29 September 2011

Writing for the Weekly

About a month ago I wrote about a photographer coming to our home to take photos for the Women's Weekly. Well yesterday, the edition I am featured in, went on sale. I have to tell you I am very happy with the article and photos, and to all those Women's Weekly readers who come here this week for the first time, welcome!


I made my entrance into the Weekly in their budget edition, and have been dubbed "the queen of thrift". That's fine by me, we do focus on thriftiness here, as well as many other life enriching activities. I think that managing money wisely and paying off debt is the key that unlocks the door to independence. Once that door is open you realise that life is not about working to pay off debt. Sure, you need to work hard to set yourself up and build a home that you feel comfortable in, but mindless spending delays you reaching the point when your debts are paid back and you can concentrate on the things you love doing.

For those of you living in other countries, the Women's Weekly is the magazine that most Australians know about and almost all of us have read. So you can imagine how pleased I was to be featured in it. Well, that was not the only excitement. A phone call came through a couple of weeks ago from the managing editor, Michelle Endacott, asking if I'd be interested in writing a monthly column for them.

Is the Pope Catholic?

I sent that first column in yesterday, it will be in the next edition, in November. I was asked not to tell you about the column because the announcement was at the end of the article; I was happy to oblige. No public announcement, but I did tell my family and some close friends. Everyone was so happy for me. My sons Shane and Kerry were surprised and delighted, my daughters-in-law were as excited as I was, my friends were really pleased. Ali, at the Centre, said she went "all tingly" when I told her. Hanno was very proud.

So now I hope to live up to expectations and do my best. I will be striving to do that and to help show how wonderful life can be when you slow down, adopt a frugal mindset, pay off debt and make your home the one place you know you can relax, let go of stresses and be your true self. Living more simply has the potential to give you a life like no other and the rewards are not far off in the distant future. As soon as you commit to this and start taking your own small steps, the payoffs are dotted frequently along the way. There is no destination in a simple life, the journey itself is the reward.
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87 comments

  1. Wow, congratulations! I couldn't think of anyone better to write their column.

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  2. Congratulations Rhonda!

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  3. Happy happy news! Congratulations! We get the Australian Women's weekly here too - it's always a good read and I love their recipes! - I hope your article and column will be in the NZ version!!

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  4. Congratulations, Rhonda! How wonderful for you. And, I might add, for the readers of Women's Weekly.

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  5. Congratulations Rhonda. It was a great article, nice photos too. I'll be looking forward to reading your column in the Weekly.
    Seagreen

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  6. Congrats! How exctiting for you and your Australian friends...Would love to have that magazine here in the US...
    ~~Peace & Love & Blessings~~

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  7. Oh my goodness Rhonda!!! I am so excited and happy for you. What a fantastic opportunity. You will do an excellent job and they have made a very good decision asking you to write. We all love your blog, your wisdom and encouragement you so graciously pass on to all of us. Just think how many readers your column will reach and the little spark of encouragement they will have from reading about being frugal and careful with their budget and spending. It will be life changing for many and all because of your selfless writings about following your dreams while living within your means. Hugs :)

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  8. Congratulations! Those of us who have come to appreciate you via the blog are pleased that you have this honor of influencing a whole new audience! They and we (I) are most blessed!

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  9. Congratulations Rhonda, what exiting news! Do you know if the column will be posted online as well? I would love to read it.

    B.

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  10. Congratulations Rhonda. I'm going to pop out and get myself that magazine. It used to be that the Women's Weekly was THE magazine for home makers full of home making articles. It went of the rails for a while in my opinion and became just another glossy magazine. But they are setting themselves back on track if they have you writing a regular column. Good on you .

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  11. Dear Rhonda You are the woman of the moment.The 21st century Mrs. Beeton. The world is crying out for your reasoning, practicality and humble loving approach to living a frugal life. Affussa

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  12. Well aren't you a bundle of secrets!
    What wonderful news that you will be making more columns. Your Aussie readers will be delighted as I know we are. Congrats.!

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  13. Congratulations, Rhonda! It will be lovely to see the 'living simply' message spread and you sure have a lot of knowledge to impart.

    Angela

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  14. Ooh, how exciting Rhonda, well done you!

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  15. Oh Rhonda,
    How exciting what excellent news. Congratulations to you and I know your column will be fabulous and reach out to many new people.
    I am so happy for you
    Lors

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  16. Congratulations - I hardly ever buy magazines now but I'll make an exception for this one! Agree with the first post - who better to write the column and I just love the very last line in todays post.

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  17. Congratulations Rhonda. Such fabulous news.

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  18. That is great news Rhonda. It will be so good to have an alternative view being put forward in a widely read magazine like WW. I stopped buying most magazines years ago, as so much of the content is about mindless consumption and celebrities. I am wondering how it will sit with their advertising friends, but anyway that is not your problem! Congratulations...

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  19. Conratulations Rhonda! That's fantastic news. You have an amazing way of inspiring people to live more thoughtful lives. Wow! Think of all the people you will reach! This could be the end of consumerism - LOL!

    Poor hubby, as we drifted off to sleep last night, I suddenly exclaimed, "Oooh! I have to buy the Women's Weekly tomorrow! Rhonda's in it.)" He must think I'm going mad!

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  20. Congratulations Rhonda! How exciting! :) xxx

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  21. Lol, I thought you were retired? Wow, a regular contributor to a popular magazine. Your common sense way of living is what is needed these days when natural catastophes and other situations have made prices soar and people seem to be trying to outdo each other on quantities of possessions. Congratulations :D!
    Cheers,
    Robyn

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  22. Congratulation's Rhonda,that is really wonderful,xx Carol

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  23. Congratulations Rhonda! I have not bought the Weekly for years, but will buy this edition to read your column.

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  24. Congrats! That's so exciting!!!!!

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  25. Congratulations Rhonda. I am going to have to stop in at the newsagents and take a peek. I don't usually buy the WW because it became too much like all the other celebrity gossip mags so it is refreshing to hear that they approached you for this article and to write a column - wow, they are taking notice! Now I wonder if they would consider putting someone on the front cover who is not an actress, pop singer or married into Royalty? If someone from the AWW is reading these comments can I dare them to at least try this - the homemaker's edition perhaps? Look at the success of their cookbooks - they might be surprised at how well it might sell.

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  26. Isn't it funny where life leads sometimes. I bet if someone had told you 20 years ago you'd be writing for the Weekly in your retirement you wouldn't have believed them! ;)I think it's fantastic news and I will definitely buy a copy of the Weekly this month. I do love reading it, especially for the recipes, but in past years I have stopped buying magazines and only very occasionally will buy the Weekly if it has something I really want to read. Well it certainly has this time Rhonda. A warm congratulations to you and may your articles have a huge impact.

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  27. OH wow!! That's fabulous! Congratulations! :) Will have to grab a copy!

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  28. Rhonda, I'd forgotten that you were doing the interview, until I picked up a copy of WW yesterday - what a lovely surprise, and congratulations on the article. I'm really looking forward to reading your column in my favourite magazine - well done!

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  29. Congratulations Rhonda, well deserved

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  30. Congratulations on your new writing assignment. It should be a piece of cake to do as you write a very interesting, informative blog.

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  31. Wow! Congratulations, Rhonda. Not surprising as you are such a superb and inspiring writer. How exciting that your ideas are now in the mainstream. I think this is a really positive sign that the tide is turning and people are waking up to a new,more satisfying and sane way of living.
    Well done :)

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  32. What I want to know is why Sandra Sully got the first story, your article is sooooo much better.

    I'm so proud of you Rhonda.

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  33. How exciting! Too bad I can't get a copy here. I'm sure it's wonderful.

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  34. It is indeed an exciting time for you and your family but also for the new readers of your blog who will gain so much from your wonderful writing and encouraging ways. A great leap forward for the AWW too!
    Love from Sue
    xx

    and Rose...you hit the nail right on the head lol
    xxx

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  35. I get this mag home delivered and it arrives before it does in the shops so have already read the article with you featured a few days ago. Was a lovely surprise opening the pages to find you there.

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  36. Fantastic! I hope it goes down a treat and you reach some people you otherwise might not have and get them thinking.
    Congratulations!

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  37. Congratulations Rhonda!! What a woman!! I'm going to splurge and buy this months AWW to see you in print! This back to basics movement is going from strength to strength and that's a fantastic happening indeed!

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  38. Congratulations Rhonda. I will be buying the "Weekly" tomorrow when I do the grocery shopping. xxoo

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  39. This is terrific! The more that read your wisdom, the better. Over here in Canada, the only way to read you (until you publish a book!) will be on your blog I suppose. Congrats!

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  40. Congratulations Rhonda. I am thrilled to hear about your column in Womens Weekly.

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  41. Congratulations! I look forward to reading your contributions! :)

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  42. I JUST read the article and was really impressed with it :) You are such an inspiration for all of us - thank you so very much for all that you do to keep the forum and the blog going and now, with your book and the column - look out world - Down To Earth is IT!!!!! :)

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  43. YIPPEE!!!! Agree with all above, especially Rebecca's "we are most blessed", and Evi's "What a Woman!!!".

    We are lucky to get to know you ---- and now more folks are going to get lucky too.

    love,
    brenda from arkansas

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  44. Sincere Congratulations, Rhonda! You have so much to share and will be able to spread your message wonderfully! Just at the right time and so well deserved!

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  45. It's all very exciting for you Rhonda, as well as us readers and followers. Very proud of you...and I can picture Hanno grinning from ear to ear with pride too.

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  46. This is exciting! A blessing too,.. as with prices going up some extra income can't hurt! :) Oh I wish they had that magazine in the U.S.A.! Speaking of writing...could you tell us, will our actual book be available in America too? Can we order it at book stores here or on e-bay? Can't wait to read it! Sarah

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  47. I just picked up the magazine today Rhonda and I've have just finished reading your 'story'. Congratulations, and I am thrilled with the news that you will be a regular contributor!!!!

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  48. That's brilliant, Rhonda! Hopefully your regular column will plant little seeds in the psyche of the general population, and we might start to see more and more people seeking satisfaction in 'enough' rather than 'more'. Congratulations :-)

    Anna

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  49. I've been telling everyone they need to buy the latest edition of Women's Weekly "because Rhonda Jean is in it". Then they ask, "Who is Rhonda Jean?", and I tell them, so you'll probably have a few new readers to this blog over the coming days. ;)
    And CONGRATULATIONS on the column!
    ~S.

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  50. I am so pleased Rhonda that the message of sustainability and simple living is hitting the mainstream through your column!! I think sometimes in the blogs we are preaching to the converted , though we all learn off each other as we go, to reach another stream of people is a wonderful feat.
    I think you really are doing your bit to change the world a little at a time.

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  51. Warm congratulations, Rhonda! What I think is funny is I said to myself 'who the heck is Sandra Sully?'....I just googled 'Sandra Sully' to find out who she was, but there is no need to google 'Rhonda Jean Hetzel'! Now, THAT'S turning life on its head!!

    I know you don't seek celebrity status whatsoever, but rather prefer for your simple living ideas/actions to be in the limelight. Now, they will be that much more.

    Love from Cape Town
    South Africa

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  52. Huge congratulations and so very well deserved!

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  53. Yippeee - and congratulations Rhonda!
    I haven´t been very active when it comes to comments but believe me, I read Down-to-Earth every day. You really have a gift for writing inspiring and intelligent messages. No matter that many like me have been reading your articles for years, it still feels like we get a loving push forward every day.
    For this reason I am so glad that such an influential magazine is giving thousands of readers the opportunity to find out about a greener and more harmonious lifestyle.
    Keep up the good work
    Greetings from Uppsala/Sweden
    Ramona K

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  54. Is the Pope Catholic?!! LOL :)
    I know I've told you this already Rhonda, but I am just so excited for you on your success. Congratulations!!!
    x
    Megan

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  55. Congratulations Rhonda...how exciting for you..I look forward to reading it..the more people that can read about living more simply, the better off they will all be, and the more the concept will continue to grow....well done :)

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  56. HEY
    Congratulations!!!!!!
    We in India cannot get Australian womens weekly , but I have read a couple as a friend from Newzealand had posted them to me....
    I love the magazine.... I am so glad you will be writing and featured on it , I am really excited for you wish I could read your magazine...
    MY BEST WISHES ARE ALWAYS THERE...

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  57. Congratulations, will go and buy me a copy tomorrow!
    Deb

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  58. Fan-flippin' tastic. I am so happy for you. You will do an amazing job as you do already. Brilliant news.

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  59. Fantastic news! I`m sure you will make articles exciting for their magazine, too. Best wishes to you and all your readers.

    Sarina. xxxx

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  60. Oh Rhonda! How awesome! I sure wish I could get that magazine here. It would be great if it were online. I will have to research that!

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  61. Congratulations! You deserve it! Your blog has inspired me more than anything I've been able to find. I am excited to know other women will get the chance to learn from you like I have.

    Your family is very blessed!

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  62. Congratulations Rhonda, well deserved! I buy the magazine monthly, already read the article about you, and best of all I bought the ingredients for making the washing liquid and the soap, so today the washing liquid has been made, on the weekend I will get around to making soap. How exciting!!

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  63. The most amazing thing is your get to share your wisdom with the masses and teach about home ecology while being thrifty.

    This gladdens my heart as main stream media need to promote looking after our planet in ways all Australians can participate easily with small steps. Many small steps make big changes.

    Congratulations!!!

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  64. I am so happy for you, Rhonda! Well done! You really deserve this, I think it is wonderful!

    Anna, Netherlands

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  65. Congratulations, Rhonda! That is wonderful.

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  66. Bravo Rhonda!
    Every journey begins with just one little step.
    May yours continue in leaps and bounds =)

    Vicki
    Trinidad & Tobago

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  67. Congratulations Rhonda, what an achievement. I will be having a sneaky peak at this on the supermarket shelf!

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  68. Congratulations, Rhonda. That is wonderful news. :)

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  69. Hi I have an iPad and bought the on line version magazine because you were featured and the only article I enjoyed was yours. It was worth it because I really enjoyed your article. If you write monthly for them I will buy the magazine. What you have to say is worth paying for. Truly I learn things from you that my mum or grandma never taught me. I love your blog. Lori

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  70. Congrats on your column, Rhonda! That's wonderful! I can't read it of course, but I know it's filled with lots of wonderful things that we've all read here on your blog! It'll be a smash I'm sure!

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  71. Congratulations. You are an excellent addition to the writing staff. Now I wish we could get the magazine here in the States.

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  72. So excited for you Rhonda. I'll be making my first Weekly purchase in a really long time. The column sounds like a wonderful way to reach an entirely different audience.

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  73. oh congratulations - how exciting to know that your wonderful knowledge and experience will be getting around to whole new realm of readers.....yeah to you xo

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  74. Congratulations, Rhonda Jean! It's so exciting to hear about your latest success. From the comments made here on the blog, it sounds like the magazine sales will take a jump this month :)That should make the publishers happy :) I look forward to your blog every day.
    ~Elaine

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  75. Congratulations!!! People are going to LOVE reading your articles :)

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  76. Rhonda a big congratulations. That really is wonderful news (and just a little bit exciting!) Your column will be a wonderful addition to the magazine.
    ps. Thanks for the recent link for weekend reading too- it was a lovely surprise.

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  77. Great article Rhonda, I think it will open up a lot of peoples eyes and minds... Congrats on your regular monthly column, I will be keeping an eye out for it!

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  78. Yay! Congrats Rhonda! You've inspired me to start on a simpler, more fulfilling life; I'm sure many readers of Women's Weekly will be similarly inspired.

    Mandi

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  79. Congratulations! When someone does something honest, worthy and true - people notice. Your family must be very proud. I know I am.

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  80. Congratulations Rhonda! I don't generally buy magazines, but I might have to make an exception this time.

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  81. congratulations, rhonda. i bought the latest edition yesterday specifically for your article and the whole focus on on simple living in general. i usually only buy ww when they have a sample bag or a free gift attached that i'm interested in.

    and it was lovely to see narelle and christine mentioned in there too. did you suggest them as contributors? how lovely if you did, sharing everyone's knowledge.

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  82. That is really great news! Well done. I look forward to reading your column :)

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  83. Congratulations! That's fantastic.

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  84. Congratulations! That is so exciting. And just think how many people will be able to read about this & maybe you will be able to plant a little seed of goodness in their minds. Good stuff.

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