Olden Oasis

Long-term water storage and water purifying Why should we store water for long-term use? If the energy grid should ever go down, the municipal water will also shut down, unless the location where you live has some type of backup system.  Unfortunately, at one time or another, we all have power outages, often due to related weather occurrences. Usually the electricity is only off for a few hours, before power lines, transformers, etc. are repaired. However, sometimes freakish ice storms, tornadoes, or hurricanes happen and the power gets interrupted for days, weeks, and sometimes, unfortunately, for months.  Storing water for the long-term and treating potable water Water should be stored in thoroughly clean glass jars, or dark plastic containers (#1, #2, and #4). Glass bottles or jars are the absolute best choice, because glass isn't made with chemicals, therefore no chemicals can leach out into your stored water. Water stored in glass containers will last indefinitely as long...

Image by Pexels/Pixabay Purifying water with the sun's rays Recently, I have gotten on a healthy water kick because, quite frankly, I have been extremely scared to drink our tap water. Plus, I believe that it's important to know survival skills, and knowledge is the key to surviving. So today I'd like to share a free and all-natural way of purifying water. Yup, if you haven't guessed it already, I am referring to sunlight. Sunlight is an old-fashioned water-purifying practice that's considered to be the most natural way to purify water. It's genius because you can purify your drinking water at zero cost. This water-purifying method requires no special equipment or expensive filters. How do you purify water using the sun's rays? You'll want to fill a clean container with clear water and place it in direct sunlight. I suggest using a clear PET one-or two-liter bottle and nothing much larger than that. A quick note of caution here: Water that's thick an...

Why You Should Prune Flowers on Your Potato Plants Potato plant flowers pop up towards the end of the plant's life cycle to attract pollinators that help with reproduction. This is super important for the plant's survival. Sometimes, flowers can show up early if the plant has too much fertilizer or if the weather is really extreme. Why pruning is important Reason 1: Safety First It's a good idea to snip off those flowers for a couple of reasons. First, it can prevent curious kids or pets from eating parts of the plant that could make them sick. Reason 2: Better Potatoes Cutting off the flowers can actually help you get more potatoes in the end. When a plant gets energy into making flowers and seeds, it takes away from making those yummy tubers underground. By snipping off the flowers, you're telling the plant to focus on growing those potatoes instead. How to Prune To prune the flowers, grab some scissors or gardening shears and snip them off at the base of the stem. Th...

Homesteading skills that you should know There's not any specific law that prevents anybody from homesteading and making their own way in "The Natural State." In the grand scheme of things, self-sustaining practices such as growing your own food, harvesting rainwater, having a compostable toilet, using solar power, etc. in Arkansas is in fact considered a self-sustaining right. However, there are a few loopholes out there that you'll have to go through in order to do some of these things legally, which in turn may seem like a hard slap in the face, to some, if you're wanting to be completely self-reliant. This unfortunately is also the case for living completely off-grid in "The Natural State." Since Arkansas is known as being "The Natural State," most people would assume that you would be able to buy some land, set up a modern-day homestead, and run it in the ways that you see fit. However, this isn't entirely the case in our state. What...

All natural facial mask and facial scrub Are you looking for a better, cheaper way to cleanse and exfoliate your skin? If so, today, I will tell you how I make an all-natural cleansing mask and all-natural facial scrub. These are two DIY'S that I personally make and use. They are inexpensive to create. Plus, there are no harmful ingredients added to either. Coffee and almond milk face mask Ingredients:  3 tablespoons of ground coffee 1 tablespoon of almond milk Instructions: To create the facial mask, add three tablespoons of ground coffee with one tablespoon of almond milk in a bowl; combine well to form a gritty paste. Add additional almond milk if it's needed. Using your fingertips, apply the facial mask to your face. Allowing it to stay on your face for at least fifteen minutes. Wash the facial mask off with warm water, then splash your face with refreshing cold water; blot your skin dry with a clean towel. All natural facial scrub Ingredients: 1-½ cups of sugar ¼ cup of ca...

Audio:  happy-new-year-electropop-music-183324, Pixabay Graphics by: Canva studios and Gin Lee Exciting New Year Wishes for 2025! Hey everyone! Hope you had a fantastic New Year's celebration and are ready for an amazing year ahead! New Beginnings As we start off this new year, it's a great time to set some goals and make some resolutions. Whether it's getting better grades, being kinder to others, or trying something new, now is the perfect time to make a fresh start. Reflecting on the Past Take some time to think about the past year and all the things you accomplished. Celebrate your successes and learn from any challenges you faced. Every experience helps us grow and become stronger. Spreading Joy One of the best parts of the new year is spreading joy and positivity to those around us. Whether it's a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand, small gestures can make a big difference in someone's day. Setting Goals Think about what you want to achieve this year and ma...

Getting Ready for the Big 2025 Snowstorm: How to Prepare Your Homestead As we approach January, it is important to be aware of the potential for significant snow and ice storms across many states, including those in the southern region. It is crucial that we take the necessary precautions to ensure our safety and well-being during these extreme weather events. The impending storms are expected to be severe, with temperatures dropping to dangerously low levels. I urge everyone to make the necessary preparations for these winter storms. This includes stocking up on essential supplies, such as food, water, and emergency supplies. Additionally, it is important to ensure that outdoor pets are brought inside to a warm and safe environment. Let us all take the necessary steps to stay safe and prepared during these challenging weather conditions. Stocking Up on Supplies When a big snowstorm is on the way, it's important to make sure you have enough supplies to last you through ...