tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post1318812755361570399..comments2024-03-19T16:26:36.149+10:00Comments on down to earth: Home-based economyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43259768246821698532013-05-22T23:16:02.553+10:002013-05-22T23:16:02.553+10:00thanks!thanks!Naveeranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19665740958488505662013-05-11T06:32:49.013+10:002013-05-11T06:32:49.013+10:00Sue, that is my normal bread recipe baked in a cak...Sue, that is my normal bread recipe baked in a cake tin and the condensed milk biscuits - thick cut. :- )rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73181423422229364642013-05-11T05:06:32.591+10:002013-05-11T05:06:32.591+10:00Rhonda, what is that deliciousness in the pics abo...Rhonda, what is that deliciousness in the pics above? Is that a babka bread and little cakes? Have you listed the recipe for them? If so, would you please direct me to them. Goodness, my mouth is watering!Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08927451102683785258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55658934770677414132013-05-07T10:54:38.369+10:002013-05-07T10:54:38.369+10:00Hello Rhonda, here in Brazil, I do my dish towels,...Hello Rhonda, here in Brazil, I do my dish towels, rag carpets, soap, have a coconut, banana and blackberries in my backyard.<br />marciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82900338924392840352013-05-07T09:27:23.798+10:002013-05-07T09:27:23.798+10:00A million thank you's Rhonda! I love reading ...A million thank you's Rhonda! I love reading your blog and everytime I feel myself loosing my motivation I read your blog. You continue to inspire me to try more and harder to be the person I really want to be. I have constantly been aware of saving and lowering our debt as I grew up with a father that was ill most of my childhood and witnessed my mothers attempts to be frugal. I have, for most of my adult life, bought clothes for myself and my children from opportunity shops, cooked and baked from scratched, made as many jams and preserves as possible, hand made birthday and Christmas gifts, mended clothes, made as many of our soft furnishings as possible and with some success I have had vegetable gardens at one time or another. <br />To me the greatest part about giving a hand made gift is the making of it and I ask the same from my children. I don't want store bought presents! In fact I'd rather not have a gift at all if it has be bought from a shop.<br />Thank you for your constant inspiration and support through your blog.<br />Kindest regards<br />Andrea<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59076859178187744882013-05-07T06:42:00.738+10:002013-05-07T06:42:00.738+10:00We took the leap from full-time corporate employme...We took the leap from full-time corporate employment to self-employment here on the ranch a few years ago. We discovered it would be possible to be at the ranch full-time if we could get by on less money. We are now living a life that we love and are able to do it through the methods you speak of above - gardening, scratch cooking, making items for yourself instead of buying, not paying extra for tv, finding joy in the simple things, etc. To my surprise I found it's a very fulfilling life - not a sacrifice at all just a more mindful way of living. <br /><br />~Taylor-Made Ranch~<br />Wolfe City, TexasTaylor-Made Ranchhttp://www.taylormaderanch.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-46006448119716100972013-05-07T04:30:39.779+10:002013-05-07T04:30:39.779+10:00naveena, the bread was made using my normal bread ...naveena, the bread was made using my normal bread recipe - you can search for it using "bread for beginners". The pan I used was just a plain old round cake pan.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35390682054944492882013-05-07T00:15:53.267+10:002013-05-07T00:15:53.267+10:00Hi Dora,
I must say I am blown away that you and ...Hi Dora,<br /><br />I must say I am blown away that you and your husband are able to live on roughly $950 - $1,050 per month!! That is very impressive. Do you grow most of your food? Make your own clothes? <br /><br />I'm just so curious as to how you are able to actually save money on such a little income. Quite an accomplishment!<br /><br />Diane in North Carolina Jimmiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16620266780624532300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88277931212379784732013-05-06T23:39:37.687+10:002013-05-06T23:39:37.687+10:00I printed out this post to have it close at hand t...I printed out this post to have it close at hand to keep me inspired and on track. Sometimes I slip back to old habits and need a nudge to get back towards the direction I want. Thanks for a well written post! DarleneDarla Maehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02586908593785930696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14568891976055969362013-05-06T22:09:12.577+10:002013-05-06T22:09:12.577+10:00Great post, Rhonda. Our home economies can be so ...Great post, Rhonda. Our home economies can be so vastly different given our climates, physical abilities and stages of life. Our own personal home economy changes rapidly as we learn more and continue to challenge ourselves. We are in a strong "upswing" stage at the moment with new skills being added weekly. I love that challenge as it really keeps things fresh and exciting (and a little overwhelming, truth be told). <br /><br />The evolution of a home economy is fascinating to me as it has tremendous power to drastically alter one's financial situation. The ripple effect can be enormous! It isn't just about "doing more", it's about "doing wisely". Yes, we "do" a lot for ourselves, but at the same time we are in a very busy season of life so we always weigh the net yield of any endeavour/effort. It isn't just about finances - we also weigh quality of life and energy/time expended. All of those things dance and dovetail together to help us decide where to invest our time most efficiently for the maximum return be it monetary, health improvement, enjoyment of life, resiliency, community building, sustainability, etc... <br /><br />I love using business minded thinking when it comes to managing a home. It helps us to prioritize our time which is essential. We try to invest wisely in our home economy ~ and while that often means putting some tasks/learning aside for the future, it is comforting and reassuring to assign tangible value to the work done in and around our home NOW. Numbers give an accurate picture of the value of your work. Of course, no figure could ever represent true happiness and contentment which is THE most important to us :) <br /><br />At this time, our main focus/priority is food security (growing/producing as much as we can) as it is our largest expense after our mortgage. It makes sense to invest a lot of time and energy into resilient, sustainable food growing systems as the return is so high (in both monetary and health terms). <br /><br />Our next largest expense for our large family would be clothing. Looking at it from a return on investment perspective (the investment being time) it makes sense to scour thrift stores for clothes for the family. This regular activity saves us THOUSANDS of dollars a year over buying new clothes for everyone. <br /><br />In summary, we compare time invested with the return on said investment. Sometimes one can't measure the return by any means other than happiness - and what a wonderful return THAT is! :) <br /><br />Little Home In The Countryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14542813650753976168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12125063579488527942013-05-06T21:57:17.793+10:002013-05-06T21:57:17.793+10:00frugality does need to be taught in schools. Than...frugality does need to be taught in schools. Thankfully I have two daughters who are willing to learn from me. They are going to be far better off financially than their friends who don't have a clue.wendynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44857201024149067632013-05-06T21:51:46.157+10:002013-05-06T21:51:46.157+10:00hi
thanks for another inspiring post! on a side n...hi<br /><br />thanks for another inspiring post! on a side note can i have a recipe (+ picture of the pan in which you baked it)of the big beautiful round of bread in your pic?<br /><br />thanksNaveeranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83995693443410228752013-05-06T21:19:46.478+10:002013-05-06T21:19:46.478+10:00Rhonda today's blog captures what skills used ...Rhonda today's blog captures what skills used to be taught in schools - "home economics". Sadly many of the younger generation do not possess this mindset. Prudence, and thrift have been replaced by spending and accumulation.It is a shame that since the post war years (1945 to the present), a total of 68 years, that our lives have changed so dramatically.Since the introduction of welfare payments, money is a commodity that we all have -we either earn it or receive it from the government. We have the ability to accumulate wealth (and debt) like never before.But it comes at a cost.I recently came across a great quote while reading a book. Donald Olson wrote "The average American is busy buying things he doesn't want with money he doesnt have to impress people he doesn't like".<br /><br />There are some wonderful websites such as Moneysmart by ASIC (Australian Securities & Investment Commission and Simple Savings that can really assist people analyze their spending habits, and get out of debt. If the average person that would normally spend $4 on a morning coffee, or $5-10 on lunch,big bucks on gym membership, use hard earned cash in place of 'plastic' and put the money they saved on their mortgage payments, the savings are mind blowing.For example, by placing an extra $20 per week on their mortgage payments, this can save over the term of thier loan, approximately $60,000 in interest payments, and around 5 years and three months off their home loan!!robtrevnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-2617750735160607322013-05-06T17:39:33.519+10:002013-05-06T17:39:33.519+10:00Thanks Melissa! Those ideas are great!Thanks Melissa! Those ideas are great!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79167801008180480052013-05-06T17:18:24.763+10:002013-05-06T17:18:24.763+10:00I work full time, live in a unit in suburbia with ...I work full time, live in a unit in suburbia with no backyard and conditions unsuitable to grow plants but I still do what I can. Each year I make all the toys I give as birthday and xmas gifts to my nieces and friends children (at least 21 gifts per year) I use green cleaners which I make myself. Firm believer there is nothing vinegar & bicarb can't clean. I knit my own dishcloths & cleaning cloths. I make my own laundry liquid & a form of hand soap. When possible I cook from scratch or near scratch. I recycle & upcycle where possible. Don't have cable tv but would be lost without my internet. I enjoy the simple pleasures of making gifts or even cleaning products. It makes me feel connected to what I'm not sure but I just getting a feeling a feeling of peace doing what I do. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79782644755433670932013-05-06T14:55:04.520+10:002013-05-06T14:55:04.520+10:00As a widow with five kids I learnt early on the wa...As a widow with five kids I learnt early on the ways to make a dollar go a long way. Now I live alone I'm almost debt free, I still have a car loan, which has a few months more to pay. I plant most of my vegetables and have four fruit trees in my small yard. I make jams, pickles, chutneys, tomatoe sauce, pasta sauce and do my own baking. I don't eat takeaway food. I have recently been bartering with some friends, this weekend I swapped some fresh eggs for some clivias I had seperated, and last week I swapped some homemade pitas for a jar of salsa with another friend. It is not difficult to live within my means. I am going to have a go at making my own washing detergent, something my mother always didAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15623778642712227560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-52393758902578971842013-05-06T14:42:29.369+10:002013-05-06T14:42:29.369+10:00Your comment made me smile, Judy. Well done. You s...Your comment made me smile, Judy. Well done. You should feel proud.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15385808011272985882013-05-06T14:27:10.174+10:002013-05-06T14:27:10.174+10:00Hi Rhonda
I'm off to work in the office tomorr...Hi Rhonda<br />I'm off to work in the office tomorrow and I'm so proud to say that I'm taking stewed plums (stewed by me and grown by hubby) for my oats for breakfast, lunch will be home made pumpkin soup (pumpkins grown by hubby, soup made by me), home made croutons (made from left over bread, bread made by me) and for a treat, some chocolate slice, also made by me! I am just so proud of myself to be able to say that. I love your blog and get inspiration from it and your book on a daily basis! <br />Cheers Judy xxJudy Yhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08143303275859311603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40750684477709773922013-05-06T13:52:27.623+10:002013-05-06T13:52:27.623+10:00I knew one person at one time thought she was goin...I knew one person at one time thought she was going to make a living from a home base business from her computer. Sad to say she sent them cash if I'm right it was either $40 or $60 and they send her a blank Cd.<br /><br />My husband get $750 from social security retirement and I have a small part time job which I make $200 to $300 a month...We seem to live quite well on that even putting a little a way for raining days.<br />We have no on going debt either. We have four bills we pay every month then twice a year we pay our property taxes and vehicle insurance.<br />Our home insurance is due once a year.<br />Then of course like every one else we have those odd life happening. Plus we don't drive new rigs both of them our in the mid 90's <br /><br />It would actual be interesting what one NEED to living on. I once ask a question on my facebook page and gave quite a few choices what one need a month to live on..It was hardly anything like $1,200 a month or $125,000 a month...I hope the ones who answer $125,00 was pulling my leg. <br /><br />Being debt free gives on since of security it does me. I know people talk about credit score. It doesn't really concern me. I'm not stess out trying to figure out which bills will get paid they all get paid each and every month.<br /><br />All in all I like the life of domestic engineer....<br /><br />Coffee is on. peppylady (Dora)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01649272822470007714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89501954424757582692013-05-06T13:16:29.557+10:002013-05-06T13:16:29.557+10:00Jo, you're doing absolutely the right thing in...Jo, you're doing absolutely the right thing in teaching your children life skills. In the future, simple living may not be a choice but more of a necessity. rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79566067654020901202013-05-06T13:11:56.780+10:002013-05-06T13:11:56.780+10:00Hi Rhonda,
As a Mum of three children it has alwa...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />As a Mum of three children it has always seemed like the most important thing to me to be able to teach them how to look after themselves and not rely on others for everything. If they reach adulthood able to grow there own food and cook most things from scratch. Have skills like sewing, knitting, butchering etc. I will be a very happy mum! (I'm learning a lot of the time as I am teaching them and still have a lot to learn). We live on a farm and are working hard to own it. We try and grow as much as we can and live as simply as we can. It is the way of life that we love!<br /><br />Jonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14897456927723015872013-05-06T12:42:09.564+10:002013-05-06T12:42:09.564+10:00Great post and I agree with it all. Although we st...Great post and I agree with it all. Although we still work for a living it is from the farm and to be able to live of the land these days means adopting all of what you have said. The biggest thing is contentment for me. I am just so content with the way we have chosen to live. It means hard work but that hard work is so fulfilling and our hours are filled with meaningful activity rather than mindless consumption. Love it.purplepearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599216333749480560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29615521685810070162013-05-06T12:21:52.143+10:002013-05-06T12:21:52.143+10:00Rhonda,
I make my own soap and laundry detergent,...Rhonda,<br /><br />I make my own soap and laundry detergent, as well as lotion. I find my need to cut coupons has drastically reduced, mostly because I no longer buy those products. I'm just starting my career, so with the busy week I often lack the energy and inspiration to try the more difficult things--cooking from scratch, for example, but I hope to get there one day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58374010003055305162013-05-06T11:10:38.760+10:002013-05-06T11:10:38.760+10:00Rhonda, having been brought up to cook from scratc...Rhonda, having been brought up to cook from scratch, and watch the pennies - my parents were not well off - we got into 'bad habits' as our boys were growing up and then we were both working. Now with retirement we have time for more cooking, baking, gardening, fishing, and we are saving money, helping our health and hopefully making a contribution to helping the planet.<br /><br />Since reading yours and other frugal blogs I have got myself more organised at home, with a more organised kitchen, meal planning and so on. Writing about what I've been doing in my blog has brought many comments from other like-minded women. I know many, many people these days a re following a more frugal life-style through difficult finical circumstances, but those of us fortunate enough not to be in dire straits can also benefit from living more simply. Hey, what goes around comes around - we were heading this way in the early 70's but got diverted!<br /><br />Your blog, as well as providing very entertaining reading, has been a huge inspiration as well. We need the principles of frugality to be taught in schools, as there are a couple of generations now who have no concept o cooking from scratch, being part/fully self-sufficient, and living simply. Lynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15385150635938870512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51310159925232998412013-05-06T10:18:53.650+10:002013-05-06T10:18:53.650+10:00Learning to be content with what we have is such a...Learning to be content with what we have is such a transformative idea - still a work in progress for me!<br />Jo Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com