tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post1438686645637903743..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: A thrifty homeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26574237524842710362014-06-05T00:19:17.004+10:002014-06-05T00:19:17.004+10:00I live here in the states in Kentucky and where I ...I live here in the states in Kentucky and where I live in north western part, the cost of fuel for auto gasoline is about $3.65 per gallon. But where my parents live in south eastern part of Kentucky, gasoline prices are already $3.89 per gallon and rising more and will be more after July of this year. One thing about it, not being able to work right now, I have not had to spend out for gasoline and I am thankful as right now I do not have the extra money for that. So I keep my trips to a minimum and I only go out when I have to. I live within walking distance of a grocery store called IGA but their prices are way higher than Aldi. So I go to Aldi about once every 2 weeks and stock up. Of course I have to travel over the state line to go there and its about a 35 minute drive, but it's not that bad if we only go once every 2 weeks and shop with a list and stick by the list and get what we need to last us for a bit. Sometimes when we go, we can not find some of the items on our list but that's when we either shop locally within our city or our neighborhood or we do without it. And it's fine if we do without it. Kids are complaining though because they want to go out to eat more. I think if I make a picnic and take them out to the park to eat it then they would feel like they are eating out instead of at restaurants. We just simply can not afford restaurant foods. And since I bought a new appliance our electric bill is going down. And I've been unplugging what I can. We still do not have any property and land lord does not want anything on this property either so we can not grow our own food. If we did grown our own, we would cut down a lot on grocery shopping. And there is a big warehouse where I live and farms too that sell things in bulk. The farms sell a lot of produce but I only buy what's in season when we can afford it, some things are just too high to buy there. But anyway I love this post Rhonda.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10420237929202564140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54374623541537907552014-05-20T10:32:21.285+10:002014-05-20T10:32:21.285+10:00We're not ditching the holiday, Helsyd, just p...We're not ditching the holiday, Helsyd, just postponing it. The money will be used on a renovation here at home. rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91936155576665981512014-05-20T10:02:50.834+10:002014-05-20T10:02:50.834+10:00Before you ditch your holiday completely wait and ...Before you ditch your holiday completely wait and see how the budget translates - there will be some horse trading and not all measures will be approved, seems a shame not to still consider going when you are both in good enough health - Tasmania would be a wonderful place to holiday Helsydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11341108056164400772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56222925366062313472014-05-20T02:57:14.589+10:002014-05-20T02:57:14.589+10:00Looking forward to your next post! I just finished...Looking forward to your next post! I just finished reading Radical Homemakers....kind of the wrong wording for the title to me but lots of very good stuff and ideas. The same thing is happening in the USA but they hide it a little bit better....just makes me want to make sure we can sustain as long as possible if need be.....This weekend was the first time I said no to going somewhere with my mom and sisters for the weekend....just felt like I didn't want to spend the money. And I survived...! lol...ain't for city galshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14938751007704247232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34697785499581122442014-05-20T02:29:59.059+10:002014-05-20T02:29:59.059+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I'm looking forward to that post. ...Hi Rhonda, <br />I'm looking forward to that post. We are in the same situation here in The Netherlands, eventhough they say the crisis is at an end.Moniquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01997083457179608583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26006312338582691272014-05-20T01:25:39.065+10:002014-05-20T01:25:39.065+10:00I'm sorry to hear that the same problems in US...I'm sorry to hear that the same problems in USA have come to roost in your country I always thought of your country as being isolated from the woes of big government. Boy, was I wrong. I'm getting the impression there is no where on this earth to get away from it. Ladies, keep your spirits up. Where there's a will, there's a way. I can't say how glad I am that I was born frugal. Why, I'm nothing more than an aged hippy! Stay safe.Angie's frugal Househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07501238383146880477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34058640316283813512014-05-19T21:40:42.013+10:002014-05-19T21:40:42.013+10:00I think as we get older, holidays are nice for a b...I think as we get older, holidays are nice for a break (which we don't do every year or even every other year). Our priority with spare cash is to get the house right, get any bigger jobs done whilst we can still do them so that hopefully, in the future smaller jobs will only need to be budgeted for. We are currently watching Coast, Australia, what a diverse and beautiful country you live in and that is the only way we will be able to visit, via TV.Dchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02490191919855219024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67769431160925322512014-05-19T19:12:05.830+10:002014-05-19T19:12:05.830+10:00What a wonderful way to build up a fabric stash, y...What a wonderful way to build up a fabric stash, your quilt will remind all those that have gifted you fabric of the things they made from each piece too. Someday I would like to make a quilt but using fabric as you are rather than buying the pieces, it may take time........but that is free too!sustainablemumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04099701194160334671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54163848152946079772014-05-19T14:33:32.651+10:002014-05-19T14:33:32.651+10:00We must share genes, Lynda. I always ask. My moth...We must share genes, Lynda. I always ask. My mother used to tell people: "Rhonda won't die not knowing". And I must say your proposal is sweet but one of the reasons I want to go on this one holiday is to get away from the computer, the blog, the forum and everything I've been doing online. I want to go where people don't know me. I just want to wander around, enjoy the time with Hanno and my sister and for all of us to dine out, look at this wonderful country of ours and do whatever we feel like doing. It will happen. So thank you for your kind remarks, but it sounds too much like work.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44011107583240469952014-05-19T14:22:38.980+10:002014-05-19T14:22:38.980+10:00lejmom, I can't tell you the best place to lea...lejmom, I can't tell you the best place to learn online but I do know the ladies at the forum will steer you in the right direction and probably even help you with some early exercises. We have quite a few quilters there.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20466931410113664962014-05-19T13:24:41.751+10:002014-05-19T13:24:41.751+10:00Glad you are back, Rhonda! Missed your helpful id...Glad you are back, Rhonda! Missed your helpful ideas and words! Is there somewhere on the internet where I can learn the basics of quilting? I have never done it, and I don't know of anyone who quilts. I would like to teach myself! Does anyone go to thrift stores and buy clothing to cut up and use that fabric for quilting??lejmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09248900901037211499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44907079971962001222014-05-19T13:00:37.095+10:002014-05-19T13:00:37.095+10:00I know that you probably want to be on your own bu...I know that you probably want to be on your own but im sure that there must be many many of your blog readers in Tasmania and for that matter, all the way there and back (make that any where in the world) that would love to have you visit and stay over. Goodness, what a goumet delight that would be as everyone would be trying to outdo each other. Write a travelogue and what you find at each visit. Goodness, id read it. So maybe while you are saving away, you might consider giving your readers a thrill and plan some visits. <br /><br />Im a big advocate for "You dont get, if you dont ask". My husband also tells me that i have "more front than David Jones and Myer put together". <br /><br />Cheers<br />Lynda<br /><br /><br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12605358521258969537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36472881051791574602014-05-19T12:17:13.590+10:002014-05-19T12:17:13.590+10:00I've been wondering when the quilting bug woul...I've been wondering when the quilting bug would bite you Rhonda. Too bad about the Tassie trip but you'll get there as we will to Qld one day.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751315680374413649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75763249242442523002014-05-19T09:16:01.672+10:002014-05-19T09:16:01.672+10:00Sorry about you needing to post-pone your trip to ...Sorry about you needing to post-pone your trip to Tassie. But I guess you will enjoy it even more when you do go as there’s nothing worrying you at the back of your mind. I have not been great at budgeting yet, that is one thing I need to tackle this year. We don’t spend a lot I noticed but we have a lot of set expenses which I need to reduce. My plan is to work for another 12 years and then I will retire by the age of 50. So by then I want everything to be paid off (I have no debt other than my mortgage) and live on 10% of my current income. Glad I have 12 years to learn how to do this! I’m very much looking forward to more of your posts on reducing spending – they always contain fantastic tips!Francesca Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17205098498690628883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20399105948230106022014-05-19T08:48:57.660+10:002014-05-19T08:48:57.660+10:00Looking forward to reading about thrifty livings t...Looking forward to reading about thrifty livings tips tomorrow. I'm so exhausted with this pregnancy I've slipped into a few bad habits. One good thing that has happened is the discovery of the breadmaker by my husband- I think he's in love! It's been great not having to worry about having bread in the house, one thing off my mind! We bought new seat & back cushions for our lounge but haven't yet got around to reupholstering. Really need to do so before this baby arrives! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67032795002380209532014-05-19T07:59:04.738+10:002014-05-19T07:59:04.738+10:00I so hate to hear of the money financial troubles ...I so hate to hear of the money financial troubles our governments and countries are in. Makes me want to live more simple too every day, but I can't yet. I can do a few things now, but I am going to have have to go back to work someplace to get debts and expenses paid. When those are done and we have a piece of land to call our own, I am retiring if I can. My house hold needs me at home more than ever before but now I have to pay those debts and there's no other way to do it but go to work at different places. I may have to work 2 or 3 jobs. I am scared that I won't have some things done in time before our country too is financially tightened again as well. I have read both of your books Rhonda, and I so admire you. I have told my son about you and I mentioned why we should live the way you do. He understands but he still says he wants me to work so that he can get new things. I told him harder times are coming. It's hard for him to grasp that now even though is older, he has special needs and he just doesn't want to give into it. He wants what all the other kids want and it's not about needs. I've explained the difference in the two to him. And I am teaching my daughter and my son the reasons why we need to tighten down more and how to save money on lots of things. I hope it is doing them good to learn now. I know it is, but they still don't want to give in to it. They will thank me later on in life of what I try to teach them.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10420237929202564140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80489611767499207102014-05-19T07:47:28.418+10:002014-05-19T07:47:28.418+10:00Your stash of fabric looks great Rhonda! I'm s...Your stash of fabric looks great Rhonda! I'm sure your quilt will look beautiful and will protect your couch. I have my grandparents lounge and it was fairly new before my grandmother passed away. Because it is made out of fabric I have it cover with rugs and quilts. It's so easy to throw them in the washing machine. I can't believe how grubby they get! <br />As for the new budget coming out, we have lost a government payment that I used to homeschool our daughter. I will have to find the money elsewhere now so we are tightening our budget even more. This year our vegetable garden is bigger than it has ever been and that helps with our food budget. At the moment and for the next several months we are having pumpkin with everything:)<br />Take care and I hope you get your holiday next year.Vintage Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16844669942410942778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60689407342811264022014-05-19T07:24:18.682+10:002014-05-19T07:24:18.682+10:00Hi Rhonda
Great to be talking about thrift and the...Hi Rhonda<br />Great to be talking about thrift and the living simply. I have found it such a relief! For busy quilters, there is a book available on quilting with 3 fabric patterns only. Has about 12 different patterns and really great read. I love the way in which you have organised your materials into colours Rhonda. That job for me this.Benitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06011542976924952529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35741872724310021382014-05-19T07:10:46.743+10:002014-05-19T07:10:46.743+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Welcome back! I'm so glad you wil...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />Welcome back! I'm so glad you will be talking about thrift because there's always more to learn, and sometimes I simply forget some of the thrifty things I used to do and fall into bad habits.<br /><br />I have to admit I was personally quite depressed by the budget as I've been pedalling very hard to get ahead. I was appalled by the 'no cap on university fees' part of it, as my oldest will be heading for university in three and a half years. This means cutting back even more at home so that I can help the kids get a decent education. I think it's great if kids can take a gap year and contribute some of the funds themselves, but I would hate to see them in the position of many American kids, graduating with enormous amounts of debt before they've even entered the work force.<br /><br />Anyway, after feeling depressed about the budget bits that would affect me personally, I realised I just had to get my big girls pants on and get on with it! I decided to focus on continuing working on my old house with the materials I already have to hand, tightening up on things like car use and water use, focusing on the cost of fruit and veg per kilo when meal planning, and just making things last a bit longer again.<br /><br />The Winter veg in the garden are thriving and I intend to thrive too!<br /><br />Madeleine.XAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13559971434219770926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59354189591574187932014-05-19T06:58:11.669+10:002014-05-19T06:58:11.669+10:00Morning Rhonda, sorry to hear you're postponin...Morning Rhonda, sorry to hear you're postponing your holiday, but you'll enjoy it even more next year when all the "must-dos" are done. I quilt with scraps now and after a few years, while working, when I bought all the matchy bits from a fabric line, I must say I enjoy pulling the scraps out now and finding a way for them to play nicely together. I just made a play quilt for my neighbour's little girl to have in her cubby, I didn't think about it much, if it had pink on it, it went in the quilt. I did 6 and a half inch squares alternated with 3 and a half x 6 and a half inch strips for a bit of interest and to use up smaller pieces. It looks great, I picture her having tea parties on it and reading to her dolls. I now have a blue/green one done the same way cut out ready to stitch for my old neighbour who's just gone into a nursing home. There's always a use for the scraps and bits to give someone pleasure and warmth.<br />Looking forward to the thrifty talks tomorrow.Nanettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14473143331781472223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34238827101922507352014-05-19T06:14:26.460+10:002014-05-19T06:14:26.460+10:00I wanted to read your book, Simple Living, so I lo...I wanted to read your book, Simple Living, so I looked it up on the national library database here in Denmark. And to my surprise it was there, so now I'm just waiting for it to arrive at my local library.Malenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14714384643094353912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7956352149895699172014-05-19T04:47:27.878+10:002014-05-19T04:47:27.878+10:00It's always a very special feeling that, when ...It's always a very special feeling that, when your post gets up as your day starts, I am finishing my day (it would be the day before). I feel very connected then. I'm sorry to hear about having to postpone your trip. Elections here are next week and I have the impression that things are going to get harder, whoever gets to push the buttons. It makes me reset my priorities and looking for a more frugal life - and that makes me kinder and milder towards other people somehow. Maybe because a frugal life is so much about sharing (not only stuff, but also experience and advice), it's an interesting and most welcome answer to the hardness lately. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com