About Me

About Helen Cates

I was born in California, spent part of my childhood and teen years in the rugged Ozarks, and have called Texas home since my parents moved here during the oil boom of the 1980s.

Some of my earliest memories are of simple living and off-grid experiences in the Ozarks, where resourcefulness was part of everyday life. Those lessons shaped my appreciation for practical skills, hard work, and the value of being prepared.

I also served in the military, an experience that strengthened the importance of adaptability and planning. Later, I spent more than a decade as a volunteer educator at a living history museum, teaching and demonstrating 1800s-era skills including cooking, sewing, gardening, food preservation, and pioneer living.

Today, I enjoy homesteading, gardening, preparedness, food preservation, sewing, and exploring ways families can become more independent. Through A Slice of Texas, I share practical ideas, personal experiences, and traditional skills that help people live with greater confidence and self-reliance.

I believe preparing for the future is not about fear—it's about having options. Whether that means growing a garden, learning a new skill, reducing debt, preserving food, or keeping a well-stocked pantry, small steps today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow.

Thank you for visiting A Slice of Texas. I hope you'll find encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas for your own journey toward a more self-reliant life.