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About the Author

Rebecca Sanderson

Rebecca grew up in a small town with a backyard full of animals. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology. Her background in health and nutrition gives her a unique perspective on animal husbandry as well as the ability to read those awful research papers to find the needed information. In addition to writing, Rebecca also works as a certified personal trainer.

A Love for Weaving

October 5, 2022 · Rebecca Sanderson · Sheep

When asked how long it takes to learn weaving, Linda says, “Well, I’m still learning! But it probably depends on your instruction method.

Fermenting Sauerkraut at Home

August 5, 2022 · Rebecca Sanderson · Canning & Kitchen

Sauerkraut translates literally to “sour cabbage.” Fermenting sauerkraut has been happening for hundreds of years. While we typically think of Germany as the kraut-eating capitol, France actually surpasses Germany in the average consumption of sauerkraut, but don’t tell anybody that I told you that.

Why That Homemade Insecticidal Soap Might Kill Your Garden

June 21, 2022 · Rebecca Sanderson · Self-Reliance, Soapmaking

One of the most prevalent DIY gardening hacks is to make homemade insecticidal soap, but I am here to tell you that it just might kill your garden.

When to Plant Vegetables – Charting for Success all Summer

January 5, 2022 · Rebecca Sanderson · Growing

You can have food throughout the entire growing season as long as you vary what you plant, when you plant, and always have something in every space.

Snow Fence Installation

November 16, 2021 · Rebecca Sanderson · Fences, Sheds & Barns

A snow fence can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be. There are a few simple rules to follow, but a lot of choice when it comes to your unique circumstances.

Making Biodiesel: A Lengthy Process

October 18, 2021 · Rebecca Sanderson · Homesteading

When James began looking into the process of making biodiesel as opposed to buying petrodiesel (what we buy at the gas station), he was hoping for a cheaper alternative to the $4 per gallon that he was spending at the pump. While he did not find that cheaper alternative, biodiesel is much better for the environment.

Home Heating Options for the Homestead

September 20, 2021 · Rebecca Sanderson · Homesteading

With the weather cooling down, it is time to review our home heating options. You probably already have a heating system in place for your home, but is it actually heating your home to the extent that you need?

Fragrance Sensitivity and Allergies

May 22, 2021 · Rebecca Sanderson · Soapmaking

Add to Favorites Fragrance sensitivity and allergies are becoming increasingly common in our society. Unfortunately, artificial fragrances are added to almost every skincare, bath, beauty, and even cleaning product on …

Is All Soap Antibacterial?

May 7, 2021 · Rebecca Sanderson · Soapmaking

We are so often cautioned to wash our hands, with soap, for at least 30 seconds in order to have clean hands and get rid of the bacteria. What happens to the bacteria that were on our hands? Is all soap antibacterial?

How to Make Body Butter, an Easy Recipe

March 20, 2021 · Rebecca Sanderson · Soapmaking

Add to Favorites Learn how to make body butter by following an easy whipped shea body butter recipe. Extra dry skin is not exclusive to the winter months. In the …

A Recipe for the Best Coffee Scrub (or Two or Three)

January 31, 2021 · Rebecca Sanderson · Soapmaking

What makes the best coffee scrub? That depends on what you are specifically using it for. Some people claim the caffeine in a coffee scrub can help reduce cellulite.

How to Make Honey Soap

December 7, 2020 · Rebecca Sanderson · Soapmaking

Honey lends many beneficial qualities to homemade soap, but it can be a touch tricky to work with.

Harnessing Green Tea Skin Benefits in Your Soap

October 18, 2020 · Rebecca Sanderson · Soapmaking

The benefits of green tea are becoming widely known. One way that we can receive green tea skin benefits is by using tea and extract in our soap and other bath and body products.

Making Homemade Lipstick

August 7, 2020 · Rebecca Sanderson · Soapmaking

Add to Favorites Learning how to make homemade lipstick is easy and gives you control over the ingredients. You just need a lip balm base, micas, and containers. In the …

Avoiding Contamination While Making Goat Milk Lotion

June 26, 2020 · Rebecca Sanderson · Soapmaking

Making goat milk lotion isn’t difficult, but there are some steps that shouldn’t be avoided. Care must be taken to reduce and attempt to eliminate any possible bacteria.

What You Can Do with Countryside as Your Guide!

Research-based stories and actionable guidance on growing and preserving food, raising healthy animals, DIY projects, cooking simply and naturally, herbal remedies, and fixing what is broken.

Grow and preserve the most nutritious food for you and your family
Raise healthy animals from pasture to plate
Cook simply and naturally
Build things yourself and take pride in your handiwork
Treat ailments naturally and take control of your own health and longevity
Fix what is broken so you get the most out of your investments
Create your own certainty in an uncertain world
And more!

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