All That Changes From My Front Porch: Downsizing Wants And Having More Life

by Kate Singh

A year of homemaking and unplugging from the mainstream. A year of living like the 70s, minus the phone on the wall with that long cord. This book is written in a different style, with some journaling and thoughts on what makes for a quality life, especially when you are raising a family on a small income. This is the recording of a year of turning our 121-year-old home into a sweet haven and our quarter-acre yard in town into a natural sanctuary for Mother Nature. It is about living on far less than the average family of four in California and still living well by learning to stretch the budget and live a little freegan and frugally. It's an exploration of how we all live now and how that will have to change in a more sustainable way for us to thrive in the future. It is also my search for what is most important and removing distractions. It was a wonderful year of living cheap and humbly and finding so many free ways to play, cook and live. It is a full year of homemaking and thrift. A year of streamlining my housework and cooking. A year of great movies that moved me, books that inspired change, and tips and ideas for downsizing wants to have more life and focus on our passions and families.

Audible Audio

Published January 9, 2024

Reviews

[Raka Kingsland · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book Kate

Kate I have followed you since the beginning and I love this book. I will say there are many grammatical errors but I’m a teacher so my job is to sought these out. I love this book because some days I wish you would post more so this gave me Kate on overdrive! I loved it because my home is on overdrive and it has taught me to slow down. Thank you!

[Debbie Slaughter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I liked the journaling style of the book; like I was just reading about someone's day each time I picked up the book. But in between sharing her days, there is a lot to glean from her ways of homemaking, budgeting, cooking, etc. Kate has a lot to say (and this book is long!), but it's very relatable. She doesn't go to any extremes and isn't trying to get you to jump on some wacky bandwagon with her. She simply takes you along her journey and tells you how she's trying to make changes and improve her lifestyle on a very small budget. I love watching her videos on YouTube as well.

[Deja Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate you are my soul sister, I absolutely loved the book and I’m so excited for the next one that you’re planning! Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us homemakers and sharing your sweet and cozy life with us.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love love love this book. It’s like having a conversation with a friend that has the same likes as I do. I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I had previously watched her videos, so it was like a continuum of the videos that had missed so much. There’s a lot to be said about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and being excited about the small things in life. There is so much in this book that I highlighted, marked, dog-eared. In days I have no inspiration I go back over those pages. I write down the ideas and implement the ideas that speak to me. This book made me feel like I’m not as weird as people may think I am. I’m in my 50’s, yet I love being home, to clean or nest or bake or cook, to garden and can and spend time with my dogs and family. I love. This book.

[Dana Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

All her books are excellent, this one had me planted in my recliner for two days straight. I hope she writes another.
I made my library order all her books so I could read each one.
I’m going to make Balis soup this winter with lentils.

I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the boys, land, the garden. What she does with her writing.
I wish she would share her personal growth with Spirt but it’s personal.
Love me some Kate❤️

[Anna Marie Korte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired in SE Missouri

Kate... Your book was very inspirational. Checked out a few you tube recommendations. Bought 5 more books from Thrift Books.com. I pray to keep as busy as you. I've bought all your books on my Kindle & started watching Coffee with Kate. You are a good person & good Mother. Anna Marie in Missouri!!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book right before my wifi went down for two months. It was a refreshing and thoughtful journal-like take on slow living sans internet. I found myself yearning for such a life or even just a trial run of it! So when my internet went down and I got to experience it along side her, I found it a frustrating yet liberating experience.

[Keelan LaForge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read - a slow paced, inspiring read that reminded me to stop and reflect on the important things in life. It is packed with positivity and it put me in the mood to journal again! A lovely book that leaves you with lots of ideas and that I would definitely reread.

[Sheri Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting concept and insights

I love Kate’s books, and “All that changes from my front porch” is my new favorite. I’m not sure I could give up the internet for a year, but Kate makes me want to try!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written in diary format about Kate and her family living on one income and letting go of the Internet. Some days were good, others a bit challenging. She is brutally honest as a diary should be. I always love reading how others live.

[Emma McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate’s beautiful and loving soul shines through this book. Many wise life lessons and relatable moments sprinkled in through a journal- style book.

[Ruth Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found it comforting and inspiring.
Kate is thoughtful and witty.

[Donna Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminding us to breath

Kate Singh tells us about unplugging and slowing down chaos of our internet minds. Enjoy the little things in our lives.

[Toni-ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like sitting down with an old friend, who is wise and can help you live within your means and have a beautiful, fulfilling life. You will love Kate and this book!

[Lillian Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

cozy and comfortable

Loved reading a book that made me feel that I was having a tea and chat with a good friend.