Shhh... The DIY Soap Recipe Everyone's Talking About (Without the Messy Lye)!

In Today's Edition:

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday! 📊

3. Personal Development: The Power of Habits 📌

4. A Steady Family: The Benefits of Humor in Family Life 😄

5. DIY With The Steady Home: Make Soap Without Using Lye 🧼

Poll Results From Last Sunday! 📊

What type of garden bed do you prefer? 👀

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Raised beds (31)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ In-ground beds (11)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Container gardening (5)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Vertical gardening (1)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Others (Feel free to specify.) (0)

48 Votes

via @beehiiv polls

Get pumped for some awesome polls in our upcoming newsletters! We're counting on your input to spice things up and keep our creative juices flowing! 😄 Let's make it a blast!

Personal Development

The Power of Habits 📌

Habits are actions we do often, sometimes without even thinking. They can help us live better lives or make things harder. That’s why knowing how habits work and learning to create good ones can make a big difference.

The Science Behind Habits

Habits have three parts: the cue, the routine, and the reward. The cue is what triggers the habit, the routine is the habit itself, and the reward is what you get from doing the habit. Knowing this can help us start new habits or change old ones.

Tips for Creating Positive Habits:

1. Start Small: Begin with tiny changes. If you want to start exercising, try a 10-minute walk each day instead of an hour-long workout.

2. Be Consistent: Do the new habit at the same time each day. This makes it a regular part of your day.

3. Use Reminders: Set reminders to help you remember your new habit. This could be an alarm on your phone or a note on your mirror.

4. Pair with Existing Habits: Connect your new habit with something you already do. For example, if you want to start reading, do it right after dinner.

5. Track Your Progress: Keep track of your progress. Use a habit tracker or a journal to record each time you do your habit.

6. Reward Yourself: Give yourself a small reward when you complete your habit. This could be a treat or some free time.

7. Stay Positive: Focus on the good parts of your new habit. Think about the benefits to stay motivated.

Notes For Keeping Positive Habits

• Review and Adjust: Check your habits to see what works and what doesn’t. Change your routine if needed.

• Stay Accountable: Tell a friend or family member about your goal. They can help keep you on track.

• Be Patient: Habits take time to form. Don’t worry if you don’t see results right away. Keep trying, and it will eventually get easier.

• Avoid Temptations: Remove things that might make it hard to stick to your habit. If you’re trying to eat healthier, keep junk food out of the house.

From The Steady Home Gang

Spread the Steady Love 💚

Got a pal who's basically BFFs with their plants? 🌱 Time to invite them to join The Steady Home crew!

We're all about swapping stories, seeds, and turning our gardens into the envy of the neighborhood! Get ready for daily high-fives from Mother Nature herself! 🏡✨

A Steady Family

The Benefits of Humor in Family Life 😄

Laughter is the best medicine, especially for families! When families laugh together, they feel closer and happier. Let's discuss why laughter is so important and how you can add more humor to your family life.

Why Laughter Really Matters

• Reduces Stress

  Laughter makes us feel good by releasing happy chemicals in our brains. It helps us forget our worries and feel less stressed. Sharing a laugh with family can make everyone feel better.

• Strengthens Bonds

  When we laugh together, we feel more connected. Laughing with family members makes us feel closer and builds strong relationships.

• Improves Communication

  Humor can make talking easier. It helps us open up and discuss tough topics. A good joke can lighten the mood and make conversations more comfortable.

• Boosts Mental Health

  Laughing regularly can help fight sadness and anxiety. It improves our mood and makes us feel more positive about ourselves and our family.

Tips for Adding Humor to Family Life

• Watch Comedies Together

  Plan family movie nights with funny movies or TV shows. It's a fun way to relax and laugh together.

• Play Humorous Games

  Play games like charades, Pictionary, or even a family talent show. These activities encourage everyone to have fun and be silly.

• Share Funny Stories

  Ask each family member to share a funny story from their day or from the past. Make this a nightly tradition that everyone looks forward to.

• Be Silly

  Don't be afraid to act goofy around your family. Funny faces, silly dances, and playful teasing can create a joyful atmosphere.

• Use Humor to Solve Problems:

  When conflicts arise, try using humor to ease the tension. A light-hearted comment can change the mood and make it easier to find a solution.

Limitations of Humor

• Avoid Hurtful Jokes

  Make sure jokes don't hurt anyone's feelings. Stay away from jokes about someone's appearance, abilities, or sensitive topics.

• Know When to Be Serious

  Sometimes, situations need a serious approach. Recognize when it's not the right time for jokes, like during serious conversations or stressful moments.

• Respect Personal Space

  Everyone has a different sense of humor. Respect each family member's boundaries and preferences.

• Don't Use Humor to Avoid Issues

  Humor can lighten the mood, but it shouldn't be used to avoid dealing with important issues. Address problems directly when needed.

The Steady Home’s Giggle Chamber

What did the mama cow say to the baby cow?

It’s pasture bedtime. 🥱

DIY With The Steady Home

Make Soap Without Using Lye 🧼

Project Overview: Creating your own soap is fun, easy, and a great way to get creative with your family. Plus, you won't need to handle any dangerous chemicals like lye. Here's how you can make your own soap at home using simple, safe ingredients.

What You'll Need:

• Soap base (like glycerin or shea butter)

• Essential oils (lavender, peppermint, etc.)

• Natural colorants (like turmeric or cocoa powder)

• Soap molds

• Microwave-safe bowl

• Stirring spoon

• Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol

Steps to Make Your Soap:

1. Prep Your Soap Base: Cut your soap base into small chunks and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the soap base in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s completely melted.

2. Add the Fun Stuff: Once your soap base is melted, it’s time to get creative. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for fragrance. For example, you might add lavender oil for a relaxing scent or peppermint oil for a refreshing zing.

3. Color It Up: If you want to add some color to your soap, mix in natural colorants. You can use a pinch of turmeric for a warm, yellow hue or a bit of cocoa powder for a rich, brown color. Stir well to make sure the color is spread out.

4. Pour and Set: Pour the mixture into your soap molds. To get rid of any bubbles on the surface, lightly spray the top with rubbing alcohol. Let the soap cool and harden in the molds for several hours, or overnight if possible.

5. Pop It Out: Once the soap is fully set, gently pop it out of the molds. If it’s being stubborn, you can put the mold in the freezer for a few minutes to help it release more easily.

Fun Tips for Family Soap Day:

1. Experiment with Layers: Try pouring one color, letting it set for a bit, and then pouring another color on top to create layered soap bars. This adds a fun, artistic touch to your soap.

2. Add Extras: Mix in some dried herbs or flower petals for added texture and beauty. For example, dried lavender buds or rose petals can make your soap look and smell wonderful.

3. Label Your Creations: Once the soap is done, have the kids help make labels for the bars. This is especially great if you’re planning to give them as gifts. Homemade soap with personalized labels makes a thoughtful and unique present.

Let’s Keep It Reel!

Ready for a good laugh? Dive into these hilarious farm videos I've gathered just for you!

1. With a flock of sheep by your side, you're safe from harm:

@bright222

No flocks given 🐑🐑🐑#farmtok #farming #sheeparmy #sheep

2. Here's what your bank account thinks when you're back at the plant store:

@gardenary

Gonto my bio if you can't stop buying plants and don't know where to plant them 😅 Look, I always say that you can't have too many plants (... See more

3. Gardening = stress relief, laundry = stress inducer:

@_caitlinchandler

My kinda people honestly…how y’all doing out there?😂🤪🫶🏼 . #gardening #gardenproject #gardentok #gardenhumor #homesteading #homesteadtok #h... See more

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