Olden Oasis Homestead

Foraging for Cattails: Nature's Hidden Gem If you've ever wandered through the wetlands, you might have noticed the tall, grassy plants with distinctive brown, sausage-shaped flower heads—those are cattails. Often overlooked, these hardy plants are a treasure trove of health benefits and edible parts. Today, I’m excited to share my experience in foraging for cattails from my Olden Oasis Homestead, amazing nutritional value, and how you can incorporate them into your wild culinary adventures. Table of Contents Why Forage for Cattails? Health Benefits of Cattails Edible Parts of the Cattail Plant How to Harvest Cattails Safely Preparing and Cooking Cattails Final Thoughts and Tips Why Forage for Cattails? Growing abundantly along our wetlands, cattails are often dismissed as mere weeds or nuisances. But in reality, they’re an incredibly versatile and sustainable food source.  Foraging for cattails is a rewarding way to connect with nature, embrace self-sufficiency, and access an ...

Celebrating New Beginnings: Happy New Year 2026 from Olden Oasis Homestead As we step into 2026, there's a special kind of magic in the air here at Olden Oasis Homestead. With hopeful hearts and bright spirits, we want to extend our warmest wishes for a joyful, prosperous, and inspiring New Year to all our friends, family, and community supporters. This year promises new adventures, renewed dreams, and countless opportunities to embrace life’s beautiful moments—just like the fresh beginnings that spring at the start of each year. Table of Contents Reflecting on 2025: Our Journey and Growth Our Hopes and Dreams for 2026 Celebrating Community and Connection Moving Forward Together A Heartfelt Goodbye to 2025 and Welcome to 2026 Reflecting on 2025: Our Journey and Growth Last year was a remarkable chapter for Olden Oasis Homestead. We nurtured new gardens, welcomed more visitors to our blog, and strengthened our bonds with the community. Every challenge faced and milestone achieved re...

Bright Ideas to Slash Your Electricity Bill: Smart Tips for Saving Money If you've been feeling the pinch of soaring electricity bills, you're not alone. Many households are on the lookout for practical, budget-friendly solutions to bring those costs down. The good news? Small changes and a bit of ingenuity can make a big difference. In this post, we'll explore creative ways to cut your energy expenses—think LED solar lights, battery banks, and even modest solar panels—that can help you save money while embracing greener living. Table of Contents Understanding Your Electricity Costs Switch to LED Lighting Harness the Power of Solar Lights Invest in Battery Banks for Energy Storage Utilize Small Solar Panels Additional Tips for Reducing Electricity Bills Final Thoughts Understanding Your Energy Costs Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand where your electricity dollars go. Conduct a quick audit: Track your usage for a week to identify high-consumption...

Transforming Broken and Vintage Wood into a Stunning Kitchen Island and Breakfast Nook Imagine turning forgotten, broken pieces of furniture and vintage barn wood into a beautiful, functional centerpiece in your home. Repurposing wood not only gives new life to aged materials, but it also adds a unique, rustic charm that mass-produced furniture simply can't match. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting to explore sustainable home upgrades, this guide will walk you through creative ways to craft a useful kitchen island and cozy breakfast nook from repurposed wood. Table of Contents Why Repurpose Old Wood for Your Kitchen Space? Gathering and Preparing Your Reclaimed Materials Design Ideas for Your Repurposed Kitchen Island Building a Rustic Breakfast Nook from Barn Wood Tips and Tricks for a Successful Repurposing Project Final Thoughts and Inspiration Why Repurpose Old Wood for Your Kitchen Space? Repurposing wood is more than just a trend—it’s a sustainable ...

Hatching Ideas: DIY Cozy Nesting Boxes for Your Hens Amid Rising Chicken Costs Hey there, fellow backyard bird enthusiasts! If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’ve probably noticed that chicken supplies and feed prices have taken quite a leap over the past few years.  It’s a tricky situation, especially when we want to keep our flocks happy, healthy, and laying eggs. One simple yet effective way to support your hens—and stretch your budget—is to craft your own comfortable nesting boxes.  Not only is DIY more economical, but it also gives you the chance to tailor the space perfectly for your feathered friends. Today, at Olden Oasis Homestead, I’ll share some creative and practical ideas to help you build cozy nesting boxes that your hens will love. Table of Contents Why Build Your Own Nesting Boxes? Materials and Tools Needed Step-by-Step DIY Instructions Tips for Comfortable and Durable Nesting Boxes Adding a Personal Touch Conclusion Why Build Your Own Nesting Box...

How to Build an Off-Grid Sink: Step-by-Step Instructions for a Self-Sufficient Setup Living off the grid is all about independence and simplicity. One of the essential components of a self-sufficient home is a reliable sink that doesn’t rely on conventional plumbing.  Whether you're creating a cabin in the woods, a tiny house, or a rural retreat, building your own off-grid sink is both achievable and rewarding. In this guide, we'll walk you through clear, easy-to-follow steps to design and build an off-grid sink that serves your needs without the fuss of city water systems. Before diving into construction, decide how you want your sink to function and look. Consider: Where will it be located for easy access? What water source will you use? (Rainwater, water catchment, or stored water) Do you prefer an indoor or outdoor setup? What materials fit your budget and aesthetic? Sketch a simple plan to visualize your sink’s size, shape, and water flow system. Remember, simp...

Off Grid Living Anywhere Off grid living has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice for those seeking independence, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature. This approach allows individuals and families to live outside the traditional grid, relying on renewable resources and self-sufficient practices to meet their needs. From harnessing solar energy to growing their own food, off grid living offers a unique blend of freedom and responsibility. Whether you're contemplating a complete lifestyle change or simply looking to incorporate off grid principles into your daily life, this article will guide you through the essential aspects of living off the grid anywhere, empowering you to embrace a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life. Understanding Off Grid Living   Definition and Concept   Off grid living is like playing hide-and-seek with modern conveniences. It means disconnecting from the traditional power grid and other utilities, usually optin...

With Heartfelt Gratitude: Celebrating Love and Appreciation This Holiday Season As the glow of holiday lights brightens our homes and the spirit of giving fills the air, I find myself reflecting on the true essence of this special time of year. At Olden Oasis Homestead, this season is more than just festive decorations and cozy gatherings—it's a heartfelt reminder of the power of gratitude, love, and community. Today, I want to reach out to each and every one of you, my cherished readers, to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support, kindness, and connection throughout the year. Why Gratitude Matters in the Holiday Season The holidays are a perfect opportunity to pause and acknowledge the blessings in our lives. It’s a time to recognize not just the good things, but also the growth moments, the challenges overcome, and the lessons learned. Here at Olden Oasis Homestead, gratitude is woven into our daily lives—whether it’s tending to our gardens, caring for our ani...

Creative Homemade Pot Holders: Crafting Cozy Kitchen Accessories from Material Few things beat the satisfaction of creating your own household items, and homemade pot holders are no exception. Not only do they serve a practical purpose, protecting your hands from hot pans and dishes, but they also add a personal, creative touch to your kitchen decor. In this blog post, we'll explore how you can craft stylish, durable, and fun pot holders from simple materials, turning a mundane kitchen essential into a beautiful handmade accessory. So grab your fabric scraps, a needle, and some thread — and let's get started on creating your very own DIY pot holders! Table of Contents Why Make Your Own Pot Holders? Materials Needed Step-by-Step Instructions Creative Ideas & Designs Tips for Durability & Safety Conclusion Why Make Your Own Pot Holders? Creating your own pot holders offers plenty of benefits: Customization: Choose fabrics that match your kitchen decor or showc...

Easy Compostable Toilet: A Guide for Off-Grid Living and Emergencies Living off the grid or preparing for life emergencies requires practical, sustainable solutions—especially when it comes to essentials like sanitation. A compostable toilet isn't just eco-friendly; it’s a game-changer for homesteaders and emergency preppers alike. If you've ever wondered how to build one simply and affordably, you're in the right place. Let’s walk through designing a comfy, reliable composting toilet that fits into your off-grid lifestyle. Table of Contents Why Choose a Compostable Toilet? Materials and Tools Needed Step-by-Step Building Guide Tips for Maintaining and Using Your Toilet Conclusion Why Choose a Compostable Toilet? When living off-grid or in emergency situations, traditional flush toilets may not be an option. Compostable toilets offer several advantages: Eco-friendly: Converts waste into compost, reducing pollution. Low water use: Operates without water, conserving this prec...

Charming Crocheted Chicken Hot Pads To craft charming, heart-shaped chicken hot pads, begin by crocheting two separate heart-shaped panels using single crochet stitches. Once you have finished both pieces, carefully join the panels together, then bring your chicken potholder to life by adding playful details such as expressive eyes and a perky beak. Materials You Will Need: Yarn: It is best to use a durable cotton yarn, which offers excellent heat resistance. Crochet Hook: Select a hook size that matches your yarn weight, typically ranging from 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm. Tapestry Needle: This tool is essential for neatly weaving in all loose ends, sewing on yarn eyes, etc.. Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is necessary for cleanly cutting your yarn. Step-by-Step Instructions: Foundation Chain: Create a beginning chain of 30 stitches. First Row: Work a single crochet (sc) into the second chain from your hook, then continue making single crochets across the entire row, which should give you 29...

Harvesting pecans at Olden Oasis Harvesting pecans at my Olden Oasis Homestead is more than just a seasonal task; it's a tradition that deeply connects my family to our land and history. Nestled in the southern heartland, our homestead boasts rows of sturdy pecan trees, each a testament to years of natural growth and human nurture. As soon as the crisp autumn air settles in, preparations for the harvest begin, marked by the rustling of leaves underfoot and the distinct odor of earth and nuts. The act of harvesting pecans isn’t merely about collecting nuts; it’s about embracing the rhythm of nature and honoring the legacy of our ancestors who planted these trees decades ago. On the day of the first harvest, the entire family gathers, armed with baskets and eager spirits. Our mission is both challenging and rewarding, requiring patience as we carefully shake the branches, sending a cascade of pecans tumbling to the ground. History of Pecans Pecans are a species of hickory nut that is...

Chocolate fudge pecan delight cake This cake was inspired by one of my favorite Russell Stovers chocolate candies.  1 box of Chocolate Fudge cake mix The ingredients that the cake mix requires 2 containers of Cream Cheese Frosting 1 package of cream cheese 1 small container of Cool Whip 1 bag of  pecan delights chocolate candy Instructions: Bake the cake in a prepared square cake pan. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut the cake in half. Try to cut both halves to the same thickness. Take the top half of the cake and lay it on a cake board or platter. Now, in a medium bowl, combine one container of cream cheese and half of the Cool Whip. Combine well. In another bowl add the other container of cream cheese frosting and the package of cream cheese. With a mixer, combine the cream cheese in well with the frosting. Set both bowls aside for now. Next, unwrap the pecan delights and chop each one of them into smaller pieces. Now, add half of the chopped pieces of chocolate ca...

Holiday Fruit Salad The holiday season is a time for celebration, gathering with loved ones, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. One delightful dish that embodies the spirit of festivities is a vibrant holiday fruit salad. Bursting with colors and flavors, this refreshing salad combines an array of fruits such as fruit cocktail, sliced peaches, diced apples, grapes, sliced oranges, and bananas, all topped with a luscious layer of Cool Whip. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste, this fruit salad not only adds a festive touch to your table but also serves as a healthy option amidst the holiday indulgences. Whether served as a side dish or a light dessert, it’s sure to please guests of all ages. Introduction to Holiday Fruit Salad  If there's one dish that captures the spirit of the holidays, it’s a vibrant fruit salad. Picture it: a cheerful medley of colors, textures, and flavors that not only looks good but also tastes like a festivity in your mouth. This Ho...

Films Shot in Arkansas/ “The Natural State” At Olden Oasis Homestead, one of our cherished pastimes is watching movies. I have a particular interest in films shot in my home state of Arkansas. While I appreciate movies across all genres, and there are countless films produced in various states and countries that are equally enjoyable, my focus here is on those filmed in "The Natural State." I have made every effort to compile an accurate list, but please note that it may not reflect recent updates, and some titles may have been inadvertently omitted. A A Face in the Crowd (film) A Gathering of Eagles Arkansas (primarily filmed in Mobile, Alabama, but it did include some scenes shot in Arkansas, specifically in Hot Springs and Little Rock. ) A Soldier's Story B Biloxi Blues (film) Bloody Mama Boggy Creek Monster (film) Boxcar Bertha Brüno C Chariot (film) Chrystal (film) Come Early Morning (Don Williams) Crescent City (film) Crisis at Central High D Daddy and Them E Eliz...