When Your Home Feels Overwhelming: Simple Steps to Regain Control

April 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

Feel Like You’re Living in Chaos When Your Home Feels Overwhelming?

You ever look around your house and just… sigh? Maybe even groan? Yeah, me too. It’s so easy to let yourself fall even further into the hole when your home feels overwhelming.

Right now, as I sit here writing this, I have dishes in the sink, laundry piles that just keep moving from one surface to another, and a floor that really needs to be swept. The kids’ toys are scattered everywhere, the counters are cluttered, and there’s a general feeling of chaos in the air.

Honestly? It feels overwhelming.

And when things feel overwhelming, it’s easy to do nothing. To sit there, staring at the mess, feeling like you’ll never catch up. Like you’re failing at keeping your home in order. Like everyone else somehow has it together while you’re drowning in a sea of socks, crumbs, and half-empty cups.

But let’s take a deep breath together, okay?

Because I promise—you’re not alone.

And this feeling? It doesn’t have to last forever.

First: Let’s Let Go of the Guilt

Before we even think about tackling the mess, let’s address the little voice whispering, “You should have this under control. Other moms don’t let their homes get like this.”

Here’s the truth: that voice is lying.

Everyone has messy seasons. Every single person.
Some people are just better at shoving things into closets before guests come over.

Your home doesn’t define your worth. A messy kitchen doesn’t mean you’re failing. Cluttered counters don’t mean you’re a bad mom. And let’s be real—if your home is messy, it probably means you’re living in it.

Now, let’s not go too far into the other end where we’re glorifying the mess. I’m not about celebrating the hot mess mom just because it’s relateable. We can always strive for excellence, but at the same time be struggling with the season you’re currently in. Two things can absolutely be true at the same time.

So let’s ditch the guilt and focus on what actually matters: making things feel just a little lighter.

Next: Pick the Easiest Win

When your home feels overwhelming, when everything feels like too much, don’t try to tackle it all at once. That’s a fast track to burnout.

Instead, find the one thing that will make your space feel just a little better.

Maybe it’s clearing off the kitchen counters.
Maybe it’s starting one load of laundry.
Maybe it’s making the bed.
Maybe it’s straightening up the couch cushions and folding the blankets that are strewn about.
Maybe it’s just lighting a candle and calling it progress.

Whatever it is, start there. One small win leads to another.

Then: Set a Timer & Get Moving

If the mess is overwhelming, but you have zero motivation, try this:

⏳ Set a timer for 10 minutes
🚀 Pick one small area to tidy
🎶 Put on music, a podcast, or an audiobook
🙌 Stop when the timer goes off—or keep going if you feel like it!

Ten minutes isn’t scary. And once you start, momentum kicks in. Before you know it, you might just have a whole room looking better.

Give Yourself Permission to Take It Slow When Your Home Feels Overwhelming

Your house doesn’t have to be spotless by the end of the day.

If you’re in survival mode (new baby, sickness, busy season, or just life), then just do what you can. Some days, that might mean washing the dishes and calling it good. Other days, you might have the energy to deep-clean an entire room.

Both are okay. Both are progress.

Ask for Help (Seriously, It’s Okay)

If the mess is truly overwhelming, ask for help.

Get your kids involved—even little ones can match socks, pick up their own toys, or wipe the table.
If you have a partner, communicate what you need. They might not see the mess the way you do.
Call a friend and say, “Hey, can we chat while I clean? I need some motivation.”

You don’t have to do this alone.

A Messy Home is a Lived-In Home

Let’s be real—a home that’s actually lived in is never going to look like a magazine.

There will always be dishes, laundry, and dust settling as soon as you finish cleaning. That’s just life. And honestly? That’s okay.

Because one day, when the house is quiet and the kids have grown, we’ll miss the mess.

(Okay, maybe not the laundry piles. But you get what I mean.)

So today, let’s take a deep breath. Let’s do what we can. Let’s let go of the guilt and embrace the fact that a messy home is just a sign of a full, beautiful life.

And if all else fails?

There’s always tomorrow.

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When Your Home Feels Overwhelming: Simple Steps to Regain Control

Heather

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April 3, 2025

How to Make Tallow in a Crockpot (Wet Rendering Method)

March 30, 2025 Leave a Comment

Why You Should Make Your Own Tallow

Tallow is one of those old-fashioned, tried-and-true homestead staples that has made a comeback—for good reason! It’s packed with healthy fats, has a high smoke point for cooking, and is amazing for homemade skincare. I learned how to make tallow in a crockpot, and I’m excited to share the method with you!

Rendering your own tallow is simple, especially with this wet rendering method in a crockpot. This technique results in cleaner, milder-smelling tallow without the risk of scorching the fat. I recently rendered beef fat from the quarter cow we stocked our freezer with, and now I have a beautiful, creamy tallow ready for cooking and skincare.

If you’ve ever been curious about how to render tallow, this easy step-by-step guide will walk you through the process!

What You’ll Need

✔ Beef fat (suet or trim fat) – From grass-fed beef if possible
✔ A crockpot – The easiest way to render tallow
✔ Water – Helps clarify the fat
✔ Fine mesh strainer, flour sack towel, or cheesecloth – To remove impurities
✔ Jars or containers – For storing your tallow

Step-by-Step: How to Make Tallow in a Crockpot

1. Chop or Grind the Fat

The smaller the fat pieces, the quicker and more evenly they render. You can chop it finely with a knife or use a food processor for a finer grind.

2. Add Fat and Water to the Crockpot

Place the chopped fat into your cold crockpot, then add enough water to cover the bottom by about ½ to 1 inch. This helps prevent scorching and keeps the tallow pure.

3. Slow Cook on Low

Set your crockpot to low and let the fat slowly melt over 6-8 hours. I actually let mine go around 12 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. The fat will turn into liquid, leaving behind some bits of connective tissue.

4. Strain the Tallow

Once the fat is fully melted, carefully ladle it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof bowl. The water and any impurities will separate, leaving you with pure white tallow once it cools. At this point I scraped the impurities off the bottom and repeated the above steps.

5. Repeat for Purer Tallow

I repeated these steps (although I did it on a stove top this time since I didn’t need it to go as long.) I added a little bit of pink sea salt to help draw out any impurities. Once the impurities are scraped off, I just melted the white tallow down again and ladled it into jars.

6. Cool and Store

Let the tallow cool at room temperature. It will harden into a creamy white solid. You can store it:

At room temperature in a sealed jar for a few months
In the fridge for up to a year
In the freezer for long-term storage

How I’m Using This Batch of Tallow

I love that tallow is so versatile! For this batch, I’m splitting it up:

🥄 For Cooking – Tallow has a high smoke point and is perfect for frying, roasting, and even making the best crispy potatoes!

✨ For Skincare – I’m making a homemade tallow face cream! Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K and absorbs beautifully into the skin. It’s nourishing, deeply moisturizing, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Tips for the Best Homemade Tallow

✔ Use grass-fed beef fat – It has more nutrients and a milder scent. But if you don’t have access to grass-fed, then use what you have!
✔ Don’t skip the water – It keeps the tallow clean and free of burnt bits.
✔ Render low and slow – Avoid high heat to prevent a strong smell.
✔ Strain well – Cheesecloth helps remove tiny impurities, giving you the smoothest tallow.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Tallow in a Crockpot

Does homemade tallow smell bad?
Not if you render it properly! Wet rendering helps remove impurities, keeping the tallow mild and neutral-smelling.

How do I make whipped tallow balm?
Mix tallow + jojoba (or your choice of) oil + essential oils and whip it with a hand mixer until fluffy. Perfect for dry skin!

Can I use this for baking?
Yes! Tallow works well in pie crusts, biscuits, and even homemade tortillas.

How do I store tallow long-term?
Store in an airtight jar in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh for months.

Why is my tallow yellow?
It’s normal for freshly rendered tallow to be golden. As it cools, it will turn creamy white.

Why do you do with the connective tissue and other “bits” left behind after straining?
It makes a great treat for your dogs or chickens. I took it out to the coop and the girls went nuts!

Final Thoughts

Rendering tallow in a crockpot is so easy and gives you a versatile, nutrient-rich fat for both cooking and skincare. If you’ve never tried it before, I highly recommend giving it a go!

Are you team cooking tallow or skincare tallow? Or both? Let me know how you use tallow in the comments!

📌 Want to try this later? Save this post for later!

How to Start Seeds Indoors for a Thriving Spring Garden (Zone 6b Edition)

March 26, 2025 Leave a Comment

starting seeds indoors zone 6b with trays, soil in a homestead setting

Learning how to start seeds indoors was one of the first things we had to learn. And it’s now the benchmark sign of early spring on the homestead. It’s the first real sign that winter is behind us and warmer days are on the horizon! Here in Zone 6b, where our last frost date isn’t until April 30, starting seeds inside gives us a head start on our spring garden prep, helps us save money, and lets us nurture our garden from the very beginning.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how we’re starting seeds this season, including tips for other Zone 6b gardeners or anyone who’s still in the cold snap of late March.

Why Start Seeds Indoors?

If you’ve ever stood in the garden center debating between seed packets or ready-to-plant seedlings, you know there’s a lot to consider! So here’s why we go the DIY route:

Saves money – Seeds cost much less than buying plants later.
Greater variety – You’re not limited to what’s at the local nursery!
Stronger, healthier plants – You control the growing conditions right from the start.
Earlier harvests – Get a jumpstart while the ground is still cold.
It’s just plain fun – There’s something magical about watching life sprout from a tiny seed.

Know Your Zone 6b Frost Dates

In Zone 6b there are a variety of last frost dates that depend on your location. (Find your US Hardiness Zone here.) Our last frost date is around April 30, so timing is key. (Find your last frost date here.) Here’s a general rule we follow:

Plant Type	When to Start Indoors (Zone 6b)
Tomatoes & Peppers	6-8 weeks before last frost (early-mid March)
Cucumbers & Squash	3-4 weeks before last frost (early April)
Herbs (Basil, Parsley)	6-8 weeks before last frost (early-mid March)
Lettuce & Greens	4-6 weeks before last frost (mid March)

💡 Tip: Double-check the back of your seed packet for specific recommendations!

Some of theese plants actually do better for us if we direct sow them in the garden after our last frost date. So play around, experiment, and find what works best for you! For example, we almost never start squash or cucumbers inside. Instead, they always go right into the ground once it’s warm enough.

What You Need to Start Seeds Indoors

Here’s my simple, no-fuss seed-starting kit:

✔ Seed trays or pots (we often reuse plastic clamshell containers or Chinese takeout containers!)
✔ Seed-starting mix (light and well-draining)
✔ Seeds (heirloom are favorites for our homestead!)
✔ Water mister or spray bottle
✔ Labels & a marker (because you WILL forget which tray is which)
✔ Grow lights (optional but super helpful for strong seedlings) We actually don’t start as many seeds indoors as we used to, so I’m skipping the grow lights this year to save space. A sunny window is doing the trick for now!

Step-by-Step: How to Start Seeds Indoors

1. Prep Your Containers

Poke holes for drainage if needed, and fill with your seed-starting mix.

💡 Tip: Get your seed mix wet before filling your trays! Properly hydrated soil will increase your success rate.

2. Plant the Seeds

Follow the packet instructions for depth. Gently press the seeds into the soil and lightly cover.

3. Water Gently

Mist the soil so it’s damp but not soaking. Too much water = moldy seeds.

4. Provide Warmth & Light

Place trays in a warm spot (around 65-75°F) and under grow lights or a sunny window.

5. Watch & Wait!

Check daily for moisture and signs of germination. Once seedlings sprout, make sure they get 12-16 hours of light per day to avoid leggy stems.

How to Start Seeds Indoors: Hardening Off for Zone 6b

About 7-10 days before transplanting, we start hardening off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions:
1️⃣ A few hours in dappled sun
2️⃣ Slowly increase exposure each day
3️⃣ Protect from wind and cold snaps!

This helps toughen up the plants before they go into your garden beds post-frost.

Our Favorite Seeds This Year

For our homestead garden this spring, we’re starting:

Tomatoes: Roma & a variety of cherry tomatoes
Peppers: California Wonder Bell
Herbs: Basil, Dill, Fennel
Greens: Kale & a salad mix
Flowers: Dahlias, asters, and daisies (for pollinators + cut flowers!)

Extra Tips for How to Start Seeds Indoors

✔ Repurpose what you have! Yogurt cups, paper rolls, egg cartons, or clamshell berry containers make great seed trays.
✔ Keep a garden journal to track what you planted and when.
✔ Involve the kids! This is a favorite homeschool science activity in our house.

Final Thoughts: A Simple Spring Start

Starting seeds indoors has become a sweet family tradition and one of the ways we fully embrace seasonal living on the homestead. It’s simple, rewarding, and a tangible reminder that spring is here, even if the garden beds are still bare.

Are you starting seeds this spring? I’d love to know what’s going in your garden! Drop a comment or share your favorite seed varieties below.

FAQs

Do I need grow lights to start seeds indoors?
Not necessarily, but in Zone 6b, grow lights help seedlings thrive during cloudy early spring days.

Can I reuse last year’s seed trays and containers?
Absolutely! Just sanitize them with hot soapy water or a vinegar solution to prevent disease.

What’s the best soil for seed starting?
Use a seed-starting mix—lighter than regular potting soil—to help delicate seedlings grow strong roots.

When should I move seedlings outdoors in Zone 6b?
After your last frost date (around April 30 for us) and once seedlings have been hardened off for at least 7-10 days.

How often should I water my seedlings?
Keep the soil damp but not soggy. A mister bottle works great for gentle watering.

What’s the easiest seed to start indoors?
Lettuce, basil, and tomatoes are some of the easiest and most rewarding!

The Ultimate Browned Butter Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

March 23, 2025 Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe

If you love the nostalgic taste of Rice Krispie treats but want to take them to the next level, these Browned Butter Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are for you! Made with rich browned butter, deep caramel flavor from coconut sugar, and gooey marshmallows, this recipe is the perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and indulgent.

We’re working on cleaning up the ingredients we use in the kitchen, and one of the first swaps I made was to switch away from traditionally processed white sugar. While natural sugars like coconut, maple, and honey are still sugar, they’re a little more nutrient dense, so the calories aren’t as empty. They’re difinitely still calorie dense, though, so moderation is key! But when you want a little treat, you’ll feel slightly better reaching for these sources of sugar over traditional white sugar.

Also, be sure to ceck out the recipe in action by watching the Instagram reel below the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Rich, buttery caramel flavor – Browning the butter adds a deep nuttiness, while the coconut sugar caramel gives it a warm, toffee-like sweetness.
✅ Perfectly gooey texture – Using extra mini marshmallows ensures every bite is soft, stretchy, and delicious.
✅ No corn syrup! – Unlike traditional caramel, this version is made simply with coconut sugar and milk.
✅ A nostalgic treat with a gourmet twist – These aren’t your average Rice Krispie treats!

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter (browned)
1 cup coconut sugar
½ cup milk
10 oz mini marshmallows (plus an extra 5–10 oz for added gooeyness, optional)
1 (12 oz) box crisped rice cereal

Step-by-Step Instructions for Browned Butter Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring often, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 4–5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!

Step 2: Make the Caramel

Add the coconut sugar and milk to the browned butter. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking until the mixture is thick and coats the back of a spoon (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 10 oz of mini marshmallows until smooth and fully melted.

Step 4: Add the Cereal

Remove from heat and gently fold in the crisped rice cereal until evenly coated. If you want extra gooey treats, mix in an additional 5–10 oz of mini marshmallows at this stage.

Step 5: Press & Cool

Line a 9×13-inch dish with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the pan. Let it cool completely before cutting into squares.

Cutting the Browned Butter Rice Krispie Treats

The Ultimate Browned Butter Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Ooey, gooey, buttery, and delicious- these Rice Krispie Treats are taken to the next level with a few additions.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup Salted Butter Browned
1 cup Coconut Sugar
1/2 cup Milk
10 oz Mini Marshmallows plus an extra 5-10 oz for added gooeyness (optional)
12 oz Box Crisped Riced Cereal