Welcome to your common sense refuge in a crazy world. Hi, I’m Laurie. I believe in straight talk, hard work and a healthy dose of laughter. Being self-reliant isn’t about trying to tackle everything on your own; it’s about making common sense choices to improve your life. You can do it, we can help! Search the Site Search the SiteSearch Gardening The Parsnip Squid and The Rock That Moves Cooking with Herbs – How to Use Herbs in the Kitchen What is terroir? (And Why You Want to Know) Learn more about gardening Homesteading Sole Proprietorship vs LLC – Are all Your Eggs in One Basket? Rainwater Collection Guide – Common Questions Answered Rain Barrels – DIY, Cheap, Decorative Options (+ Care Tips) Get Started with Homesteading Preparedness Prepping Food Storage – Top 10 Foods to Stockpile During the Hurricane – The Common Sense Hurricane Guide Series (Part 2 of 3) Preparedness Storage – Finding Room and Keeping it Safe and Sound Get started with preparedness Using Wild Plants for Food and Medicine Common Blue Violet – Soothing Medicine, Inside and Out Pineapple Weed – Weekly Weeder #29 Canada Mayflower – Maianthemum canadense – Weekly Weeder #46 Learn more about Wildcrafting Home Remedies Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease – Symptoms, Prevention and Home Treatment The Best Home Remedies for Stomach Flu Treatment 9 Home Remedies for Dry Skin – Soothe Dry and Flaking Skin Naturally Get Started with Home Remedies Recipes Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Salad Recipe – Ready in Minutes Cranberry Walnut Powerballs – No Bake Healthy Snacks Maple Macaroons – Refined Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Delicious! Check out our recipes