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

by Kathi Lipp

Homesteading [hohm-sted-ing]
noun For Kathi Lipp and her husband, Roger, buying a house in one of the most remote parts of Northern California was never part of the plan; many of life’s biggest, most rewarding adventures rarely are.
 
Kathi shares the hard-won wisdom she’s gained on her homestead journey to help you accomplish more at home, gain fresh perspective, and give yourself grace in the process. Here’s a handful of the lessons Kathi        Highly practical, humorous, and inspirational, The Accidental Homesteader will encourage you to live with more peace, joy, and contentment.    
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2023

About the author

Kathi loves giving real help and how-tos to move people forward in every area of their lives. With humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to live with meaning.

Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.

She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.

She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathi and Roger Lipp are Accidental Homesteaders. They didn't start homesteading until they were in their 50's. Living in California, they were looking for a mountain cabin/vacation home but due to a series of events they ended up selling their townhouse and moving full time to their mountain house on 33 acres. Because of living 30+ minutes from the nearest town they sort of had to start homesteading. Now they garden, have chickens, heat their home with firewood, and are MUCH more prepared for unexpected snowstorm or power outage. In this book Kathi walks us through a year on their homestead - how they prepare for each season and what each season tends to bring. With lots of colorful pictures, recipes, and tips if you aren't already homesteading this book will definitely inspire you.

The only (small) downsides to this book were a few things seemed to be glossed over. She talked about having a generator for when the power goes out in the winter, but didn't specify was it a whole-house generator or what. Also, they seem to rely a lot on their weekly trip into town. Not to say homesteaders don't go to the grocery store or eat out, but it seemed more like they just live a more rural life not necessarily homesteading as I see it which is trying to grow or raise most of your food and/or make a living off your home/property. This is still a great book, but there were a few things that were just glossed over or not fully explained in my opinion.

[Sherri Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to become a member of the book launch team for The Accidental Homesteader as I love Kathi Lipp and her previous books. Secondarily, I feel like my family became accidental homesteaders ourselves when we purchased our farm with 25 acres in 1995.

This book is wonderful in so many ways. The pictures are great and I absolutely love the insights into what Kathi and Roger did not know about homesteading before they moved and the journey they have been on since in truthful, lighthearted ways. The book is filled with great recipes, which we will be trying as time goes on making this a handy reference guide. I also like that the book is laid out by seasons giving you a timeline to think about for things we all need to do whether you are a homesteader or not. Last, but not least, as the mom of a firefighter and wife of a retired firefighter, I love that emergency preparedness is a central theme to this book because let's face it, in whatever part of the country you live in, rural, suburban or urban, the potential to be impacted by a disaster is real and we should all take time to prepare for the unexpected.

[Jill Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kristi Peifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of The Accidental Homesteader as a member of the book launch team. I was excited to join the team for several reasons, including being a fan of Kathi Lipp’s previous work and wanting to know more about the elusive concept called homesteading. Homesteading has long held a certain fascination for me, but I didn’t think I could tackle it because I’m a renter, not a homeowner. I thought you had to have an acreage of land to grow a garden and raise farm animals. I thought you had to have the Suzy Homemaker gene…canning food, baking from scratch, sewing your own clothes. Nope. Kathi, in her always entertaining and approachable way, puts these assumptions into perspective. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to do it all. You can do what brings you joy and ignore the rest. I’m not a top chef or a master gardener…but I can start small and give these things a try. I’ve already made a few of the recipes in the book, including an amazing salsa, a hearty beef stew, and a favorite of my husband’s—chicken and wild rice soup. I’m getting ready to attempt seed starting and container gardening. Lessons learned? Don’t be afraid to try new things, and give yourself some grace to try, fail, and try again.

[Abigail Westbrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I’m not really the target audience for this book since I grew up on a farm and currently live on an acreage. It’s hard to wrap my mind around why one would struggle to only go into town once a week, or why one wouldn’t just always have a stash of food on hand. She also lives in an economic bracket that I can’t relate to, and she names her chickens. ;) So I didn’t get much out of the book, but I’m sure others from backgrounds more similar to the author would enjoy it more.

My one takeaway is the list of how to prioritize which projects to do first around a homestead: (1) Things that will keep you alive, (2) things that will pay off in the long run, (3) things that are low-hanging fruit, and (4) things that are fun. Seems like a good way to triage the never ending flow of projects and dreams.

[Cynthia Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Maggie Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book as a Christmas present from my sister - wasn’t sure what to expect from the title. However, I loved the practical nature of this book and all the tips, recipes, and ideas that can useful for anyone even if you don’t find yourself an accidental homesteader! Enjoyed the walk through the seasons and the Homesteading Principles sprinkled throughout. Great pictures, too!

[Sydney Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy and enjoyable read! Love this topic and all that is being done to share experiences and practical tips!

[Sarah Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasn’t anything that I didn’t particularly like but the text was missing depth of content concerning homesteading. But isn’t that supposed to be the main point? I’d call the text more of home-keeping and organizational text with a splash of homesteading information.
Overall, a nice light read but not much new learned and not sure to whom I could solidly recommend this text.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read The Accidental Homesteader because I am a huge Kathi Lipp fan, and have always enjoyed her perspective. I barely have one half-alive mint plant, but I have dreams of homesteading in my own way someday, so this book was right up my alley!

This book differs from Kathi Lipp's other books in that it has beautiful photography and design throughout. It's a true coffee table book that any guest would love flipping through. You can read it end to end or just find something fascinating on every page. If you're a fan of the Kathi's book Clutter Free (that one's a game changer!), you'll love the way she weaves classic practical principles throughout the book that apply not only to homesteaders but to anyone wanting to conscientiously create home.

With chapter names like, "Our First Winter," that immediately brought to my mind Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the book is broken down into the four seasons, with practical tips for preparing and being mindful of each.

I also loved how amongst the practical lists, how-tos and recipes, Kathi's unique voice shines through. Reading her books feels like having a conversation with a (wise) friend about topics you're both excited about, filled with anecdotes, chuckles, and side notes about fun facts.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in homesteading, new beginnings, organizing home life, trying new things, homey recipes, preparedness, or pretty homestead photography.

4 Goodreads stars because personally I give 5 stars only to books that really shake me (Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free is a 5 star for me!) This book is wonderful, beautiful, and fun to read. You really can't go wrong with it!

[Cicily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me first put this out there - my understanding of homesteading is a lifestyle and not based on where you live. You could homestead in the middle of a city as it is about self sufficiency -growing your own food, preserving food, and making things last and essentially not being wasteful. Most of the people that I know who homestead it is their full time job and they do not have a typical day job. They might sell the food they grow at farmers markets or make crafts to sell.

Also - I don't want my to review to necessarily dissuade anyone from reading it, but I do want there to be a candid review of a book where the title might be misleading. I think that if the book was titled something else then I would have a different opinion of it or even framed as city people moving to the country.

That being said, a few times in the book the author referred to herself as a pseudo-homesteader which I would agree. I grew up very close to where she is located so much of what she discussed I wouldn't consider homesteading at all, but living frugally in a rural area and navigating power outages (which are very common). I thought that most of what is discussed in the book is basic household upkeep (literally how to clean or deep clean) a house, use food before it goes bad, time management, and shopping on a budget. Things that if people were truly interested in learning about they would have googled. As for the author, I liked her voice and humor utilized throughout the book. I also understand that for some this might be new information as well, but for someone who might be more knowledgeable about homesteading or rural living - not new information.

[Manette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to listen to the audio version of this book available through my public library. It was read by the author herself. Kathi was enjoyable to listen to.

I’m not seriously considering homesteading but the pace of life does make it seem appealing at times thus my interest in a story of how someone “accidentally” became homesteaders. I did enjoy their personal story and experiences. I think if someone is considering homesteading there is useful tips and suggestions.

My three-star rating was due to the repetitiveness of some information. Example: near the beginning of the book there is a list of emergency supplies to have on hand in case of power outage. Later near the end of the book the same or very similar list is again repeated. It was so similar I thought the audio had gotten bumped back to an earlier chapter of the book but it hadn’t.

Due to the numerous lists, if reading as a personal narrative story rather than a how-to book, this may be better suited to read in print form so one can skim through the lists.

[Carmella Talavera-Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure of this book at first. Just thought I needed a change from listening to mysteries/crime books I’ve been reading/listening to lately. The Monk book was so different from what I usually read. This book was so good! I was hooked from the first chapter! I started listening to it thinking ooh I would love to send my sister to the writing workshop the author hosts! She is an aspiring writer. Then she said they had been looking at a smaller property before they bought the red house! I connected with that as when we were looking for our retirement home we started looking at small homes in a new neighborhood. We traveled a while trying to decide where to live. Then she said she ended up buying 33 acres, that is exactly what we bought a few years ago. We are building our house now and thinking of renting out a place over the garage! So the book had lots of tips for all of that! I too love to cook and enjoyed hearing her cooking tips. And the planning tips for the weekly shopping trips. I really liked the book. It made me smile.

[Bethany Macklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited it's finally the weekend and I can sit down and savor "The Accidental Homesteader" by Kathi Lipp. I absolutely LOVE it and the first few pages have already been soul nourishing and a delight to read. This book is for "anyone who has been wanting to make a big change in their life but is worried it's too late" brought tears and resonated to the tips of my toes!

This book is PACKED with beautiful photography, helpful and practical tips, funny stories, and simple, delicious recipes anyone can whip together.

Having spent time at the Red House, this book captures the essence of what makes it such a wonderful place. I really think #AccidentalHomesteaderBook" is going to end up being one of my absolute favorite all-around books.

And did I mention that it's small enough to slip in your purse to read while waiting at the doctor's office, the dentist appointment, or what not?

[Lillianna Drye]

This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but that's ok! The layout felt more like a blog, in which the author shared some of her and her husband's story of becoming first time (and unlikely) homesteaders in the California mountains as well as many recipes, tips, photos, etc. If you are just starting on your homesteading journey and/or feel daunted by the process, this is a good place to be encouraged and discover that anyone can start living a more self-sustainable life and everyone's journey looks different! You don't have to begin (or end) with everything, but can always learn the skillsets that most apply to you and your situation.

If you picked up this book and are already established on your homesteading journey, though, this book may be, more or less, just a complication of life-blurbs and tasty recipes to you. Not a bad thing at all, but perhaps not what you are looking for. :)

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathi is a friend and I've been following her story ever since it began.

She's a clever funny woman--and those were the stories I expected to read in this book--because she and her husband didn't mean to become homesteaders!

If you think homesteading--living off the land, raising chickens, and going into town once a week--is something you're interested in doing, The Accidental Homesteader is an excellent book--and worth four stars. ;-)

If, like me, you've been doing many of these things for years (in my case, because I was a budget counselor living on a limited income and needing to save money--sans the chickens), you'll enjoy what the Lipps learned.

And, you'll come away with a great recipe for laundry detergent! (Hey! You'll earn back the price of the book in less than a few months).

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a blast to listen to! Read by the author, it is obvious that she really has taken to homesteading. She didn’t start out to live in a remote area in California, but it has turned to be a wonderful experience for her and her husband. She gives advice on what to stockpile, what to do without, when to do certain chores, how to plan for the infrequent shopping trips, and so much more. Listening to her talk about “her girls,” that is, her chickens, was a hoot. She gives practical advice on day-to-day living as well as season-to-season. She talked about the retreats she and her husband hosts, and about having friends over for get-togethers. She even made the hard work, and yes, some of it IS hard, sound like fun. You may never want to homestead, but there is probably something in this memoir that nearly everyone could incorporate into their lives. Well worth the read.

[Jennifer Pearson · Rating 2 out of 5]

She’s a fine writer this just was not the book for me, Written by a Bay Area transplant to our county. And I waited way too long to check this book out so I think I feel a bit let down. I don’t really consider myself a full-blown homesteader and I do all of the things she advises and describes and more living on just an acre and did a lot of it in a smaller house with a backyard, too. 🤷🏻‍♀️ it’s pretty basic and There was no new info. To me these things are just life, but then again, I’ve never lived in a “city,” unless you count short stints in Roseville or Folsom a “city.” Even my college was a farming community- Davis. Most of this seemed like common sense to me, even as someone not originally from el dorado county. I grew up in the northbay area and this still quite the norm in a small down.

[Carol Feil · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Tonya Kubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much I love about this book. As the leader of Kathi's Clutter Free Academy brand, I've been to the Red House (pictured on the cover of the book) several times. My children play with Moose and the chickens. They have chopped wood there. I also received an early copy of the book from the publisher (Harvest House / Ten Peaks Press). For me, the book is personal in that I'm connected to the stories and what is illustrated in the photos. Though I love the stories and reading the seasonal lessons Kathi and Roger learned after stumbling into the homesteader live, the recipes are my favorite part of The Accidental Homesteader. If you're looking for nose-to-tail eating, you won't find it here. Instead you'll find delicious family-friendly fare, such as tomato gin soup, cast-iron fried chicken and quick queso. My 13-year-old is currently cooking her way through the book and has decided the chocolate chip cookies really are the world's best.

[Deanna Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an advanced copy of this book and let me just say it is amazing!! Recipes, ideas, pictures, inspiration, humor and all things Kathi Lipp. If you don’t already know her, you will feel yourself getting to know her, Roger and Moose as you read this book. I guarantee you will feel like best friends by the time you are finished. Easy read. Great ideas. Whether you are a homesteader, a wanna-be homesteader or am admirer of those who homestead, you will love this book. I bought copies for my homesteader friends for gifts. Yes…..it’s that good. ❤️

[Trudy McSwan O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows that I am far from a Homesteader. I don’t cook, I am not outdoorsy and the thought of owning property makes me cringe. But this book intrigued me. Partly because I love everything that Kathi Lipp writes and partly because I love trying new things even if it is accidentally. I expected to learn a few new things and maybe even try a recipe or two. What I didn’t expect was a book laid out by seasons, the beautiful pictures and the stories about Kathi’s neighbors who I now feel like I personally know. I have truly enjoyed being a part of the launch team. If you are looking for a book about homesteading or just want a few new ideas this book is for you!

[Nickole T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Accidental Homesteader is NOT a professional “how-to” guide on homesteading perfection. It IS the perfect combination of part memoir, part practical tips for any home, and part inspiration for turning your wildest dreams, your BHAG, into reality. Kathi’s authentic, best friend and personal cheerleader voice is heartwarming and funny! She shares her hard-earned experience and best recipes (I made the apple cake TWICE in 24 hours!) for the benefit of the rest of us. If you have a home or a dream, this book is for you!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book, which more of a story than a how-to book. Kathi Lipp has a way of pulling you into their life of becoming a homesteader. She gives you lots of wonderful tips that would benefit anyone, even those of not homesteaders. Plus there are a ton of wonderful recipes and the pictures are unbelievable. She takes you through all the seasons of homesteader’s that will give a lot of things to think about in your own life. Her stories about her, husband Roger and Moose as well as her neighbors are so inviting. This definitely a book you want to check out.

[Tessa Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book. Kathi's fun personality and take on her homesteading life shine through. It offers practical advice to those who are currently or looking to become homesteaders, but also offers helpful hints and everyday wisdom for people like me who live in the heart of suburbia. This book offers some wonderful, yummy recipes and DIY projects we all could incorporate into our everyday lives. There are also beautiful pictures throughout. I know I will return to this book over and over again in the years to come. A big thumbs up!

[Nancy Bouwens · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books from 2023!
Filled with real life stories of making big and small changes … to live a completely different way of life filled with people, chickens and cute dog , gardens and most of learning and growing at ever stile of the way more about who they are and what that can do even when they realize they are in way over their head !

It’s filled with some of Kathi’s fav recipes. She has a way of inviting you into her story as she reminds you it is possible to create hole wherever you are no matter where you live.

[Andrea Lende · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become a favorite book of mine. The author writes about her home in the mountains, how she and her husband got there, and all sorts of happenings since they've been there. She also writes about how to make a home a special place without the pressure of perfection. There are AWESOME recipes and some of the most beautiful pictures I've ever seen in a printed book. I highly recommend The Accidental Homesteader even if you aren't a homesteader! You'll learn, laugh, and love.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathy Lipp’s book, The Accidental Homesteader, is a delightful read filled with useful, practical information for those who are interested in becoming homesteaders themselves. For those who are not, it still conveys practical ways to simplify life in a humorous, down-to-earth, entertaining manner. I enjoyed this book tremendously and will keep it as a reference for the organizational tips and recipes the author provides. Highly recommended!

[Effie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by the author. The voice of the text is non-judgy and encouraging, with a cheerful, optimistic, if-I-can-do-it-you-can-do-it attitude, and full of helpful tips the author has learned along the way or things the author wished she knew the first time around. I’m a fan. I added many of her other books to my want-to-read list because I don’t at all mind living in Kathi Lipp’s head for a while.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this book! There is something in it for everyone. Beautiful pictures, tasty recipes, practical projects, and entertaining stories hold your interest and make you want to try new things. One truly “can practice some aspects of the homesteading lifestyle no matter where you live.”