2019 Modern Homesteader’s Christmas Wish List
Despite the fact that most modern homesteaders lust after some version of โthe simple lifeโ and like to challenge ourselves to make do with what weโve got (and be resourceful AF), we also tend to be suckers for good quality kitchen gadgets, garden tools, cookbooks, preserving equipment, natural ingredients and products that either take us back to a simpler time (hello cast iron and wooden spoons!) or make balancing this whole homesteading thing with the demands of life in the 21st century just a little -or a lot- quicker and easier (Iโm looking at you, Instant Pot!)
The awesome thing is, as modern homesteading gains traction and more and more people jump on the self-sufficiency train, the more old-fashioned tools and modern-day time savers are becoming available for those of us who are striving for a homegrown, homemade life.
Naturally, many of us already have a list a mile long of practical, useful gifts that would have us swooning on Christmas morning. But if you need a few ideas for the modern homesteader in your life, you’re looking to inconspicuously send a link full of your favourite products to someone who needs a hint *wink wink*, or you just enjoy browsing Christmas gift guides full of your favourite things (yes, seed catalogues absolutely count;), then this list is certain to have everything youโre heart desires and more. (And if it doesnโt, please let me know whatโs missing so I can add it!)
Iโll admit, I couldnโt tell you the first thing about what songs are on the Top 40 list right now or what hashtags are trending on social media, but when it comes to whatโs hot in the modern homesteading world, Iโm your girl.
And so, without further ado, I present to you the first annual Modern Homesteaderโs Christmas Wish List!
Because the greatest gift of the season is being close to your loved ones. But the second greatest gift is the one you really want;)
(Please note: I am an affiliate for the products listed below, which means that if you make a purchase through one of these links I may get a small commission for recommending the product. However this doesnโt cost you anything extra and allows me to earn enough to keep this blog (and all of the free content) going strong. Thanks so much for your support!)
Gifts for the Kitchen
Cast Iron Cookware
No homestead kitchen is complete without at least one piece of cast iron cookware. If you weren’t lucky enough to inherit cast iron from you meemaw, here are a few cast iron pieces that will help you build your collection (and maybe even ensure you’ll have some timeless pieces to pass down to the future generations in your family!)
Cast Iron Skillet
Every homestead needs at least one classic cast iron skillet. Not only does cast iron make any modern homesteader feel just a little more like Ma Ingalls from Little House On the Prairie, itโs also a healthier and all around better way to cook food!
Cast iron heats up and cooks food more evenly which helps prevent burning, and it actually adds iron, an essential nutrient, to your food. And there are no harmful chemicals that could end up in your food (which unfortunately canโt be said for non-stick pans). Plus, cast iron lasts forever and can even end up being a family heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
Dutch Oven
A dutch oven is another must on any homestead, whether modern or old-fashioned, on or off the grid. Most modern dutch ovens are made of plain cast iron or cast iron covered with enamel. They can be used to cook food on the stovetop or in the oven, making them incredibly versatile.
There’s also this Spider Dutch Oven with feet that sit above hot ashes in a fire pit or wood burning fireplace and a concave lid that allows coals to sit safely on top, making it possible to bake food over an open flame. This is especially useful for homesteaders living off-grid or to have on hand in case of an emergency.
Cast Iron Pie Pan
If there’s any way to make homemade pie better, it’s with a cast iron pie pan. This cast iron pie pan ensures an evenly baked crust and a classic crimped edge for the perfect homemade pie. Add a rustic touch (and a dose of iron!) to any homemade pie!
Cast Iron Gift Set
This cast iron gift set is the ultimate Christmas gift for anyone with a penchant for old-fashioned living or healthier cooking! The set includes an 8″ skillet, 8″ lid, 8″ crock, handmade wooden trivet, stainless steel cleaning mesh, and organic seasoning paste. Perfect for a gift or as a starter set.
Small Appliances & Kitchen Gadgets
We could all use a little help in the kitchen sometimes. Consider the following gadgets and appliances a helping hand to assist you in getting from-scratch food on the table in record time!
Instant Pot
Ah, the Instant Pot. Youโve most likely heard lots about this handy modern kitchen tool and/or have stumbled upon about a thousand different Instant Pot recipes online. But you may also be wondering if this is just another trendy new kitchen appliance that will end up buried at the back of your cupboard. That’s what I thought before I got my own Instant Pot last Christmas, but OMG, let me tell you… I use it ALL the time.
Like a couple weeks ago when I cooked short ribs for the first time and was trying to get dinner on the table at 6:00 at night when I realized they would take 4 hours to cook in the oven! Into the Instant Pot they went and were done in 45 minutes:)
Of course, I also use it for soups, stews, homemade chicken stock, chilli, pot roast, whole chickens, rice… You name it, the Instant Pot can probably cook it.
Dubbed a “multi-cooker” with a seemingly endless variety of functions, the Instant Pot is a pressure cooker, slow cooker and steamer, and has settings to cook everything from rice and porridge to soup and broth and even yogurt. You can even cook frozen chicken breasts to perfection in 10 minutes! Yes, you read that right. You donโt even need to thaw frozen meats when using the Instant Pot and you can still have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.
And if all of the amazing food you can make isnโt enough to make you want the hottest item on everyoneโs Christmas list this year, you can also make infused oils, extracts, soap, salves and creams. Thereโs not much you canโt do with an Instant Pot, and while it wonโt cook dinner for you and serve it to you at a candlelit table, itโs pretty much the next best thing.
Stand Mixer
I have to say, as much as I love my Instant Pot, thereโs no kitchen appliance I use more often than my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. I use it to make our yeast bread, baked goods, pizza dough, quick breads, cookie dough, brownies, and the list goes on. Plus there are an endless number of cool and useful attachments for the from-scratch home cook, including a food processor, pasta maker, spiralizer, meat grinder and many more.
Food Processor
Iโve lived without a food processor for years, and it sucks. Grating, julienning and slicing everything by hand is super time-consuming, and any time saved in the kitchen is the greatest gift of all for anyone who strives to make all her meals from scratch. This Breville food processor is a solid product and a workhorse that’s made to last in the kitchen. It’s also a godsend during preserving season when you’ve got 100 pounds of cucumber to slice and turn into pickles, cabbage to shred for sauerkraut and peppers and onions to dice up for homemade salsa:)
Mockmill Stone Grain Mill
Grinding your own flour at home means you get all of the health benefits of fresh, whole grains in your home-baked goods. This Mockmill 100 stone grain mill can grind up to 100 grams of soft wheat per minute with its ceramic grinding stones and industrial motor, making it the cream of the cop when it comes to grinding your own wheat berries and ancient grains the fast and efficient way! A must for the serious home baker.
Preserving Equipment & Tools
Preserving food goes hand-in-hand with homesteading. Luckily for us modern folk, there are a few useful tools and appliances that can help put up the harvest safely and with ease. Here are the preservation tools that every homesteader needs in their kitchen in 2019.
Water Bath Canner
A water bath canner is an essential tool for any homesteader, whether modern or old-fashioned. This is the perfect tool for anyone just getting started (or wanting to get started) canning fruit, sauces, jams, jellies, pickles, salsas, spreads, chutneys, juices and preserves. A must-have in any homestead kitchen!
Pressure Canner
While water bath canners are great for jams, jellies, pickles and preserves, you need a pressure canner for serious canning of vegetables, meats, soups, stews and stocks. The pressure canner at the top of pretty much every homesteader’s wish list is the All-American Pressure Canner. Thereโs nothing you canโt can with this baby!
It can also be used as a water bath canner, which means it’s possible to can everything from pickles and preserves to meat, seafood, vegetables and combination recipes. You can literally preserve almost the entire harvest with just this one tool!
Dehydrator
I didnโt know how badly I needed a dehydrator in my life until I got an Excalibur dehydrator for Christmas a couple years ago. What a game changer!
Dehydrating opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to preserving, making it possible to make your own dried fruits, fruit leathers, dehydrated vegetables, “sun”dried tomatoes, dried herbs, powdered greens, veggie and kale chips, beef jerky, whole dried meals and even yogurt. And all you need to do is set it and forget it! No skill required:)
Food Saver Vacuum Sealer
A Food Saver vacuum sealer is the answer to your prayers when it comes to preserving food in the freezer. The airtight sealing system helps you extend the shelf life and prevent freezer burn for everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and prepared freezer meals. A must-have for any modern homesteader who uses the grid to her advantage;)
Canning Tools
Where would I be without my canning tools? Probably with third degree burns on my arms and a big mess on my counter. Honestly, I donโt know how people can foods without a few handy canning tools like these jar lifters, this canning scoop and this canning funnel.
My own canning tools are some of the most used items in my kitchen. I even use the scoop and funnel for other messy tasks like using the funnel to transfer dry goods into jars and using the scoop to transfer flour from the big bag into my flour canister, sans mess:)
Fermenting Kit
While you can totally ferment food the old-fashioned way (with nothing more than a fermenting crock), this fermenting kit makes it fun and easy to ferment any food with ease. A great gift for any beginner or seasoned fermenter!
Indoor Growing Kits
Grow food indoors all year long with these indoor growing kits for sprouts, microgreens and mushrooms and ensure you always have a supply of fresh, healthy food to add to your home cooked meals!
Culinary Herb Garden Kit
This rustic, barn-wood style planter box and culinary herb growing kit makes growing herbs indoors both easy and attractive. Don’t wait for warm weather! Grow herbs in your kitchen so you’ll always have them fresh when you need them to all your home cooking.
Sprouting Kit
Sprouts are thought to be one of the most nutrient-dense foods known to man since they contain all the nutrition of full grown plants compacted into tiny sprouts that can be consumed en masse. The best part? You can grow them on your counter all year long! Even better? They’re ready to eat in just a few days and you don’t even need soil!
This sprouting kit comes with everything you need to start sprouting seeds at home even if you have no experience. Also comes with a large variety of seeds and includes stackable trays that can be used to sprout many different seeds at once. Also includes wheat berries and can even be used to grow wheatgrass hydroponically!
Microgreens Starter Kit
Take your indoor growing one step further and grow some microgreens! Similar to sprouts, microgreens are simply baby seedlings that are eaten when they’re still small instead of being allowed to grow to their full size. (The difference is that sprouts are merely sprouted seeds whereas microgreens are allowed to grow into seedlings).
This microgreens starter kit has everything you need to get started growing microgreens indoors including growing trays, a selection of seeds and even the soil! Hydroponic microgreens kits are also available. Another great way to grow fresh, nutrient-packed food that’s ready to harvest in just a few days. Perfect for year-round growing indoors in any size space!
Mushroom Growing Kit
Mushrooms are a fantastic food source to start growing indoors since they don’t exactly need a lot of sunlight. I once knew of a woman who lived in a tin high rise apartment in downtown Vancouver and she grew mushrooms in her bedroom closet! And it’s not hard to see why: This oyster mushroom growing kit comes with everything you need to grow right out of the box โ just add water, and you’ll be harvesting delicious mushrooms to cook with in stir fries, pasta dishes, pizza or however else you enjoy mushrooms at home!
Odds, Ends & Stocking Stuffers
Here are a few more odds, ends and items that no modern homestead kitchen should be without.
Wooden Cooking Utensils
I use my wooden cooking utensils almost every day in my kitchen. Not only are they rustic and beautiful on display on my counter, theyโre also all-natural and great for cooking food without fear of plastic particles or metals leeching into your food. A great stocking stuffer idea!
Silicone Oven Mitts
I LOVE my silicone oven mitts. Not only do they keep my hands safe and insulated from heat, the silicone exterior makes it easier to grip hot pans and casserole dishes without fear of them slipping out of your hands and making a big hot mess all over your kitchen. And the silicone also makes them easy to wipe clean when you get food on them and prevents burn marks. I got mine as a wedding present and have used them almost daily for almost 5 years now and theyโre still just as good as new!
Fermentation Weights
These glass fermentation weights make keeping fermenting foods under the brine a breeze, which helps to minimize food loss and ensure a quality finished product. These make for a fantastic stocking stuffer for any modern (or not so modern) homesteader!
Oversized Mason Jar Storage Jar
Thereโs nothing a homesteader loves more than staring for hours on end at the pretty Mason jars of home-canned food that line her pantry shelves. But dried goods can sometimes be a bit of an eyesore in their packages, boxes and bags. The solution? Put them in this oversized Mason jar!
You can display dried goods like four, sugar, grains, dried fruits, nuts, etc. in this beauty on your countertop or tucked away in your pantry. Or you could store just about anything else in here (Lego pieces come to mind as I glance over at my living room floorโฆ Kids.)
Cookbooks
What homesteader doesn’t love to flip through cookbooks for hours on end? It’s even better when the recipes are all made from scratch and actually easy to make at home! The following cookbooks are a mix of the hottest sellers right now and tried and true classics bound to give you the inspiration (and instructions) you need to make from scratch cooking a breeze!
The Prairie Homestead Cookbook
The Prairie Homestead Cookbook: Simple Recipes For Heritage Cooking In Any Kitchen is the hottest selling homestead-themed cookbook of 2019, hands-down.
Author Jill Winger, creator of The Prairie Homestead blog and host of The Old-Fashioned On Purpose Podcast makes traditional homestead and heritage cooking easy and accessible with simple, fresh farmstead recipes like Maple Sage Breakfast Sausages, Farmer’s BreakfastHash, Homemade French Bread, Honey Whipped Carrots, Tomato Basil Galette and Fudgy Sourdough Brownies, to name but a few. This book is also loaded with lots of other great information on growing and preserving your own food. This is the cookbook that’s topping many a modern homesteader’s wish list this Christmas (including mine!)
Handmade
Part cookbook, part memoir, part practical homesteading and general life advice, author Melissa K. Norris weaves together the story of her family, the wisdom passed onto her through five generations of homesteading experience and the from-scratch recipes that she’s inherited from those who came before her in her book Hand Made: The Modern Guide to Made-From-Scratch Living. Full of easy, straightforward recipes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You’ll find everything in his book from sourdough bread to buttermilk biscuits (the best I’ve ever had!) to homemade soap to homespun Christmas decorations and more!
Homestead Kitchen
If you’re a fan of Alaska: The Last Frontier, then you’ll definitely be a fan of Homestead Kitchen: Stories And Recipes From Our Hearth To Yours. Written by ATLF stars Eivin and Eve Kilcher, this is a true homesteader’s cookbook that covers everything from Essential Cooking Staples and Tools to “Cooking the Homestead Way” to homestead recipes categorized by the origins of their ingredients. There are recipes from the garden, the henhouse, the pantry, the root cellar, the milking shed, the forest and the sea, to name a few. Plus many entertaining stories and tidbits of information about the Kilcher family sprinkled throughout.
Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
I canโt say enough good things about The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. I call it my โcanning bibleโ since itโs my go-to guide for canning everything under the sun. This book contains 400 canning recipes and complete step-by-step instructions for water bath and pressure canning so even a total newbie canโt go wrong. Another must-have kitchen โtoolโ for every modern homesteader.
Gifts for the Garden (and Barn)
Hori Hori Multipurpose Garden Tool
The Hori Hori garden tool is a multipurpose tool that can be used for everything from digging to trenching, planting, cutting, and even opening your beer after a long day working in the garden;) Hori Hori, which translates to “dig dig” in Japanese, is considered one of the best all-around garden tools of 2019. And, of course, it’s a Japanese-made knife, which means it’s built to last.
Canvas Garden Apron
Fashionable and functional, this canvas garden apron has 6 large and medium pockets to hold seed packets, tools, gloves, your phone and anything else you might need out in the garden.
Garden Tool Stool
As an avid gardener, I know how painful it can be to be on your knees on the dirt all the time. That’s why this fold-out canvas garden tool stool is a dream come true for gardeners of all ages! Not only does it offer you a place to sit comfortably anywhere in your garden, it also has eight large pockets to keep all of your tools and gardening gear close at hand.
Gardener’s Scissors Gift Set
These beautiful and functional garden scissors make a perfect stocking stuffer for homesteaders and gardeners. Not only will they be well used come spring when it’s time to start snipping herbs and cutting twine, these stainless steel scissors with bamboo handles packaged in a reusable wooden box make this a gorgeous gift set that would pair well with a pair of quality gardening gloves.
Garden Journal
A garden journal is the perfect gift for homesteaders who love to get their goals and dreams down on paper, record their results and stay organized. This month-by-month guided journal helps to ensure you make the most of your garden by helping you plan your garden calendar all year long so you never miss an important task or date. Thereโs also space to write, doodle, plan and dream and to record your harvest, yield, seeds, crop rotation cycle and more to give you an advantage the following season too!
Egg Gathering Apron
An egg gathering apron is a must for every chicken farmer! (Yup, even the dudes;) Not only does it make gathering eggs easy and helps to ensure they donโt crack and break, it looks super cute too! Another fun and functional gift that makes homestead life just that much better:)
Gifts for the Home
Essential Oils
Essential oils have changed my life in so many ways. Theyโre a key ingredient almost every homemade product I make, from candles and room sprays to body butters and salves to homemade cleaners and bath products. And theyโve become an integral part of my journey to creating an all-natural home and medicine cabinet.
Thereโs an essential oil for just about everything, from illnesses and injuries to stress and anxiety to helping you focus and easing fatigue. Plus theyโre an all-natural, synthetic chemical free way to make your home smell ah-mazing. Essential oils are the perfect gift for anyone, and theyโre a sure hit with homesteaders everywhere.
Diffuser
Every essential oil enthusiast must have a diffuser. Diffusing essential oils is one of the most common ways to enjoy them and reap their health benefits and their beautiful aromas.
I currently own two diffusers and have a goal of someday having one in every room! I love using them to make my house smell amazing with just a little water and a few drops of essential oils rather than using synthetic fragrances. I especially love that I can diffuse relaxing oils like lavender in my daughterโs bedroom at night to help her sleep or I can add oils that help ease symptoms of illness that the whole family can benefit from when weโre under the weather.
Wood Stove Eco-Fan
Anyone with a wood stove needs one of these eco-fans! It helps to heat your living space by blowing warm air throughout your home, and itโs powered by the heat of the wood stove itself. Just set it on top of your wood stove, light a fire and enjoy the toasty warmth!
Oil Lamp
Nothing says “pioneer” like a good ol’ fashioned oil lamp. Not only does it complete the look of a vintage farmhouse, it’s also backup lighting for if and when the power goes out. Pick up a used one from your local second hand store or order new online (Yes! They actually still make these!)
16-Arm Laundry Dryer
There’s just something about line drying your clothes that harkens back to a simpler time. Not to mention, hanging clothes to dry helps to preserve them longer and saves money and energy. You can hang your clothes to dry inside or out with this adjustable 16-arm dryer that folds up completely and was designed for use in any size space. Great for the apartment homesteader who still wants the benefits of hanging clothes to dry!
Laundry Soap Nuts
Soap nuts naturally produce saponin: a biodegradable, hypoallergenic and extremely effective detergent. A great stocking stuffer or companion gift for the drying rack!
Cast Iron Skillet Clock
Handcrafted in the USA, this cast iron skillet clock is the perfect cute but functional piece of decor for any homestead kitchen, old or new!
Handmade Gifts From The Heart
Every modern homesteader appreciates the art of the handmade gift as much (if not more than) store-bought gifts. Here are some quick and easy QUALITY handmade gifts you can make at home for yourself and for the people on your list, whether they’re homesteaders or not!
- Homemade Soy Candles with Essential Oils
- Christmas Room Sprays with Essential Oils
- Homemade Whipped Body Butter
- DIY Hair Pomade with Rosemary Essential Oil
- Peppermint Sugar Scrub
- DIY Bath Salts with Essential Oils
- DIY Cookie Cutter Birdseed Ornaments
And as always, if you have anything you think should be added to the list, let me know in the comments below!
Wishing you a homemade, homegrown, homestead Christmas ๐
CATEGORIES
1 Comment
Submit a Comment
ABOUT ANNA
You Might Also Like
My Favourite Things – 2022 Edition (aka. The Modern Homesteader’s Christmas Wish List)
* This article contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my Affiliate Disclosure. Every year around this time, I compile a list of my favourite things: Things that I love, use or covet for my own homestead, and things that I know other modern...
Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe (Dehydrator + Oven Instructions)
* This article contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my Affiliate Disclosure. Homemade beef jerky is a delicious way to preserve meat for food storage and for easy transport to take on hikes, camping trips, road trips and to pack in a...
For many, wood heat and wood burning stoves conjure up nostalgia and cozy feelings. But more importantly, wood heat is reliable, affordable and gives us the ability to heat our homes without relying on the grid or on other types of energy, which are currently in short supply.
While we typically think of wood stoves and traditional fireplaces when we think of wood heat, there is an even MORE efficient and sustainable way to heat our homes with woodโฆ
Introducing the Rocket Mass Heater: A slow release radiant heating system that consists of a fire box, an insulated combustion chamber that burns fuel at very high temperatures, and a thermal mass -typically made out of cobb and stone- attached to the exhaust pipe, which snakes through the thermal mass before connecting to the chimney pipe.
Due to their highly efficient design, rocket mass heaters emit more heat for longer than conventional wood burning stoves and fireplaces, and are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than other types of wood heat.
They burn at a higher temperature, emit practically no smoke at all, and charge the thermal mass around them, which continues to emit radiant heat long after the fire goes out. Not to mention, rocket mass heaters require much less fuel than conventional wood stoves or fireplaces. Some estimates even say rocket mass heaters can reduce fuel consumption by up to 90 per cent!
If youโve thought about going off-grid or youโre simply looking for alternatives to expensive, unreliable electric heat and youโre in a position to build and install one of these bad boys at home, I highly encourage you to consider a rocket mass heater for your homestead, Earthship or otherwise humble abode.
Thanks to guest contributor Sunflower Craig from Permies.com for this insightful article on rocket mass heaters! Click the link in my bio @anna.sakawsky or go to https://thehouseandhomestead.com/rocket-mass-heater/ to learn more!
#woodheat #rocketmassheater #woodstove #energycrisis #alternativeenergy #homesteading #modernhomesteading #offgrid #sustainableenergy
โNot eating mushrooms is like not eating an entire food groupโฆ And a healthy one.โ
Mushrooms have had a bit of a bad rap in the west for a long time. Depending on the type of mushroom in question, theyโve either been regarded as something to turn your nose up at or even something to be afraid of.
But in recent years mushrooms have started gaining momentum as both medicine and superfoods, and with more and more people looking for natural alternatives to conventional (and often harmful) prescription drugs, psychedelic mushrooms are even being legalized and used in small (micro) doses to treat mental health issues with promising results.
The story of mushrooms and the entire fungi kingdom is as complex and captivating as the mycelium networks they fruit from, and the potential health and wellness benefits of adding more mushrooms into our diets and lives are only just beginning to be understood.
I sat down with Louis Giller of @northsporemushrooms for the winter issue of Modern Homesteading Magazine to talk all about the wonderful world of fabulous fungi, how to get started foraging or growing mushrooms at home (even if you live in an apartment!), and why mushrooms of all kinds (edible, medicinal and psychedelic) are rightfully having a moment right now.
If becoming more self-sufficient and optimizing your overall health and wellness is part of your master plan for 2023, mushrooms should definitely be a part of your approach.
Start by checking out my full interview with Louis in the winter issue of Modern Homesteading Magazine - Link in bio to sign in or subscribe.
And while youโre there, be sure to check out our feature on medicinal mushrooms, as well as our elevated mushroom recipes, all of which make perfect winter meals for your family table.
Link in bio @anna.sakawsky or head to https://modernhomesteadingmagazine.com
#mushrooms #medicinalmushrooms #eatyourshrooms #fantasticfungi #homesteading #modernhomesteading
When I first started growing my own food at home, the gardening world seemed pretty black and white to me: plants grow in the dirt, outdoors, in the spring and summer. Thatโs what us city kids always learned in school anyway.โฃ
โฃ
And obviously thatโs not wrong, but once you get into gardening and growing food, a world full of endless possibilities starts to open up, including growing food indoors year-round.โฃ
โฃ
Sprouts are considered to be a superfood because of how nutrient dense they are and when we eat them, we get the health benefits of all of those nutrients in our own bodies.โฃ
โฃ
If you live in a climate that remains colder half the year or more, sprouts can be an excellent way to get the benefits of gardening even when it's not "gardening season". โฃ
โฃ
I've got a full list of tips & tricks on growing sprouts indoors all year round that includes: โฃ
โฃ
-How to grow sproutsโฃ
-Different ways to use them โฃ
-Where to buy seeds and more! โฃ
โฃ
Visit this link https://thehouseandhomestead.com/grow-sprouts-indoors/ or check the link in my bio to see all the details.
Living a slow, simple life isnโt easy in this fast-paced world.
No matter how much I preach it to everyone else, I still struggle with the guilt, shame and โnot enough-nessโ that I feel every time I choose rest, relaxation, stillness, disconnectedness or being โunproductiveโ when I feel I SHOULD be working, hustling, moving, checking emails and being โproductiveโ (which is almost always).
We all know that our culture praises productivity and busy-ness, and most of us know itโs a scam that keeps us stressed, burnt out and focused on the wrong things in life. Ultimately many of us end up feeling unfulfilled even though weโre spinning our wheels every day working to keep up with the demands of the world and our never-ending to-do list. Most of us would rather be resting, relaxing, spending quality time with our loved ones and doing things that light us up rather than simply keep us busy. But itโs hard to break free from the societal pressure to do more, produce more, earn more, acquire more and ultimately BE more.
So while I still struggle with this daily, and I donโt have any easy answers for how to overcome this, I wanted to share that today Iโm choosing slow; Today Iโm choosing to be present in the here and now rather than worrying about yesterday or tomorrow; Today Iโm choosing snuggles with my baby boy over emails and deadlines, and while I still feel that guilt rising up inside me, Iโm making a conscious effort to remind myself that the world wonโt end because I chose to slow down today, and at the end of my life I wonโt regret taking this time with my son, but I might regret NOT slowing down to enjoy it.
I encourage you to apply the same thought process to your own life and give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the gift of time youโve been given today. After all, you never know when it might be your last day. And if it were your last, how would you wish youโd spent it?
In the dark, bitter cold days of midwinter when weโve been deprived of quality time in the sunshine and the trees are all bare, it can be easy for almost anyone to feel depressed and to overlook the tiny miracles that are happening all around us.โฃ
โฃ
Signs of life abound, even in the dead of winter! โฃ
โฃ
Connect with nature and enjoy the little things to help beat the winter blues. Go for a walk in the woods or the park and really pay attention to the natural world around you. Watch the songbirds flitting back and forth, gathering winter berries. Look for signs of greenery and new growth; Maybe even some snowdrops or crocuses have begun to emerge from the ground where you live. โฃ
โฃ
If you're feeling the effects of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) right now, please check out my full list of Natural Ways to Combat SAD and additional resources to seek out help from various care providers here https://thehouseandhomestead.com/natural-ways-treat-seasonal-affective-disorder/ or visit the link my bio. โฃ
โฃ
Spring is coming!
While most people run to the store every time they need something, you and I are not most people. Oh no friendโฆ We are modern homesteaders.โฃ
โฃ
Weโre a special breed, and one thing that sets us apart is that we are always thinking about preparing for the future and about stocking up when the things are abundant (and cheap!) which they aren't so much right now. โฃ
โฃ
When it comes to citrus fruits, if you live in a place where you can grow them yourself, then youโll probably have more than you can handle fresh when theyโre in season. Knowing how to preserve them will help ensure nothing gets wasted.โฃ
โฃ
Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or this is your first season preserving, I've got a hearty list of ideas of how to get the most out of your citrus fruits for the year to come! Visit the full list here https://thehouseandhomestead.com/12-ways-use-preserve-citrus-fruits/ or check out the link in my bio. โฃ
โฃ
What do you usually do with your extra citrus fruits? Have you tried any of these preservation methods?โฃ
โฃ
Let me know in the comments below!
Checking in on all my #homesteadpantrychallenge participants today :) โฃ
โฃ
During the pantry challenge I always find it pretty easy to make my way through the canned items. A side dish here, a breakfast there, but what about bulk items that we have on hand like bags of sugar and flour?โฃ
โฃ
Well have no fear, this bread recipe is a game-changer! Not only does it only require 3 simple ingredients (plus water), it can be whipped up in a bowl using an ordinary kitchen spoon and it comes out perfect every time. It will help you make your way through that 5lb bag of flour just sitting on the shelf, and it only takes a couple minutes to prepare. โฃ
โฃ
This is a really nice bread to dip in olive oil and balsamic vinegar or as part of a spread or cheese board. For the full recipe click here https://thehouseandhomestead.com/easy-no-knead-homemade-bread/ or visit the link in my bio. โฃ
โฃ
Let me know how it turns out and if you decide to add any herbs or other toppings to spice it up, I want to hear about it!
Iโve tried my hand at many skills and tackled my share of adventurous projects over the years. Along my homesteading and journey Iโve tried everything from candle-making to cheesemaking, sourdough bread to fermented vegetables, canning and dehydrating to rendering lard and more. When it comes to home medicine, Iโve learned how to make may useful concoctions, from herbal teas, tinctures and syrups to poultices, salves, ciders and more. But encapsulating my own placenta after the birth of our son was definitely a first, and by far my most adventurous โkitchen projectโ and foray into home medicine so far.
I have to admit, I was a bit squeamish at first, but Iโm fascinated by this kind of stuff and love learning skills that allow me to take my health and well-being into my own hands. I also love challenging myself to try new things and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
A few of the possible benefits of consuming placenta after birth include:
โข Hormones in the placenta can improve mood and lessen symptoms of postpartum depression
โข Can reduce postpartum bleeding
โข Provides a natural source of iron and other micronutrients
โข Can help boost milk production
And did you know, around 99% of mammals are know to consume their placenta after birth? Only humans and marine mammals do not typically consume their placenta.
But more and more humans are opting to consume their placentas after birth to reap the potential health benefits. The most popular way to do so is through encapsulation.
First the placenta is steamed, then it is sliced thin and dehydrated before being ground up into a fine powder. The you add that powder into some capsules using an encapsulator and youโre done!
Iโve been taking 2 capsules 4x/day for the past week. Any real results are yet to be seen but I didnโt want to pass up the only chance Iโll probably get to try my hand at this home medicine project! I mean, you just never know when this skill might come in handy;)
So tell me, whatโs the most adventurous thing YOUโVE tried in the name of homesteading and/or natural health? Comment below and let me know!
Since the weather is often cold, dark and gloomy, there arenโt as many fun, free things to do outdoors, so itโs easy to blow your budget on other things that will help you beat cabin fever like eating out, going to the movies and even going shopping just for something to do.โฃ
โฃ
But the flip side to this is that, once January hits, many people are motivated by the fresh start the new year brings and are ready to hunker down for a while and get their finances on track after the holidays. So in many ways that makes winter the perfect time of year to adopt some frugal habits. โฃ
โฃ
Visit this link https://thehouseandhomestead.com/12-frugal-living-tips-for-winter/ or the link in my bio for the full list of Frugal Winter Living tips, and if you're already looking and planning towards Spring you'll also find more frugal living tips for every season linked at the bottom of the list!
Our#homesteadpantrychallenge is in full-swing and now that our little one has arrived, simple and frugal pantry meals are a necessity to ensure we are getting adequate rest and not overdoing it during these newborn days. โฃ
โฃ
When I'm staring at the pantry wondering what to make, I love referring back to this list for a little bit of inspiration for either bringing back an old recipe, or creating a new one. โฃ
โฃ
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐'๐ ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฑ: โฃ
Breakfastsโฃ
Soupsโฃ
Homemade Breadsโฃ
Main Dishesโฃ
Snacks & Sidesโฃ
Sweets & Treatsโฃ
โฃ
So whether youโre trying to save a little extra money on your grocery bill, or prioritizing rest this season these 35 frugal recipes will help you get good, wholesome, delicious homemade food on the table every day, which means you have one less thing to stress about. โฃ
โฃ
Check out the full list at https://thehouseandhomestead.com/frugal-recipes-roundup/ or visit the link in my bio. โฃ
โฃ
Eat well friends:)
I hope you had a wonderful and restful end of holidays, and are also feeling ready to get back on track with your daily schedule here in the new year. It can sometimes feel like a lot to get going, but those "regular days" help us to regulate our rhythms, and in turn help us slowly, gear up for the Spring season ahead. โฃ
โฃ
In our Winter Issue of Modern Homesteading Magazine, my friend and fellow homesteader, Ashley Constance of @alittleselfreliant wrote "Breaking Your Cabin Fever" a list of ideas for staying productive over the winter months. โฃ
โฃ
If you're feeling a bit restless and up to it, this list of ideas is a perfect way to get back into a daily routine. โฃ
โฃ
From making and creating, to preparing, planning and organizing you'll be feeling ready for Spring in no time. โฃ
โฃ
To see the full list, subscribe to Modern Homesteading Magazine here at https://modernhomesteadingmagazine.com/subscribe/ or visit the link in my bio.
Homesteading is a year-round lifestyle, andโฃ
for whatever reason, homesteading is most often thought of as a three-season โactivity.โ โฃ
โฃ
1. ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐จ๐ช๐ฏ๐ด ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฑ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ. โฃ
2. ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ง๐ข๐ณ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ด ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ด๐ฑ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ถ๐จ๐ฉ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ.โฃ
3. ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด๐ฆ๐ณ๐ท๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ฐ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ถ๐ด ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ช๐ฏ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ญ. โฃ
โฃ
So much of homesteading centers around preparing for winter. But what happens when winter finally arrives?โฃ
โฃ
Sure, we could just hunker down and relax, enjoy the fruits of our labour and rest until spring returns and the really busy seasons begin again. But the very nature of most homesteaders is that we tend to enjoy keeping busy. In other words, we tend to go a bit stir crazy sitting around on the couch for too long.โฃ
โฃ
Now, let me just make this clear before we continue: I think itโs VERY important to take time to rest whenever possible so that you can feel rejuvenated and be more productive when you really need to be, but if youโre looking for some (mostly relaxing) homesteading activities that you can do throughout the winter months to help keep you occupied, Iโve got a few suggestions for you:) โฃ
โฃ
My full list of winter homesteading activities can be found here https://thehouseandhomestead.com/winter-homesteading-activities/ โฃ
โฃ
Happy homesteading!
Great list of homesteader items! In fact, I had a lot of these same items on my Honesteaderโs Christmas article! I especially loved how you added non money gifts. The gift of time and help means so much! Thank you for a great blog post.