Weekend Chats | How we do our laundry | plans- house, bathroom & Grey Water | Off Grid Australia 094

[@peggy1046]

How refreshing the simplicity of your channel. I love how you speak about your house. You are thankful for what you have and don't compare with others. Just terrific!

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thank you Peggy, we are grateful for what we have and whilst a few little extras would be nice, we manage :D

[@leavingfingerprints]

Love this! Everything you have said and share is true homestead life!! Build from the ground up right!!

[@OurSmallFootprint]

We will have plenty to be proud of eventually! :D

[@laurengracepop]

Great video Nyssa, those twin tubs took me back to when I was a wee one. My mum would wash us in one when we were on holidays on the south coast of NSW at Gerroa. There was no bath tubs available and with 5 kiddos it was easier! Please know your supporters enjoy any part of your life you choose to share with us. I do believe it’s a privilege to watch someone else and their family. I adore seeing our beautiful Aussie outback and hearing your beautiful Australian voice. Makes me and my kiddies happy 🇦🇺💕

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thankyou Lauren! :). I remember my neighbour had one of the big concrete ones that she used to wash her dogs in when I was a kid! hehe, this one is a little more plastic, pros and cons! but it works on the same principal :D

[@Lilly-y9w]

Great video. I just love watching your shows. Thank you for sharing. I watch your shows straight away. I can’t wait. ❤

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thank you! :D

[@alisonshanahan9529]

Twin tubs are the best. My mother had one in the 1970s in the UK. A boyfriend's mum had one in the late 1980s in Australia. I always enjoyed using them, especially the separate spinner, so great for hand washing. Your home sounds great, comfortable sleeping, warmth in winter, kids outside playing. Homes today are too comfortable, that's why so many kids are still living with parents as adults. They need to learn independence and self sufficiency and you're going about it perfectly.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

The ability to decide how to wash clothes is great, give something a rinse and spin and wash again if needed, or not if not needed, definitely more control, but more hands on too of course, but that's why this lifestyle, to have that time to do those things! Nobody is lacking anything here, they definitely don't feel like they're missing out I don't think!

[@carolbolton4800]

Hi Dear Nyssa, 💗 I sooo enjoyed you sharing this dear chat today with us around your Homestead! I find it sooo interesting, and I truly enjoy learning sooo much about your life living in, as you call it "The Bush" of Australia! It is truly a work of a genius seeing how all the running of the homestead works - with the water system you have developed - and the plans for even more expansions of that system. Your utilities system and powering system you have shared in previous videos, is likewise soooo delightfully interesting. As I grew up we always lived in a provided parsonage - or manse - as some call it, as my father was a Methodist Minister, so our living situation was always provided by the church. There were no choices of a home, but we were always thankful the church provided a place for us to live. (Sometimes the floors tilted a bit, but we used that slight tilt to a positive advantage when my little brother and I played marbles!) We were very happy and never felt we were "missing out" in any way. We were grateful and blessed. I think that is one reason why I cling to your ever experience you share, because I just marvel at how you and the family can accomplish sooo much living off grid. It truly is deeply interesting - wonderful - and enjoyable learning sooo much from you day to day.💗 Thank you for all you do - not just for your beautiful family, but for us - your friends - on different sides of the big pond that separates us physically. I am sooo thankful we can connect in the way we do here on KZbin. Truly a marvel, isn't it? Always sending much love to you, Nyssa! Carol💗

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thank You Carol! I do enjoy sharing, though there is always a fear of judgement, and I try to get past that hehe, but we judge ourselves just as much! Some of the things I would love to do better wouldn't matter to some people, and some of the things I just brush off would be a big issue for others!

[@helenlane3940]

Hi Nyssa, You amaze me with the production of your vlogs, as well as how the household runs. Your presentation is great too! I watch episodes in batches, as watching just one is not enough to satisfy, lol. It is understandable that some of the children were awestruck and did not speak. I think it was the second eldest girl who was very shy of speaking. What a gorgeous girl she is. All of your children are nice looking. Love hearing the children being children in the background. I checked out all of your recommendations for kitchen-aids on Amazon, with the exception of two, which were not available, but found them elsewhere. Such a lot of outlay but I guess you did not purchase all of them at the same time. You and Daryl have my admiration for living off-grid and in time ypu will fulfull all of your desires for the new house and garden. Keep up the great work you are doing. My best to you and family!

[@OurSmallFootprint]

They film themselves all the time, but a bit different when I request they speak lol :) I definitely accumulate my kitchen equipment gradually over time! :D

[@sharonburling2262]

You guys are doing an excellent job in living your dream

[@OurSmallFootprint]

I think we're totally constantly moving forward to where we want to be, and that is definitely the main thing. Progress not Perfection! :D

[@lindamackin5685]

Thankyou for sharing with us.. I hadn't thought about the inside of your home i love watching and learning from you about cooking etc and seeing the outside.. Great video.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

People are curious, I totally get that hehe, but a lot of people move out like this into tiny homes with everything in its place and making it work really well for them etc, we didn't do that, there wasn't even walls originally lol :D

[@kelliechivers1429]

Nyssa I’m sure a lot of people living in inner city niche apartment/ homes would give anything to live the life you and your family have your home is so bloody awesome I would love to live off grid it would be tough but so rewarding be proud in what you and Daryl have I know I’m envious and would love to tackle this style of living x

[@OurSmallFootprint]

We are happy to have made the change and we had to take the leap in a hurry, I am sure there are plenty of people as you say who would love to take the leap as well, but its hard without that nudge!

[@joancollins6207]

Thank you Nyssa for your Saturday morning 'ramble'. It was truly very interesting. I too had wondered about your home, and how you did your washing. I appreciate you sharing selected parts of your life with all of us here on KZbin. Always look forward to your videos.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thank you Joan :D

[@jodiethane9359]

I had that washer type when I lived in Dominica. Loved it. Somedays I mis the simplicity I had there with my clothesline n outdoor cold water shower.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

We had the twin tub, then we moved to the automatic washer and were kind of glad when it didn't turn out, the twin tub really is just more efficient for our lifestyle! It doesn't necessarily get as many stains out due to the lower water quantity, but a bit of dirt never bothered me, so long as the clothes smell fresh and clean, a few stains are meh hehe :D

[@jodiethane9359]

I felt like it didnt wear out my clothes as quickly. It doesnt beat them up lol. That was great for me cuz I buy all my clothes when I visit america from second hand stores. I would wash my least dirty things first and rinse them in a wash tub so I could reuse the water for a second load. Im frugal and sometimes water was in shortage on the mountain so I only had so much in the barrel to spare.

[@rosemariemichel7050]

Thank you for sharing. Hey, improvements take money and time. A person has to live in the meantime.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Slow and steady!

[@countrymousesfarmhouse497]

Fantastic use of that little pump on the twin tub. I love a Hills hoist , this one is an old Park lane . It's one size too small. I can't hang big sheets or blankets stretched out on the outer lines which us a pain but until I find a large one in good condition it's got to do. I've been looking at our off grid pics and really wish i took more photos. It takes more time to just do living when you don't have running water or power points everywhere and I just didn't think about wanting to look back one day and see how we did it ir show others. Our shower set up was super basic, a tarp wrapped around star pickets with a pallet on the ground and a 12v shower set in a bucket or pot we warmed on the fire or gas stove. The kids all bathed in the big tub which was also for washing up. Lol. You'll love having this record of how you did it at this point in the journey and comparing to the future. Thank you for chatting and sharing lovely 😍

[@OurSmallFootprint]

hehe, when we first got out here we had the bathtub set up on teh patio and boiled big pots of water on the rocket stove! Those 20L cubes of water that we hand filled and then carried over etc heh. The instant gas camping shower was a significant upgrade! lol. I definitely see as I'm documenting now, how much fun it would be to look back at back then if I had of started, definitely regret that!

[@naturewoman1274]

Your home is so aussie I love it, it doesn't matter what it looks like as long as your warm fed and are loved that's the important thing, yes it's nice to have luxuries but it's so not necessary. You guys have it good xx

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Definitely, slowly we'll improve the aesthetics, like the new chicken pen, but for the moment, its all good! :D

[@kulickfamilyfarm4333]

Nyssa, I appreciate you sharing this. I find it so interesting how people can not only survive, but in your case, thrive off grid! And don’t feel bad about your “piles of useful stuff”! I assure you, we ALL have piles like that. I’d like to encourage you to snap a few photos of your living quarters as they are now. Then once you get things updated, you can decide if you want to share them. There are places we updated that I didn’t take before pictures of, and I honestly have forgotten how big of a difference the changes have made. It’s kind of fun to look back and see how far you’ve come. Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@OurSmallFootprint]

That is true! I always regret the fact that I didn't start documenting when we first moved out, so much has changed! I do have a bunch of photos I collated to try and show our four year journey, but I just haven't got to it yet, I do need to, its pretty amazing looking back :D

[@CharlieC738]

I still have my twin tub. Over 15 yrs old and works well. Saves water and detergent.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

We find them the best choice, its so much better because you can control what you use :D

[@CharlieC738]

@@OurSmallFootprint same here. I was going to switch as automatic is much less work but decided against it when I saw the expense. Water and electricity have become very expensive on my side of the world anyway.

[@tigerlillib1935]

Thankyou! This was a great video! Love seeing things done differently to the norm! And the "realities" of living in Aus, because that's how we live too 😁

[@OurSmallFootprint]

hehe, there are some things that we just do because meh, that's how you do it! not realising it is a bit out of the ordinary hehe :D

[@dragonflyneb8212]

You are so sweet and honest. No matter what your home looks like it is home and you are so thankful for the home you have. It is all about family and love and of course your good cooking. Thank you for sharing. i have started hanging my clothes electricity has gotten so expensive have to save every penny you can nowadays. Love you channel

[@OurSmallFootprint]

It is perfectly liveable and whilst untidy and messy and dusty, its clean (ish) as much as a small space with 8 people can be hehe. But it's not share worthy hehe! We're lucky that 95% of the year we have perfect weather for drying clothes outside!

[@cheryledrage1444]

Hi Nyssa, great video. Love your bush block and the twin tub washing machine. Have a great weekend. Cheryle

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thank you Cheryle, you too! :D

[@karolynforeman7529]

Love your chat..my parents had a twin tub machine when I was a kid..another great video

[@OurSmallFootprint]

I'd like to find an old style one eventually, probably much sturdier than the plastic one I have! But it does the job! :D

[@marybeazley7741]

Hi Nyssa you know it's funny I never once thought about your housing, I enjoy watching you cook and working in the garden, you have a great weekend too....hugs to all....Mary from Canada 💜💜🦋

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thank you Mary! :D

[@jacquelinesmith2966]

Very generous of you to share your home and life with us.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thankyou Jacqueline :D

[@Caroline.123]

Another great video.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thank You Caroline :)

[@qwertyqwert2772]

❤️❤️❤️ i love the yellow flowers on the trees so nice in the outback!!! Omg i thought you were going to show us you scrubbing clothes on a washboard or something! 🤣

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Hehe, I have been known to hand scrub, but so has every parent I reckon! It is why I hadn't really shared before, it doesn't seem all that out of the ordinary the way we do it, but a lot of people outside of Australia don't use clothes lines to dry I've found out! :D

[@naturewoman1274]

Oh one more thing have you heard of leahmans it's an American store that sells armish made stuff they have awesome things there I reckon you'd love it

[@OurSmallFootprint]

I have, I've browsed it online and see it referred to! there is some really neat stuff there!

[@leannemaguire1514]

sounds lovelly :)

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thankyou :D

[@debmatthews8631]

Phone camera works well. Good quality. Easier to hold.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Yes, just need to get my wireless mic and it will be even better :) My normal camera on a tripod in the kitchen is still perfect, but wandering the property lol...

[@LeAnneTraybsza]

This was very interesting. I think you are so strong and resilient. I can’t imagine starting to homestead in a remote area with six little ones. Have a fun weekend.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

It was a big leap, but I think we did ok! :D

[@Eristotl3]

We appreciate you sharing your journey. To some people a homes appearance is most important. If the system in which you live works for you and you enjoy your days it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. My home is never model house ready because I am to busy living in it!

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Definitely! everyone has different priorities and that is fine! :D

[@kathleendott3096]

Always fantasised about living in a yurt. The old twin tub took me back to my childhoood where it would walk across the floor during the spin cycle! Love your approach to life.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Yeah, I dunno if the yurt will ever be more than a fantasy hehe, but I do love the idea of it!

[@michelleh5727]

Function over fancy wins out with me every time!

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Definitely, though I am trying to get stuff to be more aesthetically pleasing as we go along, just for my own benefit!

[@Ladythyme]

Water, food, shelter & warmth when it is cool….what more does one need? We had one of those washers in our first apartment…they work really well for what they are. Look forward to viewing the checking off of your wish list 😊

[@OurSmallFootprint]

We totally find it the most practical choice for our resource availability! :D

[@SuperBotanica]

it is everything about food, eating, cooking.....we can see this in you 😉😉

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Feeding so many people takes work :)

[@virginialynch7207]

You should be proud of your accomplishments. I dould never have done that.😢

[@OurSmallFootprint]

We've come a long way, but still so far to go lol :D

[@marcellahicks3984]

Sustainable living in a remote area is a work in progress. I just watched on This Alaskan Life Part 2 of question and answer, an outdoor shower build. Check it out. It is brilliant how they built it. Simple but efficient. They have a cabin in a remote area. They used paver stones for the floor. Your Land is beautiful. It takes many seasons and lived conditions to understand how the land irrigates and responds to water excess. It looks like you are at the point of understanding and moving forward. This is exciting and frustrating. Materials are hard to find and pricey in this economy. I am so impressed what you have accomplished thus far. It is so worth it. This was such an interesting vlog. It is going to be amazing watching the progress. The WHEELS ARE IN MOTION. How's the Pantry Expansion going? That is going to be a treat for you. I can't wait.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Yes, definitely, I have been tracking the weather and the sun and the rain for the last three years to try and get a better understanding of how to make the best use of everything here, it is always a work in progress though! We haven't started the pantry flooring yet, we are trying to get the chook pen finished so that we can move them so I can get the gardens ready for spring lol, all these wheels in motion at the same time, some skirting off in different directions!

[@FrugalFunMum]

Just watched this and reaslied it was from a year ago LOL - Oh well always good to catch up!

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Lol, its weird some of the suggestions that come up isn't it!

[@maryfly2889]

Do you ever find snakes in your house?.Love your chatty videos.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

We have had one in the bathroom, but it is pretty open, so not unexpected and we've had a couple in the gutters under the patio, but we've never found one inside the house! :D

[@marieparks5674]

Loved the video

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Thank You Marie :D

[@geraldinelucas3143]

You must not have wells in the bush where you draw your water from the ground? So many things are similar to the way we lived during WWII. We are so spoiled now with all our automatics but so happy you have that Thermamix to make your life a little easier.

[@OurSmallFootprint]

No, we have no water sauce available on our property, we do have some clusters of paperbark trees, so theoretically we might be able to drop a bore, but that's an expensive endeavour if you don't hit water! :)

[@heatherchambers1609]

“Useable stuff ” according to my dad were “treasures” to be kept for when you needed them! How did you find your property?

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Definitely, but it makes everything look so cluttered! We don't have a lawn mower atm, so when D needs to clear space out he has to use a whipper snipper/trimmer and its an arduous task, especially in this weather, but we really need to clear out down the side a bit more and stack our 'treasures' a little better so we know what we have hehe. On realestate dot com, we were in a hurry, life was falling apart, we wanted a weekender to begin with before it all of a sudden became our permanent home, Darryl came out and looked at it, he said it was a big block of bush in the middle of nowhere, so I told him to go ahead lol, I hadn't seen it until we were almost ready to move out here :D

[@Jaesdiyhut]

Oh I had no idea your house is an old mining house my house is an old mill house and we live in an old gold mining town it’s population in the early 1900’s was 7,000 now there about 35 🤣

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Its made from the demountables from an old mining site, so the temporary accomodation they set up for the miners, split into bits and we purchased 3 of those parts :). They're sort of like shipping containers :)

[@Jaesdiyhut]

Do you have a river nearby?! We have one across from our house we pump from

[@OurSmallFootprint]

No water sources here, very desert like :)

[@jodiethane9359]

How many sq meters is that so I can convert lol. Us Americans and our feet and inches🤣🤣 I assume it is a small space. I love ur videos. Just seeing how other ppl live is interesting. .

[@OurSmallFootprint]

Heh, it is about 775sq feet. But that is just our enclosed space, bedrooms and living and where the fire is, we have half that again as the 'L' shape with the bathroom at the end, and our patio is 775sq feet as well (with our kitchen and dining etc on it! So we have plenty of spare really, just a lot of sleeping and living in a smaller space for ease of heating/sealing it up etc! :)

[@jodiethane9359]

That is plenty of space. Basic needs and lots of love. That really is all family needs. Plus all those acres. Wow.

[@shilpaapte4791]

Well I am from India and most of us have that type of washing machine

[@OurSmallFootprint]

That's neat! I think most households in Australia have automatic washing machines, throw the clothes in, put the detergent in a draw and push the button and walk away :D

[@Birdiechik]

Theres nothing wrong with the way you live, did it for a long time from the age of 18 to 30 years old up in gin gin in bundergerg, there was nothing but a new dam and a "humpy" there to start with, over time you get the things done thats needed! The dirt the untidiness comes part the parcel with living that way! I think its the best way for kids to be bought up like that, as it teaches them more then the children are taught these days in society. Its all electronics too much of it and the children have become out of control in cities!!

[@OurSmallFootprint]

I agree, nothing wrong with it, but it isn't the lifestyle some would choose and I think people can be judgemental without even realising they're speaking from their own preferences, which is fine! They don't want to live in the style we are, that's all good! :D