Philosophy of Simple Traditions Homestead
Our Philosophy of Unplugged Living
What "Unplugged Living" Means to Me
If you feel completely exhausted by the pace of the modern world, I want you to take a deep breath. You are not alone. So many of us feel like we’re running on a treadmill that keeps moving faster, surrounded by bright screens, constant notifications, and the pressure to always be "doing." I truly believe our homes were never meant to be run like busy offices - and, no, that doesn't mean no housework. What it means to me is that our homes were meant to be sanctuaries, and we can intentionally create our homes to be a place that is vibrant and full of life, but not chaotic and overwhelming.
Just to be clear, when I talk about living an "unplugged" life or having an "unplugged" home, I don’t mean we need to throw away our modern appliances or live in the dark (I love my indoor plumbing and electricity just as much as anyone!). But we can be more intentional when we use these tools. For me, unplugged living simply means making a conscious decision to stop letting technology and the outside world dictate my peace, my health, or my days. Instead, I believe that by intentionally creating our own systems and habits that flow with the seasons and rhythms of our own lives, we can step out of the frantic rush of modern life and anchor our homes that reflect the gentle, natural rhythms God created for us.
For me, this comes down to a few simple shifts in how we live:
Putting Pen to Paper
There is something so comforting and grounding about trading a digital screen for the feel of real paper and a pen. I tried tracking my life on my phone, plugging in appointments, schedules for my children, and trying to balance work, homeschool, and family life - the only thing it did for me was to make me more stressed, waste more time on the computer or on my phone, and left me feeling overwhelmed. So, I don’t use apps to keep track of life, but that doesn't me I don't have a system that works for me. I use my own printable planner, I developed my own rhythm of weekly chores, but I made it work for me. I let our days expand and contract with the seasons—cooking heavy, comforting meals when the winter fog rolls in, and spending long, sun-drenched hours outside in the garden in summer. I flow with the year rather than fighting it and I remember to be flexible.
Remembering God’s Gift of Light
Our bodies were beautifully designed to live in harmony with the sun. One of the simplest, most healing things we can do is just step outside. I love starting my morning by walking out into the yard, feeling the morning sun, and letting my eyes take in that first daylight. In the evening, as just before the sun sets, I get outside and take in those last few rays of light. And, when the sun has set, our home follows. We embrace the evening peace by turning off harsh overhead lights, turn off the Wi-Fi, and letting the house settle into the warm, cozy glow of amber bulbs or a simple beeswax candle.
The Joy of a Simple, Traditional Life
Our children and grandchildren don't need a hyper-scheduled, screen-filled childhood to thrive. They need daylight, dirt, free play, and the beauty of reading real, living books together. There is a deep, quiet satisfaction in working with our hands—whether that’s tending a big vegetable garden, raising a few backyard chickens, or baking a fresh loaf of bread to share. You don't need a massive ranch to live this way; you can cultivate a beautiful, homesteader heart exactly where you are today.
A Thought for Your Day To turn off the digital noise, to bake a loaf of bread, to light a candle at sunset, and to look into the eyes of the people you love without a screen between you—those aren't just old-fashioned chores. They are quiet, beautiful choices to reclaim your peace.
Let's Walk the Path Together
If your heart is yearning for this kind of unhurried life, you don't have to figure it out all by yourself. Consider me a friend and a mentor who has walked this road through thirty-eight years of marriage, four children, and many different seasons of life. Through my printable planners and seasonal guides, my homeschool framework, and my weekly letters, I’d love to walk beside you.
Season by season, and grace by grace, let us reclaim the simplicity and tradition of the rooted home.