A wood burning fireplace (or wood burning stove for that matter) is a wonderful item to enjoy during the fall and winter months. The snap and crackle of burning wood. The orange glow through the fireplace glass. The warmth that permeates the room. A wood fire feels homey and comforting. Yet as fires are built […]
Life on the Homestead
DIY Eggshell Candles
There is something about special events that bring out the DIY’er in me. It doesn’t matter if it is birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays… the stash of materials come out of the drawers and closets while the dining room table is turned into a workstation. But it gets even better. Since I have a flock of […]
20 Homestead Activities to Share with Young Children
People around the country are returning to their roots. They are becoming modern homesteaders and joining the legion of others who want to cook meals from scratch, garden organically, raise backyard chickens, and learn the art of preserving. But much as we are returning to our roots, what about the next generation? Are we encouraging […]
Smoking Peppers: A New Twist on Roasted
Late summer is my favorite time of year. Mornings are brisk, but it warms up by mid-morning. Leaves are beginning to turn colors, but they are still on the trees. But my favorite thing? The aroma of chile peppers. If you live in the southwest United States, chile roasters are a common sight at farmers’ […]
Cloth Napkins: A Step Towards Sustainability
When you gather friends or family for dinner, how do you set your table? Do you have a set of dishes you use everyday or perhaps a ‘good’ set that you save for special occasions? Besides the dishes, glasses (or cups), and silverware, do you set out napkins? If your answer is yes, do you […]
20 Steps to Create an Urban Homestead
When people hear the term homesteading, most think of a sprawling acreage in a country setting. Dusty roads. A herd of cattle. Water from the well. Pickup trucks. And while some homesteads fit this image, there is a growing trend of homesteads across the country. It is urban homesteads. Now you may think, “how can […]