Doll Can Create

What if everything you ate, wore, and used came from within 100 miles of your home? No big-box stores, no global supply chains—just what’s near, what’s seasonal, and what’s truly local.

That’s the challenge I’ve taken on for 100 days: living as locally as possible. This isn’t just about food (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about fiber, household goods, and the relationships that sustain a truly local life.

What I’ve learned so far is that living locally isn’t about finding a perfect replacement for everything—it’s about rethinking what I actually need. It’s about discovering abundance in my own backyard.

Here are some of the ways I’m embracing this lifestyle, and practical steps you can take to live more locally, too.

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Food & Cooking: Eating with the Seasons

Food is one of the biggest shifts when committing to a 100-mile life. We’re so used to having whatever we want, whenever we want it, that we forget food has a season.

• Buy from Local Farmers – Farmers’ markets, CSAs (community-supported agriculture), and direct farm sales have become my go-to. Not only does the food taste better, but I’m also building relationships with the people who grow it.
• Cook Seasonally – Instead of planning meals and shopping for specific ingredients, I’m flipping the approach—I buy what’s local and in season, then create meals around it.
• Preserve the Harvest – I’m learning to can, freeze, and ferment so I can eat locally even in the off-season. (My first attempt at pickled beets was… interesting. But I’ll get better!)
• Grow My Own – Even a small herb garden or a few raised beds can add fresh, local flavor to meals.
• Trade & Barter – A neighbor has fresh eggs, another bakes sourdough bread. By swapping what we have, we all get a little more variety while staying local.

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Clothing & Textiles: From Fleece to Fabric

Sourcing clothing locally is a challenge, but it’s one I’m excited about—especially since I love fiber arts.

• Support Local Fiber Farms – I’ve been connecting with nearby sheep and alpaca farms to source fiber for my knitting and spinning projects. There’s something special about working with wool from animals raised close to home.
• Make & Mend – Instead of buying new, I’m knitting my own socks and sweaters. And if something tears, I repair it instead of tossing it.
• Experiment with Natural Dyeing – I’m trying out plant-based dyes from local sources like onion skins, acorns, and flowers. (I’ll report back on my results—expect some trial and error!)
• Seek Out Local Makers – Weavers, seamstresses, and artisans are out there—you just have to look. Finding someone who crafts clothing locally is a rare but valuable connection.

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Home & Living: Bringing It All Closer to Home

Beyond food and fiber, I’m also thinking about the everyday things I use at home.

• Use Local Wood – Whether for furniture, crafts, or even firewood, sourcing wood locally is a more sustainable choice.
• Find Local Artisans – Handmade pottery, candles, soap, and cleaning products can often be found close to home, supporting small businesses instead of big corporations.
• Reduce Waste – Living locally isn’t just about buying local—it’s also about making things last. I’m focusing on repairing, repurposing, and reusing instead of replacing.

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Community & Connection: The Heart of a Local Life

One of the most unexpected joys of this challenge has been the relationships I’m building. Living locally isn’t just about what I consume—it’s about the people I connect with.

• Build Relationships with Local Producers – Knowing the farmers, spinners, and craftspeople in my area makes this journey feel richer and more meaningful.
• Join a Local Exchange – Trading homemade or homegrown goods with others makes local living more sustainable and fun.
• Learn Traditional Skills – Bread baking, cheese making, beekeeping—these skills are disappearing, but they make a huge difference in living a truly local life.
• Support Local Businesses – Every dollar spent at a small, locally owned business strengthens the community.

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Final Thoughts

This journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and living in rhythm with where I am.

I’d love to hear from you! What’s one way you could start living more locally? Let’s share ideas and encourage each other on this journey.

I’ll be sharing more updates, challenges, and lessons learned along the way—so stay tuned! 💛

Doll