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Are you in a Homesteading group on social media? I happen to be in a few and I found there’s a common question that always appears. “How do I manage our homestead AND everything else!?” Managing a homestead alongside other responsibilities can be extremely overwhelming. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, I’ve found that achieving balance is key.
Balance in this context doesn't mean creating a detailed workflow chart or hiring outside help. Who has the time and money for that? Instead, it involves blending traditional homesteading practices with modern conveniences. This combination allows for an efficient, yet rewarding homesteading experience.
In today's world, the concept of homesteading has evolved from the labor-intensive lifestyle of our ancestors to a balanced blend of tradition and modernity. As a working mom, I find myself trying to juggle the demands of a career while ensuring my family enjoys the benefits of a wholesome lifestyle. Modern appliances have become invaluable allies in this endeavor, allowing me to efficiently manage household tasks and dedicate more time to my family.
Gone are the days when laundry and cooking would consume an entire day. With the help of modern appliances, these tasks are now more manageable and less time-consuming. Washing machines, for instance, have transformed laundry from a laborious chore to a simple task that requires minimal effort. Meanwhile, dishwashers ensure that cleaning up after meals is swift and hassle-free. But, perhaps the most significant game-changers are the kitchen appliances that have revolutionized cooking. With the aid of modern and traditional food preservation techniques, I can prepare nutritious, made-from-scratch meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
While modern conveniences are indeed a blessing, I do believe it's essential for my family to appreciate the value of traditional life skills. Cooking with whole ingredients is not just about nutrition; it's about connecting with our roots and understanding the processes behind the food we consume. Cooking from scratch is an art that I cherish and wish to pass on to my children. It teaches them the importance of patience, the joy of creativity, and the satisfaction of making something with their own hands. By involving them in meal preparation and food preservation practices, they learn to appreciate the effort that goes into creating delicious food and fostering a lifelong appreciation for healthy eating.
Incorporating traditional life skills into our daily routine helps us embrace a more wholesome lifestyle. It's about finding a balance between leveraging technology and honoring the methods of the past. By doing so, I hope to instill in my family a sense of responsibility towards the environment and a deeper connection to the food we eat.
This is my list of modern conveniences that help me keep our homestead balanced:
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer
Our freeze dryer is a cherished appliance for numerous reasons. One of its greatest benefits is reducing food waste. Leftovers can be freeze-dried and transformed into quick dinners on hectic weeknights or tasty meals while camping. It also allows me to bulk-prep various foods. Ingredients such as onions, peppers, celery, garlic, and herbs are freeze-dried and conveniently available whenever needed. If you're curious about freeze drying, you can explore my detailed review, or check out the entire line of Harvest Right Freeze Dryers for their extended Black Friday sale!
Potane Vacuum Sealer
I delayed purchasing a vacuum sealer longer than I wish I had. Vacuum sealing is the act of removing oxygen from bags or containers, creating an airtight seal that protects food from freezer burn and bacteria growth. It not only extends the freshness of freezer items but also allows me to vacuum seal freeze-dried items in mason jars, keeping out air that could shorten their shelf life. We have this one from Amazon that we use ALL the time!
Excalibur Dehydrator
Living in a region with a long growing season means that food preservation is a year-round activity in our household. Often, I have fresh produce in the freeze dryer, the pressure canner busy on the stove, and a basket of herbs awaiting attention. Thankfully, I can set them up in the dehydrator and multitask effectively. This is the one we use, but you can see everything Excalibur has to offer on their site.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
A high-quality stand mixer is a versatile kitchen tool. It makes kneading dough, whipping cream, mixing batter, and other tasks effortless, thanks to its powerful motor and diverse attachments. It's valuable for both avid bakers and those looking to simplify complex cooking processes, especially compared to manual methods. Check out Kitchen-Aid.com for more info, and you can sometimes even find great deals on their refurbished appliances!
West Bend Slow Cooker
My slow cooker is a versatile tool, used for everything from crafting delightful meals to making homemade chicken stock for pressure canning. One of its best features is its ability to transform less expensive cuts of meat, like chuck steaks, roasts, and stewing beef, into mouth-watering dishes. West Bend has some fantastic, affordable options on their site
I am grateful for the modern conveniences that allow me to efficiently manage household chores while still prioritizing my family's well-being. By combining the benefits of technology with the wisdom of traditional life skills, I strive to create a nurturing and balanced home environment.
This approach not only enriches our lives, but also ensures that the values of hard work, creativity, and healthy living are passed on to the next generation.
Let us know in the comments below what you would add to the list!
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