New Adventures

WELCOME!
Blogging is a new thing for me but I wanted to chronicle my adventures in homesteading this summer and beyond. I am going to be trying lots of new things to try and get more self-sufficient and healthier and I thought that some might find it informative or humorous to follow the expedition with me.
I have been so looking forward to this summer as a time to experiment (the scientist in me) and try and get closer to natural living (blame my momma for that trend). No really, my parents, for those of you who do not know me, were real down to earth hippies right out of the 60's and I was raised in that type of world. They had a small mini farm (kind of like I am trying to make) and grew/smoked pot in a secret room in the garage (not a goal of mine by any means!) We had a garden, milked our own cows, raised our own beef, composted, mom made many of our clothes and in some ways lived very close to self sufficiency. Not all ways mind you, my mom and step-dad were both addicted to Dr. Pepper and cigarettes so what money we saved by natural living was eaten up with those nasty habits but food wise we were where I want to be.
Some of my goals include off-grid living (someday), reducing our families impact on the environment as much as possible and making our food as healthy and pure as possible. More specifically I will be trying things like:
homemade detergent
homemade chapstick
homemade deodorant
waxed cloth instead of cling wrap
waxed bags instead of sandwich bags
replacing plastic containers with glass
reusable feminine pads
family cloths

Some of the projects that I would like to start working on are:
solar panels
solar hot water system
wind turbines
water catch system
composting toilet
beekeeping 
Earthbag building (root cellar to start with)

Stuff that is already going well or is in the works (parts here and started but not quite working yet):
chickens for eggs/meat
garden for all fruits and veggies
homemade herbs, seasonings, etc.
wood burning stove for heat and cooking in the winter
clothesline 
aluminum foil balls to reduce static (when using the dryer)
homemade snacks and granola bars
natural pest control and fertilizers for the garden
reducing processed foods and eating out (still needs more improving)

This is the initial list which will still expand as I find new and interesting ways to make it myself and save money. Because yes I am a scrooge and very frugal most times, but as I see it, I would rather spend my money on the fun stuff than the everyday stuff.

So the adventure begins! My goals this summer include trying as many new things as I can and also save as much money as I can in the long run! Yes I realize that solar panels are expensive but the payback looks to be great so why not. I will do what I can as I can and see how far I get!