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Welcome to Common Sense Home, where we believe in going beyond “sustainability” to abundance. We live in amazing times with access to so much information it can be like drinking from a firehose.
How do you know who to trust?
We have lived on our northeast Wisconsin homestead for over 20 years, transforming an abandoned pasture into a thriving homestead. We’ve combined old and new to become more self-reliant, producing our own electricity and most of our food.
For instance, we have root cellar and use a clothesline, but also have solar electric and solar heat. We have gardens and orchards, but also use permaculture principles to boost productivity. Sometimes we use traditional food preservation techniques, like fermenting. sometimes we use modern techniques like freeze drying.
Modern media and social media like to push gloom and doom to keep us glued to our screens.
I say we need to fix the mess. We can make better choices for our food, our health, and our lives. Let’s learn and build together!
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The Homesteading Resources page lists some of my favorite bulk food suppliers, nurseries, preparedness supplies, online education programs and other references.
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Dedicated to My Mom – “Never Buy Bread Again”
In 2017 I published my first print book, “Never Buy Bread Again – 20+ Homemade Bread Recipes“. It’s now available in spiral bound print or e-book format.
This book will help you bake amazing homemade bread, even if you’ve never baked before. Includes online baking tutorial and best bread storage tips.
Welcome!
Thank you so much for joining our online community, and I look forward to learning together with you. We live in amazing times, and it’s a wonderful gift to be able to blend old and new into into a better future for our loved ones, our communities and our world.
Laurie Neverman, Creator of Common Sense Home
Who We Are
I (Laurie) started blogging back in 2008. In 2012, we created the current website. Learn More About Laurie Neverman
My husband helps with preparedness and tech related articles. Our two sons have also been drafted into the family business, working on the homestead and the website.
Learn More About Our Homestead
If you have a question, comment or a post request, please leave a comment here on the site or reply to any of our emails. (Sometimes I miss comments on social media comments.) Your feedback is very helpful for giving me ideas on what to publish next.
Why I Created the Site
Over the years, a number of people have asked me why I started blogging. Back in 2008, our family went through a rough patch. My husband lost his job of 16 years, and the stress sent my health into a downward spiral and my weight spiraling up. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but the meds he gave me made me feel worse instead of better.
Long story short, I decided to do what I could to be proactive about my health and providing for our family, doing my own research and figuring out what worked for us. I pulled out of depression, lost weight, and got things back under control.
After five years of working away from home, my husband found a job in the area and we were back together as a family full time. Of course, the only constant is change, and at the end of 2023, my husband’s local job ran its course. Now he’s starting a new venture, doing private consulting work. Visit Neverman Consulting for more information.
We are constantly told that only industrial agriculture can feed the world, or the only way to get rid of garden pests is with poison. Medical costs are skyrocketing, while access to care is getting more difficult in many areas. Disasters happen, and we’re supposed to wait for the government to “save us”, but we know they can’t even balance a budget.
I want a better future than this, and I hope you do, too.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I look forward to your newsletters and working toward my goal of self sufficiency. Cant wait for your book.
You’re welcome, and thank you for your kindness. Book writing is slow going, but we’re making progress!
I hope to expand my knowledge over time. I have grid solar and want to take it off line. And cut the grid totally. I need to learn how you did solar heat? I’m looking forward to learning and following your adventures.
We have solar thermal, solar electric, passive solar heating and daylighting.
Our solar electric system is grid connected and also has a battery backup. For extended outages when there is not enough sun, we also have a generator. If you already have solar electric panels, your inverter may or may not be able to be reconfigured to work with batteries as well. If the electric grid is available, I recommend staying connected, even if you have batteries, because there may be times when you have more energy being produced by your panels than your batteries can store, and it would be a shame to waste it.
See our article on Passive Solar Heating for that part of our setup. Our solar thermal system provides hot water and preheats the boiler for space heating. This article covers solar electric basics.
I really need a better future! I’m a type 1 diabetic and struggle finding recipes that are low carb and low sugar. I’m getting better at adjusting some recipes…But all in all I want good, simple and healthy living ❤️
I don’t explicitly focus on low carb recipes on the site, though there are some in the mix. Hopefully you will find some of the other content useful, like the home remedies, basic preparedness tips, and tips for using wild plants as food and medicine. Many wild plants are very nutritious or good medicine, or both.
HI Laurie Ive been reading your emails for about two years and love them! Just wanted to send a big thank you for all the work you and your family do. Im 70 and live alone so don’t use as many of your recipes or suggestions as I’d like. When I do they are always a huge hit and very helpful.
Wishing you and your family a joyful christmas and prosperous New Year.
Thank you for your kindness, Susan.
Laurie, I’ve enjoyed your emails so far and I look forward to learning even more about and with you as we head into the slower and colder winter months.
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. Wisdom is rare these days, especially in one so young.
I have found, unfortunately, that there is a disappointing number of physically and mentally healthy people in their seventies, and older, who have seemingly chosen to forget what once was.
Your newsletter, tutorials, and site(s) are a pleasure.
Thank you for taking the time to put all these materials together so people, like me, can learn from you.
Thank you for your kindness.
Sometimes it feels like we are caught in a dream (maybe a bad dream) or maybe the past was a dream. I’m old enough to remember discount loaves of bread at the grocery store being sold for 10 cents. Now you can’t even buy a gumball out of a machine for 10 cents. I remember when you could buy fruit that ripened instead of rotting before it got ripe. I remember when people would have never considered wearing muzzles on their faces constantly. I remember when glyphosate and genetically modified food didn’t exist.
If this is progress, I’ll pass.
I’m turning 80 on Oct 10, and I’m FAR from accepting the new norm and forgetting the old. I’m still very active on our homestead, especially with my tractor as a huge help to me in so many ways.
Canning our own produce, freeze drying much of it too, we’re being as proactive as we can be.
Don’t count us oldies but goodies out just yet, Eileen! Lol
Hello Laurie & Family,
just a quick note to thank you for including me and to say many, many thanks for sharing your life as well as your knowledge. You have been a beautiful inspiration to me and many others.
Much appreciate and love getting your emails.
Thank you for your kindness. I hope we can continue to reach people with AI results taking over the internet.
Dear Laurie, I am an 81 year old man living in Mumbai, Maharashtra, INDIA and happened upon your website by accident whilst browsing my computer (having nothing to I am mostly on it) , Pls give me a chance as it is 10:30 pm and I have to go to sleep. But tomorrow I will be definitely going onto your website to understand it more clearly. Thanks and God bless you and your family.
Laurie,
I came across you as I was about to purchase that book about Lost remedies and noticed you reviewed it and was interested. The rest is history. I stumbled upon your psoriasis information. And thought, wow, sometimes things happen for a reason. I have had issues with yeast since my early teens but had no idea how insidious this disease can be. I’ve suffered chronic pain/fibromyalgia and have taken various pills which made it all worse and ultimately caused a total internal and mental shutdown. I found myself in early pre-menopause at 40. I had to supplement progesterone bc my body had none through a wonderful nurse practitioner. But still had aches and pains terribly. No energy and felt awful most of the time. Then in 2017, I started having horrible stomach cramps. After an endoscopy, I was told much to my drs surprise, I had an overgrowth of yeast. I couldn’t tolerate the pills so had to do the best I could myself naturally with the help of some local health food shop owners. I don’t think I ever really got rid of it. Fast forward to now. One knee replacement down and the other needing replaced. Had to go on prednisone during recovery bc I was allergic to the pain meds they prescribed. This was June of 2023. So here I am now with psoriasis beginning. Now mind you, I was diagnosed with Rosacea in 2020. But I feel like they just guessed at that bc I also had a rash on my underarms and chest, neck and breasts. That subsided but has reappeared only on my face and neck 2 times. But now it has come back and looks like psoriasis behind my ears. Also a freaky incessant itching has developed all over my scalp. I’ve never had dandruff a day in my life but here I am a portable Parmesan cheese dispenser. And I’ve tried the shampoos and they do nothing. I have itchy patches on either hip and dryness on either side of my nose. I just feel itchy. And I slather on apricot oil in the shower and use a lotion as well. So yesterday when I read your story it all clicked. That dang yeast is back. This morning I did the spit test. Immediately got the legs and goop at the bottom. Here I am just wanting to cry bc it is so terribly hard to start this again. But I’m so miserable and the itching is driving me crazy especially at night. It impacts my sleep. So I need some guidance Laurie. I see all the links but I’m feeling defeated and overwhelmed as to where to begin. I did lots of supplements my last go around like Enzyme Defense and candex and probiotics. Cut out all sugar and carbs and fruits. It was pure hell. If you can give me a solid regimen to start with I would be so grateful. I commend you. It’s a very very hard thing to do; turning the body back around to a healthy position internally. Please help me. I just need someone who understands and I think that person is you.
Hi Kim.
Every person is unique, so it’s best to get the full picture (as much as possible) and build a strategy around that. I’ll mail you privately to discuss the situation.
It is rough when you’re hurting and the “experts” aren’t any help. Been there, done that.
I am so sorry you lost a good friend. The older I get the more people I lose in my life. I have a strong faith and believe there is a reason for everything. I have lost two siblings in the last ten years and my niece just had a major heart attract. You and your family are in our prayers and I wouldn’t mind being prayed for also. God’s blessing to you and yours
Getting older is a gift that’s denied to many, but it does come with its burdens. Sorry for your losses as well, and praying for you and your family.
I have enjoyed your web site. Thank you! I can not see how you or your husband can find time to work on this web site, plus the work on a beautiful homestead, and an outside job. I wish you all a very “Happy Holiday’,and “Happy New Year”.
The very best to you and yours,
Paul & Brenda from Storrs, Connecticut
I’m glad you enjoy the site. It’s always a challenge finding time, but we try our best. I sometimes refer to the website as “my third kid” because it has so much of “us” in it.
Laurie, reading your messages feels like sitting down and talking with a dear friend. I always learn something new and am challenged to think outside the box. I am a strong proponent of natural products and love that you share your knowledge in that area. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for your kind words, Rhonda, and I’m glad you enjoy the newsletter.
Laurie, just taking a chance that either you or one of your readers might be able to offer some suggestions to a problem that my cat is having with giardia. He’s been on metronidazole and panacur ,each alone and now together without any relief. And giving liquids is hell with this kitty. He won’t eat anything other than dry cat food so mixing in his food won’t work. Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Here are a couple different articles with natural treatment suggestions:
https://www.purelypets.com/wellness-center-archives-4/121-giardia-treatment-in-dogs-cats
https://littlebigcat.com/giardia-natural-treatment-protocol/
I wanted to tell you that last year I became homeless due to no fault of my own. I contacted COVID-19 right as I found a beautiful place a d had to be rush to the hospital. I was homeless and in the hospital from First of June to December 12,2020. I was without my Kombucha during this time and sure could tell. A nurse found out and brought me several bottles from the store as she drank it also. As soon as I got to my new apartment I sent for a SCOBY and back making it. I make it with green and black tea together and lots of ginger and tart 100% cherry juice. It is easy. I am still in a walker and my hair has grown back! 78 years old and living in a new small town apartment.
I’m glad you are settled again and brewing, and that it’s helping your health. I know I notice the different when I have it.
Happened upon your website by accident (synchronicity?) while looking for info on freeze drying machines. What a fantastic website – such a wealth of information. Many thanks to you and your family for all the work required to build it.
P.S. from the photos I see you have a beautiful homestead.
Thank you for your kindness.
The homestead is beautiful, and we continue our work to make it into a sanctuary for us, for our critters, and for wildlife. It sounds so alive. It’s so different from the surrounding monoculture farms.
Hi Laurie!
I found you by searching for a dandelion wine recipe. Excited, today I picked many dandelions in our huge field we have on our property. I refrigerated them until this evening, when I promptly began rinsing them. Have I made a huge mistake? Your post doesn’t mention rinsing, yet other people’s sites did. Should I have picked the petals off first, then rinsed? Now, they’re all rinsed and most have closed up. Should I let them dry overnight and then pull the petals off ? I sure hope I haven’t spent all this time in vain.
Hopeful,
Sharon
Hi Sharon.
It’s best if you remove the petals as soon as possible after picking. Once the blossoms close up, the petals are much more difficult to extract from inside their green covering.
I never rinse, which is why I note that the petals must be picked from a clean area. The pollen on the flowers contributes to the flavor of the wine, plus rinsing encourages the blossoms to close.
If you let them sit overnight, odds are it will be easier to start fresh tomorrow with new blossoms than to attempt to remove the petals from the faded blooms.
If it’s too much to pick the flowers and remove the petals all at once, you can pick in batches, say roughly one third of what you need each day, freezing the petals after removing them from the flower head. Save them up until you have enough petals, then proceed with the recipe.
I’m sorry you ran into trouble, but I do appreciate you reaching out. I’ll modify the recipe to help other avoid the same issues.
Do you heat your greenhouse? And if so how do you do it?
I just got mine up last summer and have many questions about it.
I love your newsletters and look forward to getting them.
Thank you
Hi Linda.
No, we don’t heat the greenhouse, but I’ve seen hardy greens starting to sprout in it as early as February. They just don’t grow very fast (or the duckies find them and eat them, since the duckies get to use the greenhouse for protection in winter).
We have water filled jugs around the base of the greenhouse, which can buy us a degree or two of frost protection.
A reader mentioned that she used the tealight heaters in her very small greenhouse. Some people make hot compost piles in their greenhouses and use those for heating.
You can also get commercial heater, but they tend to be expensive.
Hello Laurie,
I am not sure how long I have been getting your emails but I know it’s longer than 7 1/2 years and I have kept just about every email you have sent. My favorite is always the videos about the garden and the critters and the family , ;-).
I have learned much and I thank you for that. I am sure we will get through this next few months and come out of it all the stronger for it.
So from me and mine….
Don’t worry, Be Happy
As the song says 🙂
Keep safe
Hi Shelagh. Thanks for taking time to leave some words of encouragement.
I was talking to Amber recently, and I said I am definitely more of a tortoise than a hair. I don’t run into things at high speed, but I also don’t give up. Some way, some how, no matter how crazy things get, we’ll figure out a way through it. I’m too stubborn to quit.
Hi again, I am not sure if I have told you where I am yet. I live in a small village in the central Bc mountains, pop about 700 people. I am not sure exactly where you are but it sounds like your weather is much like ours. I was wondering want gardening zone you are in we are in zone 3 so it is not easy to find
much variety of foods that will grow here. Any way must get back to business , with hubby away for a couple of days I should be able to get a lot done :-).
As our provincial health officer always says, be calm, be kind, be safe.
Respectfully
Shelagh Drew (drewgida(1))
Smile, maybe someone will smile back, 🙂
Hi Shelagh.
I remember your emails from last year, talking about the rocky soil and tricky access.
We’re zone 4/5, but my brother Rich (and mom when she was still alive) is in zone 3 in northwest Wisconsin.
Rich opts for short season varieties on the heat loving crops like tomatoes. Early Girl has always been a reliable producer. I like Stupice and Glacier, too, as short season options.
Minnesota Midget and Blacktail Mountain are favorite short season melons. I like King of the North bell peppers and Hot Wax hot peppers.
All sorts of cool weather crops should do well, like peas, greens, and brassicas. Root veggies should be fine, too.
Some protection early in the season (such as cold frames) can nurse crops along until it’s safe to have them uncovered. Rich regularly buys small seedlings cheap at the garden center, then pot them up and keeps them in a cold frame until they can safely go in the garden.
Laurie,
Hello from Arkansas! I recently subscribed to your page and find it extremely helpful with tons of good info. I am a widowed mother of 4 and am interested in becoming a cut flower farmer. Ive researched greenhouses and plan on possibly enrolling in the master gardeners program at our local college. Are there any resources you could point me in the direction of for beginners that want to make a living growing flowers or produce? I dont want a handout, but was curious if there were any government programs or grants that assisted people like me, that don’t have much to put towards start up costs. I would love to hear about any organizations or companies that will offer employment or training in this field or any publications that can point me in the right direction with guidance on how and when to start one of these operations. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Robin M.
Hi Robin.
You might inquire at your local cooperative extension office about state and local programs. On a national level, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has a grant program for high tunnels at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/?cid=stelprdb1046250
I would love to grow plantain indoors through the winter…any thoughts on how I can make this successful??
That is not something I have attempted.