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- Quick Fixes for Your Gutters and a Surprise Tip to Boost Willpower!
Quick Fixes for Your Gutters and a Surprise Tip to Boost Willpower!
Just curious, do you believe there’s a conspiracy to prevent the widespread use of free energy (e.g., solar, wind) on homesteads to keep people tied to energy companies?
Cedie Omaña
September 22, 2024
In partnership with
Do you believe the promotion of energy-efficient homes is meant to discourage people from going fully off-grid? |
In Today's Edition:
Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊
All Things Homestead: Cleaning Gutters and Draining Water Barrels 🧽
Personal Development: Developing Better Willpower 💪
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣
Smelly Activewear? ACTIVE Detergent Was Designed Specifically For You!
Scientifically Formulated For Activewear Fabrics & Clothing
Natural Enzyme Blend Breaks Down Trapped Sweat & Odors
90 Loads Per Bag = Less Than 35 Cents Per Load!
Homestead Tip of the Day:
In some regions, homesteaders can tap trees like birch or sycamore in the fall to harvest sap. This sap can be boiled down to make syrup or used as a refreshing drink, similar to spring maple tapping.
Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊
Should homesteaders aim to grow year-round through greenhouses and cold frames, or is it better to let the land rest during winter?
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Year-round growing is the most efficient use of land.
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Letting the land rest in winter is important for soil health.
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ A balance between both methods is best.
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ It depends on climate and personal goals.
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Others (Feel free to specify your answer after you've voted.)
via @beehiiv polls
Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉
All Things Homestead
Cleaning Gutters and Draining Water Barrels 🧽
With winter around the corner, it's time to get your gutters and rain barrels ready. Cleaning out gutters and draining water barrels now will save you from potential damage caused by freezing water. Here’s a quick and easy guide to get your rainwater system prepped for the cold months.
1. Clean the Gutters
Why Bother?
Clogged gutters can lead to overflowing water, ice buildup, and even roof damage. Leaves, twigs, and dirt block drainage, and when water freezes, it expands and can cause even bigger problems.How to Do It:
Grab a ladder and some gloves, and use a scoop to remove debris from the gutters. Flush the remaining gunk out with a hose. As you clean, check for cracks or leaks and patch them up if necessary.Pro Tip:
Gutter guards can help prevent clogs, but you’ll still need to check them now and then to ensure they’re working properly.
2. Drain the Water Barrels
Why Drain Them?
Water expands when it freezes. If your rain barrels are full, they can crack or burst during a freeze.How to Drain:
Disconnect the barrel from the downspout. Use the spigot to drain the water into a bucket or hose. Once empty, tilt the barrel to remove any leftover water. If possible, store it in a shed or garage for winter.Pro Tip:
If you can’t move the barrel indoors, cover it with a tarp to protect it from snow and ice. Just be sure it's completely drained first.
3. Check Everything Else
Downspouts:
Make sure your downspouts are clear and direct water away from your foundation to avoid flooding.Disconnect Hoses:
Any hoses attached to your rainwater system should be removed. Leftover water in hoses can freeze, causing damage.Cover What You Can:
Cover rain barrels and downspouts with a breathable tarp to keep snow and ice out and protect them over winter.
4. Plan for Next Spring
Store Small Parts:
Keep spigots, connectors, and other small parts in a labeled container so you’re ready to set everything back up next season.Set a Reminder:
Add a note to your spring calendar to reassemble your system once the freeze is over, so you’re ready to capture that first rain.
Personal Development
Developing Better Willpower 💪
We all struggle with sticking to goals sometimes, whether it's cutting back on sweets, sticking to a new habit, or finishing a project. The good news? Willpower can be strengthened, just like a muscle.
In The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal, she explains how self-control works and shares tips on building it up. Here are some simple steps to improve your willpower and stay on track.
1. Willpower Is Like a Muscle
Train It Slowly: Willpower works like a muscle—it gets stronger with practice, but it can also get tired. The more you push yourself without breaks, the quicker your willpower will fade. So, don’t expect perfection; just know it’s something you can build over time.
Why It Matters: When you understand how willpower works, you can better manage it and avoid burnout.
2. Set Small, Manageable Goals
Start Small: Don’t set goals that are too big right off the bat. For example, instead of overhauling your diet completely, try starting with “add one vegetable to dinner each day.” Small wins build your willpower gradually.
Why It Works: Small, achievable goals keep you motivated without overwhelming your self-control.
3. Focus on One Task at a Time
Avoid Multitasking: Trying to juggle too many tasks drains your willpower fast. Instead, focus on one thing at a time. If you’re working on a homestead project, stick to that instead of jumping between different tasks.
Why It Works: Focusing on one task conserves your willpower and increases your chances of success.
4. Take Breaks to Recharge
Give Your Willpower a Rest: Your willpower needs breaks, just like your body. If you’ve been pushing yourself, take some time off. Rest and small rewards will help you stay energized for the long haul.
Why It Works: Regular breaks prevent burnout and help you stay on track with your goals.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Stay Present: Mindfulness helps you notice when you’re about to give in to temptation. By pausing and thinking about your choices, you can make better decisions. For example, take a moment to think before reaching for that extra snack.
Why It Works: Mindfulness helps you make conscious decisions and stick to your goals.
6. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Forgive Mistakes: Everyone slips up sometimes. If you miss a workout or give in to a craving, don’t be too hard on yourself. Learn from it and move forward.
Why It Works: Beating yourself up drains your willpower further. Forgiveness helps you get back on track.
With practice, you’ll find it easier to stick to your goals and build stronger self-control. Now go out there and start flexing that willpower muscle! You’ve got this!
The Steady Home’s Giggle Chamber
What’s a tree’s least favorite month?
Sep-timber!
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel!
I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!
Just a sheep and a bouncing ball having a little tussle:
@overtime Dont u hit me 😡 #sheep #funnyanimals #shoutoutot (h/t __joselitooo/IG)
Just a cow probably thinking, “Get that camera out of my face—I’m not doing TikTok again:”
@grasspuppiesfarm Moo is not an acceptable answer! #moo #cute #animals #funnyanimals #minicow #cow
When your friend wants to start collecting plants and you give them the full “plant parent” pep talk:
@plantly.io Tag a friend who should hear this warning! 🤣 #plants #plantmeme #planttiktok #plantmemes
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