“I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” is a classic song for children that can be used to teach an entire locomotive unit study in science, math, reading, art, music & more. Here are some ideas for using a familiar children’s song, “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” to teach several elementary grade subjects. Most of […]
Play With Your Kids Without Fear – Plus Giveaway!
As you know, I’m a huge believer in “get your hair wet parenting” as I call – that intentional playfulness with your children is one of my 7 Principles of Intentional and Self-Sufficient Living in my Untrained Housewife Manifesto. But sometimes kids like to play MESSY. And when you have five…wow! Your floors can take […]
Spinach Artichoke Rice Casserole with Sour Cream
This rice casserole was very filling and flavorful and gave me a way to add some nutritious foods to my family’s diet in a way that was easy for the kids to enjoy. Naturally meat-free and gluten-free, it is a great side dish, or if you make it in larger portions like I did, a […]
Journal, Scrapbooking, or Seed Swap Quotes About Weeds
What garden wouldn’t be complete without the battle against weeds? And thus, this collection of gardening quotes would not be complete without a few weed-filled quotes as well. “There are several ways to lay out a little garden; the best way is to get a gardener.” ~ Karel Capek “The watering of a garden […]
Octonauts – Active Shows for Active Kids
In this house, we don’t have a lot of sitting-still time. My kids are very active – exploring outside, pretending inside – and we love that! The more they can use their imaginations and learn about the world around them in a hands on way, the better. Our TV time is limited, so shows that encourage […]
Peaceful Valley Gardening Bonanza Giveaway!
I love gardening and I love even more when I can trust the source of my plants. This fall I planted some garlic from Peaceful Valley/Grow Organic and you can see them doing well in the photo below I took earlier this winter. Soon the ground will be warming up and we’ll put down a […]
Tomato Varieties for a Container Garden
In Backyard Farming on an Acre (More or Less) I talk about using container gardens as a way to garden intensively in small-spaces. But not just any vegetable can be planted in a container and expected to thrive. “Check the mature size of the plant for an idea of whether you can expect it to […]
Heirloom Seed Garden Catalogs for Backyard Farmers to Order
‘Tis the season of seed and gardening catalogs. The first hint of possible warming weather is dashed by bitter winds and flurries of snow and gardeners sink into their warm couches to dream through seed catalogs. For a backyard farmer or homesteader, heirloom seeds are preferred because of the sustainability factor, among other reasons. Here […]
Getting Myself in Shape a Public Confession
So here’s where I lay it all out in public view – I figure the best way to stay on track is to build in some motivation and accountability is to make a public confession. Vivian was born and I quickly signed the book deal for Backyard Farming on an Acre (More or Less) – […]
Garden Quotes for Gardening Journals, Scrapbooking, or Seed Swaps
What better addition to your garden journal, blog posts or gardening scrapbook than a plant, growing or soil themed quotes, verses, and sayings? Gardening Quotes About the Joy (or Addiction) of Gardening I think that so many quotes center around the addiction of gardening because whatever color our thumbs may be, we all enjoy digging […]
Preschool Songs With Actions and Movements
These preschool songs all have a rich tradition of actions and movements that go along with them, giving parents and teachers the chance to keep young kids moving! It is difficult to keep preschool children sitting still for long periods of time, but many parents and daycare workers still want most play times to have […]
