Honoring God in all we do on the Homestead
It's that time of year again... When I go through my herbal hutch and take inventory of everything and make new and fresh preparations before fall/winter. Right now, I have some glycerin tincture of muellien going that is about ready to be bottled, but the primary focus of today is plantain salve. Here's a step … Continue reading Making Plantain Salve
I have been hang drying sage in the kitchen and it was finally time to put it away today! For anyone interested in herbalism even if it's just growing kitchen herbs, I highly recommend the book, "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook: A Home Manual" by herbalist, James Green. It's a very pleasant, conversational, and enjoyable read, … Continue reading Herb Preserving
I did that thing I do...again... Where I have an idea of what I want to do, but there aren't any pre-specified instructions for it because no sane person has ever attempted it before. By golly, I may not be sane, but I am frugal, dangit! I had about 40 cherry tomatoes the size of … Continue reading Canning Cherry Tomatoes
I'm always overwhelmed by the sheer volume of oils I think I need to take with me when I travel. Honestly, do I really need a dozen bottles of oil? Truthfully, probably not, so long as I take the big 4 (Tea Tree, Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint). But let's face it, I like to be … Continue reading Sewing Project: Essential Oil Travel Holder
I hate budgeting. I'm good at formulating budgets. I'm even diligent in saving and tithing each month. But I'm not good at change, unexpected expenses, or STAYING WITHIN my budget. Now, that said, I've taken Dave Ramsey's financial Peace class and I've tried the cash envelope method. All that does to me is say, "oh, … Continue reading Budgets, Babies, and Back seats
Now is as good a time as any... We're expecting again! Baby #3 was completely a surprise to us. Our other two children weren't necessarily planned either, but my husband and I were able to at least vaguely pinpoint their conceptions. We are both befuddled as to how and when this little bean was conceived, … Continue reading Changes Coming
Our hens have begun to lay! We actually were surprised this morning when we went outside to muck out the coop and found 7 little eggs in a corner of the coop! We assume by the color of the eggs and the standard rate of maturity, they came from the black Australorp (brown) and either … Continue reading In the Fullness of Time
My in-laws came down to visit for Independence Day weekend. While they were visiting, we had a great time playing with the kids and being outdoors. We reflected on our freedom and Independence living here in America, and we celebrated with good food, good conversation, and some yard work! Why not, right? My husband and … Continue reading Terrace Garden Update
It's here! It's finally here!! Back a while, we decided it was time to make the investment into a riding lawn mower. It was more money than I care to spend on tools, but I finally hit my limit of mowing 3 cleared acres of land with a walk behind model. That said, after 5 … Continue reading The Long Awaited Lawn Tractor
It's Pickling Day! I say that, but I'm only processing 3 quarts. I'm pickling none the less! We've been getting about 3-4 cukes per week from our two space master bush type cucumber plants. I chose that variety partially on a whim and impulse buy from Walmart, and partially because I didn't want to mess … Continue reading Pickle Time!
