The Prairie Homestead

Homesteading | Self Sufficient Living | Living off the Land

Jill Winger

53 Comments | |    Last Updated: July 5, 2022

DIY Fodder System for Animals

I've recently become enamored with the concept of growing fodder for animals. Not only is it simple enough for even the smallest-scale homesteader to accomplish, but it's also incredibly cost-effective. If you're needing an economical, highly nutritious way to feed your homestead critters, a small-scale fodder system may be just what you're looking for. I'm thrilled to have my homesteading neighbor, Jana from Celtic Prairie Farm ...Continue Reading

77 Comments | |    Last Updated: February 6, 2025

Crock Pot Taco Meat Recipe

There's nothing like a kitchen remodel... ... to give you a whole new appreciation for easy meals. (Update: check out my finished kitchen remodel!) Ah heck... who am I kidding. I always appreciate a simple supper, remodel or not, because our homesteading life continually keeps us hopping in one way or another. Taco meat isn't something I consider complicated in the first place, but I've recently started making it in the slow ...Continue Reading

44 Comments | |    Last Updated: November 2, 2022

Homemade Suet Cakes for Chickens

If you ever visit my chicken coop, don't expect to see any chandeliers... I'll admit, they do look kinda cool, but I tend to be somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to chicken keeping. I prefer to stick to the basics (that means no chicken sweaters either...). Heck, my flock doesn't even have names, other than the rooster, which the Prairie Kids named "Chicken Nugget". That being said, I do like to provide them with a ...Continue Reading

33 Comments | |    Last Updated: December 8, 2020

Managing Homestead Livestock in Winter

Managing Livestock in the Winter...Why do I feel qualified to write about this topic? Well, because of this: And this: Oh yeah, and this: Living in Wyoming for the last 12 years has given me what feels like a PhD in "Homesteading in a Location with Insanely Crazy Winters". The coursework includes: How to chop ice when you're 8 months pregnant How to climb through thigh-high snow drifts while carrying a ...Continue Reading

93 Comments | |    Last Updated: April 23, 2019

Homemade Face Cream Recipe with Aloe Vera

  My face takes a beating during the winter months as I'm constantly out in the wind and frigid temps doing chores and taking care of animals. I'm so excited to try this aloe vera face cream recipe that Noelle from Coconuts and Kettle Bells is sharing today. Enjoy! I'll admit it: I used to be a total sucker for step-by-step facial cleansing systems adorned with fancy price tags. Even after switching my diet over to real ...Continue Reading

164 Comments | |    Last Updated: May 26, 2020

21 Best Instant Pot Recipes

My head isn't easily turned by the latest kitchen appliance fads. I prefer the classic, time-tested tools like cast iron, my KitchenAid mixer, and stoneware baking pans. So when people started talking about these Instant Pot things, I promptly ignored them, as I figured it was just another one of those gimmicky, one-use appliances. Plus, it required electricity. Eh, no thanks. And once again, Jill ends up eating her words. ...Continue Reading

Nice to Meet You

I’m Jill. I’ve never been very good at following prescribed paths.

For the last 15 years, that instinct has led me through homesteading, entrepreneurship, and creating a life my younger self could have only dreamed of.

These days, I’m less interested in living the perfect "old-fashioned life" and more interested in knowing which ideas are worth carrying forward. The first half of this story was about building a homestead. The next part is about building a life that actually fits.
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