Feral and Free

Not every day of Garage Sale shopping is the best, but we always manage to find something. We somehow managed to find quite a few sales that were shop owners selling off boutique items and antique store supplies, but it always keeps things interesting either way. Our very first garage sale of the day, we came upon quite a surprise - we couldn't believe this was parked in the backyard in the middle of suburbia, it was even built by the homeowner. What a cool find! #thrift #thrifting #garagesale #garagesalehaul #garagesales #yardsale #yardsalefinds #ebayseller #ebayresellers #ebayreseller #like #subscribe #follow #thrifthaul #ebaycommunity #thriftwithme #coolfinds #vintagefinds #vintage #vintagestyle #shopping #shopwithme #find Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

Heidi and I head back to the Bins to push our eBay store inventory as we get closer to quarter 4. We set a 10 minute challenge for ourselves- find and flip items for a profit. Follow along for our haul! Also follow our eBay store Feral and Free to see what we list daily! #thrift #thrifting #like #subscribe #share #flipforprofit #thrifthaul #thriftwithme #thriftwithus #shopwithme #secondhandshopping #secondhandshop #thrifty #frugalliving #ebayseller #reseller #follow #followus #savemoney #challenge #shoppingchallenge Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

We've had a busy August & September...From Heidi's Mother in Law's Estate Sale to the beginning of the school year and we both homeschooling our kids, to running a business together....sadly it's been way too long since April has stepped foot into a thrift store. Would you believe it's been almost 2 months?! No lie! Heidi and April put aside business work for the day and head out to thrift. #thrift #thrifting #thrifthaul #like #subscribe #ebayseller #uppbeat #thriftwithus #thriftwithme #thriftstore #secondhand #shopping #follow #shopwithme #thrifttips #momlife #friends #goodwill #reseller #shopsecondhand #thriftstoreshopping #thriftshop #thriftstore #thiftstorefinds Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

Heidi and I head back to the Bins...Goodwill Outlet Bins that is, and not on a weekend, but midweek- it was quite a different experience. We were there only 2.5 hours! We got a great haul again! Follow our e-bay store Feral and Free for more. High Hopes Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/justin-lee/high-hopes #thrift #thrifting #uppbeat #thrifthaul #thriftwithme #thriftwithus #thriftstorehaul #goodwill #goodwillbins #reseller #resellercommunity #ebayseller #ebay #ebaycommunity #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #thrifting #reselling #video #like #subscribe #vlogger #vlog #dallas #texas #bossbabe #shopwithus #shopwithme #secondhand #secondhandshopping

It's been so hot in Texas this summer, way too hot for Garage Sales. After our trip to the Bins last week, we ended up with so many pounds of clothing to sell, but not many housewares- so we decided we'd spend a day indoors at some favorite Thrift Stores for a Thrift Store Blitz! Mission is: 5 stores and we can buy hard goods ONLY. I know I can do it, but can Heidi pass the temptation of clothes? Join us at the end for our Thrift Store Haul. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15 #ebayseller #ebay #ebaysellers #ebayselling #ebaycommunity #reseller #reselling #resellercommunity #thrifting #thrift #thrifthaul #thrifty #thriftyfinds #resalestores #goodwill #triptothethrift #thriftwithus #thriftwithme #summer #texas #shopping #frugalliving #letsgothrifting #letsgoshopping #like #subscribe #shoppinghaul #youtubers #video #vlog #follow #friends #smallbusiness #shopsmall #shopwithme

If you've never taken a trip to the bins, its quite the experience. Here in Texas, its a hot warehouse in the summertime, but it is still a reseller's paradise. We find so many great things to list on our eBay store. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15 #reseller #resellercommunity #resellers #ebayseller #ebay #ebaystore #thrift #thriftwithme #thriftwithus #thrifting #thrifty #thrifthaul #goodwill #goodwillbins #triptothethrift #momlife #bossbabe #follow #like #subscribe #share #love #YouTube #youtuber #lovetothrift #lovetoshop #shopping #reducereuserecycle

We had a windy night after that big storm that rolled in, but woke to a gorgeous, sunny day. I started a load of laundry, and sent my boys off to use the campground showers, and I enjoyed my morning coffee in the hot tub! What a way to start the day. Of course it didn't last long enough as the laundry needed to tossed into the dryer and we needed to get started on our way. We headed out late morning, our last drive day north toward Jackson Hole. It was a beautiful drive through the canyons and mountains. Even pulled up behind some shiny hiney airstreams along the way. We arrived at our campsite in the Gros Ventre Campground in the Grand Tetons National Park, got settled and took the doggos for a nice long walk. They discovered chipmunks and ground squirrels and attempted to dislocate my arms on our first walk. Thankfully no ground squirrels or chipmunks were ever harmed and so thankful that we do not have either in our area of Texas. Heidi's family arrived from their long drive from Texas, and settled into their campsite next to us, it felt great having our friends with us! We headed into town for a huckleberry ice cream that we enjoyed in the Jackson Hole Square before heading over to Mormon Row for a fantastic sunset by the Moulton barn. I absolutely love the views of the Tetons from here. The historic barns, view of the mountains and the native grasses make the most peaceful setting. #grandtetons #grandtetonnationalpark #mormonrow #moultonbarn #travel #camping #roadtrip #roadtripping #rv #camper #happycamper #wyoming #jacksonhole #grosventrecampground #dogs #friends

Day 3 was another long drive day when we left Cheyenne, Wyoming for Pinedale, Wyoming. The views driving I-80 were pretty cool, lots of rolling green hills that turned to amazing rock formations around Vedauwoo, then to large pines and Mountains to high desert landscape as we turned North in Rock Springs. We stopped along the way for a quick lunch and 2nd coffee, loved that my youngest asked "What are those fences for Mom?" Yes, we are definitely from the south, but I knew what they were. When we passed Rock Springs, Wyoming, I was told to watch in a certain area for mustangs...and I was pleasantly surprised when we saw a handful of mustangs and a foal near the fence line. We finally made it to our destination close to dinnertime, no boondocking tonight, we needed to replenish our water, and really needed to do laundry, so prior to our trip we made reservations at a great RV Park in Pinedale. We enjoyed getting to stretch our legs and relax for an evening. We splurged and rented a hot tub from the RV park which I have never seen before, but it was nice to be able to soak for a few minutes.....before a huge storm rolled in! We are no strangers to crazy weather being from Texas, so we pulled out our trusty emergency radio and had our emergency bag ready just in case it turned worse. But it didn't, just turned out to be a windy night, but not before seeing a gorgeous rainbow as the sun set for the day. #wyoming #airstream #camping #roadtrip #familyvacation #vacation #summertrip #rv #rving #roadtripping #doggos #dogs #travel

We left Colorado Springs, Co after dinner and drove through Denver after dark. We were nervous for driving through Denver with our camper for the first time, as we have heard the traffic can be brutal. Nice surprise, it wasn't bad at all, and we made it to Cheyenne, Wy Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center just before 11 pm. We went straight to bed and woke up to a beautiful Wyoming sunrise. My youngest and I went inside and explored the Welcome Center which was really cool, very museum like and interactive. The staff was very friendly and gave some helpful information for our trip through Wyoming. #boondocking #camping #rving #airstream #campinglife #boondocker #free #wyoming #doggo #travel #roadtrip #roadtripping #roadtrippin

Friday was a glorious, rainy day, which is a rare thing at this point in the summer in Texas. Things are heating up fast, but sadly, this day was a fantastic day hopping with Estate Sales, but not many finds to be found. BUT Heidi did find 1 great find.....a Tiffany & Co mug! Join us as we check out 6 Estate Sales in our area. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

Have you ever looked at an allergy map? Texas is generally lit up like a Christmas tree 365 days a year. Some people suffer from allergies, and some do not, it all stems from gut health. We try to heal ourselves naturally from the inside out when seasonal allergies get the best of us. Here is our recipe that we use for our families to help support our immune systems naturally. Full recipe: 1 cup elderberry 4 cups filtered water 2 cinnamon sticks Add: 2 drops clove EO 2 drops wild orange EO 2 drops On Guard EO 1 drop Copaiba EO 2 tbsp ginger 7 minutes high pressure instant pot Natural release When cooled, add 1 cup raw, local honey. Store in jar in fridge. 1 tbsp for kids 2 tbsp for adults *daily in the winter *every 4 hours when sick Make sure to check out our Feral and Free blog for more depth information www.feralandfree.co/homemade-elderberry-syrup/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

A few weeks ago I showed Heidi how to water glass eggs for a short term storage solution, today I showed her how to freeze dry raw eggs for a long term solution. Heidi and her family have freeze dried many foods over the past couple years of owning a freeze dryer, except for raw eggs. I personally love having these eggs on hand in a jar, to use for baking. Once freeze dried, to reconstitute eggs there is a simple method: 1 egg= 2 tablespoons of water + 2 tablespoons of egg powder Thanks for checking out our channel, and please like and subscribe. We also blog about our suburban homesteading lives, check out the link in bio for the Feral and Free blog. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15 @harvestright

Come along as we're off on another garage sale and estate sale adventure where we found GOLD! What are the top 10 things you look for when you garage sale? Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

Heidi and I backpack with friends once a month during cooler temperatures (October through April usually) but we camp year round. Heidi has been using a an older sleeping bag she purchased at a garage sale years ago, which has been working fine except that she is a very cold sleeper. I purchased a Gregory pack last November and used it a couple times before realizing it was just too big of a pack. Even during cold weather campouts with packing fleece and bulkier items, I never really filled up the pack. Learning my base weight was on the heavy side, maybe opting for a smaller pack would save some weight. I even purchased another Gregory online and promptly returned it as the fit wasn't right. We both have waited for about 2 months for the REI anniversary sale. We both went in with ideas in mind of what we wanted, but I wasn't very optimistic as I knew what was available and I have seen all the packs in store multiple times over. I was very surprised to see a single, lonely pack hanging on the wall, that I have never seen before, almost as if it were waiting for me. Watch more to see which bag I choose. Heidi had heavily researched which sleeping was best for cold sleepers. She opted for the REI co-op Magma 15, which is a 850 fill down which will be great for her whether she is camping in cold February Texas winter, or camping in Yellowstone in a mild Wyoming summer with cool nights. Camping gear is essential for outdoor enthusiasts & researching and knowing which gear is right for you, is important. We're thankful for the helpful crew at REI for always being so helpful. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

When you homeschool, and finish out the school year a couple weeks before public school, our favorite way to celebrate is with a camping trip with friends. Normally, we don't drive such a distance as Garner State Park just for 2 nights, but with the unseasonably cool temperatures Texas has had this spring + Garner State Park having available campsites, jumped at the chance to go camping. 5 Moms + 10 kids, we left the Dads at home and had a post mothers day campout to celebrate the beginning of summer. I have visited Garner State Park before during peak summer months, and God Bless the wonderful people who run the park, but they could maybe take some pointers from Chick-fil-A on how to move a line. My last visit there in early August, on a Wednesday, check in took over 90 minutes waiting in line to check into my reserved campsite. This year, going in May before Memorial Weekend, midweek was the quickest check in time yet. The Rangers were very helpful with telling us places we needed to check out with the kids. Every time I visit this wonderful park, I love it even more than my last visit. It is 100% worth the drive from Dallas-Fort Worth and easy to see why it is one of the most popular parks. We booked our campsites the week before, and of course the very next day the weather forecast showed rain the entire week of our visit, estimating 12-15" of rain. I didn't even pack until the day before thinking we might cancel, but the odds were in our favor and it rained on us about an hour after we arrived, and it cleared shortly before dinner, leaving us with an amazing sunset. Wednesday morning we woke up to a foggy view, which quickly dissipated and clear skies moved in. We took all 10 kids to hike up Old Mount Baldy, which is a short 1ish mile hike roundtrip, but don't be fooled, there is serious elevation gain. My best suggestion is to wear good hiking shoes and take a hiking pole if you feel you need one. Even though I have been to Garner State Park many times before, I have never hiked up Old Mount Baldy and so glad I did, the view was worth the climb. After our sweaty hike, we ate a quick lunch and headed straight for the swimming hole. The river was flowing at about 33 CFS (and has gone up since!) so there was water in the river to paddle, and play in but not to leisurely float in, so we hung out in the swimming hole/day use area where all the big rope swings are located. Our kids had a blast perfecting their rope swing drops into the river, exploring and just being in nature together. We loved that no electronics were in site. We ended the day with a walk to the park store for an Ice cream, which surprisingly nobody complained about walking there. Thanks for coming along with us for our quick trip to Garner State Park, I was excited to introduce Garner to some of our friends who have never been before and now, also have found a great appreciation for the great state park. We had such a great time, we think we will make it an annual tradition! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/for-spring License code: TPAXLNDH7VSFJNLX Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: YHJFW4YI0ZYTYCSN Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

Saving money is something we all want. Come join us as we take a quick shopping trip to our local discount grocery store, your grandmother might have called such a place the 'dented can store'. These types of stores generally have an overabundance of specific foods, sometimes they can be close to expiration, or are already expired. It is best to inspect all the foods you select. Check out produce as some could have mold, but most of the time, it is not always the case. I love picking up fresh produce that I know will get eaten quickly, or that I can use to preserve fairly soon. We have always had luck grocery shopping at our local discount store to feed and fuel our boys, from snacks, to high end foods and protein. There are a few things that I do not purchase there such as oils, which can become rancid shortly after expiration dates. We also avoid highly processed boxed foods that are expired months over. We personally look for foods and snacks that we could purchase at our favorite natural grocery stores but at a higher discounted price. Go to our Feral and Free Blog for our other tips to living frugally. https://www.feralandfree.co/frugal-living-the-easy-way/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

A friend of ours has a hen who seems to be quite the bully with her small, but growing flock. Heidi's & my family share chickens, we have 20 chickens that used to have a pecking order. Once we added Russell Crow, our rooster this past winter, he has corrected any pecking order issues. We were quick to move when Ashley texted us asking if we wanted her mean hen to add to our flock, knowing we have a rooster. Join us as we pick up and add Pam to to our brood. Tips for adding a Bully Hen: If you have a rooster: add the hen to your coop at night, when they are already roosting. Roosters naturally help calm the ladies, and put a pecking order at ease. Whether you have or don't have a rooster, Watch for bullying tendencies such as pecking excessively at other hens, fighting for more than 20 seconds, or chasing down other hens. Bullied hens can lose feathers, but also egg production can drop. If you notice any of these, separate the bully hen into a secured cage where the other chickens can see her for 24 hours before reentering the flock. We always suggest first quarantining a hen when introducing her to your flock. Pam was gifted to us from a friend and we knew her health status and also knew she was a clean bird without mites or lice. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15

Garage Sale season is upon us. Join us this morning as we find items to stock our online store and to find a few items for our families. We will share our haul of our fantastic finds. And after 10 years of looking, the hunt is over for Heidi. She found her pride and joy, but don’t worry she isn’t done with garage sale shopping yet. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/bluebird License code: PCYP7FKYMLWX0Y15 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/light-patterns/for-spring License code: TPAXLNDH7VSFJNLX

Just a quick tutorial on how I ripen pineapple quickly. I'll tell you when it is in season and also how to can or water bath pineapple into pint jars. I do not use any additional sugar in canning, just filtered water, as long as the pineapple is ripe there is no reason for added sugar. I water bath my pint jars for 20 minutes. Canning pineapple is so quick and easy, it feels wrong! Call me a rebel canner, that's because I am, can you spot the reused grocery cans? Canning pineapple is 100% worth the time when you consider canned pineapple can range from $2-$3 a can, and in this video I purchased 5 pineapples for $4.85 total and made 12 full pint jars- this can help save on groceries easily. In this video I included the price of my jars in to my math making it $1.15 per can...but that is if you do not have a back stock of jars at home. If you do, you're saving so much more. Time wise, From start to finish, it took just over an hour. There are so many ways you can use a single pineapple- enjoy the fruit, can it for later, use the rind to make pineapple juice or jelly, compost it or feed it to your chickens, I know you can plant the top to grow future pineapples too. Hope you enjoy & find the information helpful.

While Heidi was out of town our shared chickens were busy ladies and laid Heidi an overabundance of eggs. Here, I show Heidi how to water glass eggs for her first time. It is such an easy and simple way to preserve eggs. Just a few tips: 1. Use farm fresh eggs only, that have not been washed. No store bought eggs because they have been previously washed and therefore the protected bloom has been removed. 2. No poop or muddy eggs. 3. Use Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime, it's a green bag about $6 each bag for 16 oz of pickling lime. 4. Use plastic or solid colored bowls as the pickling lime can scuff up your clear glass bowls. 5. I also reuse the same jars for water glassing eggs, knowing the lime scuffs up the jars, I won't use those particular jars for canning anymore, but for water glassing only. I have several 1/2 gallon jars I have used but my favorite is old Primal Kitchen mayonnaise jars for water glassing, I can generally fit 8-10 eggs in 1 jar, and the lid is reusable as well. I'm recycling but also not using any of my canning specific jars. 6. Make sure all eggs are completely submerged in the pickling lime solution. No eggs should be above the water level. 7. Water glassing eggs can preserve eggs for 12-18 months, I have read they can last longer but I suggest start using them within that 12 month point to be safe. To water glass a 1/2 gallon jar full of eggs (will hold approximately 20 eggs): 1/2 gallon jar 1 quart of water 1 oz of pickling lime 20 eggs

Have you ever looked at the ingredients in a bag of marshmallows? Just don't do it. Not to mention there are ingredients that are hard to pronounce, but why is food dye an ingredient?? Processed foods are disgusting, yes they are convenient but beside being terrible for you, for your brain health and gut health, there are so many better alternatives. Join Jack and myself Heidi, of Feral and Free as we attempt to make homemade marshmallows. Here's our recipe for homemade marshmallows without using corn syrup. Ingredients: 2 tbsp of Knox Gelatin (or 4 packets) 1/4 cup of water 1/2 cup of maple syrup 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract pinch of salt Equipment needed: Baking pan 8X8 parchment paper large bowl thermometer medium saucepan hand mixer or kitchen aid mixer Instructions: 1. sprinkle the gelatin into the water in the kitchen aid mixer bowl. 2. In a medium sized sauce pan, stir in the maple syrup, 1/2 cup of water and salt. Add the thermometer to the edge of the saucepan and turn the heat up to boil and then reduce to medium. Heat the mixture to 240F (soft candy) 3. Using the Mixer, set it to low speed, and pour the syrup mixture into the gelatin mix. add vanilla and increase the speed of the Mixer to high to beat the mixture for 10 minutes until you see white fluffy, peaks. Be careful not to overheat the mixture like we might have done here. 4. Add the marshmallow mix to the parchment prepared dish and let it rest in the fridge overnight. 5. These marshmallows store great in the fridge for a couple weeks in an airtight container, or even in the freezer for several months.