tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post33414607231645716..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Re-evaluating and moving forwardUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80199433330041468472008-05-20T00:07:00.000+10:002008-05-20T00:07:00.000+10:00Fantastic ideas. It's great to read about your so...Fantastic ideas. It's great to read about your solutions! Thanks for keeping us up-to-date as many readers are watching their budgets and wondering how and where to cut back next...Belhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15269898358066713252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91784551661562594052008-05-19T22:03:00.000+10:002008-05-19T22:03:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda,One other thing that may save you a bit ...Hi Rhonda,<BR/><BR/>One other thing that may save you a bit is on your cat food. Now I'm in the UK and used to buy their tinned cat food, as it is the cheapest around of that type of food. However, I've discovered a dry food called Burns - I don't know if its available in Australia, but it works out about half the cost of the Aldi tins, and the cats absolutely LOVE it, as its all natural ingredients, no nasty chemicals like in other commercial pet foods. We buy a 7.5kg bag for a bit under £25 and it last our 3 cats for 2 months.<BR/><BR/>If they don't sell it over there (or anything like it) then you may want to consider buying cheap meat (that is out of date, or not fit for human consumption, but is generally considered fine for pets) from some meat wholesalers and prepare their food fresh (just boil it up and add gravy.stock with a bit of flour to thicken). Standard pet food is more than double the price pound for pound than prime steak, allegedly, although I've not costed up that particular rumour myself.<BR/><BR/>Just a thought, hope it helps.<BR/><BR/>Much love,<BR/><BR/>FiFiFiFihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09525757684048252596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64046033185896629222008-05-19T06:02:00.000+10:002008-05-19T06:02:00.000+10:00Good Morning Rhonda, I wish you luck in your Etsy ...Good Morning Rhonda, I wish you luck in your Etsy shop and sustainablity workshops. I would just love to attend one of your soap making courses.<BR/><BR/>Have a happy day.<BR/><BR/>Pippa in Cornwall.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78158905209663828032008-05-19T05:25:00.001+10:002008-05-19T05:25:00.001+10:00I am sorry you are struggling, but I can't even be...I am sorry you are struggling, but I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am that you will begin selling your stitchery! Please let us know when your etsy shop is open.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28826207568750082982008-05-19T05:25:00.000+10:002008-05-19T05:25:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda,I just wanted to say that I would most c...Hi Rhonda,<BR/>I just wanted to say that I would most certainly purchase one of your stitchery's from your shop if you posted to the UK. I understand your principle to not want to make us spend but for me it would be 'spending to save' as every time i looked at it, it would remind me of why i am living like i am and the reasons behind it. Here in the UK food prices and fuel are also rising at an astonishing rate, we have started our stockpile and our veg patch is really taking shape, so things for us will be ok, and we will continue to baby step our way to spending less saving more for he more uncertain times ahead. Thanks for your words of wisdom. Stacey Wall xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53108307631492052122008-05-19T02:12:00.000+10:002008-05-19T02:12:00.000+10:00Rhonda, I hope your new financial plan works out. ...Rhonda, I hope your new financial plan works out. Good luck!Mrs. Anna Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15377583333000789903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37304170320591522802008-05-19T02:10:00.000+10:002008-05-19T02:10:00.000+10:00What struck me about your post is how other pensio...What struck me about your post is how other pensioners are surviving - you live so carefully through thrift - I am sure many don't, and I wonder how they are making it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88999164004245493002008-05-19T02:07:00.000+10:002008-05-19T02:07:00.000+10:00I read your blog with total awe! So many excellen...I read your blog with total awe! So many excellent ideas that WE can use in California! One idea you may not have considered is that of a solar cooker. It looks like it would be easy to build and use (google "solar oven"). We have a real fog problem where we live and I don't think we have enough sunny hours to cook food but I know people who have used them. Excellent energy free idea for veggie cooking but I am not sure if it is safe for meat containing recipes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40918238032327561142008-05-19T02:00:00.000+10:002008-05-19T02:00:00.000+10:00I think the idea of the sustainability workshops (...I think the idea of the sustainability workshops (yes, for a fee) is a winner. I know enough women, including myself (unfortunately in California, but still) you would love to take part and would walk away with a new sense of confidence. It's a great idea!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72523047464844464852008-05-19T00:26:00.000+10:002008-05-19T00:26:00.000+10:00Rhonda,I wish you much success with your Etsy shop...Rhonda,<BR/>I wish you much success with your Etsy shop and new plan. Rising prices are forcing everyone to make changes and sacrifices. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for being such a good example for all of us.<BR/><BR/>KimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64067646340710541432008-05-18T23:50:00.000+10:002008-05-18T23:50:00.000+10:00Rhonda you are such an inspiration, I wish you wel...Rhonda you are such an inspiration, I wish you well with the Etsy shop, I would love some soap and stitchery patterns. I noticed a previous comment regarding tithing - you already give so much to your community in my eyes and I am sure in many others that is you tithe (in hours of volunteer work). All the best for the future to you, Hanno and family - best blog, first blog I read everyday.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37661042235850747732008-05-18T23:28:00.000+10:002008-05-18T23:28:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda In the Uk volunteers are entitled to exp...Hi Rhonda <BR/><BR/>In the Uk volunteers are entitled to expenses ie it shouldn't cost you anything to volunteer <BR/><BR/>couldn't you claim your fuel costs from the centre you work for?? <BR/><BR/>if they are grant funded they can apply for this money as part of a project so technically your not taking money away from the project<BR/><BR/>could the centre not apply for funding and pay you for doing things like budgeting,cooking etc<BR/><BR/>i have done these for vollie org and been well paid for it especially if the course you offer is a governments pet project ours are healthy eating and skills<BR/><BR/><BR/>Sharron in the UKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82825170980832142812008-05-18T23:20:00.000+10:002008-05-18T23:20:00.000+10:00I am so glad you took the ideas on board, I love t...I am so glad you took the ideas on board, I love the Esty shop idea, I would love to be a customer, but the poasteage would be prohibitave.<BR/><BR/>I am going to print off your soap making workshop and see if I can make some soap. Currently I buy the cheapest washing powder I can find and mix it with washing soda. I would love to find an alternative, especially if it is cheaper, right now 3 months supply of washing 'stuff' costs me about £2.00. I keep it in a plastic crate with a lid and stir it about to make sure that the soda is mixed through. I use about half a cup full to a full load of washing.<BR/><BR/>Good luck Rhonda, I will look forward to reading how your projects are going.<BR/><BR/>I would love to attend a seminar, but UK to Aussie......think of all the pollution!!!!!!!!!!!and the cost.<BR/><BR/>Today we have planted up the allotment with climbing beans, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celebrease and brussels, lettuce and courgette. I had to weed out all the mustard that had grown whilst we were away, its all in the compost bins now.<BR/><BR/>We need rain, although all our barrels are full, they will not last long, the ground is cracking now..........sweet blondie blue eyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10415902997410295811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77401000897744401812008-05-18T23:18:00.000+10:002008-05-18T23:18:00.000+10:00We are quickly approaching the day that we will be...We are quickly approaching the day that we will be half way through 2008. What a great idea to go through our current budget and goals and see what's working and what could be pruned back.<BR/><BR/>Would love to see some easy beginner stitchery patterns for children. Most everything is directed or designed for adults. Perhaps you can design a little girl character that will win the hearts of both mothers and children.<BR/><BR/>Best Wishes on your new endeavor.Needle, Thimble and Thread https://www.blogger.com/profile/02998233696141477714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84168873268248430262008-05-18T20:06:00.000+10:002008-05-18T20:06:00.000+10:00Rhonda,Thank you for a lovely well put together bl...Rhonda,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for a lovely well put together blog. I would like to sign up for a sustainability workshop, and would be very interested in an at home consultation...we are on the North side of Brisbane. I think that you have so much support and the wisdom that you and Hanno have gone about this dilema is very encouraging. If only you could bottle your wisdom and sell it!! You could make a fortune.<BR/><BR/>I will pray that you will be richly blessed as you go about implemeting the changes to your life.<BR/><BR/>Kindest Regards Michellejohnathonjohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16044558143129856797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85549287644556423622008-05-18T19:55:00.000+10:002008-05-18T19:55:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda,Thanks for all the helpful tips. I see y...Hi Rhonda,<BR/>Thanks for all the helpful tips. I see you've said you use paper tissues. I find hankerchiefs much handier (and cheaper) and you can throw them into a normal wash when they get dirty.<BR/>Good luck with cutting back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62083812959114055782008-05-18T19:04:00.000+10:002008-05-18T19:04:00.000+10:00Good luck with the esty shop. You are an inspirat...Good luck with the esty shop. You are an inspiration Rhonda. Keep up the good work.Clarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06985913703888998581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58801992244416126572008-05-18T18:54:00.000+10:002008-05-18T18:54:00.000+10:00Interesting post! Lots of ideas, but it looks like...Interesting post! Lots of ideas, but it looks like you're already doing so much. I guess gas is a huge cost, so car pooling or riding a bike (I don't know about public transport?) seems a cheaper option if possible at all.<BR/>The Etsy shop and workshops are great ideas, the knowledge you have about making things is worth a fee for many!<BR/>I'm sure you and Hanno can make it work, and it's a great adventure indeed. I look forward to reading about it!<BR/>Christine from the NLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26977799659351137872008-05-18T18:50:00.000+10:002008-05-18T18:50:00.000+10:00What about making your own cheese? You would still...What about making your own cheese? You would still have to buy milk but perhaps that would be cheaper?Rebekkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13536021238594385545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69770687807804802442008-05-18T18:10:00.000+10:002008-05-18T18:10:00.000+10:00Hello Rhonda, good to see so much focus - it's so ...Hello Rhonda, good to see so much focus - it's so sensible to have a plan, and to constantly re-evaluate where you are. Good luck with the Etsy shop, am sure it will work for you. Re the e-books: if I check the exchange rate, uk pounds to aus dollars, I often feel I'm getting a good deal, so don't be put off by that. I also loved Tin House's idea of the nappy wrappers, and am sure you could add that to your skills, being an accomplished knitter already.Best of luck to you and Hanno. Warm hugs, Diana xwalter and mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03654023053222721637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80847267521808706282008-05-18T16:16:00.000+10:002008-05-18T16:16:00.000+10:00Perhaps you can also sell homemade jams, preserves...Perhaps you can also sell homemade jams, preserves, sauces, tea in your shop? <BR/>Here in Holland the prices of fuel are rising too. Here a litre diesel costs 1.35 euro! And about 70% of it is taxes for our government. We pay tax over taxes. So people got angry sometimes about it. When my husband has to buy fuel he has to pay now almost 70 euro's. Our car uses 1 litre for 18 kilometres.<BR/>But we need the car for my husband to go to his work. <BR/>Good luck with all your new ideas. I'm also very curious about them.<BR/><BR/>AnnikkaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-22508181067141539522008-05-18T15:20:00.000+10:002008-05-18T15:20:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda Jean. Thank you for sharing your budget...Hi Rhonda Jean. Thank you for sharing your budget difficulties with us. The clear, objective way that you've gone about assessing and suggesting solutions to the problem has been a real inspiration to me. I live in the UK so unfortuately wouldn't be able to attend any sustainability classes you'll run but I really would love to. Good luck, and Bright Blessings to you and Hano, I look forward to hearing how you get on.<BR/><BR/>Sheryl.<BR/><BR/>P.S. Mrs Broody is still on her clutch....Catsisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11565894014461202522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50484740750451796322008-05-18T15:05:00.000+10:002008-05-18T15:05:00.000+10:00I am reading comments, and thought of the craft sh...I am reading comments, and thought of the craft shop we have here. Not sure how widespread they are, it is the second one I have heard of. The retired and other ladies sell their plants, sewing, knitting, jam etc. in a shop, they volunteer their time to run the shop. They write the label information into a book. From what I know about craft shops, it is a place to get money for your craft items, the overhead is the electricity shared I am guessing. I get lovely plants there, it is a blessing to me, today we are planting out a windflower from there.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17457300221571368059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71354841837526390942008-05-18T14:54:00.000+10:002008-05-18T14:54:00.000+10:00Thanks for taking the trouble to set out that post...Thanks for taking the trouble to set out that post. I was trying to rethink what I had read previously. <BR/><BR/>Your grocery bill is much lower than mine, I should add that instead of meat we use smaller amounts of sausages, so loved what you said about sausages. We first started eating bigos with rookwurst I think when we changed to cooking with sausages. We had moved to a community with probably more German shoppers than where we lived previously.<BR/><BR/>Love the guineafowls in pic.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for explaining about why no advertising, that makes perfect sense. <BR/><BR/>I was having a lovely time yesterday reading articles by Shannon Christman. <BR/>http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/category/shannon-christman<BR/><BR/>I wish you well with the Etsy shop. <BR/><BR/>I must say from talking about things with hubby, he mentioned LPG for cars is going to be taxed. We have this like another reader. <BR/><BR/>This is very encouraging. Maybe I could look for more ways to cut back too. <BR/>www.homesteadblogger.com/ourlittlehouseintownLindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17457300221571368059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-63092226650500801402008-05-18T14:53:00.000+10:002008-05-18T14:53:00.000+10:00I love the idea of your Etsy shop, and especially ...I love the idea of your Etsy shop, and especially like the idea of sustainability workshops there at your home. Jack and I discussed what we'd suggest, but it was difficult coming up with anything since you're already very aware of your spending, are out of debt, and manage your household so carefully. The one thing we came up with was something along the lines of the sustainability workshops, and yes, to teach soapmaking, sewing, making eco-friendly cleaners & fertilizers, organic gardening, jam-making, etc.<BR/>If you were in our area, we'd gladly pay for an afternoon to be taught some basic necessary skills such as you have.<BR/>We'll be watching carefully as you implement the new changes, and we wish you success with each of them! :)Robbynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01860870861321231048noreply@blogger.com