This Humble Homestead

New chicks! The sad part about hatching chicks is that they don’t always make it. Homesteading isn’t always happy, but we absolutely love it and will enjoy these little fluff balls as they scurry around and check out everything they can! #chicks #chickensofinstagram #incubator #babychicks #hatchingeggs #chickens

There is so much to be said for teaching our children to cook from scratch in the kitchen. This is an age of convenience, where processed, precooked foods are the norm. But giving kids the opportunity to be creative in the kitchen is very important! They learn how to sustain themselves and take care of others. They learn good eating habits, the importance of cleaning up, and how much work goes into preparing a meal for others. And BONUS, it’s so much fun to spend time together in the kitchen! #littlechef #cooking #bonding #childrencooking #learning

A few years ago we found this venom extractor. And it’s exactly what it sounds like! When an insect bites and inserts venom into the skin, this extractor can remove it. This takes away the itchy part of bug bites and relives pain. When we use this in our family we tend to have less scratching afterward which also eliminates scratching open bug bites and creating open sores. Another one of our favorite ways to treat naturally! #bugbite #bugbitessuck #bugextractor #bugvenom #bitevenom #homesteading #homeremedies

These moments are priceless. I will cherish them always. Side note: we did see two alligators, but I didn’t catch either of them on video! Next time we’ll go earlier when it’s cooler and they’re all at the surface. #birthday #breakfast #yummy #happybirthday #familytime

1. Clean nesting boxes with fluff or hay 2. Add nest eggs to their nesting boxes. This will entice them to lay! 3. Add a light to the coop. This is helpful during those shorter days of the year and “tricks” chickens into thinking the days are longer. 4. Put vitamins in their water. 5. Add egg shells or oyster shells into their feed. The added calcium helps get those ladies laying. 6. Meal worms or other treats #backyardfarm #farmlife #backyardchickens #homestead #chickensofinstagram #homesteading #chickens #backyardgarden #growyourownfood #backyardfarming #backyardfarmer #gardening #farm #smallfarm #garden #countryliving #backyardflock #organicgardening #growyourown #homegrown #homesteadlife #countrylife #poultry #backyardpoultry #farmlifebestlife #chickencoop

Learning what edible plants you can forage for in your area is really good to know! Look for local experts that can help you determine what is edible and what to avoid. #grapes #florida #harvestseason #fruits #fruitbasket

One of their favorites is Jalapeño oatmeal. It’s very simple, and also very nutritious. The basic ingredients are jalapeños and oats, we added popcorn to ours but you can add your own twist to these with cayenne powder, sunflower seeds, dried fruits or other favorites. Chickens do not react like we do with spicy foods, so no need to worry about your chickens feeling the heat with these jalapeños, but they will feel spoiled and hopefully more productive with these tasty treats. #chickensofinstagram #treats #chickens #hungrychickens #oatmeal #popcorn #jalapenos

Psalm 139:9-10 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost part of the sea, even there will they had lead me and my right hand shall hold me. #jesus #God #bible #psalms #prayer #storm

I am often asked where we buy grains, dry goods, and the ingredients we use for animal feed. And the answer is, Azure Standard. Azure has tons of organic, quality foods. Since we’re very careful with what we feed our family, this has helped supplement what we cannot grow on our own or buy locally. Check out Azure Standard here! https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=a95dddbdf8

Ingredients 1 loaf of bread cut into 1” cubes 5 eggs 2 1/2 c of milk 1 t cinnamon 1 t vanilla Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Put bread cubes in a baking dish (9x12 or similar) 3. Combine eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla 4. Pour egg mixture over top of the bread coating each piece. 5. Allow to sit overnight or bake right away. 6. Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes or until the top is a little brown and the bread has toasted. #frenchtoast #casserole #yummy #breakfastfood #homemaderecipe

Ingredients: 1 gallon of milk 1/2 cup of yogurt starter containing active cultures Instructions: 1. Pour 1 gallon of whole milk into the crockpot. 2. Turn on low for 3 hours 3. Turn off and let rest for 3 hours 4. Stir in the yogurt starter 5. Cover the crockpot with a towel and let rest for 18 hours. 6. When finished, strain the yogurt using cheese cloth if a thicker consistency is desired. 7. Add whatever you love to eat in yogurt! (Vanilla, a healthy sweetener (we use a touch of maple syrup or honey), granola, berries…) *I usually start the yogurt process in the morning so that it is finished when we wake up the following morning. #yogurt #homemade #yummy #crockpot #dessert #breakfast

#incubating #eggs #incubation #incubator #hatching #hatchingeggs

We composted the garden to boost the health of our soil until it’s time to plant again in the fall. This time we used egg shells, whey, biochar, grass clippings, and hay! #gardening #compositing #spring #nitrogen #healthy #garden

Ingredients ½ cup soft butter, salted divided3 cups thinly sliced rhubarb 4 large eggs1 cup milk¾ cup sugar ½ cup flour 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F 2. Grease 9” pie pan generously with butter. 3. Melt the rest of the butter. 4. Thinly slice the rhubarb stalks (¼-inch/.5cm slices) and spread them evenly into the buttered pie pan. 5. Put the eggs, milk, sugar, flour, vanilla, and nutmeg into a blender canister. Add the slightly cooled melted butter. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. 6. Pour the batter over the rhubarb in the pie pan. Push down any floating pieces of rhubarb so they are coated with batter. 7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is nicely browned and evenly puffed up. 8. Allow the pie to cool completely before cutting. We like our pie a little bit warm. :) Recipe credit: https://www.kitchenfrau.com/crustless-rhubarb-custard-pie/#recipe #rhubarbpie #homemade #desserts #homesteadkitchen #yummy #recipe

However you choose to spend this Independence Day, let’s remember the freedoms our forefathers fought for and say a prayer of thanksgiving for all the ways God has blessed us. Happy Independence Day! #happy4thofjuly #independenceday #america

What do you do when your children want to work more on your homestead? #homestead #homesteadlife #animals #farmlife #arresteddevelopment #funnyvideos #comedy

Your existence was intentionally designed by our Creator God. You have a purpose. You are LOVED by the Almighty God. He loves you and He knows you. Jeremiah 31:3 Psalm 139:14 #existence #almighty #god #godsplannotmine #jesuschrist #nature

Elderberry syrup is one of the best home remedies for battling sore throats and coughs. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. 3 c water 3/4 c dried elderberries 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 t nutmeg 2 T grated ginger 1 c honey 1. Combine all ingredients except for honey. 2. Simmer on the stove for one hour. 3. Allow to cool for a few hours and then add the honey. 4. Take 1 tablespoon every few hours or as needed until cold symptoms subside. #elderberrysyrup #elderberry #health #sick #remedies #yummy #natural

And you don’t need any extra kitchen appliances to do it. I don’t like storing all those “must have”kitchen gadgets (air fryers, popcorn poppers, etc.). I like to keep it simple. No added chemicals from microwave popcorn. Also, making popcorn this way has great flavor! Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil 1/2 c popcorn Favorite toppings #popcorn #stovetop #cooking #howto #yummy #snack #snacks

Sprouted lentils contain big health benefits for chickens! They increase egg production and quality and make our flock happy. Keep in mind that your lentils will more than double in size in your container! #lentils #chickens #chickensofinstagram #chickentreats #chickenfood

A new space for the sows and piglets! Can’t wait to see those cute little piggy noses. 🥰 #piggy #pregnantpig #birthingsuite #moving #pigs

Add worms to your garden to enrich your soil! Go a step further with your own worm farm. We bought ours here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PRKLCZQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details #worms #birthday #wormfarm #vermicompost #gardening

2 T baking soda 2 T Borax 1/4 cup vinegar Adjust amounts as necessary. Add borax and baking soda to powdered detergent compartment. Add vinegar to fabric softener compartment. Enjoy fresh clean clothes without harsh chemicals and fragrances. #laundrydetergent #homemade #laundry #homemaking #clean #clothes

1/2 c coconut oil 1 c peanut butter - check your labels! Do not buy peanut butter with added oils or anything other than peanuts and salt! There is no reason for anything else to be added to peanut butter and will only bring health issues. 1/2 c pure honey (no corn syrup!) 1 tsp vanilla 5 c rolled oats Chocolate chips (see our homemade recipe here: https://youtube.com/shorts/7kEBMKRUzCA?feature=share) 1. Combine oil, peanut butter, and honey. 2. Add vanilla and stir. 3. Add rolled oats and thoroughly coat with PB mixture. 4. Spread into a 9x13” pan lined with parchment paper and press granola down until packed firm. 5. Place in the freezer to set for about 30 minutes. 6. Make chocolate or melt chocolate chips. 7. Drizzle chocolate or sprinkle on chocolate chips and place back in the freezer for one hour. 8. Cut and serve! #granola #healthyfood #peanutbutter #chocolate #homemade #homemadefood

Brine: 5 cups water 5 cups vinegar 1/2 c canning salt (Filled about 10 pint jars) 1. Wash and slice jalapeños. (I wear gloves since I will inevitably without thinking rub my eye or stick my finger in my mouth and suffer the consequences!) 2. Make brine and bring to a simmer on the stove. 3. Clean and sanitize jars and lids. 4. Add jalapeños to jars until 1/2” below rim. 5. Fill jars with brine until 1/4” below rim. 6. Clean the mouth of the jars with a wet paper towel. 7. Top with lids and rings. 8. Place in a water bath, covering the jars 1” above the lids. Boil for about 20 minutes. 9. Remove from the water bath and place on the counter for about 24 hours. If the lids have a proper seal, remove the rings and place in the pantry. If they did not seal properly store in the refrigerator. #jalapeno #canning #spicy #homemade #brine #yummy