Apple Valley Farm

The Social Savage 

Has Social Media Released a Savage Beast? 

When it comes to human nature, I confess, I can be a bit of a pessimist. I’m ashamed to say that even as a Christian, I wind up letting my…

There’s no way around it. We live in a world where social media is almost inescapable. Especially if you’re using it for business. If you’re a small business owner and you aren’t exercising some level of social media power, then…

Paint Brush Bristles: What Kind Are Best?

Here's a question that we received from one of our followers, RAFAJULO on YouTube.

Every time I use a finish (Polycrylic), I seem to get small air bubbles as I'm spreading.…

A sander is an indispensable part of our tool lineup here at Apple Valley Farm, and in virtually any woodworking shop. So when our old Ryobi Random Orbit Sander finally died, we had to grab a quick replacement. 

We decided…

The band saw is an almost indispensable tool in the shop. But it can be hard to use well without a little experience. If you’re like us, the band saw blade can tend to wander, especially on those tough cuts.…

AVF Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

• 1 Fels Naptha Laundry Soap Bar 
• 1 Cup (roughly) Powered Borax 
• 5 Gallons Hot Tap Water 
• Essential Oils (optional) 
•  
• 1 Clean 5 Gal Bucket with Lid 
• 1 Cheese Grater (any style) 
• 1 Transmission Fluid Style…

For homestead or hobby gardeners, Spring and Summer are the glory days. Everything’s blooming and growing and warming up, and it’s just a great time to be in the dirt. 

Fall sort of gets a bad rap though. We…

To recount some of the greatest moments in human history, you’d have to include the ability to start a fire. And the invention of the wheel. Maybe the development of the automobile or achieving flight. But I would also say…

I don’t know about you, but we use a lot of broth here on the AVF. Mostly chicken broth. And I confess, we buy most of it in the grocery store. (Horror!) 

But after today…no more! We have made our…

Today, we started a little homestead project that I’ve been wanting to try for years. Homemade Laundry Detergent! 

Let’s face it. Laundry Detergent is dadgum expensive! $10-15 for a gallon of some chemical-packed, perfume-laden slime in a fancy bottle…

When we first started making hand-painted signs, back in 2015, we really didn’t have a clue. I mean really. We had no idea what we were doing, and we certainly had no idea about what people actually wanted. 

So part…

How many times have you gotten together with friends or family, and struggled to keep everyone's plastic drink cups in order? Or worse yet, tried to keep up with a Sharpie so everyone can write their name on their cup…