Hello! I’m Maggie

I am super happy you’re here! Join me as I learn to cultivate a life giving home through natural living, nourishing meals, and stewarding the little blessings God has given us. My husband, Oliver and I, married in 2019 and began our life together in Iowa. Shortly after we found ourselves packing up and moving to Texas where we became a family of 3 in 2020. 18 months later, we became a family of 4. You read that right, we’re raising 2 under 2. In early 2020 we purchased the home we live in now. We have spent the past two years making our home a functioning, joy-giving, flourishing space. From simply painting the walls, to minimizing our belongings, to using our small yard to grow food for our family. I am passionate about cooking in the kitchen and running our home diligently and intensely. It thrills me to have this space to put into words the things that I’ve learned through my time as a homemaker. I hope you find encouragement throughout my blog.

As a now 25 year old, I am inspired by my past to live slowly and intentionally. Through a tough and very long battle with Lyme disease that began when I was 12 years old, I became inspired several years ago to ditch everything about the life I knew and seek to heal my body from the inside out. This is what sparked my passion for clean, natural living and nourishment through whole foods. It brings me joy to create meals in my kitchen- in my cast iron of course- and I hope to bring a little of that spark to your kitchen as well. You can also follow along for more daily life on Instagram or visit me over on youtube.

Crustless Quiche

Quiche is quickly becoming a favorite breakfast around here. I hadn’t thought much of the dish until I was requested to make some mini quiche for my friend’s baby shower. In typical Maggie fashion, I read a few recipes for inspiration and then crafted my own. I’ve been spending time testing this recipe, and let me tell you, it hits the spot every time.

Ingredients:
*makes 12*
1 dozen eggs
1 cup cream (I used raw but any cream will work)
1tsp salt
1/2 small yellow onion- finely chopped
2 garlic cloves- minced
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup (or 1 small bunch) green onion
4oz shard cheddar- shredded
1 cup diced ham

Variations: add 1 cup fresh, chopped spinach

Using a pie pan (makes 2): Preheat oven to 425*F and bake for 25 minutes or until the top has risen. This rise will flatted out I the cooling process

Super easy, super delicious! Enjoy!

Homemade Dishwasher Powder

In 2019, as I took a deep dive into low-tox living, I also took a deep dive into how to make changes in the most cost effective way possible. Since you are here reading this I’m assuming you are also on a similar journey of trying to limit exposure to chemicals and toxic off gassing while also not breaking the bank in the process. This recipe is one I have developed over the years and is one that works well for us. It may require some tweaking depending on your water. *note: we have a water softener.

This recipe makes just under 2 quart jars. Using 3 tablespoons per wash, one batch will last us about 3-4 months. The supplies I purchase for this recipe last for several batches. In the end, there is savings to be found. Especially compared to buying a premade low or non-tox dishwasher powder.

RECIPE
2 cups washing soda
2 cups baking soda
1 cup sea salt
1/2 cup citric acid
30 drops lemon oil: Young Living (or other high quality, pure essential oil brand. I highly caution you against using a cheap oil with fillers)

Stir or whisk until fully blended together. Now it’s ready to use. Happy washing!

5 Verses for a tired Mama

Whether a Mama to one or twelve, being a Mama is exhausting. Yes, it is wonderful and endlessly rewarding- full of hugs and kisses, giggles, and snuggles. Though those moments are life giving they can, in turn, be exhausting. The energy it takes to care for, nurture, and teach young babes is no small thing. Even the most sunshiny days with no temper tantrums can be draining. I often hear Mamas expressing guilt in rest for fear of seeming lazy. Worried that “giving in” to rest means they’re neglecting their job as a mother. Do you ever feel this way? I know I sure do. When we’re feeling the ache of weariness in our bodies and souls it is vital that we take a moment to breathe- to take a load off our feet or mind. To nourish the body that carries the babies and to tend to the soul that stewards the tiny souls under foot all day.

So let’s take a moment to recharge. Take an extra minute in the restroom or set your kids up with an activity. Or better yet, sit down right in the middle of the chaos and let your children see you in the Word of God. Mama needs a moment to connect with the creator. Read the verses below and soak them in. These verses are meant for you too, Mama.

“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:1-3

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127:3-4

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke in easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Gluten Free Carrot Cake

I’ve been gluten free for close to 10 years now and have been grain free for 5 of those years. Finding truly delicious dessert recipes has been such a struggle through the years. Grain free flours can tend to be too crumbly or too dense. Two years ago I began baking with cassava flour and it has been truly been game changing. It so closely resembles a wheat flour that often times I substitute cassava flour 1:1 without any issues. This recipe is one I’ve created in the last year. It’s a perfect gluten and grain free option for any gathering of loved ones. Make it into cupcakes, a bundt cake, or just use your loaf pans. Topped with a light buttercream icing, its the perfect dessert for your special diet loved ones.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

You’ll want to add your dry ingredients to one bowl and the wet ingredients to another. With a hand mixer on medium speed, add 1 cup at a time from the dry ingredients, mixing well with the wet ingredients. Now grate the carrots. I like to leave the skin on so be sure to wash them really well. When the carrots are grated, fold them into the batter.

Either line your cake pan with parchment paper or grease the bottom and edges then dust lightly with cassava flour. This will prevent any sticking. Do not skip this step!

Add the batter to the pan of your choice. Place centered in oven for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

• Ingredients:
• 2c Cassava Flour
• 1c Raw Sugar
• 1c Brow Sugar loosely packed
• 1tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2tsp salt
• 1tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2tsp Ginger
• Dash of Clove
• 1/2tbsp Vanilla
• 1/2c Melted Butter (or Coconut Oil)
• 4 Eggs
• 1/4c Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1/4c Greek Yogurt
• 1/4c Milk
• 2c Grated Carrots
• Juice of 1/2 Lemon

You can use any icing or frosting you desire but I prefer to serve this with buttercream frosting drizzled on top.