Tag Archives: Self Sufficiency

Solar Energy Can Be Passive and Free!

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by Texas Homesteader ~ 

It seems being environmentally friendly is all the rage now. But for some reason I was bitten by the environmental bug years before it became the thing to do.

I was using my own reusable bags well before it was fashionable. It’s funny the strange looks I received from clerks when I asked them to place my purchases into my own canvas bag.

I used to joke with RancherMan that if I could get a nickel for every time the puzzled cashier exclaimed “are you SURE??“ that I could pay off all our bills!

Because I naturally have such a “tread softly on the earth” mindset it was primary in my mind when we built our home in NE Texas.

We incorporated many energy efficiency features as well as passive solar features into its construction.

But not everyone is in the building phase of their home so I thought I’d pass on some good news – passive solar energy can be very low cost and many times doesn’t cost a dime!

Solar energy use doesn't have to cost anything. Read about how passive solar energy can be used in almost any home for no additional money! #TexasHomesteader
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Easiest Self-Sufficiency Steps To Take NOW!

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by Texas Homesteader ~ 

So many are now practicing voluntary simplicity. They’re trying to do more things themselves. And many are trying to figure out how to provide things for themselves that they used to be able to buy. Sometimes such a drastic change can be overwhelming.

But take a deep breath. Today I’ll share with you the simplest self-sufficiency steps you can take now to begin providing for your own home and family.

These were the easiest steps for me when I first started on the path to Voluntary Simplicity. And if you’re just starting out I think they can help you too.

Easiest Self-Sufficiency and preparedness Steps - Many are trying to practice self sufficiency these days. Come see how to save money on groceries, necessities, and make things yourself #TexasHomesteadery on necessities, and make things yourself #TexasHomesteader

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5 Frugal Things: Food Waste, Garden, Coupons, Decluttering

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by Texas Homesteader ~ 

RancherMan & I are able to live & work right here in a place we love. We hated city life, long commutes, office politics and the daily grind. But now living this life in the country means we need to be extra mindful of our financial resources.

The good news? It’s super easy and isn’t a sacrifice at all. It’s just a different way of looking at various circumstances.

Take this week for instance. Here are 5 frugal things we did to effortlessly save money.

It's easy to incorporate quick money-saving measures into your regular days. Come see 5 frugal things we did this week to save money. #TexasHomesteader

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Using FREE Solar Energy To Brew Your Tea

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by Texas Homesteader ~
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RancherMan loves his iced tea. I love that it’s a healthier drink option for him than many other choices. And brewing our own tea means no trash. Plus it’s super cheap.

All. Good. Stuff.

But did you know it doesn’t necessarily have to be hot outside to brew tea? All you really need is sunshine. There are a couple of ways I’m able to provide RancherMan with that delicious beverage he loves. Brewed in winter or summer: No purchased energy necessary!

Sun Tea - quick to brew using the power of the sun whether winter or summer. A delicious, healthy and trash free beverage. #TexasHomesteader

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Summer Cooking: Savory Meatloaf (Includes Solar Cooking Option)

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by Texas Homesteader ~
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Meatloaf is a versatile comfort food and we enjoy it often. The recipe below uses a standard oven, but I often use my solar oven during the heat of summer.

Either way – just mix ground meat with eggs, breadcrumbs & a few seasonings and you’re good to go. And I say go ahead, make TWO while you’re at it! 

I'm cooking up our favorite comfort food - meatloaf! I'm using my solar oven to cook it but the recipe includes standard oven directions too #TexasHomesteader

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Solar Cooking: Hard-Boiled Eggs In The Solar Oven

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by Texas Homesteader ~
*contains affiliate link

I love my solar oven. I’ve said it time & time again, I hate to fire up my electric oven during the heat & humidity of our Texas summers.

Not only does it cost fuel for the stove to operate, but boiling eggs adds even more heat inside our home. That requires our air conditioning to work overtime cooling it back down, therefore costing even more money.

Several years ago I bought a solar oven and I absolutely love it! What a great item in your Emergency Preparedness toolbox!

Then at a Mother Earth News Fair I attended a few years ago, a solar-cooking seminar presenter told us how easy it was to cook ‘hard-boiled’ whole eggs in the solar oven without even using water. Color me intrigued!

Solar-Cooking Eggs. I'm hearing that you can BAKE your eggs instead of boiling them. I decided to give it a try in my solar oven. Check it out. #TexasHomesteader

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Grandma-Approved Cleaning Techniques For A Cozy Home

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by Texas Homesteader ~

So many people just seem to be too busy to keep a tidy house anymore. But can we all learn to clean like grandma did?

I’m nowhere the housekeeper grandma was, but here are a few things we do here on our Homestead that grandma would surely approve of…

Why have we complicated cleaning? Here are a few cleaning techniques at our Homestead that grandma would surely approve of. #TexasHomesteader

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