Unexplained Underfoot Objects

How to Build your Dream Container Home

2021-01-19T19:56:00.004-05:00

Container homes are a fast-growing trend within the tiny and small homes sector. Attracted by shipping containers’ eco-friendly credentials, many people are embracing the chance to design a unique and modern home from these by-products of the world economy. Shipping containers offer a quick and simple skeleton shell for a long lasting and affordable designer home. In this blog, we explore some of the important considerations involved in building your very own dream container home.

Location, Location, Location.

Your dream container home starts with securing the ideal location for your build. Many people are attracted to the eco-credentials offered by shipping container living. Securing a location that is capable of fulfilling any self-sufficiency goals you are harboring will be an important first step, as will ensuring local planning regulations permit you to construct you Dream Container Home. It pays to do your homework and check with your local authority that you can erect your dream home.

Design with the Future in Mind.

Your dream shipping container home may well incorporate eco-friendly features with the future of the planet in mind. Solar panels, greywater recycling, rainwater run off collection, wind power and space for composting and growing vegetables may well be part of your design if a green home is what you are looking for. It is important to also consider in the design process how what you require from the home might change in future. If you plan to extend your family in future, you might want to incorporate the possibility of extending the home at a later date. If you are clear about both your current and future hopes for the home, you can save money by planning with the future in mind.

Size Matters.

Once you have your location sorted, the next step will be to obtain suitable container(s) for your build. It is important to note that shipping containers come in a range of sizes. Standard containers are typically 20ft or 40ft in length with an 8ft width as standard. Most are 8 ft 6 in high, although it’s also possible to purchase “hi-cube" units measuring 9 feet 6 inches. You may also come across extra-long containers which measure 53 ft in length, with an 8ft 6in width. It makes sense then, to have a sense of what sort of design you are aiming for any what sized container(s) you are in the market for.

Choosing a Quality Shipping Container.

When it comes to purchasing your container, aim for quality. You can opt to spend slightly less on interior fittings such as flooring, paint or the kitchen and units, as you can replace and upgrade these eventually. It’s a lot trickier to replace the container, so avoid skimping here. The metal container forms the essential structure of the entire house. You want a container that is solid and sturdy, with limited damage or wear and tear. Many people opt to pay that bit extra in order to secure a one-trip container. If that’s outside of your budget, make sure you visually inspect any container(s) prior to purchase so you check the condition of the unit(s).

Moving Towards the Build Stage

Once you have your shipping container(s) on site, you are ready to make progress on the process of transforming the metal box into an insulated and comfortable swelling space. Build times are often significantly quicker than with traditional houses, as the essential skeleton of the building is already in place. This means that smaller and simple container homes can be ready for habitation within a matter of a couple of weeks. More complex designs with more high-end and complex finishes will, of course, require more time.

Expert Input to Ensure Your Container Home Lives Up to the Dream.

Your dream container home needs to be built to last. There are important structural considerations that need to be accounted for in the execution of your planned design. It makes sense to enlist expert advice in relation to the installation of pluming, electricity, insulation and windows. For example, containers homes can succumb to condensation if insulation is not sufficient. Likewise, cutting holes in the fabric of the container can weaken the unit’s structural integrity. The long sides of the container are load bearing, so do not simply cut holes into the container without careful consideration of how you can ensure the structure remains solid. It can be money well spent to enlist specialist contractors who are experienced in building container homes to advise on your project to ensure planning regulations and safe building practices are adhered to.

There are plenty of technical decisions to be made in terms your container home build. If you are using more than one unit, you will need to consider how you will secure the units together. Some people opt for a two-story build. Others connect containers together to ensure a more open plan design. Welding can eat into any budget, so it makes sense to have deign input prior to beginning the build so you can make the most of your budget. Such advice will also help you with decisions such as how and where to run electrical ducting and wastewater piping.

Likewise, when it comes to the design of the interior layout, professional input can help you to maximise the limited space of the container. Many container builds also incorporate outdoor decking and spaces. For example, you may want to incorporate vegetation planting outside the container to offer a screen to reduce wind noise. This can all be part of the brief for a designer experienced in container living.

Safety Considerations for Your Dream Container Home

Some shipping containers can be constructed with pesticides and lead-based or other toxic paint. It will be important to identify if your container(s) contain any of these potentially dangerous treatments. Once you have established this, you can take action. Remove any wooden floors that have been treated with dangerous chemicals. You can then sandblast the paint. It is important to wear appropriate personally protective equipment (PPE) when you do so, or leave the job to suitably qualified professionals. Another option is to enclose any walls to limit exposure to off-gassing from chemicals.

Conclusion:

So, if you are considering re-using a shipping container to build your dream house, there is plenty to consider before you start. Once you do, however, you are likely to be impressed with the speed of the build. By bearing in mind the considerations outlined here, you can made steps towards settling down to an optimistic future in your dream container house. Perfect for living the eco-dream.

About the author:

Jade Piper is a solo traveller with a passion for writing. Her other interests include healthy eating, the environment, and green living.

FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #60

2020-04-02T18:41:00.000-04:00

We're moving along, one day at a time.

I suppose with our lifestyle, we're facing it all well enough. The only places we tend to go are the grocery store, the hardware store, the lumber yard, and the post office.

We are missing eating out once in a while, though. I suspect that will be our first 'shelter in place'-free activity.

I originally thought that business would slow down on the beehives, but it's kept t up- nice and steady. Maybe folks are looking to get back to the land and take on something where they feel there's a little control. I don't know, so I guess I should start asking.

I hope you're all doing well, and the fires are still burning where you hang your hat.

From our Homestead to Yours,

Todd

From Our Homestead to Yours

Bees Bees Bees!

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FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #59

2020-03-26T19:45:00.002-04:00

The Governor of New Hampshire just extended our stay at home status until May 4th. To be honest, we haven't seen too much change in our daily activities aside from the kids being around and doing their school work.

They're pretty quiet, so we sometimes forget they are there...

The errands we tend to go out and complete are all at what you might consider essential establishments. Hardware store. Lumber yard. Grocery store. Gas station. So there's that.

Orders have dried up since the lock-down went into effect, but I'm not sure that will hold for long. Folks tend to be thinking more along the lines of self-sufficiency, and having a beehive or two sure does go a long way in providing a solid income for a homestead.

That and chickens. I had a potential client ask me the other day if I also built chicken coops. Well, of course I do...

And if you want to learn how to build a beehive yourself, all you have to do is get your ebook off Amazon. Easy as that.

I figure I'll be putting out some traditional blog posts in the coming days, so we all have that to look forward to. *grin*

From our Homestead to Yours,

Todd

From Our Homestead to Yours

Bees Bees Bees!

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Previous Blog Hop

The garden keeps calling our names, so this week's featured blogger is Shawna from Homegrown Self Reliance and her article on gardening with compost. If you've followed this blog long enough, you know I'm a sucker for a well-written compost article!

Composting to Save Money and Add Value

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YOU'RE THE STAR BLOG HOP WEEK 4, MARCH 2020

2020-03-23T14:10:00.001-04:00

WELCOME to the March 2020 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

This nation-wide quarantine really isn't affecting us too much. The hardware store remains open, as does our lumber yard. Now, orders and inquiries have slowed a bit, but we're not concerned. Things will be back up to speed before we know it.

On that note, if you're not local to Northwood, NH, you can still build one of our beehives. To date, we have put out a DIY ebook on Langstroth builds, and one on Warres. Both are simple top construct, leaving you the extra cash to buy your first bee packages. If you want to know more, or simply to support our efforts, you can buy both books on Amazon.

From our Homestead to Yours,

Todd

DIY Warre Hive for Kindle

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WELCOME to HOME feature week of the March 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your HOME week Hosts

This week is HOME feature week
Swing by the Home Hosts' Blogs:
Bev @ Eclectic Red Barn
Kippi @ Kippi at Home
Liberty @ B4 and Afters

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

(All features were chosen from the February 2020 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Little Celery Table by The Apple Street Cottage

Mixed Media Mirror Makeover by Unique Creations by Anita

Favorite Thrifted Finds From 2019 by My Hubbard Home

How To Create a Meal Plan by The Farm Wife

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Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!

It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!

(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog. We might also share your fantastic posts on social media. Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though} Thank You & ENJOY! )

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FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #58

2020-03-19T08:39:00.001-04:00

So we're sheltered in place. Well, for the most part. We still are running to the grocery store for our usual supplies and groceries, and of course the lumber yard and hardware store for the woodshop orders.

We're also hitting up the feed store when the chickens need food, and for gardening supplies to keep up with spring. But other than that, we're hunkered down.

Sammy is not working because the bowling alley has closed down, and the girls are getting into the swing of their distance learning courses. Their school already uses Google Classroom, so there's no major learning curves to overcome.

Now, I recognize that we might be better prepared than other families, seeing as how we're pretty self-sufficient as it is, but our hearts and thoughts do go out to those who are experiencing such as drastic change in the course of their lives.

We will get through this, all of us. All we have to do is stay calm and do what needs to be done- stay healthy and safe. Make good choices. Be there for each other when the need arises.

From our Homestead to Yours,

Todd

From Our Homestead to Yours

What We Do All Day

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The shift to distance learning is on our minds, so this week's featured bloggers are Kris and Larry from KrisandLarry.com. We are pleased to share their timely piece on homeschooling resources, and look forward to reading more of their submission in the months to come!

Homeschool Resources

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YOU'RE THE STAR BLOG HOP WEEK 3, MARCH 2020

2020-03-16T08:47:00.001-04:00

Welcome to week#3 of the March 2020 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

We're in the golden week for maple sugaring- the nights are definitely resting below freezing, while the days are comfortably above. The sap flows, and so far, we've put up about 2 gallons of maple syrup. Wee expect to double or triple that this week.

Now, that might not sound like a lot, but considering it takes about forty gallons of sap to make one good gallon of syrup, you can begin to see what the picture looks like around here.

In other news, our woodworking business has expended. Our local feed store chain has decided they want to stock our beehives, so they reached out and placed an order to test the waters. They have three locations, and if the hives sell well, we could be looking at a busy spring and summer in the shop.

As for the corona virus? Well, there's nothing we can add to that conversation other than we're pretty well off here on the homestead. The kid's are distance learning for the next three weeks or so, and our supplies are good. We're kind of looking at this as a stay-cation with some distance learning thrown in for good measure.

Stay safe and make good choices!

Cheers, Todd

How We Pay the Bills

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WELCOME to FAMILY feature week of the
March 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your FAMILY week Cohost

This week is FAMILY feature week
Swing by the Family hosting team's blogs:
Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal
Kris @ Kris and Larry . com

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:

WEEK#3 FAMILY - parenting, fitness, health, finances & inspirational (this can include anything about children like: education ideas for children, also self help, beauty etc - anything family friendly)

(These features were chosen from the February 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop)

A New Perspective of Life, Depression, and Faith by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Do You Know God? by A Satisfied Spirit

Five Languages of Learning by Jennifer Lambert

Running Fright! by Mom's Home Run

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FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #57

2020-03-12T10:55:00.002-04:00

Spring has certainly hit- though the mud hasn't taken complete control yet, the lake is quickly melting away the top ice and the song birds are out in force.

It's a great time to be a homesteader.

We have one boil of maple sugaring under our belts, canning up just over a gallon. Tonight, the kids and I will pull buckets again, and if the weather acts the way it is suppose to, we should have another gallon put away by tomorrow afternoon.

Our beehive business is booming, with at least one order in the works since February. This took off better than we expected, and seeing as no one around here will be starting any new hives for about two mo the, the volume of orders is expected to stay steady. Then, it is split season-

The chickens are doing their job in the raised beds as of yesterday, scratching away and seeking out bugs for a snack. The more they dig out, the better our garden's strength when it comes time to plant. Go, chickens!

From our Homestead to Yours,

Todd

From Our Homestead to Yours

Broiler Chickens as Pets

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Last week's featured blog post is from Suzan over at It's My Sustainable Life and is some practical advice for starting seeds. If you have questions, this article will definitely help guide your planting schedule.

Thanks for sharing!

Starting Seeds

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YOU'RE THE STAR BLOG HOP WEEK 2, MARCH 2020

2020-03-09T09:10:00.000-04:00

___________________________________________________________________

Welcome to the second week of the March 2020 blog hop called "You're the Star"!

This past weekend, we collected sap and moved a few buckets around that weren't producing that well. Boy, did that make a difference. Sammy tapped into a big sugar maple down near the marsh, and when he did, it was like a faucet had been turned on. I've never seen a tree let loose that much sap before.

Our boil is on, and I'm home today to finish up this batch and complete some client orders in the workshop afterwards. I can't multi-task that much, as the sap needs constant monitoring, but once it's bottled up, we can re-set for the next batch in a couple days.

Lots going on around here, and with the warmer weather flowing in with the wind, there will be a lot more to come.

Cheers, and best wished for a smooth spring!

Todd

Maple Sugaring on the Homestead

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WELCOME to CREATIVE feature week of the March 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your CREATIVE week Hosts

This week is CREATIVE feature week
Swing by the Creative hosting Team's blogs:
Colleen @ Butterfly in the Attic
Darlene @ Let It Shine
Mel @ Decor Craft Design
This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories. Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month.
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#2 CREATIVE - arts & crafts, music, writing &/or dramatic arts (this can include sewing, yarn work, dance, art history, handmade jewelry, painting, computer art, fashion etc - anything creative while remaining family friendly)

(These features were chosen from the February 2020 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Mosaic Birds by Selep Imaging

Cord Table Runner by Moola Saving MOM

How to Use a Glass Dip Pen by An Artful Mom

From Trashed to Treasure - Laundry Room/Mudroom by The Everyday Farmhouse

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

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All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.
Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!
It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!
(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog. We might also share your fantastic posts on social media. Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though} Thank You & ENJOY! )

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FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #56

2020-03-05T07:11:00.001-05:00

I'm still reveling in the fact that spring is on the way.

March for us means mud, but we made some adjustments last year that has minimized that situation, to an extent. The drive way is our only real dirt-exposed surface, so we pulled in 3 yards of 1/4" granite to spread out. It worked.

Around the yard, we have good drainage, and with raised beds, we don't have to wait for them to drain out in order to plant. That, I suppose, is a good thing.

Today, our plans involve running power out to the potting shed and moving the seedlings out there with a heating mat. Just about when they're hardening off, we can expect the garden conditions to exist to plant them all.

Lots going on!

Be well and do what makes you happy-

From Our Homestead to Yours

For the Health of Your Poultry Flock

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Previous Blog Hop

Last week's featured blog post is from Kathi over at Oak Hill Homestead for providing a great article on the ways to prepare asparagus. For us, we usually steam it with a side of hollandaise sauce, but Kathi's extensive list provides a great many other options.

Thanks for sharing!

77 Ways to Serve Asparagus

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FARM FRESH TUESDAYS BLOG HOP #42

2020-03-03T07:52:00.002-05:00

Our first seeds have sprouted today- or rather, our seven day germination seeds are sprouting. We have a few perennial herbs that can take up to a month to pop out, but these little sprouts of green that have appeared so far have brought a nice sense of spring into our kitchen.

We're chomping at the bit these days- the bees will be poking out soon, and there are more coming in April to help grow our bee yard. The swarm traps are nearly completed, and I'm spending a lot of time on Youtube looking at best practices for catching swarms and then more videos on how to spilt hives when the time is right.

The kids are feeling a bit funky, either from the weather change or a mild virus. We;'re watching that closely as the last thing we want before spring finally breaks loose is a house filled with gardeners with no 'oomph.'

I'm hearing rumors of a large snowstorm predicted for the midwest this year- for those of you in its path, our thoughts are with you.

Jeez, it's time for winter to be over with...

From our Homestead to Yours, Cheers!

Todd

Starting Seeds Indoors

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Meet our amazing hosts and see what they’ve been up to this week!

Melissa from Little Frugal Homestead
Tamara from The Reid Homestead
Lisa from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
Todd & Wendie from Unexplained Underfoot Objects- That's Us!

Farm Fresh Feature

This week's featured homesteading blogger is Melissa over at the Little Frugal Homestead with her update on events happening in her homesteading life. Thanks for sharing, Melissa!

Happenings on the Homestead

Congratulations to our Featured Blogger this week! Be sure to check each of the hosts’ Farm Fresh Tuesdays posts to see if you were featured. Each host chooses their own features each week.

Featured bloggers, be sure and grab our ‘Farm Fresh Feature!’ button and link it to the post where you were featured! You can also display it proudly on your sidebar! Let others know where you’ve been featured!

Let the Farm Fresh Tuesdays Blog Hop Begin!

YOU'RE THE STAR BLOG HOP WEEK 1, MARCH 2020

2020-03-02T11:44:00.001-05:00

WELCOME to the March 2020 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

It's going to be 55 degrees tomorrow.

Let that sink in. 55 degrees.

From our perspective, that pretty much sums up the end of winter. With the melting of the driveway ice, the blooming of the maple trees (and of course, the sap flow), and the soon to be cleansing flights of the bees, we're ready to focus on the homestead with a more hands-on approach.

Winter serves its purpose, but to be out in the fresh air with growing things and our animals- now that's what we're talking about.

It's time to get going, and we're ready.

We hope you are, too-

Best wishes for a stellar growing season,

Todd

Spring Clean Homestead Walkabout

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WELCOME to GARDEN feature week of the March 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your GARDEN week Hosts

This week is GARDEN feature week
Swing by the GARDEN Hosts blogs:
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
WT @ Unexplained Underfoot Objects
Annie @ 15 Acre Homestead

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories. Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month.
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#1 GARDEN - gardening, homesteading, recycling, outdoor activities &/or preserving (this can include any type of green living, repurposed ideas, outdoor concerns, posts relating to farm animals etc all while remaining family friendly)

(All features were chosen from the February 2020 "You're the Star" blog hop)
What To Grow in a Small Garden by Oak Hill Homestead

Como Park Conservatory by Amy's Creative Pursuits

Alternatives for DIY Seed Planting Pots On The Cheap by It's My Sustainable Life

Flowers & Greenery That Fit With Any Season by My Hubbard Home

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All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.

Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!

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Family Homesteading & Off the Grid Blog Hop #55

2020-02-27T09:56:00.003-05:00

We have rain. The rising temps that allowed us to put out the maple sap buckets early is also changing our usual late February snow into rain- that means mud.

Looking at it from a practical standpoint, we're maybe a week or two ahead of the schedule, weather-wise. The rain will wash away the snow, the ice will be a bother for a few days, then the mud arrives.

We have a gravel driveway that leads from the road to the house, and this year we're scheduled to have a couple of yards of granite dropped off to help with the mud situation. Aside from the snow plowing in the winter, spreading our semi-annual gravel order around is why we got the tractor.

People sometimes ask if all the chores we have around the homestead are overwhelming. The answer is the same every time- not in the least. Like anything, it's all about staying on top of things. When the mud seems to be winning, get some 1/4 granite gravel.

When the garden needs harvesting, get it done.

When the broilers need processing, get it done.

When there's a lull in the chore list, sit back and take some time with the family.

Homesteading seems to have a lot of components, but by taking things as they come and not procrastinating, it's a pleasure to get things done.

Be well and do what makes you happy-

From Our Homestead to Yours

A Spring Homestead Walkabout

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Whether your interests lie in off the grid solutions, homesteading, DIY projects, recipes, gardening, livestock, food preservation or anything related, you will find it here.

Previous Blog Hop

Last week's featured blog post is from Suzan over at It's My Sustainable Life. Her article reminds us that as much as we want to jump into a gardening project after a long winter away, we should still heed good sense and be prepared.

Spring Garden Preparation

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FARM FRESH TUESDAYS BLOG HOP #41

2020-02-24T17:31:00.002-05:00

It's a glorious 54 degrees out today. Though we're still looking to see another snowstorm or two, today is a great reminder that spring is almost here.

The girls checked the sap buckets this afternoon and reported a good flow- we'll be collecting in a couple of days it seems. For my birthday (yes, it was yesterday) Wendie gifted me with a seed-starting mat so we can get out seedlings off to a good start. Now, all I have to do is run power out to the potting shed.

The workshop is filled with beehives- there's a double order I'm putting together for a client in Vermont, and a repair job on a top bar hive that a black bear figured how to get into... from the bottom side. An easy fix, but wow. What a sight.

February vacation for the kids is underway, and Sam is up north skiing with his buds. Wendie, the girls and I will be hitting the road in a couple days for a trip into Boston, and that will about do it. No need to drop a kink in our budget this year, and everyone is happy.

From our Homestead to Yours, Cheers!

Todd

_____________________________________

Meet our amazing hosts and see what they’ve been up to this week!

Melissa from Little Frugal Homestead
Tamara from The Reid Homestead
Lisa from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
Todd & Wendie from Unexplained Underfoot Objects- That's Us!

Farm Fresh Feature

This week's featured homesteading blogger is Melissa over at the Little Frugal Homestead with her update on events happening in her homesteading life. Thanks for sharing, Melissa!

Happenings on the Homestead

Congratulations to our Featured Blogger this week! Be sure to check each of the hosts’ Farm Fresh Tuesdays posts to see if you were featured. Each host chooses their own features each week.

Let the Farm Fresh Tuesdays Blog Hop Begin!

YOU'RE THE STAR BLOG HOP WEEK 4, FEBRUARY 2020

2020-02-24T10:57:00.002-05:00

WELCOME to the February 2020 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

We have a great deal going on today, as it's the first day of the kids' February break. Sam's heading north to go skiing with friends, and the girls are enjoying a slow start while waiting me to finish up a few things before heading our to the workshop.

We have two Langstroths to build for a client over in Vermont, and last night, another client dropped off a top bar that needs repairing. A black bear had decided to open it up from the bottom, so we're planning on taking it apart and doing a bit of repair work.

Vacations are fun around here, whether we're traveling or staying at home. The kids know how to entertain themselves, and it's a good time to get caught up on the odds and ends of homestead living. Things like room cleaning, dog grooming, workshop organizing... plenty of choices.

Though we're not traveling far this school break, we are taking the girls to Boston to the Museum of Fine Arts, then out for dinner in Chinatown to our favorite dim sum restaurant. Enough to celebrate the break, but not so much as be an overwhelming budget hit.

Be well, and keep your eyes open. Spring is just about here:)

Todd

Starting Seeds Indoors for Spring

________________________________________

WELCOME to HOME feature week of the February 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your HOME week Hosts

This week is HOME feature week
Swing by the Home Hosts' Blogs:
Bev @ Eclectic Red Barn
Kippi @ Kippi at Home
Liberty @ B4 and Afters

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

(All features were chosen from the January 2020 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Pretty & Pink Valentine Table by My Hubbard Home

Burlap & Wood Signs by DIY Vibes

Banana Streusel Muffins by My Hubbard Home

Updated Bench by Eclectic Red Barn

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/youre-star-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"></a>

*******************************************************

All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.

Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!

It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!

___________________________________________________________________

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FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #54

2020-02-20T09:51:00.003-05:00

30 days until the calendar start of spring.

I can take it.

We tapped most of our maple buckets two weeks ago, and the garden tasks are worked out for when the snow melts away.

I've heard that scattering wildflower seeds on snow helps to jumpstart their germination, but I'm hesitant with all the birds and other critters we have in our neck of the woods. We certainly want to increase our bee yard forage, so maybe it's worth a try at least. We'll see.

Today, Wendie and I are stepping away from the homestead for a bit to have a conversation with a travel agent about our summer trip. Nothing firm yet, but I'll be sure to update you all when the details come through.

It's warming up around here, with occasional days around the freezing point. Mud season will be along before we know it, and the first blooms of flowers and trees following shortly behind.

As a last note, I gathered my knowledge about the bee hives that we've been selling and put them online as a walk-through set of instructions in e-book form. The idea is to create a whole series of 'Homesteading How To' books in the coming months.

If you're interested, or just want to support a fellow homesteader, you won't be disappointed At least, I don't believe you will be-

Be well and do what makes you happy-

From Our Homestead to Yours

Purchase Your Copy on Amazon

Join our community today and never miss a post!

Whether your interests lie in off the grid solutions, homesteading, DIY projects, recipes, gardening, livestock, food preservation or anything related, you will find it here.

Previous Blog Hop

Last week's featured blog post is from Kathi over at the Oak Hill Homestead, with her notes and observations from a small garden. This is the first time a blogger has been featured here two weeks in a row!

Not everything can fit in a small growing space, so Kathi shares her thoughts on best choices for productivity and purpose.

Thank you for your submission!

What to Grow in a Small Garden

If you've been a featured blogger, please share with your audience by posting your spiffy Blog Hop badge with a link back to the site:)

Featured Button

Let the Family Homesteading and Off the Grid Blog Hop Begin!

Build a Better Langstroth Bee Hive: A Homesteading 'How To' Book

2020-02-18T11:26:00.003-05:00

Oh spring, you tease.

It's late February here on the homestead, the maple trees are tapped, and we're seeing odd days where the temps drop to 20 degrees with snow in the forecast. That's alright, it's almost over.

Our ducks are in a row.

We've got this.

Though our priority is the garden, there are plenty of projects just waiting to be accomplished. I still have the trim to put on the potting shed, and it's become obvious through the various ice dams that a new chicken coop is in order.

In fact, we're making plans to move the chicken run down next to the garage and reclaim the old run and expand the garden. It's in our budget, and to be honest, we'd love a coop we can stand up in. Something a little sturdier, something along the lines of the potting shed but not as high.

Increasing Our Homesteading Income

In keeping with our philosophy of doing things ourselves, there's a new venture over here on the homestead.

Wendie and I are always looking at ways to generate a little more homesteading income that doesn't force us to get 9-5, chained-to-the-cubicle, making-money-for-the-man jobs. A little here, a little there. It does add up.

The investment we've made in the wood shop is certainly paying this season with hive sales, and I thought, why not sell some DIY plans?

Bee hives have very specific dimensions, but once understood, the build is relatively straightforward. I just want to share the love.

Taking a little time this past weekend, I wrote it all out in simple terms. I listed all of the materials, tools and lumber needed. Then, there was photoshoot in the woodshop of the various components coupled with time spent at the drafting table to illustrate a couple of diagrams.

To be honest, I'm proud of the effort. For the time invested and the information contained within, it made sense when it was all said and done. The book has already paid for itself.

A Homesteading 'How To' Book Series

$3.99 Available on Amazon.com

Now, as a homesteading income generator, this single book on how to build a Langstroth bee hive isn't going to replace teaching nights over at the community college. But, the idea isn't to stop there.

More homesteading 'How To' books are planned for the new series. New ideas are generated each day. Then, to top it off, the first edition books are originally written with imperial measurements.

The rest of the world is on metric, so there's those editions to put out as well. Two for the effort of one, with a little fiddling with the measurement conversions.

I haven't even tried to project what amount of income the books will bring in. But if it's a couple bucks a day, that adds up slowly. More books, more income. Certainly more than our Google advertising or any affiliate programs would in the same space of time.

How to Build a Langstroth Hive is available on Amazon as a downloadable e-book for $3.99. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited (there's a 30 day free trial), you can get it for free. There's a link on the Amazon page to check out that program if you're interested.

I truly believe it could be the best investment you'll make as a beekeeper. Why buy a hive for around $200 when you can build it for less than a third of that?

We love sharing our lives on the homestead, and really enjoy it when you share your experiences and stories with us. Let us know about your relationship with bees by joining the conversation below!

FARM FRESH TUESDAYS BLOG HOP #40

2020-02-18T08:58:00.001-05:00

The way we have life set up on our homestead means using creative ways to drive income. Both of Wendie and I teach as substitutes at our local schools. I teach night class at the local community college.

Wendie continues to run her marketing and publishing companies. Then, of course, there is the wood shop.For years, I've made hundreds of items for sale online, from Etsy to direct sales. This season, I made the decision to heavily push our bee hive builds and it is paying off.

Most beekeepers rely on buying new, and that can get expensive for quality hives. Long-time keepers with huge bee yards will have them built for them at a little price break, but not much. For us, learning how to build our own was important, and realizing we could build for others at a much lower cost was a natural step.

So far, I've had clients from Maine to the North all the way down to Cape Cod.

But, there's still a bunch of bee keepers out there who can't easily reach us in Northwood to buy one of our hives. So, I sat down and wrote a book on how to do it. How to Build a Langstroth Bee Hive.

Now, there's plenty of free advice and instructions on the internet that would save you the $3.99 we're charging for the book. But the problem is, the measurements shared in those YouTube videos and blog posts, which are supposed to be universal, are all over the place.

There's little talk of the tools or the materials needed. In short, there's no accountability and no assurance that any one free option will work the way it should.

So, I collected my knowledge, built a hive from the ground up to take pictures and remind me of the finer details to write about, made a list of the tools I used and brought it all together in an e-book form.

It's simple, complete and completely clear.

You can do this.

Download it today and read at your convenience. Though the design elements are specific to how a hive works, it's not rocket science. You can do it if you want, for a third or even more of the price of buying a hive outright. I can show you how, even with basic wood working skills.

From our Homestead to Yours, Cheers!

Todd

Get your e-book at Amazon.com

_____________________________________

Meet our amazing hosts and see what they’ve been up to this week!

Melissa from Little Frugal Homestead
Tamara from The Reid Homestead
Lisa from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
Todd & Wendie from Unexplained Underfoot Objects- That's Us!

Farm Fresh Feature

This week's featured homesteading blogger is Melissa over at the Little Frugal Homestead with her update on events happening in her homesteading life. Thanks for sharing, Melissa!

Happenings on the Homestead

Congratulations to our Featured Blogger this week! Be sure to check each of the hosts’ Farm Fresh Tuesdays posts to see if you were featured. Each host chooses their own features each week.

Let the Farm Fresh Tuesdays Blog Hop Begin!

YOU'RE THE STAR BLOG HOP WEEK 3, FEBRUARY 2020

2020-02-18T07:06:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Week #3 of the February 2020 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

I'd like to share something a little different today. As many of you know already, we have a woodshop on our homestead that we use for added income. We build chess sets, kitchen items like cheese boards and carved spoons, and starting this season, bee hives.

We've learned a great deal during our builds, and I decided to write up a simple to follow e-book with instructions so others can try it out for themselves. Beekeeping can get expensive when buying hives, so they can be a great budget-saving DIY project.

Currently, the 'How-To' guide is written with Imperial measurements, with a metric edition coming soon.

If you download the book, and find it useful, I'd appreciate an honest review of whether or not it helped.

Cheers, and have a great week!

Todd

How to Build a Langstroth Beehive

________________________________________

WELCOME to FAMILY feature week of the
February 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your FAMILY week Cohost

This week is FAMILY feature week
Swing by the Family hosting team's blogs:

Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal
Kris @ Kris and Larry . com

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:

(These features were chosen from the January 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop)

How I Pray by Jennifer Lambert

How To Make Money Writing Online by The Curious Frugal

Stand Firm by Morning Cuppas With Glenys

How To Blend Homemaking, Homesteading & A Simple Life by The Farm Wife

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/youre-star-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"></a>

*******************************************************

All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.

Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!

It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!

___________________________________________________________________

FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #53

2020-02-13T11:25:00.004-05:00

We have another school snow-day here on the homestead, and that meant I had some company when plowing out the driveway. While I worked the tractor, the girls cleared off the cars, brought in wood and took care of the chickens and guineas.

I can't stress enough how I believe preparation for adulthood starts with responsible lessons as children. Sure, there will still be bumps in the road they don't know how to handle, but they will certainly have the skills to figure it out and find a solution. These kids are going to be just fine.

Our youngest is 11, so conceivably there's seven more years of child raising. Seven years, and then what? I don't know to be honest. It could be different when the time comes, but I think empty-nest syndrome will hit hard. The kids will be alright, but will I?

As soon as I hit send on this post, I'm heading out the woodshop to work on a couple beehives. Working with my hands and building something well brings a sense of satisfaction.

From blank lumber I can create a new thing. Be it a chess set, a beehive, or a spoon. I'm filling my days up more and more with this creative time and enjoying it while I can.

It's cold out there, and with the heat going in the shop it feels comforting. The smell of sawdust and the rough imperfections of the tools rubbing against my hands makes sense. Things change, and I'm sure this will as well. Eventually.

Be well and do what makes you happy-

From Our Homestead to Yours

Homestead Chores

Join our community today and never miss a post!

Whether your interests lie in off the grid solutions, homesteading, DIY projects, recipes, gardening, livestock, food preservation or anything related, you will find it here.

Previous Blog Hop

Last week's featured blog post is from Kathi over at the Oak Hill Homestead, with her recipe and tips for making dandelion salve. Now, we try and leave as many of the little yellow pollen machines out as possible for the bees, but this recipe sure does sound intriguing.

Thanks for your submission!

How to Make Dandelion Salve

If you've been a featured blogger, please share with your audience by posting your spiffy Blog Hop badge with a link back to the site:)

Featured Button

Let the Family Homesteading and Off the Grid Blog Hop Begin!

YOU'RE THE STAR BLOG HOP WEEK 2, FEBRUARY 2020

2020-02-10T17:48:00.002-05:00

_____________________________

Welcome to the second week of the February 2020 blog hop called "You're the Star"!

I guess when it's all said and done, winter hasn't been that drastic as in year's past. It ain't '78, that's for sure. Sure, we had an ice storm just the other day, where the temps hovered just below freezing to let some mist weld itself to power lines in our area.

Power outages all around us, but not for us. Being off grid has more benefits than simply not paying the power company. Our batteries held strong, and the next day were recharging with gusto.

We're just about half-way through the month, and getting seeds started is becoming a priority. So is planning for the trim on the garden shed.

A new chicken coop, as well, if we can swing it. Don't forget we have a string of sap buckets out all across our property and those'll need boiling soon.

All that, plus production of our custom beehives is becoming a full-time job.

At this point, three months out from New England bee season, we're finishing up an order just in time for another. I'm thinking of offering a trade to the next 'beek' who places an order- a full hive setup for a package and mated queen.

It's one of those deals where each side is getting a better deal, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed someone can do it.

Expanding our bee yard is another of our homesteading goals this year.

Hive orders are projected to only get busier, and that means planning better for next winter. The more I build during our downtime, the quicker we can turn over our orders next season.

That's where we're at. As soon as the snow breaks, well, its game on.

Cheers!

Wendie & Todd

Homesteading Grocery Shopping

__________________________________________________________________________

WELCOME to CREATIVE feature week of the February 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your CREATIVE week Hosts

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories. Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month.
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#2 CREATIVE - arts & crafts, music, writing &/or dramatic arts (this can include sewing, yarn work, dance, art history, handmade jewelry, painting, computer art, fashion etc - anything creative while remaining family friendly)

(These features were chosen from the January 2020 "You're the Star" blog hop)

DIY Heart Wreath by Petals, Pies & Otherwise

Scrapbook Paper Made From Vintage Linens by Fresh Vintage by Lisa S

Walnut Wreath DIY by Create with Cynthia

A Dozen Tablescapes for the Year by Whispers of the Heart

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/youre-star-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"></a>

___________________________________________________________________

Cut Your Homestead Grocery Bills In Half - It's Not Illegal, But You May Not Want To Brag About It

2020-02-06T14:58:00.000-05:00

Faithful readers. You may know one important thing about us after all this time muddling through our homesteading articles - we prepare all of the meals for our family.

We share the grocery shopping responsibilities as well, so this excuse for getting out of the house for some adult contact makes sense for us.

Personally, I feel the need to browse the lanes, one at a time, making decisions that create good feelings for my tummy, as well as my bank account.

Wendie prefers a speedy trip- in and out.

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half

For those who would now turn away from lack of experience, I suggest the following: Search the grocery store for an apparently healthy, fit woman of the 35-year-old range who has a grocery cart filled with healthy items.

Roll a can of tomato paste past her, and when she turns her back, steal her cart. Repeat this tactic weekly until you have a good idea of what it is you should be shopping for.

Now, back to you experts out there. Remember these ever-present, do it every time you shop, basic rules:

Rule #1- Never shop hungry. If it's unavoidable, grab a box of animal crackers off the shelf and eat while you shop.

Rule #2- Grab a Coke from the cooler to drink while you shop. It'll make you alert and happy.

Rule #3- Make sure you have room in your MANDATORY deep freezer and basement pantry shelves to put all of this stuff.

If you don't have the room to freeze and store, don't even bother reading further. Unless, of course, you can eat everything at one sitting, then you are cleared to proceed with the rest of us normal folk.

Rule #4- Bring those coupons, and be on the lookout for more in the store. Those 1/2 off suckers really add up.

You need to be on your 'A' game and know what to look for in order to save the big bucks. Don't wander around looking for a long-lost high school sweetheart to reconnect with. This is serious business, and if you want to bang out your maximum bucks, pay attention.

Guerilla Grocery Shopping 522:

#1- Hit the Meat Department First Thing
Shop late week, after 6pm when the 'heading home, last-minute' shoppers have moved through. Look for those cute, orange stickers that say MANAGERS SPECIAL.

The supermarket needs to move that product before the sell-by date, because if they don't, it's a complete loss to them. You can be sure to see around 50% off these products, realizing HUGE savings. Grab it and use it that night, or freeze it right away.

#2- Bakery Day-Old Bread
Bakery bread is a use it now deal. It'll stay fresh for about 2-3 days depending on the recipe, but you can rest assured it's not going to last as long as that loaf of Wonder Bread you feed your kids.

Also, if you like good taste, don't freeze breads- the ice crystals screw with the starches and your end result is blech. Use the reduced-price baked goods in a day or three, or pass them up completely.

#3- Produce
There's a rolling cart at all three of the supermarkets I shop at, usually at the rear of the produce section that contains 'damaged' fruits and veggies.

The produce is packaged up and a manager's special sticker is slapped on it to move that stuff out the door.

Get in the habit of checking this religiously, as produce is constantly being fed into this budget saving section. Do you like to do preserves? Canning your thing? Ran short in the homestead garden this year? This rolling shelf of nirvana will become your best friend.

#4- Bumped and Dented Shelf Goods
There's a shelf, often near the employee access to the back storeroom, that is jam-packed with 'damaged' goods. Hah!

I've seen more damaged goods at a Jersey nail salon. Dented boxes, scratched cans, opened multi-packs- this is a great place to look for discounts. If a can is bulging, don't even think about it.

Tah-dah! You only spent $75 from your homestead budget of $150. Go buy yourself a Corvette.

OK, here's the recipe for the day. Intermediate, of course, because we're looking for flavor, not zip-n-quick, slap-it-on-a-plate simplicity.

Herb Roasted Grocery Chicken With Youngling Veggies

Serves 4

1 (3 1/2 to 4-lb) whole chicken
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves
1/2 tablespoon chopped sage leaves
2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves (reserve the parsley stems)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 lemon, quartered
2 bay leaves
1/4 lb baby red carrots, peeled and stem ends trimmed
1/4 lb baby red carrots, peeled and stem ends trimmed
1/4 lb orange carrots, peeled and stem ends trimmed
1/4 lb baby golden beets, peeled and stem ends trimmed
1/4 lb baby beets, peeled and stem ends trimmed
1/4 lb fingerling potatoes, halved
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
Wash the chicken and pat dry. Season well inside and out with the salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, combine the garlic, thyme, sage, parsley and olive oil. Rub the olive oil and herb blend into the cavity of the chicken as well as all over the exterior. Place the parsley stems into the cavity of the chicken, and squeeze each lemon quarter into the chicken and place the rind in as well.

Put the bay leaves inside the chicken and place the bird in a roasting pan or a saute pan, and put it into the oven. Roast for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is golden brown, and the juices run clear. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before carving.

For the vegetables: Place the vegetables in a large mixing bowl, and season with the salt and pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil and place in a roasting pan or on a sheet pan.

Place in the oven and roast for 30 minutes, turning once midway during cooking to ensure even browning. Serve with the herb roasted chicken.

Thank You For Being Part of Our Homestead Community

Wendie and I love sharing our off the grid homesteading life with you all, and truly enjoy it when we hear from you. Please feel free to join the conversation below with your tips and tested practices about grocery shopping own a budget!

Cheers!

Todd & Wendie

FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #52

2020-02-06T14:43:00.001-05:00

A snow day was called for the girl's school this morning (Sammy only had a delayed start), and we decided it was time to play catch-up on some grocery shopping.

Now, we're still aware of our usage after our pantry challenge. We know what we have on hand and how many meals that will provide for us.

But with school lunches, that careful planning tends to go out the window. Do we still have granola bars? Are your juice boxes OK? How about peanut butter?

This morning, we took stock of the cupboards and made additions to our usual bananas, oranges and milk requirements.

Homesteading Grocery Skills

When we arrived at the market, it was fairly empty of other shoppers, and that worked well for us. The girls and I like to take our time, not be in anyone's way, and comparison shop.

We're been shopping together since they were infants. Before we were homesteading even. When they turned four, the could push a smaller cart next to mine to help out. At around eight, we would send them by themselves to other aisles to fill our list faster.

They've learned to look at the bulk price posted in the left corner that shows price by weight, comparing it to other similar items and package sizes.

They've learned that the cheapest price isn't always the best deal, as we still pay attention to nutritional value and flavor. They know how to buy veggies and fruits for immediate use and for longer-term storage.

They know to take advantage of a deal when they come across it, regardless if it's on the list or not. They know about end-cap and shelf placement marketing. We've taught them well.

Passing On Our Homesteading Knowledge

Without a shadow of a doubt, the girls are ready to do this on their own as young adults. I know that on any given shopping day I could drop them off alone, let them fill the list and meet me in the parking lot after I ran other errands.

Maybe I would let that happen if I didn't enjoy shopping with them so much. So, I was in the store with them again today enjoying our time together.

After about an hour we were pushing a half-full cart and reviewing our list. We had everything, including a few deals we couldn't pass up like some ramen noodle packs for comfort snacking.

At the checkout, everything was unloaded along with our reusable shopping bags. We waited.

The cashier was new, sporting a fresh name badge and a nervous, but friendly, look. One of the store shift supervisors was bagging, and though no words were spoken between them, this was obviously a training session.

After our items was rung in, I paid. Then Elizabeth, our oldest daughter, decided she wanted to buy some gum. She pulled out a ten dollar bill, handed it over, and smiled when the cashier handed her back a ten, a five, and four ones.

"I think you gave me too much change," she said. No rudeness, no pause, no internal debate over whether she could or should take the money. Not a sliver of hesitation.

The cashier looked at the receipt, the ten dollar bill Elizabeth had paid with on the lip of the register and then at the stack of bills in my daughter's hand.

"Thank you," the cashier said. "I thought something was a little weird. Thank you so much."

I'm proud of our kids for having the instinct to know what's right. To not even consider the choice as to whether it's right or not. Being kind and simply doing the right thing rather than weighing whether or not they'll get caught if they make a wrong decision.

It was a great morning.

Cheers,

Todd & Wendie

From Our Homestead to Yours

Cut Your Homesteading Grocery Bill in Half

Join our community today and never miss a post!

Whether your interests lie in off the grid solutions, homesteading, DIY projects, recipes, gardening, livestock, food preservation or anything related, you will find it here.

Previous Blog Hop

Last week's featured blog post is from Lisa over at the Self Sufficient HomeAcre . Even the most skilled chicken herders can afford to learn something new about their birds, and last week, Lisa shared a great article on selecting breeds based on a homestead's needs.

Thanks for your submission!

Choose the Best Chickens for Your Homestead

If you've been a featured blogger, please share with your audience by posting your spiffy Blog Hop badge with a link back to the site:)

Featured Button

Let the Family Homesteading and Off the Grid Blog Hop Begin!

FARM FRESH TUESDAYS BLOG HOP #38

2020-02-04T15:19:00.003-05:00

Yes, the sap is flowing. Yes, it's the first week of February. Yes, we know a lot of folks are saying it's early... but like we said, the sap is flowing!

Maple Syrup Without Maple Trees

From our Homestead to Yours, Cheers!

Wendie & Todd

_____________________________________

Meet our amazing hosts and see what they’ve been up to this week!

Melissa from Little Frugal Homestead
Tamara from The Reid Homestead
Lisa from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
Todd & Wendie from Unexplained Underfoot Objects- That's Us!

Farm Fresh Feature

This week's featured homesteading blogger is Tamara from The Reid Homestead, with her practical and oh so timely article on disinfecting your supplies and pots for the growing season. Nip those problems before they even sprout- Thanks, Tamara!

Disinfecting Your Supplies

Congratulations to our Featured Blogger this week! Be sure to check each of the hosts’ Farm Fresh Tuesdays posts to see if you were featured. Each host chooses their own features each week.

Let the Farm Fresh Tuesdays Blog Hop Begin!

YOU'RE THE STAR BLOG HOP WEEK 1, FEBRUARY 2020

2020-02-04T15:09:00.002-05:00

WELCOME to the February 2020 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

We're busy as all get out here on the homestead, so let's get straight to it!

How to Homestead Through a Spring Thaw

________________________________________

WELCOME to GARDEN feature week of the February 2020 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your GARDEN week Hosts

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories. Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month.
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#1 GARDEN - gardening, homesteading, recycling, outdoor activities &/or preserving (this can include any type of green living, repurposed ideas, outdoor concerns, posts relating to farm animals etc all while remaining family friendly)

(All features were chosen from the January 2020 "You're the Star" blog hop)
10 Tips For Beginner Gardeners by Sarah's Indiana Tea Garden

Time Management - Organizing the Homestead by It's My Sustainable Life

Growing Microgreens by Comfort Spring

Colorful Windchimes by Momfever

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/youre-star-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"></a>

*******************************************************

All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.

Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!

It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!

___________________________________________________________________

English Muffin: An Old Homestead Recipe

2020-02-01T18:41:00.001-05:00

If you've visited our blog before, you know we've more than a few recipes under our belts. Many revolve around sustainability and how best to cook with our garden, honey, and chickens.

A lot of our favorite old homestead recipes involve baking, though we've yet to graduate to growing our own grains and processing the flour. Cakes are a favorite on cold weekend days.

Simply put, we're on one acre, and a small raised bed of wheat would not cut it to be self-sufficient in that area. I think that would equate to about two hearty loaves.

So, we relegate our flour as one of the necessities we rely on from the grocery store. We are never out of stock, and if the pantry is getting low, I start to get a little antsy. Flour and yeast. Some salt and butter. Farina or corn meal. Honey. That's all we need to make something yummy.

Lately, we've been playing with English muffins and trying to hone our recipe. Now, these are a little different from our usual baking endeavors, because instead of being baked in the oven, the muffins are fried on a hot griddle. And yes, we get those yummy nooks and crannies thanks to the yeast.

If you try this recipe, please let us know how they turned out in the comments below.

English Muffin: An Old Homestead Recipe

Ingredients:

1 3/4 C Warm Water
4 Tbs Soft Butter
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1 Tbs Honey
1 Egg (Whisked)
4 1/2 C Bread Flour
2 tsp Active Yeast
Corn Meal

Add all ingredients together except the corn meal in a stand mixer bowl. Use the paddle attachment or dough hook on low until everything comes together.

You're looking for a soft dough, so add a little water and flour to get the right consistency and shiny, if needed.

The dough will stretch easily and be sticky when ready. Shape into a ball in the bowl and cover. Let rise for at least 2 hours at room temperature.

Gently deflate the dough and divide into 14-18 pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten to about 4" in diameter. Cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Sprinkle the griddle or pan liberally with corn meal, then set the heat to medium low/medium high. Cook each side of the muffin for about 15 minutes. or until golden brown.

When the muffins have a nice golden crust you can be pretty sure they are cooked in the middle as well. But, if not, you can put them in an oven at 350F for about 15 minutes to finish them off.

Let the muffins cool completely before serving, and remember, only split an English muffin with a fork. Knives simply don't cut it here.

We love sharing our homesteading adventures with you all, especially our old homestead recipe discoveries. We also love it when you join the conversation below. Have you made an English muffin recipe before? How did they turn out?

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English Muffin: An Old Homestead Recipe

English Muffin: An Old Homestead Recipe

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Tamara from The Reid Homestead
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Melissa from Little Frugal Homestead
Tamara from The Reid Homestead
Lisa from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
Todd & Wendie from Unexplained Underfoot Objects- That's Us!

Melissa from Little Frugal Homestead
Tamara from The Reid Homestead
Lisa from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
Todd & Wendie from Unexplained Underfoot Objects- That's Us!