Ever wondered if you could turn your love of canning into a profitable side hustle? Selling homemade canned goods can be a great way to make extra income—but before you start slinging jars of jam, there are some important things to know. From food safety laws to pricing strategies and where to sell, this guide covers everything you need to get started. Plus, I’ll share some hard-earned tips (and mistakes) from my own experience in the world of homestead canning sales!

I used to think I’d remember everything about my homestead—until I didn’t. Enter the homestead journal: part planner, part disaster log, and 100% lifesaver. From tracking planting dates to recording the time a raccoon outsmarted me (again), this little book has saved me more times than I can count. Whether you want to avoid past mistakes, plan ahead, or just document the chaos, a homestead journal is a must. Future you will thank you—probably while shaking their head at past you’s choices.

As the snow melts, nature’s first edible greens start popping up, ready for eager foragers. From dandelions to wild garlic, these early plants bring fresh flavor back to the table. In this post, I’ll share five must-forage wild edibles, plus easy recipes to turn them into delicious meals. Grab your Forager’s Notebook—spring foraging season is here!

Ice fishing isn’t just about dropping a line through the ice—it’s about strategy, patience, and the reward of fresh fish in the dead of winter. Whether you're jigging for walleye or setting tip-ups for pike, having the right gear, bait, and technique makes all the difference. And if you’ve got a warm shack with a wood stove, you can cook your catch right there on the ice. Grab your rods, call some friends, and get ready for the ultimate winter fishing experience!

Discover why Royal Canadian Cornhole makes the best custom cornhole boards in Canada! Featured in the Winnipeg Free Press and trusted by the World Police and Fire Games, their handcrafted boards deliver top-tier quality and professional playability. Perfect for backyard fun, tournaments, and custom designs. Learn more now!

Winter in northwestern Ontario is no joke. The temperatures dip well below freezing, the sun makes rare appearances, and it’s prime season for colds, flu, and other pesky illnesses. While bundling up and staying cozy indoors can help, keeping your immune system strong is the best way to fend off winter bugs.

Life has a funny way of testing us when we least expect it. Just when everything seems to be going right, an obstacle can pop up out of nowhere, threatening to derail our progress and sap our motivation. Staying motivated in the face of these challenges is no easy task—trust me, I’ve been there more times than I care to admit.

Now, I’ll admit—it’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it. Let me walk you through how to survive and even thrive during a no-spend month, from planning and setting rules to overcoming challenges and celebrating your wins.

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant issue in northwestern Ontario, but it’s not insurmountable. By understanding the unique challenges of our region and taking proactive steps to boost your levels, you can maintain your health and well-being year-round.

Homesteading is a journey filled with ups and downs, but every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade a single mishap because they’ve shaped the homesteader I am today. If you’re just starting out, I hope my experiences help you avoid some of the common pitfalls and make your own journey a little smoother.

Returning to traditional skills isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life that offers countless benefits. It fosters self-reliance, saves money, reduces waste, and connects us to our heritage. For homesteaders, these skills are invaluable tools that enrich our lives and help us thrive, no matter what challenges come our way.

Whether it’s planting herbs on a windowsill, preserving jam from foraged berries, or creating a community composting initiative, every small step contributes to a larger movement. With creativity, determination, and growing support from government policies, apartment homesteading isn’t just a trend—it’s shaping the future of sustainable living.

In pursuing food security, we’re not only ensuring that our families have what they need to thrive but also fostering a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and the rewards of sustainable living. Through a blend of traditional knowledge and modern innovation, we become more than just consumers; we become active participants in our own survival and wellbeing.

Grouse hunting is one of the great joys of fall in northwestern Ontario. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about the time spent in the woods, the challenge of spotting these elusive birds, and the satisfaction of bringing home a wild game dinner. Whether you’re hunting for the first time or have been doing this for years, following these tips will improve your chances of success and make your time in the field more enjoyable.

Foraging is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy wild foods, but it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly. By learning to identify plants accurately, foraging in clean and legal areas, and practicing sustainable harvesting, you can enjoy the rewards of foraging without putting yourself or the environment at risk.

Incorporating these foraged items into your holiday cooking is not only a creative way to celebrate the season, but it’s also sustainable, cost-effective, and a great conversation starter when you’re serving family and friends.

As homesteaders, we’re always looking for ways to simplify our lives while living in harmony with the land. Smart meal planning with leftover use is a key piece of that puzzle, helping us balance the demands of the homestead while ensuring we’re feeding our families in a sustainable and thoughtful way.

For homesteaders looking for affordable, customizable eyewear, Zenni is a great option. Just be mindful of the quirks that come with high-tech lenses like the Eyeqlenz. After all, as homesteaders, we’re no strangers to adapting and making things work—whether it’s in the garden, the barn, or with our tech!

Taking the time now to stock and organize your pantry will save you so much hassle later when the snow is falling and the roads are icy. Not only does it ensure you’re prepared, but it also gives peace of mind knowing that your family will be well-fed no matter what the weather throws your way.

Whether you’re printing for your family, your work, or just for fun, HP Instant Ink takes the hassle out of the equation. You’ll never run out of ink, never have to drive hours just to restock, and your prints will look professional every time. Plus, with flexible subscription plans, you can tailor the service to your needs without breaking the bank.

These homestead craft projects are the perfect way to embrace the slower pace of fall while still staying creative and productive. Whether you’re foraging for materials, repurposing old items, or learning a new skill, these projects bring a little bit of handmade warmth into your home as the weather turns colder.

As more and more people realize the benefits of this way of living, it’s clear that homesteading isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. And whether you’re on a small plot of land or making the most of your urban backyard, the rewards of homesteading are real, tangible, and within reach for anyone willing to give it a try.

Prepping your garden for winter may take a little effort, but it’s well worth it. You’ll thank yourself come spring when your soil is healthy, your plants are protected, and you’re ready to get growing again.

As a homesteader, I've learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to maintaining our property. Whether it's the garden, the animals, or just keeping the lawn and driveway clear, every task comes with its own set of surprises. However, nothing could have prepared me for the bizarre encounters I've had with my riding mower and snowblower attachment over the past few seasons.

Balancing the physical labor, time management, and unexpected challenges of homesteading can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are always chores to be done, from feeding the animals to weeding the garden, and it can be tough to keep up. The key for me is to find strategies that help manage these demands effectively so I can fully enjoy the many benefits of a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Hello, fellow homesteaders and outdoor enthusiasts! Today, I want to share one of my favorite pastimes—walleye fishing in the Rainy River. This is a beloved activity that combines the tranquility of nature with the thrill of a good catch. And the best part? You don't need a boat to enjoy this experience.

Meal planning on the homestead is all about balance and efficiency. By implementing various strategies to make the process smoother, I can ensure my family enjoys nutritious, home-cooked meals despite our busy and unpredictable lifestyle.

Implementing a strategic meal planner can be a game-changer for homesteaders, helping to streamline your kitchen activities, minimize waste, and make the most of your hard-earned produce.

Self-sufficiency is a rewarding path that fosters independence, resilience, and a deeper connection to the world around you. Whether you’re living on acres of land or in an urban apartment, there are numerous ways to integrate self-sufficient practices into your daily life.