DIY projects. Just the thing to test the strength of a marriage. And ours was definitely tested with this DIY corner floating shelf.I've often wondered how people like Chip & Joanna Gaines can pull the endless-project-ness off. Oh, that's right. They have a crew of 30 experts to help them.Alas, we do not. But what we do have … [Read more...]
Fall Activities That {surprisingly} the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Fall Activities Don't you just LOVE fall?Most people would probably cry tears of sadness thinking about the end of summer, but for us folks in Arizona, where the temps make us cry tears of sweat, we welcome the fall with open arms.I tell ya', this summer has been rough for lots of people -- with the dry weather, scorching sun, & … [Read more...]
How much does a Goat Cost?
Goat life. There ain't nothin' like it. Sure goats are mischievous, but their cuddly, playful nature can win over anybody.So, the question is, how much does a goat cost, and will one fit easily into your life? Goats are hilarious, and trust me, after you see the cost breakdown I think you'll be ready to start your goat-shopping … [Read more...]
17 Pygmy Goats That Will Melt Your Heart
(photo credit: kysme photography)You know what's better than baby goats? Pygmy baby goats.Pygmy goats are the tiniest goats in the world and their fluffiness will melt your little heart.Pygmy goats actually originate from Africa, where they were primarily bred for meat. But we're not going to talk about that, are we? Nope. … [Read more...]
Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker
Living in Arizona has its benefits. We arguably have the most authentic Mexican cuisine this side of the border.Here in Arizona you're not gonna find "Tex-Mex wanna-be" recipes.Nope, here you'll find amazing flavor that is as authentic as they come. Well, as authentic as us Americans can make it ;)One of the best adaptations I've … [Read more...]
Ten Things They Don’t Tell You About Homesteading
Oh, homesteading. You crafty little bugger.You've got my heart, but you've also got my blood, sweat, & tears. As a seasoned homesteader, I thought I'd share some things most people don't talk about when it comes to homesteading. Because you need a farmy friend to tell you the truth. So that's what I'm'a gonna do.Whether you've … [Read more...]
6 Kinds of Sheep’s Milk Cheese You Should Try Today
Sheep's milk cheese? Is that a thing? Although sheep's milk seems rare and hard to find, sheep cheeses are available in almost every grocery store. You may have already eaten sheep’s cheese without knowing it, as some of the most famous imported cheeses are (or, at least, can be) made from sheep milk: Feta (Greece, Italy, and France), Ricotta and … [Read more...]
This is Why You’ll Fall in Love with Nigerian Dwarf Goats
They're adorable, they're naughty, and odds are you'll be taking one home soon. Nigerian Dwarf goats are the puppies of the goat world, and they're becoming the goat to get. With their small, furry bodies and zest for jumping on everything, they're pretty much irresistible.So, where does this breed originate from and why are they rising in … [Read more...]
Building a Goat Pen: Step by Step Videos
In all my years of owning goats... Never has anything proved quite as frustrating as building a strong goat pen.You'd think that goats (being relatively small & docile) wouldn't be so tough to contain.But oh no.It's like Jurassic Park over here.Except, instead of being killed and/or eaten, you just have a goat staring at you … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life on our Urban Farm
Seven years ago we were newbies at urban farming... We didn't know how to grow anything and, truth be told, I was a teensy bit afraid of chickens.I had always been interested in urban farming, but it wasn't until I was married and had kids of my own that I took my farming dream seriously. At the time my dream developed we were living in a … [Read more...]
The Best Duck Breeds for Beginners
Are ducks right for me? Ducks are a great animal to start with if you are considering adding livestock to your life, but of all the duck breeds which one should you pick? Farm or not, having these adorable waddlers in your backyard is always entertaining! They are small and easy to handle, tend to be quite hardy, rarely become aggressive, most … [Read more...]
Make a Free Goat House from PALLETS
Your goats may not know it yet... But they're about to move into their very own goat house. It might not be the fanciest one on the block, but it's got farmhouse written all over it.Because, you know, goats care about that sort of thing.And the best part is that you can build your goat house with free -- or at the very least -- cheap … [Read more...]
What Worm Castings can Bring to your Soil
Forget Composting! Let Worms do all the Work. Worm castings are an amazing soil amendment, loaded with nutrients in a form plants can use, lots of organic matter, and some other interesting and useful stuff added by the worms. They are crumbly, chocolate-brown, fluffy and fine-textured, and have the rich, sweet aroma of a forest floor. Mmm…mm, … [Read more...]
Grow Your Own Butterfly Garden
Of all the visitors to my garden... Butterflies are perhaps the most magical. There's just something about these gentle creatures with their colorful, dancing wings that makes my garden complete. Many butterflies are attracted to the nectar offered by the colorful flowers I grow in my garden, but nectar-bearing flowers are just part of the story: … [Read more...]
Chicken Plucker: The quickest way to get the job done.
There are two kinds of chicken people in this world. Those who pluck their own, and those who build themselves a chicken plucker because ain't no way in hell they're gonna pluck another chicken ever again.I'm of the latter. (can you tell??)It all started back in 2012 when I decided we were going to try to raise our own meat … [Read more...]
Buying Milking Goats: Everything you need to know
Disclaimer: I'm that weird friend of yours that milks goats. Yep, we have goats right in our backyard and yep, each day we walk outside with a pail and squeeze away until we have about a half gallon of the stuff.After that it gets brought inside to be strained into clean mason jars and chilled in the fridge until we're ready to...that's … [Read more...]