Body wash from Bar soap

Here is a easy way to make your own body wash from bar soap. I used 2 bars from our own homemade soap. Its super easy! You can use any bar soap, I had some of our Lavender on hand and added some Milk and Honey soap fragrance to it. You can also use a essential oil or leave it plain as well.

I used two of these round Bars, Around 2.5oz each.

Grate them up

Put the soap shavings into a saucepan, Add 1 1/2  to 2 cups of water depending on the desired consistency you would like. Melt over medium low heat stirring constantly.When the soap shavings are melted you can now add your fragrance or essential oil.

Let the liquid soap cool for 20 minutes, If its to thick you can heat it back up and add more water. When cooled you can funnel the soap into whatever bottle you would like. I used a shampoo bottle.

This is a great way to make your own body wash without all the added chemicals and unknown ingredients in the store brands.And it smells yummy!

-Free Range Chicken Gardens -contest

Here is a great contest for all the garden and chicken lovers. I really want to see this book! Since I would like to know what there inputs on keeping chickens free ranged in a garden are. Mine always seem to devour everything in sight LOL.

Timber Press is hosting a giveaway through February 17th where entrants can win...

• A copy of Free-Range Chicken Gardens

• $50 gift certificate to McMurray Hatchery

• A downloadable coop plan 

from The Garden Coop

• Organic seeds and forage mix from 

Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply

Awesome!

Pictures of the day

It's a cold day here today.Most the animals have decided to stay in the barn where it's nice and cozy. The only critters you will see outside are the dogs and the sheep, since they both cannot feel the cold much.So this gave me an opportunity to snap a few pictures as I was walking around the farm.

Its Lambing season soon.This Ewe had only one baby a few days ago. Twins are more common.These are Jacobs sheep, They are usually spotted or have patches of black or brown. Usually we get one or two all white lambs out of 60 or so babies. I love the white babies, They remind me of the Snuggle bear.

                                   This is how pigs stay warm.
These are the Pot Belly pigs. Don't they look cozy all snuggled up together?

Did you spot this little guy in the pile? He has the best spot in the group and is buried in warmth

The chickens were all lined up in a row, They were trying to keep warm in this little bit of sun coming through the barn doors.

It's too cold for Josie and Elle May, So they peek outside. The cold doesn't seem to bother Bella. Notice their Fat bellies. They are due to kid  in a few weeks.

Alex our Mini Nubian Buck and the girls, minus Lily and Violet who were hiding.

Alex is a silly boy. He loves to play with me whenever I come in the pen. This might not be a good  habit to start with him but he cracks me up and he is a harmless sweet boy. He is a Ham, But what Buck isn't. That's why I love them so much.








Ive been going outside several times a day to check on Josie and Elle. They are Due February 22nd. I think Alex may have gotten to them earlier, as they are showing signs that it may be closer than what I thought. I cannot wait for cute Lil Mini Nubian floppy eared babies!

Reused....Recycled....Save big!

I love the idea of reusing and recycling everyone's so called garbage into something useful and at the same time saving us tons of money.Ive been known to garbage pick, and stop on the side of the road when I see an old window or something useful.
While I was browsing around on the black hole called "Pinterest" The site of distraction – sucking me into its greatness for hours on end. I stumbled upon a bunch of photo's of people reusing and recycling Pallets into pure awesomeness. And with projects that never seem to end around here and a very tight budget,  we began our search for these useful pieces of greatness.

I see so many pallets going to waste, When they could be turned into such amazing things
Here are a few facts about Pallets in America:

*200 Million - # of trees that are logged every year for pallets

*500,000 - # of trees are felled every day for pallets
*40% - Overall US wood consumption % for pallets

So we scored big time and brought home a trailer full of Pallets. we have a few projects in mind.


*First on the list are compost bins, Super easy to do with pallets
*Next is a milk shed, Since my doe's are due in a month I will need a place to milk them.

*And the 3rd and biggest project is a pallet greenhouse.

( Should take awhile)

So instead of buying wood we vow to save as many pallets from the landfill as we can.
I will be putting up the finished projects on the blog as they are finished because "man time" as I call it is precious around here, and we never seem to have enough of it. Brad is a working machine and I can only do so much without a man around lol.

So here is the simple Pallet compost bins done with 5 pallets joined with L brackets and screws. This was so easy that my mom and I were able to just slap it together. And with this Oddly warm January weather we were able to do this. And paint it!! Never have I said I was able to paint outside in the middle of a Midwestern winter!




This is the front side facing the road. We stained it to match.


The inside




Next is the milking shed which we have started on already. Pics to come!

Kip and his Friend Gurdie the goose

(This video has music, You may need to disable blog music below)

This story starts about A month ago. We had around 8 geese we took in to be processed, My mom decided to keep the one pretty looking white goose for breeding. I appropriately named her Gurdie, Since she looks like a Gurdie to me.
Gurdie roamed around sadly for a few days missing her siblings, which made me feel pretty horrible for taking the others in. After all Geese are smarter creatures than what most people believe. They all have their own personalities and pet like traits, unlike chickens and other barn yard poultry.

After a little while we noticed Gurdie following Kip everywhere he went. At first we though she was being territorial or maybe didn't like Kip. Since Gurdie used to be kind of temperamental when she was with her clan. Since she has been alone she has calmed down a lot and has become more sociable.
I think we knew they had become friends when every time Kip would bark (which is very often) Gurdie would do her goosey honk. She follows him everywhere all the time now. Its pretty entertaining watching them throughout the day.
I love it when two completely different animal species can love each other and become friends. I think if people could spend time with animals they could learn a great deal on forgiveness,Love,and friendship.Or maybe to just live in the moment like a dog, to forget the past and the future and to just be ♥

Before the snow flies

So much has to be done around the farm that has been put off or we haven't found the time for before the snow flies.So Brad took the day off today and we got some much needed work done. The garden has been mowed and plowed, Plastic has been pulled, Potatoes dug, The rest of the Arugula and Swiss chard picked and done! Now all we have to do is spread some manure and everything is finished for the year in the garden.

Mowing was first on the list. Our garden was a grass field. We have had several complaints from conventional farmers telling us we needed to spray. I just say I don't mind picking in the weeds, Plus its is so pretty in the fall LOL  I actually use the grass as centerpieces and its beautiful!           

The plastic needed pulling. I don't like the idea of using so much plastic but there is no way we could do without it! It keeps the plants from being overwhelmed with weeds in the summer and it also keeps the bugs at bay some since the plastic heats up.We have found dead cucumber beetles on it from the summer sun. Awesome!

Plowing was a chore today actually. I think we may need to upgrade to a bigger one. The grass kept getting stuck in it today, requiring Brad to stop every 20 feet or so to be cleaned out.

 To my surprise I found some broccoli left that was hidden in the weeds. I kept the greens for the goats and chomped on the heads while working. I must say this was some of the best broccoli Ive tasted, I'm sure the frost had something to do with that. It was so so sweet! even though it was a little past ripe.

 The best tasting spinach ever! They say it gets sweeter and better after a frost.This spinach tasted like a sweet almond, Exactly! Amazing!

We harvested the rest of the Swiss chard and arugula for ourselves. Surprisingly it grew back pretty fast in this cold weather.This is a lot of Chard. Maybe I will make soup with it.

The arugula Grew back amazingly fast since our last market!

 Brad found this French Breakfast radish that was hidden and grew all summer.

Let there be light

The chicken house is now lit for the winter and its a big relief!

Its been a little pathetic around here when it comes to egg production.For a couple months we have been way below average for 200 hens and haven't been able to keep up with demand for some of our loyal costumers.We finally decided to light up the chicken house. We sort of put it off since It was pretty expensive to light a mobile chicken house in the pasture,450 feet of extension cord isn't cheap!
We used our grow lights with a timer for the lighting. We also went and bought some cattle panel to make a little pen for overwinter. We open it up during the day and close it up at night. So now we wait and see if this extra amount of light helps any, I sure hope so!

Brad getting everything situated in the coop

It looks a little messy but Were making do for now.

Roosting up for the night. Its nice to finally be able to see in the coop at night. Actually it's kinda of fun to go down there at night in the cold, sit in the warm coop with Brad and talk.

All comfy cozy.
We use the deep litter system in the winter months. We layer shavings and use barn lime and   Diatomaceous Earth to keep it dry. This layering of the bedding decomposes and creates heat like a compost pile. Not too much heat but just enough to make it cozy for the girls without having to use too many heat lamps.

                                        

Puppies..Wonderful wonderful puppies♥

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive.  ~Gilda Radner


Puppy update. They are getting big, fluffy, and so darn cute!

All but one of our pups are sold. We have a little girl pup left.
It is going to be a sad day when these little fluff balls of love leave the farm. They bring pure joy. Nothing can make you feel better like sitting with a puppy for a few minutes, and you instantly feel amazingly happy.
If I could, I would be surrounded by puppies all the time hahaha well that would be impossible and irresponsible and would probably classify someone as running a puppy mill.But its still a dream :)
The puppies are starting to wag their cute lil tails when you walk in and are starting to run around and play. Man they grow so fast, I see the change daily.



This is the biggest pup in the litter of 6. He is a watcher and is always checking things out.

My goal: To soak up as much puppy love I can until these little guys go to their new homes.

Eggplant Preserves

Here is a simple and easy recipe for all your extra fall Eggplant

Brad came in from the garden a few days ago with a grocery sack full of eggplant that went unseen. Mostly because they were hidden in the weeds lol. Now I'm not a huge fan of eggplant. It's always been bitter tasting to me. And I hate wasting the veggies so I decided to make a preserve out of it all. This recipe is so yummy. Its very clovey tasting and almost resembles a pie like flavor. This is great for crackers or would also be awesome on Ham,or as a marinade. Another great idea is on a grilled turkey and provolone sandwich when used as a chutney.

Eggplant Preserves

Ingredients:
2 lbs eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2'' cubes
3 cups white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tbs finely ground clove
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups lemon juice
5 cups water




Instructions:

1. combine eggplant with 3 cups of water and 1 cup lemon juice in a pot and bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until eggplant is tender, stirring occasionally. Drain.

2. Add remaining 2 cups of water, white and brown sugar, spices and 1/4 cups of lemon juice. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for approx. 25-30 minutes as the syrup thickens, mixing frequently.
( I added pectin to this recipe to make it thicker)

3.Cool and transfer preserves to sterilized jars. Store in refrigerator for up to one week.

What can we eat?

Here is a link I wanted to share of some new reports saying that some chicken meat may contain small amounts of arsenic
FDA: Some chicken may have small amount of arsenic

And another great Link!

http://scienceline.org/2006/09/env-wenner-arsenic/

The thing that gets me is they claim that although the meat may contain arsenic, that the amount in the meat is so small that it poses no threat to human health...Seriously!! come on. I really don't want any amount in the food I eat. This is very disturbing! How did the arsenic even get there to begin with? Arsenic causes cancer even at the low levels currently found in our enviroment. Arsenic also causes, Heart disease,and diabetes!

The commercial broiler chicken industry has a decade old practice of intentionally putting arsenic into the chicken feed as a microbe inhibitor, But why...I want to know WHY!! What is the reason for this? Is there really anything we can  safely eat anymore?
Which brings me to the reason and importance of being more self sufficient.
When Brad and I had our Broiler chickens processed I had been very hesitant to eating one yet.These chickens became like pets to me, and would greet me every morning. But after reading this, I now have one finally thawing in my kitchen LOL. This is what it took I suppose to make me finally eat one of our Birds. I know that next year we will be doing more free ranged birds to fill up our freezer!
Self sufficient and off the grid....Our goals!

An exciting day of new life on the farm

The puppies are here, the puppies are here! Yes it is an exciting day here on the farm. Bella is a new mommy to 6 healthy chubby pups. 2 males and 4 females. All with beautiful badger markings.

(Bella in labor and looking very uncomfortable)

Bella went into labor yesterday morning. She began nesting and looked irritated. She had her first puppy at 9:00pm, and had a puppy ever hour until the last one was born at 2:00am. All went well with no problems.

Here is a little video






  

Cute Fuzzy adorable Pyrenees puppies

For as long as I can remember Ive always wanted to raise and breed Great Pyrenees dogs. This breed isn't for everyone, but they are an amazing breed! Our main reason for choosing this breed is for protection of our livestock, along with the Pyrenees sweet gentle nature with their flock,small animals and people.

On Valentines day 2007 Brad bought me my dream and the most adorable puppy! My Sammy Bear.
This is Sam at just 9 weeks, He was BIG boy!!

Building my dream slowly a few years later Bella joined the family. 
A year and a half later, and an OK from our vet, (Since you usually wait a full 2 years) We planned a romantic date for the two. Puppies on their way!! We can't wait! If all went well She will be due November 1st 2011

Our reason for wanting to breed the Pyrenees is this breed is kind of hard to find in our area, I feel there is a need for this breed in our area. For livestock farmers, or just people who want a amazing, sweet, gentle giant of a dog that is also able to keep predators away. The Pyrenees have also been used to watch over children instead of livestock!
Even though the Pyrenees is super gentle and sweet, these dogs can be very aggressive when they need to be. They usually sleep a lot during the day and are up at night barking and keeping critters away.

 Sam came from Buddy Bottoms Boer goat farm in Iowa. He came from show and working lines. There is a big difference in straight working and straight show lines in this breed.
Sam for example is a lot bigger and has a Immensely super thick fluffy long coat, which is common in show lines. Burrs and sticks have to be worked or cut out.

Bella is on the smaller side, and has a shorter close to the body coat type,

 Its still thick compared to most other breeds, But it's much thinner than Sammy's coat and burrs and sticks don't get stuck in her hair as easily. This is  typical of straight working lines. Mainly because the working lines of Pyrenees needed a thick yet short coat so no debris would get stuck to their hair while working sheep and goats in the Pyrenees  mountains.

If interested in a Pyrenees pup please contact us on Facebook. Puppies will not be registered. Sam Is AKC but Bella is not.I don't feel the need breed registered dogs, I would rather breed for working ability.

Washed in golden beautiful-ness

It's the first day of fall and everything is washed in golden beautiful-ness!
Fall is my favorite season and gives me a warm cozy feeling. I think that's just my bodies way of setting into a hibernation mode lol.
I love the lighting this time of year, Its more muted and warm toned. I could sit outside for hours just soaking it all in as the birds gather and the geese fly overhead. The corn and soybean fields are just beautiful, as the warm fall sun gleams a honey toned cast over it all. Even things as simple as the grass are a sight to be seen. The golden seed head swaying back and forth like stalks of wheat.As everything and Everyone gets ready for the arrival of winter.Fall also means breeding season here on the farm, and getting everything situated in the barn and winterized. And Projects finished before the cold weather hits. And an exciting time as well, as we will be expecting a litter of Great Pyrenees pups on November 1st and goat babies in February and March! As Life dies back in fall we welocome new life in the middle of it all. Exciting times here on the farm.
Its also means my clothesline drying days are dwindling down as things just aren't drying as fast as they were.A very sad reality in my world!
But as we say goodbye to summer and the growing seasons, The cold weather crops are in for Octobers harvest. We will have radishes,lettuce,arugula,spinach,and Swiss Chard. Maybe that will give us a taste of spring again before we put the garden to rest for the year.

 

 

One of the goats out in the beautiful fall grass

Brad out checking the fall seedling up in the garden

All life is precious

So yesterday we had a load of hay come in from our hay guy.  I saw a big cat that wasn't ours jump out as the wagon was coming down our drive. I thought "Oh great another wild cat on the farm" As this usually happens every year when hay comes lol.
As it was being unloaded, my brother stumbled upon a new litter of 4 kittens that must have been born in the bales a week ago I'm guessing as their eyes aren't open yet.
Now We could have called up our hay guy and have him come and get them, But I couldn't do that.
Ive heard to many horror stories of what these "Old time farmer mentality" guys do to a litter of farm kittens. Too many cats on the farm, So they will dispose of them. Not taking into consideration of how all life is precious and everything has a purpose. I left the kitties on the hay wagon overnight thinking momma cat might come back and get them, But she didn't. So first thing this morning I brought them into the house, Fed them eyedroppers of goat milk and made them a cozy place to sleep. Their bellies are full and hopefully I will be able to find them good homes when the time comes.

My 15 year old Chihuaua, "Baby" is taking to them well, And is almost acting like they are puppies. I'm hoping she lays with them and keeps them warm. Baby has great maternal instincts. She took to a baby pot belly pig we had once.