Practical Homesteading

Category: Family Life

  • Why I’d Ban “Should” From Everyday Life (Should Statements)

    Why I’d Ban “Should” From Everyday Life (Should Statements)

    Daily writing prompt
    If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?
    View all responses

    If I could permanently ban a word from general usage, I’d choose “should.” Not for every use, because grammar would fall apart. However, the way we weaponize it in self-talk and conversations: as judgment, measuring stick, and source of quiet shame.

    The Heavy Weight of “Should” Statements

    “Should” rarely arrives alone. It brings judgment riding shotgun:

    • “I should be farther along by now.”
    • “You should really be feeding your kids __.”
    • “We should have known better.”

    In these moments, “should” statements aren’t neutral verbs; they’re verdicts. They imply one right way to live, parent, work, or heal—and we’ve missed it. Overcoming should thinking means recognizing they leave no room for context, growth, or simple humanness.

    How “Should” Poisons Self-Talk

    Most of us don’t need help being hard on ourselves. Yet should statements psychology slips into our inner dialogue, turning observations into accusations:

    “I’m tired and scrolling” becomes “I should be more productive.”
    “We had frozen pizza” becomes “I should be the perfect homesteading mom.”

    Instead of asking what we need, should thinking demands performance. It narrows life to two outcomes: success or failure. Replacing should statements reveals something tender underneath: “I wish” or “I feel insecure about…”

    3 Better Phrases to Replace “Should”

    Banning “should” from casual speech would soften our conversations. Try these replacements:

    Instead of: “I should be farther along”
    Try: “I wish I were farther along” or “I expected different progress”

    Instead of: “You should do it this way”
    Try: “I’ve found this helpful” or “Have you considered…”

    Instead of: “We should have known better”
    Try: “We didn’t know then what we know now”

    These alternatives to should statements open curiosity instead of guilt.

    Why Banning “Should” Frees Us

    Should statements carry cultural expectations—from family, social media, perfectionism. They turn life into a constant trial where we’re always on trial. Overcoming should thinking creates space to say:

    • “Here’s where I am.”
    • “Here’s what I wish for.”
    • “Here’s what I’m trying next.”

    Without that heavy word whispering, we could treat ourselves—and each other—with kindness we actually need. Should-free living trades judgment for honest desire, fear, and hope.

    Feature Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash

    What’s your most toxic “should” statement? Share below—let’s replace it together!

    Caught in should thinking? LIKE if you’re ready to ban “should” + SHARE with someone who needs self-compassion today!

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    Read Next: Advice I’d Give My Teenage Self After Burn Trauma (You’re Loved)

  • Our Biggest Homesteading Challenge: First-Time Pig Farrowing

    Our Biggest Homesteading Challenge: First-Time Pig Farrowing

    Daily writing prompt
    What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
    View all responses

    Over the next six months, our biggest homesteading challenge will be learning how to nurture new life on our homestead. Specifically, helping two first-time pig moms safely deliver and raise their piglets around Mother’s Day.

    From Meat Pigs to Breeding Gilts

    My husband and I have raised pigs on our homestead for two years, mostly for meat. Last year we ended up with two young gilts originally intended for processing. But as we watched their personalities emerge and realized we had enough pigs for last year’s orders, we made a different choice.

    These two became our first step into pig breeding territory, which meant learning winter pig care for full-size gilts. We’ve learned cold weather management, water access, mud containment, and the general chaos of long-term livestock keeping.

    Pig Breeding: No Swipe-Right App Required

    Pig breeding doesn’t come with modern dating apps. Artificial insemination is possible but tricky for homesteaders like us without the required training and equipment. So we borrowed a boar from family for two weeks instead. The boar settled immediately, smacking his lips (apparently a pig mating technique we’ve never heard of before).

    The eligible bachelorettes couldn’t get enough of him. They went from wary strangers, sniffing and posturing through social hierarchy, to “getting lucky” overnight. It was equal parts farm practicality and genuine wonder about new life coming to our land.

    The Farrowing Timeline

    Pig gestation follows the classic 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days timeline. If our calculations hold, Gilt #1 farrows around Mother’s Day 2026, with Gilt #2 following about a week later. It’s perfect timing for our first experience with pig birth coinciding with a holiday celebrating mothers.

    What Makes First-Time Farrowing Challenging

    First-time farrowing intimidates me most. New sows face surging hormones, labor pain, and instincts they don’t yet understand. They sometimes pace frantically or accidentally step on newborns while nesting.

    My grandfather, a lifelong pig man, stayed up all night in farrowing barns watching over nervous moms. He would even give them small amounts of whiskey to mellow them out—an old-school remedy I’m definitely not trying.

    Our Farrowing Preparations

    We’re preparing by seeking advice from local old timers with experience. We’re also acquiring and staging farrowing crates and deep straw bedding for their comfort.

    Success to us means 8-12 healthy piglets per litter with thriving moms and minimal intervention.

    Why Piglets Are Worth Every Challenge

    Homestead piglets represent more than cute photos—they’re future meat pigs, potential breeders, or weaned piglets for local sale. But truly, watching new life stumble into the world with tiny hooves, squeaky snouts, and wobbly legs racing their mama captures pure homestead magic worth every sleepless night.

    What’s your next big homesteading challenge? Pig farrowing, goat kidding, chick hatching? Share below—someone needs your wisdom.

    If you’re facing pig farrowing, goat kidding, or any livestock birth for the first time, LIKE + SHARE this with your homestead crew!

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    Read Next: I Never Wanted Pigs Until They Changed My Homesteading Life

  • Homemade Stovetop Popcorn Recipe (Perfect for Family Movie Night)

    Homemade Stovetop Popcorn Recipe (Perfect for Family Movie Night)

    Homemade popcorn for a movie night couldn’t be easier. It’s one of my favorite ways to make a healthy, fresh, and delicious snack that’s infinitely customizable for your next family movie night at home.

    This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my family and this blog.

    Homemade Popcorn for Movie Night

    In this post, I’ll show you how to make stovetop popcorn with simple ingredients, plus my favorite toppings and a trick for getting that perfect movie-theater-style butter without soggy popcorn.

    Quick Recipe Snapshot

    • Prep time: 5 minutes
    • Cook time: 10 minutes
    • Makes: About 8–10 cups of popcorn (enough for 3–4 people)

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
    • 2 tablespoons high-heat oil (coconut oil is my favorite)
    • Salt or popcorn salt, to taste
    • Optional: white cheddar powder, nutritional yeast, or your favorite seasonings
    • Optional: 1 stick of butter (for clarified butter topping)

    Popcorn Kernels and Equipment

    First, you start with popcorn kernels. My dad grows popcorn and takes pride in giving some to his children every year at Christmas (and anytime). It makes a simple bowl of popcorn feel like a little piece of home. For this recipe, though, any good-quality popcorn kernels will work. I’ll show you how you can grow popcorn in a future post.

    I use a popcorn popper with a turn crank in the handle (linked in this post). The crank helps keep the popcorn from burning on the bottom of the kettle as you use high heat to pop the kernels. If you don’t have a crank-style popper, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid and shake it occasionally while it cooks.

    How to Make Stovetop Popcorn

    You’ll be making homemade stovetop popcorn on high heat so the kernels pop quickly and evenly.

    1. Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to your popper or heavy pot for every 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. I love coconut oil because it’s a high-heat oil that doesn’t affect the flavor.
    2. Add the popcorn kernels and place the pot over high heat. If the heat is too low, the popcorn won’t pop completely and you’ll be left with a lot of unpopped kernels—which are not fun and can even crack a tooth if you’re not careful (ask me how I know).
    3. Wait for the first few kernels to pop.
    4. Once you hear popping, turn the hand crank steadily while holding the cover down with a pot holder. If you’re using a regular pot, shake it gently back and forth over the burner every few seconds.
    5. Continue cranking or shaking until the popping slows down significantly and there are a couple of seconds between pops.
    6. Remove from the heat and carefully dump the popcorn into a large bowl.

    You’ll hear the kernels crackling and smell that warm, toasty popcorn scent—perfect for a cozy family movie night snack.

    Favorite Popcorn Seasonings

    Now for the fun part: toppings and seasonings.

    My personal favorite popcorn seasoning right now is a mix of white cheddar powder, nutritional yeast, and popcorn salt. Popcorn salt is just a very fine salt that sticks nicely to the kernels.

    You can also try:

    • Classic butter and salt
    • Garlic powder and parmesan
    • Chili powder and a sprinkle of lime zest for a little kick
    • Cinnamon and a light sprinkle of sugar for a sweet option

    One of the best things about healthy homemade popcorn is how easy it is to customize it to whatever you’re craving.

    How to Make Clarified Butter for Popcorn

    If I’m feeling extra ambitious, I’ll use a small kettle and create my own butter topping. This is basically a simple clarified butter that keeps your popcorn crisp instead of rubbery.

    1. Take 1 stick of butter and place it in a small pan over medium-high to high heat.
    2. Stir frequently as it melts and bubbles. After a few minutes, the water will evaporate and the butter will look clear and golden.
    3. Once the bubbling has mostly stopped and the butter looks clear, remove it from the heat.
    4. Pour the clarified butter directly over your popcorn and toss to coat.

    If you don’t evaporate the water, the popcorn kernels will turn rubbery instead of staying crisp like the popcorn you’re used to having at a movie theater. Clarifying the butter gives you that classic movie theater popcorn feel at home.

    Enjoying Your Homemade Movie Night Popcorn

    Homemade popcorn is such an easy, affordable way to make movie night feel special without mystery ingredients or extra packaging. If you try this, please let me know how it turns out!

    What’s your favorite popcorn memory? Do you like your popcorn sweet, salty, or savory? Share your favorite popcorn toppings in the comments—I’d love to get new ideas for our next movie night.Homemade popcorn for a movie night couldn’t be easier. It’s one of my favorite ways to make a healthy, fresh, and delicious snack that’s infinitely customizable for your next family movie night at home.

    This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my family and this blog.

    Homemade Popcorn for Movie Night

    In this post, I’ll show you how to make stovetop popcorn with simple ingredients, plus my favorite toppings and a trick for getting that perfect movie-theater-style butter without soggy popcorn.

    Quick Recipe Snapshot

    • Prep time: 5 minutes
    • Cook time: 10 minutes
    • Makes: About 8–10 cups of popcorn (enough for 3–4 people)

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
    • 2 tablespoons high-heat oil (coconut oil is my favorite)
    • Salt or popcorn salt, to taste
    • Optional: white cheddar powder, nutritional yeast, or your favorite seasonings
    • Optional: 1 stick of butter (for clarified butter topping)

    Popcorn Kernels and Equipment

    First, you start with popcorn kernels. My dad grows popcorn and takes pride in giving some to his children every year at Christmas (and anytime). It makes a simple bowl of popcorn feel like a little piece of home. For this recipe, though, any good-quality popcorn kernels will work. I’ll show you how you can grow popcorn in a future post.

    I use a popcorn popper with a turn crank in the handle (linked in this post). The crank helps keep the popcorn from burning on the bottom of the kettle as you use high heat to pop the kernels. If you don’t have a crank-style popper, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid and shake it occasionally while it cooks.

    How to Make Stovetop Popcorn

    You’ll be making homemade stovetop popcorn on high heat so the kernels pop quickly and evenly.

    1. Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to your popper or heavy pot for every 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. I love coconut oil because it’s a high-heat oil that doesn’t affect the flavor.
    2. Add the popcorn kernels and place the pot over high heat. If the heat is too low, the popcorn won’t pop completely and you’ll be left with a lot of unpopped kernels—which are not fun and can even crack a tooth if you’re not careful (ask me how I know).
    3. Wait for the first few kernels to pop.
    4. Once you hear popping, turn the hand crank steadily while holding the cover down with a pot holder. If you’re using a regular pot, shake it gently back and forth over the burner every few seconds.
    5. Continue cranking or shaking until the popping slows down significantly and there are a couple of seconds between pops.
    6. Remove from the heat and carefully dump the popcorn into a large bowl.

    You’ll hear the kernels crackling and smell that warm, toasty popcorn scent—perfect for a cozy family movie night snack.

    Favorite Popcorn Seasonings

    Now for the fun part: toppings and seasonings.

    My personal favorite popcorn seasoning right now is a mix of white cheddar powder, nutritional yeast, and popcorn salt. Popcorn salt is just a very fine salt that sticks nicely to the kernels.

    You can also try:

    • Classic butter and salt
    • Garlic powder and parmesan
    • Chili powder and a sprinkle of lime zest for a little kick
    • Cinnamon and a light sprinkle of sugar for a sweet option

    One of the best things about healthy homemade popcorn is how easy it is to customize it to whatever you’re craving.

    How to Make Clarified Butter for Popcorn

    If I’m feeling extra ambitious, I’ll use a small kettle and create my own butter topping. This is basically a simple clarified butter that keeps your popcorn crisp instead of rubbery.

    1. Take 1 stick of butter and place it in a small pan over medium-high to high heat.
    2. Stir frequently as it melts and bubbles. After a few minutes, the water will evaporate and the butter will look clear and golden.
    3. Once the bubbling has mostly stopped and the butter looks clear, remove it from the heat.
    4. Pour the clarified butter directly over your popcorn and toss to coat.

    If you don’t evaporate the water, the popcorn kernels will turn rubbery instead of staying crisp like the popcorn you’re used to having at a movie theater. Clarifying the butter gives you that classic movie theater popcorn feel at home.

    Enjoying Your Homemade Movie Night Popcorn

    Homemade popcorn is such an easy, affordable way to make movie night feel special without mystery ingredients or extra packaging. If you try this, please let me know how it turns out!

    What’s your favorite popcorn memory? Do you like your popcorn sweet, salty, or savory? Share your favorite popcorn toppings in the comments—I’d love to get new ideas for our next movie night.

    Loved this recipe?

    • 👍 Like this post if you make homemade popcorn
    • 💬 Share your favorite popcorn topping combo in the comments
    • 📲 Share with a friend planning movie night this weekend

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    Read Next: Home Popcorn: Farm-to-Bowl Story

  • How Curiosity Keeps Me From Feeling Bored (Even on Long Car Rides With Kids)

    How Curiosity Keeps Me From Feeling Bored (Even on Long Car Rides With Kids)

    Daily writing prompt
    What bores you?
    View all responses

    I honestly can’t think of much that really bores me. Honestly, it’s not because my life is wildly exciting, but because I’ve learned to stay curious. I try to see the beauty or thought behind most things and find them interesting in some fashion.

    Everyday Curiosity and Boredom

    If I’m in a conversation that might seem dull on the surface, I pay attention to the other person’s body language. Do their eyes light up when they mention one topic but dull when they shift to another? Do their shoulders tighten when they talk about work, even if their words sound cheerful? It becomes less about the subject itself and more about the story their body is telling alongside their voice.

    Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

    Even something like watching television is layered for me. I love noticing the sets and imagining the work that went into them. Someone spent time choosing the wallpaper, the way a bookshelf is styled, the mug a character always uses. None of these choices are accidental. Someone cared enough to place every object, choose every color, and make the scene feel lived in. When I think of it that way, I’m not just consuming content; I’m admiring a moving piece of art.

    Screen-Free Parenting on Long Car Rides

    That same habit of looking deeper has carried into how I approach screen-free parenting, especially in the slow or “boring” moments. When on long car rides with my kids, I largely refuse to rely on screens. I instead point out the “boring” things outside and turn them into something to notice. Some examples are bridges, city water towers, transmission lines, and the way the landscape changes from town to town. When long car rides were more frequent with my two-year-old son, I would keep ordinary containers up front. They could be old spice jars, boxes, and lids. I’d hand them back so he could stack, sort, and explore. Now that he’s six, he loves looking out the window and telling his now two-year-old sister about water towers and power lines. He’s now doing my work for me, passing on this little habit of paying attention. Those drives used to feel endless; now they feel like slow, moving classrooms and one of my favorite forms of simple, screen-free entertainment for kids on long drives.

    If you’re stuck in traffic or in a waiting room, you might try this too. Turn the “background” into something worth noticing instead of reaching for a screen.

    Noticing Design in Everyday Objects

    I even find myself thinking about the engineering and design in everyday objects, like a door handle. Someone had to decide how it should feel in your hand, how much pressure it should take to turn, how it would work for small fingers or tired ones. There’s a whole quiet layer of thought behind things we touch without ever really seeing.

    How Curiosity Keeps Life from Feeling Boring

    So when I ask myself what bores me, I still come up blank. Life is full of tiny details, hidden stories, and quiet bits of creativity. A mindset of everyday curiosity and mindful attention keeps even the most ordinary moments—waiting rooms, car rides, reruns on TV—from feeling dull. When I stay curious, I honestly still can’t think of much that really bores me.

    Feature Photo by Aaron Munoz on Unsplash

    How do you stay curious in the “boring” moments? I’d love to hear your tips!

    If you know another parent who’s trying to cut down on screens or feel less bored in the everyday, please share this post with them or save it for your next road trip.

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    Read Next: Playing for Keeps: Cozy Winter Game Nights for Family and Friends

  • Favorite Shoes Took Me to Alaska and First Homestead

    Favorite Shoes Took Me to Alaska and First Homestead

    Daily writing prompt
    Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.
    View all responses

    Favorite Shoes: My Alaska-to-Homestead Life Journey

    I’d have to say my favorite pair of shoes was a pair of really comfortable sandals. They weren’t fancy, but they were perfect. They were waterproof enough for wet grass and surprise puddles (though they’d get slippery when truly soaked), durable, and so comfortable they practically disappeared on my feet. I bought them the year we got married. As soon as weather warmed, they became my summer uniform—tucked away only when socks and sandals crossed the line.

    Alaska Honeymoon Adventure Shoes

    Those sandals carried me through epic travel adventures. I wore them hiking on our road trip honeymoon to Alaska, when endless roads met impossibly big skies. They took me down trails in Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, where crisp air made me feel gloriously small.

    I had them on gold panning outside Anchorage (real prospecting is unglamorous!), watching the sun barely dip at 3 a.m. in that surreal twilight, and waiting for grizzlies at Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site near Hyder. They climbed me to Salmon Glacier’s overlook, where I captured a magical shot—the straps already molded perfectly to my feet by then.

    Homestead Life + Pregnancy Companion

    Then life shifted from road maps to roots. Several months post-honeymoon, those same sandals walked our first homestead property. I squished through soft ground, stepped over pasture patches, and imagined gardens and animal pens. Soon after, pregnant with our son, they carried my slight waddle across that future home—trading Alaskan rivers for tall grass and fence lines.

    Shoes That Lived My Story

    They lasted several more seasons through new-mom routines—feedings, chores, sunset walks on our land. When frayed straps finally gave out, letting go felt like closing a chapter: newlywed adventures, homestead dreams, pregnancy possibility.

    Replacements looked similar but lasted one season, not four. They didn’t live the same story.

    When I think of my favorite travel shoes, they’re about transformation—from glacier overlooks to growing our family and homestead. They carried newly married me toward the life I’d only dreamed of.

    Do your favorite shoes have a story? Let me know in the comments!

    What’s YOUR favorite shoes story?
    ❤️ Like if sandals = life chapters
    👶 Share with someone who loves Alaska travel stories
    💬 Drop below: Hiking boots? Wedding shoes? Pregnancy sneakers?

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    Read Next: Signed House Contract at Used Car Lot-On our Honeymoon Trip to Alaska

  • Homestead Budgeting: Annual Lens vs Monthly Stress

    Homestead Budgeting: Annual Lens vs Monthly Stress

    Daily writing prompt
    Write about your approach to budgeting.
    View all responses

    Homestead Budgeting: Annual Lens Beats Monthly Stress

    Traditional homestead budgeting looks different than the usual “every dollar has a job” system. Our income and expenses ebb and flow with the natural rhythm of homesteading life. This makes strict monthly budgets feel forced and anxiety-inducing.

    Why Monthly Budgets Don’t Work for Us

    Instead of rigid categories, we track every expense carefully—receipts, bills, all of it—then zoom out to see the annual picture. This reveals what monthly snapshots hide: we’re consistently saving money, even when some months feel financially wild with bulk meat buys, equipment repairs, or seasonal garden investments.

    Our cash flow is naturally lumpy. Big expenses hit irregularly while income varies too—extra side work one month might vanish the next. Trying to force this homestead reality into identical monthly boxes doesn’t reflect how self-sufficient living actually works.

    Our Annual Rhythm Approach

    So we embrace annual lens budgeting, measuring success by three simple questions:

    • Are we slowly padding savings even through lumpy months?
    • Are we staying debt-free while investing in our homestead?
    • Are we building sustainability through tools, animals, and systems that pay off long-term?

    Peaceful Money Management

    This big-picture budgeting approach gives us honesty without the stress of monthly perfection. Homestead financial planning isn’t about color-coded spreadsheets—it’s about working with the natural cycles of land, seasons, and family life.

    Annual lens budgeting: More honest than rigid templates, more peaceful than monthly panic. Perfect for the unpredictable beauty of homestead living.

    What’s your money approach when income/expenses vary? Drop it below! ❤️ Like if annual thinking resonates. 📲 Share with your freelancer/homestead friends!

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    Read Next: I Sold My Dream Homestead: Why Smaller is Better Now

  • I Sold My Dream Homestead: Why Smaller Is Better Now

    I Sold My Dream Homestead: Why Smaller Is Better Now

    Daily writing prompt
    Write about your dream home.
    View all responses

    I lived in my dream home once. Five perfect years on eighteen acres that felt more like a nature preserve than a homestead.

    The property sat so far back from a quiet road you could barely hear traffic. Wetlands hugged the front entrance, a half-acre pond sparkled right outside my kitchen window, and open fields rolled out behind the house. My husband and I would wander at dusk, holding hands, and catch our breath watching deer bound through the brush or minks slip through the water. Early spring mornings, we’d sip coffee at that kitchen window watching territorial geese squabble fiercely over pond space, then just weeks later cheer as fluffy goslings bobbed behind their parents. Our three-year-old thought he’d discovered paradise—he’d spend hours crouched in mud, catching frogs and running them up to the house like Olympic gold medals, muddy hands and all.

    View of our pond outside the kitchen window.

    Inside felt just as special. The split-level house sat partially underground, which kept temperatures steady through brutal summers and icy winters. Downstairs, a stone fireplace became our winter sanctuary. We’d lose entire evenings to its crackle and glow, or turn Sunday afternoons into smoky feasts—grilling chicken right there over a makeshift setup, eating straight off paper plates while the fire warmed our backs.

    Upstairs opened into something magical. Reclaimed board ceilings gave it soul. A balcony hung right over the pond view, helping me transition to work from home as I took phone calls while watching hummingbirds dart past. And the south wall? Pure windows. We called that space the plant room. On the grayest February days, I’d stand barefoot in that flood of sunlight and swear spring had snuck in early. That light. I still miss that light.

    But even dream homes come with strings attached.

    Spring rains turned our long driveway into a lake because of those front wetlands. The previous owners built it themselves, and you could tell—endless quirks and half-finished details everywhere. I called it our “teenage house.” Thirty years old. Just old enough for all the newer systems to start failing, but not old enough to have the solid bones of those century farmhouses I love.

    We stretched our budget to buy it, paying more than we planned. The shed out back could barely fit my husband’s equipment, and there wasn’t realistic room to expand. Slowly but surely, our days shrank down to just three things: parenting, working, fixing. We were running on a treadmill to justify living in paradise, too exhausted for the actual living part.

    After five unforgettable years, we made the hard call. Sold it all. Downsized to a fixer-upper we could actually afford and breathe in. Do I miss that house? Every single day. The pond at sunset. The plant room light. Our son’s frog-hunting grin.

    But here’s what we gained: homestead life with breathing room. This smaller homestead now keeps more animals than those 18 acres ever dreamed of. Our homestead garden produces more than double what we grew back then. Now, we’re outside together—hands in the dirt, teaching kids to plant, actually enjoying the slow rhythm we moved here for.

    My definition of dream homestead changed. It used to be postcard-perfect acreage and a house that bathed you in light. Now? It’s a place that fits how we actually live—room for animals, kids, projects, rest, and each other. Sometimes you walk away from your first dream home to build the homestead life that lets you actually live the dream.

    Have you ever left a “dream” situation for something better? What’s YOUR dream homestead?

    Like + share if this resonates—I’d love to hear your story below!

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    Read Next: Why I Chose Homesteading

  • Why I Tell Husband Great News First: Working Mom Life

    Why I Tell Husband Great News First: Working Mom Life

    Daily writing prompt
    You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?
    View all responses

    When great news hits—like that electric “you won” phone ring or the email saying my writing got published in the local paper—I find my husband first. He’s my confidante, best friend, and life partner through every homestead adventure.

    My heart’s pounding, but here’s the thing: I don’t post it on Facebook or call my best friend yet. I track him down right then—whether he’s upstairs sawing away at our renovation project, out back feeding the pigs, or in the kitchen helping our toddler reach for homemade bread.

    “Hey,” I say, grabbing both his hands, “you will not believe this.” His eyes light up instantly, then he pulls me into that familiar hug where the world just quiets. We laugh, do a silly jig right there amid chicken chores or pancake batter splatters—letting that joy multiply before telling the kids.

    Working Mom’s Homestead Wins
    On our homestead, big wins—like selling our pigs at market, getting my writing published locally, or nailing that sourdough starter—feel bigger shared soul-to-soul first. No fanfare needed, just us. Then we plan the family celebration: hamburgers on the picnic table under our maple tree, homemade ice cream under summer stars.

    That’s our slow living rhythm. News shared heart-to-heart first builds everything else—family cheers, neighbor toasts, grateful posts. He grounds my excitement into something lasting, reminding me why we chose this simple, connected homestead life.

    Four reasons he’s always first: Instant emotional anchor. Turns “my” news into “our” victory. Sets joyful tone for kids. Keeps our homestead priorities straight.

    So tell me—who’s your first call when great news hits?

    If this resonated with you, please like and share with others.

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    If this resonated with you, please like and share with others.

    Loved this? Subscribe for weekly homesteading tips:

    Read Next: The Men Who Shaped Me: Love, Marriage, and Life Lessons from Our Homestead

  • From Gilmore Girls to Growing Food: My Homestead Mom Journey

    From Gilmore Girls to Growing Food: My Homestead Mom Journey

    Daily writing prompt
    Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?
    View all responses

    Yes, I’ve outgrown my pre-kids habit of Gilmore Girls marathons on quiet evenings.

    My Pre-Kids Gilmore Girls Habit
    Back then, entire Saturdays disappeared into couch time with coffee and comfort shows. It filled the silence when my days felt empty. But I’d always surface feeling guilty—wanting more from my time but stuck in the cycle of TV marathons to beach days.

    Motherhood’s Homestead Mom Journey
    My son (and later daughter) arrived and rewrote my busy mom routine. Beach walks replaced Netflix queues—we’d chase waves and hunt seashells, sandy toes and all. Late-night binging became kitchen nights—flour-dusted noses, kneading pasta dough together while singing silly songs. Quiet alone time transformed into side-by-side seed starting, their tiny fingers pushing basil seeds into soil, then cheering their first sprouts.

    Seed Starting with Kids Changed Everything
    Now our homestead garden feeds us—those basil pots grew into tomatoes, beans, onions. This motherhood shift brought fresh air through beach walks, creative connection through cooking together, and patience through gardening my children can touch.

    No guilt now—just full days growing food, making memories, building our slow living mom rhythm. My pre-kids evenings served their purpose. This hands-on homestead chapter? It’s what my heart was made for.

    Feature Photo by Khanh Do on Unsplash

    What’s one habit you outgrew after kids? Share below—I’d love to hear your transformation story!

    If this resonated with you, please like and share with others.

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    Read Next: Playing for Keeps: Cozy Winter Game Nights for Family and Friends

  • Playing for Keeps: Cozy Winter Game Nights for Family and Friends

    Playing for Keeps: Cozy Winter Game Nights for Family and Friends

    When winter settles in on the homestead, life naturally slows down. The winter garden rests under snow, the animals huddle in the barn, and families gather indoors for cozy family nights. It’s the season for staying warm, being together, and finding joy in simple homesteading activities — like a well-loved deck of cards, a puzzle on the farmhouse dining table, or family laughter echoing late into the night.

    There’s nothing quite like a winter game night on the homestead. When the wind howls outside the farmhouse and the snow piles high, the best warmth often comes from good company, shared family bonding, and maybe just a touch of friendly competition. Whether you’re playing cards around the kitchen table during winter homesteading, puzzling over a jigsaw masterpiece, or teaching your kids a new board game as part of raising kids on the homestead, game night is one of those timeless family traditions that never go out of style.

    In my homesteading family, winter game nights have always been a cherished tradition. My dad’s favorite is Sheepshead — a classic Midwest card game full of strategy and bluffing — but the real magic happens in the chatter between hands, the jokes when someone misplays a trick, and the laughter that fills the room long after the cards are packed away. Now, we’re teaching our son how to play too, though at six years old, we’re still coaching with the cards face up and plenty of encouragement — perfect for raising kids amid homestead life.

    But you don’t have to be from Wisconsin — or know what Sheepshead is — to love a good winter game night. The beauty of winter family activities is that they adapt to every age, mood, and homestead household. It’s all about building community through connection.

    Here are a few ways to keep homestead game nights fresh and fun this winter homesteading season:

    1. Mix up the classics
      Rotate between familiar card games like cribbage, euchre, rummy, or Uno, and throw in board games like Ticket to Ride, Sequence, or Codenames for variety. Even favorites like Monopoly or Scrabble feel new with homestead twists, like themed snacks from the garden pantry or “winner picks the next game” rules.
    2. Make it cozy
      Set the mood with soft lighting, fleece blankets, and warm drinks to turn an ordinary evening into something memorable for family game nights. There’s something magical about hot cocoa with whipped cream and cinnamon next to a flickering candle while family laughter circles the farmhouse table.
    3. Add food to the fun.
      Potluck snacks make everyone feel included. Try something hearty and low-effort like homestead chili, cheesy bread from your winter pantry, or a meat and cheese tray. Or keep it sweet with homemade cookies, popcorn, and cocoa bombs.
    4. Keep it social, not serious
      A little competition is healthy, but laughter should always win. Let kids make up house rules, play for silly prizes, or pass around a “trophy” between weeks — maybe a goofy hat or a wooden spoon with bragging rights. Game night should be about family connection and building community, not keeping score.
    5. Try something new together
      Challenge your homestead family to learn something new. Cooperative games like Pandemic or Forbidden Island encourage teamwork, while group trivia or charades gets everyone involved. For quiet winter nights, bring out dominoes or a thousand-piece puzzle and let conversation flow while hands stay busy.

    When homestead families play together, something special happens. Kids learn patience, teamwork, and good humor; adults slow down enough to really listen and laugh. It’s one of the simplest, most meaningful winter homesteading activities to build memories and family bonds — no screen required.

    Some local libraries and churches even host winter puzzle swaps or game exchanges, perfect for building community and refreshing your game shelf without spending a dime. In a world where it’s easy to feel isolated on the homestead, these gatherings remind us that friendship and fun often start at a shared farmhouse table.

    So this winter homesteading season, deal yourself in. Invite friends, make a pot of homestead cocoa, and play until the candles flicker low. Some nights, the laughter drifts out the windows into the snow, and for just a moment, winter doesn’t feel quite so long.

    Feature Photo by Nellie Adamyan on Unsplash

    What’s your go-to winter game night favorite? Do you have a family tradition or favorite way to keep homestead game nights lively?

    Share your homesteading family stories in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you’re beating cabin fever and building community this winter!

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