Tiny living is a non-stop trend these days. If you are considering going minimalist here are tiny home ideas that will surely fit the bill! Sustainable Tiny Living For Comfort And Minimalism If you can't afford nor want a pristine new, five bedroom house that seizes 4,000 square feet, don't despair! There is still a shot for you to achieve your American dream! Let me present to you 15 tiny living ideas that are very much sustainable. 1. The Apple Blossom | This is such a brilliant cottage that could make even the crankiest person smile. Situated in Vermont, the cottage is available for lease to anyone who will pay about $92 a night. It has one room with a single or double bunk, just like you find in the photos on the facilitating site and living room. Allwood Eagle Vista | 1376 SQF Cabin Kit Inside Floor Area: 1376 Sqf (697 Sqf downstairs + 679 sqf...Wall thickness: 2-3/4" (70 mm) - dual T&G pattern | Floor,... Buy Now Good for 5 individuals, assuming 2 of them don't have an issue with sleeping in the living room. You can have the DIY shell unit for only $16,338 and if you live in the north-eastern part of the US you can have it shipped directly assembled for about $65,000. It measures 312 square feet and it can be customized to become energy efficient by installing proper wall insulation and solar panels for electricity. 2. The Tree House | Here's a unique design of a tiny house. The structure is basically a treehouse, the fantasy of any 7-year old. But adults will be just as delighted when they find out what's store inside. The majority of the pieces of furniture are made of hardwood. The stairs inside will bring you to the upper level and you'll find a bookshelf and a comfortable chair where you can have a peaceful reading or great evenings chilling with your loved ones. Depending on the complexity of the design, you can pay as little as $10,000 or as much as $50,000. 3. Tiny House With Porch Swing And Greenhouse | Who says you can no longer practice your green thumb when going small? Well, they're wrong! Any budding green thumb would rejoice in this beautiful tiny house with porch swing and greenhouse. It has an airy and bright living room area that fits a full-size pull-out couch and a chair. The main structure measures 323 square feet, but what really sets this little home apart from the rest is the 85 square feet greenhouse trailer attaches to the main house. Lillevilla Getaway | 292 SQF Cabin Kit with a Loft (Getaway Cabin kit) Buy Now 4. Home Tiny House | This parallelepiped tiny home measures 8-foot 6-inch wide and 13-foot 5-inch tall. The house has wheels and with its size, you no longer need any transport permit if you want to hit the road. It has a master bedroom upstairs and a full-size kitchen with traditional appliances. Not just that, it also has a fully functional bathroom and lots of storage space. This plan will cost you around $300. The estimated cost of this design is at $33,000, however, if you prefer the 24-foot version you'll need around $60,000. 5. Toy Box House image via Toy Box Tiny Home A home is a place of simplicity and peace and that what this toy box house embodies. Its design has a touch of modern elements combines with eco-friendly materials. The roof membrane is made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) that provides an excellent energy efficiency. The walls are made of natural cedar and fiberglass. The size of its structure is flexible and its base price is $79,000. Allwood Eagle Point | 1108 SQF Cabin Kit Inside Floor Area: 1108 Sqf (712 Sqf downstairs + 396 Sqf...Wall thickness: 2-3/4" (70 mm) - dual T&G pattern | Ridge... Buy Now 6. Unfolding Apartment | Created by Normal Projects, this spacious apartment measures only 450 square feet. The key to this space-saving innovation is a single and a larger custom cabinetry piece embedded in one wall. The cupboard is filled with the functional elements of a bigger loft including a bed, a closet, an end table, a library, a home office, kitchen storage, and the most part of the room lighting. Every component can be folded up into the wall. 7. Cheerful 260-Square-Foot Home image via Richardson Architects Here's a wonderful conventional little house with a gable roof. Situated on a dairy farm in Northern California, this house has a wraparound patio for you to enjoy peaceful summer evenings. It's family amicable of what it would appear on the outside as well as the inside. The white and red hues influence the house to look happy and youthful. Expect to spend about $700 for the plan and around $40,000 for its construction. The expenses differ on the kind of wood you want to utilize for the roof, walls, and deck. 8. The Kidd Cottage | You'll say the structure of this Kidd cottage seems old and flimsy. Well, 99% of the house is made of reclaimed materials, that made you right about the old part. However, some paint and a little of any designer's creativity knows exactly how to transform this traditional home into an extraordinary abode. The house has another great story other than just being a loft. The wraparound patio provides an open space where can put some vintage furniture. The drawback there is no real bathroom or kitchen because it only measures 63 square feet. But there is a separate bathhouse where you can have a complete bathroom amenities. 9. Transforming A-Frame Cabin image via TinyHouseTalk This adorable transforming A-frame cabin cost only $1,200. If you already have a few DIY projects hanging under your belt, I’m pretty sure you can easily rebuild this kind of little dream home. If you have some repurposed materials, such as logs, nails, boards, and window frames available from previous projects the better to help you trim down its cost. 10. The Nugget | At only 102 square feet, this little house fits a bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping area. The whole house has complete off-grid amenities, roof-based solar panels and an integrated inverter and battery set. It also has a propane heater and a 100-gallon freshwater tank to ensure the residents won't go cold or hydrated. Price starts at $36,000 and can go down on or up depending on finishes, customizations, appliances, and materials used. 11. Shepherd's Hut If you are dreaming to become a pioneer and want a home you can easily customize to suit your need and desires, Shepherd's hut is what you're looking for. These remarkable wooden wagons by Gute is an evidence that living off-grid can also be comfortable. The custom plan comes with handcrafted modular furniture, such as bunk bed and fold out desk. 12. Cedar Mountain Tiny House image via TinyHouseTalk This cedar mountain tiny house may look tiny on the outside, however, the inside is big farmhouse-style. With reclaimed accessories, subway tile, shiplap walls, and sturdy hardwood floors, it's the amazing combination of modern simplicity and rustic charm. 13. The Indigo Home | True to its name, this 280 square feet tiny home signifies that nothing can go wrong if you use dark colors in a small room. This indigo tiny home by Driftwood Homes USA is beautified with pops of moody and dark hues. I'm sure you'll fall in love with the kitchen – blue cabinets are paired with rustic wood. You'd better take a peak. This beautiful home is currently available for $69,500. 14. Scandinavian Modern Tiny House image via Small House Bliss This Scandinavian tiny house is made of black stained wood and measures 260 square feet. Upstairs, there is the room space for bed and space to hold clothes. The value begins at $74,000. By and by you see huge windows on the front of the house. It appears this is a convincing approach to draw attention far from how little the structure really is. 15. 240 Square Foot Floating Cabin image via Maine Home Design This incredible 240 square foot floating cabin is totally off the grid. It has a 55-gallon water tank that supplies to the kitchen and shower, two propane tanks to power a refrigerator and a stove to provide hot water. When the sky is dark, the cabin glows with oil lamps and candles while solar lights illuminate the platform. Want to learn how to decorate your tiny home? Check out this tiny living small house decor ideas video from Simple Home Art Decor Ideas: A family of five will probably have some difficulties living in such a small house, but these tiny living home ideas are great for young couples, singles, millennials, or even a family of four. Depending on how much space you're willing to use for living and what your lifestyle aspirations, desires, goals, and preferences, there's one perfect tiny home for you. I hope you find it here in this list. Which of these tiny living home ideas caught your fancy? We're excited to know! Let us know in the comments section below. Up Next: 17 Cool Container Homes To Inspire Your Own | Homesteading Ideas

There’s no shortage of sites claiming to have uncovered boundless acres of cheap or free land for homesteading; too bad it’s mostly bogus. In reality, there’s a simple reason why affordable land is so sought after: it’s actually quite rare, especially in the United States. The country might be massive, but virtually every inch of good land in good locations was long ago scooped up by big agricultural interests, property developers or just ordinary people trying to make a living. Nonetheless, for this list we’ve gone to pains to find credible leads on good places to find decent deals on land. None are guaranteed sources of success, but at least they’ll give you some idea for what to keep an eye out for on your search for cheap or free land for homesteading. Hold your wagons! Before we get started, a few notes. Firstly, this list is focused on the US somewhat, but does feature some viable international options. Secondly, you might notice this list disregards a huge chunk of the online rumor mill surrounding claim-free handouts. Contrary to what many people seem to still erroneously claim, the federal government hasn’t had a homesteading program since the mid 1970s. Even then, public land is almost never sold at anything below market price. So, sorry, but don't expect to be overwhelmed by options for cheap or free land for homesteading. The Bureau of Land Management does occasionally sell parcels of rural land, usually wild and usually in the most remote corners of the country. You should keep abreast of these sales, but remember they're but are rare nonetheless. Of more interest to homesteaders are state and local initiatives. These can be pretty good in some cases. Some small rural towns are discovering the promise of free land can be a great way to rejuvenate their communities, and bring people back to the countryside. However, you shouldn't take these deals lightly. When they say “free,” what they really mean is the land itself won’t cost you upfront, but you’ll still be expected to cover costs to develop your plot. At the very least, you should be prepared to cover the costs of actually building your home, not to mention install basics like running water and sewage. You should likewise anticipate additional conditions are usually also set on applicants, including a pledge to live in the area for a certain amount of time (usually anywhere from five to 10 years). So if you’re not in it for the long haul, then you might want to think twice. While we're at it… Other important things you should also consider is how much land you actually need, and whether or not you're really ready for homesteading. Don't forget to check out a few of our articles on homesteading basics, and what tools you'll need. Finally, you should remember that nothing here aught to be taken as financial advice. The purpose of this article is to give new or potential homesteaders some ideas for where to look for cheap or free land for homesteading. Before even considering buying anything, make sure you actually consult a financial professional. Buying land is a big deal, and requires careful consideration of both your own financial situation and the laws and expectations of a local community. In other words, reading a few articles on the internet should just be the start of your research – not the end! Cheap or Free land for homesteading in Yukon (Susan Drury/CC) Canada’s Yukon stretches across a region larger than Germany, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands combined. Barely 40,000 people are spread out across this largely untouched wilderness. Also, it gets really cold, but not quite as cold as you might expect given how far north Yukon is. January tends to see averages around -11C to -19 (12/−2F). Oh, and did you mention they’re actually handing out free land? To qualify, you need to be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in the region for at least a year. The largest plots available are 65 hectare (160 acre). Of these, the government tends to hand out around 10 each year. Candidates have to pledge to pay for surveying, and to make consistent improvements on their property. These aren’t the only requirements, and generally speaking local authorities reserve land for applicants who actually seem dedicated to Yukon. If you’re not prepared to spend at least seven years carrying out agricultural work in freezing cold temperatures, this one might not be for you. If that does sound appealing though, you can find more details here. Cheap or free land for homesteading in Lincoln, Kansas So, I have a confession: you’re going to see Kansas appear on this list a lot. After all, the state is a bit of a Mecca for anyone looking for cheap or free land for homesteading. First up is Lincoln, a small Kansas town that has spent over a decade trying to lure homesteaders with reduced property taxes for their first decade. The local government has also carried out free land handouts in the past. As always, there’s strings attached, so don’t get packing quite yet. Find out more information here. Free land distribution in Marquette, Kansas Once the poster child of how to reinvigorate a country town with free land, Marquette has been on homesteaders’ radars for around a decade now. Their free land program is appealing, to say the least. Remember though: there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and Marquette’s “free” land will still cost you. You should expect to pay to install sewage and water lines, while adhering to plenty of special requirements. Moreover, in recent years there’s been speculation Marquette has been getting full, so don’t be surprised if you have trouble securing much here. The early bird gets the worm. If you’re still interested, you can read about experiences of other homesteaders in Marquette here, or find details on the latest hand handouts here. Either way, it's a great place to start your search for cheap or free land for homesteading. New Hampshire’s Homesteading Community New Hampshire isn’t just stunning; it’s also one of the most popular states for homesteaders. It’s no surprise why: land prices tend to be relatively reasonable, the climate is generally good and there’s some solid legal protections for homesteaders. Anyone looking for homesteading land will, sooner or later, find themselves considering New Hampshire. Find out some basics on how to go about tracking down cheap land for homesteading in New Hampshire here. Cheap or free land for homesteading in New Richland, Minnesota At the time of writing, New Richland was in the process of distributing 86′ x 133′ plots with a market value of around $25,000 each, for “free”. By “free,” they mean at least $14,000 under a Tax Increment Financing scheme, which can be paid off over 15 years. Plus, you’re expected to build a home on the land within a year, and are expected to fork out for any additional costs associated with maintaining your plot. Additional conditions are set depending on sub division. More information on how to get this cheap or free homesteading land can be found here. Alaska land sales Another popular state for homesteaders, Alaska is all wide open spaces, small towns and untamed wilderness. The state’s land and water department occasionally offers rural land. Sometimes they sell that land for for surprisingly low prices. Often, you can expect extreme isolation and difficult weather. Nonetheless, it's worth a go if you might score some cheap or free land for homesteading. See what they’ve got available here. Farming leases in the Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio (Erik Drost/CC) This one won’t see you owning any land, but it’s worth considering for anyone hoping to get started. Under a program aimed at preserving historic farms, Ohio offers farmers 60 year leases on public land. The land is in the Cuyahoga National Park. During sales, you can expect some insanely low prices. For anywhere between $500 to $1000 a month, you get a historic farmhouse and anywhere from nine to 12 acres of land. The land itself is absolutely beautiful. The Cuyahoga park is a dreamscape for anyone looking to get off the grid. Sure, it’s not a perfect deal (who likes to rent?), it’s nonetheless pretty incredible, and more financially viable for most people than the average build-a-house-get-free-land deal. Find out more here. Land program in Marne, Iowa The City of Marne, Iowa has been running a free land program for years now. They usually give out land in 80 feet x 120 feet lots. Most applicants fail to get through the exhaustive list of requirements, but maybe you can? If so, you’ll score yourself some free land in an idyllic Iowa town of just 120 people! As of the 2010 census, barely 50 households remained in the town. It’s small, and perfect for the budding homesteader! The town does ban livestock on most plots though. Free land for homesteading in Curtis, Nebraska Nebraska is pretty much the mid of the mid-west. With rolling hills as far as the eye can see, Curtis is a cute little town that’s been striving to reinvigorate itself for years now. Nowadays, this community offers a great program for free land. As is common, it's open to anyone willing to build their own house. You’ll have to match their building specifications. Yet plots come with paved streets and utilities included, so that’s nice. It’s definitely a good setup for anyone looking for cheap or free land for homesteading, though be aware of their requirements. Oyo, Nigeria: because why not? Most people know Nigeria for three things: oil, Boko Haram and advance-fee scams. Also, its south west state of Oyo recently announced it had earmarked 250,000 hectares of arable land for small plot farmers. Details are scant on how to apply, and the program itself has already drawn some local controversy. Anyway, if you’ve ever dreamed of getting cheap or free land for homesteading in a war-torn African petro-state, then dream no more. Osborne, Kansas Remember how I mentioned you’ll be seeing a lot of Kansas on this list? Osborne is another small Kansas town looking for a second lease on life with its free property program. Their handouts focus on commercial and light industrial purposes, but some forms of homesteading may be possible. It’s definitely worth looking at, with more details available here. Rooks County, Kansas Speaking of Kansas (again!!!), Rooks County offers a fairly standard deal of free land for anyone willing to build a home on it. Applicants have to commit to securing a construction deal within six months of obtaining their plot, and must build in accordance with the city’s preconditions. On the plus side, Rooks County also offers a generous property tax rebate under its Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Homeowners can supposedly expect to save up to 50 percent of their normal land taxes over a decade. More information can be found here. Even though you'll have to build your own home this is still a great option for cheap or free land for homesteading. Workforce homes, Loup City, Nebraska Loop City offers two interesting programs for hopeful home owners, both being in the vein of the typical land-for-a-home deal. Their “Workforce Home” plan offers free plots. They also offer loans for low income individuals willing to build their own home. If you don’t qualify as low income, you can still apply for a plot, so long as you can commit to building a house on it. You’ll also have to hand over an upfront deposit of $1000. They return this once you actually build the house. So if you change your mind half way through, that’s a grand you can expect to never see again. Cheap land in Mexico “Go west” might be the classic call of the homesteader, but what about south? Land prices in Mexico are generally far lower than anything you’ll find stateside. Plus, Mexico values property investment highly. This means owning even a cheap home will often allow foreigners to breeze through the visa process. As for where exactly to look, the sky is pretty much the limit. Expats love the southern state of Oaxaca. It has some good, cheap agricultural land in its highlands. You can get some ideas here. Want to read more about handy homesteading tips and tricks? Check out these articles! 39 Handy Homesteading Tools To Make You An Ultimate Homesteader Living Off the Grid: How Much Land Do You Need?

Eucalyptus oil uses and benefits are remarkable and helpful! Wondering what could it be? Read on and become one of the many who enjoys them! Eucalyptus Oil Uses That Makes Homesteading Easier Eucalyptus oil has lots of well-known positive properties making it an incredible solution for many health issues. Its properties include antibacterial, antiseptic, stimulating, deodorant, decongestant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and other medicinal qualities. Yes, I have it in my homestead – it's my favorite air freshener and my go-to scent every time I have my itchy throat. If you want to be just like me, then the amazing infographic below from Essential Oil Experts will show you why eucalyptus oil should make it on your must-have list. Click To Enlarge Eucalyptus Essential Oil Eucalyptus essential oil comes from leaves and branches of the eucalyptus tree. This native Australian evergreen can grow to be up to 250 feet tall, and its oil has been a staple in traditional medicine for many years. In the 1800s, eucalyptus oil was used to disinfect England's hospitals. In Australia, eucalyptus essential oil was traditionally used in Aboriginal medicine for its antibacterial and antifungal abilities. In India, Ayurvedic medicine used this oil to help heal respiratory tract infections and to clean wounds. 5 AMAZING Eucalyptus Oil Uses 1. Insect Repellent To create your own insect repellent, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into a water-filled spray bottle. Mist the blend onto your skin for natural protection against insects. 2. Aromatherapy To create a relaxing setting at home, place a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into a diffuser, and let the soothing fragrance fill the air. For those with asthma, regular inhalation of eucalyptus essential oil has been shown to help improve asthma symptoms and clear sinuses. 3. Skincare To help treat acne naturally, mix a few drops of essential oil to an unscented lotion and apply to your face. 4. Household Cleaning To make your own household disinfectant spray, combine six drops eucalyptus oil with one cup of water. Pour the blend into a spray bottle and use the mixture to wipe down surfaces. It'll leave your house clean and make it smell great. 5. Relaxing Bath For a relaxing bath spa-like bath, mix 1-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil into a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba and pour the mixture into a hot bath before stepping in. Inhaling the strong aroma can alleviate respiratory troubles and promote relaxation. 4 Benefits Of Eucalyptus Essential Oil 1. Reduce Allergens One study found that eucalyptus essential oil was incredibly effective at killing dust mites on plush toys that were washed with eucalyptus essential oil. Washing in this way reduced on average 95.1% of dust mites found on the toys. 2. Antibacterial Recent research indicates that eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful disinfectant against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas and Proteus spp. 3. Pain Control | After undergoing a total knee replacement, patients who inhaled eucalyptus essential oil reported decreased pain, compared to a control group who reported increased pain. 4. Respiratory Health Inhaling eucalyptus essential oil can help clear your sinuses when you have a cold, help patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) breath easier, and it improves symptoms for people suffering from an inflamed nasal cavity (rhinosinusitis). This is just one of many Eucalyptus oil uses! **Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer. What else you need to know about eucalyptus oil? Check out this Eucalyptus Essential Oil ~ All You Ever Need To Know video from Purify Skin Therapy Essential Oils: Overall, eucalyptus oil is an excellent essential oil that provides numerous health benefits to people every day. However, there are some dangers of taking eucalyptus oil excessively because when taken in substantial amounts, eucalyptus oil can be toxic. My fellow, homesteaders, before starting any new intensive alternative medicine, consult your physician for advice. With all the benefits eucalyptus oil has, I bet you are wishing to have the tree in your backyard! Let us know how this post has helped you in the comments section below. Up Next: Essential Oils For First Aid Any Prepper Should Have

Looking for ways to use sourdough starter discard? Come learn how to make delectable, crispy, savory crackers with our easy sourdough discard crackers recipe, including step-by-step photos. You can bake the crackers the same day, let the dough sit overnight, or use active starter if you wish.This sourdough discard crackers recipe is very flexible so you can easily customize them to your liking. Keep the crackers plain, or add in optional herbs, cheese or other seasonings. I’ve included a list of some of my favorite add-ins, as well as tips on how to make your sourdough discard crackers extra crispy. Have fun experimenting, and happy snacking!Note: This post was originally published in June 2019.A batch made with fresh garden herbsDisclosure: Homestead and Chill is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.RELATED: Looking for more sourdough discard recipes? Don’t miss our delicious chunky sourdough granola recipe! We also have a recipe for gluten-free sourdough discard crackers.SuppliesMixing bowl Two cookie sheets (or bake the sourdough discard crackers in two batches) Parchment paper and/or silicone baking sheet liner Rolling pin Pastry roller, pizza cutter, or knife. We love to use this pastry/pasta cutter to get fun wavy edges! Basting brush, to lightly brush the top of the crackers with olive oil before bakingIngredients 1 cup of flour. For added nutrition and depth, I personally like to use 1/2 cup unbleached bread flour along with 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, though all purpose flour works as well. 1 cup of sourdough starter, discard or active. If using discard, it’s best if it was fed within the last week or two. Using extra old, neglected discard will make your sourdough crackers very sour-tasting. ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of coconut oil, butter, or olive oil. I find that coconut oil helps to make the sourdough discard crackers extra crisp! Olive oil, for brushing on top Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling on topBread flour, whole wheat flour, and starterOptional AdditionsHere are a few tasty additions we often add to our sourdough discard cracker recipe. Try just one, or combine a couple. I personally love to add fresh herbs from the garden, everything bagel seasoning, and/or sharp cheddar cheese.2 Tbsp dried herbs, or ¼ cup fresh chopped herbs. I love a mix of rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme from the garden. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of finely grated firm cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan 2 Tbsp everything bagel seasoning 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds 1 to 2 Tbsp of nutritional yeast 1/2 tsp onion powder or garlic powder (not garlic salt) A sprinkle of paprika over the top, but wait to add until after baking (or near the end)A fun batch we made with sharp cheddar, sun dried tomatoes and everything bagel seasoningInstructions1) Mix DoughIn a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sourdough starter, salt, and coconut oil or butter. Also add any optional herbs, cheese, or other seasonings at this time. The coconut oil or butter should be slightly softened so it can easily mix into the dough. Lightly heat it first as needed, just until it barely starts to melt. Thoroughly mix the dough until it forms a uniform ball. I usually start mixing with a fork or spoon, but then finish mixing with my hands. It should not be sticky, especially with the coconut oil.The photos in this post show a batch of crackers with fresh herbs, but again, that’s totally optional!2) Split, Form, and CoverNext, divide the large dough ball into two roughly equal-size smaller balls. Using your hands, form each ball into a flattened rectangle. (We’ve been vegetarian for a loooong time, but this reminds me of forming hamburger patties, lol…) Mine generally end up a little larger than my flattened hand, and about half an inch thick. Repeat for the second ball. Now cover or wrap each rectangle of sourdough cracker dough to prevent it from drying out. You can use compostable parchment paper, reusable beeswax wrap, plastic wrap or a ziplock bag. If you plan to bake your crackers within the next hour or two, you could simply set the dough on a plate with a lightly dampened towel draped over the top.3) Cool DoughRefrigerate the covered cracker dough for at least 30 minutes, up to a couple hours. You can also let the dough sit in the fridge overnight, but be sure it is well-wrapped or even tucked inside an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.TIP: The longer the dough sits in the fridge, the more it will ferment (and become more gut-healthy!) yet it will also become increasingly cold and firm – and more challenging to roll out thin. Therefore, if the dough is refrigerated for more than a couple of hours, I suggest allowing it to warm up at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before rolling it out.4) Roll ThinPreheat the oven to 350°F. Cut a piece of parchment paper to the size of a cookie sheet, or use a silicone baking sheet liner. Lightly dust the parchment paper or liner with flour. Unwrap one piece of the sourdough cracker dough, place it in the center of the floured parchment paper, and lightly flour the top of the dough too. (I like to do this on a large cutting board, which makes it easy to transfer onto a cookie sheet.) Using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough until it is nice and thin. The goal is about 1/16th of an inch thick, or as thin as you can make it. It’s okay if the edges are a bit ragged. Work the rolling pin back and forth and side to side, helping the dough spread as evenly as possible while still maintaining a relatively rectangular shape.TIP: The thinner you can roll the dough, the more crisp your finished sourdough discard crackers will be!5) Oil, Slice and PokeOnce the dough is rolled out, lightly brush the surface with olive oil with a basting brush. Don’t drench it! Just enough for a light coating. Then sprinkle some coarse salt over it as well. Next, use a pastry wheel or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rows of square or rectangular crackers. The smaller you cut them, the more sourdough discard crackers you’ll get from this recipe. I usually like mine in about 1.5 to 2 inch squares. Finally, poke the top of each cracker section with a fork a couple of times. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the second piece of dough.6) BakeSlide the parchment paper and cracker dough onto a baking sheet. Each section will need its own baking sheet. We bake two trays at one time, but if you only have one cookie sheet, bake them in batches. Bake on 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crackers turn light golden brown. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through. Once they’re done baking, immediately transfer the finished sourdough discard crackers on to a cooling rack.Enjoy!These sourdough discard crackers are dang good on their own, as a healthier alternative to most other types of crackers or chips. I love eating them with cheese and olives, cream cheese and cowboy candy, dunked in hummus and other dips, or alongside homemade soup.Sourdough discard crackers have also become one of our go-to’s for holiday or party platters, charcuterie boards, or even as a little edible DIY gift idea. They are a huge hit, and people are always impressed to learn they’re homemade!RELATED: Looking for more easy, crowd-pleasing healthy snack ideas? Don’t miss this goat cheese stuffed dates recipe or our popular sweet and salty rosemary roasted mixed nuts.Storage and Shelf LifeOnce fully cooled, store sourdough discard crackers in an air-tight container with a lid at room temperature to maintain maximum freshness and crunch. Ours get a tad stale by day 5 or so, but they usually don’t last in the house that long!FAQ: Can you freeze sourdough discard cracker dough? Absolutely! After mixing the dough, tightly wrap the formed rectangles of sourdough discard crackers in plastic wrap or other freezer-safe airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours, until soft enough to roll out. Don’t miss our simple no-knead sourdough bread recipe or easy sourdough focaccia. And if you’re looking for other ways to use discard, see the 15 Best Sourdough Discard Recipes here.I hope you love these sourdough crackers just as much as we do. Let me know if you have any questions, and please spread the love by sharing this article and leaving a review!You may also like: 20 Best Sourdough Add-Ins and Topping Ideas Best Sourdough Starter Names: 60 Punny Ideas Is My Sourdough Starter Bad? How to Revive Old Inactive Starter 9 Ways to Make Sourdough Starter More Active (Strengthen Starter) Delicious Sourdough Zucchini Bread Recipe (Optional Walnuts or Chocolate)  Print Sourdough Discard Crackers Recipe (Optional Cheese or Herbs) Come learn how to make delicious, crispy crackers with our flexible and easy sourdough discard crackers recipe – with optional cheese, herbs and more. It's a perfect way to use extra sourdough discard! Course Appetizer, Party Food, Side Dish, SnackKeyword Sourdough Crackers, Sourdough Recipe, Sourdough Starter Discard, Sourdough Starter Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minutesCook Time 23 minutes minutesResting Time 30 minutes minutes Servings 6 Dozen EquipmentMixing bowlBaking sheetsParchment PaperRolling pinPastry Wheel or Pizza CutterBasting Brush Ingredients1 cup flour (I like 1/2 cup whole wheat + 1/2 cup unbleached bread flour)1 cup sourdough starter, active or discard* (see notes below)1/4 cup softened coconut oil, butter or olive oil1/2 tsp sea saltolive oil for brushingOptional additions (use one or two)1/4 cup Fresh herbs of choice, e.g. rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano (Or 2 Tbsp dried)1/2 cup finely grated firm cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan2 Tbsp everything bagel seasoning1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds1 to 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast1/2 tsp onion powder or garlic powdera sprinkle of paprika over the top, but wait to add until after baking (or near the end) InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine sourdough starter, flour, salt, and softened coconut oil or butter. Also add optional additions like herbs, cheese or other seasonings at this time. Form into a solid ball. Divide the large dough ball into two equal sized balls. Next shape and squish each dough ball into a flattened rectangular shape, about the size of your hand and about a half inch. Cover or wrap each piece of dough, and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight*). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.If it was refrigerated for more than a couple hours, allow the dough to warm up slightly (15-30 minutes) before attempting to roll out. Cut a piece of parchment paper to the size of a cookie sheet, or use a silicone baking sheet liner. Lightly dust the parchment paper or liner with flour. Place one piece of dough on the floured parchment paper, lightly dust flour on top of the dough, then use a floured rolling pin to carefully roll it out nice and thin, about 1/16th of an inch thick. Use a basting brush to lightly brush the rolled dough with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle coarse salt over the top. Cut the dough using a pasta/pastry cutter (or pizza wheel) into 1 to 2 inch squares or other desired size. Next, use a fork to poke each cracker square several times.  Transfer the parchment paper and the cracker squares to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.  Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to help the crackers bake evenly.Once finished baking, quickly remove the crackers to a cooling rack. Once cool, enjoy the crackers immediately or store them in an airtight container to enjoy later. Notes*If using discard, I recommend using starter that has been fed at least once in the last few weeks. Using overly old, neglected starter will result in very sour-tasting crackers.   Did you enjoy this article? Want to hear more? Stay in touch! Sign up below to receive weekly updates on new posts from Homestead and Chill. 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When winter comes everyone must be equipped with winter survival skills. If you find yourself struggling now, can you imagine how our ancestors survived? Read on and find out how our ancestors survived the dreaded cold season. 7 Items Our Ancestors Have For Winter Survival You may have wondered how our ancestors survived winter without power and other modern technologies that are providing us all the comfort today. Let's go back to the time when people had to come up with creative methods to stay warm and let the cold season pass by just like any other regular season does. Basically, just like any preppers of today's generation, they prepared before winter arrived. But unlike, today's prepper who can easily come up with their essentials for a short period of time, our ancestors spent most of the warmer months preparing for the winter season. Let's look at 7 survival items our ancestors find absolutely necessary for winter survival. I would say these are still essential today despite all the technological advancements we have at present. 1. Food | Food is the most important thing to have when it comes to survival. This would mean that during dry season our ancestors have already done their drying, and smoking process to preserve food for winter months. Here in my homestead, I’m doing all 2 preservation methods including canning for my produce for later use or to give them a longer shelf life. If you’re not in a homestead setting, processed food are readily available in groceries and supermarkets. 2. Firewood image via homesteading Firewoods are essential not only in keeping the family warm but also in cooking. Cutting wood is a lot harder during winter season than during summer time. So our ancestors would take advantage of the dry season to stack firewood for winter. Even these days this practice is still applicable, no one would dare to go out and collect firewood when it’s already snowing outside. 3. Medicines image via homesteading These are not the ones brought in pharmacies, these are homemade remedies. Herbs infusion, extracts and other natural remedies nature provides. For today’s generation, homemade remedies may only be seen and commonly used in a homestead setting, just like ours, but if you ask me I really find homemade remedies more helpful in preventing diseases (don't take my word for it, though, I'm no expert). Except for terminal illness, those really require expert medical attention. Automobiles are an important tool for any homesteader. Make sure yours survives with our survival kit! permalink} https://t.co/9QEbYH24sT — Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) January 26, 2017 4. Blankets | Keeping your home warm was then a challenge, particularly a bigger home with plenty of rooms. Few really could afford a fireplace in each room, even if they needed one. So they’d warm the primary living area of the house leaving each door to the bedroom open. Whatever warmth managed to get inside any bedroom that's all they'd get. The other thing they have are a pile of blankets. It was a common scene in every home to have a chest at the foot of the bed containing a pile of blankets stored during warmer weather that's very much useful when winter comes. Even today, I've got a pile of extra blankets here in my homestead, and I'm looking forward to adding to it year after year. Making DIY warm winter blankets has actually become one of my favorite pass time during winter months. 5. Candles image via homesteading Making candles was a summertime task. They had to make them when the bees were dynamic, gathering pollen and creating honey. It simply means they made them during the dryer months of which there were plenty of flowers on the trees and in the fields. During winter, bees kept themselves hidden in their hives, living off the honey they made up in summer. Collecting honey during summer is likewise collecting the beeswax. Collecting beeswax simply means it’s already time to make candles. I enjoy making my own candles and yes, I also have beeswax, so making candles here in my homestead is pretty easy. During winter, bees kept themselves hidden in their hives, living off the honey they made up in summer. Collecting honey during summer is likewise collecting the beeswax. Collecting beeswax simply means it’s already time to make candles.  I enjoy making my own candles and yes, I also have beeswax, so making candles here in my homestead is pretty easy. 6. Bed Warmers Warming up the bed, before sleeping at night was always a smart thing to do. This was made possible by a bed warmer. To our ancestors, these are metal or copper-covered skillets with long handles. The container was loaded with rocks that had been warmed at the edge of the fire and afterward slid between layers of sheet material utilizing the long handle. This would warm the bed adequately. 7. Tools | Common tools our ancestors have were from blacksmithing. Iron and steel were forged together in the extreme heat. If you want to learn this skill you must know what you’re doing and always start with the basic of blacksmithing. Blacksmithing can be an amazing hobby and an important survival skill too. Want to learn how to survive and thrive using the old ways of the Pioneers? Check out this video from My Home and Garden: Our ancestors definitely have their own way of survival and we wouldn’t be here if they didn’t make it! These 7 items are pretty basic that even me here in my homestead always have a stockpile of these no matter what the weather is. What winter survival items do you stockpile in your homestead? Let us know in the comments below? Need help on how to make your homestead thrive during winter? Check out The Ultimate Winter Survival Skills For The Homestead! Featured Image Via Pimeruum