| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Madinet85 |
Posted - May 18 2014 : 11:35:53 AM
I came across this blog post last night and it really hit a cord with me.
http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/11/dear-city-homesteader.html#sthash.65NBs6LB.dpbs
I know sometimes I get frustrated that I haven't been able to quit my job to homestead full time, or my husband hasn't quite agreed to buy me a dairy cow. But even thought I work full time and buy my milk at the store, I can still homestead every day, and even a little bit is better than nothing.
What did you do to homestead today? We planted my two teeny tiny raised beds, using the square foot garden technique. Last year I tried a bigger garden and got so overwhelmed that I ended up getting nothing from the garden. I'm going smaller this year, but hopefully I can get a few things to enjoy and try a little bit bigger next year.
Farmgirl Sister #4915 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ClaireSky |
Posted - Nov 29 2015 : 1:54:28 PM
I live in a small town that doesn't allow animals either. I buy fresh eggs from my Mother. But, in my back yard I have 3 miniature apple trees, 1 pear tree, 2 plum trees, a sweet cherry tree, 2 red current bushes, 2 blueberry bushes, and rhubarb. I also have 3 raised beds for vegetables. I pick wild blackberries. (10 ice cream pails this year) I also can chicken soup, chili, and sweet and sour chicken. I can or freeze my extras. Each year I feel that I could do better. Sometime I get a bit lazy with watering or weeding the garden.
Julie 
Farmgirl #399
May 2010 Farmgirl of the Month
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog ... Charles F. Doran |
| kitchensqueen |
Posted - Nov 29 2015 : 12:20:24 PM
quote:
Originally posted by churunga
Thanks Amanda. Now about my tomatillos . . .
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice.
You're welcome. :-) For tomatillos - salsa verde!
http://www.apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
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| churunga |
Posted - Nov 29 2015 : 11:44:08 AM
Thanks Amanda. Now about my tomatillos . . .
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| kitchensqueen |
Posted - Nov 29 2015 : 10:36:09 AM
quote:
Originally posted by churunga
I do that but they get too oily. I have to change how I do it.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice.
Have you tried slicing them in half, tossing them with just tablespoon of olive oil, and laying them out on a piece of parchment on your baking sheet? They dry roast them in a very low oven - they should come out nicely dried without too much oil.
If you have a dearth of them, roast some at a higher temp with some fresh thyme and scallions to serve as a side dish with dinner - they are simply marvelous with cod poached in white wine. You could also do fish packets too - cod, white wine, cherry tomatoes, scallions, capers, olives, and thyme wrapped up in each parchment or foil packets. Easy in the oven or on the campfire.
http://www.apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
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| churunga |
Posted - Nov 29 2015 : 10:32:10 AM
I do that but they get too oily. I have to change how I do it.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Nov 29 2015 : 10:30:14 AM
Maie - do you like sundries tomatoes? perhaps you could "sun dry" them n the oven? I have done this before with oil and herbs and they were scrumptious!!! Almost like a candy, but good for you :)
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
| churunga |
Posted - Nov 29 2015 : 10:01:27 AM
I still have a significant number of cherry tomatoes to do something with. I may try to pickle them with other vegetables and can them. I haven't had the chance to research this yet because DH has many projects he wants me to undertake and he won't even take the dogs out for their walks.
I live in a one bedroom apartment in Minneapolis. This city has more cooperative grocery stores than (I think) almost anywhere else, except maybe Portland or Seattle. I don't know. Many private and community gardens dot the city. We also have a group called Youth Farm which has inner city kids growing, selling and cooking real food. I have a nice sized garden where I grow herbs and vegetables. I buried a pumpkin in it this fall and am looking forward to harvesting them. I want to grow pole beans next year. I have three trellises against the wall made of pieces of a futon frame I scavenged from the alley. I want to move the morning glories because they can't climb the wall of the garage. I will move them to the fence where I have a strip of land to plant flowers and herbs. On the other side of that fence is my neighbor's glorious garden. She has really made it a show place and is very generous with her crop.
I have few indoor plants because all we have for ample light is the east window looking out on the backyard. DH likes to store his musical equipment there. (5 guitars, marimba, electronic drums) I would like to open that area up and have a nice container garden.
I like to bake. I have no room to knead dough so I make pan bread which is nice and dense. I make sweet breads, mostly banana and pumpkin. I do not eat much of my own baking and DH doesn't like sweets so I give most of them away. I want to make a cherry pie with a woven lattice top crust like my mom used to make.
I crochet, knit and sew but not too often because I do not have much time. I also have to move six other things to get to sewing machine. Most of the sewing I do is mending. I have plans to make or restyle some clothes for myself. However, DH wants me to make new cushion covers for the couch. <sigh> I told him I would do it if he took the dogs out for their walks.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| kitchensqueen |
Posted - Nov 28 2015 : 7:30:41 PM
I'd love to see a revival on this thread too. Our house is on a small lot in town - we've got three raised beds for vegetables, apple trees, hazelnuts, blueberries and persimmons so far. Our town doesn't allow chickens or bees yet, so no animals. I make my own soaps (laundry, bar and liquid), health and beauty items, and cook from scratch. I sew, knit and crochet (though not particularly well - but practice makes perfect!). I make my own candles. We're focused right now on trying to lower our energy consumption, and our current big homestead project is installing pine shiplap paneling in the living room. We have one of three walls done currently. The fourth wall will get built-in bookcases with a window seat. My current smaller projects are sewing some infinity scarves for Christmas gifts and learning to make home made mascara.
Would love to hear what others are currently (or still) doing to homestead where they are, even if they don't have the dream farm!
http://www.apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
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| Marilyn Hartman Sullivan |
Posted - Apr 02 2015 : 1:46:41 PM
Just found this thread and I am hoping that there will be continuing posts. A while back I came to the realization that waiting to start something big just didn't make as much sense as starting something small! Little bit by little bit, I am making the changes that will hopefully someday bring me to a much more self-sufficient place. And in the meantime I am enjoying each little step. Small step the other day --- made some ant poison from things I had in the house. Mary Jane's been a huge inspiration, as have all of you!
Farmgirl #6318
"Where there's a will -- there's probably a family fight." |
| Lindsay C |
Posted - Dec 10 2014 : 4:26:19 PM
I was thinking of this very thing today. My homesteading for today was to get up and milk the cow before heading to my full-time job. Sometimes it's frustrating to have to go to that full-time job, but for now it's allowing us a way to pay the bills on our little homestead.
Lindsay
Farmgirl Sister #1452
http://crowsonshire.blogspot.com |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Dec 04 2014 : 7:41:12 PM
Keeping it "my size" is perfect for everyone no matter the size of our homestead. Some can do many and big and some of us need to keep it a bit smaller & keep adding skills.
Rae
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| dena91 |
Posted - Dec 04 2014 : 6:59:43 PM
Like most of you, this topic is near and dear to my heart! I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and my take on it right now for me is this: I can do homestead activities each day even if I don't have a farm, lots of livestock, or a huge garden. Right now I am the only one in my family interested in this life style so I need to pick projects I can easily manage on my own - like container gardening, canning produce from local farms, and small stitching projects to name a few. Its so easy for me to dream BIG and then get overwhelmed and discouraged. Keeping it 'my size' helps me enjoy the blessings of this life style, but not get in over my head. Still, there are days when I want it all: a farm, lots of animals, an orchard...Maybe some day some of that will come true, but for now I want to enjoy what I can and be thankful I get to experience this wonderful lifestyle! |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Nov 30 2014 : 03:06:27 AM
Star
You are so right about making it happen! Sometimes my wheels just spin because I have too many things going. I tell my husband one thing at a time but forget for myself. Our dream is so close to happening sometimes, full time farming, just have to take the leap of faith and go.
Thanks for reminder!
Rae
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| star-schipp |
Posted - Nov 29 2014 : 5:39:45 PM
My homestead where you are project this week was to learn about water storage for emergencies.
http://estleschippfarm.blogspot.com/2014/11/skills-saturday-water-storage.html
EstleSchippFarm.blogspot.com
If you can't feed one hundred people, then just feed one. -Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927
Master Food Preserver
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| prayin granny |
Posted - Nov 18 2014 : 05:24:06 AM
Wow! Just found this thread :)
Going to make some coffee, and enjoy reading thru. Also looking into the blog shared!
A topic after my own heart!
Hugs,
Linda
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart
'For I know the plans I have for you......'
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| notathreatinsight |
Posted - Nov 17 2014 : 2:23:22 PM
What a good reminder. I always have a better chance of accomplishing something if I write it down, or make lists. Thanks for the inspiration, Star!
Erin
Farmgirl #3762
~ Let our lives be full of both Thanks and Giving ~
http://www.etsy.com/shop/femmepostale/
http://www.pinterest.com/femmepostale/ |
| star-schipp |
Posted - Nov 16 2014 : 12:54:33 PM
I'm finally realizing that to make my homesteading dreams come true that I have to stop dreaming and start DOING! So my approach now is to BE INTENTIONAL about making things happen. Much of homesteading is in the planning and then the doing so right now, I'm taking all the traditions I want to learn and prioritizing them by what is ONE thing I can do TODAY that will set the stage for my future DOING....today, my husband and I marked some maple trees so we can learn to tap them for sap to process into maple syrup and maple sugar. We almost waited too long since there were few leaves left on the trees but I discovered that the bark on maple trees is kind of distinctive - so check on LEARNING something new today and check on DOING something to move toward the homesteading lifestyle I want!
Peace,
Star
EstleSchippFarm.blogspot.com
If you can't feed one hundred people, then just feed one. -Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927
Master Food Preserver
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| cajungal |
Posted - Aug 29 2014 : 12:40:47 PM
I think I'm doing pretty good on partial homesteading. I, too would love to be totally self sufficient.
I have my meat needs met with chickens, rabbits, goats and turkeys. I have a source for beef.I have eggs and dairy from the goats.
I have a large garden and a small orchard.
Part of my homesteading goals for the upcoming year is to grow fodder in a tray system. I'm hoping it'll bring more nutrition and less feed costs.
After that project, I want to start on an aquaponics system for fish and greens.
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Aug 25 2014 : 11:01:50 AM
I am jealous, a fall garden  . Lucky to be able to have the one & get enough produce. We need to start getting ready for.... Winter. Have sauerkraut a sauering on the counter and almost enough tomatoes to start canning.
Rae
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| cajungal |
Posted - Aug 25 2014 : 06:57:03 AM
Elizabeth, I love the title of your post, "Homestead Where You Are". So true! There is always some form of homesteading or back to basics skills that we can do no matter where we live. We can all be a 'Farmgirl at Heart'.
Today, I am fixing fences to keep coyotes out and getting ready for fall planting.
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jun 07 2014 : 11:26:29 AM
My garden is finally in, too. I have been checking every day for new growth, and everything is coming up just ducky, 'cept for my kale. I've done three plantings so far, and not a seedling to be seen! Visited the nursery the other day and he said to just keep trying. I'm close to giving up, though, and am thinking about planting more spinach instead. We'll see.
Have also been extremely busy canning all sorts of good things: pork, sausage patties, beans, baked beans, carrots, corned beef that I bought on sale back in March... lots of home canned goodness. Makes me so happy! :) My goal is to get my shelves stocked with homecanned and dehydrated goods before fall so we can shop our shelves all winter... I am loving this!
Also, I've decided to just go ahead and try making my own laundry detergent. I've had so much success with the Nellie's brand, but if there is something I can make, I at least want to try. My problem was that I couldn't find washing soda locally, but I found out how to make it at home with plain baking soda, so now I'm "on a mission!" LOL! My son's starting back at work full time next week for the summer, so all my fun projects are patiently awaiting my new found free time! Can't WAIT to get started!
What are you all up to this week?
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Old Spirit |
Posted - May 31 2014 : 05:41:52 AM
I am very excited we got most of our garden in day after Memorial Day which is a big change from the last few years as has been too cold and wet.
I put in so far, tomatoes, beets, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, butternut squash, pumpkins, melon and cucumbers. Still need to get in beans, zucchini and probably some potatoes and onions. If we get them in by next weekend should be ok.
Rae
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| Ninibini |
Posted - May 30 2014 : 07:48:16 AM
SO cool, Elizabeth! I love that arch in the one picture... I should try to make one here. That sure would expand our space! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Madinet85 |
Posted - May 29 2014 : 6:59:00 PM
Here's another one girls, 5 families homesteading in the city:
http://blueyurtfarms.com/5-urban-homesteaders-share-homestead-stories/
I can definitely learn a few things from the garden's in a couple of those stories! WOW!
Farmgirl Sister #4915 |
| Ninibini |
Posted - May 27 2014 : 7:13:00 PM
SUPERTRAMP! "The Logical Song"! That was one of my favorite songs - ALBUMS - in Junior High, Cindy! Love it! I never thought about it that way, but you're absolutely right. I couldn't quite put my finger on what was troubling me the most, but you've hit the nail on the head. Jesus told us to "deny <ourselves>, pick up <our> cross<es>, and follow <Him>." He wasn't about Himself, He was about us. He set THE example, and we are called to follow and be about others for His sake. I really like what you said. I'm going to have to pray about that for a while. THANK YOU! And what a great affirmation the march must've been, too! Awesome!
Elizabeth - I am so excited for you... The sacrifices are so worth it. I love what Dave Ramsey says: "Live today like no one else, so you can LIVE tomorrow like no one else." You GO girl! Don't let anything break your stride! You can do it! Keep up the good work! It really WILL be worth it in the end - in so many more ways than you can imagine!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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