3 Cozy Kids Party Ideas

This will not be a Pinterest worthy party. BUT it will be a memorable party celebrating your kids special day.

1. We generally opt to host birthday parties earlier in the day and to it as a brunch. I serve a light brunch with bagels, fruit, fresh juice and coffee. We do special donuts in lieu of cake.

2. I will scatter several open ended actives like crayons and a big blank sheet of paper. i will also leave beads and string, modeling clay. I don’t direct the party as the parent. I let the kids do it. It always works out wonderfully. I will also do a bunch of balloons as lot of kids especially little ones really enjoy that. I also allow for opportunities for outside play.

3. No presents just your presence. There was a point in time where we weren’t in a finial position to bring a gift to every birthday party we were invited to. We want everyone to come to celebrate that’s the gift for us. We also aren’t stuff people. When attending party’s ourselves we gift cash or a gift card, especially as kids get older.

I hope there ideas help you with cozy birthday party ideas.

YEEHAW for HeeHaw for Health

Let me tell you about the Traywicks they are 3 red heads and a A cowboy hat wearing super Dad. They milk donkeys. Yes! I said donkeys! You can read about it here. I care deeply about this family and their mission so much so I even made them a coloring book! They have one of the largest herds of Mammoth Jack donkeys in the US.

HEE HAW FOR HEALTH EVENT April 1,2023

Every year or about every year they host a Health event called Hew haw for heath. They get the top practitioners in the natural and fuctional health world in one place. So parents of very sick kids can get the help they need and can’t always afford. Learn More here.

I have had the pleasure of being a volunteer for a few years to help with set up and other ads and ends. You can sign up HERE to volunteer but only if your really going to do it and you must be over 18! If you want to support their cause donate here.

Get your tickets here. There are so many ways to support this great cause.

Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Whole Beef Direct from a Farmer

Are you interested in buying a whole beef directly from a farmer but don't know where to start? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a whole beef, from how much meat you'll get to where to find local farmers, and how to store the meat once you've brought it home.This blog will explain the ins and outs of buying a half a cow or what is also known as a beef share or buying direct from the farmer or rancher.

This is an incredibly cost effective way to fill your freezer with local healthy meat. There is an upfront investment. The big plus is you are getting ground beef and filet for the same price.

Here are some of the most common FAQs about buying a whole beef direct from a farmer:

What cuts of meat will I receive?

This will depend on your preferences and how you have the animal is butchered. Typically, you'll receive a mix of steaks, roasts, ground beef, and other cuts.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes we require a deposit upfront to reserve your animal.

How do I get the meat after it's butchered?

You'll coordinate with me the farmer to pick up your meat or have it delivered.

How much meat will I get from a whole beef?

A whole beef typically yields around 400 to 600 pounds of meat, depending on the size of the animal and the cuts of meat requested. You can expect closer to 300 lbs on a whole dexter beef as they are smaller animals. This can also vary depending on the weight of the animal and how it's butchered.

How much does it cost to buy a whole beef?

The cost of a whole beef varies depending on the size of the animal, the cuts of meat requested, and the region where you live. It is generally purchased on the hanging weight ex $5 an lb hanging weight plus processing fees. The price can vary depending on a number of factors, including the weight of the animal, the breed, and the local market.

How do I find a farmer/ranchers who sells whole beeves or beef shares?

You can start by asking us. If we don’t have any unstuck we can get you in touch with our network of friends and ranchers. Also checking with local farmers' markets, food co-ops, or contacting local agricultural extension offices. You can also support 4-H or FFA kiddos by purchasing their market animals. You can search online for local farmers who sell whole beef, or you can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have purchased beef this way.

Do I need special equipment to store the meat?

No, it is recommended to have a large freezer or deep freezer to store the meat, as a whole beef will require a significant amount of space, but a half a hog or hal a beef could easily fit in an empty freezer of a home freezer. You'll need a large freezer to store all the meat. A chest freezer is ideal, but you can also use a regular freezer with a lot of space.

How do I choose the cuts of meat I want?

We will go over the cut sheet with you. Each one of our butchers have a different cut she we will go through the cut sheet with you. We will ask questions about how you like to cook, what you like to cook, and help you pick your cuts off that.

Do I need to have experience in butchering to buy a whole beef?

NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT! , you do not need to have experience in butchering to buy a whole beef. We will handle the processing and butchering of the animal. We will provide you a cut sheet to use and go over it before the animal goes to harvest.

How long will the meat stay fresh in the freezer?

All of our meat is vacuum sealed if properly stored, the meat can stay fresh in the freezer for up to a year. It is important to follow proper storage and thawing procedures to ensure the meat stays fresh and safe to eat. DO NOT roughly handle your vacuum sealed packages, they will break the seal or create micro tears, it will lose the seal and cause the meat to possibly get freezer burn.

Do you have another questions about buying meat in bulk?

3 Controversial Gardening Tips

This is my beautiful mess of a garden. We aren’t winning any awards but we are feeding people.

Here are my top 3 gardening don'ts.

Don’t label your seedlings you start

i know what a tomat seedling looks like vs. a pumpkin. I will keep seeds from the plants that do great i will look up the fruit of the plant when the time comes and do it that way. Its too much to keep tract of varies when i’m up potting and transplanting half a dozen times.

Don’t plan things you don’t like

I don’t care if its your cousins favorite if you don’t like eggplant don’t grow it.

Don’t baby your plants.

They are here to make food. if you have to limp a plant along by constantly supplementing and picking bugs off it. OFF WITH THEIR HEAD. Only the strong survive. Its brutal in my garden.

What are your controversial gardening tips? Tell me in the comments.

LARD

Lard, which is the rendered fat from pigs, has been a traditional cooking fat for centuries and has been used in many cultures for its rich flavor and health benefits. Here are some facts about lard and its health properties:

• Pure lard has a neutral taste.

• Lard contains no trans fats, which makes it a healthier option than hydrogenated fats.

• Lard has less saturated fat and cholesterol than butter.

• Lard contains healthy monounsaturated fats, just like olive oil.

• Lard is also a good source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases.

• Lard is high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

• Lard is also a good source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of polyunsaturated fat that has been shown to have various health benefits, including improving body composition and reducing the risk of certain diseases.

  It's important to note that while lard can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet, it's still high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.

Do you cook with lard? What is your favorite recipe to use lard ing?

I love to use lard in pie crusts and biscuits.