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Make it, Bake it, Sew it, or Grow it.: The craft of homemaking with no money
This book was inspired by the history of the Depression Era as told by many parents and children in the book, We Had Everything But Money. We are in an age of abundance, overspending, mass consumerism, Dollar Tree hauls, and poor food choices. We have storage units for all our "stuff" and we are over our heads in debt and soaking in stress. This book is short but filled with inspiration and tips to overhaul the families lifestyle to one of simple, humble living, and sustainability. This is the way we live debt free and under one very small paycheck for a family of four. We live like middle class although by the government charts we are just above the poverty line. Ha! How silly. We eat organics, drink good coffee and dress well, living in a charming cottage and drive fairly attractive cars. We are happy, healthy and thriving. How do we live well on so little? I stay home to tend to the family, cook almost everything from scratch, and my front and back yards are now kitchen gardens. Brew up some coffee and come join me to see just how this lady does it.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2019
253 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 25, 2025
I am not a homemaker but I am on a budget and thought this might include some useful tips. Alas, I found it unbearably tedious and the inspiration for a fair degree of snarky comments. A few follow.
1) "Housewife burnout"? I'm sure there are some hardships - and parenting burnout? Sure. But imagine having an actual job and still having to maintain a home...
2) "We are low income... but I assure you that we live like the middle class". One - heaven forbid you live like a poor person; Two - living off of potatoes and beans and secondhand clothes is not a bad thing, but it also doesn't sound very middle class.
3) Starting my day with an Abraham Hicks seminar on Law of Attraction sounds revolting. See also, the phrase "Bikini Body Mommy". Vom.
4) And if you didn't already have a bit of a sense of the author as crunchy, consider that she likes shopping at Whole Foods because "the vibration is high at these places". I wish I'd taken a selfie when I read that line because my face was a picture.
5) "Fortunately, I love each and every day." See also "We don't suffer at all. Life is sweeter because of these sacrifices." Are we supposed to believe this cheese?
6) The passage at 88% in which the author says her husband encouraged her to move herself and the boys to the back room, implying, what, that three of them share one room while her husband has a room to himself? Odd.
7) The phrase "crazy squatters, drug dealers, and a lone prostitute" was frankly not cool.
1) "Housewife burnout"? I'm sure there are some hardships - and parenting burnout? Sure. But imagine having an actual job and still having to maintain a home...
2) "We are low income... but I assure you that we live like the middle class". One - heaven forbid you live like a poor person; Two - living off of potatoes and beans and secondhand clothes is not a bad thing, but it also doesn't sound very middle class.
3) Starting my day with an Abraham Hicks seminar on Law of Attraction sounds revolting. See also, the phrase "Bikini Body Mommy". Vom.
4) And if you didn't already have a bit of a sense of the author as crunchy, consider that she likes shopping at Whole Foods because "the vibration is high at these places". I wish I'd taken a selfie when I read that line because my face was a picture.
5) "Fortunately, I love each and every day." See also "We don't suffer at all. Life is sweeter because of these sacrifices." Are we supposed to believe this cheese?
6) The passage at 88% in which the author says her husband encouraged her to move herself and the boys to the back room, implying, what, that three of them share one room while her husband has a room to himself? Odd.
7) The phrase "crazy squatters, drug dealers, and a lone prostitute" was frankly not cool.
March 5, 2019
Motivating pep talk
A fun quick read motivating that inner homemaker who thinks living in one income and doing all the things while living comfortably might be too hard... Because it's not. I loved her style, conversational like you're chatting with a friend, while she encouraged you on giving a bunch of tips and a peek into her regular every day life. I do a number of things already but this book have me a lot more ideas and excited to try new things.
A fun quick read motivating that inner homemaker who thinks living in one income and doing all the things while living comfortably might be too hard... Because it's not. I loved her style, conversational like you're chatting with a friend, while she encouraged you on giving a bunch of tips and a peek into her regular every day life. I do a number of things already but this book have me a lot more ideas and excited to try new things.
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January 7, 2020Good reading
Excellent frugal information. Well written. Easy enjoyable and very well said. I have read
Most of Kate's books and I always enjoy them
Excellent frugal information. Well written. Easy enjoyable and very well said. I have read
Most of Kate's books and I always enjoy them
December 7, 2019
Saya membaca buku ini untuk mengimbangi buku sebelumnya, Men on Strike: Why Men Are Boycotting Marriage, Fatherhood, and the American Dream – and Why It Matters. Dari Men on Strike, saya mendapat rujukan ke buku-buku lain tentang "cara menjadi laki-laki". Eh, tunggu, tapi kan saya perempuan? Kenapa saya bukannya mencari buku tentang "cara menjadi perempuan"? Omong-omong soal "cara menjadi perempuan", yang timbul dalam benak saya bukanlah citra perempuan karier sebagaimana yang diidealkan masyarakat kini, melainkan perempuan tradisional yang urusannya terutama soal kerumahtanggaan. Pikir saya, jangankan karier, yang tradisional saja belum becus! Maka saya pun menemukan buku ini.
Embel-embel "no money" ini penting bagi masyarakat jaman now yang mata duitan. Apalagi jika memutuskan untuk jadi ibu rumah tangga yang tidak bekerja, stigma yang lantas muncul adalah "tidak produktif" alias "tidak menghasilkan uang". Penulis buku ini seperti hendak membuktikan bahwa rumah tangga tetap bisa jalan dengan mengandalkan penghasilan dari suami saja--tanpa bergantung sepenuhnya pada uang.
Saya suka idenya (pokoknya apa pun yang menganjurkan untuk mengurangi ketergantungan pada uang!), makanya saya beri bintang tiga.
Pekerjaan sebagai ibu-rumah-tangga-doang tidaklah mesti membosankan atau gitu-gitu aja. Penulis menunjukkan bagaimana ia memvariasikan hari-harinya. Misalnya, bersih-bersih dan masak mungkin perlu dilakukan setiap hari, tapi intensitasnya tidak mesti sama. Hari ini cuma menyapu, besok pembersihan secara menyeluruh. Hari ini memasak berbagai makanan dalam jumlah banyak, besok yang simpel saja.
Sebenarnya, buku ini hanya cocok bagi pembaca yang tinggal di Amerika Serikat (AS). Bagi pembaca asing seperti saya, segala detail dalam setiap tips yang diberikan mesti dilokalisasi terlebih dahulu. Paling tidak, buku ini memberikan beberapa pokok sebagai titik tolak: 1) bersih-bersih; 2) memasak; 3) berkebun, sekalian mengompos, dan; 4) menjahit. Bisa dibilang, keempatnya merupakan pekerjaan utama seorang IRT yang notabene menentukan besar anggaran pokok rumah tangga. Kuasailah keempat kemampuan ini bila ingin menjadi IRT yang pandai berhemat.
Sebenarnya pula, tips seputar hal-hal tersebut dapat ditemukan di mana-mana: Pinterest, Youtube, Google, dan seterusnya. Saya sudah pernah mengeksplorasi sebelumnya, khususnya yang dalam bahasa Inggris. Tentunya, tersedia juga banyak petunjuk serupa dalam bahasa saya sendiri--bahasa Indonesia. Jadinya buku tipis ini lebih seperti kumpulan tips yang telah terbukti manjur bagi penulis.
Buku ini juga mengandung saran mengenai tempat-tempat belanja yang murah di AS. Nah, di sini sudah bukan no money lagi. Dalam memberikan petunjuk-petunjuk untuk hidup tanpa uang, jelas The Moneyless Manifesto Live Well. Live Rich. Live Free. jauh lebih kaya, walaupun masih perlu dilokalisasi juga.
Mau tidak mau saya disadarkan lagi akan situasi sosio-ekonomi yang berbeda antara di sana dan di sini. Di sana, apa-apa lebih murah kalau bikin sendiri ketimbang beli. Di sini, adakalanya apa-apa justru lebih murah kalau beli ketimbang bikin sendiri--lebih praktis pula--contohnya dalam hal makanan dan pakaian, tapi enggak selalu sih, sepertinya. Barang-barang yang murah itu melimpah ruah dijajakan pedagang-pedagang kecil di pinggir jalan, menanti uluran tangan pembeli. Belum lagi, para pemuda didorong untuk berwirausaha, yang artinya menghasilkan produk-produk baru yang pastilah butuh pembeli. Melihat kenyataan begini, jangankan no money, masyarakat justru dituntut untuk lebih konsumtif, membeli lebih banyak barang yang belum tentu mereka butuhkan.
Embel-embel "no money" ini penting bagi masyarakat jaman now yang mata duitan. Apalagi jika memutuskan untuk jadi ibu rumah tangga yang tidak bekerja, stigma yang lantas muncul adalah "tidak produktif" alias "tidak menghasilkan uang". Penulis buku ini seperti hendak membuktikan bahwa rumah tangga tetap bisa jalan dengan mengandalkan penghasilan dari suami saja--tanpa bergantung sepenuhnya pada uang.
Saya suka idenya (pokoknya apa pun yang menganjurkan untuk mengurangi ketergantungan pada uang!), makanya saya beri bintang tiga.
Pekerjaan sebagai ibu-rumah-tangga-doang tidaklah mesti membosankan atau gitu-gitu aja. Penulis menunjukkan bagaimana ia memvariasikan hari-harinya. Misalnya, bersih-bersih dan masak mungkin perlu dilakukan setiap hari, tapi intensitasnya tidak mesti sama. Hari ini cuma menyapu, besok pembersihan secara menyeluruh. Hari ini memasak berbagai makanan dalam jumlah banyak, besok yang simpel saja.
Sebenarnya, buku ini hanya cocok bagi pembaca yang tinggal di Amerika Serikat (AS). Bagi pembaca asing seperti saya, segala detail dalam setiap tips yang diberikan mesti dilokalisasi terlebih dahulu. Paling tidak, buku ini memberikan beberapa pokok sebagai titik tolak: 1) bersih-bersih; 2) memasak; 3) berkebun, sekalian mengompos, dan; 4) menjahit. Bisa dibilang, keempatnya merupakan pekerjaan utama seorang IRT yang notabene menentukan besar anggaran pokok rumah tangga. Kuasailah keempat kemampuan ini bila ingin menjadi IRT yang pandai berhemat.
Sebenarnya pula, tips seputar hal-hal tersebut dapat ditemukan di mana-mana: Pinterest, Youtube, Google, dan seterusnya. Saya sudah pernah mengeksplorasi sebelumnya, khususnya yang dalam bahasa Inggris. Tentunya, tersedia juga banyak petunjuk serupa dalam bahasa saya sendiri--bahasa Indonesia. Jadinya buku tipis ini lebih seperti kumpulan tips yang telah terbukti manjur bagi penulis.
Buku ini juga mengandung saran mengenai tempat-tempat belanja yang murah di AS. Nah, di sini sudah bukan no money lagi. Dalam memberikan petunjuk-petunjuk untuk hidup tanpa uang, jelas The Moneyless Manifesto Live Well. Live Rich. Live Free. jauh lebih kaya, walaupun masih perlu dilokalisasi juga.
Mau tidak mau saya disadarkan lagi akan situasi sosio-ekonomi yang berbeda antara di sana dan di sini. Di sana, apa-apa lebih murah kalau bikin sendiri ketimbang beli. Di sini, adakalanya apa-apa justru lebih murah kalau beli ketimbang bikin sendiri--lebih praktis pula--contohnya dalam hal makanan dan pakaian, tapi enggak selalu sih, sepertinya. Barang-barang yang murah itu melimpah ruah dijajakan pedagang-pedagang kecil di pinggir jalan, menanti uluran tangan pembeli. Belum lagi, para pemuda didorong untuk berwirausaha, yang artinya menghasilkan produk-produk baru yang pastilah butuh pembeli. Melihat kenyataan begini, jangankan no money, masyarakat justru dituntut untuk lebih konsumtif, membeli lebih banyak barang yang belum tentu mereka butuhkan.
February 10, 2019
Back to Basics
Commonsense practice of using what you have and making from scratch. Gardening is great and growing your own veggies is healthier. Saves money and now with almost daily reports of contaminated food and food product recalls it is more important than ever. We are definitely a throw away society encouraged by advertising . We can live and be happier on our own more like our grandparents. Kudos Kate for making it fun
Commonsense practice of using what you have and making from scratch. Gardening is great and growing your own veggies is healthier. Saves money and now with almost daily reports of contaminated food and food product recalls it is more important than ever. We are definitely a throw away society encouraged by advertising . We can live and be happier on our own more like our grandparents. Kudos Kate for making it fun
January 31, 2021
More like a blog post
It was okay. It just seemed like a blog post rather than a book. The author repeated herself over and over about where she shops. From the title of the book I was expecting it to be a book I could refer back to whilst I'm at home. One to give me ideas on saving money and baking my home beautiful. There was nothing in there that would make me think of this ever again.
It was okay. It just seemed like a blog post rather than a book. The author repeated herself over and over about where she shops. From the title of the book I was expecting it to be a book I could refer back to whilst I'm at home. One to give me ideas on saving money and baking my home beautiful. There was nothing in there that would make me think of this ever again.
April 4, 2020
Great ideas!
Everything works
Anyone wanting to save money should read it.
Like Ben Franklin said, Afar kitchen makes a lean will.
Why spend a lot if you have the time to make it yourself
Everything works
Anyone wanting to save money should read it.
Like Ben Franklin said, Afar kitchen makes a lean will.
Why spend a lot if you have the time to make it yourself
March 20, 2021
Good advice, genuine voice
Solid tips for living lean on a single income, two adults, two kids. I enjoyed reading about typical days lived on her tight budget. The writing is graceful and honest. She walks the walk.
Solid tips for living lean on a single income, two adults, two kids. I enjoyed reading about typical days lived on her tight budget. The writing is graceful and honest. She walks the walk.
February 27, 2019
Like a visit with a friend
Reading Kate's work it's like visiting a friend who gives good advice. Her style is quite chatty and reassuring. I always enjoy reading her work.
Reading Kate's work it's like visiting a friend who gives good advice. Her style is quite chatty and reassuring. I always enjoy reading her work.
May 1, 2019
Not for me
That was too much of living with nothing ! Not for me. Maybe for you ! Overall. I want be getting any chickens anytime soon !
That was too much of living with nothing ! Not for me. Maybe for you ! Overall. I want be getting any chickens anytime soon !
February 2, 2020
Great book
Loved the writers perspective. Enjoyed reading this book is very inspiring and gives realistic changes that can be integrated to enhance the quality of family life.
Loved the writers perspective. Enjoyed reading this book is very inspiring and gives realistic changes that can be integrated to enhance the quality of family life.
June 24, 2020
Not much more than a collection of blog posts repeating her other books.
March 28, 2021
Uplifting and motivating
Concise, clear, full of good ideas and heartwarming. I couldn’t help liking the author and I admire her positive attitude,
Concise, clear, full of good ideas and heartwarming. I couldn’t help liking the author and I admire her positive attitude,
July 2, 2021
A terrific book with a lot of great information!
February 10, 2021
Honestly, every book by this author says about the same stuff. It’s running around in circles covering all the same topics in different ways. However, if you are a housewife, her writing is simple and enjoyable. I thought this book would be a different from her others because of the unique title, but it was more of the same. Nevertheless, enjoyed it.
July 1, 2019
Not worth it.
Other than providing some resources for obtaining information, the book is devoid of any useful advice. Having a garden, making soap and not having cable tv to save money. That's the summation of her advice.
Other than providing some resources for obtaining information, the book is devoid of any useful advice. Having a garden, making soap and not having cable tv to save money. That's the summation of her advice.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews