by Texas Homesteader~
I wanted to make a pretty basket of natural wax-dipped pinecone fire starters. These are for our own use, but they make wonderful, inexpensive and very functional gifts too.
My garden basket isn’t used in the winter months. And I had a supply of pinecones I’d gathered for decorative purposes and a couple of half-burned pillar candles that I couldn’t even give away.
Let’s DO THIS!
by Texas Homesteader~
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I’m constantly trying to repurpose things that are no longer suited to their original purpose. By doing so I’m lowering my eco footprint, and usually even saving some money too.
But I’ve found repurposing is super simple to do and often requires no sacrifice. All you have to do is keep your eyes open for opportunities.
Take that old, clean sock for instance. Once socks get a hole in them, are they really any good for anything but the trash?
Well, as it turns out, surprisingly, YES!
Come see the 5 different ways I’m able to repurpose that old sock to actually fill helpful needs at the Homestead. And in some cases replacing things I used to have to buy!
by Texas Homesteader~
Did you know you can get canning lids that are reusable? Yep, that’s right – use them over & over again… for years!
Right now it’s super hard for many to locate traditional canning supplies. It seems everyone has been bitten by the home-canning bug due to the pandemic.
And even if you do find canning lids – boy howdy have the sellers taken advantage of these hard times. WHEW! The price has spiked to a shocking amount. Price gouging, anyone??!!
But that just means I’m even more thankful that I’d purchased my reusable canning jar lids years ago.
by Texas Homesteader ~
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Did you ever wonder how you could eliminate single-use waste in your kitchen? Thankfully it’s easy to find simple zero-waste kitchen swaps.
Recently while entertaining family for supper, my sister saw me incorporating several zero-waste efforts. She exclaimed “Oh wow, I would have never thought to do that!”
It got me thinking, maybe I should share the various ways I’m able to reduce (or even eliminate) those single-use items in my kitchen. There are many easy ways I’m able to make zero-waste swaps for those things.
Here’s a list of single-use items I no longer buy. I’ve been able to reduce or eliminate these things completely:
by Texas Homesteader~
I was thrilled to find a soapberry tree growing here in NE Texas, far back in a remote pasture. It was fall so the berries on the tree had already turned yellow.
The yellow orbs attracted my attention and I took photos of the tree, leaves, bark and the berries and sent it to my extension agent for identification. She reported back that the tree was a Western Soapberry Tree (or Sapindus saponaria ssp. drummondii)
by Texas Homesteader~
In the heat of summer, the rain taps typically turn completely off here in NE Texas. It’s typical for us to struggle keeping everything watered.
I suppose I complicate things by insisting that all outside watering be done only though Captured Rainwater. I’ve never liked the idea of treated, drinkable water being pumped from miles away just for me to pour on the ground.
So with a few exceptions such as during drought when the trees could die if I don’t offer assistance, plants are watered only with rainwater. But keeping plants watered during the hot, dry Texas summers requires some conservation. Come see my conservation tips.
by Texas Homesteader ~
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Of course we appreciate our moms every day, but on special days we make it all about her! And isn’t it wonderful to give her special attention?
Whether she’s been there since day one
or came into your life After You Were Born,
moms are special!
Is your mom environmentally aware? Does she love being gentle with this gorgeous earth we call home? Well you’re in luck, I’ve assembled a quick list of inexpensive gift ideas to spoil your crunchy, eco-friendly mom this year. Gifts she’ll love – c’mon & see!
by Texas Homesteader ~
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Happy Earth Day, y’all! By now most of you know earth day is April 22nd each year. It’s a special day to highlight our environment.
Many people celebrate by doing something good for Mother Earth. Some pick up trash on the beach, some plant trees, others figure out ways to live more gently on this big, blue planet we call earth.
