I’ve been busy having fun with something new. I finally had to look up what I was doing, and it turns out it has a name. Homesteading.
Lately I’ve been making pantry-stable mixes, putting together mason jar recipes, and learning how to make more things from scratch. Cookie mixes in jars like this one. Homemade hamburger helper mix I found from this YouTuber. Coffee creamer. Banana bread. And soon maybe brownie and cobbler mixes. I label everything with my Cricut and label maker, and I have to admit, it makes me smile every time I open my pantry.
I never thought I’d be the woman doing this. I was never big on cooking. I still like to keep meals simple. But these mixes? They feel manageable. Fun, even.
And I truly believe this hobby was God-inspired.
Why I Started
This journey really began after my daughter’s cancer battle this past summer. Walking through something like that makes you stop and think about health, time, and what really matters.
I started paying more attention to what we put in our bodies. So much of what’s in store-bought food is filled with ingredients we can’t pronounce. In these senior years, I’ve been blessed with time. And I don’t want to waste it or become complacent. I want to keep learning, growing, and staying engaged.
This hobby found me. I didn’t go looking for it. And I’m grateful.
Frugal, Not Cheap
I believe there’s a difference between being frugal and being cheap.
My husband and I are blessed. He has a good job. We’re stable. God has provided. But I still believe in being wise with money. When we’re careful in certain areas, it gives us freedom to spend in others that matter to us.
For example, we don’t drink alcohol. It doesn’t serve us. That alone saves a lot when eating out. But even then, eating out has become expensive. A simple diner meal for two now easily hits thirty to forty dollars with a tip. And half the time, I don’t know what’s in the food or how it’s prepared.
So making more at home just makes sense. It saves money. It lets me control ingredients. And honestly, I’m enjoying it more than I ever expected.
Keeping Busy in the Winter Months
Another reason I started all of this is simple. I was getting bored.
As we head into winter, I need something that keeps my hands busy and my mind engaged. Watching YouTube has become my evening entertainment instead of regular TV. Once you watch a few homesteading videos, the algorithm does the rest. And suddenly, you’ve got a feed full of women making pantry mixes, bread, cleaning products, and more.
I’ve learned so much from them. I’ll be sharing links to the creators who inspired me because these ideas are not mine. I’m just paying it forward.
Health Goals for the Year Ahead
I’ll be honest. I’m not chasing a perfect body. At my age, my real goal is strength.
By June 2026, I hope to be a little lighter, but more importantly, I want to maintain muscle. We lose muscle as we age, and that matters. So I’m focusing on more protein, less processed food, and more whole ingredients.
Right now I’m also dealing with an Achilles tendon injury and going to physical therapy. That limits my walking for a while, but I’m still working with light weights and doing what I can. Progress looks different in every season.
Back to Basics in More Than One Way
This homesteading bug hasn’t stopped in the kitchen. I’ve started using simpler, more natural cleaning solutions too. Water, vinegar, a little dish soap. It works, it’s cheaper, and I don’t need a cabinet full of products.
I may even try making my own body butter or body cream next. We’ll see where this adventure goes.
Come Along With Me
My husband still laughs a little and says, “Who are you?” because this was never me before. But he’s enjoying the banana bread, so I think he’s on board.
I’ll keep sharing what I make, what I learn, and what works for me. If you know a YouTuber who does this kind of homesteading content, let me know. I’m always looking for new ideas.
As always, I hope you have a wonderful day.
God bless you.