Claiming Simplicity | Simple Life, Natural Living, Cooking from Scratch, Intentional Living, Save Money, Simple Systems (Monica H Baker - Simple & Intentional Living Expert for Busy Moms)
Explore every episode of Claiming Simplicity | Simple Life, Natural Living, Cooking from Scratch, Intentional Living, Save Money, Simple Systems
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| 02 Feb 2024 | EP 159 // Simple Foods to Cook From Scratch and Stop Buying at the Grocery Store No Matter How Busy You Are | 00:05:04 | |
Hello! So it has been brought to my attention that some of you might be thinking that cooking from scratch is not simple and it sounds overwhelming to you, so I want to break down a few items today that you can make yourself in a few minutes and I promise you-I don’t have time to do anything difficult or tedious and I have to keep it all simple because I honestly don’t like spending much time in my kitchen if I don’t have to~I would much rather be in the garden, with the animals, or just doing something outside! As I have been learning more and more about the ingredients in the foods we buy and how food affects our bodies, the more I want to make as much as I can from scratch so I know what is in what we are eating, but I really don’t have much extra time, so quick and easy recipes are the only ones I make! This is how simple it can be to make sour cream and it will be the best sour cream you have ever had and you won’t buy it from the store ever again! Another thing that is very simple to make is crackers. I got this amazing healthy cracker recipoe from my friend shannon and it is so simple and my family also loves them! These are just a few recipes that we love and if you are busy and are interested in learning how to make more simple recipes like this so you don’t have to rely on the grocery store, just go to claimingsimplicity.com and get on the waitlist!!!!! I’m doing videos to demonstrate each of the recipes and I think you are really going to love it! Look for more simple recipes in the future to incorporate into your life!
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
Love ya friend! Monica
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| 20 Dec 2023 | Are You Exhausted Trying to Keep Your Home Clean as a Busy Mom With Kids? My Best Secret for Keeping the Cleaning Schedule Simple | 00:04:10 | |
Hello Friend! I book, working on a beginner homesteading course, gathering animals on our farm and running kids with sports and yet I have been able to easily keep up with keeping a clean house. I will tell you that I still have an enclosed trailer sitting in my yard that we have not emptied yet and to tell you the truth-I really don’t want to add anything else to our home right now. I’m leaving that stuff to do during the winter when we seem to have a little more down time! Where are you on your declutter journey? Have you started? Do you need to start? It is so satisfying to me to remove items from our home, but I remember when I was in my 20s with 3 young kids, that was hard, but money was so tight and I had more of a scarcity mentality back then, but I havent’ had that for years now. Let me help you get started so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the people around you or the things you love. Start wherever you think will be the easiest. For me, it is always the bathroom. If you use something, keep it, but if you haven’t used an item in a while donate or toss it. Get rid of old makeup you don’t wear and jewelry you never wear. There is no reason to keep anything that just makes you more work. How many towels do you need? 1 or 2 per person that uses the bathroom is more than enough. Go through each and every item with a garbage bag and a donation box. This will take some time, but you will be so glad you did this so you don’t have to manage all that stuff. In this process, you will create a big mess, so if you don’t have a whole lot of time, just start with a few drawers or what you can complete and then next time start where you left off. Next go to a room that you want to get done and do the same thing, maybe start with drawers in the kitchen and then cupboards as you have time and then fridge.
If you truely want to free up your time from cleaning, you have to declutter otherwise you just continue to organize time after time. I love this minimal life and I think you will too! You clear your mental load just by eliminating clutter! Make this a must do task to start your new year out right and if you need some tips or coaching, let me know and I would love to help you out!
Here is to a decluttered home in 2024! Monica Website: Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 11 Sep 2023 | Simple & Quick Healthy Lunches and Snacks for Busy Moms with Kids in Many Activities | 00:05:14 | |
Hello!
I wanted to bring up some simple meals and snacks to send with your kids! If I don’t send nutritious snacks and drinks with the girls, they will end up going to a gas station and spending money they don’t need to on junk food, so I like to prepare as much as possible.
Something we always have on hand and the kids like is cheese sticks and summer sausage or beef sticks. Anything Made with eggs and boiled eggs are another one we always have around since we have chickens! We make our venison sausage every year at deer hunting and they enjoy it and it is a great snack! Sometimes I will make sourdough crackers, although they only last a day in our house and I haven’t figured out a longer storage solution where they stay nice and crisp for a longer period of time, so if you have any tricks with that, send me an email. But really…., they probably wouldn’t last that long anyway…they gobble them up quick!
We have an abundance of plums and apples on our apple trees right now, so apples and peanut butter is another good snack. I also like to buy cuties/clementines to keep on hand because they seem to last a little longer than berries. Frozen grapes are another fabulous snack that my kids love! Any kind of fruit, but these seem to be our go to that last the longest. Watermelon is a cheaper fruit and stored correctly can last for a few weeks! We really try to eat seasonally if at all possible, so this time of the year, we tend to have more fruit and less during the winter here.
We love to make sourdough bread and bagels, and that is a great thing to pack for lunches with ham or turkey and cheese. I try to stay away from things they have to heat up, but it has been very handy to have little thermoses if they want to take soup, chilli, or hotdishes because it stays warm for quite some time. Breakfast muffins and sweet breads are super easy to make in big batches and keep in the freezer and yogurt, berries and granola are some other favorites that my kids enjoy and simple to pack.
We also can at least 150 quarts of pickles, so that is a super snack that travels well and everyone loves! Olives are another good food to add.
I could talk about this all day, but you really just need to prepare if you want to save money because otherwise you will spend money on expensive convenience snacks that are unhealthy and cost you so much more! If you want more recipes, I have just added the blog on my website and will be adding more and more simple recipes for you to help you save money that are nutritious so you feel confident giving your family quality foods at a low price. Go to claimingsimplicity.com and check it out! I will be adding more recipes soon that you can use with your garden produce! Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
See ya next week!Monica | |||
| 30 Oct 2023 | 5 Benefits to Simplifying your Life so You Can go From being Overwhelmed to Peaceful with Less Stress | 00:06:31 | |
Hey there! We are going to talk about 5 benefits of simplifying! Let's kick things off by talking about one of the most profound benefits of simplifying your life: mental clarity. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the constant noise and distractions. Simplifying your life allows you to declutter your mind, reduce stress, and make room for what truly matters
Simplicity isn't just about decluttering our physical spaces; it's also about simplifying our relationships. When we focus on meaningful connections, we can deepen our bonds with loved ones and create more fulfilling, authentic relationships. Time is our most precious resource, and simplifying your life can help you reclaim it. Simplicity allows you to have more time for the things you love and the activities that bring you joy and time you never get back with loved ones. Time Freedom is the most amazing benefit to me. I don’t ever want to have regrets that I missed out on things. Simplicity and intentional living can have a significant impact on your finances. There is so much freedom in not having debt. Simplifying your life can lead to more mindful parenting as a busy mom.. Discover the joy of being present with your children and creating beautiful memories together." If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. Your feedback means the world to me. And if you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes, feel free to reach out. Until then, stay cozy and live intentionally. Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ God Bless and see you in the next episode! Monica | |||
| 06 Feb 2023 | Learn to Save Money, Live Intentionally and Escape the Trap of Overconsumption to Find Freedom in Frugality and the No Spend Challenge Recap | 00:04:58 | |
Hello I do this no spend challenge and freezer and pantry clean out every January, but it was really fun to do with other people this year! It is such a great way to begin the new year with new habits and many of those habits stay throughout the year. Being intentional about every single purchase is so good to be aware of. I value time, flexibility and freedom over consumerism and material items and I love teaching you to live a simpler, more natural and meaningful life so you can enjoy this incredible life God gave us. I think excessive consumption keeps people from financial security and builds kingdoms of clutter in our houses, schedules, bank statements and environment. I want you to buy less of what doesn’t matter so you can afford more of what does! I love helping people escape the trap of overconsumption to find freedom in frugality!
What I hope you find is your own full life and it probably won’t look like mine, but you can start designing your own version of financial freedom and you may find you enjoy the pursuit of it!
We had some great things happen in the group! My favorite are more family time with homecooked meals and teaching kids the importance of spending less, trips to the library for the first time, fishing with family, family hiking, decluttering and just being aware of every single purchase and only buying essentials. When we live more intentionally, our lives become more significant in so many ways! When you live for treasure in heaven instead of treasures on earth, you have more time to enjoy the life you have and that is why I encourage people to simplify their lives to live better.
Money spent on groceries was very minimal and most members had to get a little creative when trying to use up pantry items and cleaning out the freezer.
When you do a shopping ban or challenge like this you need to figure out what you value. Vision what a values- aligned life looks like. I talk about this in episode 2 of the Claiming Simplicity Podcast. Value vs. Time Assessment. What motivates you? Does spending more time with family motivate you to spend less money? Do you want to stop trading hours for dollars? Do you want to be able to give insane amounts of money to people in need? Do you want to travel whenever you want to and have time freedom and flexability to do it whenever you want to? You have to have a reason that gets you excited to do this!
You also need to know what your challenges and excuses are. Most times these are just limiting mindsets. Change your mindset and you will change your outlook. You might think you are broke, but once you make a budget, you might find that you just overspend. Whatever you think is keeping you from paying off your debt, there is someone else in a situation like yours that has accomplished the same goal because of their mindset. There is alot of scientific studies to prove that mindset significantly implacts the way you make short and long term decisions, so here are some things you can do to improve your limiting mindset. Surround yourself with abundance thinkers and practice gratitude. You are capable of saving more than you can even imagine. Make a goal for yourself and plan to reach it!
You can do a challenge like this any month of the year and I encourage you to try it if you haven’t already. I am super proud of the members of our No spend challenge because most have never tried it before and for the ones that were active, they had success! Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Enjoy your week and God Bless! Monica
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| 20 Feb 2023 | Why Do You Want to Live a Simpler Life in 2023? Do You Want to Enjoy More of Your Passions or Is It Simply Because You Want to Enjoy Making More Memories with Your Loved Ones? | 00:05:47 | |
Hello This last week with all of our grandkids here, it really reminded me of the reason I do what I do! On Friday after having a fish fry the night before with my parents, kids, and all the grandkids,I had to think……what day is it? Our closest Grandkids are 30 minutes away with the others about 1.5 hours away, so because we don’t live really close, it doesn’t always happen that we have everyone here for most of the week or for dinner on the weekdays, but it sure was fun! I have always loved being able to be flexible, but when my husband and I worked full time, there was little flexibility and we wouldn’t be able to take all the kids and get to all their events during the week if we hadn’t chosen this different path. This week the kids had fun ice skating and our 6 year old was so excited she was able to skate and do twirls instead of shuffling behind a chair, they went snowmobiling, sledding, ziplining, helped with the goats and chickens, went to a homeschool valentine’s party, baked with us and it was another week of memories. We sure cherish all the time we get with our Grandkids and family. You can’t ever take back these days and we have never regretted raising our own kids and I am so so forever grateful to be able to help out whenever we are needed with Grandkids too!
This got me thinking about you. Do you have joy in your everyday life or are you rushing through every day just wishing for more peace and time to enjoy life? Are you wishing you could slow down and live a simpler life? Do you want to be able to be at home and raise your own kids or be available for grandkids? What is holding you back? Is it finances? Do you just have too much debt to ever think about living on one income? If this is your reason, I want you to take a good look at your situation and where you can make some changes. When you think about possessions, remember Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is slave to the lender. With debt - you are a slave-what does that mean to you? I realize each and every one of you are in a different situation, but if God has put this calling in your heart to live a simpler life, He will help you. You do have to do the work, but don’t forget that anything is possible with God.
Sometimes you have to make a different career choice-there has never been a better time to work from home or start a side hustle to replace your full time income. With the internet, you can reach people with your gifts all around the world! You have to think out of the box! You may feel stuck in your job because you spent alot of money and time in college doing what you do, but you don’t love it or it is stressful. I want you to remember, you have choices!
You may be doing what you do because you feel the need to keep up with friends but you are exhausted and you are not loving what you do. Start looking inside yourself and take the time to think about what really matters to you. Is it making memories or is it having the top of the line material items. You can’t take any of that to heaven with you, so why are you burning the candle at both ends just trying to keep up? You can only do that so long! I would love for you to email me at monica@claimingsimplicity.com and tell me where you are struggling and what I can help you with - I also have a few 15 minute discovery calls left this month to help you get started on your simple living path because it is so rewarding and I don’t think it is something you will ever regret. Whether you want to start saving money, learn about raising your own food or just learn how to make simple food from scratch or your own non toxic household products, I can help you. Shoot me a message-I would be happy to help you if I can!
There really is nothing so special as being able to make memories. If I die tomorrow, I sure hope that my Grandkids learn enough from me to grow deep in their faith as they grow up because I believe that in the times we are living now, that they need to be equipped and strong in their faith with all that is thrown at them. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Think about your own walk….are you growing in your faith so that your cup can overflow into others while you are making memories? I think this is so important!
Are you ready to make a change this year or are you going to continue to live as you are right now? I want you to live this abundant life God has for us. Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Until next time-Be Blessed! Monica
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| 25 Apr 2022 | Do You Wonder Where to Start When Planting Seeds? Vegetable Seed Starting Basics and What I Ordered this Year for Our Garden!!! | 00:07:48 | |
Hey Friend! In this episode I will tell you about the different kinds of seeds and go step by step how to plant seeds to make it easy for beginner gardeners. I just planted seeds and I know I had so many questions when I first started doing a garden. I don’t start all of my seeds, but tomatoes, peppers, and a few others is what I like to get started before we can bring outside to plant because our season in so short in MN.. It probably wont be ready to plant outside until late may, early June here! Look on your seed packet for detailed information of when you should plant.
Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Living for Busy Moms Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Have a great week! Monica | |||
| 21 Dec 2023 | 5 Benefits and Regrets of Being Off Social Media for Business and Family | 00:03:31 | |
Hey Friend I just want to give you a recap of my year of rarely being on social media. I do have a few groups I am a part of, but for the most part, I have not missed it at all! I have posted on occasion on Instagram for others to see what is going on, but I honestly forget all about social media and since I am not on there posting consistently, people don’t even see the content when I do post, so it is not a focus at all for my business! Crazy thing is that my business this last year has grown faster than ever, so I like to focus my time on what is working and put my energy there and this next year it is not going to be on social platforms. Benefits I have noticed without social media: More free time More time to do hobbies More family time Business growth Less Stress with trying to keep posting every day at least 5 times to be seen! Downfalls are that I don’t see pictures of family and friends and unaware of many events-which I guess can be good and bad-there is NO Fear of Missing out, but there has been a few times I wished I would have known about an event that would have been fun to go to, but that is really minor!
I’m going to evaluate this next year and see how I can build an online community of like minded ladies off of social media, so if you have a favorite way that you are doing it or a favorite platform, I would love to hear about it! I’m building my VIP group through email so you can get all the tidbits to help you simplify and discounts before anyone else knows about them! Chat tomorrow! Monica Website: Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners
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| 22 Dec 2023 | 10 Family Activites to Have Quality Time if You Want to Simplify Your Life and Enjoy Slow Living | 00:04:20 | |
10 Family Activites to Have Quality Time if You Want to Simplify Your Life and Enjoy Slow Living Hello! Happy Friday! I hope you have enjoyed this week's tidbits every day!! Remember, you need to sign up before the end of the year to join our no spend challenge! This is the last podcast before Christmas and if you have some time off and want to focus on slower living and being more intentional, and simplifying family time, here are a few activities you could focus on doing if it is colder where you are at this time of the year!
Take a Hike or Nature Walk: Explore the landscapes around your homestead or wherever you are-it is so important to get outside no matter what the weather is. It's a peaceful and beautiful way to connect with nature. Build a Snow Fort or Snowman if you have snow: Let your creative side shine by building a winter wonderland right in your backyard. Snow forts are not just for kids—adults can have a blast too! Quality time together is cherished by all. Ice Skating: If you have a frozen pond or a nearby rink, grab your skates and hit the ice. It's a great way to enjoy the season and get some exercise. This is an unusual winter here so far and I’m not sure we will have enough cold weather to skate this year, but there are places that also allow indoor ice skating, so that might be an option for you as well! Sledding or Tubing: Find a nearby hill and indulge in some classic sledding fun. It's a timeless activity that's bound to bring smiles and laughter. I know here they are making snow, so we might go tubing during our time off. Bonfire: Bundle up and gather around a bonfire with your family. Enjoy some relaxing time by the fire. Roast marshmallows, sip on hot cocoa if it is cold, and share stories to make it extra cozy. Snowshoeing: Explore the winter landscape on snowshoes. It's a wonderful way to get some exercise while enjoying the serene beauty of the snow-covered outdoors. Picnic: Pack a thermos of hot soup, some sandwiches, and your favorite winter snacks. Find a scenic spot, lay down a blanket, and enjoy a winter picnic with your family. Indoor Movie Night: For those extra chilly days, snuggle up indoors with a family movie night. Pop some popcorn, grab blankets, and enjoy a movie marathon. Play Board Games: One of my favorite activities, but we seem to do more when it is cold outside! Baking or Cooking: Not only will you be spending quality time together, but you will be teaching life lessons, so this is crucial to your family's future! Remember, the key is to savor the simplicity of these moments and create lasting memories. Happy winter adventures and Merry Merry Christmas! Enjoy celebrating our Savior’s Birthday! Blessings! Monica
Website: Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
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| 31 Jan 2024 | EP 158 // Do You Want to Live With More Contentment in Your Life so You Can Enjoy Time Doing What You Love | 00:04:00 | |
Hello Friend! Where are you looking for contentment in your life? Contentment refers to the state of being satisfied and at ease with one’s life and circumstances. Embracing contentment involves appreciating the present moment, finding joy in the little things, and cultivating a sense of fulfillment in the midst of life’s challenges. Contentment is the lifeblood of happiness. Your journey toward purpose and joy will be short lived without it. Learning contentment is difficult in our society that says the more you have or do, the better, especially when you are constantly trying to keep up with others. If you are not content, discontentment will distract you from living with simplicity and deep meaning. That is why you have to CHOOSE contentment because otherwise discontentment will begin to take over. Every one of us has a different journey, but you can actually learn to be content with little and live an incredibly happy life when you aren’t always chasing stuff and wanting more. Did you know that contentment not only brings you purpose and joy, but also reduces stress and makes your life enjoyable so you can live the life you were destined to live. Are you looking for contentment in all the wrong places? When you realize that contentment is not found in accumulating more for yourself, but in giving more to others, your whole life can change. The less you need, the more you give. Giving your time and money will help you live a happier, more fulfilled life and generous people are healthier, happier and more satisfied with life and less inclined to search for it somewhere else. I want you to think about this as you learn to be more content. A good friend is the best gift you can give-people naturally are attracted toward others who have an open heart to share. Giving of yourself improves lives and is an example to the world of a better way to live and can encourage others to do the same! I want you to realize, you already have enough friend, so don’t be held hostage by the pursuit of more! Remember how really blessed you are. Just like homesteading, when you start your contentment journey, keep it simple and start small. Maybe you could give of your time to a friend or someone in need. Make a meal for someone that had a baby or find a charity that aligns with your values and either volunteer or donate money. As you start to give your time, money and energy, your life will feel lighter and you will start to learn to be content. Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ Chat Soon! Monica | |||
| 06 Nov 2023 | Evaluate What Material You are Consuming and Making Sure it is Biblically Sound so You Don’t Get Sucked into Something that is not of God | 00:06:28 | |
Hello I have an important topic to talk about and I’ll be diving into the essential aspect of ensuring that the sources you follow and the guidance you seek are rooted in our faith and values. In today's digital age, we're bombarded with information from various sources. It can be challenging to discern which voices are in alignment with our biblical beliefs. Let's start by acknowledging the noise and confusion that surrounds us. Information overload can lead to confusion and anxiety. I talk to my teenagers about this ALOT. There is alot of confusion when someone that labels themself as a Christian and promotes things that are not Biblically sound or twists Biblical information to fit what they want it to be or isn’t living as a changed person in Christ. John 10:10 says the thief comes only to steal, killl and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. This verse just came to mind and I think about how sneaky and deceptive the devil is. The great news is that Jesus gives life!!!! The life he gives to us is abundantly rich and satisfying. It is eternal, although it begins immediately when you turn to follow him. Life in Christ is more deeply meaningful than life without him because of his overflowing forgiveness, love and guidance. One of the key aspects of intentional living is discernment. It's about actively evaluating the content and people we follow to ensure they align with our faith. I’m still learning-sometimes I will be listening to a podcast who I thought was a Christian or calls themself that and then a topic comes up that makes it clear that they do not sharing Biblical values and I stop following them. significance of connecting with like-minded individuals who share your values will do in your life. Also, make sure your Children are surrounded by other strong Christian friends because the enemy is sure trying to get into the schools, their phones and every aspect he can and they need a solid foundation in Christ. Teaching kids about Christ should be the most important and significant thing you can do As you know, I’m not into social media much, but I just happened to see something on instagram about all the people that were baptized after the event at the Homesteaders of America conference. God is confirming that this simple life and these people we are choosing to be friends with align with our values. So many people were upset about this, but I believe God is raising up people in our community all for His Glory and I love seeing this. As the end gets nearer and things continue to line up for Jesus to come back to earth, I want to be ready and take as many people with me as I can. There are so many exciting things happening right now in the church, but we need to make sure we are not fooled.
Thank you for joining me on this journey towards intentional living and finding biblical guidance in a noisy world. Remember, it's all about taking small steps to make a big difference in your life. I encourage you to take a deeper dive into the people you are hanging out with, following, listening to and make sure that they align with your values! If you havn’t already, go to claimingsimplicity.com and check out the simple recipes listed and share this podcast with a friend that is interesting in beginner homesteading skills and a simpler life!
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ See ya next week! Monica
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| 20 Dec 2022 | Do You Know the Joy that Comes with Giving to the Less Fortunate? Will You Focus on Being a Blessing to Others? | 00:03:37 | |
Merry Christmas Friend! In this episode, I talk about the importance of giving to the less fortunate and some of the things you can do to help those in need. Are you giving at least 10% of your income away? You might want to evaluate your budget for the new year if you are not. God wants you to steward His money His way! Enjoy your time with family and friends and have a great week everyone!
Join our Facebook Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Love, Monica | |||
| 28 Aug 2023 | How to Build a Small Farm as Homesteading Beginners When You Work Outside the Home and Time is Limited | 00:04:57 | |
Hello I know you are busy and overwhelmed as a beginning homesteader working outside the home, but I want to help you to get started with less stress so you can enjoy the process of building your own homestead!
It can be exhausting thinking about all the things you want to do and could do, so I always suggest, start slow because there are so many things you can learn as you are trying to become somewhat self-sufficient!
One of the simplest things you can do is plant some fruit trees or bushes. At our home we just sold, that is something we wish we would have done sooner. We planted several different kinds of apple trees and were just enjoying the fruit the last couple years! There are so many things you can do with apples, but I suggest you research what grows best in your area. We have a long cold winter here in Minnesota, so we aren’t able to grow any kind of citrus trees here unfortunately, but we do use apples for many different things and the apples we arent able to use, the pigs, goats and chickens go nuts over!!!! Luckily we have several apple trees and plum trees to the farm we moved to. Another thing that I planted last weekend was rhubarb, it won’t be ready for a few years, but we use rhubarb for jams, jellies, pies, desserts and many other things and we like to freeze it so we have it all year long, so I wanted to get that going. I have some strawberry and raspberry shoots I will be getting from a friend, so we are going to get those planted as well this Fall. The nice thing about getting these fruits planted is that it is something you can do now and it doesn’t take much time, but then don’t have to do anything with them until the future, so find some time to get things like these planted! If you have a small space or don’t have land, another activity you can do is learn how to preserve food just from either going to farmers markets and purchasing produce, or finding bulk items and learning different ways to make it. You don’t have to do a large amount if you don’t have the space to store it, but it is so good to figure out these methods! Learning skills is something that you can easily do in your extra spare time and you don’t need acreage to do this, so if you are wanting to eventually move to the country, learn all you can while you are waiting. You can learn how to make sourdough and cook from scratch with little time because I know you are busy! Don’t complicate the process! Sometimes we wait for things to be perfect, but like I said before, they most likely will never be perfect! I like to simplify everything I do, so right now I am trying to make our pig pens, goat area and fencing as simple as I can for watering and feeding because I don’t have alot of extra time these days! I have had to switch this around several times because we keep moving fencing to rotate them, so this is a process as we have never had this many animals and it is ever changing! I hope these give you a few ideas to get started now even as you are just beginning no matter what your living situation is!
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ :) Monica
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| 09 May 2022 | What I Learned in the First Few Weeks of Having Baby Goats, A Must Know Tip if you Have Deer or Rabbits Eating Your Flowers or Vegetables, and an Update of the Social Media Fast | 00:09:52 | |
Hello Friend! Thanks for being here! Today I want to let you know what I learned the first few weeks of owning baby Nigerian Dwarf Goats! It has been quite the learning curve! I also want to let you know of a simple little secret that I use to keep rabbits and deer out of my garden and from nibbling on my flowers! And Finally.....an update on my 8 week social media fast! Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Self Sufficient Lifestyle for Beginners Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Enjoy your week! Monica
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| 22 Jan 2024 | EP 154 // How to Have More Contentment in Your Everyday Life When it Seems Busy and Overwhelming | 00:05:14 | |
Hello Friend! God has put it on my heart to talk about contentment whether you are a beginning homesteader or just striving to get by every day as a busy mom. I think in this modern world we live in, we are so focused on what we have and who has more instead of just being happy where we are at. If you are doing work you hate to just have more things, you are missing the joy in every day. Day in and day out, you are just going through the motion instead of living the dream God has for you. When you seek after Him like never before, you will find peace and contentment. I love John 14:27 Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. This means that unlike worldy peace, Jesus' peace gives us confident assurance in any circumstance. I often think about if I am living my daily life the same way as if I only had a week or month to live and there are times I need to step back-especially in business because I love to be productive and I love the work I am doing, so it is easy to spend more time on it and this is where I have to set my boundaries. You can’t be happy if you are not content. It is hard to have joy and purpose if you are not happy and I believe social media has ramped up this feeling of discontent because you are only seeing the highlight reels. This is one reason I have a hard time posting on social. I don’t want everyone to be envious of this life we have created. I love it and enjoy it every day, but if you are still working toward this life of time freedom, it can make you become somewhat discontent and that is the last thing that I want for you friend. So many of you are dreaming of a farmstead or homestead, but there are so many things you can do right where you are to get there someday. I can’t emphasize enough about learning! When you learn the skills right where you are now, you are less likely to become overwhelmed when you actually get to where you want to be. Remember, God’s timing is perfect, so stay content in where he has you right now whether it be an apartment or in the city and keep dreaming and asking God what His will is for you. Not only will contentment bring you joy and purpose, but it also reduces stress and makes your life so much more enjoyable and there is such freedom in contentment to be who God created you to be and live the life you can only dream of. Here are a few items for you to start your journey to contentment. First pray~this is the most important thing you can do in every situation in your life. Next, remove items from your home that you have not used recently and declutter as much as you can in your home and learn to be happy with less. There are many studies about clutter and mental health. Less stuff is so freeing and will also eliminate hours of time in managing the stuff and also less cleaning. I was recently with someone that was stressed out about getting her house cleaned before someone came over, but once you have simple systems in place and less stuff, your whole life can change because you will have more time to make memories and less time managing your home and you won’t have to worry about someone stopping over!
I pray that you can find more contentment and peace in your daily walk. ~Monica Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ | |||
| 17 Jan 2022 | Part 2 - 63 Things We Don’t Buy to Save Thousands of Dollars | 00:12:46 | |
Hi Friend! I am so happy you enjoyed part 1 in the last episode! Here is Part 2 of the things we don't buy to save thousands of dollars! It is all those little items that add up without you even realizing it! ->Send me a message claimingsimplicity@gmail.com ->Join our Private Claiming Simplicity Facebook Group ->Instagram https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity
Thanks for all your love! Monica
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| 24 Jan 2022 | A Life with Less Stuff Means More Peace in Your Home for the Moms Who Want to Live with Less Stress | 00:06:00 | |
Hey! Do you want to feel peace and calm in your home so you have less stress? Once you begin decluttering, you may find that you actually love the peace and joy you feel in your home. When we simplify and declutter, we will feel less stressed physically and mentally. Enjoy this episode! Monica Facebook Group -> Claiming Simplicity Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Send me a message -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com
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| 02 May 2022 | Turn Your Passion Into Purpose with Estela Kelley | 00:11:01 | |
Hello Friend! In this episode Estela is talking about having a passion and then turning that into a purpose. Sometimes we don't know how it comes about, but when we are doing what we love, we enjoy our work. Estela's Podcast -> Estela Kelley Show Estela's Website -> www.sharetheflippinfun/shop I hope you enjoy this podcast!
Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Living for Busy Moms Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Monica
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| 16 May 2022 | Simplifying Your Home by Implementing Simple Systems, Routines, and Tips with Lauren White | 00:16:21 | |
Hello! You are going to really enjoy this episode with Lauren White from the Intentional Edit Podcast. She has amazing systems and routines for getting your house in order and keeping it in order. You can find Lauren White: The Intentional Edit Podcast Intentional Edit on all Social Platforms Can't wait to hear how you liked this-contact me below!!!! Monica
Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Living for Busy Moms Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 25 Sep 2024 | EP 192 // Simple 5 Step Plan to Have More Abundance in All Areas of Your Life | 00:07:26 | |
Hey Friend Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ Take a moment to think about this: What would your life look like if you had complete freedom over your time, resources, and choices? Maybe it’s more time with your family, the ability to give more generously, or the freedom to travel. In the Bible Proverbs 29:18 says, Where there is no vision, the people perish. It’s so important that we define our vision before anything else, because without it, we’re just going through the motions. Now that you've got a vision, it’s time to create an income stream that supports that vision. I’ve talked before about the power of passive income, and I’ll say it again—having an income stream that doesn’t trade time for money is a game changer. In fact, I believe we all should have multiple income streams. I will do a podcast all about that soon! Whether it's an online business, digital marketing, or a system you can work on just 2 hours a day, the point is to build something that gives you both income and freedom. I will link my favorite income stream in the show notes if you want to check it out! No pressure in this business at all, but I’m here if you do have any questions at all! Matthew 25:14-30—the parable of the talents—teaches us the value of investing our resources wisely. You’ve been given skills, talents, and opportunities to create wealth not just for yourself, but for God’s Kingdom. Your business, when aligned with God’s purpose, will bless not only your family but others around you. To me, it is such a blessing to be able to help others~especially in the economy we are living in now. Abundance isn't about more; it’s about better. It’s about focusing on what truly matters. Step three is to simplify your life. Take inventory of how you spend your time, your energy, and your money. What can you cut out that is cluttering your life? I love how the Bible has so many good verses about how we are to live. God has given us resources to manage, whether it’s our time, money, or relationships. Step four is about stewardship. Proverbs 21:5 tells us, The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. This means creating a budget, planning how to grow your resources, and making decisions that are thoughtful and prayerful. When you become a good steward of the resources God has given you, you’ll see those resources multiply, and you’ll be in a better position to bless others. Finally, step five is where everything comes together—use your abundance to impact others. Abundance isn’t meant to stop with us. God blesses us so that we can bless others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Once you’re living in abundance, ask yourself how you can use your resources, time, and energy to serve others. Maybe it's supporting a ministry, mentoring someone, or giving generously to causes that are close to your heart." Remember, true abundance comes when we align our lives with God’s purpose, and we take intentional steps toward creating freedom, not just for ourselves but for those around us. Have a blessed friend! ~Monica
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| 09 Mar 2023 | Simplify Your Life, Live With Less Stress and Enjoy Moments With Your Family and Friends Because You Never Get Your Time Back. Some of the Best Quality Time Nobody Talks About Because of Slow Living. | 00:04:51 | |
Hey Friend We had another incredible 3 day weekend with grandkids and kids last weekend and even though the weekend ended up being very cold, we still had plenty of quality time spent together. It just amazes me how fast all the kids grow and I am so glad they all have a good time playing together! I am so so grateful for all the time we are all able to spend together. This got me thinking about winter here. I don’t know where you live, but in MN, we have 4 very different seasons and there is something I love about each one of them! I sometimes wish winter was shorter, but it wasn’t too bad here this year with the really freezing temps, so that was nice. I enjoy the snow, but I like to be able to go out and enjoy snow shoeing, ice skating, ice fishing and all the winter activities we can do, so the -50 below with windchill really doesn’t appeal to me! Some of the things people in colder climates don’t talk about when they have more time indoors are cozy time by the fire watching movies, game nights with friends, being able to do more puzzles, quality time together baking and warming up the house, more time for reading, crafting and indoor hobbies as well as all the outdoor hobbies when it is nice that I talked about earlier. None of these things take much money, but will give you a lifetime of memories. Are you someone that looks at the positive things around you? When you start living a simpler life with less, you really do find more joy. You will end up really appreciating the little things in life, and notice how wonderful it is to be living a slower life with more time. What are you waiting for? Are you tired of the crazy busy life that sucks the life out of you? There is so much more for you friend! I want you to know there is so much freedom when you let go of having to keep up with other people and when you let go of possessions, you will feel so much lighter and alot happier! I know people that are always scrambling to get the next best thing and then once they have that, they need more and more because they think that is going to make them feel better. That may only make you feel better temporarily, but when you simplify, you have more time which you can never get back, you can focus on other people, and not just yourself, and you will be so satisfied! I challenge you to look at how you are feeling and what your focus is and see if there are things you can simplify or downsize so you can live your life happier with less stress. Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ xoxo, Monica
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| 22 Nov 2021 | Value vs. Time Assessment - Build a Balanced Life Plan for Tired Overworked Moms | 00:06:11 | |
Hi Friend!----more---- In this episode I am going to teach you the Value vs. Time Assessment so you can build a balanced life. ----more---- Learn where you need to make changes in your life so you know exactly the areas you need to change. ----more---- Private Claiming Simplicity Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4364108200322076/ ----more---- Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 06 Feb 2025 | EP 196 // 3 Steps to Reducing Your Busy, Stressful, and Overwhelmed Life with Simplicity | 00:05:15 | |
Hello Friend 1. Know Your PurposeOne thing that sets unbusy people apart is that they are crystal clear about their purpose. They’ve taken the time to figure out what really matters to them—what legacy they want to leave, what goals they want to pursue, and how they want to spend their days. When you know your purpose, you gain clarity. It becomes easier to filter out distractions because you know what to say yes to—and more importantly, what to say NO to. Take a moment to ask yourself:
When you’re guided by a clear purpose, you’ll find it easier to resist the countless opportunities and demands pulling at you daily. You’ll stay focused on what matters most. 2. Remember: Busyness is a Choice This one’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s empowering. Busyness is a choice. Yes, there are external demands on your time—jobs, parenting, commitments—but ultimately, you decide how to structure your days. Even when life feels overwhelming, you still have the ability to take control of your schedule. Maybe that means saying no to extra obligations that don’t align with your priorities. Or maybe it means reassessing whether the things keeping you “busy” are really worth the energy you’re giving them. You are not a victim of busyness. You are in control. 3. Value Rest as an EssentialWe live in a culture that treats rest like it’s a luxury, when really, it’s a necessity. Rest is not laziness—it’s what allows you to recharge and show up as the best version of yourself for the people and things you care about most. Think about it: Rest improves our health, strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and even makes us more productive. But if we don’t intentionally make space for it, rest gets crowded out by the busyness of life. Here’s your reminder to build rest into your routine:
I am usually in bed by 9 and natural wake up around 5:00, that might change a little on weekends, but I make 8 hours a priority as I know the significance of sleep and the role it plays in all areas of our lives. Rest is not a reward for finishing your to-do list. It’s the fuel that keeps you moving forward with intention and clarity. Remember, busyness is not inevitable—it’s a decision you make. And when you choose to prioritize purpose, embrace your power to say no, and make rest a non-negotiable, you can unbusy your life and create space for what truly matters. So let me ask you: What’s one thing you can let go of this week to create more margin in your life? Put it into practice, and see how it shifts your mindset and your days. I can’t wait to hear! God Bless! Monica
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| 07 Dec 2023 | Simplify Christmas This Year and Enjoy Slow Living and Being More Intentional with Your Family and Reduce Stress | 00:05:10 | |
Hello Friend!!!! Thanks for being here today! If you want your life and holiday to be simpler, you have to learn how to do that so that when unexpected things happen in your schedule, it doesn’t throw you off! I just want to share a few tips of how we keep our Christmas simple. We had an experience many years ago, that made us really make changes in how we did Christmas. We love going to church on Christmas Eve since this whole season is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and we want our kids to know that Jesus is the Reason for this season. It always felt like we had to rush here and rush there and we weren’t really enjoying it because it was so chaotic. We now can really enjoy Christmas with the focus being on Christ and having one less place to travel simplified the whole holiday. We still see those family members for Christmas, we just do it on a different day, so it works out perfect! We also simplified our schedules to keeping our time sacred and trying not to overplan activities. We used to host all kinds of gatherings from cookie exchanges to ugly sweater parties and we have reduced our activities so we can just enjoy the calm of the season because planning for all the activities along with everything else there is to do in about 4 weeks can be very exhausting and overwhelming. We have also simplified gift giving. We really only buy for Grandkids, make gifts for friends and then our gift to the family is renting a place for all the kids and grandkids every year usually in February or March, so that is another great way to make even more memories when there is less to do when the temperatures are so cold here! People and Kids will forget the gifts you give them, but they will remember the memories made! Another area we simplified on Christmas was to have soups or chillis ready in crockpots and dips and snack foods mostly prepared ahead of time when all the kids and grandkids are here, so nobody was having to spend the whole time in the kitchen. Having foods ready makes the whole experience relaxed and fun so you can spend treasured time together!!!! We play games and laugh alot! Kids have a blast with all their cousins and it just makes for a fantastic time!
I hope you have taken a few of these tips that you can implement into your busy season to enjoy slow living and being intentional with your time. Send me an email and let me know what your plan is this year! I would love to hear it!
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Talk soon Friend! Monica | |||
| 20 Nov 2023 | How to Reduce Stress for the Busy Mom During the Holiday so You Can Enjoy This Time with Family and Live More Intentional | 00:06:53 | |
Hey Friend! This is a past episode, so email me if you would like the recipes! I know you need to reduce stress and simplify your holiday processes as a busy mom trying to do it all. Create traditions, but keep it simple and enjoy more intentional living. Find free events in your area to save money. Make a list and plan your trips to town. Planning is key to keep everything simple and helping minimize it! So many good tips here! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ Enjoy! Monica | |||
| 26 Oct 2023 | Save Money on Groceries with Breakfast Food Swaps so You Can Feed Your Family Nutritious Food While Spending Less Money | 00:05:12 | |
Wow, I’m so glad you are enjoying this podcast-if there is anything you want me to talk about, just send me an email. I always love to hear from you! Since you loved the last episode on saving money on snacks so much, I thought I would do a quick episode on saving money on breakfast foods. Breakfast food is so simple to make and cheap compared to most other foods! When I want to stretch our budget even further, we will add breakfast meals as dinner meals. In the season we are in right now with limited time, in order for my family to eat nutritious food every morning without spending alot of time, I have to have meals prepared usually ahead of time. I like my kids to start out their day with a healthy protein. We butchered a couple pigs this Fall, so we have plenty of breakfast sausage,ham and bacon, and we usually have eggs with all of our chickens now, so I like to make up a bunch of breakfast sandwiches and have some in the fridge and some in the freezer. I also like to make up breakfast burritos with eggs, ham, sausage, bacon and cheese. I make big batches and it will last for several weeks. I try to make a bunch of sourdough bagels, english muffins, and croissants for different sandwiches because that is much cheaper and healthier than buying bread, bagels and muffins at the store, but even if you have to buy those from the store and make the sandwiches up yourself, you are going to save a bunch of money rather than buying made up sandwiches. Another thing we like to have is breakfast bowls and those are similar to the sandwiches, just without the bread. Eggs are some of the cheapest and healthiest meals you can make and they are so versatile. Many times I will just fry up sausage patties and bacon and just have it in the fridge and we use as we need it. It is so easy to just make everything at once so you only have to clean up once and you feel productive. I also like to make large batches of sweet breads and muffins and freeze into different portions because they are just so handy to have around. Homemade granola is super simple to make and I talked about making your own yogurt on the last podcast and with those we like to make yogurt cups with layered yogurt, granola and fruit. Anything we can grab and go in the morning is nice to have on hand. Instead of buying packaged waffles or pancakes, make your own and freeze them. Seriously, it is simple and they taste so much better. When I have an abundance of eggs, I will also make up some egg bakes and freeze them. I love to put them in the refrigerator the night before and bake in the morning, but we will also have these for dinners as well. I do have my favorite eggbake recipe on the blog at claimingsimplicity.com if you want to try it yourself! It is great as leftovers too! Another quick healthy breakfast idea would be overnight oats. We rarely eat oatmeal in our home, but that is another simple low cost nutritious option. Take a morning once a month and make some of these items. I promise you that if you are buying expensive packaged items and you switch to making some of your own simple breakfast, you will see your grocery budget shrink significantly. Even if you implement making 1 new item per month, that will help to lessen your grocery budget! Let me know if you try the eggbake on the blog and how your family likes it! I have been making this eggbake for 25 years and even the pickiest eaters love it!
If you are enjoying this podcast, you would also enjoy my short and sweet emails with tips to simplify, save money, and all things homesteading~just go to claimingsimplicity.com and join our newsletter list or check out the blog with recipes! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Be Blessed Friend! Monica | |||
| 04 Nov 2021 | Why I Created This Podcast and What You Can Expect to Hear | 00:03:05 | |
Trailer Simplified Home*Debt & Expense Reduction*Faith*Personal Development Are you a tired, exhausted, and overwhelmed mom looking to simplify your life? Do you want to get your priorities back in order so you can enjoy a balanced lifestyle? Are you tired of having debt and living paycheck to paycheck? Do you want to have time freedom to create memories and experiences with your family and friends? In this podcast, you will learn how to reduce debt and expenses, simplify your home, and learn ways to balance your values and your time. If you are ready to take back your time to what really matters most, you are going to want to listen to this podcast! Hey Friend! I am Monica H Baker! I am a Jesus lover, wife, mom of 5 kids, grandma, nurse, and homeschool mom. Over 20 years ago, 3 of my kids were 3 years old and under, I was working full-time in accounting and I heard something that CHANGED MY LIFE! I heard that if you compare your values and your time, you would have a clear picture of what is NOT working in your life! I realized that if I was going to put God and family first, I had to stop spending all my time at work. I had to create a plan in order to step into more balance. Together with God and my husband, I created a simplified life plan that allowed me to get out of debt, scale back my career, and still be able to live fruitfully with more purpose and time than ever before and I never looked back! My mission is to get as many moms out of debt that I can, teach how to simplify, and connect faith so you can live the best life! Follow me on instagram-＞ @claimingsimplicity Email me-＞ claimingsimplicity@gmail.com | |||
| 18 Dec 2023 | 5 Tactical Tips to Nurture Relationships and Create Traditions While Living a Simple Life | 00:05:26 | |
Hello! Welcome to another episode of "Claiming Simplicity," the podcast dedicated to help you create more meaning with a simpler life! I'm your host, Monica H Baker and I'm thrilled to share today's topic with you right before you may be gathering more than any other time of the year. "5 Tactical Tips to Nurture Relationships and Create Traditions While Living a Simple Life. Seriously, there is nothing that makes me more joyous than creating memories and experiences with family and friends. We have been so blessed to be surrounded by the best people. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of nurturing relationships and creating traditions. But, as a homesteader in Minnesota who values slow living and intentional living, I've learned that these aspects are essential for a fulfilling and balanced life. So, let's dive right into these 5 tactical tips that will help you strengthen your bonds and foster meaningful traditions, all while living a simpler life: Tip 1: Unplug and Connect - We often get caught up in the digital world. Take some time to unplug from screens and connect with your loved ones. Whether it's a family game night, a shared meal, or simply sitting around a fire pit, these moments can be the foundation of lasting traditions. As you probably figured out, I don’t sit still at all, so for us it is usually doing something as we spend time together. Last weekend, the family that was not hunting was making meals and enjoying time the animals outside, but sometimes we are making gifts, projects, or we even enjoy making our non toxic cleaning supplies together. Tip 2: Nature-Inspired Traditions - As a homesteader you have the perfect backdrop for creating traditions that embrace the wonders of nature-whether you live in town or country, you can find somewhere to enjoy the land and the beauty of God’s creation. Consider annual camping trips, hiking adventures, or even gardening together as a family. In the summer when we moved, my 13 year old said one of the things she was most sad about was that we weren't able to have a garden since we would be in between locations. We were very grateful to have such an awesome neighbor that let us do some gardening at her house, but it was really hard to keep on top of when we weren’t right there all the time. I like to go out to the garden at sunrise in the morning and just enjoy time with God and pull weeds, so we didn’t want to do that at someone else’s house! My kids like to watch the produce grow and enjoy gathering our harvest as well. I hope they always appreciate the little things in life. Tip 3: Embrace Seasonal Celebrations - Living a simple life allows you to appreciate the changing seasons. Use this as an opportunity to celebrate the unique beauty and experiences that each season brings. From spring picnics to cozy winter gatherings, these rituals will connect you with the rhythms of nature. I love this time of the year as we go from camping at the cabin, to hunting, Fall birthday parties, and then it is Thanksgiving, Christmas cookie making and traditions and then Christmas. We are so unbelievably grateful to be able to spend even more time with family and friends this time of the year. Tip 4: Handmade and Heartfelt Gifts - Encourage your family to create and exchange handmade gifts. This not only fosters creativity but also adds a personal touch to your traditions. It's a wonderful way to show love and appreciation. It has so much more meaning when you make something yourself and receive handmade items. We treasure homemade gifts. Tip 5: Community Involvement - As a homesteader, you're likely part of a tight-knit community. Get involved in local events and initiatives. You'll not only nurture relationships within your family but also with your neighbors. This sense of community can be a rich tradition in itself. If you don’t have something around you that you would like to attend, maybe it is something you would like to start! I started a homesteading womens group at our home just because there wasn’t anything in our area and it is such an amazing bunch of ladies. I look forward to having them over each month and we all learn from each other! Remember, simplicity doesn't mean sacrificing the depth of your relationships or the richness of your traditions. It's about savoring the moments that truly matter and letting go of unnecessary distractions. I hope these tips inspire you to nurture your relationships and create traditions that resonate with your values. Also, I am so excited to start communicating to you with simple tips and recipes through our email group a few times per month. You can either go to the website and join our email family or download one of our free resources. I look forward to getting to know you a little more!!!!!! Thank you for joining us on Claiming Simplicity. Until next time, slow down, live intentionally, and savor the beauty of a simpler life. Love ya! Monic Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners Products for Recipes ->https://referral.doterra.me/12623979
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| 30 Mar 2023 | 5 Ways to Save Money and Simplify This Easter. Easy Tips for a Budget Friendly Celebreation as a Busy Overwhelmed Mom | 00:06:01 | |
Hello Easter and Holidays can get expensive if you let them, but I have some money saving tips and tricks to reduce expenses, so you can cut costs without sacrificing the fun. You can have an elegant budget friendly celebration without breaking the bank! We usually host most holidays and it usually includes about 20-30 people, so not too crazy, but it does cost quite a bit of money and takes time to prepare all the food for that amount of people. If we aren’t careful we could easily overspend and can have a ridiculous amount of food that could go to waste, so you really need to think about the main portion of the meal first. Make sure and ask for help. Many times each family will bring a dish to share, so that is another way to help with the cost to save money and also give you less to prepare, so that you have more time. You want to enjoy your time with family, so the less you have to do, the better! Plan ahead! Start planning early and create a budget for expenses. This will help you avoid overspending and impulse purchases. Ideally, you would put this in the budget at the beginning of the year, but if this was missed, try to look at future holidays and put them in the budget now, so it doesn’t sneak up on you. If you have the items for your meal, you can watch for sales on those items and try to do your shopping at least a few weeks prior to the holiday because many times as you get closer to it, more people are shopping and sometimes they run out of items and also, you can watch for sales. Next, reduce decorations or DIY decor because most people won't even notice and you could spend alot of time and money on something that really isn’t necessary. If you feel that you need to decorate, try to find something after the holiday to get on clearance that you can use year after year. I used to decorate as a young mom because I thought I had to, but now I realize what a waste of money and time it is and I would rather put my money towards something more meaningful. Now if you enjoy decorating, then plan your budget accordingly….it just isn’t something I value. I think of how many kids could be fed with that amount or what I could do for those in need with that money, but we all have different values and that is ok! Reduce gift giving. Think about what this celebration is about. It is not about gifts or the Easter Bunny-it is all about Jesus, so keep the focus there. Some simple gift ideas would be some Christian books about Easter or something they may need. With the seasons changing here, I do like to get an outfit for each kid as many times they grow out of their summer clothes from the season before, but I tend to stay away from too much candy. We do a small easter basket each year, but we have reused the same Easter baskets since they were young. We do a large Easter Egg Hunt for all the kids, grandkids and cousins. I have small eggs that I fill for the younger kids and larger eggs for the older kids and that seems to work really well here and then we just reuse the eggs year to year. Also, you don’t have to get expensive candy. The kids just have so much fun finding the eggs! Our focus is more on our relationships with family than material items, so think about that this holiday season as well. Most of all- keep it simple! Holidays are to enjoy time with people you love and not about perfection, so simplicity is key to reducing overwhelm.
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Monica
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| 19 Jul 2024 | EP 180 // The Perfect Homestead Life is Simple Living and Intentional Time Creating Memories | 00:07:46 | |
Hello Friend! I'm just popping in today to let you know I am still here, just very busy on our homestead and making memories with kids and grandkids.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a more intentional life. Slow living and saying no to things that are not the most important is possible and attainable!
Love you! Monic Website and Waitlist: Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 07 Apr 2023 | 3 Easy Steps to the Best Boiled Eggs. It is Simple to Make the Perfect Easy to Peel Boiled Eggs and You Will Have Beautiful Deviled Eggs as Well. | 00:02:36 | |
Here is a quick bonus episode! I boiled 3 dozen eggs last night so I can make deviled eggs for Easter because we love deviled eggs even for a snack if they don’t all get eaten on Sunday and I remembered how many of my friends have trouble with getting their boiled eggs to peel easily and how long it took me to learn this simple way to make them, so here is a quick bonus episode so you can enjoy boiled eggs not only at Easter, but every day! It is such a good snack and we always have a bowl in our fridge and you can too!
First, bring plain water to a rolling boil.
Next, lower them carefully into the boiling water and try to be as gentle as possible so they dont crack and boil.
Lastly, drain hot water off of the eggs and run cold water on them and then put a bunch of ice over them. Let them sit and cool for at least ½ hour and then refrigerate.
Enjoy easily peeling them when you are ready! If you have ever had trouble with eggs not peeling well, you are going to be so excited to see how simple this is and well it works!
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Happy Easter! Monica | |||
| 11 Mar 2024 | EP 169 // 5 Simple Habits to Nourish Your Body Every Day with Nutrient Dense Foods | 00:07:22 | |
Hello! There are so many health benefits to eating nutrient dense foods and our family has really prioritized health the last few years as we have become aware of what is in store bought food more and more. If there are more than a couple ingredients in anything you plan to buy-stay away from it and find an option to make it yourself. I just heard a dentist say on a podcast that more kids are having tooth decay from goldfish crackers than candy! I remember when I thought they were a good option to candy, so that was quite shocking to me! Look at your ingredients! Here are just a few benefits:
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| 10 Jan 2022 | Part 1 - 63 Things We Don’t Buy to Save Thousands of Dollars | 00:13:16 | |
Hello! In this episode, I am going to go through 30 of the 63 items we do not buy to save thousands of dollars. It is the every day items that you don't even realize you don't need that is costing you extra money you could be saving! I would love to hear any money saving tips you have because I learn so much from you as well!!!! Send me a message ->claimingsimplicity@gmail.com We have started our decluttering challenge in our Private Claiming Simplicity Facebook Group and would love for you to join us! Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity Enjoy this episode and I love reading your reviews, so please leave a review on Apple podcast and I may give you a shout out on the episode! I truly appreciate each and every one of them! Monica | |||
| 16 Oct 2023 | Simple Ways to Make Money Homesteading So You Can Earn Money While Enjoying Living a Simpler Life | 00:04:53 | |
Hey Friend! Homesteading can be a fulfilling lifestyle, but it can also be challenging to make a living solely through homesteading activities. However, there are several ways to generate income while homesteading:
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| 16 Sep 2024 | EP 188 // Want More Peace in Your Life? #1 Tip to Living with Less Stress | 00:05:18 | |
Hey friend! Here is the info to take control of your future ->https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ I know if you are here, you are trying to live a simpler life! #1 Tip for more peace on today's episode! In a world that seems so out of control right now, you can have peace and live with less stress.We all know God has a plan and He is the one in control, but thre are steps you can do to plan for your own future and that may include you making some changes like starting an online business so you can work from home. Being able to be somewhat self reliant on our farm as much as possible might be a necessity in the near future, so being prepared for that is important to our family and might be something you think about as well but it can be stressful just thinking about it. Psalm 29:11. The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace. Love ya friend! Monica
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| 14 Mar 2023 | Do You Want a Calmer Home? 3 Areas of Your Home to Simplify Quickly to Feel More Peaceful and Enjoy Less Stress | 00:05:24 | |
Hey there I’m guessing that you most likely have chaos in so many areas of your life, so I want to give you simple tips you can quickly add more peace and less stress into your life. We are all so busy and I know you don’t need another thing to do, but I do want you to think about how easy a few of these things are to do to simplify and have a calmer home. I do think having too much stuff can weigh you down mentally, so I want to give you a few tips if you struggle keeping your house stress free as much as possible. First…..the Kitchen area Because this ends up being a drop off location for so many things, one of the simplest habits you can incoorporate is to get in the habit of tossing the mail that you do not need as you bring it in the door and make an area for the items that you need to do something with. When I grab the mail, I look through it and throw the junk mail in the garbage immediately and then put the other where it needs to go. If you are like me-out of sight, out of mind, so I have a cute basket on the wall of the items I need to do something with, so that I do not forget to do them. Also, make sure your dishes are done daily and keep your counters as clean as possible. Look at fridge-can you simplify? Are you wasting alot of food because it is so full? Put all the food that is going to expire into the front of the fridge and start making meals from those items. Last-Living Room: Especially if this is where people enter-less looks so much cleaner. Look at everything that is in this room. Can you relocate some of these things in a different area. Basket works really well to put items in at the end of the day. Can you clean up this area in a few minutes before going to bed and if not, you may want to eliminate some of the items I don’t want to give you too much to start out with because I know you are a busy mom, so tackle these 3 first and you will be on your way to a more calmer home! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
See ya next time! Monica
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| 27 Apr 2023 | Here is Some Important Information if You Plan to Raise Chickens as a Busy Mom and You Are Stressed Out Thinking About Adding More Responsibilities on Your Little Homestead | 00:05:09 | |
If you are planning on raising chickens, this episode will give you some important information about them to give you peace of mind as a busy overwhelmed mom because I know…..it is just one more thing to take care of!
Really, truely caring for chickens can be simple. Caring for chickens involves providing for their basic needs including food, water, shelte and you are going to want to do your research before you get some! I want you to come away from this episode today feeling confident that you can raise your own backyard chickens and it is not difficult.
I would really suggest that you find someone that is selling or giving away larger chickens if you are just getting started. There is just a little bit more work to raising baby chicks that are just hatched. We have gotten several chickens from different people that were moving and giving them away or they were selling some to reduce their flock and this was nice for us when we got started even though they were not all laying anymore, they still took care of the bugs in the yard which I appreciate! And they really are so fun to have around!
Chickens are not needy at all-Keep them fed and watered and they will be fine! If you are going to be gone for a few days, they will be ok as long as they have access to both. We don’t feel tied down with chickens, we can still go away for a couple days and not worry a bit about them unlike other animals, but if we do go away longer than that, we will have someone come over every few days and make sure they have water and feed.
It is simple to raise chickens and they don’t take much time out of your day to care for at all! Keep them fed and watered and gather eggs! Every once in a while you will have some chickens picking on other ones, so you might have to deal with that, but really, for the most part, they are super simple!
I can’t wait for you to get started! I have one more episode coming that I will give you everything you need to start raising chickens so you can get started right away! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Have a Blessed Day Friends! Monica | |||
| 10 Apr 2023 | 6 Benefits of Living a Simpler Life and 5 Ways You Can Begin to Live More Intentionally Right Now, Enjoy Your Life More and Reduce Your Stress | 00:05:20 | |
Happy Monday Friend!! If you have been enjoying learning about living a simpler life on this podcast, please take 30 seconds and leave a rating and review and let me know what you are loving about this podcast because that is how more people can learn about this podcast! Thank you so much!!!!! There are so many benefits to living a simpler life and after living the chaotic life for many years, I can’t even imagine going back to that. I never have guilt that I am unable to attend events and activities because now my schedule is flexible and I don’t have to miss out on anything and there is just an everyday enjoyment to life because my focus is on the things that matter to me and that I value. I want you to have this pure joy every day as well so here are 6 benefits you will enjoy when you slow down and live with more intention.
Getting started on a simpler life can be a gradual process, but here are some tips to help you begin:
Simplifying your life is a process and it won't happen overnight. Start with small steps and be gentle with yourself as you make changes. Over time, you may find that living a simpler life brings greater joy and fulfillment to your daily life.
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
xoxo, Monica | |||
| 02 Jan 2023 | Do You Really Want to Save Money in 2023? 3 Easy Ways to Reduce Expenses This Year | 00:06:24 | |
Happy New Year I can’t believe another year flew by so fast! Lets look at saving money today so you can get ahead of your finances right away this year! Do you really want to save money? This podcast will give you some tips to reduce expenses that you can easily put into place so you can reduce stress and anxiety with your money. Join our Facebook Group and get ahead on saving money this year with the No Spend Challenge. Join our Facebook Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Have a great week! Monica | |||
| 03 Jan 2022 | Importance of Minimizing Your Stuff and Eliminating the Things You Don‘t Need | 00:05:29 | |
Happy New Year Friend! In this episode, you will learn the importance of Minimizing your possessions and eliminating the things you don't need. Reducing items helps create the space and time necessary to pursue meaningful work, relationships and experiences. We talk about the 5 realizations you will come to when you simplify your stuff! Declutter challenge starts January 3rd in the Private Facebook Group->Claiming Simplicity I would love to see you there! Instagram-> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Send me a message ->claimingsimplicity@gmail.com See you in the group soon! Monica | |||
| 24 Oct 2022 | Are You a Mom That Values Material Items or Experiences? Stop Trading Time for Money and Enjoy Every Day! | 00:06:48 | |
Hey Friend This week’s show is a very important topic to me because we can not get our time back. We all have the same amount of hours every week and I don’t want you to waste them. The years go so fast and if you aren’t spending time on what you value, you might be feeling less joy than you could be. We are all wired different and we all have our own passions, but I see so many people get into the rut of the day to day grind and miss out on what their purpose really is and that breaks my heart! So many people are miserable, but feel like they have to work to buy all the material possessions to keep up with their neighbor! Yes, it is important to have an income because of the amazing impact you can make on others, but are you trading time for someone else’s dream? I have worked with so many people over the last 30 years that didn’t enjoy what they were doing, so first I want you to ask yourself to ask you if you are spending more than you make or breaking even? That might be a spending problem-in order to live a life you vision in your dreams, you need to live below your means and stop spending money on things you don’t need-many times spending is a coping mechanism for people that makes them feel good, but that is only temporary. My second question to you is, do you love what you are doing? If so, keep doing it!!!!!! Most likely your top values are balanced with your time. If not, what is stopping you from living your dream of doing what you love? Find something where your income isn’t tied to the time you put in. Find a business where you can enjoy doing it every day, but you have flexibility to work it around your top values, so you have more balance and peace. You can turn your passions into your work no matter what it is, you just need to start to dream again, be persistent and most likely, you will enjoy the journey and probably make alot more money in less time than a 9 to 5 job. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you can do anything! Many of you are not living your ideal life simply because you have to have brand name items,designer clothes, the newest phone or gadgets or fancy cars and houses, but after a while they don’t make you happy. I remember when we bought a newer suburban and I loved it because it fit all 5 of our kids in it comfortably even with 2 carseats, but then I had to make the first payment and I am not someone that has ever liked to have debt. I felt a burden of having that amount of debt and didn’t ever want a vehicle payment again!
I want you to have lasting JOY. If you want to be happier, you could start by shifting from material goods into experiences! What experiences do you like? Write down what you value-what you TRUELY VALUE. Experiences connect us and give us lasting memories! Do you want to travel and make memories with your family, do you want to raise your own kids with your own values and not the world’s values, do you just want to make your own schedule so someone else can’t tell you when you can and can’t take vacation? Take back control of your life! Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Blessing until next week! Monica
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| 30 Jan 2023 | 20 Simple Ways to Become More Sustainable and Eco Friendly in 2023 | 00:08:39 | |
Hello There are so many easy ways you can become more sustainable and many of them you can implement immediately and they are frugal as well! Just as we talked about homesteading last week and going slow to avoid overwhelm, I suggest you start making small daily changes and habits to start out with becoming more green or eco friendly as well so that you become more sustainable and envirnonmentally responsible. 1.Grow your own fruit and vegetable garden.
16.Only use natural non toxic facial creams or make your own 17.Buy used clothes 18.Condense your wardrobe
20 Keep it simple!
We can all do our part to become more sustainable, as you run out of products you have, just replace them with more non toxic. I do have recipes for my favorite non toxic products, so just shoot me an email and I will send those to you. Email is in the description below. We would love to have you join our community and the link is below! Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
May you be blessed this week friend! Monica
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| 29 Feb 2024 | EP 166 // Why are You Scared to Declutter and Simplify Your Life? | 00:05:03 | |
Hello! Decluttering changed my life so many years ago. I used to think that I didn’t want to get rid of something just in case I would need it again, but that is not the case. If I have something that I havent used in years and it would be less than $50 to replace, I donate it because I know how much energy it takes to keep that item, but honestly I haven’t missed anything other than a few weeks ago I was missing my heart pan to make pizza on or a big heart cookie for valentines day, but that wasn’t something I was going to buy again. Usually I can get away with using something else instead of that item-even though sometimes you have to get creative. I love that living with less gives you more freedom mentally and more time to do the things you enjoy and that you value. Time is a resource that you will never get back and you don’t want to have regrets. Because of the choices we have made in our life, I am able to be available to kids, grandkids and friends because my life is so much more flexible than it was when I was working for an employer building their dream. I want you to think of this: If you don’t simplify your life and don’t declutter, it can prevent you from acheiving financial freedom, it will keep you from spending quality time with people you love and possibly missing events with family that you will regret later, it will deny you the opportunity to pursue your own dreams, and it means your priorities are in the wrong places when you have too much stuff which will affect your faith as well. Decluttering will reduce stress and overwhelm and help you focus on the true meaning in this world. You are a pebble that can make a ripple in so many areas, so I encourage you to simplify, so you have the time to make a difference in the lives of others. You don’t want to be to busy doing things that don’t really matter. Remember, focusing on eternal rewards is far better than any item on this earth will offer us. Once again, we can’t take our possessions to the grave, so stop stiving to keep collecting stuff. We are on this earth for such a short time, don’t waste your time on achieving money to buy things that your children will have to get rid of when you are gone. Your family won’t remember the things you bought them, but they will remember the time you spent with them. Instead of buying stuff, why don’t you donate money to kids or family in need, take a mission trip, or something to help someone else. We are here to love others and make a difference. Simplify your life and ditch the clutter so you aren’t bogged down mentally and physically and be the change in this world.
Talk soon! Monica
Website and Waitlist:
Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ | |||
| 10 Feb 2024 | EP 162 // Stress Free Steps to Transform Your Kitchen With Simple DIY Non Toxic Cleaning Recipes to Remove Toxins fromYour Home and Live More Naturally | 00:05:32 | |
Hello! I hope you are having a fantastic day! Have you ever thought about what you are using to wash your dishes that goes on the plates and cups you eat from? I want you to know how simple it is to make your own dishsoap, dishwasher detergent, counter cleaner, and hand soap. These 4 items will take you very little time so you can easily transform your kitchen to using less toxins to become a more natural home. Dishwasher Dishsoap Counter cleaner Hand soap If you are conscious of what you are eating, you will want to be aware of what you are using as well. It is super simple to make these DIY cleaning products and they will save you money and once you see how easy it is, you probably wont ever go back to using the toxic products anymore. I’m so excited for you to try it, so please send an email and let me know if you have any questions and your experience once you make it! ~Monica DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaners On Guard Concentrate -> On Guard Concentrate Website and Waitlist: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ | |||
| 13 Feb 2023 | 3 Simple Ways You Can Save Money on Groceries in 2023 with Rising Prices of Food. Reduce Expenses All While Keeping Your Meals Simple, Thrifty and Healthy | 00:04:51 | |
Hello Friend It was really amazing how little I spent on food last month with our no spend challenge and I thought there is no reason we can’t eat like this all year because we wasted so much less. I honestly don’t like cooking anything that is putsy or takes alot of time, so my goal is to have simple, thrifty, and healthy meals!
Saving money and learning how to make your own foods is an important skill to have as we continue to see grocery prices rise. It is just an extra benefit to being able to have better tasting food that is healthier for you without all the additives and preservatives in the store bought food.
I am compiling a list of my favorite recipes that I like to use to swap out the expensive food/mixes from the store, so if you want to get on the wait list, just send me an email and say wait list!
Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Have a fantastic day! Monica
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| 24 Jan 2024 | EP 155 // Did You Know Eating Seasonally as a Homesteader Can Save You Money on Food? 7 Ways to Reduce Your Grocery Budget in the Future | 00:05:05 | |
Hey Friend Eating seasonally refers to the practice of consuming foods that are naturally harvested and available during a specific time of the year. This approach involves aligning your diet with the natural growing cycles of various fruits, vegetables, and other food items. Eating seasonally means choosing foods that are harvested at their peak ripeness during a particular season. For example, enjoying watermelon and berries in the summer, or butternut squash and apples in the fall.
Seasonal eating often involves selecting foods that are locally grown and available in your region. This supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of transporting produce over long distances
Seasonal foods are picked at their prime, offering the best taste and nutritional value. Freshness and flavor are heightened when you consume foods during their natural season.
Seasonal produce tends to be more nutrient-dense because it is allowed to fully ripen before harvest. This means you get a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals in your meals.
Eating seasonally fosters a connection with the changing seasons and the natural rhythm of agricultural cycles. It encourages a sense of mindfulness about the origin and availability of your food
Here are some budget friendly tips to saving money on food. ~Purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers' markets or directly from farmers. Local produce is often more affordable, and you support local businesses if you are not growing your own produce. ~Take advantage of bulk discounts when seasonal items are abundant. You can freeze or preserve extras for later use, ensuring you have affordable, fresh options year-round. Since we moved last year, I had to buy more produce because I wasn’t able to grow everything myself last year. Actually, we just recently took our frozen tomatoes out of the freezer and made our spaghetti sauce. ~Farmers' markets often offer competitive prices, and you might find unique, seasonal produce that's more affordable than in supermarkets ~If you have any CSA programs around you, they allow you to buy a share of a local farm's harvest. This not only supports farmers but also provides you with a regular supply of seasonal produce at a potentially lower cost, so this is a great option too if you don’t grow your own food. ~Tailor your meal plans based on what's in season. This helps you take advantage of lower prices for in-season items and avoids the expense of out-of-season produce. We eat ALOT of zucchini in the summer……..zuchinni noodles, zucchini tots, fried zucchini, grilled zucchini and all kinds of great meals. ~When seasonal fruits and veggies are abundant and less expensive, consider preserving or freezing them for later. This allows you to enjoy seasonal flavors throughout the year without paying a premium price. ~Prepare larger quantities of meals when seasonal ingredients are affordable, and freeze portions for later. This can save you money by avoiding last-minute, more expensive food choices By aligning your grocery shopping with the seasons and being mindful of where and how you purchase your food, you can savor the benefits of seasonal eating while keeping your budget in check Overall, eating seasonally is a holistic approach that considers the natural cycles of food production, supports local agriculture, and enhances the taste and nutritional quality of your meals. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle ~Monica Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 12 Dec 2022 | Saving Money with Gift Giving this Christmas Season and No Spend Challenge | 00:06:38 | |
Hey Friend When I think about all the money spent on Christmas, the amount of gifts and stuff that is added to each household, and the thought of the small percent of those items that are even used or enjoyed, it makes me cringe!
I am not the best gift giver because I am so practical, but when I was a young mom with small kids trying to buy gifts just to have something for everyone even though we didn’t have much of a Christmas budget, I realized that this is not how Christmas was suppose to be. The hustle and bustle of getting gifts for people in hopes they will like them and then finding time to do the dreaded job of wrapping them(thank goodness my teenagers enjoy doing that now!) and if they were like me-they probably didn’t even use the gift and it would eventually be put into a donation box so it wasn’t just taking up space in our home. We never went into debt because we were too poor to have credit cards, but we did eat alot of cheap meals to save extra money in October, November, and December ~even more than the normal frugal meals, but I don’t think the kids really even noticed!
Throughout the years, we have changed the way we do things and made the Christmas Season all around much simpler and a whole lot cheaper. We do alot of baking because we enjoy doing that this time of the year, so we make up small plates of goodies to give people instead of gifts. If you don’t bake, buy a variety of goodies and split them up into different plates to give. Fruit baskets are always great too! Usually much cheaper if you make your own! If we have families that we give to, we will do a little basket of hot cocoa with a few different toppings such as crushed andes mints or candy canes, mini chocolate chips, marshmallows, toffee bits, caramel sauce and redi whip and you know that will get used because it is a nice cozy treat when you live somewhere cold like we do!!!! The simpler you keep the season, the more you are going to enjoy it and it is alot less stress when you are able to stay in your budget. I think sometimes people end up buying gifts for people just because they have always done it and probably don’t realize the other person would be happy to lessen their gift giving as well! Just talk to the other families if they want to do things differently! More and More people are moving toward simplicity and minimalism and most would be happy to have less stuff to find a place for and keep organized. See you back next week! Make sure to join our free Facebook group below for the NO SPEND JANUARY Challenge!
Join our Facebook Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Have a fabulous week! Monica | |||
| 30 May 2023 | What Could You Change So You Enjoy Your Life More and Why Do You Want to Make a Change? Practice Simple Living and Intentional Living so You Enjoy a More Peacefull Life with Less Stress | 00:05:36 | |
As I was driving home yesterday, I was just thinking about you and if you are actually living how you want to be living. It is just so different when you are living in God’s will and what He wants you to do and you are not living as the world lives and how they think you “should” be living. So many people just go to college to get a job they don’t even enjoy and feel like they have to do it every day just to keep up with others and collect possessions that they don’t even have time to enjoy. Is this you? I am here to tell you that your life does not have to be this way. Sometimes you have to step out in faith to do something different even when others don’t understand. Many people don’t even understand how to make money without working for someone else, but since 2020, it has been so nice to see even more people start businesses doing what they love and finding communities of like minded people is so much easier now which is so much to hang out with people with the same values. Surrounding yourself and your family around these positive friends can be so rewarding!
I want you to take a look at what is going well in your life and what you would like to change. Is your time aligned with your values or are you getting up to go to work for someone else every day, but wishing you were doing something else? Are you tired of the hustle just to get by day after day so that you can have those expensive vehicles so you can look good to those around you? Do you trade time for money and you are always hustling trying to get ahead? I am here to let you know that it does not have to be that way-life is too short not to enjoy what you are doing. I believe that everything you do should have God in the center of it all - family and business and when you put Him first and your roots are deep, you can withstand anything because you know He is the Rock on which it all stands. Many times it comes down to trusting - are you trusting Him with everything and have you surrendered it all to Him? I believe this is one of the first steps. Next, look at that list. Where can you make changes right now? How can you reduce debt quickly? Sell anything you have payments on. If you could reduce one or 2 car payments, how would that change your debt? There are many reliable vehicles for a reasonable price if you are willing to drive something older. We like to find older vehicles with lower miles that we can pay cash for because not only will you be saving on a car payment, but older vehicles are cheaper to insure and you don’t have to have full coverage on them because you don’t have a loan on them. If you don’t have money to make repairs if they should come up, you might want to keep full coverage on them until you do have a nice little saving for those just in case moments, but you could save thousands of dollars on car payments and reduced insurance costs each year just on vehicles. If you want to live a life of your dreams without debt, you are also going to want to stop impulse and frivolous spending. This doesn’t mean you go without, but it does mean that until you are living this debt free life, you try to be more intentional with your spending and purchases. Do you really need that brand name purse or decor? If you think certain brands make you a better person, you are wrong! In fact……most of us living our dream life don’t even know if you are wearing designer jeans or have a designer purse because we don’t focus on materialism. We focus on being more like Jesus and shining our light and not our possessions and you can too!!!! If you die tomorrow, do you really think people would talk about your purse or the vehicles you had, absolutely not!!!! They talk about the kind of person you were and the life you lived! Spread joy everywhere you go!
I want you to make that list today of where you could reduce your debt so that you can begin this journey of freedom to live the life you have always dreamed of! It takes time, but it is so worth it friend!
If you need help, please reach out to me! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Have a blessed day! Monica | |||
| 09 Feb 2023 | Do You Want to Slow Down and Have a Simpler Life? 3 Steps to Begin Your Simple Living Journey That You Can Start Right Now No Matter How Busy You Are | 00:06:29 | |
Welcome to another week of Claiming Simplicity Are you wanting to pursue more simplicity in your life? Many years ago, I realized I wanted to spend my days with more meaning and not consuming and competing.
Pursuing a simplified life can be just as exhausting at times as pursuing the fast one because it doesn’t just happen on its own. You still have to manage balancing family life, work life, and personal life—while trying to maintain a slower life. You may have to learn new skills from budgeting differently to learning how to cook from scratch or preserving food and there is a learning curve if you don’t know how to do these things. It is so very rewarding though! In my current season, serving my husband, children and grandchildren calls for most of my energy, so my business is often secondary. There’s a lot of No in my vocabulary right now because we say yes to better things, but with each new season, that will always be changing. I have 2 daughters still at home that homeschool and are in sports year round, so that takes much of my focus because I know that season will be over in 6 years and I want them to know they are my priority right now. I also work my businesses early in the morning and free hours that we are not running with kids. Kids are only young for so long and I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want you to miss out either! So what are you doing to make a change? If you don’t make a plan and start, you will be exactly where you were last year! Please please please make a plan to learn something new and begin to move forward so when you look at your goals for this year, you can look back and be proud of yourself! I want to give you some skills because this is what my brand is all about!
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| 12 Jan 2023 | Make a Simple Change to Your Life & Enjoy Slow Living. 5 Tips to Learn How to Go From Being an Overwhelmed Busy Mom to Being More Peaceful With Less Stress & Anxiety & Enjoy Your Life | 00:03:39 | |
Hey! Did you know that being busy is destroying health, relationships, and connection to faith? Have you noticed how the busier you are, the more stress you have? Being pathologically busy is actually a threat to your well being! I recently read a book my friend suggested from John Comer called The ruthless elimination of Hurry and if you have not read this, you should! This is such a great book! He says hurry is not of the devil, but hurry IS the devil, so slowing down can help you live a fulfilling life. The Bible says walk with Jesus, not sprint with Jesus! New technology has made us busier because it is a huge sinkhole. Trying to be everything and be everywhere is making you exhausted and I want you to commit the limited time you have to focus on the the things that are most important to you instead. Time is not the problem, it is how we use the time that is causing us stress and anxiety.
Here are some suggestions from the book:
Living intentionally and paying attention to what can give you lots of time and peace of mind.
I pray you are able to simplify your life to enjoy slow living. Live more intentionally to reduce stress and anxiety and enjoy your life once again. xoxo, Monica Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ | |||
| 20 May 2024 | EP 178 // Simplified Spring Cleaning Tips to Reduce Stress So You Can Enjoy Your Summer Outdoors or Gardening and Less Time Indoors Cleaning for Busy Families | 00:05:34 | |
Hello Friend I know you are looking forward to summer and if you want to spend most of your days outside instead of cleaning inside, you are going to want to do these steps now so you have less stress when summer comes! When you simplify your Spring cleaning system, you will feel less overwhelmed and more at peace. There was a time when I felt that I was wasting so much time always cleaning, but that was before I simplified my life. It felt like a never ending cycle of cleaning one area and by the time I got to all the areas, I needed to clean the area I started with again and it was exhausting! I am not a type A person, so I’m always random because I always want to fit the most important part of my life first and I don’t want God or my family to just get leftovers. As my life gets fuller and fuller with a larger family with more Grandkids, I want to spend time with them and not time cleaning and keeping up on the house and I bet you understand this as well! You have to make a plan and what it is that you really want to get done. This is a big deal! When you plan your time and add it to your calendar, you are bound to get alot more done! Even 15 minutes at a time will help you get ahead! Next, start decluttering. When you have less items to manage, you have less mental stress and less you have to keep up on, so I want you to start with one room of your house and eliminate anything you do not use. This may take a little bit of time, but I promise you, it will be worth it in the end! What a game changer it is to have to clean less because you have less to organize and manage! Once summer comes, you can be outside without having to waste time in the house cleaning or organizing! Next, reduce what you clean with. I only use a few items for cleaning and this reduces overwhelm in having to keep up on what you have on hand so it keeps cleaning simple and also saves money! We have a multipurpose spray that we use for most of the cleaning, some toilet bombs, and vinegar with essential oils which covers almost everything!!!!! If you want the recipes for the DIY cleaners, I will leave the link in the show notes! I also have other simple items on that you might like as well! Enjoy! If you don’t have a roomba, I suggest putting it in your budget when you can get it -we don’t have animals in our house, but it is works incredibly well. I have an app and have it scheduled for times it works for our family and it just automatically runs! It doesn’t get everything, but saves me from having to dust or mop the floors more than a few times a year or if it gets soiled! I like to go through my clothes, cupboards and bathroom every Spring to just eliminate anything I don’t need. It doesn’t take me very long because after Christmas, I like to purge as much as I can too, so it is just a matter of seeing if there is anything you haven’t used or won’t use for the summer season. I spend most of our time outside, with family or at our cabin in the summer if it works, so I don’t do any purging, decluttering or organizing usually until Fall, and that is usually a quick declutter of canning and preserving items and getting the summer clothes swapped out for our winter clothes. With less stuff, there is so much less cleaning and you can spend time doing what you love and being outdoors! So much less stress! Blessings! Monica Website and Waitlist: Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 28 Mar 2024 | EP 174 // Simplify Your Gardening Plans This Year with These 3 Strategies for Less Stress When Growing Your Own Food | 00:07:19 | |
Happy Holy Week! I didn’t grow up gardening and so I don’t even know how to do a normal garden! I started my gardening journey by tilling up an area of our yard-well, my husband tilled it for us and then we just planted seeds and plants. This kinda worked and we got some produce from it, but I could never keep the weeds under control as we have full lives and a cabin we would go to every week and family camp for 10 days over the 4th of July. I had to make some changes or I wouldn’t garden at all. I had to keep it simple or I would be overwhelmed and would quit gardening. Everything I do, I tweak into simple systems and this goes for gardening too~it has to be simple for me because our lives are very full! I don’t like to spend alot of time in the kitchen cooking and I don’t like to spend alot of time in the garden weeding either~I have grandkids to enjoy!!!!!! If you live in the city, apartment, or are a suburban homesteader, you can plant your garden in pots or raised beds in a small area and just start out with a few items that you eat often just to learn how to garden. You can always add more and this will keep you from getting stressed out and overwhelmed with gardening. If you are having trouble with growing food, one of the first suggestions I would say is to get your soil tested. We had very sandy soil, so we had to add alot to ours for it to grow better. I actually started vermicomposting several years ago as well and that has been so much help for our garden. Vermicomposting is something you can do in a suburban area, city or apartment as it doesn’t take up much space. Let me know if you want more information on it, but listen to episode 32 to start with!!!! It is so simple and important for your garden! I’m going to order more worms and expand as I have a much larger garden space at our new home. My 2nd tip is if you want to keep critters away, we sprinkle blood meal around our garden and a small amount around our plants and nothing goes near them. I do this also for my flowers that the chickens might attempt to eat. I actually now have my flower beds away from the chickens, but this also keeps the deer and rabbits away which is nice because they used to eat all my hostas and other plants just as they were coming up from the ground! I used to make a natural deer and rabbit spray with eggs and spices, but every time it rained I had to reapply and the animals seems to beat me to the plants, so the blood meal has been nice as I only usually have to spread it a couple times all year and you use such a little amount. And lastly, this year I am going to try the no dig garden as it is supposed to be much better for the plants so I don’t know if I am going to need to do this or not, but in the past, we got smart with the weeds and layed out fabric and burnt holes in it to plant seeds or plants and we rarely had to weed. This worked amazingly for us and our garden was very plentiful. I posted a video of our garden in our facebook group if you want to see what it looked like. We would have a few weeds here and there, but most of it was covered so the weeds couldn’t get through. If you want to see these videos and be a part of our community, the link will be below! And here is a bonus tip if you are able to do this. Set up an automatic watering system. Our last home was on the river, so we drilled in water lines to the garden and then had hose to each plant and had it on a timer, so I never had to worry about the garden getting watered if we were away for an extended period of time and this was a life changer~especially during the summers when we got very little rain. I’m not sure how exactly my husband is planning on setting this up at our new home, but he probably has a plan as we have a hydrant close to one of the large gardens and he will most likely drill another line into the other one to keep everything running smoothly and without alot of hands on work. It does take time to set up simple systems, but once they are set up, it all runs systematically and is much less work!
I would love to know any simple tips to help keep your garden abundant and stress free!!!!!! Send me an email or join our community at the link below and let me know! Website and Waitlist: Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://pin.it/4ulAVwr You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/ Happy Easter!!!!! Monica
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| 18 Mar 2024 | EP 171 // Simplify the Food You Buy at the Store Once You Understand Ingredients In Them and Imporove Your Family’s Health by Learning to Make Food from Scratch at Home | 00:05:20 | |
I really do beleive that alot of it has to do with the food we eat. There are so many hidden poisons in packaged food that are banned in other countries, so I believe diving into food labels and simplifying our choices can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. This topic is close to every homesteader's heart – we all want to deciphering those food labels and embrace the beauty of minimal ingredients. Picture this: you're standing in the grocery aisle, scanning rows of products, each has an array of ingredients you can barely pronounce. Sound familiar? It's time to reclaim control and return to simplicity! Why should we care about those tiny print labels? Well, they're like treasure maps, guiding you to the healthiest choices. By adopting a "more is less" approach – aiming for foods with less than 2-3 ingredients – this will help you not just simplify your shopping trips, but also nourish your bodies with wholesome goodness. So, what's the secret sauce to deciphering these labels? It's all about prioritizing quality over quantity. Look for real, recognizable ingredients – think fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Skip the lengthy chemical compounds and opt for foods that Mother Nature herself would recognize. When it says other natural ingredients, that should be avoided as well as you don’t really know what that is. Look at your bread you have right now if you get it from the store. I looked at a loaf the other day when I was grocery shopping and there were about 15 ingredients in it! Bread is flour, water and yeast. If you don’t have time for sourdough, you do have time for regular bread-I have a recipe that takes less than 10 minutes plus bake time and you can make multiple loaves at a time. I make mine in bulk, so I only have to make it 1 day every 5-6 weeks and that gives me peace of mind that I am helping with my family’s health and wellbeing. If you have not already, please get on the waitlist for my program that is going to help you start making simple swaps from the store step by step so you can fit this into your life no matter how busy you are. I am the queen of simplicity and I love teaching others to do the same! The link to my website to sign up will be below! I get it – life gets busy, and convenience is king. That's why i’m not suggesting you ditch all pre-packaged foods entirely. Instead, just get savvy with your selections. Seek out brands committed to transparency and integrity, with short, sweet ingredient lists you can trust. And let's not forget the joy of homemade food! Channel your inner homesteader and whip up your own pantry staples – from creamy nut butter to zesty salad dressings. Not only do you control what goes in, but you'll also savor the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. You won’t ever want to go back to store bought items after you see how simple they are to make and how you can save money! So, dear friend, let's make a pact to simplify our plates and nourish our bodies with foods that speak the language of simplicity. Remember the journey to wellness begins with just 2-3 wholesome ingredients. Until next time, keep claiming simplicity in every aspect of your life friends! ~Monica Website and Waitlist: Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 31 Jan 2022 | Importance of Simplifying to Have More Time for Yourself and the Value of Hobbies | 00:07:37 | |
Hello! In this episode, I will talk about the importance of learning to live minimally because you need time for yourself and the very much needed 6 reason why you need to have a hobby! If you are so busy and overwhelmed, you will need to really look at your life and where you can simplify so you can start to put your values in order and begin to have time for yourself and enjoy a new hobby - or an old one if you just put it on the back burner! I would love to hear from you! Private Facebook Group -> Claiming Simplicity Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Have a wonderful week! Monica | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | What is Financial Success as a Christian? Take a Look at an Eternal Point of View of Money | 00:04:18 | |
Hey Friend! What is financial success to you? So many people define financial success as retiring early, a million dollars in the bank, material Items and how much they accumulate, but I believe it should look different as a Christian. I challenge you to look at this differently. As Christians, we are eternal beings and I believe that our life should not be measured by what we accumulate on earth, but by what we give.
Instead of fancy vehicles and focusing on material items, choose to give more to those in need and give all the glory to God. There are so many opportunities to give- missionaries, and so many many Christian based ministries. Your money is God’s money-keep your hands wide open for what He wants you to do with it. Once you change away from the world’s view of materialism, you may think about giving in a different way. When you value your priorities differently, you can change the world with God’s help. He can do big things through you, so don’t ever doubt that once you change your life, you will see a difference. We are proof that once you change the focus from yourself to others, everything changes. We have seen God’s hand in so many things more than ever these last 10 years.
Don’t ever place your worth in a dollar value. Look at financial success as God does. Eternity is forever, but our time on this earth is short. Make sure you are making the best of it and giving wherever you can. God sees you and it will not go unnoticed. Sometimes this means giving of your time if you don’t have the funds because serving is also considered giving.
I just wanted to bring this up because I had this conversation with a friend recently and we both thought most people don’t think like this, so this is just something for you to ponder on this lovely day!
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
God Bless! Monica
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| 30 Sep 2024 | EP 193 // Save Money on Groceries as Food Costs Continue to Increase with Inflation | 00:07:05 | |
Hello Friend Want an extra income -> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ Do you find that every time you go to the grocery store, you spend more than you budget? The food prices continue to rise and I want to give you some simple ideas today to start saving on groceries right now. Depending on where you live in the world, you may be able to start a garden and that is my #1 way to save money on food. You can have healthy food without any pesticides when you grow it yourself and that can sustain you for several months of the year depending on your season and how much you can preserve. We try to eat seasonally as much as possible to save money on food, but that wasn’t always the case for me when we didn’t source our own chicken, eggs, pork and milk. Another thing that saves our family alot of money is hunting as we usually get several deer and sometimes bear. In the summer and winter we also catch as much fresh water fish as possible too. Enjoy the episode and let me know your favorite ways to save money on food! Monica Email me at monica@claimingsimplicity.com
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| 23 Sep 2024 | EP 191 // Simplifying Your Daily Homestead Routine: 3 Tips to Make Farm Life Easier | 00:05:13 | |
Hey Friend! Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ Today, we’re diving into the heart of homestead life with three practical tips to help you simplify your daily routine. Whether you're raising animals, growing your own food, or just trying to balance cooking from scratch, homeschooling and homestead tasks with family life, this episode is for you. Tip 1: Streamline Chores by Creating a Rotating Schedule One of the most common challenges on the homestead is managing the never-ending list of daily chores. The key to simplifying your routine is to stop treating everything as a daily emergency. Instead, break your chores down into manageable chunks by creating a rotating schedule. For example, feed the animals and collect eggs daily, but stagger larger tasks like garden maintenance, deep cleaning animal pens, moving fencing or preserving food. This helps you focus on only what needs to be done each day, rather than trying to do everything at once. It’s also a way to involve the whole family, assigning specific days to different tasks. Think of it like meal planning—once it’s written out, it’s one less thing to think about." Tip 2: Invest in Time-Saving Tools "One of the easiest ways to simplify your homesteading life is by investing in the right tools. Not every task should be manual—there are tools and technologies that can save hours of time and energy. A good drip irrigation system, an automatic chicken door, or even something as simple as a wagon for hauling feed can drastically cut down on time spent doing repetitive tasks. I know one thing that will be priority next year is setting up a no maintenance garden because the no till option did not work out so well for me, but at least I tried! This may seem like an upfront expense, but remember: time is money, especially when you’re balancing so many responsibilities on the homestead. What tools can you implement today to shave off 10-20 minutes of your daily routine? Tip 3: Group Similar Tasks Together Another great way to simplify your homestead routine is by grouping similar tasks together. Instead of running back and forth across your property all day, make the most of your time by batching your activities. If you're headed to the garden to harvest vegetables, bring along any tools you might need for weeding or mulching. When you check on your animals in the morning, bring their feed and fresh water with you. Grouping tasks can be a huge time saver and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks that come with homesteading. Plus, it helps you stay focused and more efficient in everything you do and I am the queen of streamlining and simplifying. I’m sure my husband will be happy when our set up here is complete…..I’m not sure it ever will be completely, but if something isn’t running smooth or isn’t efficient -especially in the long winters we have here-I change it up to be more simplified. We will be going into winter with at least 12 piglets-unless we deliver anymore from a pig that got in with the boar 1 day, but so far she isn’t looking pregnant. We also have 5 grown pigs, 13 goats, and about 30or so chickens, so it has to be efficient with this amount of animals. Homesteading doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple strategies, like a rotating schedule, time-saving tools, and grouping tasks, you can lighten your load and enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to build. Simplifying isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about working smarter, not harder, so you can spend more time doing the things that matter most. Thank you for joining me today. If you found these tips helpful, be sure to share this episode with a fellow homesteader, and stay tuned for more content on simplifying your life while creating a more sustainable future. ~Monica | |||
| 10 Sep 2024 | EP 186 // Freeze Drying Experience and 3 Tips to Prepare for Winter | 00:06:27 | |
9-10-24 EP 186 // Freeze Drying Experience and 3 Tips to Prepare for Winter Simple Passive Income-> https://www.claimingsimplicity.co/ Welcome back to Claiming Simplicity where I like to keep everything as simple as I can so you can live a more fruitful life! If we haven’t met, I’m Monica H Baker and I’m just a small town girl, just soaking up every minute on this earth doing God’s Will and helping as many people create an intentional life, homesteading and enjoy all God has created for us! We have been busy here harvesting our food that has done quite well over the summer……I am now on my 2 batch of freeze dryer items and so far I am absolutely loving the ease of freeze drying food verses canning. I do love canning though and I have done quite a bit this season as well, but it takes a little more time than freeze drying. Some of the items I have used in my freeze dryer so far are sweet corn, carrots, apples, pickle chips, and peppers. I really like that I don’t have to make space in the cupboard for jars, the food has more nutrition that canning or dehydrating, it is simple and it will stay good for several years!!!!!! Now that we have it and it is set up, I can say it is very nice and we are going to be running as much as we can in the next month.
We have such a short growing season here, everything is ready at the same time, so there is such a short window of time to get everything harvested and so I want to give you 3 tips if that is where you are at right now as well.
Have a blessed day and make sure to share this podcast with any of your friends that want to simplify life! | |||
| 23 Jan 2023 | What Does Homesteading Mean and How Can You Begin to Homestead and Live a Simpler Life with Less Stress and Less Overwhelm | 00:05:29 | |
Welcome Friend! I love love love to talk about all things natural, homemade, and living a simplified life, so today, I wanted to talk about what exactly homesteading is because there seems to be so many different ideas. Homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, so homesteading life for each of us can be so very different, so now you know why people have so many different thoughts about it!! You can live in an apartment, city, or in the middle of nowhere and you can still homestead no matter what your situation is. You can live a simple life with little money, so if this homesteading lifestyle is something you dream of, why not get started now? If you live in an apartment or the thought of homesteading overwhelms you, begin your homesteading journey by learning simple ways to prepare and preserve food. If you don’t know where to start, I suggest you start by replacing foods you buy at the store that you can make. Honestly, if you are worried about homesteading and working full time, the things that I suggest you learn first are super simple and not time consuming at all! Dry mixes, cream soups, and breads are a fabulous place to start, but honestly the possibilities are endless as to what you can do to become more self-sufficient!! Homesteading can actually save you alot of money when you start switching out homemade food for convenient foods, and it is alot healthier. Something else you can do is try to grow some garden plants indoors - start small and this will give you encouragement to possible someday have a bigger scale garden. I enjoy gardening, but many years the weeds have taken over, and it wasn’t good, but we do have a simple solution now with a method that automatically waters and I have very little weeds to pull, but I had much trial and error over the years. Some plants I can grow really well, and some plants I can’t and sometimes it will depend on the year, so please please please do not get discouraged, use it as a learning lesson. One lesson I learned a few years ago is that we will never use horse poop as fertilizer-we had weeds and thistles take over and it was out of control. If you live in the city and want to start with animals, find out if you are allowed to have backyard chickens! They are a really easy way to start with animals and produce your own food. We have about 25 free range chickens and I almost feel like I need to hide my eggs with the price of them right now! We just raised our price at the beginning of the year and we are still cheaper than the store- fresh homegrown is the only way to go! Chickens are such an easy animal to begin with and my favorite thing about them is that we can feed and water them and still go away for the weekend and they are fine. You don’t have to make a fancy coop either. Depending on where you live and how harsh your winters are, you do have to take that into consideration though to make sure they are warm enough. We buy a dozen chicks every Spring or every other spring so that we always have fresh eggs when some of them stop laying. This year, we are going to get a rooster and try to hatch our own chickens, so I will have to let you know how that goes. We have had chickens for several years, but this will be our first year trying to hatch our own. That is the best thing about Homesteading-many learning experiences, but you have the flexibility to do it when it works for you-take it slow and enjoy the journey! It really is an amazing life! This is truely an amazing lifestyle and it is so good for our children and grandchildren to learn these skills. So many people think that it costs alot of money to get started, but it can actually save you money if you start small. It will also reduce overwhelm if you take it slow. Learn one skill and then move to the next - and remember that you can keep it very simple like I have!
Subscribe to the podcast if you have not already so you don’t miss any episodes and I would really appreciate it if you take a few seconds to rate and review so that I can reach more listeners like you! Thanks for being here!
Monica
Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
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| 29 Apr 2024 | EP 175 // Getting Creative with Your Simple Meals to Save Money on Groceries as the Grocery Prices Rise | 00:07:47 | |
Hey Friend! I still can’t believe how much prices have increased at the grocery store and I am extremely thankful we grow and raise as much food as possible, so we don’t have to spend much at the store, but there are always items you can’t grow in your location, so we do rely on the store a little and azure standard for our bulk items. I might notice it more as I don’t have to buy items very often and am still not used to it! If you are tight on money, start cleaning out your cupboards. No matter what, it is just a good practice to do so you don’t let any food go to waste. If you are like me, we do end up having a few random items expire and I don’t like to waste anything, so make sure to look at dates. This would be your freezer foods and canned foods. As we were looking at the amount of hamburger and venison burger we had in the freezer, we realized that we wanted to save that because we are running low and we have 2 freezers full of pork now, so we have been trying different recipes that we typically use hamburger or venison for and replacing that with pork. Since we are now raising our own pork along with our chicken, we have an abundance. I just put a roast with potatoes, carrots and bone broth I took out from the freezer into the crockpot. This is such a simple meal as it sits on low all day and falls apart and tender when it is ready to eat in the evening. We are really trying to use as much as we can from our canned goods and freezers to use them up before the new gardening season starts to produce, so when you plan your meals every week, you want to look at what you have on hand and what you can make with those items and then your grocery list is usually quite short. I took ground pork and added some ketchup, mustard and brown sugar for sloppy joes and my husband enjoyed that as much as beef, so that was good. I made up about 8 pounds and then froze several portions, so he always has a variety each week for his work lunches with different meals. We also made taco meat with the ground pork along with tacos bowls. This is such a great way to have something in the fridge at all times for a quick meal. I just keep bowls of rice, corn, black beans that I soaked, and then add cheese, salsa, sour cream or any other items you like on your taco bowls. If you don’t want to have bowls, this can easily be made into burritos as well. This is one of my favorite meals actually-chipotle at home! When you are using items you already have at home, you will save alot of money. Don’t let your food go to waste and just buy what you need. As always, remember to keep it simple! You can make several nourishing and nutrient dense meals in a short amount of time.
Have a blessed week friend ~Monica Website and Waitlist: Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ | |||
| 13 Dec 2021 | Minimizing Stress for the Busy Mom Trying to do it all During the Holidays | 00:06:53 | |
Hey! In this episode you will get some great tips for minimizing stress when you are trying to do all the things this Christmas season. Remember to slow down and that you can say no to things and activities. Bless your Christmas Season! Monica
Find the 10 ways to reduce stress and stay on Budget this holiday season and a few recipes at link tree below! Enjoy! Find me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Email me at claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Join our Private Claiming Simplicity Facebook Group and our declutting challenge in January!!!!
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| 17 Jan 2024 | EP 152 // Why Do You Want to Live a More Intentional Life? Are You Ready to Have Less Stress in the Fast Paced World? | 00:04:31 | |
Hello! When you live your life intentionally, there doesn’t seem to be the feeling of friction which creates so much less stress is this crazy fast modern world. If you listened to the last episode, you will understand when I say that social media is not something I want to be intentional about. I would rather spend time with my real friends than the ones that just like everyones posts. I just don’t want to take time away from what matters to me most and maybe that is you too. What keeps you on these platforms? I often wonder when people say they are busy, what they have to show for it. Busy scrolling or busy with the people they love. I hope it is the latter of the 2. You can’t ever get your time back and making memories and being intentional is key. I am so thankful we bought a little piece of land just off the lake years ago and the kids were able to make memories from when they were very young. We cleared the land, worked on it with cash as we went, put in electric and well, built a cabin and spent hundreds of weekends just making memories with family and friends. The best part is that we didn’t have any internet service. Now our grandkids love all the memories we make up there and on our farm. We like to go on vacations a few times a year at least with our 2 kids that are still at home as they get to have many experiences as we have traveled around the US to many different locations. They only have 5 years left at home, so we want to be intentional about that as well. We like to take a few weeks at a time so we can see as much as possible. Sometimes we fly, but we would rather drive so we can do more. My husband & I have had weekends away, but we have our whole life to travel by ourselves after the kids are gone, so we like them to experience as much as possible while they are with us. We don’t spend alot of money when we vacation and many times it is a business expense. We like to hike and have visited many many national parks and since we make our own food from scratch, we usually rent houses with kitchens that we can cook from scratch ourselves so we keep our energy up and stay healthy. If there are some unique places to eat at with a fun experience, we will stop, but for the most part, we don’t like to waste our money on high priced unhealthy meals. I encourage you to look at what you are doing intentionally in your life. Is there some memories you would like to make, would you like to start cooking from scratch or learning some new skills? We only have so much time on this earth, so I challenge you to stop scrolling and start living life! God has so much more in store for you friend! You will be so glad you did! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 20 Feb 2025 | EP 200 // Journey to Simple Living for Beginners to Reduce Stress | 00:03:27 | |
Hello! I was thinking back to my life when I was stressed out and overwhelmed. It felt like everything was hard and even little tasks seemed difficult. I don’t ever want to go back to that and I want you to know that even as overwhelmed as you may feel right now, there is a way out. You feel overwhelmed and stressed out when your priorities are out of whack and your time spent is doing things that aren't your top values.
Before you start to change your life to living simpler, you have to really know how you want to live and what really matters most to you. For me, flexibility and freedom to spend time with family and grandkids making memories and making sure they know Jesus is a top priority for me, so being able to send them to camp and go to family camp for 10 days in the summer is very important to me along with being able to help them grow in their faith.
I also value living a natural life and being as self-sufficient or self-relient as we can by growing our own food and animals and teaching the next generation of the importance of canning and preserving food in different ways like freeze drying, but I certainly didn’t start there when I began this simple living journey.
I was in my early 20s with 3 young kids when I learned how to preserve green beans and tomato sauce by a neighbor I babysat for as a teenager, but I did not grow up with a garden or preserving any food, so no matter whether you did or didn’t learn these skills, there are so many resources to learn from with the internet and you just have to make time for it. I did grow up on a farm and I did have chores in the barn to do, some cooking, but I was also involved in sports and many other activities at school, so I was rarely home after I hit 12 years old.
So after you decide what is important to you, start to minimize the things in your life that are NOT important to you. As you start to minimize the less important items, you will start to be able to breathe easier and feel less overwhelmed. Once you begin to feel less stressed, it will be addicting to do more to minimize the things in your life that are less important. I am not talking about only minimizing physical items, but schedules and where you spend your time.
I am so excited for you to begin your simple living journey if you have not! Monica Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
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| 13 Oct 2023 | Complete Pantry Staples. What I Keep Stocked and How I Organize My Pantry So We Don’t Ever Run Out of Common Food Items | 00:06:19 | |
Hello! I'll discuss the essential supplies you need to keep your pantry well-stocked and becoming somewhat self-sufficient. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting your journey, you're bound to find some valuable insights in today's episode. Let's talk about why having a well-stocked pantry is essential for homesteaders. In the last few years, the importance of self-sufficiency, food security, and being prepared had caused me to grow my pantry must haves to an even bigger list. Anything I don’t have to buy at the store is a bonus and I am continually learning! It is so amazing to me how simple it is to make many items and how you can save money on food making items yourself! When deciding the amount of basic staple items to keep on hand, think about the amount of that item you use and how long you can store the item for. For instance, can goods last years, but items like flour only last 6 months in the pantry and you can put it in the fridge or freezer to last longer, but I don’t like to use up my room in those areas for flour, so I only buy enough for 6 months! Now I do go through alot of flour making sourdough, so I do buy it in bulk, but if you don’t use much of it, you can just buy a bag or 2 at a time. One of the joys of homesteading is growing your food and preserving it! It sure grows your pantry quickly. You will want your pantry to be fairly well-organized, and items should be rotated regularly. So that I use up the oldest item first, I always add what I buy the the back of the shelf so I am constantly using up the oldest items first to keep things from getting outdated. Building a well-stocked pantry can be cost-effective if you know where to look. Buying in bulk on things you use alot of and also buying things when they are on sale can save money on your grocery bill. Remember, your pantry is the heart of your homestead, providing you with security, sustenance, and the means to share with others. Whether you're a homesteading veteran or just starting out, building and maintaining a well-stocked pantry is a rewarding journey.
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ See ya next week! Monica
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| 13 May 2024 | EP 177 // Stop Searching for Ways to Lose Weight and Instead Nourish Your Body with Nutrient Dense Foods | 00:05:49 | |
Hello Friend Are you constantly searching recipes for the fad diets that keep you on the roller coaster of diet trends for years that mess with your metabolism? I don’t even know what the newest thing is out there right now since we just switched to nutrient dense food years ago and cooking from scratch. From that time, I started learning about what is in the food we eat and how to eat more nutrient rich foods so I don’t ever have to diet. We want our kids to know how important it is to look at what is in the food, the dyes and also if it has more than a couple ingredients, it probably is something I would skip. Now, as I have simplified and created a whole system around this, we still will get things on occasion that don’t align with this and that is okay. It isnt all or nothing such as diets. Just so the majority of the time, you are opting for healthy choices. Live your best life by treating your body well. You only have 1 body, so feed it good food. When you have an active everyday life, you are naturally able to get exercise into your schedule-habit stack on each thing you do throughout the day! Our favorite nutrient dense foods right now are meats such as venison, pork, beef and chicken. Did you know that nutrient dense means less food with the most amount of nutrients. You don’t have to eat large amounts of nutrient dense foods because they are just packed with goodness. We eat seasonally so right now we are eating potatoes and trying to use up all our preserved produce before the new season arrives. Consumption of nutrient dense foods rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals are one of the keys to wellness! Remember, With God~all things are possible! ~Monica Website and Waitlist: Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 20 Dec 2021 | How to Easily Declutter from all the Extra Christmas Items before the New Year | 00:05:23 | |
Hey Friend! In this episode I talk about simple ways to keep declutter to a minimum so you can start the New Year Fresh! I will show you how to organize your Christmas Items so you can easily access them every year without a mess! We are going to be doing a FREE Declutter Challenge starting in January in our Claiming Simplicity Facebook group and we would love for you to join us! Send me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Email me at claimingsimplicity@gmail.com
Merry Christmas! Monica | |||
| 15 Aug 2022 | Simple Way to Make Amazing Pickles Without a Pressure Cooker or Water Bath Canner That Anyone Can Make Using Your Cucumbers. | 00:09:09 | |
Hello! I am so excited this time of the year. Harvesting so many different things from out garden and preserving as much as I can! Even with so much to do, it never seems like work! In this episode, I will teach you a very simple way to make your own pickles without a pressure cooker or a water bath canner. It is so simple that you probably won't ever buy pickles from the store again! The flavor is amazing! If you don't grow your own cucumbers, go to a local farmers market and try to purchase some. You won't be disappointed! I will also give you some other ideas to use your cucumbers up!
If you would like a free video with step by step directions, just email me! Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Happy Pickling!!! Monica | |||
| 16 Mar 2023 | Large Mason Jars Can Be Expensive for Preserving Food. How to Find Jars so You Can Save Money when You Start Canning Your Own Food or Making Your Own Kombucha | 00:05:07 | |
Hey there!
I know you are probably thinking about just growing seeds right now or possibly even planting your garden depending on where you are in the world, but I just wanted to give you this tip to save money so you can get started preserving your own food on a lower budget. Over the years, I have gathered a large amount of canning jars, but when I first started preserving food, I couldn’t afford to buy jars. Thankfully I knew several people who canned in the past and they were happy to get rid of their jars as they didn’t preserve their food anymore, I would find them at garage sales and thrift stores too, but you have to make sure to feel the glass rim to make sure there aren’t any chips or they may not seal. I started gathering my jars before the pandemic, so it was a little easier then, but when I started making kombucha last year, I needed large gallon glass jars and I got all of those jars for free and if you are looking for gallon jars, you could get as many as you want for free. At first, I went and bought a gallon jar of pickles from the store because that was actually cheaper than ordering a plain jar-of course my family couldn’t eat those pickles because they have been so spoiled with our homemade crispy dill pickles, but the chickens enjoyed them! My husband then found many jars from restaurants that were super happy to have someone take them off their hands, so if you are looking for jars, start there and you may find more than you dreamed of. If you know anyone that buys Aldi alfredo or spaghetti sauce, those jars have measurement on the outside of them, so even though I don’t use them to preserve food, they do come in handy when making my own sour cream, mayonnaise and items like that. Another things I like to do in the off season is get my lids. There is no reason why you have to wait until canning season to get your lids because most stores do supply them year round. It will be less likely that you have any shortage and when you want to can, you will hopefully have everything you need already ready! I have not tried the reusable lids, but I have heard that people are enjoying them as well, so if you have the extra money and are just getting started, you may want to invest in them as it could also save you hundreds of dollars over the years and reduce expenses in the long run…..depending on how much you preserve. If you know anyone else that wants to learn how to save money, reduce expenses, and grow their own food, please share this podcast with them! Thanks for being here and if there are any specific topics you want to learn about, please go to my website at claimingsimplicity.com and send me a message! I would love to hear from you! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Blessings friend! See ya next time! Monica | |||
| 13 Jun 2022 | Learn About Vermicomposting and 3 Benefits to Making it for Your Garden. | 00:05:10 | |
Hey Friend Have you ever heard of vermicomposting? It is an amazing way to repurpose waste and turn trash into nutrient-dense soil. In this episode, we will talk about what vermicomposting is, 3 benefits of it, and what kind of worms you will need. So you are wondering what vermicomposting is? Vermicomposting, is also known as worm composting, is the process of having worms eat natural material, such as vegetable and fruit peels, and then break it down through digestion. Once the scraps pass through their system, they excrete it in what's known as worm castings. Before you get grossed out, know that those castings are a rich, nutrient-dense material that can turn soil into a paradise for plants. (It's often referred to as black gold!) Vermicomposting and composting are similar in the sense that their goal is to break down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that you can add to your garden. The differences lie in the amount of time the two processes take, how and where they're done, and what their end results are.
Enjoy the episode! Monica
Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners
Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 12 Sep 2022 | Does the Thought of Starting Your Own Homestead Make You Anxious with All the Things That You Want to Do? Keeping it as Simple as Possible is Key for Busy Moms with Little Time | 00:05:27 | |
Hey FriendStarting a homestead does not have to cause you anxiety and it should not be stressful! If it is a dream of yours to begin a homestead but you are not living in your ideal place, start right where you are at! It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or live on a city lot, you can start learning the skills so that someday when you find your perfect property, you can grow your own food and raise your own livestock, but you will already have some of the skills needed. I hear it all the time that people don’t start because they can’t homestead where they live now, but that is the wrong way to look at it. Homesteading is about a lifestyle and it can start with your mindset! Stop looking at instagram because the people that seem to have it all have most likely been homesteading for many many years, they didn’t just do it all at once. Write down the dreams of how you want your life to be someday and then decide what you could do right where you are at. I am living the life that I wrote about over 20 years ago….but I certainly had no idea how I wasa going to get here at that time. Some of the things you can learn no matter where you are at are some cooking from scratch skills, sewing projects, preserving food, making your own natural cleaners and laundry soap, reading books about things you want to learn. It can be as simple as having something to cook with, so begin there! Maybe someday you want to milk animals to have your own milk to make your own butter, sour cream, yogurt, and cheese. For now, buy milk to learn the skills and then when you have animals, you can learn about how to raise them because you already know how to make the items from the milk! Build upon your skills~I tell people all the time, you can’t do it all at once, so enjoy the journey~it is incredibly rewarding! Maybe you want to learn how to sew or make your own quilts, take a class and learn it! There are so so many things you can do to enrich your life! If you want to learn how to grow herbs and make your own remedies, you don’t need a farm to do that, learn all you can about it from where you are at. If you want to learn how to preserve food, you don’t have to have a garden. I started canning food about 25 years ago when I was working full time with 3 kids under 3 and I didn’t have time or energy for a garden, but I did have friends that always had an abundance and they also taught me to preserve~we didn’t have pinterest or you tube back then (or at least I wasn’t on either of them at that time.) It was all about community and sharing which I think we all need to do more of! I love helping and teaching friends something that I know and I love to learn from them. It is so nice to have like minded friends that have similar values! Some other things you can learn is have to make sourdough, fermenting, and so much more! I think of it as an adventure!!! I truely love teaching these skills to my teens that still live at home and my grandkids. I wan them to fall in love with this lifestyle and be able to have skills that they can pass on from generation to generation. I want to make an impact and I know that you can do the same! Remember, enjoy the ride, and if something is too overwhelming to you, don’t do it. Do what you love to do so you can live with joy every single day!
Reach out and let me know what kind of projects you are working on~I would love to hear about your homesteading journey!
Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners
Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
See you next week!Monica
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| 09 Feb 2024 | EP 161 // Preparing for a New Homestead Without Land and Learning Sufficiency Skills While You Wait | 00:05:18 | |
I know, I know, you are dreaming of having a farm or homestead, but you are patiently waiting and you get stressed out wondering if it will ever happen.
One of the most important things you can do is get out of debt and the next step you need to take is to read and learn as much as you can whether you live in an apartment or city. There are thousands of skills you can learn, so really map out what you want to start with. Maybe it is learning to cook from scratch and preserve food, maybe it is to learn vermicomposting-both of these, along with many many other skills, you can learn right where you are at. I started my worms in 2 rubbermaid totes and that is what I have used for the last 5 years and you don’t need a large space for the totes, but you will be happy to have black gold for growing your vegetables-even if it is in pots because you don’t have space for a garden. There is so much to learn and if you do it before you move to your dream location, you will be more prepared and you can learn other skills you will need in a larger space when you get there. If you are preserving food-even from a farmers market while you live in the city, you won’t be as overwhelmed when you are producing a ton of fruits and vegetables on your own farm, because you will already know how to preserve them so that will take some of the stress away. You will be so happy that you are not wasting your time while waiting for your farm or land. Learning new skills is very exciting and fun! Learn how to ferment food, make kombucha, yogurt, and simple items so you can see how easy it really is. Buy raw milk and start making your own butter and cheese along with making your own bread and pasta. You will not regret it. Picture what you want your future to look like. I have done this for years and I think it is something you should do as well. Write down what your life looks like 1 year from now as you are already doing it. Next, write down exactly what you want your life to look like in 5 years, details of the house you live in, the landscape of your land and details of the way you live. Feel it as you are living it now. You will be amazed what this will do for you. I started this many many years ago and so many things that I have envisioned have come to fruition. In fact, the last home we lived in was exactly what I had written down several years before I even knew of the home. It was acres of land on water, front porch, everything on the main level including main floor laundry, fireplace-it was incredible how close this place was to what I had described. There are just so many things you can learn in the waiting, but one of the most important is mindset and prayer. You get what you think about. Are you asking God for direction?
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds and the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Thanks for joining me! Monica Waitlist: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 21 Mar 2024 | EP 172 // What You Can Do When You Have Unlimited Eggs From Your Chickens Even When You Have a Busy Schedule | 00:05:34 | |
Hey Friend Now that we will have 100 laying hens, people always ask what we are going to do with all the eggs! Just for your information, we will not be keeping this amount of chickens, we are raising some to about 12 weeks for friends, 25 of them could be roosters or hens, so the roosters we will be butchering because we have our one and only gentle rooster named frank sinatra that we love so much and don’t need another rooster at this time, so we could be less than 75 before we know it! My teenagers sell the eggs and this is a really good gig for them since we pay for the feed and they make the money on the eggs! We boil at least a dozen or two boiled eggs during the week. It is a great grab and go snack for the whole family. Sometimes we will make deviled eggs out of them for a snack depending on if we have extra time. One of my favorite ways to use a dozen at a time is to make egg bakes and freeze them. I usually will make 4-6 at a time and then we will take them out of the freezer the day or night before and let them thaw and bake them in the morning. We love to have egg bakes in the fridge all week-not only for breakfasts, but if we need to heat a quick meal up in between sports or an event. If you go to my website below and go to the blog, you will see our favoirite egg bake recipe. Everyone raves about this one and we have been using it for over 20 years along with a few of our other favorite ones. We will scramble up dozens of eggs and cook them, cook sausage, and brown hashbrown and make breakfast bowls and freeze them and our family loves these as well. It is really important to me that my kids get a nourishing breakfast every day before school with protein, fat and healthy carbs to sustain them. It has been many many years since I have bought breakfast cereals and items from the store. There is always something in the fridge they can access within a few minutes to make it convenient. These are our convenient foods! No package needed, nutritious, simple adn cheap!!!! We like to make omlets and quiches, egg salad sandwiches, potato salad. There are just so many ways you can use eggs. I will take a day and make months worth of sourdough noodles which take alot of eggs-the amount just depends how big I make the batch. There are so many ways we can use eggs up in our house and it makes for simple and easy meals if you want something quick. I just ordered a refurbished freeze dryer, so that is another way we will be able to preserve them for 20 plus years if needed! I can’t wait! I’m really going to have to get that you tube channel up and running for you so that you can see all my wins and failures as I test out so many food items. Chickens are really worth getting because there are so many ways to use the eggs!
Happy Homesteading Friend! ~Monica Website and Waitlist: Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 19 Jan 2023 | 5 Small Attainable Steps to Simplify Your Home and Clear Out the Clutter to Enjoy Peace in Your House and Spend Less Time Cleaning | 00:05:45 | |
Hello and Welcome For me, this is the best time of the year to declutter because I don’t have a whole lot of extra time in the other seasons here in MN. After spending months cooped up in the house with alot of snow and below zero temperatures, you won’t find me in the house once the sun starts melting the snow in the Spring, and then we are preparing, planting, and caring for the garden and animals in the summer, and Fall is very busy here with harvesting and hunting season starting with bear the first weekend in September and then getting ready for winter, so now is the time I do more of the household projects I want to get done and it is also a time for alot of planning.
It can seem overwhelming, but if you do it in small chunks, it will seem much simpler. Start in an area of your home that will be easier to tackle and just do 15 minutes at a time. Take a trash bag for trash and a box for things you are going to donate and then a basket for the items that belong in a different area of the house.
Now I have done some major overhauls in the past, so I have alot less stuff and it takes much less time, but throughout the year, we do seem to accumulate extra items, so I like to go through and eliminate wherever I can~especially after Christmas. As I am looking around my living room right now-this is an easy area to get it done quickly because we only have a few pieces of furniture, a shelf with some pictures and the only place I really need to even look it a couple end tables that have some books and newspapers in, so this room can be done within about 5 minutes. Find a place in your home that will be an easier task so that you can feel accomplished and you will gain momentum. The reason I like a simplified home is because it is quick to clean and I can spend more time with people I love and things I love to do instead of cleaning. This alone should encourage you!
Here is a list of 5 small steps you can easily do right away to begin your declutter journey.
xoxo, Monica
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| 24 Apr 2023 | Protein is Such an Important Piece of Your Diet, but it Can Get Expensive. 3 Simple Tips to Get More Protein in Your Diet on a Budget as a Busy Mom | 00:03:32 | |
Hey There! I hope you are having an awesome Monday! I can’t even believe this, but we are almost to 100 episodes, so I am so excited to be giving away a few $25 amazon cards when we hit the 100th episode!!!!! The only thing you need to do to be in on the drawing is add a 5 star rating and review and take a screenshot of it and email me at monica@claimingsimplicity.com. I will read your reviews and announce the winners on the 100th episode!!!!!!! Get your rating and review in now!!!! I can’t wait to hear from you!!!!! Getting more protein in your diet on a budget can be challenging, but it's certainly possible with some smart planning and food choices. Here are 3 tipsto help you save money.
This is just a start of how to save money and reduce grocery expenses for protein, but it can save you quite a bit of money over the years. Hugs! Monica Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 05 Sep 2022 | Are You Feeling Overwhelmed with all the Stuff that Needs to be Done and the Kids Starting School? 2 Tips to Add More Peace in this Busy Season for the Whole Family | 00:05:33 | |
Hello! With the start of the new school year here in the United States, it seems like so many people are really scrambling to do all the things. Summer is winding down and now people have begun the shopping for school clothes and supplies, preparing for the homeschool year, and then adding new schedules such as sports and youth group, ect.~all the new activities the school year brings. Plus trying to get all of your produce harvested such as canning and freezing and it all can really be a very busy time. It all adds up and can make you a little overwhelmed. I totally understand! We have had to say no to several things in the next week because of all that we have going on right now! My kids love sports and since we homeschool and live 20 minutes from town, it tends to be alot of running with them both being on 2 separate teams. It is a way for them to see their friends every day and If they didn’t love it so much, our lives are full in so many other ways, that we probably would have to say no, but for right now, we are making the sacrifice. We did take a break in the summer as we don’t think they need to play year round and we have so many other interests and I’m not really sure where they would have fit that in.
First tip to finding peace in this season is to stop being so hard on yourself - social media and pinterest give us many ideas, but much of what is on there is very unrealistic. Do not make comparisons-there is so much pressure to try to keep up with the world, but you do not need to-give yourself permission to break free from the normal and simplify your life!!!! You don’t have to have the notes in the lunch box every day, or even pack your child’s lunch every day if they go to school. Let them eat hot lunch or if they are old enough, let them make their own lunch. Just have items on hand and most likely more of it will get eaten if they pack it themselves anyway!!!!!! If you are trying to harvest your garden right now, try to schedule that to do a little each day because that will help with trying to do everything at once. Once day we froze corn, one day we made green beans, another day pickles, and so on! Another tip I have shared before with that is my best tomato tip ever…..cut the core out and put in the freezer and make your sauce in the winter. This has helped me so much with being too overloaded with garden work!
The second tip is to plan the week on sunday evening and have the week at a glance where the whole family can see it. This helps my family so much! I have talked about this before, but I just have a monday-sunday magnetic board from the dollar store on my fridge and each week, we write what is going on each day with the times such as games or practices and we also have our meals on there so we always know what needs to come out of the freezer or made ahead of time if we are gone most of the day. It has become so automatic that my 12 year old daughter that likes to be prepared and organized does the calendar before I even get to it sunday evenings!!!!! I don’t have anywhere in my home for a command center, so this seems to work amazing for our family and it is super simple!
Just remember friend-if you simplify, you are more likely to have more peace and know that you do not have to do everything everyone else is doing. Everything in your life can change once you learn to step back, slow down and make the decision to take your life back to what matters most. See you back next week!Monica Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 26 Feb 2024 | EP 165 //Simple Raising Chicks and Chicken Care Basics for Your New Homestead or for Your Backyard Chicken Coop | 00:15:41 | |
Hello! Do you want to learn how easy it is to raise chickens? I'll take you through the simple steps of beginning with chicks and what you need to know to get started with raising chickens in your backyard or homestead. They are the gateway to more sustainable living and most likely you will get goats next!!!!!! I know you have concerns about keeping chickens alive, but it is pretty simple. It is quite easy to spot a sick chicken, but we have rarely had anything happen in all these years, but we also let our chickens free range all year besides winter so I’m sure that helps. I open the coop door in the morning and then they go back in there in the evening to roost, and I close the door at night so nothing can get into the coop. We have had a few chickens drop over but those were also chickens that were quite old. I would suggest you get chickens that are ready to lay eggs or are laying when getting started because the only care they really need is fresh water, chicken feed, nesting boxes and a place to roost. None of this has to be fancy-in our coop, we have some branches my husband cut down and then has those across the coop for them to sit on at night. If you are going to get baby chicks, here are some tips to getting started. First, you will want to prepare a brooder box. That is just a clean, draft free container or large box to accommodate the number of chicks you are planning to raise. You can use a cardboard box, plastic tub, wooden crate, or what we use is an old water tank because it has rounded corners which lessens the chances of a chick getting trapped or wedged in the corner. When chicks are cold or scared, sometimes they will huddle up in the corners, so we try to prevent that.
Next, you will want to have a reliable heat source the first week such as a heat lamp, infrared bulb. My husband has a cover he made out of some old scrap wood and chicken wire and he puts that on top of the tank and hangs the lights from that. Gradually reduce the temperature each week until the chicks are fully feathered. We will start out with the light hanging lower and them just adjust it higher as they get older. We don’t ever suggest spending alot of money on this because it is a very short time the chicks will be in here.
You will want to add some safe bedding materials for the chicks such as pine shavings, straw, or even paper towels to provide a soft and dry surface for the chicks to walk on. Avoid newspaper as it is slippery and can lead to leg problems and don’t use cedar chips as they have an aromatic oil that can be harmful to the chicks. You will want to buy chick starter feed and ensure it contains 18-20% protein to support healthy growth. You will need shallow waterers to prevent drowning accidents. You can add smaller rocks in there to make it easier for chicks to drink without getting wet. Make sure to keep the water clean and fresh to keep it free of contaminants and monitor water levels to prevent dehydration especially in hot weather.
Monitor chicks for signs of illness, injury or distress. Healthy chicks should be active, alert and curious. Try to minimize stressors such as loud noises and overcrowding as stress can weaken their immune systems. Avoid excessive handling during the first few days when they are most vulnerable. And my favorite tip for chicks is to talk to them so they become accustomed to human presence.
When chicks are around 6-8 weeks and fully feathered, you can gradually introduce them to their permanent house but don’t let them be in an outdoor area unsupervised.
These tips will provide them with the best possible start in life and help them transition into healthy chickens.
Now I want to talk about basic care requirements for all chickens: They will need shelter and the chicken coop should provide protection from predators like foxes, raccoons, owls and large birds. It should also offer adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and respiratory issues, but it doesn’t have to be fancy or cost alot of money. You will want 2-3 square foot coop space per chicken plus an outdoor run or free-range area where they can peck, scratch, and dust bathe. Chickens require a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Commercial chicken feed comes in various formulations tailored to different stages of life (starter, grower, layer) and specific dietary needs. Just like with the chicks, clean water should be available at all times, preferably in a gravity-fed or automatic waterer to minimize contamination. I like to put a splash of Apple cider vinegar in their water about once a week-its good for everything, right? I have no doubt you will enjoy keeping chickens, they really are fun to observe! If you have any questions at all, join our Simple Homesteading Group and ask me anything!
Website and Waitlist:
Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 27 May 2024 | EP 179 // 3 Reasons You Should be Using Essential Oils in Your Home to Save Money | 00:04:24 | |
Happy Memorial Day Friend! You have never tried using essential oils for your health and home? They are just a part of our every day life that I couldn’t ever imagine having to use anything else! We use them for cleaning, hair and body, laundry, having more energy, any illness we feel coming on, bug bites, preventing spiders or ticks-absolutely everything!!! This last week, my husband had planter fasciitis and that helped with that too. Now I am not saying they cure things, but they sure help!!!!! Once you realize that your cleaning supplies can be very minimal, you will save money! It feels so good to use non toxic ingredients in our home and also on our animals. When they have a rash or anything, oils are our go to choice to help. Check out all the amazing benefits for yourself and if you have not already, grab my free DIY cleaning recipes in the link below or on the website. Everything is simple to make and probably everything you have on hand in your home. DIY Cleaners ->https://claiming-simplicity.ck.page/best-diy-cleaner Have a Blessed Week! Monica Website and Waitlist: Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ | |||
| 18 Aug 2023 | Slow Down or You May Get Exhausted or Burnt Out Because You Should Enjoy Life and The Things You Really Value and Most Things Can Wait | 00:05:23 | |
Hello I want you to think about your life right now. Do you feel like you are going 100 miles per hour at all times? If so, you need to slow down! My body was in exhaustion mode for about 3 weeks and I felt like I couldn’t add one more thing or I would crash, but I knew it was God’s way of telling me to step back and take a look at what I value and what is important.
This is not normally how I live as we have designed our life with putting our time and energy on the things we value most, so we had to evaluate what was really important-getting our house finished at a crazy pace or slow down and make time for more enjoyable moments. Getting our eyes off what is truely important will make us more vulnerable to Satan’s attack and I knew that I was getting up and working right away in the morning without spending my quiet time with God every day and that really got me off track! I’m happy to say that after I got back into my normal routine, everything just started falling back into place.
So first, step back to see where you have the most chaos.
Next, see what you can eliminate
Last, practice living in the present and enjoying it. See ya next week! Monica Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
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| 04 Jul 2022 | Why Would You Even Want to Grow Your Own Garden as a Busy Mom? 3 Reasons You Should Grow Your Own Food | 00:06:53 | |
Happy 4th of July!!!!!! In this podcast, you will learn the 3 reasons you should be growing your own garden even as a busy mom! Our garden is beginning to produce strawberries so far as we got a late start because of the weather here, but as I was thinking about how delicious fresh food from the garden is, I wanted to give you 3 benefit of it! Visit our Facebook group and get a garden tour when I get back from vacation!!! I would love to meet you! Nothing better than connecting with like minded friends Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity
Have a great week! Monica | |||
| 09 Jan 2023 | Why You Spend Money Like You do and 3 Steps to Correct Your Bad Money Habits and Choices so You Can Have Financial Peace | 00:07:06 | |
Hello! We are going to continue working on learning financial peace this week! We often allow human nature to take control of our financial decisions, so it is time we address the causes of most money problems by identifying and replacing natural human behaviors and tendencies with healthy financial habits. We will identify consequences and practical steps we can take to reduce their harm to our finances. You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with which means you are influenced by those people, but not only those 5. Keeping up with them refers to reactively purchasing consumer items or experiences we notice they have purchased. Trying to keep up with the Joneses leads us to spend our limited resources on the unlimited items. You tend to wear what they wear, speak like they speak, and behave as they behave. Think about people you know-this is so true! This can certainly lead to overspending if the social groups tend to sustain a more expensive lifestyles than your own income can cover. Here is how you can fight this. First, make a list of your personal values. This is NOT dollar amounts or purchases But the behaviors, beliefs, and achievements that matter most to you. With these in place, you can ward off temptations to overspend when confronted by the financial choices made by others. How? Because this list includes what is MOST meaningful in your life. This list removes the pressure anytime you start to wonder if you should have or do what the Joneses have or are doing. If you don’t find the purchase related to something on your list, it won’t bring you any lasting satisfaction. You will also want to set up your own spending plan based on your priorities and income. Prioritizing money does not mean going without, it is just shifting where you want your money to go. Consumers can make purchase choices based on irrational reactions, such as the fear of missing out. Fear of getting left out of groups and their trends. Exclusion once meant getting left behind, alone, and fending for oneself. This fear remains a strong driver of consumer choices even today. The money problems arise when consumers make fear-based decisions and lack critical information. They tend to run from threats as fast as they can, not caring in which direction, as long as it takes them away from whatever danger they thought they saw. If you don’t put this into action, you will be right where you were last year, so start now so you can lessen your financial stress this year! There is still time to join our NO SPEND CHALLENGE group this month-the link is in the description. Even getting in on a few weeks can help kickstart your savings! Join our Facebook Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Have a blessed week! Monica ----more----
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| 03 Apr 2023 | Having Peace Knowing God is in Control Can be a Result of Cultivating Faith and Trust in God. Here are 5 Simple and Practical Steps That Can Help You Find Peace in Your Chaotic Life as a Busy Mom | 00:05:46 | |
Happy Monday! We have been on this crazy journey the last month and there is so much peace knowing and trusting in God's plan. I know you can find this incredible peace as well even as a busy overwhelmed mom. Here are 5 simple and practical tips that can help you have more peace Trusting God and knowing He is in control.
Remember that developing peace and trust in God's control is a lifelong journey, and it may take time and practice. Keep seeking God's guidance and working to strengthen your faith and trust in Him. I love hearing from you! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ xoxo, Monica
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| 03 Oct 2022 | Do You Need Help with Time Management in Your Home to Make Sure Things Get Done When You Get Distracted Easily. 5 Simple Hacks to Help You Get Things Done Consistently Everyday! | 00:05:07 | |
Happy October Friend Wow!!!! It was another fantastic weekend at a Christian Women’s Conference with one of my best friends! We don’t get to see each other too often, but we do schedule at least twice a year at conferences to catch up and I cherish every moment with her!! We grow in our faith and we get to catch up and It is always an incredible time!
I don’t know about you, but a schedule seems to backfire for me and every planner I have ever tried has never worked for me. Prepare the week on Sunday evening with everything that is happening throughout the week along with meals, meetings, and activities so there are less surprises that come up or you feel like you are scrambling! When you have this planned, it makes each day run so much smoother. Another key tip to time management is getting up early! If you follow what successful people do, they do not sleep in! When I sleep in until 6:30, I feel like I practically lost half of the day! So this tip is to create a morning routine that you can do every day and get up early! It is really easy to put something away when you are done with it right away. If you choose not to do this, your house may feel like chaos at all times! If you use the blender in the morning, rinse it out and put it away. When you use your toothbrush, put it away where it belongs, it can be learned to be a regular habit just as it is to brush your teeth every morning! (or at least I hope you do!) Create a simple way for you to keep track of what needs to be done and appointments. I can not keep a paper calendar consistently. I am that person that likes to buy them and start out the year really good, but then I don’t always have it with me when adding appointments, so I always go back to putting it on my phone calendar with alerts and that works wonderful for me! If I have to pick up something from the grocery store or make something for a potluck-it all goes into my phone calendar with an alert. It is super simple to do this and then things don’t get forgotten or late and you look organized-even if you aren’t!!!!!! And #5-Make sure your kitchen is clean every night when you go to bed! There is nothing worse that waking up to make coffee and feeling defeated already becuse you didn’t do the dishes from the previous day and it honestly starts you off on the wrong foot!
I hope you are able to take one of these tips and start implementing it into your routine to get things done at home consistently every single day! I would love to hear from you and get your feedback! What do you want to learn about?
Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Love Ya! Monica
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| 05 Jan 2024 | EP 146 //3 Steps to Cooking Simple Recipes in Bulk Will Save You Many Hours of Time as a Busy Homesteader Trying to Keep Up With Everything | 00:03:56 | |
I try to batch cook as much as possible and I want you to spend less time in the kitchen as well if that is what you choose. When it comes to cooking, you do have to do a little planning if you are cooking in large amounts. You may not have all the ingredients on hand when making large quantities, so that is the first step. Take a look at the ingredients you have on hand and then get a recipe and figure out how many other ingredients you will need to either double or triple that recipe.
Once you know what you are making, you will want to plan a day that week that you have a longer amount of time in your schedule to cook a large amount of food. I try to do bulk cooking at least once a week to keep a large supply of meals on hand and that is the reason we rarely go out to eat. If you prepare meals and they are convenient to make quickly, it is more work to go somewhere else to eat!
Once you know what you are making, you will want to make sure it can be frozen and it may only be a portion that you will freeze, for instance, when I make my chicken noodle soup, I freeze all of it except the noodle and then when I heat it up, I will add the noodles about 10 minutes before the soup is ready. Many of the items like lasagnas, eggbakes, tacos and even sauces freeze very well.
It also helps if you have a list of your favorite recipes that you can easily make into large quantities that freeze well. Start out by making just 1 meal a week that you double or triple and then if you would like, take 1 morning a month and make a few extra recipes that you could have throughout the month and you will add quickly to meal surplus so you can easily have meals ready on the nights when you don’t have time to prepare a healthy meal. This will not only keep you from eating out as much, but it will also help you to eat healthier.
I like to make all my breads for the month in 1 day and freeze those as well, so I'm not spending time taking all the ingredients and equipment out several times a month plus then I only have to clean up once from that too! Keep your meals simple and add more time back to your life.
I’m all about keeping everything as simple as possible and these systems that I have learned over the years have really helped with that so I have time to do other things that I love. Monica Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
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| 28 Nov 2022 | Simplify Gift Giving to Useful Gifts so You Reduce Stress This Christmas Season and Can Focus on Creating Memories with Family Even as an Overwhelmed Busy Mom | 00:06:57 | |
Happy Happy Holiday Season Friend! I love this time of the year, but I like to keep it simple and meaningful! When I was a young Mom, I thought I had to have all the best gifts and many gifts, but over the years I learned that Christmas is about focusing on our Savior and creating memories with family and friends and my focus has really changed!! In this episode, you will find useful gifts to give to people and ways to create memories instead of filling up someone's home with items they most likely won't use or don't even want. Time spent with people is more precious and has more value than any material item that loses it's shine. I don't want you stressed out and anxious this holiday season so you can enjoy every minute. Christmas is not about how much money you spend, but focusing on what matters even when you are busy! Save money and time this holiday season! I pray you are blessed by this podcast!
Love you and appreciate all of you listeners!
Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Monica | |||
| 01 Aug 2022 | How to Easily Keep Animals from Eating Your Flowers, Vegetables or Anything Coming up in Your Garden or In Your Yard. Simple Natural Solution to Deterring Pests Away from Plants | 00:04:48 | |
Hey Friend! I thought you might enjoy this quick episode because I just found some mums recently that have been chewed on and I realized I need to do this again! I do have a fenced in vegetable garden, but I have several other areas on our property that have flower beds, pots, and the riverbank that has alot of flowers and this works wonders to keep the rabbits, deer and most animals away from. I learned this tip from a neighbor who I thought was a gardening goddess. She has gardened for many many years and had alot of great tips! In the Spring when my plants just pop through the ground, I will sprinkle a very small amount of blood meal on them-like a tablespoon or so on each plant and it keeps anything that likes to chew on my plants away. I like to do this mid summer too just in case the rain washes it all away which must be what happened to the few flowers that got munched on this week most likely by the deer. So glad it was only a few because I love those purple colors in the Fall. The best part about this is that it is a natural fertilizer as well and good for your plants, so I would encourage you to try this if you are having problems with rabbits and deer nibbling at your plants or flowers and do it right away in the spring! Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Enjoy your week! Monica
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| 06 Mar 2023 | Why Would You Even Want to Homestead When You Didn’t Grow Up With it? Do You Want to Learn How to Preserve Food, Become More Self-Sufficient, Save Money and Reduce Expenses? | 00:05:51 | |
Hey Friend! Never grew up homesteading, but you want to start? I grew up on a dairy farm, so that is where I get my work ethic, but I didn’t grow up with a garden, canning or making too many things from scratch! It wasn’t until after I was married and had a few young kids in my early 20’s when I even had any interest! Much of it came out of necessity at that time. I wanted to raise my own kids, so I had to find creative ways to save money and that is just what I did!
When my 3 oldest kids were young, I started working for a company doing food taste testing parties and it grew into a full time income in just a few parties a week, so I that was my first experience with growing a business with less hours and it was perfect for me at the time because I was with the kids all day and then I would get my adult time in the evening with a bunch of women! It was perfect! Once they got a little older and got into sports, it was alot harder to do parties in the evenings, so I had to go a different route.
Working from home became a passion of mine and I started making things to sell and they just sold word of mouth. At that time, I didn’t have alot of technical ability……that was over 20 years ago….well, tech is still a struggle for me, but at least now there are so many more resources available online to figure things out, so that has been helpful. Now you can reach so many more people online that are in your niche which is fantastic!
I started in my early 20’s making spaghetti sauce with the help of a neighbor I used to babysit for and I was hooked on canning! My first few things I canned were green beans and spaghetti sauce and I didn’t grow the vegetables at first. I would just try new recipes over the years to add to my knowledge. There were a few years that I didn’t have a garden and I didn’t can and then my father in law borrowed my canner and lost the knob for the top, so I was just water bath canning and didn’t do any pressure cooked items for a while. At that time, I didn’t consider myself a homesteader, but I was really really good at saving money! I honestly hadn’t heard the homesteading word even used up until the last few years.
For me, living this lifestyle was about the enjoyment of preserving food, but mostly it was about saving money and having less expenses so I could stay at home with my kids. If I could stretch my dollar as far as I could, that would feel like success to me. Not to mention how much better everything tasted when you cook from scratch and make simple homemade meals. Even if you don’t consider yourself a homesteader you can still learn how to preserve food, grow a garden, and raise animals. (and if you want more info on what homesteading means, you can listen to podcast episode #70)
It wasn’t until 2020 that I decided that I wanted to live more self-sufficient and produce as much food as I could on our own so that I wouldn’t have to worry about not finding grocery items at the store and then I realized that so many people have no idea even where to start, so that is why I have been working on creating a course to teach you some very simple skills. Remember that I keep everything very very simple. Slow living is the best living. It has been good for my body and my adrenal glands that get depleted very easy and it has been good for my family to not live the super fast paced life where they don’t even have time to enjoy the simple things in life. We make time for so many more things now and homesteading has been really fun to teach friends and family so that they can live this lifestyle for years to come. The bonus is that when the grocery prices started rising so fast, we needed very few items from the store since we had prepared and preserved whatever we could.
I know that you may be thinking that learning to grow and preserve your own food and homesteading is complicated, but let me tell you friend, I don’t have time or patience for anything complicated, so if I can do this, so can you. You can be a homesteader no matter where you live or what your background is. Come and join my email list so you can be the first to see when I roll out these simple classes to get you started to saving money!!!! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
As always, have a great week! Monica | |||
| 15 Jan 2024 | EP 151 // 3 Simple Time Management Tips When Cooking from Scratch When You are Busy | 00:05:23 | |
Hello Friend I want to give you 3 simple time management tips to put into place when cooking from scratch because I know it can seem a little overwhelming at first. First, I want you to decide on 1 new item you want to make. If there is a recipe that you would like to make, but don’t want to waste time researching, please just email me because I have tried many and if I find one is simpler than another and just as good, I will stick with the simple one! I don’t want you wasting time on pinterest or social media because that will keep you from getting into action. Once you have that recipe,make sure you have all the ingredients or make a list of ingredients you need and when you will go shopping for them. Next, put it on the calendar to make so you know exactly which day you will be doing it. Allow for time to prepare and make sure you know the cook time-one of the worst things that could happen is that you have it on the calendar to make and you didn’t realize how long it was going to take and can’t eat until 10pm! And Last, if you family likes this meal and it was simple for you to make, put it into a favorites recipe binder. This will help you stay organized and make it easy to pull out when you need a quick from scratch meal. Repeat this process until you have a few weeks worth of recipes and that will make it super easy to plan your from scratch meals easily. The key to not getting stressed out about cooking healthier is do it slowly. Try 1 meal a week to start out if doing more than that stresses you out. You don’t have to eat perfectly, but when you transition slowly, you will have lasting change. Chat soon! Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ ~Monica
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| 04 Mar 2024 | EP 167 // Simple Strategy to Beat Food Inflation and Eat More Fresh Produce by Starting a Garden to Save Money and Enjoy Easy Healthier Meals Even with Limited Time as a Busy Mom | 00:06:20 | |
Hello Friend! Are you tired of spending hundreds of dollars at the grocery store each month? Since we have been gardening and growing our own food for several years, I was shocked at the cost of food at the grocery store! I had to buy more food this year because we moved and I wasn’t able to have a garden last year. It is no wonder why families can’t afford healthy food from the store. Not only is it so much more expensive, but even buying organic doesn’t guarantee that your food is toxic free. When you grow your own food, you know how the food is grown and guarantees that it wasn’t sprayed with anything toxic if you want organic food. I like knowing what seeds I have and the process that is used to grow our fruits and vegetables. I am encouraging you to start a garden this year whether it be pots in a window in your apartment or your suburban homestead. You don’t need any special equipment. Many times you will find free pots listed on marketplace or garage sales and it doesn't even need to be pots, anything you can put soil in and plant is going to get you started on your journey. They have bags you can plant a garden in, we have used 50 gallon barrels cut in half and made raised beds, but those we had to put items with shallow roots as tomatoes needed a deeper raised bed. If you are overwhelmed thinking about growning a garden, I challenge you to just take some money from your food budget to buy a few seeds and try to grow just a few items that you and your family eat often and learn how to grow and preserve that item and then next year, add a few more. Just growing a few items can save money and stretch your grocery budget much further. Think about tomatoes-even if you don’t want to start them from seeds, get a few plants-you can preserve tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato soup, crushed tomates, diced tomatoes, tomatoes paste, pizza sauce and then if you buy or grow a few other items like peppers, you can also make spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, salsa, rotel and the list goes on and on. I am going to teach you how to can and preserve some items in my program coming up, so get on waitlist if you haven’t already, so you are the first to know when it is released with special offers! I am so excited to teach you simple cooking from scratch, replacing simple grocery store items to save you money and also eliminate unnecessary ingredients that are making your food unhealthy. If you are busy, this program is for you. It is bite size, step by step videos in a short amount of time, so you can be confident in creating food from scratch in your home quickly!
I will reveal my list of seeds I will be growing in the facebook group, so join us there! Link is below!
Have a great week! Monica Website and Waitlist:
Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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| 09 Oct 2023 | 7 Proven Strategies to Save Big on Groceries Each Month and Why You Want to Start Your Homestead Journey Now | 00:05:34 | |
Hello Friend! Here are some ways to reduce your trips to the grocery store by producing and preserving your own food First up, we have homestead meal planning. One of the keys to reducing your grocery store visits is planning your meals around what you produce on your homestead. Whether it's fresh vegetables, fruits, or even homemade dairy products, creating a monthly meal calendar based on what's in season and available can significantly cut down those trips to town and then plan weekly using up what you have. Find locally sourced raw milk, meat, eggs, and seasonly produce if possible! Collaborate with neighboring homesteaders to exchange surplus produce or goods. Bartering can be an excellent way to acquire items you don't produce yourself, further decreasing your reliance on outside sources Next, let's talk about growing your own food. Consider cultivating crops like grains, beans, and root vegetables that can be stored for an extended period, but also growing what you use whether it be in pots or a small yard, you can grow all kinds of your own food even if you live in an apartment. By doing this, you'll reduce the need for frequent trips to stock up on staples. And if you can’t grow it, azure standard is a great place to order bulk or you may have a mennonite or amish store in your area that sells these items like we do! Preservation is the name of the game on the homestead. You are going to want to learn various food preservation techniques like canning, dehydrating, fermenting, and root cellaring. These methods will help you extend the shelf life of your produce, reducing your reliance on store-bought goods. Storing essentials in bulk is a tried-and-true method for minimizing grocery runs. Flour, sugar, grains—these are the items you can purchase in larger quantities to reduce the frequency of your shopping trips. I will add a quick bonus episode later this week with my pantry must haves that I always have on hand! For those lucky enough to have farm animals, they can provide a consistent source of fresh eggs, milk, and meat. This reduces your reliance on store-bought protein sources and adds a unique dimension to your homesteading journey. Another essential strategy is creating a cold storage solution. Whether it's a root cellar or a deep freezer, having a place to store vegetables, fruits, and meats for an extended period is invaluable. Why not produce homemade items like bread, cheese, and yogurt using ingredients from your own homestead? This not only adds a personal touch to your meals but also reduces the need to buy these items from the store. Continuously build your skills in food production and preservation. The more you know, the more self-sufficient you can become over time, reducing your dependence on external sources. Lastly, don't forget the importance of community involvement. Join local homesteading or agricultural communities to share knowledge, resources, and experiences with like-minded individuals. Together, we can all strive for a more self-sufficient and sustainable way of life. I started a monthly homesteading women’s event last month and we had an amazing turnout and really looking forward to next month! It is such a blessing to be surrounded by like minded women! If your in Central MN and would like to join us, just reach out to me!!!
Website:
Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
xoxo, Monica
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| 02 Feb 2023 | How I Only Spent $73 for 1 Month of Groceries for a Family of 4 During the January No Spend Challenge. Reducing Your Grocery Budget is Much Easier When You Raise Alot of Your Own Food. | 00:07:55 | |
Hey Friend! I was pretty excited to only spend $73 on groceries last month-especially with the food prices right now! I am so grateful that my family hunts and fishes, we grow and preserve our own food, and have chickens for meat and fresh eggs_especially with the price of eggs right now! I used to advise people to eat eggs for an evening meal at least once per week to save money, but now they aren’t going to save a whole lot on that!! My first week of the challenge, I ended up spending $30 because I hadn’t been grocery shopping for a few weeks and I need to buy some extra fruit as we were running low and in our area of the country, we aren’t able to grow fresh fruit for months due to below freezing temps, so that seems to be our biggest expense because I like to buy organic as much as possible and I don’t can very much fruit because we like fresh fruit. I do freeze some fruits, but my frozen apples are gone, but we do still have strawberries. The rest of the week, we ate egg meals for breakfast because I was running low on milk, venison, potatoes and corn, I made a large pot of chicken wild rice soup because I had most of the supplies on hand and we make our own broth, we had a potato, burger and cheese hash, tacos, roast,potatoes, green beans. The second week I made a huge pan of hash to last us most of the week. That is shredded hashbrowns, pork sausage, and eggs-sometimes I put peppers in this, but we didn’t have those on hand. I like to make alot because we like heating it up during the week for breakfast or lunch. I always make large batches of everything whenever I cook because then I have to cook alot less often. Our breakfast can be something as simple as yogurt, smoothies, sourdough dishes, eggs, oatmeal and then we can use leftovers for lunches so I only concentrate on a quick dinner meal. I have not had enough ingredients to make double the meals to freeze like I usually do, but I’m sure I will get back to that when I am done trying to eat mostly out of the pantry and freezer. I had alot of cubed zucchini in the freezer and made some zuchinni lasagna with our canned spaghetti sauce, burger and cheese that we had-it is one of our favorite meals-so much flavor and it is really quick to make. I also made some chicken tacos with chicken in the freezer, venison sloppy joes and french fries, sourdough pizza crust pizza, and chilli. Of course we always have sourdough bread and treats throughout the week as well! So week 2 I only spent $26 because we still had fruit from the week before, but we did have to buy some raw milk to make our greek yogurt and also to have on hand as we ran out the first week along with a few other items.. The 3rd week I spent nothing and we had stroganoff with our homemade sour cream,and venison, one meal was chicken, potatoes, and corn, another was chicken fettuccine with our homemade noodles and homegrown chickens, venison burgers and our homemade french fries we freeze in the fall with the potato crop, , potato soup, omlets and spaghetti squash spaghetti and meatballs, canned pickles, and sourdough garlic bread. I’m being very intentional about what I buy at the store and I am not buying any extra food to stock the cupboards like I normally do when it is on sale. And week 4. I only spent $17. Sourdough pizza, sourdough skillet, eggbake, roast and potatoes, burrito bowls, chicken and sweet potatoes, and fish and french fries. We also ate similar breakfasts to the weeks above and usually leftovers for lunches. The biggest expense we have saved on was not buying snacks and making them all homemade because my kids found some recipes using ingredients we already had, so that was another win from our challenge. Even though I have only been buying the few items for the meals we need week by week, I have not felt deprived at all. It is so nice to have so many nutrient dense foods from our garden,chickens, hunting, and fishing. We will eventually need to buy more groceries just for the simple fact that our pantry staples like flour, sugar, olive oil and spices will eventually be getting low, but I’m actually encouraged to see how long I can actually go without spending more than 120-150/month. Could I do this most of the year? Possibly!I am going to try! And you possibly could too! I know months that we have Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, we wouldn’t be able to since we probably spend a few hundred each holiday for over 25 people, but most other months~especially in the summer and Fall when our garden is producing, we definitely could spend less. If you need help with this, let me know-send me your ingredients and I can help you get creative with your meals! Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Monica | |||
| 26 Dec 2022 | How to Avoid Spending Money on Unnecessary Items Next Month to Improve Your Finances. 3 Ways a No Spend Challenge Can Help You Save Money Throughout the Year | 00:04:12 | |
Hey Friend! Can you believe this is the last week of the year? I hope you had a blessed Christmas celebrating our Savior’s Birth! Are you ready for the New Year? I am getting excited to get all of our goals and dreams for this year started and right now I cant wait to be doing another no spend challenge next month! This challenge doesn’t mean you don’t spend any money at all, but you try to spend the least amount as possible and especially cut out the extra unnecessary spending. I want you to be set up for financial success throughout the year starting with the first month of the year!! Here are 3 ways that not spending extra money for a month can help you save money. 1. You will be intentional about every dollar you spend 2. You will find out what you truely value and once you know, you won’t have to spend extra money on the less important things 3.You will learn to plan ahead so you won’t make impulse buys and that could save you a large amount of money as well!
If you want to learn more about the challenge and have accountability, join our free claiming simplicity facebook group! Also, thank you so much for hanging out with me this year! It has been incredible! I would really appreciate you taking 30 seconds to leave a rating and review so that others can learn about this show! I read each and every one of them and your comments have just blessed me this year! Thank you so much! Join our Facebook Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Have a safe week and I will talk to you in the New Year! Monica | |||
| 23 May 2022 | Where Do You Begin When Planning to Homestead? First 3 Steps to Getting Started for Beginners | 00:10:06 | |
Hello! If you ever thought about homesteading or wanted to learn about where to begin, this episode will give you a good idea how to get started and some of the things you can do to prepare. It can be a very simple process and the journey is so different for each of us! There are some who homestead that don't even have animals, so it is up to you! It is such a blessing to be able to give you this information. Reach out to me and let you know what you want to know more of!!!!!! Keep in touch and have a great week!!!
Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners
Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Monica
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| 22 Feb 2024 | EP 164 // Are You Loving The Life You Have Created and What Can Make it Better When You are Hustling Every Day to Get Everything Done | 00:04:16 | |
Hey Friend! As I get older, I think about what I can do to help others as that is very rewarding for me. I love being a nurse for this reason and even though I only pick up a few shifts around my family’s schedule. Its in my nature to give great care just as I would want my family to be treated, but I also like building my own dream and not someone elses for the freedom it provides which includes helping others as well. Are you loving your life right now? I remember being exhausted with all the running we did with kids and working all the time that I had to reevaluate why we were choosing that crazy whirlwind of everyday life and we made some changes. If you want to make changes in your life, you have to know what changes you want to make and then you need to break that goal down and start to take steps toward that bigger dream so you aren’t in the same spot the next year-you have to take action. Many times this will start with getting out of debt so that you have options. I would start with selling things you don’t need or anything you have payments on. Debt will control your life, so when you get rid of it, it will free up your life to be able to live your dreams and as we talked about in an earlier episode, you will also be more content. Remember, how you spend your time is how you spend your life. Don’t let it slip away. In order to love the life you live, you will want to remember that no life is perfect, so even though some things may look perfect for others, you are just seeing the highlights, so do not compare your life to other people’s life. Next, you need to be true to your values~your best life is going to be lived by aligning your life with what is most important to you. Invest your time, energy, and money into those most important values and make sure you set boundaries for those items that do not fall in there. I believe that in order to move from where you are at to where you want to be, you need to invest in your growth. You will want to read books or listen to them, learn from others, investing in personal development and courses are so important for you to move forward to transform your life. But remember that you need to put into practice what you are learning. I don’t want you to stay stuck, so take a chance. You may be afraid to make some changes, but sometimes you have to go through uncomfortable things for them to eventually be comfortable and become who you are truly meant to be. Don’t let fear stop you from your dreams friend and certainly don’t let other people discourage you. If I would have let the naysayers influence my dreams, I would not be where I am today. Your dream is not the same as anybody elses and God has given you different gifts that He wants you to use. Do not let security keep you stuck, take a step of faith as God leads you. I hope you can take this seriously to move your life in the direction you want to go little by little, step by step. You and your family deserve it! ~Monica Website and Waitlist:
Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/ | |||
| 15 Dec 2023 | It is OK to Pause This Time of the Year Without Having Regrets and Enjoy What Really Matters Becasue You Won’t Get This Time Back | 00:04:40 | |
Hello! It has been a full month already with activities and events we have had going on and with all of that, I have not got any baking done, my homemade gifts finished, or finished my list for the Grandkids, so I have to push pause on a few other things I have going on so that I can be present with my family and friends. Yes, this means that the rough draft of my book won’t be done by the end of the year, but I am ok with that knowing that I am putting my most important values ahead of everything else.
I don’t want you to stress out if you need to do this as well. I was having a hard time concentrating on writing the last few weeks because of all the things I still need to do as well as making this season as special as possible for my family and this may be you as well. You might not be writing a book, but I’m sure you are doing things that you really don’t need to do right now so that you can enjoy intentional time with family and friends. Christmas only comes once a year, so I am giving you permission to say no to things that do not align with your values and bring you joy right now.
This last weekend we went to a Christian Camp that we do every year with kids and Grandkids that have all kinds of Christmas activities to do and it is only 3 hours long with so many things to do and because it is spread out and we do alot of walking, we have to really decide what is important to us to do in that 3 hours because you can’t get to everything. It got me thinking about how this is how we should look at this whole season as well and enjoy the moments that we truely enjoy and make sure we priorize because we truely can’t do it all ~and certainly not without stress and overwhelm. I will say, one thing that I don’t enjoy is wrapping presents. I love love love to give meaningful gifts or experiences, but wrapping is not my favorite and right now my teenagers enjoy it, so I will give them gifts to wrap so that I can focus on the things I love and it is a win win for all of us! Funny thing is that I have put some of their gifts in boxes and they have even wrapped their own presents some years without even knowing it!!!!! I’m so grateful my girls also like doing the baking, so we all do that together and then the grandkids decorate their own that they get to bring home~because there is alot of finger licking at their young ages when they decorate!!!!
I want you to think if there is something you have been doing that you could put off until the new year? I promise….most things can wait and our time is so precious.
I did want to tell you that I will be doing the no spend challenge again this year in January! This time I am going to try and spend even less money on groceries if possible and get creative with what I have. I don’t have quite as much canned food as we had previous years since we didn’t have a garden this year because of the move, so this might be even more challenging, but on an exciting note, we are getting more eggs these last 2 weeks than we have gotten since july, so at least we should have eggs! We will see how many different ways we can fix them with sourdough and pork because we have lots of that!!! I would love to have you join me if you are ready to cut spending and live more intentional! Just send me an email to monica@claimingsimplicity.com and write no spend challenge in the subject line and I will add you to the group!!!!!!!!!
I hope you are able to pause and enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus and intentional living with family and friends this time of the year.
Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
Chat soon! Monica
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| 05 Jan 2023 | Do You Feel Anxious When You Think About Your Finances and Debt? 5 Simple Tips to Overcome Money Stress This Year for Busy Christian Moms | 00:06:32 | |
Hello! We are going to talk about finances these next few weeks. During the global pandemic, many people lost their jobs and their peace of mind overnight. And now we’re more nervous than ever about our financial future. In fact, just over half of Americans admit to feeling somewhat anxious over their personal finances. It will take time to feel confident about money again—and that’s okay. What happened was scary and real but the good news is, you don’t have to wait for the rest of the world to get it together before you get your money in order. There are practical ways to recover a sense of freedom and power in your financial future. The state of your personal finances has a direct impact on the state of your mental health. You can’t feel safe when you’re indebted to a bank and can’t plan for your future. Im here to tell you-there is hope. With the right plan, you can take control of your money and create a life that lets you sleep sound at night. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it. Here are _5_ tips for overcoming money stress.
See you next week! Monica
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| 18 Jul 2022 | Harvesting Worm Castings to Make Black Gold Fertilizer for Your Garden is Simple | 00:05:39 | |
Hi Today I want to let you know how we harvest our worm castings, but First you will want to feed your worms in 1 corner a few weeks prior to harvesting so the worms go to 1 side. If some worms do get through, it is not a big deal. Having worms in your garden is great too! After all the worms are to one side, you can scoop out the worm castings from the other side. If you want to scoop them and put them into a pail and don’t have a screen, you can just remove any lumps or chunks you may have and put back into the bin, but if you have some sort of large screen, you can also sift the castings through to get the chunks out. Any material that hasn’t been broken down can go back into the bin for the worms to break down as well.
I like to sprinkle this around my fruit trees and plants, but you don’t need too much. Remember, this is organic and it is completely safe, but you also don’t need much! Using the worm compost just assures you that you are not getting the chemicals in the food you are eating, so this is the most important reason for you to use worm castings as well! Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
Talk soon! Monica
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| 17 Aug 2023 | Steps to Declutter Your House to Have More Peace and Less Stress as a Busy Overwhelmed Homestead Mom | 00:05:47 | |
Hello Another lessoned learned the last month is too much stuff is pure chaos. All areas of my life feel unorganized when I had stuff everywhere-I almost forget a few appointments, I had a doctor bill that got lost in the mess and I got a letter last week saying this is your last notice-what? I take pride on never being late on any bill as most are set up automatically, but that could have cost me extra money if I would have missed it, but I’m sure the address change had something to do with it as well. I ended up buying duplicate items because I had no idea where something was, so clutter can also cost you quite a bit of money, so if you want to save money, learn to live with less stuff! Start decluttering your home if you have not! I still have a enclosed trailer full of stuff and I don’t even want to unpack it and we still have a storage unit with items in. I’m waiting until I have the time to organize and put where it needs to go, but now that we have used some of it in the last few months, I’m thinking we might downsize even further!
I am finally feeling somewhat better because I am finding a place for items in our home and anything that doesn’t have a place is going to the donation center. This home is quite a bit bigger….even though we wanted to downsize but this is where God wanted us, it seems to have less storage space because it is a more open concept and not like the farmhouse style we had before, so it has been tricky. I honestly don’t know how people function with stuff all over, it just mentally drained me. It is so much easier to have less stuff than to have to take up mental space for many items. Here are some things I want you to do right now.
First, look around your home and see if there is any garbage laying around and toss it. Train yourself and your family to put garbage away when you get done with it. It is something that you may consciously have to do for a while until it becomes a habit, but it will make such a difference for you. After that, look around if there are any dishes laying around where they should not be and put them into the kitchen where they belong. Make sure you are making note of where the problems are happening so you can incorporate new systems to keep the clutter at bay.
Another thing you should think about is every time you purchase an item is if you have a place for it and also what you are we going to get rid of-especially when you are thrift shopping because honestly, that can become clutter if you don’t keep on top of it! And if you are like me….you like a good deal! Remember it isn’t a good deal if it becomes clutter!
Plan your week…so much less chaos when you know what is happening and you have a plan. Take Sunday evening or Monday morning to look through what is going on so you don’t always feel scattered and flying by the seat of your pants!
Implement these first few items to get you on your way to simple living and more peace!!!
I can help you make a plan to simplify! If you want to win a ½ hour coaching call, you could be 1 of 4 people that begin to turn your chaos into calm and I would love to help you on that journey!!!!! ~Monica Website: Join our Community of Christian Moms -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/ Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ You Tube -> https://www.youtube.com/@claimingsimplicity/
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| 20 Sep 2022 | Do You Want to Know How to Ripen Tomatoes Quickly Before it Freezes? Another Great Gardening Tip and a Failure I Had This Week to Help You! | 00:04:00 | |
Hey Friend! What a fast week it was! I was very blessed to spend part of the week in Utah with some great friends! God has really surrounded me with the best Christian Women and I sometimes have to seriously hold back the tears when God reveals all that He is orchestrating. I have learned to be patient and wait on Him as He leads each and every step. I can only do what I am doing through Him and I truely give Him all the glory!!!!! This week I want to pass on another amazing garden tip that I learned a few weeks ago and tested it out! Did you know that you can ripen green and orange tomatoes within 2 days and you don’t have to set them on a table or a window seal to ripen them? I used to put mine in a single layer on a patio table this time of the year and then bring them into the garage at night in case it was going to freeze, but not anymore! This is another game changer in addition to my freezing tomato tip and I can’t believe how well it worked! We had frost here one night last week and because of our crazy schedule lately, I hadn’t had time to pick all the tomatoes, but I thought that I better pick as many as I could before I left for Utah! It is really late for our tomatoes because we werent able to even plant them until early June! I picked a few boxes of tomatoes and I froze all the ripe ones and had a full bag of unripened ones, so what I did was put my orange and green tomatoes in a paper grocery bag along with a few ripe tomatoes, I closed it tight, and I put it in the basement. After 24 hours, about ½ of the tomatoes were ripe, and the green tomatoes were starting to change color, so I froze the ripened ones and I thought that maybe a few extra days would be ok for them to ripen, but I was wrong! A few of larger tomatoes must have ripened and rotted very fast, so when I got home and picked up the bag, it totally bottomed out and my tomatoes splatted everywhere! It was a great learning lesson that it probably only takes 2-3 days for the tomatoes to ripen in the paper bag and not to leave them any longer. I only lost a few tomatoes because most of them were big roma tomatoes, so they are thicker, but it sure was a mess to clean up! I guess it is better than having frozen tomatoes though! Im just really excited to know this tip and I hope this will help you with your harvesting as well
Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Gardening, Homesteading & Holistic Home for Beginners Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Have a great week! Monica
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| 18 Apr 2022 | EXCITING NEWS! What is Happening With This Podcast and What the Future Looks Like! | 00:04:32 | |
Hello! I can’t even tell you how excited I am to REALLY know the direction that God is leading me. As many of you probably know, I am very multi passionate & I love to do so many things! I absolutely enjoy being a nurse and the patients are amazing and being a helper is one of my gifts which I also find alot of value in at home being a wife, mom, and grandma! Working as needed at the clinic has been perfect for me, but honestly…..I am busier than ever at home! I am the type of person that has to be doing something and helping someone to be fulfilled-whether it be learning something new, trying something new or crafting and you definitely wont ever see me sitting around!! I grew up on a dairy farm and working hard is in my blood! So……I just want to let you know what is happening around here and how I am going to be pivoting slightly. I want to teach more people to grow their own food and preserve it, raise their own animals, and become more self-sufficient as they begin their homesteading journey!
Join our Facebook Group -> Simple Living for Busy Moms Email -> claimingsimplicity@gmail.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/
See you next week! Monica | |||
| 07 Mar 2024 | EP 168 // Simple Laundry Detergent Made in Minutes and How to Make Your Own Washing Soda and Many Uses for it | 00:06:10 | |
Hey Friend I have been making my laundry soap for years because it is super simple and cost effective, but I was so excited that I just learned how to make my own washing soda and that is just as easy, so I wanted to share that with you along with several uses for it. I made laundry soap over 20 years ago and I had to quit because it was gunking up the hoses, so my husband didn’t want me making it anymore until I found a good recipe that didn’t use the shredded bar of soap, so I found a recipe that didn’t use that and I have been using it for quite a while and it seems to work well, but this one is a powder and not a liquid like my other recipe. It is just……1/2 cup epsom salt, 1/1/2 c aluminum free baking soda, 1 ½ c washing soda, ¼ c sea salt and 20-25 drops essential oils and I store mine in mason jarsd which works well. And now to reveal the simple washing soda recipe! It is just a layer of baking soda on a shallow baking dish or pan, put in a preheated 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, cool and store in an airtight container. Can you believe that is all it is? Me either-I could’ve been making this for several years. I like to buy baking soda in bulk because it has so many uses in the house and we also use it for the goats. Enjoy the tips and join our Facebook group for more! Monic Website and Waitlist:
Simple Homesteading for Christians-> https://www.facebook.com/groups/claimingsimplicity/
Email -> monica@claimingsimplicity.com Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/claimingsimplicity/ Pinterest -> https://www.pinterest.com/claimingsimplicity/
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