Homemade Mineral Sunscreen
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comments (241)
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by: FarmScratchHomestead
I learned the differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens and UVA and UVB rays.
And ultimately have been using this recipe for a homemade mineral based sunscreen ever since.
This sunscreen along with a real food diet has been extremely effective at eliminating sun burns in our home. ��
Ingredients:
-1/4 cup beeswax
-1/2 cup non-nano zinc oxide
-1/4 cup tallow
-1/3 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup coconut oil
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to a glass, heat safe mason jar or 2 cup glass measuring cup.
2. Create a double boiler by filling a sauce pan 1/3 to half full and placing your jar with ingredients inside.
3. Heat saucepan over medium to high heat, stirring contents of jar until everything is melted.
4. Once melted pour into desired containers.
See the full post https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cq5voTapeiV/?fbclid=IwAR3fMRiE46XUSxdU7pS6zp9eytbb_i3nDHKig3wQItDDJltp19IAAA2AWvs" target="_blank">here.
Simple Lunch Meals For Picky Kids
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- Turkey Sandwich. Add some mayonnaise, some lettuce or some sliced tomatoes. You can customize it any way you want and any way your kids prefer it.
- Ham sandwich. You can mix it up with some ranch dressing to keep it moist and add some onion and lettuce.
- Baloney sandwich. Combined with some mustard and you have a timeless classic.
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich. With the protein in peanut butter and a fruit serving in the jelly, it's packed full of flavor and is even healthier with whole-wheat bread.
- Tuna sandwich. Mix it up with some mayonnaise and put it on some toasted bread.
- Wraps. You can offer your child wraps that are made of chicken, hummus, even beef or steak. They are fun to eat, and you can sneak some veggies in there such as cabbage, kale or lettuce.
- Burritos. They're like wraps, but have lots of flavor packed in them. Put in some rice, beans, and your child's favorite meats and you're good to go!
- TV dinners. It comes in a box already, and your child can just heat it up in the microwave and have a fancy dinner all to themselves! They can have anything from pasta to meats and side dishes.
- Quesadillas. You can cook them the night before school and put them in some tupperware. Put some chicken or beef with some cheese and sliced peppers and onions and you're good to go!
- Salads. I'm talking about pasta salads, potatoes salads, tuna salads, anything that doesn't have to do with lettuce. You can put anything in there and the kids will love it!
- Veggies. You can make a bag of sliced carrots and celery with some dip. Try out different sauces so you can figure out which ones your kids prefer.
- Fruit. Put in an apple, an orange, a pear, a banana, or any fruit you think your kid would enjoy. If they're younger, it's best to go with fruit you don't have to peel or cut. A bag of grapes, blueberries or raspberries works too.
- Nuts. Include your kid's favorite nuts such as peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts or sunflower seeds. This of course is if your child and the school has no allergies.
- Crackers. Whole-grain are the healthiest, but you can also go for more popular brands like Ritz if you know that's what your child will eat. They can spread some cream cheese, sliced cheese, hummus, or anything.
- Meat jerky. Kids hate meat sandwiches? Throw in some jerky for a chewy, protein-packed snack.
- Cheese. Whether it's cubed or sliced, kids love cheese. You can pair it up with some crackers or baguette bread if it's a spread.
- Granola bar. There are granola bars, breakfast bars, protein bars and more that you can offer to your child for snack time at school.
- Applesauce. They come in so many flavors like strawberry, blueberry, even carrot and of course apple. Get a variety pack and have your kid taste them and pick out their favorites.
- Fruit Juice. Get them a dose of fruit with the most common drinks given to kids; there are so many different flavors to choose from and they're relatively cheap!
- Milk. You can find cartons of milk, or even small milk bottles you can give to your kids. Some come in chocolate or strawberry flavor, so even the pickiest of children get their daily dose of calcium.
- Yogurt. Drinkable yogurts guarentee your child gets their probiotics and calcium all on one flavorful beverage. Once again plenty of flavors to choose from.
- Smoothie. You can make these at home, or you can buy some that are sold in small bottles or big jugs to pour from. You can sneak some veggies like carrots in there along with some fruit to guarentee your child gets their fill of the most important food groups.
- Vegetable juice. They come in cans and can be opened with tabs just like a soda. Often in tomato juice flavors, you get at least one serving of fruit per can.
Hardy And Over-Producing Perennials To Grow In Your Garden
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by: Dr. Stephanie McEndree
Unlike a lot of blog posts I have seen out there, some people truly do enjoy invastive, over-pruducing and hardy perennials to reap a ripe harvest. Whether you are planting a little bit that you want to spread over a large area or you want to plant it in a pot to keep it contained, these plants can come in handy. You can plant it once, and harvest it forever with a large production.
Rhubarb. The roots and leaves are poisonous, so be sure only to harvest the stalks. As soon as it starts to flower, remove the flower and that entire stalk so the plant focuses oh making a ripe harvest. You can harvest in the spring time as well as the fall. The leaves get very big so they can block the sun from other plants so be sure to give it some space.
Mint has been described by many homesteaders and gardeners to be invasive. Even just one mint plant will multiply into many and take over your garden very quickly. So if all you have is mint or all you want is mint, this is the plant for you. To keep it under control, you can keep it in a pot. However, mint can be a steady source of income during the summer, sometimes even during the colder months. You can simply uproot the plants you don't want, get a cheap pot at the dollar store, and sell them locally. If you keep them in a big pot indoors, they will have enough room to make more plants, which you can sell during the winter as well. The harvest is always huge, as mint plants grow tall with many leaves, and even flowers in July.
Chives are told to be impossible to get rid of, so be sure you want this in your garden. I've seen people say they have removed bulbs yet still have chives growing in their garden, or that in May they are already getting started. Be sure chives is something you or someone you know would appreciate eating or having. What is lovely about chives is that they will grow each and every year without fault after you planted them once. You will have plenty of food for years to come!
Oregano is an herb used for cooking, popurri or as a spice. It's very resiliant, so you don't have to worry about your oregano plants dying. Simply put them in a pot and keep them by the sun and water them. You can also plant them outside in your garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest in the warmer months.
Creeping Thyme is another herb that is used as a spice or in cooking. It adds an earthy taste to your dish and is great to add in oven-baked goods as well as crock-pot recipes. Plant it in your outdoor garden, or even as a crop if you have a farm.
St Johns Wort has many healing properties. It's said to be used as a natural supplement to treat depression among many other things. It produces well and has a great survival rate. This can be potted or used outdoors. For better protection against bugs and chemicals, put them in a pot indoors. Just don't fertilize them in this case as the whole house will start smelling.
Bamboo has the same uses as wood and can even be made into textiles. It grows fast and over-produces and is very invasive. If you are able to plant some, be sure it's far away from other plants as it will take over your garden. Lots of buildings are made with bamboo as well as furniture, clothing, blankets and bags. Bamboo comes in handy if you know what to do with it.
Edible Weeds To Forage From Your Backyard
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comments (33)
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by: Dr. Stephanie McEndree
Edible greens can come from surprising places. Some are so hardy that they grow through cracks in the sidewalk! A lot of people simply remove weeds and throw them away. You can simply harvest them, wash them, and eat them. In fact, here are the most common weeds in almost every backyard that are not only edible, but bring a lot of nutritional value to your daily meals.
Clover has many different uses. You can pick it directly from the ground and wash it, and stick it in a salad. You can also leave it out in the sun to dry, and use it to make tea with the flowers. They are also edible raw and can be sauteed in different meals for a splash of color.
Plantain has both medicinal and edible purposes and is very popular for the forager. They can be added topically to soothe burns, rashes, stings and wounds. The leaves, whether old or young, can be sauteed, steamed, boiled or eaten raw after being washed. The seeds can be ground into a flour or cooked like a grain. These can also be used as fiber supplements or laxatives.
Dandelion is probably the most common weed listed here, and it can be very invasive with how fast it grows, spreads, and comes back even after removal. The roots go in very deep into the soil that they are nearly impossible to remove for good. The plant can regenerate and grow from a broken off root. The young leaves are considered less bitter, but the older ones are also very much edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and every part is edible. You can add the leaves in a salad, steamed or sauteed, even added to soups. The flowers can be eaten raw, breaded, fried, or used to make wine or syrup, or even salves. Roots are often dried to make tea, or roasted, or added to root vegetable recipes. Dandelions are way too useful to simply be pulled out and thrown away. In the past, people used to remove grass to plant dandelions.
Wood sorrel can be used as a thirst quencher and is said to be very refreshing to eat, so it's also popular for foragers during the hot summer months. The flowers, leaves and immature seed pods are edible but are said to taste sour like lemons. They can be a wonderful addition to salads, soups, seasoning and sauces. They look like clovers, but can be differenciated by the heart-shaped appearance of the leaves. They also have yellow floweds, when clover has purple or white flowers.
Curly Dock also known as yellow dock, is recommended to be eaten in moderation. The leaves can be eaten raw when they are young, and the older leaves need to be cooked and can be added to salads or soups. Stems can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked, while the mature seeds can also be eaten raw or boiled, and can also be roasted to make a drink similar to coffee. Change the water several times when you cook them because they are high in oxalic acid.
Purslane is most often found in damp areas where there is ample shade, so it is often never far from a body of water, a valley, or anywhere that regularly gets hosed or collects a lot of rainwater. You'd never think to look twice at this weed, but it's actually in the succulent family that can be eaten raw, cooked, or added to recipes for a natural pepepr flavor. Both the leaves and stemps are extremely rich in omega-3 and antioxidants. Add them to a stir-fry, salad, or to stews or soups.
Lamb's Quarters are in the spinach family and are also known as goosefoot. The seeds are similar in appearance to quinoa and can be eaten as a side or main dish. Goosefoot can be eaten raw, steamed, sauteed or used as a replacement for spinach.
Chickweed can be made into a tea and used as a slight diuretic. With both edible and medicinal properties, this weed is always a joy to have in your backyard. The leaves, stemps and flowers can be consumed cooked or raw. It tastes like spinach and can also be used topically for small cuts, rashes and burns.
Wild Amarath also known as pigweed, are popular with vegan foragers as the seeds are a great source of protein. They can be gathered and cooked whole grain or as a ground meal. Older leaves can be cooked similar to spinach, and younger leaves can be used in any recipe that requires leafy green vegetables such as salads or garnishes.
Mallow also known as malva or cheeseweed is mainly found in the United States in lawns or gardens. The leaves and seeds are edible either raw or cooked, especially when they are young. More mature leaves are best cooked, steamed, boiled or sauteed. Like the name might suggest, it doesn't taste like cheese and is not a cheese replacement.
Easy Child's Striped Summer Tank Top
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by: Stephanie McEndree
This is a perfect tank top for beginners to make that want to start making interesting patterns and want to start getting into more complex pieces. You must know how to knit in garter stitch, stockinette stitch, how to cast on, cast off and sew. You can use a tapestry or yarn needle to weave in ends. This tank top fits a child who wears size 5-6.
Size: Child 5-6
Materials:
- Size 11 single-point knitting needles
- Red Heart Comfort 100g yarn in green
- US size 7 crochet needle
- Scissors
- Stitch holder or another single-point knitting needle
Instructions:
- Cast on 40 stitches. Knit in garter stitch for 12 rows.
- Knit in stockinette stitch for 2 rows.
- Knit in garter stitch for 12 rows.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until piece measures 13 inches, ending on garter stitch.
- Knit 13 stitches in garter stitch and put them on a stitch holder.
- Cast off 14 stitches. Knit last 13 stitches in garter stitch.
- Knit in garter stitch until strap measures 1 inch. Cast off.
- Remove stitch holder on future strap. Cut yarn, join it to the other 13 stitches.
- Knit in garter stitch until the strap measures 1 inch.
- Bind off, weave in ends.
- Repeat steps 1 to 10.
- Press two pieces together so the patterns are facing one another.
- Sew the shoulder straps together.
- Sew the sides, leaving 4 inches for the arm holes.
- Weave in ends. Turn inside out. Your tank top is done!
Reversible Striped Tank Top Knitting Pattern
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comments (99)
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by: Stephanie McEndree
This knitting pattern can either be a size L-XL dress for a child, or a size XS-S tank top for adults. In order to do this pattern, you will need to know the garter stitch, the stockinette stitch, how to cast on, how to cast off, and how to weave in ends. You can use a tapestry or yarn needle to weave in ends, but I tend to use a crochet needle since that's what I have on hand. You can make both sides of this piece the same length so the collar is the same, or you can make one side longer to make the front or back collar more low-cut. This piece is best worn loose, so you can knit it a size up to make it nice and airy during the summer. It's also completely reversible, so you can wear a striped tank or a garter stitch tank all in one piece.
Size: Adult XS or children's L-XL
Guage: 5 stitches = 1 inch
Items needed:
Red Heart Comfort Yarn 1000g in red
Size 11 single point knitting needles
US size 7 crochet needle
Scissors
Stitch holder or another single point knitting needle
Instructions:
- Cast on 50 stitches.
- Knit in garter stitch for 6 rows.
- Knit in stockinette stitch for 6 rows.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until piece measures about 15 inches, ending on stockinette stitch.
- Knit in garter stitch for about 5 inches, or until piece measures 20 inches.
- Knit 15 stitches. Place them in a stitch holder or another knitting needle.
- Cast off 20 stitches.
- Knit remaining 15 stitches in garter stitch.
- Continue knitting until strap measures 4 inches.
- Cut off the yarn so it measures 5 inches. Weave it in with the crochet needle.
- Remove stitch holder and place it on the strap. Join yarn with the future 2nd strap.
- Place the knitting needle on the other 15 stitches and stitck in garter stitch for 4 inches.
- Knit the 15 stitches of the strap. Cast on 20 stitches.
- Remove the stitch holder and place your free needle through the first strap's stitches. Knit them in garter stitch.
- Knit in garter stitch for about 5 inches.
- Knit in stockinette stitch for 6 rows.
- Knit in garter stitch for 6 rows.
- Repeat steps 16 and 17 until that side of the piece measures 23 inches.
- Bind off. Flip inside out so the striped pattern is facing inwards.
- Match up the hem. Sew in the sides, leaving a 4 inch (for a child's dress) to 7 inch hole (for adult tank top) for the arms.
- Weave in the ends. Turn inside-out, and your piece is done.
Oversized Easy Garter Stitch Kids Sweater
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comments (120)
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by: Stephanie McEndree
This knitting pattern is made for beginners and is very easy. It's done entirely in garter stitch. Garter stitch is the stitch knitters first learn when they start out knitting. There is no fancy stitch, so it's less time-consuming, and you don't have to worry about what stitch you did last on your row if you get distracted. This oversized sweater is perfect for those chilly autumn or early spring days where your kiddos could use a bit more warmth. It's roomy enough to wear over another shirt, but can also be worn by itself on warm days. Since it's oversized, it's breathable and your child won't overheat.
This is my own take on the https://gina-michele.com/2016/07/super-easy-3-square-childs-sweater-knitting-pattern-2.html" target="_blank">3 Square Child's Sweater by Gina Michele. I wanted to make my first sweater in garder stitch but with sleeves and no turtle neck, so I adapted her pattern to make it my own. I made a larger one than she had listed (since my daughter is a size 6 years), I didn't do the turtleneck and I measured, made and sewed the sleeves all on my own. Shoutout to her for inspiring me to make it my own!
Needed:
Size US 11 straight knitting needles
Crochet needle
Red Heart Comfort Yarn 1000 yards in red, 1 skein
Knitting pattern
Gauge: 3sts = 1 inch
Size 6-7 years, 7-8 years, 8-9 years
For the front and back square:
Cast on 56 (58, 60) sts. Knit in Garter Stitch until piece measures 17 (18, 19) inches. Bind off. Cut off the yarn leaving a string several inches long.
Sew the pieces together at the top 4 inches on each side. Fold over and sew the side seams together, leaving a 7 inch opening for arm holes. Cut off the strings several inches long. Weave in ends with a crochet needle as you would with a yarn needle.
For the sleeves:
Cast on 45 (47, 49) sts. Work in Garter Stitch until the piece measures 14 (16, 18 ) inches. Bind off. Cut off the yarn leaving a string about 24 inches long.
Sew a sleeve's left and right side together with the 24 inch long yarn string. Then, align the sleeve with the arm hole and sew together. Tie off Weave in the end.
Repeat instructions for second sleeve. Turn the sweater inside out and you're done!
Knit or Crochet All Of Your Cloth Items
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by: Stephanie McEndree
Got some yarn laying around and don't know what to do with it? Do you want to do your part in saving the environment all while staying at home? Do you want some goods without having to go out to a store to buy it? Do you want a way to make some extra money on the side? Are you looking for some gift ideas for friends and family? Do you know how to knit or crochet, or want to learn? Then this post is perfect for you.
For your cloth arsenal, you will need:
- A large ball of yarn, or several balls
- Two knitting needles or a crochet needle
- For beginners, crochet or knitting patterns
- 2 farmhouse dishcloths
- 1 hot pad
- 5 washcloths
- 4 face scrubbers
- 5 makeup remover pads
- 1 shower puff
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Household Goods To Knit
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comments (19)
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by: Stephanie McEndree
There are many different types of making things made from cloth. In earlier times, wool was dyed, and spun. This is where the term ”spinster” came from. To make towels, blankets, clothes, cloths, blankets and more, people can loom, knit, crochet or sew.
Modern inventions such as the sewing machine has made sewing much faster and easier. However, some people like to stick to tradition and make something with their own two hands and ten fingers doing the old-fashioned work. It’s also much less costly than a sewing machine. For those people, knitting or crocheting is perfect. The needles can be found at any craft, cloth or warehouse store, and so can the yarn.
Personally, I prefer knitting. I was taught at the tender age of seven years old by my grandmother. To this day, she still knits, quilts and sews. I remember the first thing I made, a little blanket for one of my stuffed animals. As time went on and I kept practicing, I was able to move on to wristbands, scarves, and even made baby blankets, headbands and slippers. I have crocheted before, but I am not very good at it. I am so used to knitting that I can do it with my eyes shut, so I prefer to stick to knitting.
For the homemaker, housewife or stay-at-home-mom, knitting can be more than just a hobby. Our grandmothers used to sew, knit and crochet clothes, accessories and household items by hand. Here is a list of household goods you can knit with your own two needles and ball of yarn, for beginners or intermediate knitters!
Blankets
Throws
Scarves
Mittens
Socks
Slippers
Dishcloths
Hand towels
Coasters
Hot pads
Washcloths
Pot holders
Cushio covers
Headbands
Chair pads
Rugs
Knit baskets
Table runners
Swiffer covers
Face scrubbers
Eco sponges
Soap sachets
Bottle holders
Mug cozies
Tea cozies
Chair socks
Baby booties
For more advances knitters, here are some more options you can enjoy. There are lots of free patterns available online that are just a search-engine enquiry away!
Sweaters
Thermals
Gloves
Dog sweaters
Dog booties
Handbags
Backbacks
Change purse
Phone cover
Baby blanket
Have any more ideas you’d like to share? Comment below!
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5 Minute Cleaning Tasks and Chores
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by: Stephanie McEndree
Here is a pin made by mom blogger Maman s’exprime (french for Mommy Expresses Herself) by a mom, for moms. What great tasks organized per room, that take 5 minutes or less. These tips are great for homemakers, stay-at-home moms and housewives. These tips also simplify life of the super-woman who works full time yet also cleans and cooks in her household. Looking for tricks on how to get some cleaning done as a single mom? Look no further!
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When You Get Sick
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by: Stephanie McEndree
When one person in the family gets sick, everyone gets sick.
Having a toddler in daycare, you would think that the potential amount of germs that they bring home, that the exposure would make your immune system super-human.
NOPE!
I can only assume germs are smart and keep changing and evolving to survive whatever antibodies we create, or antibiotics that we can use to fight them.
My toddler has had a cough for a couple of weeks now, and I have been treating it like the doctor prescribed. Despite her diminishing symptoms and my prolonged exposure, I didn’t get sick. I thought that I had escaped unscathed!
But no. Just as she’s getting better, I catch it.
As a single mom of two under three, you cannot take a break. You have no time for rest. Since this is thanksgiving weekend and daycare is closed on monday, it means the opposite; you get even LESS rest than usual.
On top of it all, my four-month-old baby decides that now would be the perfect time to start the famous “four month sleep regression”. Every few hours during the night, she woke screaming to be fed. During the day, she screams sometimes since she is in the early stages of teething. No matter what I do, she won’t stop until she falls asleep.
It has been a particularly difficult week. My toddler even threw up all over herself in her bed because her coughing was so severe, two nights in a row. Thank goodness now it’s at a manageable level.
It was a lot of difficult things happening at the same time. What made it especially hard for me, is that my children were sick and I felt helpless. It is one of the worst feelings as a mom, to feel helpless to help your child! I am thankful that my toddler’s medicine is working and she is getting better. My newborn has teething rings and lots of chewable toys to help her through her teething phase. Moms do the best they can for their children, and that’s what matters the most!
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