Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
Michelle Visser
229. 15 ways to do things differently this summer
41 minutes Posted Jun 29, 2026 at 10:00 am.
0:00
41:56
Download MP3
Show notes

What if the best way to celebrate summer—and even strengthen your family—is by slowing down?


As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we explore a different kind of patriotism today—one rooted in family, food, and connection. 


 We break down 15 practical ways families can spend less time on screens and more time creating meaningful memories together through simple real-food activities all summer long.

 

From fruit picking and homemade syrups to kombucha, sun tea, dehydrating food, freeze-drying, hiking, picnics, and coffee shop adventures, this episode offers you 15 ideas that will help your family reconnect while learning valuable life skills. 

 

We also discuss why becoming less dependent on modern food systems matters, and stick with this episode to the very end for an important reminder about pursuing simple living in a way that strengthens family relationships, rather than creating tension.


This episode's sponsors:

Meet Guardian Grains, an amazing organic, regenerative family farm and stock up on the best hertiage grains with my exclusive code here-- https://soulyrested.com/heritage

https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf

https://soulyrested.com/teas


Links discussed in this episode:

Episode 205 - How to Eat Better and Save Money (with Ruth Ann Zimmerman) https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HeEgLe99an2PHiRR31Ebw?si=9-01VLdcTvepdnkKmHjYMw

Episode 189 - Three Kitchen Tools I Use on Repeat https://open.spotify.com/episode/46p9aGX4wOAHP7BphdtPKt?si=nQEyAZsuRc6lVvglynBmNw

The Most simple floral Syrup recipe: https://youtu.be/0eVJGANdnSQ?si=0M7j_H2YJVnefFVs

Podcast Email Signup: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/

Kombucha Resources: https://soulyrested.com/kombucha/

Favorite Loose Leaf Tea Recipes : https://soulyrested.com/teas/

Dehydrator Buying Guide: https://soulyrested.com/choosing-dehydrator/

Freeze Dryer Cost Analysis: https://soulyrested.com/freeze-dryer-pay-off/


More Resources:

Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/

Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/

 FREE resources:

Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7

Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52

Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq

Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747

Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz

Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/

All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/


About Michelle Visser

Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.

My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.

👋Find me in all the places:

My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu

My website: https://soulyrested.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/

youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser

CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com

If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase