🍓 This Freezing Hack Changed Our Homestead + 15 Truths to Break Your Mental Mold

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 Thursday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: How to Flash Freeze Fruit 🍓

4. Personal Development: 15 Truths to Rethink How You’re Living 💬

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST THURSDAY

What do you secretly dread harvesting?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Carrots (they break too easy!)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Zucchini (so. many. zucchini.)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Beans (bend, snap, repeat…)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Corn (the bugs get there first)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Others (Feel free to specify!)

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 Flash Freeze Fruit 🍓

Homesteaders work hard to grow and gather the best fruits when they’re in season. But when the baskets are full and the fridge is overflowing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Flash freezing is a quick and simple way to save extra fruit without losing texture or flavor. If you’ve ever opened a frozen bag of mushy berries stuck together, this method is your new best friend.

Here’s exactly how to flash freeze your fruit so it’s ready for smoothies, pies, or snacking anytime.

Step 1: Wash and Dry

Start by washing your fruit thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any dirt, stems, or leaves.

Pat the fruit dry using a clean tea towel or paper towel. Water left on the surface can create ice crystals and make your fruit soggy.

Example: For strawberries, remove the tops after washing and slice them if you prefer smaller portions for later use.

Step 2: Prep and Cut

Chop your fruit into the size and shape you’ll want to use later. Keep things uniform so they freeze evenly.

You can leave smaller fruits like blueberries or raspberries whole, but larger fruits like peaches or mangoes should be sliced.

Tip: Peel and core apples before slicing to save prep time when you’re ready to bake.

Step 3: Use a Tray for Flash Freezing

Lay the cut fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Make sure pieces aren’t touching.

This is the secret that keeps fruit from freezing into one big block. Give each piece space, like they’re sunbathing. No crowding allowed.

Place the tray in your freezer and leave it there for at least 2 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit feels firm and solid.

Step 4: Store It Right

Once the fruit is frozen, remove the tray and quickly transfer the pieces into labeled freezer-safe bags or containers.

Use a permanent marker to label with the fruit type and date. Push out extra air from the bags before sealing to avoid freezer burn.

Example: Store flash-frozen banana slices in small bags for individual smoothie servings.

Flash Freezing Tips for Best Results

• Freeze in batches: Work with a little fruit at a time. Overloading your freezer tray will lead to clumps and uneven freezing.

• Avoid soft or overripe fruit: Use fresh, firm fruit for best texture after thawing.

• Don’t thaw before use (when possible): Use frozen fruit straight from the bag for baking, blending, or cooking.

• Store flat first, then stack: Freeze bags flat so they store easier. Once solid, you can stand or stack them to save freezer space.

Flash-Freezing Ideas You’ll Love

• Freeze berries to toss into oatmeal or yogurt year-round.

• Freeze peaches or nectarines for winter pies.

• Stockpile sliced bananas for quick breads or smoothies.

• Freeze grapes for a cool, crunchy summer snack.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

15 Truths to Rethink How You’re Living 💬

Homesteaders carry a lot: responsibilities, routines, and the quiet weight of keeping a home that works. But while feeding others and tending the land, it’s easy to neglect the stories we’re feeding our own minds.

Sometimes, one strong sentence can stop you in your tracks and make you look at things differently. These 15 reminders help shift your mindset, especially when life feels stretched too thin or dreams feel a little far off.

1. “Fear doesn’t stop death; it stops life.”

Many hold back because they’re afraid to fail. But not trying at all is often the real loss. Take the leap! Start the side business, plant the new crop, or teach the skill you’ve been sitting on.

2. “If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive.”

Peace is a non-negotiable in a home. If something’s eating at your calm, cut it. This might mean saying no to extra tasks or letting go of toxic opinions.

3. “People only see the decisions you made, not the choices you had.”

Judgment comes easy from the outside. But only you know the full picture. Don’t carry guilt from decisions that helped you survive.

4. “Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.”

Ask yourself: Would you trade places with this person? If not, their opinion doesn’t hold weight. Keep walking.

5. “The magic you’re looking for is in the work you’re avoiding.”

Hard things grow us. Often, the very task you keep dodging is the one that moves things forward. Is it budgeting? Cleaning out that barn? Starting the pantry inventory? Get it done.

6. “Ships are safe in the harbor, but that’s not what they’re built for.”

Comfort zones feel nice, but they don’t bring change. Homesteaders know growth needs risk, like trying a new method or joining a market.

7. “Ambition without action turns into anxiety.”

Dreams need motion. Lists are great, but action matters more. If something’s been sitting in your planner for months, do it or drop it.

8. “To live a life most people don’t, you must be willing to do what most people won’t.”

Homesteading is already a bold choice. But if you want more peace, freedom, time, then you’ll need to make bold moves. This could mean waking up earlier, cutting back spending, or learning a new skill from scratch.

9. “You can do anything, but not everything—focus.”

Multitasking often leads to burnout. Pick one priority and give it your best effort. One goal done well is better than five halfway finished.

10. “If you want to make the wrong decision, ask everyone.”

Too many voices bring confusion. Ask a trusted few, then listen to your gut. Trust that you know your life better than a stranger on the internet.

11. “Those who don’t move won’t notice their chains.”

Routines can turn into ruts. When comfort becomes stuck-ness, it’s time to shake things up. Try something new this week, big or small.

12. “It’s okay to live a life most people don’t understand.”

You don’t need to explain why you grow your own food or homeschool your kids. Your life doesn’t have to fit anyone else’s expectations.

13. “If someone only saw your actions and not your words, what would they say your priorities are?”

Take a good look at your day. Your actions are louder than your plans. If you say health matters, are you resting? If family matters, are you present?

14. “You can’t have a new reality with an old mentality.”

Old beliefs can’t carry you into new seasons. Want more ease or joy? It starts with changing the way you think about work, money, and worth.

15. “No risk, no story.”

The best parts of life usually come with a little fear and a lot of heart. Start the project. Send the email. Plant the seeds. Let this be the chapter you’re proud of.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

What did the cucumber say after a week of June heat?

"I’m in a real pickle over here."

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. If you ever need a hide-and-seek buddy, this chicken’s got serious skills! 🐔😂

2. The moment I see plants, I’m instantly like this:

3. Just some ducks living their best life at the pool 🦆💦

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