for self-reliant living
Also known as backyard farming, small-scale homesteading, suburban homesteading, modern homesteading or city farming – urban homesteading is all about living a more sustainable lifestyle that practices going back to the basics of less consumption, less buying, less dependency on the supply chain, and more making – and sometimes, just making do. Urban homesteading means … Read more
Dehydrating fresh tomatoes and basil is a great way to preserve the harvest for use throughout the year. I like to do both at once, since my dehydrator has enough room, and the house smells amazing! Dehydrating fresh tomatoes and basil Tomatoes were companion planted with green basil, and they done producing for the season. … Read more
Every summer, I make this beautiful, raspberry tinted opal basil vinegar with the herbs from the garden. It’s a great marinade for flank steaks, or to use on a salad with olive oil. You’ll definitely want some opal basil in your herb garden! What is opal basil? Opal basil is an herb that I grow … Read more
This zucchini bread recipe is so good! The zucchini bread is moist, and full of yummy spices – perfect on its own or slathered with cream cheese – and it it really easy to make. Make this two-loaf recipe now, and pop one loaf in the freezer to enjoy later. Zucchini Bread Recipe Ingredients for … Read more
If you are looking for a quick, raw vegetable summertime lunch, you have got to try this zesty zoodles recipe. If you are not familiar with them, zoodles are “noodles” made from fresh zucchini – made with a special gadget called a spiralizer. Every summer, the garden produces tons (and tons) of zucchini. What I … Read more
Every summer, gardeners everywhere are inundated with huge amounts of zucchini. And sometimes huge amounts of huge zucchini if they weren’t watching the garden every day. Those things can GROW! I have used this recipe for years and years, and tested it on kids aged 2 to 72. Funny that it’s only the adults that … Read more
With the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages in the grocery stores, I had high hopes for my vegetable garden. Plans were to double its size, and plant it heavily with lots of different crops that I could preserve by canning, freezing and dehydrating. My garden would become my own little urban homesteader prepping stockpile … Read more
The clumps of chives in the herb garden are just beginning to blossom, and I’ll be using them to make chive blossom vinegar. This gorgeous pale pink herbal vinegar is so easy to make, and gives salad a subtle hint of onion flavour. What you will need to make Chive Blossom Vinegar: a glass jar – large … Read more
Hands down, one of the best ways to save money and have guaranteed availability, is to grow as much of your own food as you can. And yes, you can do it! Starting a small vegetable garden is easy! If you have kids, they will love to help and it’s such a great learning experience for … Read more
Thinking about starting a vegetable garden, but not quite convinced yet? Let me give you a nudge with my top 12 reasons why you need to start a vegetable garden this year. Once you start having your own garden, you’ll be hooked! In no particular order: Convenience It’s a produce stand right in your back yard … Read more
Hey there, fellow crafters! Are you ready to take your creative endeavors to the next level and showcase your work at craft shows? Well, look no further because I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential elements of setting up a fantastic craft booth that will make heads turn and sales soar. From choosing the perfect tent and tables to selecting eye-catching display pieces, I’ll provide you with practical advice and a free checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need for a successful show. So, let’s dive in and get your craft show booth game on point!
Whether you are just learning how to sew or you have been making clothes for years, there is one dilemma that we all run into – how to finish seams. In this post, I am going to go into the different methods of seam finishing and tell you about what I believe to be the best and easiest way to finish seams on the clothes and accessories that you make.
Are you tired of paying full price for clothes and shoes? Shopping for fashion items can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little bit of know-how, you can score some amazing deals on the latest trends and timeless classics. In this article, I’ll share my secrets to getting the best deals on clothes and shoes, so you can look great and feel confident without overspending.
Ever find yourself aimlessly wandering the grocery store aisles, throwing items into your cart without a plan or purpose? It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and overspend on groceries you don’t really need. Or have you ever gone shopping, only to come home and find you already have what you just bought? Or that you really need something – after you get home from the store. And then have to run out again?
Let’s not do any of that anymore, okay? We’re going to plan ahead with a shopping list, because having a list is the key to save money and time! In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a shopping list and I will provide you with a free template to get started.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, or have a goal to become one, having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, having some simple tools are essential if you want to save money on repairs and do some DIY projects. But with so many tools out there, it can be hard to know which ones are really essential. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most important hand tools every DIYer should have in their arsenal.
Creating beautiful roses from recycled paper egg cartons is not only an enjoyable craft activity but also an eco-friendly way to repurpose waste materials. With a few simple tools and some patience, you can create stunning decorations for your home that are sure to impress. This project is also a great way to involve kids in a fun and educational activity that teaches them about the importance of recycling and sustainability. By following the step-by-step instructions and using your creativity, you can make beautiful roses that will add a touch of charm and elegance to your home décor. So, grab your supplies and start crafting today!
Let’s face it, doing laundry is a necessary chore that nobody really looks forward to. But what’s even more frustrating is the cost that comes with it. From laundry detergents to water and energy bills, the expenses can add up quickly and take a toll on your wallet. The good news is that there are some easy and practical ways to save money on laundry without sacrificing cleanliness or quality. In this article, we’ll explore some useful tips and tricks to help you reduce your laundry costs, so you can keep your clothes fresh and your budget in check.
Want to save money and eat healthier? Start cooking from scratch! With just a little bit of time and effort, you can make delicious, homemade meals that are both cost-effective and nutritious. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite recipes and show you how you can save hundreds of dollars a year by cooking from scratch.
Various ways of saving money on groceries, including making a grocery list and sticking to it, comparing prices at different stores, buying in bulk, and purchasing seasonal produce. It also suggests taking advantage of sales and discounts, and planning meals around items that are on sale. Additionally, it recommends avoiding pre-packaged or convenience foods, which tend to be more expensive, and opting for generic or store-brand products.
If you’re a fan of sauerkraut, you know that it’s not always easy to finish a whole jar or can any time soon. But don’t worry, there’s a simple solution! In this post, I’ll show you how to store and freeze portions of leftover sauerkraut, so you can enjoy it for weeks or even months to come. So let’s get started!
In this post, I’ll show you how to create your own wearable art by hand stamping plain fabric. With just a few simple tools and techniques, you can turn plain fabric into a one-of-a-kind piece. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, these step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process of creating your own unique fabric designs. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and start making your own hand-stamped fabric designs today!
Learn how to turn a skimpy white Christmas tree into a knock out with step-by-step photos showing you how to light up your white Christmas tree like a professional florist. I will guide you through the process of creating a gorgeous tree with evenly distributed lights sure to impress your friends and family.
It’s important to know how to read the label on a bolt of fabric, which contains information such as the fiber content, the care instructions, the width of the fabric, and any special features or finishes. What does all that stuff mean? Here are the 4 things you need to know and my secret on how to remember it all once you get home.
Look at this vintage sewing machine I just restored! It was quite a process, but I’m so happy with how it turned out. Check out my blog post to see some before-and-after pics and learn more about how I brought this vintage beauty back to life. Now it’s one of the machines I frequently use for sewing and it looks gorgeous in my home studio!
