This overnight sourdough recipe is simple, flexible, and perfect for home bakers. With just a few stretch and folds and an overnight rise, you’ll have a beautiful artisan loaf by morning.
Easy Overnight Sourdough Bread
Why I’m Choosing a Simpler Life (Because I Had To)
In this post I share why I’m choosing a simpler life.
10 Ways to Start Living Simply-Even If You’re Broke and Busy
Introduction You’ve seen the photos of cozy cabins, minimal homes, or people growing their own food-and maybe you have wondered if simple living is just for people with money, land, or lots of free time. The truth is: anyone can learn how to start living simply-even if you’re broke and busy. This post will show…
What Is Simple Living, Really? (And What it Isn’t)
Introduction
These days, “simple living” is everywhere-on Pinterest, in podcasts, and sprinkled across Instagram in perfectly filtered squares. But what does it actually mean to live simply? Is it about decluttering every square inch of your home? Moving off-grid? Growing your own food, raising chickens and baking sourdough every week?
The truth is, simple living isn’t one-size-fits-all. And if you’ve ever felt like it’s something you can’t do because your life is too busy, too complicated, or too ordinary-this post is for you.
Let’s break it down and explore what simple living really is-and definitely what it isn’t.
The Myth of Simple Living
A lot of people think that in order to embrace a simplified lifestyle, they need to:
- Move to the country
- Quit their job
- Sell all their stuff
- Or suddenly become a minimalist
These ideas can be inspiring, but they’re also limiting-and sometimes even discouraging. Simple living doesn’t have to mean living in a tiny house, becoming self-sufficient, or unplugging from the modern world and people.
In fact, that kind of “all or nothing” mindset can keep people from taking small, meaningful steps toward a more peaceful and intentional life.
What Simple Living Really Is
At its core, simple living is about intentional living-making conscious choices about how you spend your time, energy, and money. It’s about creating a life that feels less frantic, more focused, and deeply aligned with your values.
Simple living might look like:
- Saying No to unnecessary commitments so you can protect your rest
- Cooking at home more often to save money and have a better quality of food
- Creating rhythms and systems that bring peace rather than pressure and stress
- Choose to live with less-not out of lack, but on purpose
It’s not about perfection or aesthetics. It’s about building a life that feels lighter, not just “less”
What It Looks Like in Real Life
Simple living can take many forms, and it doesn’t always look Instagram-worthy. Here are a few real-life examples:
- A mom with young kids batch cooks on Sundays to reduce weekly stress
- An empty-nester downsizes from a big home to a smaller space to cut expenses and free up time to do more enjoyable activities.
- A single person person unsubscribes from retail emails, deletes shopping apps, and starts budgeting
- Others create a “quiet hour” each evening to unplug, read, or reflect
Whether you’re in an apartment or in the countryside, working full-time, staying home, or retired, you can shape a life that feels more grounded and manageable.
What Simple Living Isn’t
Let’s be clear-living more simply doesn’t mean
- Living without joy or beauty
- Depriving yourself of good things
- Having an empty house or colorless wardrobe
- Following strict rules or trends
- Escaping hardship entirely
It’s not about ditching modern life or trying to recreate living like “Little House on the Prairie” like it’s the 1850s. It’s about living with intention, cutting the excess, and making room for what matters most.
So Where Do You Start?
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life. You need to take one small step towards peace.
Try this:
- Identify one area of your life that feels chaotic (your schedule, your kitchen, your spending habits)
- Ask yourself: What’s one simple change I can make this week to lighten the load?
- And then actually do it-guilt-free, perfection-free, and without comparing yourself to anyone else
Closing Thoughts
Simple living isn’t a trend-it’s a mindset shift. And it looks a little different for everyone. but no matter where you start, it has the power to bring more peace, more freedom and more purpose into your everyday life.
Want to go deeper? Check out my last post: Why You Feel Like You Can’t Afford ‘Normal Life’ Anymore- and How Simple Living Can Help.
From My Hearth to Yours,
Becky♥️
Why You Feel Like You Can’t Afford “Normal Life” Anymore
Introduction:
Are you wondering why it feels like you just can’t afford ‘normal life’ anymore-no matter how careful you are? You’re not alone. In this post, we explore the hidden forces behind rising costs and how simple living can offer a more peaceful, sustainable path forward. For many of us, it feels like we’re financially stretched even when living modestly.
This post is a gentle dive into why life feels increasingly unaffordable-and what we can do about it. Spoiler: it starts with choosing true simple living, not as a trendy Instagram aesthetic, but as a true to life practical and powerful way forward.
Section 1: What’s Really Going On-A Simple Explanation of Inflation and the Cantillon Effect
Most of us grew up being told that if we worked hard, saved a little, and spent wisely, we’d be okay. But in recent years, it feels like that playbook was thrown out the window because the advice given is getting people nowhere. The cost of everyday living has quietly but steadily drifted out of reach. But Why?
Let’s simplify a concept called the Cantillon Effect: when new money is introduced into the economy (like stimulus checks or bailouts), it doesn’t reach everyone at the same time. Those closest to the money-banks, corporations and investors-spend it first while prices are still low. By the time the rest of us feel it, the price of the standard lifestyle has already risen.
It’s like showing up to the store with a coupon…after everything’s been marked up.
If you’d like to read more about Richard Cantillon’s “Essay on the Nature of Trade in General” Click on this link to learn https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/essay-on-the-nature-of-trade-in-general-lf-ed
Section 2: Why “Normal Life” Costs More Than Ever
What used to feel like a reasonable lifestyle-groceries, housing, medical care, electricity-now feels hard to sustain. The typical cost of living has increased, but wages haven’t kept up. It’s getting harder and harder to afford what was once considered standard.
And, for many, this leads to a deep sense of stress and confusion: “I’m doing everything right, so why is everything so hard?”
The old standard of “normal” wasn’t built to last in this kind of system.
Section 3: The Quiet Power of True Simple Living
So what do we do?
We go back to the basics-not in a survivalist, extreme way, but in a thoughtful, practical way. Simple Living-or what some call slow-living or back-to-basics-living-isn’t about giving things up. It’s about choosing enough, choosing clarity and peace.
- Learning how to grow even a small portion of your food
- Cooking from scratch instead of depending on take-out
- Reusing, repurposing, and repairing before replacing
- Slowing down and building habits that support your real life, not a fake one
- Living by your values, not your schedule
It’s not always easy, but it does work and helps you to feel in control of your life.
Section 4: From Hearth to Home- A Life Built on Enough
Here on From Hearth to Home, we’re creating a life that’s rooted in purpose, not stress. One where contentment replaces consumerism, and where stewardship and skills matter more than appearance. If you’ve been longing for a different way to live-a life that feels more grounded and real-you’re in the right place.
If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment, share your thoughts, or pin this for later. And if you’re curious about how to begin this journey toward practical, simple living, stick around. I’ve got so much more coming your way.
From My Hearth to Yours,
Becky xoxo
HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS
There’s nothing quite like a plate of homemade spaghetti and meatballs to bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply craving a cozy meal, this classic dish never goes out of style.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true recipe for spaghetti and meatballs made from scratch. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. This is a great dinner to get your family to the table.
This dish has been a favorite in our home for years- and once you try it, I think it’ll become one of your favorites too.
Below, you’ll find the full recipe card you can print or save for later. After the recipe, I’ve added some step-by-step photos to show you the process and a few tips for making the best spaghetti and meatballs from scratch.
If you’re new to from-scratch-cooking, don’t worry-this is a great recipe to build your confidence in the kitchen. ♥️
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
This from-scratch spaghetti and meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food-perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cp olive oil
- 2 large onions
- 1 large can of tomatoes *
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 8 ounce can of tomato paste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 T parsley
- 1/4 cp Parmesan & Romano cheese*
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cp flour
Instructions
Instructions for the sauce
- Cover the bottom of a large Dutch oven with the 1/4 cup of olive oil, use less or more depending on the size of your pot just make sure the whole bottom is covered in oil. Next chop up your 2 large onions and add to your pan, sauté on medium, to medium high until the onions become translucent, add garlic clove or I just use minced garlic from a jar. Sauté another minute or 2. Add your large can of tomatoes. Juice and all, add tomato paste and salt and pepper. Mix together, bring to a boil and turn heat down to simmer. Put lid on and simmer for 3- 4 hours. Start making meatballs.
Instructions for Meatballs
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, seasoning, cheese and egg. Mix all together and use a 1 inch cookie scoop to make meatballs. Roll meatballs in flour and add to a heated pan with oil and cook until browned, (it’s ok if the meatballs aren’t completely cooked through, they will finish cooking in the sauce.) Add meatballs to sauce. Keep lid on pot and Continue cooking for the 3 hours.
- Make sure you have your heat to simmer and check your pot ever so often to make sure it’s not cooking to fast. You want a slow cook here so the bottom doesn’t burn and you don’t want to be stirring too much or the meatballs can break down. After the 3 hours taste to see if it needs more salt or pepper. Serve over spaghetti. I usually make garlic bread or homemade French bread to go with this also.
Notes:
- The best tomatoes to use in this sauce is San Marzano tomatoes. They are from Italy. They are a plum tomato grown in San Marzano, in volcanic soil, have less seeds and have a smooth, sweet taste, and a perfect texture for melting in a sauce. You can use regular stewed tomatoes and it will be fine but if you can use the San Marzano, they won’t disappoint.
- The Parmesan/Romano cheese is just the kind you get in the green shaky jar.
- Last but not least I also add about 1-2T of sugar to my sauce , just to help chill out the acidity. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to but my family likes that hint of sweetness.
Instructions with photos:
Make the Meatball Mixture– combine the ground beef and ground pork, bread crumbs, seasonings, cheese,and egg. Mix throughly. Set aside and let’s start the sauce.
For the Sauce- cover the bottom of a Dutch oven with olive oil. Chop up your 2 large onions and cook until translucent about 10 minutes. Next add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes or until fragrant.
Next-add your large can of tomatoes and can of tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste, mix together, bring to a boil, lower heat to simmer and put the cover on your Dutch oven and let that start working its magic. See how easy this is! Now let’s get those meatballs going to add to your sauce.
Meatballs- Add flour to a shallow dish, using a 1 inch scoop, roll meat into a ball and roll in flour add to heated pan and cook until browned. You don’t need to worry if they are cooked through, they will finish cooking in the sauce.
Next add meatballs to your sauce after you ate finished browning them.
Next- Gently mix meatballs into sauce so they are coated in sauce. Then put the cover on and let cook for 3-4 hours. Take a peek every so often to make sure all is good. Don’t stir too often or you can break the meatballs and nobody wants that! Also make sure the heat isn’t too high , just a slow simmer. You don’t want it to burn.
Finished! This is what it looks finished. Now plate up some pasta and add your sauce and meatballs. You will be very pleased with yourself!
FROM MY HEARTH TO YOURS, ENJOY!
Becky♥️
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy (Easy & Delicious)
If you’re looking for an easy comfort food recipe, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a must-try! With just a few simple ingredients, your slow cooker will transform ordinary chicken into a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum taste. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love!
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
This crock pot Chicken and gravy is the perfect comfort food-simple, flavorful, and effortless! Made with just a few ingredients, it’s an easy dump-and-go slow cooker meal that’s great for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 2 T olive oil
- S&P to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For Gravy
- 4 T Butter
- 1/3 cp flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cp heavy cream
- 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, parsley
- 1/2 tsp each smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme
- pepper to taste
Instructions
Crock pot chicken instructions
- Set your crock pot temperature to low. Drop in your chicken and drizzle with olive oil and seasonings listed above or any premixed chicken seasoning you like. ( I used a favorite seasoning blend )
- cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until cooked through.
- when finished cooking transfer the chicken to a cutting board or shred in crock pot . Transfer chicken back to crock pot if using the cutting board. Then make the gravy.
Chicken Gravy Recipe
- In a large saucepan add butter and melt over medium heat. Once butter is melted add flour and stir until incorporated. Then add chicken broth and stir constantly to avoid lumps. Once thickened slightly add heavy cream and all seasonings. Heat through and add to chicken in crock pot. Mix throughly to coat chicken. Let cook in crock pot for about 30 minutes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles Enjoy!
Instructions :
Add your chicken to your crock pot (mine is still frozen and the that’s fine) drizzle with olive oil and then add seasonings in recipe or you can use a premade mix of your choice. The one I’m showing is what I used today and it was delicious. After you are done seasoning your chicken put the cover on and set your crock pot temperature to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high 4-5 hours or until cooked through. Then go about your day, do something fun, let the chicken cook.
These are the ingredients you need to make your delicious gravy. This gravy is wonderful and just totally makes the whole dish come together.
Melt your butter in a large pot. After it’s melted add your flour and stir together until combined.
When your roux is combined next add the chicken broth and seasonings listed in recipe.
Mix all together and bring to a slow boil and let everything start to thicken. Stir constantly so you don’t have lumps. Then slowly add the heavy cream and heat through.
While the gravy is heating through (turn temperature down to low at this point) shred your chicken. You can shred it directly in your crock pot or shred it on a cutting board. Either way is fine.
Add chicken back into crock pot if you used a cutting board, then add gravy and mix throughly. Set your crock pot temperature to low. As your chicken and gravy is melding its flavors, this is a good time to cook your mashed potatoes or rice or whatever you’d like to serve with your chicken gravy. This day I chose mashed potatoes. I usually choose mashed potatoes because they are the best!
This is the finished product. This is really so good 😊 and hearty and delicious on a cold Wisconsin night. I served this with mashed potatoes and rolls and green beans. Give this a try! Your family will thank you and if you do let me know if they liked it or not!
From my hearth to yours, enjoy!
Becky♥️