Little Wife in the Woods

Simple Fall Homemaking Ideas for a Cozy Fall Season

Get all the inspiration you need for your fall homemaking this season! Everything from cleaning, to baking, and making your fall bucket list. Here’s all the tips to make this a special season of homemaking…

fall homemaking ideas

Fallidays On the Blog

I LOVE being a homemaker all year round. I am sure not everyone feels this way but I especially love being a homemaker in the fall season. As we come out of a busy, summer season, fall just feels so intentional. These slower days remind me to take time to notice, to romanticize the cleaning, to actually enjoy the tasks before me.

Here on the blog we embrace that and try to capture the specialness of the season. We do this by sharing from scratch fall recipes, homemaking posts like this one, and other autumn themed posts! Join us here every week for more and don’t forget to subscribe to the email list so you never miss a post!

fall homemaking pumpkin fall aesthetic

Setting the Mood for Fall Homemaking

Okay, let’s be real- fall homemaking is a mood all on its own. However, I like to make it even more intentional by adding elements that just romanticize the season. Things like….

  • Lighting a fall scented candle when I fold laundry, organize spaces, do the dishes or baking. Click here to get fall scented, non-toxic candles from Sweet Water Decor on Amazon!
  • Dim the lighting at night. As the nights get darker sooner, it just feels so relaxing to go with that flow in the home. Even during the day I find myself keeping the lights off and enjoying the natural light.
  • Open the windows! The fresh air is 100% a mood boost for me. If you live in the south like we do, you probably begin these October days with windows open and have to close them by the afternoon because it is still fairly hot. However, that crisp morning air while going about your morning tasks just makes it feel like life is beautiful- every messy part of it!
  • Taking it slower. Even though I thrive in productivity, trying to get the most done in the shortest amount of time, I also find comfort in a slower pace while I am being productive. That is one benefit to the fall season for me. I find myself paced, yet slower. Productive, yet intentional.

Fall Homemaking Ideas

Now that we have set the mood, let’s dive into my list of fall homemaking ideas! If you have some to add, please put them in the comments! I would love to hear your list of fall homemaking ideas….

1. Fall Cleaning and Decluttering

I love nothing more than a seasonal clean and declutter week, especially in the spring and fall seasons! Fall homemaking would not be complete without it. As we end the fun, and busy summer season I often find my spaces cluttered from living carefree in the sun. My floors dirty from the constant in and out of summer. Walls with tiny, muddy handprints. Areas left untouched since the spring cleaning.

Fall is the perfect time to get things all back together in the home before the holiday and winter season. You can read all about how I do seasonal cleaning and decluttering in this post (click here!). However, here are a few tips specifically for the fall season….

  • Set your mood! As I already mentioned in the section above, the mood is everything. Light the candle while you organize, dim the lights while you fold laundry, go a bit slower. Move with intentionality.
  • Make your cleaning list based off future events like Thanksgiving, holiday parties, Christmas, etc. Think, how can I organize to help myself out in the future?
  • Declutter with Christmas in mind as well. This is especially true if you are a mom. With all the Thanksgiving and Christmas gift giving we love to do it is easy to end up overwhelmed with “things”. Decluttering now can help you avoid the overwhelm.

2. Sprucing Up Outdoor Spaces

Sprucing up your outdoor spaces during your fall homemaking is another serious mood booster! Now is the time to test your skills with some front door decor! Here is some things I have done this year to make my outdoor spaces feel cozy….

  • Plant fall annuals in garden spaces. As summer comes to an end most of the perennials and summer flowers begin to die out or stop flowering. It can leave spaces feeling drabby while there is still plenty of time and sunlight for a pop of color. I planted mums in my planter boxes, a hanging planter, and some autumn flowers in pots near the door.
  • Pumpkins. Real, fresh pumpkins can double as front door decor until you are ready to use them for pie! This year we grew our own and I have loved getting to use them in my outdoor fall homemaking refresh.
  • Front door mats. This can be a simple, fun way to add a touch of fall.
  • Throw pillows for outdoor spaces. Never minimize the difference a pillow can make in adding a cozy touch to any space- especially outdoor spaces!

3. Minimal Indoor Decor

My indoor decor is a somewhat minimal feel. We have a small home and I am not a very flashy, over the top decorator (although, I wish I was sometimes!). For me fall decor inside looks like, cozy blankets, a few neutral pumpkins, and candles (for easy access to set the mood!). However crazy you like to go with the decor, I would try to go with a cozy, less chaotic vibe if you are looking for that slow fall homemaker feeling.

Click here to check out the coziest and cutest checkered blankets from Snuggle Sack on Amazon!

4. Fall Baking

Fall baking is next level! Even if you do not love baking, is there not something about baking in the fall that just feels right?! I want to know your thoughts in the comments!

This year I want to challenge you to try something new! Pick a recipe, extra points if it’s a fall one, and bake it for your family or a friend. I have plenty of fall recipes to choose from and plenty more coming so stick around!

Fall baking recipes to try this year….

While you are baking, set the mood with a delicious fall coffee. Get my favorite at-home fall coffee recipes here!

This fall season, refresh your pantry with affordable, organic staples from Thrive Market! This ship to your door grocery store offers thousands of organic, clean label products. Things like organic flour, coconut oil, cane sugar, and so much more for fall baking without the junk! Get access to snacks, cleaning supplies, and all things chemical and toxin free over at Thrive!

Click Here to Learn More!

5. Fall Homemaking Bucket List Activities

Maybe you are not the bucket list sort of person, however I would highly recommend coming up with a list of some special things you want to do this season. This just helps us embrace the intentionality as homemakers. We can easily get in a rut of just doing what needs doing and not enjoying the time we have been given.

6. Fall Meals

Along with baking, cooking seasonally has been a goal of mine this year and years past. Now is the time for soups, experimenting with fresh, seasonal herbs, and fall produce! Check out these fall recipes from the blog…

butternut squash and herbs

7. Fall Homemaking Begins with You: Boosting Your Immune System Before Sick Season

This one is not fun and glamorous, however, as a mom of three very young children I find it is necessary to boost our immune systems before the sick season and winter months. Along with eating well and staying active here are some things we do as a family to build up our defenses naturally….

  • Plenty of outside time and sunshine. While there is plenty to be getting done indoors I try not to neglect any opportunity to be outside if possible. Even though it is starting to get cooler, it is essential to get all the vitamin D we can before winter sets in.
  • Getting sufficient sleep. Maybe it is just mine, but my kids naturally lengthen their sleep time during the fall season and I do not fight it. This is a sure way to let their bodies fight off anything they might be coming down with.

There is no better way to support your body naturally this fall than with herbal products from Earthley Wellness! My friends over at Earthley work hard to provide families with affordable, natural products to support the immune system, cold prevention, and naturally relieve symptoms such as coughs, headaches, and more! Go check them out at my link below. First time customers get 10% off with code LITTLEWIFE10!

Click Here to Shop!
  • Vitamin C and Elderberry Syrup daily. In the fall I begin boosting our immune systems with elderberry syrup daily. A favorite is a very affordable tincture by Earthley Wellness that contains elderberry and vitamin C along with several other immune boosting herbs. We take a few delicious drops a day and it is safe for littles!

Thank you so much for reading this post! Stay tuned for all the fall things in days to come! Don’t forget to join the email list so you never miss a recipe, post, or exclusive offers!

fall homemaking pumpkin fall aesthetic

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Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for Busy Moms of Littles

Spring cleaning tips and my strategy as a busy mom of two littles! As a full time homemaker and mama it can be difficult to fully accomplish any tasks, much less spring cleaning. Get my strategy in this post….

spring cleaning tips for busy toddler moms and homemakers with natural cleaning supply recommendations

Adjusting Spring Cleaning Expectations as a Mom of Littles

One specific area I would like to address is adjusting your expectations. I often find as a mom of a two and one year old that my expectations can easily be set too high. What do I mean by this when it comes to deep cleaning?

Sometimes I have set the bar too high, thinking I can achieve massive amounts of tasks in a day. I completely forget to calculate needs, wants, and the “interruption” of my little people. At the end of the day I feel discouraged, left with a long to do list with maybe two things marked off.

The truth is some days are just like this. However, I have learned that if I make my expectations reasonable I am likely to achieve more and avoid discouragement!

Everyone’s expectations of themselves is different because we are all in different seasons of motherhood. Since this is the case, only you know what is reasonable for you right now. I’m not here to tell you that you are doing too much or too little or even what you need to do.

printable spring cleaning list

Doing Things As Needed Throughout the Year

This strategy has completely changed how my spring cleaning works with little people under foot! The basic idea- do what needs doing right away.

This means we do not wait until a set “spring cleaning” to scrub walls if they are dirty. We do it right away. If the cabinet needs re-organized we do it asap.

I realize that some tasks cannot be accomplished right away. That is why I like to keep a running list (in my head or on paper) of what I notice and try to get to it sometime throughout the week. This strategy makes the deep cleaning days way easier because all the tasks have not had time to pile up!

Safe Spring Cleaning Products

One of my top favorite cleaning tips for moms of little is to let them help you! This is way easier when you know the cleaning products you are using in your home are completely safe and chemical free. Using toxic cleaners around newborns or allowing toddlers to “help” spray them is dangerous.

Read this post about my favorite safe cleaning supplies and homemade recipes!

It has never been easier, or more affordable to source safe cleaning products! I trust Thrive Market with all my homemade cleaning ingredients as well as quality cleaning products from clean label brands. Our family has been using Thrive to source cleaning supplies, snacks, pantry staples, and so much more for over two years. You can check them out and get up to $60 in FREE groceries!

Click Here to Get Your Discount!

Tips for Spring Cleaning with Small Children

1. Set reasonable expectations.

I already discussed this because I think it is so important as a mom of toddlers. Make sure your expectations of what you can get done in a day is actually attainable in your season. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a newborn this is especially for you! Those seasons are hard when it comes to doing all the things. Allow yourself some grace. Know that eventually the season will pass and you can get everything back in shape.

2. Monopolize nap time.

If all or even some of your kids still nap you have a huge advantage! Arrange it so that harder tasks are done when children are sleeping. This could be during a nap or after bedtime. You will be amazed what you can accomplish in a two hour time slot when you set your mind to it!

3. Let them help with spring cleaning!

If there is anything toddlers love more than “helping” and being involved please let me know! The best way for me to be productive with kids around is to enlist their help. (This “help” is usually not help by the way!) Let them wipe their toys down with disinfectant wipes or a wet rag. My toddler loves wiping down cabinets and it actually is helpful! Create a little cleaning caddy just for them with a small hand broom, cleaning rags, spray bottles, etc.

4. Spread it out.

Don’t try to do a deep clean in one day. Spread things out over a week, two, or even a month depending on what life is throwing at you right now. I am personally taking about two weeks to accomplish “spring cleaning” tasks. I’m about 30 weeks pregnant, have a one year old and a two year old, and I don’t have the energy to get all these things done in one day or even a week. (This goes back to reasonable expectations!)

5. Activities or special snacks.

Plan activities (that do not involve your participation) or bring out new toys when you need to accomplish a task. Some of my favorites are coloring books, stickers, offer a special snack, etc.

6. Independent play time.

If you have the ability to set up a safe play area for your toddlers to play while you work this helps a lot! I have found with two toddlers they may need separated so I don’t have to break up constant fights. However you have to do it you can likely figure out a solution that involves play time away from you so you can get a couple things done!

Want more toddler mom tips, homemaking, natural wellness, and free from scratch recipes? Make sure you subscribe to the email list so you never miss a post!

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New Year Goal Inspiration for Homemakers

main post pic

Happy New Year! This is one of my favorite times of the year. A time to review, set aside all the past, and look forward to the future. It gives me a new vigor and zest for life!

Although nothing truly changes except the calendar year, I love setting new goals. Even if the goals are never reached it gives me such inspiration knowing what direction I’m headed. Having goals keeps me on track and going in that direction.

As a homemaker and stay at home mom of two (soon to be three) under three goals essential to my calling. Without goals, projects, and plans I could easily fall into the negative mentality that women “loose themselves” in motherhood and that staying home with your children is far from aspirational. This is false!

Keeping myself creative and learning new skills, reaching for goals, and achieving new heights as a homemaker and mama is far from boring.

This list of past and present goals I hope will help you find some inspiration for a few homemaker goals of your own this year. Let’s fill the comments with even more! What are your goals this year as a homemaker?

1. Saving Money; being more resourceful.

I think this is every good homemaker’s goal, whether they are being intentional with it or not. As stay at home moms and wives we know that we do not add much monetary value in what we earn but in what we save! The cost of childcare, cleaning, etc., all add up to make us worth more than we would be monetarily in the workforce. However, are we intentional with our daily decisions to save and be resourceful? If not, this might be a good goal for you to try to achieve this year!

2. Wasting less; being more frugal.

Along with saving money you, like me, might find “wasting less” on your goal list this year. I used to be really good at this but two young children later, I often find myself more likely to throw those leftovers away or just buy a new “one” (whatever it may be). As part of my goal to waste less I will be sharing lots of zero waste recipes and tips this year that you will not want to miss so make sure you are on our email list!

3. Cooking From Scratch More.

This also could fit in the “saving money” category as well as a great health goal! As a homemaker you probably already find yourself cooking from scratch quite often, if not the majority of the time. Perhaps you have found yourself in a slump with it all- making the same meals, being bored or uninterested in cooking, or using more boxed, processed foods. We all get there! Let the New Year rekindle your desire to find new inspiration in your kitchen again. Be sure to stick around here on the blog for more from scratch recipes and be on the lookout for our new printable meal plans coming this year!

Read this post about Everything You Need to Know About Starting a From Scratch Kitchen.

4. Bread Making.

This is your year! If you have had your eye on sourdough for the past couple years but have not had courage to try let this be your year. This goal is great if you are looking to save your family money this year with from scratch bread, plus it ads a new skill to your homemaker toolbox. You do not need much to start- just a jar, unbleached flour, and water. (Get my recipe for a from scratch sourdough starter with simple, day-by-day instructions here!)

If you are looking to learn this skill go grab a copy of my mini e-book, The Beginner’s Guide to Simple Sourdough, to learn all about how to make and maintain a starter without all the hassle and stress. My method was designed for busy homemakers and mamas who want to learn the art but do not have time or energy to do it! This guide cuts through all the nitty gritty, sciency information and gets you started simply.

5. Reading more.

If I am being honest this has landed on my New Year goal list for probably five years in a row, and I am not getting any closer to achieving the goal! I often find myself so busy, caught up in the daily grind that I do not make the time to read like I should. Reading my Bible daily is about the extent of my achievement (if that somedays!). I have found the past couple years that if I set a very reachable goal in this area I’m far more likely to achieve it. It may sound laughable but my goal this year is one book a quarter. That will be four more books than I probably would have read without having this goal!

Great Reads for Homemakers to Add to Your List This Year!

6. Growing your own food.

This is a great goal no matter where you live or what season of life you are in. You don’t need acres of property and hours of time to go a tomato plant on your back patio. You can even grow an amazing herb garden from your apartment balcony! Whatever your capacity in this season try growing something. This also aligns with the goals of cooking from scratch more and saving money!

You can learn how to preserve your harvest in this post!

7. Enjoy the Sunshine.

As homemakers it is easy for us to get so busy inside that we forget to take time outside. Time in nature and vitamin D from the sun are proven to boost our immune systems, moods, and provide nutrients to our bodies. We need that time outside as homemakers for refresh our energy and keep us healthy!

One of my favorite goals for enjoying the sun and getting outside is the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge. There are a lot of different ways to break it down but the basic idea is to spend 1,000 hours outdoors in a year. This averages to around 2.5-3 hours daily. Since I have very young children who LOVE to be outside and outside (as long as the weather isn’t cold!) is my most happy place this is a very achievable goal! I would say in the summer months we probably average around 4–5 hours outside per day.

Maybe this sounds like a lot for you in your current season. You may want to just try spending 30 minutes or one hour outside daily this year. Whatever the goal I highly encourage you to set aside some time to enjoy the fresh air! It is a true game changer!

8. Prioritize your health.

A sick, low energy you means a messy house, less food from scratch, and wasting a lot more. It took me a while to realize this but being a better homemaker is not about spinning my wheels trying to get all the things done while my health goes down the drain. The old saying, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” is very true especially in the area of homemaking and motherhood. That is why taking care of my body, getting my rest, and eating well are some of the top priorities when it comes to personal goals. Having low energy levels is not just a symptom of motherhood. Being cranky 24/7 is not a homemaker right of passage. These and other things are indicators of health issues, rest issues, and/or dietary issues. A few great ways to do this…

  • Prioritize your gut health! Did you know that the majority of your immune system lives in the gut? By making a few simple changes such as adding a quality probiotic you can be sick less and have more energy to complete your goals this year!
  • Eliminate toxins and hormone disruptors. This may sound complicated but it really is as simple as swapping out bad products with good ones. Start simple with the things you use every day- hairspray, deodorant, toothpaste, etc. and make better choices. You do not have to break the bank by doing it all at once. Just pick a few things and as you start to need them buy the best version you can afford!
  • Move your body every day! It does not have to be hard, involved exercises, daily trips to the gym, or hours of workout programs. Just make it your goal to do something and start somewhere!

This year make your health a priority. If not for you do it for your family! They’ll thank you later!

earthly wellness ad

Want to make better choices in the New Year but don’t know where to start? Try my friends over at Earthley Wellness! They have everything you need to ditch toxic products and switch to natural, affordable ones. They have products for the whole family- toiletry items, cold and fever remedies, baby care, products for hormone balance, and more!

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9. Support Small Business More

This is a big homemaker downfall of mine. When I need something I often find the quickest, cheapest way to get the thing before I forget and then move on with my day. Often this looks like a quick trip on my phone to amazon or Walmart and we call it done. This has its place in the homemaking world for sure but I am also looking to be more intentional with my spending this year. This includes shopping from small businesses whenever possible.

Well there you have it! These are a few of my homemaking goals this year and years past. I hope you found some inspiration for your own home and life! Let us know in the comments what your homemaker goals are!

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Simple and Cozy Christmas Decor Ideas for Small Spaces

close up shot of a christmas wreath

I’m definitely no expert decorator! I actually dislike the area of decorating in homemaking because I just feel like I’m not very good at it. Christmas over the years has especially been a pain point (my husband always does the tree because I just can’t do it as good as he can- he had a better natural eye for it!).

This year I have been bit by the Christmas bug. Maybe it’s the fact that the past two years I’ve had a newborn and have been too preoccupied to care. Maybe I just haven’t felt “Christmas-y” like I do this year. Whatever the reason, the urge to decorate is strong!!

Over the years the one thing that I have learned about my decorating style is I love functionality and cozy. If I can get a cross between the two I am beyond thrilled! This is especially true in our small, 900 sq. ft. home.

So while I’m in the spirit of decorating I thought I’d share all my small space inspo for cozy, functional Christmas decor Let’s hear your ideas in the comments, you probably have some I never even thought of!

Adding Cozy Christmas Decor Touches to Your Small Space Kitchen

The kitchen is the centerpiece of my home. If you know anything about this blog you know we do food from scratch just about every meal. That means I’m here a lot! Some days it seems like if I’m not cooking the food I’m cleaning up the food. And I love it!

This year I decided to en corporate more cozy Christmas touches in the kitchen- it’s my favorite place in the house after all!

Kitchen Window Decor

I usually do a bit of Christmas decor at my kitchen window but it’s honestly never been my favorite. It usually just looks like a cluttered mixture of “leftover” Christmas decorations I had to put somewhere. I spend a lot of time at that kitchen sink (we don’t have a dishwasher). Too much time to not enjoy the scenery in front of me.

Christmas village
Christmas village

I honestly had no idea where to even begin. It took an afternoon in Hobby Lobby to come up with an idea and even then I was not sure it would work. So much confidence I kept the receipts and packaging for all the supplies!

But it was better than I even imagined! And so simple!!

My idea came when I saw these simple, but pretty ceramic village houses. I didn’t have a clue where to put them- they had to go where little hands couldn’t reach! Then I decided to paint a little scene with all the cute little pine trees. Then I saw the fairy lights and my vision was coming to life! (Of course this little woodsy village would need some snow too!)

What you need:

Cozy Touches in Functional Spaces

By functional spaces- I mean my baking cabinet!! This little space is visited on the regular but nothing like during the Christmas season. I use the term “functional spaces” because this might look different from mine. Maybe you don’t bake. But maybe you host and your dish cabinet is frequently visited. Maybe your most functional as pace is a countertop where you prep all the food or a kitchen island.

Wherever it is can I encourage you to think outside the box? What can you do to spark a little joy into yourself when you open up that cabinet this holiday season? It doesn’t have to be big, it doesn’t have to take up loads of space. Just try to make it beautiful! My cozy little touch was adding simple touches of wrapping paper to the bottom of the baking cabinet.

christmas cabinet decor

Handmade Wreaths for Kitchen Cabinets

This might look different for you based on the set up of your kitchen and personal taste but I think adding some little handmade (or store bought) wreaths to kitchen cabinets is a great way to add a little touch of Christmas in the kitchen!

I have two corner cabinets that face my main entrance door and I thought wreaths would look best there. However you could add as many or as little wherever you like! They’re so timeless and cozy.

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Spaces

This is a little trick I have learned (one of the few!) for small space decorating. Since my husband and I can’t handle too much going on inside our little home I like to carry my creative urges outside. Greenery over the door, wreaths on the windows, lights, and whatever else you love!

This year I think I finally found my “style” or the look I’m going for but I have not collected all the pieces for it. I might not get the dream look completed until next Christmas but at least I have a goal I’m shooting for!

I’ve also been experimenting with live greenery this year and I’m loving it. You just can’t beat the look of the real deal!

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Give the gift of health this holiday season with my friends over at Earthley Wellness! They have 100% natural, non-toxic remedies for everyone in the family- from teething, immune support, natural pain relief and everything else you can imagine. Get 10% off when you use my link below and the code HELLONATURAL at checkout!

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Dual Purpose Christmas Decor Hack

There is nothing I love more than functional decor except functional decor with a duel purpose!

This blanket ladder stocking hanger hack is just that. If you are in a small home you know the limited space saga of trying to find a place to hang stockings (unless you’re blessed enough to have a fireplace!). One year we even decided to hang then on our curtain rod. It worked but I didn’t love it.

So this year I’m using our blanket ladder to hang the stocking up as well as all our cozy Christmas blankets.

Pillows and Blankets

I’ve already mentioned the blankets but pillows and throws 100% count as decor in a small home situation! Make the most out of it by finding (or making) pillows you love. Get blankets that match your tree theme and decor vibe. You definitely can’t get cozier than that!!

I’ll even add linens, bedspreads, and decorative shower curtains to this list. You’re using them anyways so they won’t take up any extra space like typical decor would. The fun of decorating small spaces is to find the minimal, everyday things and just jazz them up a bit!

Finding Joy and Contentment in Your Small Home This Christmas

We all have areas we could be discontent with. Whether you live in a large home or a small one. The key to joy this season is finding contentment and loving well the home you have with what you have. We cannot all afford to make our Christmas decor dreams come to life this year. That’s okay! At the end of the day it is not about the lights, the decor, or even the cozy tone we all want to set. Christmas is so much more than things that we only get out once a year.

As homemakers (makers of the home) we set the tone with our attitudes and actions- not the pretty lights or our great (or not so great) decorating skills. If you find yourself in that small home this year wishing for this and wishing for that can I encourage you to be grateful! This little home holds so much more than just a tree this holiday season. It holds love, it holds a family. It holds a gift that is so much greater than anything we will receive this Christmas. So cherish it, make it beautiful inside and out, and be thankful.

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How to Prepare Your From Scratch Kitchen for the Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us! Is your kitchen ready for all your from scratch shenanigans this holiday season? Here is my list of must-dos before all the fun begins!

from scratch kitchen holiday season

A From Scratch Holiday Season

If you are new around here, welcome! I’m Tori- mom of two littles (another on the way!), homemaker, and lover of all things from scratch. As we head into the holiday season I am here to share all my favorite from scratch baked goods, handmade gift and decor ideas, and meal inspiration!

If you are new to from scratch cooking or need some inspiration this holiday season make sure you subscribe to my email list! We never sell your information, no spammy content, or over emailing. Just quick notifications bout new posts and recipes.

Our holiday season revolves around all the food- which means the kitchen is the headquarters of the season. That is why I like to get ahead of the holidays by a few weeks and get things prepared for the madness. If you have never tried this in your from scratch kitchen try borrowing my strategy!

earthly wellness ad

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Getting Your Kitchen Ready

1. Clean out your refrigerator.

As the holidays start to happen we all know one of the m most chaotic places in the home is the kitchen. Leftovers, ingredients, regular food- everything ends up getting packed in there. So to begin the kitchen preparation I like to clean out and organize my refrigerator and freezer. Throw away everything that is out of date, stuff I know I just will not actually use (that random sauce I bought for a random meal!).

After throwing away things and getting stuff out I like to do a thorough surface wipe down. This just assures me that the things I am storing or baking for others will be kept in a clean space.

The last step is organizing all the spaces. I may be a bit over-strategic but I like to leave a shelf open for ingredients- things like butter, milk, eggs, etc. The next for prepping food- cookie dough, fermenting sourdough, etc. Then another shelf for leftovers and current meals that are being thawed or planned for the weeks in between the festivities. Keeping all these areas specific and organized keeps me from loosing track of things and inventory.

2. Organize baking goods and take inventory.

Before all the madness of the season I also like to organize and take some inventory on my shelves. Things like sugar, flour, baking soda, etc. that are constantly being used during all the holiday baking. I take the time to clean out these shelves while I’m at it. Just a simple wipe down.

I also take this time to save some money and buy in bulk all the things I am low on. Things that I know I will use like flour, butter, eggs, sugar, etc.

3. Season cast iron and wooden utensils.

This is a great time to prep all your cookware. Personally I use mostly cast iron and wooden utensils in my kitchen. These require some extra care but they are well worth the investment. I season my cast iron with organic coconut oil on low heat in the oven over several hours. Depending on the shape of the cast iron I will repeat the process several times.

The wooden utensils and cutting boards I clean well with homemade citrus vinegar. After they have dried completely I seal them with organic coconut oil as well.

plexus

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4. Clean the oven and stovetop.

Depending on the last time you cleaned your oven deeply you may want to skip this step but I find it the perfect time to do a chore I otherwise put off. Making food in a clean oven just gives me peace of mind that my food is being made in a clean environment.

5. Clean out the microwave.

Some of you may be a step or two above me on the crunchy scale. If you are, ignore my microwave tip! With two very young children I am just not at the season of warming everything in the oven and on the stovetop. I also soften all my butter in the microwave currently so I like to make sure it is clean and ready to get splattered with more butter!

6. Deep clean everywhere else.

Countertops, cabinets, and floors. All the places get a good and thorough wipe down. I like to clean and sanitize the places that have been neglected or that I know will be used like the counters.

I do this at specific times of the year- after new year, sometime in the spring, etc. I have also found that if you just do the things as they need them they do not get as dirty. This just keeps the flow going smoothly in the kitchen.

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7. Take inventory on bake ware.

Usually this is unnecessary but I like to take the time to check stock on mixing bowls, measuring cups, potholders, and all the bakeware. I would rather check on these things and make purchases before I find out I need them. Other things like cupcake liners, gift boxes, and ribbons for wrapping baked good gifts are another thing that I like to purchase before the rush of everything.

I hope you enjoy this little list! Join my email list for a free printable list pack for prepping for the holiday season (kitchen prep list, from scratch bulk ingredient shopping list, and bakeware checklist included!).

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How to Make All-Natural Scent Booster for Laundry

Does your laundry need a scent boost? Using an unscented or homemade detergent can leave laundry lacking in the scent department. Sometimes you just want to dry off with a nice smelling towel or snuggle into bed under sheets that smell like lavender. Learn all about how to make an all natural, toxin free scent booster that will have your laundry smelling great without all the chemicals!

Why Homemade Laundry Detergent Lacks Smell

If you are new to the homemade or clean brand laundry detergent you may be wondering, why does my laundry smell like nothing. It is not that homemade detergents smell bad. They may even have a great scent when you first smell but often that smell does not transfer to the clothing, towels, and linens quite as strongly. Why is this?

The ingredients.

Simply put, the ingredients that make towel smell great for weeks after washing is due to the chemical make up of the big commercial laundry detergents. The way the chemicals break down in the washing process leaves the residue that not only smells great but also is able to seep into the skin. These chemicals may seem harmless but when you dig into what they really are they can cause hormone disruption, eczema, and some are even carcinogens (cancer causing). We all love a good smelling shirt but not at the cost of our health and the health of our family.

The truth is you do not have to compromise great smelling laundry for unhealthy ingredients. They just are not the same and you have to adjust your mindset. Once you are no longer expecting your homemade detergent to smell exactly like the commercial detergent you have used and loved for years you will grow to love the clean, natural scent of detergent that does absolutely no harm to your body!

If you are looking for an extremely inexpensive, simple to make laundry detergent recipe go check out our recipe for Homemade Laundry Detergent.

Scent Booster Ingredients

A great scent booster only requires three ingredients. First, you need a dissolvent. Something that will absorb the scent you desire will also dissolving in the washing machine so that the laundry is not damaged or marked at all in the process. I find that baking soda works great for an absorbing dissolvent. Thrive Market is a great place to purchase baking soda and all your laundry making essentials at great prices! All of their products are certified organic so you can ensure you are making your homemade cleaners, detergents, and scent booster with quality ingredients. Click here to get 25% off and a free gift when you use my link!

Next you will need an agitative ingredient. Something that will gently but firmly rub the scent into the clothing to make the smell last longer and be more effective. It also needs to be dissolvable so it does not show or leave residue. I found that epsom salt works incredibly for gently agitating while still dissolving. Unscented bath salt and Himalayan pink salt are also great options. You can purchase organic epsom or bath salts from Thrive Market as well!

Lastly, you will need an ingredient with a scent. My favorite way to scent things is with all natural essential oils. Some smells we love in our home are lavender, anything citrus, and the natural herbal blends from Earthley Wellness like Spring Blossom and Woods!

The essential oil debate is real! Are they safe? Are they unsafe? The research is yours to do, however, I am of the persuasion that oils are completely safe IF purchased through a company that is trustworthy or if they are homemade. I completely trust Earthley Wellness when it comes to non-toxic, chemical free (in the oils and the oil making process!!) essential oils that I use to scent my laundry and cleaning supplies. They can also be trusted when it comes to herbal oils to be used medicinally! If you are looking for a company you can trust go check out Earthley! They have hundreds of herbal cleaning supplies, personal care items, and medicinal tinctures for everything from teething to hormone balancing. Use my link (here!) and code LITTLEWIFE10 to get 10% off your first order!

How to Make Scent Booster

Making scent booster for your laundry is so easy! It only takes just a few minutes of your time and not much energy. Simply gather all your ingredients: baking soda, epsom salt, and essential oil. You will also need a glass jar with a lid to store your scent booster.

The recipe box farther down this post has all the actual measurements you will need to make one batch. However you can use any variation of equal parts baking soda/epsom salt and around 15-20 drops of oil per cup of soda/salt.

Place your salt and soda in the glass jar, add essential oil drops. Stir with a fork and allow to sit about five-ten minutes then stir once more. This ensures that the oils are being absorbed completely by the salt and baking soda.

Place the lid on the jar and your scent booster is ready for use!

How to Use Scent Booster

Using scent booster in your laundry is just about as easy as making it! All you need is about one to two tablespoons per load of laundry. Simply throw in the desired amount and you are good to go! I prefer to use less, around one tablespoon for clothing, and more, between two to three tablespoons for linens and bath towels.

Questions about Scent Booster

Will the essential oils stain my clothing?

I only have experience with Earthley Wellness essential oils but I have not have any issues with the oils staining or marking my clothes. The way the baking soda absorbs the oils helps it to evenly distribute and dissolve in the washing machine. If you are using a less trustworthy brand or are unsure of the brand you are using I would recommend doing a test wash with some dispensable items first.

Scent Booster for Laundry

An all-natural, chemical free scent booster for laundry.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • 2 cups epsom salt
  • 30-40 drops all-natural essential oil

Instructions
 

  • 1. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar.
  • 2. Stir with a fork and allow to sit for about 10 minutes.
  • 3. Stir once more. Place lid on and use 1-3 tbsp per load as needed.
Keyword all natural cleaning, homemade cleaning, homemade laundry detergent, homemade laundry supplies, laundry, laundry detergent, natural cleaning, scent booster
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Joy in Service

Written by Anna Bourdess

While this world will tell you to “Do what makes you happy.”, this philosophy will never bring you true joy. When we only serve ourselves, we rob ourselves of the fulfillment that comes from service to God and to others.

Have you ever noticed that the most selfish people are typically the most discontented and irritable? That’s because when we ignore God’s way and choose our own, we’ll always be left with a void. 

We live in a society with a “self” culture. Phrases such as self care, self love, self worth, and so many more are thrown around like requirements for a joyful life. When in reality, as Christians our value is found through Christ and the work He is doing through us. 

There are many verses given on service, such as:

Matthew 25:40

Luke 6:38

Colossians 3:23

Romans 12:1-13

As well as many more we could continue to list. 

The Lord knows what will satisfy the human soul, after all, He created it. If you truly want to live in the peace and joy of The Lord, offer your life up in service to Him. This begins with salvation of course. After that, look for ways to serve others. This will always begin in our homes. If you can’t joyfully serve those in your life that matter most to you and that you see every day then you will never go out of your way to serve anyone outside of your home. 

Service looks different for everyone. We all have gifts and special talents God designed us to serve with. I urge you to ask Him where your talents will bring Him the most glory. It takes all kinds of service in every area. The easiest way to begin in service is not to wait for someone to come to you and tell you what needs to be done. If it’s obvious there is a need, step in and fill that need. Look in your home, what better ways could you serve your family? Have you asked your spouse if there are any ways you could better meet a need they may have or if you’re missing a need? How about at church? If you run out of toilet paper in the bathroom at church, don’t go tell someone that it’s out. Go find some and put it in there yourself. If you see trash, pick it up. When it comes down to it, if you truly desire to serve, you’ll find ways to serve. 

****disclaimer****

I know that we must take care of our health (physical and mental) to be able to offer ourselves in service to others. I believe those principles are also found in The Bible, instructing us to care for the body that we’ve been given, properly. No, you can’t pour from an empty cup, but make sure you’re filling your cup up at the Savior’s feet. 

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Five Things Every Homemaker Can Learn How To Do in a Week to Save Money

*post contains affiliate links.

Are you trying to figure out how to save money in your home? I’m here to share five things EVERY homemaker can learn in just seven days that will significantly save your family money.

Contributing as a Homemaker

Okay ladies, pull up a chair. Let’s chat!

We have all heard it. Whether out loud or silently from the culture we live in. Something to the effect of, “Stay at home wives/moms should feel guilty for not contributing to society/the home.”

I’ll be honest, as a young homemaker I did not just hear this, I felt it! My husband and I both agreed for Biblical reasons that it was best for me to be the keeper of the home, even before children. (If this is not your conviction I am not here to cast any shade, this is just what we believe and know to be right for our home.) I believed this, but I still would find myself feeling like I was not a contributor. Like I was just some free-loader who gets to stay home while my husband works tirelessly to provide. I truly felt like I just did not bring anything to the table….

Until I realized I was bringing everything to the table! Literally! From the trip to the grocery store to the eating of the meal I was contributor of all that was brought to our little table.

As homemakers we contribute most by what we save, not by what we earn! Our husbands are the bread-winners but we are the bread-makers! This led me to the question, what can I contribute with my skills and resources?

That is when I began to incorporate these five skills into my life and I promise that every homemaker can too. Better yet, you can learn all of them this week!

How to Save Money in One Week

1. Learn basic sewing skills.

This may seem daunting to some but I promise it is not as challenging as you might think. To begin, purchase a basic sewing kit. Then learn how to do the three simple tasks…

  • how to thread a needle
  • sewing on a button
  • how to mend a minor rip or tear

These are all very basic skills that are super easy to learn but will save your family lots of money! Instead of taking a shirt to the seamstress or throwing away things that are fixable you will be able to contribute by saving your family clothing.

2. Learn how to make bread.

Learning how to make bread has saved my family so much money! The average cost of a loaf of bread in the United States is almost $3.00. It costs around $1.00 to make your own at home! That means if your family eats one loaf of bread per week you will have saved your family around $104 each year. That does not include being able to make your own pizza dough, dinner rolls, pie crusts, etc.

You can easily master yeast bread in a week- or better yet, did you know it only takes seven days to make a fully functional sourdough starter? You could be making delicious loaves of bread for your family by the end of next week!

3. Learn how to cook from scratch.

This follows along with the tip above but learning how to make meals from scratch is an invaluable tool as a homemaker. If you are not already trying your best to make the majority of your family’s food from scratch can I challenge you to start? It does not have to be complicated or even perfect. Knowing how to feed your family well is so rewarding!

Try starting with some of these simple meals…

Make a list of simple, easy recipes and try to make a from-scratch meal each night next week!

4. Make your own laundry detergent

This is not only budget friendly but also way healthier for you! Even “clean” laundry detergent brands have nasty things in them, not to mention it costs a crazy ton of money. You can learn all about how to make your own laundry detergent in this blog post. This recipe lasts my family of three around 5-6 months and only costs about $5 to make.

5. Make your own all-purpose cleaner.

This is another simple task you can learn that will save your family so much money. Again, it is also much healthier for you. A “clean” brand of all-purpose cleaner averages about $4/ twenty-eight ounce bottle. You can make your own for less than $.50.

All you need is a glass spray bottle, white vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil (or simply allow your lemon peels to sit in white vinegar for about two-four weeks). Shake it up and you have a 100% clean, germ killing, all-purpose cleaner!

Try it out!

These tips are super simple and any homemaker can easily begin today! You do not have to have a twenty acre homestead or a dairy cow to start these tasks. All you need is hands that are willing to work and a mind ready to learn.

Homemaker, you are so valuable. You might not contribute a dollar, but you contribute your heart daily, with each “menial” task. Each time you feel like you are not bringing anything to the table, get up- bring what you bring best- a fresh meal made with hands that are not afraid of work and the heart of a happy homemaker.

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Homemaking Where You Are At

Do you desire to create a homestead, be a homemaker, or develop a more natural lifestyle for your family? Do you have specific desires in your homemaking but feel like your current situation doesn’t allow all your dreams?

    (uhem, enter apartment life)

Well today’s tip is very simple. 

Do what you can where you’re at. 

Do you live in an apartment but desire to have a garden? Do what you can where you’re at. If you have one, use your balcony or patio space to grow herbs or small things that are easy to maintain in small spaces. Pick things that you will make use out of and get return for your time. Don’t have that? Use your indoor space and find what things you can grow in that environment. 

Maybe you’re renting a home and don’t have your own space where you can make the changes that reflect the desires you have for your home.

Look for ways you can make non-permanent changes that your landlord allows. This can be done through decorations, fresh flowers, candles, peel and stick tiles, wall decals, temporary wallpaper, even lighting. You would be surprised how changing the light bulbs in your home can change the whole atmosphere. I recommend the “daylight” kind. 

Read this post on how to make your home beautiful on a budget.

If you own your own space but don’t have the budget to do all you would like then find ways to transform things you already have. You can even check marketplace or online yardsale pages for some cheap items you can redo. When I desire something new that we don’t have the budget for I look around and see what I could sell or trade for those items. If I want new clothes I sell pieces of older clothing that I don’t wear anymore. You can even make things or offer a service to bring in funds for your home projects. Even small earnings add up. Do what you can where you’re at. 

The most important thing to remember is don’t get wrapped up in everyone else’s idea of homemaking.

It’s your home, not anyone else’s. You don’t have to follow a certain rule book. You dont have to have chickens, grow your own meat, sew all your clothes by hand, never buy anything store bought, make your own laundry soap, and live on 40 acres of land to be a good homemaker. It doesn’t make you any less if you don’t do ALL “the things”.

Do what makes sense for your family. Pick what your passions are for your home and change one thing at a time. If you try to do it all, it will be stressful and you won’t stick to it. Homemaking is all about making your home a safe and peaceful place, if it’s stressing you out doing it then you’re doing it wrong. Do what you can where you’re at. Don’t get wrapped up in what it feels like everyone else has and become complacent with what you have. Embrace and enjoy each stage of your home and find the joy in the little things you can change each day.

Written by Anna Bourdess

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Everyday From Scratch Kitchen Essentials

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These are my kitchen essentials I use weekly in my from scratch kitchen! It can be hard to know what exactly you need getting started on your from scratch journey. I have tried to narrow it down to exactly what you need to start cooking from scratch.

I am by no means a perfect minimalist but having a small home I do try to keep things as minimal as possible. This can be difficult when you cook most of your food from scratch. In a world where there are gadgets and gizmos for everything cooking related try to think simply.

Do you actually need a biscuit cutter or could you use something else? What actually happens if you have to spend a few extra minutes dicing vegetables versus using a fancy dicing tool?

These are questions a from-scratch, real food making homemaker asks herself!

Our grandmothers did not need all these “things” and neither do we. It is completely possible to start making real food without needing everything society throws on a commercial.

That being said, there are some things that truly do make life so much easier! I have to believe that if my great grandma had access to a stand mixer back in the day she would have taken full advantage of this tool. I am in no way saying we should not make the best use of our time, just that we should know the skills to do without them.

That is why I have broken down this list of kitchen essentials into two categories: what is essential and what is convenient.

Items in the convenience category are beyond nice to have but if you are just starting out they are not necessities. You can totally make bread without a stand mixer! Learning how to cook from scratch is daunting enough without feeling overwhelmed in the budget department.

My Everyday From Scratch Kitchen Essentials

Here is a list of things I use frequently throughout the week in my kitchen.

1. Cast iron skillet.

This is a must for me! There are so many benefits of cast iron. I love that you can buy one piece and it will last generations. Such a money saver! (For a reel on how to season cast iron go check out @littlewifeinthewoods on Instagram.)

Practical Uses: Frying meat and veggies, baking pies, biscuits.

2. Bread Pans

One of the easiest ways to start your real food journey is to learn how to make your own bread! Starting with a loaf of fresh bread is so simple and a sure way to have you hooked on from scratch cooking. Whether you start with yeast bread or want to dive into sourdough you will need a good set of loaf pans. Only one is necessary but I highly recommend purchasing two since most recipes make two loaves. Having two is definitely more convenient!

The cheapest bread loaf pans are the metal ones at your local Walmart. However, I find that ceramic and glass are much better options! The dough rises faster and more evenly in glass vs. metal. Below are a few of my favorites!

Practical uses: all loaf breads (banana, pumpkin, sandwich loaf)

3. Casserole dish

Another multi-functional must-have is a casserole dish! There are so many great meals you can make (and store!) in a casserole dish. I recommend getting one with a lid, again for convenience.

Practical uses: baked pasta dinners, casseroles, cobbler, brownies.

4. Basic sheet pan/baking set

If you are starting to bake a lot from scratch you would do well to purchase a baking set. It does not have to be fancy or expensive, just something basic to get you started. A good set should include a couple sizes of baking sheets, a muffin tin, and a pie plate.

5. Mixing Bowls

Another from-scratch kitchen essential is a good set of mixing bowls. Some sets come with four or five bowls, personally I find I can do just fine with two. I prefer using ceramic, stoneware, or glassware to plastic. They last longer and do not have all the nasty stuff!

6. Utensils (spoons, spatulas, etc.)

A basic utensil shopping trip is a necessity! Here is a shopping list of all the basics that will get you started…

  • Wire wisk
  • Two wooden spoons
  • tsp/tbsp measuring set
  • glass measuring cup set (photo/link below)
  • spatula

7. Emulsion blender

Another must have (that I did not realize was a must have) is an emulsion blender. This is an easy essential if you want to make your own mayo, or mix up whipped cream and coffee creamers! Mine has definitely been well worth the investment!

Convenience Items and Non-Essentials

Here are a few non-essential items I use in my kitchen for convenience…

(Click the highlighted items for links!)

Stand Mixer– definitely not necessary, but soooo helpful to have! I recommend learning the process of bread making completely by hand so you have the skill set but if you are making bread every few days investing in one of these will help you save quite a bit of time. Mine is a cheaper off-brand but works great!

Food Processor- A food processor is a great thing to have on hand for easily chopping lots of veggies for dinner dishes or making your own fresh salsa. It is worth the extra storage room for sure. The good news is you do not have to buy the most fancy or expensive one. I think ours came from Walmart and it has lasted several years now.

Crock pot- There has been a lot of controversy lately about crockpots and chemical leeching. I do not use ours very often but I have found it is nice to have on hand for busy times or for carrying food back and forth to church or other functions. Regardless of where you stand on the toxic burden of crock pots they are extremely helpful.

Dutch oven– Again, not completely necessary but as you begin to dive into things like sourdough, or even just to make a good soup (without a crockpot) you will find that a dutch oven is a great investment.

I hope this list has been helpful! What items would you add to the list of kitchen essentials? Comment below! If this post was helpful please hit the like button and share with a friend!

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