tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post3526666089549079114..comments2024-02-23T14:28:41.397-05:00Comments on Natural Earth Farm: Making DoTonya Gunnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09140984106118247860noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-84887679604613399712013-01-28T12:10:50.482-05:002013-01-28T12:10:50.482-05:00I can't imagine one bathroom for 12 people. We...I can't imagine one bathroom for 12 people. We had bathroom for 3 people for several years and couldn't stand it. Now we have three and I'm in heaven!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-80770625257986055912013-01-27T04:10:42.916-05:002013-01-27T04:10:42.916-05:00except for the couch and one matress all my furnit...except for the couch and one matress all my furniture is hand ne downs. Iron bed frames, a corner hutch and dining room table, a book case someone built for me when i was six...jennifer andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00376053334977127834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-8875470357188107072013-01-25T21:05:56.324-05:002013-01-25T21:05:56.324-05:00Hi Tonya,
I really enjoy your blog. One thing that...Hi Tonya,<br />I really enjoy your blog. One thing that has changed our consumerism is our conviction to not support any business/company that supports Planned Parenthood. There are SO many companies that support PP and in turn fund the killing of the innocent. <br />I realize we probably do buy from some companies that support PP but if we find out then we no longer support that company or business. Truly, this alone has changed our entire idea of shopping/consumerism.<br />The Lord has been working hard on me, specifically, about contentment. It is one of my favorite things to study and read about. I am so thankful for all He has given our family. When I feel discontent it usually means that I have not spent enough time in His Word. He is changing me from the inside out:) <br />Blessings,<br />Tina<br />God Bless you,<br />Tina Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-45210801925367887842013-01-25T16:14:47.650-05:002013-01-25T16:14:47.650-05:00I agree. I get my books from the library, or ebay...I agree. I get my books from the library, or ebay, or free!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-42023858885715046852013-01-24T11:32:30.057-05:002013-01-24T11:32:30.057-05:00Please write on your blog. :)
Kim
Please write on your blog. :)<br />Kim<br />Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05704814955642247372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-50861977248030144192013-01-24T10:56:32.581-05:002013-01-24T10:56:32.581-05:00Most of the furnishings in our house our antiques ...Most of the furnishings in our house our antiques from when my various grandparents gave up their homes. Love them! My daughter attends a high school in an Ivy league town where most of her friends are looking at very, very expensive colleges. We refuse to let her or us go into debt for an undergraduate education and are opting out of even looking at what we can't afford. We have good salaries but not great salaries which put us in a position of not being able to afford what the colleges think we can afford. This is hard for her and is definitely bucking the trend. We'll be taking a serious look at Johnson this spring.Sarah Rookerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13870646258311578391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-55373218570066349072013-01-24T02:57:17.078-05:002013-01-24T02:57:17.078-05:00I am from the UK too and agree that children need ...I am from the UK too and agree that children need to be equipped for modern life but that doesn't mean following the same path as others. I resist plenty that many many families give their children as the norm - nig birthday parties, game consoles, tv's in rooms, mobile phones at 9 years old, sexy clothes originally designed for adults on little girls, designer trainers, chocolate, sweets and crisps every day as the norm for lunch..... the list goes on! I think standing firm against these things equips them for life as they can see to believe in themselves and what is right rather than aimlessly following a crowd!Jennifer Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16264414298232258502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-43586811589227351052013-01-24T02:50:35.219-05:002013-01-24T02:50:35.219-05:00Thank you Tonya. We do buy new things as well as h...Thank you Tonya. We do buy new things as well as have given things in our home. I think long and hard about purchases and can never quite make up my mind about consumerism. It IS out of hand but if no-one ever bought new then no-one would ever be able to gift things to others to allow those others to live the simple life they do! And with the volume of the current population if there was no consumerism, then many many people would not have an income. I see both sides of things an deplore the 'have it all' culture of buying everything new on credit. We always save up for ours and buy within our means, and carefully chosen and move things on responsibly when we no longer have a need for them. I think I would like even more simply but when married one has to meet one's husband in the middle about things and so I do!!! Having suffered from PTSD and PND I do make purchases purely to ease my day to day living sometimes as I manage my wellness to ensure I don't go back to that horrible place! I am looking forwards to your posts about your choices! With love, JenniJennifer Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16264414298232258502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-18028236830060272012013-01-24T02:19:01.536-05:002013-01-24T02:19:01.536-05:00I relate to the issues you face; my home has been ...I relate to the issues you face; my home has been unfinished for 7 years and it's likely it will be completed just in time to sell this spring. It was my prayer to have this home be mine and a reflection of me...it likely won't happen but I am grateful b/c I have had more than most. I am thankful that I have electricity, having grown up in a village without. I am realizing it's the state of our spirit that is more important, more than the state of our rooms. Hugs, more are like you than you imagine. Pinterest is for dreams and not all are meant for achieving. Not all are practical either!Gingernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-27780760384163698722013-01-23T20:17:47.051-05:002013-01-23T20:17:47.051-05:00For what it's worth, I find what you share on ...For what it's worth, I find what you share on your blog much more inspiring than Pinterest any day. <br />I too mainly avoid shopping in stores to limit what I buy. As Tammy above mentioned, I'm saddened at the throw-away mentality of so many, and I make an effort to not consume in that way. I love the creative energy of repurposing items. And if I'm not content with something, then I first try and think of a way to make what I have better. But it's not always easy... Thank you for your inspiration.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13885017846154176305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-61567824158245824632013-01-23T13:37:19.542-05:002013-01-23T13:37:19.542-05:00We have a large family with a small income. 99.8%...We have a large family with a small income. 99.8% of the furniture, dishes, utensils, clothing, shoes, accessories, vehicles, books, toys...even hba items have either been gifted to us through "hand me down bags" or found for free or purchased second hand. I used to covet what other people had or feel i had to have new. I learned a valuable lesson when we redid our kitchen .....new everthing; walls, floor, cabinets, counters, appliances. We even bought a top of the line front loading washer/dryer set. 8 years later....the fridge is dead, washer/dryer set dead, cooktop exploded (literally), double wall oven dying, countertop cracked and peeling, fancy sink...cracked and gross, faucet dead, cabinet doors breaking.<br />Now I look at antiques and second hand and am happy to find a fridge for 50$<br />I do not have a matching bed set or matching linens, nor do any of my kids.<br />We have one bathroom for 12 people and 2 closets in the entire house.<br />People feel sorry for us.....they don't get that we are...HAPPY.<br />Small houses breed close families. Doing without and making do breeds teenagers that are not self centered or greedy. Not spending tons of money on "stuff" means less stress if it gets ruined. Not having new vehicles...lower car insurance. Living with less means your spouse doesn't have to be a slave to a corporate job.<br />momto12sofarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14281102226288864684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-77701315658331453652013-01-23T10:13:19.469-05:002013-01-23T10:13:19.469-05:00Thank you so much for your comment and thoughts an...Thank you so much for your comment and thoughts and sharing.<br />It is so neat that people that have all different beliefs can come and share their experiences.<br />We also believe in equipping our children for the world, but we also believe in showing them that they don't need to be "of the world" - actually our oldest did well enough with his homeschool "grades" and SATs and application to get accepted to college and receive scholarships - it was his choice to go but we helped to make sure he would be ready for college. Also, our family supports ourselves with our home business that gets just about all its sales through the internet - so we do combine modern technology with old.. That is what has worked for us.<br />Warm wishes,<br />TonyaTonya Gunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09140984106118247860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-60394504221175012112013-01-23T09:19:11.336-05:002013-01-23T09:19:11.336-05:00Yes we are content with what we have. To fight aga...Yes we are content with what we have. To fight against consumerism we avoid window shopping or in allowing our thoughts to go window shopping. We keep our focus on what we have been blessed with. The only time I ever feel a twinge of 'I want' is if I have ventured into a huge mall. Fortunately England has few of those and those that we do have are usually in major cities. I'm content with the traditional markets and high streets. The charity stores are always full of the consumer societies cast offs and I have picked up some amazing items, even a brand new pair of shoes never worn for my daughter. I paid about £2.00 for them, they would have cost around £20.00 otherwise.<br /><br />In spite of considering ourselves thrifty and generally careful, we still find everything costing so much. I am constantly striving for better and more frugal ways of doing things. I feel like I am always on a learning curve :o) but love the challenge!Shirley-Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02678506786099888928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-50118158837943337632013-01-23T09:18:57.593-05:002013-01-23T09:18:57.593-05:00Yes we are content with what we have. To fight aga...Yes we are content with what we have. To fight against consumerism we avoid window shopping or in allowing our thoughts to go window shopping. We keep our focus on what we have been blessed with. The only time I ever feel a twinge of 'I want' is if I have ventured into a huge mall. Fortunately England has few of those and those that we do have are usually in major cities. I'm content with the traditional markets and high streets. The charity stores are always full of the consumer societies cast offs and I have picked up some amazing items, even a brand new pair of shoes never worn for my daughter. I paid about £2.00 for them, they would have cost around £20.00 otherwise.<br /><br />In spite of considering ourselves thrifty and generally careful, we still find everything costing so much. I am constantly striving for better and more frugal ways of doing things. I feel like I am always on a learning curve :o) but love the challenge!Shirley-Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02678506786099888928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-11820721270477467952013-01-23T08:48:47.792-05:002013-01-23T08:48:47.792-05:00I wish more people would think this way. Such a t...I wish more people would think this way. Such a throw away , disposable society now. Makes me very sad. I make do with what I have for the most part. I don't even like shopping. And certainly don't want to spend big bucks on anything just because. More people should realize that you really can be happy with so little. Best wishes to you, TammyTammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07171418303494806370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-14334379044867342082013-01-23T08:40:12.266-05:002013-01-23T08:40:12.266-05:00If we had a larger income, I do think we would sav...If we had a larger income, I do think we would save to buy hand crafted pieces - like you wrote - that would last for at least one lifetime and support a family's business.<br />Thanks so much for sharing.Tonya Gunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09140984106118247860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-72047821601046848992013-01-23T08:38:50.387-05:002013-01-23T08:38:50.387-05:00Yarn and books are hard for me too:)Yarn and books are hard for me too:)Tonya Gunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09140984106118247860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-62057806337979791772013-01-23T08:37:34.741-05:002013-01-23T08:37:34.741-05:00I do appreciate the internet for ideas as well.I do appreciate the internet for ideas as well.Tonya Gunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09140984106118247860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-43241394297319256762013-01-23T08:32:33.409-05:002013-01-23T08:32:33.409-05:00Hi Laura,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful re...Hi Laura,<br />Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. I neglected to mention that those white chairs are no longer white and I would love to be able to get some covers for them - but not a priority and I think I will wait and see if I can "find" something instead. Hope you all are well!Tonya Gunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09140984106118247860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-5508623899133434472013-01-23T07:44:30.812-05:002013-01-23T07:44:30.812-05:00Even though I am not like you at all, I enjoyed re...Even though I am not like you at all, I enjoyed reading your blog- it took me hours to read from the beginning. A little bit about me- I am a retired teacher, an atheist, a mother and grandmother who only grows some vegetables- weather is too cold and wet because we live too far north; I CHOSE to have only 2 children- even Catholics in our country (UK) now use contraception,my daughter has 2 and my other daughter will have 2 at most.My father passed down to me- if you don't have money you need Education and it is so true- my kids were educated privately ( I CHOSE to do this) for which we sacrificed a lot but it was worth it as they are both highly successful- my grandchildren will be too. I was the one who never bowed to pressure to have everything- they didn't have TV's in their rooms,nor designer shoes. I make cards, made the girls' wedding invitations, knit (now for my grandchildren), recyle, reuse,buy in charity shops,spend little on Xmas (have got all Christmas 2013 presents at 75% off in the January sales)and never buy ready meals. I was a great supporter of Amy Dacyczyn and her 'The Tightwad Gazette'. So as you see there are other ways of being happy and managing consumerism. You have to equip your children for the 21st century - even the Amish have found that out (and believe me I have studied them- they have gone into business because there are not enough farms to go round.)Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01572023407016407555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-39907163100095866122013-01-23T07:43:33.625-05:002013-01-23T07:43:33.625-05:00Even though I am not like you at all, I enjoyed re...Even though I am not like you at all, I enjoyed reading your blog- it took me hours to read from the beginning. A little bit about me- I am a retired teacher, an atheist, a mother and grandmother who only grows some vegetables- weather is too cold and wet because we live too far north; I CHOSE to have only 2 children- even Catholics in our country (UK) now use contraception,my daughter has 2 and my other daughter will have 2 at most.My father passed down to me- if you don't have money you need Education and it is so true- my kids were educated privately ( I CHOSE to do this) for which we sacrificed a lot but it was worth it as they are both highly successful- my grandchildren will be too. I was the one who never bowed to pressure to have everything- they didn't have TV's in their rooms,nor designer shoes. I make cards, made the girls' wedding invitations, knit (now for my grandchildren), recyle, reuse,buy in charity shops,spend little on Xmas (have got all Christmas 2013 presents at 75% off in the January sales)and never buy ready meals. I was a great supporter of Amy Dacyczyn and her 'The Tightwad Gazette'. So as you see there are other ways of being happy and managing consumerism. You have to equip your children for the 21st century - even the Amish have found that out (and believe me I have studied them- they have gone into business because there are not enough farms to go round.)Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01572023407016407555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-35856532054862845532013-01-22T22:53:04.118-05:002013-01-22T22:53:04.118-05:00Laura- I just wanted to let you know that I used t...Laura- I just wanted to let you know that I used to read your blog, and I was happy to just find out that you did get to your country home! Congrats! We are working on the same thing... one day soonI hope. <br />EmilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-32814497286378605042013-01-22T20:30:37.963-05:002013-01-22T20:30:37.963-05:00Yes content with what we have. Do I wish for other...Yes content with what we have. Do I wish for other things, yes sometimes, but then I look around and remind myself that we have exactly what we need live a full and happy life. I tend to stay away from the shops, I don't like shopping so it isn't difficult. Kim https://www.blogger.com/profile/08476209107377395745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-63509925942601205162013-01-22T19:59:44.873-05:002013-01-22T19:59:44.873-05:00Just a tip.Your slipcover on your couch.
You say y...Just a tip.Your slipcover on your couch.<br />You say you keep patching it?I am not trying to insult your intelligence,you probley already thought of it.But if you ever get a large amount of fabric ,you can take the slipcover a part at the seams and use as a pattern .and have a new one when you feel you need it.<br /> Usually its not recommended to make slipcovers like that,But it will work good enough.how I made my first slipcover for a friend.<br />all the fabric doesnt even have to be alike.Mary E.Daddshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05190572493738551149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826587706231091602.post-25934732159875902142013-01-22T19:45:10.703-05:002013-01-22T19:45:10.703-05:00This is a constant battle for us all, I think. Fo...This is a constant battle for us all, I think. For us, we are saving for a house. We sold our home that we had for 9 years when we moved to NH for a new job for my husband. We lost a lot of money, call it bad management or whatever you will, it's been hard for me to be renting when I want so badly to have a home of our own. We know that God is using this experience to show us how much we need Him, and to teach us and even discipline us for what may have been poor stewardship. Our rental is nice, but expensive, so we're not sure how long we can stay here. My desire to not be nomadic is keeping me very focused on how much we spend. One of my all time favorites is Amy Dacyzyn's Tightwad Gazette. It's a classic :)Kristenhttp://wishingforpineneedles.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.com