We have learned a lot about ourselves, about what being self-sufficient really means, and the direction we’re headed.
Getting Prepared – Many Uses for Bulk Salt
Recently, I read a novel titled “Alas, Babylon,” by Pat Frank. This book was written in 1959 and is about the long-feared nuclear war anticipated during the ’60s. The experiences of the survivors brought new ideas to my own emergency preparation plans. One item that became critical in large quantities was salt. I have always […]
Get Your Vehicle Prepared for Bad Weather
The 2014 Snow in Atlanta was sort of a surprise. As near as I can tell, the various weather services upgraded the alert in the wee hours of the morning, so people probably were not aware of the upgrade. However, all weather sites that I have seen have up to a 10-day forecast. You can […]
10 Ways to Prevent Homestead Mama Burn-Out
With homesteading, there is always so much to do. Depending on the time of the year, there are endless harvests to preserve, gardening or weeding to be done. There are no mornings to sleep in, as the animals need tending to. It can quickly get exhausting during the busy season. Throw in the kids getting a […]
Homemade Chest Rub Recipe for Coughs and Colds
Recently, I made my own chest rub for colds and coughs for the very first time, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was. I used a basic recipe for an herbal salve from Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family, […]
Use Shredded Paper to Make Bricks for Fuel
When I need to get rid of sensitive documents (my definition: anything with identifying information on it), I always run them through a cross-cut shredder. Previously, I’d put this shredded pile into my paper recycling bin, where the garbage men would typically end up dropping half of them as they dumped the paper into the […]
The Science of Freeze Dried Foods
Food is a vital tool for human survival. And, because of this, food preservation technologies are used to prolong the life of foods. Preserving food properly is key to self-sufficient living, especially in the wake of a man-made, natural, or financial crisis. There are various methods of preservation techniques. In this article, we’ll examine the […]
Grow Vegetables in the Shade
Do you have a shady garden? I do. While it’s not full shade, the lovely Japanese maple tree in my yard gives us dappled sunshine for most of the day. Combine that with the big cedar tree behind our house, and we have a fair bit of shade. While we love the location of […]
How Do You Make Soap – Hot Process Lye Soap
Making soap at home is a fun process that ensures your soap is free of harsh chemicals and allergens such as artificial colors and fragrances. Homemade soap can be given as gifts to friends and family. Get your kids in on the action and teach them a fun lesson in chemistry with this soap recipe. […]
Determining Solar Energy Needs – For Home or Small Business Installation
Owning and installing a home solar power grid system is becoming more affordable as new technologies come onto the market and materials are easier to come by and mass-produced. Before you begin, find out if local and state laws permit home solar panel installations, determine your power needs, get detailed information on local (city, […]