✨ Freeze-Dried Foods Failing? Here’s the Fix! + Find Your Flow 🌿

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Mastering Freeze-Dried Food Storage ❣️

4. Personal Development: Do What You’re Good At 💚

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

How do you prepare your soil in the winter?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Add compost or mulch

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Plant cover crops

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Let it rest until spring

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I need to learn more about soil health

via @beehiiv polls

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

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Mastering Freeze-Dried Food Storage ❣️

Think about this: freeze-dried food keeps up to 97% of its nutrients. It stays fresh for YEARS. And it’s lightweight, making it perfect for everything from emergency prep to grab-and-go snacks. Oh, and can we talk about the convenience? For busy homesteaders, just add water, and dinner’s done—no hours in the kitchen.

Here’s the real wow factor: freeze drying removes almost all moisture, making your food safe from bacteria and spoilage. But (and this is a big BUT) only if you store it the right way.

The 4 Freeze-Dried Food Villains

To keep your food in its prime, you’ve got to protect it from these bad guys:

1. Oxygen: Exposure means nutrients fade and flavor goes downhill.

2. Moisture: Even a tiny amount can ruin the whole batch.

3. Light: It degrades the quality and causes oxidation.

4. Heat: High temps speed up the spoilage process. (Keep it cool: 50-70°F is your sweet spot.)

Top Storage Options You’ll Love

Here’s how to keep your freeze-dried food safe and sound:

Mylar Bags + Oxygen Absorbers

• Why they’re awesome: They block light, moisture, and oxygen—basically all the enemies.

• Pro Tip: Label each bag with the date and what’s inside (because nobody has time for mystery meals).

• Best for: Long-term storage and emergency prep.

Mason Jars

• Why they’re awesome: Reusable and perfect for shorter-term storage.

• Pro Tip: Use a vacuum sealer after every opening to keep air out. Store them in a dark, cool spot.

• Best for: Snacks and everyday staples like freeze-dried fruits.

Vacuum Seal Bags

• Why they’re awesome: Compact, airtight, and space-saving.

• Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality food-grade bags for durability.

• Best for: Meal prep and freezer recipes (6-12 months storage).

Before You Seal: 3 Must-Do Steps

1. Check for Dryness: If your food feels soft, spongy, or cool, it needs another freeze-dry cycle.

2. Start with Clean Containers: Make sure your jars, bags, or containers are spotless and dry.

3. Add Oxygen Absorbers: These are your secret weapon against spoilage—don’t skip them!

How to Seal Like a Boss

1. Food Saver Machines

• Pop an oxygen absorber in a Mason jar.

• Use the jar sealer attachment to lock it up tight.

• Best for: Everyday use when you want quick access.

2. Electric Vacuum Sealers

• Perfect for a portable, rechargeable option.

• Seal jars with just the press of a button.

• Best for: Fast resealing after opening.

3. Hand Pump Sealers

• No power? No problem! This manual option has you covered.

• Best for: Power outages or emergency backups.

How to Spot Food Gone Bad

Even the best storage methods can’t guarantee perfection forever. Here’s what to watch for:

• Texture: Freeze-dried food should be crisp. Spongy? Toss it.

• Smell: Anything funky? Bye-bye.

• Appearance: Mold or discoloration is your cue to let it go.

• Taste: When in doubt, trust your taste buds.

Pro Tip: Always err on the side of caution. If something seems wrong, it’s better to discard it.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Do What You’re Good At 💚

Have you ever noticed how much easier and more fun life feels when you’re doing something you’re naturally good at? Whether it’s organizing your garden, fixing broken tools, or whipping up the fluffiest biscuits in town, leaning into your strengths can make even the toughest challenges feel manageable.

Why Focus on Strengths?

We often spend too much time worrying about what we can’t do. Sound familiar? But here’s the truth: the fastest way to grow and succeed is to lean into what you’re already good at. Here’s why it works:

• Builds Confidence: Working in your zone of genius gives you small wins that remind you, “Hey, I can do this.”

• Saves Time: Why reinvent the wheel? When you use your natural skills, you get things done more efficiently.

• Makes Challenges Feel Smaller: Tackling tasks that match your strengths helps you take on bigger challenges with less stress.

Step One: Identify Your Strengths

If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle to see what we’re good at because it feels so second nature. Here are some simple ways to figure it out:

• Ask Yourself: What tasks make you lose track of time? What do people often thank you for or ask for help with?

• Get Feedback: Ask friends or family what they think you’re naturally good at. Sometimes others see what we don’t!

• Try a Strengths Assessment: Tools like the CliftonStrengths test or the VIA Character Strengths survey can highlight your natural talents.

• Reflect on Wins: Think about a time when you solved a problem or accomplished something you’re proud of. What skill or strength did you use?

Step Two: Leverage Your Strengths in Real Life

Once you’ve identified your strengths, the next step is figuring out how to use them to your advantage. Here are a few ideas tailored to homesteaders:

• Creative Thinkers: Love brainstorming new ideas? Use your creativity to design a more efficient garden layout or find new ways to upcycle materials around the homestead.

• Handy Fixers: If you’re great with tools, take on repair projects like fixing the chicken coop or building a compost bin.

• Organizers: Put your planning skills to work by creating a detailed crop rotation schedule or streamlining your pantry organization.

• Caregivers: If nurturing comes naturally to you, focus on raising healthy animals or cultivating a thriving herb garden.

Overcoming Challenges with Strengths

Let’s face it: even when you know your strengths, challenges will still pop up. The good news? You can apply your talents to tackle obstacles. For example:

Strength: Problem-Solving

• Challenge: A sudden pest problem in the garden.

• Solution: Research natural pest control methods and experiment with companion planting.

Strength: Communication

• Challenge: Struggling to get neighbors or family members on board with homestead projects.

• Solution: Use clear, respectful communication to explain the benefits and rally support.

Strength: Patience

• Challenge: Feeling overwhelmed by slow progress (like waiting for your first harvest).

• Solution: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way.

Activity: Your Strengths Inventory

Ready to put this into action? Grab a notebook or print out this quick exercise:

1. List 5 Strengths: Write down five things you’re naturally good at. If you’re stuck, use the tips from earlier to brainstorm.

2. Match Strengths to Goals: Think about one homesteading or personal goal you’re working on. How can your strengths help you achieve it?

3. Plan One Step: Pick one strength and decide how to use it this week. For example:

   • Strength: Creativity

   • Goal: Make my garden more productive.

   • Action: Research and sketch out a vertical garden design.

After completing the activity, take a moment to reflect. Did you feel more confident or clear about your goals? Did leaning into your strengths make the process feel easier?

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

What’s a homesteader’s January mantra?

"Snow now, grow later!"

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. This one's more adorable than hilarious. Just baby goats having the time of their lives playing in the snow! 🐐❄️

@arhoward26

They are starting to act like all the baby goat videos I’ve ever seen 😂 #farm #farmlife #homestead #homesteadlife #farmtok #country #coun... See more

2. If a cow stops giving milk, do we call it an udder failure? 🐄

@keembry

Ohhh udder failure, that’s a good one….. #cowjokes #dadjokes #baddadjokes #cowsoftiktok #farmlife #homesteadinglife

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