Claiming Simplicity | Simple Life, Natural Living, Cooking from Scratch, Intentional Living, Save Money, Simple Systems

EP 201// Letting God Take the Lead & Behind the Scenes of Claiming Simplicity

Hello!  

I just wanted to catch you up to let you know that I am still here and all is good!

Winners, email me to claim your amazon gift cards!!!!

Blessings!

Monic

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

 

 

EP 200 // Journey to Simple Living for Beginners to Reduce Stress

Hello!

I was thinking back to my life when I was stressed out and overwhelmed. It felt like everything was hard and even little tasks seemed difficult.  I don’t ever want to go back to that and I want you to know that even as overwhelmed as you may feel right now, there is a way out.  You feel overwhelmed and stressed out when your priorities are out of whack and your time spent is doing things that aren't your top values.  

 

Before you start to change your life to living simpler, you have to really know how you want to live and what really matters most to you.  For me, flexibility and freedom to spend time with family and grandkids making memories and making sure they know Jesus is a top priority for me, so being able to send them to camp and go to family camp for 10 days in the summer is very important to me along with being able to help them grow in their faith.  

 

I also value living a natural life and being as self-sufficient or self-relient as we can by growing our own food and animals and teaching the next generation of the importance of canning and preserving food in different ways like freeze drying, but I certainly didn’t start there when I began this simple living journey.  

 

I was in my early 20s with 3 young kids when I learned how to preserve green beans and tomato sauce by a neighbor I babysat for as a teenager, but I did not grow up with a garden or preserving any food, so no matter whether you did or didn’t learn these skills, there are so many resources to learn from with the internet and you just have to make time for it.  I did grow up on a farm and I did have chores in the barn to do, some cooking, but I was also involved in sports and many other activities at school, so I was rarely home after I hit 12 years old.  

 

So after you decide what is important to you, start to minimize the things in your life that are NOT important to you.  As you start to minimize the less important items, you will start to be able to breathe easier and feel less overwhelmed.  Once you begin to feel less stressed, it will be addicting to do more to minimize the things in your life that are less important.  I am not talking about only minimizing physical items, but schedules and where you spend your time.  

 

I am so excited for you to begin your simple living journey if you have not! 

Monica

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

 

 

EP 199 // Homemade Bread Made Simple. No Time for Sourdough? No Problem!

Hello Friend!

Today, we’re talking about one of the most basic, yet powerful, ways to nourish your family—homemade bread! If sourdough sounds like too much work right now, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with super simple homemade bread recipes that anyone can make—even on a busy schedule. This is one of the simplest places to start to provide more nourishing food for your family.

 

I started making bread once I looked at the ingredients and most of them I couldn’t pronounce, I had no idea how simple it was to make and I simplified the process to only make once or twice a month!

There are so many health benefits to making your own bread.  There are no preservatives, additives, or unnecessary sugar like store-bought bread.

You control the ingredients—organic flour, natural sweeteners, and real butter if you choose!

Easier to digest and more filling than processed bread.

Not to mention how amazing your house will smell!!!!!  

It is also budget friendly and costs pennies per loaf compared to store-bought artisan bread and when you buy bulk ingredients you will save money over time! Batch cooking will save you time!

Homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. Just start with one simple recipe, and before you know it, you’ll never want store-bought again!  Try to make at least one loaf this week and you will be hooked!  Reach out if you would like any of my recipes!

EP 198 // 5 Simple Non-Toxic DIY Essential Oil Recipes for a Healthier Home

Hey Friend

Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite non-toxic DIY essential oil recipes that will help you ditch the chemicals and start to create a healthier home—without the overwhelm!

Switching to non-toxic DIY products isn’t just a trendy idea—it’s a powerful way to take control of your family’s health, save money, and create a safer home. Here’s why it’s so important:

Most conventional cleaning and personal care products contain harmful toxins like synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harsh preservatives and these chemicals have been linked to:

• Hormone disruption
• Skin irritation and allergies
• Respiratory issues (especially for kids & those with asthma)
• Long-term health risks, including reproductive concerns

DIY essential oil recipes allow you to ditch the toxins while still keeping your home fresh, clean, and safe.

Non-toxic doesn’t have to mean expensive! Most DIY recipes use simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have—like vinegar, baking soda, and Castile soap—along with a few drops of essential oils.

• A single bottle of essential oil can replace dozens of chemical-laden products.
• You can make bulk batches for pennies per use, saving tons of money over time.

Most commercial products labeled as “fresh” or “clean” actually contain synthetic fragrances that can trigger headaches, allergies, and even disrupt hormones and with essential oils, you get:

• Natural scents from plants—without the toxins
• The ability to customize your blends based on preference (love lavender? Add more!).

About 25 years ago I went to a class where we made a few of our own DIY products like bug spray, laundry detergent and after learning how safe and economical it was, that is all I have used since then.  There are still a few items I continue to find my favorite recipes for, but these are the first 5 I started with.

The ingredients you will need are

• Essential oils (I only use Doterra because I know they are pure because all batches are tested)  I will put the link in the notes if you want to learn more.
• Base ingredients like carrier oils, baking soda, vinegar
• Simple tools  like spray bottles, glass jar or mason jar)

Laundry Detergent-I love the simplicity of the ingredients and how easy it is to make.  I was making a different kind with a felz nappa bar of soap shredded into the recipe and after a long time using it-I’m not sure how long, it clogged up our washer hose and my husband told me I couldn’t use homemade laundry soap anymore, but now that I have this recipe, we haven’t had any trouble.  It just has epsom salt, baking soda, washing soda, sea salt and essential oils. 

Linen Spray which is just witch hazel and essential oils.  I love fresh scents, but you can choose any you enjoy!

Toilet cleaner that is just vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.

Glass cleaner with water, vinegar and essential oils.

And our most used recipe is the foaming hand soap.  I have never found any soap that compares to this soap and it is only castile soap and essential oils.  I’m guessing you will love it as well!

I know that I have saved hundreds of dollars over the years, possibly even thousands and I’m all about saving money but even more so being confident that I’m helping with my family's health and using less toxins.

I challenge you to try just one recipe this week-I do have a free ebook with exact recipes details &  additional recipes as well you can grab below in the show notes.

Switching to non-toxic DIY isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Replacing just ONE chemical-heavy product with a homemade version is a step toward a healthier, safer home. Once you start, you’ll see how easy, fun, and rewarding it is!

 

Thanks for tuning in today.  God bless your week!

Monica

 

EP 197 // Let Go of These 7 Items for a Simple Life & Reduce Stress

Hello

Hello and Welcome!  If you are new here, I am so grateful you are joining us!  I am passionate about teaching simplicity in all areas of life to reduce stress and overwhelm for busy moms.

Do you ever feel like life is spinning too fast? Like you’re juggling so much that you don’t even have time to catch your breath? I’ve been there too, and today I want to share seven things you can let go of this year to slow down, live intentionally, and embrace a simpler, more peaceful life.

Saying “yes” to everything.  There was a time in my life over 25 years ago when I got totally burnt out.  I was working full time, putting on a benefit for a young boy in our community that was in a bad car accident along with raising my own small children with their busy schedules. I remember the feeling of hardly being able to function up to the event and then crashing after the event.  It took me some time for me to recover & at that point I realized what stress does to a person’s body.  Thankly that was short term, but you may be living in chronic stress and that can affect you physically and mentally if you don’t get that under control, so I want you to start thinking about what you are saying yes to.  There are many ways to say politely no like-thanks for thinking of me, but at this time I can’t take on anything new or something to that extent. What is one thing you’ve said yes to recently that might be adding unnecessary stress to your life? Could you practice saying no this week?

Toxic relationships or negativity.  You do not need the stress of those people, so do your best to let go of those relationships.  Spend more time with the people you love to be around.  Life is short to waste time with those people.  Think about the relationships in your life. Which ones bring you joy, and which ones drain your energy?  In Proverbs 4:23, it says,‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Protecting your peace is not selfish—it’s essential for living joyfully and intentionally.

Comparing your life to others or social media.  You have a different story and experiences than any other person, so you should not be comparing yourself to anyone at all.  You are unique in your own way and a child of God and daughter of the King.  Rest in that. 

Clothes you haven’t worn in a year.  Let them go…..if you haven’t worn them in that time, you probably won’t ever wear them.  Last year, I went through my closet and found clothes I hadn’t touched in a while. I donated them, and not only did it declutter my space, but it felt good knowing someone else could use them.

Constant phone notifications.  Do you look at your phone every time it buzzes?  Go into each app and turn off notifications.  What value does it bring you to have those notifications on?  Without them, you may discover more peace and less anxiety.  People don’t need an immediate response to anything!  Well….other than an emergency!  I typically keep my phone away from me while I’m working so I can be in the zone without interruptions which makes for more productivity in less time.  That is one key to getting things done.

Overpacked schedules.  This goes along with saying yes to everything and packing so much into your schedule.  Make sure you have rest and recovery time planned.  You can’t sustain stress long term without it creating havoc somewhere, so be very mindful of your schedule.

The need for perfection.  You are perfect in God’s eyes and that is all that matters!  

Remember Psalm 139:14: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You don’t need to strive for perfection—God has already made you perfectly unique.

As we step further into this year, I challenge you to pick just one of these things to let go of. Maybe it’s saying no to something that’s not aligned with your values, or maybe it’s turning off those pesky notifications. Whatever it is, take that first step toward living with more intention and simplicity. And remember, God is with you every step of the way.

 

Let’s walk this journey together!

Monica

Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

 

EP 196 // 3 Steps to Reducing Your Busy, Stressful, and Overwhelmed Life with Simplicity

Hello Friend

1. Know Your Purpose

One thing that sets unbusy people apart is that they are crystal clear about their purpose. They’ve taken the time to figure out what really matters to them—what legacy they want to leave, what goals they want to pursue, and how they want to spend their days.

When you know your purpose, you gain clarity. It becomes easier to filter out distractions because you know what to say yes to—and more importantly, what to say NO to.

Take a moment to ask yourself:

• What’s my mission in this season of life?
• What goals truly align with the life I want to create?

When you’re guided by a clear purpose, you’ll find it easier to resist the countless opportunities and demands pulling at you daily. You’ll stay focused on what matters most.

2. Remember: Busyness is a Choice

This one’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s empowering. Busyness is a choice. Yes, there are external demands on your time—jobs, parenting, commitments—but ultimately, you decide how to structure your days.

Even when life feels overwhelming, you still have the ability to take control of your schedule. Maybe that means saying no to extra obligations that don’t align with your priorities. Or maybe it means reassessing whether the things keeping you “busy” are really worth the energy you’re giving them.

You are not a victim of busyness. You are in control.

3. Value Rest as an Essential

We live in a culture that treats rest like it’s a luxury, when really, it’s a necessity. Rest is not laziness—it’s what allows you to recharge and show up as the best version of yourself for the people and things you care about most.

Think about it: Rest improves our health, strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and even makes us more productive. But if we don’t intentionally make space for it, rest gets crowded out by the busyness of life.

Here’s your reminder to build rest into your routine:

• Take five minutes in the morning to pray, meditate or just breathe deeply before diving into the day.
• Schedule downtime for yourself and your family, whether that’s a Sunday afternoon at home or a full Sabbath day of rest.
• Guard these moments of margin as fiercely as you would any other important commitment.

I am usually in bed by 9 and natural wake up around 5:00, that might change a little on weekends, but I make 8 hours a priority as I know the significance of sleep and the role it plays in all areas of our lives.

Rest is not a reward for finishing your to-do list. It’s the fuel that keeps you moving forward with intention and clarity.  

Remember, busyness is not inevitable—it’s a decision you make. And when you choose to prioritize purpose, embrace your power to say no, and make rest a non-negotiable, you can unbusy your life and create space for what truly matters.

So let me ask you: What’s one thing you can let go of this week to create more margin in your life? Put it into practice, and see how it shifts your mindset and your days. I can’t wait to hear!

God Bless!

Monica

 

EP 195 // 5 Steps to Enjoying a Simple Life in 2025 When Life Feels Chaotic

Hey Friend

If you want to simplify your life in 2025, you will want to start with these 5 steps.

 

1. You need to determine what is really important to you.  I think this is the best place to start because if you are unable to envision how you TRUELY want to live your life, you will just stay on the chaotic hamster wheel you have been on and won’t ever get off.  You need direction to know where you are going.
2. Next, Look at where your time is spent.  Compare that to your values and what is important to you.  If this is off, you will be stressed out all the time and it will be hard to get to a simple life with such overwhelm.  This may be a real eye opening experience for you and this is what you will need to work on.  Once your time matches up with your values, you will start to feel the peace in your life.
3. After that, you will ask yourself what do you want for your life? Is it clear? Do you want to continue to live as you do now?  Does your life feel full of happiness or do you need to make some changes?  Are you working for material items or are you working because you absolutely love what you do?  I absolutely love being a nurse, but I enjoy being casual so I can pick up around my family's schedule.  My family is a higher priority than work, so living a simple life is putting time with them above time working for someone else.  This is another reason I started my own businesses-some of my values are freedom and flexibility and I didn’t get that with a 9-5 job.
4. Next figure out what you need to do to help you move closer to that dream life.  Little by little, you can make changes to get to that life you want to live every single day. It does take intention and it can be scary to make changes, but you will be so happy if you are following God’s will and what he wants for you and not your own.  Prayer is the ultimate tool in this process. 
5. Lastly, you need to know WHY you want to live a simpler life and be more intentional.  Is it because you are tired of being stressed out and overwhelmed?  Is it because you want peace?  Once you know why, you are more likely to make lasting change.  

 

Make sure you go through these questions and I would love to hear where you are planning to make changes!  

 

Make God your first priority & make sure you are taking time to listen!

Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Love Ya!

Monica

 

EP 194 // Simplicity in All Areas of Your Life with Simple Systems, Simple Homemade Cooking from Scratch Meals, and Natural Living on the Homestead

Hey Friend!  

This might be our last episode of 2024, so thank you for joining me!  It is all about the simplicity of our homestead, update on simple and intentional living and what I have planned for you in 2025!

I pray your simple journey in life is to put Jesus first, then family and whatever God has for you to keep your priorities in order!

Here are the links to follow for more!!!!!  Please follow and subscribe!

Join the free challenge -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

 

Blessing & Merry Christmas!

Monica 

 

EP 193 // Save Money on Groceries as Food Costs Continue to Increase with Inflation

Hello Friend

Want an extra income -> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Do you find that every time you go to the grocery store, you spend more than you budget?  The food prices continue to rise and I want to give you some simple ideas today to start saving on groceries right now.  Depending on where you live in the world, you may be able to start a garden and that is my #1 way to save money on food.  You can have healthy food without any pesticides when you grow it yourself and that can sustain you for several months of the year depending on your season and how much you can preserve.

We try to eat seasonally as much as possible to save money on food, but that wasn’t always the case for me when we didn’t source our own chicken, eggs, pork and milk.  Another thing that saves our family alot of money is hunting as we usually get several deer and sometimes bear.  In the summer and winter we also catch as much fresh water fish as possible too.

Enjoy the episode and let me know your favorite ways to save money on food!

Monica

Email me at monica@claimingsimplicity.com

 

 

EP 192 // Simple 5 Step Plan to Have More Abundance in All Areas of Your Life

Hey Friend

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Take a moment to think about this: What would your life look like if you had complete freedom over your time, resources, and choices? Maybe it’s more time with your family, the ability to give more generously, or the freedom to travel. 

In the Bible Proverbs 29:18 says, Where there is no vision, the people perish.  It’s so important that we define our vision before anything else, because without it, we’re just going through the motions.

Now that you've got a vision, it’s time to create an income stream that supports that vision. I’ve talked before about the power of passive income, and I’ll say it again—having an income stream that doesn’t trade time for money is a game changer.  In fact, I believe we all should have multiple income streams.  I will do a podcast all about that soon!

Whether it's an online business, digital marketing, or a system you can work on just 2 hours a day, the point is to build something that gives you both income and freedom. I will link my favorite income stream in the show notes if you want to check it out!  No pressure in this business at all, but I’m here if you do have any questions at all!

Matthew 25:14-30—the parable of the talents—teaches us the value of investing our resources wisely. You’ve been given skills, talents, and opportunities to create wealth not just for yourself, but for God’s Kingdom.

Your business, when aligned with God’s purpose, will bless not only your family but others around you.  To me, it is such a blessing to be able to help others~especially in the economy we are living in now.

Abundance isn't about more; it’s about better. It’s about focusing on what truly matters. Step three is to simplify your life. Take inventory of how you spend your time, your energy, and your money. What can you cut out that is cluttering your life?

I love how the Bible has so many good verses about how we are to live.

God has given us resources to manage, whether it’s our time, money, or relationships. Step four is about stewardship. 

Proverbs 21:5 tells us, The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

This means creating a budget, planning how to grow your resources, and making decisions that are thoughtful and prayerful. When you become a good steward of the resources God has given you, you’ll see those resources multiply, and you’ll be in a better position to bless others.

Finally, step five is where everything comes together—use your abundance to impact others. Abundance isn’t meant to stop with us. God blesses us so that we can bless others. 

2 Corinthians 9:8 says, And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Once you’re living in abundance, ask yourself how you can use your resources, time, and energy to serve others. Maybe it's supporting a ministry, mentoring someone, or giving generously to causes that are close to your heart."

Remember, true abundance comes when we align our lives with God’s purpose, and we take intentional steps toward creating freedom, not just for ourselves but for those around us.

Have a blessed friend!

~Monica