Homesteading

If you own a home, or rent one anywhere near a town or city, you’ve probably faced the aggravation of having dogs other than your own poop on your lawn. When their owners don’t clean up after them, it’s enough to make your blood boil. The nerve of some people! This naturally leads to direct … Read more

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

If you live anywhere that doesn’t have access to public sewer systems, you’ll need a septic system if you want to enjoy a normal, flushable toilet experience in your home. Septic systems have been around for a long time, and the mechanics by which they work are well understood. Unfortunately not too many septic system … Read more

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

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

Wood is a reliable source of heat for folks who don’t want to rely on electricity or gas for the purpose, and also works wonderfully as a backup heating method for either of the aforementioned methods. Be it in an open, traditional fireplace or a contemporary wood stove, wood is typically regarded as among the … Read more

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

Pumpkin spice and cinnamon soap not only smells as delicious as homemade pumpkin pie, but adds a bit of seasonal flourish to soap dishes in the kitchen and bath. The natural ingredients used to make the soap help nourish the skin, leaving it both looking and feeling fresh. Goat’s milk melt and pour soap bases … Read more

As a parent, you want to do everything in your power to help your child succeed. If your child is struggling with reading, you may be wondering if homeschooling is the right solution. You will make mistakes as a homeschooling parent, but don’t question your abilities! Most of the time, reading difficulties can be overcome … Read more

Making soap is a fun and rewarding way to create your own natural, personalized soap at home. Homemade soap recipes are often more cost-effective than store-bought options, and they also allow you to control the ingredients and customize the scent and texture to your liking. So, how do you avoid running out of soap? Well, … Read more

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

When winter’s chill sets in, you might be left shivering in your own home, even with the furnace roaring. For millions of people around the world with inadequate heating in their homes or apartments, their ovens might be used to help heat up the living space. It’s a convenient way to warm, but is it … Read more

When determining how much water you and your family, or maybe even your animals, will need for a given period of time either when packing for a trip or expedition, or preparing for disaster, gallons is the most commonly used figure. Therefore, it is helpful to calculate your on-hand water storage accordingly. One way to … Read more

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

I’ll never forget the first time I used a water bath canner by myself. I was feeling pretty smug, going off a few experiences I had when canning tomatoes with my then-boyfriend (now husband). I knew what I was doing. I didn’t need to read and follow the instructions to a T. After all, canning … Read more

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