Where to Buy Hay Near Me: 6 Local Sources Compared
Where to buy hay near me? Compare 6 local sources, feed stores, farms, co-ops and more, to get quality hay for your livestock at a fair price.
Best Local Butchers Near Me: 7 Picks for Homesteaders
Looking for a local butcher near me? Here are 7 options for homesteaders, from farmstead shops to mobile units, plus how to pick the right one.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soap: Benefits + a Beginner Recipe (No Lye Needed)
If you’ve got a bottle of Bragg ACV sitting in your pantry, you might have wondered whether it’s actually good for your skin.
Cocoa Butter Soap Recipe: Easy Melt-and-Pour + Cold Process Guide
Make gorgeous cocoa butter soap two ways - easy melt-and-pour (no lye!) or cold process with full step-by-step instructions.
How to Make Lilac Enfleurage at Home (Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide)
Lilac season lasts about two weeks. Lilac enfleurage is how you keep it - a simple daily ritual that captures the true scent of living lilacs in a solid fat.
Flemish Giant Bunny: The Complete Beginner’s Guide (Size, Care, and Costs for 2026)
The first time I saw a Flemish Giant rabbit in person, I thought someone was pulling my leg - these rabbits are the size of a small dog.
What Is a Goat Door? Pop Door Sizes, Styles, and the Best Options for Your Goat Shed
A goat pop door lets your goats come and go freely without you managing the main shed door twice a day - here’s what size, style, and options actually work.
What Is a Hay Load? (Plus How to Haul One Safely in a Pickup)
A “hay load” traditionally means 21 small square bales - but today it loosely means one truckload. Here’s what it costs, how much your truck can carry, and how to strap it safely.
The Best Heated Water Hose for Livestock: What to Know Before You Buy (2026)
Frozen hoses in winter? A heated water hose keeps water flowing to your livestock even in sub-zero temps - here’s what to know before you buy.
How to Make Foaming Hand Soap (2 Ingredients, 2 Minutes, Costs Pennies)
Make your own foaming hand soap in under 2 minutes with any liquid soap and water. The ratio is 1 part soap to 4-5 parts water - and it saves about 75% per refill.
What to Do with Lavender: 15 DIY Uses, Recipes, and Health Benefits
I’ve been growing lavender in my garden for years, and every summer I end up with more than I know what to do with.
The Best Farm to Table Cookbooks for Scratch Cooks and Homesteaders (2026)
My favorite farm to table cookbooks for real home cooks - organized by skill level and use case, with picks perfect for homesteaders and scratch cooking beginners.
English Shepherd Dog Breed Guide: The Original American Homestead Dog (2026)
The English Shepherd is the original American farm dog - perfect for homesteads with kids and chickens. Here’s everything you need to know about this breed.
How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes - Fresh, Old, and Already Dried (2025)
Grease stains aren’t permanent - not even the old ones, and not even the ones that went through the dryer before you noticed them.
How Long Can Cow’s Milk Sit Out? (Pasteurized vs. Raw, Plus What to Do Next)
The quick answer: pasteurized milk is safe out of the fridge for up to 2 hours. But if you’ve got raw milk from your own cow - or you’re wondering whether that jug on the counter is still usable - the
How to Remove Rust from a Cast Iron Skillet (Simple Methods That Actually Work)
Your cast iron pan is not ruined. Here’s how to remove rust using steel wool, vinegar, baking soda, or salt - plus how to re-season it so it lasts.
How to Trap a Skunk Without Getting Sprayed: A Beginner’s Guide for 2025
Here’s the short answer: skunks rarely spray inside a live trap, as long as you cover the trap with a blanket before you approach it.
The Best Cast Iron Bread Pan (And How to Actually Use It) - 2026 Guide
Cast iron can look more complicated than it is - but I’ve been baking in my Lodge loaf pan every week for two years and it’s easier than you think.
Does the Zevo Fly Trap Actually Work? My Honest Review
The Zevo fly trap is a small plug-in device that uses UV and blue light to attract flying insects, then traps them on a sticky adhesive cartridge hidden at the back.
How to Make Essential Oil Soap at Home: A Beginner’s Guide (2026)
I had no idea how easy it was to make essential oil soap until I actually tried it. I’d been buying expensive bars from farmer’s markets for years, not realizing I could make the same thing right in m
Hatching Duck Eggs: Beginner’s Guide (Incubator or Natural Method)
I still remember setting my first batch of duck eggs in an incubator and being completely convinced I was going to mess it up.
How Long Do Dwarf Rabbits Live? Average Lifespan + Tips to Help Them Thrive
Dwarf rabbits typically live 8 to 10 years as pets. The range depends on breed, spay/neuter status, and quality of daily care.
How to Make Lavender Handmade Soap for Beginners (Easy No-Lye Recipe)
I used to spend $8 on a bar of lavender soap at the farmers market every few weeks. For about $18, I made a full loaf that cut into ten bars - and it took 15 minutes.
How Much Do KuneKune Pigs Cost? A Complete 2025 Price Guide
KuneKune pigs typically cost between $100 and $850 or more, depending on whether the pig is registered, what sex it is, and where you live.
What Is Magnesium Hydroxide in Deodorant - And Does It Actually Work? (2026)
If you’ve been reading natural deodorant labels lately, you’ve probably noticed magnesium hydroxide showing up everywhere - but is it actually gentler than baking soda?
Oatmeal and Honey Soap Benefits (and Why I Make My Own for Just $2 a Bar)
I started making my own oatmeal honey soap after I noticed what it was doing for my daughter’s eczema-prone skin - and then did the math on what I’d been spending.
Pineapple Sage Tea: Benefits, How to Make It, and What It Actually Tastes Like (2026)
I picked up my first pineapple sage plant at a farmers market on a whim - the vendor crushed a leaf between her fingers and held it out, and I was immediately sold on the smell.
The Easy Guide to Soap Stamps: What to Buy, How to Use One, and When to Stamp Your Bars (2026)
The first time I stamped a batch of homemade soap bars, I couldn’t believe how much of a difference it made - plain bars suddenly looked boutique.
The Best Stick Blender for Soap Making (and Why Most Advice Is Wrong)
When I started making cold process soap, half the articles I found were telling me I needed ‘at least 500 watts’ - which turned out to be completely wrong.
How to Make Whipped Tallow Face Cream (Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe for 2025)
Whipped tallow face cream is a natural moisturizer made from grass-fed beef tallow that’s been melted, combined with a carrier oil, chilled until firm, and whipped to a light, fluffy texture.
Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Bath: Benefits, Easy Recipe, and What It’s Good For (2026)
Learn what an Epsom salt and baking soda bath actually does, the easy recipe, and how to customize it for itch relief, sore muscles, or better sleep.
How to Make Honey Soap at Home (Melt & Pour or Cold Process)
Store-bought honey soap runs $7–$13 a bar. Make your own at home for under $1 a bar - no lye required for the beginner melt and pour method.
How Much Is a Mini Highland Cow? (2026 Price Guide)
Mini Highland cows typically cost $2,500–$9,000. Here’s the real breakdown - including the first-year total nobody talks about.
How to Make Turmeric Soap at Home (Easy Recipe - No Lye Required!)
Turmeric soap is one of those DIY projects I wish I’d discovered sooner. It looks stunning, smells warm and citrusy, and it’s genuinely good for your skin.
Is Soap a Base or an Acid? The Plain-English Answer (+ Why It Matters for Natural Living)
Yes, soap is a base - specifically an alkaline salt with a pH of around 9 to 10, made by combining fats or oils with lye in a process called saponification.
How to Make a Lotion Bar: Easy Beginner Recipe for Soft, Nourished Skin
I was standing at a craft fair booth a couple years ago, picking up a small round lotion bar and wondering what it was.
Homemade Lotion Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Body Butter (or True Lotion When You’re Ready)
The first time I tried making homemade lotion, I ended up with a hard waxy blob - because most homemade lotion recipes are actually body butter.
Natural Wax Melts: The Beginner’s Guide to Non-Toxic Home Scents (+ Easy DIY Recipe)
Most store wax melts use paraffin and synthetic fragrance oils. Learn which natural wax is best, how to make your own in 30 minutes, and the top brands worth buying.
What Is Pink Clay? Benefits, DIY Recipes, and How to Use It for Beginners
I’d been adding pink clay to my soaps for a full year before I actually understood what I was working with - turns out it’s the most beginner-friendly cosmetic clay you can start with.
Homemade Scouring Powder Recipe (Non-Toxic & Way Cheaper Than Comet)
I picked up the green can of Comet one afternoon and actually stopped to look it up on EWG. An ‘F’ rating wasn’t what I expected.
Easy Shower Steamers Recipe (Beginner-Friendly with Essential Oil Blends)
Store-bought shower steamers run $12–15 for a pack of 8. Make your own in 15 minutes for about $3 a batch - with essential oil blends for sinus relief, energy, and sleep.
What to Do with Dried Lavender: 20 Uses Organized from Easiest to Most Creative
I planted my first lavender with low expectations - a single plant tucked into a corner of the garden. Two years later I have five plants and far more dried lavender than I know what to do with.
Mini Highland Cow: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get One (2026)
Mini Highland cows are real, they’re genuinely as sweet as they look, and for the right homestead setup, they’re one of the most rewarding animals you can keep.
Farmhouse Decor on a Budget: Decorating Tips for Beginners
Get the most out of your homestead space with these rustic farmhouse home decor ideas. Perfect for beginners on a budget.
31 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Women: Affordable & Thoughtful
Did you know that 24% of people spend between $26 and $50 on stocking stuffers alone? These small gifts…
20 Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas for a Magical Holiday Feast
Did you know that 56% of Americans celebrate Christmas Eve with a special dinner? There’s something magical about gathering…
20 Best Holiday Treats: Classic Cookies to Modern Delights!
Did you know that Americans bake an average of 7 different types of cookies during the holiday season? There’s…
20 Christmas Door Decorating Ideas (Transform Your Entryway)
Did you know that the tradition of decorating doors for Christmas dates back to pre-Christian times If your family…
22 Elf Arrival Ideas for 2025: Creative First Day Magic!
Did you know that over 11 million families now participate in the Christmas Elf on the Shelf tradition? Whether…
Homemade Easy Gravy Recipe (Ready in 15 Minutes!) 2025
Did you know the average American consumes approximately 2,092 calories during Thanksgiving dinner? That includes various dishes such as…
103 Hilarious White Elephant Gift Ideas to Steal the Show
Did you know that according to the White Elephant 2023 Gift Exchange Trends Report, 56,627 players participated in 3,748 gift…
10 Turkey Disguise Ideas for Kids: Superheroes & More!
Turkey disguise projects are rising in popularity. And no wonder! They’re the perfect blend of creativity, storytelling, and holiday…
Solar vs Generator: Best Power Options for Homesteads
Explore the pros and cons of solar power and generators for homesteading. Discover which option best fits your energy needs and budget.
27 Creative Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Love
Did you know that while 88% of Americans serve turkey on Thanksgiving, nearly half of households now include at…
20 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas Ready in Under 30 Minutes
Tired of staring into your fridge at 6 PM wondering what to make for dinner? You’re not alone! According…
30+ Pumpkin Painting Ideas For No-Carve Halloween Magic!
Looking for mess-free alternative pumpkin painting ideas rather than settling for traditional pumpkin carving? You’re not alone! Did you…
15+ Pumpkin Carving Ideas I’ve Perfected Over the Years
Are you ready to level up your pumpkin game this Halloween with the best pumpkin carving ideas? You’re in…
How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts at Home (Top 2 Methods)
Learn how to grow alfalfa sprouts at home with our top 2 methods. Elevate your culinary skills with fresh and nutritious sprouts!
Homemade Pedialyte and Freezer Pops
Your kiddo is sick. Sick with the latest cold, flu, stomach virus, or whatever that is going around. The first thing…
Farm chores for kids – by age
Kids + Chores in the same sentence makes me BURST with excitement… Farm chores for kids. Homestead Chores for…
Homemade Peach Pie Recipe
I’ve finally given in. I LIVE IN A HOUSE WITH DIRTY FLOORS. There- I said it. I am no longer trying…
What is homesteading
A word with 1,000 different definitions…what is homesteading? Depending on who you ask. But, when it comes down to…
Easy Homemade Eczema Cream Recipes That Actually Work (2026)
I started making my own eczema cream when store brands weren’t cutting it. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can make a cream that actually calms the itching.