tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post8983868335945241242..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Never ending small stepsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13919477463845934002012-11-22T02:35:26.036+10:002012-11-22T02:35:26.036+10:00Sorry to hear of the passing of one of our communi...Sorry to hear of the passing of one of our community! It is such a wonderful community, indeed.<br /><br />Thanks for this post, Rhonda. It is such a good reminder. And it made me laugh when you mention the simple living police! Ha!BLD in MThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08497511995276601468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53168279053635550302012-11-21T10:55:09.348+10:002012-11-21T10:55:09.348+10:00Hi Eliza,
I think the answer here is that I'm...Hi Eliza,<br /><br />I think the answer here is that I'm just cheaper than your average bear, and I have very low standards! :-) <br /><br />I never do anything "just for pretty" so for storage I just use cardboard boxes that I get for free. I also get most of my clothing, sheets etc for free from FreeCycle. But other than special clothing for specific purposes (like my cycling habit) I'm not very particular about what I wear - I pick up maybe an item or two per year - all used, of course. It seems that clothes & housewares are very easy to come by in this society... FreeCycle, clothing exchanges, thrift shops, hand-me-downs etc. My problem is keeping them down to manageable numbers, not acquiring them in the first place! <br /><br />In terms of laundry, it's just me and 4 cats. I work from home so I wear things until they are really dirty. I also have a HUGE capacity washer which I bought because I was tired of hauling the king sized comforter to the laundr-o-mat every time one of the cats barfed on it - and unless it's hairball season, it takes me a month to dirty enough stuff to fill it up!<br /><br />I really didn't mean to come across as snarky... we all have different needs, skills, affinities and priorities - and there's nothing wrong with crafts... they're just not my cup of tea.<br /><br />I guess I just think that in general we make things harder than they need to be because we're trying to live up to some sort of idealized picture - for most people that picture involves things like status, money and possessions, but the same syndrome can apply to "simplicity" or "green living" as well. And if all we're doing is substituting one picture for another, we're really not accomplishing much.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70902098028391552052012-11-21T08:18:14.511+10:002012-11-21T08:18:14.511+10:00Dear Sara,
I hope you can take one minute to take ...Dear Sara,<br />I hope you can take one minute to take a look at my place. I am a mother of two and a couple of years ago I didn't know a thing about frugal living. Know I am making my own blanket and hope to finish another handknit item. Not that I have so much time with two kids (6 and 1), and not because of my fantastic creativity, but due to my little steps at the time. I have learned from Rhonda and other bloggers (just like you: not from my parents or other relatives) to do just one little tiny step each day and yes.. you will come to a point where I am now. Not out of learning, sometimes still running out of time, but with the knowledge of doing the right thing. For yourself, your family and the earth with his future. <br /><br />Hope to hear from you in the future! God blessAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34011344393583276682012-11-21T08:02:20.190+10:002012-11-21T08:02:20.190+10:00If you cant find cotton knitting yarn use two ball...If you cant find cotton knitting yarn use two balls of cotton string (unwaxed from supermarket or in the stationary section in places like Big W)in order to make washcloths. They work really well in the shower. I have made Two washcloths and plan on making more for gifts along with bars of soap.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79911091234081989572012-11-20T12:52:52.298+10:002012-11-20T12:52:52.298+10:00Sara, I totally sympathise with you. I have a 4yo,...Sara, I totally sympathise with you. I have a 4yo, 3yo and 16 month old and I too am a SAHM. It gets crazy here and when evening comes there are some nights the idea of cooking something healthy and nutritious with organic ingredients is all to much and my husband will get the call to pick up a pizza. Do what you can, look back 6 months ago and see the changes you HAVE made and be very proud. I also get the same response from my parents. I make sourdough bread, partly because I am developing an intolerance to normal bread (sourdough rises for 7 or more hours which helps process enzymes found in normal wheat/flour. Sprouting grain does the same thing but it's a time consuming pain) and because it's just so much nicer to eat, not to mention I don't need to buy yeast. My dad, who is also gluten intolerant, tried some of my sourdough the other week with positive results but when I suggested that mum make it she told me she was at the stage of life where she just wants it easy. I can respect that and if that is her choice but it saddens and frustrates me when she makes out that the extra effort I make is worthless and silly. I mean, why go to all the effort and expense when you can buy it. She doesn't understand the joy I feel when I serve homemade organic food to my family and when I can harvest my own fruits and veggies, my joy will be complete.<br />We op-shop for most of our clothes as keeping things out of landfill is a valuable thing although when I get the time I do like to sew too, mainly for items I simply can't buy or not cheaply (I love 1940's/50's fashion) and washing powder really is simple. I use Priya soap which is a lovely natural soap and just grate it in my Thermomix although my food processor before would grate it perfectly too.<br />Don't be hard on yourself and remember that each of our journeys are individual and our own. Do what you can now and maybe set a list of things you'd like to try for next year. As my kids get older I find they're less time intensive (if only that they sleep better or help dress themselves). Jessie - Rabid Little Hippyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13949841247537454674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80119741310241989202012-11-20T12:06:52.390+10:002012-11-20T12:06:52.390+10:00Hi there. I know that crafting can indeed be expen...Hi there. I know that crafting can indeed be expensive, but to me learning to sew has meant I can be even more thrifty. I get fabric from a very cheap shop (just ends of rolls) for $1 - $2 per metre. I also can alter op shop finds, make kids tee shirts from my husbands old tee shirts, make curtains, sheets etc. I also make other things around the house such as storage boxes (which can easily cost hundreds of dollars) by covering Australian Post boxes with pretty (and cheap) fabric. When I first started I went to Spotlight, thinking it was the cheap alternative but realised that yes it was more expensive than buying it.<br /><br />Also, I think you are very lucky to get by on one wash a month. I'm not sure if you have small children, but laundry is a battle with them around. If you do, would be great to hear how you manage that. <br /><br />Cheers,<br />ElizaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23262442877489178062012-11-20T07:11:24.965+10:002012-11-20T07:11:24.965+10:00Bravo Rhonda and good luck Sara, I know when my so...Bravo Rhonda and good luck Sara, I know when my son was small I was exhausted all the time and had little energy for the things I wanted to do. But they grow up so quick and your energy will return and you'll be off and racing. <br />DaylaDaylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04544561530618570093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20793530308247062612012-11-20T06:38:54.567+10:002012-11-20T06:38:54.567+10:00I have been through this over the last three years...I have been through this over the last three years. I found Rhonda's blog around the time I gave up work to be at home following my third child's birth. We happened to come across an allotment at this time also. So we embraced the change and pushed ourselves very hard working towards the simple life. Too hard I think in hindsight. It was an exhilerating challenge and was wonderful for the kids. However, I think it is so important to allow yourself off the hook a little at this point in your life. My house was a mess for years but we achieved so much, and learned so many skills. Now, just three years later things are so much easier. My husbands hours have increased hugely so it really largely falls on my now but my house is starting to look reasonable, and I have a nice routine which means I have time to concentrate on kids after school. Everything just seems so much more manageable now. It really is such a short period of time they need you so intensely. And the main advantage to making this change while they are young is they will take simple living as 'normal' as they grow, not the accepted consumerism most kids take as normal. Rachel, IrelandAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32807475820304489492012-11-20T05:47:08.797+10:002012-11-20T05:47:08.797+10:00Wow what a wealth of information! Thanks to all w...Wow what a wealth of information! Thanks to all who have contributed. I'm learning to do what you can, when you can. I had knee reconstruction recently and we chose to go back to a certain amount of convience foods just so we could cope better. My leg is healing well so I'm back to cooking and baking (the kids are over shapes biscuits but it filled a need) The house isn't clean but it never was. I've also learnt during my recovery time to sit (a near impossibility for me) and its given me wonderful time with my kids (13,12,9)just to talk/giggle/cuddle. So even while I would have rather not gotten injured I'm going to take some positives out of this and as I get back to my old routines there will be some new ones on board as well. milkmaid74noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9867041290070489842012-11-20T04:26:58.037+10:002012-11-20T04:26:58.037+10:00I'm posting this comment for Jo-Anne who had p...I'm posting this comment for Jo-Anne who had problems commenting today.<br /><br />Please tell Sara from me that she isn't too old to learn any skill as long as her memory is good. For an example, my Mom who at the age of 81 got a second-hand computer, still not convinced if she could learn and thinking that she'd probably just return it. But in a few weeks of me snail mailing her, phoning and showing her how to work the computer on our annual visit, she was regularly emailling my brothers and me. She soon learned how to surf the net and read whatever interested her there too. That's the limit of her computer skills but it keeps her happy and feeling good about herself. Today at 87 years of age, Mom emails me daily. She's so happy to save on long-distance charges as the members of my family live great distances from each other. So please tell Sara this story.<br /> <br />Thanks to you, Rhonda, and the other readers of your blog, Sara has received lots of great advice. Thank you again for this wonderful forum. Jo-Anne rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66952751905087707832012-11-20T01:03:12.328+10:002012-11-20T01:03:12.328+10:00Everyone has posted such helpful posts, so I am no...Everyone has posted such helpful posts, so I am not sure that I can add very much. It is important that we remember that baby steps will get us further than rushing in to try everything and become frustrated at the process. While your children are young, the emphasis has to be on feeding them nutritious, simple fare and guiding them to become gentle, thoughtful children. When my son was young, I taught myself to make bread and had him help me knead the dough. We had a small garden and I set aside a corner for him so that he could plant flowers. We made yogurt, gathered food for baskets for the needy and went for walks in nature. I taught myself to knit (youtube is amazing) but still mostly stick to making dishcloths. They're wonderful and make good gifts. Be easy on yourself. It is hard to overcome the feeling that we are not good enough if we don't do it all - this is no better than being sucked into the rat race that careers can sometimes wreck on us. One step at a time - and never forget that raising thoughtful, kind children who are keen on learning is the most important gift that we can give to the world.ManitoulinGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14906063167864904428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-63615858670734831902012-11-20T00:59:47.502+10:002012-11-20T00:59:47.502+10:00Jenn - I live in the US, too. I have made my own l...Jenn - I live in the US, too. I have made my own laundry "detergent" for years, using Rhonda's basic recipe. I have had great results using almost any kind of soap at all...not just a soap made specifically for laundry. I don't personally care for Fels Naptha, though many people use it. My daughter has sensitive, easily irritated skin, and Fels Naptha seems to irritate her skin as much as commercial laundry products.<br /><br />I have great results with Dr. Bronner's soaps, but they are rather expensive. Kirk's Castille Soap (which I find at my local grocery store or any health foods store or Whole Foods) works well and is much less expensive. I know people who use Ivory soap with good results,too, but I prefer a castille soap myself.<br /><br />Also - I have a front loading machine, which some people claim will be ruined by homemade products. I have not had any such problems and have had my machine for 9 years so far. The trick is not to use too much detergent! Also, when I make laundry powder, I usually run it through the food processor, which grinds it to a very fine powder. I find that it dissolves better in cold water - or any temperature water - this way. <br /><br />Hope this helps.<br />Amynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44489074426562031112012-11-19T21:37:29.732+10:002012-11-19T21:37:29.732+10:00Sorry to hear about your reader Coralie, my sympat...Sorry to hear about your reader Coralie, my sympathy to her family and friends. Great advice as usual.Samihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06467163627586022816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82011440416696668012012-11-19T19:29:42.334+10:002012-11-19T19:29:42.334+10:00I know many people enjoy crafting, and I think tha...I know many people enjoy crafting, and I think that's great if you want a hobby. I also think it's great that people want to use more environmentally safe products such as soap rather than detergent (and yes, I'm using Planet brand laundry detergent which I'm sure has petro-chemicals in it.) I only do about one load of laundry per month and it takes a LOOOONNNGG time to use up one of those bottles!<br /><br />I guess I just see a lot of people like Sara running themselves ragged trying to live up to some 19th century image of "simplicity" all the while ignoring some very real 21st century issues like massive mortgages, long commutes, families that require two large incomes to function, and houses filled with the latest greatest techno-gadgets - all of which are arguably doing much more harm to their sanity and the environment than a bit of laundry detergent or a lack of knitting. <br /><br />As a person who tends to beat herself up for not being "good enough" I'm probably overly sensitive to the "I'm overwhelmed" message that I read in Sara's email. I guess I think we do ourselves a disservice by looking at "simplicity" as something that's daunting or difficult, and which requires a big commitment of time and energy. I prefer to look at it as a process of getting free from the expectations of our consumer culture - letting go of projects, activities, needless expenses, superfluous possessions, the keeping up of appearances, etc. <br /><br />I didn't mean to be overly critical. Doing things by hand is admirable, and I applaud any and all steps to live in a more environmentally friendly manner. I guess I'm just trying to look at the bigger picture.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88352122462352561572012-11-19T18:47:18.330+10:002012-11-19T18:47:18.330+10:00As always, such lovely gentle encouragement from R...As always, such lovely gentle encouragement from Rhonda. Sara, it sounds that you are beating yourself up, but you seem to have achieved so much with the major changes to your life in the last year, which you say have given you huge benefits. Maybe you are done for the time being and perhaps you can start sewing, knitting, etc., when you have more time and energy as the children grow! As someone else mentioned, maybe just a few bought-in tomato plants will give you and the children the pleasure of growing your own food and therefore another achievement. Small baby steps!<br /><br />Jak x Jakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01208269163297762265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85901150087687920092012-11-19T17:14:18.185+10:002012-11-19T17:14:18.185+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I'm very sorry to hear about Coral...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I'm very sorry to hear about Coralie. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me, and also to your wonderful readers for their advice too. Something that I thought of while reading this is that my Mum knows how to knit. She's coming on holidays with us in January so asking her to teach me could be a great way for us to connect by just being together.<br /><br />My children are 16 months and almost 4. Today, as I hung out a load of nappies, it occurred to me that I won't always be doing so much washing and housework (they'll have their own chores as soon as they can...my 4 year old already has some). My youngest won't always be in nappies. My eldest is starting pre-school next year so already there'll be some extra time. I can't imagine it! Not without crying :-)<br /><br />And I realise that I probably do more than what I think. While I don't knit dishcloths, I was given a huge amount of face washers when I had each child. I split them into three: for the face/body, for dishes and for wiping bottoms (thankfully it was easy to colour code!) I will make a list tonight of what I've achieved and what I hope to still do.<br /><br />We always need to strive for the next goal, don't we? Otherwise, what's left?<br /><br />So thank you so much for your post today. You have really helped me gain clarity and motivation. I wonder if you know how inspirational you are, not just to me!<br /><br />Sara<br /><br />PS. My sister just told me that I can sew above a beginners level, reminding me I sewed myself a skirt with zip relatively recently. I must stop being so hard on myself!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44858364406306619292012-11-19T15:39:32.797+10:002012-11-19T15:39:32.797+10:00Jenn, I think the US ladies often use Fels Naptha ...Jenn, I think the US ladies often use Fels Naptha but you can use any laundry soap.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34372834877850113152012-11-19T15:38:39.454+10:002012-11-19T15:38:39.454+10:00It all depends on what you need and what you have ...It all depends on what you need and what you have access to. I could never buy one year's worth of detergent for $5. Do you mean detergent or liquid soap? Most detergents sold here are based on petro-chemcials. I love creating soft furnishing and gifts from fabric scraps I have at home.<br /><br />The point of the post was to highlight that we all live differently. We change as we age, we all change in different ways and but that difference is always there. And that's fine.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83226089155433280992012-11-19T14:07:59.657+10:002012-11-19T14:07:59.657+10:00Please forgive if what I am about to ask has been ...Please forgive if what I am about to ask has been covered elsewhere or previously, but reading your and a couple of other blogs are my quick escapes while still being able to keep an eye on my children. For the homemade powder soap, I am not sure what type of bar soap to grate up into it as I am in the US. I know the local stores sell a bar of very strong smelling pink soap for pre-treating and occasionally there is another type at another store, but I am hesitant to use either with how sensitive we are to soaps (we can not use Tide or Dreft or Gain which are big name brands here). Jennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16574921541340837344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-63332383151539217562012-11-19T13:49:03.933+10:002012-11-19T13:49:03.933+10:00Sara, I can remember the total exhaustion from hav...Sara, I can remember the total exhaustion from having little children, but believe me, that time passes, and you will have the energy to tackle new tasks and skills.<br />I started sewing my own clothes about 4 years ago, at 42. I love my sewing, I love making clothes to my taste, from natural fibres that fit me! (This combination is not easy to find off the rack in my experience).It's also a great creative outlet. When you feel ready, I'd encourage you to give it a crack - it's great fun!Paolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14472129226320589172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-3432455985479706712012-11-19T13:37:30.838+10:002012-11-19T13:37:30.838+10:00Hmmm... I have to say that this post leaves me wit...Hmmm... I have to say that this post leaves me with very mixed feelings. <br /><br />When I first started down the road of voluntary simplicity 20 years ago, one of the first things I decided to do was to make a hand made quilt from scraps of old clothing. It just seemed like the quintessential "simple" project. But soon I had blisters on my fingers, lots of frustration, and a big project hanging over my head making me stressed out. I then realized that if I wanted a quilt I could buy a used one at the thrift shop for less money than I had spent buying thread for my project! But even that was pointless because the truth was I didn't need a quilt at all!<br /><br />I guess I just think that it's easy to get caught up in the picture of simplicity rather than the reality. I wanted to make a quilt because it conjured up images of Laura Ingalls Wilder passing hours in quiet contemplation - but the reality of MY quilt, wasn't "simple" at all!<br /><br />The truth is that we live in a world that is literally drowning in "goods," so while crafting might be a fun and enjoyable hobby, it often doesn't really further the goal of simplifying our lives. <br /><br />I personally found that I got MUCH more mileage out of things like tracking my expenses, paying down the mortgage, insulating the house, learning to do home repairs instead of paying to have them done, cutting out needless commitments & activities, and learning to live WAY beneath my means - both in terms of money and time. <br /><br />I personally don't make my own washing detergent because I can buy a year's supply of environmentally friendly detergent for under $5 - it's just not a good investment of my time and energy. Same for making clothes etc... I can get everything I need for under $20/year at the thrift shop - I'd spend WAY more than that on yarn & fabric, not to mention the time and energy drain. <br /><br />Maybe it all depends on your definition of "simple."EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90719858748611149292012-11-19T13:22:21.366+10:002012-11-19T13:22:21.366+10:00One is NEVER to old to learn something new particu...One is NEVER to old to learn something new particularly if one thinks one might enjoy it. I was always a cook and gardener, but the last two years I have really got into sewing, and received a very economical basic sewing machine for Christmas last year. All I can say is that I have enjoyed it no end and have taken classes at the local sewing shop twice now. One was in basic and beginning sewing (a refresher course for me), the other was for a simple tote bag. There was fabric galore as you would expect at all levels of pricing: the newest and latest material lines brought in and the bargain fabrics on their way out; all of it worthy of attention and in fine shape. By the by, I just turned 60 last October.<br /><br />Pick something you think you would like and go for it! You just never know whether it is for you unless you try. hopflowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73444816055010771432012-11-19T12:24:10.939+10:002012-11-19T12:24:10.939+10:00 My mom knit in the evenings.. I still recall the... My mom knit in the evenings.. I still recall the calming sound of the needles clicking, and the joy of receiving a square knit to cover a baby doll ! Could I tell if it was knit perfectly? My dollies received many items over the years ! And how warm the knitting felt when I would reach up and touch the knitting warm from her hands. I saw her cast on so many times over the years that when I picked up her needles after she died decades later I simpley closed my eyes and held the yarn and needles and my hands moved quickly the way hers did and I opened my eyes to find I had perfectly cast on!!<br /> KarenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72323221368219624152012-11-19T12:20:01.383+10:002012-11-19T12:20:01.383+10:00I have little children too and with each child I h...I have little children too and with each child I have experience a huge welling of frustration because I am too drained to learn and do all the things I want to do. But then, sometime after 12months, things free up and I am less tired and I feel mentally able to take on new stuff. I think we need to be gentle on ourselves and also acknowledge the progress we have made.<br /><br />I am someone who thrives on learning new things so I've always got a new crafty project on the go. I am currently learning how to weave! Knitting or crochet is great - I have sewn a lot but I find it incredibly frustrating with little kids. My advice is to do something that excites you, the learning will be a joy because you are super enthusiastic.Clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03293118986621010393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29045889983524255792012-11-19T11:58:34.951+10:002012-11-19T11:58:34.951+10:00I'm really sorry to hear that one of your regu...I'm really sorry to hear that one of your regular readers has passed away. <br /><br />As for Sara, I think that her change of mindset is the first and most important step that anyone can take in their journey to simplify. Once you can see through the marketing spin, you start thinking more about your spending habits and from there, step by step you begin to walk down the path to a simple life. It sounds to me like you are already on your way :) As for the crafting, I get the feeling that you feel as though it will be a chore, or something unpleasant that you must learn in order to consider yourself truly living a simple and frugal life. I don't think that you should feel that you must learn these things if you don't want to, although that said I personally gain a lot of satisfaction from sewing. I am not great with anything yarn related though - perhaps I need a few lessons! Don't consider it a chore. Sewing and knitting/crochet should be a pleasure. If you give it a go and find you really don't like it just don't do it! In all honesty I think that it is actually more expensive to make clothing yourself although I must admit that handmade items are of infinitely better quality. Not to mention how nice it feels to cuddle up under a quilt you made yourself or see how happy your daughter is to wear the twirly skirt you made one afternoon. Sharon Fnoreply@blogger.com