Small Habits, Big Hope: What’s Carrying Us Through This Hot Season
Hello There!
Summer on a semi-homestead is a little wild, a little sweaty, and a whole lot of beautiful — even if you’re not fully on your land yet. For us, we’re still waiting to break ground on our future homestead (actually, we broke ground this week!!!), but we’re finding ways to live the lifestyle right where we are — one grow bag, home-cooked meal, and porch-sitting break at a time.
Today, I’m sharing what we’re calling our Summer Survival Kit — just a few small things that’re making a big difference for us this summer, keeping us fed, a little cooler, and holding on to that homesteader heart, even though we’re not on our land yet.
🧺 1. Our “Cool Down” Porch Basket
Right outside the door, we keep a basket with:
- Clean towels for wiping sweat or muddy faces
- A little spray bottle of cold peppermint water (instant mood booster) -it’s even better when cool!
- Bug spray — because the mosquitoes didn’t get the memo that we’re busy
- Garden gloves
- A wide-brimmed hat and hair ties
It might sound simple, but having these little comforts close by has made a big difference during long, hot days — even when we’re just taking care of things around the house.
2. Backyard Gold: Why We’re Grateful for Zucchini & Tomatoes This Season
We’re not on our land yet, but we are growing tomatoes and zucchini in grow bags — and you better believe we’re making the most of them.
Some ways we’re using them:
- Sautéed zucchini with garlic and Parmesan
- Fresh tomato sandwiches with mayo and flaky salt
- One-pan zucchini and egg skillet for breakfast or dinner
- Shred zucchini and put it in muffins or freezer bags for later
It’s not a full garden yet — but it’s a start. And it’s teaching us a lot. Remember, starting is what is important!
3. Our Go-To Summer Sips
A cold drink can change your whole day. We like to keep a jar of homemade fruit tea or cucumber-lemon water in the fridge. This is a revised “summer” version of my favorite fruit tea recipe:
Michelle’s Summer Fruit Tea:
- 3 green tea bags
- 3 cups water
- ½ orange, juiced
- A slice or two of lime
- A handful of frozen berries
- Mint leaves, slightly crushed
- Honey to taste
Steep, chill, and pour over ice. (Mason jar + straw = essential.)
4. Simple Things That Are Seriously Helping Us Out This Season
Just a few real-life tools we’re using this summer:
- Grow bags – perfect for our in-between stage (zucchini & tomatoes are thriving!)
- Gorilla cart– we use it for potting, prepping, sorting, and transporting
- Cooling towels – these are game changers in the heat
- Heavy-duty gloves – because even small outdoor tasks can get thorny
We may not have a full homestead yet, but we’re learning to treat what we do have with intention. Whether you have land or live in town, a homestead isn’t just about acreage—it’s about mindset. The daily work, the care, the cooking, the cleaning—it’s all part of it. Animals or not, you’re still tending to something that matters.
🍳 5. Our One-Pan Summer Meal of the Week
It’s too hot for complicated cooking. This one’s quick, cozy, and uses what we have:
Zucchini & Egg Skillet with Cheese
- Sauté sliced zucchini in olive oil with garlic
- Crack a few eggs, beat well, pour over zucchini
- Top with cheese, herbs, and pepper flakes
- Serve with toast or roasted potatoes
It’s humble, it’s simple, and it hits the spot every time. No fuss & no mess!
6. Evening Reset: One Space at a Time
Before bed, we’ve started resetting just one area — usually the porch or the kitchen table. It’s a simple 10-minute habit that helps us feel more grounded, especially in this in-between season. There’s something about waking up to a peaceful space that sets the tone for the whole day — like preparing room in our home and in our hearts for whatever God has in store.
💛 A Final Word for You…
If your summer looks more like waiting than harvesting, you are not behind. You are preparing.
You are building foundations — even if they’re still on paper.
You are tending the dream — even if the ground hasn’t been broken yet.
Homesteading is about more than land. It’s a mindset. A pace. A way of living intentionally with what you have right now.
So here’s to porch baskets, grow bags, and zucchini dinners. You’re doing it — one small step at a time.
Lord Bless You, Michelle
📋 Free Printable: Summer Survival Checklist
Want to keep a little reminder of these tips close by?