Lacrosse Alpha Deck Boots the Boss

I have been wearing a pair of popular brand, gingham-patterned rubber boots, ankle high, for years. I bought them at least 9 years ago to match my granddaughter's gingham boots, made by the same company. When Lacrosse reached out to me with an offer to review the new Alpha deck boots in Timberwolf/camo, I jumped at the chance, and looked forward to trying them.

I have not been disappointed. I received the boots shortly after saying yes, and slipped them on – noticing how much more cushy they are than the worn-out gingham numbers I've been clomping around in these days. 

I have worn the Alpha deck boots on short hikes in the woods, on antler hunts and while running errands. I find myself slipping them on to run outside to the greenhouse or to take a load of kitchen refuse to the composter. They have become my go-to boots and now, I may have to take a picture of the gingham boots and relegate that footwear to a thrift store, or to a dumpster.

Meanwhile, here's what I like about these boots:

• Constructed from premium rubber overlaid on insulating neoprene, which makes them waterproof





• Lined with a quick-drying mesh, which means my feet don't get super sweaty 





• Alpha fit means they come in half sizes, too, for a more accurate fit





• Kick-off heel plate, so you don't need a boot jack to do the job





• Foredeck outsole is slip-resistant, and as Lacrosse states, it's  "designed to provide traction in the wettest environments" 





• 6-inch height





• 2.3 pounds 





• Easy to slip on and slip off, includes a pull tab on back of each boot, too





• Recommended for temperatures between 30 and 80 degrees; non-insulated

The Alpha deck boot by Lacrosse comes in five funky colors/patterns, including Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, Sagebrush, Wild Dove, Sea Spray and my boots, the Timberwolf/camo. I'm liking all of the colors, and may just have to order another pair to sit by another door. Women's sizes run from 5 to 11. MSRP: $120

Source: Lacrosse Alpha Deck Boots the Boss

Planet Fitness Is Offering Free HydroMassages To Help Destress This Tax Season

Submitting our income tax information is not the way that most of us would like to spend our free time, but once you've completed the process, Planet Fitness hopes you'll forget the financial stuff and favor a free massage and full body workout. Here's what you need to know.

Through to Saturday, April 19, the gym chain is taking the terror out of Tax Day by offering an absolutely free HydroMassage to members and non-members alike. Subject to availability, you can redeem this offer at one of Planet Fitness's 2,700-plus locations nationwide, with no strings (or hidden taxes) attached!

As a regular amenity for Planet Fitness "Black Card® members, HydroMassage offers a relaxing experience that can be used before or after a workout to relieve tight muscles or cool them down. The bed's jets move up and down the body, delivering wave-like streams of heated water. Users can target specific areas, adjust the pressure, control the speed, and even pause on a desired section of the body for a personalized massage experience.

How To Get Your Free Planet Fitness HydroMassage

To receive your free session, visit your local Planet Fitness gym quoting this offer. "Tax season can be stressful, and we want to take some of that added pressure away by offering Planet Fitness members and non-members nationwide the chance to relax and rejuvenate with a complimentary HydroMassage," says Brian Povinelli, who is the Chief Marketing Officer at Planet Fitness. "Our Judgement Free environment is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the soothing benefits of a well-deserved massage during an often-dreaded time of year. We look forward to welcoming new faces and current members during the week." (source of quotes and additional info – https://www.planetfitness.com/newsroom/press-releases/relax-and-destress-this-tax-season-with-a-free-hydromassage-r-at-planet )

If you are finding that your taxes are becoming a pain in the neck, then "HydroMassage offers a great solution for muscle soreness and fatigue," says Paul Lunter, who is the CEO of WellnessSpace Brands. While the offer is open to non-members, there are a range of benefits to be had with the PF Black Card including the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge and access to the Black Card Spa® where you can find the HydroMassage and other wellness services. The company also touts that every Planet Fitness membership includes free fitness training with a certified fitness trainer and access to strength and brand-name cardio equipment as well as the free Planet Fitness App, featuring hundreds of on-demand digital exercises. PF say that the balanced mix of strength and cardio equipment ensures members of all fitness levels have everything they need to meet their fitness goals all in a comfortable, non-intimidating environment. Many Planet Fitness clubs are open 24-hours-per-day, for added convenience. Plus, all members have access to exclusive deals and discounts from top brands through its PF Perks program.

"Tax Relief" Planet Fitness Workout

To complement your relaxation experience, Planet Fitness has also created a special "Tax Relief Workout" designed to release tension and boost your spirits. Give it a try!

• Tax Return Squat & Twist: Start with feet hip width apart, lower into a squat, then drive up through your heels into a trunk rotation that'll help you twist away tax stress.


• Refund Reach & March: Step out with one foot, reach high like you're grabbing that tax refund, then celebrate with high-knee marches that'll get your heart pumping.


• Audit-Dodging Jacks & Jabs: Perform 4 Jumping Jacks, then transition to Plyo Jabs—jumping forward while throwing punches that knock out financial stress.


• Deadline Lunge & Kick: Step back into a deep lunge, then power up into a front kick to boot away tax anxiety. Your stress doesn't stand a chance!


• Extension Side Lunge & Knee Tuck: Move laterally into a side lunge, then drive up bringing your knee to chest—perfect for when you need that filing extension.


• W-2 Bicycle Crunch & Skyrocket Jacks: Perform standing bicycle crunches to crunch those numbers, then transition to Plyo Jacks raising your hands to the sky.

Note: you must be 18+ to redeem the free massage.

To locate the nearest Planet Fitness club and treat yourself to a HydroMassage from April 12 through April 19, click here.

Source: Planet Fitness Is Offering Free HydroMassages To Help Destress This Tax Season

Dietitians Fact Check 5 Claims Made About Seed Oils

If you've spent any time on health and wellness TikTok or Instagram, you've probably heard people warning you to toss your seed oils immediately—or else. 

Influencers claim they're toxic, inflammatory, and even to blame for . But is there any science behind the fear mongering? 

We asked dietitians to fact-check some of the most viral claims about seed oils and help you make informed choices.

Claim #1: Seed Oils Are "Toxic" and Cause Inflammation

You might have heard that seed oils—like sunflower, soybean, safflower, or corn oil—are harmful because they're full of "toxins" that cause inflammation. But according to MyFitnessPal dietitian Brookell White, this idea doesn't hold up.

"Seed oils are getting a bad rap," she says. "They're high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, which are actually essential—we need them for brain development, metabolism, and overall growth (1)."

While it's true that omega-6 fats can lead to the formation of arachidonic acid, a compound linked to inflammation, your body only converts a small amount. In fact, studies show that diets high in omega-6 fatty acids can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health (5) .

What's more likely to drive inflammation? Ultra-processed foods that happen to contain seed oils, along with added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat. "There's strong evidence that reducing ultra-processed food supports better health," says White (2). "But that doesn't mean seed oils used in home cooking or whole foods are the problem."

Claim #2: Seed Oils Were Invented as Industrial Products

Yes, this family of oils has industrial uses. But that doesn't mean they don't belong in your kitchen.

White explains that seed oils were originally extracted using a mechanical screw press, an innovation from the 1880s that made oil production more efficient (6). 

Today, these oils are used not only in food, but also in eco-friendly products like soaps and cosmetics. That's not a red flag—it's actually a benefit for sustainability (7).

What about chemical processing? Some people worry about the use of solvents like hexane during refining. But White emphasizes that any residue in the final oil is minimal and regulated. 

The bigger issue, she says, is what happens when seed oils are overheated and reused repeatedly (ahem, like in deep fryers at restaurants) because that can lead to oxidation and harmful compounds (5).

Claim #3: Seed Oils Are Responsible for the Rise in Obesity

This one sounds simple, but the truth is far more complicated.

"While seed oils are often blamed for rising obesity rates, other factors likely play a bigger role," says Lauren Cuda, a dietitian with MyFitnessPal. "Diets high in ultra-processed foods—many of which contain seed oils—are associated with poor health outcomes, but not just because of the oils. These foods are also high in calories, added sugars, and low in fiber and nutrients (8)."

In other words, it's not the canola oil in your homemade vinaigrette. The problem is the combination of low-nutrient, high-calorie packaged foods that may contribute to weight gain. 

When people reduce seed oils, it's often part of a broader dietary change that includes eating fewer processed foods. That's what drives the weight loss results people sometimes get from eliminating seed oils. It's not cutting oils alone that does the trick.

Claim #4: Seed Oils Are Full of "Oxidized" Fats That Destroy Your Cells

Seed oils contain polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which can be sensitive to heat, light, and air. But that doesn't mean they're destroying your cells (9), (3).

"The idea that seed oils are harmful because of oxidation is misleading," says MyFitnessPal dietitian Katherine Basbaum. "They also contain antioxidants like vitamin E, which help prevent oxidative stress in the body. In fact, eating these oils in appropriate amounts may actually help protect your cells," she adds (10).

Basbaum recommends keeping your oils in a cool, dark place. And when cooking, don't heat them beyond their smoke point. But used properly, these oils don't pose the oxidative risk some online voices suggest (11).

Claim #5: Fats Like Butter, Ghee, Beef Tallow, or Coconut Oil Are Always Healthier

This claim often comes with the idea that "natural" fats are better than "processed" ones. But when it comes to your heart health, saturated fat content matters more than social media trends.

"Fats like butter, ghee, beef tallow, and coconut oil are all high in saturated fat," says Basbaum. "And excess saturated fat has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and higher mortality (12)."

On the other hand,  unsaturated fats—like those found in olive, avocado, and canola oil—have been shown to decrease heart disease risk (13). 

That doesn't mean you can never cook with butter or enjoy coconut oil in a recipe. But making unsaturated fats your default choice for daily cooking supports long-term health.

And remember: no single ingredient makes or breaks your diet. "Health is about your overall eating pattern," Basbaum says. "That means aiming for more fiber, fruits, and veggies, and less added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat—while still enjoying the foods you love."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Bottom Line

These oils may be a social media scapegoat, but the science tells a different story. They're a source of essential fats your body needs and aren't inherently harmful. The real health risks come from ultra-processed foods—not the oils themselves. 

While it's smart to be mindful of how you store and cook with oils, there's no need to fear seed oils in your salad dressing or stir-fry. Instead of falling for viral nutrition myths, focus on your overall dietary pattern: more whole foods, fewer ultra-processed ones, and a balanced mix of healthy fats.

Wondering how much fat you’re really eating? Download the MyFitnessPal app to track stay on top of your nutrition and make progress toward your health goals.

The post Dietitians Fact Check 5 Claims Made About Seed Oils appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Source: Dietitians Fact Check 5 Claims Made About Seed Oils

Princess Kate is a royal rock star who needs protecting – I know how her team could have stopped the crazy conspiracies

"THEY'RE saying that video isn't Kate," read the text from a very intelligent, media-savvy friend of mine in America. "Is she dead? Be honest!"

I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or bang my head against a concrete wall.

The Sun / TMZ

Kate and husband William during a trip to a farm shop in Windsor on Saturday[/caption]

The Sun / TMZ

Kate looked relaxed as she strolled carrying her own shopping[/caption]

Not least because this just was one of literally dozens of similar messages I've received from mates all over the world during the past few weeks as the conspiracy theory mayhem surrounding the Princess of Wales has reached fever pitch.

I've had major pop stars demanding to know whether the theories are true, experienced political figures sidling up to me at parties whispering completely bonkers royal rumours and my family WhatsApp group chat exploding with such febrile, eye-popping claims that I'm only surprised my phone hasn't caught fire.

---

Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel here

---

"No, she's not dead," I replied to my American friend, "and yes, that is her in the video."

But these two definitive, incontestably factual statements did nothing to allay my friend's concerns.

And it was at that point I realised nothing would, short of Kate appearing on Piers Morgan Uncensored clutching a verifiable DNA test result to prove she is who she says she is. (For the record, Ma'am, as your humble and obedient servant, I'm available to perform such a selfless duty to my country . . . )

Kate's a crown jewel that must be protected

Even then, I fear my friend would remain unconvinced, and social media would erupt with a collective wail of "LIARS!"

But weird though this global outbreak of insanity is, it also confirms to me what I've thought for some time: Kate Middleton is now the biggest star in the Royal Family and has become a crown jewel who must be protected at all costs.

I haven't seen this level of hysteria since Princess Diana was alive, and we all know how that tragically ended.

A new YouGov/Sky News poll shows that Kate's the most trusted royal, and so far ahead of the ever-more-unpopular Meghan and Harry that the Sussexes would need a telescope to see how further up the trust chart she is than them.

And it's not difficult to see why; she is the epitome of a perfect princess, barely putting a regal foot wrong and conducting her public duties with remarkable poise, elegance and grace.

The poll highlighted that women especially love her, and that's why this latest crisis has hit them so hard; Kate's army of female fans are genuinely very worried about their favourite royal, desperate for details of how she is, and have grown increasingly susceptible to all the conspiracy nonsense when those details haven't been forthcoming.

Palace made the issue worse

While two-thirds of Brits think the royals got the balance of information release about right with King Charles's illness, far fewer said the same for Kate's and a third of those polled don't think the Palace disclosed enough.

I understand the Princess's desire to keep her health issue secret, as any woman would, and her strong-willed husband's even greater desire to stop the media finding out, but by not saying anything, they've made the scrutiny and rumour-mongering a million times worse.

As with the Mother's Day edited photo fiasco, transparency in this modern era of unregulated social media platforms such as X is always going to be better than suppression.

The good old days of "never complain, never explain" worked when there was no social media. It won't work now, as we've seen.

If I was working in those Palace press offices, my constant mantra to the royals would be this: Get the real news out there to stop the fake news spreading or reap the unfortunate consequences.

To those who say, "but they're entitled to their privacy!", I would simply say this: Of course they are, but being a senior working member of the Royal Family is a public job paid for with taxpayer money.

It brings great perks — the palaces, servants, trinkets and adulation.

But it also carries with it great responsibilities and accountability.

Media attitude has changed

It's important to note that since Diana died, the royals have enjoyed massively enhanced levels of privacy.

Even her brother Earl Spencer, who made that media-excoriating address at her funeral, has suggested as much during interviews for his new book.

It may not seem like it, but it's much easier to be a royal these days.

The British media largely doesn't take or publish intrusive photos or footage of them any more, and the current royal children are considered totally off limits in a way that never applied to their predecessors.

When a paparazzi picture of Kate in her mum's car on the school run two weeks ago was published in America, nobody in Britain used it.

But recent events have shown the media/royal game has irrevocably changed, and the Palace needs to change with it.

All the crazy conspiracy stuff could have been avoided if they had said from the start exactly what Kate's health issue is, and her press team should have persuaded her to agree.

That may not be "fair" on Kate but what part of the insanely intrusive onslaught she has received for not sharing the information has been "fair"?

Just as all the fallout from the Mother's Day photo could have been prevented if the Palace had checked with Kate if she had done any editing when she sent it over to them. The fact they didn't do that when the picture was supposed to quash conspiracy theories is mind-boggling to me.

The royals' biggest star needs better protection, and as she prepares to re-enter public life, that needs to start right now.

Kensington Palace

Kate’s edited Mother’s Day photo sparked even more conspiracy theories[/caption]
Source: Princess Kate is a royal rock star who needs protecting – I know how her team could have stopped the crazy conspiracies

JFK files: Five biggest bombshells revealed as Trump declassifies 80,000 documents



A trove of documents released relating to the assassination of JFK has provided a glimpse into the events before and after the killing of the US President.


Source: JFK files: Five biggest bombshells revealed as Trump declassifies 80,000 documents

The Key to Sounding Good on a Diaphragm Turkey Call

Every archery turkey hunter should master the diaphragm call because it allows the hunter to manipulate the turkey and have both hands free to draw a bow or raise a crossbow.  Eddie Salter is a champion turkey caller many times over and is so successful that he has accrued the nickname “The Turkey Man.”  Box and slate callers are ideal for locating and drawing a turkey closer to your blind or setup, yet once the bird enters sight distance, using them becomes problematic.

Practice in the Truck

As a young man, I tried using a diaphragm caller but gagged constantly.  I had a dentist make an impression of my teeth and sent that off to a dentist in Texas who made a diaphragm holder to fit my mouth.  Ironically, that device taught me that I was putting the diaphragm in my mouth backward LOL.  Soon, I could switch to standard mouth calls for deer and elk.  Practicing at home can annoy others, so I often keep calls in my vehicle and practice on the way to work or a hunt.

Match the Cadence

I’ve had the good fortune to hunt with Eddie Salter on several occasions, and he stresses the importance of “give them what you get.”  Matching the cadence of a calling turkey is more important than matching the tone or pitch.  To call a gobbler with hens, it’s often best to call the hens so that the gobbler tags along.  If the lead hen makes five yelps, you should make five.  If it’s a fly-down situation where the dominant hen calls repeatedly, match the same cadence it uses.

Here’s The Turkey Man

Source: The Key to Sounding Good on a Diaphragm Turkey Call

Turkey Calling Contest 2025: Brent vs. Bear

Turkey season is here, folks, and it's time for the MeatEater Crew to strut their stuff and see who is the best turkey-talker of the bunch. Over the next week, crew members will be facing off head-to-head in three rounds: best turkey call sequence, owl hoot, and turkey gobble—and you get to pick who wins.

The winner of the contest will get to donate $500 to the National Wild Turkey Federation in their name. Watch the videos and cast your vote below to select who you think should make it to the next round. Don't delay—voting will only be open for 24 hours!

We'll also be giving away a MeatEater X Phelps Slate Over Glass Turkey Pot Call along with a Moultrie Edge 2 Cell Cam every day this week! To enter to win, tell us what you think of our calling in the comment section.

It's round two, and surprise, surprise, the Southern fellas made it. We've got old school versus new school in this round—Bear takes on Brent. Who has the better turkey calling chops? Let us know below!

Note: Votes will not be counted in the comment section, so please use the voting box below to vote for your favorite caller. Likewise, voting alone won't enter you for a chance to win a prize, so make sure you leave a comment!

To view the entire contest, click here.

Source: Turkey Calling Contest 2025: Brent vs. Bear

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner (Citrus or Pine)

This is my favorite homemade all-purpose cleaner, and by all-purpose, I mean all-purpose. You can use this on your countertops, sinks, windows, wood floors, vinyl floors, mirrors, pretty much anywhere in the house.

Homemade natural vinegar cleaner recipes, especially easy homemade DIY ones, are my favorite. Who doesn't want a cleaner that can be made from items you eat, can grow on your own land, and that actually works? Your hand better be raised high, my friend.

Is there anything cooler than using what you'd normally throw out to create something you'd normally be buying in the store? On my homesteading list that's pretty awesome.

Homemade options are truly my favorite. They help me save money and live frugally as a homesteader.

Check out these homemade cleaners for every room in the house, these four ways to clean with vinegar, my one-ingredient oven cleaner hack, or these five other homemade cleaning recipes.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Cleaner

• Safe – After having chemical burns on my skin as a teenager using store-bought cleaners, it's super important to me to only use natural cleaners in my home. I don't want my kids or myself exposed to any more chemicals than necessary. I mean, have you read the warnings on those bottles? Yikes.



• Natural – I want a clean home, but I want to use natural ingredients when possible. Enter this natural vinegar cleaner that leaves our homes sparkling clean, without the chemicals or the fumes that you and your family will breathe in with other cleaners.



• Effective – You may be wondering, as I was if vinegar really is the cleaning powerhouse some people talk it up to be. I mean, don't we need to sanitize our surfaces with bleach for them to be truly clean? Not according to this study on the effectiveness of acetic acid!



• Scent – With two variations (and countless other options if you opt for essential oils) you can enjoy a nice pine scent or a citrus scent! Let's be honest, no one wants their home to smell like a pickle, and I'm happy to report that I've been using this homemade cleaner for over a decade now and will never go back (and no, my house does not smell like vinegar!).



• Grease Fighter – With the added benefit of either the citrus or pine oils, this homemade all-purpose cleaner cuts through grease and works incredibly well.



• Less Waste – By using a reusable glass spray bottle and either the peels of citrus or pine/fir needles from the yard, you're drastically reducing the amount of one-time plastic use bottles you'd have to purchase from the store for how many bottles of cleaner this homemade all-purpose cleaner concentrate gives you.

Made From Scratch Life

This recipe is featured in my book, The Made-From-Scratch Life. If you're concerned about where your food comes from, the rising costs of feeding your family, or what's in the cleaning products you use every day, this book is for you.

The Made-From-Scratch Life includes helpful charts, checklists, recipes, and strategies to help you incorporate time-tested homesteading practices into your everyday life.

How to Make Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Supplies Needed

• Mason Jar & Lid – Initially, you only need a Mason jar with a two-piece canning lid (you want to make sure you have a good seal because you'll be shaking the jar occasionally). Then, you'll want another Mason jar to store the finished vinegar concentrate. This recipe makes about 3 cups of vinegar, and you'll only use a small portion of that at a time.



• 16 oz. Glass Spray Bottle – I love these reusable glass spray bottles. They're just the right size and come in a three pack, so you can tuck this cleaner all over your house. One for the bathroom, one for the kitchen and one for a whole-house cleaner (which I store in the laundry room)! Plastic can break down over time, and I, for one, don't want its chemicals leaching into the natural cleaner I made to spray down our home and countertops with. (Source)



• Fine Mesh Strainer – You'll want to strain out the citrus peels or pine needles, so having a mesh strainer is a big help.



• Large Bowl – When straining the vinegar concentrate, I find using a large measuring bowl with a pour spout makes transferring the finished vinegar to a jar much easier.

Ingredients Needed

The recipe in this post demonstrates the pine-scented all-purpose cleaner. If you want to make a citrus version, just use citrus peels anywhere that pine or fir needles are mentioned.

• Citrus Version – If you'd like a citrusy-scented all-purpose cleaner, then fill a quart-sized Mason jar with citrus peels. Lemon, orange and lime all work great. You could even opt for grapefruit, if you enjoy that scent. Try one, or a combination of them all!



• Pine Version – If you'd like a pine-scented all-purpose cleaner (think PineSol, without the chemicals), then fill a quart-sized Mason jar with fir or pine needles.



• Vinegar – You can use white distilled or apple cider vinegar in this homemade cleaner. I buy my white vinegar from Azure Standard, which is non-GMO and has an 11% acidity (use coupon code “Melissa15” for 15% off your first order of $100 or more – new Azure Standard customers only). I then dilute it to 5% to stretch it even further. If you want a completely homemade version, check out my tutorial on how to make homemade raw apple cider vinegar. Pro Tip: Using apple cider vinegar that has the mother can sometimes clog spray bottles! This is another reason I stick with the white vinegar. Check out these 39 ways to use apple cider vinegar in your home!

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Gather your ingredients. Whether you're using citrus peels or pine needles, you'll want to really pack the jar with the peels/needles. Packing them in also helps release some of the natural oils, which will help the vinegar to pull out all those properties.



2. Add vinegar to completely cover the citrus peels or pine needles.



3. Slap a lid on that bad boy and put it in a dark, cool cupboard. If you remember to shake it every few days, that's great, but if you forget, no big deal.



4. Let it sit so the essential oils can infuse the vinegar for 2-3 weeks (minimum), 4-6 weeks (ideal) and up to 6 months (if you forget about it like me!). As I said, you can strain it in as little as 2 weeks, but I once left a jar of citrus vinegar in the back of the pantry by accident and discovered it 6 months later; it was the best batch I ever had. You literally couldn't smell any of the vinegar; just the luscious citrus scent remained.



5. Strain your vinegar out into a clean Mason jar. This is now your citrus or pine vinegar concentrate.



6. Dilute your vinegar concentrate with water (distilled water works best and will have the longest shelf life). For my homemade cleaning spray I like to dilute with a 4:1 water to vinegar ratio. I use a 16 oz. glass spray bottle, so I add 3.2 ounces of vinegar to 12.8 ounces of water. If you want a stronger cleaning solution, you can use a 3:1, 2:1 or even 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar. Just do a test section on whatever surface you're cleaning to make sure it's not too harsh.

Plastic can break down over time, and I, for one, don't want its chemicals leaching into the natural cleaner I made to spray down our home and countertops with. (Source)

Fill up your glass spray bottle with our Natural Vinegar Cleaner Recipe above and never purchase cleaner from the store again!

Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a star⭐rating and your comments📝in the recipe card below! Then, snap a photo of your cleaner and tag me on social media @melissaknorris so I can see!

Quick All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

For an instant DIY all-purpose cleaner, you can skip the step of steeping citrus peels or pine needles in vinegar and opt for adding your favorite essential oils instead. There will still be no harsh chemicals and it will clean and disinfect like a dream!

Though this isn't my favorite option because it will cost more and isn't as sustainable of an option as using peels from fruit or needles from the trees, it is great to have an immediate solution if you used up the last of your vinegar concentrate and forgot to start a new batch!

1. Simply add 4:1 parts water to vinegar (5%) to a glass spray bottle and add 10-20 drops of essential oil (tea tree, lemon, orange, lavender, etc.). 



2. Shake well before each use to make sure essential oils are well distributed as they'll float to the surface. 

More Posts You May Enjoy

• 17 Spring Common Household Cleaning Hacks with Homemade Cleaners (For every room in the house!)



• How to Declutter Your Home & Keep It That Way



• 4 Ways to Clean with Vinegar



• How to Wash a Cast Iron Skillet to Maintain Seasoning



• 1 Ingredient 5 Minute Natural Oven Cleaner



• 5 Homemade Natural Cleaner Recipes – DIY Cleaners that Work

The post Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner (Citrus or Pine) appeared first on Melissa K. Norris.

Source: Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner (Citrus or Pine)

Frugal Living Tips for Homesteaders

In our economy, more and more Americans say they are living from paycheck to paycheck (or credit card payment to credit card payment) and are turning to frugal living tips to save money and balance their budget. 

As homesteaders, we tend to live a more simple life, but we still need to find the best way to provide for our family. Over the years, we have implemented many ideas to make the cost of living more manageable. Whether you homestead or not, these tips will make a big impact.

Why These Frugal Living Tips Are Important

When I think of how homesteading saves money, I think of the life lessons we learned from Great Grandma & the Great Depression. 

She lived during a time when Americans were resourceful, and nothing went to waste. Finding financial resiliency on our homestead is built on a foundation of a frugal lifestyle which has helped us to learn to homestead while on a budget.

A few years ago I read a statistic that the average American family spends $5,000 a year on products that just get thrown away. Things like paper towels, paper plates… convenience items that are used once then tossed.

Here in the United States, we’re so used to seeing things nice and tidy. Our garbage is tucked away in garbage cans and hauled away by trucks each week (or taken to the dump and handled by someone else).

But the reality is that our waste is affecting someone else and decreasing the quality of their life. Just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not destroying our country.

We feel we have responsibilities to steward and take care of the planet. It’s a gift to us and our responsibility is to manage it well. This mindset of good stewardship goes hand in hand with frugal living and promotes a financially manageable lifestyle.

Our Best Frugal Tips for Homesteaders

As mentioned before, we have collected a lot of cost saving tips and tricks to share with you. Let’s take a look at our best frugal tips if you are homesteading (or not!). 

Frugal Living Tips for the Kitchen

According to the USDA, food expenditures make up over 11% of household budgets. Saving money in the kitchen is one of the easiest and most obvious places to start. Use some (or all) of these strategies to minimize food bills while continuing to eat well on a budget:

• Grow Your Own Food – You don’t have to commit to growing a year’s worth of food or raising a year’s worth of meat. If you have the means to do so, go for it! However, you don’t need to have a large garden plot to grow food. If you have a sunny windowsill, you can grow some fresh herbs. Just start where you can. 





• Preserve Food – There are many options for preserving food, and whether you grow it yourself or find good sales, this skill can really add to cost savings.





• Buy In Bulk – When it comes to building up a well-stocked pantry, buying in bulk is key to saving money at the grocery store. Our favorite source for buying in bulk is Azure Standard. Homesteading Hack: If you’re a first-time Azure Standard customer, use coupon code “HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15” at checkout for 15% off your order of $100 or more!





• Cook From Scratch – Cooking at home reduces your reliance on costly convenience foods, is more nutritious, and tastes better, too!





• Meal Plan – Meal planning and eating seasonally allows you to choose recipes and ingredients that are at their best prices and availability.





• Ditch One-Use Items – Repurpose old clothing and sheets by cutting into paper towel sized sheets. After washing, don’t fold them or put them on a towel ring, just dump them in a designated drawer in the kitchen. Use Mason jars and casserole dishes to replace disposable storage containers, and make homemade beeswax wrap to replace plastic wrap.

Frugal Living Tips for Clothing

“Fast fashion” is a term used for the rapid production of low-quality clothing that mimics the “in today and out tomorrow” fashion trends. This business model results in our landfills overflowing with textile waste, and is the second largest consumer of water in the world.

Avoiding fast fashion and focusing on a more sustainable approach will impact your bank account and the planet alike.

• Buy Sustainable Clothing – We have 11 children, so figuring out affordable clothing for the homestead took some creativity (hello garage sales and thrift stores!). Don’t hesitate to buy used clothing if they are quality pieces, and don’t forget to consider if purchasing USA-made products is important to you.





• Learn Basic Sewing Skills – You don’t need to be a skilled seamstress, but learning the basics so you know how to mend your own clothing can help you get the most out of your investments.





• Avoid Synthetic Fabrics – Synthetic fabrics trap and hold onto body odor, and sometimes, even washing doesn’t get rid of the smell. By buying higher-quality clothing made from cotton or wool, we need fewer clothes overall, have to wash them less, and have to buy new clothes less frequently.





• Wash Clothes Only When They Are Dirty – One of my best laundry strategies is teaching our children to wear clothes more than once if they’re not truly dirty. Here on the homestead, we can get pretty dirty, so it’s not often that clothes get worn more than once. However, if we’ve dressed up nice for an event and come home clean, those nicer clothes can get folded up and put away for next time instead of taking a trip through the washer first.





• Buy Laundry Detergent in Bulk – I’ve found making my own homemade laundry detergent isn’t as effective at truly getting our clothes clean, often resulting in needing a second wash, therefore I buy non-toxic laundry detergent from Truly Free in bulk.

Frugal Living Tips for Personal Care

These money-saving, frugal tips for personal care are more sustainable and offer better options for your health.

• Avoid One-Use Items – As in the kitchen, you can also stop purchasing one-time-use items like cotton balls and cotton rounds, and use washable alternatives. 





• DIY Products – You can make your own face wash, sugar scrub, homemade lip balm, bar soap and other personal care products. Instead of individually wrapping them, store these products in Mason jars.





• Cloth Diapers – if you have babies or little ones still in diapers, consider using reusable cloth diapers. No, they’re not the most convenient and are an upfront investment, but if you’re really looking to reduce your waste, this is one of the biggest dents you can make.





• “Other” Alternatives – When we say “other,” we mean reusable cotton pads or menstrual cups. Over the course of a few years the savings of these products can really add up, plus all the waste isn’t ending up in a landfill somewhere.

Frugal Living Tips for the Household

Just like personal care items, you can DIY and avoid toxins in common household cleaners to live cleaner (both literally and figuratively). They can be made with common household items you already have on hand and cost a fraction of their commercial counterparts.

Here are my favorite recipes:

• Homemade Disinfectant Spray





• Homemade Cleaning Paste





• Homemade All-Purpose Cleaning Powder





• Homemade Glass Cleaner





• DIY Fruit Fly Traps





• DIY Borax Ant Killer

There are endless ways to use safe, non-toxic items to keep your home clean and running smoothly. Check out these posts for surprising ways to use kitchen ingredients or bathroom/laundry staples that are probably already in your cupboards.

• Baking Soda Uses: Cleaning Tips & Household Hacks





• Vinegar Uses: Discover Surprising Household Hacks





• Versatile Cream of Tartar Uses in Your Home





• Unexpected Dish Soap Uses – Tips & Tricks!





• Washing Soda Uses: My Top Tips for Clean Living





• Versatile Uses for Borax Around Your Home





• Versatile Epsom Salt Uses for Your Home





• Versatile Citric Acid Uses in Daily Life





• Hydrogen Peroxide Uses: Clever Cleaning Tips

Frugal Living Tips for Livestock

Livestock can easily save you money or become an endless pit of expenses. Always do your research and be prepared with the essentials before adding new livestock to your homestead. Consider these tips when developing a barn management system.

• Feed – Just like we can save on groceries, there are ways to slash your feed budget, too. Check out these tips on how to save money on animal feed.





• Deep Litter – Learn how to use the deep bedding method to promote healthier animals and avoid costly vet bills.





• Rotational Grazing – Learning how to incorporate multi-species, small-scale rotational grazing will not only improve the health of your animals but also improve the health of your soil.

Frugal Living Tips for the Garden

Those who hobby garden often conclude that gardening can cost a ton of money, but when you are gardening to offset your grocery bill, there are plenty of ways you can not only make it pay for itself but also save money overall.

• Make a Plan – Use this ultimate garden planning guide to avoid unnecessary expenses and get yourself off to the right start.





• Seeds – Not all seeds are created equal, and it’s important to know how to choose the BEST vegetable seeds for overall success.





• Tools – This is another area that can become a money pit if not approached wisely. Consider if quality garden tools are worth the cost before making any purchases.





• Start Your Own Seeds – Purchasing starts from a greenhouse can be very costly. Instead, learn how to start seeds indoors.





• Know the Growing Season – If you live where you have a short growing season, you may end up running out of time before your plants bear fruit. If that’s the case, learn how to extend the growing season to protect your efforts.





• Perennial Plants – We love to grow perennial plants because you plant them once and receive several years of harvests.





• Compost – If you purchase compost, grab a pickup (or borrow a friend’s truck) and get a load instead of purchasing it in bags. Bulk compost will cost significantly less. For further savings, learn how to compost at home.

Frugal Living Tips for the Homestead

Unless you are independently wealthy, you won’t be able to afford the equipment you’ll need for homesteading all at once. Create a network of other homesteaders in your area to support one another in lending and bartering.

When you are ready to make a purchase, consider investing wisely in quality equipment that will last. This principle has proven so valuable for us that as we look into homesteading equipment, we have created buying guides to help you make your decisions, too. Check these out!

• Choosing the Best Grain Mill for Your Homestead





• Best Pressure Canner for the Homestead





• Best Food Dehydrators: Find the Right One for Your Homestead





• What Is the Best Harvest Right Freeze Dryer For You?





• Chicken Tractor Basics & What to Consider When Buying One





• Benefits of Cast Iron (+Choosing the Best, New or Used)





• Are Quality Garden Tools Worth the Cost?





• Preservation Tools on a Budget

Frugal Living Tips for Investing

We understand that when you first get started homesteading, there is a lot of pressure when making big decisions. For this reason, we have additionally gathered investing and business acumen to share. Check out these posts for some valuable info.

• How to Buy a Homestead – What To Know Before You Buy





• 8 Things You Need to Know When Buying Homestead Property





• The Future of Gold & Silver





• Top Principles to Know When Buying Gold & Silver





• Starting a Homestead Business (Tips from Joel Salatin)





• How to Make Money From Your Homestead

Conclusion

As you can see, living frugally is more than following a few tips and hacks. It’s a mindset that needs motivation and discipline to live purposefully and sustainably. Spend time with people who have similar goals so they can help you stay accountable and support new ideas. 

Start by choosing a few small goals. Maybe save gas by making less trips to run errands and using reusable water bottles or grocery bags can get that snowball effect started. Set clear financial goals track your progress, and celebrate your wins, no matter how small!

FAQ’s

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• How to Save Money on Groceries





• Does Homesteading Save Money on Food





• Cooking From Home When Times Get Hard





• Learn to Homestead While on a Budget





• How to Beat Inflation at the Grocery Store





• Preparing for Inflation and Food Shortages





• How to Finance Your Homestead





• How to Make Money From Your Homestead

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Source: Frugal Living Tips for Homesteaders

Roasted Vegetable Soup Recipe

Enjoy a warm bowl of Roasted Vegetable soup this winter!

The post Roasted Vegetable Soup Recipe appeared first on Little House Living.

Source: Roasted Vegetable Soup Recipe