Real Estate Realities Newsletter
August 2026
August is Happiness Happens Month
08/02 Friendship Day
08/12 International Youth Day
08/21 Senior Citizens Day
08/26 Womens Equality Day of Friendship
Hobbies from ‘Little House on the Prairie’ to Try
When You Need a Screen-Free Reset
The Little House on the Prairie reboot, based on the beloved book series and TV show from the ‘70s, has quickly made its way into the hearts of audiences (and the #1 spot on Netflix’s top 10 series tracker) since its release on July 9. Following their screen-free lives, here’s a list of analog hobbies from the show that you can start today. From baking to writing letters, these five hobbies from the prairie in the 1800s are still just as whimsical and relaxing as they were then.
- Crafting
Not an episode of Little House on the Prairie goes by without watching Laura and Mary working on a homemade project. While Ma handled the quilting and Pa the whittling, the girls often made crowns from wildflowers, dolls from cloth or paper, and homemade garlands for the holidays.
The best part about crafting is how versatile and beginner-friendly it is. You don’t have to be an expert at sewing or painting to spend time creating something you’re proud of, or, at least, enjoyed making. If you’re a beginner or don’t know where to start, try picking up watercolor painting or scrapbooking with photos, fun paper, and stickers.
- Reading
While Laura is off adventuring or getting herself into trouble, Mary is often seen reading or writing. Reading is a low-cost hobby (if you get books at the library) that you can do on your own or with friends. If you’re looking to make connections through reading, try joining or starting a book club. You could also make a blog post or journal about your favorite reads and recommendations. Or, if you’re looking to keep it simple, cozy up at a coffee shop or park and spend the afternoon with a book of your choice.
- Dancing
An episode of Little House isn’t complete without the girls dancing and singing around a fire, typically with Pa on the fiddle and Mr. Edwards joining in on the harmonica. While we may not all have a fiddle or harmonica lying around, dancing and singing to live music at a concert or even at home to a record has a way of making people feel lighter and more joyful. Whether you’re a professional singer or dancer or just enjoy letting loose, try putting on your favorite song and having fun the next time you need a brain break or a boost of oxytocin.
- Baking
There aren’t any Trader Joe’s or Costco warehouses on the prairie, so every sweet treat needed to be made by hand. In the show, we see Ma using wild berries to make cakes, pies, and jams, while Mary’s signature dish is cornbread. You don’t have to go out and pick your own berries or make your own cornmeal to bake something delicious. Whether it’s cake, bars, or cookies, baking something from scratch (bonus points if you use seasonal ingredients) is a great way to de-stress and enjoy the process of making something with your hands. Plus, you get to eat the finished product.
- Writing Letters
Sending snail mail has been gaining popularity with the rise of screen-free hobbies, and we’re loving the excuse to sit down and intentionally write or read a note from a loved one. During season one of the Little House on the Prairie reboot, Independence, KS, opened its first post office, and the joy the Ingalls felt about being able to stay in contact with their family was undeniable.
Take a note from the Ingalls family and instead of calling or texting a friend or family member, take a moment to write them a letter. Feel free to include any photos or mementos (Laura and Mary liked to include dried flowers) to make the letter feel extra whimsical.
Courtesy Claire Hoppe Norgaard
