Practical Homesteading

Tag: homesteading

  • My Mission: Growing Food, Raising Kids, and Building Community — A Path Back to Connection

    My Mission: Growing Food, Raising Kids, and Building Community — A Path Back to Connection

    Daily writing prompt
    What is your mission?
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    “We’re stronger together.”
    — A lesson from the land, the past, and the heart.

    Some days, I find myself wondering why I share so much of my messy, joyful, back-to-the-land life. Then I remember—it’s not just a blog; it’s a declaration of purpose. I’m not just learning to grow food or raise livestock. I’m learning to build a life rooted in connection, resilience, and love—the kind of life that feels increasingly rare in our modern world.

    Growing Food

    My mission comes back to the words that guide everything I do: “Growing food, raising kids, building community.”

    Growing food isn’t just about self-sufficiency; it’s about slowing down and remembering that life takes time. Whether it’s a full garden, a few backyard hens, or a pot of herbs on a sunny windowsill, each act connects us to the earth and to the generations who worked it before us.

    You don’t need acres to begin—just a seed, a container, and a little sunlight.

    Even one small step can be the beginning of a more grounded life. Each seed planted is a reminder that we can create abundance with our own hands.

    Raising Kids

    Just as tending the garden teaches patience, so does parenting. Homesteading is a classroom like no other—muddy, humbling, and full of wonder.

    It teaches our children what no textbook can: that hard work matters, that life is cyclical, and that family is their safe harbor in a sometimes harsh world.

    My hope is that my kids grow up knowing home isn’t merely a place—it’s a legacy we build with care and intention. Whether they keep chickens, plant tomatoes, or simply carry these values forward, I want them to understand where they come from and who they are.

    Building Community

    And then there’s community—the heartbeat of homesteading and, I believe, our survival as humans.

    American society often tells us that strength comes from independence—that we should manage everything ourselves, and outsource what we can’t, because we’re too exhausted to do it all. But that version of “strength” leaves us burned out and disconnected.

    True strength doesn’t grow in isolation—it blossoms in interdependence.

    Sometimes that means swapping seeds or recipes; other times, it’s checking on a neighbor or being brave enough to ask for help. We were never meant to do this alone.

    Lessons from the Past

    When I think about how far we’ve drifted from those roots, I can’t help but look back with respect. Our great-grandparents understood community in ways we’ve forgotten.

    Their lives weren’t easy—many faced relentless hardship. I once read about children in rural Wisconsin in the 1930s who walked miles to town barefoot, carrying their shoes so they wouldn’t wear them out. They’d put them on only once they reached town, because those shoes had to last—and often be passed down to the next child.

    Those stories remind me that while the past wasn’t perfect, it carried wisdom worth keeping. People ate real food, raised resilient children, and looked out for their neighbors. They knew that survival wasn’t just about grit—it was about connection and care.

    Planting Hope

    In the end, that’s what I want my life—and this blog—to reflect. I want to inspire others to live intentionally, grow their own food, raise their families with love, and reconnect with the people around them.

    Because when we nurture the soil, our children, and each other, we’re planting more than gardens—we’re planting hope. And in that hope, we rediscover a simple truth our ancestors never forgot:

    We are always stronger together.

    Now it’s your turn. How do you balance modern life’s demands with a desire to live more simply? Tell me about it in the comments. Let’s start a conversation!

    If this post spoke to you, I’d love for you to help the message spread:

    💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — I truly enjoy hearing your stories.

    💚 Share this post with a friend who believes we’re stronger together.

    🌾 Subscribe to the blog for more reflections on growing food, raising kids, and building community—one season at a time.

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  • My Biggest Influences from Family, Homesteading, and Simple Living

    My Biggest Influences from Family, Homesteading, and Simple Living

    Who are the biggest influences in your life?

    Keywords
    simple living inspiration, homesteading lifestyle, family-centered life, personal growth journey, rural living values, community and connection, self-sufficiency and family, gratitude and intention

    Influence comes in many forms—some quiet and steady, others bold and life-changing. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on who’s helped shape my journey toward simple living, family-centered growth, and self-sufficiency.

    Books That Shape My Thinking
    Books have always been my greatest teachers. I can spend hours tucked into a good nonfiction guide—whether it’s about self-improvement, gardening, or preserving old homestead traditions. The works of Midwestern authors like Jerry Apps hold a special place in my heart. His book about rural school life reminded me of the values that built strong communities: honesty, grit, and compassion. Reading it inspired me to start writing again and to live more intentionally.

    Another influential book is Ben Logan’s The Land Remembers. His stories of growing up in Wisconsin capture what I love most about rural living. He talks about connection to the land, rhythm of the seasons, and the quiet lessons found in hard work. These authors remind me that storytelling preserves the values and wisdom worth passing on.

    Just as books have shaped how I think about simple living, the people around me continue to shape how I live it each day.

    Community That Inspires Me
    Social media has become a surprisingly powerful influence in my life. My Facebook followers bring so much joy, encouragement, and creativity. We swap garden tips, share family stories, and remind each other that we’re not alone in pursuing intentional living.

    What’s even more special is how online connections can grow into real friendships. Just last week, a friend from high school reached out after reading one of my posts. We met for coffee and had a wonderful conversation. It’s one that bridged years and reminded me how connection can start anywhere, even with a simple post.
    Platforms like YouTube have also become part of my daily rhythm.

    Watching fellow homesteaders and lifestyle creators encourages me to keep learning new skills and to approach life’s routines with curiosity and gratitude.

    Family That Grounds Me
    At the heart of my life is family. My parents and in-laws are always ready to help. Sometimes, it’s lending a hand with a project. Other times, it’s offering wisdom when I need it most. My husband is my constant partner—steadfast, kind, and right beside me whether we’re tending the garden or tackling challenges together.

    My children have become my best teachers. They remind me to slow down, play, and find joy in the small things. Through them, I’ve learned patience, creativity, and how to truly appreciate everyday blessings.

    And my sisters hold a special place in my heart. We share humor, sorrow, and plenty of homesteading projects. Their support and laughter keep me rooted, even when life feels hectic.

    Living and Learning Together
    Every influence—books, community, and family—forms part of the foundation that supports my growth. They motivate me to write, to homestead with purpose, and to live each day with gratitude. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it blossoms through shared stories, nurturing relationships, and open hearts.

    Now it’s your turn. Who or what have you found to be influential in your life?

    If this journey speaks to you, I’d love to have you join this community. We discuss simple living, homesteading, and personal growth through family life. Subscribe to my blog for weekly reflections, practical tips, and heartfelt stories about building a life rooted in intention and simplicity. Let’s keep growing and creating something meaningful together.

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  • Why Is Beef So Expensive? The Real Story Behind Your Steak — and How You Can Help Support Local Farmers

    Why Is Beef So Expensive? The Real Story Behind Your Steak — and How You Can Help Support Local Farmers

    Beef prices are higher than ever, and it’s hard not to flinch when you see the total at the checkout. But there’s a bigger story behind that price tag. It’s a story of weather, supply, and the everyday people who make your meals possible.

    The Shrinking Herd
    Across the country, the U.S. cattle herd is the smallest it’s been since 1951. Years of drought have dried up pastures. Rising feed and fuel costs have forced many families to sell breeding cows just to hold on.

    With fewer calves entering the pipeline and beef taking about two years to raise from birth to butcher, this shortage doesn’t rebound quickly. Meanwhile, Americans still love their beef—consuming around 57 pounds per person each year, according to USDA estimates.

    When demand stays strong and supply runs short, prices naturally climb.

    Family Farms Under Pressure
    But economics only tell half the story. On my sister’s small farm, she and her husband raise beef—a side project that grew out of their love for good food and good land. Like many small producers, they both work jobs outside the home to keep their operation going.

    What started as a passion for raising healthy animals and feeding their neighbors has become a delicate balance between purpose and practicality. For them, and countless others, farming isn’t just about income—it’s about identity, family, and stewardship of the land.

    Their experience isn’t unique. The average farmer in the U.S. is now around 58 years old, and for younger generations, getting started can feel impossible. Land, equipment, and livestock cost hundreds of thousands of dollars before the first calf is ever born.

    On top of that, just a handful of large companies control most of the nation’s beef processing. That means family farms earn less, even as consumers pay more at the store. It’s a painful disconnect that continues to squeeze rural families across the country.

    Watching my sister pour her time and heart into those cattle reminds me of something deeper. Homesteading—like life—rarely offers shortcuts. The work is long, often quiet, but filled with meaning that doesn’t show up on a price tag.

    The Cost of Keeping Food Safe
    Processing adds another layer of expense. Federal law requires a USDA inspector to be on-site during every moment of slaughter and processing. Their presence ensures animal health, cleanliness, and safety—vital safeguards that protect us all—but compliance adds time, labor, and cost.

    Some experts believe these inspections could be modernized and streamlined to preserve safety while easing financial pressure on small processors. For now, those costs carry through the system, one steak at a time.

    Beyond the Farm Gate
    Every link in the supply chain—from pastures and processors to packaging and transport—feels the strain of rising fuel prices, labor shortages, and inflation. And behind that rising price tag are families working early mornings and late nights to keep barns running, pastures green, and herds healthy.

    For many, it’s more than work—it’s a calling built on resilience and pride.

    And for those of us on the other end, part of honoring that work is learning to value the whole animal. Beef isn’t just ribeyes and tenderloins. It’s also the flavorful roasts, shanks, and stewing cuts that take time, effort, and patience to cook.

    When we learn to use every cut—every bit of what an animal gives—we stretch our dollar, reduce waste, and show respect for the life and effort behind our food. In a way, that practice is at the very heart of homesteading: using wisely, wasting little, and cooking with gratitude.

    What You Can Do
    Understanding the system is a great first step. Visit your local butcher or farmers’ market. Ask where your beef comes from. Learn from small farmers who raise animals with care and integrity—and don’t be afraid to try new cuts or cooking methods.

    If you have the freezer space, consider buying a quarter beef directly from a local farmer. It’s roughly 200 pounds of meat—everything from premium steaks and roasts to ground beef and lesser cuts. Buying this way often saves money per pound, puts more of your dollars directly into the farmer’s pocket, and helps keep local processors and butchers in business.

    This is what a quarter beef looks like, directly from the butcher.

    Supporting local producers and cooking with intention helps preserve the values that built rural communities: thrift, respect, and connection to the land. When you approach food with awareness, every meal becomes an act of gratitude.

    If you try a new cut or buy in bulk from a local farm, share your experience in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re honoring the hands and hearts behind your food.

    A Final Thought
    The next time you pick up a steak—or a simple pack of stew meat—remember the weather, markets, and families who make it possible. Every mindful purchase helps sustain not just a food system, but a tradition of stewardship that keeps families—and their farms—going strong.

    If this story resonated with you, give it a like. Share it with a friend or pass it along to someone who loves good food and community.

     
    Your support helps this blog keep shining a light on local farmers, homesteading life, and the values that keep our tables full of meaning. 


    Subscribe for more stories—and practical tips—on living simply, eating well, and staying connected to the land.

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    Beyond the Plate: Cooking with Heart, Seasonality, and Family in Mind

    What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals? Imagine standing in your kitchen after a long day, staring into the fridge and pantry. Hungry family members are standing by waiting not-so-patiently. You juggle not only what tastes good but also what’s nutritious, budget-friendly, and available—all in one mental balancing act. As the main cook in…

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  • My Top 5 Essential Grocery Staples for Homesteading and Scratch Cooking

    My Top 5 Essential Grocery Staples for Homesteading and Scratch Cooking

    List your top 5 grocery store items.

    If you walked down a typical grocery store aisle with me, you might think I’m lost. While most American shoppers reach for convenience, I’m the one squinting at sacks of flour, jars of yeast, and tubs of coconut oil — the same staples my great-grandmother probably chose 75 years ago. I don’t shop for ready-made meals; I shop for possibility.

    At home, those bulk ingredients become whatever we need — bread, tortillas, sauces, or even snacks. If I don’t know how to make something, I learn. A simple search and a quiet evening in the kitchen have taught me more than any cookbook could. This hands-on, old-fashioned approach has saved us thousands over the years, but more importantly, it’s built confidence, patience, and gratitude for every meal we share.

    Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy Chinese takeout once in a while! I’ve learned to make my own dumpling and stir-fry recipes — they’re delicious when they turn out, and hilarious when they don’t. (One of my most epic flops was a lemon pepper chicken so salty it could’ve been used as a salt lick.) Mistakes keep me humble, and in a way, they’re the best ingredient for growth.

    Homemade potato chips
    Bloody Mary with mostly homegrown ingredients

    So with gratitude — and a dash of humility — here are my five most essential grocery items and how they shape my kitchen life on the homestead.

    5. Coconut Oil

    Coconut oil is my go-to multipurpose fat. It melts like butter and works wonders in place of lard or shortening. I use it to pop popcorn, bake desserts, and even blend it into homemade flour tortillas.

    Its aroma — faintly sweet and buttery — adds a subtle depth you can’t quite place but always appreciate.

    Tip: For tender baked goods, replace half the butter or shortening in your recipe with coconut oil, then reduce liquid slightly. It gives just enough chew without the greasy feel.

    4. Active Dry Yeast

    Yeast is the quiet hero of my kitchen — small, simple, and full of potential. Watching dough rise never loses its magic, especially when the kitchen smells of warm, sweet yeast and anticipation.

    It symbolizes self-reliance: turning flour, water, and salt into something living, breathing, and nourishing.

    Tip: Always proof yeast with a pinch of sugar in warm water (around 110°F). If it bubbles within 10 minutes, your dough is ready to rise.

    3. Chicken and Beef Bouillon Powder

    I lean on bouillon powders for soups, gravies, and especially rice. Cooking rice in chicken or beef stock instead of water transforms it from plain to crave-worthy.

    I also mix beef bouillon into my homemade onion soup powder — it adds warmth and richness that store mixes can’t match.

    Tip: Swap half the water for stock when cooking noodles, grains, or vegetables. It’s the fastest way to round out flavor without extra sauces or salt.

    2. Plain White Sugar

    Plain old white sugar earns a spot near the top because it does so much more than sweeten desserts. It wakes up yeast, balances tomato acidity, and — lately — fuels our lemonade habit.

    My sister keeps me well-supplied with lemons, so I make fresh lemonade weekly. When the kids come in sun-dusted and thirsty, that chilled pitcher waiting in the fridge makes them light up.

    Tip: Add a teaspoon of sugar to tomato sauces or soups to tame acidity without losing depth of flavor.

    1. Flour

    If coconut oil is the heart of my pantry, flour is its backbone. I buy high-gluten flour for breadmaking, but I’m excited to experiment more with ancient grains soon.

    The feel of dough under my hands, the smell of a fresh loaf cooling on the counter, and the crackle as it’s sliced — it’s the rhythm that grounds my kitchen.

    Flour builds loaves, tortillas, focaccia, and even desserts. It’s humble, forgiving, and powerful — no one in my house has ever once complained about home-baked anything.

    We rarely buy vegetables from the store, relying instead on what we’ve grown and preserved — jars of tomatoes, beans, and pickles lining the pantry. They remind me that what we grow in summer sustains us long after the frost sets in.

    Our winter meals center around potatoes, onions, and frozen vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers. We’ve experimented with extending our garden season using a small greenhouse and straw. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling greens or a carrot from a garden while snow still glitters outside.

    As for meat, we’re still building toward full independence. We raise our own pork, purchase beef from my sister’s grass-fed herd, and still buy chicken from the store — for now. One day soon, meat birds will join the homestead lineup, and the circle will feel more complete.

    Each grocery item on this list earns its place not for novelty but for versatility. They remind me that eating well doesn’t require endless ingredients — just a few solid building blocks and the creativity to make them shine.

    This slower, more deliberate approach to cooking has taught me creativity, patience, and gratitude — lessons that spill over into every other area of life.

    Homesteading has shown me that ingredients matter less than the care and love you pour into them. Every loaf, jar, and meal built from raw goods feels like an act of heritage — and hope — in a world that moves too fast.

    Homestead maple syrup

    What five grocery staples would make your list? Please share them in the comments. And if this post inspired you, please like, share, or subscribe to follow more homesteading stories, seasonal recipes, and simple living tips.

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  • Feathers, Frogs, and Family: Lessons from Our Chickens

    Feathers, Frogs, and Family: Lessons from Our Chickens

    What are your favorite animals?

    I remember he day our delivery person lingered just to pet a chicken. It marked a quiet but unforgettable connection between humans and animals in our lives. That black hen with golden feathers wasn’t just beautiful. She was a symbol of the surprising personalities and stories hidden in every farm animal. These stories have shaped my family and me in ways I never expected.

    Farm animals have always felt special to me. More than simple creatures in a barnyard, they each hold distinct characters and life lessons. Chickens, in particular, embody a fascinating mix of contradictions: small yet bold, practical yet full of surprises. Take the first time I saw one catch and eat a frog, for example. I was both fascinated and startled. There she was, darting through the grass with sharp precision, capturing a hopping frog with a triumphant snap. This wild side of chickens revealed itself suddenly but clearly—showing me they are more than gentle garden pets. They are resourceful, lively members of the natural world.

    Equally meaningful to me has been watching my son grow alongside these animals. From tentative first touches to bursts of laughter as he ran alongside the flock, his connection with the chickens deepened steadily over time. This growing bond reached a milestone when we gathered our first pullet egg together. It was a small, warm marvel that tasted like patience and hope. Sharing that fresh egg was a celebration of both life and the quiet rituals that come from care and attentiveness.

    Beyond their intriguing personalities and practical benefits like eating food scraps and producing fertilizer, these animals have woven themselves into our daily rhythms and affections. It’s no wonder our delivery person was so drawn to that golden-feathered hen. Her presence brought him brief moments of comfort and joy. When she passed away, it marked a quiet loss that reminded me how deeply animals can touch human lives and how these bonds leave lasting marks on our hearts.

    Farm animals are, in truth, companions who teach us to slow down, observe, and connect with the cycle of life. Chickens, with their surprising mix of wildness and gentleness, stand out as providers with vibrant personalities and teachers. In their company, I have found moments of laughter, reflection, and an enduring appreciation for the simple, rich realities of living closely with nature.

    What’s your favorite farm animal or memorable moment with animals that has touched your heart? Share your stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear about the special connections you’ve had with animals!


    If you enjoyed this essay and found these stories meaningful, please like this post. Share it with fellow animal lovers. Subscribe for more heartfelt reflections and stories about life with animals. Your support means the world!

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