As we enter into this new age, My daughter and I have been making transitions along the way. We are constantly learning new ways to cut our consumption and free up money for our passions. We are studying as much as possible, and one amazing resource of our study has been the book "Food Not Lawns" by H.C. Flores.
Our major concern was water, and how much it cost. In the past our water bill would sky rocket during gardening season. Now we have converted over 40% of our property to edibles and were concerned with the cost of our water bill. You see, we put the horse before the cart and do not exchange our time for money anymore and $ needs to be used as smartly as possible.

Ms Flores started her transition with a very simple method. Hey, ya gotta start somewhere. She undid the elbow to her bathroom sink and used her hand wash water and tooth brushing water to flush the toilet. So we started, we took off the elbow to the bathroom sink. Then low and behold, the universe steps in and gives me a small plumbing problem and forces me to snake the kitchen sink. During this learning experience, we still had dishes to do. That is when we discovered that it took over 13 gallons of water to wash dinner dishes! So we never put the elbow back to the kitchen sink. We now do our dishes just a little slower ( because we must stop to empty the grey water in the garden :).
So all of that aside, I was eagerly waiting for the bill to come, I thought I would see a small drop. But Low and Behold! I saw something I was not expecting. Consider this, we are still watering our garden with the hose....
Last months bill was $38.14
This month it is $14.32!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
$23.82 difference!!!!!!!!!!
I encourage you to make some small transitions as you go, eventually you will be very happy that you did!
Now I need to convert my washing machine to store grey water for the garden, and utilize a rain catchment system for showering ( I already have the shower stall made :)

I also cut my electric bill down dramatically by selling my clothes dryer and using my clothes hanger, no AC till we cant take it any more, and unplugging appliances and lights instead of just flipping the switch from a normal May electric bill of $150.00 to $200.00 to $75.00!
Learn how Cube dealt with their Peak Oil Problem, This is an AMAZING video!
Watch All parts It is INSPIRING!

Original Post at:
http://nanasgarden71.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-we-cut-our-water-bill-in-more-then.html

Published May 14, 2011



 
First thing is first: if you want to live on your very own homestead; you must first define what it is you want . You may want total isolation, and live in a forest, or you may want to live in a community of others that live like you. That part is up to you, CLARIFY your desire and writ it down. We have been dreaming about finding a perfect homestead for us to settle on. I have big dreams about living and working on this amazing homestead.
My homestead will be many things:
1~ Self sufficient (as off the grid as possible, with the exception of Internet and phone communication)
2~We will raise all of our own food, from vegetables to livestock.
3~It will be 50 acres or more
4~There will be facilities for housing students,guests, and teachers; as well as more private facilities for myself and my family.
5~We will use natural building for any buildings we need to build. If the property has existing structures, we will restore them as best as possible to maintain the integrity and history of the property.
6~The land will have valuable water resources, ie. river or spring feed lake.
7~The design of the Homestead will implement Feng Shui and Permaculture design standards.
8~The Homestead will raise the food with out Chemicals, utilizing natures own Armour against pests. We will defend the livestock and plants from disease by breaking the triangle of disease.
9~There will be a smoke house for preserving and storing meats we produce.
10~We will raise Goats, chickens, turkeys, cows and pigs,etc.
11~We will have horses for travel on the property and to help us with large scale gardening.
12~We will have educational opportunities,ie. Permaculture Design Certifications, Animal Husbandry, Homesteading Skills,etc. We will be a place to learn how to become self sufficient in a responsible and healthy manner.
13~We will not only offer courses and classes, we will offer retreats for those that just want to get away and relax.
14~We will have Yoga, meditation, and Holistic practices available (we will subcontract instructors for anything we can not teach or perform ourselves)
15~Our Homestead will be on high ground with a good growing season. We will have green houses for the cold season.
16~We will be a place to learn, work, volunteer, relax, and grow.

Top 10 Tips for Finding Your Affordable Homestead

Make a list of your required criteria, along with what you’d like but isn’t necessary.
Focus on a particular county or region where you’ll begin your search.
Research free land opportunities.
Spread the word that you’re looking for land.
Scour local newspapers and Web sites for available properties.
Drive the back roads — knock on doors and ask questions.
Research foreclosure properties and government land sales.
Consider teaming up with friends to buy property.
Think of your long-term plans as you search for property.
Make an educated offer based on the market.




Resources
Nationwide Real Estate

www.landandfarm.com
www.landflip.com
www.landsofamerica.com/america
www.landwatch.com
www.unitedcountry.com
We will find the perfect Place and we know you will too! Weather it be an Urban area or a Rural Area, weather you want isolation or community; the Perfect place is waiting for you!

Nana's Garden
View Original Post at:
http://nanasgarden71.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-find-your-dream-homestead.html
 
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Farming
Gardening
Animal Husbandry
Crafts
soap making, homesteading
natural building
Self sufficiency
Seed saving... Oh you get the picture :)
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