Personal stories and reflections from my home and heart.
Homesteading, the very term evokes a picturesque landscaping with plenty of animals and green countryside. Many are fleeing the city in pursuit of happiness. In search of that idyllic dream where they can enjoy the country life with minimal effort. But, is homesteading easy? Or does it require a lot of hard work and dedication? … Read more
If you walk the laundry section in the grocery store, you’ll find borax in a plain-looking box with a wagon train on the front of the box. 20 Mule Team Borax is made in the United States starting in 1891, and borax deserves a place in your homestead cabinets. As homesteaders, we love versatile items. … Read more
Clotheslines are not a thing of the past. I grew up using a clothesline, and still do to this day. When my cousin came home for a long weekend he was amazed at my awesome clothesline and had a good laugh at me for using it. That’s ok though, I know how awesome a clothesline … Read more
Homesteaders have found many ways to use lemons on the homestead, whether it’s through the actual fruits, the essential oils, or preservation methods. More parts of the citrus fruits are wasted than used. For example, you might squeeze a slice of lemon into your water then toss it out later. You eat the flesh of … Read more
My great grandparents purchased their homestead via the Homestead Act of 1862. My family and I were curious as to what the Homestead Act actually entailed so we did some research. Per the law that was signed into effect by then President Lincoln in May of 1862, the Homestead Act was designed to encourage people … Read more
So you’re finally on a homestead. You’re excited and overwhelmed and have no idea where to start. Setting homesteading goals is important, have you taken the time to set goals for your homestead? If you’re not setting goals, you’re likely wasting a lot of time and money. The first step to owning a homestead is … Read more
Not everyone who wants to homestead can start out on a homestead. Some may start out in a friend or family members driveway living in an RV, others may start out in an apartment or small house. Regardless of where you start out, you can still find ways to homestead in the burbs while you’re … Read more
When I first set out on my homesteading adventures my friends and even a few in my family gave me more than a few sideways glances. Some of them, I’m sure, thought I really needed some mental help while others secretly thought “Good for you!”. Personally, I embraced homesteading with all my heart. I’m just … Read more
Drying flowers to preserve them in a dehydrator allows you to process a large batch all at once – even more flowers than can be crammed into a conventional oven. But, even though dehydrating flowers is a lot quicker than hang drying flowers, the process will still take many hours longer than preserving them in … Read more
Epsom salts are inexpensive, easy to find, and have copious amounts of uses in the garden, house, and around the homestead. The handy little carton or bag of magnesium sulfate should also be a part of any natural first aid kit. We do not use any chemical is our homestead growing plots or apothecary patch. … Read more
Red clover is foraged for both its medicinal and nutrient-ish edible properties. This all natural detox tea is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can also help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Taking just a single cup of red clover tea may help prevent harmful organisms that cause infection from making you … Read more
To cut the tree down with an axe, you need to be sure that it’s sharp. A dull axe will take forever to chop it down, and it can be dangerous to use. Plus, it can bounce back off the tree instead of lodge into it making a cut. There are different items that you … Read more
Many people want to own their own homestead or piece of property, but they have no idea how they’re ever going to accomplish it. With land being so expensive and down payments often exceeding what they have on hand, many are wasting away wishing for something considered to be a pipe dream. It can take … Read more
Hang drying flowers by is the traditional way of preserving them to use as food, medicine, or decoration. While this method of drying flowers takes a lot longer than using an oven or microwave, it works just as effectively. If you are an off the grid homesteader, or simply want to dry a large batch … Read more
There probably is no simpler natural air freshener to make than this one, fellow homesteaders. This lovely old-fashioned air freshener can be hung in a closet to deter pests, allowed to dangle as part of a seasonal decoration, or just placed on a counter or table to both look and smell pretty. See the how-to … Read more
As homesteaders, we are always preparing for the next season. Being sure you have enough wood to get you through the winter is a never-ending chore. There are a couple different ways to fell a tree, being a chainsaw or an axe. Whichever method you use to cut down a tree, it can still be … Read more