Yesterday while buying groceries, I just couldn’t get myself to purchase the natural beef jerky. It was almost $8 for 6oz. So I purchased a 2lb hormone-free beef roast for $8 instead, with the  hopes of making my own jerky when I got home.

While looking for recipes online, I noticed that most [...]]]>

Ani and her jerky stick

Yesterday while buying groceries, I just couldn’t get myself to purchase the natural beef jerky. It was almost $8 for 6oz. So I purchased a 2lb hormone-free beef roast for $8 instead, with the  hopes of making my own jerky when I got home.

While looking for recipes online, I noticed that most folks use steak to make jerky. But all types can be used as long as you trim off all noticeable fat. I used this recipe with photos for a guide.

• Slice the meat thinly (1/4 inch). I didn’t pay much attention to cutting with or against the grain. I just cut it all different ways, as you can see in the photo.
• Soak the meat in a marinade overnight. I used 1/2 cup natural soy sauce, 2 T. kosher Worcestershire sauce, 2 T. sea salt and 2 T. brown sugar (but maple syrup or honey would be better).
• The next day, place several pieces of meat per wood skewer. Put one oven rack on the highest level and another at the lowest level. Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch drips. Use the top rack to hold your skewers and allow you meat to hang.
• Bake on your lowest setting in your oven for 2-6 hours. Check meat for desired consistency. It should be dark brown or burgundy in color.
• Store in a plastic bag in freezer or refrigerator and eat within two weeks of making. It tasted soo delicious, I doubt it will even last a week!

Enjoy! I’m going to try making salmon jerky next and then goat jerky.

If there was a power outage in your neighborhood for the length of a day, how much of your household appliances and gadgets would be useless?

After a few good outages the past few years, I’ve grown to dislike the electrically powered appliances and tools we own. These include both small and large items such as, a sewing [...]]]>

If there was a power outage in your neighborhood for the length of a day, how much of your household appliances and gadgets would be useless?

After a few good outages the past few years, I’ve grown to dislike the electrically powered appliances and tools we own. These include both small and large items such as, a sewing machine, a hot water heater, a grain grinder, an oven, a washer and dryer etc. It’s not that I don’t appreciate electricity. I don’t doubt how wonderful the invention of electrical current is. However, I think that independent solar/wind/water generated power is the ideal situation.

But we do not live in an ideal world. Many are unable to attain independent homemade power because of cost and lack of knowledge and resources. But because of the days in which we live, I believe it is foolish to rely on our local power plants. One small step at a time we should move closer to owning and using non-electric tools and appliances around the house. I also must make mention that I do not just want to make do with the products we find at Wal-Mart. It is essential that we find items that will last a lifetime.

My own list of ideas include:

• Learn to enjoy sewing by hand, become very proficient at stitching fast and very well. I’ve heard stories that our great-grandmothers sewed beautiful small perfect stitches that created durable clothing, quilts and crafts.
• Invest in a well made iron grain grinder .
• Use a clothesline during warmer months, and a indoor drying racks throughout the year.
• Use dry land farming irrigation techniques for garden instead of relying on well water being pumped.
• Make lots of homemade candles and invest in an Aladdin lamp or other non-electric lighting
• Learn to work with leather, investing in a few essential leather tools.
• Eventually invest in all the expensive items such as, a wood burning stove for heating and cooking, non-carpeted floors dismissing the need for a vacuum, a hand-pump for the water well and a gas fridge and a well designed root cellar.

More thoughts to come. Please share anything you have found or thought of.

Ani and I spent a short morning recycling and crafting a Costco oranges box using craft paper, glue, string, and a hole puncher. I did not have any strong tape on hand [...]]]> Who says you need to buy a pricey wood doll house in order to hours of creative fun?

Ani and I spent a short morning recycling and crafting a Costco oranges box using craft paper, glue, string, and a hole puncher. I did not have any strong tape on hand for supporting the second floor and roof so instead I used the hole puncher and some string to inforce the walls. Putting my mothers age old advice to use: ”Nessesscity is the mother of invention,” we managed to put together a nice strong cardboard box doll house. To make it more homey, we used some craft paper to cover up the Costco advertising plastered all over the box. Ani added her own dolls and furnishings and in the end she now enjoys her own unique doll house. Be creative and make your own out of what you have around the house. And have fun making a mess with your little one.

Ani's Homemade Doll House

Ani peeking through window

It has been many months since I last acknowledged my poor blog.  Long story short, my previous part-time job stretched my energy and time far too much. After doing my tasks for work I only had enough will power left for loving on my own family trying desperately to still rightly nourish my loved ones.

Thankfully, I no longer have a part-time [...]]]>

It has been many months since I last acknowledged my poor blog.  Long story short, my previous part-time job stretched my energy and time far too much. After doing my tasks for work I only had enough will power left for loving on my own family trying desperately to still rightly nourish my loved ones.

Thankfully, I no longer have a part-time job but I do have new work before me. My body is housing and nourishing a new little one due in the heat of the summer. We are so excited to have another child on its way, even though currently I’m still struggling with morning sickness and crazy food cravings and aversions.

But, morning sickness shall pass, life shall go on and recently I have realized that antlife shall go on. Why? Because of the emails I have received from folks near and far who have questions, those seeking information and encouragement in goat milking, sewing, whole foods, unschooling and the like. It is important for those who have helpful wisdom to open their mouths or in this case type a few words inorder to share with others in need. I have learned so much needed info by searching other’s sites and applying their ideas to my own life.

In the near future, I look forward to adding more content on both sheep and goat milking, new recipes, family life, sewing ideas, as well as unschooling. I am also excited to delve into working with leather from the inspiration of my daughter’s small wool and leather moccasins.

Each day while milking my Saanen goats, I’m reminded of all the reasons we have these wonderful ruminate animals around our homestead. Years ago when first being acquainted with goats, I met the large eared Roman nosed, Nubians; a very popular dual purpose breed in the US.  Sadly the impression Nubians gave me discouraged my desire to ever own a goat. [...]]]>

Each day while milking my Saanen goats, I’m reminded of all the reasons we have these wonderful ruminate animals around our homestead. Years ago when first being acquainted with goats, I met the large eared Roman nosed, Nubians; a very popular dual purpose breed in the US.  Sadly the impression Nubians gave me discouraged my desire to ever own a goat. They were loud, rough, stubborn, and always trying to escape.

This spring, I was given my first of three Saanen goats and boy, did my impression of goats change. Saanens have a remarkably different demeanor than any other goat I’ve met. I’ve had experiences with Pygmies, Norwegian dwarfs, Nubians, and Angora. These light haired Swiss Saanens are known for their relaxed, mild temperaments, even regarded by some as living marshmallows. Of course, they are heavy milkers and can be used for meat, but after being around my three goats for just one summer I’ve found there are other reasons Saanens are important for homesteaders.

• Each day in spring and summer, I receive about 1 gallon of milk from each Saanen. As the days grow shorter they tend to give me less. We are considering breeding our two older goats this November then breed the youngest in late winter, allowing for a year-round milking cycle. With the abundance of milk, after drinking to our hearts content, I make yogurt of kefir (an awesome probiotic)  and then freeze the rest either as homemade soft cheese or simply as milk. I have not yet made hard cheese but I do look forward to mastering that skill soon. Recently while reading a library book about food from the middle east, I found that there is a certain tribe in Arabia that consume strictly goats milk for several months out of the year, when their goat’s milk is the only thing available for them. If a wide scale food crisis arose, milking goats would be a precious as gold, fresh daily milk that the whole family, even the very young can survive on.
• While Saanens are usually bred for milking they do still make good meat for a family. After kidding, keeping the abundance of goats is not always realistic. The farmer must consider which goats will serve the families needs best and either sell or butcher the rest at the appropriate age. Again, in a time of serious need, a family with an abundance of goats will fare better both in the aspect of milk and meat.
• Recently, I learned that goats can carry a 1/4 of their own body weight and have been used efficiently as pack animals for sportsmen.  One thing to remember is the very quite mild nature of Saanens, making them well suited for such a task. This summer I discovered how easy it is to keep your goats in your view. It is really so easy. Goats think of the farmer/milker as the “lead goat.” When you move to the left, they quickly move to the left. When taking my goats farther from their usual path they watch my every move and stay close by even while looking for the most nutritious greens.
• Unlike sheep, horses, mules etc, goats thrive on forest brush, pine needles, bark, and many other wild plants naturally indigenous in North America. You would not need to carry feed for your goats if you allow them to eat along the way.
• Though, I have yet to butcher any goats, my fellow goat-owner friend speaks of the usefulness in using the goat’s hide for rugs, upholstery and any other “leather” needs.
• We happen to live on land with areas of brush overgrowth, making it difficult to put up fence or even get to specific berry bushes. Thankfully, goats do an excellent job clearing land, making paths and opening areas for the farmer to use.
• Goat manure makes excellent free garden fertilizer! Keeping your goat yard clean, can later help your garden.
• Lastly, goats can be taught to pull carts. Goats are strong for their size (just try to tackle one to the ground to trim their hooves). They do not require as much space nor feed as horses, cows, and mules. While they need less, they can be very useful for pulling light loads.

We use coconut oil for more than cooking at our house. With the naturally occuring anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-candida properties, coconut oil is a good friend in our home.  Remember, coconut oil is not a bad fat, though for years it was given a bad rap. It is full of saturated fats and medium [...]]]>

We use coconut oil for more than cooking at our house. With the naturally occuring anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-candida properties, coconut oil is a good friend in our home.  Remember, coconut oil is not a bad fat, though for years it was given a bad rap. It is full of saturated fats and medium chain fatty acids which are very important for your brain, heart and digestion. See Mary Enig’s A New Look at Coconut Oil for more info on the health benefits of coconut oil. Also see Research on Coconut Oil for info on the negative campaign against coconut oil.

Here are several uses for extra virgin coconut oil:

• Lotion Coconut oil not only moisturizes your skin, it heals and protects it. When applied topically, coconut oil absorbs into you skin and through your cells, protecting the skin from sun damage and free-radicals formation (which is what ages your skin). It leaves your skin soft, by moisturizing and removing dead skin cells. Many have found relief using it for skin diseases, sores and wounds when applied topically, because of its anti-bacterial nature.
• Hair Care Use coconut oil to control dandruff  as well as moisturizing your scalp and ends by rubbing through your hair before washing. Every few months I spread it though my hair, put my hair in a braid and allow it to moisturize as I sleep. The next morning wash and style your hair as usual. It works wonders!
• Lubricant Coconut oil is an awesome lubricant both for squeaky doors and intercourse. Try it, it works great!
• Yeast Infections The natural anti-bacterial/fungal properties make coconut oil perfect for applying on yeast infections. It is safe for both internal and external use as well as using while pregnant (when most women are prone to yest infections).
• Candida When taken internally, beginning with a minimal amount and gradually increased, coconut oil helps kill candida. Candida thrive on carbs, so while using coconut oil for killing candida, limiting carbs is ideal. If you suspect you have candida, see a list of Candida Symptoms as well as Bee’s Healing Plan
• Animals Recently, I just tried using coconut oil for my chickens. I noticed some very watery stools coming from several of our new chickens, I sprinkled a few teaspoons of coconut oil over their feed. That was several days ago, and since then I haven’t seen any fresh watery stools. Coincidence? Not likely with how well coconut oil kills bad bacteria!
• Teet Rub Instead of dipping my goat’s teats in a store bought solution before milking, I rub coconut oil over her teets as well as my hands. I do make sure to wash her utters first with a rag that has been sterilized under boiling water. My method is: wash with rag, rub with oil, milk with hands. Coconut oil is the perfect thing to use for utters, and breasts for that matter, it moisturizes while it cleans.
• Toothpaste See: Coconut oil toothpaste recipe
• Diaper Rash Diaper rash is usually a sign of an allergy either from foods or from a certain diaper brand or soap. However the occasional rash can be treated with coconut oil and then allowing the bum as much access to air as possible.
• Beard Moisturizer My hubby specifically wanted me to mention how well coconut oil works on softening his beard. It really is nice to touch his beard after using coconut oil…especially for kissing! He usually rubs coconut oil on his beard during his shower or before bed.
• Weight Loss or Weight Gain See: Eat Fat Loose Fat
• Hormone Balance See: Thyroid Health and Virgin Coconut Oil