Aloe Vera Facial Mask

Posted by Anais Dervaes on August 23, 2016

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Did you know there’s a plant that easy to grow and is beneficial for skin and hair – for practically pennies.  Plant one and, in a few years, you’ll have a whole patch, more than what to do with. For thousands of years, this common, easy to grow beauty treatment

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Wind Egg

Posted by Anais Dervaes on August 22, 2016

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Our family has been keeping chickens in the city since 2002 and we are always on the lookout for the welfare of our hens.  The first time I saw one of these “Wind” eggs , I worried that something might be off with our hens’ health.  These tiny eggs don’t

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Watermelon for Breakfast

Posted by Anais Dervaes on August 19, 2016

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It’s been a hot and dry summer and that means keeping the homestead critters cool and comfortable. One of the favorite ways our hens cool down is by enjoying watermelon. Watermelons are a tasty summer treat that hydrate, nourish and contain a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants. More tips

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Summer Bounty

Posted by Anais Dervaes on August 17, 2016

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Farm Update Summer’s winding down, but the garden bounty is bumper.    We’ve definitely noticed a huge difference in the garden since our neighbor removed the towering 80ft pecan tree.  More sun = less mildew and a seemingly more productive summer growing season. Every square inch of the raised beds are

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Olla Sale!

Posted by Anais Dervaes on August 3, 2016

Copy of Please join us for dinner anddrinks before we say goodbye!

  Irrigation with ollas (unglazed clay pots) is simple and extremely efficient, but the system gave way to modern watering techniques decades ago. With this type of irrigation, gardeners fill unglazed clay urns with water and bury them near plants. The tops of the ollas (pronounced OH-yas) extend above ground

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Homestead Herbal: Calendula Salve

Posted by Anais Dervaes on July 14, 2016

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A simple, traditional healing balm or ointment with healing and anti-inflammatory powers.  A must for your homestead first aid or beauty kit. Calendula Salve 1/2 cup calendula petal infused oil 1/8 cup beeswax 10-40 drops essential oil  (I like lemon) Melt the oil and beeswax in a double boiler under 

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Homestead Herbal: Calendula Oil

Posted by Anais Dervaes on July 13, 2016

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From beauty to to first aid, calendulas are a must for any homestead.  Not only are they easy to grow but also calendulas are beneficial in attracting bees to the garden.   Calendula flowers are not only edible but also medicinal and great for natural skin and health care. Calendula

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Peach Salsa

Posted by Anais Dervaes on July 5, 2016

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Summer time and the living is yummy.   Gardens are overflowing and stomachs are full with sun-ripened goodies. Who doesn’t love a homemade salsa with sun-ripened tomatoes picked fresh from the vine? An alternative to a typical tomato salsa is one made with peaches–so delicious and refreshing on a hot summer

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DIY Solution: Fruit Fly Trap

Posted by Anais Dervaes on June 28, 2016

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Come summer, doors and windows are thrown wide open, fermented goodies sit on the kitchen counter, and baskets or bowls of homegrown fruit or veggies are everywhere. Although you counters maybe full of homegrown bounty and fermenting goodies, they are will  attract those pesky gnats or fruit flies.   Here are

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Caring for Chickens in Hot Weather

Posted by Anais Dervaes on June 24, 2016

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Meet Parcha (means “passion flower or fruit”) a new addition to the homestead menagerie.   We got a call from a distraught family wanting to place her in a good home asap!  Parcha was part of a flock of 5 until the recent heat wave. Four had passed due to heat

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