I have a tiny garden. While I’m rather proud that it contains 57 plant species, mostly edible (yes, I’ve counted), it’s still really small. It’s somewhat shady, too. All of this means that I need to be very creative when I’m gardening, and Chris McLaughlin’s latest book on vertical gardening will help me do just […]
Homemade Gifts From Your Kitchen Round-Up
Some of my favorite gifts to receive for Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, May Day (I’m bringing that back), and all of the other festive celebrations in between are gifts that come from somebody’s kitchen. I’ve enjoyed fresh loaves of mouth-watering breads, sweet jams and jellies, and cookies with secret recipes. The writers here at The […]
Cinnamon Shortbread Cookie-Mix-in-a-Jar Recipe
This is one of several shortbread recipes that I enjoy giving as gifts during the holiday season. It has light flavor with just a hint of cinnamon, which makes it pair nicely with morning coffee or tea. I like to add all of the ingredients into a quart-sized canning jar and use it as an […]
Make Your Own Pure Vanilla Extract
If you’re a baker (even if only once in a while), you know how important it is to have vanilla on hand. Oh sure, you can purchase the typical imitation vanilla or the commercial version of pure vanilla extract. But you’ll never know if it’s adulterated (unknown additives) or not, and you won’t have the […]
Healthy Living eBook Super-Pack and Giveaway
I love learning more about healthy living, frugal food that promotes wellness, growing your own produce, and more. So when I had the chance to review this Healthy Living Bundle pack of eBooks, valued at over $300, you know I jumped at the chance! One lucky Untrained Housewife reader will be blessed to win their […]
Get Prepared: Be Physically Fit
What if, for some hypothetical reason – natural disaster, national disaster, local unrest – you find yourself without access to emergency medical care? Consider what the most likely emergency situations would be for your family. Does a family member have diabetes? High blood pressure? Weak joints? Severe depression? Gastric disorders? Pregnancy? What if someone breaks […]
Get Prepared: In Fantasyland! Top of the Line Resources for Emergencies
I’ve been writing a series on Getting Prepared for Any Power Outage, and I remembered Lehman’s. What a great resource for purchasing tools and equipment for ‘off the grid’ living. But it is also so expensive and impractical that I will only have the perfect off-grid home in Fantasyland! Let’s dream… KITCHEN COOK STOVE Isn’t […]
Get Prepared: Taking a Food Shortage One Month at a Time
The last two years have shown us major, nationwide droughts. That translates into rising food costs and the possibility of food shortages. Temporary layoffs and disabilities could also make it necessary to live out of your own pantry. And as always, there is the possibility of a major power outage lasting two or three weeks, […]
Get Prepared: Major First Aid During a Long Term Power Outage
Pretend with me . . . There has just been major tornado, ice storm or earthquake near your home. The electrical power will be out for two weeks. During that two week period of time, you have run out of gasoline, the local gas station is also without power and you cannot leave your home. […]
Get Prepared – Shoes and Clothing for Emergencies
In our “Get Prepared” Series, we’ve been learning to plan ahead for a 2-4 week power outage. We’ve talked about laundry and water . . . but what clothes would make the duration more comfortable? Plan to store some clothes for each member of the family, and keep the sizes updated. And Go Large. It […]
Get Prepared: Washing Laundry Outside
If the power is out for very long, a few days, it becomes necessary to do some basic laundry. Maybe not the sheets and linens – they can hang out and ‘air wash.’ But the undies. A few pairs of jeans. Some t-shirts or sweatshirts. There is no doubt that we can wear our clothes […]
Get Prepared – Keep it Sweet! Long-Term Storage of Sweeteners
According to the Survival Spot, sweeteners will be one of the top ten things that will disappear during a national disaster. I don’t know about you, but I am NOT going to go through hard times without sugar!!! But it does seem to be something that I have a hard time keeping stocked up (probably […]
