Hello!
I've been absent from this space for longer than I'd anticipated. I sincerely hope you are doing well and finding ways to intentionally slow down during the busyness of the holiday season to enjoy and savor the magic that it brings.
Some days it's easier said than done, I get that. It's fairly chaotic around our homestead during this season with the soap business, but I do try to remind myself to take time for enjoying the little things. Some days I'm more successful than others. 😊
During my time away from blogging I've also enjoyed a long break away from social media. I'm still figuring out how I want to fit that back into my life. Additionally, I turned the comments off on the blog so that I didn't have to monitor them (they are back on). Around the homestead I've been crafting, baking, organizing, and getting some to-do's that have been on my calendar for some time checked off. My newest adventure is working with freshly milled flour to create whole grain breads and baked goods.
I'm still not sure exactly how this blog fits into my life, but I hope to figure that out in the first month or two of 2026. I realize that I've struggled with this over the past couple of years. It's a space that I've loved for a long time, so I'm not convinced that I want to give it up, but I'm also not sure how I want to keep it going. I truly appreciate that so many of you have enjoyed what I've written and shared in this space over the course of the past 16 years. (how has it been that long?)
I wanted to take a quick moment to tell you that I'm incredibly grateful for you and to thank you for following along on our homesteading/homemade living journey.
Wishing you the happiest and coziest of holidays!
-Staci
p.s. Jackson was not at all appreciative of my dressing him up and photographing him, but he's just so handsome. How can I resist???
Some days it's easier said than done, I get that. It's fairly chaotic around our homestead during this season with the soap business, but I do try to remind myself to take time for enjoying the little things. Some days I'm more successful than others. 😊
During my time away from blogging I've also enjoyed a long break away from social media. I'm still figuring out how I want to fit that back into my life. Additionally, I turned the comments off on the blog so that I didn't have to monitor them (they are back on). Around the homestead I've been crafting, baking, organizing, and getting some to-do's that have been on my calendar for some time checked off. My newest adventure is working with freshly milled flour to create whole grain breads and baked goods.
I'm still not sure exactly how this blog fits into my life, but I hope to figure that out in the first month or two of 2026. I realize that I've struggled with this over the past couple of years. It's a space that I've loved for a long time, so I'm not convinced that I want to give it up, but I'm also not sure how I want to keep it going. I truly appreciate that so many of you have enjoyed what I've written and shared in this space over the course of the past 16 years. (how has it been that long?)
I wanted to take a quick moment to tell you that I'm incredibly grateful for you and to thank you for following along on our homesteading/homemade living journey.
Wishing you the happiest and coziest of holidays!
-Staci
p.s. Jackson was not at all appreciative of my dressing him up and photographing him, but he's just so handsome. How can I resist???
Jackson is a handsome boy. I so enjoy reading a blog post, over all the busy reels on IG, and am glad you're still here in this quiet space. Stay cozy!
ReplyDeleteLaurie I completely agree regarding blogs. I can't stand reels and refuse to make or watch them. Thanks so much my friend!
DeleteHopefully if you choose not to go on with the blog, you keep it up for us to use for info.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm happy you find this space useful! Happy holidays.
DeleteOh, Jackson. What your momma puts you through. ;0) He makes the perfect Christmas kitty.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about the blogging. That's why I only post twice a month now. I still want to keep track of what's happening on the homestead, but I'm not as motivated to do as much as I used to. Part of it has to do with what's going on in our country, but this too, shall pass.
I'm so excited that we are on the FMF journey together! I have been amazed at the benefits I've felt and I wish I had discovered the movement a long time ago. I found a great lil' cookbook if you want some basic recipes. Just email me and I'll pass along the title and author.
Enjoy your holidays. I hope you, J and your critters have a festive, peaceful time. God bless.
Daisy - he does believe that I put him through a lot! Yes, to the fresh milled flour! Getting all of those vitamins and minerals that we can't get from pre-processed flour makes a huge difference I believe. I will reach out to you about the cookbook. Wishing you and your family a peaceful and festive holiday season as well.
DeleteSocial media is such a fast pace here today, gone tomorrow with stories etc. I miss the days of reading my 20 blogs and done in half an hour and then back to the rest of my day. Even if no one reads my blog I'm always referring back to it for recipes, photos and a point in time. With the kids growing up I've hardly taken any photos and in 2025 only in Jan/Feb then Sept when I travelled overseas. I've joined a P52 group for 2026 so I can get creative again, I do find it hard without the kids as they were a big part of my photography. I've been in my new place which I downsized for 4 months and the downstairs is finally finished with a light switch moved and a mirror hung in the entry. In January I'll be going through the garage again to downsize further and sort through stuff and still working on things upstairs but I love my new place and 2025 was the year of the house. Getting my house ready, selling and moving into a new smaller townhouse. Next year is about health and creativity, photography, quilting and getting into a routine with my sourdough etc. Have a lovely Christmas and I have loved reading your blog over the years. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy! I completely agree with your sentiments on social media and blogs. I'm so happy that you are loving your new home and that things are well. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHere’s to a wonderful 2026! I know the days are busy and the time flies. Wonderful to see you here, and grateful to be able to go back over your older posts when I’m looking for a particular recipe. Do what works for you - no pressure to post a certain number each week or month-whenever you feel like it, we’ll be here to check in! I hope the rest of the week is peaceful, restful, and filled with a little New Year’s sparkle.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary. Wishing you and your family a very happy New Year!! 🎉
DeleteHi Staci I just found your blog today and am enjoying the information you folks provide. I hope your family has a wonderful 2026! Curtis
ReplyDeleteThanks Curtis! We are happy that you found us. Happy 2026 to you as well!!
DeleteHi Staci, I think I first came across your blog a couple of years ago now, and enjoy checking in and seeing what you've posted. :)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you deleted the Weekly Meal Prep posts? I can't seem to find them anymore. If you ever want to bring the series back, I just thought I'd let you know that I enjoyed reading them. :) Last summer I baked your black bean brownie bites from one of them. It was my second time making black bean brownies and yours were more of a success for me!
Hope you had a good Christmas and Happy New Year! :)
Zania
Thanks Zania! I'm so happy the Black Bean Brownie Bites worked for you. The meal prep posts and homestead update posts are unpublished while I try to figure out what I want to do with the blog going forward. I believe they will be back though! Happy New Year!!
DeleteYou're welcome, Staci! :) I see, thanks for explaining. I understand. :) Thank you, hope your year has started off well!
Delete