News
How to Start Seeds Indoors – A Prepper’s Guide
Starting seeds indoors should be a vital part of any prepper’s food security plan. You do not need a greenhouse nor a lot of expensive equipment to successfully provide all the plants you will need. Even preppers with space and light limitations can start seeds to grow their own garden plants. Growing your own vegetable, herb, medicinal and edible flower seeds indoors will save you money that can be used to purchase other valuable preparedness gear because you do not have to purchase plants for the survival garden. The money saved by growing your own plants can also be funneled...
A Little Love Goes a Long Way: Easy French Macarons
Perhaps it's the rainbow of cheerful hues, the adorable two-bite size, or - most likely - the perfect crisp-chewy texture, but I just can't get enough of French macarons. Even when I'm stuffed to the gills, I can always make room for these tiny, delicate pastries. True, macarons can be temperamental (meringue is the capricious culprit), but they do respond wonderfully to patience, encouragement, and a loving touch. So before you dismiss the idea of making these little lovelies at home, we've found an easy French recipe that breaks down the uncooperative veneer of the elusive macaron. Although part of...
DIY Fabric Basket Tote {free sewing pattern}
The Basket Tote is a beautiful bag that makes a great purse too. There are two interior pockets. The handles aren't super long like shoulder straps, but I can fit this bag on my shoulder anyway. The bag has a bound top edge that matches the handles (if you want) and it is a nice roomy size. The center panel is quilted and there is piping that separates the middle from the sides. Don't leave off the piping... It adds a professional touch and hides mistakes, I promise!{Hey! This free pattern is included in my Ultimate List of Fast and Easy...
Eggcellent Adventures: The (Eggstremely) Fine Art of Carving Eggshells
If you happened to read our recent feature article on the eggstraordinary creations carved by egg artists, chances are you’re wondering how the magic happens. If this is your introduction to this delicate craft, hopefully just reading this article’s title has piqued your interest. To further egg you on — well, just keep reading! Shown here in five stages of its creation by self-taught egg artist Linda Martin, Blue Zircon incorporates multiple artistic techniques — including cutting, carving, appliqué, and the installation of a tiny hinge — to transform an ordinary goose egg into a fanciful crystal-bedecked trinket box that...
Once you have become a seasoned veggie gardener, the next logical step is to preserve seeds from your own crops for future plantings – and future food.
Seed saving can save you money, and it is a fun way to geek out, gardener style. With carrots in particular, the return on your investment is astonishing. Each individual plant can produce over 1,000 flowers, so for each carrot that you allow to go to seed now, you could potentially grow a thousand in the future. Looking at things that way, it’s pretty easy to do the math and realize that saving seeds is worth the bit of extra effort this gardening project requires. In order to get the highest quality harvest from your future garden, you’ll need to...