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- 🔥 DIY Fire Starters That Actually Work! + When to Trust That “Something Feels Off” Feeling 💭
🔥 DIY Fire Starters That Actually Work! + When to Trust That “Something Feels Off” Feeling 💭
Question of the day: Do you use cold frames?
Cedie Omaña
February 27, 2025
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"A bee is never as busy as it seems; it's just that it can't buzz any slower."
— Kin Hubbard
HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY
Late winter is a crucial time for honeybee survival, as food stores run low, and unpredictable weather can cause stress. To support your bees, check hive weight by lifting from the back. If it's light, consider emergency feeding with fondant, sugar bricks, or a 2:1 sugar-water syrup. Ensure hives are well-ventilated but not drafty, as condensation can chill the colony. Avoid disturbing them too much, but on warmer days (above 50°F), observe cleansing flights and look for dead bees outside the hive.
Do you use cold frames? |
IN TODAY'S EDITION
Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊
All Things Homestead: Homemade Fire Starters 🔥
Personal Development: When Life Feels Off — Signs You Need a Change 💌
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY
What’s your biggest health goal right now?
🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ 💧 Staying hydrated
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🌟 Glowing skin
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 💪 Boosting immunity
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🏃 More energy
via @beehiiv polls
Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉
Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.
ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD
Homemade Fire Starters 🔥
Starting a fire should be simple, but if you’ve ever struggled with damp wood or stubborn kindling, you know it can be frustrating. Store-bought fire starters help, but they’re often loaded with chemicals and way more expensive than they should be. The good news? You can make your own fire starters using things you already have at home!
Why Make Homemade Fire Starters?
Cost-Effective: Utilizing materials you already have reduces expenses.
Eco-Friendly: Repurposing waste items minimizes environmental impact.
Customization: Tailor fire starters to your specific needs and preferences.
Simple DIY Fire Starter Methods
Wax and Cotton Balls
Materials: Cotton balls and melted wax (such as soy, beeswax, or recycled candle wax).
Instructions: Dip each cotton ball into the melted wax, ensuring it's fully saturated. Place them on parchment paper to cool and harden. Store in a waterproof container. When needed, ignite the edge of a wax-coated cotton ball to start your fire.
Petroleum Jelly-Coated Cotton Balls
Materials: Cotton balls and petroleum jelly.
Instructions: Thoroughly work a generous amount of petroleum jelly into each cotton ball. Store them in a sealed plastic bag or container. To use, fluff a portion of the cotton ball and light it; it will burn steadily, aiding in fire starting.
Toilet Paper Rolls with Dryer Lint
Materials: Empty toilet paper rolls and dryer lint.
Instructions: Stuff dryer lint tightly into the toilet paper rolls. Optionally, you can wrap the roll in wax paper, twisting the ends to secure the contents. When ready to use, place the roll under your kindling and ignite the lint.
Egg Carton Fire Starters
Materials: Cardboard egg cartons, dryer lint or sawdust, and melted wax.
Instructions: Fill each cup of the egg carton with dryer lint or sawdust. Pour melted wax over the filling to hold it together. Once the wax solidifies, cut the cups into individual fire starters. Light a corner of a cup to use.
Pinecone Fire Starters
Materials: Pinecones and melted wax.
Instructions: Dip each pinecone into the melted wax, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on parchment paper to cool. Once hardened, these decorative fire starters can be ignited to help start a fire.
Tips for Effective Fire Starters
Safety First: Always melt wax using a double boiler method to prevent overheating. Never leave melting wax unattended.
Storage: Keep fire starters in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and open flames.
Usage: Place the fire starter under kindling and light it, allowing it to burn and ignite the surrounding materials.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
When Life Feels Off: Signs You Need a Change 💌
Life on the homestead teaches patience, resilience, and the value of hard work. But even in a fulfilling lifestyle, there are times when something feels off. You might feel drained, uninspired, or just stuck in a routine that no longer excites you.
Here are some clear signs that you need to shake things up:
Feeling Stuck in a Rut
If your days blend together with no excitement, it’s a sign of stagnation. Try switching up your daily routine—maybe work on a new skill like beekeeping or fermenting foods. Small changes can bring back your energy and passion.
Living Through Others
Scrolling social media and wishing your life looked different? It’s time to focus on building a life you love instead of comparing yourself to others. Set realistic goals for your homestead, whether it’s growing a new crop or starting a handmade goods business.
Chronic Stress and Health Issues
If you’re feeling exhausted, getting frequent headaches, or struggling to sleep, stress might be the culprit. Consider adjusting your workload, delegating chores, or even taking 10 minutes a day to sit outside and breathe in the fresh air.
Autopilot Mode
When every day feels the same and you stop finding joy in your tasks, it’s time to reset. Bring something new into your routine—try a different gardening method, raise a new animal breed, or cook with ingredients you’ve never used before.
Distraction Seeking
If you find yourself constantly reaching for your phone or TV to escape, you might be avoiding something. Instead of numbing boredom, engage in meaningful activities like preserving food, knitting, or making herbal remedies.
Comfort in Discomfort
It’s easy to stay in a situation that feels “safe” even when it’s not making you happy. Maybe it’s time to sell that livestock that isn’t profitable or finally build the greenhouse you’ve been putting off. Change is hard, but staying stuck is harder.
Desire for Greater Purpose
If you feel like your days lack meaning, think about ways to give back or deepen your connection to your work. Teaching others about homesteading, starting a farm stand, or simply making time for gratitude can help bring fulfillment.
Recent Life Changes
A big life event like moving, financial struggles, or personal loss can leave you feeling lost. Instead of seeing change as a setback, use it as an opportunity to create a life that better fits who you are now.
Barely Hanging On
If you’re always overwhelmed and struggling to keep up, it’s a sign something needs to shift. Reevaluate your priorities, simplify your workload, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Big Dreams, Small Life
If you have big goals but feel like your current life can’t support them, it’s time to take action. Whether it’s expanding your farm, learning new homesteading skills, or finding a way to turn your passion into income, start taking small steps today.
Homestead Reflection Activity
Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take a moment to reflect on your homestead and lifestyle:
What part of your daily routine feels the most draining?
Is there a skill or project you’ve been wanting to try but keep putting off?
What’s one small change you could make this week to bring more joy into your life?
Write down your answers and challenge yourself to take one small step toward improvement.
THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER
What do you call a cow’s Valentine?
Its herd-throb!
LET’S KEEP IT REEL!
I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!
Can we all admit that homesteading basically starts with a little obsession over sourdough? 😂
@bandrhomestead Welcome to your new role as a chore boy #foilhatgang #homestead #farmanimals #backyardchickens #goatsoftiktok #homesteadinglife #marriagehumor
Just a bunch of chickens vibing and having the time of their lives! 🐔🎶
@ilgallinaio_special #perte
Find the good dog who’s trying its best to blend in with the cows! 🐄😂
@memezar “Momm why are these cows so much bigger than me??” 💀💀#Memezar (Shaneese Mcloughlin via @ViralHog)
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