Do Candles Ever Expire or Go Bad?

DIY candle dyed in blue with mica powder

Is it true that candles never go bad? You often hear it said that candles will last pretty much indefinitely until you burn them up. Other folks claim that candles can “spoil” like food does. Does the type of wax make any difference? Can a candle burn irregularly or expire if it is just too … Read more

So, How Many Acres is a Ranch?

piece of land for farming and homesteading

The word “ranch” evokes a certain kind of feeling. Ranches have long been an iconic symbol of the American West and Southwest, conjuring images of immense and vast open spaces, scenic landscapes, and cowboys herding livestock. But these days you see the word tossed around interchangeably with farm, and the truth is that ranches and … Read more

15 Natural Pantry Air Freshener Recipes

natural pantry air fresheners collage

Air fresheners are a frequent addition to our monthly groceries and, while they aren’t horribly expensive, the purchases do add up significantly. Additionally, the scents are often overdone and they never last more than a minute or so. It doesn’t help that there are apparently chemicals in these commonly bought items which affect reproductive development. … Read more

What Exactly is Gray Water?

grey water bucket

Nowadays, there’s a great societal emphasis placed on personal water conservation. For those living in dry climates or rural areas where this resource is scarce- and especially for homesteaders- it’s critical to get as much “value” or use out of your water supply as possible. Though to some folks the idea of reusing water is … Read more

Can Homesteading be Profitable?

geese, goats, and a donkey on the homestead

There are a lot of talks these days about homesteading, the resurgence of people wanting to grow their own food, raise their own animals, reduce societal dependence and generally be more self-sufficient. It is undoubtedly appealing. Some even claim to have significantly increased their income as a result of homesteading. But can homesteading be profitable? … Read more

13 Homestead Clothing Essentials to Have

clothes hanging out to dry on a clothesline

Prior to actually getting down to business, some homesteaders have a fanciful idea of what the work will require of them. Scattering a little seed, driving a few fence posts, plucking a couple of perfect veggies from rich, yielding soil. It is an idyllic notion, alright, but one that is far divorced from reality. Work … Read more

How to Get Rid of Fire Ants for Good

fire ants

If you live in the American South, along the Gulf Coast, or in some parts of the Southwest, you are probably entirely, personally familiar with the subject of this article already. For the rest of you, today you will learn about one of the most damaging, painful, and tiny invasive species in the United States: … Read more