The Accidental Homesteader: What I’ve Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home

On a day when I woke up overwhelmed with life, the arrival of this book was just what I needed. The author's voice is easy to read, entertaining, and calming. It's inspiring to read about her courageous journey from the city to the woods along with a complete change in lifestyle. The recipes look simple but yummy and the pictures are fantastic! Definitely recommend!

This book is the perfect length of a book; the right amount of words and pictures and examples and recipes and project ideas. It is practical!!This is a book that makes me want to enjoy the everyday simple things of life. I’m not a big gardener and don’t have patience for growing flowers (but I love flowers 😄), but this book isn’t about being a perfect homesteader who can grow flowers and loves spending hours in the garden. No. It’s about the practical things you can choose from to make your house a home and your home a loving “homestead”. Every person - whether a picture-perfect homesteader, a “wanna be” homesteader, an “I’m not sure about it” homesteader or “ain’t gonna happen “ homesteader- will glean such wonderful ideas from this book. I recommend it for yourself and for your friends. It’s such a great, beautiful book to surprise your friends with as a gift that will send a spark of excitement into each of them to try something fun! Maybe you and your friends can all try one thing and then gather together to share your success!! Great ideas for gatherings and parties. Grab the book, your friends and have fun! Seriously……it’s that good. 😄

I’ve read many books on homesteading, and Kathi Lipp's is now my favorite for introducing the idea to folks who may find it a little or a lot daunting. Kathi has a warm sense of humor and encourages readers to try new things, go deeper with what they truly enjoy, and let go of the impossible crazy-making need to do it all.My husband and I enjoyed making many of the book’s recipes, from soup to (laundry) soap, and we appreciated the advice for preparing for different seasons. Reading together about the experiences of Kathi and her husband, Roger, helped us realize that we’ve already (accidentally) been homesteading in many ways, making our goal of stretching ourselves into new homesteading adventures feel more attainable.The Accidental Homesteader is a fun and practical read encouraging folks to always be learning and to keep taking bite-size adventurous steps toward their best life, what Kathi wonderfully refers to as “kicking the can down the road.” The book’s quick-read sections and high-quality photography make it super for sparking conversation about homesteading, from the city or rural coffee table.Enjoy!

Kathi and her hubby Roger made a huge life change several years ago and moved to the mountains of California. They call themselves Accidental Homesteaders because nothing in their past prepared them for their new lives.She has woven much of her hard-earned wisdom from their homesteading journey into this beautiful book! It is filled with recipes, tips on homemaking, and gardening, and a path to carve out a better life regardless of where you call home.I love this book for a million reasons not the least of which is the delightful photography, delicious cooking ideas, and creative inspiration for living a life where the unexpected and unknown can be a place of beauty, peace, and rest... even in the hardest of times and places.We all have a little bit of homesteader in us no matter if we live in a skyscraper or on a mountain. Deep inside we all long for home and a life that says "Welcome."Already have a list started of who in my circle will be getting this book for Christmas this year!Highly recommend this wonderful book!

Inviting photos, Kathi's candor, and creating home how-to's, are a winning combination. This take anywhere book is a treasure. Even though the title says homesteader, anybody who loves the idea of creating home will enjoy this book. The stories are humorous with real life missteps. It's an encouragement to anybody wanting to try something new on the homefront. Not only pretty, it's practical too. Full of recipes you and your neighbors will love (like the All Day Stew. It's not just a winter dish), emergency check lists,money savers and seasonal suggestions for the entire house. Kathi's a cheerleader who says "do something today your tomorrow self will thank you for", and dream big dreams, so you can pursue your next unplanned adventure.I'll be giving several as gifts this year!

I have read a number of Kathi’s book and this is my favorite so far! First, it’s amazing to look at! The photos are stunning and makes you wish you could jump in and get cozy at the long wooden table that Roger built, dining under the stars and lights while having a nice long chat with friends, while Moose settles in on your lap! So many practical tips, stories, and recipes! As I type this I have the oatmeal recipe cooking in my slow cooker now! Did I mention I just received the book today? As I enter a new chapter in my life and think about my next home I know couldn’t have picked a better book to be inspired by! Pick it up asap and one for your friend too! It’s so good!

I’m thoroughly enjoying The Accidental Homesteader because: 1.) It is a highly entertaining blend of interesting stories, practical tips, tempting recipes, gorgeous photos, and quality writing. 2.) Every time I read something by Kathi Lipp, I feel like I’m sitting on her porch talking and laughing with her. This book transports me to the Red House every time I open it, and even though I have never really been—I LOVE it there!

I read this book cover-to-cover in one sitting. I loved the casual, down-to-earth tone, the practical advice, the humour—and oh my gosh, the recipes! I can't wait to try them all. Kathy Lipp and her husband Roger have shared their homesteading triumphs and tribulations with grace and heart. There are lots of great tips that can be used no matter where you live—city or countryside. A fantastic read and one I will come back to again and again. I highly recommend.

Gorgeous photos. Delicious recipes. Encouraging insights. If you’ve ever wondered what 21st century homesteading with full time careers looks like, this is the book for you. Part memoir. Part cookbook. Part how-to. There are so many reasons to love this book. Homesteader or not.