A Cold War Food Hack for Your Modern Homestead + Budget-Friendly Homesteading + Permaculture Principles Explained

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Homestead on a Budget: Easy Ways to Get Started Without Breaking the Bank 😉

4. Personal Development: Permaculture Principles and Finding Personal Balance ⚖️

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by all the advice out there about saving money on food?

I did. I’d scroll through endless blogs and recipes, wondering where to even begin. Meal plans, grocery hacks, and "budget-friendly" tips—they all seemed great in theory, but I was drowning in options. I wanted something simple. Something practical. Something I could actually stick with.

Then, I stumbled across something that changed everything: a superfood recipe that costs pennies per serving and doesn’t even need refrigeration. It blew my mind. This wasn’t just another “hack.” It was a method developed by military experts during the Cold War to keep families nourished through the toughest times. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make with what’s already in your pantry.

That’s when I discovered The Lost Superfood of the Cold War. It’s like having a shortcut to healthy, budget-friendly meals that take the guesswork out of eating well—no fluff, just practical steps.

Inside, I found:

• Simple, no-nonsense recipes that are easy to follow (even when life’s chaotic).

• The fascinating backstory of how these foods kept people going during the most uncertain times.

If you’re tired of being overwhelmed and want something that works, this book might just be your new favorite kitchen resource.

Grab your copy of The Lost Superfood of the Cold War today—and finally, feel in control of your kitchen (and your budget).

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

Do you believe that the rise of “New Year, New You” resolutions is marketed to make people spend more on health products and fitness memberships rather than embracing gradual, sustainable changes?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Yes, it’s all about selling quick-fix health solutions.

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Maybe, but people are naturally motivated at the start of the year.

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I’m not sure, but it does seem to drive up seasonal spending.

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ No, New Year’s resolutions are just about self-improvement.

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Homestead on a Budget: Easy Ways to Get Started Without Breaking the Bank 😉

Homesteading doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There’s a common myth that you need loads of money to begin, but that's far from true. Today, we’re discussing practical, budget-friendly tips for getting your homestead up and running without emptying your wallet.

Start Small and Focus on Priorities

It’s easy to get excited and want to do everything at once, but starting small is key to saving time and money. Pick one or two simple projects, like growing a small garden or raising a few chickens. Setting clear goals based on your space, time, and budget will help you stay on track without getting overwhelmed.

Pro Tip: Use free online tools or just sketch out your space on paper to plan what you’ll need and where to put everything.

Find Free or Low-Cost Materials

You don’t have to buy everything brand new. Check out places like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle for secondhand tools, building materials, or even plants. You’ll be surprised at what you can find for free! Thrift stores and garage sales are also great for finding cheap gardening tools, fencing materials, or kitchen gear for food preservation.

Got friendly neighbors? Bartering is another smart way to exchange goods or services with other homesteaders. Maybe you can trade eggs for fresh veggies or offer help in exchange for materials.

Budget-Friendly Homesteading Projects

• Gardening: You can start a garden even in small spaces with container or raised bed gardening. Repurpose old buckets, crates, or even tires as planters. Save seeds from your crops or join a local seed swap to reduce costs. Composting is another easy way to turn kitchen scraps into free, nutrient-rich soil.

• Raising Chickens: Chickens are a great starter project for any homestead. You can build a low-cost chicken coop using recycled materials like pallets. Plus, chickens are happy to eat kitchen scraps, cutting down on feed costs.

• DIY Projects: Build your own compost bin, raised garden beds, or even a rainwater catchment system using inexpensive or reclaimed materials. These DIY projects not only save you money but are simple enough that you don’t need to hire a professional.

Storing and Preserving Food

Preserving your harvest is a great way to save money on groceries throughout the year. Freezing, dehydrating, or canning fruits and veggies lets you enjoy your hard work long after the growing season ends. If you’re just starting out, try freezing or drying herbs—they’re easy and quick!

Pro Tip: Look for secondhand canning jars, lids, and even dehydrators to save on preservation supplies.

Long-Term Savings on the Homestead

Homesteading is all about setting up long-term solutions that save you money in the future. Focus on building healthy soil with compost, cover crops, and mulch to cut down on expensive fertilizers. Simple energy-saving projects like installing solar lights or using energy-efficient appliances can also help reduce costs over time.

Get Creative with Recycling: Repurpose old items around your home. Turn unused containers into planters or make garden markers from leftover wood or fabric scraps.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Permaculture Principles and Finding Personal Balance ⚖️

As we get close to wrapping up the year, it’s a great time to think about how we can bring more balance and harmony into our lives. This section is all about using permaculture principles—not just for gardening or farming, but for finding a more grounded, peaceful way of living.

What is Permaculture?

In a nutshell, permaculture is a way of working with nature, not against it. Originally, it’s a design approach for creating gardens and landscapes that can pretty much sustain themselves. But these principles don’t have to stay in the garden—they can apply to our lives, too. Just like we can design a garden to thrive with minimal stress, we can design routines and habits that make us feel grounded and energized.

How Permaculture Principles Can Bring Balance into Your Life

1. Observe and Interact: In permaculture, the first step is observing. In our lives, this could mean taking a closer look at how we feel throughout the day. Are there times when we feel especially energized? Moments when we’re drained? Observing ourselves can be the first step in understanding what’s working for us and what might need a little shift.

2. Catch and Store Energy: In a garden, this principle means collecting resources, like rainwater or sunlight, so they’re available when needed. For us, it’s about finding small ways to “store up” energy for busier times. A few moments of quiet in the morning, a stretch break, or even a simple cup of tea can be like energy deposits.

3. Obtain a Yield: This one’s all about making sure you get something out of the work you put in. In life, it could mean setting goals that truly give back to you. This might be learning a skill, setting aside time for a hobby, or just making space to relax.

4. Self-Regulate and Accept Feedback: In permaculture, self-regulation keeps things in balance. We can do the same by reflecting on our routines and being open to adjusting as needed. Taking a bit of time each week or month to check in with ourselves can be like hitting the “refresh” button. We notice what’s working, what’s not, and make tiny tweaks to keep moving forward in a way that feels manageable.

5. Use and Value Renewable Resources: This one is all about focusing on resources that can renew themselves naturally—like sunlight or rainwater. For us, it’s about choosing habits that can support us consistently without draining our energy.

Bringing These Principles Into Your Daily Life

• Observe Your Energy Patterns: Pay attention to your own rhythms. When do you feel most energized? When do you tend to feel a slump? Noticing these patterns helps you plan your day in a way that aligns with your natural energy flow.

• Set Meaningful Goals: Choose a few goals for the New Year that bring something positive into your life. These could be small things, like a morning ritual that grounds you, or bigger goals, like finding more time for friends and family.

• Catch Small Moments of Energy: Think of these as little “energy catches” throughout the day. A morning coffee, five minutes of stretching, or a quick walk can all help.

Bringing It All Together

Using these permaculture principles in your daily life can help you create routines and habits that support you in a natural, balanced way.

Think of this approach like tending to a garden—adding small elements, observing, adjusting, and letting things grow at a steady pace. And remember, even tiny adjustments can make a big difference over time. 🌱

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why was the Christmas tree so popular?

It was lit all season long!

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. When you're so competitive, even the rain can't beat you to watering your plants:

@ceymone

My dad is watering plants in the rain! #funnyvideo #funnydad #funnycomedy

2. Who knew? Goats can throw tantrums too! Check out this hilarious video for proof:

@vineygrovegoats

#onthisday this video is so funny to me still 😂😂 #goat #goats #goatfarm #asmr #farmasmr #farming #farm #feed #feeding #feedingroutine #mor... See more

ENGAGE WITH US

Got some amazing homesteading products? Let's team up and spread joy in our community!

Also, care to share any genius ideas for The Steady Home newsletter? Just hit reply and let's get talking!