Homesteading

 Homesteading Off-Grid: A Sustainable Lifestyle Choice

In recent years, the concept of homesteading off-grid has gained popularity as more individuals seek to live a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. Homesteading, historically associated with pioneers settling and developing land, now incorporates modern technologies to live off-grid, meaning without reliance on public utilities such as water, electricity, and gas.

Homesteading off-grid often involves the use of renewable energy sources such as Solar Panels, wind turbines, and hydro-power systems to generate electricity. Rainwater collection systems to Collect Rainwater and wells are utilized for water supply, while composting toilets and septic systems manage waste. Organic gardening, livestock raising, and food preservation techniques are crucial for providing sustenance.

Living off-grid requires a commitment to sustainable practices and a mindset of self-reliance. Homesteaders must be prepared to face the challenges of unpredictable weather, limited resources, and the absence of modern conveniences. However, the rewards of a simpler, more connected lifestyle to nature and community are worth the effort.

Homesteading off-grid is not just a lifestyle choice; it is a statement against consumerism, environmental degradation, and dependence on fossil fuels. By reducing one's environmental impact and living in harmony with nature, homesteaders are setting an example for a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, homesteading off-grid offers a unique opportunity to live a more self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to embrace challenges, but the benefits of living in harmony with nature and reducing one's environmental footprint are immeasurable. Homesteading off-grid is not just a trend; it is a way of life that can inspire others to follow suit and work towards a more sustainable future for all.

Food Storage Recipe - California Chicken Bake

 Yummy recipe to make with chicken. Low cost and a big hit with the whole family.

NEED:

2 cups of shredded taco- flavored cheese blend

3/4 cup of uncooked regular long-grain white rice

1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

1 cup Old El Paso Salsa

1 cup water 

4 boneless skinless chicken breast 

Heat the oven to 350.

Spray a 2 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 

Set aside about a half a cup of the shredded cheese to use later as topping.

In a large bowl combine the remaining cheese, rice, cilantro, Old El Paso Salsa, and water. Mix it well.

Spoon into the sprayed baking dish. 

Spread evenly.

Arrange the chicken breast over the rice mixture.

Cover with foil.

Bake for about an hour or until the chicken is tender. 

Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted.

Gadgets To Have When SHTF

If SHTF you might want some of these cool gadgets. They might make life a little bit funner and easier. Take some of the stress off for you and your family.

This Great Northern Popcorn Pit Popper Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper - Theater Popcorn Outdoors! is something that I want bad. It would be so great to be able to make popcorn for my kids. That is one thing that they really like having.

I like this Esbit Pocket Stove with 6 Fuel Cubes. It is small enough that it is a must-have for any bug-out bag or vehicle survival kit.

Everyone MUST-HAVE one of these - AA and AAA Solar Battery Charger - Charge Your Batteries Via USB or Sun Power - Features Also Include a Battery Tester and USB Output for Charging Cell Phones, iPods/mp3s, and More!! I have one and it is used daily. Get some Duracell Rechargeables Batteries is AA and AAA and you are set. This comes in handy also because it will also charge the cell phones and mp3 players.

This Solar Powered Motion Sensor Detector Alarm is a great thing to have a couple of and set up on your house where it is hard for you to look out on your own. Lets you know if someone walks up on your home. Great security item that does not cost a lot of money!!

Everyone must have good clean water. In an emergency it might be a hard thing to come by! So this 4 Gallon Countertop Water Filter - Save $$$ - Transform Tap Water to Pure Healthy Mineral Drinking Water is something that you have to have. I am getting one and going to stock up on the filters for it for when SHTF!!

A good set of Wide Angle Binoculars could come in handy. Could use them if you have to go hunting or for safety.

A good Compass could really be a life saver. If you ever get lost having one of these would make all of the difference.

My son also said to have a bunch of games and puzzles , like Trivial Pursuit Master Edition to keep everyone busy and together. Games are a great way to pass the time. Maybe get some of those handheld games like - 5000 Games in One Pocket Arcade Handheld Electronic Game - Various Colors or a Electronic Connect 4 the Classic Vertical Four in a Row Game.

I am going to be making a faraday cage soon and want to put some of those handheld games in it too. Just little gadgets that would make kids happy and make life a bit more enjoyable for them. A Portable DVD Player could be something to put in the cage also. Have a movie night with the popcorn that you make on your BBQ!!




The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak

Happiness Chemicals

 

Need A Washboard

I love the idea of being able to have clean clothing if something ever happened. Be great for morale and such to be clean. Normal feeling. I have an old fashioned washboard, but I have to say that when I seen this contraption , Japanese Laundry Wash Basin w Washboard , I have got to get one. I hope to be able to soon. It is so cool looking and has it all right there. Also looks like it would not use too much water. I really like it.

Food Storage Recipe - Spam-A-Ram-A

 

Spam-a-Ram-a

Cook 2 oriental flavored Ramen noodles ,without the seasoning packets, and then drain. Set aside.

In a big skillet heat up a bit of oil and about half a can of Spam that has been cut into bite sized chunks. Fry the spam until it is browned. 

Stir in 2 cups of partially thawed frozen mixed vegetables and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. 

Add a teaspoon more of oil and the ramen noodles that you had set aside, the seasoning from the noodle packs, and some pepper. 

Stir this all up to combine well.

Make a well in the center of the pan of veggie spam mixture and add 3 beaten eggs. Breaking the eggs up as they cook. 

Stir everything together until hot and well mixed. 

Serve.

Spam

Auroral activity | SpaceWeatherLive.com

Auroral activity | SpaceWeatherLive.com

 

This is an awesome website and it shows the solar activity.

Recycle Candles

Gather all of your partly used candles and place them in a metal coffee can or a pan that you can just use for melting candles in. Melt the candles down in a double burner style, coffee can inside a bigger pan with water boiling in it. Remove all of the wicks with a fork. Place a longer, new piece of wick into the center of the mold that you are using as you pour the wax into it. When the wax cools and sets completely remove it from the mold. Now you have a new bigger candle. You can get Candle Wicks online for a pretty low price. This is a great way to always have candles of a good size and not throw any candles out. Melt them down and reuse the wax.

Food Storage Recipe - Rice Casserole

A friend of mine gave me this recipe about 22 years ago. I was newly single with a toddler and not much money and she was always giving me recipes that were low cost, healthy , and easy.

This one turned out to be one of my favorite and it is made with things that I always have on hand.

Rice Casserole ( that is always just what I called it)

1 can of Chili Beans ( DO NOT DRAIN !!)
some frozen broccoli ( I always get those small boxes of frozen chopped broccoli to use in this recipe and it is cheap!)
about a cup of instant rice
Velveeta cheese cut up into cubes ( I use the store brand cheese. I am too much of a tightwad to buy the Velveeta!)

Put all of this into a pyrex baking dish mixed well, cover with foil , and bake until the rice in tender.


That is it.

Easy and frugal!! LOVE IT!!

I did not have any instant rice last night so I had to cook up 1/2 a cup of rice to add to this.

Family Feasts for $75 a Week: A Penny-wise Mom Shares Her Recipe for Cutting Hundreds from Your Monthly Food Bill

Keeping The Sun Out Of House

 

I am going to have to do something more. The front of my house is South facing and has huge windows. Even with thermal curtains the heat comes in so bad. I can walk into my living room , with the AC on , and it feels like I am walking into an oven. Keeping the curtains and blinds shut!!! I was thinking that getting some Tint Sun Block For Home Windows might help. It is great in the winter to have all of that heat coming in. When the sun is out in the winter some days my heat doesn't even kick on it gets that hot. But, in the summer it is a nightmare. Plus, the AC never kicks off.