Spring is Coming…

The birds are chirping and green foliage is starting to reappear every where you look. The days are longer, there is more sunshine and everywhere you go, you can feel that the mood has shifted. You can feel that spring is coming, and some days, it feels as if Spring has already arrived.

For most people, spring is a time to refresh, tackle some spring cleaning and get ready for the sunshine and warmer days ahead. For us, springtime is a time to reflect on what worked well in the past and what areas we could improve on. I am not just talking about homesteading, but in every aspect of our lives.

First, we take time in the spring to reflect on what we would like to get accomplished. Projects, recipes, goals and anything else we may think of, become a focus point in our lives to improve, re-envision and repurpose. As homesteaders, we find anyway we can to repurpose what we already have. Why waste, when we can take a little bit of time and think creatively to repurpose something. This year, we decided to repurpose old, bald car tires that were just sitting outside a shop waiting to be picked up and dropped somewhere else. Trevor and I went to the car shop, loaded our car with as many tires as we could fit, and went back home. We are going to repurpose these tires to grow our Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes this year in our garden.

We have been brainstorming about how we can maximize our fenced-in garden area to get the most fulfillment out of our space. We noticed that we had about 2 feet of walking space between each box, which is the perfect amount of space to stack a couple tires, creating alternative raised beds. The benefit of growing our potatoes in these tires is that it allows us to add a tire (or layer) anytime the plants are getting bigger. The beauty of potatoes: as they grow larger and taller, if they are fed more soil and dirt, they will continue growing taller. This vertical growing allows the plant to produce more, leading to a larger yield to feed our family. (Added bonus- the tires allow for easy harvesting, as you can remove a layer at a time to dig out all of your homegrown potatoes).

The benefit of allowing Spring time to refresh and reset your mind means that you have the entire year to focus on putting your mindset into action. This may be projects to complete like our potato growers, or it may be changing/refreshing your mindset. We all dream and think about what we like and want to do, but turning our thoughts into actions is the most refreshing and invigorating feeling. Then, when you combine that with the knowledge that God has continuously provided for us and has allowed us to turn our dreams into reality, it leaves you in awe.

In awe of our beautiful earth, in awe of the beautiful animals and creatures that live harmoniously with nature, in awe of the plants, fruits and vegetables that God created and provided to each of us. It really is astounding that God has thought of each and every living thing and has placed them perfectly in this world, exactly where they are meant to be. Everything has their place. Our beautiful country and our entire world was hand crafted in the perfect image of God, and He has graciously allowed each of us to benefit from its beauty. Even in the darkest, coldest winter months, God had His hand in creating everything.

Springtime shows us the growth nature makes from being gray and withered to strong and beautiful, just like God always intended. While days and seasons of our lives can be gray and we may feel withered, God is with us, and watching patiently. God has the front row seat to be witness to each of us entering our own season of Spring, where we grow into the strong and beautiful servants of Christ that He always knew we would be. Times can be hard, daunting and intimidating, but the next time you look outside and see all of the gray foliage remember that God is with us always, and those gray, withered plants will soon be strong and beautiful, just like each season of your life that may feel hard. God is intentional with everything He does, and He placed nature around us to remind us, that our Spring is coming too.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

— Isaiah 40:29

Back to the Basics: Rooted in Tradition

We have determined that the three main focuses in our lives would be Faith, Family and Traditions. This week, we are going to bring you back to the basics by teaching you how to make your own bagels. A super simple recipe that anyone can master, that allows you to feed your family healthy food where you know exactly what ingredients are in it. Nothing is processed, and there are no extra additives. Just five simple ingredients: flour, sugar, yeast, water and salt.

Homemade Bagels:

• 4 cups of flour (spoon into your measuring cup, then flatten)

• 2 tsp of salt

• 1 TBSP of white sugar

• 2 3/4 tsp of active/quick rise yeast

• 1 1/2 C of warm water (between 100-110 degree F)

• 2 quarts of water (bagel bath mixture)

• 1/4 C of honey (bagel bath mixture)

Steps:

1. Combine the yeast with the warm water and let sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until you notice some foaming/bubbles on the surface.

2. While your yeast is activating, in your stand mixer add in the flour, sugar and salt. Mix briefly to incorprate the ingredients.

3. Add in the yeast mixture and begin to mix on medium speed with the bread hook attachment.

4. Continue mixing (kneading) the bread in the mixer for 6-7 minutes until the dough begins coming off the hook.

5. Grease a bowl with oil or non-stick spray and place the dough into the bowl. Grab a kitchen towel and rinse it under hot water and place over top of the dough. Put the bowl in a warm spot and let rest for 60-90 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.

6. Once the dough has double, punch out any air pockets, then separate the dough into 8 equal pieces.

7. Roll each piece into a ball, then press an opening in the middle with your finger. Place each bagel on a tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest while you prepare the next step.

8. Prepare another baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

9. Grab a wide pot and fill it with 2 quarts of water and 1/4 cup of honey. Bring the mixture to a boil.

10. Set your oven to 425 Degrees Fahrenheit.

11. Once boiling, place the bagels into the pot, ensuring they have room to move around. Cook each side for 1 minute.

12. Place the finished bagels on the other baking sheet. Paint on the egg wash mixtures on the sides and the top.

    *At this step, you may season the bagels with any seasoning your prefer*

13. Bake in the oven for around 20 minutes, and rotate your pan halfway through.

14. Allow the bagels to rest for 20 minutes after they come out of the oven.

15. Store in an airtight container for a couple days, or in the fridge for up to one week.

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Back to the Basics: Rooted in Faith

We live in a world where everything moves at such a fast pace and everyone desires instant gratification. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a good Amazon prime delivery, but there is something to be said about the lifestyles of the past, where the world seemed to move slower and times were simpler. At one point or another, I am sure that you have heard someone say, “I was born in the wrong time period”, or maybe you even thought it. Trust me, I have said that many times, but I have come to realize that God designed everything on purpose. He does not make mistakes, and for me personally, I have come to realize that God wanted me in this time period to live and walk by faith, and preserve all of the good of the past. I am here to help keep old traditions alive, and help people come Back to the Basics.

If I have learned anything from this lifetime, it’s that it goes too fast and it never seems like we have enough time. Now, I want to help others find the most joy in their lives. When we began our homestead journey, my number one goal was to teach others how to become self-sufficient, love God and to slow down and enjoy all the beauty life has to offer.

Faith: The Calm in the Storm

Life is full of emotions where you can feel the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. The high moments of life are wonderful; you feel like there is nothing you can’t accomplish. But the low moments of life are hard; you don’t know what you can do to make it better.

That is where your Faith comes into play. The most beautiful aspect to having faith and believing in our Lord means that you ALWAYS have someone in your corner guiding you and protecting you. You’re feeling on top of the world: Praise God and thank Him for providing for you and giving you a beautiful life. You’re feeling like you can’t go on: pray to God and ask for help, guidance, protection, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, healing and anything and everything else you can think of.

He is listening to you; He is protecting you; He is watching over you; He is cheering you on every step of the way.

I’ll be the first to admit that life has not been easy recently. Our family and friends have experienced tragic loss these past few weeks, and it is hard to see the good or light at the end of the tunnel. But what God teaches us is that He has control and we do not need to get carried away in the earthly matters. Our friends and loved ones are with Him. They are loved, protected and they are with our Heavenly Father without pain, suffering or any other worldly feeling.

In Proverbs 3:5-6 we are reminded, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God did not intend for us to be overcome with fear and anxiety trying to figure out how to make everything work. He wants us to fully surrender to Him and pass along our troubles and worries. God sent His only son to our world to die for our sins so that we may know His love and have everlasting life with Him. God will guide you and lead you, all we need to do is lean on Him and give Him all of our worries and doubts.

Yes, life is overwhelming and it is hard to make sense of things. But, when we surrender to God and accept Him into our hearts, we have the promise of everlasting life; where we will be reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us.

God has blessed all of us with so many wonderful things. He has provided us with a beautiful land that we are able to explore everyday, He has provided us all with unique talents, and He cheers you on everyday of your life. When you feel overwhelmed with what is going on in your life, surrender your troubles to God and allow Him to be the calm in your storm.

It is an incredible feeling inside when you understand and know God’s love for you, as you always know you are loved and protected. My prayer to each of you is that you are able to slow down, take a breath and thank God for all He has done for you.

“I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.”

— Psalm 86:12

Starting the Garden…

Have you ever wanted to start a garden, so you head to your local home improvement store and buy a bunch of started plants to plant at your house? Sometimes they work, but most times they do not produce as much as you want. I have been there too, and I have put together my best tips and tricks for planning a successful garden for your climate.

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Determining your Climate Zone

The first step that I took in planning my garden for the year was to research what climate I am located in. In order to find your climate zone, go to the USDA Climate Zone Map and enter your zip code to determine which climate zone you fall under.

Once you have determined your climate zone, you can begin planning your upcoming garden and what fruits and vegetables you want to plant. The climate zone allows you to see which types of fruits and vegetables do best in your climate and whether it is best to sow your seeds in starter trays, or directly sow them in your garden after danger of frost has passed.

Planning Your Garden

Now you know your climate zone, so it is time to design and plan your garden for the year. To begin, you will need to determine an area on your property where you get 6-8 hours of sun a day. For plants to thrive and grow as strong a possible, they need at least 6 hours of direct sun a day (some varieties may call for partial sun, however full sun is best).

Next, you will need to decide: In Ground Garden or Raised Bed Garden?

While we have tried both setups, we have found with our soil type and ground moisture, our plants have the best rate of success being grown in raised beds.

Seeds: Starter Trays Indoors or Directly Sown Outside

If you have the space and ability to start your own seeds, my recommendation is to 100% invest in this aspect. Not only does it give you the ability to grow many different varieties, it is also a cost effective way to grow food for your family. The first year I began gardening, I went to our local garden store and bought a bunch of $4-$6 plants and transplanted them into my garden. While I did get production, I noticed they were not as fruitful or strong as I had hoped. I was bummed, as I spent a lot of money on the plants, and did not get what I expected.

The next year, I took the time to learn about the benefit of starting your garden from seeds and I have not looked back since.

Seeds can be purchased anywhere from $0.50 to $2.00 and contain hundreds of seeds (If you really want bang for your buck, purchase heirloom seeds for a never-ending supply of seeds). As long as you store the seeds in a dry, cool area out of direct sunlight, they can last you a few seasons of growing.

Fill your starter trays with a seed starter soil, place 2-3 seeds inside each pod, cover with a bit more soil and place them under your plant lights. For added climate control, use a heating mat under the trays to help keep the roots warm and strong. We like to place our seed trays inside a bigger tray with no drainage, to water our plants from the bottom (it allows the roots to grow strong, the plants to absorb only want they want, and limits the chance of damaging the fragile sprouts coming out of the soil)

Check on your seeds every day or so, and make sure you check the moisture of your soil, and if it is dry, add more water to the larger tray underneath.

For any of your seeds that have shallow roots, it may be best to directly sow them into your garden once the danger of frost has passed. If you have any questions about what may be shallow rooted, or what needs to be started indoors or directly outdoors, send us an email.

Tips, Tricks and Supplies

Here are some of the tips and tricks we have discovered while learning about gardening the last 4 years.

• Purchase a seed binder to organize and keep track of all of your seeds. Here is the Seed Binder that I have to organize my seed inventory.

• Purchase a Garden Journal to keep track of what you do year to year. You may think you’ll remember what you did each year, but trust me, you will forget and appreciate having a log of your information

• Invest in Heavy-Duty Seed Starter Trays that can be used year after year. We use trays from All About the Garden. They are strong, durable and have different sizes depending on how many seeds you plan to grow.

• Heating Mats. This was a new one for us, but I am going to be purchasing more, now that I have seen the effects. Seeds need to have a controlled climate between 75-85 degrees to have the best chance of each seed sprouting. Worth the investment!!

• LED Plant Lights. A must-have when starting your own seeds. These lights simulate the natural sun-light plants need to thrive. The best set up is to have your LED plant lights set 6 inches about the tops of your plants. They provide light as well as some heat to keep the climate warm enough.

Do not be afraid of trial and error. Our biggest tip we can give is to just try. Do not be afraid to fail, as that is where we learn the most. God has blessed us all with the ability to learn and grow. To know God’s love means He is never-ending and never-failing. He will always guide us and lead us to more.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

— Psalm 27:1

Canning 102: Dill Pickles

Read along as I take you through the steps to begin Water-bath Canning!

Canning Dill Pickles

What You’ll Need:

• Water-bath Canner with Jar Rack (Walmart)

• 16 oz Mason Jars with Lids and Rings (Wide Mouth or Regular Mouth)

• Jar Lifter

• Lid Lifter (Magnetic)

• Pickling Cucumbers

• Pickling Salt (Amazon)

• Fresh Dill

• Black Peppercorn

• Vinegar

• Water

• White Sugar

• Garlic

Instructions:

Step 1: The first step you will need to take is sterilizing the mason jars and lids in the dishwasher to clean them and keep them hot.

Step 2: Make the Brine: mix together 8 cups of water, 1/3 cup of sugar, 6 TBSP of pickling salt and 6 cups of white vinegar in a pot and bring to a boil.

Step 3: While the brine is coming to a boil, prepare your pickling cucumbers by either slices them into wedges or chips.

Step 4: Take out your warm sterilized jars and place 2 cloves of garlic in each jar, one stem of fresh dill in each jar and 2 TBSP of peppercorn in each jar.

Step 5: Begin packing the jars with your cucumbers until there is no more space.

Step 6: Prepare the mason jar lids by placing them in a pot of boiling water to keep them hot.

Step 7: Once the brine begins to boil, begin pouring the brine into each jar, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Remove the air bubbles from each jar by using a butter knife.

Step 8: Wipe the mouth of each jar with a damp towel to ensure it is clean allowing for a solid seal. Once the mouth of the jar is clean, take a lid out of the hot water and place on top. Screw on the rim fingertip tight (Do not twist too tight. It may cause the jar to break or siphenoning to occur).

Step 9: Fill the water bath canner with water to about 1/3 to 1/2 full and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the jars to the jar rack and lower into the pot. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, boil the jars for 20 minutes.

Step 10: When the jars are finished boiling, turn off the heat and let the pot begin to cool. After 10 minutes, raise the jar rack up and begin to remove the jars and place on the counter and do not disturb for 24 hours.

Step 11: After 24 hours, check that each jar sealed by lightly touching the top of the lid. If it is pressed down, it has been preserved. If it makings a popping sound and comes back up, it has not sealed. Place that in your fridge and enjoy first.