Daily Prompt
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When the Chicken Comes Inside: Unexpected Realities of Homesteading in Winter
Sometimes homesteading means bringing a chicken inside. Learn why we brought a hen indoors during a cold snap and what it teaches about winter chicken care. Continue reading
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Merry Christmas!
J & J Homestead extends warm holiday greetings, wishing everyone a peaceful and joyous season. Continue reading
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Christmas Eve Preparations: Last-Minute Homemade Gifts from the Kitchen
Experience the magic of homemade Christmas Eve gifts with Savory-Sweet Roasted Mixed Nuts, a simple recipe that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. Perfect for last-minute surprises, these flavorful treats embody the warmth and thoughtfulness of the holiday… Continue reading
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What Makes Me Happiest on the Homestead This Time of Year: The Beauty of Small Wins
Embrace the quiet joy of winter homesteading, where happiness blooms in small victories. Discover how preparing for the cold ensures your flock thrives and bees thrive, proving that patience and care create lasting fulfillment. Continue reading
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Five Grocery Store Items We Don’t Buy Thanks to Our Homestead
Homesteading offers the joy of reduced grocery runs by producing essential items at home. The journey has eliminated the need for store-bought eggs, chicken, honey, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. This fosters self-sufficiency, enhances culinary quality, and strengthens connections to food.… Continue reading
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A Warm Winter Day in the Apiary: Checking on Our Honey Bees
The cottage food industry in Virginia empowers small farms and homesteaders to sell homemade, shelf-stable products legally and safely without needing a commercial kitchen. This legislation allows them to monetize their produce while ensuring food safety. Proper labeling and adherence… Continue reading
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What Skills Have I Learned Recently? Learning to Crochet (and Loving Every Minute of It)
Homesteading fosters lifelong learning, as illustrated by the author’s recent experience learning to crochet from their stepmom. This new skill embodies the essence of homesteading—building self-sufficiency and connecting with traditions. Despite early challenges, the author embraces the learning process, appreciating… Continue reading
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Announcing My New Homesteading Podcast: Why I’m Excited to Share This Journey With You
The author is excited to launch a homesteading podcast to share deeper stories and experiences beyond social media. This platform will cover various homesteading topics, encourage community engagement, and offer relatable anecdotes. As the author navigates the learning curve of… Continue reading
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What the Foxfire Books Have Taught Me About Homesteading — And Why the Old Traditions Are Still the Best
The Foxfire books began in the 1960s as a school project to preserve Appalachian traditions through interviews with elders. They document skills and wisdom in homesteading, emphasizing resourcefulness, community, and simplicity. These books highlight that homesteading connects us to heritage… Continue reading
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What This Extreme Cold Weather Has Taught Me: I Need Better Gloves!
Winter’s harsh reality revealed my inadequate gloves during this week’s cold spell. My old leather gloves, now worn out, were swapped for flimsy knit ones that failed miserably. After painful chores, I realized the necessity of investing in quality, insulated… Continue reading
