Healing Salve

This year I plan on making more. Getting my business up and running again. I got out out my dried flowers that have been infusing in grape seed oil for sometime now and made a beautiful healing salve. Infused Calendula & Lavender with tea tree oil and essential oils. Perfect for healing/soothing eczema, dried skin/cracked skin. A great staple to have in our healing cabinet!

Summertime Canning

I've spent the last few days in the kitchen canning jams! So far I made strawberry jam, strawberry rhubarb jam, strawberry lavender jam, and blueberry lavender jam. The house smells wonderful Hours later I am still smelling the lavender! Now I am trying to get my kitchen back in order. It has been nice to finally get back to doing things I love after a long hiatus over the last many many months. It was rough, but I have found the light at the end of the tunnel! Thanks be to God.

Hoping to tackle the garden beds this weekend too...The weeds are a bajillion feet tall....I also managed to start some oil infusions made with lavender and calendula. In a matter of four weeks I will be able to make soap too! Finally feeling accomplished!!!

Plant Base

My husband recently found a new love for cooking. Over 20 years of marriage and he is now cooking. Just as some people can decorate beautifully, draw anything from their head, paint something out of this world, there are also those who can create awesome tasting dishes just by throwing stuff together. I never dreamed my husband could do this! He amazes me. He also decided to change his diet drastically after much reading and research. I have mostly been on the diet myself and lost 10 pounds. He has lost weight as well. Now for all three of us to get on board. Baby steps, but I am really loving it! We decided to go plant based. No meat, no dairy....

Lot's of greens, whole food, whole grain, beans, nuts, fruit, veggies, nut milks, rice milk and coconut milks are many of the foods we are now eating. We have been learning to make sauces from beans or even a bit of tofu and other ingredients. I never thought I would say that word. I guess you can call this way of eating, Vegan. Which it pretty much is for the most part. Do I miss meat or dairy...Not really... I actually had a couple bites of turkey this Thanksgiving and I didn't like it...The Turkey was good, but my taste buds were like...Um no.

I have cut out soda and trying to eat less sugar as well. Some recipes are difficult especially if you would normally use an egg or butter ..So learning the substitutes have been an interesting challenge. We are not doing this as a fad...We are doing this for our health...And in hopes to lose weight by eating this way. We are not worried about getting enough calcium or protein since a lot of this type of food is very high in protein, as nut milks are higher in calcium than cows milk believe it or not. 

I'm so excited to learn new dishes to make and sample more and more of my husbands good food. Even more excited to see the results. Another example of this way of eating that has helped is my husband was able to get off a certain medication which doctors made it out like he would need it for the rest of his life. Guess what? They were wrong!! 

The benefits of eating whole and plant based are out of this world!

Take Root

I'm looking forward to this coming year being a year I take root. The past several years have been quite the storm, throwing my little family to and fro, just like little trees getting blown over in the wind. 2014-2015 was surely the year of Perseverance & 2016 was the year of Providence. The good Lord Providentially brought us out of  a lot turmoil and pain....We had the opportunity to heal and revive and get back on our feet with the help of  Our Lord & our wonderful Church family. Now that we have been here 6 months getting our rhythm down and it being a New Year...I am looking to 2017 being the year we Take Root and Grow. 

We weathered the storm and storms make trees take deeper roots.

I have thought and prayed long and hard with how I will spend my time healing, rooting and growing this year. I have started by getting my overall self checked thoroughly by the doctor. I have struggled with heart palpitations, migraines, chronic headaches, vertigo, insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety, lack of desire to do anything, tingling and electric shocks in my head and more. I wanted to make sure there was nothing going on or at least something I should know about. But with tests, scans and more tests, so far they don't see anything underlying. But, to me there is something going on that a test just can't tell you nor a band aid can fix....So the next step for me is to get more in tune with my own body, since I am the only one who really knows how I feel. I have several ideas to try to ease my symptoms as naturally as possible and heal my body with natural remedies. Like using essential oils, natural products, natural homemade things that can ease symptoms. I am also going to up my doses of vitamin D and Vitamin B12 in liquid forms..Which will help a lot , especially during these dark Wintry days. I will also begin daily routine and regimes using these natural remedies. This is the first and foremost thing I need to work on and that is getting myself well...We even joined the Y.... where we will get some exercise and where I plan to take classes doing yoga and relaxation. I also plan on drinking more WATER to flush out toxins from my body.

Another big thing this year will be eliminating even more processed foods and sugar from our diet. That doesn't mean we can't splurge here and there, but making things from whole foods and from scratch as much as possible. Will I fail????....Maybe sometimes...But If I keep in mind that I wish to grow this year...I am going to have to buck up and get rooted. Taking root also means to work on our spiritual growth as well. As a family we are going to begin our regular devotions, as we are also going through the whole Bible In A Year plan. I will also continue my Bible Journaling and Writing Scripture Verses to reflect on. We will also attend our Friday night Bible study, I hope to Pray more regularly for others too!!! A great book to go through, which prompts the order of prayers is called Face To Face....One more important thing we will continually work on is the people we engage with. I have learned so much over the years that weeding out unhealthy, toxic people from my life made my life drama free, less stressful and has made our lives so much more healthy and happy. This included weeding out toxic family members & friends...Nothing I am proud of but had to be done for our well being. So dear readers...This year I will take root, do more of what I love to do, sow seeds, grow...and work hard on keeping myself and my family happy, healthy and whole! How about you??

Beat The Winter Blues With Liquid Gold

I received this lovely quart jar of liquid gold from one of my sweet sisters at church. I have many plans for this honey this Winter and thought I would share some of the things I will be using it for. These projects are to inspire y'all to get your hands sticky and beat the Winter blues. They will benefit you, mind, body and soul. The benefits of honey are amazing! You can use honey for medicinal purposes, stress relief, sleep aid, weight loss, boost your metabolism, skin care, hair care, and so much more! It's amazing! You can eat it straight from the jar, use it in food recipes, make health aid concoctions, and beauty concoctions. Here is a list and their links of the few things I will use my honey for. Hope this inspires you too!

With Winter upon us, the dry cold wind and weather can really take a toll on your lips, face and skin...Try these fab recipes to nourish your body and give it moisture with healing properties.

 1. Honey Whipped Hand Cream ( I'd use it on my whole body)

2. Rosehip & Honey Anti Aging Eye Treatment

3. Honey Lip Scrub

4. Honey Lip Balm

5. Avocado Honey Face Mask

Winter also brings on the sore throats and sniffles...

Let's use honey to relieve some of your symptoms!

1. Homemade Cold Elixir

2. Homemade Honey Cough Drops

3. Garlic Honey Throat, Flu & Cold Remedy

4. Kick A Cold Honey Tea

When it's cold and dark outside, why not make a delightful hot cup of goodness and enjoy while reading your bible, a good book, watching your favorite show or movie...Snuggle down in a snugly afghan or quilt, curl up on the couch or your fave chair and sip on this!!!!

1. Honey Lavender Latte

2. Sweet Dreams Vanilla & Honey Steamer

3. Honey Cafe Latte

Stay Warm, Bee Happy!!!

We can get through this Winter together!

Rustic Farmgirl Cast Iron Skillet Meals W/ Recipes

I have been spending some time trying out new recipes...With the cooler weather and the beautiful changing colors of the leaves falling from the sky... It got me in the mood to make some Autumn inspired suppers! And boy were these meals hearty, colorful and delicious. They were praiseworthy of sharing too...If they  are good, why not share right? I couldn't keep this all to myself. So here you go...I am sharing the recipes with ya'll!!!

~Skillet Cranberry Roasted Chicken & Potatoes~

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

• 4 skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• zest + juice of 1/2 lemon
• kosher salt and pepper
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Rub the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the thyme, rosemary, garlic and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken, skin side down, and sear until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 5 minutes more. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the potatoes, carrots, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine, deglazing the pan and scraping up any browned bits off the bottom. Simmer the wine for 5 minutes or until reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and nestle the chicken into the potatoes. Add the lemon juice.

In a small bowl, toss together the cranberries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the cranberries over the chicken. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Plate the chicken and potatoes and drizzle with the sauce left in the pan. EAT!

 

~Sausage & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash~

(serves 6)

Prep 15 min~ Cook time 1 hour~

Ingredients

• 3 Acorn Squash, halved
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Large Celery Stalks, finely chopped
• 2 Apples, diced
• ½ tsp sage
• 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Using a sharp knife cut off each end of the acorn squash removing as little as possible, then cut in half.
3. Spoon out seeds.
4. Brush olive oil inside and on top of Acorn Squash.
5. Sprinkle Salt and Pepper over Acorn Squash to taste.
6. Bake for 40 minutes to an hour depending on size of your squash until tender and you can pierce with a fork, but still holding it's shape.
7. While the squash is baking begin sautéing the sausage for about 5 minutes, drain and pat dry with a paper towel to remove as much grease as possible, but don't discard grease in the pan.
8. Using the grease from the sausage add your onions and celery to the pan and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown. (add olive oil if necessary)
9. Add apples and sauté for another 2 minutes or until softened.
10. Stir in sage and bread crumbs.
11. Add ¾ cup Parmesan cheese and stir until cheese begins to melt. Set aside.
12. Once squash has finished baking and reached desired tenderness spoon in meat mixture until the squash is filled.
13. Return to the oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes depending on size of squash.
14. Remove from oven and top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
15. Enjoy!

~Autumn Pear Salad With Pecans & Golden Raisins~

Ingredients

• 3 medium golden pears (or regular) cored and sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• DRESSING:
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, saute pears in butter and syrup until just barely tender. Remove from heat and cool.
2. Meanwhile in a large bowl, toss lettuce with pecans and golden raisins. Top with cooled pears.
3. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients and pour over salad. Gently toss salad to evenly coat. Serve immediately.

These suppers were a delight to our family and friends who joined us for fellowship! Hope you make them and enjoy them yourself!

 I had left over Italian sausage and the pear salad, so I heated up the sausage adding two sunny side up eggs and coupled that with the salad for breakfast the next day! Boy was that delish!!!

Enjoy dear friends! See you next time!

Fire Cider~ Master Tonic Brew For The Winter Season

  Fire Cider (also sometimes called Master Tonic) Is a traditional folk remedy infused with powerful anti-microbial, decongestant, and circulatory herbs and spices. Adding a tablespoon of this to your diet every day can help boost your immune system, stimulate digestion, help with colds, flu's and warm you up on cold days. An awesome homemade remedy for a mid-Winter pick-me-up!

Once you’ve made the fire cider recipe, this powerful brew needs to steep in a dark cupboard for 4-6 weeks to extract all the goodness from the ingredients. Once the tonic is fully brewed and strained, fire cider can be taken straight by the spoonful, added to vegetable juice, or drizzled on salad with olive oil. For daily immune support, gargle and swallow one tablespoon of fire cider every day after breakfast. If you are fighting a cold or infection, take 1 Tablespoon of the tonic 5-6 times a day. 

Do not dilute the tonic in water as it will reduce the effect.

Be careful: The tonic is very strong and hot, especially if you did not add honey! Do not use this tonic on an empty stomach if your'e not used to it...It can cause nausea. Try starting out by using a teaspoon full for the first few times gradually, then up to a tablespoon!

This tonic is safe for everyone including pregnant women and children: using smaller doses, hence all the ingredients are all natural and non toxic!!! Mix ingredients ( except honey) together in a quart size jar, add the apple cider vinegar filling the jar and covering all ingredients ( I use raw apple cider vinegar with the Mother). Place jar in dark, cool place making sure you gently shake the jar daily for 4-6 weeks. Once it is steeped...Use cheese cloth or a nut bag to strain out the pulp. pouring the vinegar into a clean bottle or jar. Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid from pulp as possible. Add the raw honey to the liquid until desired sweetness. You can omit the honey if you wish!

Hope this helps y'all during the Winter months coming upon us very quickly! Stay well friends!!!

Chicken Scratch 5/29/16

Just dropping in to say hello. It has been a quiet week here. Summer vacation started for my daughter and I am just finishing up barter orders, making salves from infused oils I bartered for as well as the dandelion oil I made from the land we are on. The big hemp dish scrubbies have been a hit with fellow barterers. I have a handful to finish up and ship out in return I have some handmade items coming my way. Can't wait to get them and share with y'all!

I made more labels for my jars with my Farmgirl Freckles logo on them. They are adorable. I filled some of my containers and jars with Calendula & Comfrey and Dandelion salves...They are delightful. My dandelion smells like a fresh picked dandelion! I love love love how it turned out. 

I also designed and ordered a mug online especially for my 

tea while I make goodies for my shop... Here is a little peek at what it will look like. 

Lastly...I had signed up to win Handsome & Gretyl's new album/vinyl....I was not only picked as a winner but blessed by a whole package...They sent me their new vinyl plus the CD and CD's of their other albums!!! Now I have a bunch of happy music to listen too...After such a rough beginning to our year...The gift of music really made my day!!!! Now off to finish up projects...Will be back next week!!! Have a great Memorial weekend!!!