tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post2183920848262885719..comments2024-03-29T19:22:11.409+10:00Comments on down to earth: Small stepsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76079389871408173302011-05-19T06:52:06.024+10:002011-05-19T06:52:06.024+10:00Excellent post. I realize it was written quite a w...Excellent post. I realize it was written quite a whole back, but I stumbled onto it today. I agree wholeheartedly and I'll definitely be back to read more.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16576182360963956966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-68910795817533391592008-12-06T03:39:00.000+10:002008-12-06T03:39:00.000+10:00I am new to your blog, so let me start by expressi...I am new to your blog, so let me start by expressing my appreciation for your advice, guidance, and encouragement. I have recently begun my journey to live a more frugal and simple life, and your post about taking small steps was very encouraging... and so true! In just one week, my decision to use cloth diapers has led to placing a pile of rags next to the roll of paper towel, which has led to making homemade baby food. (Not a completely logical transition, but each time I do something that reduces the impact on the environment and my bank account, I am inspired to do something else.) Keep up the wonderful work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78333526381608729122008-12-04T11:18:00.000+10:002008-12-04T11:18:00.000+10:00amen to this, rhonda. as usual, thanks for the ins...amen to this, rhonda. as usual, thanks for the inspiration (i always need to be continually affirmed and rekindled!). true, true, true, all, of it. she's right, new readers! have a go at it!Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16706071409908084910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59824954125160434062008-12-03T07:14:00.000+10:002008-12-03T07:14:00.000+10:00Rhonda,You are so right! Although it has been hard...Rhonda,<BR/><BR/>You are so right! Although it has been harder lately not to over spend and now with the holidays Yikes! Our budget has taken a big hit...I can see that we really haven't budgeted in a while. I have to say staying debt free gets harder and harder. <BR/><BR/>I know that when we don't go out we don't spend but once we are in the car watch out! Right now gas is lower here but I am sure not for long and then what?<BR/><BR/>I know it all starts in the mind and we really don't "need" that much. I enjoy just being home with my family. I just hate that when we do go out it costs a fortune!<BR/><BR/>Many blessings,<BR/><BR/>Renee <BR/><BR/>Gardendesk.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33726258217429230572008-12-03T02:07:00.000+10:002008-12-03T02:07:00.000+10:00You mentioned the diva cup! I have contemplated us...You mentioned the diva cup! I have contemplated using one for years, but have never met a real person who uses it to give me a real review of this item. Do you or your readers have anything to say on it? I would LOVE to hear any reviews! Thanks, Gen--IL HomesteaderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-676583088001914542008-12-02T23:57:00.000+10:002008-12-02T23:57:00.000+10:00I love reading your blog. will come back later wi...I love reading your blog. will come back later with a cup of tea and read through this a second time and have a quiet think.<BR/>Be back later.XLadybird World Motherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04410236464722005178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83679384965775556812008-12-02T22:53:00.000+10:002008-12-02T22:53:00.000+10:00I agree with all the other lovely ladies (and gent...I agree with all the other lovely ladies (and gents) that commented already. This change is just a series of simple steps. But, wow, how much easier is this shift when one has constant inspiration and encouragement from someone like you, Rhonda? <BR/><BR/>I love your blog. <BR/><BR/>-Carolyn from PennsylvaniaCarolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03848253865900498111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35485765965955998642008-12-02T22:47:00.000+10:002008-12-02T22:47:00.000+10:00We started with recyling glass & plastic, then...We started with recyling glass & plastic, then added tin and steel cans as well as newspaper. I eventually added reducing the amount of paper and plastic products we use, such as using less paper towels and reusing plastic bags, etc. I now have a rain barrel set up. I'm not sure what my next step will be, we've been working on our spending for a while but I don't know if that counts or not - however, we need to keep up with it. Simplifying can be daunting, but if you start small and break it down into individual steps it is much easier. It becomes routine very quickly.Otter Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10150285495175373444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30492656560072371352008-12-02T22:29:00.000+10:002008-12-02T22:29:00.000+10:00I tell you what as well, reading this blog and the...I tell you what as well, reading this blog and the comments from your loyal readers, gives me hope in humanity. We hear so many horror stories of the state of the economy, and people still spending huge amounts on the kids for Christmas, but I find peace in the fact that you all do this to make the world a better place.<BR/><BR/>Rhonda, you're revolutionary!!<BR/><BR/>Hugs,<BR/><BR/>FiFi <BR/>xxxFiFihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09525757684048252596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15506529583182580252008-12-02T18:44:00.000+10:002008-12-02T18:44:00.000+10:00This is how it's happening for us - we had a good ...This is how it's happening for us - we had a good starting place, as we were just establishing our household and finances were low so we couldn't afford to fool around anyway. :o) Throw in a bit of environmental responsibility, and step by step, it leads to simpler living!Mrs. Anna Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15377583333000789903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-45506854846132328442008-12-02T18:38:00.000+10:002008-12-02T18:38:00.000+10:00Rhonda,I am so inspired by your blog, especially y...Rhonda,<BR/>I am so inspired by your blog, especially your words today.<BR/>Thank you<BR/>SandybethSandybethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13539507480666428593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73152490801813067632008-12-02T15:33:00.000+10:002008-12-02T15:33:00.000+10:00For me, it all started many years ago when a frien...For me, it all started many years ago when a friend gave me a bag of soap nuts to use instead of laundry detergent.<BR/>Thank you for your insight<BR/><BR/>HildeHildehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447112312199912513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32051627292176657432008-12-02T14:38:00.000+10:002008-12-02T14:38:00.000+10:00Hello, Well after 14 hours friday, 9 hours on Satu...Hello, Well after 14 hours friday, 9 hours on Saturday and another 4-5 on Sunday and an hour of fine tuning today...We have arrived at a zero balance budget , using excel we now have a master budget sheet and all expenditures are listed, as are all goals. We made it! I saw my husband smile , SMILE! He is smiling at the future.<BR/>Five of the six hens now laying as of today. It was so funny! the first time one of them lays the ruckus is a riot! I think they are just as happy about it as I am.<BR/>I need to buy shampoo...bicarb? Whats the method?<BR/>The peas got tied up today and we have enough beans to have a side dish of them 2-3 times a week. <BR/>Need to turn the soil and get another crop started. <BR/>Peace be with yo and Hanno.<BR/>Dog food? is it a hassle or a hard thing to make?<BR/>Oh do you buy the feed for your chickens or the grit?Donettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13530145585581721795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85978410017958964392008-12-02T12:34:00.000+10:002008-12-02T12:34:00.000+10:00So well said. I agree that you have to feel it in ...So well said. I agree that you have to feel it in your heart or it won't last. Sometimes it takes taking the small steps and going through the motions before it becomes part of you and you feel it in your heart but once you do, it's amazing how simple and good it feels to live simply.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29641851403310185482008-12-02T12:08:00.000+10:002008-12-02T12:08:00.000+10:00A great post! I look forward to your blog everyda...A great post! I look forward to your blog everyday! Weekends I just re-read a few! Thanks for sharing with us.<BR/><BR/>cathy cAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55876952582122063572008-12-02T11:58:00.000+10:002008-12-02T11:58:00.000+10:00Just as most of your readers and commentators, I t...Just as most of your readers and commentators, I think your blogs are wonderfully insightive, helpful, and encouraging. I especially like as Lizzie said, that you guide without bossing, help without bullying and offer practical advice. I have trouble with everything! budgeting, living frugally, being healthier pysically and mentally and I have been trying and feeling like the more I try the more I slide back but blogs like yours help me to keep it up and especially this one, to do it little by little and really I feel more enthusiastic and believe that I can and will become a better person for myself for my family for the earth. I am so thankful I found your blog!Aunty Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14942619820033853811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-39031649422875471802008-12-02T11:46:00.000+10:002008-12-02T11:46:00.000+10:00Thank you so much for this post, Rhonda Jean! I c...Thank you so much for this post, Rhonda Jean! I can't tell you how much it has brightened my day, to feel like "Hey, I really am doing something." Perfect thing to read right as I finished making my 1st ever batch of granola (pretty darn good, if I say so m'self).<BR/><BR/>One of the first things that made me feel like I was really stepping towards living more simply, was making soup. So simple in itself & so satisfying. It feels strange to say, but I really find it empowering to know I can "do" for myself. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for helping to make the journey so enjoyable!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8085399428926289042008-12-02T11:44:00.000+10:002008-12-02T11:44:00.000+10:00Very interesting blog and I will check by often to...Very interesting blog and I will check by often to learn more about living simply. It's been on my mind to do, but with your encouragement it seems possible. Thanks!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09537893214351002204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21703552863778559282008-12-02T11:24:00.000+10:002008-12-02T11:24:00.000+10:00Wonderful post!Wonderful post!Brenda@CoffeeTeaBookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719695370857675146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72433594735095659542008-12-02T11:22:00.000+10:002008-12-02T11:22:00.000+10:00As always a walking encylocpedia! Great ideas!xoxo...As always a walking encylocpedia! Great ideas!<BR/>xoxoxTeenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10366928264475596399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78383151461947541522008-12-02T11:03:00.000+10:002008-12-02T11:03:00.000+10:00your words are like a breath of fresh air! Even th...your words are like a breath of fresh air! <BR/><BR/>Even though weve been living simply for ages, we can still simplify or adjust, and learn something new.<BR/><BR/>We started lving simply - and its like the falling domino effect... one falls into place after another!Everydaythingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02562558164959015562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24274209781212127652008-12-02T10:10:00.000+10:002008-12-02T10:10:00.000+10:00I was jsut reflecting on this the other day; how m...I was jsut reflecting on this the other day; how making changes in one area leads you to see the need for change in another. Taken as a whole, its just too big for most of us to contemplate so I plan to master one area, then move on to another. Its gentler on resistant family members that way too!<BR/>P.S. I hope to make time soon to go back through your older posts. Sounds as if there are some real gems there!Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12824924349210440889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34584058091091822502008-12-02T09:25:00.000+10:002008-12-02T09:25:00.000+10:00cake looks great by the way!everything u said here...cake looks great by the way!<BR/><BR/>everything u said here is oh so true<BR/>we started down this path by way of reducing the preservatives and what not in our food..the progression to growing our own food and changing cleaners came next and your spot on...the rest has just followed like a natural progression as if life should of always been this way.<BR/>we have started to see some benefit in our weekly budget, but i think some of our changes we will see in our yearly what we paid off the house type figures.<BR/>i love that blogs like yours inspire me towards our next step whatever it is that suits us. these last two weeks i have been transitioning to bicarb for my hair, i nearly gave up, but yesterday it came good and i was impressed. now i will start the rest of the family on this path.jacqui joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01932031775990803797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38178647824170343392008-12-02T09:16:00.000+10:002008-12-02T09:16:00.000+10:00Good Morning to you Rhonda,As the other commenters...Good Morning to you Rhonda,<BR/><BR/>As the other commenters have said. you are an inspiration to us all.<BR/><BR/>Thankyou for sharing your wisdom.<BR/><BR/><BR/>TaniaTaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10176661940614462611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88170739978364158052008-12-02T09:03:00.000+10:002008-12-02T09:03:00.000+10:00Since starting to read your blog I've stopped buyi...Since starting to read your blog I've stopped buying convenience, packaged foods. I've gone back to what I did when I was younger before I had children - I bake my own bread, make meals from scratch and meal plan. I didn't think I "had time" when my children were younger - I was busy shopping! I recently made caramel apple jam to give as Christmas gifts to coworkers and watch every penny at the grocery store. I also put my name on the list to have a space at a community garden in the spring. All from reading your blog!JoAnnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08540884978535488880noreply@blogger.com