Claiming Simplicity | Simple Life, Natural Wellness, Holistic Health, High Ticket Affiliate Marketing, Non Toxic

Save Money by Purposely Creating a Natural Home and Eliminate Some of the Toxins in 3 Areas of Your Home Quickly & Easily

Hey!

So why would you want to have a more natural home? I did not know when I was a young mom of all the toxins in soaps and cleaning supplies, plastics and so many other supplies I used every single day.  The fact is……I am still learning!  I noticed a big difference in going from mostly natural to being in contact with things I wouldn’t normally use.  I have used natural cleaning supplies for many years, but  I have been really trying to change over my whole home slowly but surely-as soon as something runs out, I try to find a natural way to make it-sometimes we like the first recipe and sometimes I have to go through many recipes to find a product we love. Here are some of the simple things I did in the beginning that saved me alot of money.

 

One of the first things I did and easiest things you can change is your multipurpose cleaner.  This would be how I clean bathrooms, counter tops and really almost anything! I have 2 really good recipes.  One of them,  I mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and add a high quality refreshing essential oil.  Be very careful to use a quality essential oil as most on the market are not pure.  Being a nurse, I had to have the details, so I have done the research and I can give you my recommendations if you want them.  I will have a link in the description, but feel free to email me as well!  This multipurpose spray should be handy in each bathroom so you can easily clean as you need to.  If you don’t keep one in each room,  If you are like me, you might go into a different room and totally forget you were grabbing a bottle of spray!!!!!!!  The other recipe uses on guard and I like to keep this in the kitchen for all surfaces.  You will use these sprays all the time and it is a fraction of the price of cleaners in the store and works alot better!

 

The next thing I did was remove all candles and air fresheners that were not natural-do you know how bad it is to breathe those in?  Even the sprays that say 100% essential oil is not true because there is no regulation of them, so get rid of them so your family isn’t inhaling those toxins into their lungs! I used to use the plug in or renuzit air fresheners around my house thinking that my house smelled better, but it makes me wonder now if that is why my kids were sick with colds and ear infections so much when they were young.   I am more sensitive now to toxins because of the natural environment I have created, so many times I can notice them right away in someone else’s home! My eyes now water when I enter a garage or home that uses these toxic air freshners~so if you think it is helping your place smell better, think of what it is doing to your lungs and everyone that enters!  I have noticed that many of the big stores such as Target that call their products natural just have really good marketing strategies to let people think the products are pure, but are not any healthier than the ones that are not labeled natural or 100% and that is why I make my own.  I know exactly what is in them.  I certainly love a great smelling home, so I have several favorite diffuser going throughout the day. My favorite are happy and energizing aromas, I love the fall and Christmas smells during those seasons, and when I have alot of work I need to focus on a large project or something, I have a diffuser with oils that help with that. So many that I love!

And the 3rd simple change we made was using a natural laundry detergent. We actually make our own so we know what is in it.   If you are using any detergent or fabric softener that is not pure, you are letting the toxins soak into your skin and your kids skin every single day!  Do the research for yourself because I wish I would have known all this information years ago-it wasn’t until our older kids were probably around 10  when I changed over, so it has been many many years and the detergent works really well.  I did stop for a while because I was using a shredded felz napa bar soap and it ended up clogging up my HE washer.  I then went to a free and clear from the store for a short time, but as I was spending so much more money, I decided to look for another option and now I use a detergent that I absolutely love, it doesn’t use bar soap so it doesn’t clog the hose and it smells so so fresh! It is super simple, it will save you thousands of dollars through the years and will make a big difference in your health friend!

Start your natural journey today!  Free resource to my favorite recipes below!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

 

DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners

 

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Oils -> my.doterra.com/monicabaker/

Fruits & Veggies -> https://www.monicabaker.juiceplus.com/

 

Blessings!

Monica

5 Benefits of Raw Milk. Have You Tried Using Raw Milk to Combat Health Issues?

I’m lucky enough to have friends where I can get my raw milk from until next Spring when we hopefully have our own after our goats give birth, so I just wanted to talk today about the benefits of Raw milk which refers to unpasteurized milk obtained directly from cows, goats, or sheep. While some advocate for its consumption due to potential health benefits, it's important to note that raw milk can also pose health risks if not handled properly. Here are some potential benefits often attributed to raw milk:  

Please note….I am not an expert, I am just passing on information to you in hopes that you try it yourself and see the benefits!

1. Raw milk is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available which means it has alot of nutrients but relatively few calories and it is  known to be rich in essential  vitamins which support the brain and nervous system, it also helps with development, focus and brain development, bone density, and balancing hormones. It contains minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and our muscles use certain chemicals  together with water to make sure that the electrical charges in our bodies work properly. They allow us to perform functions such as thinking, seeing, moving and keep your heart beating.  It also contains omega 3’s and short chain fatty acids that help control issues related to inflammation, slow metabolism and stress resistance and it is connected to cancer prevention, fat loss and healthier cholesterol levels-now why wouldn’t everyone want to drink raw milk in this fast paced world to help with this all of this?
2. Raw milk contains naturally occurring beneficial bacteria called probiotics and digestive enzymes that can support gut health. Probiotics are known to promote a healthy balance of gut flora, which is essential for digestion and overall well-being. Cultured dairy foods give the highest amounts of probiotic than any other food available.
3. Some proponents of raw milk claim that it can alleviate symptoms of milk allergies or lactose intolerance. They argue that the presence of enzymes and probiotics in raw milk may aid in the digestion of lactose and potentially reduce allergic reaction.
4. Raw milk enthusiasts suggest that the presence of immune-boosting components, such as antibodies and white blood cells, in unpasteurized milk may strengthen the immune system and improve overall health.
5. Many people prefer the taste of raw milk over pasteurized milk, finding it creamier and more flavorful. Taste is subjective, but some individuals choose raw milk for its sensory appeal.
   

    

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   Claimingsimplicity.com

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   Blessings~
6. Monica

What Could You Change So You Enjoy Your Life More and Why Do You Want to Make a Change? Practice Simple Living and Intentional Living so You Enjoy a More Peacefull Life with Less Stress

As I was driving home yesterday, I was just thinking about you and if you are actually living how you want to be living.  It is just so different when you are living in God’s will and what He wants you to do and you are not living as the world lives and how they think you “should” be living.  So many people just go to college to get a job they don’t even enjoy and feel like they have to do it every day just to keep up with others and collect possessions that they don’t even have time to enjoy.  Is this you?  I am here to tell you that your life does not have to be this way. 

Sometimes you have to step out in faith to do something different even when others don’t understand.  Many people don’t even understand how to make money without working for someone else, but since 2020, it has been so nice to see even more people start businesses doing what they love and finding communities of like minded people is so much easier now which is so much to hang out with people with the same values.  Surrounding yourself and your family around these positive friends can be so rewarding!

 

I want you to take a look at what is going well in your life and what you would like to change.  Is your time aligned with your values or are you getting up to go to work for someone else every day, but wishing you were doing something else?  Are you tired of the hustle just to get by day after day so that you can have those expensive vehicles so you can look good to those around you?  Do you trade time for money and you are always hustling trying to get ahead? 

I am here to let you know that it does not have to be that way-life is too short not to enjoy what you are doing. 

I believe that everything you do should have God in the center of it all - family and business and when you put Him first and your roots are deep, you can withstand anything because you know He is the Rock on which it all stands.  Many times it comes down to trusting - are you trusting Him with everything and have you surrendered it all to Him?  I believe this is one of the first steps.  

Next, look at that list. Where can you make changes right now?  How can you reduce debt quickly?  Sell anything you have payments on.  If you could reduce one or 2 car payments, how would that change your debt?  There are many reliable vehicles for a reasonable price if you are willing to drive something older.  We like to find older vehicles with lower miles  that we can pay cash for because not only will you be saving on a car payment, but older vehicles are cheaper to insure and you don’t have to have full coverage on them because you don’t have a loan on them.  If you don’t have money to make repairs if they should come up, you might want to keep full coverage on them until you do have a nice little saving for those just in case moments, but you could save thousands of dollars on car payments and reduced insurance costs each year just on vehicles.

If you want to live a life of your dreams without debt, you are also going to want to stop impulse and frivolous spending.  This doesn’t mean you go without, but it does mean that until you are living this debt free life, you try to be more intentional with your spending and purchases.  Do you really need that brand name purse or decor?  If you think certain brands make you a better person, you are wrong!  In fact……most of us living our dream life don’t even know if you are wearing designer jeans or have a designer purse because we don’t focus on materialism. We focus on being more like Jesus and shining our light and not our possessions and you can too!!!!  If you die tomorrow, do you really think people would talk about your purse or the vehicles you had, absolutely not!!!!  They talk about the kind of person you were and the life you lived! Spread joy everywhere you go! 

 

I want you to make that list today of where you could reduce your debt so that you can begin this journey of freedom to live the life you have always dreamed of!  It takes time, but it is so worth it friend!

 

If you need help, please reach out to me! 

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/

 

Have a blessed day!

Monica

Lessons From Homeschooling This Year With 2 Teenagers and What is Next as We Make a Move to a Different Location

Hey Friend!

Well, we made it through another homeschooling year and here are the lessons we learned!  I am so relieved that we homeschooled this year.  So much drama in my daughters grades that I am just so happy that they can focus on their work at home and then go to sports and just enjoy their friends and sports without being intertwined in that.  Not only are my kids learning the regular subjects and learning to put God in the center of it all, but they are learning so many life skills we just don’t have time to teach when they are away from home 12 hours a day with school and sports.  It was really an enjoyable year for these girls and now they don’t want to go back to public school, there is not an option for Christian School for high school in our area and we are not going to be in the same school district with our new home, so they are going to make the choice as to if they go back to school and play sports or if they homeschool and don’t play sports.  They want to play sports in the school district they did this year and since we won’t be living in that one, they can’t play high school sports there is the homeschool.  It really is an unfortunate rule in MN, but whatever decision they make, God will be with them.

Some of our favorite activities this year were making noodles, sourdough recipes, preserving food even this winter, caring for our animals and some great self sufficient skills and lessons from running your own business.

It really amazes me how much kids rub off on each other and how pleasant they are when they aren’t having to compete with others and can just be themselves.  We are grateful to be surrounded by so many with similar values which is so encouraging when the world is getting so dark!  Continue to be the light and press on with keeping God in the center of your life and teaching your kids to do the same.  As we are getting closer to end  times, it is even more important that these kids have a solid spiritual foundation so they can help blesss others and discipleship them as well!

 

Keep Shining Bright Friend! 

5 Simple Strategies to Manage Your Workload When You Feel Overwhelmed With all the Tasks That Need to be Done as a Busy Mom Trying to Simplify Life

Hello!

Feeling overwhelmed by the tasks you need to complete is a common experience especially as a beginning homesteader and busy mom, but there are several strategies you can use to manage these feelings and stay on top of your work:

1. Prioritize tasks: Start by making a list of all the tasks you need to complete. Then, prioritize them based on urgency and importance. This will help you focus on the most critical tasks first and avoid feeling like you need to do everything at once.
2. Break tasks down: If a task feels too big or complex, break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will help you feel like you're making progress and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each smaller task.
3. Set realistic goals: Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given amount of time. Don't set yourself up for failure by trying to do too much too quickly. I honestly try to fit too many things into a day sometimes and it gets frustrating, so I have been working on being more realistic with my goals because I am not superwoman and neither are you….even though we feel like it sometimes!!!!!
4. Take breaks: It's important to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refresh your mind. This can help you avoid burnout and stay focused on your tasks.
5. Get organized: Use tools like calendars, planners, and to-do lists to help you stay organized and on track. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by keeping everything in one place and breaking down your work into smaller, more manageable pieces. I know I have mentioned this before, but I used to buy a calendar every year, but I am a visual person, so for me it it the weekly calendar on the fridge for the whole family with what is happening and meals and then my phone alerts on the calendar is what  I do best with because I would use the paper planners at the beginning of the year, but didn’t follow through all year, so they just didn’t work for me~plus I didn’t have them with me all the time like I do with my phone if I need to add an appointment or activity.

 

Remember, feeling overwhelmed is normal, but there are things you can do to manage those feelings and stay on top of your work. With these strategies, you can approach your tasks with a clear mind and a sense of control.

 

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Blessings!

Monica

Is Convenience Better? What I Learned the Last Few Weeks About Saving Money, Buying Quick Convenient Foods and The Difference Between Eating Real Foods and How it Makes You Feel

Hello Friend

There have been many lessons already learned in these first few weeks of living in the fishhouse and I am sure looking forward to getting settled even though we will have so much to do to get everything ready for the animals at our new home!  I’m looking forward to it and even though it is alot of work, it is work we really enjoy! Making our homestead to fit our needs and designing it all can be overwhelming at times and I’m sure we will end up changing some of it eventually, but we want to make it as convenient for winter for us and the animals as possible!

One of my biggest takeaways from this whole move is that food affects your whole body and well being.  We don’t have much storage right now for fresh produce and I haven’t been making sourdough items and cooking from scratch much at all  and boy does it make a difference in digestion, sleep, and energy.  Just even in these short few weeks, we can feel the difference.  My teenagers even made a comment about how they feel when eating more pasta, bread from the store and convenient foods like bagels,waffles, chips crackers and pizza that we didn’t make from scratch.  We have not been sleeping as well and it is amazing how in this short time, we are feeling more joint pain and bloating.  I’m a big believer in food being our medicine in so many ways, but even more so after this experience.  

Another take away is that our grocery bill has more than doubled, so if you want to save money and have less food expenses, I really suggest you learn how to make at least a few meals from scratch each week!  It will make such a huge difference in your grocery budget.  Remember, I don’t do anything complicated and I cook very simple meals, but it will help your health and your budget if you start now!  Are you interested in learning how to make meals from scratch?  If I get enough people that want to learn, I will put some meals together and do some videos to walk you step by step so you can see how easy it truely is!!  I want you to save money on food because there are so many other things you can do with your money not to mention how many health benefits there are to eating real homegrown food.

 

I just want you to be aware of what you are putting in your body and take note of how it is making you feel because it really does affect your well being in so many ways.

 

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Have a great day!

Monica

 

5 Tips to Culinary Uses, Growing Conditions, and Health Benefits of Rhubarb that Beginner Homesteaders Should Know

As our rhubarb is getting ready to harvest-well, my neighbor’s rhubarb is ready to harvest and she is going to let us have as much as we want because they still have a bunch from last year and my parents have 1 plant at their house and I was going to split their plant and plant at my new house, but I did see they have a plant as well-thank goodness!!  Rhubarb is really hard to kill and very easy to split and transplant if you ever find someone that will share with you.  It does take a few years for it to grow into a large plant and it does like rich black soil.  We usually fertilize it with either chicken poop or cow poop in the fall.  I  don’t know about you, but I love me some rhubarb crisp, so I thought I would give you some tips today about rhubarb!!  If you have not tried it, you are really missing out!

 

Rhubarb is a unique and versatile plant that is often used in culinary preparations due to its distinctive tart flavor. Despite its frequent use in desserts, rhubarb is actually a vegetable rather than a fruit. Its long, thick stalks range in color from pale green to vibrant red, with the redder varieties generally being sweeter and more flavorful. Rhubarb leaves, on the other hand, are toxic and should never be consumed.

Rhubarb is native to Asia, specifically China, where it has been cultivated for medicinal purposes for centuries. Today, it is grown in various regions around the world, including North America and Europe. It is a cold-season perennial plant that thrives in cooler climates, as it requires a period of dormancy during winter to grow successfully. Rhubarb plants typically grow in large clumps and can reach heights of up to three feet, with each stalk being harvested individually.

One of the most popular uses for rhubarb is in baking, particularly in pies, tarts, and crumbles. Its tartness adds a unique and refreshing contrast to the sweetness of other ingredients, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Rhubarb can also be cooked down into sauces and jams or used to make delicious beverages such as rhubarb lemonade or infused spirits. Additionally, rhubarb can be enjoyed in savory dishes, often paired with meats to provide a tangy element to complement the richness of the proteins. Its versatility and distinct taste make it a beloved ingredient in both sweet and savory culinary creations.

 

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

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Happy Harvesting!

Monica

Is Your Life Feeling Chaotic and Out of Control? 3 Ways to Change That Feeling of Overwhelmed to Organized and Peaceful

Here are 3 ways to change the feeling of overwhelmed to organized or peaceful.

I believe if you know the main things that are happening within your week, you will have more peace and feel more organized.  Take a look at your week on Friday or Sunday for the following week so you are prepared for the upcoming events.  Write down anything you may need and if you can, have this written down where the whole family can see it.  It will make it smoother for the whole family.  

Next, as you know I believe in having less stuff because it is easier to manage, but also having a place for everything.

Do you have areas of your home that are like that all the time?  What is one area you can work on right now to help you have more peace and less overwhelm so you don’t have to feeled as stressed out as you are right now. Simplify your even one area of you home and you will feel completely different!

And last, make sure are taking time for yourself.  Im talking about going for a walk or getting outside for some fresh air every day at least for 30 minutes.  I have not been able to get out and work on the yard and the garden and I can really tell the difference.  God made this beautiful earth and all of our surroundings for us to enjoy, so go outside without your phone or a podcast and just thank Him for all He is and everything He has given you.  This practice of being thankful along with getting outside could really change your mindset and help you have a more positive attitude, so head outdoors right now if you can.  If you have kids, make sure they are getting outside each day as well.  

 

I want you to put at least one of these 3 things into practice right now and watch your life go from chaotic and overwhelmed as a busy mom to having less stress and more peace!

 

Thanks for listening!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Blessings!

Monica

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!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

 

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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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!