Stress is one of those things that everyone has to deal with, and I'm convinced that the prevalence of technology greatly adds to that. I mean, your average person spends an exorbitant amount of time looking at a screen, and it doesn't really give you mind any time to wander or relax. And that's where old-fashioned crafts come in! Now, I am a very crafty sort of person and I absolutely love learning and trying new things--especially in the winter when it's too cold outside to go and do ... [ Read More ]
How to Test if an Egg is Fresh
I eat a ton of eggs. They're the ultimate breakfast (or supper!) food and most of my baking recipes call for at least one egg. So, of course, we go through eggs pretty quick. Sometimes they're farm eggs from my friend's hens and other times I purchase them from the store. But regardless as to how many eggs I eat, there's always at least one instance where I find an egg and don't know how old it is. Maybe it was stuffed in the back of the fridge or perhaps it was found at the back of the coop ... [ Read More ]
11 Uses for White Vinegar
I am not a huge fan of chemical cleaners, generally speaking, and I try to avoid them whenever possible. Not only is it a little cheaper and better for the environment, but it's also healthier for me, my family and my pets. I've already done a post on all the ways that I use baking soda around the house. So, today I wanted to share the uses for my other secret weapon: vinegar. Now I have a confession: I hate the smell of vinegar. When I was a kid I absolutely despised it and while I can ... [ Read More ]
My Top Secret Get-Better-Sleep Tea
When things are really busy, I am one of those people who has trouble shutting off at night. There are always so many things to do and so many things on my mind, I just find myself constantly worrying and thinking over what I did today and what I'll do tomorrow and how to make everything work. Shockingly, it led to poor sleep which basically made everything else harder. While most of my friends and relatives suggested I try taking some sleeping medicine or something to help me relax at night, ... [ Read More ]
Homemade Chemical-Free Playdough
In my opinion, playdough was one of the best parts of being a kid. There creative possibilities that you can explore with those bright hunks of dough are just amazing and there really isn't an adult equivalent. And, while the Play-Doh that you can buy in stores is actually not as bad for you as you think, it still isn't the best choice for some children. According to the health and safety information from the play-doh company, Play-Doh is a non-toxic, non-allergenic dough whose main ... [ Read More ]
How to tell if a Pumpkin is Ripe
While there are a lot of things that I love about fall, I think that pumpkins are probably the best. There's just nothing quite as comforting as adding some hearty and delicious pumpkin to just about anything--baked goods, lattes, pie, soup... the list goes on and on! But, the key to getting the best out of your pumpkin comes down to being able to pick the perfect one. Whether you're checking for pumpkins in your garden or the grocery store, there are a few things to look for in a perfectly ... [ Read More ]
23 Things to Love About Fall
Everyone has their own favorite season, and while I won't deny that I really enjoy all mother nature has to offer, I think autumn is probably one of my favorite seasons. In fact, starting the beginning of August, I can't resist starting on my fall crafts and pulling out all my fall recipes in preparation. Unfortunately, where I live, fall doesn't realy start until the end of September or the beginning of October. However, that doesn't mean that it's too early to start gearing up for the ... [ Read More ]
September Gardening To-Do List
Well, September is here which means that the school buses are on the roads and fall is on the horizon. The nights are already dropping down to be nice and cool where I live and while the days are actually starting to cool off some, this week has felt more like early summer. Regardless, September is a busy month for gardening and I thought I'd make a quick list with some projects and tasks that you might want to consider this month. September is all about reaping some of the rewards from all ... [ Read More ]
Tips for Drying and Preserving Herbs
There is nothing that will make or break a dish like choosing the right quality and type of herbs and spices. And, as with all things, growing your own is always better, cheaper, and more rewarding. But, while fresh herbs are pretty fantastic, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with the growth rate. I mean, there's really only so much rosemary a person needs, right? So, if you are in that boat then don't worry! There are plenty of options for drying, preserving, and storing your ... [ Read More ]
Homesteading Education Month : Festivals
It seems like every month has a million different things that we are all supposed to remember or do during that month, and September is absolutely no exception. However, as it turns out, September just so happens to be International Homesteading Education Month! Who knew such a thing even existed? Mother Earth News has a website dedicated to education about homesteading, and there are plenty of events and informational articles there. But, while International Homesteading Education Month is ... [ Read More ]