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Down to Earth
I was pulled into simple living before I knew what it was. It crept up on me using the smallest of steps and didn't reveal its true beauty and real power until I was totally hooked. I was searching for a way to live well while spending very little money. What I found was a way of life that also gave me independence, opportunity and freedom.'
Rhonda Hetzel gently encourages readers to find the pleasure and meaning in a simpler life, sharing all the practical information she has gathered on her own journey. Whether you want to learn how to grow tomatoes, bake bread, make your own soap and preserve fruit, or just be inspired to slow down and live more sustainably, Down to Earth will be your guide.
Rhonda Hetzel gently encourages readers to find the pleasure and meaning in a simpler life, sharing all the practical information she has gathered on her own journey. Whether you want to learn how to grow tomatoes, bake bread, make your own soap and preserve fruit, or just be inspired to slow down and live more sustainably, Down to Earth will be your guide.
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2012
119 people are currently reading
2790 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 19, 2012
Sometimes you find yourself thinking a whole lot of things that aren't quite what everyone else is thinking. You start to envision that life could be different, and you realise your values conflict with some of our current social norms. When I picked up Rhonda's book I was astonished to find that here was someone else who not only thought the same way, she'd done something about it!
Since reading Down to Earth, I have discovered that lots of people know our old 'consume or die' way of living just isn't sustainable, and more importantly, that it has stopped being fun. If you love the idea of taking back your life, getting off the treadmill of debt, reconnecting with your family and children, read this book. Now. I bought a copy for my Mum and we talk about it all the time. Thanks Rhonda, for putting so much heart and soul into how you live your life so that others can now benefit from your story.
Since reading Down to Earth, I have discovered that lots of people know our old 'consume or die' way of living just isn't sustainable, and more importantly, that it has stopped being fun. If you love the idea of taking back your life, getting off the treadmill of debt, reconnecting with your family and children, read this book. Now. I bought a copy for my Mum and we talk about it all the time. Thanks Rhonda, for putting so much heart and soul into how you live your life so that others can now benefit from your story.
March 22, 2012
Still busy reading "Down to Earth" the book written by Rhonda Hetzel who I kind of know through her online down-to-earth forum. I really only bought the book to be nice to the person running the forum. I was expecting a self-published unimpressive book. I was not expecting it to impress me as much as it has. I have been well and truelly surprised. This book is going to be recommended to all my friends, and probably a good half of them will get it as a xmas present.
It is the type of book that looks gorgeous. The cover art, the texture of the pages, the photos throughout the book. They are all inspiring and uplifting. I keep finding myself jotting down quotes and sending them to my friends.
The book talks about the simple ways of living, not as an alternate lifestyle but as a way that we all need to be living (though the author is not so presumptuous to say it like that). The author explains the important of taking control of your spending and fills the book with suggestions and advice on exactly how to do this.
I am slowly working through this book at night, after my children are in bed, with a cup of tea beside me... I kind of get the impression that this is how the author meant it to be read.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the book. I am recommending it to all my friends. I want to buy copies for all my friends now. I want to buy copies for my brothers and sisters. Very inspiring and uplifting.
It is the type of book that looks gorgeous. The cover art, the texture of the pages, the photos throughout the book. They are all inspiring and uplifting. I keep finding myself jotting down quotes and sending them to my friends.
The book talks about the simple ways of living, not as an alternate lifestyle but as a way that we all need to be living (though the author is not so presumptuous to say it like that). The author explains the important of taking control of your spending and fills the book with suggestions and advice on exactly how to do this.
I am slowly working through this book at night, after my children are in bed, with a cup of tea beside me... I kind of get the impression that this is how the author meant it to be read.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the book. I am recommending it to all my friends. I want to buy copies for all my friends now. I want to buy copies for my brothers and sisters. Very inspiring and uplifting.
August 15, 2021
Oh my goodness, this book is just beautiful 😍
I am read it with a smile and I’m itching to do allll the things it mentions. It is such an inspirational book and the ideas are wonderful 💕
Over the past year I’ve been making small changes to create a more mindful, sustainable and simpler way of life for my little family but with no clear direction because I am still new to it. This book incorporates everything I’ve been pondering and it does it in a gentle and informative way. I am so excited to make these changes and have already started working in my plans 😊
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to live a simpler, more relaxed, slower and more fulfilling way of life. I am so glad I purchased this book and know that I will be going back to it often! 😍
I am read it with a smile and I’m itching to do allll the things it mentions. It is such an inspirational book and the ideas are wonderful 💕
Over the past year I’ve been making small changes to create a more mindful, sustainable and simpler way of life for my little family but with no clear direction because I am still new to it. This book incorporates everything I’ve been pondering and it does it in a gentle and informative way. I am so excited to make these changes and have already started working in my plans 😊
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to live a simpler, more relaxed, slower and more fulfilling way of life. I am so glad I purchased this book and know that I will be going back to it often! 😍
November 21, 2018
Five big fat practical stars! A great practical resource for anyone trying to simplify their life, save money and generally get a little more earth-friendly. I borrowed a copy from the library but would love my own copy. I particularly liked the section on green cleaning and have already made quite a few of the recipes Rhonda included in the book. In the first section titled ‘Living Simply’ Rhonda wrote down in words exactly how I’ve been thinking lately with my own efforts to reduce waste, cut back on spending and be aware of my ‘life hours’ so I can make sure I’m living the life I want to live (without being a slave to our mortgage/living expenses). A fabulous that I intend to reference often.
May 31, 2012
I received this book as a present from my mother who is very much on the road to living simply. It just wasn't my thing really - that is until I sat down in front of the tv to flick through my birthday book.
Firstly, it's beautiful. The layout, the pictures, the quality of the paper, everything about it has such a warm and welcome feeling about it, not in the least the voice of the author.
Rhonda manages to present her ideas in such a way as to give options ranging for those who are full time stay at home, eco-living, save the planet types, to those who may just want to save some money or get their children to do some of the chores. AND she does this all without any judgement on which of these lifestyles you choose.
I find myself taking the book with me to the living room, turning the tv off, and reading, and rereading it. It has inspired me and I am so grateful to my mother for seeing what I wouldn't have myself. That I can appreciate and adapt the simple lifestyle to my own in small ways, to make my own life more rewarding.
Its a beautiful, insightful and useful book and I recommend it to EVERYONE!
Firstly, it's beautiful. The layout, the pictures, the quality of the paper, everything about it has such a warm and welcome feeling about it, not in the least the voice of the author.
Rhonda manages to present her ideas in such a way as to give options ranging for those who are full time stay at home, eco-living, save the planet types, to those who may just want to save some money or get their children to do some of the chores. AND she does this all without any judgement on which of these lifestyles you choose.
I find myself taking the book with me to the living room, turning the tv off, and reading, and rereading it. It has inspired me and I am so grateful to my mother for seeing what I wouldn't have myself. That I can appreciate and adapt the simple lifestyle to my own in small ways, to make my own life more rewarding.
Its a beautiful, insightful and useful book and I recommend it to EVERYONE!
November 21, 2012
Having bought this book out of sheer desperation during a rare unsuccessful visit to my favourite bookshop, I honestly didn't expect a great deal. I was, therefore, blindsided by just how great it really is.
Rhonda's courageous treatment of the simple living ethos, her willingness to put words to a whole swathe of wishy-washy, new-agey notions, and her gentle spirit, make this a true gem in my bookshelf. I enjoyed the journey the book gave me - from the introduction and the discussion of simple living from an ethical and philosophical standpoint, through life planning, budgeting, housekeeping, gardening and nutrition. I knew a great deal of it already, and apply most of that in my life. But to read of it all, synthesised so seamlessly, laid out so lovingly, was a revelation. I am, indeed, inspired, and am approaching my own life changes with renewed vigour and optimism.
Rhonda's courageous treatment of the simple living ethos, her willingness to put words to a whole swathe of wishy-washy, new-agey notions, and her gentle spirit, make this a true gem in my bookshelf. I enjoyed the journey the book gave me - from the introduction and the discussion of simple living from an ethical and philosophical standpoint, through life planning, budgeting, housekeeping, gardening and nutrition. I knew a great deal of it already, and apply most of that in my life. But to read of it all, synthesised so seamlessly, laid out so lovingly, was a revelation. I am, indeed, inspired, and am approaching my own life changes with renewed vigour and optimism.
August 13, 2018
I'm actually still skimming but I have skimmed front to back and I just adore this book. Rhonda describes life in a delicious way, emphasis on the simple life and how good it is with all its routines and quiet. She talks about how to do this simple life, getting started, the phases of life from our twenties to retirement. Her views on exchanging time at work for the time in our lives made an impression.
I am a fan of The Complete Tightwad Gazette and I would add this book to the frugal shelf for learning a new lifestyle and choosing home over the rat race. There are recipes for cleaners to muffins and advice on gardening, hens, and cleaning the house.
I am a fan of The Complete Tightwad Gazette and I would add this book to the frugal shelf for learning a new lifestyle and choosing home over the rat race. There are recipes for cleaners to muffins and advice on gardening, hens, and cleaning the house.
January 5, 2024
Should be called a guide to sustainable living. Seems like the majority of the book was about that.
Super preachy and at times shaming.
Wanted to throw the book across the room when she wrote about when she doesn't want to buy something because it's too packaged she finds some poor staff member in the supermarket to moan to. Try emailing the manufacturer!
Do we really need to be told to put away our cold groceries first and what spices are??
If you want to make your own cleaning supplies, grow a garden and keep chickens this will be for you. If you don't have the time, money or energy then skip this coz there's nothing else useful in it.
Super preachy and at times shaming.
Wanted to throw the book across the room when she wrote about when she doesn't want to buy something because it's too packaged she finds some poor staff member in the supermarket to moan to. Try emailing the manufacturer!
Do we really need to be told to put away our cold groceries first and what spices are??
If you want to make your own cleaning supplies, grow a garden and keep chickens this will be for you. If you don't have the time, money or energy then skip this coz there's nothing else useful in it.
July 11, 2012
I read this cover to cover! It had some great ideas, philosophies and tips for simple, frugal living. The photographs were beautiful and homely. My partner and I have both really benefited from what Rhonda had to say, we've learned a lot and feel comforted by the fact that there are many others out there with goals and values in line with ours.
The book, blog and website recommendations at the end were really helpful too, we'll definitely be checking those out.
Overall, this book is now a gorgeous and essential addition to our shelf!
The book, blog and website recommendations at the end were really helpful too, we'll definitely be checking those out.
Overall, this book is now a gorgeous and essential addition to our shelf!
December 3, 2012
Rhonda has a real passion for simple living - evidenced by her blog and this book. It is a wonderful guide to those starting the journey to simple living from scratch and it will be a book that I refer to often for the hints and tips that pop out of each chapter. I particular found the resource guide at the back of the book helpful, the layout, graphics and photography make it a lovely book to flick through as well.
December 5, 2012
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book - I am constantly going back to it to use the recipes and just for inspiration. It's gorgeous.
April 18, 2018
Loved this book. Very practical - homemaker skills.
September 15, 2022
It felt just like reading lovely Rhonda’s blog, with everything in one place!! Very user friendly and things were explained perfectly simple and well! Recommended for anyone wanting to dabble in or introduce themselves to simpler living.
August 25, 2020
Looking for self sustainable motivations? Want to leave commercialized products? Seeking for a simple living yet don't know how to come out of consumerism? Worry not!! You have got your Messiah here. Down to Earth, at your rescue.
This book was sudden pickup of mine
Was searching for another one while this popped up and for some reason, felt it was a "give a shot" book. The title and the cover of the book , is what made me feel such. This book is basically inspired from a blog of the same name and by the same author. This book is like a helping hand, that helps you understand what and where do we trap ourselves into. How advertising companies keep us next to begging for the product and how the greed is created in us subconsciously of our own understanding. In some parts it was like a sweet melody to me, where the author gave some real insights and life lessons, but on some others , to be frank, I felt it was a too tight restriction in the financial health and interest of the individual. The author at some points ask the readers to completely stop himself/herself interacting with the market, ofcourse in reference to the person if is submerged in debt and bankruptcy. Still, even at such situations the level of tight fisted growth she promotes is quite suffocating, as of what I felt. But nevertheless, all in all , it really has some great ideas for a healthy and simple living, both in financial and physical sides. If you are looking for soap recipes, gardening techniques, cooking from scratch recipes, maintaining your health and hygiene , having a simple and joyful life, I can assure you this book will serve the cause.
Attaching some of my favourite parts of the book:)
1. Life doesn’t always go according to your plans so when you’re not in your ideal situation, bloom where you are planted.
2.Make the best of what you have right now while you work towards your dream. Indeed, making the most of every day is as much a part of simple living as slowing down, growing vegetables, and all the rest.
3.How will you go about living the life I’ve described here? Stop living according to the expectations of others and focus on building a life that is unique to you. It’s okay to say ‘no’ to others and ‘yes’ to yourself. Be mindful, make your own decisions, work out what will work for you and don’t feel guilty or undecided if your family or friends aren’t doing or don’t understand what you do. Imagine your own life, and how you want it to be, then work to make that vision a reality. Don’t be put off, don’t listen to the naysayers; go with your heart and do what is right for you.
4.As you go from one stage to the next, be mindful of what you’ve learnt in the previous decade and build on it. Always follow your own path and define for yourself what you want to include in your life. This kind of life is flexible so if something that worked in the previous decade doesn’t work for you now, don’t be afraid to change it.
5.Don’t aim for perfection; expect to make mistakes and learn from them when they happen. All mistakes are learning opportunities.
Always support your family and friends and be kind to yourself.
If you have loved these five points ,given by her, you are going to love the book, because such insights are sprinkled in each chapter! So go and grab it!
This book was sudden pickup of mine
Was searching for another one while this popped up and for some reason, felt it was a "give a shot" book. The title and the cover of the book , is what made me feel such. This book is basically inspired from a blog of the same name and by the same author. This book is like a helping hand, that helps you understand what and where do we trap ourselves into. How advertising companies keep us next to begging for the product and how the greed is created in us subconsciously of our own understanding. In some parts it was like a sweet melody to me, where the author gave some real insights and life lessons, but on some others , to be frank, I felt it was a too tight restriction in the financial health and interest of the individual. The author at some points ask the readers to completely stop himself/herself interacting with the market, ofcourse in reference to the person if is submerged in debt and bankruptcy. Still, even at such situations the level of tight fisted growth she promotes is quite suffocating, as of what I felt. But nevertheless, all in all , it really has some great ideas for a healthy and simple living, both in financial and physical sides. If you are looking for soap recipes, gardening techniques, cooking from scratch recipes, maintaining your health and hygiene , having a simple and joyful life, I can assure you this book will serve the cause.
Attaching some of my favourite parts of the book:)
1. Life doesn’t always go according to your plans so when you’re not in your ideal situation, bloom where you are planted.
2.Make the best of what you have right now while you work towards your dream. Indeed, making the most of every day is as much a part of simple living as slowing down, growing vegetables, and all the rest.
3.How will you go about living the life I’ve described here? Stop living according to the expectations of others and focus on building a life that is unique to you. It’s okay to say ‘no’ to others and ‘yes’ to yourself. Be mindful, make your own decisions, work out what will work for you and don’t feel guilty or undecided if your family or friends aren’t doing or don’t understand what you do. Imagine your own life, and how you want it to be, then work to make that vision a reality. Don’t be put off, don’t listen to the naysayers; go with your heart and do what is right for you.
4.As you go from one stage to the next, be mindful of what you’ve learnt in the previous decade and build on it. Always follow your own path and define for yourself what you want to include in your life. This kind of life is flexible so if something that worked in the previous decade doesn’t work for you now, don’t be afraid to change it.
5.Don’t aim for perfection; expect to make mistakes and learn from them when they happen. All mistakes are learning opportunities.
Always support your family and friends and be kind to yourself.
If you have loved these five points ,given by her, you are going to love the book, because such insights are sprinkled in each chapter! So go and grab it!
November 27, 2024
I had to read the complete opposite of my last book about personal finance. Here Hetzel spends the first few chapters outlining her philosophy of a simple way of living. One focused on self-sufficiency, a rejection of consumerist culture, and an embrace of a sustainable lifestyle. The second two thirds of the book are her own lists of recipes, tips and tricks on how to run a simple living household: from making your own soaps, to preserving foods and raising chickens. Some really helpful tips in here (did you know you can make laundry detergent at home really easily? or that you can make your own ginger beer?)
But this book is interesting to me because it gives me a peek into a particular world view. A type of libertarianism that grew out of 60s countercultural Boomers, without the extreme anti-government stance taken by later right wingers, all mixed with a dash of nostalgia for “traditional living”. All of this is somewhat rooted in privilege (i.e. access to land, financial ability to withdraw from society a bit). Not to say that you can’t take in principles from this book if you don’t have those things, but it’s still something to keep in mind. Again, this is more of a practical guidebook, not a philosophical defence of her world view so it's not totally the place for this, but I couldn’t help analyzing when flipping through these pages.
But this book is interesting to me because it gives me a peek into a particular world view. A type of libertarianism that grew out of 60s countercultural Boomers, without the extreme anti-government stance taken by later right wingers, all mixed with a dash of nostalgia for “traditional living”. All of this is somewhat rooted in privilege (i.e. access to land, financial ability to withdraw from society a bit). Not to say that you can’t take in principles from this book if you don’t have those things, but it’s still something to keep in mind. Again, this is more of a practical guidebook, not a philosophical defence of her world view so it's not totally the place for this, but I couldn’t help analyzing when flipping through these pages.
February 21, 2022
This book is basically the Mr. Money Mustache blog, if Mr. Money Mustache were somebody’s very nice grandmother.
On the whole, this was a good primer how to run a mostly self-sufficient and sustainable household and the author sounds like a lovely person to share a cup of tea with.
That said, it is written from a Boomer perspective and I think that could use an update. She pays lip service a number of times to single folks and childless couples, but the whole approach is very much based on being a homemaker who can, well, stay at home — which is going to limit the applicability of the advice for all kinds of people.
She also lives in Australia so if you live in a different country/climate then you’ll have to do your own research on a number of points; this is more an observation than a criticism.
As a personal finance nerd, I appreciate the nod to financial planning but there are better and more up-to-date resources that make use of modern technology. The book references Your Money Or Your Life, which I have heard good things about. Mr. Money Mustache and Mom and Dad Money are also good resources (blogs).
Tl;dr: this book didn’t change my life but it was nice to read and I’m glad it exists. It’s really 3.5 stars for me but we’ll round up to 4.
On the whole, this was a good primer how to run a mostly self-sufficient and sustainable household and the author sounds like a lovely person to share a cup of tea with.
That said, it is written from a Boomer perspective and I think that could use an update. She pays lip service a number of times to single folks and childless couples, but the whole approach is very much based on being a homemaker who can, well, stay at home — which is going to limit the applicability of the advice for all kinds of people.
She also lives in Australia so if you live in a different country/climate then you’ll have to do your own research on a number of points; this is more an observation than a criticism.
As a personal finance nerd, I appreciate the nod to financial planning but there are better and more up-to-date resources that make use of modern technology. The book references Your Money Or Your Life, which I have heard good things about. Mr. Money Mustache and Mom and Dad Money are also good resources (blogs).
Tl;dr: this book didn’t change my life but it was nice to read and I’m glad it exists. It’s really 3.5 stars for me but we’ll round up to 4.
February 25, 2014
This book is inspirational for anyone wanting to live more simply. I had knowledge of Rhonda via her helpful blog of the same name.
Rhonda Hetzel's practical advice and discussions about self-sufficiency came along at the same time as our family established a backyard food forest. Many of her practical insights were very helpful. There is much to learn about using more natural products for cleaning, simple and basic recipes including bread.
This book offers an alternative to the prevalent consumerist culture and strategies for budgeting, growing food, household care and cooking but it does so in a way that does not lecture. It is a manual for those who are already on the same path towards simple living.
A really good book for those wishing to downshift and get off the treadmill or for those wishing to make small simple changes to their lifestyle.
Rhonda Hetzel's practical advice and discussions about self-sufficiency came along at the same time as our family established a backyard food forest. Many of her practical insights were very helpful. There is much to learn about using more natural products for cleaning, simple and basic recipes including bread.
This book offers an alternative to the prevalent consumerist culture and strategies for budgeting, growing food, household care and cooking but it does so in a way that does not lecture. It is a manual for those who are already on the same path towards simple living.
A really good book for those wishing to downshift and get off the treadmill or for those wishing to make small simple changes to their lifestyle.
May 5, 2012
This is a fabulous book with so many simple yet priceless pearls of wisdom. I am going to give it to my teenage children to read because I could have done with knowledge of budgeting, saving and living simply when I was young. There is something to learn for everyone at all different stages of life with really positive ways to embrace change for the sake of your own health and happiness. Rhonda speaks to you, but doesn't preach...any changes are yours to own. I can't praise Down to Earth too highly - it is simply wonderful.
March 28, 2016
This book is a really good resource for anyone who is interested in embracing a simpler life. With recipes for home made soap & cleaning products, tips on growing veggies & composting, budgeting advice & home style cooking, this book has it all. Woven through the book are Rhonda's personal reflections on her journey to simplicity. This highlights that while simplicity will look different for each person, that if you truly want it, the Simple Life is within reach of us all.
October 24, 2020
This book really changed my life. As a new mother 8 years ago with debts and down to a single income I discovered Rhondas blog and book. This book helped me pay off my debts, start saving and fall down a rabbit hole of simple living and homesteading. We are now living on a farm and provide 95% of our own food. I thank Rhonda for opening that window to another way to live where I get to be with my children daily and provide great food.
August 29, 2012
A comforting book, like sitting down with Grandma for a chat about the old days. I can do a lot of the things mentioned in this book, and I don't feel like it's an all or nothing dilemma. I made laundry liquid and it works really well! Lots of really useful ways to live more simply and concentrate on the things that matter.
November 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I just kept thinking, "Yes, this woman speaks my language." It's filled with practical ideas and suggestions for how to implement them. A great starter guide to living simply.
May 14, 2013
This book will get you thinking why we waste so much time chasing the dollar only to give it away to everyone else. Yes growing things and making things at home does take more time. However is it really work when you are spending that time at home with the ones you love?
July 7, 2012
Would be an excellent book for those who are new to the subject. I had thought it was going to have more of the author's "story" but the emphasis is on her guidelines for living a simple life.
September 2, 2012
Read in the context of the value of Franciscan simplicity, this book has a lot to offer
November 9, 2013
Really good guide to making living simply work. Style is a little overbearing in a couple of places but overall it is really positive and uplifting.
February 8, 2016
I love this blog. The book is just as brilliant. Very inspiring and some sobering truths to contemplate.
October 6, 2025
LOVED! SO glad a book like this exists and even better that its Australian! Trad wife life.
December 20, 2020
Like Rhonda, the need for simplified living crept up on me. Moving regionally has been a humbling experience, a redefinition of who I am through the way I spend my time. I can’t dart around Melbourne anymore, filling every spare second, burning cash on (sorely missed) food, coffee, after work drinks, things to wear and use. Leaving the city, coupled with new parenthood and custodianship of a farmhouse meant that daily life changed quickly and significantly. I still find myself so overwhelmed with life and household responsibilities, which I dutifully ignore, leaving situations to spiral. I have no choice but to work toward simplicity.
What Rhonda suggests in her books is that taking charge and living simply by pairing back on possessions, keeping an organised space, tending to duties methodically, spending resources mindfully and doubling down on daily-house-life rituals can be deeply satisfying, nurturing and unexpectedly grounding.
On a level beyond cleanliness and organizational rituals, Rhonda eludes to the satisfaction found in a rejection of materialistic consumption, saving money where it would otherwise have been spent and taking a considered approach to the maintenance of our hard earned belongings. And here in lies the true rebellious nature of what is proposed in this book. A concept that could be mistaken as a backpedal to mid century home-making is actually a brave leap into rejection of what we are told makes us successful and therefore whole - cash, upgrades, a career driven existence, filling our time with places we tell ourselves we need to be, things we tell ourselves we need to buy. Generally creating distraction and an accumulation of stuff we don’t have time to properly use or maintain. Having permission to reframe what we consider success in life is a liberating proposition .
I will insert a trigger warning of sorts that this book is based on the extensive life experiences of the author, which took place in a nuclear family setting. With this in mind, there is text relating to the runnings of a home where children are involved. However, Rhonda stresses throughout that simple living is an inclusive mindset - we can take what resonates with us and leave the rest.
I have come across Rhonda’s writing at an age, place and stage where it speaks loudly to me and I am soaking it up. I have a long way to go with many of the ideas proposed in Down to Earth, but I feel as though this book takes a quiet idea nestled in my unconscious and cranks up the volume.
So if you also feel overwhelmed with the admin of life and you are resonating with the word ‘enough’ , then find yourself a fresh pen & notepad and get this book under your nose.
What Rhonda suggests in her books is that taking charge and living simply by pairing back on possessions, keeping an organised space, tending to duties methodically, spending resources mindfully and doubling down on daily-house-life rituals can be deeply satisfying, nurturing and unexpectedly grounding.
On a level beyond cleanliness and organizational rituals, Rhonda eludes to the satisfaction found in a rejection of materialistic consumption, saving money where it would otherwise have been spent and taking a considered approach to the maintenance of our hard earned belongings. And here in lies the true rebellious nature of what is proposed in this book. A concept that could be mistaken as a backpedal to mid century home-making is actually a brave leap into rejection of what we are told makes us successful and therefore whole - cash, upgrades, a career driven existence, filling our time with places we tell ourselves we need to be, things we tell ourselves we need to buy. Generally creating distraction and an accumulation of stuff we don’t have time to properly use or maintain. Having permission to reframe what we consider success in life is a liberating proposition .
I will insert a trigger warning of sorts that this book is based on the extensive life experiences of the author, which took place in a nuclear family setting. With this in mind, there is text relating to the runnings of a home where children are involved. However, Rhonda stresses throughout that simple living is an inclusive mindset - we can take what resonates with us and leave the rest.
I have come across Rhonda’s writing at an age, place and stage where it speaks loudly to me and I am soaking it up. I have a long way to go with many of the ideas proposed in Down to Earth, but I feel as though this book takes a quiet idea nestled in my unconscious and cranks up the volume.
So if you also feel overwhelmed with the admin of life and you are resonating with the word ‘enough’ , then find yourself a fresh pen & notepad and get this book under your nose.
June 7, 2020
Possibly the fourth or fifth time I’ve “read” this book which is a little like sitting down for a very detailed cup of tea with a very wise person and having them share their (I hesitate to say this) Slow Living advice - I hesitate to say use the words slow living because to do so is to do an injustice to the timeless wisdom of the book and its author.
These are the techniques and the lessons in ‘adulting’ that some of us were lucky enough to pick up as kids or young adults, but that have been forgotten or left to rust over in the wake of careers, kids and getting trapped in a doom loop of consumerism, bad debt and Instagram fuelled comparative living. Or, perhaps and possibly more likely, we never learned them at all from our parental figures growing up and just have this innate signal or sense of something missing.
It’s things like how to make your own soaps, your own floor cleaners and preserves - stuff I faintly recall my mom and even our neighbours doing as a kid growing up in the 80’s but don’t recall seeing outside of permaculture and slow living books in 2020.
There is comfort and possible quite a bit of challenge in these pages - stuff you absolutely won’t know how to do, stuff you probably should know how to do and things that you wish you knew how to do.
It leads me to reflect on a passing comment made by my 8-year old - words to the effect of, Dad can I have that notebook where you’ve written all your recipes when I grow up? Firstly, I had no idea that she remembered the notebook and secondly, while my closely held hope was that she and her brother could use it, would want that connection to me, their cultural recipes (my mom’s recipes) - I had no sense that they actually would.
Read this book - if you can, buy this book and keep it close as a reference, not just a set of wisdom notes.
These are the techniques and the lessons in ‘adulting’ that some of us were lucky enough to pick up as kids or young adults, but that have been forgotten or left to rust over in the wake of careers, kids and getting trapped in a doom loop of consumerism, bad debt and Instagram fuelled comparative living. Or, perhaps and possibly more likely, we never learned them at all from our parental figures growing up and just have this innate signal or sense of something missing.
It’s things like how to make your own soaps, your own floor cleaners and preserves - stuff I faintly recall my mom and even our neighbours doing as a kid growing up in the 80’s but don’t recall seeing outside of permaculture and slow living books in 2020.
There is comfort and possible quite a bit of challenge in these pages - stuff you absolutely won’t know how to do, stuff you probably should know how to do and things that you wish you knew how to do.
It leads me to reflect on a passing comment made by my 8-year old - words to the effect of, Dad can I have that notebook where you’ve written all your recipes when I grow up? Firstly, I had no idea that she remembered the notebook and secondly, while my closely held hope was that she and her brother could use it, would want that connection to me, their cultural recipes (my mom’s recipes) - I had no sense that they actually would.
Read this book - if you can, buy this book and keep it close as a reference, not just a set of wisdom notes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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