Tell us about it.

I'm working on perfecting the perfect loaf of bread. I'm getting there and its been fun to grind my own grain and then experiment with the recipes I'm finding on the net.

Next, I'm going to work on figuring out how to use the generator should I have need for it.

How about you?

Short term is making more things from scratch.
Finding things to use instead of buying new or doing withhout.

Long term: looking into building another log home, but one that can run off/on the grid.

Like Kindred, I am learning to make more from scratch, and experimenting with making do.
Long term I want to learn to sew and preserve my garden items so that i do not depend on the store as much

same here, im teaching my self how to cook from scratch and use what i have.

Definitely to do more canning, using my garden more to help us make it through the winters. Making more handmade gifts is another one, therefore not relying on the stores as much. (I just have to keep remembering to plan AHEAD!!)

Like everyone else, I am making more things from scratch. I haven't bought any baked goods in almost a year. Now that I'm learning to can, I plan on making lots of homemade gifts. I think a loaf of homemade bread and a few jars of homemade jam will make wonderful gifts! Unfortunately I don't have room for a vegetable garden, but I have squeezed in an herb garden, and this year, I'll try drying my own.

This year I am going to master making pickles!!!!:toothy: A friend and I are planning on making pickled asparagus for gifts. YUMMM!!!

those who dont have room for a regular garden, could try container gardening..im going to try to grow lettce and tomatoes this year and i will try to do a herb garden.

Shoert term is my pantry, when it is fully stocked, I will be self sufficient in a big way!

Long term is my BA and teaching credential, now that will really be life changing!

Don't forget you can garden in containers, old/new kids swimming pools etc..

I think the main thing I am doing right now is working on my garden. I am hoping to get enough out of it to can and freeze to last through the winter. I would like to be able to have enough tomatoes to make salsa to sell at work. I worked with a coworker that made it a few years (he has moved to a different part of the hospital now) and he would bring it in by the case and sell it like crazy. I know I can make it as well as him and so I am hoping to make a little extra $$$ toward my emergency fund. :D

Planted a huge salad garden to cut down on our fresh produce buying. Also planted Alpine strawberries, and have cherries, apricots, and grapes to plant next week when the rain stops and temps go back up.

I would like to eventually have a large garden and do preserves of all my garden would give us. This is a long term project, because, I am planning on only growing a few things since I have so much to care for in my family....

I'm trying to cook from scratch, everything, as much as I can.:)

Well after much work and lots of experimenting, I finally was able to make a perfect loaf of bread with freshly ground grain. It does take quite a bit of adjusting from a regular loaf and you need to put in a few ingredients you don't with regular store bought flour.

My next project is learning how to can with a pressure canner. I want to can some chickens and meat in the fall, so I'm saving for a good quality pressure canner and once I have that, then I'll start canning.

I've done lots of water bath canning and its been successful, but learning to use a pressure canner takes a bit more effort.

How about all the other homesteaders?

I need to learn how to hand sew

I have started my container garden on the porch. Not much - just tomatoes, an advocado plant (5 yrs old), and some chives. This year my focus has been to buy more items that help remove us from the commercial to basic. By this I mean we are using candles and oil lamps more often, using vinegar, bleach and baking soda to clean instead of commercial cleaners, trying to get back to basics.

I want to learn how to Can, Sew (am learning now) Quilt.

I want to be able to cut all my bills in half but this time next year! Everything, groceries, utilities etc...

I am in search of good quality oil lamps for my home (if there is such a thing are they all the same?)
Homemade quilts for winter (untill I get it down pat)
Stock my freezers for winter
overstock my pantry (so I don't have to worry about it during the summers when I won't be working)
Stock up on supplies to make my own cleaners, crafts, gifts etc...

Ellise, most oil lamps are fine to use. Its the oil that you need to watch. When you use the cheaper oil, you tend to get a lot of black smoke and smudge, both on your glass dome and on your ceiling.

I just purchased an oil lamp on Sat. and it had some cheap oil it in. It was horrible.

I buy expensive oil at candle stores. It burns very clean and is well worth it. The cheaper oils also have a horrible smell that makes me nauseous and gives me horrible headaches.

My short term is to have a well stocked pantry/freezer.

I'd also like to become better at sewing. I want to also lower all my bills that I can, for as long as I can. And get more saved up for emergencies.