The Simple Home

by Rhonda Hetzel

'Being in charge of your own life, and making decisions based on what you want to do rather than what you have to do, gives you a rare kind of contentment and shows you that every ordinary day offers magnificent opportunities.'

Award-winning blogger Rhonda Hetzel shares the day-to-day practicalities of a simple life and shows you how to rediscover the heart of your home.

With a year of monthly projects that make household management easier, Rhonda encourages you to set up good systems, make what you need and appreciate what you have. Learn how to stretch money further, safely clean your home and cook from scratch with 40 favourite recipes, including step-by-step guides to baking bread and making cheese.

Whether you're part of a family, living alone or thinking about retirement, this is an inspiring, indispensable guide to slowing down, taking stock of your life and finding pleasure and satisfaction at home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, How To

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 29, 2016

Reviews

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this out from the library because I liked the cover and the month-by-month focus of it, but reading it I find that it’s not really a practical focus in this book, but reads as though the author was given licence to waffle on for a certain amount of words about twelve subjects.

While we might have some useful stuff in theory in such a book, in practise she spends ~10% of the book telling you how to do your washing as if you’ve never washed your own clothes before! So much fluff, very little useful information.

The sewing chapter began with finding space to sew in. Rather than giving a variety of practical suggestions for making a space, she instead rambles on for a long time about what you can do with your spare room. I don’t think most people trying to live simply own such a space, even if some of them do, what are the rest of us to do?

I am an experienced cheesemaker and find that the dairy chapter has so many inaccuracies I almost don’t know where to start. What is ‘simple life’ about making sour cream by mixing cream from the shop with an expensive single-use packet of culture from another shop, and then doing the same again every time you wish to make sour cream?! She tells us that every single hard cheese you make absolutely must be waxed (with petroleum-based cheese wax from the shop of course), as if no cheeses could exist without this stuff.

At one moment she recommends “Nourishing Traditions”, in another she uses ingredients like vegetable oil and powdered milk, and tells us that homogenised milk is safe but raw milk is not safe, and recommends tofu as a source of protein! In one moment she tells us that naturually fermented ginger beer is best but then doesnt bother to give us a recipe, just a non-fermented one that’s full of sugar (there is a lot of sugar in this book). Makes me wonder if she’s read any of the books she recommends…

[Mack · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a time when our grandmothers stayed healthy and survived without a lot of stuff in their lives, less money and never tossed away any containers or empty bottles. They also led relatively satisfying and much simpler lives, a fixed routine and very organised. My Grandmother never seemed to lose things like her glasses, like I do. There were no organics, no stale food, lots of pickles, lots of preserves and a load of traditional family personal recipes that I now have on file. Fewer kitchen gadgets and the old Metters burning away in the kitchen, active and occupied most of the day with her apron on. She believed in the healing power of nature, the onion strapped to my ankle didn’t help my broken leg though. I’m saying this book was a little like my Grandmothers daily life, where we can always take a lesson or two from the experts.

[Krystelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some practical hints and tips about how to lead a life that has a bit less of a carbon footprint, but I find it comes up a bit short. The discussion of organic foods and the methods by which cleaning is done are a little paltry, and I’m afraid there’s some things a little bleach and elbow grease are the only things for. This book has some good bits to it, but it is a little up the garden path- and so, it’s not what I’d recommend first as the go-to for sustainable living.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chosen by random number reading, #649.

Comprehensive guide to simple living. I appreciate that Hetzel acknowledged the importance health & wellness play in aiming to live simply, writing “Focus on what you’re doing, stop thinking about what you’ll be doing after work or tomorrow, and give whatever you’re doing your full attention.” Focusing on the present moment, taking time to slow down, really resonated with me.

Where this book missed the mark, though, is in relatability. Hetzel emphasizes the importance of making your own cheese, bread, sickness remedies, laundry detergent, etc., without considering the reality of what is on an average woman’s plate on a daily basis. Some good suggestions to pull from, but unrealistic, in my opinion, in execution.

[Sharolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would make a good reference book and something to begin the year with, reading a chapter at a time. As I borrowed it from the library I read it from cover to cover over a few weeks. I love the idea of simplifying (though sometimes that can seem like certain things get a little more complicated...) and like to think of my current occupation as a home-maker for my family. I'm particularly challenged to get on top of our budget and savings and to make soap from scratch.

[Felicity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set out month by month to cover a year of simple living. Not quite up to the author's previous book - Down to Earth but I still came away with some useful information. Rhonda Hetzel's big message is to slow your life down, try and do or make as much as you can at home and most importantly of all enjoy a life lived as simply as you can.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there were some great tips, I had to call it quits. It did not keep me interested at all. However, if you do have a family this would be a good book for you.

[Kathy Peterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy book that provides a month by month guide to self-reliance, productivity and contentment. Australian blogger Rhonda Hetzel has a fondness for home, simplicity and family. After finding herself busy and exhausted, she decided to make some changes and simplify her life. This books explores all aspects caring for our home starting with taking January to organize our year and then hits all the key topics you need to run a home and have a rich life in the following chapters. My favorite sections were finance where she equates items to hours spent to earn then vs just dollars and she speaks to various financial approaches based on our stage in life, food where she spends time talking about shopping, batch cooking, food storage and building a recipe collection. She also shares her recipes! Rhonda knows gardening and shares her tips for best results with us. This book is a great primer for caring for our homes so they can provide the sanctuary we all desire.

Note: there is a northern hemisphere chapter order at the end of the book for those in an alternate climate.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not really a 'sit down and read it' book, though I did just that with parts of it. It's more a reference guide, and as such I doubt I'll ever be 'done' reading it as I tend to flip through it to see what Rhonda has to say on this or that, or see what she's suggesting for a certain time of year.

I really like that in the back is an alternate chapter order for her readers in the northern hemisphere; very helpful for the seasonal information.

[Kit Feral · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is such a pretty book. and I agree with the message. however I felt it tried to cover too much and a lot of subjects felt slim and suffered. I would have appreciated both a little less and a little more. it might be a good base for people living very differently from this already - I'm not so maybe that impacts my impression.

[Linda Inglis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like her blog this is a wonderful read. A simple relaxed approach to a lifestyle we would all benefit from. Housework /managing our impact on the environment / finances /making do and mending etc has never seemed so achievable as when you have this lovely and beautifully produced book.I highly recommend it .

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reinforced what I already know and do but I did pick up a few new recipes for food and homemade cleaning. Would have been useful about twenty plus years ago and I would recommend it more for those who are contemplating trying a more basic style of living and haven't been living it already.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

How to be a servant in your own home. Than feel 'elegant' and special. Sad.

[Moritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this kind of book. Very practical, very simple. It gets into the specifics, like food recipes, but also considers the grand scheme of things, like the question on what is important in life.

However much of the things said in the book are not that relevant for me. I will not make cheese myself and I doubt that making my own cheese would improve my life significantly. Also I would regard the ranting on "harsh chemicals" more a superstition than wisdom; but at least there is a disclaimer before any "traditional" medical advice. Something like "this works, but if you are in a situation where this should really work, better abandon this voodoo and go see a real doctor". It is always good to note that.

On the other hand I think this book provides some wisdom; one just feels that it is written by a person that has been around for a while. Also it really is a fun read with its simple and wholesome language. It gives some valuable and different perspective on life and you can pick up some useful practical tips for your everyday life.

"A monk's guide to a clean house" is quite a similar book; but it is more focused on the philosophy behind all this and it is much shorter. I preferred it over "The simple home". So if you liked "The simple home", you should read "A monk's guide to a clean house".

[Laura Spilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of important information for those who would like a "simple life." I really appreciate the recipes and suggestions that she makes. There are some "issues" with the book, which may only apply to those of differing back ground and beliefs. 1. the social structure for the "simple home" she speaks about in the beginning of the book, may not be for everyone (male female roles) as some have specific beliefs based on their faith 2. I agree that it is important to be frugal and manage money well, but I also know that some people like to keep their finances even simpler and try to "give away" or manage things down to basics only. 3. This is not a faith based "homemaking" book, so don't assume that time spent investing in faith will allow the "simple" ideas to work for every home and family situation. Though she does address respect for holiday and tradition values.

All in all, it is a pretty good book and offers much advice on how to manage a "simple home."

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The author found herself in the same situation as many of us - buying too much "stuff" we don't really need, and consequently working hard but not getting anywhere. She simplified her life and gained a much richer one.

This is more of a reference book than a reading book, as such. Even I, as a woman in my 50's, found some very useful information in it. I am not sure that young people would take much notice of some of the hints and tips (as they are usually very time poor and focussed on careers etc) but I still think it would be of immense benefit.

I intend to simplify my life and I think this book can help me with that. I liked the descriptions of things like basic sewing stitches (skills which are being lost), and the easy recipes were a nice touch too.

I also liked that it was written by an Australian author - made things much easier to relate to.

[Leah]

Got this from the library after seeing it at Aldi. Parts of it are useful to a broad audience but it’s also aimed very high towards older, well resourced, homeowners, big families, etc. The layout with a different focus each month was nice as a bite size introduction without getting overwhelmed but a lot of the content either seemed obvious or a bit out of reach.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the sentiment behind this book, but a lot of the advice is really hard to implement if you are on a very tight budget, live in a city, and have young children/work full-time. Beautiful illustrations and photos though.

[Tilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the library and like that I could pick it up every now and again. It read as if a grandmother had written it for a grandchild as a guide to home-life. Nicely written, and well thought out.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have been great to read when I was starting out as a new Mum to help keep my house in order.

[Erin]

the idea of a home book was most helpful. enjoyed her prose and style

[Mary Margaret Ripley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this author. She has such practical advice even I learned something myself!

[Holly Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

I highly recommend it! She is very informative and has great ideas! You will too love it as much as I do.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all of Rhonda Hetzel's books about leading a simple life, and ways to incorporate simplicity into the busy-ness of the everyday. The Simple Home is set out as a month-to-month journey, with each month focussing on a different aspect eg October - cleaning. She includes recipes for soaps & cleaners; family meals etc. The only thing I found a bit discombobulating was that I thought that it would be more along the lines of "this month, do blah, blah and blah" with a variety of different activities pertinent to the season etc. One month was devoted to the home dairy, and this is great for those with a cow in the yard or the inclination to be a cheesemaker, but I thought some of the months could have been broken up and spread out over the year such as soupmaking in winter for example. Despite this small irk on my part, I enjoyed The Simple Home and will be using many of her helpful tips.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased The Simple Home on 13th March and read every page. Since reading this lovely book it has already been a constant reference sitting out on the table in our living room. The book is set out month by month covering everything from cooking from scratch, preserving, finances, gardening, sewing/knitting/craft, gifts, cleaning, wellbeing and more. I've made quite a number of food recipes plus cleaners and have been inspired to knit and now have my vegetable garden going.

The author Rhonda Hetzel writes in such a way that whilst reading I feel like she is sitting with me at our kitchen table and we are chatting over a cup of tea.

Another highlight for me is that it covers everything in the one book. I also find it very easy to follow and gives me just the right amount of information I need.

If you are looking for ways of simplifying in any way be it big or small changes then I highly recommend this book.

[Luann Barbagallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for beginning homesteads as well as ones who have been homemaking for a long while. Reading Rhonda's book has helped me rethink and refocus on how I want to live my life. There are many helpful hints to help direct you to simplicity. How much stuff does one really need? How full are we going to make our landfills, just with stuff we had to have. With the direction the economy is going it is important to learn some basic skills and grow from there. Rhonda shares a wonderful attitude toward not judging and being happy where you are now while encouraging you to grow. I would recommend all to read this book. Do not be closed minded, open your mind and soften your heartvandbyou will learn many things.

[Zuleeza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised when I found out that this book was published in 2019. The content is now more relevant than ever. Found this as one of the 'sustainability books' sold at Aldi at discounted prices. While I appreciate the Australian-focused content (do you know how confusing it is to see my YouTube feeds filled with summer/autumn cooking and gardening right now?), I agree that the book is a bit, uh, preachy.

The first few chapters were like a loving smack to my face but eventually I accept that it's coming from a good place haha. Nothing like a good lecture from a grandma hey. The craft and dairy chapters were totally out of my depth but I do strive to work on that. This is a book that I'll be coming back to time and time again.

[Leshia Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her usual style, Rhonda has a way of making me value the time and care that I put into my home and family through her works. Continuing in her normal tradition, Rhonda provides her readers with basic recipes (which I've made them all and can say are delicious) and a month by month guide on how to care for your home efficiently. My deep freezer is stocked and full for the winter, I'm saving time and money more consistently for my family by simply following the basics. Again, another great book, especially for a SAHM like me, but anyone that desires to manage their family life a little more efficiently and with pride.

[Romany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the author tried to make this book inclusive, but there wasn't a lot in it for those who live in apartments with no gardens, no children, and not much money. Probably better for readers who have recently retired on a moderate income and who own their own home (like the author), or those on leave from work for an extended period.

[Leah Elson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing I didn't really already know. Waste of time.