Summer is such a great time to slow down a bit and think about the little things we bring into our homes—and what we could start making ourselves instead. Whether you’re knee-deep in homesteading or just dipping your toes in like we are, it’s the small swaps that start to shift things. They add up over time, not just in how we eat or spend, but in how we feel. A little more homemade, a little more intentional, and a whole lot more confident.
So if you’re looking for a few simple ways to ease into a more self-sufficient, homemade lifestyle, here are five easy swaps to try this summer. You don’t need a big kitchen or a backyard farm to start—just a willing heart and maybe a mason jar or two!
Store-bought dressings are convenient, but they often contain preservatives, seed oils, and sugars that we don’t need. The good news? Making your own is quick, easy, and so delicious. This is just one of MANY recipes. That is what makes this so great! You can have fun experimenting with your favorite ingredients until you find the one that’s perfect for you and your family!
Here’s a simple vinaigrette I love:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch of salt and pepper
Fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley
Just shake it up in a jar and drizzle over your favorite greens, pasta salads, or grilled veggies.
Try This: Grow a few herbs in small pots—even if you’re in transition like us. They’re portable, pretty, and perfect for adding flavor to your summer meals.
2. Instead of Store-Bought Bread → Bake a Simple Homemade Loaf
Homemade bread might sound intimidating, but you don’t have to go full sourdough just yet. Even a no-knead bread or a quick skillet flatbread can give you that cozy, fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
If you’re ready to dive into sourdough (which we love), summer is a great time to start. Warm temps help your starter thrive, and there’s just something magical about a loaf that rose on your own counter.
My Tip: Feed your sourdough starter in the morning and bake in the evening when it’s cooler. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it’s still homemade, and it’s still yours. There still will not be a crumb left!
3. Instead of Sugary Drinks → Make Garden-Inspired Fruit Teas & Coolers
Forget the neon-colored punches and sodas. You can whip up refreshing, naturally sweetened drinks using garden herbs and whatever fruit you have on hand.
One of our favorites:
Brewed herbal or green tea
A squeeze of lemon
A handful of smashed berries or sliced peaches
A spoonful of honey (optional)
A few sprigs of mint or basil
Let it chill in the fridge, pour it over ice, and sip it on the porch or wherever your summer takes you.
So Simple: Keep a big jar in the fridge and refill it with new combos all week long!
4. Instead of Chemical Bug Spray → Mix a Gentle DIY Herbal Repellent
Those summer evenings outdoors are pure joy—except when the bugs join the party. A homemade repellent is a great alternative to store-bought sprays with harsh chemicals.
Here’s a simple blend:
1/2 cup witch hazel
1/2 cup water
10 drops citronella
10 drops eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
5 drops of lavender essential oil
Pour into a spray bottle and shake before each use. It smells lovely and keeps the bugs away—naturally. Another option would be using Lemongrass essential oil. You can add Lemongrass essential oil and dilute it with alcohol or distilled water. I like to dilute it 3/4 oil, to 1/4 water. Pour into a spray bottle and be sure to always shake well before each use.
Note: As always, patch test first, especially on kids or sensitive skin.
5. Instead of Store-Bought Jam → Make a Quick Freezer Jam or Fruit Compote
If you have a few overripe peaches, strawberries, or blueberries sitting around, you’ve got the makings of a delicious homemade jam. And no, you don’t have to can it—freezer jam is easy and perfect for beginners.
Here’s our go-to:
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Place a small dish in the freezer to use for testing the jam.
In a large deep skillet, add strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring often. Once boiling, cook until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
When it seems thick enough, take your plate out of the freezer. Put a small spoonful of the jam onto the plate and let it sit for 30 seconds. Tilt it. If it slides too fast, keep cooking in 1-2 minute increments. If it moves slowly, it is done.
Transfer to a heat-proof container. Cool to room temperature. If not canning, use within 2 weeks. Once opened, store in the refrigerator.
Mix it all and store in a jar in the fridge or freezer. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or spoon it over pancakes.
Bonus: It makes a sweet little gift for a neighbor or friend!
Before You Go…
Every homemade step is a step closer to the life you’re building. You don’t need to do it all at once—just try one swap at a time and see what sticks. Whether it’s a loaf of bread, a jar of jam, or a homemade spray on your porch table, it all matters. It’s all part of the story.
At Semi Homesteaders, we’re walking this journey right alongside you. We’re not fully “there” yet either—but we believe this way of living starts with the little things. And those little things grow into a beautiful life. Today is a great day to start!!
Please show your support by signing up for our blog. Let us know in the comments: which summer swap are you going to try first? And come hang out with us over on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube—we’d love to share more of life with you!
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