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This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. Spring is my favorite time of the year. I love listening to the sounds of singing birds and seeing new leaf buds opening on the trees. My garden comes to life in the spring, and the whole world seems fresh and new. I enjoy digging in the warm soil and planting the seeds that will feed my family in the months ahead. Gardening is a natural part of homesteading and living off the grid. But you don’t need acres of land to grow sprouts and microgreens for fresh produce all year long. A sunny windowsill and a few handy kitchen gadgets (some you can make at home!) will get you started no matter what the weather is like outside or where you live. I’m in the process of planning my Walipini-style greenhouse (a sunken greenhouse, a.k.a underground greenhouse, designed to maintain a more even temperature since it is earth-sheltered). Until then, I garden in raised beds during the spring, summer, and fall—and my winters are filled with tiny gardens in jars and containers indoors. I use a grow light in the corner of my basement to start seedlings a few weeks before the last frost. And the windowsill in my kitchen is the perfect spot for growing a variety of sprouts and microgreens. I’ve tried a few different methods for sprouting seeds: Mason jars with screen lids, space-saving plastic sprouting trays that stack on top of each other, and hemp bags that allow the air to circulate around the tiny seedlings from every angle. What I’ve learned is that different types of sprouts grow better in different systems. And sometimes, a combination of systems works even better. Let’s take a look at a variety of sprouting gadgets, tools, and supplies and which types of sprouting seeds work best with each type of container. What is the difference between sprouts and microgreens? Sprouts include the whole baby plant from root to leaf. Sprouts grow without the need for soil or a growing medium. Microgreens typically grow on a growing medium such as soil, coconut coir, or a growing mat. They can also be grown hydroponically as long as the roots have something to anchor themselves to (like in this self-watering microgreen kit). To harvest microgreens, use scissors to cut the plant's stem, and leave the roots in the growing medium. What can I use as a sprouting container? I’ve used Mason jars with screen lids, upcycled leftover jars from store-bought ingredients with muslin tied over the top, and I’ve even started sprouts on plastic mesh suspended in a baking sheet. Basically, you can use anything that will allow you to rinse the sprouts two or three times a day and provide sufficient airflow between rinses. When you choose your container, keep in mind the size of your seeds before they begin to sprout, the size of the holes you’ll be letting the water drain through, and the size of the finished sprouts. Is sprouting at home safe? Like any raw food, sprouts can carry bacteria. Always begin with clean, organic seeds that have not been sprayed with fungicide, and rinse them thoroughly before soaking. Refrigerate the sprouts once they’ve grown to the desired stage, and eat them within a couple of days. If your sprouts smell bad at any point during the process, toss them out and start over. They may have stayed too wet and started to rot or been contaminated with mold or fungus. Are sprouts good for you? Sprouted seeds are miniature superfoods that contain the growing energy of the whole plant condensed into a tiny micro ingredient filled with goodness. The vitamin content varies depending on the type of sprout, but the ratio of nutrients is considerably higher in sprouts than in the fully grown plant. You can check out some of the amazing nutritional benefits of broccoli sprouts on NutritionFacts.org. What temperature do sprouts grow in? Sprouts will grow at room temperature, and seeds generally need a little more warmth during germination than they will after you see the root start to grow. Try to give your tiny sproutlings a cozy 70°–75°F for a day or two after soaking, and use cool water (not cold) for every rinse. Then, you can keep the temperature in the low 70°s or drop it into the upper 60°s and still produce a bountiful harvest. Which method is best for different seeds? Think in terms of size when you look at sprouting equipment. Large holes will let small seeds fall through and can cause delicate sprouts to break. Use large-holed mesh lids and fabric bags for large seeds. Use fine mesh for small seeds. Sprouting trays can be used for any seed size as long as the seeds don’t fall through the holes. Sprouting gadgets you can make at home Jars with screens Empty glass jars, either new or used, make perfect sprouting containers. It’s easy to check on the sprouts from all angles, the glass maintains a little bit of humidity and prevents the sprouts from drying out, and you can choose the lid design that fits your budget and style. Make sure your jars are completely clean and free from food residue and soap before starting. You can soak your sprouts in the same jar you plan to sprout them in—an added bonus and less cleanup, too! My mom used to use old canning jars and worn-out pantyhose. She’d simply cut a few squares from the clean pantyhose, drape two or three over the top of a Mason jar (using several layers gives it more strength), and secure them with a wide rubber band (like the kind stores use on celery). Even the tiniest of seeds were kept safely inside the jar during rinses. If you don’t have old pantyhose lying around, you can substitute muslin, cotton cloth, linen, or even a stained (but clean) handkerchief. I’ve used plastic craft mesh as the screen for larger seeds, like peas and mung beans. Just cut the mesh the same size as the mouth of the jar and screw a jar band over it to hold it tight. Fabric sprouting bag Most natural fabrics with a loose weave will work for your DIY sprouting bag. Hemp is preferred for store-bought bags, but I’ve been successful with unbleached muslin and linen, too. Cut two rectangles of fabric about 6 ½” x 8” and sew them together along three sides. You can fold over the top edge and hem it, leaving about ½ to thread a drawstring through—or you can leave it with a raw edge and just tie a string around the outside to keep it closed. To soak seeds inside a sprouting bag, just dunk the whole bag in a bowl of clean water and let it soak for the recommended length of time. Once the soaking is finished, you can rinse the sprouts by gently swishing the bag in a bowl of water two or three times per day. Hang the bag up and allow it to dry between rinses. Sprouting equipment you can buy Sprouting kit Sprouting kits are an excellent way for beginning micro gardeners to learn about different seeds and sprouting tools. Sprouting kits typically come with small amounts of a variety of single-harvest seed packs in addition to some basic sprouting tools. Sprout seeds Part of the fun of growing sprouts and microgreens is trying out various new flavors. Radish sprouts add a touch of spice to fresh salads, and mung bean sprouts are perfect for tossing into your favorite stir-fry recipe. Try this sample pack of organic sprouting seeds from The Sprout House if you’d like to experiment with new flavors before committing to purchasing a large quantity of something you may or may not like. Sprouting jar with a stand If you’d like to try the glass jar method of sprouting, you’ll love this kit that includes two Mason jars, screen lids, and a jar stand with a drip tray to catch any excess water draining from your upside-down jars. Jars with mesh lids work well for small, delicate sprouts (like alfalfa sprouts or clover sprouts), and you can also use them for larger varieties, like sunflower or bean sprouts. Mesh sprouting lid for glass jars Plenty of jars but no lids? These screen mesh lids for wide-mouth jars are the perfect addition to your kitchen gadget drawer. I prefer fine screen to plastic mesh and have found that screen lets the water run through better than some of the plastic lids on the market. You can use a regular-mouth jar for growing sprouts, too but a wide-mouth Mason jar makes it easier to remove the sprouts once they’re grown. Hemp bag Hemp bags are great for large seeds and sturdy sprouts—think mung beans, peas, lentils, and sunflower sprouts. The Sproutman Hemp Sprout Bag can be dipped in water to rinse your seedlings and hung up to dry for 360-degree air circulation. Stacking trays Grow more than one type of sprout at a time with these clear plastic stacking trays that let you watch your sprouts grow. Or, if you prefer the look of stainless steel, try these 3-tier stackable stainless steel sprouting and germination trays. Terra-cotta sprouter For a sprouting gadget that adds beauty to your home, I love this Terradisiena Terracotta Sprouter. The stacking terra-cotta trays enhance the down-to-earth feel of a farmhouse kitchen, and reviewers report that since the trays breathe better than plastic, germinating seeds have better airflow as they grow. You’ll need to set each tray out separately when your sprouts are ready to green up since the terra-cotta prevents light from getting through when the trays are stacked. Chia pet If you’d like to get your children interested in growing sprouts, how about getting a chia pet? For a modern twist on the 1980s chia pet trend, check out this puppy chia pet … or add to your Star Wars collection with The Child (baby Yoda). Although chia pets are a fun introduction to micro gardening, they are not necessarily safe for growing food. If you plan to eat your chia sprouts, I recommend using a sprouter that is certified to be food-safe. Conclusion Sprouting is a wonderful way to produce fresh food for your family all year. With the right container and a little water and sunlight, you can grow nutrient-rich leafy greens to add to smoothies, sandwiches, and dinner recipes. Bring a little springtime into your home and start growing sprouts today!

This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. Sometimes, when I’ve had an especially stressful day, my mind just won’t slow down. It’s like there’s a hamster in there, running as fast as she can but getting nowhere. Taking a nap doesn’t help (like I have time for naps?!), and if I try to fall asleep at night with all of the stress, anxiety, and scenes from my day replaying in my head, I’m sure to wake up at the most inconvenient time and stare at the ceiling until the sun comes up. What I need is a brain dump … a way to clear all the busyness out of my head so I can relax. Journaling does exactly that. I started journaling as a creative outlet when I was a child. (Yeah, I know—I was the nerdy girl who read books during recess.) I still have those journals, and looking back on them is really fun. I’ve continued to journal off and on throughout my life. It’s what put me on the path to start blogging, so I could share some of my thoughts and ideas with you instead of keeping them tucked away on a dusty shelf. And what I’ve discovered along the way is that journaling gets me into this creative, stress-relieving zone that gives me clarity of thought and reduces chronic stress. Journaling for stress relief helps improve your well-being. It allows you to release negative emotions and take another look at your hopes, fears, and frustrations. Studies show that using expressive writing to journal about a traumatic event can improve physical and mental health. Participants in a study about confronting past traumas had fewer physician appointments in the months following the study (Pennebaker, J. W., & Beall, S. K. (1986)). Expressive writing comes from deep inside and ignores the formal rules of punctuation and grammar. Journaling in this way reduces stress, improves mental health, and reduces anxiety (no one is checking your work!). Who doesn’t want to improve their mental health by letting go of stress in a fun and creative way? Here are some tips, tricks, and journaling prompts to get you started on your stress-relieving journaling adventure today. Journaling can … Help you let go of negative thoughts and anxiety Increase self-awareness as you explore your triggers and discover what makes you tick Allow you to review your struggles and successes, documenting them for future reference and giving you “I did it!” moments to look back on Shift your perspective by taking you out of the stressful moment and encouraging you to examine all points of view Provide some daily you-time for stress management Give you a sense of calmness as you clear your mind Reduce rumination—here’s the brain dump I mentioned earlier. When you get your thoughts down on paper, you can let go of worry and put stress on the back burner. If you truly need to think about it, you can always come back to it later. Increase optimism as you write down optional scenarios for a stressor you know is coming up (like taking an exam or going for a job interview) Promote creativity by giving you a chance to brainstorm. You can also doodle in your journal or decorate it; art is another great way to reduce stress! Learn from the past as you look back on prior journal entries Tips and tricks for getting started Choose a quiet, comfortable environment to write in. You can be indoors in a comfy chair or outside on a porch swing—what matters is that you feel safe and can let your ideas flow. Find a journaling method that suits you. Does writing on paper or typing on a computer let you write more freely? If you’re choosing to write on paper, choose a journal with a cover that appeals to you. Having a beautiful journal to pick up and write in will give you something to look forward to each day. Set aside time to dedicate yourself to your writing. You don’t want journaling to become one more stressful situation, so make sure you can relax without feeling rushed. Use journaling as a self-exploration tool. Write down your feelings without judgment. Release those negative emotions! Observe how the feelings are affecting you, and write about that, too. Make journaling part of your daily routine. You can set aside 10–20 minutes per day, but even five minutes will get you started. If daily is too much, try setting aside time a few days each week. Consistency is the key to successfully benefitting your mental and physical health. Journal prompts to get the creativity flowing What is one thing that caused me stress today, and how did I handle it? (Remember—no judgment!) What might I choose to do differently next time? What one thing did I do today for stress relief? What would I like to try next? What are some key words that express the way I’m feeling? Make a list. What affirmation can I create for myself today? What goal would I like to accomplish today or this week or month? What brings a smile to my face? Write a “happy list” of things that cheer you up. What are the things that I love about myself? What does my dog/cat/pet love about me? What compliment did I receive this week? What compliment would I like to give someone else? What stress management self-care routines can I do for myself? Write them down, and then pick one or more and commit to doing them. You deserve it! If all the thoughts buzzing around in my head were colors, what colors would they be? If I could replace those with colors that relieve stress, what colors would I choose? Bonus: Need more journaling prompts? A guided journal might be just the thing to provide you with daily inspiration.

This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. I once lived in a home where the only cooking options were a small, electric, single-burner element in the kitchen and a barbeque grill outside. During the year that I lived there, I learned two things about cooking. 1. I missed modern conveniences—especially a large oven. 2. You can cook just about anything with the tools I had at hand: a single burner and a barbecue grill with a closing lid. If you spend any time off grid, you know cooking is both a convenience and a necessity (and one of the essential off grid skills). Tasks we take for granted—like boiling water to make a cup of coffee—quickly become noticeably more challenging if you aren’t prepared with an alternative. You can only eat just so many sandwiches and raw veggies before you start wishing you could have a hot meal. Or biscuits. Or a baked dessert. Whether your off-grid experience is limited to camping trips and weekend cabin getaways, or you are setting up your off-grid home, the following suggestions will give you a starting point for whipping up your favorite gourmet meal. I’m not including a discussion of tea light stoves or other emergency, small-scale cooking methods in this article (like a rocket stove or backpack camp stove). Instead, let’s focus on long-term cooking equipment that you can use on a daily basis in your outdoor kitchen. Baking outdoors How do you bake in a grill or over a fire pit? That’s exactly what I had to discover for myself back in the days before everyone had the internet in their homes. I certainly didn’t have any books that explained how to do it, and since Google wasn’t a thing yet, I couldn’t just hop online and search for outdoor off grid cooking methods. As it turns out, baking outdoors isn’t that difficult. It does, however, require patience and attentiveness. Until you master the art of baking outdoors, you can’t just set a timer and expect your baked goods to come out the way you want them to. To bake outdoors, you’ll need to trap the heat and try to keep it low and even around your baked goods. Some outdoor cooking methods are easier to do this with than others. Grill: Does your grill have a temperature gauge or temperature control? If so, this will make your life a little easier because you won’t have to open the grill every time you want to check the heat. Bake with the lid closed using a low flame on a gas grill or glowing coals (but no flame!) on a charcoal grill. Smoker: Use light wood or fruitwood, so your baked goods don’t take on a heavy, smokey flavor. Since you’ll be baking at a lower temperature, your food will take longer to bake than it would in a conventional oven. Fire pit: You’ve probably heard of Dutch oven cooking. A wood fire pit is a perfect way to put that method into action. You’ll need to let your wood burn down to coals, put your prepared ingredients into a cast iron Dutch oven, and then pile the coals around and on top of the Dutch oven lid. Some pros recommend heating the Dutch oven lid separately (put it on a grate and pile coals on top of it) while you are still putting the ingredients in the pot. Then use ashes with very few coals underneath the Dutch oven, and pile glowing coals around the sides and on top once you lower it into the fire pit. Solar oven: You can bake in a solar oven with little to no risk of burning your baked goods. Just be prepared to combine your ingredients in the morning and let your recipe bake most of the day in the sun. Tip: smaller baked goods will bake faster and more evenly than larger baked goods. Think cupcakes vs. sheet cake or mini loaves vs. a standard-size loaf of bread. Outdoor cooking methods Solar ovens Arguably the most environmentally friendly source of heat is the sun. Solar ovens and solar cookers leverage this free resource to cook food and boil water. Solar ovens can be as simple as a DIY project you make at home or as elaborate as the GoSun Fusion hybrid model that uses both the sun and electricity to generate enough heat to cook a meal for four people. The pros to using solar power are that the energy is free and eco-friendly, you won’t burn your food, and no electricity or gas is required (unless you are using a hybrid model). Since the source of heat is the sun, no toxic waste is generated. Solar ovens are also portable—a feature that allows you to take them with you to show off your off-grid cooking expertise at outdoor picnics and potlucks. (Click here to watch me bake chocolate cupcakes in my GoSun solar oven!) The cons to using a solar cooker are that, well … you need sunlight. This means cooking at night and on cloudy days requires an alternate source of heat. Few solar ovens can gather enough sunlight to warm up to the necessary temperature for preparing meats or boiling water when clouds hide the sun. And unless you have a hybrid model with a power source at night, you are limited to cooking only during daylight hours. Solar dehydrator Solar dehydrators also use the sun, but instead of generating high enough heat to cook food items, they use slow, gentle heat to dry out foods and preserve them. This is an amazing way to make your summer harvest last into winter or preserve meat by turning it into tasty strips of jerky. Since the dehydration process takes hours, using a solar dehydrator outside not only reduces power consumption—it doesn’t heat up your kitchen from blowing hot air around all day. If you’re a raw food fan, you may be familiar with dehydrated raw crackers and bread. A solar dehydrator will allow you to make these foods without adding to your utility bill. The main con to using a solar dehydrator is the requirement for sunlight. The extended drying time requirement can make a solar dehydrator impractical during the winter and in far northern states. Barbeque grills and smokers Charcoal and propane grills, wood pellet grills, and smokers are reliable heat sources for cooking food as long as you have fuel available. They can be used whether or not the sun is shining. Fuel costs—and the space you need to store it—should be considered before choosing which type of barbeque or smoker you’d like to purchase. Although charcoal barbeque grills are less expensive to purchase up front than gas grills or wood pellet grills, the cost of purchasing charcoal for fuel can outweigh the initial savings over time. Charcoal takes longer to heat up than gas, which is instantly hot depending on how high you adjust the flame. You will also have more cleanup with a charcoal grill than with gas because charcoal will leave ash for you to dispose of. A gas grill cannot match the rich, smoky flavor that charcoal imparts to food unless you add wood chips specifically designed for this purpose. If you cook a lot of vegetables or foods that you don’t want to taste smoky, a gas grill will give you a smokeless option. Wood pellet grills let you get that smoky flavor with a nice, even heat and without the excess smoke created by charcoal. The type of wood pellets you use (mesquite, hickory, cherry) will influence the flavor the smoke imparts. Pellet grills have a more precise temperature control than charcoal or gas, too. But what if you plan to use your grill the way I used mine back in the day—for baking? In this case, a gas grill may be your top choice. With few exceptions, you won’t want your baked goods tasting like smoke, and a gas grill will give you the ability to gently bake food over a low flame without the smoky aftertaste. Smokers slowly cook meat, poultry, and fish with indirect heat from the smoke instead of direct heat like you’d get from a grill. If you use a light wood (like apple), you can bake in a pellet smoker or wood chip smoker, too. Electric smokers might give you more options for baking, but you’ll have to decide if you want to use your stored solar power to heat a smoker for a pumpkin pie. Fire pit Fire pits can be as simple as a hole dug into the ground and properly stacked with wood for fuel or as elaborate as a steel, smokeless fire pit. Anything that can be cooked over a grill can be cooked over a fire pit. And if you have a lid for your fire pit, you can slow-cook meat overnight or bake simple recipes over low heat. Propane stove A small propane stove is highly portable and cooks with a visible flame. If your propane grill doesn’t have a side burner, I recommend getting a single- or double-burner propane stove to use outside so you can boil water and make stews and soups. Some propane camp stoves, such as the Camp Chef, have accessories that expand their use for all of your cooking purposes. We have a two-burner Camp Chef stove that we use for everything from canning with my All American pressure canner to baking with our Coleman Camp Oven. In conclusion The things you can cook without being connected to the electric grid are endless. As long as you have some type of fuel source—fire, the sun, wood pellets, or charcoal—and a vessel to cook in, you can make delicious meals, baked goods, desserts, and even your morning cup of coffee or tea. If you would like to explore indoor off-grid cooking methods (like vintage cast iron stoves and wood stoves), check out the post I wrote just for you!

This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. In an earlier post, we covered outdoor off grid cooking methods. But there are certain times cooking outdoors isn’t practical—like during adverse weather, for example. In this article, we’ll discuss several options for cooking indoors when you aren’t connected to the electricity grid. My great-grandmother, Emma, used to cook on an old-fashioned wood stove. Every evening, after milking the cows, she’d put a jar of fresh milk on the back of the stove (which stayed warm with gentle heat overnight), so she could have clabbered milk for breakfast. I’ve always wished for a wood stove like the one Emma had. As I began researching them a few years ago, I discovered more kinds of wood stoves, kerosene stoves, and cast iron stoves and ovens than I had ever imagined. Each has its pros and cons, from price to size to practicality. One important side note: make sure you have adequate ventilation for your chosen indoor cooking method. You don’t want smoke or carbon monoxide to build up in your home. To ensure you’re staying safe around gas appliances, install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector as a warning system. Indoor cooking methods Last year, our power went out for several hours after dark—right when I was putting pies in the oven. Since we were connected to the grid, I had to scramble for a way to finish baking the pies without electricity, and I was able to use my knowledge of baking in a propane grill to finish the job. Still, an indoor option would have been preferable to cooking outside with a battery-operated lantern as my only light source (and a swarm of bugs that were drawn to the light!). Propane The first off grid kitchen cooking appliance most people think of is a propane stove. Modern propane stoves have fuel stored outdoors in a rented (or owned) propane tank. In many rural areas, you can rent a large propane tank from a propane company, and they will refill it every month. The same propane tank can feed a propane refrigerator and tankless water heater, too. Check with your local propane dealer to find home propane delivery options near you. Keep in mind that propane stoves and ovens need an ignition source. Often, this requires electricity, but there are also battery ignition systems. If you would like to use a propane range off-grid, make sure you get the ignition system that works best for you. You’ll want to choose a battery ignition unless you have a reliable solar or alternative power setup. Kerosene A kerosene stove may seem like something from yesteryear, but they are still available today, albeit harder to find than propane models. Lehman’s sells an Amish-made kerosene stove that lights with a match—the Perfection Two-Burner Cookstove. Kerosene is a fairly clean-burning fuel with low carbon monoxide emissions. Kerosene stoves are typically smaller than propane stoves or a full-size wood-burning stove/oven combo. Wood-burning stove A wood stove is a practical cooking appliance if you live in an area with plenty of timber. Wood stoves do not depend on electricity, and wood is a renewable resource when ethically harvested. You’ll need to find a dual-purpose wood stove if you want one for cooking meals and heating your home. Some models have a third benefit as a water heater. These come with a tank attached to the side or sitting on top toward the back. The Kitchen Queen 480 is one example that can be used for all three purposes. Check manufacturer details to determine whether your chosen model can be plumbed into your home’s hot water delivery system. Dual-purpose stoves that can be used for cooking and home heating are typically made from cast iron and can be extremely large and heavy. The Magnum Soapstone Wood Cookstove is on the smaller side at 33.5”H x 23.7”D x 37.4”W and weighs approximately 441 pounds. The Pioneer Princess, which has an optional 9-gallon reservoir, is at the larger end of the scale and comes in at a whopping 600 pounds (650 with the reservoir)! Off-grid electricity: solar and wind You have additional options for your off-grid kitchen if you can generate electricity through a solar panel array, wind turbine, or hydroelectric system. You’ll use less electricity to run a gas stove than an electric range—but you’ll still use more with an electric ignition than you would with a non-electric version. Butane stove YouTube chefs have turned single-burner butane stoves into a trendy kitchen accessory. Whereas propane camp stoves should only be used outdoors, butane stoves can be used indoors with proper ventilation. Butane canisters are only functional in mild temperatures. If you’re using a butane burner indoors, extreme temperature fluctuations shouldn’t be an issue. Thermal cooker I’m including thermal cookers as an indoor off-grid option simply because they continue to slow-cook your food once you’ve removed the initial heat source. A thermal cooker traps heat and maintains enough warmth to continue cooking for hours (I love mine, and it holds just the right amount of food for easy transport). If you prepare your recipe midday, the heat will slowly dissipate throughout the afternoon—providing you with a hot meal at dinnertime without heating your house or wasting precious fuel. You’ll need to bring your food to a boil before placing it in the thermal cooker. Soups, stews, and meats or vegetables in sauces are well-suited to thermal cooking. Other cooking gear and food storage Maintaining heat is important while cooking off the grid. Using cast iron pans or a Dutch oven will help hold heat and keep food cooking with less fuel. Although this isn’t exactly gear, if you have a root cellar in your off-grid home, you can store canned and fermented foods (and long-lasting garden fruits and vegetables) at cool temperatures for extended periods of time. Being able to cook food in large batches and preserve it for later use is important in an off-grid environment. The less fuel you have to use over multiple cooking sessions, the better. Wrapping it up Living off the grid has many benefits, and you shouldn’t have to go without modern conveniences in exchange for living a sustainable lifestyle. By creating an off-the-grid kitchen and using fuel-efficient appliances, you can cook and bake all year long without worrying about the power grid going down. If you’re interested in learning more essential off-grid skills, check out this post!

This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. Coloring isn’t just for rainy days—and it isn’t just for children. Adult coloring books have become the mindfulness tool of choice for those who are looking for a simple way to reduce stress and relax. Coloring books are portable and easy to use. You can take them with you and use them for creative expression during work breaks, lunch hours, and as a relaxing distraction during travel. You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from adult coloring books. The repeated patterns and stress-relieving designs can be filled in with your choice of colors, creating a unique piece of art customized by you. Coloring mandalas or other intricate designs is less intimidating for most people than drawing. When we draw, we feel subject to the approval of anyone who might see what we have created. But when we color, the designs are already in place, and we can let go of our worries and lose ourselves in the moment. Coloring and mindfulness go hand in hand. As we focus on the coloring page, we are drawn out of negative thoughts (which usually exist in the past or future), and we find ourselves lost in the present moment. Think about the reasons we encourage coloring for children. When a child is absorbed in the act of coloring, they become quiet, time flies, and they improve focus, concentration, and fine motor skills. Adults gain these same benefits from adult coloring books. This is because coloring utilizes both hemispheres of the brain. The left side of the brain uses logic to guide us and control our hand movements—helping us to stay in the lines (or consciously color out of the lines if we choose to do so!). The right side of the brain flourishes in the available color choices and creative expression. Enthusiasts of the adult coloring book trend claim coloring helps them relax and feel happier. If this is true for you, you may want to make coloring part of your evening routine and everyday life. Here are some tips if you want to try coloring for stress relief and relaxation. Coloring book options The choices for adult coloring books have grown tremendously over the past few years as the practice has gained popularity. You can find coloring books filled with mandalas, animal designs, flowers, and inspirational images. Free coloring pages If you want to give coloring a try before you buy, you can find free coloring pages online to print. Coloring Home has some charming options, and Shabby Creek Cottage has over 100 designs to choose from. Colored pencils and more What is your favorite coloring implement? You can choose from colored pencils, gel pens, no-bleed markers, or good old-fashioned crayons. The choice is up to you—and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use more than one type of coloring tool for a mixed-media masterpiece. Location, location, location Since coloring books are lightweight and easy to take on the go, you can color just about anywhere. I prefer to color in a quiet environment, either outside when the weather is nice or curled up by the fireplace on snowy days. But you can enjoy the mental health benefits of a mindful coloring break whether you’re at work or at home—or even in your hotel room when you need a brain break during travel! Color schemes Part of the appeal of coloring mandalas is looking at the beautiful colors in the finished product. Pick a color scheme (try different shades of your favorite color), start from the center, and work your way out in sections for a methodical, relaxing effect. Lap desk Sitting at a table can take some of the enjoyment out of a relaxing coloring session. But coloring on your lap or using a magazine to support your coloring page can result in frustration and holes poked in your design. Try using a lap desk with a comfy fabric cushion to keep your art and tools orderly and within reach. Remember to have fun Most importantly, relax and have fun. Coloring can be a wonderful way to de-stress and chill out at the end of a busy day. So grab a coloring page or even a whole book and get started. There’s no better time than now to treat yourself! Do you enjoy other arts and crafts for their relaxing effects? Click here for more ways arts and crafts reduce your stress hormone levels and help you get in the zone.

This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. My skin is dry all year long, and in the winter, it seems like dryness is unavoidable. But I don’t like slathering on tons of chemical-laden lotions from the store since I know those chemicals will penetrate my skin right along with the moisturizing ingredients. I prefer to use something more natural and choose nontoxic, food-grade ingredients when possible—like the following ingredients in my sugar scrub recipes for dry skin. Sugar options Body scrub exfoliates your skin, leaving it glowing and feeling silky smooth. I use regular granulated sugar in my scrubs, but you can try using brown sugar, organic cane sugar, or turbinado sugar if you like. (I find turbinado to be too coarse for my skin in general, but it’s great for a foot scrub.) Oil choices The oils in bath scrubs moisturize your body, trapping extra moisture from the shower or bath and locking it in place. I use olive, coconut, and almond oil in my bath scrubs. Sometimes, I’ll add a little shea butter or cocoa butter for an extra luxurious scrub. Here’s a comparison of common oils to help you get started. You may already have one or more of these in your kitchen! Apricot oil: Apricot kernel oil is great for sensitive or mature skin and contains high levels of vitamin A. Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties due to its lauric acid content. Use it to moisturize and condition dry skin. Jojoba oil: Commonly used in hair care products, jojoba oil absorbs quickly and is non-greasy; it’s actually a liquid wax. Olive oil: Olive oil is a humectant (it draws moisture into the skin) that penetrates deeply into the skin’s layers. According to The Olive Oil Source, “Olive Oil contains the largest percentage of squalene among the common vegetable oils.” Squalene occurs naturally in human sebum—a natural lubricant. Sweet almond oil: Sweet almond oil helps skin maintain elasticity and improves skin tone. It is high in vitamins E and K and is reported to be a natural UV blocker. Essential oils and blends If you add essential oils to your sugar scrub, you can have a wonderful aromatherapy experience in your shower or bath. I recommend going light on the essential oils at first unless you already know that they won’t irritate your skin. Essential oils vary in strength depending on the brand, how the essential oil was extracted, and how long it has been sitting on the shelf. You can adjust the recommended number of essential oil drops if needed. Here are some of my favorite stress-reducing essential oil blends. Eucalyptus and spearmint Bath & Body Works nailed this combination when they created their Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint body care line. I love the bright notes of spearmint, which I find less irritating to my sensitive skin than peppermint essential oil. Lavender Lavender is possibly the most commonly used essential oil for stress relief and the first that comes to mind when we think of a relaxing scent. Try combining it with sweet orange for a citrusy note or vanilla for a sweet, earthy scent. Sandalwood and clary sage Clary sage has an earthy, herbaceous fragrance that compliments the warm notes of sandalwood. Bergamot and lime Bergamot has a fruity, sweet, uplifting fragrance that pairs well with the refreshing citrus aroma of lime. Color me relaxed What can you use to add a hint of color to your sugar scrub? To keep your creation natural, add small amounts of powdered herbs and flowers, beetroot powder, matcha green tea, or mica. Start with ¼–½ teaspoon and add more as desired. Some ingredients, like dried hibiscus petals or freeze-dried blueberries, can be ground to a powder in a mortar and pestle. These ingredients will add flecks of color to your scrub blend instead of turning the whole mixture into another shade. The recipes Now that we have the ingredients out of the way, let’s move on to the recipes! Feel free to experiment with different oil combinations, sugars, and your own favorite essential oil blends. You don’t need to add a preservative since we aren’t using water or water-containing ingredients. For all of the recipes, you’ll need a mixing bowl, mixing spoon, and jars with lids to package your finished scrub. These recipes are for small batches, but you can double or triple the recipe to upsize it for gift-giving or to use as party favors. Basic sugar scrub recipe This unscented sugar scrub uses two food-grade ingredients: oil and sugar. Now, I’m not suggesting that you eat this sugar scrub—but isn’t it nice knowing that it’s safe enough to be edible? 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ cup olive oil or coconut oil If you choose coconut oil, you may need to soften it to mix it with a spoon. If your house is warm or you’re using fractionated coconut oil, go ahead and stir away! Combine both ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well to blend, and scoop into a small jar. Cap it with a lid, and store at room temperature for up to one month. Note: If your mixture is too dry, add a little more oil. If it’s too wet, add a little more sugar. Easy 3-ingredient body scrub with essential oil This simple bath scrub only requires three ingredients. Change up the essential oils to customize the fragrance to fit your mood. ¾ cup coconut oil 3 cups sugar 15 drops essential oil or a total of 15 drops essential oil blend (I used 8 drops spearmint and 7 drops eucalyptus.) Soften the coconut oil just enough to make it easy to stir with a spoon or whip with a hand blender. Combine the coconut oil, sugar, and essential oil. Blend well, and spoon into small jars. Top with a lid, and store at room temperature for up to one month. Simply luxurious sugar scrub Get ready to indulge your senses in this soothing lavender scrub! This shea butter sugar scrub is sure to give you a mini spa experience at home. Shea butter contains several fatty acids—linoleic, palmitic, oleic, and stearic—and acts as an emollient, hydrating and softening dry skin. ⅛ cup shea butter ⅛ cup sweet almond oil ¼ cup coconut oil 2 cups sugar 10 drops lavender essential oil or your choice of another fragrance One vitamin E capsule (break open and squeeze) Natural colorant Gently warm the shea butter, almond oil, and coconut oil over low heat until they just begin to melt. Remove them from the heat as soon as you notice a melting effect; stir well to continue the melting process and thoroughly blend the oils. Allow the oils to cool to room temperature before adding the sugar, vitamin E oil, essential oil, and colorant. Add just enough colorant to bring the mixture to the desired shade (I used ½ teaspoon of powdered hibiscus blossoms to add dark pink flecks to my lavender-scented sugar scrub.) Spoon the mixture into small jars, top with a snug-fitting lid, and store at room temperature for up to one month. Get creative Although I like to use white sugar (it’s cheap!) in my body scrub recipe, you can substitute sea salt if you prefer. Use what you have readily available—there’s no need to spend money or go hunting for exotic ingredients unless that’s what makes you happy. If you use finely ground sugar or sea salt, you can leave out the essential oils and use these recipes for an amazing lip scrub or facial exfoliant, too! Want more stress-relieving bath suggestions? Check out these bubble bath ideas to wash your worries away!

My dogs love being outside. Whether we’re hiking, camping, or just enjoying a nap in a swaying hammock (talk about boosting mental health benefits!), they treat every day as if it were a brand-new adventure. Dogs are not just pets. They are wonderful off-grid companions—and they can also be helpful assistants around the homestead. From herding livestock and warning you about intruders to helping you de-stress after a long day, dogs will find a way to work themselves into your heart and your daily routine. Can you tell I'm a dog person? If you’re wondering what holiday gift to give your favorite homesteader’s dog or your favorite dog lover, here are 21 ideas to get you pointed in the right direction! This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. Gifts for dog lovers Need gift ideas for the dog lovers on your list? Check out my gift guide below. If you’re looking for gifts for the dog, scroll down to the next section! Dash Dog Treat Maker: You live off the grid so you can raise healthy, organic food, right? Why not treat your dog to the same level of care by making your own healthy dog treats in this cute, bone-shaped treat maker? Dog lover’s welcome sign: Make sure your guests know your dogs come first by displaying this welcome sign near your entryway. A funny calendar: Need a gag gift for a dog lover or a white elephant gift exchange? How about this Pooping Pooches calendar? (It’ll be sure to get a laugh!) Outdoor dog run: There are times when a well-trained dog can run loose on the homestead and other times when it’s best to keep your pup safely contained. But what if you don’t have a backyard fence? Gift this large outdoor welded wire dog run to keep larger dogs (and small dogs) protected from predators and close to home. Insulated dog house: My dogs live in my house, but I’ve known a lot of farmers who let their dogs sleep in the barn or yard with the livestock. If you’re looking for a safe, warm place outdoors for your working dog to get out of the weather for a few minutes or overnight, try this extra-large insulated dog house. Two layers of wood with styrofoam insulation sandwiched between the layers make the thick walls perfect for keeping in the heat. Dog training books (herding dogs): Books are always a great gift! Herding Dogs: Progressive Training gives insight into the history and herding practices of different breeds with tips and instructions for handlers of all experience levels. Dog training books (hunting dogs): If you enjoy hunting, having a hunting dog as your companion can be helpful for retrieving fowl and finding game. Tom Dokken's Retriever Training: The Complete Guide to Developing Your Hunting Dog is a good book to start with if you’re training your first retriever, and How to Help Gun Dogs Train Themselves is highly rated by several top hunting dog magazine editors. Other dog training books: Do you love super-active, highly intelligent herding breeds like Aussies, corgis, and border collies? Or what about a dog breed that hunts small game, like a Parson Russell terrier? These breeds aren’t for beginning dog owners, who may have difficulty keeping up with their dog’s need for a job and mental and physical stimulation. Teach Your Herding Breed to Be a Great Companion Dog: From Obsessive to Outstanding can help would-be herding dog owners sculpt their favorite breed into a companion by explaining how to redirect herding instincts and boundless energy into productive, well-mannered behaviors. Training tools: If your favorite dog aficionado enjoys hunting, why not give them some tools for training their hunting companion? The SportDOG Canvas Dummy training bumper is weighted (choose from puppy or standard) and holds a scent to get dogs used to sniffing out waterfowl and game birds. Automatic ball launcher: This is a gift as much for the human as it is for the dog (our corgi LOVES hers!). This automatic ball launcher will help your dog run off some energy and give them mental stimulation (and give you a break) as they learn to reload the balls into the chute on their own for hours of fetching fun. Dog agility set: A big backyard is a perfect place to set up an agility course to help your canine companion work off some energy and learn a new skill. This agility set comes with weave poles, a tunnel, and jumps you can collapse and pack away during the off-season. A new coffee mug: If the dog parent on your list loves coffee almost as much as they love their dog, try gifting this I Work Hard So My Dog Can Have A Better Life coffee mug for their morning cuppa. Rescue dog sign: Why does everything about rescue dogs make me cry? Maybe because the best gift is the gift of hope and companionship! If your favorite dog lover adopted a rescue pup, gift them this sign to let the world know how important their furbaby is. Gifts for dogs Now that you’ve explored my suggestions for gifts for dog lovers, how about gifts for the dog? Dog gifts can include anything from toys to puzzles to a comfy new dog bed. (But if you ask my girls, they’ll always go straight for the toys!) Even a dog with acres to play on can get bored on rainy days when she’s stuck in the house. I’ve collected links to some of my favorite boredom-busting dog toys and accessories for the dog who loves adventure. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel: My girls love sniffing out these squeaky little squirrels and pulling them from the log. Six plush squirrels fit inside the soft tree trunk—and if you really want to keep your furry friend busy, you can hide a few training treats in between the squirrels for extra hunting fun! Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound: Both of my dogs love this intermediate puzzle dog toy, but what else would you expect from a problem-solving terrier and a corgi? With three types of puzzles to solve—lifting the white bone-shaped lids, opening the red boxes, and sliding the red boxes to reveal a secret hiding spot—this toy will help keep your active pup’s mind stimulated and make mealtime more fun. TRIXIE: The TRIXIE Mini-Mover and Move-2Win dog puzzles are a level-3 challenge for dogs who love solving advanced hide-and-seek problems. I especially love that these puzzles are top-shelf dishwasher safe (see manufacturer’s directions). Snuffle Mat: Snuffle mats help dogs practice their foraging skills. They’re also great for slowing down dogs who like to gulp their meals! The TOMAHAUK snuffle mat can be tossed in the washing machine to freshen it up after your wild one finishes dinner. Reflective collar: The Joytale Reflective Collar is an affordable option if you’re looking for a way to make your dog easier to spot at night. The nylon collar is lined with padded neoprene for extra comfort. If you’re looking for a collar that lights up, try the Illumiseen LED rechargeable dog collar. I haven’t tried this one myself, but reviewers love it (one even used it for his alpaca). Just remember to keep it charged so you can find your buddy in the dark. Outward Hound Life Jacket: Lucy loves playing in the water, but she has been known to swim until she’s so exhausted that I have to go into the pond after her and bring her back to land. Outward Hound makes life jackets for dogs who enjoy swimming or boating, and the top grab-handle makes it easy for you to pull your pooch to safety. GPS dog tracker: Always know where your best friend is with this waterproof GPS dog tracker that attaches to their collar. Install the app on your phone and track your pup in real-time—no subscription fee required! It works with Google Maps and has a 9-mile tracking radius. SportDOG remote trainer: The SportDOG remote trainer is expandable and works with up to six dogs at once. I like the options for tone and vibration, although there is a static option for dogs who need a little extra reminder (please work with a professional dog trainer before using static collars on your dog). This trainer has a ¾ mile radius and an easy-to-read OLED screen. Bonus dog gift idea: I was first introduced to dog chews made from yak’s milk during a dog expo in Denver. These odorless, natural dog chews are long-lasting and easily digestible. Your doggie gift recipient will love them! There are seemingly endless ideas for gifts for dog lovers and their canine companions. I hope my list helps you get started to find the perfect gift! Need more gift ideas for the holidays? Click here for gift suggestions for writers, gardeners, and off-grid chefs!

Outdoor kitchen accessories are not always the same as what you’d use indoors. Gifts for grillers and smokers need to be able to handle high heat, residue from smoke, and exposure to the elements. It’s even better when outdoor kitchen gifts use renewable resources instead of requiring a connection to the grid. If you’ve run out of ideas for off-grid gift giving or you want something a little more practical than the newest trend in luxury BBQ gifts, check out our gift ideas for both indoor and outdoor off-grid chefs. This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. This article contains an excerpt from the “Ultimate Off Grid Gift Guide for Modern Homesteaders.” Click here to read the full article. Ancient Cookware: Handcrafted clay cookware adds an artisanal touch to any table. This beautiful Chamba Soup Pot looks just as lovely indoors as it does simmering on the grill. Enameled Cast Iron Tagine: The cone-shaped lid of a tagine circulates steam to cook food evenly and keep it moist. Cast iron keeps food warm longer and is sturdy enough to be used over a gas burner or in an oven. Sun oven: Your favorite off-grid chef will love you for picking out a solar oven to save them from hovering over a fire when they want to cook outdoors. GoSun is my favorite portable solar oven, and they have several models and sizes to choose from. Nonelectric food dehydrator: Hanging, screen-covered food dehydrators are the most economical (and energy-free) way to dehydrate fruits and veggies. But if your off-grid gift recipient generates their own electricity, I recommend Nesco food dehydrators to quickly and efficiently dry several stacked trays of goodies at once. I’ve used the same Nesco dehydrator for close to 20 years, and I finally gave it to my daughter this year when I bought myself a new Gardenmaster from Nesco. Kelly Kettle: Need a holiday gift for a coffee lover? Kelly Kettles are pretty amazing. Think rocket stove plus tea kettle all in one. By using twigs and other natural fuel sources, you can bring water to a boil in just a few minutes. Make coffee or tea, rehydrate freeze-dried foods, or fill a hot water bottle! Water bottle with filter: How about a water bottle to keep your off-grid buddy hydrated when they're out in the wilderness? The Survimate water filtration bottle not only has a replaceable filter that lasts for around 1500 liters of use, but it also has a little compass on the lid to help your loved one find their way back to the path. Berkey: We’ve been using our Big Berkey for over two years, and we still love it. We bought our Berkey while still connected to city tap water (yuck!). It does an excellent job of filtering out all the undesirable chemicals to make our drinking and cooking water safer for us and our dogs. Canning supplies: Gardening goes with living off the grid. But you have to do something with your excess harvest, so why not gift some much-needed canning supplies? If they have plenty of jars and lids already (can you ever have too many?), give them some canning accessories to make life easier. I bought these silicone gloves back in 2020, and they have been my best canning buddy ever since. Hand-powered blender or mixer: Sure, you can chop fruits and vegetables with a knife and knead bread by hand, but what if you want to make a smoothie? The GSI Outdoors Vortex Blender can puree fruit into a delicious breakfast drink completely off the grid. All you need is a little elbow grease. Sprouting seed sampler: I try to keep sprouts growing indoors all year long, and in the winter—when our garden is buried under snow—we rely on fresh microgreens for sandwich fillers and smoothie additions. Gift a sprouting seed sampler pack to add some variety to your loved one’s indoor culinary garden. Thermal cooker: Thermal cookers keep food hot for hours without using any electricity, and they're a practical gift for outdoorsy types who like to go camping. Simply fill with food and liquid that has been brought to a boil, and a thermal cooker will continue the cooking process by trapping heat with a vacuum seal. My favorite? The Stanley Adventure Stay Hot Camp Crock! Fermenting kit or glass weights: I adore these glass fermentation weights! I keep mine in continual use for fermented salsa and, in the fall, fermented sunchokes. Glass butter churn: Some things are just easier when you have the right tools. Churning butter is one of those tasks. If your off-grid chef makes butter at home, gift them a glass butter churn that will look just as pretty on the counter when it’s not in use. Butter keeper crock: Butter was always kept in a crock on the counter when I was growing up. Always the perfect consistency for spreading, we never had to take butter from the fridge to let it soften so we could spread it on toast. How about gifting some vintage charm reminiscent of a French country kitchen with a Butter Bell butter crock? Wooden utensils: My mom always used wooden spoons when she cooked. They were equally well-loved for stirring a pot of sauce or mixing pound cake batter. If you want to gift something other than the average wooden spoon, may I suggest a set of wooden spurtles? Spurtles are a Scottish utensil for stirring soups, stews, and porridge. Plus, it’s fun to say! Sprout bag: One of the issues I’ve had when growing sprouts is not getting enough water back out of the jar … and then the sprouts start to spoil. A hemp sprout bag eliminates that problem by allowing more airflow through the tiny, growing seedlings. Hand-operated grain mill: This hand-crank grain mill does an amazing job of turning wheat berries into flour. I’ve used mine successfully for wheat, oats, and barley. Cooking pot tripod: If your gift recipient enjoys cooking over an outdoor fire but doesn’t have a great way to support their soup kettle over the flames, think about getting them a cast iron cooking tripod so they can hang their kettle or dry their socks! Afghan pressure cooker: You know how fast a pressure cooker can cook a meal. But most pressure cookers have plastic handles or other meltable parts that are not intended to be exposed to fire. An Afghan pressure cooker is different—it’s made to handle the heat! Gift this, and your off-grid gift recipient can pressure cook over a campfire or in a fire pit. Camp stove: I truly don’t know what I’d do without my Camp Chef Explorer camp stove; it’s not just for camping. It’s strong enough to support my All American Pressure Canner, and with two burners, I can use the second one to sterilize more canning jars in a pot of boiling water at the same time. 21. Reusable grocery bags: Just because someone lives off grid doesn’t mean they never need to go shopping. There are still occasional items they’ll need to run to town to pick up. These heavy-duty reusable shopping bags will support them in reducing their carbon footprint by avoiding single-use plastics when they shop. Want more ideas for living the off-grid life? Check out this article on 9 Essential Off Grid Skills!

Relaxation is good for your health, and it’s always nice to be pampered. But not everyone will spend money on themselves for a day at the spa or at-home self-care items. So why not spoil your loved ones (or yourself!) and give some helpful tools to enhance anyone’s self-care routine! This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. Aromatherapy candles Mrs. Meyer’s candles are made with natural ingredients and without testing on animals. Choose lavender for relaxation or lemon verbena for a clean, bright fragrance. For long-burning, paraffin-free soy candles with a crackling wooden wick and exotic fragrance combinations (like eucalyptus orange or bergamot with jasmine), try Benevolence Los Angeles. They donate part of their proceeds to charity, so you’re really giving two gifts with every purchase. Wax melts made from soy or beeswax If you prefer wax melts instead of candles for your aromatherapy experience, try Happy Wax. Their soy wax melts are paraffin-free and come in classic scents. Try their Spa Day mix with fun little bear-shaped melts in lavender chamomile, sage and cedarwood, and eucalyptus spearmint. Meditation books If you or your loved one enjoy meditation and mindfulness activities, try gifting a book to give them new scripts and techniques. Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday by Matthew Sokolov has information on mindful eating and how to do a body scan to see where you are holding stress in your body. If you’d prefer something a little more classic, try You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment, by Thich Nhat Hanh. Gratitude journal Journaling for stress relief can benefit people of all ages, as I demonstrated by showing a page from my childhood journal in my article on creative journaling. To get started, give a guided journal, like this one by Allison Task, MS PCC. The daily prompts and lined pages make writing every day easy. If you prefer a more creative approach, give a bullet journal with dotted pages that can be decorated and doodled to your heart’s content. Adult coloring books When I was diagnosed with an issue that would require major surgery (don’t worry, I’m all better now!), my sister sent me a gift box with adult coloring books and markers. They were a lovely distraction that helped me live in the present and put my worries aside. If you know someone who enjoys coloring, they’ll love these Mogyann dual-tip coloring pens. Blankets Snuggle moments are a wonderful way to relax. Plush sherpa blankets and thermal cotton throws are pure luxury year after year. If you’re looking for something made from natural fibers but don’t want cotton, try this Bamboo Cable Knit Throw. Weighted blanket If not just any blanket will do, try gifting a weighted blanket to ease anxiety, release stress, and sleep soundly. I prefer a weighted blanket on the lighter side, so this knitted 10-pound blanket works for me. Games for mindfulness Mindfulness does not always require stillness. It’s the act of focusing on the present moment and letting go of the past and present—putting worries and anxiety away and releasing them so you can enjoy your life right now. For ideas on how to practice mindfulness without just sitting in the lotus pose, try The Self-Care Bucket List or these Stress Less Cards with 50 mindfulness activities. If you have a little meditator on your gift list, how about giving them the tools to learn some self-care, too, with Meditation Cards for Kids? Soaps and bath Self-care affects all areas of our lives. Bring a little extra pampering into the bathroom by gifting some luxurious scrubbing soaps or some water mint and rosemary bubble bath. Bath accessories come in masculine scents, too. For all the fragrance without the bubbles, try gifting a set of coconut and hemp bath bombs made with essential oils, like patchouli and sandalwood. If you’re into the DIY scene, try making homemade sugar scrubs or shower steamers for a completely personalized gift. Lotion and massage oil Lotions and massage oils nourish the skin and provide the ultimate in stress reduction. This ylang ylang and ginger massage oil smells absolutely heavenly and makes skin silky soft. Face mask from natural ingredients What’s a spa day without a face mask? Clay face masks draw impurities from the skin and help remove dead cells. Try this Moroccan Red Clay mask, crafted with botanicals and lightly scented with rose. Lip mask Don’t forget to take care of those pouty lips! A collagen-boosting overnight lip mask is the finishing touch to the perfect facial. Neck massager I’m not a stranger to neck pain, so when I received this shiatsu neck massager as a gift, I immediately tried it out. Let me tell you—it worked wonders on my sore muscles. I use it several times a week for tight shoulders and a stiff neck. It costs less than a single massage and stands up to repeated use. Mine even came with a car charger for those long trips when we travel to spend time with family. Self-care calendar Need a reminder to take care of yourself? The Bliss Collections Daily Planner will give you a gentle reminder to take care of yourself while you’re making your to-do list and taking care of everyone else. Pedicure items The perfect gift for someone who’s always on their feet (got any nurse or teacher friends?), a massaging foot spa is sure to be a welcome addition to your gift recipient’s self-care toolkit. Warming slippers While we’re on the topic of tootsies, how about a plush pair of snuggly-soft warming slippers for those chilly evenings in front of the fire? Warm them up in the microwave (follow the manufacturer’s directions) and slip them on to instantly banish the chills. Mindful magazine subscriptions For the gift that keeps giving all year, buy a subscription to Mindful magazine. I bought my first subscription when the magazine was new, and it has continued to grow and provide me with helpful tips ever since. Do you have any outdoor-loving adventurers or off-gridders on your holiday gift list? If so, head on over to our Ultimate Off Grid Gift Guide for Modern Homesteaders and have a look around!

I’ve talked before about how writing in a journal relieves stress—but for those of us who love to write, journaling is only the tip of the iceberg. Falling into a story and getting lost in adventures with the characters is a sweet escape from daily drudgery. Whether you’re guiding the characters on their journey (or they’re telling you what to write!), or you’re reading your favorite author’s latest tale, this gift list is sure to have something that appeals to bibliophiles of every genre. This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. Literary T-shirt Do you have trouble saying no to requests for your time when you’d rather be catching up on the next chapter? This funny Hamlet T-shirt will help get your message across loud and clear. Literary tote bags Having too many book bags is like saying you can have too many books—impossible! This cotton canvas library card tote bag is perfect for carrying your latest reads plus a notebook and pen so you can jot down those spur-of-the-moment ideas for your next great novel. Temporary tattoos I’ve never committed to a tattoo … I know I’d change my mind as soon as it was finished! If you’re looking for your next arm inspo or, like me, want to try on a tattoo without committing to it 100%, you’ll love these temporary literary tattoos that you can apply with water and remove when you want to change things up. Vintage journal I love the look and feel of a vintage leather journal. I gave one to my daughter for graduation and immediately fell in love with the crinkly, antique-style pages. The hand-stitched binding is beautifully done, and each journal is packaged in a sturdy gift box that protects it during shipping. Solar desk lamp This solar desk lamp helps save the planet while your favorite protagonist saves the day. Let sunlight charge this lamp near a sunny window and use the stored energy to light up your bedtime story or charge your cell phone. Wizard bookends Bring a little magic to your bookshelf with these antique-style wizard bookends. The feather quill pen and ink on one side and melted candle on the other will add the perfect touch to your fantasy book set or your Edgar Allen Poe collection. Shakespeare magnetic doll I used to play with paper dolls, but I never owned one that looked like the bard himself! Dress up your fridge while you dress up Shakespear with this magnetic dress-up doll playset. Gift it to a young aspiring writer, or keep it for yourself to add a little quirkiness to your kitchen. Funko literary figures Invite Stephen King to sit by you while you dive into one of his classic tales of mystery and horror. Well, maybe not the real Stephen King, but this Funko Pop! Stephen King doll will gladly look over your shoulder while you re-read The Shining. Literary socks While we’re on the topic of The Shining, how about these kinda creepy socks with the Grady Twins (one for each ankle)? If you’re into something with a little more cuddle and a little less scare, try these Out of Print socks for literature lovers. Zipper pouch Get organized with this Out of Print zipper pouch that can hold cosmetics, pencils, a mini first-aid kit, or other tidbits and trinkets. Card catalog Store tea bags or organize small desk supplies with this retro card catalog. The nine wooden drawers each have a metal handle and a little slot for the label of your choice. Fingerless gloves You won’t say Nevermore to these Poe-inspired fingerless gloves. Keep your hands warm and leave your fingers free while snuggling up with your next page-turner. A new coffee mug I just can’t get enough of these mugs with quotes from famous literature. Choose from Jane Austen, Edgar Allen Poe, or a coffee mug with the titles of banned books (that we still read anyway). Novel tea Now that you’ve picked out a new mug, how about the perfect tea to go with it? Gain some early morning inspo with the literary quotes on each tea bag in this English breakfast Novel Teas set. 2TB flash drive Keep a backup copy of everything you write with this 2-terabyte flash drive. Store it in a fireproof safe for extra security, or carry it on your keychain, so your writing goes with you everywhere. Bamboo lap desk You don’t have to sit at a desk to write, but setting your laptop on your lap isn’t the most comfortable, either. A cushioned lap desk is the perfect solution to raise the height of your laptop or tablet while you recline on the sofa or lounge in bed and create to your heart’s content. Literary candles If you love the smell of old books, you’ll love this set of literary candles! The scent of old scrolls and old and new books alike will fill your home while you gaze off into the distance and procrastinate on starting your next writing project. Need more gift ideas? If you still need ideas, I’d love to help! Check out my other gift idea posts, like 19 Creative Gifts for Gardeners and Homesteaders or 21 Kitchen Gift Ideas for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Off Grid Chefs! If you're looking for a gift for your favorite dog (or dog lover), check out 21 Must-Have Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Dog Lovers!

This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. Making New Year’s resolutions is easy; keeping them can be difficult. This year, instead of limiting your resolutions to things you have to force yourself to do (like exercising whether or not you feel like it), treat yourself to rewarding self-care goals you’ll look forward to every day, and make this your healthiest year ever. I’m not saying you have to set a daily self-care goal (although I love that idea!). Once a week—or even a monthly goal—is still a great way to take care of yourself. Think about this—how often did you practice self-care this past year? Did you get a manicure just because you love relaxing in the chair while someone works on your hands, or did you rush to get your nails done because you had to look nice for an interview or photo op? How often do you get enough sleep? Do you take naps because you’re exhausted, or do you take a leisurely nap with a guided meditation that transports you to another place and time and refreshes your body and soul? If you have trouble remembering how often you spent time truly taking care of yourself this past year, or if you know you put everyone else’s needs above your own, now is the perfect time to make a positive change and give yourself the love and care you deserve. What is self-care? Self-care is simply the practice of taking care of yourself. It means attending to your own needs and well-being. You can choose a specific area of your life to practice self-care, such as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, social, or professional areas of your life. Choose one or several, and find ways to enrich that part of your life and improve your well-being one small step at a time. Here are some ideas to get you started. Take a nap Napping often feels like a luxury that we deny ourselves because we think we need to be busy doing something, or we’ll be deemed lazy. But studies show that napping is actually healthy. A short nap can boost your memory, improve your mood, make you more alert, and decrease stress. My favorite place to nap is in a hammock. I love the gentle swinging motion, like a breeze is rocking me to sleep. *sigh* My favorite napping hammock is the Go Hammock by Go! Outfitters. It’s lightweight and compact but unfolds into a luxurious 11’ with enough width to lay diagonally or at an angle. Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure You don’t have to go to a spa to treat yourself to the perfect mani-pedi. Sure, it feels great to sit back and relax while someone else massages your hands and smooths your heels, but if you’d rather stay home and take care of your fingers and toes, try treating yourself to a mani-pedi kit you can use over and over again. Create a spa experience at home No time for regular trips to the spa? Bring the spa home and create your own little sanctuary to use day or night. I would personally rather stay home and relax than fight traffic and worry about making a reservation. You can make your own bath bombs or shower steamers, set up an aromatherapy diffuser and soothing music, or purchase a spa kit to turn your bathroom into your own little piece of heavenly bliss. Learn self-massage Whenever I get a massage, my muscles are tight all over again by the time I drive home through rush hour traffic. Learn self-massage techniques, and say goodbye to stress while you relax in the comfort of your own home. My favorite neck massager is the Resteck shiatsu neck massager my husband gave me a couple of years ago. I use it regularly, and it’s still working as perfectly as it did the day I unwrapped it! Enjoy your favorite craft Crafting and creating are self-care techniques that benefit multiple areas of your life. Besides giving you a creative outlet, creating new things stimulates your mind, provides visual and sensory stimulation, and can add beauty to your home or wardrobe. If you have a favorite art or craft or you love to cook, set aside time to indulge yourself in the joy of creating! Learn something new What if you don’t have a favorite art or craft, but you’d like to learn to knit, crochet, or play a musical instrument? I say go for it! It’s never too late to learn something new and boost your self-confidence while increasing your skills. Even learning a small musical instrument, like a harmonica (with a beginner’s how-to book like this!), will add to your skillset and promote a sense of accomplishment. Read a book Reading increases your vocabulary, stimulates your brain, and can carry you away into a world of imagination. Pick your favorite genre, and snuggle up with a fluffy blanket and a good book for self-care that boosts your mind without physical demands on your body. Give yourself a facial Whether you prefer a clay mask to a peel-off mask or a jade roller to dermabrasion, a home facial is completely customizable for your skin type and budget. Sip tea Relaxing with a warm cup of herbal tea is one of my favorite ways to spend the early morning hours. Before the rest of the household wakes up, I can pour my cup of tea and watch the sky change colors as the sun slowly appears over the horizon. Tiesta Tea makes a lovely chamomile and lavender blend that is perfect for evening settling-in, and if you’re looking to add an eye-opening caffeine vibe to your morning routine, their Chai Love blend is the perfect morning pick-me-up! Take a weekly bubble bath Bubble baths have a special place in my heart. The first house we lived in had a bathroom completely decorated in pink—even the sunken bathtub, toilet, and sink were a pale, rosebud pink. My mom used to give me bubble baths in that pink tub and instilled in me the love of soaking in warm, scented water heaped with mounds of luxurious bubbles. If you enjoy a relaxing bath, set time aside at least once a week to skip the shower and take a leisurely soak instead. Spend time doing something you love every day You deserve a little time to yourself every day. Set a goal to spend a few minutes each day doing something special just for you. You can recite an affirmation, listen to a favorite song, sing at the top of your lungs, or dance like no one’s watching. What you do isn’t as important as choosing something that makes you feel absolutely awesome! Walk through an art gallery Viewing art is good for the soul. If you’d rather walk through an inspiring or beautiful gallery instead of creating art of your own, try looking up free days at your local art gallery, or buy a yearly membership to save money while supporting the gallery’s work. Go to a museum Museums teach us about other cultures, history, and people. When we visit a museum, we are empowered to build bonds within our community and learn from the past to benefit the present. Find a museum that includes the types of displays and information that make you feel inspired—whether a nature museum, a historical museum focused on a small town, a living history museum, or an open-air museum. Spend time in nature Spending time in nature helps us be more active, breathe fresh air (and breathe deeper), reduce stress, and clear our minds. Forest bathing (also known as the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku) reduces stress hormone production and is an accepted part of Japanese preventative health care. For me, the ultimate in self-care is when I can walk among the trees and take a nap in the shade on a sunny afternoon. I used to take my border collie hiking with me, and when we’d get tired, we’d lay out a blanket under a tree and just look up at the sky until we started to doze. You don’t need a whole forest at your disposal to benefit from spending time in nature. Even walking through a park or along a country road can ease your mind and let you escape from daily life stressors. Try a new meditation technique Do you enjoy meditation but get bored with the same practice? Spice up your mindfulness activities by learning a new technique. If you usually practice seated meditation, try a walking meditation instead. If you practice meditation in silence, try guided meditation for a new twist. Yoga nidra (yogic sleep) and qi gong are additional ways to benefit from meditative practices aside from a static seated pose. Conclusion Taking care of yourself is important, and self-care practices are the perfect way to make sure you are caring for number one. After all, you need to take good care of yourself to be able to take care of those around you. Start your new year off right by setting a resolution to add self-care resolutions to your personal routine and create an amazing new year for an even healthier new you!

This site is supported by our audience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only recommend products I love and/or use. Imagine being the first person to discover a natural hot spring. It must have seemed like pure magic to take that first soak in the relaxing, all-over warmth of a natural hot bath. I’m glad I don’t have to search out a hot spring to take a bath today. I’m also grateful that I can simply turn on the faucet and have instant hot water—no hauling it in buckets to the woodstove like my grandparents had to do. Bathing became commonplace in ancient Rome, but the magic of bubble baths wasn’t invented until the 20th century when soap flakes became a thing. There’s something wonderful about a bubble bath—warm water, iridescent shimmery bubbles, and soft fragrances greeting you as you step into the comfortable buoyancy of bliss. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax after a long day. A bath is best when unhurried. Try setting aside time to let your mind drift as you wash your worries down the drain. To take your bath to the next level, try one (or more!) of the 15 tips I’ve listed below. 1. Bubble bath What’s a bubble bath without bubbles? Depending on which product you choose, you might find yourself sitting in a warm tub of soapy nothingness. This is the time to splurge a little and treat yourself to something special. When selecting a bubble bath, go for higher-end products. You’ll find that the bubbles last longer, and—if you’ve chosen a foaming bath oil—you won’t lose bubbles for the sake of adding moisturizing ingredients. Pour your foaming bath product directly under the running faucet for the most abundant bubbles. Let the water do the work! 2. Try a bath bomb Bath bombs create an effervescent explosion of fizz, fragrance, and color. You can buy them with essential oil and bright colors added or make a DIY version and customize them to your liking. You’ll need to grab some citric acid to make the fizz, but other ingredients (like baking soda and rubbing alcohol) are common household staples. 3. Bath bars and bath melts Bath bars and melts are made for moisture. Formulated to leave your skin feeling luxuriously soft (like these sugar scrubs), bath melts come in a variety of shapes, scents, and styles. They are frequently made with coconut oil but may also include shea butter, kaolin clay, and an array of other delightful add-ins. Not all bath bars create bubbles (check the label before you buy), and some can leave your tub a bit on the slick side. I love the feeling a bath bar leaves on my skin, but fair warning—be careful getting out of the tub when you’re done! 4. Bath oil Like bath bars, bath oil delivers moisturizing goodness to dry skin. Opt for a fragrance-free bath oil if you have sensitive skin or are using a fragranced candle at the same time. Too many conflicting scents will disturb your relaxation experience. Choose scents that complement each other, or only use one fragranced item, and let your other bath time splurges be fragrance-free. 5. Bath salt—soothe away the aches Bath salts usually have Epsom salt as the main ingredient. Epsom salt, which breaks down into magnesium and stearate in water, is a naturally occurring chemical compound named after a spring at Epsom in Surrey, England. This inexpensive ingredient can be found at most drugstores and supermarkets (or you can get it here) and is well-known for soothing sore muscles and tired feet. You can use Epsom salt on its own or buy bath salts with added ingredients such as sea salt, moisturizers, and artificial or natural fragrances and colors. Add bath salts before you drizzle in your foaming bath product. Swish the salts around in the water to dissolve them; then add your bubble bath product and get ready for some well-deserved you time. 6. Essential oil Another way to bring the benefits of aromatherapy into your bathing experience is to add essential oils directly to the bath or diffuse them in a mist. Unlike bath oils (which may contain a blend of carrier oils in addition to fragrances), essential oils are highly concentrated compounds extracted from plants. Choose pure essential oil (not artificial fragrances) to truly reap the benefits. Some of the most well-known essential oils for inducing relaxation are lavender, chamomile, and clary sage. 7. Listen to music The perfect relaxing bubble bath experience occurs when the ambiance is just right. For me, that means silence or quiet nature sounds, like birds singing in the trees or the occasional croaking of frogs on a pond. But for music lovers, bath time can become a symphony for both the body and mind. Use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite slow-tempo or New Age tunes safely. (Keep electric items away from the bath!) 8. Listen to an inspirational audiobook If music isn’t your thing, but you have difficulty relaxing in silence, try listening to an inspirational audiobook or guided meditation. YouTube has some excellent guided meditations you can listen to for free. If you tend to fall asleep while listening, opt for something that will help you relax but won’t make you doze in the tub. 9. Nature sounds As I mentioned earlier, I find nature sounds to be relaxing. There are no words to keep track of or tunes to get stuck in my head—I can just listen and drift away into a mindful meditation, imagining myself walking on a leaf-covered path or sitting in stillness at the edge of a bubbling brook. If you like nature sounds, too, but your bathtub isn’t located in the middle of a meadow or woods, try listening to recordings made just for this purpose. You can project them to your Bluetooth speaker or use a cordless sound machine with options such as a campfire, crickets, or thunder. 10. Candlelight Ambiance is about more than just sound. The right lighting can stimulate your senses or ease you into bathing bliss. Candles are a delightful way to add low lights and fragrances to your bathroom. If you have sensitive skin and can’t use scented products in your bath, a flickering candle might be the perfect way to get the benefits of aromatherapy without triggering an unwanted itch. Submersible LED lights are another way to add ambiance to your bathroom. You can find them in white or a variety of colors to create the perfect mood. 11. Water temperature Did you know that there’s more to water temperature than comfort? Although the perfect temp is debatable, a Wall Street Journal interview with dermatologist Melissa Piliang states that 112℉ is the perfect temperature for washing away dirt and bacteria. If you’re more concerned with reducing stress and relaxing tight muscles, you don’t need to get so specific with the temperature. Test the water on the back of your hand before stepping in to make sure it’s comfortable. You’ll want the water to be warm, but it shouldn’t burn or make your skin too pink. 12. Plants in the bathroom Ah, gardens! Just thinking about being surrounded by greenery lifts my spirits. Try bringing the garden indoors to create a luxury spa experience while you bathe. Plants produce oxygen and remove pollutants from the air. A study conducted by researchers from Kansas State University found that simply viewing plants encourages and enhances healing. Choose plants that love humidity and have low or indirect lighting requirements. 13. Relax, don’t rush Set aside time to de-stress in the tub. Limiting the amount of time you have for your relaxing soak can put you on edge and make it more challenging to give in to the experience. I like to save bath time for evenings, right before I go to bed. Whereas my showers are quick and invigorating morning wake-me-ups, a relaxing bubble bath may last 20 minutes or more. 14. Beverage Try hydrating inside as well as out! A bubbly drink for your bubbly bath might be just the thing you need to make your relaxing bubble bath a little extra. Sparkling tea, an herbal infusion, and flavored water are just a few suggestions to get you started thinking about your perfect bath time libation. 15. Bath caddy If your bath time goodies keep sliding off the edge, invest in yourself and get a bath caddy to keep everything in its place. Bath caddies come in adjustable sizes that span the width of the tub or hanging styles for tubs that have one edge against the wall. Before getting out of the bath … When you’ve finished your soak, and you’re ready to get out of the tub, take just another minute to finish bringing yourself back into a state of balance. Take a few slow, deep breaths and lift the tub’s plug so the water can begin to drain. In your mind’s eye, envision your worries as wisps of soapy residue, spinning in a whirl as they disappear down the drain with the water. As you imagine them washing away, you may begin to feel lighter and even more refreshed. Pat dry with a fluffy towel, smooth on your favorite moisturizer, and enjoy the rest of your day! If you want some ideas for turning your shower into an aromatherapy experience, check out this post for shower steamers.