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Why Buy? DIY Your Holiday Gifts + Avoid Burnout!
Oh, and what role does homesteading play in your daily life?
Cedie Omaña
September 12, 2024
In partnership with
What role does homesteading play in your daily life? |
In Today's Edition:
Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊
All Things Homestead: Crafting Homemade Holiday Gifts 🎁
Personal Development: How to Prevent Burnout 😫
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣
Dirty Appliances Aren’t Doing Their Job!
Everyone cleans their clothes and dishes regularly but when was the last time you actually made sure that the appliance responsible for doing the cleaning was clean itself?
Sad Fact: Dirty appliances don't clean well. You wouldn't bathe in a dirty bathtub so why are you washing your things in dirty machines?
Join the over 1 million happy customers who use ACTIVE's viral cleaning tablets and stop worry whether or not your appliances are actually cleaning like they're supposed to again!
Homestead Tip of the Day:
Garlic and some onion varieties are typically planted in the fall before the ground freezes. These crops will establish roots before winter and start growing early in the spring.
Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊
How did you first get into homesteading?
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Family tradition
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Inspired by books or documentaries
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Influenced by friends or community
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Environmental concerns
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Desire for a healthier lifestyle
via @beehiiv polls
Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉
All Things Homestead
Crafting Homemade Holiday Gifts 🎁
There’s something special about giving a homemade gift—it’s personal, thoughtful, and shows you care. Whether it’s a cozy knitted scarf, a jar of homemade jam, or a handmade candle, these gifts bring a warmth that store-bought items just can’t match.
Knitted Scarves and Warm Accessories
Why It’s a Great Gift: A handmade scarf or hat isn’t just warm—it’s a cozy, personal gift that shows you put in the time and effort.
How to Get Started: If you’re new to knitting, start with a simple scarf. Choose soft, warm yarn in your favorite colors and follow a basic pattern. Once you get comfortable, try making hats, mittens, or even a blanket. These gifts are perfect for anyone on your list and will be a big hit during the cold winter months.
Homemade Candles
Why It’s a Thoughtful Gift: There’s something about the soft glow of a homemade candle that adds warmth to any room. Plus, you can customize the scent and color to make it extra special.
How to Make Them: You’ll need some basic supplies: wax, wicks, and molds. Add essential oils for fragrance and use natural dyes to color the wax. Pour the wax into mason jars or recycled containers for a charming, rustic look. These candles are practical, beautiful, and make a lovely holiday gift.
Preserved Food Items
Why It’s a Tasty Gift: If your garden was overflowing this year, share the bounty with homemade jams, jellies, pickles, or salsas. These tasty treats are a great way to bring a bit of your homestead to someone’s holiday table.
How to Package Them: Pack your preserves in pretty jars with homemade labels or a piece of fabric over the lid for a charming touch. You can also create a gift basket with a mix of your homemade goodies. These gifts are perfect for food lovers and anyone who appreciates a homemade touch.
Herbal Soaps and Bath Products
Why It’s a Pampering Gift: Homemade soaps, bath bombs, and lotions made with natural ingredients are a luxurious treat that you can customize to the recipient’s preferences.
How to Make Them: Use natural oils, herbs, and essential oils from your homestead to create soothing, fragrant bath products. Shape the soaps with molds or cut them into rustic bars. Package them in pretty boxes or wrap them in eco-friendly paper for a thoughtful, polished gift.
Handcrafted Wood Items
Why It’s a Lasting Gift: If you enjoy woodworking, consider making small items like cutting boards, coasters, or picture frames. These gifts are practical and durable, making them keepsakes that last.
How to Create Them: Use reclaimed wood or pieces from your homestead to craft simple yet beautiful items. Sand them down, add a finish, and personalize them with wood burning or carving. These handcrafted gifts bring a rustic charm to any home and are sure to be treasured.
Handwritten Recipes and Family Memories
Why It’s a Heartfelt Gift: Sometimes, the best gifts are those that connect us to our family roots. A handwritten recipe book or a scrapbook filled with family memories is a priceless gift, especially for younger generations.
How to Make It Special: Gather your favorite family recipes or stories and write them down in a beautiful journal or scrapbook. Add photos, notes, and little drawings to make it personal. This gift is perfect for family members and close friends who cherish tradition and the stories behind the food.
Personal Development
How to Prevent Burnout 😫
Burnout can sneak up on you, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and maybe even running a homestead. But the good news is, burnout isn’t something you have to accept. With some simple strategies, you can spot the signs early and take steps to prevent it.
Inspired by Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, let’s talk about how you can keep burnout at bay.
Spotting the Signs of Burnout
Emotional Exhaustion:
What to Look For: Feeling like you’ve got nothing left to give, even when facing small tasks. Everything feels overwhelming, and your patience wears thin.
Why It Matters: Catching this early gives you a chance to step back and recharge before things get worse.
Feeling Unproductive:
What to Look For: No matter how hard you try, you feel like you’re not getting anywhere. It’s like you’re stuck in a rut.
Why It Matters: Recognizing this helps you adjust your workload or goals and appreciate the small wins you’re making.
Detaching from Others:
What to Look For: Pulling away from people and activities you usually enjoy. You might start avoiding social interactions altogether.
Why It Matters: Isolation can worsen burnout. Reaching out to others can help you reconnect and feel supported.
Simple Ways to Prevent Burnout
Make Self-Care a Daily Routine:
Why It’s Important: Self-care isn’t just an occasional treat—it’s about meeting your basic needs, like sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
How to Do It: Get enough sleep, take regular breaks, and eat well. Taking care of your body is key to avoiding burnout.
Set Boundaries:
Why It’s Crucial: Without boundaries, it’s easy to overcommit and wear yourself out.
How to Do It: Learn to say “no” when you’re stretched too thin. Protect your time for rest and things that recharge you.
Unplug Regularly:
Why It Helps: Being constantly connected to work and social media can be draining. Taking time to unplug lets you recharge.
How to Do It: Set aside time each day to disconnect from your devices. Whether it’s reading, walking outside, or just relaxing, these unplugged moments help reduce stress.
Stay Connected with Others:
Why It’s Important: Talking with someone you trust can lighten your emotional load and provide much-needed support.
How to Do It: Make time for the people who lift you up. A quick chat or a meal with family can make a big difference.
So, prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and don’t be afraid to unplug. Your well-being is worth it! Stay tuned for more tips on living a balanced and fulfilling life.
The Steady Home’s Giggle Chamber
How do trees get ready for fall?
They leaf it all behind.
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
For 10% off, use this code: LEXI15
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!
When you go to the garden center for a 'quick stop' and end up with a whole cartload in no time:
@tedlaregardencenter Anybody else?😅 • • • • #gardencenter #plantsoftiktok #planttok #planthumor #gardenhumor #gardentok #funnyvideos #fyp ##gardengoals #garden... See more
When we skipped the midlife crisis and went straight to retirement hobbies:
@_caitlinchandler Officially in my ✨garden era✨ . I can not wait to see all of this grow🫶🏼 . My FAVE inexpensive raised beds..🔗ed in my amazon sf!! . #garde... See more
When you start with one plant and end up with a full-on jungle in your living room:
@plantcarewithme I have an addiction😅🪴 #planttok #planthumor #planttiktok #houseplants #plants #indoorjungle #plantparent #plantaddict #plantaddiction #plantobsessed
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