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11 Lessons Learned from 11 Years of Rural Living

Victoria Gazeley — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 00:00:06 +0000

Eleven years. I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around it. Yet here we are. It was a snowy March afternoon in 2009 when we moved into our little renovated-with-much-love cabin in the woods and began our rural living journey. I had BIG plans. HUGE. Too huge, it was soon to become obvious. My […]

Homeschooling Resources from a 16 Year Old Home Learner (for Parents)

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 03:39:18 +0000

Suddenly facing online schooling for your child? A 16 year homelearner describes his favourite and most rewarding methods of learning... all from home.

What is ‘Modern Homesteading’, Anyway?

Victoria Gazeley — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 12:00:26 +0000

So we’re finally back to writing and sharing our rural living journey. It’s been a LOOOOOOONG time – the last time I posted anything new was over two years ago (July 1, 2014, to be exact). Yikes. We’ve been active on Facebook, but as for the blog, it’s been terribly neglected. I’ve sat down to write […]

Summer Rural Living Celebration!

Victoria Gazeley — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 18:58:43 +0000

I thought it was about time for another giveaway for new or aspiring modern homesteaders! This time we’ve got a bundle of books and resources that I’ve been sent the last couple of years. Here’s what’s included in the bundle: Permaculture Fast Track – Learn to Live More Sustainably and Healthier (DVD) – Open Permaculture […]

How to Care for a Refinished Cast Iron Sink

Victoria Gazeley — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 12:11:30 +0000

(Updated June 10, 2014 – originally published December 2012) Nothing says ‘country decor’ more than a vintage cast iron sink. Except maybe a log cabin. Or a big pick-up truck. But nothing says ‘botulism’ or some other sort of nasty bacterial infection more than a vintage cast iron sink that’s been scratched and chipped and […]

Homeopathy on the Homestead

Victoria Gazeley — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:05:19 +0000

It’s no secret that I’m dedicated to natural healthcare – for my family AND our animals. Short of a couple of absolute emergencies (which are few and far between, thankfully), we’re pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medication free, and have been for the better part of 20 years. And as I learn more about how to use […]

Our Top 10 Rural Living and Self-Reliance Posts of 2013

Victoria Gazeley — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 06:54:27 +0000

To say it’s been a pretty incredible year is an understatement. On December 30, 2013, we surpassed the previously unthinkable goal of 10K ‘likes’ on our Facebook page, and saw more visits to our website than ever before. Back in late 2010 when we started the site and Facebook page, I really couldn’t have imagined […]

Modern Homesteading 2013 Holiday Giveaway… with a Twist

Victoria Gazeley — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 01:48:15 +0000

Every year we do a self-reliance related giveaway for the holiday season and this year is no different – except it sort of is. First up, we’ve got a little Thieves Essential Oil Mini ‘Health Care Kit’ from Young Living to give one lucky winner. Thieves is an essential oil blend that includes: Clove† (Syzygium […]

Firewood and Wood Stove Basics – Five Lessons for Heating with Wood

Victoria Gazeley — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Originally published in October 2010 – updated November 30, 2013. Firewood burned in a wood stove is our primary heat source – not just in winter, but year round. We regularly have fires going in the evening here until the end of May. When we first moved to our rural property, I had so many […]

Modern Homesteading, Rural Living and Self-reliance – Where to Start

Victoria Gazeley — Sun, 26 May 2013 17:52:30 +0000

I love what I do – working from home, growing some of our own food, and connecting with folks around the world who are either just planning or just embarking on their journey towards rural living and/or increased self-reliance. These are ‘out of the box’ people who live outside the status quo. They don’t take […]

Adjusting to Rural Living – What’s Toughest?

Victoria Gazeley — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:27:39 +0000

The minute you decide to move to the country, you know your life is going to change. With big dreams of organic gardens and fresh, GMO-free eggs, your children exploring ponds and fields while you relax on the porch with a cup of tea after a long day of gardening, you’re excited about what’s to […]

What Not to Do – Vegetable Gardening Tips from Real Gardeners

Victoria Gazeley — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:43:40 +0000

First, there was the year the slugs ate everything. And I mean everything. Then there was the one where it was rainy and cold right through til the end of July (not terribly inspiring for anything but greens). And who could forget 2012, when I didn’t even plant a garden because something else always got […]