Thriving in the Summer Heat Without Air Conditioning: How We Stay Cool in the Midwest Living in the Midwest—southeast Indiana to be exact—our summers are no joke. We regularly see temperatures in the high 80s and 90s, and it’s not unusual to hit 100°F during peak heat waves. But here’s the thing: we’re living without…
Sustainability
What Garden Lessons (and a Broken Incubator) Taught Me About Starting Over
The garden was supposed to be peaceful this week. After days and days of relentless spring rain, some so heavy that towns near us had to evacuate, I was just grateful to see the sun again. We didn’t have any flooding in the house, thank God. But road closures and detours were enough of a…
How to Make Tallow in a Crockpot (Wet Rendering Method)
Why You Should Make Your Own Tallow Tallow is one of those old-fashioned, tried-and-true homestead staples that has made a comeback—for good reason! It’s packed with healthy fats, has a high smoke point for cooking, and is amazing for homemade skincare. I learned how to make tallow in a crockpot, and I’m excited to share…
How to Start Seeds Indoors for a Thriving Spring Garden (Zone 6b Edition)
Learning how to start seeds indoors was one of the first things we had to learn. And it’s now the benchmark sign of early spring on the homestead. It’s the first real sign that winter is behind us and warmer days are on the horizon! Here in Zone 6b, where our last frost date isn’t…
Cloth Diapers for Beginners: How to Get Started
Cloth diapers can feel a bit overwhelming at first. With so many options, terms, and routines, it’s easy to wonder, “Where do I even start?” But here’s the good news: cloth diapering isn’t as complicated as it seems, and once you get the hang of it, it can easily slip into your normal routine (and…