tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post707747180502853092..comments2024-03-19T20:00:57.287+10:00Comments on down to earth: Full steam aheadUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66692338567234803922009-07-15T15:42:32.713+10:002009-07-15T15:42:32.713+10:00I really enjoy your blog, Rhonda, and am moving cl...I really enjoy your blog, Rhonda, and am moving closer to simplifying our lifestyle as our kids are gradually moving out of the house and on with their lives.<br />I'm looking forward to your book, and I refer to your blog quite frequently. Perhaps my family is tired of hearing me say, "well, Down-To-Earth says..." haha!Vickiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07741431727993692456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84973338353738421532009-07-14T23:26:00.672+10:002009-07-14T23:26:00.672+10:00That's really wonderful news about your book!
...That's really wonderful news about your book!<br /><br />I guess I'd like more information on how you manage to do so much on your homestead with just the two of you. There always seems so much to do inside and out around here. We bought a fixer upper so even though we've lived here for years there are still things in the house that need fixing as money becomes available and then there all the outdoor things, veggie garden, figuring out what to do with what we don't eat, planning what to grow...you know! It just seems like there's never really enough time or manpower to do everything!<br /><br />ManuelaThe Pleasures of Homemakinghttp://thepleasuresofhomemaking.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7413921645398518572009-07-14T18:42:19.773+10:002009-07-14T18:42:19.773+10:00I have thought about making table runners for some...I have thought about making table runners for some of my family this Christmas. I'd love some ideas for homemade gifts for men - women are much easier to make for. Teresa xA Time for Stitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18081085376540243147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41823157972864269282009-07-14T17:40:12.141+10:002009-07-14T17:40:12.141+10:00I am really really looking forward to your book. I...I am really really looking forward to your book. It'll be nice to have something from you that I can read in bed!!!lilymarlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12370053859106368722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30639390683102031902009-07-14T09:31:32.490+10:002009-07-14T09:31:32.490+10:00I too would love to see a review of homesteading b...I too would love to see a review of homesteading books worth owning. Also maybe about being thrifty.michele gnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65312139267911894192009-07-14T05:28:57.926+10:002009-07-14T05:28:57.926+10:00Good idea to start a christmas list now. I usually...Good idea to start a christmas list now. I usually don't start until much later and end up rushing off to buy things as I don't leave myself the time to make them. Last year though I did make a few presents. <br /><br />I'd love a post about cooking garden produce, there aren't mnay recipies in any of my books for some of the more uncommon veggies, eg, pawpaw, kale, mustard green, pomelosAriadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10664753428007951602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60886551418077739512009-07-14T05:02:42.747+10:002009-07-14T05:02:42.747+10:00I would love some homemade gift ideas for children...I would love some homemade gift ideas for children, there seem to ba so many of those little rascals running around my life at the moment! Expecially ages 5-10, that seems like the most difficult age to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48169393725331152032009-07-14T04:16:17.915+10:002009-07-14T04:16:17.915+10:00I am cleaning up/cleaning out my home since DH and...I am cleaning up/cleaning out my home since DH and several children are out of town (not together - children are at camp and DH is out of town working) so I can focus my energies on what I like to do which is craft, garden, sew, weave, knit, etc. I am planning on making my Christmas and birthday lists for the next year and make what I can for those on my list (DS #3 is getting a real watch for his 12th birthday, but it is a planned purchase). Thanks for the inspiration on a semi daily basis.organicfarmerhttp://www.stoddart.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18055200307795303432009-07-14T02:03:02.006+10:002009-07-14T02:03:02.006+10:00Thank you for another good idea.
It's been a l...Thank you for another good idea.<br />It's been a long time since I crafted and I don't have much free time; but there's also another aspect that stops me from making my gifts - I feel that the people I know (especially family members -but I'm not the only one that feels this way) expect something expensive for the holidays... This sounds really terrible, I'm sorry to say it. I don't know if this has to do with our culture (I live in Portugal.<br />To my friends and neighbours I usually cook something: a jam, a cake, biscuits and feel really happy doing so. My friends even give me back the jam jars so that I can use them again... One of my friends expects a green cleaning kit (homemade of course.<br />I would be very happy to start making my own soap and give it to others.<br />Do other readers feel like they are expected to give something more expensive and store bought?<br />How could I change this?Sandra - outrasarteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14077163109932029410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77362161076544633282009-07-14T01:23:27.201+10:002009-07-14T01:23:27.201+10:00I'd like to second Nina's suggestion about...I'd like to second Nina's suggestion about recommended books on homesteading.<br />I had noticed, from a photo, that you had the Encyclopedia of Country Living. Perhaps reviews on that book and similar, please?Catherine (Alecat Music)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03772718253505116956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57031059022427531562009-07-14T01:19:31.609+10:002009-07-14T01:19:31.609+10:00I would love to see a list of homemade christmas i...I would love to see a list of homemade christmas ideas. I feel like I gave mostly knitted items last year and I would like to do something new, but something that everyone would be glad to have. <br />Thanks for all of your helpful information!<br /><br />Pauladandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13960472711612262512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47263274200808051702009-07-14T01:01:59.823+10:002009-07-14T01:01:59.823+10:00Hi Rhonda,
With one little one (age 22 months) an...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />With one little one (age 22 months) and another on the way in September, I don't know how many homemade gifts I will get made for this year's Christmas. The most I can hope to do is to try to make stockings for our family this year.<br /><br />I always appreciate and would love to see more of your thoughts and reflections on homemaking and domesticity in general. Where I live (San Francisco Bay Area) it always seems odd to people that I stay at home with my child instead of working and sending him to daycare, and that I enjoy homemaking and everything associated with it. Your posts on why homemaking matters are one of the few encouragements I get.Life from the Roofhttp://www.lifefromtheroof.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47725154578061797992009-07-13T23:35:43.629+10:002009-07-13T23:35:43.629+10:00Ooooh I would love it if you wrote about gardening...Ooooh I would love it if you wrote about gardening, home-made products, and money-saving ideas! :D Also canning and preserving food. So many books have the recipes, but don't explain the reasons or the process very well. Fresh ideas would be great! :D I'm looking forward to your book coming out; is it available in Canada? :D <br />Been thinking about Christmas this year- homemade cards are first on the list! I was thinking of make matching quilts for my mom, sister, and me- so we'll all have the same one! Thanks for a great post!<br />Courtneybookflutterbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12426712911284917236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33544888749537409732009-07-13T22:26:07.051+10:002009-07-13T22:26:07.051+10:00Rhonda
I think it would be a good idea to write a ...Rhonda<br />I think it would be a good idea to write a question and answer post, especially since you get so many comments that it would be impossible to answer all of them on each post.lindahttp://rebelpigs.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57211907551387458962009-07-13T20:39:23.554+10:002009-07-13T20:39:23.554+10:00I would like to know about goals--1 yr, 5 yr, 10 y...I would like to know about goals--1 yr, 5 yr, 10 yr in regards to changing over to a more sustainable life: solar panels, rain water collection, etc...I find all of these things to be expensive to start and I'm wondering how to begin planning for it all. Thanks for asking!Tarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02506543399878178444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28954458874648424682009-07-13T20:23:50.822+10:002009-07-13T20:23:50.822+10:00Hi again,
I just read this in one of our online ne...Hi again,<br />I just read this in one of our online newspapers. I thought you might be interested in it. I loved this quote:<br />"And doing it really beautifully rather than ... me running around my house with the vacuum cleaner screaming at the dog."<br />It's about a cake decorating class in Sydney and the return of domesticity in Australian women. While it's not quite the quality or depth of your blog, it was interesting to read after you wrote about things like this being in the media. Here's the link:<br />http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/lifestyle/2588265/Cake-makes-a-comeback<br /><br />Rachel LRachel L from NZhttp://www.homesteadblogger.com/littlebournefarmnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14383590898214619902009-07-13T19:55:57.624+10:002009-07-13T19:55:57.624+10:00I'm planning on making little nephews & ni...I'm planning on making little nephews & nieces each a cape for Christmas - I bought the fabric on sale months ago, and have two cut out ready to sew up sometime soon. Simple dress ups like capes are always popular with littlies.<br /><br />Another simple gift I have planned is chocolate covered spoons - dip spoons into melted chocolate a few times & let it set. Wrap a few of them up with some coffee. The idea is that a spoon is used to stir coffee (or hot chocolate I guess) & the chocolate melts of the spoon into their drink.<br /><br />This last idea is something we did a few years ago, Im throwing it in as an idea for others to use if they want - we planted a styrofoam box (free from the greengrocer) with a mix of lettuce seeds (a mesclun style mix), cared for it for a few weeks & then gifted an older relative with a box of salad greens she could cut & come again to eat her way through.Toriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01091419616292144494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82341350375733740262009-07-13T18:34:42.156+10:002009-07-13T18:34:42.156+10:00Ideas for homemade teenage christmas gifts would b...Ideas for homemade teenage christmas gifts would be wonderful as I have a teenage nephew and niece, also any ideas for homemade gifts for young children. As I am not a knitter are there any ideas/patterns for homesewn dish cloths or do these just not stand up to the rigours? I usually make a new ornament for the christmas tree each year so maybe that is an idea for a christmas gift for someone crafty.<br /><br />Thank you Rhonda for your lovely blog, I enjoy reading it each day.<br /><br />Susieq.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74874012698510182132009-07-13T16:41:46.276+10:002009-07-13T16:41:46.276+10:00Thanks again for a beautiful idea. I'd love a...Thanks again for a beautiful idea. I'd love anything you want to write about, honestly! I would however, enjoy reading a bit more about organising family life, because our family grows to 4 plus a german sheperd in november, and I have NO idea of what I'm in for with a three yrold and a newborn!<br /><br />I'd love to be more homemade, but I keep reminding myself that it is 'one step at a time' and not like the moon landings' one giant leap for mankind.TheWhineyFairyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17833985267200242071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59914784218568805522009-07-13T14:27:03.742+10:002009-07-13T14:27:03.742+10:00I would like to see you write about time managemen...I would like to see you write about time management - both daily and weekly. I know you have written before about how you do things, not on a schedule, but as they need done, but you seem to get so much done, I'd like to know if you have a loose framework you use, or a list of what you want to accomplish. If left to my own devices, I have a tendancy to just sew all day and not do those necessary things it takes to run a smooth and relaxed household (like marketing, laundry, etc.!) Could you perhaps write a column on how you manage your time?<br /><br />I have a home sewing business to bring in some needed extra income and I'd like to have a little more discipline about working at it on a regular basis. I can find all kinds of things to do in the garden, the kitchen, etc. and I find myself procrastinating when it comes to designing or sewing my children's clothing creations. I'd appreciate any input.mikesgirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00526011296206959110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6769565481775267472009-07-13T13:31:03.196+10:002009-07-13T13:31:03.196+10:00Hi Rhonda Jean,
I would love some advice on how to...Hi Rhonda Jean,<br />I would love some advice on how to get rid of clutter. I homeschool, and my children are all very arty and so there is lots of paper and creations all over the house and I'm a neat person, but I hate to throw any of it out, but I don't know what to do with it all - so I'd love to read about home organization and systems and things like that. Also, organizing sewing materials and space. I know that's a bit vague, but anything along those lines would be great. I want a tidy house, but one which reflects the creative side of us too, but still keeps fairly clutter-free.<br />Hope you're having a good day.<br />Rachel LRachel L from NZhttp://www.homesteadblogger.com/littlebournefarmnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56928977227850028782009-07-13T12:25:19.359+10:002009-07-13T12:25:19.359+10:00Hi Rhonda
I'm very excited to hear that your ...Hi Rhonda<br /><br />I'm very excited to hear that your book is another step closer to realisation. I find myself looking up various things on your blog all the time so it will be great to have all the info in one place. I'm pleased to hear that you are now writing for Burkes Backyard too - hopefully others will start making a little change or two and start down the green simple frugal path as well. <br /><br />After reading your blog for a month or so I started making our own bread and now 18 months later I find myself with worms, compost, veggie garden and we are just about to purchase some chooks (I'm excited but a little scared as well as I know next to nothing about them!).<br /><br />Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your knowledge and taking the time to write each day. Your little blog is making big changes to the way people live and think.Sharon Fnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87237080730267569902009-07-13T12:15:56.715+10:002009-07-13T12:15:56.715+10:00Good afternoon Rhonda. You've had a busy time ...Good afternoon Rhonda. You've had a busy time of late but you seem to be thriving on it, I hope things continue to go well.<br /><br />Midday Monday the kitchen usually smells pretty good around here -- today it's a loaf of bread, a batch each of lemon-poppy seed biscuits and chocolate chip cookies.<br /><br />The week's meals are planned, there is soap hardening off in the laundry, a Christmas in July is planned for our staff here on Saturday week...I'm feeling pretty happy, thanks for your inspiration. :) <br /><br />Thanks also for the reminder about Christmas gifts. I usually get caught short time-wise with handmade things, this year I'll plan the spring/summer vegetables and the Christmas list at the same time.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751315680374413649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62584693358245090982009-07-13T10:09:57.674+10:002009-07-13T10:09:57.674+10:00I like the idea of planning/preparing for Christma...I like the idea of planning/preparing for Christmas giving in July. It certainly takes the pressure off of last minute decisions.<br />One way I do that is by scouring yard sales over the summer months looking for medium sized baskets, glass jars, vintage plates and bowls, and pretty linen napkins.<br />I love to make homemade food gifts for holiday giving (also other times of the year - new mothers, get well goodies, etc) and often use these yard sale finds to compliment my gifts.<br />It's fun to put some yummy homemade muffins or cookies on a vintage plate, or line a basket with a vintage cloth filled with a couple mini bread loaves and homemade jam.<br />Often I use my craft supplies of ribbon, buttons, and cardstock to make decorative tags for the gift baskets/plates. The sweet little touches really show you care enough to make the gift special for the recipient.SentimentsbyDenisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04542589881266619149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57429806886945022072009-07-13T09:51:50.195+10:002009-07-13T09:51:50.195+10:00I started knitting and crocheting gifts for Christ...I started knitting and crocheting gifts for Christmas back in January. We have quite a few people to buy for but last Christmas I decided that everyone on the list is getting homemade gifts. <br /><br />I am approximately 3/4 done. I have made quilted pillow sets, dishcloths, hats, scarves, mittens, afghans, slippers, teacup pincushions, ornaments, purses, quilts, homemade laundry soap, homemade bath salts, handmade jewellery, crocheted hair scrunchies, napkins and placemats, fingerless mittens and rag rugs (area rugs) and each gift is going to be wrapped in a handmade re-usable grocery bag that I am also making. <br /><br />I am glad that I decided to take this route this year. I will be able to enjoy December and not have to rush around worrying about gifts.<br /><br />For those who like the idea of gift baskets... here is a link that might be helpful.<br /><br />http://www.heart4home.net/giftsinajar.htm<br /><br />Love your blog Rhonda! Have a great evening. :)<br /><br />DebbieDebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08919793216222224648noreply@blogger.com