Sunday, August 25, 2013

Off Grid Lighting for My Tiny House

Living off the grid poses a number of problems to be considered when it comes to lighting. Electric lighting can quickly drain a battery and, in my opinion, is harsh to the eyes. LED lights help to eliminate the battery drain, but I still don't find the light they throw that pleasing. Additionally, where I will live has weather that may prevent my solar panels from recharging the batteries as quickly as I would like all the time. While I could run the generator, I have decided to go back to tried and true oil lamps. Not just any oil lamps, mind you, but Aladdin brand oil lamps. Let me explain more.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Parts of a Tiny House Water System

This summer I bought all the pieces to my Tiny House water system. The parts I bought include, a water inlet, on-demand hot water heater, a water storage tank, a 12 volt pump, an accumulator, and inline filter, and a water purifier. Once all these items are connected with the incoming water, PEX piping, and the faucets, you have a complete water system. I thought I would talk about each of the parts to explain why they are important and why I chose the ones I chose. I researched water systems since most of the blogs I follow and the tiny house websites seem to gloss right over this system, only giving cursory attention to informing the reader about its components at best. So, to understand how the water system functions lets travel the way the water will.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Indiegogo to Make My Tiny House Go Go!

What is Rancho No Dinero?

Rancho No Dinero is 2.43 acres of remote joy. It is a sustainable homestead which is built on the principles of a small footprint. My tiny home of just 190 sq. ft. will be off the grid. Set amongst the tall pines on the side of a mountain, this homestead will produce its own energy, food, and will prove that living in the smallest of footprints does not mean hardship.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

How to store your garlic, onions and shallots so they can LAST FOR MONTHS!

"How to store your garlic, onions and shallots so they can LAST FOR MONTHS!

Instructions:
1. Make sure onions, garlic etc... are firm and blemish free. I
2. Use brown lunch paper bags
3. a hole punch
4. Paper clips--for holding the bag closed

How to make:
1. Punch the bags.Fold the bag in half lengthwise, punch along one edge;Flip the folded bag over and punch along the other edge; approximately 1" between punches (but it doesn't have to be perfect). The result is multiple rows of holes.
2. Fill the bag up to half full, fold over the top, label it and paper clip it to hold the top down."
via:The Yummy Life
Instructions:

1. Make sure onions, garlic etc... are firm and blemish free. 
2. Use brown lunch paper bags
3.  Hole punch
4. Paper clips--for holding the bag closed

How to make:

1. Punch the bags. Fold the bag in half lengthwise, punch along one edge; Flip the folded bag over and punch along the other edge; approximately 1" between punches (but it doesn't have to be perfect). The result is multiple rows of holes.
2. Fill the bag up to half full, fold over the top, label it and paper clip it to hold the top down."

via:The Yummy Life

Rancho No Dinero Indiegogo Campaign for the Blog and Podcast

Looking to support Rancho No Dinero? Take a look at our latest Indiegogo campaign!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Goats: Cheap way to Control Kudzu and Poison Ivy!

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Cost to Build a Tiny House - Tracking Expenses and Budget

The cost to build a tiny house ranges broadly depending on who you talk to or whose blog you read. Some say $5,000 and some say $30,000. It really does depend on your budget, time frame, and doggedness at finding great deals. Obviously if you are under pressure to finish something, costs will increase. So how do you know just how much it cost to build your tiny house? Tracking costs is key to answering that question.

Friday, August 2, 2013

E-Z Fuse Tape ... Best Thing Since Duct Tape!

Many of my readers know that I love, love, love my local 99 Cent Store. I enjoy finding bargains for just a buck that I might otherwise pay quite a bit more for. E-Z Fuse Tape is a fabulous example of a great find! Everyone should have a roll or 3 on hand and at just a buck, well just about everyone can.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Tiny House Hotel in Portland Opens with Great Success

Look what I found on the front page of yahoo news today! Anyone else see momentum building behind this movement? I sure do!




Photos: Caravan, The Tiny House Hotel
The eco-friendly small house movement has made its way to the hospitality industry with the opening of the world's first "tiny house" hotel, Caravan, in Portland, Oregon. Hotel owners Deb Delman and Kol Peterson invite guests to experience small, alternative housing, reduce their environmental footprint, and experience a cool, energetic neighborhood. But don't expect the average, 300- to 400-square-foot hotel room, because the micro-size homes start at just 100 square feet and cram in a bathroom, living space, and even a couple of (small) kitchen appliances, making for some very tight quarters.

Continue reading here: http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/worlds-first-tiny-house-hotel-opens-portland-185200077.html

Want to build your own? Find building plans super cheap here: 

Tiny House Plans