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Hi Friends!

It's mid-summer and I am knee-deep in all the garden things. The weather finally started to cool down (mid-80s is a welcome change from mid-90s!). The tomatoes are coming in, zucchini is full out, peppers had a sad summer, don't get me started on the beans, and I overdid the basil this year (sounds blasphemous, I know!). Stay tuned for some pesto ideas!

I had a thought while out for a walk the other day that I wanted to share...

We don't have land. We live in a townhouse in the city with just a few feet of outdoor space on three sides of our unit. In some ways, I am thankful that we don't have acres to contend with. I have learned so much in the last few years about building a homestead lifestyle and creatively using the space that I have.

Homesteading isn’t just for people with acres of land and a chicken coop out back.

It’s a mindset.

It’s about living more intentionally, using what you have, and building a life that’s rooted in care for your home, your community, and the earth.

There are many ways to live this out that have nothing to do with land.

So here’s some is inspiration whether you’re waiting to own land, have a tiny lot, or are already tending to acres.

11 Homesteading Activities You Can Start Right Now. No Land and Little Skill Required.

1. Cook from scratch. Skip the boxes and packages. Even making just one meal a week from whole ingredients can make a difference. Soups, breads, and simple casseroles are a great start. And it's easier than you think!
2. Reduce waste. Compost your food scraps (even in a small countertop bin), save glass jars for storage, and find creative ways to use leftovers. Bring your coffee mug to Starbucks (or better yet, get your coffee from a local spot!). Shop with a canvas tote bag (or two), and the list goes on. If you're into this, check out Going Zero Waste.
3. Shop local. Support nearby farmers, bakers, and makers. Farmers’ markets, co-ops, and local butchers keep money in your community and reduce the miles your food travels. Better for your health and better for the earth (the two go hand-in-hand).
4. Grow a few herbs. Even a sunny windowsill can host basil, mint, chives, and more. They freshen up your cooking and bring a little green into your home.
5. Meet your neighbors. Share extra muffins, swap books, or simply say hello. Strong communities are at the heart of a resilient lifestyle.
6. Repurpose old things. Turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags, glass bottles into vases, or furniture into something new with a coat of paint. Repair, mend, and fix what is broken rather than toss and buy new.
7. Shop secondhand instead of buying new. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online swap groups can save money and resources. Host a clothing swap with your friends, you'll get the benefit of a new outfit while getting rid of ones that you don't wear anymore!
8. Reduce plastic use. Switch to reusable produce bags, glass containers, and bulk shopping where possible. Get creative and resourceful with what you already have!
9. Buy in bulk. I get my bulk dry goods from Azure Standard, most of which come in brown paper bags. I usually save the string and either use the bags as browns for my compost or reuse them somehow. Recently, I made a fake hornet's nest out of an azure paper bag and string to deter some wasps from nesting close to our front door. You can also take your container to the grocery store and use their bulk food section.
10. Hang your laundry to dry. Even if it’s just a drying rack in your living room, you’ll save energy and make your clothes last longer.
11. Swap out store-bought products for homemade. Make your own cleaning sprays with vinegar and lemon, or try homemade toothpaste, oils, and soap. When buying, choose sustainable companies that align with your values.

Moral of the story...Start small.​
Pick one or two things from this list and weave them into your week. The beauty of homesteading is that it’s not all-or-nothing; it’s a series of small steps that add up over time.

No matter where you live, you can create a home and a life that feels intentional, rooted, and creative.

Here’s to tending home right where you are,

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Jodie

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