Three books that changed my life

**homesteadmamma** · 08-22-2002, 10:35 AM

These 3 books are three that totally changed my life/lifestyle in more ways than any other book did except the Bible.

The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs has a life changing effect on me to begin a walk in simplicity and simple living, taking me back to self-sufficiency and becoming a homesteader.

The Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living by Jackie Wellwood helped me to become more creative in using what I had and becoming a better homemaker.

Frugal Luxuries by Tracy McBride helped me make frugality fun. It taught me what frugality was all about, not about pinching pennies until the buffalo ran dry, but in saving in one area to have fun in another area. She showed me how to live extravagently and yet frugally.

These 3 books come highly recommended by me. A must read in my books. I've read them numerous times and each time, I get more info from them.

Are there any books that come highly recommended by you, ones that have changed you profoundly when it comes to frugality and simple living?

**bmiltimore** · 08-22-2002, 11:18 AM

The Complete Tightwad Gazette -- that really opened my eyes!

Your Money or Your Life -- great book!

My life was also totally changed after I watched, "The Farms Wife" on PBS several years ago. I was so moved by it. I even bought the videos so I could watch it again. Did anyone else see it?

**justGina** · 08-22-2002, 12:11 PM

The Complete Tightwad Gazette, Miserly Moms, and The Encyclopedia of Country Living.

**yolo** · 08-22-2002, 12:48 PM

I would love to watch the Farm's wife. I will have to watch for that on our local PBS station. Thanks for recommending it.

I love the Tightwad Gazette, also. Lots of good information.

I will have to check out some of the other books, also.

yolo

**bmiltimore** · 08-22-2002, 12:56 PM

Yolo, PBS hasn't showed it since 1998!

I have seen the VHS tape set on www.half.com for a good price. I highly recommend it. It is a documentary of a Nebraska family trying to make a living by farming, raising three kids, and trying to keep their marriage together.

**justGina** · 08-22-2002, 02:28 PM

I think I saw an episode of that, Betsy. It was very stark and had a sad feel to it.

**yolo** · 08-22-2002, 02:34 PM

Betsy: Thanks for letting me know. PBS does have great shows though don't they?

Thanks.

yolo

**bmiltimore** · 08-22-2002, 02:48 PM

justgina, yes, it was sad--but it had a good lesson to teach. The first two episodes are sad but the last episode was uplifting and showed that they did pull through it. It is a total of 6.5 hours long!

I emailed the wife about a year ago and she responded and told me that they were filing for divorce. It was sad to hear but she has really become a strong woman and is making a difference.

I find her very inspiring.

I also think Amy Dacyczyn who wrote the Tightwad Gazette very inpiring too. Any woman who can do what they do must be TOUGH!

**justGina** · 08-22-2002, 03:01 PM

Originally posted by bmiltimore
I emailed the wife about a year ago and she responded and told me that they were filing for divorce. It was sad to hear but she has really become a strong woman and is making a difference.

Oh, that's so sad to me. I hate to hear about people getting divorced.

**i.m.cheap** · 09-14-2002, 09:16 PM

I also loved "Your Money or Your Life", "The Complete Tightwad Gazette" , "The Simple Living Guide" and "Miserly Moms"

**cozyquilter** · 09-15-2002, 01:04 PM

I have read others, but these stick out...

1- Open Heart, Open Home...a book on simple hospitality. This is a Christian book by Karen Mains.

2- The Twightwad Gazette, but I was a subscriber to the newletter for years...so the books KEEP inspiring me..but the newsletter orginally did.

**mustang80** · 09-15-2002, 02:40 PM

The Complete Tightwad Gazette! I still refer to it often and reread it.

I just ordered Frugal Luxuries from half.com. I'm looking forward to reading it all with you for the book club! PS: It was only $4.00!

**cozyquilter** · 09-15-2002, 05:04 PM

Oh, I forgot to comment on the Farmers Wife.....LOVED IT!!

I watched it 3 WHOLE times and loved it each time. Never thought to look for a used copy of the video...thanks bmiltimore.

I learnded so much from that also.

**homesteadmamma** · 09-15-2002, 05:13 PM

Hopeudance - I read that book, Open Heart, Open Home years ago and found it to be an excellant book. Helped me tremendously in the art of hospitality.

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 09-21-2002, 07:46 AM

Oh I have ordered the simple living guide from Amazon and am looking forward to it's arrival. I love to sit by the fire with a quilt and tea and read books on simplicity during the cooler months.