Explore every episode of the podcast The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 65. Getting the Homestead Ready for Fall | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:22:20 | |
There are a few things you can do on the homestead to get ready for the fall season. This is my favorite time of year, so there are a few things I am incorporating into my regular routine in order to be ready! Do you have anything special you like to do this time of year?
Links Mentioned: https://instagram.com/brittanylgibson | |||
| Ep 64. My Favorite Herb for Transitioning to Fall | 23 Aug 2024 | 00:12:58 | |
Are you starting to get those fall vibes? I sure am. Nothing marks the harvest season to me like goldenrod. Its abundant yellow hues paint the landscape this time of year. Not only is it pretty, but it has some pretty great herbal uses to fill your homestead pantry as well.
Links Mentioned: https://instagram.com/brittanylgibson | |||
| Ep 55. The 3 Easiest Ways to Preserve Your Garden Harvest That Still Provide a Creative Outlet | 12 Jul 2024 | 00:14:43 | |
The abundance of the garden can be overwhelming. As a newer homesteader, canning was simply too stressful to even think about. Now, I love to can, but sometimes I simply don't feel like it or don't have the time. There are so many easier ways to preserve some of your harvest (I've talked about them in other episodes), but simply freezing or dehydrating can be a little boring. As I am on a lifelong journey to consume less, I want to create MORE! Today I want to talk about 3 really easy ways to preserve that are also fun and creative (not to mention pretty!).
Other Preserving Episodes to Listen to: Ep 45. 9 Cheap and Easy Methods for Preserving Your Garden Harvest Ep. 13. 5 Canning Mistakes I Made So You Don't Have To
Links How to Start Fermenting Veggies https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/category/recipes-and-meal-plans/food-preservation/
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| Ep 54. The Magic of Mullein: An Easy Herbal Remedy Found Right in Your Neighborhood | 09 Jul 2024 | 00:13:32 | |
Mullein is a super common herb found right in your neighborhood. As we are quickly approaching the fall, I thought it would be fun to get our homesteads prepared by building up our at-home herbal remedy stash. Twice a month I will explore an herb to add to your home herbal medicine chest so we can be prepared for the cold and flu season ahead, stress-free.
Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/garlic-mullein-herbal-oil/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-allergy-tea-recipe/ View My Favorite Herbal Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 53. Gaining Peace By Giving Myself Permission to Be a Homemaker | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:23:01 | |
Ah! I am nervous about putting this episode out into the world friends. Today I want to dive into all of the guilt and feelings I have had about quitting work to become a homemaker and later a stay-at-home mom. I always expected myself to be a career woman/boss babe, and I found myself very anxious and stressed all of the time. It turns out that leaning into my femininity (why does this still make me cringe?) has brought me a ton of peace. This won't be the same for every person, but if you are struggling with feelings about being a homemaker or longing to become one, but feel the societal pressure to work, I hope this episode brings you some solidarity.
Links Mentioned www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 52. How to Make an Herbal Salve with a Common Garden Flower | 28 Jun 2024 | 00:18:59 | |
I am here to chat about my current favorite little flower that I am using topically at home. It's CALENDULA. And no, mine is not yet blooming in the garden. But you can always order from a reputable source. Starwest Botanicals is one of my favorites. I know some of you are very curious to get into herbal medicine. I truly think that topical products and skincare are the best gateway to learn about plants in a safe (and fun!) manner. MINI SALVE GUIDE-> bit.ly/herbalsalve FAVE HERBAL PRODUCTS-> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s Buy Calendula Online -> https://shrsl.com/4l9ry
Other Herbal Episodes | |||
| Ep 51. A New Freezer and A New Kitchen Gadget to Beat the Summer Heat | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:16:23 | |
This heat wave has made me appreciate being inside again. I have many projects that were left neglected as I abandoned them for the lust of garden season. I am not one for the heat, so I have been staying cool while giving the inside of my home some much needed love. From the pantry area of the basement to experimenting with new herbal products, it feels good to spread the love to some of my other homesteading hobbies.
Links Mentioned: View My Favorite Herbal Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 50. Committing to No Processed Foods for a Month | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:17:27 | |
I can't believe this is Episode 50! I figured it was time to up my homesteading game, so I wanted to do a little challenge. I am committing to no processed foods for a month (well, mostly). Listen in to what this means for me and for how you can join in this challenge to put your health and environmental goals to the forefront of your summer. I am ready for fresh harvested food, local meats, and all that homemade goodness.
Join the Facebook Group to Join In -> https://www.facebook.com/share/XF2nZ42oFLEaCNAG/ or Search "The Homestead Challenge" | |||
| Ep 49. Rating My Best Sustainable Swaps 4 Years Later | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:19:39 | |
Sustainable products aren't as "hot" as they used to be. I think people caught on that you should use what you have before buying new! That's definitely the homesteader mentality that I try to get myself into every day. But I have certainly purchased my fair share of sustainable products. Let's look at an old blog post to see if I still love these products as much as I used to to see if they have proven to be truly sustainable.
Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 48. How to Have a Prepper Stash Without the Conspiracy | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:23:07 | |
When people think of homesteaders, they may also relate thoughts of conspiracies and doomsday prepping to the mix. I am not all about that. But I AM about prepping for peace of mind for minor emergencies. In this episode, I am chatting about the minimal prepping that we do in my household to keep the peace and leave the conspiracy behind.
View My Favorite Prepping Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3XefiWh www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 47. How I am Living Slow this Summer Even Though I am Bad at Slow Living | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:21:17 | |
Many people desire to live a homestead life when they desire slow living. Slow living can bring us to what is most important. It can allow us to savor the short time we have with our children. It can calm our nervous systems in this busy world. I think many of us desire slow living, but many (including me) are not the best at it. We live in a modern world full of busyness, but there are still simple ways we can slow down our days, despite living fairly normal lives. In today's episode, I share a glimpse into how I am trying to slow down to savor the summer for health and for happiness.
Links Mentioned: View My Favorite Herbal Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 46. Common Garden Culinary Herbs that Can Be Used as Medicinals | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:15:07 | |
In the homesteading realm, a lot of people are looking to get into medicinal herbs, but it can be intimidating! I think we often discount the common herbs, right from our garden, that have been used throughout time for medicinal purposes. These common culinary herbs pack a punch and are safe and easy to use to start your herbal journey!
Links Mentioned: View My Favorite Herbal Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 63. The Differences Between Chamomile and Feverfew and How to Use Them | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:15:25 | |
Next up in the herbal stash challenge are two pretty little herbs: chamomile and feverfew! These are two garden favorites that are excellent to grow and have in your personal homestead herbal stash.
Links Mentioned: https://instagram.com/brittanylgibson | |||
| Ep 45. 9 Cheap and Easy Methods for Preserving Your Garden Harvest | 31 May 2024 | 00:18:46 | |
It is almost harvest time this garden season, and I wanted to share some simple methods for preserving your harvest, no matter the size or budget (no fancy freeze dryer required). This episode mostly focuses on herbs, but these tips can be used for many types of veggies and even flowers, too!
Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/drying-peaches/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-preserve-fresh-herbs/ www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 44. 7 Productive Ways to Rest on the Homestead | 28 May 2024 | 00:16:37 | |
Rest AND productivity in the same sentence? I know that can sound confusing, but I truly find that I am most rested when I am doing something a little productive at the same time. Whether it's physical or mental, there are ways to rest your mind and body that can be productive for you in the long run. In this episode, I am going through 7 of my favorite ways to rest on the homestead.
Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 43. Is It Okay to Be A Half-Hearted Homesteader? | 24 May 2024 | 00:20:00 | |
I think it is safe to say that we all go through different busy seasons. During those busy seasons, you may do more or less homesteading than you'd prefer- and that's totally okay! We need to release unrealistic expectations that we put on ourselves and know that every little bit of "homesteading" that we do in any given season is important, and enough.
Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 42. The Pressure to Plant a Native Garden | 21 May 2024 | 00:18:32 | |
Instagram can be a great source of garden inspiration, but also pressure! While growing native is WILDLY important (see what I did there), I don't think we need to feel bad about not doing it perfectly. Some things simply make us happy. And no, we cannot singlehandedly wipe out all of the invasives in our area either. It's all a lot. Like many things in life, I think that finding the right balance for you will help you create the happy, pollinator-friendly garden of your dreams. Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
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| Ep 41. Garden Folklore and Myths that Are Actually True | 14 May 2024 | 00:16:15 | |
Whether you believe in folklore, wivetales, or garden myths or not, a lot of it is rooted in truth! I scoured the internet for some of te best gardening advice that has been passed down through the generations that are rooted in some science.
Do you know of any folklore that has proven to be true in your garden?
Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 40. Use these Herbs in Your Garden for Natural Bug Repellent | 10 May 2024 | 00:15:27 | |
As we plant our gardens this spring, we need to think about how we will be spending our time outdoors. If you want to eat or even hang out outside, you'll soon be bombarded by some pesky little friends. Whether you plant these herbs in container gardens around your patio or use them in a natural DIY bug spray, you'll be happy you planned ahead for natural bug repellent this season!
Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/diy-herbal-bug-spray/ www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 39. Summer Schedules and Systems for Balancing Homestead Tasks and Family Fun | 07 May 2024 | 00:22:07 | |
In today's episode, I talk about changing routines for household tasks (psst... join the Facebook Community and we are all going to share our favorite QUICK and easy summer recipes), family fun and adventures, and even a little self-care (not the woo woo kind, but the kind where you do stuff for "future you" and can thank yourself later). Tune in and really work on adapting your routines for the season so you can have your best summer yet (Seriously. I actually mean that.)
www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 38. Things No One Mentions About Companion Planting | 03 May 2024 | 00:18:32 | |
Companion planting is among the most popular homesteading and gardening goals from our community this year! Sure, we all know you should plant stuff with other stuff to make it grow better, but why? After researching companion planting, I was left with a few questions that I felt like no one was answering. Hopefully, this clears some of them up!
Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme | |||
| Ep 37. My 6 Favorite Amazon Garden Finds this Year | 30 Apr 2024 | 00:15:00 | |
Happy Garden Season! Here are my top picks for relatively inexpensive (well, for the most part) Amazon finds for the garden that I have been LOVING this year as I build a garden in my forever city homestead.
Get the links: https://amzn.to/47YMD9c Join the Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Instagram: @brittanylgibson
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| Ep. 36 What To Do When You Regret Some of the Homesteading Decisions You've Made | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:18:06 | |
Oof! Regret is hard and hearing, "I told you so" is a hard pill to swallow. But if there is one thing I know for certain: the best way to learn homesteading is to learn by doing it and making mistakes. We are all human and we can change our minds whenever we want as we grow and learn. What is one lesson or regret that you learned the hard way?
Episode Mentioned: Ep 5: Homestead Confessions: Expensive Kitchen Gadgets I Regret Buying
Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 62. What a Tree Falling on My House Taught Me About Emergency Preparedness | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:21:12 | |
Yikes! Emergency preparedness is SUCH a hot topic in an election year. But... spoiler alert... it's probably the little everyday things that most of us will experience that you need to prepare for. There are also many things you can do to prep that are completely free! Being a prepper doesn't mean you have to prep for an apocalypse. Maybe it's just a big old oak that comes crashing down!
Links Mentioned: | |||
| Ep 35. Beyond Contentment: Actually LOVING Where You’re At | 23 Apr 2024 | 00:21:42 | |
In this episode, I chat about contentment. But not just waiting around and being okay with where you are at, but still dreaming about your forever homestead. I mean LOVING where you are at, and not even wanting more (well, for the most part).
Links Mentioned: https://bit.ly/homesteadchallengegoalplanner www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 34. Six Herbs for Spring Allergies | 19 Apr 2024 | 00:16:30 | |
Today I talk about six of my favorite herbs for spring allergies and how to consume them (and how to get your kids to take them, too!).
LINKS MENTIONED Starwest Botanicals: https://www.starwest-botanicals.com/?sscid=41k8_mmxwh https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-allergy-tea-recipe/ www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 33. Things No One Tells You About Gardening | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:16:43 | |
We all start somewhere. I am not a beginner but also not an expert gardener. This is my first year building a full-on garden, and I was surprised to learn these things. I almost felt silly when I learned some of these things this year.
Let me know a surprising thing you learned during your first year of gardening!
P.S. Thank you for 10k downloads!
Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 32. How to Deal When Other People Don't Really Support Your Natural Lifestyle | 12 Apr 2024 | 00:24:30 | |
It can be so hard when your friends and family just don't really get it. They might not be outright unsupportive... but when you are surrounded by people who don't get your desire to live a toxic-free, natural life (or want a homestead!), it can be a little exhausting. In this episode, I am going to explore some of the ways that you can deal with these feelings, bridge the gap, gain support, and stay true to your lifestyle choices.
Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ | |||
| Ep 31. Taking the Reins When Things Change on the Homestead | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:13:46 | |
It's time for change! But like, good change! Not scary change. The kind of change that we KNOW if coming... and we can actually plan for it if we just accept that it is going to happen. Whether it's a new season with new homestead tasks, your kiddos getting older, a new job, or something else, we all know change will happen indeed. Instead of getting stuck in our old routines, let's make some time to take the reins and make a plan that works for our lives in this new season.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/time | |||
| Ep 30. 4 Gatorade Alternatives for Hydration During the Flu | 05 Apr 2024 | 00:10:04 | |
Y'all. This has been the WORST Flu of my life. Holy Moly. Here are 4 sports drink ideas that might be better options for you than Gatorade when you are in need of some serious hydration. Stay well!
Link to my storefront with most of the products mentioned: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brittanylgibson/list/1MDAGD3YRJ6N5?ref_=aipsflist_aipsfbrittanylgibson Magic Magnesium: https://woodenspoonherbs.com/collections/powders/products/magic-magnesium
Refreshing Blackberry Rosehip Marshmallow Root Infusion Recipe Yield: about 4 cups (2 drinks) Ingredients: For the Marshmallow Infusion: 1 quart water ¾ cup marshmallow root, dried and chopped For the Blackberry Rosehip Syrup: 2 cups blackberries, fresh ¼ cup rosehips, dried ¼ cup honey ¼ cup water 1 tbsp lemon juice pinch of sea salt
Instructions At night, fill a jar with 1 quart water and ¾ cup marshmallow root. Shake to combine and refrigerate. The next day, strain the mixture. To make the blackberry rosehip syrup, combine blackberries, rosehips, honey, lemon juice, and ¼ cup water in a small pot. Simmer together for 15 minutes, smashing the blackberries with the back of your spoon or a potato masher. Strain the mixture into an airtight container. To make a single beverage, combine 1 pint marshmallow infusion with 1 tbsp blackberry rosehip syrup over ice. Stir. Add a pinch of sea salt and garnish with lemon. | |||
| Ep 29. 3 Mental Triggers to Make Homesteading Easier | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:12:26 | |
Being a wife and/or mama is AMAZING, but it can be a LOT. There are so many things on our plates. It got me thinking about ways I simplify remembering to do ALL THE THINGS. I am not perfect at this, but there are three specific triggers in my daily life that remind me to do other things that are easier to forget. These triggers have made a HUGE difference in my life, and I think you can create some in your routines to do the same (and it's actually pretty easy!).
Sign up to help solidify your everyday routine: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/time | |||
| Ep 28. The Raw Truth: My Milk Journey and How Herdshare Realigned my Mindset | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:23:45 | |
In this episode, I dive into a crucial turning point in my homesteading life – the moment I finally found a raw milk herdshare near me. This wasn't just about choosing healthier milk; it was about taking ownership of my choices and realigning with my core values. 🌿 Why Raw Milk? Raw milk isn't just milk. It's a symbol of balance and natural wellness, packed with more amino acids, antimicrobials, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids than its pasteurized counterpart. It’s especially beneficial for those dealing with lactose intolerance, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. But this journey is more than just about milk. It's about making conscious choices that resonate with our lifestyle and beliefs. Like always, I don't think that MY choice is necessarily the right choice for YOU! But there are SO many great options to uplevel your dairy game if you are still buying conventional milk. 🌱 Every step towards a more informed choice is a step towards better health and alignment. It’s all about embracing those steady, positive incremental changes.
Links Mentioned: https://realmilk.com | |||
| Ep 27. Systems and Online Communities Have Kept My Homestead Afloat | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:19:56 | |
Things have been a little out-of-whack around my homestead. But solid systems and an online community have truly been the things that have kept me going. I am eager to teach you these systems and create an online community so that no suburban homesteader ever feels like they don't have someone or something to fall back on. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme
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| Ep 26. Can you be a homesteader and a minimalist? 5 Ways I Got Minimalism All Wrong | 22 Mar 2024 | 00:17:39 | |
Spring cleaning is ALL the rage on the interwebs, and there are a few buzzwords that go around this time of year. Mainly, "minimalism." Don't run away yet! I know... most of us homesteady types are NOT here for minimalism. But hear me out, I think minimalism has a few principles we can apply to better our homestead lives (and no, not that cold, gray aesthetic). Check out 5 mistakes I made when I thought I had to be a minimalist and how we can all learn a few minimalist values to help reach our 2024 goals!
Homework: Before bringing something new into your life, whether it is a physical item or an activity, make sure it aligns with your homestead goals.
Links Mentioned: FREE Challenge: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/time | |||
| Ep 61. 5 Ways to Reduce Kitchen Food Waste | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:14:47 | |
Most homesteaders are concerned about saving food and saving money. Listen to these 5 ways to reduce your food waste that are EASY and effective.
Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/blackberry-vinegar/ A Farm to Keep-> https://youtu.be/WasIGsKRCAk?si=TL-4I7_N1tyfILgf | |||
| Ep 25. 3 Step Spring Refresh to Revitalize Your Homestead Routine | 19 Mar 2024 | 00:16:07 | |
Starting a solid routine before the busy homestead season is crucial, especially if your kiddos will be out of school over the summer! Everyone is spring cleaning right now, but there is so much more to it than that! Getting these things out of the way now will ensure your homestead's success for the year and get you into a rhythm that will make the rest of the year run so much smoother. Listen in for 3 ways to spring refresh your homestead so you can set yourself up for an abundant and stress-free season ahead!
Links Mentioned: FREE Time Management Challenge: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/time Sustainable Declutter Challenge: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/eco-friendly-printable-30-day-declutter-challenge/ Spring Simmer Pot Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/simple-spring-floral-and-citrus-simmer-pot-recipe/ | |||
| Ep 24. Eat Your Frogs: How to Reset Your Homestead When You Feel Burnt Out | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:15:08 | |
I am so excited to share Field Prep Foundations, a FREE 5-day challenge to help you reclaim and realign your time. Over the course of five days, you will receive emails with a video challenge containing simple, actionable steps for you to move toward a homestead jam-packed with all of the things you want to do, and ditching the rest. Here's what to expect: • Identifying Time Wasters • Homestead Goal Setting • Time Blocking
• Automating + Delegating Tasks All straight to your inbox! Each day is designed to help you cultivate a more organized and productive approach to your homesteading activities.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
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| Ep 23. The Importance of Local Community in Homesteading with Caitlin of Homegrown Hopes | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:35:03 | |
In today's conversation, Caitlin of Homegrown Hopes shares some common misconceptions about homesteading, tackling the myths of homesteading and the importance of local community (something I am not always the best at!). It's all about finding balance, leaning on each other's strengths, and creating a supportive network. For those aspiring or current homesteaders, Caitlin leaves you with a message of patience, continuous learning, and the courage to put knowledge into action. Whether it's starting small with herbs on an apartment balcony or joining a local community garden, the key is to dive in and try. Don't forget to check out Caitlin's podcast, Homegrown Hopes, after this episode! LINKS MENTIONED https://holistichomesteadconference.com/ The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
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| Ep 22. Non-Toxic Cleaning Routine without Essential Oils | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:20:01 | |
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: Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap (join the email list!) Links for all of my favorite products | |||
| Ep 21. How I Did All of My Homestead Tasks in 45 Minutes | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:17:36 | |
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:
Links Mentioned: Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap Links for all of my favorite products | |||
| Ep 20. Seed Sorting Simplified: Organizing Strategies for Every Gardener | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:14:56 | |
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 Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap Links for all of my favorite products | |||
| Ep 19. Grit & Growth: Overcoming Homestead Fears and Failures | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:14:52 | |
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 The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
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| Ep 18. Homesteading Hills That I Am Not Going To Die On | 23 Feb 2024 | 00:17:57 | |
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 | |||
| Ep 17. 5 Ways to Homestead When You Are Sick | 20 Feb 2024 | 00:13:03 | |
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 | |||
| Ep 16. 7 Things You Can Do Right Now to Start Your Garden Season Off Right | 16 Feb 2024 | 00:13:21 | |
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: Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap Links for all of my favorite products | |||
| Ep 60. I didn't know what to say | 02 Aug 2024 | 00:20:53 | |
Thank you for 60 episodes of The Homestead Challenge. I know homesteading isn't the hottest topic anymore, but we are still doing the thing! For many of us, we have learned so many lessons, found new habits and ways of life, and maybe even made some mistakes along the way. In today's episode, I share my heart on social media, politics, and loving your neighbor (and probably some other stuff too).
Links Mentioned: | |||
| Ep 15. Systemizing Your Suburban Homestead with Chelsi Jo | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:30:28 | |
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. She walks through her systems as a crunchy mama and talks about where you can start to organize your own life and say goodbye to the overwhelm through a flexible, automated system suited to your own homestead (yes, even if your schedule is chaotic!).
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 | |||
| Ep 14. The Cost of Inaction: What is Killing your Homestead Productivity and How to Stop It | 09 Feb 2024 | 00:17:55 | |
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.
Homework:
Links Mentioned: Ger Your Free Homesteading Roadmap Links for all of my favorite products | |||
| Ep 13. 5 Canning Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:15:14 | |
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: Favorite Books on Home Food Preservation Links for all of my favorite products | |||
| Ep 12. Is Your Kitchen a Hot Mess? Use Your Personal Organization Style to Finally Get a System that Works | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:19:59 | |
I want to help you conquer the clutter and create a kitchen that works for YOU (not the way Pinterest tells you it should look). In this episode, I uncover:
Let's get your kitchen under control and create a space you love that FUNCTIONS! Be sure to head over and Take the Clutterbug Quiz! P.S. Share this episode with a friend who could use some kitchen organization magic!
Links for all of my favorite products | |||