your blog Rhonda. I love your idea. Count me in to. Vanessa

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  29. Hi Rhonda, I have only recently found your blog and I love it. I would love to join your audit. Michelle

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  30. I'll definitely join - THANK YOU!

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  31. I would like to participate...looking forward to some reality checks over the next few days.

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  32. I will join you. I'm a bit nervous about it. LOL That just means I REALLY need to do it, right?

    Cassandra
    http://thinkersrock.blogspot.com/

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  33. You're a genius! I've recently left my job in order to live more simply. What better way to take stock and get even more organized than to check in here at Down to Earth???

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  34. I need to re-focus too, so count me in. I love coming to visit your blog Rhonda. It is peaceful and refreshing.

    Jean in IL (USA)

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  35. I'm in!!

    I need a bit of a motivator at the moment.

    Sandy

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  36. I'll be in that, I will probable be shock as to how much I have let go since working. So it will be a good thing for me.

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  37. I was feeling tired last night and just wanted to send one of the boys down to get pizzas for dinner. THEY actually stopped me and so I made a simple tuna pasta for dinner instead. Once I got myself into the kitchen it (of course) took very little time and effort to make and it was delicious.
    I think our house may have already started our audit without me realising it!

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  38. I'll join, although I am going to stay with family for 2 nights next week 400kms away. If I plan well I wont have to spend anything.

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  39. Rhonda, this is a fab idea. I would love to try and see how much more simply I can live. I'm a bit scared though that I will fail terribly. I'm putting that badge on my blog right now, thank you for being our wonderful guide for a week. What!? A week without shopping, ooh can I do that, not that I'm a big shopper, but I have shops a two minute walk away.

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  40. I'm in on this too. I have been trying to simplify more so this should help round things out.

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  41. This sounds like the perfect thing I need! Life gets so busy before you know it craziness! Need to step back into our goal of simplicity.

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  42. Hmmm... Ok I'm thinking this might be a good way to take stock of where we are at now. Something to look back upon later and see what, if any changes we have felt able or appropriate to implement.

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  43. Could be fun! I won't manage a no-spending week, though.

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  44. Count me in!
    Mary Anne

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  45. I'll do it too. But I must get groceries! lol. Typically we go with next to no spending every week simply because our budget situation. But I'm out of eggs, lard, and nearly out of flour, so I can't join until I've got those replaced! Tomorrow! :)

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  46. I would love to join!
    Andrea :)

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  47. I'm joining but it fits right in my lifestyle. We have a major house issue forcing us to be extra frugal so we may as well start with you on this adventure!
    Alice

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  48. count me in too! I've been on a crazy de-cluttering spree the past month or so and this is perfect timing for the next step!

    Pam
    VA, USA

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  49. Sounds like a great opportunity to improve our lives! Count me in.

    Kim in Maryland (USA)

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  50. Perfect timing! I've been doing a lot of casual dining out in the last week, which really must stop!! Looking forward to the challenge. Susan in San Diego

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  51. I'm in for the audit, but prior commitments will limit my no spending next week. I'm excited!

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  52. I'm in! I'm due for my main weekly shop today, so I can make sure I have everything to no-spend for next week. I'm sure there's more I can do with more frugality!

    Claire in Melbourne

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  53. I would love to join in.
    Stephane in Colorado, US

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  54. Perfect timing Jean. Our school holidays start next week and the theme is simplicity. :) We were planning to begin composting and going thru the house; it'll be nice to have direction and company.

    Cath in Sydney

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  55. This sounds great. Count me in

    Norma (USA)

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  56. Good idea. I need a tune-up. And I always learn a lot from all of the comments.

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  57. Hello from the UK, I will also join in. I try so hard to keep things simple, but sometimes it just does'nt work, like when the daughter and grandbabies need some financial help.......
    Rhonda is the woman to help and to motivate!

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  58. I'd like to do an audit as well. I've been lurking and thinking and planning and now I can be doing!
    Tammy (OH - US)

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  59. Hi from the UK!
    I will also join in. I try so hard to keep things simple, until something comes along and messes it all up, or the daughter and grandbabies need some financial help, or a new washing machine....where does the money go?
    Rhonda is the woman to motivate and inspire!

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  60. I'm in. Can't wait to see where I REALLY stand.

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  61. Doing an audit sounds like a good idea. I'll give it a go, sound like it could be fun.

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  62. I'm in. What a great school holiday activity for the kids. Thanks Rhoda!

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  63. Count me in too pls Rhonda, will be an eye-opener I'm sure

    Sue Caissy

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  64. This sounds wonderful! We are 2 weeks shy of the due date for the birth our fifth child, but I am willing to give it a go! Count me in for as long as I am able.

    Jennifer in Tennessee, USA

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  65. Absolutely! Looking forward to it!

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  66. We are joining, but our no spending week will start Saturday. Grocery shopping and bill paying usually happen on Fridays.

    This is exciting!!! Can't wait to see what we can accomplish and learn along the way.

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  67. I would love to join! I really need to take stock of what I am up to. Hopefully, I will be able to do this after work. I'll see you tomorrow!

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  68. Me too ! I need to get back on track. I am concerned that I waste time and that is far too valuable to fritter away.
    How is everyone doing with the knitting challenge by the way. Production has slowed here as its so hot I find my hands get 'clammy' when I knit.
    The wedding pics are beautiful Rhonda. I am so glad you had such a wonderful day. How did Alice cope with all the exitement?

    Cheers, Eileen in England.

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  69. count me in!!

    I need this...my values these days do not add up with what I am doing...I am getting culture sucked...
    Now if I could "convert" the rest of my family this might be easier...
    A family audit would be right just about now...
    Thanks for doing this

    Nadine

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  70. I absolutely will join you! I have been trying to do this on my own but it will be so much easier and more fun to do it as a group!! Count me in!

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  71. We will give it a whirl too, sounds like something that needs to be done to ensure we keep ourselves accountable for the lifestyle we try to lead.
    Lisa.x

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  72. I'm in. I know I do certain things now towards living a simple and sustainable lifestyle but there is always more to learn.

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  73. I'm in. I need support to stick with what I know is right.

    Myra
    Pittsburgh

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  74. I'll give it a try...count me in.

    Coleen

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  75. Sounds like a GREAT idea....count me in!

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  76. I am so in... Always good to do. Thanks for doing this Rhonda.

    Cheers Damaris, Maryvale, Qld

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  77. I'm in too !
    Lucie (Québec, Canada)

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  78. We need this! Thanks for such a wonderful idea! We will definitely join. Thanks!

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  79. I will bw glad to join but unable to start until MOnday 7/6. But will follow through, unfortunately I have not figured out how to create a blog yet. Luann

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  80. I'll join in, but I'll be a few days behind. I don't get paid until the 3rd and need to schedule time to do my shopping. But I'll follow along!

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  81. I'd like to join ya too. It sounds interesting.

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  82. I'm in! I don't think there should ever be a time when you don't monitor to see if some action can be taken to make things better. Here in North Carolina, we are going to be charged according to what our water useage is. The person who uses the least water is charged at a lower rate and those that use the most are charged at a higher rate. I'm not quite sure how it is all going to work but I'm for conservation! One more place to look for addtional ways to save! Sign me up!

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  83. Definitely count me in! I can't wait!

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  84. I am just getting ready to start my spring or I guess by now summer cleaning for the year. Something has been getting in my say every day so I thought I would take one room or one big task and do it in one day. Unfortunately, I now have 29 plants, mostly herbs that I want to grow myself and dry so I don't have to buy them, that I have to plant, plus we are going drag racing Sat for the 4th of July, to include fireworks. My life is just too busy and I need to slow down and get some things done. I will definitely join in with your daily task, but will have to wait until after the 4th to do the no spending for a week since the racing will cost money. Thanks for helping us with this.

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  85. I'll join you all too. Great idea.

    Helen

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  86. I will join you in this Rhonda.

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  87. I'm definitely in. Sounds like some good movitivation!

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  88. Me too. Finished my blanket. It had 66 squares and I crocheted them all together then edged with neutral colour wool. It looked beautiful. Gave it to a good friend for her new home.
    Looking forward to the audit
    Juanita.

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  89. I'm with you on the audit. Since my husband and I have simplified, life is much more enjoyable. This may be difficult with younger couples as they work to aquire "things" in life. I encourage them by making this lifestyle a challenge to see just how far your money can stretch and how much waste you can reduce.

    There is something to be said for being a homemaker. It's a most important title.

    I'll be canning over the 4th after washing my windows.

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  90. I will do this too. I will have to postpone it by 2 weeks though as I have visitors in and out the house over that time.
    Natalie

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  91. We've had some similar talk around here lately, and I'd already decided to have a frugal July to get my perspective back, so I'd love to play along! Thanks for hosting another great discussion, Rhonda.

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  92. I'll join in. I love (home energy) audits.It's how my family makes a living.This will be great for accountability.

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  93. i have been feeling the same way lately that i've fallen off the wagon...time to jump back on! i'm game.

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  94. I'll join. Love your blog!

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  95. I'd love to join - it's very timely for me as I've been thinking of doing something similar but didn't know where to start.

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  96. Found this through the Falling Like Rain blog and this is something I really need! I'll definitely be joining you :-)

    Kim

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  97. I would love to join in sounds like lots of fun.. Hop on over to my blog and check me out.. Thanks.. I'm ready to get started..
    Blessings Sister Brenda

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  98. Thanks for the invitation to join in. I'm in and am grateful for you starting this.

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  99. I'll join in. I little shakeup is always good for me.

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  100. Count me in to Rhonda. I'm quite excited about this!

    Laurie (Alberta Canada)
    www.lovetherustic.blogspot.com

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  101. I'm in! Can't wait to get started. Thank you Rhonda!

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  102. I don't have a blog, but definitely count me in! Hubby and I are taking a close look at our spending, etc during the month of July.
    Stephanie

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  103. I would love to join in too. An audit sounds like a very good idea.

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  104. I'll join - sounds very useful and interesting!
    D.

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  105. I'll join in too! Aline

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  106. I will join you. We will also have some spending but nothing that is not budgeted. Its grocery time and 4th of July here.

    Blogged about it on my blog here: http://simply-lally.blogspot.com/

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  107. I am in on this and will do what I can we have a hopital visit and a birthday but with a no spend in the back of my mind, I will be super careful.

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  108. This is just the ticket! I was just thinking that I'd gone a little off-track and for the first time since February, when I decided to radically simplify, I've had a week of silly spending. Time to pull back and think through my life.

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  109. Yes please!
    My thoughts have been heading this way already. :)

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  110. ulI'll join! This sounds like something I definitely need...
    thank you for being so helpful!
    Claudia from Germany

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  111. I'd like to join! Sounds a little scary but I'll give it a go:-)
    Thank you

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  112. I'm in this is a good time to step back and take a good long look at how we are going...

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  113. Hi Rhonda,
    This is a very big kitchen table!!! LOL
    But it's such a good idea, I'll just grab a chair and sit around the table with you all LOL.
    I will put the banner on my blog.

    Thank you Rhonda for this challenge!

    love from the Netherlands,
    Lilian

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  114. Yes please! I need all the help, advice and encouragement I can get.

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  115. The Buy Nothing idea sounds as appealing as making my own underpants from old venetian blinds. It's only a short slippery slide to Don't Wash Week and Eat Only Square Things September. Be wary of people who will justify quilted tissue box covers whilst handing you a jar of mouldy preserved lemons which will sit in your pantry as a reminder of that Buy Nothing Month when you lost your mind and gained 5 kilos from eating macaroni and cheese every night.

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  116. Count me in, it sounds like the kick in the pants I need.

    Deb

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  117. Thank you for this! I would definitely love to have a go even if it does sound daunting!

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  118. Thank you for this! I would definitely love to have a go - even though it sounds a bit daunting :-)

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  119. I would love to give this a try. I've been trying to live more simply and looking for ways to start. This should give me plenty of ideas for changes that I can make. Like any work, it's so much easier with company.
    M

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  120. I'll join in but a week late as I'm out of town all next week.

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  121. I will!

    Well... I will do what I can, because my english isn't 100%. Hop to understand what your writing about so I can join you all.

    Greetz from Holland!

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  122. Curious timing for me...yes, I will join with you and everyone else! Thank you for such an inspiring blog...I've 'heard' things I needed to hear!

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  123. great idea, I'd love to join in, thanks Rhonda,
    Jeni

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  124. Haha! How fortuitous that this is your subject! I am IN! I'm so in I'm making a celebratory street parade in my dreams tonight!

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  125. Hi Rhonda,
    Yes. I'm in. Loved Sarndra's comments, she obviously felt very loved and cherished, especially by you and Hanno, which is just as it should be! :)
    Blessings,
    Niki

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  126. This is such a great idea!! I love the idea of taking a week off:) I have found a store that sells tissues, soap and shampoo very cheap. I will stockpile for the winter monthes that will be here soon.

    It is so good to take a good look at what is going on in our homes such as debts needing to be paid or even our grocery lists.

    Thank you Rhonda and I am so glad you are back!!!!

    Renee

    gardendesk.com

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  127. Oh yes, I'm all in! I'm a teacher and home for the summer now, so it's perfect timing!!!

    LOVE your blog by the way...

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  128. I will certainly partake in this venture! Updates will be on my blog as well. I look forward to seeing how everyone is doing and WHAT everyone is doing. THANKS for the challenge.

    Debby

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  129. Yes. I would like to participate. :) I was just thinking last night it was time to weed out cupboards, closets, etc because there are so many things lying around that we don't use and don't need. Thanks for this opportunity!
    Denise in NC (USA)

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  130. i will join to the best of my ability with my arm in a cast due to a broken wrist. my simple life has become even more simple!

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  131. This is the perfect time for a home audit for our family. We're just getting back on track with our routine after taking a break for the summer holidays. I'm in!

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  132. DH & I do this every few months. We call it our "strategic planning" meetings. I recently quit my job to focus on the homefront so we are missing my income a bit & we are looking at a retirement plan for DH which will be hopefully sooner rather than later. SO, I would love to take part in the audit as well! Very timely! Thanks Rhonda!!!

    Debbie
    central Illinois

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  133. Oh, oh...I´d like to join in since I could do with a bit more inspiration. But as soon as our heatwave and mosquito invasion is over we have to dive back into our garden projects and there will be some expenses as well as time tied up. Still they are all for making the garden more functional and to increase growing spaces for vegies/herbs etc.
    I will tune in every day and try to follow.
    Ramona K
    Sweden

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  134. Please count me in. I've been needing to do this and I'm hoping this will be great inspiration.

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  135. This is a great idea..I'll join in. I'll participate on the no spend week as well as I can but we have some planned celebrations so there will be some spending happening here.

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  136. Count me in!

    Vivian from Michigan (USA)

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  137. Hi Rhonda,

    Sounds like a good boost. Count me in!

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  138. I'll give it a go. 'No Spending Week' may need to be 'Low Spending Week'(due to our Independence Day holiday and a planned renovation project) but I can make certain I'm spending as little as possible.

    Great idea!

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  139. I'd like to join in, too! Although we are in "limbo" right now with our house up for sale & most of our stuff in storage, this is the direction we are working towards - smaller house, less debt, decluttering, living with less, etc.
    I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can from your discussions!

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  140. Count me in!
    Feeling overwhelmed has to stop...

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  141. I need this also. So I'd like to join in the audit.

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  142. I'm in for sure!
    I will get my grandson's bd present today and then I'm all set.
    I want and need this.
    I live on social security disability and at the same time I want to live as simply as possible.
    Thanks!
    God bless,
    Helen(grammea)
    grammea22@verizon.net

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  143. That is a fabulous idea. We can all gain from a reality check from time to time. You never cease to be an inspiration!

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  144. Please add me to the list. I really enjoy reading about where you live and your journey there. I started mine last year at the age of 50. I look forward to the daily challange.

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  145. I'm game,thanks;)

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  146. I'm game! I feel like this is something I must do now....

    leaving for camping in a week might make if tough, but I'm up for the challenge~

    Thanks!

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  147. I'll try this- it will be the first time I've ever done anything like this!

    Angie

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  148. Here I am, adding my name, full of trepidation!

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  149. Please add me to your list...I definitely want to improve in this area!

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  150. I could really use a reevaluation!

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  151. The Sweet family is joining it. I'm looking forward to it! Thank you.

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  152. Count me in. I need a jump start to help me focus. Thanks much.

    Diane in North Carolina

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  153. I'm in. :) My husband and I are newly married with a tiny income, and I'm learning to set up my home as a place of peace and blessing; part of that joy for me is learning to make many things myself and to simplify! Thanks to you Rhonda for your tips and tools.

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  154. OK, I'm in.
    Jenny

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  155. I'm in! Thanks! Jennifer

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  156. I'm up for this =) Sounds exciting.
    Miriam

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  157. Is it too late to join? I'd like to come along as well!

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  158. Dive right in, morethanrubies. Everyone can join, even if they do it later.

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  159. Please add me too!
    Thank you :o)
    Kelly Lynn in Texas

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  160. Count me in, a first timer from Denmark, WA

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  161. Definitely IN here too.

    Caz from Brisbane

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  162. I would love to join you in this experience!!
    Thank you so much for the opportunity, i feel this is very much the right thing for me at this time.

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  163. Count me in too! I'm up for the challenge!

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  164. I, too, will join in. We are already very frugal, but I wager I'll learn a tip or two from someone somewhere. Like everyone else I will track activities and follow your guidance daily. This should be fun and also re-affirming!!

    For me, this week of 'no spend' will be an excellent time to focus a bit more than normal on the pantry goods we keep (dried beans, flours) and I will use up some of those things.

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  165. It will be great to have the support of others and some direction to follow. I have been doing this a little at a time,yet have been doing it in a hodgepodge way. I have done no spend days or weekends in the past but not a whole week at a time. So count me in ,Joy

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  166. Hi Rhonda this is the 1st time I've left a comment but count me in. I find your blog a great source of inspiration especially as the rest of my family have yet to be convinced. Thank-you Colette UK

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  167. Paula & Ken PurttemanJuly 04, 2009 2:36 pm

    I am in, I am in the U.S. and will start July 5th. I am loving this idea!

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  168. Rhonda,
    Every once in a while I need a gentle reminder about priorities. This audit will get me to slow down and ponder what other changes I want to make in my own little journey to simplify my home and our lives. My garden is going well this year with just a few problems with the quail (birds) picking at the green peas. I'll just replant peas for a bigger fall harvest! Apricots, peaches, and grapes look good, too. Not sure about the plums yet. We had some really bad storms with 50mph winds recently and it knocked some of the plums off the trees. Have bought some more jars so I'll be able to can more of the garden excess. I love reading your blog, Rhonda, I get so many new ideas from you and your other readers. Thanks! Hugs, Aunt Bea

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  169. dear rhonda,
    a little bit late, but i'm also joning.
    we started already but i didnt give you a note (not verry social from me joining and didnt give you a reaction).
    so hear from holland we are joning with a family of 3 (even our son of 15 is joining)
    greetings from philomene

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  170. Hi, this sounds like a great thing to do. I only found you just now, so I couldn't start together with you all, but I will try to keep up ; )
    Lots of luck everyone !!!

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  171. I have done a post on Food and hope to do some more.

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  172. Hi there! I saw your blog off MaryJane's site. Even though I probably can't participate to the fullest extent, I'd love to see what you and others have to say and apply it to my household!

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