When we initially purchased our property, I had NO idea that it would turn into the crazy homesteading adventure that it has... Heck, back then I didn't even know what the "homesteading movement" was-- all I wanted was some pasture for my horses... And a compost pile. Even so, God knew exactly what we would need, as our "horse property" has made the transition to a homestead quite smoothly. I get a ton of emails and comments ...Continue Reading
Archives for August 2013
Goat Pedicures? Learn How to Trim Your Goat’s Hooves!
I'm pleased to have Shelly Lienemann of Windswept Plains Goat Dairy visiting today and showing us how she trims her goat's hooves! Take it away Shelly! Fat boys? Sandals? Wedges? Our summer foot wear can change with our mood, but goats require consistent, well-trimmed hooves to remain healthy, as well as fashionable. Hoof trimming is a basic goat husbandry skill. Whether you own a commercial dairy or a couple of 4-H meat goats, ...Continue Reading
My Top 5 Picks for Essential Oils Around the Barnyard
There are approximately a billion different ways that I use my collection of essential oils around my home and for my family, BUT, I also love using them outside as well. I'm excited to chat with you via video today and share the TOP FIVE oils I use the most around my barnyard and homestead. (The horses could not figure out WHY I was sitting out there talking to myself!) VIDEO TEMPORARILY REMOVED. WILL BE BACK SOON. ;) Want ...Continue Reading
How to Store Homemade Tortillas
Ever since I announced my brand new Homestead Hack feature last week, the ideas have been pouring in! I've had a blast looking through all of your brilliant ideas. What's a "Homestead Hack?" Good question. Here is how Wikipedia explains it: "Life hacking refers to any productivity trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method to increase productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life; in other words, anything that solves an everyday ...Continue Reading
Canning Peaches with Honey and Cinnamon
There are two things I don't like about canning. #1- I don't like how hot it makes my kitchen. But since building a summer kitchen isn't on our current to-do list, I can't do too much about that problem for the time being. #2- Many canning recipes call for boatloads of sugar... For some recipes, like my honey-sweetened Chokecherry Jelly or my Strawberry Freezer Jam, I've learned how to use alternate sweetener or ...Continue Reading