Spring Happenings on the Homestead

Sweet-Pea one of
our newest additions.

Clearing and cleaning the raised bed area.

It was a tough winter but we made it through. Spring comes forth with new life, warmth and beauty, but it also brings forth many projects! The homestead is in full swing with kids, repairs, clean up and garden work.

Rob gets busy fixing
the fences that the snow
and goats damaged.

 























It is a whole family affair. It is a lot of work but many hands makes it feel light. We all feel a sense of accomplishment and pride at the end of  the day.

Kolbe helps dad.

We also added fencing
to give us some more garden
area.

The goats watch us work on
the other side!

Donovan got busy making some
more raised beds.

He did a great job.

Peas planted
in their new bed.

Strawberry

 Plants are sprouting everywhere!

Rhubarb

Garlic

Charlotte and Kolbe
clean the area and
discuss what is to be done.

The human kids thought it would be a good idea to clean up an old fire pit in the new garden area. They decided to make it into a grotto with a rock flower garden.

The girls working
hard on their project.

A job well done!
It looks beautiful.

7 Healthy Homestead Habits

"Our apothecary's shop is our garden full of pot-herbs,
and our doctor is a good clove of garlic." - Anonymous

This is the season for family, friends and festivities; but it is also the season for colds and viruses. We have had our fair share of these ailments but most of the time my family seems to avoid many of these sicknesses. Here is how I believe we do that:

1. Maintain a healthy diet - During the winter months it seems there is a lack of veggies around. You can still grow some salad greens in a window box. You can also grow your own sprouts. If you don't know how look for a future post soon or you could google it now. There is also nothing wrong with adding frozen veggies to your favorite soups or dishes.

Incense burning
for fragrant air
and aromatherepy.

2. Use of Essential Oils and Organic Incense - there are so many benefits to the use of essential oils. Get to know the different kinds of oils available(online or at a local health food store). You can put them in an diffuser. Put a few drops on your pillow at night. Fragrance devises and scented candles may add scent to your home but they also add lots of chemicals. We try to avoid these chemical or perfumed candles unless they are made with essential oils.

During the cold/flu season Thieves Oil is my favorite - you can make your own ( or my favorite place to purchase it is at Piping Rock. Carry it in your purse to holiday parties. Put some on yourself and children. You can rub Thieves Oil under your nose, rub some on your hands as you would sanitizer. Thieves Oil is antibacterial and antifungal.

Thieves Oil is a
cold/flu season must-have!

Thieves Oil Recipe
20 drops of Clove Oil
20 drops of Lemon Oil
9 drops of Cinnamon Oil
8 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
6 drops of Rosemary Oil

My essential oil
medicine cabinet.

Kombucha

3. Eating and drinking probiotic-rich drinks and foods - In this case bacteria is your friend. A lot of times people get sick because their bodies are lacking the Good Guy Bacteria. Probiotics help your body fight the bad bacteria. Take a probiotic supplement, eat yogurt or grow your own. I make kombucha. Kombucha is easy to brew at home and is packed with probiotics and antoxidants. Fermenting your veggies is another cool option.

4. Taking daily vitamins and supplements - You should get all the vitamins and minerals you need from your food. But lets face it we are an on the go kind of people and often times do not get a completely balanced diet. Add supplements but sure to check the amounts carefully and also consult a trusted doctor.



5. Drink plenty of fluids - Of course water . . . if you hate water add a cucumber or lemon. Mineral water is always a favorite of mine when I want something sparkling. But do not forget all those herbal teas. You are more likely to crave hot drinks during the cold months.

Other plants such as this aloe
can be useful in the homestead.
Aloe can be used on dry skin and burns.

6. Keeping healthy herbs and plants growing in your home - Plants have a wonderful way of adding greatness to your home. They also add oxygen. If you grow herbs you get the added bonus of them adding fragrance to your environment and yumminess and health to your meals.





7. Spice things up - frequently use spices in your cooking. Garlic, garlic and more garlic - your breath may stink but your body will thank you. Other great spices to beat winter sniffles are ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, oregano and cayenne.

Goat Cheese Avocado Dip

Goat cheese is something we make pretty often around here. Guacamole is one our favorite family treats. Charlotte and I experimented and came up with this yummy combination of the two. You don't have to make your own goat cheese to whip up this yummy dip.


Recipe for Goat Cheese Avocado Dip

2 cups of Chevre
2 mashed up small avocados
1 Tablespoon of minced garlic
1/4 cup lime juice
salt to taste

Canning Salsa Water Bath Method Revised*

Now everyone always asks me for my salsa recipe . . . it is different every year. I will give you a basic of what is in salsa. You must make it your own. Don't be afraid to try different things. But if you are not like me and need and want more guidance, there are plenty of great recipes on the internet or you could check out cookbooks at your local library.

But here is what I do:

Tomatoes - how many?  just pick out of your garden, food store or farmstand and chop until you don't feel like chopping anymore

Onions - what you got 

Garlic - raw or roasted we don't care

Peppers - hot, mild, sweet, throw it in there

Touch of sugar, Dash of salt, toss in some vinegar. Oil is optional.  * I actually added lime juice to this batch of salsa. . . what is important is you need some form of citric acid  . . . it could be lime or lemon juice or some type of vinegar to prevent botulism. I prefer lime juice because the vinegar gives the salsa a funny taste. 

Next cilantro is one of my "have to have" in salsa. I pick a bunch, chop and in the pot it goes.

My family loves it when I add fruit : peaches or pineapple or mango. This batch has there favorite mango. Why my son threw in a cucumber this year I'm not sure why. . . but it tasted great! 

Once you have made a whole bunch and your family has eaten a bunch of it with chips, eggs, rice (whatever you and them love to put salsa on). If you have any extra (because you made so much) you will need to do something with it so it doesn't go bad. Canning is usually what I do next. Then I hide them in the basement away from hungry teenagers! Yes, I ration!

 What you need:  A canning pot with jar rack, other pots for boiling water and food, canning funnel, magnetic lid catch, jar grabber, ladle, glass jars, canning lids and fasteners (all must be sterilized in boiling water) and Your Yummy Salsa

I heat to 165-180 degrees to kill any bacteria.

Pour into sterilized jars. Leave at least 1/2 from the top.

Be sure that there is no food spillage on top.
Wipe with cloth dipped into boiling water.

Carefully remove sterilize lid.

Place lid carefully on top of filled jar

Screw on fastener. Not too tight not too loose. 

Start putting them 

Once your jar rack is full put it in your canning pot.
Slowly lower into boiling water. Add more water if needed.

Process Time: 20 minutes

After your process time is finished
carefully lift jars out of the water bath.

I leave mine alone for 24-48 hours
before putting them into storage.
Be sure your lids have suctioned down.
I usually remove fasteners for storage. 

I hope this was helpful. If you have any further questions feel free to comment or contact me!

Happy Canning!