This was just a quick recording as I'm guessing someone needed to hear this today.

God Bless!

Monica 

Many times, natural and conventional approaches work best together and my personal journey has just led me to ask more questions about how to support the body earlier, figure out the root cause, and heal at the cellular level.

Recently, I had another thermography scan done.

If you’re not familiar, thermography doesn’t diagnose disease. It looks at heat patterns and inflammation in the body. I like it because it gives information without labels or fear.

Here’s what stood out to me: Overall, my scan looked better than my last one however, three new areas showed up as moderately and highly suspisious.

And honestly? That didn’t alarm me.

It actually made sense.

Healing isn’t linear. Improvement doesn’t mean the body stops communicating. What I saw was a body that’s regulating better overall while still asking for deeper support in a few specific places. It confirms to me that cooking from scratch, eliminating seed oils & toxins from what I put in my body to on my body is helping along with lifestyle changes.

To me, that felt like wisdom.

Those results didn’t make me want to do more things.

They made me want to do deeper things.

I’ve learned over the years that the body is incredibly intelligent. It’s constantly adapting and communicating.

And that’s what led me to explore more natural, non-invasive support, especially at the cellular level.

I’ve only recently started using PEMF and Terahertz technology myself.

I’m not speaking from years of personal experience yet. I’m speaking from education, professional background, observation, and early personal use.

And I think that honesty matters because I never want to overstate where I am in the journey.

PEMF, or pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, and Terahertz frequencies are forms of energy the body already recognizes.

They’re non-invasive. They’re gentle. And they’re designed to work with the body, not force it.

Instead of overriding the body, they support things like:

• Cellular communication
• Circulation and oxygen delivery
• Nervous system regulation
• Energy production at the cellular level

I often think of it as helping the body remember what it already knows how to do especially when stress, inflammation, or time has disrupted those signals.

Seeing improvement on my scan told me, “What you’re doing is helping.”

Seeing new areas told me, “Don’t stop listening.”

And that’s where cellular-level support made sense to me not out of fear, but out of stewardship. Out of long-term thinking. Out of respect for the body’s design.

No promises here. No guarantees.

But what I consistently hear from people using PEMF and Terahertz support is that changes often start quietly:

Better sleep and the 2nd night I slept better than I have in several years. More stable energy and I noticed this almost immediately as I get more fatigued in the winter which probably has alot to do with little sun. Less inflammation - I was able to go without shoes on my hardwood floors which I haven’t been able to do for over a year. Clearer thinking A calmer nervous system.

And sometimes the most meaningful thing people say is simply, “I feel more like myself again.”

I believe our bodies were created with incredible intelligence.

Scripture says we are fearfully and wonderfully made and I take that seriously.

For me, supporting the body naturally isn’t about rejecting medicine. It’s about stewardship. Listening. Responding. And caring for what we’ve been entrusted with.

Just to say it again: This is not medical advice. It doesn’t replace medical care. It doesn’t diagnose or treat disease.

It’s education and personal experience only.

Always listen to your body. Always partner with trusted medical professionals when needed.

If any part of this sparked curiosity for you, I invite you to join me on instagram where I share more of this story.

Sometimes the most powerful step is simply paying closer attention to your body and asking better questions.

And if you ever want to learn more or explore natural ways to support your body alongside conventional care, I’m always happy to have that conversation.

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Website -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

God Bless!

Monica

Glad you are here for my natural healing after being told I might have cancer

I really enjoy a fresh New Year!

After several years of trying to figure out how to simplify this online business space and after creating my first paid digital product in July, I finally feel like I have cracked the code and learned to make it simple and profitable with very little expenses and very little tech. 

In 2024, I had to step back as so many people were hustling and always chasing and that is the opposite of my simplicity brand and I didn’t want to get sucked into that. Sometimes I think people are so focused on business, that they truly forget the meaning of intentional time. I want Jesus and family first and my business running on its own so I have less of it. 

Once I stepped back, God dropped a business that taught me how to resell high ticket affiliate items after several months of being quiet.  It opened my eyes to how simple it can be.

I also created digital products of my own which this course taught me as well.  In 2025, I learned from a few creators how to set up almost everything on automation through just 1 simple platform and a free instagram account scheduling 5-7 second reels.  It was a total game changer and I made my first paid product. This is not a get rich quick scheme as it has taken me hours of learning and creating the past few years, but I now feel very confident in teaching you how to do the same even if you have never had an online business before.  These 4 steps are key to setting up a profitable business & making it simple.

1.  You need to have an idea of a product.  AI can create the products for you so you don’t even need to worry about learning Canva and if you want to learn about something new coming with AI that you haven’t seen before, make sure to get on my waitlist in the link below because it has saved me so many hours not only in my business, but also my personal life and there is a free class you aren’t going to want to miss so you can see how simple it is and how little time it can take you to run a business.
2. Once you have a product, set up a Stan Store account (I wouldn’t set this up until you have at least one product done unless you plan to do a membership or something you don’t need a product for so you can get the 2 week free trial and test it out and make sure you like it.  My free trial will be below as well.
3. Start making 5-7 second reels and posting them with SEO friendly messaging-this can all be scheduled out, so you really don’t even need to be on the app.  You need to be authentic~there is nothing curated on my account, believe me-sometimes it is a little cringe & embarrassing, but I am always real & honest. Seriously, it can be making your bed, grabbing your laundry out of the dryer, or pouring a cup of coffee-just make a video of something you do daily.  It really is that simple.
4. Set up Many chat so everything can be delivered automatically and they can buy straight from your store even while you sleep and you can do this for free as well.  I was so excited to get my first sale, but I was even more excited to wake up to sales!  My first sale was $27 and my husband couldn’t understand why I was so excited since it was less than I make as a nurse in 1 hour.  It was because the system works, it wasn’t at all about the $27, it was about the simple automated system.  

Lets make this year, your best year yet!

Monica

Q&A Live Call here -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity/p/learn-to-make-money-online-waitlist

FREE Stan Store 2 week trial (scroll to bottom) -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity

AI Waitlist -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity/p/early-access-waitlist-urcpg715

Please reach out if you have any questions at all!

Monica

Between work, kids, school, meals, and all the little decisions you make from the second your feet hit the floor, it’s no wonder your heart is craving rest.

I’m just sitting here in our -20 degree weather batching some episodes as our next few weeks we are going to be enjoying all the family and Grandkids.  Good day to stay inside!

Today I want to talk about something that has changed my life and has changed the lives of thousands of busy moms I’ve walked with…Simplicity.

Not the Pinterest kind. Not the everything-is-perfect kind. But the kind that actually makes your life easier. The kind that brings peace back into your home. The kind that reconnects you with the moments that matter most.

Most moms don’t realize this, but complexity steals our joy one tiny decision at a time. Every extra step. Every scattered routine. Every night you walk into the kitchen wondering what on earth to cook, it all chips away at your energy.

And the truth is your exhaustion isn’t a character flaw.It’s not because you should be doing better.  You're tired because your life is overcrowded.

Simplicity pulls back the layers so you can breathe again.

And Scripture tells us that God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. When your life feels chaotic, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means something needs to be simplified.

When moms hear the word simplify,  they think they need to add something like more organization, more color-coded systems, more complicated meal plans.

But true simplicity is about removing what drains you.

It’s choosing fewer decisions instead of more. It’s creating small repeatable rhythms so your brain doesn’t have to work so hard. It’s letting meals become easier by cooking once and eating all week. It’s allowing grocery day to be simple by keeping the same staples on hand. It’s trusting that less really is enough.

When you take away the noise, you uncover a life that was already waiting for you - slower, calmer, more intentional.

Simplicity doesn’t just change your to-do list. It changes you.

• Your evenings feel peaceful instead of rushed. • Your kids get a more present, less frazzled version of you. • You start saving money because you’re not grabbing takeout out of panic. • You stop living in survival mode and start living on purpose. • You begin to feel like you have your life back, even while working full-time.

So many moms tell me, I didn’t know it could feel this easy. But it can. And it starts with small shifts, often one simple system at a time.

I didn’t start out living simply, I learned it because I had to.

As a nurse, I worked long shifts. I came home exhausted, hungry, and feeling like I had nothing left to give. I didn’t want fast food to raise my kids, and I didn’t want stress to define our home.

So I started building small systems. Batch cooking. Simple routines. Staples I always kept on hand. Healthy meals that took minutes, not hours and an automated online business.

And friend… that changed everything. It gave me margin. It gave me peace. It gave me time with my family that I didn’t have before.

And that’s why I teach it now because I know what it feels like to carry more than you were ever meant to hold.

If you’re listening and thinking, I want this… but I don’t know where to start, hear this:

You don’t have to overhaul your life. You don’t need a planner full of color-coded tabs. You don’t need a new personality.

You just need one simple step. One small shift that lightens your load.

And this January, I’m leading a FREE No Spend Challenge that will help you reset your budget, simplify your daily decisions, and start the year with intention, not stress & overwhelm.It’s designed for the busy mom who feels like she’s drowning in expenses, rushing through evenings, and wishing life could slow down. And it’s completely free.

Link for NO SPEND CHALLENGE -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity

You can join at the link below, and each week I’ll walk with you through small, simple changes that make a big difference in your spending.

Friend, simplicity isn’t about doing less so you can be more productive. Simplicity is about making room for what truly matters. It’s about creating space for joy, presence, peace, and purpose.

You deserve a life that feels lighter. You deserve systems that support you. And you deserve to live in a home where stress doesn’t get the final say.

I’m cheering for you, and I’m grateful we get to walk this journey together.

Happy New Year Friend!

Monica

Today’s episode is one so many families need right now because almost everyone is feeling the squeeze.

Groceries are higher. Utilities creep up. Kids’ activities cost more. Life just feels expensive.

But here’s the good news

Most families have hidden pockets of savings they don’t even realize are there.And once you shine a light on them, you start seeing how much freedom is possible

Food is the biggest leak in the average family’s budget, especially for busy moms who feel like they’re just trying to survive dinner.

But imagine cooking for just a couple of hours one day and eating homemade meals all week. The grocery bill drops. Takeout stops & the stress around dinner disappears.

This is one of the easiest places to save hundreds every month without clipping coupons or living on noodles.

Most people don’t realize a quick stop at the store is actually one of the biggest budget drains.

You go in for milk…You come out with snacks, a candle, and a seasonal display you didn’t need.

Those tiny $25–$40 trips add up fast.

When you simplify and stick to one grocery trip with a pickup order? Your spending drops without you even trying.

You would be shocked how many families are paying for things they don’t even remember signing up for.

Streaming services, apps, memberships, & free trials that weren’t so free.

A quick audit usually saves $50–$150 a month instantly.

This isn’t deprivation, this is stewardship. It’s choosing what actually serves your home and letting go of the rest.

Convenience is the silent budget killer.

But when you create a few simple systems like having meals prepped or keeping a stocked pantry, convenience stops being something you buy…and starts being something you build.

A cluttered home makes you forget what you already have.

So you buy duplicates. You lose items. You repurchase things that were sitting in a cabinet the whole time.

When you simplify your home, even a little, you automatically spend less. Because you know exactly what you have and what you don’t.

Less chaos equals less cash slipping through your fingers.

Most moms think saving money means sacrificing everything fun.

But the real heart behind saving is this: It’s about living more intentionally so you can enjoy more of your life.

When you spend with purpose & not panic, you stop feeling guilty… and start feeling free.

And that’s exactly what I want for you as we head into a brand-new year.

Friend, if you’re listening to this and thinking, I want to get ahead, but I don’t even know where to start…You’re not alone.

That’s why I created my FREE No Spend January Challenge we have been doing for 4 years

In this challenge, you’ll learn how to: stop impulse spending, use what you already have, simplify meals so you’re not running to the store, cut hidden expenses without feeling deprived, create financial peace in your home & start the year with purpose instead of pressure

You’re not doing this alone. I’ll walk with you every single step.

If you want to join us, here is the link. https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity

Blessings ~ Monica

Today I want to talk about a kind of wealth most of us never grew up hearing about. Not financial wealth… Not the kind you measure with a bank account…

But the kind you feel in your soul.

The kind of wealth that shows up as peace, space, rest, and the ability to breathe.

What if true wealth isn’t about money at all… but about margin? Margin in your schedule, your mind, your home, and your spirit.

And what if the life you’re longing for isn’t waiting on a raise, or a better job, or a perfect season… but simply on creating room for joy again?

Let’s talk about that today.

Most moms today aren’t struggling with financial poverty, though some absolutely are. But almost every mom I talk to is struggling with overwhelm poverty.  Everyone is stressed out.

No time. No energy. No quiet. No space to think. No space to breathe.

And when there’s no margin, even the simple parts of life feel heavy.

Dinner feels like a mountain. Laundry feels impossible. Relationships feel squeezed. God feels distant, not because He moved, but because the noise drowned Him out.

This is the poverty the world doesn’t talk about. And this is the poverty Jesus came to lift us out of.

When you look at Jesus’ life, He never rushed & He didn’t keep a tight schedule.

He walked everywhere. He paused for people. He rested. He withdrew to quiet places. He said no to crowds so He could say yes to the Father.

He lived with margin.

If the Savior of the world wasn’t in a hurry, maybe the pressure we feel to fill every minute isn’t coming from God.

Maybe it’s coming from expectations we were never meant to carry.

Margin is something you create, not something you find.

And the beautiful thing?  You can build it right where you are, starting small.

Margin looks like: • one simple system that gives you your evenings back • meals prepped in two hours once a week so dinner is never an emergency • choosing fewer commitments so you can be fully present • building rhythms instead of living in reaction mode

Every bit of margin you create is like depositing peace into a bank account. Bit by bit, your life starts feeling lighter, calmer, more intentional.

That’s wealth.

When your home gets simpler, your heart gets quieter.

And in the quiet, you can hear God again.

When dinner is already made, you’re not cooking in survival mode, you have space for conversation, connection, prayer, laughter.

This is where the real riches start showing up: peace in your home, joy in your relationships, clarity in your calling, and a deeper awareness of God’s presence in the middle of everyday life.

That is abundance. And no paycheck can buy it.

I want to give you one small, doable step to start practicing margin:

Pick one area of your week where you’re always stressed… and create a simple system for it.

Just one.

If meals are the stress?  Try cooking once and eating all week. If mornings are chaotic?  Create a 10-minute evening reset to prepare for tomorrow. If your calendar feels loud?  Choose one thing to say no to this month.

Small changes multiply and every bit of margin you create shifts your life toward peace.

Friend, you deserve to live a life you actually enjoy. A Jesus-centered, peaceful, simple life isn’t a luxury, it’s part of the abundant life He promised.

And it starts with margin.

Not perfection. Not performance. Just space.

Space to breathe. Space to hear God. Space to live.

Here is the link to the FREE NO spend challenge!  See you inside!

https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity

~Monica

Are we moving toward the life we want… or drifting somewhere we never meant to go?

As busy moms, especially moms trying to hold work, home, kids, and groceries all together… this matters.

Because the changes we allow into our lives, even tiny ones, shape the kind of person we’re becoming.

And we get to choose the direction.

Some changes move us closer to the life God is calling us to live. Others quietly pull us farther away.

There are changes we choose, like:

• Choosing to simplify meals
• Deciding to budget differently
• Starting a hobby
• Clearing clutter
• Saying yes to something new
• Saying no to something that drains us

And there are changes that happen to us:

• A diagnosis
• A job shift
• A child entering a new season
• Loss
• New opportunities
• Unexpected blessings

  And even when change is outside our control… our response is ours to own.

  Because change isn't just what happens to us,  it’s what it produces in us.

  Maybe think about a change you’ve made recently, even something tiny.

  1. Is this change making me more present or more distracted? Moms don’t need more scattered energy. We need presence.
  2. Is this change making me more generous or more self-focused? When we free up time or money, does it help others… or only add more to our plate?
  3. Is this change making me healthier or less healthy? Emotionally, physically, spiritually, all of it matters.
  4. Is this change aligned with my deepest values? Faith, family, purpose, peace.
  5. If this continues for a year… who will I become? More grounded? Or more overwhelmed?
  6. Are the people who love me cheering for this… or gently concerned? Sometimes others can see what we can’t.
  7. Will I be grateful for this change ten years from now?

  These questions aren’t meant to burden you, they’re meant to free you. To help you see what’s shaping your life.

  If you recognize a change that isn’t moving you in the direction you want to go, you’re not stuck. God always gives us fresh starts.

  Here’s where to begin:

  1. Name your direction. What kind of person do you want to be? More patient? More peaceful? More grounded? More present?
  2. Start small. You don’t have to overhaul everything. One small change, even something as simple as cooking once a week can ripple through your whole home.
  3. Make reminders hard to ignore. A note on the fridge. The slow cooker on the counter. Scripture on the bathroom mirror.
  4. Replace old habits instead of just removing them. When you say no to something draining, say yes to something life-giving.
  5. Check your “direction” every few weeks. Ask, Is this change still moving me toward who I want to become?

  Friend, change is happening whether we choose it or not. But we get to choose the direction.

  We only get one life. One motherhood. One chance to build a home filled with peace instead of pressure.

  And that begins with the small, simple shifts we make every day.

  If you’re feeling that tug today, like something in your life needs to shift, that’s not an accident. That’s the Lord nudging you toward something better.

  You’re just one small, intentional change away from a life that feels lighter, calmer, and more aligned with who God made you to be.

  Blessings! Monica

I hope you had a Blessed Thanksgiving Day if you are in the US!  We had lots of family time and Thanksgiving and Christmas activities. 

I was really reflecting on this last year for us and all that we have done because of the steps God is taking us through & just how thankful I am for every single day. 

The intentional and slow days we are truly blessed with are surely not taken for granted.  This month we have had Grandkids here for almost the whole month & all of that time with them is so special.  If I was working a traditional job, I would not be available as I am now and it really got me thinking about this.

Parents drop off kids for 8 to 10  hours a day 5 days a weekThey drive to a job that pays for daycare, their car and home they don’t own.

Then gov takes 25-40% of income which is the same Gov that created the broken food system where the cheapest calories are the ones that poison you

Ingredients banned in other countries, are “totally fine” here in the US

We work ourselves to death and then eat food that slowly kills us and that what we call normal.

Here is our plan to opt out: We invested in skills that pay-Not another degrees, but skills we can use to work from home for our online business.

We try to eat real food while keeping the price down as much as possible, which means cooking from scratch and not eating out or getting takeout.  That is a very RARE occasion here.

We make as many products ourselves with natural ingredients such as laundry detergents, soaps and it is usually cheaper and non toxic but with natural ingredients.

We don’t upgrade our cars, we drive them until they can’t run anymore, not because we can’t afford it, but because we value giving to causes with eternal rewards rather than looking good for others on earth.  We live for deeper meaning and being the hands and feet of Jesus.  We long to hear Well done, good and faithful servant.  

And as a result there is no rat race, just peace here because we have control over the way we live.

This is our path out, 1 decision at a time

I would love for you to join me on this movement of glorifying God while building a business from home and keeping an intentional life.

I believe there is more to life than just running on this hamster wheel most people think is normal.  

If you are ready to enjoy every day with the Bigger Plans God has for you, you are in the right place.  Follow me on Instagram @claimingsimplicity as I unpack more of what God is calling me to for you.

Blessings, Monica

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Website -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity

I’m so grateful that I get to teach you about living a simpler life - I have always been passionate about living simply because it helps us live this life with our value of time first and never miss out on anything of our kids and now grandkids lives.  I believe we are made for relationships and not made to be in the cycle of doing the same thing over and over every day working for someone else’s dream and I love teaching you to at least make some little tweaks to live more intentionally and with purpose too!

I have had some questions about my Simply Set Method that I started over 25 years ago to simplify cooking when I worked full time.  I don’t spend alot of time cooking as I always have better things to do, but I like to have healthy meals on a small budget!  I want to walk you through what my simple 2 hours a week dinner system that will cut your grocery bill in half looks like!  Cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be difficult and it certainly doesn’t have to take alot of time or money.

So first, I have recipes along with the grocery list to make family friendsly meals for the week for under $75 - we are a family of 4 and usually have leftovers.  I have grocery prices from my area from Aldi and Walmart, so yours might be slightly different depending on where you live, but I bet you will be able to cut your grocery bill in half using my simply set method.  I don’t have anything for food allergies at this time.

Next, I will walk you step by step in order to start cooking so you can make all the meals for the week in 2 hours.  For instance, it might be to fry 3 pounds of hamburger, next mix this and that together -it is step by step to take away any confusion and keeps it super simple.  After that, what to assemble in what order and then I have a daily schedule of exactly what to do each day.  Some days, you are just putting the crockpot on low before you leave for the day and some days you are just putting a casserole that has already been assembled into the oven when you get home. When you have a plan, it will save you money and time.  It gives you more time to spend with family and less time in the kitchen.  I keep everything simple and homemade, so I don’t use canned cream of mushroom, etc (even thought you could if you want to but it is just as simple to make from scratch and cheaper) 

 I have tought over 5000 families now and the feedback I have had is that is has made their life so much easier, they love not having to cook because they are exhausted when they get home and they are saving so much money not getting take out or going out to eat!

If you want to cook from scratch, but don’t even know where to start, this is a great resource for any beginner that will keep you from being stressed in the kitchen.  

I will put the link below, but I will be having a black Friday sale, so make sure you are following Claiming Simplicity on instagram.  You won’t want to miss it if you want to try this method.

Watch for the Black Friday Sale on Instagram! 

Talk soon!  Have a great week!

Monica

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Welcome back to claiming simplicity.  If you are new here, welcome!  I so glad to have you here!

I often hear moms complain about not spending enough time with their kids or missing kids' events because of work, but then don’t do anything to change their situation. 

A good indication of what is important to you is what you spend money on.  You might say Jesus and family first, but your checkbook might say otherwise.  Another way to look at it is where are you spending your time.  If you spent most evenings in the gym, I would say sports are important to you, or if you spend alot of time on your phone, it may look like social media is important to you.  Sometimes the values don’t truely line up, so I just want to give you a few tidbits to help you live out your values so when the guilt of not spending time with your kids, you know where you can start to change that. 

So grab a pen and paper and lets get to work.  If you are driving, make sure to come back to this, because this can change the direction of your life as it did mine!

First, you need to make a list of what are your true priorities because if you are saying this is important, but your pocketbook and time are not confirming that, there will be friction and you won't feel aligned and something will always feel off.  

Once you have your true priorities and most important values written down, now I want you to go to your calendar and bank account and see where exactly your time and money is going.  This is so very important and very eye opening for many that I work with.  For example, if you want a simpler life, but your calendar is always full, there will be friction and you may feel a little anxious, so the 3rd step is to figure out a way to get there.  With this example, maybe it is less time shopping or this may even be spending all your time at sports events when you can say no to live simpler if this is a top priority.  

There are so many options, but in order to live this life of simplicity, you have to get good at saying no and making sure that you are saying yes to the right items that line up with your values.  When your life is coming to an end, will you be proud and peaceful about how you lived it or will you be stressed and worn out until the end?  

I hope you will have peace living a simpler life that you are able to create.  It is simple to do, but you do have to take the steps to get there.

Blessings!

Monica

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Website -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity/

I want to talk about automating everything you possibly can.  I am so squirrley and always have many projects going on, so in order to stay sane at home and in my online business, I automate almost everything.

In our home, we have systems and automations that help things run smoothly.  One of the biggest saving graces is having our money and bills automated.  There are very few things that I have to worry about due dates with.  From our insurance payments to our electric bill, it is all automated and because we live very frugally and with attention, we never have to worry about insufficient funds.  I also have my transfers to our savings bucket and expense accounts all automated.  We have an envelope system like Dave Ramsey has, but it is all electronic with automations in each bucket and that works really well.  I’m pretty sure our bank thought I was crazy when I set it up like I did, but it has been amazing!  There aren’t too many surprise expenses when you have a simple automated system to save and spend money!

Next, Laundry routines which have gotten much easier over the years as our teenagers do their own.  I do bedding on Mondays and 1 -2 other loads during the week depending on what we have.  My routine is to start the coffee, toss a load in the wash, grab my coffee and do my Bible study, so it works well.  Dishes we do as we go-for the most part other than when we get a little behind in crazy times like harvest season.  

I would not be able to run my business in less than 1-2  hours a day if I didn’t have automations.  I have taken several different experts advice and made it into a super simple system~even on instagram!  If you remember when I was so exhausted with instagram last year and could only do a few weeks and get frustrated, it was because I hadn’t figured out to simplify and streamline it.  Once I had all my direct messages optimized and the scheduling done, there isn’t a whole lot else to do but watch the sales role in and that has been really fun!  It seems so simple and I don’t have to worry about going on there all the time, in fact, I rarely scroll or comment on others posts~some people will tell you that you need to do that, but my account is growing at a super fast rate with multiple daily sales, so I disagree that you need to engage unless you have time to or enjoy that.

Content is automated, sales are automated along with automated emails and this keeps your business running even when you are not available.  It has been the most simplest and efficient way I have found to run a business.  I actually don’t even need my website or all the extras I was paying for before I simplified it all.  

I am super excited that I am working on a project for you if you want to learn how to do this too.  If you want to be a SAHM or retire early, this system can work for you while you are working full time in small amounts of time and I can’t wait to help you do the same with less stress and overwhelm.  

If this is something you are interested in, please send me an email at monica@claimingsimplicity.com as I am gathering a group of beta testers and I would love for you to be a part of it!!!!!

See you next week!  God Bless!

Monica

I have had so many people asking me how we spend so little on food and the answer is actually pretty simple.  I have been posting on claiming simplicity on instagram about saving money on groceries the last few months and I have had so many people say they are struggling in this area and have no idea where to start, so this episode is going to get you headed in the right direction to saving money on food that you may not have thought of..

Yes, it is true…..once I learned how to spend very little on food (at the time was when I had 3 kids under 3 years old) and it was out of necessity with a very small food budget and no credit cards to go in debt with, I found out how easy it really was!  I remember looking through recipes that would be filling and I would look through cookbooks and figure about how much it would cost to make the recipe.  I actually had such a low food budget that I would bring my calculator to the store to make sure I didn’t go over because I certainly wasn’t going to bounce a check!  Yes, cookbooks is where it all started, so I am dating myself as it was nearly 30 years ago when I began this journey, but I still use this process today because I would rather spend money on assets than food.  It took me some work to figure it out, but over the years, I learned skills that make it even more possible.

If you want to save over $6000 on groceries this year and cut your grocery bill in half, you are in the right place. 

The number one thing that people don’t realize is those unhealthy packaged snacks and meals are costing you nearly 10x more than they would be to make from scratch.  And no,  most of them are not difficult to make. Anything packaged is usually unhealthy and when you make homemade meals and items at home, you are only putting ingredients in them that you want in your body.  There are so many additives and unnecessary ingredients in them so once you start reading labels, you won't even want to put them into your body and certainly not your childrens bodies.  I’m working on a simple snack guide now that will give you simple easy snacks you can make from home on a budget and I know you are going to love it.  Watch for it on instagram!

Once you start making homemade meals, the next step for you will mostly likely be how to learn how to make all your own dressings, mayo, and mixes such as onion soup mix packet, ranch packets, or your own boullion which is another super simple way to cut food costs and add healthy options.  It really is a rabbit hole and once you learn how simple it is with such little time it takes, you will start making your own sour cream, yogurt, granola, vanilla, and pretty much everything in your kitchen!  You will not only save thousands of dollars every year, you will learn skills to be more self sufficient because you won’t need any started from the store once you make your own sour cream or yogurt and those type of items.  

Another way we spend so much less on food is buying in bulk and cooking in bulk.  Not only will you save money, but you will have so much less waste and will more likely not to spend wasted money eating out.  It blows my mind, that people don’t think it is possible to spend less that $75/ week on dinners for a family of 4.  It really depends where you live, but I can’t definitely show you how to cut your grocery bill in half.  We now spend less than $100/month on food since we grow a garden and raise our own meat, mild, and eggs along with hunting, but the $75/ week, I teach people to do from the grocery store with the grocery price list from walmart or aldi and it is very doable.

If you are thinking that you want to learn how to do this, here is the link to to a 1 week sample of the exact steps to how we save.

https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity/p/weeks-worth-of-dinners-in-just-2-hours-under-75

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Have a great week!  Love you friend!

~Monica

We hit 100,000 downloads last week, so in appreciation, for everyone that adds a rating and review, I am going to put you in a drawing for $100 amazon gift card!!!  You just need to send me an email at monica@claimingsimplicity.com letting me know you left a review with your user name.  If you have already left a review, share with a friend and add me in your instagram stories and tag me and you will be entered in the drawing as well!  This podcast wouldn’t be as successful if it wasn’t for all of you, so I appreciate you all!  

I really want to talk today about 3 areas where you can easily simplify your life to live more intentionally with ADHD.  As I have talked about a few times here, I have never been diagnosed with ADHD, but I have many characteristics and that is really why I had to simplify my whole life to live with more intention.  I really enjoy slow living with my family now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  When I was working as a full time nurse with 5 kids at home and all the activities and sports, it was exhausting, but once I changed the way I lived, I was able to quit my full time nursing job which gave me so much freedom to how I spend my days & more time with family.  

The first area you can simplify is your cooking, if you haven’t followed claiming simplicity on instagram, you should do that now.  A large portion of many family’s budgets goes to food, but it doesn’t have to.  I can show you how a family of four can eat dinners on $75/week and that is nutrient dense, healthy meals.  You don’t need fancy expensive meals and you certainly don’t need to buy convenience foods at the store but instead learn to cook simple homemade meals at home on a very low budget.

Next, declutter your home.  Living with less stuff really reduces stress.  You will also feel less overwhelmed when you have less stuff to care for - start with one room of you home and see the difference.  Always make sure you carefully think about each item you bring into your home.  I am going to do another declutter challenge, so email me if this is something you would like to be a part of.  It is for busy moms, so it will be steps you can’t quickly declutter in a short amount of time.

And lastly, you will want to reduce debt, living debt free can be rewarding in so many ways.  If you are spending more than you bring in, think about where you can make changes.  I will be doing another no spend challenge starting January first and this time I am going to do all audio.  If you are interested in joining, please reach out by email or DM me on instagram!

And with all of this, make sure you are putting Jesus at the center of it all!

Love you friend!  Have a blessed week

~Monica

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

If you haven’t visited claiming simplicity on instagram recently, you may not know that I have been teaching families how to eat dinners for less than $75/week and have taught over 3000 families so far after starting that in July and now I have expanded into a month of our favorite  crockpot dinners and am working on a snack guide to save money as well.  I love love love teaching people that you can eat healthy on a budget and it all started because that is what people were asking me.

Now, I have people reaching out that want to live the lifestyle that we have, so I’m transitioning into showing them exactly how I was able to quit my full time nursing job to become a homesteader & homeschooling mom and it all started with knowing how to save money on groceries and then once I had that figured out, then I would reduce wasteful spending in other areas like making my own natural cleaning supplies that saved money and now I create an income just showing people how I did it because that is just how it has evolved!  

I am very passionate about families raising their own kids and homeschooling….shaping them to be Jesus centered in everything they do is the ultimate goal in life.  You can’t take your home, your cars or material possessions to heaven with you, so why not chase something with eternal rewards and teach your children to do the same. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

If you are ready, I want you and your spouse to talk about this and see if it is something you both want & pray together about it. Talk about how you want your life to look and feel. My husband was on board and he found out quickly how much easier.

How much money do you actually need to live comfortably and where could you reduce expenses if you need to.  Figure out all of you bills and then you will need to figure out all the bills you won't have if you decide to be a SAHM or homemaker such as daycare, gas, convenience items, maybe even one less car or less insurance.  There are many ways to make it possible!  

There is so much peace and joy in intentional and slow living, that you will probably not ever want to go back to the hustle.  The time with your family will be treasured forever.  You can’t ever get the moments and memories back, so live in the present every single day. Freedom & Time are much greater asset than money if you value memories. 

If you have any questions about any of this, please send me an email or DM on Instagram, I would love to help you get started or even help you take next steps if you are ready!

Have a Blessed day!

Hello Friend! 

My life is very full with all of the things we choose it to be such as gardening and homesteading activities, but I make sure that I have time to just be, pray and think in the morning and that usually means getting up by 4:00 am. (Yes, I am in bed early at night so I get at least 7 hours of sleep)  It gives me time to see the sun rise, sit in silence  and just listen to what God is saying to me without any other disturbances.  

Our lives are shaped mostly by how we create them.  If you know me at all you know that little simple things make me happy.  I don’t need to spend money to be happy, I enjoy the birds chirping, the rooster crowing, a fresh Fall breeze coming throught the open windows, the sun rising, walking in the woods and we are now living what we have created. 

I could have continued to climb the ladder working for someone else just  to chase after more riches, but nearly 30 years ago, we made a life plan of how we wanted to live, raise our family and what was important to us……and guess what-not any of what was important to us was new cars or material items-it was Jesus, time with family and freedom to do what we want, when we want and it seems as if God has been just chasing us with blessing after blessing.

Things have shifted slightly as God is giving us a new direction and so we will reveal where that is going as time goes on.  Right now, we are at the stage of really God?  You want us to do what?  So I don’t know any details right now, but I do know that He wants me to help you get back to the root of what is most important. 

I want to give you 5 simple steps to get started on this simple living journey, and I will saved the #1 way to the end.

~ 1st, Become so clear on what you value and make sure your time matches up with your values.  You say you want time with your kids, but then you spend all day at work, or you might say you value giving, but your pocketbook looks like you spend more on things for yourself.  It has to match up or you will not ever feel at peace or aligned.  

~ Next, Make your life plan-do you want to be a SAHM and homemaker, do you want to living in the country, want to homestead or learn to cook from scratch to save money?  What kind of house do you want to live in?  Be so clear that when you move to a house, you realize it was exactly what you handwritten out in detail many years prior.  Your life might not start out exactly as planned, but I can definitely tell you if you have a vision and a plan in written for, you will most likely get to that place!  I even put in my plan I wanted to be a Grandma that was available for my Grandkids whenever they needed me or had events and I am thankful to be able to spend time with all of them quite often and love it!

~After that you will want to make a plan you reduce your debt.  Maybe you need to sell a vehicle with a payment and get a used vehicle-there is certainly not anything wrong with having an older vehicle.  I was just trying to figure out the last time we had a car payment-probalby over 15 years ago!  Spend your money wisely and living a debt free live is so rewarding.

Then you need to put your plan into action-just start-it is an incredible feeling to know what you are working toward!

And the absolute #1 step that is the most important is reading your Bible and putting Jesus first in everything that you do.  When you walk the narrow path, there are many rewards.  I’m not saying there will be opposition, because there certainly will be, but the rewards far outweigh it. 

1 Start reading your Bible

2. Become clear on your values 
3. Create a written life plan of what you want your life to look like
4. Make a plan to reduce debt
5. Put your plan into action.

I want you to send me a message and let me know how this is going for you and if I can help you in any way.

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Keep it simple and God Bless!

Monica

Here are a few of my thoughts about living boldly for Christ based on Charlie  Kirk's life. 

We need to rise up and create a world movement as the time is getting closer to Jesus Christs return.

See you next week!

Monica

Welcome back on this beautiful September day!  If you are new here,  I’m Monica and I love to simplify and streamline everything and I enjoy sharing all I learn with you, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

After a summer of probably saying yes to too many things and feeling exhausted, I realized I needed to be reminded of my own advice to keep things simple with less stress.  If you know me at all, which you probably know me pretty well if you have listened to any amount of podcasts here, but I’m sure you know I like to do all the things, I love to learn and sometimes that comes with getting too much on my plate.  

If you want to reduce some of your mental load & enjoy a slow and intentional life, the first step is to create it by centering your life around what is important to you.  For me, it is my faith, family, and time for being present.  To me, time is our precious commodity and I don’t want to get to the end of life and wish I would have done things differently.  Depending on what season you are in, living intentionally may look different than slow living, but you have to know what you really want life to look like and make a plan so you can stop spiraling out of control and feel like you are going backwards.

Next, you need to start saying no to some of what you are doing.  If you are saying yes to please others or just because you think you are supposed to do something, you will burn out fast.  I remember when my kids were in elementary school, I thought that I should volunteer just because I stayed at home (because most people done understand what WFH moms do!), but I whenever it came to going, I just dreaded it because I had so many other things I needed to do.  I have always had side businesses as I’m not someone that ever sits around, so I have to plan my time carefully.   I have learned to say, thanks for thinking of me, but right now I am unable to …..whatever it is.  You don’t have to say any more or try to make up excuses.  Just imaging what all the things you will be able to say yes to because of the no’s you had to tell people!

And the last way you can lessen your mental load is to declutter.  There is a direct correlation with mental stress and clutter, so make sure you are clearing spaces in your home.  Since we have moved into our home 2 years ago, we have done so mych outside, but I still have totes with my hobbies and it bothers me everytime i see those totes because it is something I just haven’t had a chance to get to yet.  As my business has grown, it is something that got put on the back burner!  I know when I have clutter on the counter or around our home, it makes such a difference in how stressed I am.  If you do 1 thing today, start with clearing off your cupboard and getting the dishes done every night.  After a week or 2 add in another thing and try to clear your space you are in most of the time first.  You will wake up feeling much better when you go to make your coffee and don’t have the stress of the mess hanging over your head.  

I want you to start implementing this right away and let me know how it goes for you!  

Remember Keep it simple and have a great week! 

Love ya friend!

Monica

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Wow, can you believe it is back to school already?  We had a very different summer this year, but God’s hand was in all of it and I wouldn’t want it any other way.  If He is in the middle of whatever is happening, there is peace.  One of the many things I love about Fall is that even though here in MN things start to die, there is also a new and refreshing energy I feel.  I love the crispy air and sweatshirt weather and like it to last as long as possible before the deep freeze, but for me Fall is so abundant.  It is a very full season for us with all the garden produce, apple orchard harvest, bear hunting that starts at the beginning of September and then deer hunting.  This is when we store most of our food for the year, so it is very productive.  We only get bear tags every 6 years and our 15 year old daughter has one this year, so hoping for success for her as this will be her first one.  My husband gets pretty excited getting everything ready for the hunt which starts in August.  It really is such a blessing for them to get to experience it and I am so thankful they are so well rounded in so many areas of life and have more skills than 95% of their peers.  I truly believe they are going to be so much further in life with the every day life they have learned over the years.  From how to save on groceries and cook from scratch to hunting for food, processing it all along with all the life skills they learn on a homestead with animals!

I am so grateful for all of you that reach out and are loving the podcast and now the instagram content!  I am so so thankful for all of you-who knew this would grow so big just a few years ago when I had no idea what I was doing!  Just trying to share everything I know to live a simpler life.  Sometimes I feel like I’m failing you because I don’t have consistent content, but then I remember that I’m doing the Lord’s work and I don’t have to burn out or give up my values especially after last year and knowing that rest is needed.  Thank you for the grace.

So this summer we have been getting ready for next Spring as we will have a graduation here for our daughter that is a senior. We have been moving flower gardens(they were full of the most gorgeous flowers along with many thistles and grass that I couldn’t get rid of, so we made new garden beds for them. We have been staining and other miscellaneous things around here with the help of many Grandkids we have had over the summer with their daycares being off quite a bit which is fun ~ they just love it here and so fun for them to learn about the animals and milking, gathering eggs and all the fun that happens on a farm.  Most of our fencing and barn work is done for now and it helps to have portable electric fencing from premier one.  That works so nice for rotating the animals easily and often.

There was a time in June when I couldn’t get out of bed for 5 days, even lift my phone and I ended up having anaplasmosis, so glad I finally went in.  I’m a little stubborn knowing that most viruses they can’t do anything for, but after not getting better, I knew it had to be something other than the flu or covid and i didn’t even I had been bitten by a deer tick, but I did have several of them crawling on me at different times I hadn’t thought much of.  That took some time to recover from and then my husband’s job unexpected was off work for a while, so he ended up going to a different company putting in natural gas, so there has been alot of change around here.  My 15 year old started working in the spring as a phenomenal sourdough bakery that just opened up and she still needs rides, so glad it is only 15 minutes away and our other daughter is working in a kitchen at a resort, so they have been busy girls between working, sports, 2 large lawns they mow and numerous church camps.  It was just very different to not see them as much, but I am thankful to have such responsible kids.

We have seen God’s hand in all the hard things this summer and after testing instagram again for a couple months, my business grew really fast, so I’m working on creating more content to save you money and if you have not already, make sure you are following @claimingsimplicity on instagram.  I actually niched down to talking about cooking from scratch and how to cook dinners once a week for under &75 because that is what you wanted more of, so I’m slowly but surely working on some products around grandkids, kids, farm and all the fun that summer brings!

Now that we will get back to a semi normal routine, I hope to be back here weekly!  As always, please reach out with any topics or questions you have!

God Bless you!  Have a fantastic week!

Monica

I am thankful to be able to do what I love every single day!

I had to go back to what I love as I could go in many different directions since I am so multipassionate with undiagnosed ADHD.  I enjoy working 2 hours a day with my business, but I had so many other people reaching out and wanting me to coach them to make money online and that really wasn’t my passion, it is a portion of it I love though!

My passion is simplicity and having a flexible schedule to enjoy the things I love. 

I absolutely enjoy teaching my homesteading and cooking from scratch skills to beginners that have no idea how easy it is. Both in person and online, but I also am passionate about working with my hands - Getting in the dirt, making bread and being available when my goats and pigs are birthing.  

I enjoy teaching you as a busy working mom to save money so you can eventually be at home raising their own kids because I don’t believe there is a more important job~especially in the days we are in.  I enjoy showing you there is a better way and you don’t have to keep up with the Jones.

You have your own skills to share and it is fun to learn from each other.

I know friend if you just sit and listen, you will get direction so you can enjoy every single day.  

If you are interested in joining a group of like minded Moms, you are welcome here.  I will be opening up this group soon, so get on the list below!

Simply Set Society -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity

Living Simply!~Monica

I just wanted to catch you up to let you know that I am still here and all is good!

Winners, email me to claim your amazon gift cards!!!!

Blessings!

Monic

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

I was thinking back to my life when I was stressed out and overwhelmed. It felt like everything was hard and even little tasks seemed difficult.  I don’t ever want to go back to that and I want you to know that even as overwhelmed as you may feel right now, there is a way out.  You feel overwhelmed and stressed out when your priorities are out of whack and your time spent is doing things that aren't your top values.  

Before you start to change your life to living simpler, you have to really know how you want to live and what really matters most to you.  For me, flexibility and freedom to spend time with family and grandkids making memories and making sure they know Jesus is a top priority for me, so being able to send them to camp and go to family camp for 10 days in the summer is very important to me along with being able to help them grow in their faith.  

I also value living a natural life and being as self-sufficient or self-relient as we can by growing our own food and animals and teaching the next generation of the importance of canning and preserving food in different ways like freeze drying, but I certainly didn’t start there when I began this simple living journey.  

I was in my early 20s with 3 young kids when I learned how to preserve green beans and tomato sauce by a neighbor I babysat for as a teenager, but I did not grow up with a garden or preserving any food, so no matter whether you did or didn’t learn these skills, there are so many resources to learn from with the internet and you just have to make time for it.  I did grow up on a farm and I did have chores in the barn to do, some cooking, but I was also involved in sports and many other activities at school, so I was rarely home after I hit 12 years old.  

So after you decide what is important to you, start to minimize the things in your life that are NOT important to you.  As you start to minimize the less important items, you will start to be able to breathe easier and feel less overwhelmed.  Once you begin to feel less stressed, it will be addicting to do more to minimize the things in your life that are less important.  I am not talking about only minimizing physical items, but schedules and where you spend your time.  

I am so excited for you to begin your simple living journey if you have not! 

Monica

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Today, we’re talking about one of the most basic, yet powerful, ways to nourish your family—homemade bread! If sourdough sounds like too much work right now, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with super simple homemade bread recipes that anyone can make—even on a busy schedule. This is one of the simplest places to start to provide more nourishing food for your family.

I started making bread once I looked at the ingredients and most of them I couldn’t pronounce, I had no idea how simple it was to make and I simplified the process to only make once or twice a month!

There are so many health benefits to making your own bread.  There are no preservatives, additives, or unnecessary sugar like store-bought bread.

You control the ingredients—organic flour, natural sweeteners, and real butter if you choose!

Easier to digest and more filling than processed bread.

Not to mention how amazing your house will smell!!!!!  

It is also budget friendly and costs pennies per loaf compared to store-bought artisan bread and when you buy bulk ingredients you will save money over time! Batch cooking will save you time!

Homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. Just start with one simple recipe, and before you know it, you’ll never want store-bought again!  Try to make at least one loaf this week and you will be hooked!  Reach out if you would like any of my recipes!

Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite non-toxic DIY essential oil recipes that will help you ditch the chemicals and start to create a healthier home—without the overwhelm!

Switching to non-toxic DIY products isn’t just a trendy idea—it’s a powerful way to take control of your family’s health, save money, and create a safer home. Here’s why it’s so important:

Most conventional cleaning and personal care products contain harmful toxins like synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harsh preservatives and these chemicals have been linked to:

• Hormone disruption
• Skin irritation and allergies
• Respiratory issues (especially for kids & those with asthma)
• Long-term health risks, including reproductive concerns

DIY essential oil recipes allow you to ditch the toxins while still keeping your home fresh, clean, and safe.

Non-toxic doesn’t have to mean expensive! Most DIY recipes use simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have—like vinegar, baking soda, and Castile soap—along with a few drops of essential oils.

• A single bottle of essential oil can replace dozens of chemical-laden products.
• You can make bulk batches for pennies per use, saving tons of money over time.

Most commercial products labeled as “fresh” or “clean” actually contain synthetic fragrances that can trigger headaches, allergies, and even disrupt hormones and with essential oils, you get:

• Natural scents from plants—without the toxins
• The ability to customize your blends based on preference (love lavender? Add more!).

About 25 years ago I went to a class where we made a few of our own DIY products like bug spray, laundry detergent and after learning how safe and economical it was, that is all I have used since then.  There are still a few items I continue to find my favorite recipes for, but these are the first 5 I started with.

• Essential oils (I only use Doterra because I know they are pure because all batches are tested)  I will put the link in the notes if you want to learn more.
• Base ingredients like carrier oils, baking soda, vinegar
• Simple tools  like spray bottles, glass jar or mason jar)

Laundry Detergent-I love the simplicity of the ingredients and how easy it is to make.  I was making a different kind with a felz nappa bar of soap shredded into the recipe and after a long time using it-I’m not sure how long, it clogged up our washer hose and my husband told me I couldn’t use homemade laundry soap anymore, but now that I have this recipe, we haven’t had any trouble.  It just has epsom salt, baking soda, washing soda, sea salt and essential oils. 

Linen Spray which is just witch hazel and essential oils.  I love fresh scents, but you can choose any you enjoy!

Toilet cleaner that is just vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.

Glass cleaner with water, vinegar and essential oils.

And our most used recipe is the foaming hand soap.  I have never found any soap that compares to this soap and it is only castile soap and essential oils.  I’m guessing you will love it as well!

I know that I have saved hundreds of dollars over the years, possibly even thousands and I’m all about saving money but even more so being confident that I’m helping with my family's health and using less toxins.

I challenge you to try just one recipe this week-I do have a free ebook with exact recipes details &  additional recipes as well you can grab below in the show notes.

Switching to non-toxic DIY isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Replacing just ONE chemical-heavy product with a homemade version is a step toward a healthier, safer home. Once you start, you’ll see how easy, fun, and rewarding it is!

Thanks for tuning in today.  God bless your week!

Monica

Hello and Welcome!  If you are new here, I am so grateful you are joining us!  I am passionate about teaching simplicity in all areas of life to reduce stress and overwhelm for busy moms.

Do you ever feel like life is spinning too fast? Like you’re juggling so much that you don’t even have time to catch your breath? I’ve been there too, and today I want to share seven things you can let go of this year to slow down, live intentionally, and embrace a simpler, more peaceful life.

Saying “yes” to everything.  There was a time in my life over 25 years ago when I got totally burnt out.  I was working full time, putting on a benefit for a young boy in our community that was in a bad car accident along with raising my own small children with their busy schedules. I remember the feeling of hardly being able to function up to the event and then crashing after the event.  It took me some time for me to recover & at that point I realized what stress does to a person’s body.  Thankly that was short term, but you may be living in chronic stress and that can affect you physically and mentally if you don’t get that under control, so I want you to start thinking about what you are saying yes to.  There are many ways to say politely no like-thanks for thinking of me, but at this time I can’t take on anything new or something to that extent. What is one thing you’ve said yes to recently that might be adding unnecessary stress to your life? Could you practice saying no this week?

Toxic relationships or negativity.  You do not need the stress of those people, so do your best to let go of those relationships.  Spend more time with the people you love to be around.  Life is short to waste time with those people.  Think about the relationships in your life. Which ones bring you joy, and which ones drain your energy?  In Proverbs 4:23, it says,‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Protecting your peace is not selfish—it’s essential for living joyfully and intentionally.

Comparing your life to others or social media.  You have a different story and experiences than any other person, so you should not be comparing yourself to anyone at all.  You are unique in your own way and a child of God and daughter of the King.  Rest in that. 

Clothes you haven’t worn in a year.  Let them go…..if you haven’t worn them in that time, you probably won’t ever wear them.  Last year, I went through my closet and found clothes I hadn’t touched in a while. I donated them, and not only did it declutter my space, but it felt good knowing someone else could use them.

Constant phone notifications.  Do you look at your phone every time it buzzes?  Go into each app and turn off notifications.  What value does it bring you to have those notifications on?  Without them, you may discover more peace and less anxiety.  People don’t need an immediate response to anything!  Well….other than an emergency!  I typically keep my phone away from me while I’m working so I can be in the zone without interruptions which makes for more productivity in less time.  That is one key to getting things done.

Overpacked schedules.  This goes along with saying yes to everything and packing so much into your schedule.  Make sure you have rest and recovery time planned.  You can’t sustain stress long term without it creating havoc somewhere, so be very mindful of your schedule.

The need for perfection.  You are perfect in God’s eyes and that is all that matters!  

Remember Psalm 139:14: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You don’t need to strive for perfection—God has already made you perfectly unique.

As we step further into this year, I challenge you to pick just one of these things to let go of. Maybe it’s saying no to something that’s not aligned with your values, or maybe it’s turning off those pesky notifications. Whatever it is, take that first step toward living with more intention and simplicity. And remember, God is with you every step of the way.

Let’s walk this journey together!

Monica

Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

One thing that sets unbusy people apart is that they are crystal clear about their purpose. They’ve taken the time to figure out what really matters to them—what legacy they want to leave, what goals they want to pursue, and how they want to spend their days.

When you know your purpose, you gain clarity. It becomes easier to filter out distractions because you know what to say yes to—and more importantly, what to say NO to.

Take a moment to ask yourself:

• What’s my mission in this season of life?
• What goals truly align with the life I want to create?

When you’re guided by a clear purpose, you’ll find it easier to resist the countless opportunities and demands pulling at you daily. You’ll stay focused on what matters most.

This one’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s empowering. Busyness is a choice. Yes, there are external demands on your time—jobs, parenting, commitments—but ultimately, you decide how to structure your days.

Even when life feels overwhelming, you still have the ability to take control of your schedule. Maybe that means saying no to extra obligations that don’t align with your priorities. Or maybe it means reassessing whether the things keeping you “busy” are really worth the energy you’re giving them.

You are not a victim of busyness. You are in control.

We live in a culture that treats rest like it’s a luxury, when really, it’s a necessity. Rest is not laziness—it’s what allows you to recharge and show up as the best version of yourself for the people and things you care about most.

Think about it: Rest improves our health, strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and even makes us more productive. But if we don’t intentionally make space for it, rest gets crowded out by the busyness of life.

Here’s your reminder to build rest into your routine:

• Take five minutes in the morning to pray, meditate or just breathe deeply before diving into the day.
• Schedule downtime for yourself and your family, whether that’s a Sunday afternoon at home or a full Sabbath day of rest.
• Guard these moments of margin as fiercely as you would any other important commitment.

I am usually in bed by 9 and natural wake up around 5:00, that might change a little on weekends, but I make 8 hours a priority as I know the significance of sleep and the role it plays in all areas of our lives.

Rest is not a reward for finishing your to-do list. It’s the fuel that keeps you moving forward with intention and clarity.  

Remember, busyness is not inevitable—it’s a decision you make. And when you choose to prioritize purpose, embrace your power to say no, and make rest a non-negotiable, you can unbusy your life and create space for what truly matters.

So let me ask you: What’s one thing you can let go of this week to create more margin in your life? Put it into practice, and see how it shifts your mindset and your days. I can’t wait to hear!

God Bless!

Monica

If you want to simplify your life in 2025, you will want to start with these 5 steps.

1. You need to determine what is really important to you.  I think this is the best place to start because if you are unable to envision how you TRUELY want to live your life, you will just stay on the chaotic hamster wheel you have been on and won’t ever get off.  You need direction to know where you are going.
2. Next, Look at where your time is spent.  Compare that to your values and what is important to you.  If this is off, you will be stressed out all the time and it will be hard to get to a simple life with such overwhelm.  This may be a real eye opening experience for you and this is what you will need to work on.  Once your time matches up with your values, you will start to feel the peace in your life.
3. After that, you will ask yourself what do you want for your life? Is it clear? Do you want to continue to live as you do now?  Does your life feel full of happiness or do you need to make some changes?  Are you working for material items or are you working because you absolutely love what you do?  I absolutely love being a nurse, but I enjoy being casual so I can pick up around my family's schedule.  My family is a higher priority than work, so living a simple life is putting time with them above time working for someone else.  This is another reason I started my own businesses-some of my values are freedom and flexibility and I didn’t get that with a 9-5 job.
4. Next figure out what you need to do to help you move closer to that dream life.  Little by little, you can make changes to get to that life you want to live every single day. It does take intention and it can be scary to make changes, but you will be so happy if you are following God’s will and what he wants for you and not your own.  Prayer is the ultimate tool in this process. 
5. Lastly, you need to know WHY you want to live a simpler life and be more intentional.  Is it because you are tired of being stressed out and overwhelmed?  Is it because you want peace?  Once you know why, you are more likely to make lasting change.  

Make sure you go through these questions and I would love to hear where you are planning to make changes!  

Make God your first priority & make sure you are taking time to listen!

Website and Waitlist: Claimingsimplicity.com

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Love Ya!

Monica

This might be our last episode of 2024, so thank you for joining me!  It is all about the simplicity of our homestead, update on simple and intentional living and what I have planned for you in 2025!

I pray your simple journey in life is to put Jesus first, then family and whatever God has for you to keep your priorities in order!

Here are the links to follow for more!!!!!  Please follow and subscribe!

Join the free challenge -> https://stan.store/ClaimingSimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Blessing & Merry Christmas!

Monica 

Want an extra income -> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Do you find that every time you go to the grocery store, you spend more than you budget?  The food prices continue to rise and I want to give you some simple ideas today to start saving on groceries right now.  Depending on where you live in the world, you may be able to start a garden and that is my #1 way to save money on food.  You can have healthy food without any pesticides when you grow it yourself and that can sustain you for several months of the year depending on your season and how much you can preserve.

We try to eat seasonally as much as possible to save money on food, but that wasn’t always the case for me when we didn’t source our own chicken, eggs, pork and milk.  Another thing that saves our family alot of money is hunting as we usually get several deer and sometimes bear.  In the summer and winter we also catch as much fresh water fish as possible too.

Enjoy the episode and let me know your favorite ways to save money on food!

Monica

Email me at monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Take a moment to think about this: What would your life look like if you had complete freedom over your time, resources, and choices? Maybe it’s more time with your family, the ability to give more generously, or the freedom to travel. 

In the Bible Proverbs 29:18 says, Where there is no vision, the people perish.  It’s so important that we define our vision before anything else, because without it, we’re just going through the motions.

Now that you've got a vision, it’s time to create an income stream that supports that vision. I’ve talked before about the power of passive income, and I’ll say it again—having an income stream that doesn’t trade time for money is a game changer.  In fact, I believe we all should have multiple income streams.  I will do a podcast all about that soon!

Whether it's an online business, digital marketing, or a system you can work on just 2 hours a day, the point is to build something that gives you both income and freedom. I will link my favorite income stream in the show notes if you want to check it out!  No pressure in this business at all, but I’m here if you do have any questions at all!

Matthew 25:14-30—the parable of the talents—teaches us the value of investing our resources wisely. You’ve been given skills, talents, and opportunities to create wealth not just for yourself, but for God’s Kingdom.

Your business, when aligned with God’s purpose, will bless not only your family but others around you.  To me, it is such a blessing to be able to help others~especially in the economy we are living in now.

Abundance isn't about more; it’s about better. It’s about focusing on what truly matters. Step three is to simplify your life. Take inventory of how you spend your time, your energy, and your money. What can you cut out that is cluttering your life?

I love how the Bible has so many good verses about how we are to live.

God has given us resources to manage, whether it’s our time, money, or relationships. Step four is about stewardship. 

Proverbs 21:5 tells us, The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

This means creating a budget, planning how to grow your resources, and making decisions that are thoughtful and prayerful. When you become a good steward of the resources God has given you, you’ll see those resources multiply, and you’ll be in a better position to bless others.

Finally, step five is where everything comes together—use your abundance to impact others. Abundance isn’t meant to stop with us. God blesses us so that we can bless others. 

2 Corinthians 9:8 says, And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Once you’re living in abundance, ask yourself how you can use your resources, time, and energy to serve others. Maybe it's supporting a ministry, mentoring someone, or giving generously to causes that are close to your heart."

Remember, true abundance comes when we align our lives with God’s purpose, and we take intentional steps toward creating freedom, not just for ourselves but for those around us.

Have a blessed friend!

~Monica

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Today, we’re diving into the heart of homestead life with three practical tips to help you simplify your daily routine. Whether you're raising animals, growing your own food, or just trying to balance cooking from scratch, homeschooling and  homestead tasks with family life, this episode is for you.

Tip 1: Streamline Chores by Creating a Rotating Schedule

One of the most common challenges on the homestead is managing the never-ending list of daily chores. The key to simplifying your routine is to stop treating everything as a daily emergency. Instead, break your chores down into manageable chunks by creating a rotating schedule.

For example, feed the animals and collect eggs daily, but stagger larger tasks like garden maintenance, deep cleaning animal pens, moving fencing or preserving food. This helps you focus on only what needs to be done each day, rather than trying to do everything at once. It’s also a way to involve the whole family, assigning specific days to different tasks.

Think of it like meal planning—once it’s written out, it’s one less thing to think about."

Tip 2: Invest in Time-Saving Tools

"One of the easiest ways to simplify your homesteading life is by investing in the right tools. Not every task should be manual—there are tools and technologies that can save hours of time and energy. A good drip irrigation system, an automatic chicken door, or even something as simple as a wagon for hauling feed can drastically cut down on time spent doing repetitive tasks. I know one thing that will be priority next year is setting up a no maintenance garden because the no till option did not work out so well for me, but at least I tried!

This may seem like an upfront expense, but remember: time is money, especially when you’re balancing so many responsibilities on the homestead. What tools can you implement today to shave off 10-20 minutes of your daily routine? 

Tip 3: Group Similar Tasks Together

Another great way to simplify your homestead routine is by grouping similar tasks together. Instead of running back and forth across your property all day, make the most of your time by batching your activities. If you're headed to the garden to harvest vegetables, bring along any tools you might need for weeding or mulching. When you check on your animals in the morning, bring their feed and fresh water with you.

Grouping tasks can be a huge time saver and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks that come with homesteading. Plus, it helps you stay focused and more efficient in everything you do and I am the queen of streamlining and simplifying.  I’m sure my husband will be happy when our set up here is complete…..I’m not sure it ever will be completely, but if something isn’t running smooth or isn’t efficient -especially in the long winters we have here-I change it up to be more simplified.  We will be going into winter with at least 12 piglets-unless we deliver anymore from a pig that got in with the boar 1 day, but so far she isn’t looking pregnant. We also have 5 grown pigs, 13 goats, and about 30or so chickens, so it has to be efficient with this amount of animals.

Homesteading doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple strategies, like a rotating schedule, time-saving tools, and grouping tasks, you can lighten your load and enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to build. Simplifying isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about working smarter, not harder, so you can spend more time doing the things that matter most.

Thank you for joining me today. If you found these tips helpful, be sure to share this episode with a fellow homesteader, and stay tuned for more content on simplifying your life while creating a more sustainable future.

~Monica

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Today,  we dive deep into what it means to truly live for God’s purpose in every area of our lives. We are going to explore a powerful truth: Money means nothing if you don’t know what you’re going to do with it. If our hearts aren’t aligned with God’s Kingdom, even financial success can feel empty. So let’s talk about creating an impact that lasts, not just in this life but in eternity."

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We live in a world that tells us success is measured by our bank account or the things we own. But Jesus flips that on its head. He reminds us that true wealth is found in heavenly treasures, not earthly ones. What are those heavenly treasures? It’s the impact we make in the lives of others, the love we give, the way we bring God's Kingdom to earth. 

This may convict you as you look at the amount you give to God’s Kingdom.  Money is not evil, but what you do with your money matters.  As you give freely, God gives freely.  We have seen this over and over again.  If we are praying about how much to give in a certain situation and the Holy Spirit gives a large number that seems out of reach to give to something. God always returns it in different ways as we listen and are obedient. Do not be someone that clenches your fist closed, but someone that lives with an open hand of generosity…..that is when you will see money easily flow in and flow out.

We live frugally so we can give freely.  I don’t care if I have new vehicles or material items as trying to impress others isn’t my jam~I would rather be walking the straight, narrow, and obedient path with God because that is really the only way to find real lasting peace and joy.

Let’s get real for a moment. Money can provide comfort and security, but it’s not the end goal. If we chase wealth without knowing why we want it, we can easily lose sight of what’s truly important. As Christians, we need to ask ourselves: How are we using our resources—whether time, talent, or money—for God’s glory?

Luke 16:10 (NIV) says, Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.' This teaches us that it’s not about how much you have; it’s about how you use what God has given you.

Like I said before~Money in itself isn’t evil. It’s a tool. It can be used for good, to bless others, to grow ministries, to support families in need. But if we’re not intentional about making a Kingdom impact, that tool can become a trap. The real question is: What impact are you making? Are we using your resources to spread the gospel, to serve others and to make the world a reflection of God’s love?

In Proverbs 11:25, it says, A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.' When we focus on pouring into others, God pours back into us.

So how do we start creating a Kingdom impact with the resources we have? Here are a few 

practical steps:

1. Align Your Finances with Your Faith: Make sure you’re giving back—whether it’s to your church, missionaries, or charitable causes. Tithing is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a declaration that God comes first.
2. Invest in People, Not Things: Use your resources to lift others up. This could be by mentoring someone, giving to those in need, or simply being there for people in your community. Your time is just as valuable as your money.
3. Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 tells us to ask for wisdom, and God will provide it generously. Pray for discernment in how you manage your resources and where God is calling you to invest for His Kingdom."

There was a time in my life when I was focused on financial goals, thinking that would bring me peace. But no matter how much I earned, there was a hole that nothing could fill. It wasn’t until I started using my resources to help others that I found true joy and fulfillment. The Bible was right all along: It's more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV): 'And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.'

"God is not only concerned with blessing us financially but also empowering us to use that blessing to create a lasting impact in His Kingdom. When we keep our eyes on Him and His purpose, everything else falls into place."

So I want to leave you with a challenge this week. Take some time to pray and ask God where He is calling you to make an impact. It could be with your time, your talents, or your finances. Remember, money means nothing if it’s not used for a higher purpose, and that purpose is to glorify God and expand His Kingdom.

If you are ready to start your online journey to impact His kingdom with other like minded Christians, I will put the link in the show notes.

The Bible if full of so many verses regarding money!

Thank you for tuning in today. If this episode blessed you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. Let’s go out and make an eternal difference!

Until next time, stay blessed, and keep your eyes on the true prize—making an impact for God’s Kingdom

Info to change your financial future -> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

I pray this podcast reaches ears all around the world to create a better life for yourself, so I know that you are here for a reason.

Last week, I listened to a friend tell me she couldn’t stay home with her baby because she had to work, so she will have to put this child in daycare even though she would love to be home raising her own kids.  I have been there!  I remember when I had 3 kids under 3 in daycare and the mom guilt was so real.  I cried when my 3 year old son chased me out of the daycare’s driveway one day and that is when I made significant changes in my family’s life.  

We simplified and I started working from home so I could bring in an income, but also be with my kids.  That was a great option then, but I sure wish I would have known about working an online business way back then because I was still trading time for money then.  That was over 25 years ago, so that is why I am a simple living expert~it was years of trials! If I would have stayed in that same accounting job throughout the years, I would have had many regrets and missed out on many memories and milestones.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want regrets as I age.  I had to go from what is called normal (working a job full time) into creating a path that some others may have thought was a mistake.  Now I am enjoying freedom and time with Grandkids during the week that I wouldn’t have been able to if I was still in that dead end job trading time for money.  Life is short~make the best of it!

I wouldn’t change anything in my past as it has made me who I am and we live a pretty extraordinary life, so I have no complaints, but I realized that if you have a mindset to change, you will change your life.  If you keep doing what you have been doing, you will keep getting what you have been getting.  It takes courage and a positive mindset that can take anything negative and turn it into a positive thought.  

If you are someone that thinks they can’t do something, you will get that outcome!  You get what you think about!  

This week, I want you to think of something you don’t think you can do, and think about and start visioning yourself doing that one thing.  Put a note in your pocket or something that can remind you to think about that positively throughout the day and continue this every single day until you start making solutions.  You can change your life by changing your

thoughts and I am super excited for what is to come for you friend if you put this into practice.

Just something I was thinking about today, so wanted to share it here.  

Have a beautiful rest of the week and put this into action!!

~Monica

Here is the info to take control of your future ->https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

I know if you are here, you are trying to live a simpler life! #1 Tip for more peace on today's episode!

In a world that seems so out of control right now, you can have peace and live with less stress.We all know God has a plan and He is the one in control, but thre are steps you can do to plan for your own future and that may include you making some changes like starting an online business so you can work from home.

Being able to be somewhat self reliant on our farm as much as possible might be a necessity in the near future, so being prepared for that is important to our family and might be something you think about as well but it can be stressful just thinking about it.

Psalm 29:11.  The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Love ya friend!

Monica

How to Make Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

If you’re like me, you’ve probably thought long and hard about how to balance making an income and raising your kids. We know the world is full of influences that don’t always align with our faith, and for many of you listening, homeschooling your children is a big priority because it allows you to disciple them in the way you believe God is calling you to. But how do you balance it all?

What if I told you that you could work only 2 hours a day, create a passive income stream, and spend the rest of your time pouring into your kids? What if you could live out your values, homeschool your children, and still provide for your family without having to trade hours for dollars? In today’s episode, we’re going to explore exactly how that’s possible, and by the end, you’ll understand why this might just be the answer you’ve been praying for.

Let’s be honest for a moment. I know many of you out there are struggling to find balance. You want to be present for your children, to homeschool them, to teach them about God and life, but the reality of needing an income feels like a weight on your shoulders.

You’re working long hours, or maybe your spouse is working long hours, and you wonder:'Is this the life we really want?' You might feel like you’re missing out on some of the most important moments in your kids’ lives, or perhaps you’re worried that outside influences will pull them away from the values you’re working so hard to instill.

Trust me, I get it. The pull between providing financially and being there emotionally and spiritually is real. But what if there was a way to do both? What if you didn’t have to choose between making an income and raising your children in the way you know God is calling you to?”

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose. I’m about to tell you about a way to build a stream of income that allows you to spend more time with your family and live out your faith. And the best part? It only takes 2 hours a day.

Imagine this: You wake up, you start your day with devotionals with your kids, maybe some homeschooling lessons, and after a couple of hours of work, you’re done for the day. The rest of the day is yours to spend with your family, working on things that matter to you, without the stress of a 9-to-5 job. And yet, your income keeps coming in.

I want to bless you in what ever way I can.  Please reach out with any questions.

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Pinterest -> https://pin.it/4ulAVwr

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Blessings!

Monica

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Welcome back to Claiming Simplicity where I like to keep everything as simple as I can so you can live a more fruitful life!  If we haven’t met, I’m Monica H Baker and I’m just a small town girl, just soaking up every minute on this earth doing God’s Will and helping as many people create an intentional life, homesteading and enjoy all God has created for us!

We have been busy here harvesting our food that has done quite well over the summer……I am now on my 2 batch of freeze dryer items and so far I am absolutely loving the ease of freeze drying food verses canning.  I do love canning though and I have done quite a bit this season as well, but it takes a little more time than freeze drying.

Some of the items I have used in my freeze dryer so far are sweet corn, carrots, apples, pickle chips, and peppers.  I really like that I don’t have to make space in the cupboard for jars, the food has more nutrition that canning or dehydrating, it is simple and it will stay good for several years!!!!!!

Now that we have it and it is set up, I can say it is very nice and we are going to be running as much as we can in the next month.  

We have such a short growing season here, everything is ready at the same time, so there is such a short window of time to get everything harvested and so I want to give you 3 tips if that is where you are at right now as well.

1. One of my best tips is if you have room in your freezer for tomatoes, wash them and cut out the top and freeze them and make all your tomato items in the winter when you have down time.  It is so slick when you take them out of the freezer and put in hot water and the skins just slip right off.
2. Next, focus on the item that will spoil the quickest.  We like to wait with potatoes and carrots until the last thing as some of the produce like our sweet corn have to be processed right away as it doesn’t stay fresh very long.
3. Do the processing together.  If you have friends and family that have food to process, it is not only very productive when you have more hands helping, but it is alot of fun.  Enjoy the process and thank God for it all!!!!

Have a blessed day and make sure to share this podcast with any of your friends that want to simplify life!

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Today on our Freedom Friday episode, we’re diving deep into something that’s on everyone’s mind—financial security and freedom. If you’ve ever felt like your 9-5 paycheck just isn’t enough, or if you’ve been stressed about rising living costs, this episode is for you.

We’re going to talk about why you need another income stream and, more importantly, how you can build a passive income stream in just 2 hours a day. Imagine waking up to money you made while you were sleeping. 

Now, I’m not here to scare you, but the truth is—relying on just one paycheck is risky in today’s world. Even though we have always based our budget on 1 income, now we want to retire my husband early.  Inflation is rising, the cost of living keeps going up, and we all know someone who has lost a job unexpectedly. In fact, if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that financial stability can disappear overnight. That’s why having multiple streams of income isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s a necessity. Think of it as your financial safety net. If something happens to your main income, you have a backup plan. And hey, who doesn’t want a little extra cash flow on top of that regular paycheck? This isn’t about getting rich quick. It’s about securing your future and giving yourself options. Options like working less, spending more time with your family, or just living with less financial stress.

Here’s the good news—it’s simpler than ever to build an income stream online, and it doesn’t take as much time as you might think. Seriously, 2 hours a day is all you need to get started. I’m talking about setting up systems that will generate income even when you’re not actively working. Think about amazon….it runs 24/7~and if you have an online business set up the right way, you can have passive income like that as well!  The best part? You can do this on your own schedule. Maybe you’ve got a full-time job, or you’re a busy parent—2 hours a day is manageable for most people, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in that time.  How many hours are you scrolling or watching TV?  Just give that up to eventually have the life you have dreamed of!

God has really blessed us with an amazing opportunity that anyone can do if you have a phone or computer and I feel called to share it to everyone around the world as it is so SIMPLE but can FREE so many of you financially.  It is 90% set up for you and gives you step by step instructions with what you need to do, even I was able to figure it out!!!!! It is affordable to anyone no matter what your situation and you can profit within a couple days of setting it up.   It is 100% profit which is super exciting because it isn’t a MLM or network marketing which I love and you don’t have to sell to friends and family~in fact, they don’t even have to know what you are doing!!!!!!!!  They don’t even know that your “little side hustle” is making you more in a couple hours a day than their 60 hours per week they are working!!!!!  And there is the most amazing community of people doing the same thing and they are so supportive and helpful.  I don’t know of any downfalls at all~most exciting thing I have ever done to fund my homestead!!!!!

Okay, now let’s get into the practical steps you can take right now to start building that income stream. If you’re listening and thinking, 'I don’t even know where to begin,' don’t worry. I’ve got you.

Step 1: Go to the link in the show notes and sign up for the emails I send out to give you more information.  No spam ever and you can unsubscribe anytime if it isn’t for you!

Step 2: Reach out to me if you have any questions!  This is 100% your own business, but you have a ton of support from me and others!

Step 3: Follow the process!  It is simple and it works!!!!!!  If a simple girl like me can do it, so can you friend!

Step 4: Automate. The beauty of passive income is that once it’s set up which they show you step by step, you don’t have to constantly manage it. Tools like email marketing platforms or social media schedulers allow you to automate most of the process. This is where the 'making money while you sleep' part comes in.  The best business model ever!!!!!

Now, I know what some of you are thinking. 'But I don’t have the time,' or 'I don’t have the money to start this.' Let me tackle those real quick.

First, the time issue—if you can find just 2 hours a day, whether it’s early in the morning or after work, lunch hour, you can do this. You could even put in time on the weekend so less to do during the week.  Trust me, once you start seeing results, it’ll feel worth every second.

And lastly, if you’re thinking this sounds too good to be true, let me assure you, it’s not. The truth is, passive income does require work upfront. But once you’ve built your systems, they can run with minimal effort from you. I’m not promising overnight success, but I am telling you that with consistent effort, you can create a reliable source of income. 

So here’s my challenge to you: Spend time praying about this.  You will know if a passive income stream is something God is putting on your heart to simplify your life. Sign up to get the emails that explain how it works and please email me if you have any questions.  I want you to win and start enjoying your family and doing what you love without any income restrictions.  God has big plans for you, friend!

Remember, it’s not about getting rich quick. It’s about building something sustainable that gives you more freedom and less financial stress. You can do this, and it’s simpler than you think. You just have to start. Thanks for tuning in, and as always, I appreciate you spending time with me today. If you found value in this episode, make sure to share it with someone who needs to hear this message and could use an extra income stream. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

I’ll talk to you soon!

It sure is feeling like Fall here in MN already!

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

 Are you feeling overwhelmed with all of the activities and large to-do list at the end of summer and Fall?  I want to help you reduce some of those items so you can have a more peaceful and enjoyable season.

First, I challenge you to delegate some of your workload.  For me, I always have thousands of ideas of things I want to do in my head, but if I am doing tasks that someone else could do, I never get around to putting my ideas into practice.  For me, I had to hire a teenager to help with produce because our garden this year wasn’t completely set up to be weed free like our ones in the past and so this has created extra unwanted work that I just don’t have time for.  I truely enjoy weeding my garden. I put on my favorite podcast or go out with the sunrise and pray for hours and hours.This is so relaxing for me, but I don’t always have hours of time to do that, so I need someone who can help with that.  I also have a teenager making sure my house stays clean and the dishes are done daily because I don’t want to waste my time on this when I can be creating or learning!

We now focus on slow living and intentionally plan our days and weeks.  Don’t feel that you have to enroll your kids in everything, they need a break too.  Our kids need downtime to reduce stress just as much as adults.  There are so many demands put on kids these days that sometimes they don’t just get to be kids.  Make sure they are getting plenty of time outdoors.Next, look at your schedule and decide what you can eliminate. And last, making meal planning simple.  If you don’t grow your own garden, try to get to a farmers market in your area so you can eat seasonally.  Simple healthy cooking doesn’t need to take alot of time and can be made even simpler that you imagine.  Making food in bulk and freezer meals can be done on a rainy day or just plan 1 day a month so you don’t have to waste much time in the kitchen cooking.  Keep morning meals simple such as eggs, smoothies, or homemade yogurt you have batched in the fridge.  Lunch can be as simple as cheese and boiled eggs with some carrots and apples or salad or leftovers.  Finger foods are great for lunches and they do not take much time.  And your evening can be a dish with protein and vegetables.  Don’t overthink cooking from scratch or meal planning~shop local for fresh ingredients and build your meals from there.

Chat next time!

Monica

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Today, I want to talk about something that's been weighing on my heart—time freedom. In our fast-paced world, it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget what truly matters. But what if I told you there’s a way to reclaim your time, spend more precious moments with your kids, and simplify your life—all by working just 2 hours a day?

It might sound impossible, but with a simple, done-for-you automated system, it’s not only possible, it’s within reach for anyone, no matter where you are in the world. This system creates passive income, meaning you’re not trading hours for dollars anymore. Instead, you’re building a life where you have the freedom to do what you love, with the people you love creating memories.

Imagine the joy of waking up without the rush, being fully present for your children every single day, and ending each day with peace in your heart, knowing that you’re providing for your family without sacrificing your time with them. That’s the kind of life we all dream of, isn’t it?

As a Christian, I believe that our time here is precious and that we’re called to be good stewards of it. By freeing up your time through this system, you can focus on what truly matters—your faith, your family, and your purpose. Whether it’s attending every church service, being more involved in your community, or simply having the time to pray and reflect, this system allows you to live in alignment with your values.

And the best part? You don’t need any tech skills to get started. This system is designed to be simple and accessible, so anyone can use it to start earning passive income. It’s about creating a life that’s less complicated, more fulfilling, and truly blessed.

So, if you're ready to take that step toward time freedom, where you can focus on your family, your faith, and what really matters, then click the link in the show notes and let me know if you have any questions!  I am so excited for you to start living a life of freedom!

Remember, you deserve a life where you’re not just surviving, but truly living. Let’s simplify, prioritize, and build something that not only supports your family financially but enriches your life spiritually. With God’s guidance and this proven system, anything is possible."

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Pinterest -> https://pin.it/4ulAVwr

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Love ya!Monica

Welcome to a new series called Freedom Fridays to simplify life.

If you're juggling work, home, and everything in between, and you're exhausted from the daily grind of that 9-to-5, this episode is for you. Today, I want to talk about something that could change your life—making a significant passive income online in just 2 hours a day with a simple, automated system no matter where you live in the world.  Imagine getting paid while you sleep

I want to show you how you can take back control of your time like I did, ease your financial worries, and—most importantly—start dreaming again.

Love Ya!

Monica

Simple Income Stream Info -> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

Today I just want to be real about the less appealing part of homesteading because it was a rough week here a few weeks ago.

There is so much more to homesteading and farming than living a fairytale life .  Yes, it sure feels like an incredible life and we enjoy it so much, but there are many ups and downs that people don’t talk about and I just want you to know what you are getting into as you grow your farm or homestead or just thinking about it.

First, homesteading and farming are 24 hours of every single day, 7 days a week if you have animals.  

We now have 20 pigs with the piglets, 21 goats, 35-40 chickens, and even though we have everything set up streamlined and simple (as much as we can)  there are many expected things that happen~it can be a rollercoaster of emotions and we have experienced many of them this last month.

Next, it can be a bigger investment than you think without an instant income.  When you buy animals to breed or for meat,  you have to take time for them to grow which takes alot of feed and it is extremely expensive right now and I’m sure it will increase even more with what is happening in our country.  

We only live on 20 acres, so we can’t make enough hay for our animals and we have to buy that as well.  Also, you have to think about the cost of infrastructure and fencing so you can rotate them.  RIght now, our farm is funded by our other income streams because we don’t sell enough eggs, pork, or milk to even break even at this point, but knowing where our food comes from and being as self-sufficient as we can is important to us as well.  We have to buy very little from the store, so our grocery bill is lower than having to buy that from someone else.

Also, if you are looking for an additional simple online income stream that could help you pay for your homestead in 2 hours a day and is not an MLM and anyone can do if you have a phone, please send me an email or check out the link below~It is our best income stream!!!!!  I’m so passionate about helping families get away from the 9-5 and enjoy the choices and freedom that comes with that!

And lastly, every day isn’t easy - we have had some really hard days.    Our kune kune pigs are such a part of our family.  They have the most incredible personalities and have brought so much joy to our farm-and grandkids!  They are not your average pig, that is for sure!   

Thanks for listening today!  Talk to you soon!

~Monica

How I make money online ->>> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

 y/Pinterest -> https://pin.it/4ulAVwr

I'm just popping in today to let you know I am still here, just very busy on our homestead and making memories with kids and grandkids.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a more intentional life.  Slow living and saying no to things that are not the most important is possible and attainable!

Love you!

Monic

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You have never tried using essential oils for your health and home? They are just a part of our every day life that I couldn’t ever imagine having to use anything else!  We use them for cleaning, hair and body, laundry, having more energy, any illness we feel coming on, bug bites, preventing spiders or ticks-absolutely everything!!!

This last week, my husband had planter fasciitis and that helped with that too.  Now I am not saying they cure things, but they sure help!!!!!  

Once you realize that your cleaning supplies can be very minimal, you will save money!

It feels so good to use non toxic ingredients in our home and also on our animals.  When they have a rash or anything, oils are our go to choice to help.

Check out all the amazing benefits for yourself and if you have not already, grab my free DIY cleaning recipes in the link below or on the website.  Everything is simple to make and probably everything you have on hand in your home.

DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaner

Have a Blessed Week!

Monica

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

I know you are looking forward to summer and if you want to spend most of your days outside instead of cleaning inside, you are going to want to do these steps now so you have less stress when summer comes!  When you simplify your  Spring cleaning system, you will feel less overwhelmed and more at peace. 

There was a time when I felt that I was wasting so much time always cleaning, but that was before I simplified my life.  It felt like a never ending cycle of cleaning one area and by the time I got to all the areas, I needed to clean the area I started with again and it was exhausting!  I am not a type A person, so I’m always random because I always want to fit the most important part of my life first and I don’t want God or my family to just get leftovers.  

As my life gets fuller and fuller with a larger family with more Grandkids, I want to spend time with them and not time cleaning and keeping up on the house and I bet you understand this as well!

You have to make a plan and what it is that you really want to get done.  This is a big deal!  When you plan your time and add it to your calendar, you are bound to get alot more done!  Even 15 minutes at a time will help you get ahead!

Next, start decluttering.  When you have less items to manage, you have less mental stress and less you have to keep up on, so I want you to start with one room of your house and eliminate anything you do not use.  This may take a little bit of time, but I promise you, it will be worth it in the end!  What a game changer it is to have to clean less because you have less to organize and manage!  Once summer comes, you can be outside without having to waste time in the house cleaning or organizing!

Next, reduce what you clean with.  I only use a few items for cleaning and this reduces overwhelm in having to keep up on what you have on hand so it keeps cleaning simple and also saves money!  We have a multipurpose spray that we use for most of the cleaning, some toilet bombs, and vinegar with essential oils which covers almost everything!!!!!  If you want the recipes for the DIY cleaners, I will leave the link in the show notes!  I also have other simple items on that you might like as well!  Enjoy! 

If  you don’t have a roomba,  I suggest putting it in your budget when you can get it -we don’t have animals in our house, but it is works incredibly well.  I have an app and have it scheduled for times it works for our family and it just automatically runs!  It doesn’t get everything, but saves me from having to dust or mop the floors more than a few times a year or if it gets soiled!

I like to go through my clothes, cupboards and bathroom every Spring to just eliminate anything I don’t need.  It doesn’t take me very long because after Christmas, I like to purge as much as I can too, so it is just a matter of seeing if there is anything you haven’t used or won’t use for the summer season.  

I spend most of our time outside, with family or at our cabin in the summer if it works, so I don’t do any purging, decluttering or organizing usually until Fall, and that is usually a quick declutter of canning and preserving items and getting the summer clothes swapped out for our winter clothes.  With less stuff, there is so much less cleaning and you can spend time doing what you love and being outdoors!  So much less stress!

Blessings!

Monica

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

Are you constantly searching recipes for the fad diets that keep you on the roller coaster of diet trends for years that mess with your metabolism?  I don’t even know what the newest thing is out there right now since we just switched to nutrient dense food years ago and cooking from scratch.

From that time, I started learning about what is in the food we eat and how to eat more nutrient rich foods so I don’t ever have to diet.  We want our kids to know how important it is to look at what is in the food, the dyes and also if it has more than a couple ingredients, it probably is something I would skip. 

Now, as I have simplified and created a whole system around this, we still will get things on occasion that don’t align with this and that is okay. It isnt all or nothing such as diets. Just so the majority of the time, you are opting for healthy choices. 

Live your best life by treating your body well.  You only have 1 body, so feed it good food. When you have an active everyday life, you are naturally able to get exercise into your schedule-habit stack on each thing you do throughout the day!

Our favorite nutrient dense foods right now are meats such as venison, pork, beef and chicken.  Did you know that nutrient dense means less food with the most amount of nutrients.  You don’t have to eat large amounts of nutrient dense foods because they are just packed with goodness.  We eat seasonally so right now we are eating potatoes and trying to use up all our preserved produce before the new season arrives.  Consumption of nutrient dense foods rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals are one of the keys to wellness!

Remember, With God~all things are possible!

~Monica

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

Simplify your home-this will save you many hours of having to manage items and cleaning.This will truely create more time in your life. I didn’t realize how much my life would be simplified by decluttering.  I now have less stress trying to manage all the stuff and if you have not done this yet, reach out and I will help you get started~the hardest part is figuring out where to start. When everything has a place, it tends to be super simple to keep up with and when you have a super simple systems, you are able to spend more time doing the things you love with the people you enjoy being with and it feels so much lighter to have less to manage.

DO NOT overbook your schedule.  Keeping your schedule simple can reduce overwhelm as a busy mom.  There are times when I want to squeeze something in, but then I remind myself, that never works, so I don’t even try anymore and if it is something that someone asks me to do or help with, I just politely say, “thanks for thinking of me, but at this time in my life, I have to pass.  I stopped being a yes girl many years ago. 

Know your energy.  Do your creative projects when you have the most energy and are focused.  I hope these time management tips help you create more time in your busy schedule so you can get more done in less time!  I am all about simple and efficient things!

Have a great week!

Monica

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

I still can’t believe how much prices have increased at the grocery store and I am extremely thankful we grow and raise as much food as possible, so we don’t have to spend much at the store, but there are always items you can’t grow in your location, so we do rely on the store a little and azure standard for our bulk items.  I might notice it more as I don’t have to buy items very often and am still not used to it!  If you are tight on money, start cleaning out your cupboards.  No matter what, it is just a good practice to do so you don’t let any food go to waste.  If you are like me, we do end up having a few random items expire and I don’t like to waste anything, so make sure to look at dates.  This would be your freezer foods and canned foods.

As we were looking at the amount of hamburger and venison burger we had in the freezer, we realized that we wanted to save that because we are running low and we have 2 freezers full of pork now, so we have been trying different recipes that we typically use hamburger  or venison for and replacing that with pork.  Since we are now raising our own pork along with our chicken, we have an abundance.  I just put a roast with potatoes, carrots and bone broth I took out from the freezer into the crockpot.  This is such a simple meal as it sits on low all day and falls apart and tender

when it is ready to eat in the evening.

We are really trying to use as much as we can from our canned goods and freezers to use them up before the new gardening season starts to produce, so when you plan your meals every week, you want to look at what you have on hand and what you can make with those items and then your grocery list is usually quite short.

I took ground pork and added some ketchup, mustard and brown sugar for sloppy joes and my husband enjoyed that as much as beef, so that was good.  I made up about 8 pounds and then froze several portions, so he always has a variety each week for his work lunches with different meals.

We also made taco meat with the ground pork along with tacos bowls.  This is such a great way to have something in the fridge at all times for a quick meal.  I just keep bowls of rice, corn, black beans that I soaked, and then add cheese, salsa, sour cream or any other items you like on your taco bowls.  If you don’t want to have bowls, this can easily be made into burritos as well.  This is one of my favorite meals actually-chipotle at home!

When you are using items you already have at home, you will save alot of money. Don’t let your food go to waste and just buy what you need.  As always, remember to keep it simple!  You can make several nourishing and nutrient dense meals in a short amount of time.  

Have a blessed week friend

~Monica

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

I didn’t grow up gardening and so I don’t even know how to do a normal garden!  I started my gardening journey by tilling up an area of our yard-well, my husband tilled it for us and then we just planted seeds and plants. This kinda worked and we got some produce from it, but I could never keep the weeds under control as we have full lives and a cabin we would go to every week and family camp for 10 days over the 4th of July.  I had to make some changes or I wouldn’t garden at all.  I had to keep it simple or I would be overwhelmed and would quit gardening.  Everything I do, I tweak into simple systems and this goes for gardening too~it has to be simple for me because our lives are very full!  I don’t like to spend alot of time in the kitchen cooking and I don’t like to spend alot of time in the garden weeding either~I have grandkids to enjoy!!!!!!  

If you live in the city, apartment, or are a suburban homesteader, you can plant your garden in pots or raised beds in a small area and just start out with a few items that you eat often just to learn how to garden.  You can always add more and this will keep you from getting stressed out and overwhelmed with gardening.

If you are having trouble with growing food, one of the first suggestions I would say is to get your soil tested.  We had very sandy soil, so we had to add alot to ours for it to grow better.  I actually started vermicomposting several years ago as well and that has been so much help for our garden.  Vermicomposting is something you can do in a suburban area, city or apartment as it doesn’t take up much space.   

Let me know if you want more information on it, but listen to episode 32 to start with!!!!  It is so simple and important for your garden!  I’m going to order more worms and expand as I have a much larger garden space at our new home.

My 2nd tip is if you want to keep critters away, we sprinkle blood meal around our garden and a small amount around our plants and nothing goes near them.  I do this also for my flowers that the chickens might attempt to eat.  I actually now have my flower beds away from the chickens, but this also keeps the deer and rabbits away which is nice because they used to eat all my hostas and other plants just as they were coming up from the ground! I used to make a natural deer and rabbit spray with eggs and spices, but every time it rained I had to reapply and the animals seems to beat me to the plants, so the blood meal has been nice as I only usually have to spread it a couple times all year and you use such a little amount.

And lastly, this year I am going to try the no dig garden as it is supposed to be much better for the plants so I don’t know if I am going to need to do this or not, but in the past, we got smart with the weeds and layed out fabric and burnt holes in it to plant seeds or plants and we rarely had to weed.  This worked amazingly for us and our garden was very plentiful.  I posted a video of our garden in our facebook group if you want to see what it looked like.  We would have a few weeds here and there, but most of it was covered so the weeds couldn’t get through.   If you want to see these videos and be a part of our community, the link will be below!  

And here is a bonus tip if you are able to do this.  Set up an automatic watering system.  Our last home was on the river, so we drilled in water lines to the garden and then had hose to each plant and had it on a timer, so I never had to worry about the garden getting watered if

we were away for an extended period of time and this was a life changer~especially during the summers when we got very little rain.  I’m not sure how exactly my husband is planning on setting this up at our new home, but he probably has a plan as we have a hydrant close to one of the large gardens and he will most likely drill another line into the other one to keep everything running smoothly and without alot of hands on work.  It does take time to set up simple systems, but once they are set up, it all runs systematically and is much less work!

I would love to know any simple tips to help keep your garden abundant and stress free!!!!!!  Send me an email or join our community at the link below and let me know!

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Happy Easter!!!!!

Monica

I know you want to be doing all the homesteading things you see on instagram and social media, but the truth is, you are going to get burnt out trying to do it all.  I want you to stop and think about what is important in your life.  I know that when my kids were young, there is no way that I would’ve been able to do all the things that I do now that I have teenagers that are able to help out and are also independent and that makesa big difference. Littles need so much from you, so enjoy them while you can-they grow way too quick.  I am so excited to be creating a program for you so you can learn how to do some of the homesteading skills you want to learn without feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.  I want this to be a sustainable lifestyle for you!  Join the waitlist at the link below so you get first dibs on the discounts I will offer to email subscribers only!!!!  Everything I teach is simple and whether you work full time or are a busy full time Mom, you will be able to learn step by step just how simple it is!  

First, you need to take an inventory of where you are spending your time.  It may be shocking to you where you may be wasting time.  I really encourage you to track this for a week or two.  If you don’t pay attention, days, weeks, months, and then years are just going to pass you by and you are going to say…..I wish I would have done this or that and you can’t get that time back.

Next, if you want to stop feeling overwhelmed, you need to just focus on one thing first and then build on that.  You only take on what you feel is simple and doesn’t cause you stress.  If you are getting frustrated making sourdough bread, then just make some homemade bread with yeast~you friend, don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.  Just by taking that one step, you will improve your family’s health by so much.  Once you are in a routine of that every week or every month, then add one more simple skill.  Maybe you decide to make all your own hand soap~remember, it is just as important to change the ingredients you are using on your skin as the food you are eating.  It doesn’t make sense to eat healthy if you putting toxins on the largest organ of your body, you have to think about natural living as a whole.  If you changing everything right away, you are most likely to fail, so little by little~there is no hurry.

Lastly, build your community of like minded people.  If you don’t have any people around you, then find your people online. Living in a small town of 500 people, I understand this completely!  Trying to explain to people that you are a podcaster or have an online business is foreign to them and they can’t fathom making money without going to a physical job to trade hours for dollars. As nice as it is to live in the middle of nowhere, it is so beneficial to have a tribe with similar values online too!  We are really grateful to be surrounded by a community of homesteaders that we hang out with often, but sometimes it is hard to find your people locally! You need to find your people and you will feel less overwhelmed when you can really find people you resonate with. 

Even online, I make sure that if I am watching or following someone, they are aligned with my values and my Christian faith.  I just heard someone recently say that they thought they hung out with all Christians until they became one and then they realized all the ones that they thought were Christians really are not!  I could relate to this so much.  I remember someone telling me years ago that just be a good person and you will go to heaven.  That is not correct at all!!  You have to have to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior-it doesn’t matter what you have done, Jesus loves us all and He wants to have a relationship with you!  If you have any questions about this, please email me!  I would love to chat.

Love ya!

Monica

Website and Waitlist:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Simple Homesteading for Christians->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

 y/Pinterest -> https://pin.it/4ulAVwr

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Oils -> my.doterra.com/monicabaker/

Doterra -> https://referral.doterra.me/12623979 

Tower Garden -> http://monicabaker.towergarden.com

DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaner

Now that we will have 100 laying hens, people always ask what we are going to do with all the eggs!  Just for your information, we will not be keeping this amount of chickens, we are raising some to about 12 weeks for friends, 25 of them could be roosters or hens, so the roosters we will be butchering because we have our one and only gentle rooster named frank sinatra that we love so much and don’t need another rooster at this time, so we could be less than 75 before we know it! 

My teenagers sell the eggs and this is a really good gig for them since we pay for the feed and they make the money on the eggs!

We boil at least a dozen or two boiled eggs during the week.  It is a great grab and go snack for the whole family.  Sometimes we will make deviled eggs out of them  for a snack depending on if we have extra time.  

One of my favorite ways to use a dozen at a time is to make egg bakes and freeze them.  I usually will make 4-6 at a time and then we will take them out of the freezer the day or night before and let them thaw and bake them in the morning.  We love to have egg bakes in the fridge all week-not only for breakfasts, but if we need to heat a quick meal up in between sports or an event.  If you go to my website below and go to the blog, you will see our favoirite egg bake recipe.  Everyone raves about this one and we have been using it for over 20 years along with a few of our other favorite ones.  

We will scramble up dozens of eggs and cook them, cook sausage, and brown hashbrown and make breakfast bowls and freeze them and our family loves these as well.  

It is really important to me that my kids get a nourishing breakfast every day before school with protein, fat and healthy carbs to sustain them.  It has been many many years since I have bought breakfast cereals and items from the store. There is always something in the fridge they can access within a few minutes to make it convenient.  These are our convenient foods!  No package needed, nutritious, simple adn cheap!!!!

We like to make omlets and quiches, egg salad sandwiches, potato salad.  There are just so many ways you can use eggs.

I will take a day and make months worth of sourdough noodles which take alot of eggs-the amount just depends how big I make the batch.  

There are so many ways we can use eggs up in our house and it makes for simple and easy meals if you want something quick.  

I just ordered a refurbished freeze dryer, so that is another way we will be able to preserve them for 20 plus years if needed!  I can’t wait!  I’m really going to have to get that you tube channel up and running for you so that you can see all my wins and failures as I test out so many food items.  

Chickens are really worth getting because there are so many ways to use the eggs!  

Happy Homesteading Friend!

~Monica

Website and Waitlist:

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Simple Homesteading for Christians->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

Picture this: you're standing in the grocery aisle, scanning rows of products, each has an array of ingredients you can barely pronounce. Sound familiar? It's time to reclaim control and return to simplicity!

Why should we care about those tiny print labels? Well, they're like treasure maps, guiding you to the healthiest choices. By adopting a "more is less" approach – aiming for foods with less than 2-3 ingredients – this will help you not just simplify your shopping trips, but also nourish your bodies with wholesome goodness.

So, what's the secret sauce to deciphering these labels? It's all about prioritizing quality over quantity. Look for real, recognizable ingredients – think fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Skip the lengthy chemical compounds and opt for foods that Mother Nature herself would recognize. When it says other natural ingredients, that should be avoided as well as you don’t really know what that is. 

Look at your bread you have right now if you get it from the store.  I looked at a loaf the other day when I was grocery shopping and there were about 15 ingredients in it!  Bread is flour, water and yeast.  If you don’t have time for sourdough, you do have time for regular bread-I have a recipe that takes less than 10 minutes plus bake time and you can make multiple loaves at a time.  I make mine in bulk, so I only have to make it 1 day every 5-6 weeks and that gives me peace of mind that I am helping with my family’s health and wellbeing.  

If you have not already, please get on the waitlist for my program that is going to help you start making simple swaps from the store step by step so you can fit this into your life no matter how busy you are.  I am the queen of simplicity and I love teaching others to do the same!  The link to my website to sign up will be below!  

I  get it – life gets busy, and convenience is king. That's why i’m not suggesting you ditch all pre-packaged foods entirely. Instead, just get savvy with your selections. Seek out brands committed to transparency and integrity, with short, sweet ingredient lists you can trust.

And let's not forget the joy of homemade food! Channel your inner homesteader and whip up your own pantry staples – from creamy nut butter to zesty salad dressings. Not only do you control what goes in, but you'll also savor the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.  You won’t ever want to go back to store bought items after you see how simple they are to make and how you can save money!  

So, dear friend, let's make a pact to simplify our plates and nourish our bodies with foods that speak the language of simplicity. Remember the journey to wellness begins with just 2-3 wholesome ingredients. 

Until next time, keep claiming simplicity in every aspect of your life friends!

~Monica

Website and Waitlist:

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Simple Homesteading for Christians->

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As you know, I’m very passionate about personal development and growth mindset and I want to give you some simple tips today to help you get out of the scarcity mode and start living your dreams of a stress free simpler life!

Imagine your mind is like a garden. In this garden, there are two main types of mindsets: fixed and growth.

• Picture a garden with rigid, unchanging plants. People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities, intelligence, and talents are set in stone. They might think, "I'm just going to stay doing what I’m doing because it is comfortable even though they don’t love it," or "I'll never be able to learn that or do anything else
  • Now, envision a garden full of thriving, flourishing plants. Individuals with a growth mindset understand that their abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning. They see challenges as opportunities to grow and improve. Instead of saying, "I can't do this or I’ll stay stuck doing what I’m doing," they think, "I can't do this yet, but with practice and perseverance, I'll get there."

  In essence, a growth mindset is all about embracing the idea that our potential is not fixed or limited. We have the capacity to learn, adapt, and improve throughout our lives.

  Here are a few key points to remember about growth mindset:

  • Instead of avoiding challenges, people with a growth mindset see them as opportunities to learn and develop new skills.
  • They understand that success often requires effort and perseverance. Even when faced with setbacks, they keep going and view failure as a chance to learn and grow.
  •  Rather than feeling discouraged by criticism or feedback, individuals with a growth mindset use it as valuable information to guide their improvement.
  • By embodying a growth mindset, we can inspire those around us to adopt a similar outlook on life, fostering a culture of resilience, curiosity, and continuous growth.

   

• Growth mindset is like tending to a garden of possibilities. By nurturing our belief in our ability to learn and grow, we can cultivate a more fulfilling and enriching life journey.

  Start your growth mindset with these practical tips.

  1. Practice gratitude journaling, reframing negative thoughts or setting realistic goals.
  2. Celebrate small victories along the way.  Appreciate the progress, no matter how small it may seem because this can help build momentum and motivation for continued growth.
  3. Identify your roadblocks or obstacles that may hinder progress towards a simpler, thriving life and learn as much as you can
  4. Join a community of like minded people!  I have an online community called Simple Homesteading for Christians and I will link that below. I also do a monthly homesteading gathering if you are in central MN and would like to join us
  5. And one of the most important things you can do is to maintain a positive and uplifting attitude!  

     I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and get out of the scarcity mindset so you can do what God has called you to do and live with less stress doing what you love!

     Love ya friend!

     Monica

     Website and Waitlist:

     Claimingsimplicity.com

     Simple Homesteading for Christians->

     Community

     Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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There are so many health benefits to eating nutrient dense foods and our family has really prioritized health the last few years as we have become aware of what is in store bought food more and more.  If there are more than a couple ingredients in anything you plan to buy-stay away from it and find an option to make it yourself.  I just heard a dentist say on a podcast that more kids are having tooth decay from goldfish crackers than candy!  I remember when I thought they were a good option to candy, so that was quite shocking to me!  Look at your ingredients! Here are just a few benefits:

•  Nutrient-dense foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily processes, including metabolism, immunity, and cell repair.
• Consuming a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can help support overall health and well-being. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and organs.
• Nutrient-dense foods tend to be lower in calories compared to processed and high-calorie foods. This means you can eat larger portions of nutrient-dense foods without consuming excess calories, which can help with weight management and maintenance.
• A diet high in nutrient-dense foods has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The antioxidants and
  • phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains have protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are underlying factors in many chronic conditions.
  • Nutrient-dense foods rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, provide sustained energy throughout the day. Unlike refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks, which can cause energy spikes and crashes, nutrient-dense foods help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling satisfied for longer periods.
  • Many nutrient-dense foods are high in dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

   

• Here are some simple habits to nourish your body with nutrient dense foods.

  1. Make sure you start your day out with something packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber like leafy greens-they are great to add to smoothies or eggs in the morning.  You can add berries which are rich in antioxidants and fiber, nut milk or flax seeds provide healthy fats, protein and essential nutrients, and that is an easy way to stay filled up so you don’t feel like you have to snack often and raise your blood sugar.
  2. Preparing nutrient dense foods so they are easy to grab is another simple habit to get into.  We like to make greek
     1. yogurt with raw milk which is high in protein, calcium and probiotics, we make our own granola with rolled oats because they are rich in fiber and antioxidants and can help support heart health and provide sustained energy.  We always have a bowl or 2 of boiled eggs because they are simple to grab and go and are high in protein, vitamins and minerals like b12 and selenium.  Deviled eggs are another great source and our family loves them.  
     2. Eat at home as much as possible.  A few years ago, we cut out all oils besides coconut oil, avocado oil and olive oil and when you get anything from a restaurant or deli, most likely they are not using high quality oils which makes such a big difference.  Simple nutrient dense foods such as fish or salmon which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin D is a great meal and supports heart health and your brain. Add some greens and sweet potatoes that are packed with vitamins a and c, fiber and antioxidants.  Meals can be so easy if you don’t overthink it.
     3. When you are shopping, try to shop on the outside walls, most of the inner isles are not filled with nutrient dense food.  
     4. Source as much food from local farmers as possible.  You might pay a little more, but the quality of what you eat matters.

     Some other foods that are easy to add into your diet are avocados which are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamin E and C. Legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas are excellent sources of protein, fiber and various vitamins and minerals.  Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium and

     makes a filling snack option.  Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and are great to add to many dishes such as eggs bakes, fajitas and such.  Cauliflower is great to sneak into any dish as well, i add riced cauliflower to smoothies, eggs, cheesy potatoes, and most dishes you don’t even know it is in there, but it is great for digestive health.

     Some simple ways to prepare nutrient dense foods would be roasting, steaming, grilling, sauteing, raw, blending, and salads.

     These simple cooking methods can help you prepare nutrient dense foods in a delicious and enjoyable way.  Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find combinations you love!

     Overall, incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet can contribute to better health outcomes, improved energy levels, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. So Aim to fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and other nutrient-rich foods for optimal health and well-being.

     Blessings Friend

     Monica

     Website and Waitlist:

     Claimingsimplicity.com

      

     Simple Homesteading for Christians->

     https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

      

      

      

     Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

     Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

     Pinterest ->  https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ 

      

I have been making my laundry soap for years because it is super simple and cost effective, but I was so excited that I just learned how to make my own washing soda and that is just as easy, so I wanted to share that with you along with several uses for it.

I made laundry soap over 20 years ago and I had to quit because it was gunking up the hoses, so my husband didn’t want me making it anymore until I found a good recipe that didn’t use the shredded bar of soap, so I found a recipe that didn’t use that and I have been using it for quite a while and it seems to work well, but this one is a powder and not a liquid like my other recipe.  It is just……1/2 cup epsom salt, 1/1/2 c aluminum free baking soda, 1 ½ c washing soda, ¼ c sea salt and 20-25 drops essential oils and I store mine in mason jarsd which works well.

And now to reveal the simple washing soda recipe!  It is just a layer of baking soda on a shallow baking dish or pan, put in a preheated 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, cool and store in an airtight container.  Can you believe that is all it is?  Me either-I could’ve been making this for several years.  I like to buy baking soda in bulk because it has so many uses in the house and we also use it for the goats. 

Enjoy the tips and join our Facebook group for more!

Monic

Website and Waitlist:

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Simple Homesteading for Christians->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Are you tired of spending hundreds of dollars at the grocery store each month?  Since we have been gardening and growing our own food for several years, I was shocked at the cost of food at the grocery store! I had to buy more food this year because we moved and I wasn’t able to have a garden last year.  It is no wonder why families can’t afford healthy food from the store.  Not only is it so much more expensive, but even buying organic doesn’t guarantee that your food is toxic free.  When you grow your own food, you know how the food is grown and guarantees that it wasn’t sprayed with anything toxic if you want organic food.  I like knowing what seeds I have and the process that is used to grow our fruits and vegetables.

I am encouraging you to start a garden this year whether it be pots in a window in your apartment or your suburban homestead.  You don’t need any special equipment.  Many times you will find free pots listed on marketplace or garage sales and it doesn't even need to be pots, anything you can put soil in and plant is going to get you started on your journey.  They have bags you can plant a garden in, we have used 50 gallon barrels cut in half and made raised beds, but those we had to put items with shallow roots as tomatoes needed a deeper raised bed.  If you are overwhelmed thinking about growning a garden, I challenge you to just take some money from your food budget to buy a few seeds and try to grow just a few items that you and your family eat often and learn how to grow and preserve that item and then next year, add a few more.  Just growing a few items can save money and stretch your grocery budget much further.  Think about tomatoes-even if you don’t want to start them from seeds, get a few plants-you can preserve tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato soup, crushed tomates, diced tomatoes, tomatoes paste, pizza sauce and then if you buy or grow a few other items like peppers, you can also make spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, salsa, rotel and the list goes on and on.  

I am going to teach you how to can and preserve some items in my program coming up, so get on waitlist if you haven’t already, so you are the first to know when it is released with special offers!  I am so excited to teach you simple cooking from scratch, replacing simple grocery store items to save you money and also eliminate unnecessary ingredients that are making your food unhealthy.  If you are busy, this program is for you.  It is bite size, step by step videos in a short amount of time, so you can be confident in creating food from scratch in your home quickly!

I will reveal my list of seeds I will be growing in the facebook group, so join us there!  Link is below! 

Have a great week!

Monica

Website and Waitlist:

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Simple Homesteading for Christians->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Decluttering changed my life so many years ago.  I used to think that I didn’t want to get rid of something just in case I would need it again, but that is not the case.  If I have something that I havent used in years and it would be less than $50 to replace, I donate it because I know how much energy it takes to keep that item, but honestly I haven’t missed anything other than a few weeks ago I was missing my heart pan to make pizza on or a big heart cookie for valentines day, but that wasn’t something I was going to buy again.  Usually I can get away with using something else instead of that item-even though sometimes you have to get creative. 

I love that living with less gives you more freedom mentally and more time to do the things you enjoy and that you value.  Time is a resource that you will never get back and you don’t want to have regrets.  

Because of the choices we have made in our life, I am able to be available to kids, grandkids and friends because my life is so much more flexible than it was when I was working for an employer building their dream.  

I want you to think of this:

If you don’t simplify your life and don’t declutter, it can prevent you from acheiving financial freedom, it will keep you from spending quality time with people you love and possibly missing events with family that you will regret later, it will deny you the opportunity to pursue your own dreams, and it means your priorities are in the wrong places when you have too much stuff which will affect your faith as well. 

Decluttering will reduce stress and overwhelm and help you focus on the true meaning in this world.  You are a pebble that can make a ripple in so many areas, so I encourage you to simplify, so you have the time to make a difference in the lives of others.  You don’t want to be to busy doing things that don’t really matter.

Remember, focusing on eternal rewards is far better than any item on this earth will offer us.  Once again, we can’t take our possessions to the grave, so stop stiving to keep collecting stuff.  We are on this earth for such a short time, don’t waste your time on achieving money to buy things that your children will have to get rid of when you are gone.  Your family won’t remember the things you bought them, but they will remember the time you spent with them.

Instead of buying stuff, why don’t you donate money to kids or family in need, take a mission trip, or something to help someone else.  We are here to love others and make a difference.  Simplify your life and ditch the clutter so you aren’t bogged down mentally and physically and be the change in this world.

Talk soon!

Monica

Website and Waitlist:

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Simple Homesteading for Christians->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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Do you want to learn how easy it is to raise chickens?  I'll take you through the simple steps of beginning with chicks and what you need to know to get started with raising chickens in your backyard or homestead. They are the gateway to more sustainable living and most likely you will get goats next!!!!!!

I know you have concerns about keeping chickens alive, but it is pretty simple.  It is quite easy to spot a sick chicken, but we have rarely had anything happen in all these years, but we also let our chickens free range all year besides winter so I’m sure that helps. I open the coop door in the morning and then they go back in there in the evening to roost, and I close the door at night so nothing can get into the coop. We have had a few chickens drop over but those were also chickens that were quite old.  

I would suggest you get chickens that are ready to lay eggs or are laying when getting started because the only care they really need is fresh water, chicken feed, nesting boxes and a place to roost.  None of this has to be fancy-in our coop, we have some branches my husband cut down and then has those across the coop for them to sit on at night.

If you are going to get baby chicks, here are some tips to getting started.

First, you will want to prepare a brooder box.  That is just a clean, draft free container or large box to accommodate the number of chicks you are planning to raise.  You can use a cardboard box, plastic tub, wooden crate, or what we use is an old water tank because it has rounded corners which lessens the chances of a chick getting

trapped or wedged in the corner.  When chicks are cold or scared, sometimes they will huddle up in the corners, so we try to prevent that.

Next, you will want to have a reliable heat source the first week such as a heat lamp, infrared bulb.  My husband has a cover he made out of some old scrap wood and chicken wire and he puts that on top of the tank and hangs the lights from that.  Gradually reduce the temperature each week until the chicks are fully feathered.  We will start out with the light hanging lower and them just adjust it higher as they get older.  We don’t ever suggest spending alot of money on this because it is a very short time the chicks will be in here.

You will want to add some safe bedding materials for the chicks such as pine shavings, straw, or even paper towels to provide a soft and dry surface for the chicks to walk on.  Avoid newspaper as it is slippery and can lead to leg problems and don’t use cedar chips as they have an aromatic oil that can be harmful to the chicks.

You will want to buy chick starter feed and ensure it contains 18-20% protein to support healthy growth.  You will need shallow waterers to prevent drowning accidents.  You can add smaller rocks in there to make it easier for chicks to drink without getting wet.  Make sure to keep the

water clean and fresh to keep it free of contaminants and monitor water levels to prevent dehydration especially in hot weather.

Monitor chicks for signs of illness, injury or distress.  Healthy chicks should be active, alert and curious. Try to minimize stressors such as loud noises and overcrowding as stress can weaken their immune systems.  Avoid excessive handling during the first few days when they are most vulnerable.  And my favorite tip for chicks is to talk to them so they become accustomed to human presence.

When chicks are around 6-8 weeks and fully feathered, you can gradually introduce them to their permanent house but don’t let them be in an outdoor area unsupervised.

These tips will provide them with the best possible start in life and help them transition into healthy chickens.

Now I want to talk about basic care requirements for all chickens:

They will need shelter and the chicken coop should provide protection from predators like foxes, raccoons, owls and large birds. It should also offer adequate ventilation to prevent moisture  buildup and respiratory issues, but it doesn’t have to be fancy or cost alot of money. You will want 2-3 square foot coop space per chicken plus an outdoor run or free-range area where they can peck, scratch, and dust bathe.

Chickens require a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Commercial chicken feed comes in various formulations tailored to different stages of life (starter, grower, layer) and specific dietary needs.

Just like with the chicks, clean water should be available at all times, preferably in a gravity-fed or automatic waterer to minimize contamination. I like to put a splash of Apple cider vinegar in their water about once a week-its good for everything, right?

I have no doubt you will enjoy keeping chickens, they really are fun to observe!  If you have any questions at all, join our Simple Homesteading Group and ask me anything!

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As I get older, I think about what I can do to help others as that is very rewarding for me.  I love being a nurse for this reason and even though I only pick up a few shifts around my family’s schedule. Its in my nature to give great care just as I would want my family to be treated, but I also like building my own dream and not someone elses for the freedom it provides which includes helping others as well.  

Are you loving your life right now?  I remember being exhausted with all the running we did with kids and working all the time that I had to reevaluate why we were choosing that crazy whirlwind of everyday life and we made some changes.  If you want to make changes in your life, you have to know what changes you want to make and then you need to break that goal down and start to take steps toward that bigger dream so you aren’t in the same spot the next year-you have to take action.  

Many times this will start with getting out of debt so that you have options.  I would start with selling things you don’t need or anything you have payments on.  Debt will control your life, so when you get rid of it, it will free up your life to be able to live your dreams and as we talked about in an earlier episode, you will also be more content.

Remember, how you spend your time is how you spend your life.  Don’t let it slip away.

In order to love the life you live, you will want to remember that no life is perfect, so even though some things may look perfect for others, you are just seeing the highlights, so do not compare your life to other people’s life.

Next, you need to be true to your values~your best life is going to be lived by aligning your life with what is most important to you. Invest your time, energy, and money into those most important values and make sure you set boundaries for those items that do not fall in there.

I believe that in order to move from where you are at to where you want to be, you need to invest in your growth.  You will want to read books or listen to them, learn from others, investing in personal development and courses are so important for you to move forward to transform your life.  But remember that you need to put into practice what you are learning.

I don’t want you to stay stuck, so take a chance.  You may be afraid to make some changes, but sometimes you have to go through uncomfortable things for them to eventually be comfortable and become who you are truly meant to be.  Don’t let fear stop you from your dreams friend and certainly don’t let other people discourage you.  If I would have let the naysayers influence my dreams, I would not be where I am today. Your dream is not the same as anybody elses and God has given you different gifts that He wants you to use. Do not let security keep you stuck, take a step of faith as God leads you.  

I hope you can take this seriously to move your life in the direction you want to go little by little, step by step.  You and your family deserve it!  

~Monica

Website and Waitlist:

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Simple Homesteading for Christians->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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I just got my vegetable seeds for my garden ordered!  It sure seems like Spring here and so maybe I will be able to plant my seeds before the end of May this year!  We have so much work to do on this new garden designed and trying to figure out where everything will go.  We have plenty of land for several garden spaces, but we have to have good fencing as we have too many deer and animals that enjoy our vegetables and fruit just as much as we do.

I have never been one to buy prepared casseroles at the store that you just put in the oven because when I look at the cost of them compared to the ingredients to make that item, it didn’t ever make sense to me since I am frugal and I don’t like to spend extra money if it doesn’t make sense to me plus, I can’t imagine it would be as good as made fresh at home. 

I will however, spend a little more on certain organic items just knowing that I don’t want pesticides on our food, but because it is more expensive, I can’t buy everything organic and that is why I choose to grow as much as I can at home and in our garden. 

If you have not ever grown your own food, since I just ordered seeds, these prices are fresh in my mind.  I can get many seed packets with 25-50 seeds in them for less than $7.  Do you know how much produce just one of those seeds can produce?  That just seems so crazy to me.  I still have alot to learn about growing seeds, but to me, even if half of those seeds fail…….I am still hundreds of dollars ahead!  I mean I just paid over $2 for just 1 pepper from the store, but 1 seed can produce multiple peppers.  You are smart….do the math.  You don’t need anything fancy to get seeds started, so I really encourage you to give it a shot!

Cooking with whole foods and nutrient dense food from scratch is not difficult.  Once you realize how many meals you can make with just a few ingredients, you will be more likely to cook simple meals at home.  My mostly used staples are potatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, broth, flour, sourdough, eggs and then whatever meat we have from the freezer.  I love helping people create simple meals from the items they already have at home to save money.  I am going to open up a few more client coaching calls to help you simplify your meals, help you save money on food and learn to cook from scratch in a short amount of time, so if you want to do a 15 minute discovery call to see if this is a good fit for you, I will leave a link to the schedule!

Here are a few examples.

Beef stew

Chicken Soup  You can make a huge pot for under $10 that a whole family of 4 could eat for a whole week if you wanted to. We raise our chickens, grow the onion and carrots, make broth from bones and vegetable scraps and use flour and eggs for noodles and it is really simple to make.  We don’t need alot of extra snacks around because we always have food like these ready in the fridge to eat.

The more nutrient dense your food is, the less your family is going to need extra expensive sugary snacks from the store because they are satisfied after eating nutritious food.  Keep cooking from scratch and nutrient dense food simple so you don’t get overwhelmed!

Blessings!

Monica

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I hope you are having a fantastic day!  

Have you ever thought about what you are using to wash your dishes that goes on the plates and cups you eat from?  I want you to know how simple it is to make your own dishsoap, dishwasher detergent, counter cleaner, and hand soap.  These 4 items will take you very little time so you can easily transform your kitchen to using less toxins to become a more natural home.

Dishwasher 

Dishsoap

Counter cleaner

Hand soap

If you are conscious of what you are eating, you will want to be aware of what you are using as well.  It is super simple to make these DIY cleaning products and they will save you money and once you see how easy it is, you probably wont ever go back to using the toxic products anymore.

I’m so excited for you to try it, so please send an email and let me know if you have any questions and your experience once you make it!

~Monica

DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners

On Guard Concentrate -> On Guard Concentrate

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One of the most important things you can do is get out of debt and the next step you need to take is to read and learn as much as you can whether you live in an apartment or city.  There are thousands of skills you can learn, so really map out what you want to start with.  Maybe it is learning to cook from scratch and preserve food, maybe it is to learn vermicomposting-both of these, along with many many other skills, you can learn right where you are at.  I started my worms in 2 rubbermaid totes and that is what I have used for the last 5 years and you don’t need a large space for the totes, but you will be happy to have black gold for growing your vegetables-even if it is in pots because you don’t have space for a garden.  There is so much to learn and if you do it before you move to your dream location, you will be more prepared and you can learn other skills you will need in a larger space when you get there.  If you are preserving food-even from a farmers market while you live in the city, you won’t be as overwhelmed when you are producing a ton of fruits and vegetables on your own farm, because you will already know how to preserve them so that will take some of the stress away.  You will be so happy that you are not wasting your time while waiting for your farm or land.  Learning new skills is very exciting and fun!  Learn how to ferment food, make kombucha, yogurt, and simple items so you can see how easy it really is.  Buy raw milk and start making your own butter and cheese along with making your own bread and pasta.  You will not regret it.

Picture what you want your future to look like.  I have done this for years and I think it is something you should do as well.  Write down what your life looks like 1 year from now as you are already doing it.  Next, write down exactly what you want your life to look like in 5 years, details of the house you live in, the landscape of your land and details of the way you live.  Feel it as you are living it now.  You will be amazed what this will do for you.  I started this many many years ago and so many things that I have envisioned have come to fruition. In fact, the last home we lived in was exactly what I had written down several years before I even knew of the home.  It was acres of land on water, front porch, everything on the main level including main floor laundry, fireplace-it was incredible how close this place was to what I had described.

There are just so many things you can learn in the waiting, but one of the most important is mindset and prayer.  You get what you think about.  Are you asking God for direction?   

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Thanks for joining me!

Monica

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2-5-24 EP 160 // No Spend Challenge Recap for 2024 Spending Only $14 on Groceries in January for Our Family of 4.

Well, the January no spend challenge is finished and it was another successful month.  We did buy a buck goat, but that was so we can breed 5 of our goats for 5 of our females that are ready for June babies.  We also sold some of our pigs for processing and also processed another one for ourselves, so we had to get our tomatoes out of the freezer. In order to make spaghetti sauce, I did have to buy green peppers because we didn’t have a garden last year, so I didn’t have any frozen, but I did have all the other ingredients.  I was a little disappointed since I was trying to not spend anything on groceries, but it was nice to get our spaghetti sauce done. 

When I was at a getaway with a bunch of friends I found a set of white plates at a thrift store that I have been looking for nearly a year, so I did breakdown and spend the $21 and I did buy raw milk for $4 since we were out, but other than that, we didn’t spend anything else.

I am continuing to use pantry items in February, but I do need to order some heirloom seeds for the garden and some chickens before they are sold out.  We like to get some new chickens every year just to continue eggs every year as some stop laying eggs.  We also are probably going to get broilers this year as well as we are almost out of chicken we raised 2 years ago.  And I found another kune kune piglet that we should be able to possibly breed next year if it is big enough.  Growing our homestead is something we are passionate about as we become as self-sufficient as we can be.

As the grocery prices continue to rise, we continue to save money on food.  We want to get stocked up again to have at least a few years of food preserved for our family and also our kid’s families that are away from home.  Yes, they are spoiled.  I’m going to have them start canning with me so they don’t ever have to go without canned food if I am unable to do it for them.  I really believe this is a skill that is going to be a good one to know for the future.  Cooking from scratch is a skill that isn’t difficult and can be simple to learn.  I am super excited to teach you how you can cook simple from scratch meals and learn how to rely less on the grocery store by making simple items at home that you are currently overpaying for.  It is worth your family's health to make these swaps and I can teach you to do it in very little time so you aren’t stressed and overwhelmed.  Remember, if you want to get on the waitlist, I will have a link in the show notes to sign up so you will be the first to know when I have this ready to release.

Have a blessed week and thanks for being here!  

~Monica

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So it has been brought to my attention that some of you might be thinking that cooking from scratch is not simple and it sounds overwhelming to you, so I want to break down a few items today that you can make yourself in a few minutes and I promise you-I don’t have time to do anything difficult or tedious and I have to keep it all simple because I honestly don’t like spending much time in my kitchen if I don’t have to~I would much rather be in the garden, with the animals, or just doing something outside!

As I have been learning more and more about the ingredients in the foods we buy and how food affects our bodies, the more I want to make as much as I can from scratch so I know what is in what we are eating, but I really don’t have much extra time, so quick and easy recipes are the only ones I make!

This is how simple it can be to make sour cream and it will be the best sour cream you have ever had and you won’t buy it from the store ever again!

Another thing that is very simple to make is crackers.  I got this amazing healthy cracker recipoe from my friend shannon and it is so simple and my family also loves them!

These are just a few recipes that we love and if you are busy and are interested in learning how to make more simple recipes like this so you don’t have to rely on the grocery store, just go to claimingsimplicity.com and get on the waitlist!!!!!  I’m doing videos to demonstrate each of the recipes and I think you are really going to love it!

Look for more simple recipes in the future to incorporate into your life!

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Love ya friend!

Monica

Where are you looking for contentment in your life? Contentment refers to the state of being satisfied and at ease with one’s life and circumstances. Embracing contentment involves appreciating the present moment, finding joy in the little things, and cultivating a sense of fulfillment in the midst of life’s challenges.  Contentment is the lifeblood of happiness.  Your journey toward purpose and joy will be short lived without it.

Learning contentment is difficult in our society that says the more you have or do, the better, especially when you are constantly trying to keep up with others. If you are not content, discontentment will distract you from living with simplicity and deep meaning. That is why you have to CHOOSE contentment because otherwise discontentment will begin to take over. Every one of us has a different journey, but you can actually learn to be content with little and live an incredibly happy life when you aren’t always chasing stuff and wanting more. 

Did you know that contentment not only brings you purpose and joy, but also reduces stress and makes your life enjoyable so you can live the life you were destined to live.

Are you looking for contentment in all the wrong places?  When you realize that contentment is not found in accumulating more for yourself, but in giving more to others, your whole life can change.  The less you need, the more you give.  Giving your time and money will help you live a happier, more fulfilled life and generous people are healthier, happier and more satisfied with life and less inclined to search for it somewhere else. 

I want you to think about this as you learn to be more content.  A good friend is the best gift you can give-people naturally are attracted toward others who have an open heart to share.  Giving of yourself improves lives and is an example to the world of a better way to live and can encourage others to do the same!  

I want you to realize, you already have enough friend, so don’t be held hostage by the pursuit of more!  Remember how really blessed you are.

Just like homesteading, when you start your contentment journey, keep it simple and start small.  Maybe you could give of your time to a friend or someone in need.  Make a meal for someone that had a baby or find a charity that aligns with your values and either volunteer or donate money. 

As you start to give your time, money and energy, your life will feel lighter and you will start to learn to be content.

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Chat Soon!

Monica

I don’t know if you are like me, but there are still some areas I am working on to get organized in my business and homestead.  I feel like my home has great systems, but when it comes to business there are a few things I will have to pay extra attention to and track now that we have more animals.  

I just want to give you 7 tips that are working to organize our homestead and online businesses.  

1. Create a Master Plan:  Outline your goals and priorities for both your business and homestead because having a clear plan will guide your organization efforts.
2. Set Priorities:  We all know that there are a million things you could be doing in business and farm, so you need to identify the most crucial tasks and projects and focus on what truly matters to your business and homestead success.
3. Declutter your space: whether its your office or homestead, decluttering is key.  Get rid of unnecessary items and creat a clean functional environment that you enjoy working in.  Having clutter around me makes my brain spin, so I need everything to be in order so I can easily get projects started and finished.
4. Time Blocking: Allocating specific blocks of time for different activities so you can avoid multitasking and it will help keep you focused on one task at a time.  This really helped my squirrly brain! 
5. Digital Organization:  I still have a hybrid system of paper and digital but I have been able to move alot of my business online which has helped for many things.  Im hoping to add on team members to delegate work to soon, so I wanted to create a system that was not only for me to understand, but simple for anyone else to do as well.  I’m still working on that as I would rather be working with my hands than spending time on an electronic device and I have alot to learn as I am technically challenged, but as learning!  I just don’t like paper clutter either, so it has helped to get many projects paperless~that is a process as well.
6. Delegating Tasks:  Don’t hesitate to give jobs to your kids or husband or hire a team member when it is the right time.  There are many things that they may enjoy doing and that they may be better with.  I would gladly give away any digital jobs because they take up so much more time than an experienced person could do in just a portion of the time it takes me.  
7. Reflect and adjust: Take time to assess what is working and what needs improvement and then adjust your strategies accordingly

I hope this helps you organize part of your business or homestead.  We all are so different that a one size doesn’t fit all, but just trying different ways to do it so that it works for you is key!

~Monic

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Since it is flu season and everyone seems to be getting sick, I just wanted to talk about what we do to stay healthy.  It is very very rare that my family gets sick and even though we are around sick people often, we really haven’t been sick in years. I will pick up shift on occasion in urgent care with very sick people and still don’t get sick.

One of the things that we added to our health routine about 5 years ago was we started eating  juice plus which is an extensively researched company and no matter how healthy we eat, our soil is depleted and just doesn’t have the nutrients that our body needs.  I believe this is the most important change that we made from being sick to healthy for over 5 years.  Let me know if you want more information and I would be happy to share it with you.  There are some other products out there that look similar, but they don’t have the research studies that this company has.  Many olympians and professional athletes take this also to improve their performance. 

Next, we try to stay away from processed food.  I used to think our family ate pretty healthy until I started reading labels and saw all the hidden ingredients and dyes.  We have slowly switched to making all our own bread & pasta products, many dairy products, and swapping out as many snacks and other items as I can easily make from scratch at home.  There really isn’t much time involved, it is just mostly figuring out how you can make the products you are already buying, so it does take a little research and planning, but I have a whole list of things I can’t wait to teach you so you don’t have to waste time doing that yourself!  

We also stick to mostly drinking water and try to stay away from any expensive or unhealthy drinks.  This keeps us hydrated and even in the winter it is just as important to stay hydrated for optimal health and wellness.

We do use home remedies too in case we start to feel off and that will usually take care of the illness before anything shows up.

I do believe that growing our own organic fruits and vegetables also helps keep us well. Many years ago we started buying the organic dirty dozen but it did get quite expensive, so that is another reason we choose to grow as much food in our garden as we can.  Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated either.  I did not grow up with a garden and so our garden is not a traditional garden, but we have made it so simple that I don’t have to worry about weeds, it gets watered on a timer and is simple so I can manage it even when on vacation for a few weeks.  We had our garden like this for 3 years, so I am hoping to keep it as simple as possible at our new home as well.  

Your health and wellness matter, so take control of it yourself and you will feel the difference!

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Fruits & Veggies -> monicabaker.juiceplus.com

~Monica

Eating seasonally refers to the practice of consuming foods that are naturally harvested and available during a specific time of the year. This approach involves aligning your diet with the natural growing cycles of various fruits, vegetables, and other food items.

Eating seasonally means choosing foods that are harvested at their peak ripeness during a particular season. For example, enjoying watermelon and berries in the summer, or butternut squash and apples in the fall.

Seasonal eating often involves selecting foods that are locally grown and available in your region. This supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of transporting produce over long distances

Seasonal foods are picked at their prime, offering the best taste and nutritional value. Freshness and flavor are heightened when you consume foods during their natural season.

Seasonal produce tends to be more nutrient-dense because it is allowed to fully ripen before harvest. This means you get a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals in your meals.

Eating seasonally fosters a connection with the changing seasons and the natural rhythm of agricultural cycles. It encourages a sense of mindfulness about the origin and availability of your food

Here are some budget friendly tips to saving money on food.

~Purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers' markets or directly from farmers. Local produce is often more affordable, and you support local businesses if you are not growing your own produce.

~Take advantage of bulk discounts when seasonal items are abundant. You can freeze or preserve extras for later use, ensuring you have affordable, fresh options year-round.  Since we moved last year, I had to buy more produce because I wasn’t able to grow everything myself last year.  Actually, we just recently took our frozen tomatoes out of the freezer and made our spaghetti sauce.  

~Farmers' markets often offer competitive prices, and you might find unique, seasonal produce that's more affordable than in supermarkets

~If you have any CSA programs around you, they allow you to buy a share of a local farm's harvest. This not only supports farmers but also provides you with a regular supply of seasonal produce at a potentially lower cost, so this is a great option too if you don’t grow your own food.  

~Tailor your meal plans based on what's in season. This helps you take advantage of lower prices for in-season items and avoids the expense of out-of-season produce.  We eat ALOT of zucchini in the summer……..zuchinni noodles, zucchini tots, fried zucchini, grilled zucchini and all kinds of great meals.  

~When seasonal fruits and veggies are abundant and less expensive, consider preserving or freezing them for later. This allows you to enjoy seasonal flavors throughout the year without paying a premium price.

~Prepare larger quantities of meals when seasonal ingredients are affordable, and freeze portions for later. This can save you money by avoiding last-minute, more expensive food choices

By aligning your grocery shopping with the seasons and being mindful of where and how you purchase your food, you can savor the benefits of seasonal eating while keeping your budget in check

Overall, eating seasonally is a holistic approach that considers the natural cycles of food production, supports local agriculture, and enhances the taste and nutritional quality of your meals. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle

~Monica

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God has put it on my heart to talk about contentment whether you are a beginning homesteader or just striving to get by every day as a busy mom.  I think in this modern world we live in, we are so focused on what we have and who has more instead of just being happy where we are at. If you are doing work you hate to just have more things, you are missing the joy in every day.  Day in and day out, you are just going through the motion instead of living the dream God has for you.  When you seek after Him like never before, you will find peace and contentment.  

I love John 14:27 Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  This means that unlike worldy peace, Jesus' peace gives us confident assurance in any circumstance.

I often think about if I am living my daily life the same way as if I only had a week or month to live and there are times I need to step back-especially in business because I love to be productive and I love the work I am doing, so it is easy to spend more time on it and this is where I have to set my boundaries. 

You can’t be happy if you are not content.  It is hard to have joy and purpose if you are not happy and I believe social media has ramped up this feeling of discontent because you are only seeing the highlight reels.  This is one reason I have a hard time posting on social.  I don’t want everyone to be envious of this life we have created.  I love it and enjoy it every day, but if you are still working toward this life of time freedom, it can make you become somewhat discontent and that is the last thing that I want for you friend.  

So many of you are dreaming of a farmstead or homestead, but there are so many things you can do right where you are to get there someday.  I can’t emphasize enough about learning!  When you learn the skills right where you are now, you are less likely to become overwhelmed when you actually get to where you want to be.  Remember, God’s timing is perfect, so stay content in where he has you right now whether it be an apartment or in the city and keep dreaming and asking God what His will is for you.

Not only will contentment bring you joy and purpose, but it also reduces stress and makes your life so much more enjoyable and there is such freedom in contentment to be who God created you to be and live the life you can only dream of.

Here are a few items for you to start your journey to contentment.  First pray~this is the most important thing you can do in every situation in your life.  Next, remove items from your home that you have not used recently and declutter as much as you can in your home and learn to be happy with less.  There are many studies about clutter and mental health.  Less stuff is so freeing and will also eliminate hours of time in managing the stuff and also less cleaning.  I was recently with someone that was stressed out about getting her house cleaned before someone came over, but once you have simple systems in place and less stuff, your whole life can change because you will have more time to make memories and less time managing your home and you won’t have to worry about someone stopping over!

I pray that you can find more contentment and peace in your daily walk.  

~Monica

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I want you to have a home that is easy to keep clean and manage.  Once you get a system down, you don’t ever have to worry about unexpected guests coming over.  Really-you shouldn’t worry about that anyway because they are probably over to just enjoy your company.

Every year, I have to go through our inventory and also evaluate if there is something that isn’t working.  I talked a few episodes ago how things in our pantry were getting stacked up on the counter and we weren’t able to open the doors above that space and we had to put another stand in place to keep that from happening and this is similar to your systems for cleaning your house.

What is working?  Are you able to keep the counters clean and clear of clutter?  If not, what can you do to change that.  If it is mail that is coming into the home and getting stacked up on the counter.  Find a system that can stop that habit.  Mail has never been an issue for me.  I look through the mail as I come in from the mailbox, put any unwanted items in the garbage and then it you need to do something with some of it, have a bin for that and then have another bin for look at someday.  This would be something like seed catalogs or something you want to look at but don’t have time right now.  Did I mention seed catalogs?  Anyone else getting excited for our season?  Anyways…..If it is dishes on the counter and in the sink, can you make sure that you get them into the dishwasher or washed every evening so you don’t wake up to a mess right away in the morning?  You could also rinse and put them right into the dishwasher during the day as you use them.

If you are having problem keeping your bathroom clean, one thing that is so simple to do is to make sure to have your cleaning spray right below your cabinet and clean the counter off and spray it down right after you are done getting ready in the morning.  It just takes a few seconds.  If there are clothes laying around, put a basket to put them into or make sure you are bringing them to the laundry instead of leaving them on the floor.  If your toilet is dirty, just take a couple minutes to clean it after you are done using it.  These things don’t take much time, but if you let them get out of hand, they can get much dirtier and harder to clean.

Maybe it is your entry way that gets cluttered up quickly.  If it is coats, you hang some hooks so that it is easy to hang up.  My family is more likely to hang their coat on a hook than open a closet door and put it on a hanger.  Plus, many times, you hands are full when you walk in the door, so it is much simpler to have hooks.  If we get too many shoes in that area, I have everyone take their shoes to their room because you can only wear 1 pair at a time.  It seems like you have alot more shoes with girls than boys, thats for sure!

It could be your living room that is causing your stress and hard to keep clean.  Once again, evaluate where the problem is.  It may be that you have to declutter so you have less stuff to manage because that will not only keep your house cleaner, it will also clear your mind.  What can you do without?  If there is garbage laying around, have your whole family of putting it in the garbage.  What can you do to streamline this process?  

Start with one area of your home and create systems to keep that area clean and then once that is on autopilot, start on the next area of your home.  I used to spend hours cleaning my home, but once I simplified everything, decluttered and made simple systems, I feel like I rarely ever clean.  It just becomes a habit and you will have less stress once you get your systems in place.

Blessings!

Monica

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When you live your life intentionally, there doesn’t seem to be the feeling of friction which creates so much less stress is this crazy fast modern world.  If you listened to the last episode, you will understand when I say that social media is not something I want to be intentional about.  I would rather spend time with my real friends than the ones that just like everyones posts.  I just don’t want to take time away from what matters to me most and maybe that is you too.  What keeps you on these platforms?  I often wonder when people say they are busy, what they have to show for it.  Busy scrolling or busy with the people they love.  I hope it is the latter of the 2.  

You can’t ever get your time back and making memories and being intentional is key.  I am so thankful we bought a little piece of land just off the lake years ago and the kids were able to make memories from when they were very young. We cleared the land, worked on it with cash as we went, put in electric and well,  built a cabin and spent hundreds of weekends just making memories with family and friends. The best part is that we didn’t have any internet service.  Now our grandkids love all the memories we make up there and on our farm. 

We like to go on vacations a few times a year at least with our 2 kids that are still at home as they get to have many experiences as we have traveled around the US to many different locations.  They only have 5 years left at home, so we want to be intentional about that as well. We like to take a few weeks at a time so we can see as much as possible.  Sometimes we fly, but we would rather drive so we can do more. 

My husband & I have had weekends away, but we have our whole life to travel by ourselves after the kids are gone, so we like them to experience as much as possible while they are with us.  We don’t spend alot of money when we vacation and many times it is a business expense.

We like to hike and have visited many many national parks and since we make our own food from scratch, we usually rent houses with kitchens that we can cook from scratch ourselves so we keep our energy up and stay healthy. If there are some unique places to eat at with a fun experience, we will stop, but for the most part, we don’t like to waste our money on high priced unhealthy meals.

I encourage you to look at what you are doing intentionally in your life.  Is there some memories you would like to make, would you like to start cooking from scratch or learning some new skills?  We only have so much time on this earth, so I challenge you to stop scrolling and start living life!  God has so much more in store for you friend!  You will be so glad you did!

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I want to give you 3 simple time management tips to put into place when cooking from scratch because I know it can seem a little overwhelming at first.

First, I want you to decide on 1 new item you want to make.  If there is a recipe that you would like to make, but don’t want to waste time researching, please just email me because I have tried many and if I find one is simpler than another and just as good, I will stick with the simple one!  I don’t want you wasting time on pinterest or social media because that will keep you from getting into action.  Once you have that recipe,make sure you have all the ingredients or make a list of ingredients you need and when you will go shopping for them.

Next, put it on the calendar to make so you know exactly which day you will be doing it.  Allow for time to prepare and make sure you know the cook time-one of the worst things that could happen is that you have it on the calendar to make and you didn’t realize how long it was going to take and can’t eat until 10pm!

And Last, if you family likes this meal and it was simple for you to make, put it into a favorites recipe binder.  This will help you stay organized and make it easy to pull out when you need a quick from scratch meal.  

Repeat this process until you have a few weeks worth of recipes and that will make it super easy to plan your from scratch meals easily.  

The key to not getting stressed out about cooking healthier is do it slowly. Try 1 meal a week to start out if doing more than that stresses you out.  You don’t have to eat perfectly, but when you transition slowly, you will have lasting change.  

Chat soon!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

~Monica

I want to give you some simple meal ideas to cut your grocery expense and eat nutritious healthy meals without a lot of time in the kitchen.

Some simple ways to cook is instant pot meals, easy casseroles or hot dishes, simple crockpot recipes for soups and chilies, egg bakes and any kind of breakfast food.  

Make sure you don't waste time in the kitchen so you can spend life living more intentional.

Below is instagram link if you want to check out what is happening in my life

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Love ya friend!

Monica

I want to talk about the 3 areas of your budget where you can easily save money. 

First, as we have talked about before, food can be one of the largest expenses for some families and it is also an area you can save quite a bit when you focus on more intentional spending.  If you go into the grocery store with cash, you can only buy items that add up to less than that, so using cash can help you from buying extra items you don’t need.  Make a list of meals you can make with the items in your fridge and see if there are a few ingredients you may need to go with the meals for the week  When grocery shopping, make sure you go with a list and stick to the list so you just get what you need. You can also just order online and pick up-that way you know exactly how much you are spending and are less likely to get unnecessary items.  So much of our food gets wasted because we have so much excess in our fridges and can’t eat it all.  Another way to save on food is do not go out to eat the whole month-that could possibly save you hundreds of dollars if you go out as a family just a few times a month.  I don’t know if you can even go to eat as a family of 4 for much less than $100 each time, so that could be a significant saving for you if that is something your family tends to do.

Next, make sure you are not buying any unnecessary items.  Do you really need anything from amazon?  If there is an item you are thinking you need, see if there is another alternative.  Can you make something to do the same thing?  Do you have a place to put this item?  Being very conscious of each purchase is key and as I said in a previous episode, make sure you do not have your credit card linked to an online shopping accounts so it isn’t quite as automatic for you to spend money. Make it a game to put an item in the cart without buying it so you can look at the total and say you saved that amount!  Online shopping is just so convenient and can easily get you off of your budget.

Lastly, you can do without any new clothes, shoes, purses, makeup or anything you buy that is not a necessity.  This may be hard for you, but I promise, it won’t kill you.  It is so amazing how much money is spent on frivolous items-most times just to give you a status or look good.  How many people do you know that will buy outfits just for a picture~this is so self focused.  You know the people that spend money on things to make them look good or feel like they are better than someone else, but God looks at what you do for others, so I want you to remember that when you are tempted to buy these materialistic items.  Giving is so rewarding-it gives you so much joy _J-O-Y_ Jesus, Others, You.  This should be the order every day, but not just this month.

I hope you have an incredibly blessed day friend! 

Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

I am gearing up to make large batches of some of my soaps, lotions, laundry detergent, scent booster, stain removers, and I thought I would let you know how much money you can save by making your own products along with how much safer they are compared to anything at the store. I think of all the money I spent for years on products like dawn dishsoap, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and so many other items that I could make myself for a fraction of the price and am so thankful I learned about what they were doing to my health about 20 years ago.  I make my products in bulk because I don’t do it very often so I make large batches!  It takes very little time to make a large amount of products and uses such few ingredients that anyone can make these.

Today I want to talk about a few of my favorite ingredients when making my supplies. 

White Vinegar

Castile Soap

Baking Soda

Washing Soda

Coconut Oil

Essential Oils

Start out with a few items so you dont get overwhelmed.  You will be amazed how easy it really is!

I have a free non toxic cleaning recipe guide on my website to help you get started quickly and they are all super simple.

Go to claimingsimplicity.com and get your free recipes and I have many many more recipes, so if there is something else you need a recipe for, just let me know!!!!!!

Remember to leave a rating and review if you have not already so you can  be entered into our monthly giveaway starting with the first one in February

Happy Cleaning Friend!

DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners

Oils -> my.doterra.com/monicabaker/

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

There is something freeing about having time freedom.  I remember when I did daycare and the income looked good until I subtracted all the expenses and when you divide that by working 40 or 50 hours per week plus the time for shopping for food and daycare items, I made less than minimum wage and the value of our house went down because of wear and tear!  Most daycare providers realized that they can’t get ahead and without having benefits or retirement it didn’t make sense so now it is hard to find home daycares.  There are just so many more opportunities for you to make changes so you don’t have to trade time for money anymore!

We haven’t retired my husband yet, but that is the plan eventually!!  Right now, all my grandkids live within 2 hours, so if they need something, have programs, or need me to watch them, guess what-I can do it because over 20 years ago, I made that as one of my goals and priorities as a Grandma!  You can change your life without having to sacrifice what you value!  You are not going to make a full time income selling eggs on your little homestead unless  you sell 20000 or so a year, but there are so many other ways to make money right from home without sacrificing time!  

Blessings!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

When it comes to cooking, you do have to do a little planning if you are cooking in large amounts.  You may not have all the ingredients on hand when making large quantities, so that is the first step.  Take a look at the ingredients you have on hand and then get a recipe and figure out how many other ingredients you will need to either double or triple that recipe.

Once you know what you are making, you will want to plan a day that week that you have a longer amount of time in your schedule to cook a large amount of food.  I try to do bulk cooking at least once a week to keep a large supply of meals on hand and that is the reason we rarely go out to eat.  If you prepare meals and they are convenient to make quickly, it is more work to go somewhere else to eat!

Once you know what you are making, you will want to make sure it can be frozen and it may only be a portion that you will freeze, for instance, when I make my chicken noodle soup, I freeze all of it except the noodle and then when I heat it up, I will add the noodles about 10 minutes before the soup is ready.  Many of the items like lasagnas, eggbakes, tacos and even sauces freeze very well.

It also helps if you have a list of your favorite recipes that you can easily make into large quantities that freeze well.  Start out by making just 1 meal a week that you double or triple and then if you would like, take 1 morning a month and make a few extra recipes that you could have throughout the month and you will add quickly to meal surplus so you can easily have meals ready on the nights when you don’t have time to prepare a healthy meal.  This will not only keep you from eating out as much, but it will also help you to eat healthier.  

I like to make all my breads for the month in 1 day and freeze those as well, so I'm not spending time taking all the ingredients and equipment out several times a month plus then I only have to clean up once from that too!  Keep your meals simple and add more time back to your life.

I’m all about keeping everything as simple as possible and these systems that I have learned over the years have really helped with that so I have time to do other things that I love.

Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

I’m sure many of you overspent for Christmas and the no spend challenge we do in January is just like a detox from spending!  You can do a sugar fast along with a spending fast to get life back on track!!!!

If you really want to save money in 2024, you need to reduce expenses.  This challenge is so different for each person, but I want you to really evaluate what you actually NEED to spend money on for the month of January.  We all need to pay our bills and we need food, but i’m guessing you could go through your cupboards and freezers to clean out as much as you can and get creative with your meals and just buy the bare minimum ingredients you need.  Last year I only spend $73 on groceries for the month for a family of 4 and I can link that episode below on how I did that and this year I’m trying to spend nothing.That is a stretch challenge, but we do raise our own milk, eggs, chicken, and pork now along with making all my own breads, noodles, pizza dough and all things sourdough which just uses starter, flour and water, so it shouldn’t be too extremely difficult when we already cook from scratch.  

I was just trying to think the other day when the last time we have gone out to eat was and I can’t even remember.  When you cook from scratch, eating out isn’t that exciting~especially when you think about the ingredients they use-we feed our animals non gmo feed ~which is expensive and have to drive almost 2 hours to get it and order some online, but it is important to us what we put in our bodies as well as what we put on our bodies, so we choose to eat at home as much as possible, but it you eat out often, that is an area you can save so much money in just this one month! 

Another great way to save some money would be to unlink your credit card from amazon, or any online store you may easily order online from.  This one extra step could help you think a little more about your purchase and if it is really something you need.  Our culture thinks we NEED so much more than we actually do! Don’t buy anything with credit cards.  Just try it for a week or 2 and see how it goes for you.  You might enjoy spending less money once you see how much extra money you really have.

There are so many great benefits to spending less.  When you stop bringing clutter into the home, you also declutter your mind.  One of the biggest benefits from spending less is that you may become less focused on wanting more and learn to be content with what you have.  I suggest you try it for just one month.   

EPISODE 74: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-2vz43-c15ea5

Great to have you back!

Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

So many people ask how I have so much energy, so I just want to share with you my top 7 things I do every single day to feel my best and have consistent energy so you can too in 2024!

Engage in activities that spark your creativity.  It could be painting, writing, gardening, or anything that brings you joy.  Expressing yourself creatively is a fantastic way to recharge your energy.  

 Get up early and start your day with a few minutes of quiet time.  Whether it is enjoying a cup of coffee, praying, or taking a short walk, these peaceful moments can set a positive tone for the day.  Embrace the calm before the chaos.

When life gets hectic, its tempting to grab quick snacks, so make sure to choose nutrient rich options such as protein, fruit or nuts.  They are not only good for your health, but also provide sustained energy to keep you going.

Cultivate a habit of gratitude by jotting down 3 things you are thankful for each day.  It is a wonderful way to shift your focus to the positive aspects of life, even on the busiest days.

Diffuse PURE essential oils that promote energy and motivation-I have been doing this for many years.  My favorites are citrus oils like grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange because they are so uplifting, refreshing, energizing and all natural.  

Don’t underestimate the power of water!  Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy levels.  Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day to remind yourself to sip and stay refreshed.  I try to drink at least 100 ounces per day and during the winter, I actually drink warm water so I drink enough because I hate to be cold! 

Prioritize quality sleep by creating a cozy and dark sleep environment and aim for a consistent sleep schedule.  A well-rested you is a more energized you!  If you are having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, I do have some suggestions that have helped me and I will link those below as well!

It seems like a simple list, but if you arent doing all of these, start with just one and then once you are doing that consistently, add the next one.  This is called habit stacking if you are not familiar with it.  Once you create these systems one at a time, they become your habits!

Happy Happy New Year and Stay Safe!!!!

Monica

Favorite Home Products to get started:

https://doterra.me/hfV1oB

For Sleep: https://doterra.me/X6TEh2

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

I know you can get overwhelmed with all the projects you may have on your homestead or farm, but if you begin by planning in the less busy season, you will feel less stress because you actually have a plan!

First, Start by listing all the projects outside you want to do this year.  I will add everything I can think of when I am planning for the new year

Next list any more animals we want to get and now this year, I will add to the list when we plan to breed our animals.

After that I will add any inside projects we need to get done 

I will add the things I want to learn or try in the kitchen and try to plan my canning as much as I am able  and the things I want to add to the garden.  

If you take time to write these things down and then plan a date or time frame for them, you are going to have less overwhelm because you know exactly what it is that you want to plan for the year and you will be prepared.

Simplifying all the systems is key!  

Blessings to you!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Hello!

Happy Friday!  I hope you have enjoyed this week's tidbits every day!! Remember, you need to sign up before the end of the year to join our no spend challenge!  

This is the last podcast before Christmas and if you have some time off and want to focus on slower living and being more intentional, and simplifying family time, here are a few activities you could focus on doing if it is colder where you are at this time of the year! 

Take a Hike or Nature Walk: Explore the landscapes around your homestead or wherever you are-it is so important to get outside no matter what the weather is. It's a peaceful and beautiful way to connect with nature.

Build a Snow Fort or Snowman if you have snow: Let your creative side shine by building a winter wonderland right in your backyard. Snow forts are not just for kids—adults can have a blast too!  Quality time together is cherished by all.

Ice Skating: If you have a frozen pond or a nearby rink, grab your skates and hit the ice. It's a great way to enjoy the season and get some exercise.  This is an unusual winter here so far and I’m not sure we will have enough cold weather to skate this year, but there are places that also allow indoor ice skating, so that might be an option for you as well!

Sledding or Tubing: Find a nearby hill and indulge in some classic sledding fun. It's a timeless activity that's bound to bring smiles and laughter.  I know here they are making snow, so we might go tubing during our time off.

Bonfire: Bundle up and gather around a bonfire with your family. Enjoy some relaxing time by the fire. Roast marshmallows, sip on hot cocoa if it is cold, and share stories to make it extra cozy.

Snowshoeing: Explore the winter landscape on snowshoes. It's a wonderful way to get some exercise while enjoying the serene beauty of the snow-covered outdoors.

Picnic: Pack a thermos of hot soup, some sandwiches, and your favorite winter snacks. Find a scenic spot, lay down a blanket, and enjoy a winter picnic with your family.  

Indoor Movie Night: For those extra chilly days, snuggle up indoors with a family movie night. Pop some popcorn, grab blankets, and enjoy a movie marathon.

Play Board Games: One of my favorite activities, but we seem to do more when it is cold outside!  

Baking or Cooking:  Not only will you be spending quality time together, but you will be teaching life lessons, so this is  crucial to your family's future!

Remember, the key is to savor the simplicity of these moments and create lasting memories. Happy winter adventures and Merry Merry Christmas!  Enjoy celebrating our Savior’s Birthday!

Blessings!

Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

I just want to give you a recap of my year of rarely being on social media.  I do have a few groups I am a part of, but for the most part, I have not missed it at all!  I have posted on occasion on Instagram for others to see what is going on, but I honestly forget all about social media and since I am not on there posting consistently, people don’t even see the content when I do post, so it is not a focus at all for my business!  Crazy thing is that my business this last year has grown faster than ever, so I like to focus my time on what is working and put my energy there and this next year it is not going to be on social platforms.  

Benefits I have noticed without social media:

More free time

More time to do hobbies

More family time

Business growth

Less Stress with trying to keep posting every day at least 5 times to be seen!

Downfalls are that I don’t see pictures of family and friends and unaware of many events-which I guess can be good and bad-there is NO Fear of Missing out, but there has been a few times I wished I would have known about an event that would have been fun to go to, but that is really minor!

I’m going to evaluate this next year and see how I can build an online community of like minded ladies off of social media, so if you have a favorite way that you are doing it or a favorite platform, I would love to hear about it! 

I’m building my VIP group through email so you can get all the tidbits to help you simplify and discounts before anyone else knows about them!

Chat tomorrow!

Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/

DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners

I book, working on a beginner homesteading course, gathering animals on our farm and running kids with sports and yet I have been able to easily keep up with keeping a clean house. 

I will tell you that I still have an enclosed trailer sitting in my yard that we have not emptied yet and to tell you the truth-I really don’t want to add anything else to our home right now.   I’m leaving that stuff to do during the winter when we seem to have a little more down time!

Where are you on your declutter journey?  Have you started?  Do you need to start?  It is so satisfying to me to remove items from our home, but I remember when I was in my 20s with 3 young kids, that was hard, but money was so tight and I had more of a scarcity mentality back then, but I havent’ had that for years now.  

Let me help you get started so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the people around you or the things you love.

Start wherever you think will be the easiest.  For me, it is always the bathroom.  If you use something, keep it, but if you haven’t used an item in a while donate or toss it.  Get rid of old makeup you don’t wear and jewelry you never wear.  There is no reason to keep anything that just makes you more work.  How many towels do you need?  1 or 2 per person that uses the bathroom is more than enough.  Go through each and every item with a garbage bag and a donation box.  This will take some time, but you will be so glad you did this so you don’t have to manage all that stuff. In this process, you will create a big mess, so if you don’t have a whole lot of time, just start with a few drawers or what you can complete and then next time start where you left off.  Next go to a room that you want to get done and do the same thing, maybe start with drawers in the kitchen and then cupboards as you have time and then fridge.  

If you truely want to free up your time from cleaning, you have to declutter otherwise you just continue to organize time after time.  I love this minimal life and I think you will too!  You clear your mental load just by eliminating clutter!  Make this a must do task to start your new year out right and if you need some tips or coaching, let me know and I would love to help you out! 

Here is to a decluttered home in 2024!  

Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

The world tells you your beauty isn’t valued unless you show zero wrinkles, imperfections or blemishes, but I want you to embrace your natural, God given, unique, normal, beautiful self.  There is beauty in simple and natural.  God looks at the heart, not at outward appearances.  

The comparison trap is real  It is alot of pressure to keep up in today’s society .I could compare all day long to my business competitors, but I know that I am me and you friend are you.  Be YOU!  Be all God created you to be!  He will reward you 10 fold!

Let your beauty shine!  I have only worn foundation a few times in my life and my husband just hates it on anyone and I have never liked the feel of it and yes, I do have age spots and blemishes, but I have never been one to place value on surface things.  Beauty is an inside job!  

I talk to my teens about the chemicals that people put on their skin and how it is absorbed straight into their body, so hopefully they learn the importance of what they put on their skin and don’t make the choice to use anything that isn’t completely natural.  It can affect energy, hormones, auto immune disorders, among many other problems.

I will provide the QR code below of a great natural skincare if you want to start using pure and natural products without the toxins.  Ill also provide the natural home qr code too if you are interested in that.

What are some things you can do to change your natural beauty.  Do some research and look at ingredients.  Many countries wouldn’t even be allowed to sell some of the products we use here in the us.  

 If you want to wear a little mascara, just make sure it is completely natural.  It is worth paying a little money up front so hopefully you don’t end up paying for thousands of dollars down the road on dr bills from disease.

Get out your Bible and learn who you are in Christ.  Write them down and read them every day.

1.You are a child of God

2.You are chosen, holy, and beloved

3.You are God’s workmanship created to produce good works

You friend, are so precious to God and I don’t want you to ever forget it!  So strip yourself of outward beauty and start shining today!!!!!!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners

Natural Home  -> https://doterra.me/m7PuHL

Natural Skin Care -> https://doterra.me/G41E52 

Let me know if you have any questions!

Monica

Hello!

Welcome to another episode of "Claiming Simplicity," the podcast dedicated to help you create more meaning with a simpler life! I'm your host, Monica H Baker and I'm thrilled to share today's topic with you right before you may be gathering more than any other time of the year. "5 Tactical Tips to Nurture Relationships and Create Traditions While Living a Simple Life.  Seriously, there is nothing that makes me more joyous than creating memories and experiences with family and friends.  We have been so blessed to be surrounded by the best people.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of nurturing relationships and creating traditions. But, as a homesteader in Minnesota who values slow living and intentional living, I've learned that these aspects are essential for a fulfilling and balanced life.

So, let's dive right into these 5 tactical tips that will help you strengthen your bonds and foster meaningful traditions, all while living a simpler life:

Tip 1: Unplug and Connect - We often get caught up in the digital world. Take some time to unplug from screens and connect with your loved ones. Whether it's a family game night, a shared meal, or simply sitting around a fire pit, these moments can be the foundation of lasting traditions.  As you probably figured out, I don’t sit still at all, so for us it is usually doing something as we spend time together.  Last weekend, the family that was not hunting was making meals and enjoying time the animals outside, but sometimes we are making gifts, projects, or we even enjoy making our non toxic cleaning supplies together.

Tip 2: Nature-Inspired Traditions - As a homesteader you have the perfect backdrop for creating traditions that embrace the wonders of nature-whether you live in town or country, you can find somewhere to enjoy the land and the beauty of God’s creation. Consider annual camping trips, hiking adventures, or even gardening together as a family.  In the summer when we moved, my 13 year old said one of the things she was most sad about was that we weren't able to have a garden since we would be in between locations.  We were very grateful to have such an awesome neighbor that let us do some gardening at her house, but it was really hard to keep on top of when we weren’t right there all the time.  I like to go out to the garden at sunrise in the morning and just enjoy time with God and pull weeds, so we didn’t want to do that at someone else’s house!  My kids like to watch the produce grow and enjoy gathering our harvest as well.  I hope they always appreciate the little things in life.

Tip 3: Embrace Seasonal Celebrations - Living a simple life allows you to appreciate the changing seasons. Use this as an opportunity to celebrate the unique beauty and experiences that each season brings. From spring picnics to cozy winter gatherings, these rituals will connect you with the rhythms of nature.  I love this time of the year as we go from camping at the cabin, to hunting, Fall birthday parties, and then it is Thanksgiving, Christmas cookie making and traditions and then Christmas.  We are so unbelievably grateful to be able to spend even more time with family and friends this time of the year. 

Tip 4: Handmade and Heartfelt Gifts - Encourage your family to create and exchange handmade gifts. This not only fosters creativity but also adds a personal touch to your traditions. It's a wonderful way to show love and appreciation. It has so much more meaning when you make something yourself and receive handmade items. We treasure homemade gifts.  

Tip 5: Community Involvement - As a homesteader, you're likely part of a tight-knit community. Get involved in local events and initiatives. You'll not only nurture relationships within your family but also with your neighbors. This sense of community can be a rich tradition in itself. If you don’t have something around you that you would like to attend, maybe it is something you would like to start!  I started a homesteading womens group at our home just because there wasn’t anything in our area and it is such an amazing bunch of ladies.  I look forward to having them over each month and we all learn from each other!

Remember, simplicity doesn't mean sacrificing the depth of your relationships or the richness of your traditions. It's about savoring the moments that truly matter and letting go of unnecessary distractions.

I hope these tips inspire you to nurture your relationships and create traditions that resonate with your values. Also, I am so excited to start communicating to you  with simple tips and recipes through our email group a few times per month.  You can either go to the website and join our email family or download one of our free resources.  I look forward to getting to know you a little more!!!!!!

Thank you for joining us on Claiming Simplicity. Until next time, slow down, live intentionally, and savor the beauty of a simpler life.

Love ya! Monic

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

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DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners

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It has been a full month already with activities and events we have had going on and with all of that, I have not got any baking done, my homemade gifts finished, or finished my list for the Grandkids, so I have to push pause on a few other things I have going on so that I can be present with my family and friends.  Yes, this means that the rough draft of my book won’t be done by the end of the year, but I am ok with that knowing that I am putting my most important values ahead of everything else.

I don’t want you to stress out if you need to do this as well.  I was having a hard time concentrating on writing the last few weeks because of all the things I still need to do as well as making this season as special as possible for my family and this may be you as well.  You might not be writing a book, but I’m sure you are doing things that you really don’t need to do right now so that you can enjoy intentional time with family and friends.  Christmas only comes once a year, so I am giving you permission to say no to things that do not align with your values and bring you joy right now.

This last weekend we went to a Christian Camp that we do every year with kids and Grandkids that have all kinds of Christmas activities to do and it is only 3 hours long with so many things to do and because it is spread out and we do alot of walking, we have to really decide what is important to us to do in that 3 hours because you can’t get to everything.  It got me thinking about how this is how we should look at this whole season as well and enjoy the moments that we truely enjoy and make sure we priorize because we truely can’t do it all ~and certainly not without stress and overwhelm.  I will say, one thing that I don’t enjoy is wrapping presents.  I love love love to give meaningful gifts or experiences, but wrapping is not my favorite and right now my teenagers enjoy it, so I will give them gifts to wrap so that I can focus on the things I love and it is a win win for all of us!  Funny thing is that I have put some of their gifts in boxes and they have even wrapped their own presents some years without even knowing it!!!!!  I’m so grateful my girls also like doing the baking, so we all do that together and then the grandkids decorate their own that they get to bring home~because there is alot of finger licking at their young ages when they decorate!!!!

I want you to think if there is something you have been doing that you could put off until the new year?  I promise….most things can wait and our time is so precious.

I did want to tell you that I will be doing the no spend challenge again this year in January!  This time I am going to try and spend even less money on groceries if possible and get creative with what I have.  I don’t have quite as much canned food as we had previous years since we didn’t have a garden this year because of the move, so this might be even more challenging, but on an exciting note, we are getting more eggs these last 2 weeks than we have gotten since july, so at least we should have eggs!  We will see how many different ways we can fix them with sourdough and pork because we have lots of that!!! I would love to have you join me if you are ready to cut spending and live more intentional!  Just send me an email to monica@claimingsimplicity.com and write no spend challenge in the subject line and I will add you to the group!!!!!!!!!

I hope you are able to pause and enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus and intentional living with family and friends this time of the year.

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Chat soon!

Monica

Here is a reply of great gifts to give for Christmas!  Enjoy having less stress and creating more intentional memories this Holiday season.

Love Ya!

Monica

Thanks for being here today!

 If you want your life and holiday to be simpler, you have to learn how to do that so that when unexpected things happen in your schedule, it doesn’t throw you off!  

I just want to share a few tips of how we keep our Christmas simple.  We had an experience many years ago, that made us really make changes in how we did Christmas.  We love going to church on Christmas Eve since this whole season is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and we want our kids to know that Jesus is the Reason for this season.  

It always felt like we had to rush here and rush there and we weren’t really enjoying it because it was so chaotic. We now can really enjoy Christmas with the focus being on Christ and having one less place to travel simplified the whole holiday.  We still see those family members for Christmas, we just do it on a different day, so it works out perfect!  

We also simplified our schedules to keeping our time sacred and trying not to overplan activities.  We used to host all kinds of gatherings from cookie exchanges to ugly sweater parties and we have reduced our activities so we can just enjoy the calm of the season because  planning for all the activities along with everything else there is to do in about 4 weeks can be very exhausting and overwhelming.

We have also simplified gift giving.  We really only buy for Grandkids, make gifts for friends and then our gift to the family is renting a place for all the kids and grandkids every year usually in February or March, so that is another great way to make even more memories when there is less to do when the temperatures are so cold here!  People and Kids will forget the gifts you give them, but they will remember the memories made! 

Another area we simplified on Christmas was to have soups or chillis ready in crockpots and dips and snack foods mostly prepared ahead of time when all the kids and grandkids are here, so nobody was having to spend the whole time in the kitchen. Having foods ready makes the whole experience relaxed and fun so you can spend treasured time together!!!!  We play games and laugh alot!  Kids have a blast with all their cousins and it just makes for a fantastic time!

I hope you have taken a few of these tips that you can implement into your busy season to enjoy slow living and being intentional with your time.  Send me an email and let me know what your plan is this year!  I would love to hear it!

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Talk soon Friend!

Monica

Can you believe it is the fist day of December?  What a whirlwind it has been!  Did you know that you can keep your Christmas simple and spend less money?  I want you to really think about how it makes you feel when you spend too much money for Christmas just because you feel like you have to. If you just buy your kids stuff they don’t really appreciate it either.

I’m going to give you some super simple ways to spend less money so you can feel good about the holiday and not have regrets.  There was a time when I tried to keep up with other people’s Christmas spending and do all the things and there is so much regret when wasting money on unimportant things!!!!!!  

When you are surrounded by materialistic people, you don’t have to participate with them!  For us, it took a few years for people to catch on, but I grew up making things for people which makes Christmas so much more meaningful and I continued to do that as I got older.  I would much rather get a gift that is homemade that someone put time into than something from the store because it actually means something and it is more likely it will be something we enjoy. I would rather spend my time enjoying the people I am with and there is nothing but pure joy making memories.  

These three tips could be a game changer for you Christmas season.

First, know your values and make a list.  If you want to keep Christmas simple, then find ways to do just that.  For example, if you are a family that gives all the nieces and nephews gifts, think about picking names and doing an exchange.  Kids have more than they need and trying to find things that they will keep long term is very rare.  They might play with a toy for a couple days and then forget about it.  Don’t feel bad when kids get less toys, you are teaching them that material items are not important.  Think about playing a game like the white elephant gift where people bring an item from their home.  Our family has so much fun with this and these memories are talked about for years!  We have also done the siran wrap game and a few others, so check out different ideas you can do on pinterest!

Next, know your budget.  If you have not saved all year for this, I suggest you know how much you spent this year and divide that by 12 and  in January save that amount each month because we have Christmas every year and it isn’t an unexpected expense, so this amount should be in your budget.  You will be so glad you did and you won’t have to stress over money.  Include food, gifts, cards and postage if you send them and decor in that amount because it all adds up fast and is an extra expense each and every year.

Lastly, this may not be something you can do this year, but early in the new year, start making items for gifts for next year.  Even if you are not crafty, there are so many awesome things you can make that people can use.  Make some non toxic hand soaps or lotions-they are as easy as mixing and it is such a great gift that everyone can use!  I’m not sure who listens to this that might be getting a Christmas gift from me this year, but I am making sourdough noodles with an attached recipe of homemade chicken soup and it is something that most people can use, friends love them, and it isn’t something everyone can make themselves, so it will make a nice gift and I know most people will be super excited about them and will appreciate them! I could have made them earlier and froze them, but I am making a few batches every few days because as you heard in the last episode-this year was hard.  It is a process I really enjoy, so it doesn’t seem like work at all even though it does take time. 

I hope you are able to incorporate some of these tips this year so you can save money and reduce the overwhelm this Christmas season, but it is even more important to get ahead on next year if you can -especially on the budget!

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Blessings Friend!!

Monica

As I was reflecting on this year, I thought about how hard it was.  It was hard to move away from a home we have done so much to and had so many memories over the last 10 years. It was hard to live in our fishhouse for 3 months.  It was hard to move to a home that needed alot of work and still needs alot more. It is hard writing a book when you have so many many obligations and distractions-I want to do it all. It was hard to get so many outside projects done for all the animals we have acquired before the freezing temperatures we have now.  I’m not sure about this winter farming when I’m having to haul pails of water from the shed to the barn because our outside pump froze up so that is hard too, but when you put your trust in Jesus, there is such a peace through it all.  Knowing that we are living where God wants us to be is so reassuring.  Through it all, he just keeps blessing us and confirming  that we are doing what he has called us to do.

What are you going through?  I really believe that you can have a mindset of doom and gloom or you can choose to have joy through all of it.  It is a choice.  There were a few days or maybe even weeks of being so extremely exhausted throughout this move this year, that I had a bad attitude after moving, but when I made the choice to focus on so many many positives, it changed my whole perspective.  Our faith and having such a close relationship with the Holy Spirit has alot to do with my joy along with the confirmation and reassurance from Him that we are right where we need to be at this time.  

I want you to look back at this last year, this last 5 years, and last 10 years.  Look how far you have come!  Sometimes as homesteaders, we forget all that we have accomplished just because we have so many more projects to do and so many amazing things yet to learn.

Right now, if you are the person dreaming of owning land someday, think about all the things you can learn while you are waiting. In the season of waiting, you can prepare and dream, and save money!!!!!  Be grateful for what you have and stewart it well!  Learn how to live a simple life now so that when an opportunity comes up, you are ready.  

Here are 7 ways to cultivate positivity during a tough season or the season of waiting. 

• 1. Gratitude Journaling: Start a gratitude journal to regularly jot down things you're thankful for. It could be the warmth of the sun, the sound of nature, or the support of your community or church. 
• 2. Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine. Remind yourself of the strengths and capabilities that reside within, fostering a mindset of abundance and possibility.
• 3.  Mindful Positivity: Practice mindful positivity by being aware of your thoughts. Redirect negative thoughts and replace them with affirming and optimistic ones 
  • 4. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements, both in your homesteading journey and personal life. Recognizing these victories, however minor, contributes to a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
  • 5. Visualize Success: Use the power of visualization to imagine your goals coming to fruition. 
  • 6. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Connect with like-minded individuals who share a positive mindset. Engage in conversations that uplift and inspire, whether it's in your local community or through virtual platforms.
  • 7. Being Adaptable and Resilient: Challenges are a natural part of life, and a positive mindset can help navigate them with grace and determination.

  Positivity is not just a state of mind but a way of life. By infusing these ideas into your daily routine, you can create a ripple effect of positivity!

•  

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  Claimingsimplicity.com

   

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  Talk Soon!

   

   

This is a past episode, so email me if you would like the recipes!

I know you need to reduce stress and simplify your holiday processes as a busy mom trying to do it all.

Create traditions, but keep it simple and enjoy more intentional living.

Find free events in your area to save money.

Make a list and plan your trips to town.  Planning is key to keep everything simple and helping minimize it!

So many good tips here!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

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Enjoy!

Monica

You are the BEST!!!!!! I just want to say thank you!  You are awesome and I love your support!  We reached a huge milestone of 50,000 downloads last week!

 I am celebrating being obedient and listening to the Holy Spirit!  When the subject of podcasting came up, I didn’t even think twice about it since I wasn’t a podcast listener and I didn’t think speaking was one of my gifts.  I however know when I need to obey and that is just what I did-I told God to do whatever He wanted in me and that I was available! 

I had no idea how podcasting would change my life in so many ways.  I want you to know that if there is something you are being called to do, but you are holding back, you can do it with God’s help and you don’t want to wait any longer.  If you can help someone else with what you may think is something easy to you, they will be forever grateful.  

I didn’t know this life of simple living would affect anyone else.  It is just something that has been second nature to me as I was able to raise my babies all while finding creative ways to spend less money just so I could be a stay at home mom.  It has blessed me so much to be able to teach others to do the same.

I’m so excited to let you know in celebration of this milestone and our fist email coming out this week, that anyone who signs up on the website for one of our free downloads will also be in a drawing for 2 winners to do a FREE 30 minute coaching call-that a $100 value!  If you have already signed up, just shoot me a quick email at monica@claimingsimplicity.com and say hello and you will be in the drawing as well!

On the coaching call, I help you simplify your meals to save money on groceries, help you declutter and use a simple system to keep your home clean, or help you switch over to having a more natural home.  Sign up by November 24th 2023 to get in on this deal!!!!!!   I’m so passionate about helping others, that I get super excited when I see others getting results to change their lives from overwhelmed, stressed out and exhausted to beginning their simple living journey!  Hope to chat soon!

Have a fabulous week and don’t forget to celebrate even your tiniest milestones!!!!!!

Website:

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I hear so many people say I will be happy when….I get this or that happens and always wanting more, more, more, but I know you can be happy right where you are right now.

I truely believe that when you are walking with Jesus daily and you have this amazing relationship with him, you can be happy in whatever your circumstance may be.  There is such a joy in knowing that He is with you every step of the way.  

Contentment is being satisfied and at peace with your current circumstances.  It really is an essential element of living a simpler life that you want to have.  There is also a connection between gratitude and contentment, so it is crucial that you are thanking God every day for what He has put in your life. There are so many things we take for granted and it is so important to appreciate and give thanks for each little things.

Here are three practical tips for you as a busy moms to find contentment in your daily life. 

• Creating a daily gratitude journal-this is something I used to do in the morning, but I now like to do this before bed because all the things throughout the day are fresh in my head and it helps to go to bed with a thankful heart
• Embracing mindfulness and being present in the moment-don’t have your phone with you when you are doing anything with your child or even when you are together with friends.  They know that they have to compete for your attention.  Even as an infant.  Being present and intentional is critical.  I am so happy that I didn’t have to worry about a phone when my kids were young-it is one less thing that could distract me.
• Simplifying your routines and schedules so you can focus solely on what truely matters to you in life.  Always be true to what you value and that will help you be more content.  Less is so much more.

I just wanted to share this message as we enter into the extra busy holiday season where you may get exhausted.  Remember to keep it simple and practice contentment.

Blessings friend!

I have an important topic to talk about and  I’ll be diving into the essential aspect of ensuring that the sources you follow and the guidance you seek are rooted in our faith and values.  

In today's digital age, we're bombarded with information from various sources. It can be challenging to discern which voices are in alignment with our biblical beliefs. Let's start by acknowledging the noise and confusion that surrounds us.

Information overload can lead to confusion and anxiety.  I talk to my teenagers about this ALOT.   There is alot of confusion when someone that labels themself as a Christian and promotes things that are not Biblically sound or twists Biblical information to fit what they want it to be or isn’t living as a changed person in Christ. 

John 10:10 says the thief comes only to steal, killl and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. This verse just came to mind and I think about how sneaky and deceptive the devil is.  The great news is that  Jesus gives life!!!!  The life he gives to us is abundantly rich and satisfying.  It is eternal, although it begins immediately when you turn to follow him.  Life in Christ is more deeply meaningful than life without him because of his overflowing forgiveness, love and guidance.  

One of the key aspects of intentional living is discernment. It's about actively evaluating the content and people we follow to ensure they align with our faith. I’m still learning-sometimes I will be listening to a podcast who I thought was a Christian or calls themself that and then a topic comes up that makes it clear that they do not sharing Biblical values and I stop following them.

significance of connecting with like-minded individuals who share your values will do in your life.  Also, make sure your Children are surrounded by other strong Christian friends because the enemy is sure trying to get into the schools, their phones and every aspect he can and they need a solid foundation in Christ.  Teaching kids about Christ should be the most important and significant thing you can do

As you know, I’m not into social media much, but I just happened to see something on instagram about all the people that were baptized after the event at the Homesteaders of America conference.  God is confirming that this simple life and these people we are choosing to be friends with align with our values.  So many people were upset about this, but I believe God is raising up people in our community all for His Glory and I love seeing this.  As the end gets nearer and things continue to line up for Jesus to come back to earth, I want to be ready and take as many people with me as I can.  There are so many exciting things happening right now in the church, but we need to make sure we are not fooled. 

Thank you for joining me on this journey towards intentional living and finding biblical guidance in a noisy world. Remember, it's all about taking small steps to make a big difference in your life.

I encourage you to take a deeper dive into the people you are hanging out with, following, listening to and make sure that they align with your values!

If you havn’t already, go to claimingsimplicity.com and check out the simple recipes listed and share this podcast with a friend that is interesting in beginner homesteading skills and a simpler life!  

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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See ya next week!

Monica

Welcome back friend to another episode of Claiming Simplicity. I’m your host, Monica H Baker and your fellow homesteader here in the heart of Minnesota.

Before we even start, I should say that you do not need your own land to hunt on.  There are many places you can hunt for free such as state land, but also remember that there are many farmers that don’t hunt and are happy to have someone that can use the meat to stop the deer from eating their crops, so if you want to hunt even living in town, there are many many options.

As we embrace the values of slow living and intentional living, hunting becomes more than just a source of sustenance. It's a journey, a connection with the land, and a celebration of nature's bounty. And through it, we'll uncover the many facets of self-sufficiency that enrich our lives.

Why is hunting so important for us as homesteaders? It really aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and self-reliance 

I did not grow up hunting, but all 5 of our kids know how to hunt and have experienced it on many different levels from hunting different animals, different techniches such as bow, rifle, and black power to how to processing them.  

By harvesting our own wild game, we're not only ensuring a steady, organic source of protein but also reducing our dependency on commercial sources. This self-sufficiency empowers us to take control of our food sources and lead a simpler, more intentional life.

One of the most beautiful aspects of hunting is the connection it fosters with the natural world. As homesteaders, this deep bond with the land and its seasons is what we cherish.

When you're out in the wilderness, tracking game, and observing the beauty of nature, you're truly living the homesteading dream. This connection with nature is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency, as it reminds us of the importance of understanding and respecting the world around us.

Hunting is a family affair for us, a chance to pass down traditional skills to our children and create lasting memories. I have only hunted once with a bow and it was the perfect hunting story I am able to share and I have a hard time sitting still or being cold, so I get to enjoy kids,  grandkids, cook meals and have fun as we anticipate all of our hunters coming back with deer!  Evenings are full of game nights and stories and quality time together because it gets dark early here now and you can’t hunt past dark of course!

Teaching our kids the art of hunting is a way to ensure that these skills and values are carried forward. It's an incredible gift we can give to the next generation, ensuring that they have the knowledge and self-sufficiency to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Hunting can also be a vital tool for maintaining a balanced ecosystem on our homesteads. It helps manage local wildlife populations, which is crucial for protecting our gardens and crops.

By taking a responsible approach to hunting, we contribute to a healthier environment for all living creatures on our land, further emphasizing the importance of creating a harmonious and sustainable life.

Beyond hunting, let's take a moment to reflect on the broader benefits of self-sufficiency which means being less reliant on external systems. It allows us to save money, reduce waste, and create a more resilient and empowered life. It's about taking control of your own destiny and enjoying the freedom that comes with it.

I hope you've gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of hunting on our homesteads and the multiple dimensions of self-sufficiency that enrich our lives.

Website:

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Happy Hunting!

Monica

We are going to talk about 5 benefits of simplifying!

Let's kick things off by talking about one of the most profound benefits of simplifying your life: mental clarity. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the constant noise and distractions. Simplifying your life allows you to declutter your mind, reduce stress, and make room for what truly matters

Simplicity isn't just about decluttering our physical spaces; it's also about simplifying our relationships. When we focus on meaningful connections, we can deepen our bonds with loved ones and create more fulfilling, authentic relationships.

Time is our most precious resource, and simplifying your life can help you                        reclaim it. Simplicity allows you to have more time for the things you love and the activities that bring you joy and time you never get back with loved ones. Time Freedom is the most amazing benefit to me.  I don’t ever want to have regrets that I missed out on things.

Simplicity and intentional living can have a significant impact on your finances. There is so much freedom in not having debt.  

Simplifying your life can lead to more mindful parenting as a busy mom.. Discover the joy of being present with your children and creating beautiful memories together."

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. Your feedback means the world to me. And if you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes, feel free to reach out. Until then, stay cozy and live intentionally.

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God Bless and see you in the next episode!

Monica

Breakfast food is so simple to make and cheap compared to most other foods!  When I want to stretch our budget even further, we will add breakfast meals as dinner meals.  In the season we are in right now with limited time, in order for my family to eat nutritious food every morning without spending alot of time, I have to have meals prepared usually ahead of time.  I like my kids to start out their day with a healthy protein.  We butchered a couple pigs this Fall, so we have plenty of breakfast sausage,ham and bacon, and we usually have eggs with all of our chickens now, so I like to make up a bunch of breakfast sandwiches and have some in the fridge and some in the freezer.  I also like to make up breakfast burritos with eggs, ham, sausage, bacon and cheese.  I make big batches and it will last for several weeks.  I try to make a bunch of sourdough bagels, english muffins, and croissants for different sandwiches because that is much cheaper and healthier than buying bread, bagels and muffins at the store, but even if you have to buy those from the store and make the sandwiches up yourself, you are going to save a bunch of money rather than buying made up sandwiches.  Another thing we like to have is breakfast bowls and those are similar to the sandwiches, just without the bread.  Eggs are some of the cheapest and healthiest meals you can make and they are so versatile.

Many times I will just fry up sausage patties and bacon and just have it in the fridge and we use as we need it.  It is so easy to just make everything at once so you only have to clean up once and you feel productive.  I also like to make large batches of sweet breads and muffins and freeze into different portions because they are just so handy to have around.

Homemade granola is super simple to make and I talked about making your own yogurt on the last podcast and with those we like to make yogurt cups with layered yogurt, granola and fruit.  Anything we can grab and go in the morning is nice to have on hand.

Instead of buying packaged waffles or pancakes, make your own and freeze them.  Seriously, it is simple and they taste so much better.  

When I have an abundance of eggs, I will also make up some egg bakes and freeze them.  I love to put them in the refrigerator the night before and bake in the morning, but we will also have these for dinners as well. I do have my favorite eggbake recipe on the blog at claimingsimplicity.com if you want to try it yourself!  It is great as leftovers too!

Another quick healthy breakfast idea would be overnight oats.  We rarely eat oatmeal in our home, but that is another simple low cost nutritious option.

Take a morning once a month and make some of these items.  I promise you that if you are buying expensive packaged items and you switch to making some of your own simple breakfast, you will see your grocery budget shrink significantly.  Even if you implement making 1 new item per month, that will help to lessen your grocery budget!

Let me know if you try the eggbake on the blog and how your family likes it!  I have been making this eggbake for 25 years and even the pickiest eaters love it!

If you are enjoying this podcast, you would also enjoy my short and sweet emails with tips to simplify, save money, and all things homesteading~just go to claimingsimplicity.com and join our newsletter list or check out the blog with recipes!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

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Be Blessed Friend!

Monica

I have rarely ever bought packaged snacks simply because 25 years ago when my oldest kids were young, our grocery budget was very small and I had to stretch it with foods that filled my family up and lasted the longest. 

In order for me to stay at home with our kids, I had to make sure I wasn’t overspending on any area because when the money was gone, it was gone because we didn’t have any credit cards. I got really good at spending very little by making everything homemade with ingredients that were cheap and filling.  This often meant searching for recipes that used beans or pasta, but also delicious snacks. 

I hear so many people spending several hundreds of dollars every week on snacks, so I just want to give you these super simple tips to make your dollar stretch further at the grocery store.

First, evaluate what snack you buy.  Are they individually packed?  Are you buying unnecessary items such as fancy waters or drinks?  Could you make some of what you are buying very easily at home?  The key to stretching your dollar further is knowing exactly what you are buying and what you can change.

So lets talk about individult packaged ANYTHING!  I’m talking yogurts, chips, cookies, crackers……absolutely anything packaged this way is going to cost you so much extra money!  So instead of buying individual bags of cheese its for example, buy a large box and separate into baggies yourself.  This isn’t hard and it will save you a ton of money.  If it is individual yogurts, just buy a large container and separate out into smaller containers. Instead

of buying individual packaged cheese, buy a big block and cut it yourself.  I never did understand why someone would pay extra money for cheddar cheese in individual sticks-taste the same, but costs a ton more!!!!!   These things do take a few minutes, but you will be happy when you see the savings you can make. 

You may want to consider buying in bulk the things you use often. They may cost a little more up front, but last you much longer for a longer period of time.

Another way to save on groceries is to look at what you buy and see if you can easily make it.  You know me…..i keep everything simple and I want you to also.  You have no idea how simple some of your snacks can be to make.  If it seems overwhelming to make your own snack, just start with one item a month and master that and add another the next month.  Trail mix is a great snack that you can easily buy the ingredients in bulk and just dump together and it will a ton of save money.  Another thing that is super simple to make is yogurt-not only is it simple to make, but it also is so much more nutritious. 

I’m working on a course right now to teach you how to make these simple everyday products at home, so get on my email list if you want to be the first to learn about it when it is done!!!!!!  The link to my website is in the description and you are not going to want to miss it!  I had a granddaughter that liked uncrustables and I saw this tool for a couple bucks at the store the pinches edges together and they are another thing that is simple to make-you don’t have to have this tool to make them though!  You can just cut the crust off of your peanut butter and jelly sandwich and place in a bag!

I absolutely love teaching you these simple systems to save money and make your life easier that I have learned over the years!

And next…..if you are buying muffins, cookies or snacks you can bake at home, find a recipe and if your kids are old enough, they can make them or you could make them together.  When you price out ingredients to make several dozens of products, you will notice, you can only get a small portion of that for the same price.  Sometimes it takes getting creative.  If you think you don’t have time, then keep spending the extra money at the store! If you truely want to cut your grocery budget, this is something you can make time for and doesn’t take that long.  Most recipes take less than 15 minutes to mix up!

I could go on and on and on about all the things you can make yourself, but I want to keep this episode short as always because I know you are a busy mom!

I would love for you to send me any of your favorite tips or tricks on saving money on snacks too because I always enjoy learning!!!!!!!

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Have a wonderful day friend! 

Monica

if you are not budgeting and spending large amounts of money and don’t know where every penny is going, it won’t seem like you are making anything and you need to be conscious of that.  It is like a job, I’m sure you know people that get a pay increase, but because their spending goes up with it, they don’t even notice the additional income.  I’m not saying that you won’t ever have a loss because there are season’s where you are doing alot of investing to grow and that is ok.  I just want to give you some tips and encouragement if you feel like you can’t get ahead but you are dreaming of homesteading and simple living.

First, lets talk about mindset.  You can do anything you put your mind to when you are partnering with God.  You know that you get what you think about, so if you think you can’t make money, you probably won’t!  If you think you can’t save money, you probably won't. Also, if you are in the scarcity mindset, that will keep you from achieving your goals as well.  When you have control of where each penny goes, it will get you out of that mindset.  Now, I’m not a mindset expert, so this is just from my experience and the experiences of people around me.   When I gave a bigger % of my income away, I received more and that meant trusting God.  Pay attention to what the Bible says……everything we have is His and when we steward well with little, he will give us much. Luke 16:10 from the Psssion Translation says the one who faithfully manages the little he has been given will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities.  But those who cheat with the little they have been given will not be considered trustworthy to receive more.  Sometimes we dont even realize we are not being faithful in the little things because it is something we have always done or it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but to God, those little things are big things.  Pray for God to convict you of those little things that you are not even aware of.

Next, if you feel like everything is expensive, think about where you are looking for things.  You don’t need a fancy looking chicken coop or buildings that costs you a fortune. You can also cut bottom of barrels off for waterers or feeding pails people give away, there are so many options when you think outside the box!

Now remember, I recommend starting small and growing as you learn because you don’t want to get in over your head financially or overwhelmed with too much to learn.  

Buy used whenever possible.  I was thinking about this as I have been putting off getting a new blender until I find one for a good price.  I see kitchen aid mixers and big items like that on craigslist or swap and shops because sometimes people have good intentions to use something, but then don’t end up doing something they bought the item for.  I get my kombucha jars free from restaurants and there are so many ways you can save money on your homestead!

I am always trying to find frugal ways to do things without being tacky or looking junky.  So my handy husband goes to the dump and almost every time he brings something in, he finds something we can use on our farm.  He has gotten wood we made animal pens with and raised gardens with.  He got a rake to pull behind the 4 wheeler for our driveway and many many other item.  He scores some pretty sweet deals so we don’t have to buy much new!  Something else you can do is if you notice someone has something in their yard or field and they don’t use it, ask them if they want to sell.  We have gotten pig huts and many other items that way as well. He gets free wood shavings from a lumber place and is always on the lookout for things we can use  He is always picking up good pallets to build gates, shelters and other things too! 

Our chicken coop just has tree branches across for the chickens to roost on and that has been amazing along with the free wood shavings he gets that we place on the floor that are easy to scoop up.  A neighbor was putting new tin on their roof and he asked if he could take it and has made several buildings with that and they were happy they didn’t have to get rid of it.  There are so many ways you can make your homestead nice without spending much money.  We found used solar fencing this summer and that has been amazing to just put up and move the pigs easily in the woods.  They sure enjoyed eating all those acorns!

Gas and groceries seem to be a large portion of our budget, so something you can do with gas is make your trips very intentional.  Try to combine things together to make less trips if you can and the next episode I am going to talk about how to save money on snacks.  I keep hearing people say that the snacks at the store have significantly increased in price, so I want to do an episode on how to save money on snack food from the grocery store.

I hope that you will consider trying out a few of these ways to save money and simplify so you can stop feeling stressed and overwhelmed and become profitable on your farm or homestead.  

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Love ya friend!

Monica

Homesteading can be a fulfilling lifestyle, but it can also be challenging to make a living solely through homesteading activities. However, there are several ways to generate income while homesteading:

1. Sell your produce: Homesteaders can grow a variety of crops, fruits, and vegetables to sell at farmer's markets, local stores, or online marketplaces. You can also consider starting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, where customers can purchase a share of your harvest at the beginning of the season and receive a weekly box of fresh produce.  You can sell eggs and sourdough, but those are things you would have to sell alot of to make a living, but a great way to bring in extra income!
2. Raise livestock: You can raise animals such as chickens, cows, pigs, goats or sheep to sell their meat, milk, eggs, or fiber. You can also breed and sell livestock, or offer services like pet boarding, training, or shearing.
3. You can create value-added products such as cheese, butter, jam, honey, soap, or candles using your harvest or livestock. These products have a higher profit margin and can be sold online or at craft fairs.
4. You can host workshops, tours, or retreats on your homestead to teach people about homesteading skills, farming practices, or sustainable living. You can also offer lodging, camping, or glamping options for visitors.
5.  You can offer your skills and expertise as a freelance writer, photographer, web designer, or consultant to other homesteaders or businesses in your niche.
6.  If your homestead doesn't generate enough income, you can work with a company until you are making enough on your own or you can sell products from a company you use and align with your values.  This is how I was able to transition from nursing. Growing a business while working full time  lets you transition out of a job as you replace that income

    

   It's essential to assess your skills, resources, and market demand before starting a homesteading business. You may need to obtain licenses, permits, or certifications depending on your business type and location. You should also develop a marketing plan, set realistic goals, and manage your finances carefully.

   Love you friend!

    

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I'll discuss the essential supplies you need to keep your pantry well-stocked and becoming somewhat self-sufficient. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting your journey, you're bound to find some valuable insights in today's episode.

Let's talk about why having a well-stocked pantry is essential for homesteaders. In the last few years, the importance of self-sufficiency, food security, and being prepared had caused me to grow my pantry must haves to an even bigger list.  Anything I don’t have to buy at the store is a bonus and I am continually learning!  It is so amazing to me how simple it is to make many items and how  you can save money on food making items yourself!

When deciding the amount of basic staple items to keep on hand, think about the amount of that item you use and how long you can store the item for. For instance, can goods last years, but items like flour only last 6 months in the pantry and you can put it in the fridge or freezer to last longer, but I don’t like to use up my room in those areas for flour, so I only buy enough for 6 months!  Now I do go through alot of flour making sourdough, so I do buy it in bulk, but if you don’t use much of it, you can just buy a bag or 2 at a time.

One of the joys of homesteading is growing your food and preserving it!  It sure grows your pantry quickly.

You will want your pantry to be fairly well-organized, and items should be rotated regularly. So that I use up the oldest item first, I always add what I buy the the back of the shelf so I am constantly using up the oldest items first to keep things from getting outdated.

Building a well-stocked pantry can be cost-effective if you know where to look. Buying in bulk on things you use alot of and also buying things when they are on sale can save money on your grocery bill.

Remember, your pantry is the heart of your homestead, providing you with security, sustenance, and the means to share with others. Whether you're a homesteading veteran or just starting out, building and maintaining a well-stocked pantry is a rewarding journey.

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See ya next week!

Monica

Here are some ways to reduce your trips to the grocery store by producing and preserving your own food

First up, we have homestead meal planning. One of the keys to reducing your grocery store visits is planning your meals around what you produce on your homestead. Whether it's fresh vegetables, fruits, or even homemade dairy products, creating a monthly meal calendar based on what's in season and available can significantly cut down those trips to town and then plan weekly using up what you have. Find locally sourced raw milk, meat, eggs, and seasonly produce if possible!  Collaborate with neighboring homesteaders to exchange surplus produce or goods. Bartering can be an excellent way to acquire items you don't produce yourself, further decreasing your reliance on outside sources

 Next, let's talk about growing your own food. Consider cultivating crops like grains, beans, and root vegetables that can be stored for an extended period, but also growing what you use whether it be in pots or a small yard, you can grow all kinds of your own food even if you live in an apartment. By doing this, you'll reduce the need for frequent trips to stock up on staples. And if you can’t grow it, azure standard is a great place to order bulk or you may have a mennonite or amish store in your area that sells these items like we do!

Preservation is the name of the game on the homestead. You are going to want to learn various food preservation techniques like canning, dehydrating, fermenting, and root cellaring. These methods will help you extend the shelf life of your produce, reducing your reliance on store-bought goods.

Storing essentials in bulk is a tried-and-true method for minimizing grocery runs. Flour, sugar, grains—these are the items you can purchase in larger quantities to reduce the frequency of your shopping trips. I will add a quick bonus episode later this week with my pantry must haves that I always have on hand!

For those lucky enough to have farm animals, they can provide a consistent source of fresh eggs, milk, and meat. This reduces your reliance on store-bought protein sources and adds a unique dimension to your homesteading journey.

Another essential strategy is creating a cold storage solution. Whether it's a root cellar or a deep freezer, having a place to store vegetables, fruits, and meats for an extended period is invaluable.

Why not produce homemade items like bread, cheese, and yogurt using ingredients from your own homestead? This not only adds a personal touch to your meals but also reduces the need to buy these items from the store.

Continuously build your skills in food production and preservation. The more you know, the more self-sufficient you can become over time, reducing your dependence on external sources.

Lastly, don't forget the importance of community involvement. Join local homesteading or agricultural communities to share knowledge, resources, and experiences with like-minded individuals. Together, we can all strive for a more self-sufficient and sustainable way of life.  I started a monthly homesteading women’s event last month and we had an amazing turnout and really looking forward to next month!  It is such a blessing to be surrounded by like minded women!  If your in Central MN and would like to join us, just reach out to me!!!

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xoxo,

Monica

I hope you are having a fabulous day!    

I just want to talk to you about living life on purpose, so today you may want to grab a pen and paper or if you are driving, you can always listen to this again. If you are just going through the motions to get by each and every day, but not doing what God has called you to do, you may be unhappy.  I can’t believe the amount of people that go to college, get a job, but feel stuck and very unhappy in their every day to day life and look forward to the weekend instead of enjoying every single day, but feel that have to stay there.  If that is you, I want you to know you can change that!

Something that will set you apart is personal development.  Start reading some sort of personal development daily.  I started this many many years ago and it has changed my life in so many ways!

Jesus tells us that whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, so start right where you are at….go to the library and rent a book-there are so many! Jim Rohn, John maxwell, napoleon hill, robert kiasayki just to name a few and that is a fabulous start to changing your life.

Next, I want you to think about your life and visualize what you want it to look and feel like.  Write down all the details from the house you want to live in to the area you want to be to how it all makes you feel.  What is stopping you from being there and doing what you love?  Do you need to redirect what you are doing?  What can you change? What is keeping you in the unfulfilled daily job?  Really think deep about these questions.

Another thing I want you to think about Is an area in your life you could simplify so you don’t have to be stuck in the 9-5 rut and can start enjoying what you value most?  I know so many people that say they can’t quit their job because they cant afford to.

It is amazing to me that people value material items more than their everyday life-think about that.  Just in case you didn’t know this - you can’t take your possesions to heaven with you, so why are you doing something you arent enjoying just to gather stuff and try to look good for the people around you! 

Look around, do you have things you spent money on that you didn’t really need?  You can always downsize vehicles and your home to live the life you dream of.  I applaud all the people moving from larger cities to rural towns to raise their families and live a slower life.  It is so worth it!  

I look back now and can see how God interveved and helped up to skip that speedbump to get to where we are now!  I still do not know why we are where we are, but when God speaks loud and clear, we listen!  

We really are living the dream right now and it is so incredibly enjoyable, but we had to go through many obstacles to get here.  We had to say no to many things that would take us away from our dreams and it all takes time.  

And my last advice would be to get out of debt as fast as you can.  Make sacrifices, walk with Jesus daily, give abundantly and do with less for a short while and God will Bless you.  The first step towards living this life is to do something out of the norm that most people won't do.  

Send me a message and let me know what you are doing to take your first step to break away from what most people call the norm!!

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I

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Love you friend! Chat with ya next week!

Monica

With having animals, moving and getting everything here ready for winter to make it convenient to feed and water all the animals, 

we rarely spend time inside, so even being so busy, I wanted to give you 5 simple ways to keep your home clean when you have little time to do it.  Once you get into a simple routine, you are more likely to keep it tidy!  

First, you may have to just make a list of the things you want to get done in the morning, you might have to get up a little earlier than normal, but if you prepare the night before, you will be able to establish a very easy cleaning routine in less time to keep your house clean. I like to have lunches ready, clothes out, quick tidy, counters cleaned off and dishes put away in the evening.  Then when morning comes, I can make coffe, toss a load of clothes in while I make coffee, read my Bible and pray.  I then do chores outside, make bed, shower, put dirty clothes in laundry basket, make breakfast, clean up, put clothes in the dryer and we head out the door or I sit down to work. It is very simple and doesn’t need to take alot of time.  The house is then clean when I leave or start working.

Next, this is key to keeping a tidy house - declutter so you have less stuff to manage! You know I am a huge fan of keeping it simple!   If you have less stuff to put in its place, you will have less time you need to clean.  The mess can add up much quicker if you have more items in your home. Since we just moved a few months ago, I’m still getting rid of things I don’t need or won’t use in this home.  If it doesn’t have a place, you don’t need to keep it!  It will be treasured by someone who can actually use the item, so freely donate items!

Third, is to have some sort of storage containers, hook or baskets for loose items.  Look around and see what is causing the mess and if you could implement something to combat the items being piled up.  This could be mail, clothes, or something you could catorgorize together.  For instance, my husband loves to try different spices when he cooks, so we had a whole cupboard full of different meat rubs and spices and we could never fine anything, so I got some baskets and I put the spices I bake with in one basket life pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon and things like that in one basket, his spices for meat in another one and salt and pepper separate from that.  It is so much easier to find now since we just pull the correct basket out and don’t have to dig throught the whole cupboard.  Simple solution, but it saves so much time and I rarely have to spend time reorganizing it!

Fourth, take 15 minutes a day to do a quick tidy…..set your phone alarm and you will be amazed at what you can get done in that short amount of time.  It is really refreshing when you have a clean house and you will be much more productive as well!

And Lastly, make sure the whole family is involved.  I always say to my kids, if you see a need, fill it.  So if they see that something needs to be done, don’t just walk by and ignore, just do it quickly.  Teach them young and it will be the norm for them!  It doesn’t mean they can’t make a mess…..when my girls are baking, making pasta or anything in the kitchen, it always looks like a bomb went off, but they know that when they get done, it needs to all be cleaned up and that is what they do!  Very rarely do I even need to remind them anymore, but it does take time to make it a habit!

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God Bless!

Monica

I wanted to bring up some simple meals and snacks to send with your kids! If I don’t send nutritious snacks and drinks with the girls, they will end up going to a gas station and spending money they don’t need to on junk food, so I like to prepare as much as possible.

Something we always have on hand and the kids like is cheese sticks and summer sausage or beef sticks.  Anything Made with eggs and boiled eggs are another one we always have around since we have chickens!  We make our venison sausage every year at deer hunting and they enjoy it and it is a great snack!  Sometimes I will make sourdough crackers, although they only last a day in our house and I haven’t figured out a longer storage solution where they stay nice and crisp for a longer period of time, so if you have any tricks with that, send me an email.  But really…., they probably wouldn’t last that long anyway…they gobble them up quick!

We have an abundance of plums and apples on our apple trees right now, so apples and peanut butter is another good snack.  I also like to buy cuties/clementines to keep on hand because they seem to last a little longer than berries.  Frozen grapes are another fabulous snack that my kids love!  Any kind of fruit, but these seem to be our go to that last the longest.  Watermelon is a cheaper fruit and stored correctly can last for a few weeks!  We really try to eat seasonally if at all possible, so this time of the year, we tend to have more fruit and less during the winter here.  

We love to make sourdough bread and bagels, and that is a great thing to pack for lunches with ham or turkey and cheese.  I try to stay away from things they have to heat up, but it has been very handy to have little thermoses if they want to take soup, chilli, or hotdishes because it stays warm for quite some time.

Breakfast muffins and sweet breads are super easy to make in big batches and keep in the freezer and  yogurt, berries and granola are some other favorites that my kids enjoy and simple to pack.

We also can at least 150 quarts of pickles, so that is a super snack that travels well and everyone loves!  Olives are another good food to add.

I could talk about this all day, but you really just need to prepare if you want to save money because otherwise you will spend money on expensive convenience snacks that are unhealthy and cost you so much more!  If you want more recipes, I have just added the blog on my website and will be adding more and more simple recipes for you to help you save money that are nutritious so you feel confident giving your family quality foods at a low price.  Go to claimingsimplicity.com and check it out!  I will be adding more recipes soon that you can use with your garden produce!  

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See ya next week!Monica

Today I  want to discuss how important community is as we have been so amazed by the neighbors within a few miles of our home.  Everyone helps everyone and it has been such a blessing in so many ways.  The weird thing is that we only moved  5 miles, but we have been surrounded with the most helpful people we call friends as they have helped us navigate so many things with adding 23 pigs and helping us get ready for our 4 dexters coming in about a month to helping us casterate piglets for the first time.  We have had a huge learning curve on our farm as we have had chickens and goats for a long time, but this will be the first time with pigs and cows.  So far it has been a fun experience with the pigs and we are really looking forward to the cows!!!!!  

There are so many things to learn and it has been so fascinating what we are learning along the way!  For us, we have worked on pens and fencing probably the last four weeks because as we needed more pens, we needed to make more space as the piglets get weened, another one will be having piglets anytime, so we had to move the boar out of that pen and then the boar cant be alone, so we put our American Guinea/Idaho Pasture Pigs in with him as they have most of our garden for next year rooted up.  It is a great time for the pigs to be in the woods right now because there are so many acorns falling from the oak trees and they are in heaven with all the vegetation.  It has been a process, but we are sure enjoying it!

With our cows coming next month, we had hay to cut and a neighbor borrowed us their machinery and we were able to buy a semi load of round bales from them as well as we will need a bunch for the winter because we never know how long that will be here!  

When we got our pigs, another neighbor had borrowed us their trailer to haul them and that was so helpful as well.  We have such incredible neighbors and we are able to pay back with heavy equipment work and my husband will be able to fix their equipment in the winter.

All this to say, reach out to those around you because it is so important to build community where you are at.  We are all in this together.  Reach out to others and see what you can help with and learn as much as you can from those that have gone before you.  

It is so nice that we can learn from you tube, but there is so much more power in surrounding yourself with those right in your own community.

I’m so excited to share that I will be having our first Monthly Women’s Homesteading gathering next month, so if you are in central Minnesota, we would love to have you join us.  DM me for the details or send me an email at monica@claimingsimplicity.com

https://fb.me/e/1dkvlPWsw

Have an awesome week friend!  Talk to ya next week!

Monica

I know you are busy and overwhelmed as a beginning homesteader working outside the home, but I want to help you to get started with less stress so you can enjoy the process of building your own homestead!

It can be exhausting thinking about all the things you want to do and could do, so I always suggest, start slow because there are so many things you can learn as you are trying to become somewhat self-sufficient!

One of the simplest things you can do is plant some fruit trees or bushes.  At our home we just sold, that is something we wish we would have done sooner.  We planted several different kinds of apple trees and were just enjoying the fruit the last couple years!  There are so many things you can do with apples, but I suggest you research what grows best in your area.  We have a long cold winter here in Minnesota, so we aren’t able to grow any kind of citrus trees here unfortunately, but we do use apples for many different things and the apples we arent able to use, the pigs, goats and chickens go nuts over!!!!  Luckily we have several apple trees and plum trees to the farm we moved to.  Another thing that I planted last weekend was rhubarb, it won’t be ready for a few years, but we use rhubarb for jams, jellies, pies, desserts and many other things and we like to freeze it so we have it all year long, so I wanted to get that going.  I have some strawberry and raspberry shoots I will be getting from a friend, so we are going to get those planted as well this Fall.  The nice thing about getting these fruits planted is that it is something you can do now and it doesn’t take much time, but then don’t have to do anything with them until the future, so find some time to get things like these planted!

If you have a small space or don’t have land, another activity you can do is learn how to preserve food just from either going to farmers markets and purchasing produce, or finding bulk items and learning different ways to make it. You don’t have to do a large amount if you don’t have the space to store it, but it is so good to figure out these methods!  Learning skills is something that you can easily do in your extra spare time and you don’t need acreage to do this, so if you are wanting to eventually move to the country, learn all you can while you are waiting.  You can learn how to make sourdough and cook from scratch with little time because I know you are busy!

Don’t complicate the process!  Sometimes we wait for things to be perfect, but like I said before, they most likely will never be perfect!  I like to simplify everything I do, so right now I am trying to make our pig pens, goat area and fencing as simple as I can for watering and feeding because I don’t have alot of extra time these days!  I have had to switch this around several times because we keep moving fencing to rotate them, so this is a process as we have never had this many animals and it is ever changing!

I hope these give you a few ideas to get started now even as you are just beginning no matter what your living situation is!

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:) Monica

Let’s explore how the pursuit of perfection influences the homesteading lifestyle, and how the ideals of self-sufficiency and simplicity intersect with the human desire for perfection.

Do you strive for perfection in various aspects of life? I think of how perfection may stall you in your pursuit of homesteading.  Most things here on our little farm are not perfect…in fact I don’t know of anything that is, but if I was waiting for perfection, most things may not get done.  Here is an example from this last week.  We got 21 pigs 2 days after I went to look at a couple piglets!!!!  The neighbors down the road had to sell all their Kune Kune pigs because he was waiting on a transplant any day, so we looked at them on Friday and Saturday we were fencing and making pens because 3 of the sows had piglets and they each needed their own pens.  We used wood around our place to make pens, cut 5 gallon pails off for their feed and watering dishes and made it work so that we could move them over to our farm on Sunday!  We do really well on improvising so that we don’t have to spend alot of money, but that means things are not perfect!

Social media and modern culture contribute to the pressure of presenting a perfect life-I mean if I would have taken a picture today, I was filthy from working on animal pens and there was nothing pretty about it, so when I see these beautiful pictures on instagram with beautiful women in dresses in the garden or barnyard, I realize that it isn’t realistic for most people.

There is such an appeal of a simpler, self-sufficient lifestyle in today's fast-paced world, but you do not have to wait until you know everything.  It is good to start small and add, but you will learn as you go and you will never know everything.  There are so many things to learn when you homestead and it seems there are a hundred ways to do each thing because everyone does things differently!

There are so many benefits of homesteading, such as reconnecting with nature, sustainable living, and community building and I encourage you to just get started!

With homesteading, you will have setbacks, failures, and the unpredictable nature of farming and living off the land, so you will have to let go of the need for perfection.  I promise, you will find joy in the journey if you do!

Remember that the pursuit of perfection is a journey, but it is usually unrealistic with homesteading, so don’t let it steal your joy. Embracing imperfections and finding beauty in the process can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful experience, both on the homestead and in life.

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

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Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

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xoxo,

Monica

I want you to think about your life right now.  Do you feel like you are going 100 miles per hour at all times?  If so, you need to slow down!  My body was in exhaustion mode for about 3 weeks and I felt like I couldn’t add one more thing or I would crash, but I knew it was God’s way of telling me to step back and take a look at what I value and what is important. 

This is not normally how I live as we have designed our life with putting our time and energy on the things we value most, so we had to evaluate what was really important-getting our house finished at a crazy pace or slow down and make time for more enjoyable moments.  Getting our eyes off what is truely important will make us more vulnerable to Satan’s attack and I knew that I was getting up and working right away in the morning without spending my quiet time with God every day and that really got me off track!  I’m happy to say that after I got back into my normal routine, everything just started falling back into place.  

So first, step back to see where you have the most chaos.

Next, see what you can eliminate

Last, practice living in the present and enjoying it.

See ya next week!

Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Another lessoned learned the last month is too much stuff is pure chaos.  All areas of my life feel unorganized when I had stuff everywhere-I almost forget a few appointments, I had a doctor bill that got lost in the mess and I got a letter last week saying this is your last notice-what?  I take pride on never being late on any bill as most are set up automatically, but that could have cost me extra money if I would have missed it, but I’m sure the address change had something to do with it as well. I ended up buying duplicate items because I had no idea where something was, so clutter can also cost you quite a bit of money, so if you want to save money, learn to live with less stuff! 

Start decluttering your home if you have not!  I still have a enclosed trailer full of stuff and I don’t even want to unpack it and we still have a storage unit with items in.  I’m waiting until I have the time to organize and put where it needs to go, but now that we have used some of it in the last few months, I’m thinking we might downsize even further!

I am finally feeling somewhat better because I am finding a place for items in our home and anything that doesn’t have a place is going to the donation center.  This home is quite a bit bigger….even though we wanted to downsize but this is where God wanted us, it seems to have less storage space because it is a more open concept and not like the farmhouse style we had before, so it has been tricky.  I honestly don’t know how people function with stuff all over, it just mentally drained me.  It is so much easier to have less stuff than to have to take up mental space for many items.  Here are some things I want you to do right now.

First, look around your home and see if there is any garbage laying around and toss it.  Train yourself and your family to put garbage away when you get done with it.  It is something that you may consciously have to do for a while until it becomes a habit, but it will make such a difference for you. After that, look around if there are any dishes laying around where they should not be and put them into the kitchen where they belong.  Make sure you are making note of where the problems are happening so you can incorporate new systems to keep the clutter at bay.

Another thing you should  think about is every time you purchase an item is if you have a place for it and also what you are we going to get rid of-especially when you  are thrift shopping because honestly, that can become clutter if you don’t keep on top of it!  And if you are like me….you like a good deal!  Remember it isn’t a good deal if it becomes clutter!

Plan your week…so much less chaos when you know what is happening and you have a plan.  Take Sunday evening or Monday morning to look through what is going on so you don’t always feel scattered and flying by the seat of your pants! 

Implement these first few items to get you on your way to simple living and more peace!!!

I can help you make a plan to simplify!  If you want to win a ½ hour coaching call, you could be 1 of 4 people that begin to turn your chaos into calm and I would love to help you on that journey!!!!!

~Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

I wanted to talk about having fun because at my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary party a couple weeks ago, my daughters were telling my nephews that they haven’t done anything this summer but work…..and yes, we have worked alot and they have been so much help, but they maybe forgot the many things they did do! They are so used to doing several day trips during the week and going to our cabin more which we didn’t get too much this summer!  We normally do many things and we have had less time with friends this summer and volleyball practice starts every day, so I’m sure that is why they don’t think they have done much, so I was feeling a little Mom quilt knowing how much work we have done so we took a few days to just hang out last week and do what they wanted to do.

You don’t need to spend money on fun activities!  We also like to tube down the river, go to random parks with hiking trails, we hiked the highest point in the county next to us in June, we go to the turtle races, movies in the park, parades, church events and festivities, barn dances, car shows, frisbee golf, pickle ball, strawberry patch, different beaches and county parks, splash pads, picnics, bike riding and we get together with friends and family often with bonfires, game nights and going to the lake just to name a few. 

Our activities look different in the summer than the winter here, they look different at every age group but there are so many many things you can do without spending money and it is such good quality time together. Raise kids that enjoy the simple things in life and teach them that you don’t have to spend money to have fun.

We love nature, so most times our adventures aren’t shopping or spending money unless we go to some touristy lake towns to check out the events and little shops.  Save money and live a quality life with simple living.

I truely believe teaching your kids that less is more is so important and to enjoy the little things in life.

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

I have mentioned before how being off of a schedule and living out of a box for a few months has put a major damper on our healthy eating and boy can we tell in so many different areas from gut health, mood and the way we felt to weight gain!  We went from eating most things homemade and from scratch  and always having sourdough and fresh whole foods available with a garden to eating convenience foods from the store  we normally don’t eat! After a few months of my teenagers eating the food they thought they wanted to eat because many of their friends eat that way - like hot pockets and anything they could make quickly in the airfryer -it wasn’t long and they were telling me they are sick of those foods!  Something I never thought I would hear from them!  I mentioned  last week we finally got our kitchen table in our house and the night before we fed our sourdough (which by the way, we hadn’t fed in 3 months) and made 4 sourdough pizza crusts, flat bread, and bagels and they were so delicious!!!!!!  Do you know how many things you can make with just starter, flour and water?  I think we forgot how good real food tastes-I can’t imagine going a lifetime without it!   I have a roast, potatoes and carrots in the crockpot ready for tomorrow along with some sourdough bread and rhubarb crisp and that has been a meal we haven’t had for a while either-yum!  So simple, so healthy, and so good!

Something else that is important to eating healthy is only buying foods you can eat before they go bad.  I was just buying groceries here and there without a plan and that not only cost extra money, but many times the food went bad before we got to it.  I heard a statistic that I thought was outrageous that we waste up to 60% of our food!  WHAT??  That is crazy.  I love that our chickens and pigs can use any waste and my worms get some of that as well!

Last week, I unpacked my magnetic weekly plan that goes right on the fridge for everyone to see and we won’t have extra food in the fridge this week because I have a plan and will only buy the few ingredients we need.  I plan my meals around what food is on hand as I look into the fridge on Sunday and plan for the week with the food we need to use up which saves on food going to waste and saves money!  It is so much cheaper to make your own yogurt and granola and that is something that is so easy and much tasier!  There are so many items like this you can make yourself that are simple to make, healthier, and will save you money!

Find yourself a good routine with healthy foods-I am back to eating bacon, eggs  in the morning along with my apple cider vinegar since I need to make some more kombucha, and I feel so much better already and am gaining my energy back again.  I also need to add my adrenal cocktails back into my routine because my adrenal glands get depleted very fast and that just helps with my high energy levels, so if you haven’t tried that, let me know and I can send you my recipe!

If you want to have more energy and less overwhelm, I suggest you start making some of your food from scratch with trusted ingredients because food affects all areas of your body and you need to be aware of what you are putting in it!  Remember too that simple meals can be healthy meals!

Ok, that is all I have today, but I look forward to being with you tomorrow for my birthday!!!!!!!  If you haven’t already, give a rating and review on apple podcasts and send me an email letting me know you did that and I will enter you in the drawing for 4 FREE ½ hour coaching calls to help you simplify your life!  It only takes 30 seconds, but that free ½ call could change your life!

Talk to ya tomorrow!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

I am so excited to be doing this podcast every day this week and I hope to give you many nuggets that you can put into practice.

I am going to give away 4- ½ hour coaching calls because it is the last year that my age will start with a 4!!!!!!  I don’t even think I have talked about my coaching on here, but I help women simplify areas of their life they are struggling with…..it might be motherhood, saving money, decluttering, cooking from scratch, or homesteading.  You know me, I like to keep everything simple and I love helping others do the same. All you have to do to enter the giveaway is give a rating and review and send me an email at monica@claimingsimplicity.com and let me know you left a review and I will announce the winners on the August 28th podcast!!!!!!! 

I’m going to bring you back a few months into a very insane few weeks for me. As we closed on our property, we started working right away.  Our first concern was getting the goats some fencing up and get their home situated, get a chicken coop ready so we could get our chickens back so we could have fresh eggs again, and prepare a home in our overgrown fenced in garden area for a couple pigs so they could root up it up so we can plant next spring, but we were unprepared for all the work that needed to be done to the house and it took us over a month to even get furniture in it because it needed so much work.  This is not something we expected as the house was built in 2005, so not even 20 years old!  

After 2 weeks in, I broke down after working from 5am to 10pm every day and I just asked God why He wanted us to move here.  You will see….was the only answer I needed to keep trudging away! 

We had reservations at Family Camp for 10 days that I booked at the beginning of the year and even though I love the quality time so much each year, I was thinking I should cancel so I could keep working feverishly as we were getting our piglets right after those 10 days at camp and we had only been at our new home for 2 weeks.  And then it hit me…..I needed that 10 days of down time!!!!!  So we packed up and had the most wonderful time with friends and family. All of our kids and grandkids were able to come to camp, we celebrated our 1 year old Grandson’s Birthday there and it was a Fabulous time away.

See ya tomorrow!  Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Thanks for all the love and reaching out while I was in the trenches of this move!  I will say that this was one of the hardest moves we have ever made even though we only went 5 miles!  I’m not sure if it is because we are 10 years older, if it is because we had alot more animals and things that go along with that when you have a homestead, or if it is because we had so much work to do on the house before we even moved in!  We are still working on the house and still have a storage unit full of things I’m not sure where we will even put, but we did get our kitchen table into the house yesterday, so we are making progress!!!!!

I just want you to know that I really do live this life I talk about.  I had to say no to many things and to doing the podcast as it was just one more thing to do and I had to put my priorities in order and as much as I love podcasting and teaching, I had to keep my values in order as much as possible~and honestly, my body and mind were so tired and exhausted that I could only do so much as I was still running teenagers to their activites and camps and all the other obligations we had!

I am super excited to let you know that I have so much to talk about and teach you and I am going to give you 5 podcast episodes of the things that I have learned through this move next week.  I know how you like the short episodes, so that is why I will do an episode each day!!!!

I love you so much!  Thanks for listening to this podcast!!!!!!  If you haven’t already, please take 30 seconds to rate and review the podcast and share it with others that want to live a simpler life!

Have a super week!

Monica

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

So why would you want to have a more natural home? I did not know when I was a young mom of all the toxins in soaps and cleaning supplies, plastics and so many other supplies I used every single day.  The fact is……I am still learning!  I noticed a big difference in going from mostly natural to being in contact with things I wouldn’t normally use.  I have used natural cleaning supplies for many years, but  I have been really trying to change over my whole home slowly but surely-as soon as something runs out, I try to find a natural way to make it-sometimes we like the first recipe and sometimes I have to go through many recipes to find a product we love. Here are some of the simple things I did in the beginning that saved me alot of money.

One of the first things I did and easiest things you can change is your multipurpose cleaner.  This would be how I clean bathrooms, counter tops and really almost anything! I have 2 really good recipes.  One of them,  I mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and add a high quality refreshing essential oil.  Be very careful to use a quality essential oil as most on the market are not pure.  Being a nurse, I had to have the details, so I have done the research and I can give you my recommendations if you want them.  I will have a link in the description, but feel free to email me as well!  This multipurpose spray should be handy in each bathroom so you can easily clean as you need to.  If you don’t keep one in each room,  If you are like me, you might go into a different room and totally forget you were grabbing a bottle of spray!!!!!!!  The other recipe uses on guard and I like to keep this in the kitchen for all surfaces.  You will use these sprays all the time and it is a fraction of the price of cleaners in the store and works alot better!

The next thing I did was remove all candles and air fresheners that were not natural-do you know how bad it is to breathe those in?  Even the sprays that say 100% essential oil is not true because there is no regulation of them, so get rid of them so your family isn’t inhaling those toxins into their lungs! I used to use the plug in or renuzit air fresheners around my house thinking that my house smelled better, but it makes me wonder now if that is why my kids were sick with colds and ear infections so much when they were young.   I am more sensitive now to toxins because of the natural environment I have created, so many times I can notice them right away in someone else’s home! My eyes now water when I enter a garage or home that uses these toxic air freshners~so if you think it is helping your place smell better, think of what it is doing to your lungs and everyone that enters!  I have noticed that many of the big stores such as Target that call their products natural just have really good marketing strategies to let people think the products are pure, but are not any healthier than the ones that are not labeled natural or 100% and that is why I make my own.  I know exactly what is in them.  I certainly love a great smelling home, so I have several favorite diffuser going throughout the day. My favorite are happy and energizing aromas, I love the fall and Christmas smells during those seasons, and when I have alot of work I need to focus on a large project or something, I have a diffuser with oils that help with that. So many that I love!

And the 3rd simple change we made was using a natural laundry detergent. We actually make our own so we know what is in it.   If you are using any detergent or fabric softener that is not pure, you are letting the toxins soak into your skin and your kids skin every single day!  Do the research for yourself because I wish I would have known all this information years ago-it wasn’t until our older kids were probably around 10  when I changed over, so it has been many many years and the detergent works really well.  I did stop for a while because I was using a shredded felz napa bar soap and it ended up clogging up my HE washer.  I then went to a free and clear from the store for a short time, but as I was spending so much more money, I decided to look for another option and now I use a detergent that I absolutely love, it doesn’t use bar soap so it doesn’t clog the hose and it smells so so fresh! It is super simple, it will save you thousands of dollars through the years and will make a big difference in your health friend!

Start your natural journey today!  Free resource to my favorite recipes below!

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ 

Oils -> my.doterra.com/monicabaker/

Fruits & Veggies -> https://www.monicabaker.juiceplus.com/

Blessings!

Monica

Please note….I am not an expert, I am just passing on information to you in hopes that you try it yourself and see the benefits!

1. Raw milk is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available which means it has alot of nutrients but relatively few calories and it is  known to be rich in essential  vitamins which support the brain and nervous system, it also helps with development, focus and brain development, bone density, and balancing hormones. It contains minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and our muscles use certain chemicals  together with water to make sure that the electrical charges in our bodies work properly. They allow us to perform functions such as thinking, seeing, moving and keep your heart beating.  It also contains omega 3’s and short chain fatty acids that help control issues related to inflammation, slow metabolism and stress resistance and it is connected to cancer prevention, fat loss and healthier cholesterol levels-now why wouldn’t everyone want to drink raw milk in this fast paced world to help with this all of this?
2. Raw milk contains naturally occurring beneficial bacteria called probiotics and digestive enzymes that can support gut health. Probiotics are known to promote a healthy balance of gut flora, which is essential for digestion and overall well-being. Cultured dairy foods give the highest amounts of probiotic than any other food available.
3. Some proponents of raw milk claim that it can alleviate symptoms of milk allergies or lactose intolerance. They argue that the presence of enzymes and probiotics in raw milk may aid in the digestion of lactose and potentially reduce allergic reaction.
4. Raw milk enthusiasts suggest that the presence of immune-boosting components, such as antibodies and white blood cells, in unpasteurized milk may strengthen the immune system and improve overall health.
5. Many people prefer the taste of raw milk over pasteurized milk, finding it creamier and more flavorful. Taste is subjective, but some individuals choose raw milk for its sensory appeal.

    

   Website:

   Claimingsimplicity.com

   Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

   https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

   Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

   Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

    

   Blessings~
6. Monica

Sometimes you have to step out in faith to do something different even when others don’t understand.  Many people don’t even understand how to make money without working for someone else, but since 2020, it has been so nice to see even more people start businesses doing what they love and finding communities of like minded people is so much easier now which is so much to hang out with people with the same values.  Surrounding yourself and your family around these positive friends can be so rewarding!

I want you to take a look at what is going well in your life and what you would like to change.  Is your time aligned with your values or are you getting up to go to work for someone else every day, but wishing you were doing something else?  Are you tired of the hustle just to get by day after day so that you can have those expensive vehicles so you can look good to those around you?  Do you trade time for money and you are always hustling trying to get ahead? 

I am here to let you know that it does not have to be that way-life is too short not to enjoy what you are doing. 

I believe that everything you do should have God in the center of it all - family and business and when you put Him first and your roots are deep, you can withstand anything because you know He is the Rock on which it all stands.  Many times it comes down to trusting - are you trusting Him with everything and have you surrendered it all to Him?  I believe this is one of the first steps.  

Next, look at that list. Where can you make changes right now?  How can you reduce debt quickly?  Sell anything you have payments on.  If you could reduce one or 2 car payments, how would that change your debt?  There are many reliable vehicles for a reasonable price if you are willing to drive something older.  We like to find older vehicles with lower miles  that we can pay cash for because not only will you be saving on a car payment, but older vehicles are cheaper to insure and you don’t have to have full coverage on them because you don’t have a loan on them.  If you don’t have money to make repairs if they should come up, you might want to keep full coverage on them until you do have a nice little saving for those just in case moments, but you could save thousands of dollars on car payments and reduced insurance costs each year just on vehicles.

If you want to live a life of your dreams without debt, you are also going to want to stop impulse and frivolous spending.  This doesn’t mean you go without, but it does mean that until you are living this debt free life, you try to be more intentional with your spending and purchases.  Do you really need that brand name purse or decor?  If you think certain brands make you a better person, you are wrong!  In fact……most of us living our dream life don’t even know if you are wearing designer jeans or have a designer purse because we don’t focus on materialism. We focus on being more like Jesus and shining our light and not our possessions and you can too!!!!  If you die tomorrow, do you really think people would talk about your purse or the vehicles you had, absolutely not!!!!  They talk about the kind of person you were and the life you lived! Spread joy everywhere you go! 

I want you to make that list today of where you could reduce your debt so that you can begin this journey of freedom to live the life you have always dreamed of!  It takes time, but it is so worth it friend!

If you need help, please reach out to me! 

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

Join our Community of Christian Moms ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/

Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/

Have a blessed day!

Monica