🧺 Make This Non-Toxic Detergent Today + Habits That Keeps Homemakers Sane

NOTICE: Formerly known as The Steady Homestead, we’ve rebranded to The Homestead Movement! Same great content, just a fresh new name. 😊 

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Make Your Own Natural Laundry Detergent 🧺

4. Personal Development: How Homemakers Build Mental Strength 💪

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

What if you could skip the chemical-laden products and make something pure, simple, and effective right at home?

When I first tried rendering tallow, I had doubts. Would it be worth the effort? Would it work? But after making my first whipped tallow balm, I was hooked. It absorbed beautifully, and I could actually pronounce every ingredient.

This month inside the Homestead Hands-On Challenge, we’re exploring Tallow & Beeswax DIYs.

And the best part? These recipes are 100% natural and work wonders! No need to be a pro or spend a fortune. All you need is a little know-how and a guide to walk you through it.

You’ll also have access to:
1. Step-by-step guides (so you’re never guessing what to do next)
2. A private group of other women learning alongside you
3. Lifetime access (so you can revisit the training anytime)
4. Pre-recorded workshops & extra mini-challenges for deeper learning

Plus, if you missed any of our earlier challenges, don’t worry! January to April topics from pantry staples to natural cleaners, are still available inside the Homestead Hub.

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY

Do you prefer to DIY or outsource?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I DIY everything I can

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I DIY small projects, outsource big ones

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ I try to DIY, but usually end up needing help.

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I let others handle the hands-on.

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

Make Your Own Natural Laundry Detergent 🧺

Looking for an easy way to cut costs and go green? Making your own laundry detergent is a simple, effective solution that saves you money, is gentle on your skin, and is better for the environment. Here’s how you can make your own with just a few basic ingredients.

But First, Why Make Your Own Detergent?

Store-bought detergents often contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and wasteful packaging. Homemade detergent is not only cost-effective but also gentle on your skin and eco-friendly. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 bar of soap (mild soap like Castile)

• 1 cup washing soda

• 1 cup borax

• Water (about 14 cups in total)

How to Make It:

1. Grate the soap into small pieces.

2. Melt soap in 4 cups of hot water on the stove until fully dissolved.

3. Add 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of borax; stir until dissolved.

4. Add 10 cups of water, stir, and let the mixture cool.

5. Transfer to a container (old detergent bottles work great!).

How to Use It:

• 1/4 cup per load for regular washing.

• 1/2 cup for larger or dirtier loads.

Tips:

• Add essential oils for fragrance (lavender or eucalyptus are great).

• Use hot water to pre-soak stains for extra cleaning power.

• Store in large batches to save time.

Quick Recap:

☐ Grate 1 bar of soap and dissolve in 4 cups of hot water.

☐ Add 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of borax, and 10 cups of water.

☐ Stir, cool, and bottle.

☐ Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

How Homemakers Build Mental Strength 💪

Life on the homestead or in a busy home rarely slows down. There are always chores, family needs, and things pulling you in every direction. But when life feels heavy or uncertain, mental strength becomes just as important as physical energy.

Here’s a no-fluff, real-talk guide to growing your inner strength, especially when life feels like it’s testing you.

Embrace Challenges

Hard days aren’t signs you’re doing it wrong, they’re part of the process.

Use struggles as stepping stones. When the garden fails or the budget breaks, step back and ask, “What is this trying to teach me?”

Practice Real Self-Care

This isn’t just bubble baths. It’s moving your body, eating real food, and sleeping when your body tells you it’s tired.

Make space to care for yourself like you care for your family. That quiet moment with coffee before the house wakes up? That counts.

Surround Yourself with Uplifting People

Choose people who speak life into your dreams and respect your boundaries.

Whether it’s a text thread with a friend or a homesteading Facebook group, stay close to those who remind you of your strength when you forget.

Learn from Failures

Mess-ups will happen: burnt bread, broken routines, missed goals.

Don’t take those as signs to quit. Use them to adjust. Ask what didn’t work, then try a new way. That’s how progress happens.

Set Goals and Track Them

Write down clear goals that you can actually measure.

Start small: “Walk 3 times a week,” or “Sell 10 jars of jam this month.” Track what’s working, and celebrate progress even if it’s not perfect.

Grow a Resilient Mindset

Believe you can get better at things over time.

When you hit a wall, don’t say “I can’t, ”try “I haven’t figured this out yet.” That shift helps you see possibilities instead of problems.

Practice Gratitude (Even When It’s Hard)

Write down three good things each night. Simple stuff, like warm socks, a quiet kitchen, fresh eggs.

Gratitude helps your brain focus on what’s working instead of what’s missing. It’s a habit worth growing.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Try something new. Start sourdough. Host a farm stand. Record that podcast idea.

Stretching yourself builds confidence, even if it feels awkward at first. You don’t have to wait until it feels perfect.

Believe in Yourself Out Loud

Say it in the mirror if you have to: “I can handle this.”

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just keep going. You are stronger than the voices that tell you otherwise.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why did the bees throw a parade in May?

Because the blooms were buzz-worthy!

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. Here’s a little dad joke... chicken edition! 🐔

@yury.colina

🐔👀🥗 🤣🤣#farm #farmlife #chicken #chickensoftiktok #chickens #funnychicken #funnychickens #funnyfarm #funnyfarmanimals #petchicken #petchick... See more

2. When you find out the average person’s hobby budget… then do the math on how much you spend on plants. Yeah, we’re done for. 😂

@rosiesmeadow

#MemeCut #Meme #MemeCut Yeah……. 😅😅😅 #planthobbyist #planttok #plantsoftiktok #plantcollection #thereslikealotofplantsinhere #hobby

3. I swear, I’d probably cry if this happened to me while making my sourdough 😭

@margos.sourdough

Mistakes happen to the best of us! This one hurt though 🥲😅 #sourdoughbread #bakingfail #sourdoughclub

ENGAGE WITH US

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