tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:58:57 +0000Simplicity31 Days of Preparation~ Simplicity~ Inspiration~ Design~ Faith~ New Year and a New Plan~ OrganizingCelebratingHome HavensThrifty and FrugalRecipes~ Home HavensDesignOrganizing~ Frugal FridaysInspirationMakeover MondaysNatural KitchenThe Holidays~ Celebration~ RecipesEncouragementHalloween~ Natural Health~ Relationships31 Days of Simple LivingDeclutter~ Faith Hope Charity~ Loss~ Makeover MondaysFaith Hope CharityHomesteadingOrganizeSimplify~ Family~ The HolidaysSimple Living~ Homesteading~ Natural Cleaning31 Days of a Simple Handmade HolidayNatural HealthBusinessEntertainingGift GivingGluten-FreePrintablesCelebrate LifeCouponingFrugal FridaysNatural CleaningNo Spend Month~ Encouragement~ Time Set ApartArt of ActionEmergency PreparednessEntertainFellowshipFree PrintablesGratitudeHope and CharityIntentional LivingNatural Bath and Body CareNatural Homemade SolutionsNew Year and a New PlanServe OthersTime Set Apart~ Black Friday / Cyber Monday~ Business~ Favorite Blogs~ Fight Back Friday~ Gardening~ Gluten-Free~ Haiti~ No Spend Month~ Pets~ Silly MomentsNatural esSCENTials™ from The Homesteading Cottage. Simplify, Organize, Entertain and Celebrate Life. The journey of finding simplicity in the city as I help others discover and embrace what naturally inspires their spirit.http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)Blogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-7295016835339734489Tue, 02 Jan 2018 07:07:00 +00002018-06-23T15:30:18.871-07:00Intentional Living For the last 8 years I've been learning to embrace my family's tradition of the simple life. When you lose several loved ones in a short span of time it can bring a clarity unlike any other. You begin to realize what's really important, really fast. We clutter out lives with overpacked schedules, distracting big screen TVs and tchotchke filled houses that give the illusion of importance and http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2016/01/intentional-living.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-3210030377769708457Sun, 05 Oct 2014 22:54:00 +00002014-11-05T12:20:06.566-08:00 Yesterday I shared our favorite cookie recipe that offers a versatile treasure trove of options for your holiday baking, and today I wanted to show how to use that recipe for gift ideas. Mason jars are very popular right now (they've always been a staple in our home) and we love using them in our gift giving. One of the ways we keep things simple at Christmas and still offer homemade http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2014/10/mason-jar-cookie-gift-ideas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-3189552782119713254Sat, 04 Oct 2014 08:08:00 +00002014-11-03T15:29:30.779-08:0031 Days of a Simple Handmade Holiday It's Day 4 of our Simple Handmade Holiday series and today I've got something that I hope will simplify your gift giving or treat making this season. It's an easy recipe that will quickly turn into the only cookie recipe you will EVER need. I like to keep things simple in the kitchen, especially during the holidays when it becomes part of Santa's gift making workshop. Our family and friends http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-only-cookie-recipe-you-will-ever-need.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-5451805186981189557Fri, 03 Oct 2014 10:00:00 +00002014-10-20T19:01:22.961-07:0031 Days of a Simple Handmade Holiday The holidays have always been a big deal for me. My father was a pastor and my mother a teacher so we celebrated each and every ounce of the seasons. We were a service kind of family, always working on projects that focused on serving others, and the holidays were the perfect time to reach out especially to those going through challenges. This philosophy was solidified even more three years http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2014/10/simple-faith-for-holidays-day-3.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-2347695981121333459Fri, 03 Oct 2014 00:53:00 +00002014-10-20T19:03:14.948-07:0031 Days of a Simple Handmade Holiday Using simple holiday touches that can be easily changed with the season is a no-fuss way of updating your home for the holidays. As you know I'm a double-duty kinda gal with most things in our home and that includes our holiday decorating. If it's reversible, changeable and multi-purpose it means less stuff. We like to keep the decor neutral so the festive items pop. No more storing tons of http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2014/10/simple-holiday-touches-day-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-7126583608651939733Wed, 01 Oct 2014 07:41:00 +00002014-10-20T19:03:58.551-07:0031 Days of a Simple Handmade Holiday I love this time of year. The air is beginning to cool, the days are already becoming shorter and leaves are gradually changing into their fall display. It's when our thoughts drift to the upcoming holiday season and ways we celebrate this special time of year. It's also a time when some set aside 31 days in October to write a blog post each day on one specific topic, a writing http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-days-to-simple-handmade-holiday-day-1.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-764760235962824640Sun, 06 Oct 2013 08:27:00 +00002014-01-30T20:37:56.665-08:0031 Days of Simple LivingDeclutterFree PrintablesOrganizeOrganizingSimple LivingSimplicitySimplify {Source} Over the next few days we'll be focusing on clutter...or should I say, ways to get the clutter out of our lives (; To begin with the fundamentals, today we're sharing the 10 Simple Steps to Declutter Your Spaces. When our environments are piled from pillar to post, chances are our lives are a mess too.  It makes it challenging to bring in the order if our surroundings look http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/10/10-simple-steps-to-declutter-your-spaces.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-1772271960821496857Sat, 05 Oct 2013 23:31:00 +00002013-10-05T21:24:09.097-07:0031 Days of Simple LivingCelebrate LifeGratitudePrintablesSimple LivingSimplify Today I wanted to share how embracing the simple act of gratitude can set the tone for your entire day.  Simple living is really about making mindful decisions.  It means letting go of the complicated and focusing on what matters most. Yesterday we talked about how routines can simplify our schedule by keeping things running smoothly and, as an example, I http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/10/embrace-simple-act-of-gratitude-day-5.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-3972426741260135240Fri, 04 Oct 2013 09:52:00 +00002013-10-04T03:03:48.143-07:0031 Days of Simple LivingOrganizePrintablesSimple LivingSimplify Establishing a morning and evening routine is one of my favorite tips for simple living. Routines simplify our schedule and ensure that important things get done. It reduces stress, helps us to focus and provides a stability for the times when we just can't think another thought (; Having routines sets up a cadence for our days so we naturally know what comes next. This is sohttp://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/10/morning-evening-routines-for-simple-living.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-1633590219131516722Thu, 03 Oct 2013 23:39:00 +00002013-10-04T00:15:39.371-07:0031 Days of Simple LivingOrganizeSimple LivingSimplicity As you know, we've joined The Nester's 31 Days Challenge and it's Day 3 of our 31 Days of Simple Living series.  Yesterday we talked about the 7 Daily Do's and today I wanted to share 11 simple tips to organize the day.  As a creative spirit, I can be all over the place. Ideas flow on a continual basis which means I get distracted A LOT! I used http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/10/11-simple-tips-to-organize-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-138510064961600535Wed, 02 Oct 2013 21:51:00 +00002013-10-02T15:30:23.272-07:0031 Days of Simple LivingDeclutterOrganizePrintablesSimple LivingSimplicitySimplify Yesterday we talked about how to create a Master To-Do List and today we want to build on that by incorporating the 7 Daily Do's.  We humans are creatures of habit, so it's important to make mindful intentions each day to keep us moving in the right direction.  We're wanting to keep things simple this month and so today's focus is how to simplify yourhttp://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/10/Simplify-your-to-do-list-with-7-daily-dos.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-7453415525247390805Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:35:00 +00002013-10-04T02:48:47.180-07:0031 Days of Simple LivingDeclutterOrganizeSimplicitySimplify You're wanting to simplify, but have no idea where to begin.  You thought the solution might be completely decluttering your home, but that was way too complicated, time consuming and let's face it, exhausting.  Believe it or not, the whole process starts with a list.  Yes, that's it.  So today I'm going to show you how to simplify your life with a to-do list. http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/10/Simplify-with-a-Master-To-Do-list.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-5525358465104402848Tue, 01 Oct 2013 04:46:00 +00002013-10-02T14:55:33.713-07:0031 Days of Simple LivingCelebrate LifeDeclutterEntertainFellowshipOrganizeServe OthersSimplify Well, it's that time of year again...The 31 Days Challenge.  For those of you unfamiliar with The Nester and her annual blogging challenge, we're asked to pick a topic, write about it everyday for the entire month of October and then link up with other 31 Dayers who are joining in on the fun.   Our month long series this year will be 31 Days of Simple Living...unique solutions http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/09/31-days-of-simple-living.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-5943914632038499172Tue, 10 Sep 2013 07:03:00 +00002013-09-15T14:49:21.276-07:00HomesteadingNatural HealthRecipesSimplicity Chicken stock is one of those simple staples that we prefer to have on hand at all times.  It's a great add to soul warming soups and stews, but we love to incorporate it in just about everything conjured up on the stove.  Broth offers that level of richness to recipes that can't be matched, making it the magic ingredient you'll use time and time again. Not only is http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-cup-of-healing-broth.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-7838611684762529140Mon, 09 Sep 2013 18:00:00 +00002013-09-10T23:41:51.546-07:00EncouragementHome HavensHomesteading   If you’re one of the many who have a longing for a farm of your own and have never read Jenna Woginrich’s book Barnheart, I highly recommend it.  She gets it and provides inspiration for those of us who have Barnheart as we move toward that inner calling of a more authentic life. Normally articles and photos of decorating, homesteading, farming and getting ready for fall are http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/09/barnheart-incurable-longing-for-farm-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-4869237737629863251Fri, 06 Sep 2013 23:57:00 +00002013-09-08T16:34:34.138-07:00Frugal FridaysNatural Bath and Body CareRecipes Well, it’s Frugal Friday again and today’s focus is the ol’ choppers.  We’ll talk more next week about a dental hygiene routine (including how to make your own toothpaste), but right now it’s all about the color of the pearly whites. I’ve never been one of those gals obsessed with the whiteness of my teeth.  Personally I just feel there are more important things going on in the http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/09/5-simple-steps-to-whiten-your-teeth.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-2551457653222926226Thu, 05 Sep 2013 22:00:00 +00002013-09-06T18:05:48.870-07:00Natural KitchenRecipes On a shopping trip the other day, I happened across a sale on apple juice. Bottled apple juice isn't something I've purchased in while.  In fact I think it's been over 25 yrs, but when you've got a few coupons for organic 100% apple juice and those coupons make that juice free...well, needless to say it goes in the cart (; Even though it’s not a juice we like to drink, I was sure it wouldhttp://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/09/apple-ginger-lemonade-recipe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-1619472138518223227Thu, 05 Sep 2013 05:40:00 +00002013-09-10T20:27:26.846-07:00Simplicity {Photo Source} A simple, quiet life is what I crave.  The last few years 1Thessalonians 4:11 has become the touchstone of that longing and the way I choose to order my days.  A simple, quiet life blocks out the complications.  Less is actually more, there’s no drama, chaos is minimized and life has a natural ebb and flow. Embracing the quiet means you’re listening more.&http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-simple-quiet-life.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-3408632494910464102Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:51:00 +00002013-09-30T21:47:14.495-07:0031 Days of PreparationEncouragementInspirationNatural Health Yesterday we talked about making plans ahead of time to forgive, but how do we actually work through the process?  Here's how I learned the steps crucial to forgiving via my own experience... A few years ago a situation came up that was quite hurtful.  I was struggling with distancing myself from a couple of negative relationships and knew that a change needed to be made, http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/07/yesterday-we-talked-about-making-plans.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-7921177829940855570Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:38:00 +00002013-07-10T10:20:58.469-07:0031 Days of PreparationInspirationSimplicity Yesterday we talked about how focusing on thankfulness can cause us to see things in a new light, but what about when we've been wounded so deeply that thankfulness is merely an action we wish we could muster...what to do then?  When hurt is involved we go from logic mode to feeling mode in an instant and most of the time our emotional side wins out. The thing about feelings is that http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2013/07/31-days-preparing-your-heart-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-2161907444033886114Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:12:00 +00002013-07-08T18:30:07.076-07:0031 Days of PreparationCelebratingEncouragementFaith Hope CharityGift GivingInspiration Yesterday we talked a little bit about preparing our hearts for thankfulness by keeping a gratitude journal. Opening our eyes to the blessings that surround us is the first step. Once we have hearts of thankfulness, it begins to naturally come out in our actions. Not only are we thinking thankful thoughts, but those thoughts then manifest in how we reach out to others. Saying thank you may http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-prepare-your-heart-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-9131178540485367727Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:27:00 +00002013-07-05T21:16:13.223-07:0031 Days of PreparationEncouragementFaith Hope CharityInspirationNatural Health I've mentioned before that there are certain things I do each day to keep things running smoothly. One of these is the simple act of focusing my mornings with thankfulness. The way we begin our days sets the tone for how we finish our days. Ever had those times when you just wished you could go back to bed and begin again? It's all about getting started on the right foot. Before my day http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-prepare-your-heart-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-9127858311863010218Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:07:00 +00002013-07-05T21:19:40.787-07:0031 Days of PreparationCelebratingEntertainingHalloweenThe HolidaysWell, today is our last day of Halloween preparation. We've shared how we prepared our home for Halloween, some great pumpkin ideas, Halloween curb appeal inspiration, wreath ideas we love, decorative elements to create beautiful Halloween displays, tips for Halloween entertaining, our favorite tried and true party treats and to round things out, today we're sharing fun favors and ways to packagehttp://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-preparing-for-halloween-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-148661719829552677Tue, 16 Oct 2012 07:16:00 +00002012-10-30T01:55:05.553-07:0031 Days of PreparationCelebratingEntertainingHalloweenRecipesThe Holidays Thank you for visiting The Homesteading Cottage. If you subscribe to our blog via RSS feed or email, you'll get helpful tips on simplicity, organization, all things DIY, natural cooking, entertaining, homesteading and emergency preparedness sent straight to you! Halloween...that time of year when the gross and the gruesome is happily embraced. I'm sure you've seen those Halloween party http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-prepare-for-halloween-with_16.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2473882798882506835.post-705929047570408172Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:18:00 +00002012-10-30T01:55:53.197-07:0031 Days of PreparationCelebratingDesignEntertainingHalloweenThe Holidays Thank you for visiting The Homesteading Cottage. If you subscribe to our blog via RSS feed or email, you'll get helpful tips on simplicity, organization, all things DIY, natural cooking, entertaining, homesteading and emergency preparedness sent straight to you! My parents gave the best Halloween parties when we were growing up! Both Mom and Dad were very creative and put a lot of thought http://thehomesteadingapartment.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-prepare-for-halloween-with-over.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (The homesteadingcottage)