Transform Pantry Basics into a Festive Feast 🎅 + The Art of Letting Go 🌟

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Cooking from Your Pantry – A Christmas Feast Made Simple 🥳

4. Personal Development: The Art of Letting Go – Make Space for Joy This Holiday Season 👋

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY

How much land do you think is enough to start building self-sufficiency?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Less than a quarter acre—it’s all about smart planning

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ A quarter to half an acre, with good organization

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Half to a full acre for a solid start on food production

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ More than an acre for full-scale self-sufficiency

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Any amount—you can grow something anywhere!

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

Cooking from Your Pantry: A Christmas Feast Made Simple 🥳

With the holiday season in full swing, let’s talk about how to create a festive Christmas meal straight from your pantry. Forget last-minute grocery runs or stressing over complicated recipes. Instead, we’ll lean into the simplicity and resourcefulness of pantry staples, preserved foods, and even a few foraged finds.

Why Pantry Cooking is Perfect for Christmas

Cooking from your pantry has some real perks, especially during the holidays:

• No Last-Minute Grocery Runs: No fighting crowds for that last can of cranberry sauce!

• Save Money: Skip overpriced holiday foods and use what’s already in your kitchen.

• Reduce Waste: Put those jars of canned veggies, dried beans, and forgotten grains to good use.

• Feel Accomplished: There’s nothing more satisfying than serving a meal made mostly from what you’ve preserved or stored yourself.

How to Build a Pantry-Based Christmas Feast

Here’s how to turn what you have into a cozy, festive spread.

Main Dishes

• Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:
  Combine canned chicken, dried wild rice, dehydrated mushrooms, and a can of cream of mushroom soup. Toss it all together, bake, and enjoy!
  No chicken? No problem! Use canned tuna or even white beans for a vegetarian twist.

• Winter Vegetable Stew:
  Got some root veggies like carrots or potatoes stashed away? Add them to a pot with canned tomatoes, dried herbs, and broth. Let it simmer until it’s hearty and perfect for dipping bread.

Sides

• Rustic Cornbread:
  Use cornmeal, powdered milk, and a couple of eggs to bake up a golden skillet of cornbread. It’s a warm, comforting side that pairs with just about anything.

• Pickled Beet Salad:
  Toss canned pickled beets with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of dried herbs, and, if you’ve got it, a little feta. Simple, tangy, and fancy-looking without much effort.

Desserts

• Spiced Apple Crisp:
  Use canned apples or applesauce, mix with oats, cinnamon, and sugar, and bake until bubbly and golden.
  Out of apples? Try canned peaches or pears instead—it’s just as festive.

Pantry Staples to Keep in Mind

Some pantry MVPs you’ll want to have on hand for holiday cooking:

• Grains: Rice, pasta, oats—great bases for all kinds of dishes.

• Proteins: Canned chicken, lentils, beans—super versatile and filling.

• Preserved Veggies: Canned tomatoes, pickled veggies, or jarred sauces.

• Dairy Substitutes: Powdered milk, canned cream, or shelf-stable butter work wonders.

• Flavor Boosters: Dried herbs, spices, vinegars, and a splash of whatever cooking oil you have.

Cooking Ideas to Get You Inspired

If I were cooking with you, here’s what we’d make together:

Creamy Vegetable Soup with Croutons

• What You’ll Need:
  Canned vegetable stock, preserved veggies like carrots or celery, a little cream (or powdered milk), and stale bread for croutons.

• Steps:
  Sauté the veggies, add stock and a splash of cream, and season it up. For the croutons, cube that stale bread, toss it with olive oil and herbs, then toast until crispy. Easy, warm, and satisfying.

Holiday Fruitcake Muffins

• What You’ll Need:
  Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, dates), pantry basics like flour, sugar, and baking powder, and a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

• Steps:
  Soak the dried fruits in warm juice or water. Mix your wet and dry ingredients, fold in the fruit, and bake in muffin tins. They’re festive, perfectly portioned, and great for sharing.

Your Pantry Feast Game Plan

Here’s how to plan your Christmas menu step by step:

1. Pick a Main Dish: Casserole, soup, or stew are all great options.

2. Choose a Side or Two: Cornbread, salad, or roasted veggies.

3. Add Dessert: A crisp, cobbler, or simple cookies will end the meal on a sweet note.

4. Take Stock of Your Pantry: Use what you have and get creative with substitutes.

5. Prep in Stages: Handle the big tasks (like baking) early, so the day feels relaxed.

So, are you ready to turn those pantry staples into a feast your family will remember? Happy homestead holidays! 🎄

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Art of Letting Go – Make Space for Joy This Holiday Season 👋

As we wrap up the year and prepare for the holidays, it’s a good time to reflect. The end of the year is about more than just tying up loose ends—it’s a chance to let go of the things that aren’t working for you.

Why Letting Go Matters, Especially Now

The holidays are busy, emotional, and often overwhelming. It’s easy to feel stuck or weighed down by everything on your plate—physically, mentally, or emotionally. Letting go isn’t about giving up. It’s about taking a deep breath and deciding what’s worth carrying into the new year.

Imagine this: your life is like a crowded closet. If you keep stuffing things in without clearing anything out, there’s no room for the good stuff. Letting go means clearing space for joy, growth, and peace.

What Does Letting Go Even Mean?

Letting go is about releasing things—habits, thoughts, or even routines—that don’t align with who you are or who you’re becoming. It’s not just about “getting rid” of stuff; it’s about freeing yourself.

Here’s what people often hold onto:

• Habits like procrastination or perfectionism that keep you from moving forward.

• Thoughts like self-doubt or fear of failure that hold you back.

• Routines that feel like busy work but don’t actually serve a purpose anymore.

• Emotions like guilt, resentment, or grudges that weigh you down.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, it’s a sign that something might need to go.

The Gift of Letting Go

Letting go has a way of giving back. Here’s what you gain when you release what’s no longer serving you:

• Clarity: You’ll free up mental space to focus on what really matters.

• Energy: Emotional baggage is exhausting. Letting go gives you energy for the things you love.

• Freedom to Grow: Once you let go, you’ll have room for new opportunities, habits, or connections.

Think of it as decluttering your inner world. Just like cleaning out the chicken coop makes for a healthier flock, clearing your mind and heart creates space for better things.

How to Spot What Needs Letting Go

Not sure where to start? Ask yourself:

• What habits or thoughts feel like dead weight?

• What routines or commitments make me feel drained?

• What am I holding onto out of guilt or fear, instead of joy or purpose?

Take a few minutes to jot down anything that comes to mind. Start small—maybe it’s a chore you’ve outgrown or a habit that feels more like a burden than a help.

Simple Steps to Let Go

Letting go doesn’t have to be dramatic or overwhelming. Start small and take it one step at a time. Here’s how:

1. Shift Your Perspective: Instead of seeing letting go as losing something, think of it as making room for something better.

2. Feel the Feels: It’s okay to feel sad, nostalgic, or even scared about letting go. Give yourself permission to process those emotions.

3. Take Baby Steps: You don’t have to do it all at once. For example, if you’re trying to cut back on screen time, start with 15 minutes a day and replace it with something that energizes you, like reading or stretching.

4. Focus on the Gains: Picture the time, energy, or peace you’ll gain by letting go of something that doesn’t serve you.

5. Mark the Moment: Create a small ritual to symbolize letting go. Write it down and tear it up, burn it (safely!), or toss it into the compost.

A Holiday Reminder

This Christmas Eve, give yourself the gift of letting go. It might just be the best present you can give yourself this year. Here’s to a lighter, brighter you!

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

How does Frosty the Snowman take care of his garden?

He chills out in it!

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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. What's the likelihood of spotting a horse with a mustache tonight? Check out this hilarious video:

@roobarness

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2. If you and your carabao aren't this adorable together, you might be missing out! 😂

@sitompul_031

#fypシ゚viral #rajuuu

3. When your horse decides to take a casual stroll past your bedroom like it’s no big deal:

@becca._.lee3

This video never gets old 😂#horseinhouse

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