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welcome

Are you new to Little House Living? Welcome! We know we have quite a bit of info here and we don’t want you to be overwhelmed so that’s where this page comes in. Here you will find all kinds of ways to get started with cooking from scratch, homesteading, preparedness, simple living, and much more!

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Comments

  1. KATHLEEN Anderson says

    October 16, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    I enjoy your website very much. I have made the laundry, dishwasher .soap. and lotion, so far and look forward to making more household products. Thank you. .

    Reply
    • Penny Robinson says

      January 17, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      Just caught this site off Pinterest. Girl I am South Dakota raised. Now have 7 grankids in the state. I am gonna pray for you. Trying or thinking of making a braided rug out of jeans. Your tutorial was the best. Might take me some gumshion to get going. Working on some curtains just wanna let you know. God knows and your on the right path

      Reply
      • celeste says

        April 25, 2022 at 8:06 pm

        Rug made out of jeans. when you have completed the project. i am wondering if you can post it so some of us can view.your talented ambition.

        Reply
  2. Kaye says

    October 31, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    Thank you Little House Living
    I live in Adelaide South Australia and have been searching for a lot of the items you have on your web page.
    It is wonderful to find them all together.
    I will be trying many of your ideas, recipes, and sewing projects.
    Again THANK YOU 🙂

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      October 31, 2013 at 6:12 pm

      Welcome Kaye!

      Reply
  3. Janice Kennett says

    December 14, 2013 at 3:09 pm

    Hey There, from South Carolina!

    Surfing this site has been THE MOST fun. I can’t remember the last time I saw so many interesting articles and really easy-to-follow instructions. Thanks for sharing. ~ I also signed up for the weekly newsletter and I’m looking at my budget to see about advertising here.

    Reply
  4. Alysha says

    January 1, 2014 at 9:44 pm

    Really glad to have found your site. It’s nice to have some guidance as we inch towards our changing lifestyle. Thankyou!

    Reply
  5. Suzanne Hanson says

    January 1, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    I am fairly new to your site and I am enjoying your work. In this complicated and busy world it is refreshing and encouraging to see young people living their lives in just positive ways. I admire your strength in publicly sharing your personal trials. You and your family are an insperation to many. Best of luck to you in this next journey of yours.

    Reply
  6. Sandy Nowakowski says

    February 9, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    Thank up for this wonderful, informative blog. I am enjoying it so very much:)

    Reply
    • Sandy Nowakowski says

      February 9, 2014 at 4:01 pm

      Thank you for this wonderful, informative blog. I am finding so many wonderful tips and enjoying it immensely:)

      Reply
  7. Connie says

    February 9, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    I am so sorry to hear some writers have said some terribly hateful comments to you. Please try to focus on all of the kind, appreciative, and gracious comments, of which I see many. Your blog is great! Never lose sight of all the good you provide, or that ignorant people must be ignored!
    Connie in Virginia

    Reply
  8. Thelma says

    February 9, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    I love your site. I am 56 and so much enjoy reading your site. Please keep doing exactly the way you have been. Such a blessing to many. Jealous people are envious and cruel. Don’t let them steal your joy. I look forward to reading this everyday. So relaxing to come home and feel like a part of this. Tried many of your recipies and still learning new things.

    Reply
    • KAREN says

      February 10, 2014 at 1:14 pm

      I am new to your blog as well. I saw where something was posted about negative comments towards you. I feel like some people have to run down others to make themselves feel better. Mostly inspired by jealousy. You are an inspiration to me as my family is transitioning into smaller living so that we can have more land. Thank you for what you do!

      Reply
  9. XmasDolly says

    June 20, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    Hi, what a neat blog you have. I’m from Batavia, Illinois near the Fox River. Loving so much variety of things that you share. Have a great day.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      June 20, 2014 at 2:26 pm

      Welcome!

      Reply
  10. Norma Bessent says

    June 29, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    I want to sign up for your newsletter, but I cannot find the link. Please help. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      June 29, 2014 at 7:25 pm

      Hi Norma, you can sign up for the newsletter by clicking here.

      Reply
      • susan goldhahn says

        May 9, 2022 at 7:16 am

        i can’t seem to find your newsletter

        Reply
        • Merissa says

          May 9, 2022 at 7:59 am

          Hi Susan, there is a sign up for the newsletter on the homepage. If you can’t find it just let me know and I can get you signed up. I’ll try and get a signup in the sidebar soon too.

          Reply
  11. Kimberly says

    June 30, 2014 at 9:10 pm

    Merissa,
    I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot finding your blog! I am enjoying reading all the articles and am making notes feverishly! Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned. You are living the life, for sure!

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      June 30, 2014 at 9:11 pm

      Welcome Kimberly! I’m glad you found your way here.

      Reply
  12. Lindsey says

    July 7, 2014 at 11:21 pm

    So happy I found this blog! I feel like I found it at just the right time too! I’m getting married in a few weeks and received a whole canning set as a wedding gift from a dear friend. My fiance’s family owns a nursery and tree farm business in Southern Illinois so I’m becoming more immersed in gardens, canning, and preserving. Can’t wait to use some of these recipes! They will definitely be needed!

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      July 8, 2014 at 8:07 am

      Welcome Lindsey, I’m glad you found your way here too!

      Reply
  13. Deborah says

    July 28, 2014 at 8:10 pm

    Merissa, you have done a wonderful job with your Website! There is so very much useful information! You seem to be a Proverbs 31 woman 🙂
    I appreciate your user-friendly advice and information–including those
    great recipes. Blessings to you and yours!

    Reply
  14. jackie says

    August 24, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    I would just like to say that I stumbled upon this Blog when I was looking for something on the Internet. Geez, I even forget what I was looking for *giggle* I have never read a Blog or anything, but let me tell you how thrilled I am to have visited this one. WOW, the things I have learned are so amazing and I plan on sharing with my friends.

    I am so sick and tired of buying garbage in the stores and have recently been working on trying to free myself from many store brand buying. For one, the taste and two, the cost, and finally knowing what is in what I am using during cooking.

    Thank you so much and know that all you share is so greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      August 27, 2014 at 8:14 am

      Welcome Jackie! I’m glad you stumbled on the site.

      Reply
      • REGINA GUSTIN says

        December 25, 2020 at 12:18 am

        I’ve been retired for about eight years due to some health issues. Now my husband is also retired and we’re finding it a little difficult to keep to our budget.

        Reply
  15. Julian says

    September 9, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    first guy!! whoop! love the site, thanks for the soda syrup recipe. definitely will be using. thank you!

    Reply
  16. Julian says

    September 9, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    from Maine!

    Reply
  17. Marilyn M says

    September 17, 2014 at 10:06 am

    Just found your website after clicking on a pin from pinterest… so glad to have found you, and really have enjoyed reading your posts so far!

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      September 17, 2014 at 7:24 pm

      Welcome Marilyn, I’m so glad you found the site and are enjoying it! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Donna says

    October 1, 2014 at 8:33 am

    Hi Merissa, I found your site by looking up living a simpler life. I am enjoying reading many of your ideas and suggestions. I was just wondering what a typical day is for you. I would love to hear about it. I am looking forward to your upcoming 2014 gift guide. Hope to hear from you soon.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      October 1, 2014 at 8:35 am

      Yes, that’s something I could post about, thanks for the idea! 🙂

      Reply
      • Donna Currie says

        October 1, 2014 at 8:56 am

        Thankyou!!

        Reply
  19. Carole Harris says

    November 3, 2014 at 10:54 pm

    Hello,
    I signed up for blogs and thought that I downloaded the free e-book to my Tablet. I also have a lap top and cannot find where the e-book is. I have to say that I am not so great at the technology. Can you please give me advice? I am also getting a yellow exclamation mark when I click on to contact you. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      November 4, 2014 at 6:10 pm

      Hi Carole, if you could email me at [email protected] I will get that ebook to you!

      Reply
  20. Nicole Buquet says

    December 28, 2014 at 11:12 am

    My family of four has been living in a 700 sq ft home on 32 acres just outside of San Diego for 3 years now. We have just started to store food and prepare for gardens in the spring. We are struggling with organization and are trying to make this simple life work for us. I am so glad I found you!!!

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      December 28, 2014 at 7:46 pm

      Welcome Nicole!

      Reply
  21. Kathy says

    February 16, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Hi! I am so excited to find your site! We are officially empty nesters and approaching 60.. Our goal is to downsize and buy acreage. I was brought up around farm life and love canning and all the old fashioned ways I grew up with! My husband and I look forward to learning all we can about acreage, gardening and downsizing! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all!

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      February 16, 2015 at 2:02 pm

      Welcome Kathy!

      Reply
  22. Maryjane Parry says

    February 22, 2015 at 10:35 am

    Love your site…keep up the good work!! I love gardening, having spent many hours with my Grandmother growing up in Vermont. I have lived in Southwest Florida since 1992 and it was a challenge for many years learning the proper growing techniques here but hopefully will complete my Master Gardener’s course this Spring!

    Reply
  23. Jackie M says

    February 22, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    Just found your site love it.So much to read and some sewing patterns.will be back soon.Thank you for all the great things you have posted.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      February 23, 2015 at 7:55 am

      Welcome Jackie!

      Reply
  24. Vickie says

    March 11, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    So many great ideas~love your site! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  25. Jewell says

    March 22, 2015 at 7:18 am

    I just signed up for your e-book but my confirmation email has no content.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      March 22, 2015 at 7:43 am

      Jewell, Could you please email me at [email protected] and I will get that fixed for you. Thanks!

      Reply
  26. Janette says

    March 25, 2015 at 7:48 am

    I see your links on Pinterest a lot and am pleased to be on your mailing list now. Uk measurements are a bit different but I have worked out conversions. We are trying to live a simple life in a big city so things like meal planning and crockpot cookery are so useful when travel takes so long on weekdays.
    Thank you so much

    Reply
  27. Mazie says

    March 29, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    Hello from coastal North Carolina! I happened upon your website while looking for recipes for homemade laundry soap. Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge; it’s one of the best websites I’ve ever seen, and I look forward to getting your newsletter.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      March 30, 2015 at 7:57 am

      Welcome Mazie! 🙂

      Reply
  28. Autumn Murphy says

    April 22, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    Hello! My husband and I are strongly considering (about 90% and growing every day lol) taking a huge plunge and moving from suburbia Washington to small farm/country living in Ohio. I just discovered your blog and can not wait to dive in! So much information I’ve been wondering about and that we’ve been talking about!! Thank you so much for making such an informative and awesome blog!! 😀

    Reply
  29. Robyn says

    June 15, 2015 at 11:39 am

    I just stumbled upon your blog because of something I was pinning on Pinterest. My new motto is “Simplify,” and I think your blog and newsletter will be very helpful to me. I’m loving what I’ve read so far!

    When I went to like your blog on Facebook, I discovered that my best friend from college already follows you. Go figure!

    Don’t think I’d want to live in an RV, but admire that you were willing to do what was necessary, not just once, but twice, to have a better life. Looking forward to your postings, and getting to know you better.

    Reply
  30. Jess says

    August 6, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    What a cool site! Thanks for all your tips!

    Reply
  31. Alice says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:46 am

    I live alone with my mini poodle am 62 yr old disabled female. I have always preferred scratch cooking over premade preservative full ingredients. This year I have purchased a food saver, a turbo dehydrator and a smaller crock pot 5 quart.

    Finding your recipes for scratch cooking and baking is a huge plus for me. With my food saver I freeze meals so that I can have it again another time, using meal size containers, then pop out the frozen meal and sliding it into the food saver bag. The meals can be kept up to 6 months to a year depending on what it is and no freezer burn.
    I can also package dry goods like your cheese crackers and saltines.

    I love your blog Marisa and will be trying out so many of your ideas and recipes. Thank you!

    Reply
  32. Lucille Lozier says

    January 17, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    I just found your web site. Thanks for all your tips. This a great site. I grow a garden and I can and freeze all vegetables. I like to sew and I love keeping notes on everything . This is the best web site I have every seen.Thanks so much for all you ideas.

    Reply
  33. Lucille Lozier says

    January 17, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    This a great site for keeping house and living. Thanks Thanks.

    Reply
  34. Dawn says

    January 23, 2016 at 8:38 am

    Just found your hand Warmers. Plan on making them for my grandchildren this afternoon! Love your blog.

    Reply
  35. Sarah says

    March 24, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    I’ve found an ingenious way to make homemade eye-liner!
    Just mix some charcoal (the kind you use for eating) with a little bit of water. Stir until it is not lumpy, and store in an airtight container (I use an eye lenses case, which works great). Apply a small line of eyeliner with a small makeup brush. If the eyeliner gets dry, just add more water.
    It stays on pretty well, and it looks great!

    Reply
  36. Sarah says

    March 24, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    I’ve found an ingenious way to make eyeliner. Just mix some charcoal(the kind used for eating) and mix it with some water. Store in an airtight container and apply with a makeup brush as needed. If it gets dry, just add more water!

    Reply
  37. Lizzette Carmona says

    June 1, 2016 at 10:12 am

    Thanks for sharing your ideas, thoughts and information. I sincerely love your blog. I am so happy to have found it. Many blessings and keep up the great work.

    Reply
  38. Heather @ Simple Fresh Natural says

    June 9, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    This blog is such a wonderful resource on all of my favorite things. I love the simple joys in life, and I love trying to live more naturally every day. There are so many amazing posts full of information. Thank you so much!
    much love,
    Heather

    Reply
  39. Martha A. says

    July 11, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    You have a great looking blog site! Love that. I’m going to enjoy getting to know your blog/articles. In advance, thanks so much for the wonderful info you’ve collected for those of us who are into homestead living and a simpler lifestyle. Blessings.

    Make it a great day, on purpose!

    Reply
  40. Elizabeth says

    July 8, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    You recently changed your website & I can’t find the Full Time RV Living articles. I was hoping to read them all. I love your story! It’s inspiring! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      July 8, 2017 at 3:44 pm

      Sorry Elizabeth, still in the process of cleaning things up and organizing! You can find them all here: RV Living

      Reply
  41. Meredith says

    October 10, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    i love your references to the Little House books. I read all of them when I was little and still watch the show if I can find it on the tv. I’ve always admired the values and what we would consider now a days a simpler way of living

    Reply
  42. Lyndel Fountain says

    October 21, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    I am so happy to have found your site its easy to understand i am having a blast and cant to try some of the things in your site. I create unique homemade items that i want to turn into a business and this really helps Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      October 23, 2017 at 10:41 am

      Welcome Lyndel, I’m glad you found your way here!

      Reply
  43. Riki Lucas says

    November 14, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    Thank you for offering these books in a giveaway! They look like books many would enjoy including me. Love your blog and have been learning many new things.

    Reply
  44. Heather Fisher says

    February 1, 2019 at 11:04 am

    New to the site and I am looking forward to trying some of the things I have found. As a recently disabled senior on a severely restricted income I am looking for ideas to save around the house. I already do the canning and preserving (and have done so for 50 years lol) and the sewing and crochet. However, I am really looking forward to trying some of your other ideas. Greetings from British Columbia.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      February 2, 2019 at 7:12 am

      Welcome, Heather!

      Reply
  45. Ellie Lafferty says

    February 1, 2019 at 11:47 pm

    Thank you for your website! I find it very inspiring to live a simpler life, though I have a very long way to go! A few years ago you posted a recipe for an eczema cream made from Shea butter, lavender, geranium and cedar wood essential oils. I made it and it was very effective on my cracked fingers. I lost the recipe and can not find it on your site anymore. It is not the same as your diaper rash cream. Could you please repost it? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      February 2, 2019 at 7:11 am

      Hi Ellie,
      I’m so glad you are enjoying the website! I don’t happen to have an eczema cream here on the website with those ingredients. I do have one in my book, but it has different ingredients.

      Reply
  46. Verdell M Simmons says

    May 30, 2019 at 8:23 am

    I’ve so glad I found your site. There is so much information. Thank You

    Reply
  47. Jennifer Gann says

    June 16, 2019 at 3:42 pm

    I like this site

    Reply
  48. Bethany says

    February 16, 2020 at 8:35 am

    Wow, there is an INCREDIBLE out amount of information to go through on your site. Thank-you so much for putting all of this together! I’ve definitely got the homesteading/pioneering/’little house’ bug & this year my husband & I finally ‘fully’ embark on this journey. I will be frequenting your site, for sure! 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      February 17, 2020 at 4:56 am

      I’m glad you found your way here!

      Reply
  49. SUE PIERCE says

    April 14, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    Hi Marissa! lost the recipe you sent me for homemade instant oatmeal! Could you send it to me again? Thanks! Sue

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      April 14, 2020 at 7:23 pm

      Yes! It’s here: https://www.littlehouseliving.com/instant-oatmeal-packets.html

      Reply
  50. Patricia Ryan says

    July 7, 2020 at 1:07 pm

    Does your book have recipes for using a Ninja foodie?Air fryer.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      July 10, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      No, the recipes in my book are for basic kitchen appliances only (oven, stove, etc).

      Reply
  51. Lou Ann says

    August 18, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    Merissa,
    I am 60 years old and began following you way back when you were in a very little house. You had so many neat tips and I implemented in my own home and at the time we were getting ready to downsize. Well, long story short, we ended in up a house with nearly 1/2 again the size we had 🙂 The Lord sure has a sense of humor, and I am glad that He does. He knows exactly what we need when we need it.

    I just wanted to say that I still enjoy following you and your family on your journey. It has been neat to see how God has used you and has used your experiences to grow you into the family He wants you to be.

    Keep at it and keep following Him.

    Reply
    • Merissa says

      August 18, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      Thank you for keeping in touch!

      Reply
  52. Lisa M says

    March 2, 2021 at 7:50 am

    I’ve loved your book, and now I’m glad that I’ve found you here! Your real-life choices and solutions are inspiring! I’ve tried many of your recipes, not only for food but for simpler living. Thank you.

    Reply
  53. Mariane Nomee says

    January 2, 2022 at 4:19 pm

    I am an elder. I want to learn to plan my menus for one person. Do not like to have leftovers which waste by throwing away.
    i am the eldest of 12 children and am used to cooking for my family. But cannot cook for one person,

    Reply

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Welcome to Little House Living! My name is Merissa and it’s nice to meet you! I’m a wife and mom just trying to make the most of what our family has. If you are looking for real life and not perfection, this site is for you! I love to write about frugal and simple living.
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