Windows Didn’t Fix My Electric Bill, So What’s Next?

Home Energy Efficiency: Beyond New Windows

I used to think upgrading my windows would be the magic bullet for my home’s energy efficiency. Like many of you, I was hoping for a noticeable dip in my electric bill. After all, the old ones were drafty, and I envisioned crisp, cool air staying inside during summer and warm air remaining cozy within … Read more

From Concrete to Cucumbers: My Backyard Transformation

From Concrete to Cucumbers: My Backyard Garden Transformation

Back in 2025, my suburban backyard was mostly forgotten. A patchy lawn, a tired swing set, and a whole lot of unused space. I looked at it and saw a missed opportunity. Today, it’s a different story. It’s a vibrant, productive garden buzzing with life, and it all started with a simple idea: to grow … Read more

Compost Magic: Building Better Soil, One Kitchen Scrap at a Time

Composting Tips for Healthier Soil and a Thriving Garden

Hey everyone, Elias here! If you’ve been following along, you know how much I love getting my hands dirty in the garden. This year, like most years, my backyard is bursting with life, and a lot of that success comes down to something surprisingly simple: healthy soil. And guess what’s one of the best ways … Read more

Fresh Eggs & Backyard Fun: Why Keeping Chickens Might Be Your Next Favorite Hobby

Backyard Chicken Keeping: Fresh Eggs and Sustainable Living

There’s something incredibly rewarding about stepping out into your backyard and collecting a warm, fresh egg. For me, that simple pleasure is part of a larger, more sustainable way of living that I love to share with you all. Many of you know my passion for gardening and growing our own food. Adding backyard chickens … Read more

Grow Your Own Flavor: Simple Steps to a Thriving Summer Garden

Summer Garden Success: Soil Health, Seasonal Planting, and Sustainable Practices

Summer is in full swing here in the Midwest, and my garden is absolutely bursting with life. The tomatoes are heavy on the vine, the peppers are starting to ripen, and the zucchini… well, let’s just say there’s plenty to go around! There’s something incredibly rewarding about growing your own food. It’s not just about … Read more

Thinking About Homesteading? Let’s Talk Practicalities.

Homesteading: What You Need to Know Before You Go Rural

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of chatter about the homesteading dream – packing up, moving to the country, and living off the land. It’s a romantic idea, I get it. There’s something deeply appealing about self-sufficiency and a closer connection to nature. My own garden has given me a taste of that satisfaction, but … Read more

Dream Homestead: Planning for Practicality and Place

A rustic wooden table displaying a detailed hand-drawn homestead plan with sketches of gardens

Hey everyone, Elias here! Today, I want to dive into something that sparks a lot of conversation in our community: the idea of homesteading. Recently, I came across a candidate’s detailed homestead plan, and it got me thinking about the practical side of making such a dream a reality. It’s not just about a romantic … Read more

Water Wise: Simple Ways to Use Greywater in Your Garden

Water Wise: Simple Ways to Use Greywater in Your Garden

Hey everyone, Elias here! Today, I want to talk about something close to my heart: making every drop count in our gardens. We all know how precious water is, especially during the warmer months. That’s why I’ve been looking into greywater systems, and I’m excited to share some practical tips with you all. What Exactly … Read more

From Neighborhood Spat to Native Oasis: One Gardener’s Victory!

From Neighborhood Spat to Native Oasis: One Gardener's Victory!

Hey fellow gardeners and nature lovers! I was so excited to read about a recent win for native gardening that I just had to share. You know how much I love digging in the dirt and seeing our local ecosystems thrive. Well, there’s a story out there that really highlights why that passion matters. It … Read more