Living Naturally
You probably have a box of cornstarch sitting on a pantry shelf, waiting to thicken your next cream sauce or gravy. But did you know it can also serve as a cheap, nontoxic cleaning product that cuts grease, removes stains, scrubs, deodorizes, untangles, transforms into nontoxic finger paint, and more? Here’s a list of some practical ways to use cornstarch to save money and…
Herbal tinctures are a simple and effective way to harness the healing power of garden herbs. Made by steeping fresh plant materials in alcohol, tinctures concentrate medicinal compounds into a portable, long-lasting remedy. Whether you want to soothe minor ailments or create your own natural medicine cabinet, learning to make herbal tinctures is easier than you might think.What is an Herbal…
Welcome to our Pressure Canning Guide for Beginners! When you preserve your harvest or farmers’ market haul through canning, you maintain the flavor of garden-fresh food at its peak—to store and savor all year long. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to use a pressure canner safely—and which foods can and cannot be pressure canned. Let’s get started!What Is Pressure Canning…
Since many of us live by the clock today, it’s easy to forget that we live in a world of natural seasons and seasonal change. What if we were more in tune with the age-old rhythms of the seasons? There’s much research that shows we would live a healthier, happier, and more productive life. Here are tips on how to live seasonally—and make the most of each season.Every main…
We’ve been harvesting a lot of turkey tail this season. No, we’re not talking about plucking the feathers of a Thanksgiving turkey! Instead, turkey tail is one of the most common medicinal mushrooms, for good reason; it’s a powerhouse of health benefits. See how to incorporate these mushrooms into meals to keep immune systems strong.What Is Turkey Tail Mushroom?Turkey tail (Trametes…
Have you ever wanted to make your own herbal tea blends at home? Infusing tea with dried herbs is simple, affordable, and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients (like lavender, marshmallow root, or mint), you can create unique tea recipes that are soothing, energizing, or even healing. This guide will show you how to infuse tea step by step, plus share the best herbs to try for delicious,…
If you spend hours sitting—whether at a desk, crafting table, or couch—you’re not alone. But too much sitting comes with serious health risks, from heart disease to higher stress. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life to see benefits. Small “microbreaks” and a few minutes outdoors can boost your energy, sharpen focus, and even improve long-term well-being. Here’s how simple movement…
If you’d like to make fruit jam, jelly, pickles, or other pickled vegetables, you can lock in that peak of taste and freshness for up to a year simply by boiling your jars in water. This is called “water-bath canning.” Learn how to water-bath can—and find delicious recipes!Note: Sometimes, Water-Bath Canning is called “Hot Water Canning” or “Boiling Water Bath.” It’s all the same. The…
Who says you need a passport to unwind? Whether you’re garden-tied, money-tight, or just really into your bathtub, these staycation ideas are your ticket to mini escapes—no TSA required. From enjoying backyard firepits to baking blueberry pie, your next vacation is as close as your own front door.What Is a Staycation? A “staycation” is a vacation spent at or near home—perfect for…
The humble beet, when steamed, boiled, roasted, pickled, borscht’d—but especially served raw—is nutritious and offers many health benefits. Beets may stain your cutting board—and your fingers—but they might also save your heart, sharpen your brain, and get you through leg day. Here’s how.Why Beets Are HealthyIf you’ve never considered beets for breakfast, snacks, or potluck food, these…
Movement helps your health, but stepping outside, even just for a walk in the woods, takes it to another level. A growing body of research shows that time in nature—what the Japanese call forest bathing—is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) ways to boost your health and well-being.The Proven Health Benefits of NatureA substantial body of research consistently shows that time…
Why hang laundry on a clothesline when dryers exist? Simple: because line-drying is eco-friendly, budget-smart, and surprisingly satisfying. From avoiding dryer damage to soaking in that sweet sunshine scent, here are 10 reasons to let your laundry dance in the breeze—plus a funny story about how a clothesline gift got mistaken for a pole-dancing kit!I started out with an outdoor clothesline…