Helping Families Learn Homesteading and Self-Sufficient Living
There is a very wonderful movement happening in the world today where many folks are reclaiming their roots and diving into the world of homestead skills. After all, what could compare to the “slow and simple” life that is often portrayed by the homestead community. …
There is something deeply empowering about knowing you can care for your family with your own two hands. Creating your own herbal first aid balm is an act of preparation, intention, and self-reliance. It’s slow living in its most practical form. In a world full …
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What do you think of when you envision a simple life? For me, it is slow days spent doing creative work, time with my children and husband, and a free schedule. I often envision Tolkien’s Hobbit, and imagine what life would be like in the Shire. There is good food, family and friends, and puttering around the garden. Sounds like paradise to me. But a simple life looks different for everyone. In this article, we are going to explore the basic principles of simple living, and also the variety of spins on simple living that makes everyone’s journey unique.
Simple living isn’t about doing less for the sake of aesthetics or rejecting modern life altogether. At its heart, simple living is about choosing enough. Enough stuff. Enough commitments. Enough noise. It’s about intentionally shaping a life that feels grounded, meaningful, and aligned with your values.
For many families—ours included—simple living becomes a quiet answer to a loud world.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your home, your calendar, or the constant pressure to do more, this guide will help you understand what simple living truly is—and how you can begin weaving it into your everyday life in a way that feels gentle and sustainable.
Simple living is a lifestyle rooted in intentional choices. It means aligning how you spend your time, energy, and resources with what matters most to you, rather than what society tells you should matter.
Simple living often includes:
Rather than asking, “How can I do more?” simple living asks, “What can I release so I can live more fully?”
Simple living has been at the heart of my family since it’s very start. We began to envision a life for our family that would include homesteading, homemaking, and homeschooling. A life centered around the home. While everyone around us was busy being busy outside the home, we were breathing life and comfort into the very place that sustains us.
As I share in The Start of Our Alaskan Homestead Journey, our desire to homestead and homeschool came from a deep longing to provide our children with a slower, more connected life. We wanted days shaped by nature instead of notifications, and learning rooted in curiosity rather than constant pressure.
Simple living gave us permission to step off the fast-moving conveyor belt of modern life and build something more intentional—one season at a time.
We begin picking up hobbies that lead us even further down the simple living path. Things like gardening, hiking, reading, cooking, and crafting gave us an appreciation for slower days. If we fell prey to a faster pace, then we wouldn’t have time for such “frivolous” activities.
These hobbies have enriched my family’s lives and have even been a huge part in strengthening our relationships. Instead of seeing my children for 4-5 hours a day, they are living and learning right beside me. Our science looks like plant identification and foraging, and our PE looks like hiking the vast wilderness of Alaska.
I’ve written about these experiences previously and you can read all about them here:
5 Great Beginner Plants to Forage with Kids
How Hiking Strengthens the Family Bond
Moving to Alaska has been the biggest lesson in seasonal living. Living in a place with such extreme seasons shapes you and it can be for better or for worse. If you don’t learn to live with each season, instead of trying to fight it, then it can crush you. Summers are a burst of intense daylight and Winters are bitterly cold and dark. Simple and seasonal living was my lifesaver.
Learning to embrace each season and live accordingly is how we not only survive, but thrive in these conditions.
Simple living pairs beautifully with seasonal living.
Living with the seasons encourages:
Seasonal living gently guides us back into balance and helps life feel less forced and more intuitive.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they each carry a slightly different focus.
Simple living may include elements of both minimalism and slow living, but it doesn’t require strict rules or extremes. It is adaptable, personal, and deeply human.
Your home is often the first place where simple living takes root.
Simple living doesn’t demand a dramatic purge. Instead, it invites:
A calmer home supports a calmer nervous system—especially for children.
Rather than strict schedules, a simple life thrives on daily rhythms:
These rhythms create structure without pressure and allow life to unfold more naturally.
One of the most overlooked aspects of simple living is its deep connection to the natural world.
Time outdoors naturally slows us down. It reminds us of the seasons, the weather, and the quiet wisdom of the earth.
For families embracing simple living, the outdoors becomes an extension of the home.
Activities like those shared in Exciting Outdoor Activities to Fall in Love With Spring invite wonder back into everyday life—without needing elaborate plans or expensive entertainment.
Simple living asks us to step outside, breathe deeply, and remember that nature offers everything we need to feel grounded.
Food is one of the most tangible ways to practice simple living. Diet culture has given us a plethora of interesting ways of eating. The most tangible is the one your family will eat. It is the most simple. If you keep simple ingredients in your pantry/ refrigerator, you will greatly simplify your life. This looks different for everyone. For example, many folks recommend stocking up on beans. My family doesn’t really care for beans, but we love potatoes! (We’re basically just Hobbits). So we stock up on potatoes instead of beans as a carb source.
Think about the meals that your family will eat. What does everyone rave about? Find your tried and true recipes and keep a stock of those ingredients.
Aside from having ingredients on hand to simplify things, there are other ways that simple living is connected to food.
Simple living with food may include:
Simple meals ground us. They turn everyday nourishment into an act of care rather than a chore.
Eating at home removes the time and effort of finding a place to eat in town and then waiting in line to grab your food at the window. It is replaced with the time and effort to chop vegetables and prepare your meal yourself. Both take time and effort, but when you prepare it yourself, you have the invitation to cook as a family and to sit down together and enjoy the act of sharing a meal that you prepared yourself.
Simple living and homeschooling often walk hand in hand.
When learning is woven into daily life—through cooking, gardening, foraging, and outdoor exploration—education becomes relational rather than rigid.
Simple living allows children to learn at a natural pace, guided by curiosity and seasonal rhythms. When there is no bell to tell you when to stop, the learning never ends. Homeschooling invites creativity, curiosity, and a slowness to the day that cannot be mimicked in a school setting.
Homeschooling is a catalyst for many into the simple life. It was one of ours. When we began homeschooling, I was blown away by how such a simple day could make us feel. We all felt regulated, calmer, and more receptive to learning.
It is in my heart that homeschooling is a great introduction to teaching children to live simply and curiously.
One of the most freeing truths about simple living is that it doesn’t require perfection.
You can:
We haven’t always lived exactly as we do now. Life is a journey and we’ve been through it. We’ve had seasons where we both work full time. Seasons where my oldest was in public school. We’ve lived in an apartment in the city. It is about making it work where you are at in life.
Simple living is about alignment, not appearance.
I think we have way too much social media portraying fake lives. Even if someone has it all figured out, they started from somewhere. No one wakes up one morning and has a completely simple life. It is built piece by piece, and day by day.
If simple living feels overwhelming, start here:
Small shifts compound over time.
Before habits change, mindset shifts.
Simple living begins when you pause long enough to ask:
This internal slowing down is often the most powerful step. When your inner world becomes quieter, your outer life begins to follow.
In a culture that glorifies busyness, choosing simple living is a quiet declaration that your peace matters.
Simple living allows you to:
It isn’t about escaping life—it’s about inhabiting it fully.
If this article resonated with you, choose one small way to simplify today.
Simple living is not something you achieve.
It’s something you practice—slowly, imperfectly, and beautifully.
✨ Sometimes the fullest life is the one with the least noise.
Hello my friends and welcome back to the next chapter of Borealis Mom. I’ve been quiet over this past year, but have been hard at work behind the scenes. The life of this blog has been up in the air because of all of the …
When you live in Alaska or another extremely cold, remote climate, emergency preparedness isn’t about panic — it’s about peace of mind. Winter storms, extended power outages, supply disruptions, and delayed emergency response are not hypothetical here. They are part of life. That’s why having …
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As the winter chill sets in and temperatures drop, the need for a reliable shelter becomes crucial for survival in the wilderness. Don’t let the cold weather take you by surprise. Arm yourself with essential tips on how to build a winter survival shelter that will keep you safe and warm.
If stranded in a wilderness survival scenario during winter there are certain skills that could be the difference in life or death. Skills like starting a fire, finding and purifying water, and land navigation are essential in these situations. For a more in depth read about wilderness survival, check out my free Ebook that covers the 5 C’s of wilderness survival. Download and print a copy to carry in your kit to ensure you are always prepared in the wilderness.
Mountain House also has a great article that covers Winter survival basics that you can check out here.
There are special Considerations for building a winter survival shelter. It isn’t the same as constructing a survival shelter in the Summer. You’ll have to think a little differently about safe locations and maximizing heat retention. This comprehensive guide teaches you how to construct a shelter that withstands the harshest of winter conditions. Let’s dive in to learn the ins and outs of building a winter shelter and increase your chances of staying safe in the cold wilderness.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best location for a winter survival shelter. To be successful, pay attention to the following:
First, it’s important to assess the surroundings. Are there any potential hazards such as steep cliffs or unstable trees? If you know anything about Dave Canterbury, you’ll know he refers to these as “widowmakers.” Will the chosen location be prone to avalanches or flooding? These are all crucial considerations, as a seemingly safe location could turn deadly in an emergency situation.
Next, the type of shelter being built should be taken into account. A lean-to shelter, for example, would require a sturdy tree or a wall of rocks for one side. A snow cave, on the other hand, could be built almost anywhere with sufficient snow cover. It’s important to choose a location that not only fits the type of shelter being built, but also provides enough natural resources to construct it.
Another factor to consider is the availability of natural resources for fire and food. Building a shelter near a stream or lake would provide a water source for melting snow and ice for drinking, as well as potential fishing opportunities. Similarly, being in close proximity to trees or other vegetation can provide sources of firewood and foraging options for food.
In addition to these practical considerations, the psychological impact of the location should also be taken into account. Being near a scenic view or a source of tranquility can greatly improve morale during a winter survival situation. On the other hand, being in a desolate or isolated location can have a negative effect on one’s mental state.
But perhaps the most important factor in choosing a location for a winter survival shelter is accessibility. If a person is stranded or injured, it’s crucial that the shelter can be reached easily and quickly. This means being within a reasonable distance from a main road or hiking trail, and preferably close to civilization.
In the end, there is no one “best” location to build a winter survival shelter. Each situation is unique and requires careful consideration of all the factors mentioned above. But by keeping these factors in mind and thoroughly assessing the surroundings, one can make an informed decision and build a shelter that will increase their chances of surviving in the harsh winter conditions. As the saying goes, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” So, when it comes to building a winter survival shelter, take your time and choose wisely – your life may depend on it.
Insulation is the key to keeping warmth inside and cold outside, making it an essential element in any winter survival shelter. Without proper insulation, even the sturdiest of structures can quickly become no match for the bone-chilling temperatures and biting winds.
But what exactly is insulation, and why is it so important for a winter survival shelter? In simple terms, insulation is a material or substance that reduces the transfer of heat between two objects. In this case, it helps to maintain the heat inside the shelter and prevent it from escaping, while also keeping the cold air outside.
There are several options for insulation when it comes to building a winter shelter. One popular choice is to use natural materials such as leaves, straw, animal fur, and even snow. These materials are readily available in the wild, making them a practical choice. However, they may not provide the most effective insulation, and may also attract unwanted pests.
Another option is to use man-made materials, such as foam or fiberglass insulation. These materials are specifically designed for insulation purposes and can provide excellent heat retention. However, they may not be as readily available in an outdoor survival situation.
If you happen to live in a climate with plenty of snow, then constructing a winter survival shelter made of snow can be one of your best bets for insulation. Yes, that’s right, the very same substance that covers the ground and makes roads slippery can actually be used to insulate a survival shelter.
Snow is made up of tiny air pockets that trap air and act as an insulating layer. When used to construct a shelter, these air pockets create a barrier between the inside and outside temperatures, keeping the warmth in and the cold out. The thicker the layer of snow, the more effective the insulation becomes.
These structures are not only effective in keeping out the cold, but they are also surprisingly easy to construct. With a simple shovel and some basic knowledge, anyone can create a snow shelter to protect themselves from the elements.
But using snow as insulation is not without its challenges. For one, it requires a significant amount of snow, which may not always be readily available. Additionally, it requires careful construction and maintenance to ensure the shelter remains sturdy and warm.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of using snow as insulation are undeniable. It can provide warmth and protection in the most extreme winter conditions.
Whether you find yourself in a survival situation or simply enjoy winter camping, don’t underestimate the significance of insulation in your shelter. Not only can it make the difference between a comfortable night’s sleep and a freezing one, but it can also be a crucial component in your overall survival.
There are as many types of Winter survival shelters as there are different types of winter climates. Where I live in interior Alaska, we receive a good deal of snowfall throughout our Winters. This makes a Snow shelter ideal. But there are different types of snow shelters, and for the purposes of this article, I’ll be teaching you to dig a Snow cave. Other traditional snow shelters involve cutting blocks of ice and snow. Since I am primarily geared for survival situations, I wanted to gear this towards what would realistically be available in a real life scenario.
Hopefully you outdoors men and women carry around a few survival items in your day pack when trekking outdoors. If so, then this shelter should be realistic and will suffice in an emergency. A Snow trench can theoretically be dug by hand, but a collapsible shovel carried in your kit is ideal. A tarp, folding saw, and emergency blanket are also excellent to include in your winter adventure pack in case of emergencies.
Remember, shelter is a top priority when in a real survival scenarios, so don’t underestimate it!
It’s really that simple! A quick and easy winter survival shelter made of snow. It might not make you toasty in subzero temps, but it can protect you from wind chill and trap in natural heat that can make the difference in a life or death scenario. I like this easy setup because it is foolproof and easy to practice. No need to build an elaborate bushcraft shelter to practice this survival skill.
As the winter cold sets in, it’s crucial to arm yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to build a winter shelter in the wilderness. By choosing the best location, gathering insulation materials, constructing your shelter, maximizing heat retention, and practicing fire safety, you can significantly increase your chances of survival in harsh conditions.
Remember, preparation is key – don’t wait until it’s too late to start building your shelter and stay safe in the wilderness. As the saying goes, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” So take action now and ensure your safety in the cold.
As the winter chill settles in, it’s time to prepare for outdoor adventures that embrace the season in all its snowy glory. For those who love the thrill of hiking in winter wonderlands, finding the perfect balance of warmth, style, and affordability in their outdoor …
Do you ever look up at the night sky and wonder how travelers used to navigate using constellations and planet/star alignments? Maybe you are like me, thinking it seems impossible to learn now. That was my thinking until reading this Stikky Night Skies book by …
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Understanding bear behavior and knowing how to navigate bear country is crucial for every adventurer seeking to explore the great outdoors safely. This is especially true in places with a high bear density, like Alaska! In this article, I will cover essential tips and guidelines to ensure your safety while exploring bear territory. From gearing up with the right equipment to educating yourself on bear safety measures, my goal is to teach you the skills to remain confident while adventuring in bear country.
It wasn’t until I moved to Alaska that I took bear safety seriously. I am from Georgia, where the few black bear there are, are so spaced out, that I had literally never seen one growing up. We had to worry about gators and snakes. Fast forward to Alaska, and I never venture into the wilderness without having something to protect myself with. Bears are very dense in the backcountry up here, so I’ve had to learn the proper preventative measures, as well as what to do when spotting a bear.
Bears aren’t the only threat out there. As a solo woman adventurer, I take my safety seriously. I’ve taken my skills and expertise from prior law enforcement and military and placed it into a self defense guide for women. It covers topics from wild animals to human predators, and is definitely worth a glance if you are also a solo woman adventurer. I also have a guide for wilderness navigation and wilderness first aid, which are extremely helpful in bear country.
Bears are majestic creatures that have captured the imagination of humans for centuries. From the iconic grizzly bear of the North American wilderness to the elusive polar bears of the Arctic, these animals have long been revered by many cultures. However, despite their beauty and charm, bears are also known to be powerful and potentially dangerous animals.
In order to fully appreciate and respect the beauty of bears, it is essential to understand their behavior. By observing their natural tendencies and patterns, adventurers and nature enthusiasts can better prepare and protect themselves when venturing into bear territory.
Experts suggest that the key to bear safety is to avoid any close encounters in the first place. This means staying alert and making noise while hiking, ensuring that bears are aware of your presence and can avoid you. Additionally, understanding bear body language can also provide vital clues on how to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
For example, if a bear stands up on its hind legs, it is usually not a sign of aggression, but rather an attempt to get a better view or sense of smell. However, if a bear starts to swat the ground or make loud huffing noises, it is best to slowly back away and give the bear space.
Furthermore, it is crucial to remember that bears are wild animals and should never be approached or fed. In fact, feeding bears can lead to habituation, where the animal becomes comfortable around humans and may start to associate them with food. This can ultimately lead to dangerous situations for both bears and humans. Alaska Department of Fish and Game are often called to these situations and it usually results in them “dispatching” the bear. It’s not fun for anyone. Just don’t.
In conclusion, the key to bear safety for adventurers lies in understanding their behavior. By respecting them as wild animals and taking necessary precautions, we can peacefully coexist with bears and continue to be awed by their presence in the natural world.
When it comes to exploring bear territory, being properly prepared can mean the difference between a thrilling adventure and a dangerous encounter. Here are some essential items that should not be overlooked before embarking on your next adventure in bear territory.
First and foremost, a bear-resistant food container is a must-have item. With a strong and durable design, these containers keep your food and scented items safely locked away from curious bears. According to the National Park Service, improper food storage is one of the primary reasons for bear encounters and attacks. This can even result in a fine here in Alaska. Investing in a bear-resistant food container not only keeps you safe but also protects the bears from becoming habituated to human food.
Next, a can of bear spray is a crucial tool for any bear explorer. This non-lethal deterrent is highly effective in deterring aggressive bears and giving you a chance to safely retreat. A study by the journal PLOS ONE found that bear spray had a success rate of 92% in stopping bear attacks. This statistic alone shows the importance of having bear spray as a first line of defense.
If you are trained and able to do so, carrying a firearm as a last resort is encouraged, at least by me. You’ll probably get mixed reviews on this one, but I often take my kids with me in bear territory and I don’t like taking any chances. If you carry bear spray, the chance of you needing to use the firearm is incredibly low, but not 0. As you saw in the above statistic, bear Spray stops an average of 92% of bear attacks. I like my sidearm for that 8%. Make sure you are properly trained and licensed, if applicable, before handling any firearm on the trail though!
In addition to physical gear, having the knowledge and skills to navigate bear territory is essential. This includes knowing how to properly identify bear signs, such as scat and tracks, and understanding their behavior. As bear expert, Dr. Tom Smith, advises, “The more you know about bears, the better you can predict their behavior and avoid any potential conflicts.” Taking a bear safety course or going on a guided trip can provide invaluable knowledge and training for exploring bear territory.
Finally, never underestimate the power of making noise. Bears are naturally curious and will typically avoid humans if given the chance. By making noise while hiking, such as talking or singing, you alert bears of your presence and give them time to move away. If you don’t want the hassle of this, you can simply purchase a bear bell to hang off your pack. It makes noise for you as you walk. This simple action can greatly reduce the chances of unexpected bear encounters.
Exploring bear territory requires more than just courage and curiosity. Being equipped with the essential gear, knowledge, and skills is vital for a safe and enjoyable experience.
In the event that you do come across a bear, the most important thing to remember is to remain calm. Panicking can trigger a bear’s predatory instincts and escalate the situation. Instead, stay still and avoid making sudden movements. Slowly back away while facing the bear and making yourself appear as large as possible. Raise your arms above your head, stand on your tiptoes, and speak in a loud, firm voice. This will show the bear that you are not prey and are not afraid.
If the bear continues to approach or becomes aggressive, it’s important to have a deterrent on hand. These items can startle the bear and give you the opportunity to safely retreat to a safe distance. It’s important to note that bear spray should only be used as a last resort, as it can also aggravate the bear and make the situation worse.
Furthermore, it’s essential to educate yourself on the different types of bear encounters and how to appropriately respond in each situation. For instance, a black bear encounter may require a different approach than a grizzly bear encounter. Knowing the difference and being prepared can greatly increase your chances of surviving a bear encounter.
In the rare event that the bear continues to approach and attack, it is important to use any tools or weapons you may have, such as bear spray or a firearm, to defend yourself. Aim for the bear’s face or eyes, as this is the most sensitive area and may deter the attack.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that bears are not hunting humans. In fact, they would much rather avoid us and go about their business. By taking proper precautions, being aware of your surroundings, and respecting their space, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of a bear encounter and safely navigate one if it does happen.
While bears may seem intimidating, proper knowledge and preparation can make all the difference in a bear encounter. Remember to always treat bears with caution and respect, and to never underestimate their strength and instincts. With these practical tips in mind, you can confidently enjoy the great outdoors while keeping yourself and the bears safe.
As a parent, one of the greatest fears you may have is that your child will encounter a dangerous animal, such as a bear, while out in the wilderness. And while it may seem like a rare occurrence, the truth is that bear encounters are becoming increasingly common in many areas, making it more important than ever to educate kids on bear safety.
According to the National Park Service, there were over 6,000 bear incidents reported between 1992 and 2013, with the majority of these involving black bears. And with the growing human population encroaching on bear habitats, these numbers are only expected to rise.
But what can be done to protect our children in these situations? It starts with education. Teaching kids about bear safety not only prepares them for any potential encounters, but it also instills a sense of responsibility and respect for these majestic creatures.
First and foremost, it’s important for children to understand that bears are not cuddly toys or friendly pets. They are wild animals, and even the smallest bear can weigh several hundred pounds and cause serious harm if provoked or threatened. So the first rule of bear safety is to never approach or try to touch a bear.
But what should kids do if they do encounter a bear? According to bear safety experts, the best thing to do is to remain calm and make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms and making noise. Slowly back away and make sure the bear has a clear escape route. Never turn your back or run, as this can trigger the bear’s natural instinct to chase.
It’s also important for kids to understand that bears are attracted to food, and can easily be lured into campsites or picnic areas by the smell of food. To avoid this, make sure to properly store all food and garbage in bear-proof containers or hung high in trees. And when out on a hike, always be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas where bears may be feeding or denning.
But perhaps the most crucial aspect of bear safety is teaching children to respect and appreciate these magnificent creatures. As wildlife expert and TV host Jeff Corwin says, “Bears are symbols of the wild, and it’s important for kids to understand the value of preserving their habitat and coexisting with them in a safe and respectful manner.”
So let’s do our part in educating our children about bear safety and creating a safer future for both humans and bears. With the proper knowledge and respect, we can prevent unnecessary encounters and ensure the survival of these incredible animals for generations to come.
In conclusion, these important tips are all crucial elements in ensuring a safe adventure in bear country. With these essential tips in mind, you can confidently explore Alaska’s wilderness while minimizing the risks of bear encounters.
As you embark on your next outdoor journey, remember that being prepared and informed is the key to a safe and unforgettable experience. So, gear up, stay vigilant, and embrace the beauty of the wild – because in the end, it’s not just about surviving, but truly thriving in the presence of these majestic creatures. Happy Adventures!
As outdoor enthusiasts, the call of the wilderness beckons us to explore and adventure in nature’s untamed beauty. But with that thrill comes the responsibility of being prepared for the unexpected. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll equip you with the 5 essential wilderness first aid …