What I Tried This Week: Learning as I Go
Somehow, this has turned into a weekly rhythm for me. I don’t really plan it that way, but each week I find myself trying a few new things around the house and learning as I go.
Lately, I’ve been leaning into homemaking in a deeper way, getting back to basics, cooking more from scratch, organizing what we already have, and being more intentional with my time at home.
This season has reminded me how much joy there still is in learning, growing, and staying engaged right where I am.
Not Every Recipe Is a Winner
Let me say this right up front. Not every recipe you see online is worth making.
I tried a high-protein cottage cheese cheesecake this week because it looked good and everyone online seems to be making it.
Friends, it was awful. It looked bad. It tasted worse. And I’m usually the type who will power through a less-than-great recipe, but this one went straight in the trash. Lesson learned.
Lemon Water Isn’t for Everyone
My husband and I decided to start drinking lemon water. I even zested the lemons, froze some of the zest, and made a cleaning solution with the peels and cleaning vinegar. That part worked great.
The lemon water? Not so much for me.
I ended up with mouth sores and some pretty uncomfortable GERD symptoms. My body just does not do well with acidic things. Tomato sauces can bother me too. So while lemon water works well for my husband, I’ve learned I need to back off or maybe skip it altogether. Another reminder that what works for one person doesn’t always work for another.
Fighting Dust and Trying Something New
I live in a stone house, and it always feels dusty. Always. I even dust my walls.
I recently picked up a couple of small air purifiers with HEPA filters, and I think they’re helping. The amount of dust they collect is honestly shocking. I’m still figuring out if this is the answer, but so far, I’m encouraged. If you have any tips for keeping dust under control, I’m all ears.
Decluttering While Bringing Things In
Here’s where I feel like a bit of a fraud.
I talk about decluttering, but lately I’ve been bringing more things into the house. A stand mixer, a bread machine, choppers, mason jars, storage containers for bulk baking supplies. Homesteading takes stuff, and there’s no way around that.
Because of that, I’ve been very intentional about letting things go too. I went through storage areas and my closet, and I finally admitted something to myself. I don’t like flannel shirts. I bought them because they looked cute on other people, not because they felt like me. I dropped off a big bag of clothes at the Salvation Army, and I didn’t regret it for a second.
Homemade Sloppy Joes and Comfort Food Wins
I tried making my own dry sloppy joe mix to replace canned Manwich. My husband likes it. I don’t. It’s too spicy for me. Now I’m trying to figure out how to tone it down so it’s closer to what I’m used to.
On the flip side, I made a “leftover Thanksgiving” style dish using chicken, stuffing, gravy flavors, and comfort food goodness. I even made my own stuffing mix and used my own cream-of-chicken style base. That one was a big win. Pure comfort food.
Bread, Steak Rolls, and Learning Dough
I made steak rolls again this week, and they turned out better than last time. Still not perfect, but better. Dough still makes me a little nervous, but I’m learning. We used the rolls for steak sandwiches and then turned the leftovers into garlic bread. No complaints here.
Ice Cream, Grandkids, and Sweet Moments
One of my favorite moments this week had nothing to do with homesteading.
My grandson texted and asked if I could make more ice cream. He’d finished the last batch I left at his house and wanted more. All he had to do was bring back the empty container. That boy had a fresh container of homemade vanilla peanut butter ice cream waiting for him. These are the moments that fill my heart.
Getting Ready for the Snow
We’re expecting a big snowstorm here on the East Coast. Thankfully, we’re prepared. Pantry stocked, bread already made, and no need to run out last minute.
We do have two Goldendoodles, and our smaller one needs a little help when the snow piles up. My husband always makes a little racetrack in the yard so she can get around. Watching him do that never gets old.
Wrapping Up the Week
This week was full. Some wins, some flops, lots of learning. And honestly, that’s exactly how I want it. I want to keep learning, keep trying, keep sharing, and keep living fully in this season of life.
Thank you for spending a little time with me today.
Have a wonderful day and God bless you.