How to get the Most out of your Solar Panels

How to get the Most out of your Solar Panels

If you’ve made the decision to install solar panels on your home, congratulations! You’re making a smart investment that will pay off in the long run while also increasing your ability to be self-reliant. But just because you have solar panels doesn’t mean that you 

How to Save Money on Firewood

How to Save Money on Firewood

Heating with wood is a great alternative for self-reliant folks who want to provide more of their own resources. But doing so can be expensive if you don’t get an affordable system set up to burn firewood the right way; likewise, firewood can be pretty 

How to use Reverse Osmosis for Maple Syrup

How to use Reverse Osmosis for Maple Syrup

Making maple syrup is a labor of love, especially for a hobby sugaring operation with small equipment. Reverse osmosis is a process that can speed up syrup production by removing a significant amount of water from the sap before you put it in your evaporator.  

How to Clean Maple Sap Buckets

How to Clean Maple Sap Buckets

Cleaning maple sap buckets after you collect sap, or in preparation for this year’s collection, is essential for food safety. Clean sap buckets ensure that you are not introducing any pathogens or bacteria into the sap that you are collecting to make maple syrup. Cleaning 

Acts of Kindness for 2020

Acts of Kindness for 2020

Looking for a kindness list that is safe for social distancing? We see a lot of lists of acts of kindness come out during the holiday season, but in 2020 there are many that don’t apply. We can’t as easily give hugs, visit a local 

How to Build a Bean Teepee

How to Build a Bean Teepee

Bean teepees are a vertical gardening option for growing pole means. These bean towers are an awesome addition to your garden for many reasons.  First, they are a great example of vertical gardening – going up with your garden can help save space and allow you 

How to Make a Borax Ant Trap

How to Make a Borax Ant Trap

A borax ant trap is a simple solution for getting rid of ants. It is easy to make and use. Many households will already have the ingredients on hand. They are also pretty cheap. You can get a whole box of Borax (which you can 

How to Upcycle a Flannel Shirt: Six Simple Sewing Projects

How to Upcycle a Flannel Shirt: Six Simple Sewing Projects

With one flannel shirt, you can make up to 6 sewing projects ranging from clothing to gifts to practical items!

How to Make Beeswax Leather Conditioner & Shoe Polish

How to Make Beeswax Leather Conditioner & Shoe Polish

This recipe for beeswax shoe polish and leather conditioner creates a beeswax balm that conditions and polishes leather. It can be used on any leather product including boots, purses, and even baseball gloves! As an avid thrift store shopper, I have seen so many pairs 

How to Boil Maple Sap more Efficiently

How to Boil Maple Sap more Efficiently

Over years of experimentation with maple sugaring methods, we’ve learned a few important tips for boiling more efficiently.