🥇 The Cornstarch Hack Homesteaders Don’t Talk About + The Easiest Home Reset Ever

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Cornstarch — The Ultimate Homestead Multitasker 😉

4. Personal Development: The Art of Home Organization 🏡

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Take Control of Your Home, Health, and Future: Your Step-by-Step Homesteading Journey Awaits

Remember standing in the grocery aisle, trying to decode labels full of words you can’t pronounce? Or wishing you could provide healthier meals for your family without spending hours in the kitchen (or breaking the bank)?

I’ve been there.

Hi, I’m Lexi. Growing up on a farm taught me hard lessons about resilience, but when I moved to the city, I lost touch with that life. It wasn’t until I faced skyrocketing food costs, questionable ingredients, and a longing for simplicity that I found my way back to homesteading.

But let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. Between endless Google searches and trial-and-error disasters (yes, I exploded a jar during my first attempt at canning), I craved guidance. That’s why I created The Homestead Movement! To save you from the frustration I felt and make self-sufficiency achievable for anyone.

What’s Waiting for You:

• Real Solutions for Real Life: Monthly challenges tailored to busy schedules and tight budgets.

• Step-by-Step Learning: From canning and freezing to growing your own food, learn it all with clear, actionable guidance.

• A Supportive Community: You don’t have to do this alone. Join others who are walking the same path.

January Challenge: Pantry Staples on a Budget

This month, transform everyday ingredients into meals that nourish without draining your wallet.

What Our Members Are Saying:

"Spending just an hour a week gave me the confidence to start canning for the first time!" — Michelle E., Mom of Two

Join the Movement

Let’s take the guesswork out of homesteading and build the life you’ve been dreaming of (without the overwhelm).

BONUS: Sign up now for lifetime access, a 350+ page Homestead Planner, and our exclusive recipe and DIY guides.

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST THURSDAY

What’s your favorite pollinator-friendly plant?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Lavender

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Sunflowers

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Wildflowers/native plants

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (feel free to share it!)

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

Cornstarch: The Ultimate Homestead Multitasker 😉

Are you aware that cornstarch has a lot more tricks up its sleeve? Sure, it’s a pro at thickening gravy, but did you know it’s also a grease-fighting, knot-loosening, sunburn-soothing rockstar? Yep, this kitchen staple is a real multitasking hero, and it’s ready to claim the title of your new household MVP.

Cornstarch in the Kitchen

Let’s give credit where it’s due: cornstarch is a kitchen legend. But it’s not just for thickening soups and sauces.

• Perfect Pies: Add cornstarch to fruit pie fillings to get that glossy, no-leak finish.

• Crispy Coating: Toss chicken or veggies in cornstarch before frying for that golden crunch we all love.

• Sticky Situations: Whisk it into stir-fry sauces to get that restaurant-style glaze.

And if you’re out of cornstarch? Arrowroot or potato starch can step in, but they won’t give you quite the same magic.

Laundry Hacks with Cornstarch

Who knew cornstarch could help save your favorite shirt or revive your ironed linens?

• Remove Grease Stains: Sprinkle cornstarch directly onto greasy spots. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up the oil, then brush it off before washing.

• Fix Scorch Marks: Burned a spot while ironing? Wet the area, sprinkle cornstarch over it, and let it dry. Brush it away to see the magic.

• DIY Starch Spray: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with warm water in a spray bottle. Shake it up, spritz on clothes, and iron for crisp, wrinkle-free fabrics.

Cornstarch’s Surprising Household Uses

• Freshen Carpets: Sprinkle a light layer on your carpets, let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum. It soaks up odors and leaves them smelling fresh.

• DIY Cleaner: Mix cornstarch and water into a paste for a gentle scrub on stovetops and appliances.

• Tackle Knots: Dust cornstarch on tangled necklaces or shoelaces to loosen them without a fight.

• Revive Upholstery: Make a paste with equal parts cornstarch and baking soda. Apply it to fabric, let it dry, and vacuum it off.

Cornstarch for Personal Care

Cornstarch even finds its way into your bathroom routine. Its natural, gentle properties make it perfect for DIY personal care.

• Dry Shampoo: Sprinkle cornstarch on your roots to soak up oil. Dark-haired? Mix in some cocoa powder to avoid the powdered wig look.

• Soothe Sunburns: Make a paste with water and cornstarch, then apply it to sunburned skin for relief.

• Stop Chafing: Dust cornstarch on areas prone to friction to prevent irritation.

Cornstarch for Kids (and Fun!)

Homesteading families know the value of keeping kids entertained with simple, hands-on projects. Cornstarch is perfect for that as well!

• DIY Finger Paints: Boil ¼ cup of cornstarch with 2 cups of water until thickened. Divide into cups, add food coloring, and let the fun begin.

• Oobleck Slime: Combine 2 parts cornstarch with 1 part water (add food coloring for extra fun). It’s a liquid when you hold it gently, but turns solid when you squeeze it. Science + fun = win!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Art of Home Organization 🏡

Between managing daily life and running a busy homestead, it’s easy for clutter to creep in. But here’s the thing: home organization doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little effort and a plan, you can create a space that works for you (not against you).

Step 1: Start with a Decluttering Session

• Go Room by Room: Tackle one area at a time. Trying to declutter the entire house in a day is a recipe for burnout. Start small—maybe a single drawer or a shelf.

• Use the “Three-Pile Method”: Sort items into “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash” piles. Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it might be time to let it go.

• Ask Yourself Key Questions: Do I use this? Do I love it? Would I buy it again? If the answer is no, it’s probably time to part ways.

Step 2: Organize by Category

Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is to organize your remaining items. Sorting by category is a game-changer for keeping things in order.

• Group Like Items Together: Whether it’s pantry staples, gardening tools, or craft supplies, keep similar items in the same place. For example, store all your baking ingredients on one shelf instead of scattering them across the kitchen.

• Label Everything: Use labels on bins, jars, or drawers to make it clear where things belong. A quick glance will tell you what’s inside and save you from rummaging through every cabinet.

• Contain the Chaos: Use baskets, bins, and containers to corral smaller items. Think mason jars for loose nails in the garage or a basket for socks that always seem to lose their match.

Step 3: Create Systems That Stick

Getting organized is one thing, but staying organized? That’s the real challenge. The secret is to create systems that work for your lifestyle.

• Daily Habits: Build small routines into your day to keep clutter at bay. For example, spend 10 minutes tidying up before bed or do a quick clean-up after meals.

• Use the “One In, One Out” Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one. This keeps clutter from creeping back in over time.

• Assign Homes for Everything: Make sure every item has a designated spot. It’s easier to put things away when you know exactly where they belong.

Homestead-Specific Organization Tips

Homesteaders deal with unique clutter challenges. Here are a few tips to keep your spaces functional:

• Tool Shed: Use a pegboard to hang tools you grab often. Store nails, screws, and small parts in clear containers so you can see what’s inside.

• Canning Corner: Dedicate one shelf to your jars, lids, and canning equipment. Stackable bins work wonders for keeping things tidy.

• Garden Station: Keep gloves, seeds, and trowels together in a basket by the door so you’re always ready to dig in.

Activity: Choose an Area and Get to Work

Pick one area in your home that’s driving you crazy. It could be the pantry, the closet, or that infamous junk drawer. Follow these steps:

1. Clear It Out: Take everything out of the space. Yes, everything. It’s easier to start with a blank slate.

2. Declutter: Sort through what you want to keep, donate, or toss. Be decisive!

3. Organize by Category: Group similar items together and store them in bins, baskets, or jars. Add labels so you can see what’s where.

4. Plan for Maintenance: Decide how often you’ll revisit this space. Maybe once a month or once a season—it’s your call.

The key is to start small and build momentum. Once you see the results, you’ll want to tackle another space!

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

How do homesteaders stay motivated in the dead of winter?

They take life one bale at a time.

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. Looks like we’re just as restless as these chickens when winter rolls around!

@thedustmanfamily

🐓Morning conversations with the lady’s 😂 They’ve got lots to say about this snow! It’s so funny how when we get snow they will not come ou... See more

2. Here's what it's really like having goats on the homestead:

@queenoaksfarm

These goats are something else. 🤣 Luckily they are cute and I love them 😅❤️ #funny #comedy #humor #goats #farm #farmlife #funnyfarm #sahw ... See more

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