HAPPY HOLISTIC HOMESTEAD

December 17, 2018January 4, 2020

Holiday Salt Dough Ornaments

Do you remember making salt dough ornaments when you were young? I do. This was the first year I tried it with my daughters. I was so glad I did! My girls range in age from 9 down to 1 1/2 and they all had a great time and stayed occupied for hours. The littlest one got put in her high chair and we just kept giving her little pieces of dough and tiny little cookie cutters and she was happy as a clam. She was done before the rest of them, probably lasting only about 35 minutes or so. I timed it so that we started during her nap, so by the time she had napped and played with the salt dough for a while it was time to get it cleaned up anyway. I found the recipe Continue reading “Holiday Salt Dough Ornaments”

December 15, 2018December 18, 2018

Gifts For Homesteaders

This article contains affiliate links.

Homesteaders may not be the easiest bunch to shop for. The ones I know generally have less of a penchant for “stuff”. Homesteaders are typically practical people who do not feel the need to conform, so whatever the must have item of right now is, it is probably not a great fit. Here are some gift ideas for the homesteader in your life, or even those who dream of a homestead. I wrote a post a while back about some of the best books for homesteaders, these books are focused on those who are beggining their journey. If you are looking for sustainable gift giving ideas, you can find some great ones by clicking here. In this article you will find Continue reading “Gifts For Homesteaders”

November 14, 2018November 17, 2018

Sustainable Gift Ideas

Giving and recieving gifts is fun, but feeling like you are doing damage to the environment is not so fun. Here are some ideas that will satisfy both your desire to give and your conscience. These are also great gifts you can buy for yourself if you are striving for a more sustainable life.

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November 6, 2018November 9, 2018

A Fruit Tree Is A Good Idea. A Fruit Tree Guild Is An Even Better One.

Fall and Spring are both great times of year to plant fruit trees. Fall is my favorite time because a trees energy is directed toward root development in the Fall and towards vegetative growth in the Spring. So planting in Fall will allow a tree to get settled in and develop some root structure, giving it a better foundation for all the leaf, trunk, and branch growth that come in the Spring.

But instead of planting simply a fruit tree or two, why not plant a guild?

Continue reading “A Fruit Tree Is A Good Idea. A Fruit Tree Guild Is An Even Better One.”

October 24, 2018December 17, 2018

Make Your Own Gummy Vitamins With Pastured Gelatin!

Making your own gummy vitamins may seem intimidating but it is actually super easy! And if you are going to go so far as to make your own gummies, why not go one step further and use the grass fed (also called pastured) beef gelatin?

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October 6, 2018October 31, 2018

Why We Love Making Nature Art

Nature study is a big part of our homeschool. We love to be outside and learn from our environment. I think it is one of the best ways for little ones to learn, and I always discover something new during our nature walks as well.

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September 22, 2018May 9, 2019

What can Guinea Fowl Offer Your Homestead?

Guinea fowl are a unique looking, as well extremely helpful, addition to your homestead menagerie.

What are the benefits?

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September 15, 2018September 15, 2018

Make Your Own Anti-Itch Medicine For Bug Bites

Warmer temperatures mean more time outside and if you live somewhere with lots of bugs, like I do, that will also mean more opportunities for you to become a meal for the many bitey bugs out in nature.

In my region insect bites are a problem from April until October and even when we are consciously trying to avoid mosquitos, ticks, and chiggers, they are a problem. We live in the country and my children spend a majority of their time outside. I have been using this formula to help relieve their itchiness from bug bites for years. It really works! Before we started using it they would scratch their bites raw and the itching would even keep them up at night sometimes. Now they ask for the “Itchy Medicine” and all is well. We have also used it many times for relief from bee and wasp stings and it has worked wonderfully. We have even noticed that the bites and stings seem to heal faster and that the usual accompanying swelling or welt like inflammation that is sometimes common is much reduced or completely alleviated when using this formula.

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September 8, 2018January 5, 2019

How To Start Raising Laying Hens – It’s Easy! And the Benefits Are Awesome.

Having a few chickens in your backyard can be a great first step to creating a healthier lifestyle. Homegrown eggs laid by chickens who are free to eat insects, plants, and kitchen scraps (and supplemented with a non gmo feed when and if necessary) are so much better for you and your family than 90% of the eggs available at the store. Eggs of that quality will also cost you between 6 and 7 dollars a dozen, so there is much money to be saved by producing your own eggs.

Continue reading “How To Start Raising Laying Hens – It’s Easy! And the Benefits Are Awesome.”

August 25, 2018September 13, 2018

So You Think You Want A Goat

And why wouldn’t you? Goats are cute, hilarious, and entertaining. The best part: Once or twice a year your goats can have baby goats (kids) which are even more cute, hilarious, and entertaining, with the added bonus of being somewhat cuddly. However, there is another, less fun, side of goat ownership. Read on to see if goats are right for you.

Continue reading “So You Think You Want A Goat”