Start Here: Welcome to My Backyard Homestead

Welcome to myBackyardHomestead — my real-life experiment in mountain gardening, simple living, and everyday creativity here in Colorado.

I’m Vee. I garden at high elevation, cook from what I grow (and what’s on sale), rescue treasures from the thrift store, and slowly turn this rocky patch of land into a homestead that feels like home. This space is for anyone who wants to grow more of their own food, live more intentionally, and make the most of what they already have.

 

 

 

What You’ll Find on This Site

Mountain Gardening & Seasonal Growing

I share what I’m planting, when I’m planting it, and what actually survives the mountain weather. You’ll find:

  • Planting guides for cold climates and high elevation
  • Ideas for privacy hedges and natural fencing
  • Flower choices for cutting gardens and bouquets
  • Real-life garden experiments and lessons learned

Go to Garden Guides

Simple Recipes & Kitchen Tips

Food doesn’t have to be fancy to be good. My recipes are:

  • Fast enough for real life
  • Often based on garden produce or pantry basics
  • Written so beginners feel confident

You’ll see things like 10-minute sauces, easy vegetable sides, and basic how-tos (like how to tell if eggs are still fresh).

Go to Recipes & Kitchen

Thrifting Stories & Vintage Finds

I love finding character pieces at thrift stores and giving them a new life. On the site I share:

  • Weekly thrift hauls from local shops
  • How I clean and restore wood, metal, and ceramics
  • What I buy to keep, what I resell, and what I leave behind
  • How thrifting fits into a simple, sustainable lifestyle

Go to Thrifting Stories

DIY Homestead Projects

This property is always changing. I document:

  • Building privacy berms and natural fencing
  • Using reclaimed windows for greenhouse-style projects
  • Budget-friendly rock and mound landscaping
  • Dog-friendly yard ideas and small fixes that make life easier

Go to Homestead Projects

Art in the Garden & Eco-Friendly Products

I blend my art with my homestead life. You’ll see:

  • Garden-inspired prints and images
  • Seasonal collections tied to flowers, foliage, and light
  • Eco-friendly products like my first EcoTote bag
  • Ways to bring nature and story into home décor

Go to Art in the Garden & Shop

Who This Site Is For

This is for you if:

  • You want to grow food but don’t know where to start.
  • You’re curious about homesteading in a small space or tough climate.
  • You love thrifting and secondhand finds.
  • You’re drawn to a slower, more intentional lifestyle.
  • You enjoy seeing the real, imperfect side of projects — not just the polished version.

You don’t have to live in the mountains to get something useful here. If you like gardens, stories, good deals, and honest conversations, you’ll fit right in.

How to Get Started

  1. Visit the Garden Guides to see what I’m growing and how I plan planting around the seasons.
  2. Check out Thrifting Stories for a peek into my latest finds and how I restore them.
  3. Browse Recipes for simple, seasonal ideas using what you already have.
  4. Join my email list to get monthly “Simple Living Notes” with updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Stay Connected

I share extra photos, short videos, and updates here:

  • YouTube – garden, thrift hauls & project videos
  • Instagram – daily photos and stories
  • Pinterest – ideas for gardening, homesteading & simple living
  • Facebook – updates and conversations

However you found myBackyardHomestead, I’m glad you’re here. 🌱