Grocery Stores and What that meant for my PantryThe Pantry Overhaul (no it did not cost money!) That's It! I did ZERO canning this year and I did a smaller garden this summer. And I don't regret it. It was a productive summer nonetheless, but it's over now and it's time to move on. That … Continue reading Getting ready for winter! Using Grocery Store Tricks at Home in your Pantry
At Home Series
In my own home, I give updates on my own gardening, preserving, and kitchen projects. Subscriber Only.
Duck House Upgrade | Coop ideas to avoid mold, mildew, and hard clean up
A lot of sweat went into this “use what we have & build from scratch” duck house but it’s finally done! My main concern was to avoid mold, mildew, difficulty cleaning poop, and avoid it falling apart in 2 summers. (In other words, avoid anything the old one did) I know duck houses are somewhat … Continue reading Duck House Upgrade | Coop ideas to avoid mold, mildew, and hard clean up
Share here
Getting the 2025 Garden Started
It's that time again to start getting serious about any garden plans you have this year, because the spring rush will be here before we know it! Here are my top three tips to make sure your garden is going to work out the best for you this year: Find your motivation Track what you … Continue reading Getting the 2025 Garden Started
Share here
2024
Another year flew past us. What did we learn to carry into the new one? Hopefully it's a few garden goals, canning plans, and efforts to expand your own homesteads, no matter what they look like. I just want to share a heartfelt thank you to every one of you who found this corner of … Continue reading 2024
Share here
Creating a Healthy Pantry (besides just canning)
From home canned goods, store bought staples, and even a few of those convenient foods, having a stocked pantry can help any home cook get through countless meals. This list will help steer you into knowing what some versatile yet healthy ingredients are so you can work on stocking your pantry for everyday cooking at … Continue reading Creating a Healthy Pantry (besides just canning)
Share here
Autumn: Pine Shavings as Garden Mulch? – Home, Car, Animal Preps for a SNOWY Winter
We are currently sitting in the peak of autumn where I live. It's so beautiful, especially in the mornings, but it's still a season of work here on the homestead, especially with the consistent predictions of a very snowy winter coming. Here's a few things on my mind during this season... Pine Shavings (Coop Bedding) … Continue reading Autumn: Pine Shavings as Garden Mulch? – Home, Car, Animal Preps for a SNOWY Winter
Share here
End of Summer: Next year’s Garden can start now!
Phew! It's already apple picking season, school season, and crunch time in the gardens. If you have thrown in the towel for your garden this year, then you are right on track. The end of summer is the best time to clean up and do a little prep work for next year's garden. Now, while … Continue reading End of Summer: Next year’s Garden can start now!
Share here
April: It’s time to get your hands dirty!
Can't believe how fast time is flying by! Crab apple trees are in massive bloom this year and the smell from them is simply heaven on earth. The frogs are out, the birds are building nests in the cervices of the property, and we are already eating from the garden. Okay, we are eating weeds, … Continue reading April: It’s time to get your hands dirty!
Share here
Homestead March Madness: Seeds, Ducklings, Backyard Weeds for Tea, Whole Chicken with Herb Oil Recipe
I much prefer the pace of March on a homestead than any sporting season on the planet! Seeds, baby birds, garden clean up, canning, roller coaster spring weather; I am here for it all. Another busy month flew by for us, and I genuinely can't believe we are already walking into April! GardenBaby Ducks Backyard … Continue reading Homestead March Madness: Seeds, Ducklings, Backyard Weeds for Tea, Whole Chicken with Herb Oil Recipe
Share here
February: Time to get up and go! | Earache Herbal Remedy, Canning Season Starts, Don’t be fooled by this early spring!
Around here, our season of rest is done. The weather is breaking, the holidays are long gone, and it's time to move onto the next part of the year. And if you garden or homestead like we do, you know spring, summer, and fall are the best times of the year, so this is an … Continue reading February: Time to get up and go! | Earache Herbal Remedy, Canning Season Starts, Don’t be fooled by this early spring!
Share here
January: Polar Vortex, Prepping, Ducks & Chickens in the cold
January eggs Winter came in swinging for us: some major snowstorms and then some subzero temps to top it off. Then after that some freezing rain, but then about 3 days of solid rain that melted it all away like it never happened. Then more snow. It's definitely winter around here! But we made it! … Continue reading January: Polar Vortex, Prepping, Ducks & Chickens in the cold
Share here
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s
I pray your Christmas was filled with good food, good intentions, and gratitude. We had a busy but simple weekend of baking, a birthday party, and celebrating with our children. I want to send an extra thanks to you all for being here on the blog (or on social media) this year, because it makes … Continue reading Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s
The Cottage Vegetable 