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

Homesteading, Simple Living, Saving Money, and Frugal Living are Becoming More Popular and The Truth is That Living Intentional and Slow Living are so Rewarding

Hey Friend!

I just wanted to reflect on this simple living lifestyle and intentional living.  I say slow living sometimes, but honestly, sometimes-or most times, it isn’t slow, but it is very intentional. I think slow living is not sitting in front of the tv, but spending time doing things you enjoy doing.  I thrive on getting stuff done and learning all I can in so many different areas.  There are just so many many techniques and skills and everything can be tailored to how you want to live.  Do you want to become somewhat self-sufficient? 

I don’t believe we can be totally self -sufficient, but we can make as much as we can on our own so we don’t have to rely on the grocery store and that will help save quite a bit of money and also help you to have more nourishing foods for your body.  If you haven’t started this homesteading journey, what are you waiting for?  I would love to answer any questions you may have, just shoot me a message!

 

Tell me all……I want you to reach out and let me know what you are enjoying, what you would like to hear more of or just come and say hi!  Thanks for blessing me with your presence! 

 

Thanks again to everyone who added a rating and review and if you have not, just scroll down to the stars and where it says write a review!  It will bless others that it may reach! If you are new here, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

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Blessing~

Monica

Ready to Learn Everything You Need to Get Started Raising Chickens? 7 Simple Must Have Supplies Needed to Start Raising Chickens Now to Save Money Even if You Have Never Raised Chickens Before.

Happy May Day!!!!!

Thinking about starting your own backyard chicken coop and raising chickens, but feeling overwhelmed by all the supplies and information you need to get started? Don't worry, I've got you covered! In this episode, I'll cover the essential supplies you'll need, so you can be confident and prepared as you embark on this exciting new adventure. 

 

First, you will want to have a place for them to stay.  You can make a chicken coop out of recycled material and it doesn’t  have to cost money or be fancy.  You know what an advocate I am of making something look nice without spending alot of money!  You will want to make sure predators can’t get into the coop, it has good ventilation, and they are protected from the elements.  If you don’t have a place for the chickens to free range, you will alos want to make a chicken run so they can be outside.

 

Second, you will want to have a layer of bedding on the floor for the chickens so their poop can dry out faster and it will be easier to remove.  You could use pine shavings, leaves, or even straw.  They do also make products that reduce odor, but I can’t recommend any as I haven’t tried any of them.  It might be worth it in the winter especially when they don’t spend much time outside and the coop stinks quickly!

 

Next, get a chicken feeder and hang it off the ground from the rafters if possible.  This will help from having the chickens scratch their feed all over the ground and they won’t waste as much.  I suggest getting a large feeder and fill to the top and you have to feed alot less often.  You will also want to buy feed specifically for egg layers, or if they are meat chickens, get the feed specifically for meat birds.  We buy our chicken feed from a local feed mill, but you can also mix your own feed which is even better for the chickens.  Our chickens eat alot less feed in the summer because we open the coop door in the morning and they eat all day and clean up the bugs in the yard all day and then they go back to the coop at evening time.  It is the end of April today and we had more snow-it was incredibly beautiful here for a NOVEMBER day, but like I have said several times in the past month-hopefully this is all the snow we get because our chickens would sure like to be out more as well and they don’t like to walk in the snow, so they will stay in the coop instead of coming out.

 

The Fourth thing that is super important is a chicken waterer.  They always need to have access to water, but in the summer and hot weather, you want to be extra careful to make sure of it.  We have a few waterers, but our large watering container you fill up, put a cover on and flip over and we keep that up on small wooden box to help keep all the dirt out because with all their scratching, they do get dirty quick, so you will want to give them fresh water every day.  In the winter, you may want a heated waterer if you have temperatures that get below freezing just to make sure your chickens have water.  We do like to add a few tablespoons of  apple cider vinegar to their water for added immune support, but we don’t do that every day.

 

The fifth item you will want if you have laying hens and  want to find your eggs are nesting boxes.  You only need 1 nesting box for every 4-5 chickens and you can easily make those out of common materials most likely around your home.  Pinterest has many great ideas for DIY nesting boxes!

 

Dust baths are something else you will want to have so the chickens can naturally prevent external parasites.  This is another item you can find great DIY dust bathing ideas on pinterest and can be very inexpensive if you dont have dry soil for them around your yard.  They just need enough area to spread their wings and ficker dust all over their body.

I am so confident that you will find out that raising chickens is simple and easier than you may have thought and I am so excited to hear from you if you decide to get them and get started!  

Here is Some Important Information if You Plan to Raise Chickens as a Busy Mom and You Are Stressed Out Thinking About Adding More Responsibilities on Your Little Homestead

If you are planning on raising chickens, this episode will give you some important information about them to give you peace of mind as a busy overwhelmed mom because I know…..it is just one more thing to take care of!

 

Really, truely caring for chickens can be simple.  Caring for chickens involves providing for their basic needs including food, water, shelte and you are going to want to do your research before you get some!  I want you to come away from this episode today feeling confident that you can raise your own backyard chickens and it is not difficult.

 

I would really suggest that you find someone that is selling or giving away  larger chickens if you are just getting started.  There is just a little bit more work to raising baby chicks that are just hatched.  We have gotten several chickens from different people that were moving and giving them away or they were selling some to reduce their flock and this was nice for us when we got started even though they were not all laying anymore, they still took care of the bugs in the yard which I appreciate!  And they really are so fun to have around!

 

Chickens are not needy at all-Keep them fed and watered and they will be fine!  If you are going to be gone for a few days, they will be ok as long as they have access to both.  We don’t feel tied down with chickens, we can still go away for a couple days and not worry a bit about them unlike other animals,  but if we do go away longer than that, we will have someone come over every few days and make sure they have water and feed.

 

It is simple to raise chickens and they don’t take much time out of your day to care for at all!  Keep them fed and watered and gather eggs!  Every once in a while you will have some chickens picking on other ones, so you might have to deal with that, but really, for the most part, they are super simple!

 

I can’t wait for you to get started!  I have one more episode coming that I will give you everything you need to start raising chickens so you can get started right away!

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Claimingsimplicity.com

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Have a Blessed Day Friends!

Monica

Protein is Such an Important Piece of Your Diet, but it Can Get Expensive. 3 Simple Tips to Get More Protein in Your Diet on a Budget as a Busy Mom

Hey There! 

I hope you are having an awesome Monday!  I can’t even believe this, but we are almost to 100 episodes, so I am so excited to be giving away a few $25 amazon cards when we hit the 100th episode!!!!!  The only thing you need to do to be in on the drawing is add a 5 star rating and review and take a screenshot of it and email me at monica@claimingsimplicity.com.  I will read your reviews and announce the winners on the 100th episode!!!!!!!  Get your rating and review in now!!!!  I can’t wait to hear from you!!!!!

Getting more protein in your diet on a budget can be challenging, but it's certainly possible with some smart planning and food choices. Here are 3 tipsto help you save money.  

1. Incorporate more eggs into your diet.  Eggs are excellent sources of protein and are generally more affordable even since the prices have gone up in price in the last year.  There are so many different ways to make eggs.  Since we do have chickens and have our own eggs, when we get more than we can eat, I will make up eggbakes, breakfast sandwiches, bowls and breakfast wraps and freeze them.  This is such a great way to use up eggs, but also have the convenience of breakfast already ready on busy mornings when you don’t have time to make breakfast.
2. Another great way to get more protein on a budget is buy in bulk: Purchasing larger quantities of protein sources, such as chicken breast or ground beef, can save you money in the long run. You can portion them out and freeze them for later use.  We usually buy ½ beef when farmers around us are butchering, and if you have the space to raise your own chickens-that is another way to cut cost and you probably won’t buy chickens from the store after that because homegrown taste so much better! Also, to save money, if you are buying meat from the store, you can opt for cheaper cuts of meat: Cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs, ground beef, and pork shoulder are just as nutritious as more expensive cuts like chicken breasts or steaks, and they often have more flavor. Slow cooking or marinating these cuts can make them tender and delicious.
3. Plan your meals: Planning your meals ahead of time can help you choose more affordable protein sources and prevent waste. You can also use leftovers to create new meals and save money.

This is just a start of how to save money and reduce grocery expenses for protein, but it can save you quite a bit of money over the years.

Hugs!

Monica

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Can You Live a Simplified Life Without Being a Minimalist? 5 Additional Ways For You to Simplify Your Life

Can You Live a Simplified Life Without Being a Minimalist? 5 Additional Ways For You to Simplify Your Life

As I have been packing up our house to move, it made me realize that I would never be called a minimalist because when you homestead and preserve food, you do have alot of items.  I have simplified my life so much that it seems very minimal and simplified, but I honestly didn’t even think about all the things we do have because everything had it’s place, but once you are packing and packing and packing, you realize quickly the amount you have.  I wouldn’t say that we have anything in excessive amounts and I do get rid of anything we are not using, but canning supplies and jars can add up over the years, but we do use them over and over each year.

It is possible to live a simplified life without being a minimalist. While minimalism is a popular lifestyle trend that advocates for living with fewer possessions and reducing clutter, there are other ways to simplify your life.  

For example, you could simplify your life by:

1. Cutting down on unnecessary commitments and obligations.
2. Streamlining your daily routine and eliminating non-essential activities.
3. Focusing on what's truly important to you and letting go of things that don't matter.
4. Prioritizing your time and energy on people and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
5. Cultivating mindfulness and being present in the moment.

The key is to identify what aspects of your life feel overwhelming or cluttered and find ways to simplify them in a way that feels authentic and sustainable to you.

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

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Love ya friend!

Monica

Do You Want to Raise Chickens in Your Backyard? 5 Benefits of Having Your Own Chickens When You Are a Beginning Homesteader

Hello! 

I am going to warn you right away…..we are talking about chickens and they can be an addiction!  They are so fun to watch and I love having fresh eggs every day and  I dont ever want to run out, so I like to get some new chicks each year and now we are up to about 24 chickens.  Some are not laying daily, but they are so beautiful and they sure are good bug pickers, so I just can’t get rid of them!

Before we get into todays episode, I want to remind you that I will be doing a drawing and giving away $25 amazon cards with my 100th episode because I want you to know how much I appreciate all of you.  

Have you thought about getting chickens, but are not even sure if it would work for you.  I just want to give you the benefits of raising your own chickens.

Chickens are the first animal I would suggest when beginning your homesteading journey.  Here are __ benefits to having your own.

One of the most obvious benefits to having chickens is having access to fresh eggs.  Chickens can lay eggs almost every day and the eggs you collect from your chickens will be much fresher than the ones you buy at the grocery store. Home-raised eggs are considered to be much healthier and alot more flavorful.

Another thing I love about chickens is that they are natural pest controllers!  They eat insects, slugs, snails, and even mice and snakes!  This can be very helpful when you have a hobby farm, live in the country or have a garden.  My favorite thing they like are woodticks, so we have had so very few woodticks the lst several years which is so very nice!

If you have a garden, you will find out what a great fertilizer chicken manure is!  It is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which are all important nutrients for plants.

Keeping Chickens can also become part of a larger self-sufficiency strategy.  By producing your own eggs and raising meat chickens, you can reduce your dependency on grocery stores.

There are also so many educational benefits to raising chickens, especially if you homeschool your kids!  It can teach valuable lessons about responsibility, animal care, and where our food comes from.

And one of my favorite benefits to having chickens is the entertainment they provide!  They are just so fun to watch because they each have their own personalities and watching them interact with other chickens, animals and caretakers is such enjoyment.

Overall, chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience that provides many benefits including a source of fresh eggs or meat, helping with gardening, and educational and sustainability benefits.

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

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Have an incredible day!

Monica

Do You Like to be in Control? How to Have More Patience in the Season of Waiting

Hello

Surrendering and giving control to God can mean different things to different people. However, here are some general steps that may help you surrender and give control to God:

1. Develop faith: Having faith in God is the first step towards surrendering to Him. Read the Bible, pray, meditate, and cultivate a sense of trust and confidence in God.
2. Let go of attachments: Identify any attachments or desires that are holding you back from surrendering to God. These could be material possessions, relationships, or even certain beliefs that are limiting your spiritual growth.
3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can help you let go of negative thoughts and surrender to God's will.
4. Practice surrender in small ways: Start by surrendering small aspects of your life to God. For example, you could surrender a decision about what to wear or what to eat to God. This will help you build trust and gradually surrender bigger aspects of your life.
5. Surrender your ego: The ego is the part of us that wants to control everything and often gets in the way of surrendering to God. Practice letting go of your ego and acknowledging that you are not in control of everything.
6. Seek guidance: Seek guidance from spiritual leaders or mentors who can help you on your journey of surrendering to God.

Remember that surrendering to God is a continuous process, and it may take time to fully let go and trust in God's plan. Keep practicing and cultivating your faith, and trust that God will guide you on your path.

Please rate and review this podcast on apple podcast or wherever you listen and you will be entered into a drawing for $25 amazon gift cards to celebrate 100 episodes!  I appreciate you listening!

 

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

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6 Benefits of Living a Simpler Life and 5 Ways You Can Begin to Live More Intentionally Right Now, Enjoy Your Life More and Reduce Your Stress

Happy Monday Friend!!  

If you have been enjoying learning about living a simpler life on this podcast, please take 30 seconds and leave a rating and review and let me know what you are loving about this podcast  because that is how more people can learn about this podcast!  Thank you so much!!!!!

There are so many benefits to living a simpler life and after living the chaotic life for many years, I can’t even imagine going back to that.  I never have guilt that I am unable to attend events and activities because now my schedule is flexible and I don’t have to miss out on anything and there is just an everyday enjoyment to life because my focus is on the things that matter to me and that I value.  I want you to have this pure joy every day as well so here are 6 benefits you will enjoy when you slow down and live with more intention.

1. By simplifying your life, you can eliminate many of the things that cause you stress, such as clutter, excess possessions, and a hectic schedule. This can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. How would you like to reduce some of your stress?
2.  Simplifying your life can also free up more time for the things that really matter, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and interests, and spending time doing things you enjoy.  Who wouldn’t enjoy spending time your way.
3. Living a simpler life often means spending less money on things you don't really need, which can result in significant financial savings over time and I’m sure you are looking to save money right now since groceries and regular expenses keep increasing.
4.  When you have fewer distractions in your life, you may find it easier to focus on what's important and make decisions with more clarity and purpose.
5. You may have more time to prepare healthy meals, exercise, and get enough rest when you simplify which will help with overall better health.
6. Living a simpler life often means consuming less and producing less waste, which can have positive environmental impact.

 

Getting started on a simpler life can be a gradual process, but here are some tips to help you begin:

1. Declutter: Start by getting rid of things you no longer need or use. This can help you create more physical space and mental clarity. Donate, sell, or recycle items that are still in good condition and focus on keeping  the things that are truely important and meaningful to you.
2. Streamline and Simplify your schedule: Take a look at your daily schedule and see if there are any activities or commitments you can cut back on or eliminate altogether. Prioritize the things that bring you joy and fulfillment, and let go of the rest.  Focus on saying "no" to commitments and activities that don't align with your values or goals so you can make sure you are doing things that are important to you.
3. Practice mindfulness and take time to be present and fully engaged in the moment. This can help you appreciate the simple things in life and reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Reduce screen time and digital distractions: Limit your use of technology and social media to help you disconnect. Focus on being present in the moment and engaging with the people and activities around you
5. Practice gratitude: Take time to appreciate and be thankful for the things you have in life. This can help you find contentment and satisfaction with a simpler lifestyle.  Explore living with less and finding joy in the simple things in life.

Simplifying your life is a process and it won't happen overnight. Start with small steps and be gentle with yourself as you make changes. Over time, you may find that living a simpler life brings greater joy and fulfillment to your daily life.

 

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

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xoxo,

Monica

3 Easy Steps to the Best Boiled Eggs. It is Simple to Make the Perfect Easy to Peel Boiled Eggs and You Will Have Beautiful Deviled Eggs as Well.

Here is a quick bonus episode!

I boiled 3 dozen eggs last night so I can make deviled eggs for Easter because we love deviled eggs even for a snack if they don’t all get eaten on Sunday and I remembered how many of my friends have trouble with getting their boiled eggs to peel easily and how long it took me to learn this simple way to make them, so here is a quick bonus episode so you can enjoy boiled eggs not only at Easter, but every day!  It is such a good snack and we always have a bowl in our fridge and you can too!

 

First, bring plain water to a rolling boil.

 

Next, lower them carefully into the boiling water and try to be as gentle as possible so they dont crack and boil.

 

Lastly, drain hot water off of the eggs and run cold water on them and then put a bunch of ice over them.  Let them sit and cool for at least ½ hour and then refrigerate.

 

Enjoy easily peeling them when you are ready!  If you have ever had trouble with eggs not peeling well, you are going to be so excited to see how simple this is and well it works!

 

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

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Happy Easter!

Monica

Make This One Change to Reduce Food Expense! Homemade Bread or Sourdough Bread is Simple and Healthier Than Store Bought Bread Plus it Will Save Money

Hello!

I can’t believe it is Easter this weekend!  I hope you are able to celebrate the joy of Jesus' resurrection!

When it is cold outside, we like to bake an extra amount and then freeze items for when our schedules are full and we are extra busy.  This works out great to always have food that is nutrient dense and keeps up from spending extra money at the store for convenience items.

When the prices in the store are rising, there is hope that you can save money and reduce expenses!  Making your own bread is so much cheaper, healthier, and simpler than you may think.  I now make sourdough on a regular basis, but even regular homemade bread doesn’t have all the harmful ingredients in them that a loaf of store bought bread has.

I always wondered if it would make sense to take the time to  make my own bread as a busy mom when my family enjoys that walmart sandwich bread for a buck. And then I read the ingredients!  So many benefits to making your own bread. Once I made it a few times, I then had a schedule down and we do buy bread every once in a great while, but for the most part, we always have fresh bread on hand or in the freezer.

I think so many people think that making bread is hard.  It is so simple that you will wish you started making it yourself years ago.  Sourdough bread only consists of 3 ingredients which are water, flour, and starter!  I really enjoy making sourdough and when I first started making it, I bought a starter from king arthur and that is where I order my flour as well as from azure standard.  Make sure you are using a high quality flour when making your sourdough.  That may be the reason yours is not turning out, so try some good flour before you give up.

Make this one change for 6 months  and see how you like it!  I don’t think you will ever go back to buying ibread from the store!!!!!

 

Have a Blessed Easter Day!

Monica

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