Happy Holy Week! I didn’t grow up gardening and so I don’t even know how to do a normal garden!  I started my gardening journey by tilling up an area of our yard-well, my husband tilled it for us and then we just planted seeds and plants. This kinda worked and we got some produce from it, but I could never keep the weeds under control as we have full lives and a cabin we would go to every week and family camp for 10 days over the 4th of July.  I had to make some changes or I wouldn’t garden at all.  I had to keep it simple or I would be overwhelmed and would quit gardening.  Everything I do, I tweak into simple systems and this goes for gardening too~it has to be simple for me because our lives are very full!  I don’t like to spend alot of time in the kitchen cooking and I don’t like to spend alot of time in the garden weeding either~I have grandkids to enjoy!!!!!!   If you live in the city, apartment, or are a suburban homesteader, you can plant your garden in pots or raised beds in a small area and just start out with a few items that you eat often just to learn how to garden.  You can always add more and this will keep you from getting stressed out and overwhelmed with gardening. If you are having trouble with growing food, one of the first suggestions I would say is to get your soil tested.  We had very sandy soil, so we had to add alot to ours for it to grow better.  I actually started vermicomposting several years ago as well and that has been so much help for our garden.  Vermicomposting is something you can do in a suburban area, city or apartment as it doesn’t take up much space.    Let me know if you want more information on it, but listen to episode 32 to start with!!!!  It is so simple and important for your garden!  I’m going to order more worms and expand as I have a much larger garden space at our new home. My 2nd tip is if you want to keep critters away, we sprinkle blood meal around our garden and a small amount around our plants and nothing goes near them.  I do this also for my flowers that the chickens might attempt to eat.  I actually now have my flower beds away from the chickens, but this also keeps the deer and rabbits away which is nice because they used to eat all my hostas and other plants just as they were coming up from the ground! I used to make a natural deer and rabbit spray with eggs and spices, but every time it rained I had to reapply and the animals seems to beat me to the plants, so the blood meal has been nice as I only usually have to spread it a couple times all year and you use such a little amount. And lastly, this year I am going to try the no dig garden as it is supposed to be much better for the plants so I don’t know if I am going to need to do this or not, but in the past, we got smart with the weeds and layed out fabric and burnt holes in it to plant seeds or plants and we rarely had to weed.  This worked amazingly for us and our garden was very plentiful.  I posted a video of our garden in our facebook group if you want to see what it looked like.  We would have a few weeds here and there, but most of it was covered so the weeds couldn’t get through.   If you want to see these videos and be a part of our community, the link will be below!   And here is a bonus tip if you are able to do this.  Set up an automatic watering system.  Our last home was on the river, so we drilled in water lines to the garden and then had hose to each plant and had it on a timer, so I never had to worry about the garden getting watered if we were away for an extended period of time and this was a life changer~especially during the summers when we got very little rain.  I’m not sure how exactly my husband is planning on setting this up at our new home, but he probably has a plan as we have a hydrant close to one of the large gardens and he will most likely drill another line into the other one to keep everything running smoothly and without alot of hands on work.  It does take time to set up simple systems, but once they are set up, it all runs systematically and is much less work!   I would love to know any simple tips to help keep your garden abundant and stress free!!!!!!  Send me an email or join our community at the link below and let me know! Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/   Pinterest -> https://pin.it/4ulAVwr You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/  Happy Easter!!!!! Monica

Hello I know you want to be doing all the homesteading things you see on instagram and social media, but the truth is, you are going to get burnt out trying to do it all.  I want you to stop and think about what is important in your life.  I know that when my kids were young, there is no way that I would’ve been able to do all the things that I do now that I have teenagers that are able to help out and are also independent and that makesa big difference. Littles need so much from you, so enjoy them while you can-they grow way too quick.  I am so excited to be creating a program for you so you can learn how to do some of the homesteading skills you want to learn without feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.  I want this to be a sustainable lifestyle for you!  Join the waitlist at the link below so you get first dibs on the discounts I will offer to email subscribers only!!!!  Everything I teach is simple and whether you work full time or are a busy full time Mom, you will be able to learn step by step just how simple it is!     First, you need to take an inventory of where you are spending your time.  It may be shocking to you where you may be wasting time.  I really encourage you to track this for a week or two.  If you don’t pay attention, days, weeks, months, and then years are just going to pass you by and you are going to say…..I wish I would have done this or that and you can’t get that time back.   Next, if you want to stop feeling overwhelmed, you need to just focus on one thing first and then build on that.  You only take on what you feel is simple and doesn’t cause you stress.  If you are getting frustrated making sourdough bread, then just make some homemade bread with yeast~you friend, don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.  Just by taking that one step, you will improve your family’s health by so much.  Once you are in a routine of that every week or every month, then add one more simple skill.  Maybe you decide to make all your own hand soap~remember, it is just as important to change the ingredients you are using on your skin as the food you are eating.  It doesn’t make sense to eat healthy if you putting toxins on the largest organ of your body, you have to think about natural living as a whole.  If you changing everything right away, you are most likely to fail, so little by little~there is no hurry.   Lastly, build your community of like minded people.  If you don’t have any people around you, then find your people online. Living in a small town of 500 people, I understand this completely!  Trying to explain to people that you are a podcaster or have an online business is foreign to them and they can’t fathom making money without going to a physical job to trade hours for dollars. As nice as it is to live in the middle of nowhere, it is so beneficial to have a tribe with similar values online too!  We are really grateful to be surrounded by a community of homesteaders that we hang out with often, but sometimes it is hard to find your people locally! You need to find your people and you will feel less overwhelmed when you can really find people you resonate with.    Even online, I make sure that if I am watching or following someone, they are aligned with my values and my Christian faith.  I just heard someone recently say that they thought they hung out with all Christians until they became one and then they realized all the ones that they thought were Christians really are not!  I could relate to this so much.  I remember someone telling me years ago that just be a good person and you will go to heaven.  That is not correct at all!!  You have to have to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior-it doesn’t matter what you have done, Jesus loves us all and He wants to have a relationship with you!  If you have any questions about this, please email me!  I would love to chat. Love ya! Monica Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com   Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/   Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/   y/Pinterest -> https://pin.it/4ulAVwr You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/  Oils -> my.doterra.com/monicabaker/ Doterra -> https://referral.doterra.me/12623979  Tower Garden -> http://monicabaker.towergarden.com DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaner

Hey Friend Now that we will have 100 laying hens, people always ask what we are going to do with all the eggs!  Just for your information, we will not be keeping this amount of chickens, we are raising some to about 12 weeks for friends, 25 of them could be roosters or hens, so the roosters we will be butchering because we have our one and only gentle rooster named frank sinatra that we love so much and don’t need another rooster at this time, so we could be less than 75 before we know it!  My teenagers sell the eggs and this is a really good gig for them since we pay for the feed and they make the money on the eggs! We boil at least a dozen or two boiled eggs during the week.  It is a great grab and go snack for the whole family.  Sometimes we will make deviled eggs out of them  for a snack depending on if we have extra time.   One of my favorite ways to use a dozen at a time is to make egg bakes and freeze them.  I usually will make 4-6 at a time and then we will take them out of the freezer the day or night before and let them thaw and bake them in the morning.  We love to have egg bakes in the fridge all week-not only for breakfasts, but if we need to heat a quick meal up in between sports or an event.  If you go to my website below and go to the blog, you will see our favoirite egg bake recipe.  Everyone raves about this one and we have been using it for over 20 years along with a few of our other favorite ones.   We will scramble up dozens of eggs and cook them, cook sausage, and brown hashbrown and make breakfast bowls and freeze them and our family loves these as well.   It is really important to me that my kids get a nourishing breakfast every day before school with protein, fat and healthy carbs to sustain them.  It has been many many years since I have bought breakfast cereals and items from the store. There is always something in the fridge they can access within a few minutes to make it convenient.  These are our convenient foods!  No package needed, nutritious, simple adn cheap!!!! We like to make omlets and quiches, egg salad sandwiches, potato salad.  There are just so many ways you can use eggs. I will take a day and make months worth of sourdough noodles which take alot of eggs-the amount just depends how big I make the batch.   There are so many ways we can use eggs up in our house and it makes for simple and easy meals if you want something quick.   I just ordered a refurbished freeze dryer, so that is another way we will be able to preserve them for 20 plus years if needed!  I can’t wait!  I’m really going to have to get that you tube channel up and running for you so that you can see all my wins and failures as I test out so many food items.   Chickens are really worth getting because there are so many ways to use the eggs!     Happy Homesteading Friend! ~Monica Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

I really do beleive that alot of it has to do with the food we eat.  There are so many hidden poisons in packaged food that are banned in other countries, so I believe diving into food labels and simplifying our choices can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. This topic is close to every homesteader's heart – we all want to deciphering those food labels and embrace the beauty of minimal ingredients. Picture this: you're standing in the grocery aisle, scanning rows of products, each has an array of ingredients you can barely pronounce. Sound familiar? It's time to reclaim control and return to simplicity! Why should we care about those tiny print labels? Well, they're like treasure maps, guiding you to the healthiest choices. By adopting a "more is less" approach – aiming for foods with less than 2-3 ingredients – this will help you not just simplify your shopping trips, but also nourish your bodies with wholesome goodness. So, what's the secret sauce to deciphering these labels? It's all about prioritizing quality over quantity. Look for real, recognizable ingredients – think fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Skip the lengthy chemical compounds and opt for foods that Mother Nature herself would recognize. When it says other natural ingredients, that should be avoided as well as you don’t really know what that is.  Look at your bread you have right now if you get it from the store.  I looked at a loaf the other day when I was grocery shopping and there were about 15 ingredients in it!  Bread is flour, water and yeast.  If you don’t have time for sourdough, you do have time for regular bread-I have a recipe that takes less than 10 minutes plus bake time and you can make multiple loaves at a time.  I make mine in bulk, so I only have to make it 1 day every 5-6 weeks and that gives me peace of mind that I am helping with my family’s health and wellbeing.   If you have not already, please get on the waitlist for my program that is going to help you start making simple swaps from the store step by step so you can fit this into your life no matter how busy you are.  I am the queen of simplicity and I love teaching others to do the same!  The link to my website to sign up will be below!   I  get it – life gets busy, and convenience is king. That's why i’m not suggesting you ditch all pre-packaged foods entirely. Instead, just get savvy with your selections. Seek out brands committed to transparency and integrity, with short, sweet ingredient lists you can trust. And let's not forget the joy of homemade food! Channel your inner homesteader and whip up your own pantry staples – from creamy nut butter to zesty salad dressings. Not only do you control what goes in, but you'll also savor the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.  You won’t ever want to go back to store bought items after you see how simple they are to make and how you can save money!   So, dear friend, let's make a pact to simplify our plates and nourish our bodies with foods that speak the language of simplicity. Remember the journey to wellness begins with just 2-3 wholesome ingredients.  Until next time, keep claiming simplicity in every aspect of your life friends! ~Monica Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hey Friend As you know, I’m very passionate about personal development and growth mindset and I want to give you some simple tips today to help you get out of the scarcity mode and start living your dreams of a stress free simpler life! Imagine your mind is like a garden. In this garden, there are two main types of mindsets: fixed and growth. Picture a garden with rigid, unchanging plants. People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities, intelligence, and talents are set in stone. They might think, "I'm just going to stay doing what I’m doing because it is comfortable even though they don’t love it," or "I'll never be able to learn that or do anything else Now, envision a garden full of thriving, flourishing plants. Individuals with a growth mindset understand that their abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning. They see challenges as opportunities to grow and improve. Instead of saying, "I can't do this or I’ll stay stuck doing what I’m doing," they think, "I can't do this yet, but with practice and perseverance, I'll get there." In essence, a growth mindset is all about embracing the idea that our potential is not fixed or limited. We have the capacity to learn, adapt, and improve throughout our lives. Here are a few key points to remember about growth mindset: Instead of avoiding challenges, people with a growth mindset see them as opportunities to learn and develop new skills.They understand that success often requires effort and perseverance. Even when faced with setbacks, they keep going and view failure as a chance to learn and grow.  Rather than feeling discouraged by criticism or feedback, individuals with a growth mindset use it as valuable information to guide their improvement.By embodying a growth mindset, we can inspire those around us to adopt a similar outlook on life, fostering a culture of resilience, curiosity, and continuous growth.   Growth mindset is like tending to a garden of possibilities. By nurturing our belief in our ability to learn and grow, we can cultivate a more fulfilling and enriching life journey. Start your growth mindset with these practical tips. Practice gratitude journaling, reframing negative thoughts or setting realistic goals. Celebrate small victories along the way.  Appreciate the progress, no matter how small it may seem because this can help build momentum and motivation for continued growth. Identify your roadblocks or obstacles that may hinder progress towards a simpler, thriving life and learn as much as you canJoin a community of like minded people!  I have an online community called Simple Homesteading for Christians and I will link that below. I also do a monthly homesteading gathering if you are in central MN and would like to join usAnd one of the most important things you can do is to maintain a positive and uplifting attitude!   I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and get out of the scarcity mindset so you can do what God has called you to do and live with less stress doing what you love! Love ya friend! Monica Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com Simple Homesteading for Christians-> Community Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hello! There are so many health benefits to eating nutrient dense foods and our family has really prioritized health the last few years as we have become aware of what is in store bought food more and more.  If there are more than a couple ingredients in anything you plan to buy-stay away from it and find an option to make it yourself.  I just heard a dentist say on a podcast that more kids are having tooth decay from goldfish crackers than candy!  I remember when I thought they were a good option to candy, so that was quite shocking to me!  Look at your ingredients! Here are just a few benefits:  Nutrient-dense foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily processes, including metabolism, immunity, and cell repair.Consuming a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can help support overall health and well-being. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and organs.Nutrient-dense foods tend to be lower in calories compared to processed and high-calorie foods. This means you can eat larger portions of nutrient-dense foods without consuming excess calories, which can help with weight management and maintenance.A diet high in nutrient-dense foods has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains have protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are underlying factors in many chronic conditions.Nutrient-dense foods rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, provide sustained energy throughout the day. Unlike refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks, which can cause energy spikes and crashes, nutrient-dense foods help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling satisfied for longer periods.Many nutrient-dense foods are high in dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.   Here are some simple habits to nourish your body with nutrient dense foods. Make sure you start your day out with something packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber like leafy greens-they are great to add to smoothies or eggs in the morning.  You can add berries which are rich in antioxidants and fiber, nut milk or flax seeds provide healthy fats, protein and essential nutrients, and that is an easy way to stay filled up so you don’t feel like you have to snack often and raise your blood sugar.Preparing nutrient dense foods so they are easy to grab is another simple habit to get into.  We like to make greek yogurt with raw milk which is high in protein, calcium and probiotics, we make our own granola with rolled oats because they are rich in fiber and antioxidants and can help support heart health and provide sustained energy.  We always have a bowl or 2 of boiled eggs because they are simple to grab and go and are high in protein, vitamins and minerals like b12 and selenium.  Deviled eggs are another great source and our family loves them.  Eat at home as much as possible.  A few years ago, we cut out all oils besides coconut oil, avocado oil and olive oil and when you get anything from a restaurant or deli, most likely they are not using high quality oils which makes such a big difference.  Simple nutrient dense foods such as fish or salmon which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin D is a great meal and supports heart health and your brain. Add some greens and sweet potatoes that are packed with vitamins a and c, fiber and antioxidants.  Meals can be so easy if you don’t overthink it.When you are shopping, try to shop on the outside walls, most of the inner isles are not filled with nutrient dense food.  Source as much food from local farmers as possible.  You might pay a little more, but the quality of what you eat matters.Some other foods that are easy to add into your diet are avocados which are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamin E and C. Legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas are excellent sources of protein, fiber and various vitamins and minerals.  Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium and makes a filling snack option.  Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and are great to add to many dishes such as eggs bakes, fajitas and such.  Cauliflower is great to sneak into any dish as well, i add riced cauliflower to smoothies, eggs, cheesy potatoes, and most dishes you don’t even know it is in there, but it is great for digestive health. Some simple ways to prepare nutrient dense foods would be roasting, steaming, grilling, sauteing, raw, blending, and salads. These simple cooking methods can help you prepare nutrient dense foods in a delicious and enjoyable way.  Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find combinations you love! Overall, incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet can contribute to better health outcomes, improved energy levels, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. So Aim to fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and other nutrient-rich foods for optimal health and well-being. Blessings Friend Monica Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com   Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/       Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hey Friend I have been making my laundry soap for years because it is super simple and cost effective, but I was so excited that I just learned how to make my own washing soda and that is just as easy, so I wanted to share that with you along with several uses for it. I made laundry soap over 20 years ago and I had to quit because it was gunking up the hoses, so my husband didn’t want me making it anymore until I found a good recipe that didn’t use the shredded bar of soap, so I found a recipe that didn’t use that and I have been using it for quite a while and it seems to work well, but this one is a powder and not a liquid like my other recipe.  It is just……1/2 cup epsom salt, 1/1/2 c aluminum free baking soda, 1 ½ c washing soda, ¼ c sea salt and 20-25 drops essential oils and I store mine in mason jarsd which works well. And now to reveal the simple washing soda recipe!  It is just a layer of baking soda on a shallow baking dish or pan, put in a preheated 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, cool and store in an airtight container.  Can you believe that is all it is?  Me either-I could’ve been making this for several years.  I like to buy baking soda in bulk because it has so many uses in the house and we also use it for the goats.  Enjoy the tips and join our Facebook group for more! Monic Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com   Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/   Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hello Friend! Are you tired of spending hundreds of dollars at the grocery store each month?  Since we have been gardening and growing our own food for several years, I was shocked at the cost of food at the grocery store! I had to buy more food this year because we moved and I wasn’t able to have a garden last year.  It is no wonder why families can’t afford healthy food from the store.  Not only is it so much more expensive, but even buying organic doesn’t guarantee that your food is toxic free.  When you grow your own food, you know how the food is grown and guarantees that it wasn’t sprayed with anything toxic if you want organic food.  I like knowing what seeds I have and the process that is used to grow our fruits and vegetables. I am encouraging you to start a garden this year whether it be pots in a window in your apartment or your suburban homestead.  You don’t need any special equipment.  Many times you will find free pots listed on marketplace or garage sales and it doesn't even need to be pots, anything you can put soil in and plant is going to get you started on your journey.  They have bags you can plant a garden in, we have used 50 gallon barrels cut in half and made raised beds, but those we had to put items with shallow roots as tomatoes needed a deeper raised bed.  If you are overwhelmed thinking about growning a garden, I challenge you to just take some money from your food budget to buy a few seeds and try to grow just a few items that you and your family eat often and learn how to grow and preserve that item and then next year, add a few more.  Just growing a few items can save money and stretch your grocery budget much further.  Think about tomatoes-even if you don’t want to start them from seeds, get a few plants-you can preserve tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato soup, crushed tomates, diced tomatoes, tomatoes paste, pizza sauce and then if you buy or grow a few other items like peppers, you can also make spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, salsa, rotel and the list goes on and on.   I am going to teach you how to can and preserve some items in my program coming up, so get on waitlist if you haven’t already, so you are the first to know when it is released with special offers!  I am so excited to teach you simple cooking from scratch, replacing simple grocery store items to save you money and also eliminate unnecessary ingredients that are making your food unhealthy.  If you are busy, this program is for you.  It is bite size, step by step videos in a short amount of time, so you can be confident in creating food from scratch in your home quickly!   I will reveal my list of seeds I will be growing in the facebook group, so join us there!  Link is below!    Have a great week! Monica Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com   Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/   Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hello! Decluttering changed my life so many years ago.  I used to think that I didn’t want to get rid of something just in case I would need it again, but that is not the case.  If I have something that I havent used in years and it would be less than $50 to replace, I donate it because I know how much energy it takes to keep that item, but honestly I haven’t missed anything other than a few weeks ago I was missing my heart pan to make pizza on or a big heart cookie for valentines day, but that wasn’t something I was going to buy again.  Usually I can get away with using something else instead of that item-even though sometimes you have to get creative.  I love that living with less gives you more freedom mentally and more time to do the things you enjoy and that you value.  Time is a resource that you will never get back and you don’t want to have regrets.   Because of the choices we have made in our life, I am able to be available to kids, grandkids and friends because my life is so much more flexible than it was when I was working for an employer building their dream.   I want you to think of this: If you don’t simplify your life and don’t declutter, it can prevent you from acheiving financial freedom, it will keep you from spending quality time with people you love and possibly missing events with family that you will regret later, it will deny you the opportunity to pursue your own dreams, and it means your priorities are in the wrong places when you have too much stuff which will affect your faith as well.  Decluttering will reduce stress and overwhelm and help you focus on the true meaning in this world.  You are a pebble that can make a ripple in so many areas, so I encourage you to simplify, so you have the time to make a difference in the lives of others.  You don’t want to be to busy doing things that don’t really matter. Remember, focusing on eternal rewards is far better than any item on this earth will offer us.  Once again, we can’t take our possessions to the grave, so stop stiving to keep collecting stuff.  We are on this earth for such a short time, don’t waste your time on achieving money to buy things that your children will have to get rid of when you are gone.  Your family won’t remember the things you bought them, but they will remember the time you spent with them. Instead of buying stuff, why don’t you donate money to kids or family in need, take a mission trip, or something to help someone else.  We are here to love others and make a difference.  Simplify your life and ditch the clutter so you aren’t bogged down mentally and physically and be the change in this world.   Talk soon! Monica   Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com   Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/   Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hello! Do you want to learn how easy it is to raise chickens?  I'll take you through the simple steps of beginning with chicks and what you need to know to get started with raising chickens in your backyard or homestead. They are the gateway to more sustainable living and most likely you will get goats next!!!!!! I know you have concerns about keeping chickens alive, but it is pretty simple.  It is quite easy to spot a sick chicken, but we have rarely had anything happen in all these years, but we also let our chickens free range all year besides winter so I’m sure that helps. I open the coop door in the morning and then they go back in there in the evening to roost, and I close the door at night so nothing can get into the coop. We have had a few chickens drop over but those were also chickens that were quite old.   I would suggest you get chickens that are ready to lay eggs or are laying when getting started because the only care they really need is fresh water, chicken feed, nesting boxes and a place to roost.  None of this has to be fancy-in our coop, we have some branches my husband cut down and then has those across the coop for them to sit on at night. If you are going to get baby chicks, here are some tips to getting started. First, you will want to prepare a brooder box.  That is just a clean, draft free container or large box to accommodate the number of chicks you are planning to raise.  You can use a cardboard box, plastic tub, wooden crate, or what we use is an old water tank because it has rounded corners which lessens the chances of a chick getting trapped or wedged in the corner.  When chicks are cold or scared, sometimes they will huddle up in the corners, so we try to prevent that.   Next, you will want to have a reliable heat source the first week such as a heat lamp, infrared bulb.  My husband has a cover he made out of some old scrap wood and chicken wire and he puts that on top of the tank and hangs the lights from that.  Gradually reduce the temperature each week until the chicks are fully feathered.  We will start out with the light hanging lower and them just adjust it higher as they get older.  We don’t ever suggest spending alot of money on this because it is a very short time the chicks will be in here.   You will want to add some safe bedding materials for the chicks such as pine shavings, straw, or even paper towels to provide a soft and dry surface for the chicks to walk on.  Avoid newspaper as it is slippery and can lead to leg problems and don’t use cedar chips as they have an aromatic oil that can be harmful to the chicks. You will want to buy chick starter feed and ensure it contains 18-20% protein to support healthy growth.  You will need shallow waterers to prevent drowning accidents.  You can add smaller rocks in there to make it easier for chicks to drink without getting wet.  Make sure to keep the water clean and fresh to keep it free of contaminants and monitor water levels to prevent dehydration especially in hot weather.   Monitor chicks for signs of illness, injury or distress.  Healthy chicks should be active, alert and curious. Try to minimize stressors such as loud noises and overcrowding as stress can weaken their immune systems.  Avoid excessive handling during the first few days when they are most vulnerable.  And my favorite tip for chicks is to talk to them so they become accustomed to human presence.   When chicks are around 6-8 weeks and fully feathered, you can gradually introduce them to their permanent house but don’t let them be in an outdoor area unsupervised.   These tips will provide them with the best possible start in life and help them transition into healthy chickens.   Now I want to talk about basic care requirements for all chickens: They will need shelter and the chicken coop should provide protection from predators like foxes, raccoons, owls and large birds. It should also offer adequate ventilation to prevent moisture  buildup and respiratory issues, but it doesn’t have to be fancy or cost alot of money. You will want 2-3 square foot coop space per chicken plus an outdoor run or free-range area where they can peck, scratch, and dust bathe. Chickens require a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Commercial chicken feed comes in various formulations tailored to different stages of life (starter, grower, layer) and specific dietary needs. Just like with the chicks, clean water should be available at all times, preferably in a gravity-fed or automatic waterer to minimize contamination. I like to put a splash of Apple cider vinegar in their water about once a week-its good for everything, right? I have no doubt you will enjoy keeping chickens, they really are fun to observe!  If you have any questions at all, join our Simple Homesteading Group and ask me anything!   Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com   Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/   Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hey Friend! As I get older, I think about what I can do to help others as that is very rewarding for me.  I love being a nurse for this reason and even though I only pick up a few shifts around my family’s schedule. Its in my nature to give great care just as I would want my family to be treated, but I also like building my own dream and not someone elses for the freedom it provides which includes helping others as well.   Are you loving your life right now?  I remember being exhausted with all the running we did with kids and working all the time that I had to reevaluate why we were choosing that crazy whirlwind of everyday life and we made some changes.  If you want to make changes in your life, you have to know what changes you want to make and then you need to break that goal down and start to take steps toward that bigger dream so you aren’t in the same spot the next year-you have to take action.   Many times this will start with getting out of debt so that you have options.  I would start with selling things you don’t need or anything you have payments on.  Debt will control your life, so when you get rid of it, it will free up your life to be able to live your dreams and as we talked about in an earlier episode, you will also be more content. Remember, how you spend your time is how you spend your life.  Don’t let it slip away. In order to love the life you live, you will want to remember that no life is perfect, so even though some things may look perfect for others, you are just seeing the highlights, so do not compare your life to other people’s life. Next, you need to be true to your values~your best life is going to be lived by aligning your life with what is most important to you. Invest your time, energy, and money into those most important values and make sure you set boundaries for those items that do not fall in there. I believe that in order to move from where you are at to where you want to be, you need to invest in your growth.  You will want to read books or listen to them, learn from others, investing in personal development and courses are so important for you to move forward to transform your life.  But remember that you need to put into practice what you are learning. I don’t want you to stay stuck, so take a chance.  You may be afraid to make some changes, but sometimes you have to go through uncomfortable things for them to eventually be comfortable and become who you are truly meant to be.  Don’t let fear stop you from your dreams friend and certainly don’t let other people discourage you.  If I would have let the naysayers influence my dreams, I would not be where I am today. Your dream is not the same as anybody elses and God has given you different gifts that He wants you to use. Do not let security keep you stuck, take a step of faith as God leads you.   I hope you can take this seriously to move your life in the direction you want to go little by little, step by step.  You and your family deserve it!   ~Monica Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com   Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/   Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hello!!    I just got my vegetable seeds for my garden ordered!  It sure seems like Spring here and so maybe I will be able to plant my seeds before the end of May this year!  We have so much work to do on this new garden designed and trying to figure out where everything will go.  We have plenty of land for several garden spaces, but we have to have good fencing as we have too many deer and animals that enjoy our vegetables and fruit just as much as we do.   I have never been one to buy prepared casseroles at the store that you just put in the oven because when I look at the cost of them compared to the ingredients to make that item, it didn’t ever make sense to me since I am frugal and I don’t like to spend extra money if it doesn’t make sense to me plus, I can’t imagine it would be as good as made fresh at home.  I will however, spend a little more on certain organic items just knowing that I don’t want pesticides on our food, but because it is more expensive, I can’t buy everything organic and that is why I choose to grow as much as I can at home and in our garden.  If you have not ever grown your own food, since I just ordered seeds, these prices are fresh in my mind.  I can get many seed packets with 25-50 seeds in them for less than $7.  Do you know how much produce just one of those seeds can produce?  That just seems so crazy to me.  I still have alot to learn about growing seeds, but to me, even if half of those seeds fail…….I am still hundreds of dollars ahead!  I mean I just paid over $2 for just 1 pepper from the store, but 1 seed can produce multiple peppers.  You are smart….do the math.  You don’t need anything fancy to get seeds started, so I really encourage you to give it a shot! Cooking with whole foods and nutrient dense food from scratch is not difficult.  Once you realize how many meals you can make with just a few ingredients, you will be more likely to cook simple meals at home.  My mostly used staples are potatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, broth, flour, sourdough, eggs and then whatever meat we have from the freezer.  I love helping people create simple meals from the items they already have at home to save money.  I am going to open up a few more client coaching calls to help you simplify your meals, help you save money on food and learn to cook from scratch in a short amount of time, so if you want to do a 15 minute discovery call to see if this is a good fit for you, I will leave a link to the schedule! Here are a few examples. Beef stew Chicken Soup  You can make a huge pot for under $10 that a whole family of 4 could eat for a whole week if you wanted to. We raise our chickens, grow the onion and carrots, make broth from bones and vegetable scraps and use flour and eggs for noodles and it is really simple to make.  We don’t need alot of extra snacks around because we always have food like these ready in the fridge to eat. The more nutrient dense your food is, the less your family is going to need extra expensive sugary snacks from the store because they are satisfied after eating nutritious food.  Keep cooking from scratch and nutrient dense food simple so you don’t get overwhelmed! Blessings! Monica Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com   Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/   Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hello!  I hope you are having a fantastic day!   Have you ever thought about what you are using to wash your dishes that goes on the plates and cups you eat from?  I want you to know how simple it is to make your own dishsoap, dishwasher detergent, counter cleaner, and hand soap.  These 4 items will take you very little time so you can easily transform your kitchen to using less toxins to become a more natural home. Dishwasher  Dishsoap Counter cleaner Hand soap If you are conscious of what you are eating, you will want to be aware of what you are using as well.  It is super simple to make these DIY cleaning products and they will save you money and once you see how easy it is, you probably wont ever go back to using the toxic products anymore. I’m so excited for you to try it, so please send an email and let me know if you have any questions and your experience once you make it! ~Monica DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners On Guard Concentrate -> On Guard Concentrate Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

I know, I know, you are dreaming of having a farm or homestead, but you are patiently waiting and you get stressed out wondering if it will ever happen.     One of the most important things you can do is get out of debt and the next step you need to take is to read and learn as much as you can whether you live in an apartment or city.  There are thousands of skills you can learn, so really map out what you want to start with.  Maybe it is learning to cook from scratch and preserve food, maybe it is to learn vermicomposting-both of these, along with many many other skills, you can learn right where you are at.  I started my worms in 2 rubbermaid totes and that is what I have used for the last 5 years and you don’t need a large space for the totes, but you will be happy to have black gold for growing your vegetables-even if it is in pots because you don’t have space for a garden.  There is so much to learn and if you do it before you move to your dream location, you will be more prepared and you can learn other skills you will need in a larger space when you get there.  If you are preserving food-even from a farmers market while you live in the city, you won’t be as overwhelmed when you are producing a ton of fruits and vegetables on your own farm, because you will already know how to preserve them so that will take some of the stress away.  You will be so happy that you are not wasting your time while waiting for your farm or land.  Learning new skills is very exciting and fun!  Learn how to ferment food, make kombucha, yogurt, and simple items so you can see how easy it really is.  Buy raw milk and start making your own butter and cheese along with making your own bread and pasta.  You will not regret it. Picture what you want your future to look like.  I have done this for years and I think it is something you should do as well.  Write down what your life looks like 1 year from now as you are already doing it.  Next, write down exactly what you want your life to look like in 5 years, details of the house you live in, the landscape of your land and details of the way you live.  Feel it as you are living it now.  You will be amazed what this will do for you.  I started this many many years ago and so many things that I have envisioned have come to fruition. In fact, the last home we lived in was exactly what I had written down several years before I even knew of the home.  It was acres of land on water, front porch, everything on the main level including main floor laundry, fireplace-it was incredible how close this place was to what I had described. There are just so many things you can learn in the waiting, but one of the most important is mindset and prayer.  You get what you think about.  Are you asking God for direction?      Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds and the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Thanks for joining me! Monica Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hi Friend 2-5-24 EP 160 // No Spend Challenge Recap for 2024 Spending Only $14 on Groceries in January for Our Family of 4. Well, the January no spend challenge is finished and it was another successful month.  We did buy a buck goat, but that was so we can breed 5 of our goats for 5 of our females that are ready for June babies.  We also sold some of our pigs for processing and also processed another one for ourselves, so we had to get our tomatoes out of the freezer. In order to make spaghetti sauce, I did have to buy green peppers because we didn’t have a garden last year, so I didn’t have any frozen, but I did have all the other ingredients.  I was a little disappointed since I was trying to not spend anything on groceries, but it was nice to get our spaghetti sauce done.  When I was at a getaway with a bunch of friends I found a set of white plates at a thrift store that I have been looking for nearly a year, so I did breakdown and spend the $21 and I did buy raw milk for $4 since we were out, but other than that, we didn’t spend anything else. I am continuing to use pantry items in February, but I do need to order some heirloom seeds for the garden and some chickens before they are sold out.  We like to get some new chickens every year just to continue eggs every year as some stop laying eggs.  We also are probably going to get broilers this year as well as we are almost out of chicken we raised 2 years ago.  And I found another kune kune piglet that we should be able to possibly breed next year if it is big enough.  Growing our homestead is something we are passionate about as we become as self-sufficient as we can be. As the grocery prices continue to rise, we continue to save money on food.  We want to get stocked up again to have at least a few years of food preserved for our family and also our kid’s families that are away from home.  Yes, they are spoiled.  I’m going to have them start canning with me so they don’t ever have to go without canned food if I am unable to do it for them.  I really believe this is a skill that is going to be a good one to know for the future.  Cooking from scratch is a skill that isn’t difficult and can be simple to learn.  I am super excited to teach you how you can cook simple from scratch meals and learn how to rely less on the grocery store by making simple items at home that you are currently overpaying for.  It is worth your family's health to make these swaps and I can teach you to do it in very little time so you aren’t stressed and overwhelmed.  Remember, if you want to get on the waitlist, I will have a link in the show notes to sign up so you will be the first to know when I have this ready to release. Have a blessed week and thanks for being here!   ~Monica Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hello! So it has been brought to my attention that some of you might be thinking that cooking from scratch is not simple and it sounds overwhelming to you, so I want to break down a few items today that you can make yourself in a few minutes and I promise you-I don’t have time to do anything difficult or tedious and I have to keep it all simple because I honestly don’t like spending much time in my kitchen if I don’t have to~I would much rather be in the garden, with the animals, or just doing something outside! As I have been learning more and more about the ingredients in the foods we buy and how food affects our bodies, the more I want to make as much as I can from scratch so I know what is in what we are eating, but I really don’t have much extra time, so quick and easy recipes are the only ones I make! This is how simple it can be to make sour cream and it will be the best sour cream you have ever had and you won’t buy it from the store ever again! Another thing that is very simple to make is crackers.  I got this amazing healthy cracker recipoe from my friend shannon and it is so simple and my family also loves them! These are just a few recipes that we love and if you are busy and are interested in learning how to make more simple recipes like this so you don’t have to rely on the grocery store, just go to claimingsimplicity.com and get on the waitlist!!!!!  I’m doing videos to demonstrate each of the recipes and I think you are really going to love it! Look for more simple recipes in the future to incorporate into your life!   Website: Claimingsimplicity.com Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/    Love ya friend! Monica

Hello Friend! Where are you looking for contentment in your life? Contentment refers to the state of being satisfied and at ease with one’s life and circumstances. Embracing contentment involves appreciating the present moment, finding joy in the little things, and cultivating a sense of fulfillment in the midst of life’s challenges.  Contentment is the lifeblood of happiness.  Your journey toward purpose and joy will be short lived without it. Learning contentment is difficult in our society that says the more you have or do, the better, especially when you are constantly trying to keep up with others. If you are not content, discontentment will distract you from living with simplicity and deep meaning. That is why you have to CHOOSE contentment because otherwise discontentment will begin to take over. Every one of us has a different journey, but you can actually learn to be content with little and live an incredibly happy life when you aren’t always chasing stuff and wanting more.  Did you know that contentment not only brings you purpose and joy, but also reduces stress and makes your life enjoyable so you can live the life you were destined to live. Are you looking for contentment in all the wrong places?  When you realize that contentment is not found in accumulating more for yourself, but in giving more to others, your whole life can change.  The less you need, the more you give.  Giving your time and money will help you live a happier, more fulfilled life and generous people are healthier, happier and more satisfied with life and less inclined to search for it somewhere else.  I want you to think about this as you learn to be more content.  A good friend is the best gift you can give-people naturally are attracted toward others who have an open heart to share.  Giving of yourself improves lives and is an example to the world of a better way to live and can encourage others to do the same!   I want you to realize, you already have enough friend, so don’t be held hostage by the pursuit of more!  Remember how really blessed you are. Just like homesteading, when you start your contentment journey, keep it simple and start small.  Maybe you could give of your time to a friend or someone in need.  Make a meal for someone that had a baby or find a charity that aligns with your values and either volunteer or donate money.  As you start to give your time, money and energy, your life will feel lighter and you will start to learn to be content. Website: Claimingsimplicity.com Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/  Chat Soon! Monica

Hey there!   I don’t know if you are like me, but there are still some areas I am working on to get organized in my business and homestead.  I feel like my home has great systems, but when it comes to business there are a few things I will have to pay extra attention to and track now that we have more animals.     I just want to give you 7 tips that are working to organize our homestead and online businesses.     Create a Master Plan:  Outline your goals and priorities for both your business and homestead because having a clear plan will guide your organization efforts.Set Priorities:  We all know that there are a million things you could be doing in business and farm, so you need to identify the most crucial tasks and projects and focus on what truly matters to your business and homestead success.Declutter your space: whether its your office or homestead, decluttering is key.  Get rid of unnecessary items and creat a clean functional environment that you enjoy working in.  Having clutter around me makes my brain spin, so I need everything to be in order so I can easily get projects started and finished.Time Blocking: Allocating specific blocks of time for different activities so you can avoid multitasking and it will help keep you focused on one task at a time.  This really helped my squirrly brain! Digital Organization:  I still have a hybrid system of paper and digital but I have been able to move alot of my business online which has helped for many things.  Im hoping to add on team members to delegate work to soon, so I wanted to create a system that was not only for me to understand, but simple for anyone else to do as well.  I’m still working on that as I would rather be working with my hands than spending time on an electronic device and I have alot to learn as I am technically challenged, but as learning!  I just don’t like paper clutter either, so it has helped to get many projects paperless~that is a process as well.Delegating Tasks:  Don’t hesitate to give jobs to your kids or husband or hire a team member when it is the right time.  There are many things that they may enjoy doing and that they may be better with.  I would gladly give away any digital jobs because they take up so much more time than an experienced person could do in just a portion of the time it takes me.  Reflect and adjust: Take time to assess what is working and what needs improvement and then adjust your strategies accordingly I hope this helps you organize part of your business or homestead.  We all are so different that a one size doesn’t fit all, but just trying different ways to do it so that it works for you is key! ~Monic Website: Claimingsimplicity.com Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/

Hi Friend Since it is flu season and everyone seems to be getting sick, I just wanted to talk about what we do to stay healthy.  It is very very rare that my family gets sick and even though we are around sick people often, we really haven’t been sick in years. I will pick up shift on occasion in urgent care with very sick people and still don’t get sick. One of the things that we added to our health routine about 5 years ago was we started eating  juice plus which is an extensively researched company and no matter how healthy we eat, our soil is depleted and just doesn’t have the nutrients that our body needs.  I believe this is the most important change that we made from being sick to healthy for over 5 years.  Let me know if you want more information and I would be happy to share it with you.  There are some other products out there that look similar, but they don’t have the research studies that this company has.  Many olympians and professional athletes take this also to improve their performance.    Next, we try to stay away from processed food.  I used to think our family ate pretty healthy until I started reading labels and saw all the hidden ingredients and dyes.  We have slowly switched to making all our own bread & pasta products, many dairy products, and swapping out as many snacks and other items as I can easily make from scratch at home.  There really isn’t much time involved, it is just mostly figuring out how you can make the products you are already buying, so it does take a little research and planning, but I have a whole list of things I can’t wait to teach you so you don’t have to waste time doing that yourself!     We also stick to mostly drinking water and try to stay away from any expensive or unhealthy drinks.  This keeps us hydrated and even in the winter it is just as important to stay hydrated for optimal health and wellness.   We do use home remedies too in case we start to feel off and that will usually take care of the illness before anything shows up.   I do believe that growing our own organic fruits and vegetables also helps keep us well. Many years ago we started buying the organic dirty dozen but it did get quite expensive, so that is another reason we choose to grow as much food in our garden as we can.  Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated either.  I did not grow up with a garden and so our garden is not a traditional garden, but we have made it so simple that I don’t have to worry about weeds, it gets watered on a timer and is simple so I can manage it even when on vacation for a few weeks.  We had our garden like this for 3 years, so I am hoping to keep it as simple as possible at our new home as well.     Your health and wellness matter, so take control of it yourself and you will feel the difference! Website: Claimingsimplicity.com Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ Fruits & Veggies -> monicabaker.juiceplus.com   ~Monica

Hey Friend Eating seasonally refers to the practice of consuming foods that are naturally harvested and available during a specific time of the year. This approach involves aligning your diet with the natural growing cycles of various fruits, vegetables, and other food items. Eating seasonally means choosing foods that are harvested at their peak ripeness during a particular season. For example, enjoying watermelon and berries in the summer, or butternut squash and apples in the fall.   Seasonal eating often involves selecting foods that are locally grown and available in your region. This supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of transporting produce over long distances   Seasonal foods are picked at their prime, offering the best taste and nutritional value. Freshness and flavor are heightened when you consume foods during their natural season.   Seasonal produce tends to be more nutrient-dense because it is allowed to fully ripen before harvest. This means you get a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals in your meals.   Eating seasonally fosters a connection with the changing seasons and the natural rhythm of agricultural cycles. It encourages a sense of mindfulness about the origin and availability of your food   Here are some budget friendly tips to saving money on food. ~Purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers' markets or directly from farmers. Local produce is often more affordable, and you support local businesses if you are not growing your own produce. ~Take advantage of bulk discounts when seasonal items are abundant. You can freeze or preserve extras for later use, ensuring you have affordable, fresh options year-round.  Since we moved last year, I had to buy more produce because I wasn’t able to grow everything myself last year.  Actually, we just recently took our frozen tomatoes out of the freezer and made our spaghetti sauce.   ~Farmers' markets often offer competitive prices, and you might find unique, seasonal produce that's more affordable than in supermarkets ~If you have any CSA programs around you, they allow you to buy a share of a local farm's harvest. This not only supports farmers but also provides you with a regular supply of seasonal produce at a potentially lower cost, so this is a great option too if you don’t grow your own food.   ~Tailor your meal plans based on what's in season. This helps you take advantage of lower prices for in-season items and avoids the expense of out-of-season produce.  We eat ALOT of zucchini in the summer……..zuchinni noodles, zucchini tots, fried zucchini, grilled zucchini and all kinds of great meals.   ~When seasonal fruits and veggies are abundant and less expensive, consider preserving or freezing them for later. This allows you to enjoy seasonal flavors throughout the year without paying a premium price. ~Prepare larger quantities of meals when seasonal ingredients are affordable, and freeze portions for later. This can save you money by avoiding last-minute, more expensive food choices By aligning your grocery shopping with the seasons and being mindful of where and how you purchase your food, you can savor the benefits of seasonal eating while keeping your budget in check Overall, eating seasonally is a holistic approach that considers the natural cycles of food production, supports local agriculture, and enhances the taste and nutritional quality of your meals. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle ~Monica Website: Claimingsimplicity.com Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/