Lehman’s Tiny House has arrived!
Simple living in a small space might be just what you need. Big houses come with big bills and big chores and sometimes – big headaches. Which is why we’re pleased to announce the unveiling of Lehman’s Tiny House on a Tiny Homestead on April 20 at our store in Kidron, Ohio. There is no charge to attend the event, which will be held from 10 am to 3 pm. Continue reading
Doug and Stacy standing on the front porch of their off grid cabin
Editor’s Note: Today we’re welcoming two very special guest bloggers, Doug and Stacy from the popular YouTube channel OFF GRID with DOUG and STACY. They’re sharing with us their journey to a simpler life. Enjoy! Continue reading
As people, we love love. You love love, I love love, everyone loves love!
It feels great to love other people, things, places, everything. Feeling love is a fundamental part of what makes us human. It connects us all and gives us all something in common – we all want to love and be loved. The complex, wonderful thing that is ‘love’ guides all living things to act not only for themselves but for others, too, and that is what keeps the world going! Continue reading
Editor’s Note: Here’s the second installment of Glenda’s Simplify Your Life series. If you missed the first part, you can read it here. And feel free to share with us your journey to a simpler life in the comments below.
A simpler life is about taking another step forward on your journey to an intentional, fulfilling life. But why live a simpler life? Continue reading
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
– Leonardo Da Vinci, brilliant Renaissance artist
I am not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. Why should there be only one day a year when you are encouraged to make a fresh start?
That said, the beginning of a new year does make me think of ways to improve myself and the world in which I take up space. Because we stand for a simpler life, allow me to share some simple living thoughts running around my already-crowded brain this January. Continue reading
Winter is a time of sleep and rest. The work is still there, and it’s not easier…in fact, it’s often harder when you’re dealing with ice and extra shelter and bedding, and worrying about animals being warm enough. (Note: They are…Mother Nature gives them a natural winter coat. It’s not uncommon to see my Great Pyrenees out in 0 degree weather lying in the snow!) Continue reading
Oil lamps are not only a sustainable source of light, but they also provide a tranquil glow to your home.
Living simply begins with making sustainable choices, from the food you eat to the light you use. A staple in our Amish community, oil lamps and lanterns are a dependable, sustainable source of light that never need an outlet. It’s no wonder that after all these years, folks around the world still use them – from remote, off-the-grid areas to suburban power outages. Continue reading
We hear all kinds of advice for novice homesteaders, those brave souls just venturing into the exciting world of self-sufficiency. But eventually novice homesteaders become experienced homesteaders. Through a combination of book learning and trial-and-error, people learn the intricacies of country skills and lead lives of great independence. Continue reading
Photo courtesy of Sarah B. Gilliam
When I have procured my firewood and get it back to the woodlot at my farm, the fun really begins. Despite their necessity in working up a truck load of firewood, I really don’t like using chainsaws. They are loud, heavy, smelly and even in the most skilled and experienced of hands, supremely dangerous. Some people enjoy revving them up and feeling powerful with that big ole saw in their hands, but not me. The saw has the juice, not the worker. However, when I have an axe in my hand and pile of wood, I know that I will be the one powering through this stuff and turning it into a nice neat stack of fuel. Continue reading
Photo courtesy of Sarah B. Gilliam
Since childhood, I’ve always felt burning wood was a cherished pastime. There are few things I place as much importance in on our farm as I do the cutting, hauling, splitting and stacking of firewood. The entire process is sacred and rewarding to me. Walking out to the woodlot during a warm summer evening as the fireflies begin their nightly show and taking stock of what I have ready for this winter, for next, and beyond, brings great satisfaction. There the firewood is stacked on pallets in rows fifty feet long and as I walk around the woodlot, I know I will have no trouble keeping my family warm, no matter how cold winter will get. Continue reading
