I know it might be a little early for chili, since it's still September, but I personally hate the cold. So, at the first sign of it I look for anything to stay warm! One of my favorite things to eat during the fall and winter is chili. I like my food a lot on the spicy side, and my sister and I used to argue about how spicy my mom should make the chili! Fortunately, I discovered that chile verde is a great spicy alternative for anyone looking for chili with a nice spicy twist! This ... [ Read More ]
Tips for Saving Money Around the House
There are all kinds of different reasons to cut back on spending. It could just be that money is tight, or that you're saving up for a nice vacation or a big purchase. Whatever the reason, at some point we all find ourselves looking for ways to save a few bucks. Over the past couple of years, I have really been focusing on beefing up my savings account. So today, I want to talk about a few options that have worked for me to save some money! General Homestead Savings 1. Re-Purpose There are a ... [ Read More ]
Cleaning Routines To Keep Life Simple
While we have already talked about how to live a simple life, there are certain aspects that are especially important and often overlooked, namely routines. I know that everyone views homesteading and simple living differently, but I want to elaborate on how routine personally helps me in simplifying my life. Using routines and picking up as I go reduces my stress and make me feel more prepared for the rest of my simple life. Here are some tips and ways to incorporate more routine in your ... [ Read More ]
How to Make Syrup
While most people know that maple trees can be tapped for syrup, it is less common knowledge that there are dozens of other trees that can be tapped for sap which you can also make into syrup! It's actually pretty easy. What Trees Can be Tapped First, of course you need to identify if your tree can be tapped for syrup or sap. It is pretty safe to assume that if you live in an area without a winter your trees won't be able to produce any sap (don't worry—I still consider you lucky). Trees ... [ Read More ]
How to Use Essential Oils for a Healthy Body
As promised in my introduction to essential oils post, I would like to talk about some specific uses for essential oils. People have been using essential oils since ancient times, and one of the main things they can improve is your health! So today I'd like to do an overview featuring five major essential oils that benefit your health—a natural first aid kit, if you will. We will take a look at the oil, how it can benefit your health, and the best way to use it. Keep in mind that a lot of ... [ Read More ]
6 Things No One Ever Cleans (But You Should!)
While in college I worked cleaning houses for a while. Because of that, I have this superhero-like capability of seeing all the dirt in someone's house as soon as I walk in. While I cleaned houses, that was a blessing. Now, its a curse—except for the fact that my house is cleaner than anyone I know. Since I acquired my dirt-finding super power, I have discovered that there are certain items in the home that people tend neglect—whether it be because you hadn't noticed or because you couldn't ... [ Read More ]
An Introduction to Essential Oils
I'm sure a lot of you have heard of essential oils, and if you are anything like me you were probably a little skeptical at first. It's hard to believe that something so simple can actually do things like improve your health. For those of you who may not know about essential oils, essentially (get it?) the oils are made from very concentrated plant extracts that offer a ton of benefits for your health, mood, and even hygiene. Since the whole concept behind essential oils is an all-natural ... [ Read More ]
7 Easy Things to Do with Eggshells
A lot of homesteaders have a steady supply of eggs and, therefore, eggshells. Quite a few of us throw them away without a second thought. Today, I want to talk about some natural ways to use your eggshells around the house instead of throwing them out. Before you can use the egg shells, though, you are going to want to clean them. It's easier than it sounds—you just need to rinse them out while they are still newly empty. If that doesn't seem like enough, you can use a mild dish soap to wash ... [ Read More ]
Create Your Very Own No-Yard Herb Garden
I thought we could talk about some gardening options for people with no yard space. Whether you live in an apartment, town house, or are renting a property and the landlord doesn't want you digging up the yard, gardening in pots is a great way to get herbs and veggies when you don't have the yard to support it! Potted plants can be a great way to get items from your garden through the fall months as well. After all, it is just around the corner. You can leave them out, weather ... [ Read More ]