I am feeling the clean and declutter bug. Big time. I think that is totally normal for this time of year. More and more people move toward non-toxic cleaners every year, and I wanted to give you my favorite recipes (without essential oils... well... sometimes) in case you are looking to do the same in your own homestead.

I have a complicated relationship with essential oils that are so beloved by the crunchy community. Dive on into this episode to learn why I am not in love with them, and what I use instead! 

HOMEWORK: Start infusing some white vinegar! 

Links Mentioned:

DIY Thieves Cleaner

DIY Wood Cleaner

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Links for all of my favorite products

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Discover how to efficiently tackle your homestead tasks! Today, I'm chatting about how I managed all my homestead tasks in just 45 minutes by using the critical path method. 

Streamlining tasks to overcome the chaos of jumping from one task to another can help boost our productivity while actually making us feel LESS busy. Transitioning from the strict structure of academia to the flexibility of homesteading led me to feel a little bit lost without structure in my days. I found methods that actually work to increase my productivity, make me less busy, but still remain flexible.

Implementation for Larger Projects:

1. List project activities.

Links Mentioned:

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

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Seed organizing sounds like a daunting task, but it is actually kind of fun! Hear me out... you get to see what else you still need to buy and then go seed shopping! What could be better than that?

I've learned that if I get organized in a way that works for my brain before the peak of garden season, I will set myself up for a lot more success (and a lot less stress). When it's go-time, I will get to play in the garden and get my hands in the dirt, not trying to remember what I am supposed to plant and when.

Recall the organization styles we explored in Episode 12 about kitchen organization. It's time to apply those principles to your garden seed organizing.

Homework: Get yourself organized. Really. Do it. Today.

Links Mentioned:

The Best Seed Organizing Ideas

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Whether you're daunted by the prospect of failure or success, homesteading fears can be REAL. I received a thought-provoking question from a Facebook follower and I couldn't resist talking about this topic right away (because I think it hits home for all of us).

In this episode, I explore the complex emotions that come with change – from the unsettling fear of failure to the surprising apprehension of success, and even the daunting impostor syndrome. Why does success sometimes scare us as much as failure? 

Let's confront these fears head-on. What happens when our worst fears come to life?

This episode isn't just about homesteading – it's about growth, resilience, and the courage to face our fears.

Homework:

Make the lists of fears you either had starting out or still have, then make a list of your fears once you get started? Take time to let them sink in and truly think about whats worse. I don’t think you will struggle to make your dreams come true if you look at the alternatives.

Links Mentioned:

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

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People have some seriously strong opinions online over homesteading things. Whether it be politics, sustainability, health claims... the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong! I AM HERE FOR THAT! I am here for homesteaders speaking out about things no one else is talking about. What I am not all about? YOU thinking that you have to die on all of these hills. That is tiring and honestly, impossible.

There are some hills that I personally am not willing to die on, but you might! Make sure you are prioritizing what actually matters to you most for your own homestead. In today's episode, I wanted to chat about some things that I decided to let slide a bit so I can focus on what's important most to me.

Homework: Join the Facebook group and tell me the hill you would die on. What do you want to scream from the rooftops?

Links Mentioned:

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

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The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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I don't know how it got us again, but the family has gone through another round of colds. I thought we were done for the season! Alas, I wanted to think of things I could check off my homestead to-do list from the couch.

In today's episode, I am going to chat about 5 ways you homestead while you are sick, so all of your systems don't crumble, you stay organized, and you don't come back from illness to a hot mess house! If you found any of these tips helpful, please leave a 5-star written review. It would mean the world to me.

Homework: Make an extra of one of your meals this week that freezes well and put it in the freezer to have on hand.

Links Mentioned:

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

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The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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Join me as I prepare to make this spring gardening season the best one yet! Remember, a little planning today leads to a lush, thriving garden tomorrow. 

Why is now the perfect time to start garden planning? So you don’t get overwhelmed this garden season! HELLO! There is actually so much you can do right now. Today I am going to share my top 7 ways to prep your garden so you have your best season yet.

🌻 Let's get our hands dirty and get to it!

HOMEWORK- Make a plan to start your garden NOW instead of waiting until grow season.

Links Mentioned:

Spring Gardening Tips

Free Raised Bed Plans

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Links for all of my favorite products

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Before you add anything else to your homestead task list, you MUST get your home management systems in order. Chelsi Jo of the Systemize Your Life podcast is here to help us do just that.

These systems have made me feel like I gained time in my days (and space in my brain!) and I hope they work for you too! Check out where to find Chelsi in the links below.

Links Mentioned:

Listen to the Systemize Your Life Podcast

Check out the Systemize Your Life Home Management System

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

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We often appear busy, but are we truly productive? Let’s discuss the dilemma of wanting to learn and implement new homesteading techniques but often failing to take action.

• In this episode, I will discuss:
  • The Perfectionist Trap: Understanding how the fear of imperfection can lead to inaction.

Homework:

• For those caught in the perfectionist trap: Start small and give yourself grace. Try it anyway!

Links Mentioned:

Ger Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

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The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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Canning is still a thing! We can and preserve food in order to make healthier choices, save a little cash, and have FUN! So why in the world did I find myself crying over canning during my first canning season?

I made a few mistakes that definitely made things harder on myself. Canning really is NOT hard! And it is not scary.

Listen to this episode for my canning confessionals and learn from my mistakes so your first-time canning can be stress-free!

HOMEWORK- If you want to can this year, make a plan for getting all your gear. Do you need to add it to the budget? If you are an experienced canner, share your favorite canning convenience meals in the Facebook Group!

Links Mentioned:

All of the Canning Tips

Favorite Books on Home Food Preservation

Links for all of my favorite products

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The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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