Homesteading

13 Elderberry Recipes to Keep Sickness Out of Your Home This Flu Season

I had never heard of elderberry or its benefits until I became a homesteader.

But in the fall and winter, it becomes a big buzz word around the community.

So today, I wanted to take a deeper look into elderberry, with its benefits and drawbacks. Then we will discuss how you can use this plant on your homestead to benefit your family.

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What is elderberry?

“Elderberry refers to several varieties of the Sambucus tree, which has clusters of white flowers and black or blue-black berries. The most common variety is Sambucus nigra, also known as European elderberry or black elderberry.” Healthline

You can grow these in your backyard, just like other berries. Then you can make all kinds of elderberry concoctions without paying the hefty health food store price tag.

What are the benefits of elderberry?

You have heard that elderberry syrups and gummies can help you get through the cold and flu season quicker, but what are the real benefits of elderberry?

High in nutrients, including vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants and flavonols.
Can reduce severity and length of the cold and flu
May have positive effects of heart and blood vessel health.
Helps fight cancer
Fights harmful bacteria
May support the immune system
Could protect against UV radiation
May increase urination
May have some antidepressant properties.
Info from Healthline.com

What are the dangers of elderberry?

Elderberry can be toxic if not used properly.

In order to eat the berries, they need to be cooked first. Eating raw elderberries can lead to stomach issues in humans.

The flowers of the plant are edible, but not the bark or rest of the plant.

Follow instructions properly when making homemade elderberry products to ensure your family’s safety.

How can I use elderberry on the homestead?

Here are a few recipes for different ways to use elderberry in your home and on the homestead.

Elderberry Syrup

How to Make (Immune-Boosting) Homemade Elderberry Syrup @ Live Simply

Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup @ Graceful Little Honey Bee

Elderberry Honey

Fermented Elderberry Honey @ Grow Forage Cook Ferment

Elderberry Powder

How to Dehydrate Elderberries and Make Elderberry Powder @ Healing Harvest Homestead

That is a long list! There are so many ways to incorporate elderberry into your family’s life to increase their immune system and keep them well this cold and flu season.

How do you use elderberry in your home or homestead? Let us know in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, please share. Thanks!

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Top 20 Binge Worthy Homesteading Blogs of 2019

by Julie Gropp

Before I had my own homesteading blog, I would love to read homesteading and homemaking blogs. I loved to hear their stories and learn the things I needed to know to move my homestead forward.

And even now, I love to read other people’s experiences with homesteading in blogs and see their videos on YouTube. After all, we can all learn from each other’s ups and downs.

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So today, I want to share with you my favorite homesteading blogs and why I love them. I have done this for the past 3 years, but the list changes each year.

Some of the list stays the same as these bloggers only get better with experience.

Some of the list changes because people stop blogging or just don’t make the cut.

Here are the lists from the past 2 years:

Top 20 Must Read Homesteading Blogs of 2018

My Top 20 Favorite Homesteading Blogs of 2017

And, without further ado, here is the list of this year (drumroll please). . .

Top 20 Binge Worthy Homesteading Blogs of 2019

1. The Prairie Homestead

Jill @ www.theprairiehomestead.com is a fun writer with a vast amount of knowledge when it comes to homesteading. She has written several e-books about natural homesteading and enjoys using essential oils often in her homestead. She has an awesome YouTube channel and recently released a homestead cooking course.

2. The Elliott Homestead

Shaye @ www.theelliotthomestead.com just wrote an awesome book called “Welcome to the Farm” in addition to her 2 table books. Her blog is fun and informative with great photography as well. She has a great YouTube channel and also runs a homestead cooking membership group.

3. Reformation Acres

Quinn @ www.reformationacres.com has a very informative and beautiful blog where she talks about homesteading life. She also has an amazing Etsy shop where she sells homemade goods and products.

4. Melissa K Norris

Melissa @ www.melissaknorris.com runs a blog, podcast and Academy that shares her wealth of knowledge on homesteading topics such as gardening, animals and preserving food. She also has an informative YouTube channel and has published several homesteading books.

5. Homestead Honey

Teri @ www.homestead-honey.com not only has an informative blog, but she also has e-books, coaching, mentorship programs and an Etsy shop.

6. The Rustic Elk

Danielle @ www.therusticelk.com writes her blog to inspire others to homestead, even as she is struggling to find her own ideal homestead.

7. Imperfectly Happy Homesteading

Tiffany @ www.imperfectlyhappy.com shares her triumphs and struggles about homesteading, homeschooling and everything she is learning along the way. She also posts a weekly list of free kindle books on homesteading topics.

8. The 104 Homestead

Jessica @ www.104homestead.com has a wide variety of homesteading topics on her blog, but she seems to love her goats the most. She also has written several helpful e-books.

9. A Farmish Kind of Life

Amy @ www.afarmishkindoflife.com shares her life as a mom and homesteader. She has also written a book to help guide her readers through homeschooling as well.

10. Attainable Sustainable

Kris @ www.attainable-sustainable.net shares her triumphs and struggles of her homestead in Hawaii.

11. The Upcycled Family

Beth @ www.theupcycledfamily.com has great tips for gardening, alternative health and she also homeschools her children in rural Kansas. She uses oils and herbs to take care of her family and animals.

12. Our Simple Homestead

Tracy Lynn @ www.oursimplehomestead.com helps her readers do what she and her husband did-get out of the rat race and back to the simple life on their homestead.

13. Common Sense Homestead

Laurie @ www.commonsensehome.com discusses homesteading, gardening, home remedies and health in her informational blog. She also has written e-books about these topics.

14. The Grow Network

Marjory @ www.thegrownetwork.com is very knowledgeable about the homesteading lifestyle, but also emphasizes non traditional health and healthcare information. She sells several DVDs, online courses and a membership site.

15. A Modern Homestead

Victoria @ www.amodernhomestead.com writes about homesteading skills and frugal living. She has an e-book that will help you save money on your grocery bill and make healthy meals for your family.

16. Fresh Eggs Daily

Lisa @ www.fresheggsdaily.com loves to talk about her chickens, but she is so much more than that! She has a tv show, several books and makes appearances around the country speaking to people about raising chickens.

17. Weed Em And Reap

Danielle @ www.weedemandreap.com has transformed her life and diet by growing her own food and raising her own animals. She does this on a one acre urban farm. She has a great YouTube channel too!

18. Piwakawaka Valley

Dana @ www.piwakawakavalley.com is a homesteader in New Zealand. And not only does she do all the homesteading stuff, but she is also a homeschooling mom of 3 and is a weekend nurse. Amazing!

19. The Fewell Homestead

Amy @ www.thefewellhomestead.com is an author, blogger, homesteader and the founder of Homesteaders of America. She lives in Virginia and blogs about homesteading, homemaking and being a Christian.

20. Pampered Chicken Mama (aka The Frugal Chicken)

Maat @ www.thefrugalchicken.com is an authority on backyard chicken keeping and homesteading. She has been featured in several media outlets and has a YouTube channel.

I hope you get the chance to check out all of these amazing bloggers. Just click on the links for each number to see their inspiring blogs.

It is good to follow other homesteading bloggers and YouTubers to give us inspiration and let us know that we are not alone in this journey.

We aren’t weird or strange for trying to live this lifestyle to the best of our abilities. Homesteading is a way of life that isn’t for everyone, but these bloggers love it and you will too!

Also, if you like Facebook, here is a list of homesteading related Facebook groups to join for more inspiration and help on your homesteading journey —> The Ultimate List of Homesteading Facebook Groups.

Thanks to these ladies for inspiring me and teaching me every day!

Who did I miss? Link your favorite homesteading bloggers in the comments below and I will check them out! And if you found this post helpful, please share. Thanks!

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12 Awesome Outdoor PVC Pipe Projects for Your Homestead

by Julie Gropp

PVC pipe is something almost every homesteader has laying around the house.

It is cheap and versatile, which makes it perfect for many homesteading projects.

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So today, I want to share with you some ideas of things you can do to use up the PVC pipe you have on your homestead.

12 Awesome Outdoor PVC Pipe Projects for Your Homestead

PVC Chicken Feeder @ The Owner Builder Network

DIY Garden Tool Storage @ Newly Woodwards

Irrigation for Raised Bed Gardening @ Modern Homemakers

DIY PVC Cover For Raised Beds @ Homestead Lifestyle

Hand-Held Corn and Bean Planter @ Sensible Survival

Free PVC Chicken Tractor Plans @ Raising Backyard Chickens 101

PVC Chicken Waterer @ Instructables

Gravity-Based PVC Aquaponic Garden @ Off Grid Quest

Summer Camp Chairs @ Simple Simon & Company

PVC Tomato Cages @ Homestead Lifestyle

DIY Platform Swing @ The Naughty Mommy

DIY PVC Canopy @ The Kreative Life

Don’t these projects look amazing! So creative and easy to do.

One thing I want to remind you of is that PVC pipe can get broken down and brittle after constant sun and weather exposure. So if you plan on keeping these projects outside all year, you will want to paint them to protect them from the elements.

I hope you found a project (or two) that will fit your family’s needs for your homestead. This is a great way to use those extra PVC pipe pieces you have laying around this summer.

What do you like to make out of PVC pipe? Let us know in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, please share. Thanks!

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Our Homesteading Year In Review and Next Year’s Plans

by Julie Gropp

Each year, at the end of the year, I like to review how our homestead performed for the year.

2018 was a tough year for many reasons, most of them having nothing to do with homesteading.

But life moves on and there are always new things to do and try.

Animals don’t stop being hungry because you have a bad day (same goes for children) and things always need to be taken care of around the homestead.

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So today, I want to go over our goals for 2018 and see how we did. You can read the full post here —> Looking Towards the Future: Our Goals for 2018.

But here are the highlights.

h2>Our 2018 Goals and How We Achieved Them:

Here are my goals from last year. I made a comment on each one in bold to let you know how we did.

Gardening

We would like to increase the overall size of the garden and the number of varieties of plants we are growing. This was successful!
We would like to build a separate raised bed area for a salsa garden (tomatoes, peppers, onions, cilantro, etc). We did not do this.
We would like to be successful in starting heirloom variety tomatoes from seed (in the past they haven’t gotten big enough to plant in time). We started the seeds, but they died in the ground from lack of water and nutrients.

Animals

We will replace the beehive we lost and add another hive for a total of 2 beehives. We did this!
We would like to raise 52 meat chickens (one a week for a year) without all of the problems we had this year. We did not raise any meat chickens this year.
We would like to begin breeding our meat rabbits and keep them on a regular breeding schedule. We tried to breed our rabbits, but they didn’t get pregnant. We need a new buck.

Homemaking

I would like to learn how to make a blue jean quilt and complete the quilt in one year (I tend to leave these kind of projects half done). Nope.
I would like to learn how to make homemade candles (probably beeswax or soy). Yes! I did this!
I would like to learn how to make several different kinds of soaps. Not yet.

Health

We would like to get back to a real food diet. We have relaxed in our eating habits at the end of this year. Yes! We did this!
I would like to lose 50 lbs over the year (less than one pound a week). Nope. But I lost 20 lbs 3 different times this year.
I would like to atleast exercise 4 days a week. Yes, for the most part.

Food Preservation

We need to increase the number of foods we are preserving. Yes!
I would like to learn how to braid and store the garlic we planted this fall. Our garlic was a fail.
I would like to find new recipes for canning to shake things up a bit. Yes!

Emergency Preparedness

We need to buy more large containers for water storage. Yes!
We would like to get 6 months complete food storage ready. We are pretty close on this one!
We would like to have a successful hunting trip (preferably elk) and have me and my youngest son get our hunter safety certification. My husband went hunting, but didn’t get anything. No to the rest.

Our Goals for 2019:

As you can see, we did accomplish some of the things we wanted to this year, but not even close to all of them.

It can be disappointing when we don’t accomplish our goals, but that doesn’t mean we give up.

We just reevaluate our goals and make new ones for next year.

So here are our goals for 2019. I am going to put a high priority on my health and taking care of myself this year.

I think these goals are realistic and I’m ready to get started!

Gardening

We are going to redo our garden and use water troughs for the bulk of our raised beds.
We are going to try growing heirloom tomatoes from seed again.
We are going to add more fruit to our garden area.

Animals

We are going to redo the chicken coop to make it more efficient and safe.
We are going to try to breed our rabbits again. If it doesn’t work, we are going to get a new buck.
We have learned that we are not good beekeepers, so we won’t be getting more bees for awhile.

Homemaking

We would like to learn how to make several different kinds of soaps.
We would like to get back on a regular cleaning schedule.
We would like to have the kids cook a meal once a week.

Health

I would like to lose 70 lbs over the year (a little over one pound a week).
I would like to go to crossfit 3 days a week for exercise.
I would like to participate in a crossfit competition.

Emergency Preparedness

We need to add more water storage.
We would like to store a year’s worth of food.
We would like to have a successful hunting trip for elk.

When you look at this list all at once, it can be a little overwhelming. But there is a season for everything, so we just work on it a little at a time.

If you are struggling with your homesteading goals for next year, you can use these same topics to break down what you want to accomplish.

It is always good to look back and see what you have done (and pat yourself on the back).

After that, look forward and see all the possibilities of what the future can hold. Then get to work and make those goals a reality.

We can do it together! Here’s to 2019! Let’s get to work!

What are your goals for 2019? Let us know in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, please share. Thanks!

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17 Practical Ideas for Repurposing 5 Gallon Buckets

by Julie Gropp

How many 5 gallon buckets laying around your homestead?

Maybe you got them from food storage or from friends.

Many businesses (like restaurants and hardware stores) will give them away for free, if you know the right people!

5 gallon buckets are so handy to have around your homestead, for many reasons.

So before you think about getting rid of them, let’s discuss what they can be used for.

17 Practical Ideas for Repurposing 5 Gallon Buckets

How to Make Your Own Composter For Cheap @ Bargain Babe

How to Build A Strawberry Tower @ UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo

Build Mouse Traps to Protect Your Garden @ Frugal Living Freedom

Plastic Bucket Chair @ Sisters with Stuff

DIY Emergency Survival Kit @ 5 Gallon Ideas

Bucket Chicken Nesting Boxes @ Eco Snippets

5 Gallon Bucket Air Conditioner @ The Owner Builder Network

5 Gallon Bucket Camp Light @ Kimberly Henning

How to Make a Burlap Planter @ Hawk Hill

Make A Bucket Into A Hose Holder @ Pinterest

Yard Games in a Bucket @ Etsy

Decoupaged Fabric Trash Can @ Todays Creative Life

Portable Art Studio @ One Orange Giraffe

Bucket Bird House @ Blue Roof Cabin

DIY Camp Seat from a 5 Gallon Bucket @ Tiny Camper Big Adventure

Turn A 5 Gallon Bucket Into An Ottoman @ DIY Gift World

Make Your Own Emergency Toilet @ Mom with a Prep

Isn’t it amazing that there are so many fun things you can do with something you probably already have lying around your home? I love these ideas!

5 gallon buckets are a great resource to have on your homestead and repurposing 5 gallon buckets for all kinds of homesteading projects is a great way to maximize your resources and time.

How do you use repurpose 5 gallon buckets on your homestead? Let us know in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, please share. Thanks!

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An Honest ButcherBox Review from a Subscription Box Sceptic

by Julie Gropp

I have been seeing subscription box ads and posts from all kinds of bloggers and influencers lately.

It seems like everyone has a subscription box they are promoting.

Everything from food to clothing to kids activities to beauty products.

I guess it is the “in” thing to do now.

I usually just ignore them, because I don’t want to be locked into a monthly membership to something I may not even like.

But when I saw the advertisement to ButcherBox, my interest was peaked.

Wouldn’t it be nice to get grass fed, organic meat sent to my door each month? Why yes, it would.

So I ordered a Butcher Box to try it out and while I still have some reservations (I will discuss those in a minute), overall I am impressed with the product quality and convenience.

What is ButcherBox?

ButcherBox is a monthly subscription box for high quality meats. You choose what kinds of meat you want, and they send them to your house each month.

Why is it important?

ButcherBox is committed to premium meat.

100% Grass-fed and Grass-finished Beef
Heritage Breed Pork
Free-range Organic Chicken
All animals are humanely raised
Antibiotic and hormone free

For those that don’t have a local source of premium meat, this could be a game changer!

What is included?

You can choose from several options:

A mixed box of beef, pork and chicken: they choose what they send you.

A box of beef & pork, beef & chicken or all beef: they choose the cuts.

Custom box: you choose exactly what you want but the cost is more.

You can also add other meats to your main box, if you want.

What is the cost?

All of the boxes (except custom) are $129 per month for 8-11 lbs of meat.

The custom box is $149 per month for 9-14 lbs of meat.

Then you can add other meats for an additional charge if you want.

Price comparison for what I received:

Let’s peek into the box I got this month and see how the prices compared to my local WalMart organic/grass fed meats that I would normally buy. Of course, the prices in your area could vary greatly from mine.

Ground Beef: $7.99 per lb. x 2 lbs. = $15.98

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: $6.99 per lb. x 2.82 lbs = $19.71

Boneless Pork Butt: $4.99 per lb. x 3.75 lbs. = $18.71

Pork Spare Rib: $4.99 per lb. x 2.68 lbs. = $13.37

Ribeye Steak: $16.99 per lb. x 20 oz. = $21.23

Total: $89

So obviously, it is a little cheaper to buy this meat at WalMart instead of ButcherBox. But in my opinion, this meat is so much better than the WalMart meat, even the organic WalMart meat.

My favorite things about ButcherBox:

The quality of the meat is very high.
The meat tastes amazing.
It is delivered to my door.
They have recipes and videos online to help you cook the meat.
It’s fun to see what’s inside each month.

The things I don’t like about ButcherBox:

One box isn’t enough-Since my husband and I are doing keto and we have 3 growing teenage boys that eat alot, one box isn’t enough for a whole month. In order for us to get all of our meat from ButcherBox, we would probably need atleast 3 boxes, which would be out of our budget.
It doesn’t come frozen-We live out in the country, 4 hours from the closest big city. So the meat travels for 3 days to get here. It is still cold and fine to eat, but not frozen anymore. If we lived closer, I’m sure this wouldn’t be a problem.

Who is ButcherBox right for?

Those that worry about the quality of their meat
Those that live in bigger towns or cities
Those that can’t get locally grown quality meat
Those that don’t mind paying more for quality

Who is ButcherBox not right for?

Those that are on a tight budget
Those that don’t eat nicer cuts of meat
Those that already raise their own meat
Those that want to pick out exactly what they are getting each month
Those that live far out in the country

Here is a video I added to IGTV of the ButcherBox unboxing for this month if you are interested: https://www.instagram.com/tv/Bm1bFQsFQCb/

My recommendations:

I think ButcherBox is a great resource for those that are looking for quality meat delivered to their doorstep.

For those that don’t mind paying a little more for quality meat, this subscription box is for you!

Since my husband and I are on the keto diet, we are eating high quality meat more often.

This meat is high quality and you can try new cuts you wouldn’t have bought for yourself. This adds variety and fun to your meals.

If you fit into the “right for” category above, I encourage you to give ButcherBox a try and see if it works for your family.

And to sweeten the deal, when use my affiliate link for ButcherBox, you will get a FREE BACON and $20 off! Can’t beat that!

So check out ButcherBox here (affiliate link) —> Get The ButcherBox Deal!

Have you tried ButcherBox? Let us know what your experience was in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, please share. Thanks!

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Homesteading

What is elderberry?

What are the benefits of elderberry?

What are the dangers of elderberry?

How can I use elderberry on the homestead?

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Tincture

Frozen Elderberry Drops

Elderberry Jelly

Elderberry Gummies

Elderberry Jam

Elderberry Tea

Elderberry Vinegar

Elderberry Elixir

Elderberry Lollipops

Elderberry Honey

Elderberry Powder

Top 20 Binge Worthy Homesteading Blogs of 2019

12 Awesome Outdoor PVC Pipe Projects for Your Homestead

Gardening

Animals

Homemaking

Health

Food Preservation

Emergency Preparedness

Our Goals for 2019:

Gardening

Animals

Homemaking

Health

Emergency Preparedness

17 Practical Ideas for Repurposing 5 Gallon Buckets

What is ButcherBox?

Why is it important?

What is included?

What is the cost?

Price comparison for what I received:

My favorite things about ButcherBox:

The things I don’t like about ButcherBox:

Who is ButcherBox right for?

Who is ButcherBox not right for?

My recommendations:

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