Building our self-sufficient lifestyle one level at a time.
If you’re planting backyard fruit trees or small orchard, you may have heard that mason bees can help with pollination. Here are 4 simple steps that can help you attract mason bees to your fruit trees. Step 4 includes directions for making your own mason bee house. 
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Here’s an easy, DIY, no sew fabric scrap craft that’s great for kids and grown-ups. Use up some of your fabric stash to make these wreaths that work as a garland, napkin holders or ornaments for any holiday. Bonus, they make great handmade gifts for any occasion! 
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Learn how to make your own blown eggs for Easter so you can use them all season for decorating and crafting. This DIY tutorial takes you from egg to ornament with suggestions for decorating and making ornaments. This is an Easter and spring craft for kids and adults alike! 
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If you’re wondering how to make natural dyes for Easter eggs, I suggest you begin by reading this article. After you’ve tried it once or twice, making your own natural dyes each holiday will be easy for you and you can start experimenting with new materials. Just for the sake of science, we’ve included a comparison we did of homemade natural dyes and purchased natural dyes. We’ve also included tips and troubleshooting! 
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Sometimes you just don’t have time to wait for spring, or you’ve waited too long to get the spring garden started. Other times, you’re stuck at home with illness or pregnancy but still need to feed your family. Ah, quarantines! Here are six ideas for foods you can quickly produce – grow food fast on your counter and in the garden (including pots)! 
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If you’re frustrated trying to find homemade, natural green dye that actually works for your St. Patrick’s Day cookies, look no further! I have three cookie decoration methods, including buttercream frosting, that I’ve started using to incorporate that tricky green natural food coloring. I finally found a way to decorate St. Patrick’s Day cookies that’s easy and homemade! 
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Direct sow means you can plant these herb seeds right into your garden so they’re close to your kitchen and easy to harvest. With direct sow herbs you don’t need to mess with indoor seed starting or transplanting! These direct sow herbs are great for beginners, small space gardeners, and DIYers alike. 
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Here are 6+ tips to budget family holidays this year. No need to stress or have anxiety about the approaching holidays if you follow these simple steps. Includes access to a FREE book for planning ALL your holiday needs. 
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Learn how to make herbal holiday wreaths for table decorations, napkin rings and useful gifts. These DIY wreaths can be made from vines and herbs your grown in your own garden. Suitable for any holiday throughout the year using seasonal herbs, these wreaths are so simple even the kids can help make them! In fact, consider these herbal holiday wreaths for your next holiday craft party! 
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Learn how to use upcycled wood – like barn wood and pallet wood – to make simple farmhouse holiday porch signs. The rough nature of the wood gives each sign a rustic texture and makes them tough enough for indoor/outdoor use. Save money and make your own porch signs for every season – fall, winter, spring or everyday! Save money this Halloween, Christmas and Fourth of July with some old wood and a little paint!
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