The Non-Consumer Advocate Down Under

by Katy on September 10, 2012 · 27 comments

Yesterday was a fun day day for me. Not only did I get to do a short appearance for the Australian breakfast show Sunrise, but I also got to take my sons with me to the studio since it was a weekend. They sent a car for me, and arranged it so far in advance of my actual appearance time that the people at the Portland studio had no idea of who I was or why I was there. But that was okay, as we ended up with a tour of the local ABC affiliate station and had time to goof around a bit.

My entire TV segment was just a little over four minutes, which went by quickly. I’m pretty happy with the interview, although I did get a bit rambly when answering a few questions. The Sunrise show did not mention the name of the blog, so I made sure to say it LOUDLY and CLEARLY at the end of the interview. 😉

Thank you to the lovely Mel B who interviewed me, and everyone who worked to make this interview possible. And of course, a big welcome to all my new Australian readers!

Click HERE to watch the interview.

And make sure to enter my Happier at Home giveaway which ends tonight at 9 P.M. P.S.T.!

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }

Katy September 10, 2012 at 8:21 am

I forgot to mention that the driver was someone I went to middle school with!

Katy

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Karen September 10, 2012 at 9:33 am

Funny!!

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Thrifty Household September 10, 2012 at 9:28 am

Sounds like a fun day!

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Katy September 10, 2012 at 9:31 am

Indeed it was!

Katy

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marianne September 10, 2012 at 9:55 am

Portland…USA! LOL, um theres more than one Portland. 😉

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Katy September 10, 2012 at 10:25 am

There is Portland, Maine!

Katy

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Rachel September 10, 2012 at 4:05 pm

… and Portland, Australia.

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Susan Marsh September 10, 2012 at 10:22 am

I think Katy indicated that it is Portland, Oregon, US.

Katy, you are inspiring! I have been taking steps in the right direction, just not there yet!

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Katy September 10, 2012 at 10:29 am

There is no “there.” We’re all on our journeys. 🙂

Katy

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Anne September 10, 2012 at 3:37 pm

I really, really like this statement.

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Linda in Indiana September 10, 2012 at 11:26 am

Awesome! Our celebrity–Rah! It took me over 30 minutes to watch the video as my computer is for some reason really slow with videos. But, seeing Katy’s interview was well worth it and I sure wasn’t going to miss it:)! I am also on the journey…taking baby steps….but still moving forward.

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JudyY September 10, 2012 at 11:47 am

HI Katy, lucky enough to catch you on the show (although I was recording it anyway as I don’t quite have 2 hours to sit watching TV in the morning). I’ve been reading for quite a while but I’ve only just started commenting – I really enjoy the blog and while I’ve been quite frugal and done lots of decluttering etc etc, it has inspired me to be stronger in my commitment to the meaning of your motto, and more consistent. I agree with your list of exceptions but will just add one more of my own which is ‘new shoes’. Cheers Judy in Oz!

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jennifer@little blog in the big woods September 10, 2012 at 3:32 pm

I’m with ya on the new shoes Judy…I’ve got some jacked up feet and the thought of other people’s foot sweat….well….*gag*!! I have bought one used pair that was virtually new…but that’s it.

Yet another great interview Katy! I’m sure you are enjoying special treatment at home due to your new celebrity status. ;-P

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Rachel September 10, 2012 at 3:48 pm

Hi Katy, I saw the Sunrise program yesterday and went straight to your blog (here) and spent about an hour reading through some of your posts. Glad you mentioned your blog on TV 🙂 Some great ideas you have for not needing to buy anything (or most things) new. I have recently started op-shopping (thrift/charity stores) and can’t believe some of the great finds they have there. Keep up the good work 🙂 – Rachel in Australia.

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Lou Rodriguez September 10, 2012 at 4:17 pm

Not “rambly” at all and love how you took control at the end to make sure you mentioned your blog. But let me ask you; don’t you hate it when someone is interviewing you, says good morning, and then doesn’t give you the chance to answer? 🙂

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Katy September 10, 2012 at 4:56 pm

Yeah, that was awkward.

Katy

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Jennifer September 10, 2012 at 5:59 pm

You were so poised and relaxed. You are becoming a pro at this!!

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Jo September 10, 2012 at 7:54 pm

I am an Aussie living and working in Hong Kong and a fairly long-term reader of your very enjoyable blog. I am very glad to hear that you are being advertised/listened to down-under finally.

I get a lot from your posts even though most are about things I can’t emulate here, but I can see myself doing more of that when I finally relocate back home.

Keep ’em coming!
Jo

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Mama Minou September 10, 2012 at 9:06 pm

Katie, you are becoming a media celebrity! Are you getting recognized around your neighborhood?

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Katy September 10, 2012 at 11:02 pm

Nope.

Katy

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Mama Minou September 10, 2012 at 9:07 pm

oops, sorry I misspelled your name.

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Kylee September 11, 2012 at 1:55 am

I saw the segment this morning on channel 7, when it was repeated from yesterday. (The repeat was on at about 5 am, so not sure how many people would have seen it at that time). You were great!

An international star!

Looking at the footage, I am starting to think that thrift stores in the US are better stocked than the op shops in Australia. Or maybe I just live in the wrong suburb.

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Katy September 11, 2012 at 5:16 am

That thrift shop was the “Main Goodwill,” which is significantly larger than any of the others.

Katy

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Heather September 11, 2012 at 2:42 am

So great to see you on Tv here in Oz. I have been reading your blog for ages now and it’s so nice that frugality is getting the coverage it deserves in mainstream media. Perhaps it will encourage others to take the plunge and join those of us who enjoy “Getting our Vinnie’s on”. (St Vincent de Paul Charity Shopping in Australia).

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Jo September 12, 2012 at 6:47 pm

I too saw that segment on Sunrise and went straight to your site. I think of myself as fairly frugal but it’s inspiring to see someone else living it. I do think it would be easier to do this in the US due to the greater accessibility; I know Portand is smaller compared to some places in the US (yes, I’ve been there, I’m from San Diego!) but it’s huge compared to our little Tasmania. 🙂 But it’s really more about the lifestyle and mindset, which makes it possible to do this no matter where you live. Will be reading this blog daily!

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JoAnn September 14, 2012 at 1:06 pm

Way to go Katy!

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Amanda September 16, 2012 at 3:19 am

Way to go 🙂 Inspiring!

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