When inflation hit hard over the past few years, the shock was real. It was tough as costs kept rising and there wasn’t much we could do to stop it. But it also served as a wake-up call for me to reassess how I spend my money and the choices I make day-to-day. Enter Value-Based Living —a mindful approach to balancing cost, quality, and well-being that feels both responsible and rewarding.
One of the ways I’ve embraced this shift? Homesteading “lite”. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not aiming for full self-sufficiency—but taking small steps to make things myself at home, whether it's food or personal care items. It’s a simple yet powerful way to cut costs, take control of what goes into my body, and do something positive for the planet.
In a way, this is how Fire Brew started. It all began as a personal project—just making tonics at home—and now, that spirit of “making” has extended into more areas of my life, from how I manage costs to what I choose to create at home. It's amazing how those small steps can ripple out in unexpected ways.
Why “Lite” Homesteading Makes Sense
● Control Over Ingredients: Know exactly what’s in your products, no hidden additives.
● Cost Efficiency: Homemade often costs a fraction of store-bought.
● Sustainability: Less packaging waste means a greener lifestyle.
● Empowerment & Creativity: Crafting your own products is satisfying and fun.
Two Ways to Get Started (One easy, one more advanced)
- 1. (EASY) Make Your Own Sparkling Water: A SodaStream lets you enjoy fizzy drinks without the cost or waste. Check out SodaStream here. Or, go to Amazon.
- 2. (MORE ADVANCED) Brew Your Own Kombucha: With a SCOBY and a little patience, you can make healthy, probiotic-rich kombucha at home for a fraction of the price. Store bought “booch” is running $3+ per bottle now. I bought my SCOBY here
Smarter Buying with YUKA
YUKA is an app that scans product barcodes to rate ingredients, health, and safety. I recently found cheaper, higher-rated alternatives to expensive face creams using it. Here’s what I switched to:
● Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream: View it here.
● Cetaphil Renew Night Cream: View it here.
Of course, all this has reminded me that price doesn’t always equate to quality.
The Takeaway
Value-Based Living is about being mindful of what we consume—prioritizing quality, sustainability, and health over cost alone. Small changes like brewing kombucha or choosing better skincare can make a big impact on your health and wallet.
Are you ready to explore “lite homesteading” or dive into smarter buying habits with me? This is one of my favorite topics, and I can’t wait to dig deeper with all of you!
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