About the Author

Marissa Ames

Editor of Goat Journal and Backyard Poultry magazines, Marissa Ames runs a small homestead in Fallon, Nevada, where she focuses on saving and propagating rare breeds of goats and garden vegetables. She and her husband, Russ, travel to Africa where they serve as agricultural advisors for the nonprofit I Am Zambia. She spends her free time eating lunch.

How to Make Coconut Oil Soap

May 3, 2021 · Marissa Ames · Soapmaking

Sold in several forms, coconut oil is used for cooking, in candies, within lotions and lip balms, and rubbed directly onto dry skin. You can also learn how to make coconut oil soap and harness its cleansing properties.

Starting Your Own Seeds

January 16, 2021 · Marissa Ames · Growing

Starting your own seeds saves considerable money over buying plants from a nursery. It also avoids introducing devastating bacteria and fungi to your garden.

Easy Melt and Pour Soap Recipes for Holiday Giving

December 15, 2020 · Marissa Ames · Soapmaking

Want a fun project that kids can do? Try easy melt and pour soap recipes for holiday giving.

Alternative Heating Ideas for Price Hikes and Power Outages

November 20, 2020 · Marissa Ames · Self-Reliance

Growing up, I got in big trouble for turning on the heat. And we walked to school uphill both ways and then came home to milk the pigs, right? Actually, we did have a house rule prohibiting electric heat. Firewood was much cheaper.

Manna Pro® Celebrates 4-H Partnership with Photo Sweepstakes and Fundraiser

April 13, 2020 · Marissa Ames · Homesteading

The mosaic photo sweepstakes runs through April 30th. First place receives $6,000 and limited-edition Manna Pro champion pins, second place receives $3,000, and third place receives $1,000.

Ask Our Expert Soapmakers

September 16, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Soapmaking Ask the Expert

Do you have a soapmaking question? You’re not alone! Check here to see if your question has already been answered.

How Rabbit Farming Differs in the Winter

February 13, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Homesteading

Add to Favorites Whether you’re raising meat rabbits or rabbits for show, rabbit farming changes seasonally. What works in summer may not work in winter. And though rabbits are one …

Sewing Rabbit Hides

February 13, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Homesteading

Add to Favorites Leather is notoriously difficult to work with, but stitching rabbit hides isn’t much different from sewing thick cloth. Different rabbit breeds produce different types of fur. Most …

About the Author

Marissa Ames

Articles by Marissa Ames