Author Archives: myurbanhomesteadstl

We finally got to the end of our disposable hand soaps. I hated all the plastic that was being thrown away, but I also didn’t want to waste them by starting something new. So many months later, we are finally done with them! Huzzah! I decided that I wanted to start making my own handContinue reading “Foaming Hand Soap”

With my garden always expanding and with plans to more than triple the current size, I needed to find a more sustainable and more inexpensive way to get seedlings. I have never started seeds indoors before, but I figured I’d give it a try! I did a lot of research on how others set upContinue reading “Setting Up the Indoor “Greenhouse””

We had a boatload of basil come in from our 12 plants and between drying it and using fresh, we still had lots leftover. So Pesto it is! I’ve never been much of a pine nut fan, so for Pesto, I much prefer to use walnuts. However, the lovely thing about Pesto is you canContinue reading “Walnut Pesto”

Pico is such a delicious, fresh summer item. It’s especially wonderful if you can use produce that is right from your garden, but story bought is great as well! It is great with just chips or as a topping on burgers, nachos, or whatever else you’d like. Ingredients: 1 medium onion 2 jalapenos 3 mediumContinue reading “Pico de Gallo”

I don’t normally think of eating soup on a 90 degree day, but it just sounded so good! It’s both light and hardy. Yum! It can be a little labor intensive, but you can prep portions in advance to make the actual cooking much simpler. Start by making the meatballs. The meatballs can be madeContinue reading “Italian Wedding Soup”

There are times when I have considered purchasing a new Hybrid or all electric vehicle. Then I think about all the carbon emissions that are spread in order create the car in the first place. So, I am here today to explain why being used vehicles can many times be better than buying new, evenContinue reading “Sustainable Saturday: Buy Used”

Also, in case you missed the April video…

Making your own pickles is so simple and much more delicious than store bought pickles! This recipe makes pickles in less than a day and they are so yummy! Ingredients: 2-3 cucumbers 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tbsp garlic 1 tsp red pepper flakes 1/2 tspContinue reading “Quickish Pickles”

It dawned on me recently that I never shared a more detailed post about my chickens. I started out with a goal of bringing home four hens. In January, I placed an order with a hatchery for four pullets to be picked up in May. Just for clarity, pullets are young hens that are notContinue reading “Welcome Home Hens”

White vinegar is your friend! It is an all natural product that is so useful! Uses: 1. Cleaning product 2. Weed killer 3. Buttermilk (plus whole milk) 4. Disinfectant 5. Hair rinse 6. Oder elimination 7. Pet urine cleaner Know more? Let me know! 😁