Olden Oasis Homestead

Transforming Old Shoes into Garden Treasures: A Creative Way to Keep Loved Ones Close Gardening is a beloved pastime that allows us to connect with nature, nurture life, and create beautiful outdoor spaces. But what if your garden could also be a place of heartfelt memory and personal storytelling? Instead of purchasing generic planters, why not get creative with items you already have around the house? Today, I want to share a special story about how an old pair of leather shoes became a cherished garden feature—and how you can turn everyday items into meaningful, whimsical planters that keep loved ones close. Why Use Unusual Items as Garden Planters? Utilizing unexpected household items as planters not only adds character and charm to your garden but also breathes new life into objects that might otherwise be discarded. These unique planters serve as conversation starters, artistic expressions, and, most importantly, heartfelt tributes. Here are some compelling reasons to consider un...

How to Build a Small Greenhouse Using Refurbished Windows Thinking about nurturing your plants or starting a mini garden but don’t want to break the bank? Building a small, functional greenhouse with refurbished windows is an eco-friendly and affordable solution! Plus, it’s a fun DIY project that brings a charming, vintage vibe to your garden. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to create your very own small greenhouse with an A-frame roof, using recycled windows, sturdy wood, and a few handy tips. Table of Contents Gather Your Materials Designing Your Greenhouse Preparing the Foundation Building the Frame Attaching Windows & Creating the Roof Adding Hinges and a Handle Final Touches and Tips Gather Your Materials Before you start, gather the necessary supplies: Refurbished windows (preferably double-glazed for insulation) Wood for the frame (snug, weatherproof lumber like cedar or pressure-treated pine) Thick greenhouse plastic (for the A-frame roof) Hinges (preferably ...

Craft Your Own Round-Shaped Hot Pads with Cushioned Side Lips: A Cozy Touch for Your Kitchen If you've ever struggled with finding the perfect hot pad that not only protects your hands but also adds a charming touch to your countertop, this DIY project is just what you need! These custom round-shaped hot pads with cushioned side lips are not only practical—they’re adorable, versatile, and a delightful way to showcase your sewing skills. Whether you're holding hot pans, resting fresh eggs, or organizing your fruits and veggies, these hot pads are a game-changer. Ready to get started? Let's walk through the fun and simple process of creating your own! Table of Contents Materials and Preparation Cutting and Assembling the Fabric Sewing the Hot Pad Adding the Cushioned Side Lips Finishing Touches and Tips Creative Uses for Your Hot Pads Materials and Preparation Gather these essentials before diving into your sewing project: Fabric of your choice – Cotton or quilting fabric wo...

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...

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...

Image is of my grand-dad Charles Ball at the homestead many years ago. Olden Oasis Homestead: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Simple Living Welcome to Olden Oasis Homestead, where craftsmanship and simple living come together to create a legacy that has stood the test of time. Built over a hundred years ago by my talented grandparents, this homestead is a testament to hard work and dedication. Starting with just one room, my grandparents expanded the house over the years using only hand tools, showcasing their exceptional skills. The solid oak construction of the home speaks to the quality of their work, while other buildings like the washhouse, storage buildings, and storm cellar stand as further evidence of their craftsmanship. Life on the homestead has always been bustling with a variety of animals, including chickens. My grandmother was a true jack-of-all-trades, excelling in everything from homesteading to sewing, gardening to cooking. Her green thumb turned the gardens into a lush ...