A frequent question I get from newbies to a more self sufficient lifestyle...is what exactly is a homestead? What does it mean to be a homesteader? If you google this question you will come up with many different answers. For me the most simplistic way to describe what I mean when I refer to homesteading, having a homestead, and being a homesteader is this... What is Urban Homesteading? A homestead is a productive home, a home that brings value. To be a homesteader is to work within or around … [Read more...]
Why I Shop at Aldi To Save Money
Only two to three years ago I was mainly shopping at Giant Eagle and Trader Joe's for our food and household needs. I still love Trader Joe's and will stop in whenever I am in the area but my heart has changed. I am an Aldi convert. The bulk of my grocery shopping is done there and I do not see that changing as long as I am within 50 miles of an Aldi. Luckily I have one about five minutes away from me currently. Two years ago I was spending $1200 a month easily at grocery stores. Nowadays the … [Read more...]
Straw Bale Gardening
If you have enough space for a bale of straw, then you have enough space for a garden. Growing vegetables in a straw bale is easy, fun and a good way to inspire kids to start gardening. A straw bale acts much like a raised bed, you just plant directly in the bale. It is a great gardening method to use in areas that have poor soil, or if your dwelling has minimal outdoor space. Use these tips to grow your own straw bale garden. Location Any flat surface that receives at least 6 hours of … [Read more...]
Cutting Cable From the Budget, Easier Than You Think!
Whenever you read articles or blog posts about budgeting and saving money there is always, always a tip to disconnect your cable and save $80-100+ a month. While I cannot dispute that this is a great tip and great way to save money, I was always firmly in the heck no camp. I don't watch a huge amount of TV but I do have some shows I like to watch...Property Brothers, Outlander, Grimm, Supernatural, etc. Some of those I could watch on my computer but honestly I don't enjoy watching that way. … [Read more...]
Back to School Shopping for all Seasons
It’s that time. Time to go back to school and get all of the supplies you will need for the coming school year. It might be tempting to buy clothes for all weather scenarios that might arise during the school year. If you did that, though, it would probably be a mistake. You’ll just end up spending more money than you need to. In fact if you wait until the back to school season to do most or all of your school related shopping then you ARE spending too much money. I know, I know everyone is … [Read more...]
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