A Rich Life: Growing, Creating, and Living Simply
Have you ever grown your own food or made something completely from scratch? There’s something about it that just makes you appreciate life more deeply.
When you give a plant water, sunlight, and good soil, you get to witness a little miracle. It reminds me how much beauty there is in the simple things. The older I get, the more I feel called to build, create, and grow. I want a life that feels full—one that’s rich.
And when I say “rich,” I don’t mean having unlimited money in the bank. I mean having time. Time to do the things I love. Time to create, to slow down, to connect with the land and the food I eat. That, to me, is a truly rich life.
From Garden Dreams to a Backyard Homestead
I’ve always wanted a thriving garden—something that could feed us, nourish us, and inspire our meals. The idea of walking outside and picking what I need for dinner has always felt like the ultimate kind of abundance.
Eventually, that dream started turning into action. I’ve been learning about gardening and maintaining our little plot here in Southern California for almost two years now, and I finally feel like I’m getting the hang of it.
We also just got six baby chicks, and my husband is currently building them a coop! It feels so good to create a home that’s not just cozy—but productive, connected, and alive.
Making It From Scratch (And Feeling Good About It)
Alongside gardening, I’ve been teaching myself how to make so many things from scratch—things I used to buy at the store, or never imagined I could make myself.
Here are just a few:
Breads (including sourdough)
Pasta
Ice cream
Pickles
Coconut milk
Tortillas
Cinnamon rolls
jam
For years, I avoided most of these foods because I knew the store-bought versions weren’t great for me. It’s wild how different they feel when you make them yourself with real, nourishing ingredients. You can enjoy them without feeling weighed down or sluggish—and honestly, they taste better, too.
Fresh from the garden
homemade Sourdough Bread
Start Small — You’ll Be Surprised What You Can Do
Next, I can’t wait to share more about our baby chicks—what I’m feeding them, how we care for them, and what this little homestead is teaching me.
If you’re feeling inspired but don’t know where to start, start small. Grow a few herbs in pots on your windowsill. Learn to make one thing from scratch-maybe yogurt, or jam, or a simple loaf of bread. Slowly but surely, you’ll build confidence and knowledge.
It’s not as intimidating as it sounds. You don’t need to change your whole lifestyle overnight. Just take one step. Then another. Your health and your spirit will thank you.
