💛 3 Easy Steps to Make Baking Powder at Home + The Quiet Side of Growth

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: How to Make Baking Powder at Home 😁

4. Personal Development: Healing Isn’t Loud — Signs You’re Moving Forward 💝

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Last year, I spent $5 on a pack of lettuce seeds.

A few weeks later, I had more fresh, crisp lettuce than I could eat. Meanwhile, the grocery store was charging $4 per head… for wilted, tasteless greens.

That’s when it hit me… why am I paying so much for something I can grow myself?

If you’ve ever:
1. Spent too much on produce that goes bad too fast
2. Felt intimidated by gardening (where do you even start?)
3. Wanted to grow food but didn’t think you had the space or time

Then March’s Gardening Basics Challenge is for you.

•  Grow food with whatever space you have

• Start with foolproof plants, even if you’ve killed everything before

• Skip expensive setups & use what you already own

• Save money while eating fresher, healthier food

And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.

Join our private homesteading community with step-by-step guides, support, and lifetime access to all the resources you need.

Missed January or February’s challenges? No worries, they’re still available anytime!

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST THURSDAY

Do you make your own household cleaners?

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Yes, I use them regularly

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I’ve tried, but I still buy some store products

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ I want to start making my own

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I prefer store-bought cleaners

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I hadn’t thought about it before

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

How to Make Baking Powder at Home 😁

Nothing ruins a baking day faster than realizing an essential ingredient is missing. When there’s no baking powder in the pantry, store-bought options aren’t always within reach. The good news? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just three simple ingredients.

Instead of relying on store-bought versions packed with unnecessary additives, this DIY method ensures fresh, effective, and aluminum-free baking powder.

Ingredients Needed

This DIY version uses just three pantry staples:

• Baking soda – The leavening base that creates bubbles when mixed with an acid.

• Cream of tartar – A natural acid that activates baking soda to help baked goods rise.

• Cornstarch (optional) – Prevents clumping and absorbs moisture for longer shelf life.

How to Make Homemade Baking Powder

1. Measure Ingredients Properly

   • Use 2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part baking soda.

   • If storing for later, add 1 part cornstarch to prevent clumping.

   • Example: For 1 tablespoon of baking powder, mix 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

2. Mix Until Well Combined

   • Stir all ingredients in a small bowl with a fork or whisk.

   • Ensure there are no lumps or uneven spots.

3. Use Immediately or Store Properly

   • If using right away, add directly to the recipe.

   • For storage, place in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot.

   • Use within one month for best results, since homemade baking powder lacks stabilizers.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

• Skipping the acid – Without cream of tartar or another acid, baking soda won’t react properly.

• Using old baking soda – If it’s past its prime, the mixture won’t be effective. Test it by adding a little vinegar—if it doesn’t fizz, replace it.

• Not storing correctly – Moisture causes clumping and weakens potency. Always use a dry spoon when measuring.

How to Substitute in Recipes

Since homemade baking powder is fresher and free of fillers, it may be slightly stronger than store-bought versions. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of commercial baking powder, using a slightly rounded teaspoon of homemade works best.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Healing Isn’t Loud: Signs You’re Moving Forward 💝

Healing doesn’t always come with big, dramatic moments. It often shows up in the quiet, everyday choices that feel lighter than they did before. If there’s been a time when simple things felt impossible, noticing small shifts is a sign of growth.

Many struggle with doubt, wondering if they’re truly healing or just distracting themselves. But real healing is clear: it’s in the way reactions change, in how peace replaces fear, and in the way self-respect grows stronger. Here are key signs that healing is happening, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

1. Reacting Instead of Overreacting

Emotions no longer feel out of control. Instead of snapping at small frustrations or shutting down over reminders of the past, responses feel more balanced.

Example: Someone says something upsetting, but instead of spiraling, there’s a moment to pause and process before responding. That moment of control is healing.

2. Setting Boundaries Without Guilt

There’s more confidence in saying no and protecting time, energy, and peace. Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out, they’re about keeping unhealthy patterns from creeping back in.

Example: Canceling plans when exhausted without feeling the need to apologize. That’s self-care, not selfishness.

3. Prioritizing Rest Without Shame

Rest no longer feels like a reward, it’s a necessity. There’s no need to overwork, prove worth, or push limits just to feel enough.

Example: Choosing an early bedtime over pushing through another exhausting task. The world won’t fall apart, and neither will personal progress.

4. Enjoying the Present Instead of Reliving the Past

There’s less dwelling on painful memories. Thoughts still surface, but they don’t pull as hard, and there’s more focus on what’s happening now.

Example: Watching a sunset and actually feeling the warmth of the moment instead of getting lost in old worries.

5. No Longer Seeking Constant Validation

Approval from others isn’t as important. There’s trust in personal decisions without needing outside reassurance.

Example: Posting on social media for fun, not for likes or validation.

6. Expressing Needs Without Fear

Speaking up feels easier. There’s less fear about being a burden, and asking for help doesn’t come with guilt.

Example: Saying, “I need a break,” instead of pushing through exhaustion. Needs matter, and honoring them is healing.

7. Finding Joy in Small Things Again

Laughter comes easier. Music feels richer. Moments of joy don’t feel like borrowed time, they feel real and deserved.

Example: Singing along to a song while cooking instead of rushing through the task.

8. Accepting Imperfections Without Self-Criticism

Flaws don’t feel like failures. Instead of harsh self-talk, there’s more patience and kindness toward mistakes.

Example: Messing up a recipe and shrugging it off instead of feeling like a failure.

9. Trusting Others Without Expecting Hurt

Not everyone feels like a threat anymore. There’s less waiting for the worst and more willingness to believe in good intentions.

Example: Accepting a compliment without assuming there’s a hidden motive.

10. Choosing Peace Over Drama

Unnecessary conflict loses its appeal. There’s less need to argue, prove points, or hold onto negativity.

Example: Walking away from gossip instead of engaging in it.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

How do you know a homesteader is getting impatient?

They start staring down their seedlings for signs of life!

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. Yep, diving straight into granny hobbies is always the way to go! 😂👵🏼

@gardenwithjonny

#gardening #plants #comedy

2. Pretty much me every time I do my gardening chores:

@holaa._.andreeeaaa

I’ll randomly remember mid cleaning…randomly😂 🧐 #gardening #fyp

3. What kind of gardener are you based on this video? 😂 As for me, I’d say a little bit of both, haha!

@mariajane___

What happened? 😟 😭 … lol I can be both, it depends on your mood, who you’re with and where you are . It’s all jokes 🫶🏼 #gardeners #chill #... See more

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