Sourdough starter is really easy to make as it consists of only two ingredients. It can be used to make a bunch of different things—most importantly, yummy bread. Sourdough starter and sourdough bread is unique for a few different reasons: it doesn't need any commercial yeast, you won't have to knead, and it is uniquely flavored. It will take a little bit of time to get started, but once the process is up and running, it just gets easier. Supplies Rye flour Water Plastic or glass ... [ Read More ]
12 Things To Do With Bananas
I'm sure we have all had our bananas go bad on us more than once. Unfortunately, with most fruits that over ripen, the only real place for them is the compost. Bananas are a little different, as we all know brown bananas can make the tastiest banana bread. (Wow I feel like I've said banana a lot already— bear with me). But, it doesn't stop with banana bread, and it's good to keep in mind all of the delicious things you can make so your bananas don't go to waste. They can be a great addition to a ... [ Read More ]
DIY Essential Oil Calming Mist
By now you guys know I am a bit of a fan of aromatherapy. I've talked you through some essential oils and how they can benefit your health and your mind. I know I mentioned that I like to diffuse my essential oils to reap the benefits, but there is also a really simple way to make mists! I tend to use my spray about an hour before bed time, so I try to use calming oils. Just be careful not to use any oils that will cause skin irritation, if you plan on spraying the mist on any furniture or ... [ Read More ]
Homesteading Activities To Stay Busy This Winter
I've been thinking a lot about the upcoming fall and winter months, and how I can improve my homesteading skills during them. Winter can get pretty boring around the homestead, as the garden doesn't need quite as much attention, kids are in school, etc. This might leave us feeling kind of unproductive, which is a feeling I personally hate! So today I want to focus on some skills that can either be started up or improved on in the coming months. Pre-Gardening Unfortunately for a lot of us, ... [ Read More ]
Create Your Own No-Yard Veggie Garden
Since we have already talked about a no-yard herb garden, I thought we could revisit the subject with vegetables. Not everyone has a bunch of yard space to take up with a garden, unfortunately, so I want to go over a few vegetables that can easily be grown in a pot indoors! Growing veggies in pots is a great way to grow food all through fall. Once the frost gets too close for comfort, you can easily grab the pot and bring it in—though this is going to be easier with some plants than ... [ Read More ]
Another New Face, Same Old Fashioned Tips
As you all have probably noticed, the last few posts here on Old Fashioned Families have been by someone new! Since I've gotten a couple posts under my belt, I wanted to take a minute and introduce myself. My name is Mary Gannaway, and I get the honor of contributing to Old Fashioned Families for a while :) The heart of this blog is modern homesteading and old-fashioned living, which probably means something a little different to everyone. While I do not consider myself an expert on those ... [ Read More ]
How to Use Essential Oils for a Healthy Mind
We already talked about how to use essential oils for a healthy body, so today I want to focus on how you can use essential oils for a healthy mind. This might be a little more far fetched for some of you, and if you're skeptical I recommend reading more about essential oils. The more I educate myself about the perks of essential oils, and the evidence backing it up, the more into them I become. Keep in mind people have been using essential oils to better themselves since ancient times! Also ... [ Read More ]
Slow Cooker Chile Verde Recipe
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 ]