How did you start being more self sufficient?

[lcwmt]

-snip-
Somethings, we just can't achieve with any reliability. Bread and All Purpose flour is simply too hard to do with a home mill. So we buy those in bulk along with sugar, spices, etc. -snip-

All the bread that is consumed in this (small) household is baked by us. We grind our own flour as needed - but do need to purchase the wheat berries. They are grown in the county, so reasonably fresh and very local.
Perhaps it would be a bigger effort if we were a larger household, dunno but think it's a time management issue. We both work from home, that helps.

 

[lazy gardener]

1 bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated and melted in about a qt of water.

Add 1 C Arm and Hammer Washing Soda, and 1 C Borax, with enough hot water to make 5 gallons. Mix well. I melt the FN on top of the kitchen stove, or on the side burner of the gas grill if weather permits. Then, I complete the rest of the mixing out on the deck b/c my lungs can't handle the heavy soap smell. I then pour the detergent into large jugs, and shake it well before every load.

I have a front load washer, and use about 6 oz. of this detergent/lg. load. When I put it in the soap dispenser, I follow it with an other cup of water b/c the soap can be thick, and sludge up under the dispenser.

 

[Junochick]

I make a powder laundry I grate 1 bar fels naptha or zote ,1 box of borax ,1 box washing soda mix and use 1 table spoon per load. I'm happy with how well it cleans.

 

[deepbluesea]

We bought 13 acres in the woods on a river in May of this year. We have a woodstove in our cabin for heat. I started a vegetable garden and flower garden. I planted blueberries and blackberries. I built a coop for 2 breeds of chickens( divided coop) and a hoop coop for guineas. We are having a goat shed built for Nigerian Dwarf goats. And i am going to either build or buy a greenhouse. I have a pair of pet rabbits but considering buying meat rabbits. There is lots of game here, bears, rabbits, deer, turkey and quail. Oh geese and ducks at the river at times as well. View attachment 1202607 View attachment 1202608

Gorgeous land! This is my dream--acreage on water.

 

[deepbluesea]

I started growing herbs, because it bugged me to buy them from the store and have them get all nasty in the fridge. And they're expensive. Self sufficiency has been increasing in fits and starts since then.

After the herbs, I built a couple of raised beds and tried various heirloom veggies. After that, I was on a roll! Now I have four raised beds, a couple of berry patches and a pomegranate bush. I also start seeds for friends and colleagues in the winter/spring and sell them. It's developed into a nice little side gig---I'm not sure the net, but I made several hundred dollars. And I'd do it for free because starting seeds makes me happy.

And, of course, the chickens. I sell some of my eggs to friends when I have 'em, which may defray the cost, but doesn't cover it.

After that it was learning how to preserve what I grow--canning, dehydrating and freezing.

Someone said it above--the best thing you can do is get out of debt and save, save save. It gives you choices and freedom and peace of mind. I'm working hard on this but have a long way to go.

Have fun!

 

[henless]

Thank you LG & Juno for your soap recipes. I appreciate both of you sharing with me (and others) so that we can give it a try.

 

[Junochick]

Thank you LG & Juno for your soap recipes. I appreciate both of you sharing with me (and others) so that we can give it a try.

Your welcome

 

[lazy gardener]

YVW.

 

[Mraya]

I started by making my own soaps and moisturizers
Then I studied up on wild edible plants.
Now I am working on raising chickens and pigs

Tip: Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to rinse cycle instead of fabric softener.

 

[CapricornFarm]

I started by making my own soaps and moisturizers
Then I studied up on wild edible plants.
Now I am working on raising chickens and pigs

Tip: Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to rinse cycle instead of fabric softener.

What kind of pigs? I liked the guinea hogs i had.