Welcome! Fellow nature enthusiasts, aspiring homesteaders, or gawkers. Today marks a special chapter in the Essence Homestead story. I am thrilled to welcome you to the brand new website and blog! A place I have wanted to create and dedicate myself to, for years. I have always enjoyed sharing what was going on at our homestead online in hopes that it would inspire others to try out the lifestyle. I always seconded guessed myself, wondering if I truly had anything that people could relate to.

Embracing Authenticity

Let’s just say it ~ have you heard of imposter syndrome? For years, I have wanted to create this online space, I have had friends beg me to make this space a reality so that they had a place where they could look up different homesteady topics ~ knowing I would keep it simple and real. I would always start out writing some blog posts, and end up feeling like maybe I wasn’t knowledgeable enough to actually be sharing, or I felt like I was being fake. Though here I am now, despite the nagging self-doubt, to share my journey ~ not as an expert, but as a fellow learner. Homesteading is a space for growth, not only for the plants in our gardens but also for us as humans. It is completely fine to be a work in progress. Together, we can choose authenticity, always!

Teaching the Art of Gardening

I truly believe in the transformational power of a garden. If you have never sat in a garden brimming with life and color, after a stressful day…. I highly suggest you try it out. Here on the blog, I’ll dive into the basics of gardening, exploring things such as seed starting and soil health, as well as nurturing your growing plants. Come join the fun and learn to create your own oasis to relax in after a long day, or just get some inspiration for that future land you are saving up for!

Inspiring Outdoor Adventures for Kids

In a world filled with screens, I have a goal to reconnect children with the wonders of nature. Maybe this is personal because my kids really do enjoy their screen/tech time….. but some days it is just too much and we need to get teh inspiration to get outdoors enjoying nature… not just working. Here on the blog I want to feature creative ideas and activities to get kids excited about the outdoors. From planting their first seeds to exploring the wild world of insects, lets start young and instill a love of nature that lasts through their lifetime.

Building Confidence in Food Preserving

Preserving food is not just a practical skill; it’s an empowering one. With food prices the way they are, even if you are not growing your own food ~ finding a good deal at a store and learning to preserve the freshness for later is going to save you a lot of money! Though, maybe you have seen that picture of a pressure canner lid that exploded into the microwave above ~ and it probably has you scared to even attempt canning! I want to help guide you through food preserving. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned homesteader, let’s build confidence together as we explore the world of canning, dehydrating, freezing and even freeze drying.

Why Essence Homestead?

I know there are so many homesteady, foodie, kitchen blogs out there, but why should you come here to learn? I truly want this space to be more than a blog, I want this to become a community ~ where authenticity reigns supreme, where learning is celebrated, and where the joy of homesteading and nature can be shared. Join me on this exciting journey as we grow, learn and cultivate a deeper connection with the land…and maybe even with ourselves.

What to Expect:

• Authentic stories and experiences from our time here on the Homestead, like the great, the good, the bad and the ugly. Homesteading is a rollercoaster.
• Practical tips on gardening, designed for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, with the opportunity to share with me what you are most excited to learn about.
• Fun and educational activities to ignite the love for nature in our children, and we all know the grownups enjoy those activities just as much as the kids.
• Step-by-step guides on food preserving, demystifying the process once and for all, bust out your canning jars and make space in your freezers!

As we step into this new chapter, let’s acknowledge the courage it takes to start something new. Together, let’s create a space where authenticity reigns, imposter syndrome loses its grip, and the joy of homesteading and being in nature becomes a shared experience that we all can enjoy!

So once again, Welcome to Essence Homestead ~ where the journey is just as important as the final destination!