![Claiming Simplicity | Natural Living, Simplify Life, Cooking from Scratch, Homestead, Gardening](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tuiefv/podcast-cover-monica-baker.png)
![Claiming Simplicity | Natural Living, Simplify Life, Cooking from Scratch, Homestead, Gardening](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz.jpg)
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***TOP 1.5 % Podcast*** Are you a busy wife and mom who wants more time for what matters most, but you have no idea where to start simplifying your life? Do you wish you could nourish your family with healthy homemade food but are too overwhelmed and end up going through the drive thru......again? Are you concerned about the toxins in your home and food but don’t know how to find simple, natural options to support your family’s health? I am so excited you are here! This podcast will teach you how to live a simpler life, make your own natural products, simple ways to garden, cook from scratch, and preserve your food to save money and reduce the items you have to buy at the store to become more self-reliant. Hey, I’m Monica, I’m a wife, mom of 5 kids, grandma, nurse and daughter of the King! I was overwhelmed with my full schedule and knew I wanted to create more time for my family by simplifying my life. I started small by swapping toxic products for more natural ones, cooking simple healthy meals from scratch, and creating modern homesteading systems without the stress and overwhelm! And I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you! So grab that cup of tea, get cozy on the porch swing…..and let’s chat! 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/
Episodes
![EP 170 // 5 Simple Growth Mindset Tips to Help You Go From Scarcity Mode to Thriving with a Stress Free Simpler Life](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
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.
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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 can
- Join 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 us
- And 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!
MonicaWebsite and Waitlist:
Simple Homesteading for Christians->
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
![EP 169 // 5 Simple Habits to Nourish Your Body Every Day with Nutrient Dense Foods](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
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.
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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
MonicaWebsite and Waitlist:
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/
![EP 168 // Simple Laundry Detergent Made in Minutes and How to Make Your Own Washing Soda and Many Uses for it](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
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:
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/
![EP 167 // Simple Strategy to Beat Food Inflation and Eat More Fresh Produce by Starting a Garden to Save Money and Enjoy Easy Healthier Meals Even with Limited Time as a Busy Mom](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
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:
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/
![EP 166 // Why are You Scared to Declutter and Simplify Your Life?](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
EP 166 // Why are You Scared to Declutter and Simplify Your Life?
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
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:
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/
![EP 165 //Simple Raising Chicks and Chicken Care Basics for Your New Homestead or for Your Backyard Chicken Coop](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
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:
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/
![EP 164 // Are You Loving The Life You Have Created and What Can Make it Better When You are Hustling Every Day to Get Everything Done](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
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:
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/
![EP 163 // Cooking From Scratch with Whole Foods and Nutrient Dense Foods Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated! Keep Cooking Simple](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
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:
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/
![EP 162 // Stress Free Steps to Transform Your Kitchen With Simple DIY Non Toxic Cleaning Recipes to Remove Toxins fromYour Home and Live More Naturally](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
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:
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/
![EP 161 // Preparing for a New Homestead Without Land and Learning Sufficiency Skills While You Wait](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/12672677/PODCAST-Cover-Monica-Baker-NEW-Tagline_jurrbz_300x300.jpg)
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
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:
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/