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About the Author

Marissa Ames

Editorial Director for Ogden Publications, 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 Rabbit Farming Differs in the Winter

December 20, 2022 · Marissa Ames · Homesteading, Rabbits

Whether you’re raising meat rabbits or rabbits for show, rabbit farming changes seasonally. What works in summer may not work in winter.

Easy Melt and Pour Soap Recipes for Holiday Giving

December 7, 2022 · Marissa Ames · Holiday, Soapmaking

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

Why Learn to Graft Fruit Trees? Because it can save you a LOT of money.

January 28, 2022 · Marissa Ames · Growing

Learn how to graft fruit trees using the “whip and tongue” technique to produce fruit from different species and varieties in a small space.

Starting Your Own Seeds

January 20, 2022 · 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.

Beyond Straw Bale Gardens: The Six-Week Greenhouse

December 21, 2021 · Marissa Ames · Growing

A new gardening trend gathered steam in 2013: grow vegetables out of an agricultural waste product, with a method that eases the back while building soil for future gardens. Straw bale gardening drew a lot of skepticism. But it works.

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.

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.

Sewing Rabbit Hides

February 13, 2019 · Marissa Ames · Homesteading, Rabbits

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 …

What You Can Do with Countryside as Your Guide!

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