Homestead Aprons

Homestead Aprons
I have a new fun project that I just can't get enough of...ok, maybe it's more than just one new project.  I've been busy making aprons.  It all started with a cute little egg gathering apron, then I found an adorable harvest apron.  I shared pictures of them because I LOVE the fabrics and how they all came together.  Then that lead to making yet another cute apron!

One of my goals with homesteading is to find practical things to use around the home.  I find it a big bonus when it's something I can be crafty with.

Egg Gathering Apron
First, let's talk about this adorable egg gathering apron.  What a neat idea!  It has pockets for up to a dozen eggs.  Perfect for daily gathering of fresh eggs.  After sharing a few that I made, I was commissioned to make a toddler size apron.  How fun!!  Instead of making an apron that would quickly be outgrown, I opted to make a grow-with-me apron.  It fits toddler-child sizes and is a great way to let your littles help you with egg gathering.  No more smashed eggs in little toddler pant pockets (yes, this is why I was asked to make a toddler size!).

Shown here are the 2 different sizes.  The smaller one folds up so that the toddler size has just the top row of pockets.  What a fun mommy and me gift set!





Harvest Apron
Next up, the super fun harvest apron.  I can't get enough of this one!  There are SOOOO many cute fabric options.  I have been told that they also work great for egg gathering, which makes this one perfect for any homestead mom!  This multi-purpose apron can be used for gardening and egg gathering.  How neat is that?!

I have made so many adorable fabric combos with this one.  I basically want to keep one of each of them.  But, I have limited myself to just 2.  After all, if one gets dirty, I need time to get it all washed up and ready to use again without having to do without one for the next days' harvest.







Full Apron with Pockets
The latest edition to my apron making is a full apron with a bib.  It even has pockets on each side!  Sadly, I don't have as good of a picture to share with this one.  I was on a bit of a time crunch so I considered myself lucky to even snap a pic.  This particular one is custom made and a plus size.  It comes in all sizes from adult small all the way up to a 3xl.  Super cute!

If you would like to custom order an apron, please send me a message!  Message Amanda

If you would like to make your own, I'll share some links below.  I did make some adjustments on the egg gathering apron, but there are several great patterns you can use.  

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Finding My Purpose

Finding My Purpose
I've been married for 23 years.  When I was pregnant with our first, we moved across a few states and I haven't worked outside the home since.  That was right at 22 years ago this summer.  Our oldest was born that November.  Being a stay-at-home mom is what I always wanted to be.  Before my husband and I were married, we agreed that once we had kids I would stay home with them.  It hasn't always been easy.  We don't have extra finances for vacations, nights out...or anything really.  But it's a decision we have made and would make all over again.  I've had people frown upon me for not having a job, for choosing to homeschool, for working hard to homestead even though there isn't much money to be made in it (yet!).  My point is...I'm never going to please everyone.  The ONLY ones who matter are God and my family.

I'm a firm believer that God designed me to be a wife and mother.  To provide a loving home for my family.  I was blessed to be able to raise my own children and homeschool them for the past few years.  But I'm realizing that it's hard not to buy into the worldly thoughts and views about needing to have a bigger purpose in life.

Once all 3 of my kids started hitting the teenage years (yes, I had 3 teens at once and LOVED it!), I realized that it was time for me to get to know myself again.  I knew that once they all left home I would struggle to know my place.  I have loved being a mom.  It's hard to think of who/what I will be when the last one leaves the home.  So I started doing some trainings, coaching, courses, etc to help me on my journey.  Ultimately, I want to help other moms.  I want them to see the light at the end of the tunnel on those long, hard days with littles and know it's all going to be worth it in the end.  I want them to know and understand the importance of taking their kids to church services even though they feel they don't get a thing out of it because they are tending to the kids.  I want them to see that even in that situation, they are a great example not only to their kids, but to the congregation.  I want moms to know that the "job" they have as a stay-at-home mom is the most important job they could ever have.  Most importantly, I want them to see and know their worth in the eyes of God.  So I began my coaching journey with all of this in mind.  It has had it's ebb and flow.  My focus has changed along the way, but every time it's been about helping moms.

And where am I now on this journey?  Homesteading, cultivating a holistic lifestyle for my family and sharing our journey with others.  I've been learning more and more over the past 10 years about natural health & wellness, herbalism, decluttering the home, gardening, raising livestock, cooking from scratch, and all sorts of homestead related things.  So you'd think that with my kids getting older and not needing me as much that I'm all set and ready to go, right?
WRONG
My oldest is 21 years old and I have been blessed to still have him at home as a working member of our family (he's our main gardener!).  My daughter is 19 and just got married, so she is officially out of the house and on her own.  My youngest is now 16 years old and working on a horse ranch, learning every single thing he can.

Reality really hit me when wedding plans stopped, wedding company all left, my guys were all out working, and I was left home along.  Who am I?  What am I doing with my life?  Am I more than just the one my guys come home to?  The one who cooks and cleans, does the laundry, keeps schedules straight, runs errands?  Surely there's got to be more than that right?  Should I go out and get a job so that I can 1) contribute to our finances and 2) have a worth/value in this world?

STOP right there...read #2 again.  That right there is the worldly view creeping into my head.  Yes, we have talked about me getting a job outside the home.  But all 3 of my guys agree that I am best at home.  And I agree!  THEY understand my value as a wife and mom.  THEY get that if I were to work outside the home there is no one who can replace me.  THEY KNOW MY WORTH.  So, why don't I?

Now, back to the part about me being a life coach for moms and wanting them to understand their value and wondering where my place is now that my kids are all growing up...Here, right in my home, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, tending to the needs of others.  THIS is where I belong.  Why?  Because it's what I want...it doesn't matter what the world says.  And, yes, I can still help contribute to the finances in so many other ways.  Like the woman in Proverbs 31, I work with my hands, I sell goods, I am not afraid for I have prepared my household.

My worth is in God, in being here for my family, and in helping other moms on their journey. 💜
Join our HomeGrown Homestead community—a place where we learn, grow, and share our homesteading journey together, fostering a bond of shared wisdom and experience. (everyone is welcome!)
Step into Lavender & Coffee: A Sip of Serenity, a haven for moms seeking support and community on their journey to fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers with grace and purpose.(for moms only)

The Best Flowers For A Pollinator Garden

As we get our gardens planted for the season, it's always nice to incorporate pretty flowers to add some landscape appeal.  But, did you know that certain flowers can also benefit your fruit and vegetable gardens?

Pollinator-friendly flowers provide nectar and pollen sources for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.  Some popular pollinator-friendly flowers include bee balm, lavender, coneflower, cosmos, zinnia, sunflower, and salvia. By incorporating these flowers into your garden, you can create a vibrant habitat that attracts and sustains pollinators throughout the growing season.

Bee Balm is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is also commonly referred to as wild bergamot or Oswego tea. Bee balm is prized for its vibrant, showy flowers that come in various shades of pink, red, purple, and white, depending on the cultivar.
Bee balm is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. Here's how bee balm benefits pollinators:
  1. Abundant Nectar: Bee balm produces copious amounts of nectar, which serves as a rich food source for pollinators. Bees, in particular, are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by the tubular flowers of bee balm.
  2. Long Blooming Period: The flowers of bee balm typically bloom from mid- to late summer, providing a consistent source of nectar for pollinators during this time when other flowering plants may be scarce.
  3. Attractive to a Variety of Pollinators: While the name "bee balm" suggests its primary attraction to bees, this plant also draws in other pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, enhancing the overall biodiversity of the garden.
  4. Native Plant Benefits: Bee balm is indigenous to North America, making it well-adapted to local climates and soil conditions. By incorporating native plants like bee balm into your garden, you can support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
  5. Ornamental Value: In addition to its ecological benefits, bee balm is prized for its ornamental qualities. Its striking flowers add a burst of color and visual interest to garden beds, borders, and wildflower meadows.
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region but is cultivated worldwide for its aromatic foliage and beautiful flowers. Lavender is known for its distinctive scent, soothing properties, and ornamental value in gardens. 
Here's how lavender benefits pollinators:
  1. Abundant Nectar: Lavender produces small, fragrant flowers that are rich in nectar, making them attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Bees, in particular, are drawn to lavender for its abundant nectar, which they collect to make honey.
  2. Extended Blooming Period: Depending on the variety and climate, lavender can bloom from late spring through summer and into early fall. This extended flowering period provides a consistent food source for pollinators throughout the growing season when other floral resources may be limited.
  3. Easy Accessibility: Lavender flowers have open, tubular shapes that are easily accessible to pollinators seeking nectar and pollen. The flowers are arranged in dense spikes, allowing multiple pollinators to feed simultaneously.
  4. Drought Tolerance: Lavender is well-adapted to dry, sunny conditions, making it a resilient plant in many gardens. Its ability to thrive in drought-prone areas makes it a valuable resource for pollinators during periods of water scarcity when other flowering plants may struggle.
  5. Low Maintenance: Once established, lavender is relatively low maintenance and requires minimal watering and fertilization. This makes it an attractive option for gardeners looking to create pollinator-friendly landscapes with minimal effort.
Coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is native to North America. These plants are cherished for their striking daisy-like flowers with prominent, cone-shaped centers. Coneflowers come in various colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow, depending on the species and cultivar.
Here's how coneflower benefits pollinators:
  1. Rich in Nectar and Pollen: Coneflower produces abundant nectar and pollen, making it a valuable food source for a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The tubular disc florets in the center of the coneflower attract pollinators seeking nectar, while the surrounding ray florets provide easy access to pollen.
  2. Long Blooming Period: Coneflowers typically bloom from early summer to late fall, providing a consistent supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. This extended flowering period ensures that pollinators have access to food even when other flowering plants are not in bloom.
  3. Attracts a Variety of Pollinators: Coneflowers are known for their ability to attract diverse pollinators due to their abundant nectar and colorful flowers. Bees, including honeybees and native bees, are frequent visitors to coneflowers, along with butterflies, such as monarchs and swallowtails, and hummingbirds.
  4. Drought Tolerant and Easy to Grow: Coneflowers are well-adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, including dry, sunny areas with poor soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and landscapes.
  5. Native Plant Benefits: Many species of coneflower are native to North America, making them valuable additions to native plant gardens and restoration projects. By incorporating native coneflowers into your landscape, you can support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Cosmos flowers are annual flowering plants native to Mexico and the southern United States. They are renowned for their delicate, daisy-like flowers that come in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Cosmos flowers have a long blooming period, typically from early summer to fall, making them a popular choice for gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows.
Here's how cosmos flowers benefit pollinators:
  1. Abundant Nectar and Pollen: Cosmos flowers produce copious amounts of nectar, which serves as a valuable food source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The flowers also offer plentiful pollen, which is essential for the nutrition and reproduction of many insect species.
  2. Easy Accessibility: The open, daisy-like structure of cosmos flowers makes them easily accessible to a wide range of pollinators, including bees with varying tongue lengths, butterflies, and other flying insects. Pollinators can land on the flat, open petals and access the nectar and pollen with ease.
  3. Attracts a Variety of Pollinators: Cosmos flowers are known for their ability to attract a diverse array of pollinators, including native bees, honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. These pollinators are drawn to the colorful blooms and sweet nectar of cosmos flowers, enhancing the biodiversity of the garden.
  4. Long Blooming Period: Cosmos flowers have a prolonged blooming season, often lasting from early summer until the first frost. This extended flowering period provides a continuous source of food for pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting their health and well-being.
  5. Self-Sowing and Low Maintenance: Cosmos flowers readily self-sow, meaning they drop seeds that germinate and grow new plants without the need for human intervention. This self-sowing behavior makes cosmos flowers an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance addition to pollinator gardens, requiring minimal care once established.
Zinnia flowers are colorful annual plants native to Mexico and Central America. They are prized for their vibrant, daisy-like blooms that come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white. Zinnias are popular garden plants due to their long-lasting flowers, easy cultivation, and attractiveness to pollinators.
Here's how zinnia flowers benefit pollinators:
  1. Abundant Nectar and Pollen: Zinnia flowers produce ample amounts of nectar, which serves as a valuable food source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The flowers also offer abundant pollen, essential for the nutrition and reproduction of many insect species.
  2. Variety of Flower Shapes: Zinnia flowers come in various shapes and sizes, including single, semi-double, and double blooms. This diversity of flower forms provides options for different types of pollinators, accommodating those with varying feeding preferences and mouthpart structures.
  3. Long Blooming Period: Zinnias have a prolonged blooming season, typically from early summer to fall, providing a continuous source of food for pollinators throughout the growing season. Their extended flowering period ensures that pollinators have access to nectar and pollen even when other flowering plants are not in bloom.
  4. Attracts a Wide Range of Pollinators: Zinnias are known for their ability to attract a diverse array of pollinators, including bees (both native and honeybees), butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. The brightly colored blooms and sweet nectar of zinnias make them highly attractive to these beneficial insects and birds.
  5. Easy to Grow and Low Maintenance: Zinnias are easy-to-grow annuals that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively low maintenance and require minimal care once established, making them an ideal choice for pollinator gardens and landscapes.
Sunflowers are iconic annual plants native to North America. They are characterized by their tall, sturdy stems and large, vibrant flowers with distinctive yellow petals and dark centers. Sunflowers are not only popular ornamental plants but also valuable crops grown for their nutritious seeds and oil.
Here's how sunflowers benefit pollinators:
  1. Abundant Nectar and Pollen: Sunflowers produce copious amounts of nectar, which serves as a rich food source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The flowers also offer abundant pollen, which is essential for the nutrition and reproduction of many insect species.
  2. Large Flower Heads: The large, conspicuous flower heads of sunflowers provide ample landing space for pollinators, making it easy for them to access the nectar and pollen. The numerous disc florets in the center of the flower contain the nectar and pollen, attracting a wide range of pollinators.
  3. Extended Blooming Period: Sunflowers have a long blooming season, typically from mid-summer to early fall, providing a continuous source of food for pollinators throughout the growing season. Their extended flowering period ensures that pollinators have access to nectar and pollen even when other flowering plants are not in bloom.
  4. Attracts a Variety of Pollinators: Sunflowers are known for their ability to attract diverse pollinators, including bees (both native bees and honeybees), butterflies, moths, and beetles. The large, colorful blooms and abundant nectar of sunflowers make them highly attractive to these beneficial insects.
  5. Nutrient-Rich Seeds: In addition to providing nectar and pollen for pollinators, sunflowers also produce nutritious seeds that are consumed by birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. By attracting seed-eating animals, sunflowers indirectly support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Salvia, commonly known as sage, is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae). There are over 900 species of Salvia, ranging from annuals to woody shrubs, and they are distributed worldwide, with many species native to regions in Central and South America.
Here's how Salvia is good for pollinators:
  1. Abundant Nectar: Salvia plants produce abundant nectar, which attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The tubular-shaped flowers of many Salvia species are particularly well-suited for pollinators with long proboscises, such as certain species of bees and butterflies.
  2. Long Blooming Period: Salvia flowers typically have a long blooming period, often lasting from late spring through summer and into fall. This extended flowering period provides a consistent source of nectar for pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting their health and populations.
  3. Attractive to a Variety of Pollinators: Salvia flowers are known for their attractiveness to a diverse array of pollinators. Bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees, are frequent visitors to Salvia blooms, as are butterflies, such as monarchs and swallowtails. Additionally, certain species of hummingbirds are known to feed on the nectar of Salvia flowers.
  4. Colorful and Ornamental: Salvia plants are valued not only for their pollinator-attracting qualities but also for their ornamental value. Many species and cultivars of Salvia feature colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, or white, adding beauty and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
  5. Adaptability and Diversity: Salvia plants exhibit a wide range of growth habits, sizes, and environmental preferences, making them adaptable to various garden conditions. Whether grown as annuals, perennials, or shrubs, there is likely a Salvia species or cultivar suitable for nearly any garden or landscape.
From the vibrant blooms of sunflowers to the delicate petals of cosmos, each of these pollinator-friendly plants brings its own unique charm to the garden. While they share the common goal of attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with abundant nectar and pollen, their individual characteristics and blooming periods ensure a diverse and thriving ecosystem. Whether it's the towering stature of sunflowers, the easy accessibility of zinnias, the aromatic allure of lavender, the striking beauty of coneflowers, or the ornamental appeal of salvia, there's a perfect pollinator plant for every garden. Together, they create a tapestry of color, fragrance, and life, enriching our outdoor spaces and supporting the vital work of pollinators.

Check out this free guide for pollinator-friendly flowers:
Join our HomeGrown Homestead community—a place where we learn, grow, and share our homesteading journey together, fostering a bond of shared wisdom and experience. (everyone is welcome!)
Step into Lavender & Coffee: A Sip of Serenity, a haven for moms seeking support and community on their journey to fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers with grace and purpose.(for moms only)

Companion Planting with Tomatoes

Companion Planting with Tomatoes
Companion planting is a gardening technique that can enhance flavor, increase yield, and repel pests, by planting certain plants in proximity. For tomato lovers, incorporating plants like basil, garlic, onions, carrots, lettuce, peppers, marigolds, nasturtiums, and borage into their garden not only benefits the tomatoes through improved growth and pest control but also adds diversity and beauty to their garden space. These companions serve various functions, from repelling pests such as mosquitoes, aphids, and tomato hornworms to attracting beneficial insects and improving soil conditions.

On the flip side, not all plants make good companions for tomatoes. Planting tomatoes near corn, potatoes, fennel, brassicas (like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower), kohlrabi, or walnut trees can lead to competition for nutrients, increased risk of diseases, and stunted growth due to the release of inhibitory compounds or shared vulnerabilities to pests and diseases. To ensure the health and productivity of tomato plants, it's critical to avoid these unfavorable pairings.

Effective garden planning involves considering companion planting principles to create a harmonious, productive garden. Incorporating beneficial flowers not only aids in pollination, making it an excellent strategy for beekeepers, but it can also provide additional resources for herbal teas and other uses. Being aware of which plants to pair or avoid can make a significant difference in gardening success, offering a natural way to achieve a thriving, diverse garden ecosystem.
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Tips to Build a Homestead Community

Tips to Build a Homestead Community
Starting a homestead on your own can seem quite daunting, especially when you feel as if you a really are on your own.  Maybe, like me, you didn't grow up on a homestead, you have never owned any land of your own, even preserving foods is a new thing.  It's all very brand new and you don't know who to turn to when you have questions.

This is where having a local homestead community comes in quite handy.  If you don't yet know any local homesteaders, here are a few tips to help you grow your local homesteading community:
1. Join a local farmers market.  If you don't have something that you can sell then visit frequently and get to know the vendors.  But, it's really not that hard to come up with ideas for a booth of your own.  Veggies, homemade goods, handmade items, the ideas are endless.  Just be sure you check your state's cottage laws to know what is and isn't allowed.  If there is no local farmers market in your area, you can check in with the county office and see if there is a way to set one up.

2.  This one is for homeschoolers: Join a local homeschool co-op.  That may seem like an out of the box way of thinking, but trust me, it's golden!  The number of connections I have made solely from our homeschool group are endless.  What I have found is that other homeschoolers tend to have similar values, beliefs, and lifestyles.
Here's a short list of all that I have found within my homeschool co-op:
  • grass-fed beef
  • whole chickens (processed)
  • eggs
  • farmers market
  • gardening skills
  • baking skills
  • homemade soaps, balms, etc
  • natural remedies (info on what to use, practitioner info, etc)
  • many more...this is just a short list.
3.  If you are unable to do all that you want on your own (like raising cows to butcher, chickens for eggs, gardening, etc), talk to others in your community.  Is there someone who loves to garden and has the space for a large garden, but doesn't have the time to put into it all?  Can you offer your help with tending the garden and getting some of the fresh produce in return?  

4.  Check with your local trade school and either take classes or get names of homesteaders in the community who you can connect with.

5.  Join a community garden (or start one if there isn't one).  Check with your county office for info.

6.  Join online groups/communities to help you connect with others in your area.  This can be a great place when you have questions specific to the area you live in.  Maybe you want to know more about your gardening zone or how to care for livestock during different types of weather.  You can gain (and offer) a lot of insight in these kind of groups.

These are just some of the ways I have found useful in my homesteading journey.  As I expand my knowledge and ability to do more, I know that I have a community of like-minded friends who are always willing and able to help.  It may be teaching me how to process a chicken for meat, what to grow in my garden, or where to take the goats for auction...no matter what needs I have, chances are I can find the answers inside one of the above mentioned groups.  And, as always, continue to follow me on my journey as I share with you tips I find useful along the way.  You can also join my monthly membership where I share even more tips, recipes, education, and more!

Join our HomeGrown Homestead community—a place where we learn, grow, and share our homesteading journey together, fostering a bond of shared wisdom and experience. (everyone is welcome!)
Step into Lavender & Coffee: A Sip of Serenity, a haven for moms seeking support and community on their journey to fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers with grace and purpose.(for moms only)

 
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