PRODUCT REVIEW - US FOOD SUPPLY - NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE...

After moving to Alabama, I become aware of the level of pesticides &fertilizers that are used on crops: corn, wheat, potatoes etc., even home gardeners use them. I have come to learn that the residual pesticide stays in our food.

I read every label and stay away from seed oils & BIO engineered ingredients. 

I cook homemade mainly, I will buy processed food if it is "healthy" taco shells, something hard for me to make or Potatoe chips (which I don't buy allot) - It is easy to make these at home, but messy!

Making my own tater tots & pizza rolls. (LOTS OF WORK but yummy) 

Pictures of my Tator Tots & Pizza Rolls:

Homemade Pizza Rolls

Homemade Tator Tots

PRODUCT REVIEWS - Both 5 Stars

Cooked in Avocado Oil Chips

Healthier Option Taco Shells 

These are my two new products that I tried, I wanted tacos and did not want any BIO engineered ingredients.

"Siete: Grain Free Taco Shells - I am not gluten intolerant no on any specific fad diet - After a quick warm up - they were GOOD!  I recommend. 

The second is "The Boulder Canyon: Potatoe Chips - Fried in Avacoda Oil - which is an excellent oil up there with Olive Oil.

There are reasons I don't use seed oils - but I am not going to preach here about that there is plenty of information of why seed oils are filled with toxic ingredients.

CLEARING THE WATERS - WAR ON OUR DRINKING WATER

 Many may not be aware that the EPA has gone after Berkey Filters - Oh yeah!

The EPA is requesting that Berkey face pesticide registration!  NO - I am not kidding! It appears to me the US Government does not want its citizens to have access to clean drinking water - this is how I read it!

Berkey Filters can filter out gasoline from your water - yes it can - the Government does NOT was us having clean water!  

 EPA going against water filtration

I am linking this post - but here is the bottom line - note the "timeframe" 2022" interesting yes!  when we have the WEF/UN encouraging governments to slow our water consumption (restrict it) - eat bugs - not meat - do away with gas products & reduce the population .... YEP, this is real life Now in the USA/World!

I bit of history below - read the news in this link - The Backstory on the EPA Situation (berkeyfilters.com)  

"Everything changed two days after Christmas

On December 27, 2022 JEI was issued a Stop Sale or Removal Order (SSURO) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) preventing any sales of Berkey water filter system products. The reason for the stop sale order alleges that “Berkey water filter systems were unregistered, misbranded pesticides,” according to an EPA Inspector.

According to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), “a pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, or intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant, or any nitrogen stabilizer.”

Due to claims that Berkey treats living microorganisms like bacteria, a pest, this water filter should be, per FIFRA definition, categorized as a pesticide or pesticide device".

 

 

THE WAY PEOPLE VIEW YOU

Sometimes I think about the different characters I play in everybody’s story.

I’m a terrible person in some people's narratives and a Godsend in others.

And none of it has anything to do with the person I truly am.

The lens that others view you through is coloured by their upbringing, beliefs, and individual experiences.

Some people see your bright personality as endearing and others see it as annoying.

Some people think you’re weak and emotional and others feel safe to be themselves around you.

Some people think you’re rude and selfish and others respect the way you stand up for yourself.

Some people admire the way you take pride in the way you look and live your life, and and others think you’re conceited and think you're better than everyone.

Many like to disparage you, especially to other family, your personal friends. 

And none of it has to do with who you truly are as a person.

What you have to understand is that you have no authority over how people view you, speak negatively about you, so never try to control the way others see you or speak about you because the only thing that truly matters when the dust settles down at the end of the day is what you genuinely see in yourself and how God sees you, GOD loves unconditionally - He knows your history, sorrow & regrets!

APOTHECARY SHOP - PLANS FOR THE HOMESTEAD - SHARING & CULTIVATING NEW RECIPES

We hope by end of next year '2024' we will establish our LLC so we can offer a variety of Home Made/DIY products - soaps, cleaners, candles, deodorant, & various beauty products, as well as sell our eggs & turkeys (we won't be processing the turkeys but will suggest a good butcher.)

We purchased my she-shed for selling on the farm - NOW it is testing recipes to fill it & work on acquiring labels, containers & such!

Below, I will be sharing one of my favorite deodorant products, I like the cream-based vs the one I put in the tube, though I will be offering tube deodorant. 

DIY DEODORANT

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 Tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 Tablespoon grated beeswax, 2 grams
• 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 4 + drops essential oils of your choice

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Melt the coconut oil & beeswax together in a small *saucepan over low heat. 
• When the wax is completely melted, add the cornstarch/arrowroot & baking soda, mix until thoroughly combined. 
• Add the essential oils, if using, adding to your preference.

Source recipe for DIY Deodorant below👇

DIY Deodorant

*I have my own thrift store cooking pots & utensils for my soap making & DIY products.  

Next month, I will post a Pine Needle DIY Pine cleaner - Must test it first! 

FARM LIFE - MOVING TO OUR HOMESTEAD 2021 - PROGRESS FINALLY!

We had dreams for years on moving & starting a new business/farm - The excitement of it all!  The idea was to cultivate bees for honey & wax (wax to use in our planned apothecary); raise turkeys for meat profit, sell eggs (chickens, & duck) We recently ordered 65 pullets & we’re so excited to have them join our farm this July, we currently have 30 - We plan to add much more next year! 2024!!  

Some Newbies asked me "How do you store your fresh eggs?" well, it depends, many in my community don't want "washed eggs" - I accommodate those that don't want "washed eggs, I always Identify the eggs that are NOT WASHED on the label...everyone else gets washed eggs! 

I found this bowl at a antique store, I think it was originally used for making bread - not sure? -  This bowl can handle my eggs. 

 

My favorite niece brought me a little spiral egg keeper!   Love it!!  (Thank you Tory)     

FARM BOOTS - WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT?

The most expensive farm boots I purchased only lasted less than a year 😞- I found that many high-end brands their boots were hard to get on & off regardless of what money I spent & they did not last very long! I won't disparage the brands that disappointed me but I will say that a shopping trip to ALDI - provided me the best ever slip-on/slip-off Farm Boots & I did not have to spend a fortune, actually, I spent a whopping 17.99 for the boots you see below👇. My expectations for these boots are only about a year or two.... for the price - I got a good deal!  

Having a good pair of farm boots will dramatically improve my day, we don't stand still for long at Hooterville Homestead!   - My Sister Corinne purchased me boots last year from a local store for 12.00 - I still have them, though the soul is now thin & slippery - my new boots have some "Grip."   

Farm Girls - we don't need the most expensive farm boots - we just need the most comfortable & reliable! 

BEES & ALL THE POSIBILITIES!!

My spouse recently started two beehives - he plans on expanding his hives as he learns on how to care for them, especially when working them over the winter. - he is grateful he has hands on sponsors.   

Additionally, he will sell his honey using the Bee Associations processing facilities (for free) we may decide later to add our own processing facility on site, we are not leaning that way yet.

Having access to wax got me thinking - Back in Virginia I made my own candles, cosmetics, lip balm, deodorant etc... using purchased beeswax - soon I will have access to free wax & the possibilities are endless!

I have purchased two new books on how utilize our wax. - I am super excited!

Below is one of my favorite homemade deodorants using beeswax - I LOVE IT - IT WORKS! I am sharing from the original source - I use patchouli as my essential oil.

As for buying supplies for Hooterville's Apothecary Shop, securing the "right" labels" & anything else you might need - I like to use this site to buy my Bulk Apothecary jars & assorted supplies -  Apothecary Shop .  There are so many choices - so do some research!

Super excited to get our farm business up and running this year, with eggs, turkeys, ducks & more.

💗Hooterville Homestead! 

PRESERVING & STORING EGGS

Chickens are easy farm animals to have - provide them a safe space, quality feed, clean their coops weekly & provide fresh water daily. 

Hooterville Homestead Logo

We seem to have an abundance of eggs. Many homesteaders use the water glass storage method for their eggs, some crack an egg in cube trays & freeze (great for baking), other dehydrate (no idea how they do this last method)  I do know that when you dehydrate, you should store in freezer.

Not being a person that likes to "reinvent the wheel" I am sharing a link on tried and true methods. For those that are not aware of the many methods to preserve eggs!

https://www.thepurposefulpantry.com/how-to-preserve-eggs/

 Stock up and get ready for the colder months when eggs are scarce. 

Happy SPRING!

Hooverville Homestead

NEW AL HOMESTEAD - A FIXER UPPER

Welcome Hooterville - https://www.hootervillehomestead.com!  I am back, now that we have a long awaited property, I can concentrate on the homestead living aspect of life and blog.

It has only taken 17 years!! I have waited 17 years to finally move to a farm!  We settled in a new state  - 25+ acres - 2 ponds - 1 large barn (needs work) 

• Chickens purchased - 10 to start
• Planted 25 fruit tries so farm - 10 peach and 5 apple - 10 pear-  more coming... 
• Can't wait to get the garden started! - so many plans in the works.

Husband has his area of the farm, he has his own orchard and various other trees to go along with his 'food plot" - always the hunter! 

My plan is to "pay it forward" - I want to provide a non-profit farm to help the community, with eggs, and various fruits and vegetables.

Stay tuned! 

Meanwhile - some Photos of the homestead

 

Nancy @ Hooterville

THANKSGIVING THANKFUL - GOD - FAMILY - FOOD - FRIENDS - GRATITUDE

 I am thankful!  I have a new Home State - a New Homestead - Renewed Relationships - a New Beginning! Excited for sure! 

I lived for 17 years in Virginia - it was such a horrible experience for me - from getting a very disfunction job with Dept. of Interior - working and living in a hostile environment - Non of this was pleasant, I was depressed, unhappy, miserable - Yet, I remain grateful for that experience, I learned much about myself, became a better person.  I guess I needed to be in that situation to get to where I am now! That is how God works - Grateful, Thankful!

My talented Daughter drew this!

Who else is excited to cook this year for Thanksgiving?

I want to share with y'all  a new "food find" - I rediscovered the best ever flour! Check out my favorite mill - You will not be disappointed!  

https://www.palousebrand.com

Using Palouse Brand I made:  

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole Wheat Blue Berry Coffee Cake

Melt in your Mouth Sugar Cookies

For a quick cookie to make on the holidays or any day actually the "Melt in your Mouth Sugar Cookies". This recipe is so easy! Low on sugar - a very popular cookie - you will eat the crumbs out of the jar. 

Providing you a link to my favorite cookie!

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/10856/melt-in-your-mouth-shortbread/

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO FIND FRIENDS AS AN OLDER ADULT WHEN YOU MOVE?

and I add "fit" into an established community/coworkers!   

Speaking from experience, I can say that moving from coast to coast is more difficult for older adults, making friends takes emotional, and sometimes physical effort, as I have aged, making those efforts became harder to pull off.  

It is important to know friends can always be made, just be one!

As I prepare to move away from my home of 14+ years,  I take with me valuable lessons.  I had more than a difficult time "fitting in" when I came to Virginia, this was not the case for the first year I lived in Maryland, my new friendships flourished, I thrived, I was happy.  Moving & living in Virginia brought me to my lowest point of unhappiness ever in my life, I survived, learned and grew.

Lessons I learned on how to find new friends:  

1. Make the First Move.

• Don’t be shy. Take the initiative and introduce yourself to your new neighbors right after you move in.

2. Just Say Yes.

• Say yes to any and all invitations and opportunities in your new city. 

3.  Volunteer in your community. 
     *best thing I did, met many a wonderful gal pal!

• Seek and search out how you can help your community, work in a food bank, find a senior in a nursing home, read to children, become a big sister or brother.

4.  My Tips 

• Don't expect all to fall in line immediately, the 'right' person will show up!
• Join an online group such as "Meetup" - https://www.meetup.com (you will find in App store)  I found some groups that hike and go out for group functions, even have a yoga meet up!

A Nancy Story: 

When I was recovering from my knee surgery, I was advised to take an aqua swim class, my first day in the pool, I was so excited and encouraged, as I was standing at the end of the pool, this older lady came up to me and told me I was in 'her' spot, I look around, and my first thought was "really" Grandma Gangster, this is a public pool! 

Without saying anything, I did move over, the Gangster Grandma Group later that morning did invite me to the hot tub and lunch after our swim, I fielded a few questions from the Gangsters. (lol)   I still see them from time to time.

My Gangster moment at one time would have crushed my feelings and lowered my spirits, but in my dealings with mean co-workers and a hateful community and the unwelcomeness (like I never ever had experienced), I knew now this was not about "me"  or anything I did or not do, it was all about their low self-esteem, short mindedness, rude and inconsiderate behavior.  

Just prepare yourself and know that not everyone is going to like you, don't deter, be yourself, be true to yourself.

HEALTHY, HAPPY THANKSGIVING

There was a time when I would hear "Healthy" I would think "YUCK"

Now I think! WOW, how can I make it taste better, real food, real good and healthy!

I won't compromise on one item at Thanksgiving... and that is Stuffing!!

I can low carb just about anything.... like the following:

1. Cauliflower mashed potatoes
2. Gravy (not made from fat drippings)
3. Desserts
4. Veggie sides

I say buy Fresh - 

Lemony Green Beans

Clean, and take off tips of beans about a pound - Blanche beans and put in an ice bath and drain...

In a saute pan add a tablespoon or more of olive and 1 tablespoon of butter, add a 1/2 tsp of freshly grated garlic.. saute, add the beans, and saute until the beans come soft....  add the juice of 1/2 lemon and 1/2 tsp of zest and sliced almonds, salt, and pepper.

There are so many blogs that cover all the basics of 'Skinny it up" that if anyone wants an idea how to help them skinny it up!  let me know.

BEST EVER POTATO SALAD - CAULIFLOWER STYLE

Are you a fan of potato salad?  Have you given this dish up due to the high carb content? 

This ‘mock’ recipe is absolutely delish!! 

INGREDIENTS

1 pound cauliflower florets, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

Kosher salt

1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise, I love Sir Kensington

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 ½ teaspoon fresh dill

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickle

1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped red onions

1 tablespoon pickle juice

6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

paprika, for garnish

This is AS tasty or Better

INSTRUCTIONS

Place 1 inch of water in a large pot with 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, dill, pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Chop 4 of the eggs and add to the bowl with the cauliflower. Slice the remaining two eggs for topping.

Add pickle, celery, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and red onion. Add the mayo mixture and pickle juice to the cauliflower and toss gently to evenly coat. Garnish with remaining sliced eggs and sprinkle with paprika.

Courtesy of:   https://www.skinnytaste.com/low-carb-potato-salad

HOMEMADE IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2021

I decided to repost this for 2021 - we all know the the cost of goods have skyrocketed, and money being needed for basic necessities - HOME MADE does not have to be expensive, it can be a simple cake, cornbread - anything! 

I so LOVE homemade over store-bought!   It does not have to be overwhelming, cost a ton or anything!   

I start buying certain ingredients in late summer…. So by November, I have what I need for MY DECEMBER Christmas/Hanukkah /Holiday BOX. 

   

I learned that my love language was food …. I love sending food! - to eat as soon as you get the BOX or to make!  

Some of my favorites: 

• Semi-prepared muffins, they can be tailored to any Holiday.  

Homemade: 

• Jar of Jam 
• Sugar Cookies  
• Cheez-it’s 
• Candles

Holiday Gift Box

I also made a book of pictures and stories from holidays past, (I took all those photo holiday cards from my family, put them in a binder, and each year, I pull them out, and add to it….  This would also make a great gift. 

Family is what you what to make of it, make each holiday count, was is precious!

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK 2019

For those that not been to the Shenandoah National Park or Virginia - I am sharing a few photos of Gods handy work and the eye of a talented photographer.  

This local lady gets access to the park anytime, as I live only 15 miles away, and I back up to 90 acres of beauty!  We get so much traffic from all that want to see the beauty of the season - I stay home on the weekends. 

Sharing photographer, Scott Turnmeyer Photography, lucky for me he lives locally.

Taken recently in Shenandoah National Park October 2019

Truly, walking on the trails is this beautiful

I have spent nights in the park - the beauty is breathtaking

Sunset September 2019 Hogback Overlook 

 The Shenandoah River

The River!  Oh so beautiful

ANYTIME MUFFINS

A coworker shared this recipe with me and I love that it is an easy pack for hiking.... He called them "Larry's Healthy Muffins"...

I also add additional spices, feel free to personalize to your preference.  Next time I may add orange or lemon zest. 

With harvest here, these muffins pack nicely, don't need to be refrigerated and would be a great addition to a potluck, BBQ, camping and hiking.

Respectfully Hooterville House - recipe below:

Bake 350 for 18 – 22 minutes (I like moist muffins - I bake about 15 - 18)

Makes 24 muffins..

Weight Watchers 3 points –I freeze them for breakfasts with yogurt

1-½ Whole Wheat flour

¾ cup Oat Bran

¾ Ground Flax Seed

1 cup Nuts of your choice (or you can omit) I like pecans

¾ Cup Brown Sugar (I used Date Sugar) – With brown sugar it is sweeter – but date sugar is GREAT too!

2 tsp soda

1 tsp Baking Power

¼ tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

 (note I add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger and allspice) not part of original recipe

2 cups shredded carrots

2 apples (cut into chucks – this time I shredded with the carrots)

1 large egg

¾ cup milk (I used almond milk the first time I made these)

2 Tsp Vanilla  

BEST EVER CORNBREAD

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square pan.
2. Melt butter in large skillet. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. 
   
5. www.allrecipes.com/recipe  Recipe By:BETHANYWEATHERSBY.

CUPCAKES - THE GIFT OF HOMEMADE

Do your kids, grandkids, friends live far away?  

FOOD is my Love Language!

Here is an option for those wanting to send a "semi-homemade" treat to your loved ones.  

Below is a semi-premade mix.....  I added comments for my daughter in some instructions. 

(WET INGREDIENTS)

3/4 c (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

        1 1/2 cup granulated sugar (fine sugar)

3 extra-large (3/4 cup, or 6 ounces) eggs, room temperature

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract (use the vanilla bean paste) YUM

1 tsp. almond extract (I also sent some). 

1 1/4 c sour cream, room temperature

(DRY INGREDIENTS  - IN THE BAG)

2 1/2 c (312g) cake flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.

With mixer on medium-low, add the eggs 1 at a time, allowing them to incorporate before adding next.

With mixer off, add the vanilla, almond extract, and sour cream. Turn mixer on low until incorporated then high for about 1 minute.

ADD THE DRY INGREDIENTS IN BAG

With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the batter until just combined. Remove bowl from mixer and finish stirring with a spatula to be sure the batter is completely mixed.

Using a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop or a measuring cup, divide batter into cupcake pans.

Bake for 16-20 minutes or until cupcake springs back when pressed in the center.