If you’ve ever felt like herbalism requires a huge apothecary or a ton of expensive ingredients, this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. Today, we’re talking about the everyday pantry staples you probably already have on hand that double as powerful herbal wellness tools — perfect for cold and flu season and practical homesteading on a budget.

In this episode, I’m walking through eight simple pantry ingredients that support immunity, digestion, inflammation, stress relief, and overall wellness: ginger, garlic, cinnamon, honey, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, chamomile, and lemon. These are the no-pressure, real-life remedies that modern homesteaders can use daily without buying anything fancy or overwhelming.

Daily Wellness Shot: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wellness-shot/

Garlic Mullein Ear Oil: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/garlic-mullein-herbal-oil/

The Homestead Challenge podcast is officially expanding! Search “The Homestead Challenge” on YouTube or click below and hit subscribe so you’ll know when new episodes drop.

https://www.youtube.com/@thehomesteadchallenge

In today’s episode, we’re talking about rethinking rest during the holiday season and why traditional “relaxation” doesn’t always make us feel restored. If you’re overwhelmed by holiday expectations, juggling motherhood, managing a busy home, or trying to keep up with homesteading tasks while feeling exhausted, this conversation is for you.

After weeks of dealing with a lingering sinus infection, I realized that true rest isn’t always about slowing down, sitting on the couch, or doing nothing. Instead, I discovered that my body and nervous system felt more rested when I prioritized connection, movement, simple accomplishments, and intentional comfort rituals—all things that helped reduce stress more than “relaxing” ever did.

Inside this episode, we explore:

Why holiday overwhelm hits so hard (and why rest feels impossible)

The unexpected thing that finally helped my nervous system reset

How a simple girls’ night helped my body start to heal

Why sitting still can sometimes increase anxiety and mental load

How to find rest through connection (girls’ nights, date nights, family time)

How to feel restored through accomplishment and finishing lingering tasks

What “rest through movement” looks like in real life

Simple sensory comfort ideas to bring peace back into your home

How stress impacts your immune system and overall homestead routine

Practical ways to feel grounded, calm, and prepared going into the holiday season

Whether you’re navigating motherhood, trying to stay consistent with homesteading routines, or just craving a calmer December, you’ll learn how to identify your personal rest style so you can support your mental health, reduce stress, and create a holiday season that actually feels good.

In this episode, we’re talking about what you can still forage in November—even if there’s snow on the ground. I share six easy-to-identify wild foods and herbs like pine needles, rose hips, late-season mushrooms, acorns, crab apples, and black walnuts that can stretch your grocery or medicine budget. Plus, I chat about my failed attempt at extreme couponing and why foraging feels like a much more peaceful (and practical) way to get “free” things from nature this time of year.

In this episode, we’re talking about herbal compliance — the simple truth that herbs only work if you actually take them. After being sick all week and realizing she barely used her herbs, Brittany shares five super practical ways to make herbal remedies easier and more convenient to use when you’re not feeling your best. From pre-filling tincture shots to creating a “sick day” herbal basket, this episode is all about setting yourself up for success before cold and flu season hits.

Cold and Flu Tea Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-tea-for-cold-and-flu/

In this episode, we’re talking about how to restock your pantry intentionally after the Pantry Challenge so you can avoid waste, overspending, and overwhelm. Brittany shares practical tips for creating a core pantry list that actually fits your family’s needs, restocking slowly on a budget, and organizing for function over perfection. It’s all about building a pantry that supports real life—not one that looks Pinterest-perfect.

In this episode, we’re challenging ourselves to free up $500 before Christmas by shopping our pantries instead of the grocery store. We talk about how to take inventory, build meal plans using what we already have, and make it fun with a visual savings tracker. It’s all about using our resources wisely, wasting less, and creating a little extra breathing room before the holidays.

Ever wonder how other homesteaders fit it all in? This week, I’m taking you behind the scenes with an honest, hour-by-hour walkthrough of my real daily schedule — chaos, coffee, and all.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

In this episode, we talk about what fall really means for us as homesteaders and why it’s okay if we’re not caught up on every project or learning a new skill right now. We compare fall to the luteal phase of a cycle—a time for reflection, slowing down, and preparing for the restful winter ahead. We also explore how winter mirrors the menstrual phase, reminding us that rest doesn’t mean doing nothing—it’s actually the perfect time to learn, dream, and rebuild our energy.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

If you’re feeling tempted by all the Prime Day and early Black Friday sales but aren’t sure what’s actually worth it for your homestead — this one’s for you. I’m taking a quick break from my homestead organization series to share what I’ve been seeing lately in the world of deals and steals, what’s worth adding to your cart, and what can probably wait until next year.

In this episode, I’m talking about some of my favorite brands, the types of products that actually go on sale (and stay good quality), and how to make a wishlist that keeps you from getting sucked into the scroll.

Why GreenStalk’s current clearance sale is the best I’ve ever seen

How to tell if a “deal” is really a deal (hint: check regular prices first!)

When to stock up on grow bags, seeds, and raised beds

Power backup systems and what brands to trust

Kitchen tools and cast iron cookware that actually go on sale

How I use wishlist shopping to avoid impulse buys

The one item still on my wishlist — the Presto electric pressure canner

Don’t feel pressured to buy everything right now — there will always be another sale.

Sign up for your favorite seed companies’ newsletters to catch those early November discounts.

Create a wishlist before you browse so you don’t get distracted by random “lightning deals.”

Quality over quantity — especially when it comes to garden gear and tools that need to last.

This week, I’m answering a listener question that so many of us can relate to: How do you plan your homesteading projects? Do you have a calendar?

If you’ve ever bought all the supplies for a new skill—like kombucha brewing or sourdough baking—and then never actually started, this episode is for you. I’m sharing why it’s completely normal to go through different seasons in our homesteading journey and how not everything has to happen at once.

I also talk about how I personally plan and prioritize projects, the simple tools that help me stay organized, and how I find little pockets of time in my busy week (even with kids at home). From embracing the ebb and flow of energy to letting go of perfection, this episode is your reminder that your homestead doesn’t have to look productive all the time to be meaningful.

Why unfinished projects are completely normal

How to think seasonally when it comes to learning new skills

The difference between passion projects and habits

Finding small blocks of time to get things done

My favorite planners and simple brain-dump methods

Giving yourself grace to grow slowly and sustainably