Winter 2012 we moved from our townhouse to a home 10 minutes away. We are slowly renovating and simplifying this home the same way we did with our first home. We are so blessed to raise our three kids in a home where we have the space and the resources to live a holistic life.
I spent years trying to make our townhouse into a ‘homestead’ and it was quite the challenge:
Clothing and Laundry
I use the line to dry as much of our laundry as I can. Using cloth diapers is something we’ve done for years but it’s very in-line with the idea of homesteading- Not needing to make purchases day after day and not making waste.
I use the line to dry as much of our laundry as I can. Using cloth diapers is something we’ve done for years but it’s very in-line with the idea of homesteading- Not needing to make purchases day after day and not making waste.
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| Embrace the clothes line. |
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| Rock some DIY clothing items. |
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| Like diapers. |
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In the Garden
We only had one 4×8 raised garden bed. We’ve successfully grown radishes, garlic and lettuce so far this season. I the background you can see our rain barrel, so even when we water we’re not using ‘the grid’ to grow the plants.
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| I love that growing veggies gets the kids involved! |
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| And keeps them involved. |
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| We even practiced some counting with the tomato plant. |
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When you can’t grow your own: Pick Your Own
I can’t grow high enough quantities of some produce items, or they wouldn’t grow in my partial sun location, we frequent our local Pick Your Own farm to bolster our collection.
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| It’s a great activity with the kids. |
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| Then we make preserves (or in this case Jam). Great as a gift or to put int the pantry for later. |
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Make From Scratch
I like making things from scratch because it has so many benefits. Things just taste better homemade. I can use healthier ingredients like natural sugars or whole wheat flour. The kids love to participate in the process. Making food myself has got to use less energy than food from an assembly line.
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| Besides, who doesn’t love a scone? |
We have recently moved from our townhouse into a rancher. We are still close to the city, but on the way into town our 15 minute drive includes passing several horse farms, a cattle farm, and a field filled with wooly sheep. We now have an acre of land at our disposal. It’s not a question of growing our own, it’s a question of how much and in what variety we will grow. Maybe even some chickens for fresh eggs?
The dream is becoming a reality!
talesoffruitandcake 