Household Items

Household items used at our homestead or items our readers may be interested in purchasing.

Perfect Floor Mat For At Your Homestead Doors

Perfect Floor Mat For At Your Homestead Doors

Perfect Floor Mat for at Your Homestead Doors

Last Updated:  May 10, 2024

Great Floor Mat for at your Homestead Doors
Image from Amazon

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You are always in and out around the homestead which means dirt is constantly being tracked into the home. Between dirt on shoes and dog paws, it gets hard to keep it under control. For me, I try to lay mats at each doorway to soak up some of the water and mud that gets brought into the house (especially on rainy days with big puppy paws!). These mats I have found to be a big help. They not only help contain the dirt at the doors, but they are also water proof on the bottom so nothing will land on the floor beneath them.

You can take them outside and hose them off if they get really dirty. The rubber is not terribly thick and therefore not so heavy like some rugs. The mat is sufficiently waterproof. I find that the mats will stay flat and not curl like some of the thicker rubber competitors. The mats will take quite a bit of traffic and continue to look good. – Bren

Farm dog "Manny" tests out the floor mat.
Farm dog "Manny" tests out the floor mat.

Other products or information you may be interested in:

Disclosure of Material Connection:  Some of the links in this page or post may be “affiliate links”.  This means that if you click on the link, Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC may receive an affiliate commission at no direct cost to you.   Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC only recommends products or services that the owners, managers, or employees of Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC use or believe will add value to the readers of this website.  This disclosure is made with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Light Bulbs (Edison Style)

Light Bulbs (Edison Style)

Light Bulbs (Edison Style)

Last Updated:  December 1, 2023

Light Bulbs - Edison Style
Image from Amazon

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For the person who asked, yes, in 2023 we did change the light fixture in the homestead kitchen. (It amazes me the details you all pick up on)! So, to answer the question as to what type of light bulbs we use, here you go.

These bulbs are for interior and exterior use. They are LED in a warm light color. To date I’ve not noticed any flicker in the light (I know some LED’s will do this). I like that the LED lights don’t require as much electricity and yet put off the same amount of light as much higher wattage incandescent bulbs. Plus, I find that these light bulbs have a nice look. – Bren

The Edison Style Light Bulbs that we use at the homestead.
These LED light bulbs are for interior and exterior use.
Light bulbs in use at the homestead kitchen.

Other products or information you may be interested in:

Disclosure of Material Connection:  Some of the links in this page or post may be “affiliate links”.  This means that if you click on the link, Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC may receive an affiliate commission at no direct cost to you.   Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC only recommends products or services that the owners, managers, or employees of Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC use or believe will add value to the readers of this website.  This disclosure is made with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Hooks We Use To Hang Cast Iron or Solar Lights

Hooks We Use To Hang Cast Iron or Solar Lights

A row of screw hooks to the left with a single close-up of a hook at the right.
Image from Amazon
Cast Iron hung on the log walls.
Screw hooks in a plastic bag with one out of the bag and to the right.

These are the hooks I use at the homestead to hang my cast iron on our log walls. I must say, they have been doing a fantastic job. The seller claims that these hooks are rated to hold 6-8.5 pounds, and so far I can vouch for that. The cast iron pieces I hung on these hooks have held up without any problems. I weighed each of the pieces I hung and the heaviest piece is 5.5 pounds. I’m not seeing any stress cracks or pull out from the hooks.

At the homestead, we live a simple life and appreciate functionality. Hanging the cast iron on the wall with these hooks allows me to easily find the piece I want and keeps my cast iron organized. The hooks are affordable and can be used for a variety of purposes, making them a great value for money.

They are also perfect for use in the outdoors, as they are made from vinyl coated steel and are rust resistant. I think these hooks would be great for hanging Christmas lights, tea cups, wreaths, or bird feeders. Their design is simple and they are easy to install. I had no problems screwing them into the log wall. I did bend one hook while installing it with pliers, but that was my fault and not the product failing.

I am planning on getting another pack or two to hang solar light strands on the small animal sheds at the homestead. It’s so nice to have a little light when going to the barns at night to check on pregnant goats and goat kids.

One thing to note is that these hooks must be anchored into solid wood. Do not attempt to put them directly into drywall.

Overall, I’m pleased with the hooks to date. No bending, breaking or replacing so far and we use our cast iron daily. – Bren

Bren smiling in front of her cast iron that is displayed behind her on the log walls of the homestead house.

This is an affiliate link which means that by clicking on the link, Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC may receive a commission at no direct cost to you.

Other products or information you may be interested in:

Disclosure of Material Connection:  Some of the links in this page or post may be “affiliate links”.  This means that if you click on the link, Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC may receive an affiliate commission at no direct cost to you.   Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC only recommends products or services that the owners, managers, or employees of Pioneer Mountain Homestead, LLC use or believe will add value to the readers of this website.  This disclosure is made with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”