The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living

This episode explores Natural Sunscreen and Sun Protection Options for a Toxic-Free Summer. From the foods you eat to what you put on your skin, there are good, better, and best options when it comes to natural summer sun protection!

Links Mentioned:

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/raspberry-leaf-and-chamomile-summer-cooling-spray/

www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/

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Echinacea is abundant in many neighborhoods as many people are beginning to recognize the importance of planting wildflowers. Not only are they beautiful, but purple coneflowers are incredibly useful too! Join in our Herbal Stash challenge and gather your own echinacea as we start to build our own home apothecaries for the fall and winter ahead.

Links Mentioned:

www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/

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I never thought it would happen. But I turned around, and I realized that I actually am doing the thing. And I am not stressed. Homesteading can be so daunting when it is brand new to you, but practice really does make progress. When we learn and fail, take it all on and start getting our hands dirty, we are eventually given the homestead of our dreams.

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Get $14 off your peach truck order! https://refer.thepeachtruck.com/brittanygibson

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/

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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://instagram.com/brittanylgibson

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​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 3. 2 Herbal Things You Can Make this Week that are Not Scary​
• ​Ep 34. Six Herbs for Spring Allergies​
• ​Ep 46. Common Garden Culinary Herbs that Can Be Used as Medicinals

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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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"

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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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

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https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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.) 

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https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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

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Get $10 off a GreenStalk Vertical Planter

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

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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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

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.

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

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

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme

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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

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

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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/

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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.

JOIN THE FREE CHALLENGE

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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://homegrownhopes.com/

https://holistichomesteadconference.com/

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap (join the email list!)

Links for all of my favorite products

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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.
2. Identify dependencies.
3. Create a critical path diagram.
4. Calculate the duration of each activity.
5. Determine the overall timeline following the critical path.

Links Mentioned:

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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

Instagram

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

Instagram

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

Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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.

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

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

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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.
  • The Learning-Implementing Gap: The cycle of endless learning without application.
  • The Cost of Inaction: The immediate and long-term costs of procrastination, particularly how it affects our mental health and sanity.
  • Overcoming Procrastination with DWPP: Learn the four-step method to effectively tackle procrastination in homesteading tasks.

Homework:

• For those caught in the perfectionist trap: Start small and give yourself grace. Try it anyway!
• For the constant learners: Take a day off each week from podcasts, YouTube, audiobooks, etc. Use this time for implementation.

Links Mentioned:

Ger Your Free Homesteading Roadmap

Links for all of my favorite products

Instagram

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

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

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:

• Why tackling your kitchen now is key before the busy spring/summer season hits.
• Forget one-size-fits-all solutions: Learn how to design a system that reflects your preferences and lifestyle based on the Clutterbug Organizing Styles.
• Actionable tips for each style: Learn hacks, storage solutions, and strategies to transform your kitchen.

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​

​Instagram​

​The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community​

​Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

Today, we have a special guest – Emily from Faithful Family Farmer, a powerhouse who's successfully navigating the realms of homesteading, motherhood, and running a thriving skincare business. 

Curious about ozonated skincare? Emily breaks it down for us, explaining what it is and how it stands out amongst other natural skincare.

Moving through the process of transitioning from conventional skincare to embracing natural alternatives can be scary! But it is so worth it (or at least we think so!).

Emily wears multiple hats – not only is she the brains behind a successful skincare line, but she also manages a full-fledged homestead. We get a glimpse into her homestead life, complete with animals, gardens, and more.

A big thank you to Emily for joining us on this episode! 

LINKS MENTIONED

Shop Faithful Family Farmer Skincare

Follow Emily on Instagram

Follow Brittany on Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

Now, before you start questioning my homesteader credentials, let me share my Azure Standard story and talk about why I still shop on Amazon sometimes. Don't hate me for shopping on Amazon – I've got some valuable insights to share!

We ALL know we should be shopping locally first. But sometimes, ya girl just needs a good deal or I need something FAST!

Have you ever got that random last-minute itch to learn to do something and want to do it NOW? Sadly, Amazon can be an okay option to lean into those urges.

Listen in for my top 8 bulk buys!

HOMEWORK- Tell me what I am missing. Any good deals that I should know about? I would love to share them with everyone!

Links Mentioned:

Links for all of my favorite products

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

Today, I'm listing 10 habits to seamlessly integrate homesteading into your everyday life. Instead of thinking of homesteading as all of these "BIG" things to learn like canning, sourdough, or even chickens, let's start with a few things that we can incorporate immediately that will lead to success in our homesteads. There is huge value in creating home habits and systemizing your life before adding more tasks.

Listen in for the 10 Habits for Everyday Homesteading that I incorporate to create a strong foundation for my modern homestead.

Homework:

Get your home systems in place before diving into additional homesteading activities.

Links Mentioned:

Printable Compost Dos and Don’ts List

Composting Tumbler Tips

Winter Composting Tips

How do you know when your compost is ready?

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

This episode is a reminder not to fall into the comparison trap that can easily steal your joy and lead to guilt. Everyone's homesteading journey is completely different, and I am all about homesteading that is tailor-made to fit YOUR modern life, no one else's. 

Don’t force homesteading activities you don't enjoy. Don’t let others steal your joy when they point out that what you are doing isn’t good enough.

Do you agree with embracing imperfection on our homesteading journeys, or do you believe we should always strive for perfection?

HOMEWORK

Unfollow anyone on Instagram who makes you feel less than. Surround yourself with positivity.

Links Mentioned:

Instagram

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

Phones aren’t inherently bad. Instead of mindless scrolling, let's make our phone time count. Phones are seriously cool tools! We need to use them to our advantage and make the most of our screen time to help achieve our homesteading goals.

Featured Apps for Modern Homesteaders

1. Thrive Market, White Oak Pastures, Local Grocery Store App
2. Ovia (Cycle Tracker)
3. 1000 Hours Outside
4. PlantNet (Plant Identification)
5. Merlin Bird ID

Bonus Apps

• Planter

• Podcast Platforms!

HOMEWORK

Download one app that will help you streamline your homesteading processes or live a healthier lifestyle this year.

Links Mentioned:

Best homesteading podcasts

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

Feeling overwhelmed with the daily grind and convinced you don't have time for DIY cleaning products and researching natural alternatives? I get it. But is that really true? I am not an expert, but we can all agree that minimizing toxic chemicals in our homes is a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Do your own research before making changes in your home.

I'll guide you through 7 ways to go toxic-free this year. From cleaning products to bath and body and everything in between, making small swaps one step at a time can have BIG effects on our overall health and wellness. 

Stay healthy, crunchy friend!

Homework: Make one swap this week (from the list or not) and tell me what it is inside the community or take a pic and tag me on Instagram!

Links Mentioned:

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

My favorite cast iron- Smithey (affiliate link)

Alexapure review

Thieves recipe

Lavender body oil

Evergreen simmer pot recipe

EWG’s list of the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen

Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

Welcome to the first episode of Homestead Confessions, where I bare it all about the mistakes I've made on my homesteading journey so you can avoid them. Today, we're diving into the world of homestead shopping – a battle between consumerism and frugality.

Got those holiday gift cards burning a hole in your pocket? Before you splurge, listen up! This episode is your guide to responsible homestead shopping.

These three kitchen gadgets are taking up space and staring me down with guilt. Learn from my missteps, and let's talk about avoiding buyer's remorse.

Homework: 

If the shopping bug bites, create a wishlist. Whether it's on Amazon or a good old-fashioned piece of paper, ensure every purchase aligns with your 2024 homesteading goals.

Remember, it's not about saying no to great products; it's about saying yes to the right ones. Stay tuned for more Homestead Confessions, and may your homesteading journey be filled with wise choices.

Links Mentioned:

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

Realistic Kitchen Fridge Organization Tips

Make Your Homestead Goals HAPPEN in 2024!

In this episode, we ditch resolutions and jump into action. No more setting vague goals; it's time to make your homesteading dreams a reality in 2024.

Crafting a plan that sticks is the key. Spend less time planning, and more time doing. By setting actionable plans, we can avoid constantly thinking about what needs to be done, and JUST DO IT. Let's get realistic and make a plan that works for you.

Discover the power of a word of the year, a 3-year vision, and a focused 1-year goal. My goal planner, based on core homesteading values, simplifies the process.

Reminder: Regularly assess progress, adjusting the plan as needed. Flexibility is key to homesteading success.

Homework:

Your homework is to fill out the planner. If you're feeling brave, share your goals in the private Facebook community. Let's support each other on this homesteading journey.

Links:

Free Homestead Goal Planner

Free Raised Garden Bed Plans

The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community

Is herbalism part of your New Year's Resolutions this Year?

In this episode:

• Learn about incorporating herbalism into daily routines as a resolution in ways that are easy (and not scary!)
• Discover the easiest herbs to get started with, proving that popular choices can indeed be effective.

The New Year marks a fresh start, and what better way to embrace natural, sustainable living than by diving into the world of herbalism? In this episode, we're demystifying the process by introducing you to two easy and effective herbal DIYs.

Homework: Pick one herb and think about how you can seamlessly incorporate it into your life this year, making herbalism an achievable part of your routine.

What else do you want to know about herbs? How can I help you get started with this resolution? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram! 

Resources Mentioned:

• Chamomile Bath Salts Recipe
• Lavender Lemon Balm Body Oil Recipe
• Recommended Herbalism Books
• Wildcrafted Vs. Organic Herbs: Which Should You Choose?

My favorite place to buy herbs online: Starwest Botanicals (affiliate link)

Are you looking to further your homesteading journey on the go?

In this episode:

• This quick and actionable episode gives three tips on how we can use our time on the go to further our homestead goals! Whether you are waiting in the school pick-up line, for grocery pick-up, or on a commute, let's make use of our time! Instead of scrolling, let's learn and DO! 

Let's make the most of our time and make these homestead dreams a reality!

Homework: Load up your phone with podcasts and books so are prepared next time you are looking to homestead on the go!

RESOURCES

Homestead Podcasts to Follow

Kindle Books to Download

Meal Planner Template

Instagram

What homesteading things do you ACTUALLY want to do?

In this episode:

• We will hone in on the homesteading things that we actually want to do, and let go of everything that doesn't align with our goals. We cannot do it all, and let's be honest, we don't even want to! Let's make more time for the homestead things we love, and ditch the rest.

2024 is going to be a major year for us to accomplish goals, learn the things we have wanted to learn, and find systems that make homesteading work for us! I am not a standard homesteader, and you don't have to be either!

Homework: Write out what homesteading things you really want to do and tally up how much time it actually takes. Now check your phone time and see how many hours you spend a day on your phone. OPE! Maybe this will give you some hope or maybe it will tell you that you might want to let something go.

Resources Mentioned:

The Homestead Challenge

Homestead Goal Planner

Instagram

Do you feel like you never have time to cook from scratch the way you want to? Tried diving into the homesteading lifestyle only to end up feeling burnt out? Maybe you're not even sure where to start.

Are you ready to navigate the world of homesteading in a way that suits your modern life, using your talents and interests (not just what the internet tells you you need to do)?

In this podcast, you will find modern and practical solutions for your suburban homestead.

If you're itching to kick off your homesteading journey on your terms and bid farewell to overwhelm and guilt—you're in the right spot.

I'm here to dish out quick and straightforward homesteading tips and home management systems, all geared towards intentional living and finding contentment.

We will talk about cooking, cleaning, gardening, preserving, and everything in between. If I don’t have a solution, I will call in an expert so we can learn together exactly what we need to know, and ditch the rest.

Hey friend. I’m Brittany. Crunchy mom and wannabe homesteader. I've been down the road of trying to learn all the homesteady things… I took all the courses, bought every Instagram bundle of information… bought a canner, a grain mill, a dehydrator, and more… and then I hit the burnout wall.

Attempting to master every internet-suggested skill all at once led to a lot of wasted time and, let's be honest, quite a bit of wasted money.

I was left with a ton of home canned goods I didn’t actually use. Felt guilty about not baking all of my bread, when I actually don’t even LOVE baking. I grew things in the garden that I would NEVER eat.

But guess what? It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing ordeal. I've found a way to live out homesteading principles in my own modern style, letting go of some things and crafting a plan that sticks. And now, I'm here to guide you to do the same.

If you're ready to homestead in a way that meshes with your busy life— Join me and let's make your homesteading goals a reality!

Grab that sourdough starter from the back of your fridge, it’s time to rise.

Welcome to The Homestead Challenge Podcast.

Where to find me!

The Homestead Challenge Website

Instagram

Facebook Community