Every year, I barter a gift basket for our Christmas tree. It’s one of my very favorite traditions — not just because of the tree, but because I get to gather goodies, thrift for a creative container, and doll it up to look festive. Some baskets I make are for individuals — a teacher, a friend, or e...

There’s something special about preparing for Christmas in a way that’s both simple and steeped in tradition. Advent has always been my favorite time of year — a time to prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of the Savior. And when Christmas finally arrives, there’s nothing that warms my heart...

Here’s something about that first bite of ice cream on a warm day that sends you right back to childhood—sticky fingers, barefoot grass, and the hum of bees nearby. Whether it’s high summer or one of those lingering sunny days of early fall, a cool treat made with real ingredients feels just right. ...

When I think of gummies, I tend to think of the brightly colored red, green, and yellow gummy bears of my childhood. While they bring back nostalgic memories of traveling to California to visit family, I shudder now as an adult when I think about what they are made with… corn syrup, synthetic dyes l...

I am a huge fan of elderberries, and not just because they are a natural plant here in the Pacific Northwest! They have such wonderful medicinal value and are probably the best-tasting medicinal herb — aside from maybe peppermint. These berries can be made into various products, including tea, tinct...

Ice cream floats are the quintessential American summertime treat, perfect for anyone looking to cool down or satisfy their sweet tooth. Here on the farm, everyone loves ice cream, and what better way than to make memories with ice cream floats as a family, from trying out new flavor combinations to...

Italian soda has had a special place in my heart since I was a teen! I worked at a pizza restaurant in high school and ran the espresso bar. When customers came in, I would make Italian sodas for them. 

As much as I loved making these sodas — and of course, drinking them too — a typical Italian ...

Boba, also known as ‘bubble tea,’ is a really popular, trendy drink. And while boba sure is delicious, it also has a bunch of sugar, corn syrup, and junk hidden inside of it. Did you know you can easily make your own boba at home? It’s not only more affordable when you do, but it also means you get ...

Simple syrups can be used in so many different ways! You can mix them into cocktails and Italian sodas, drizzle them on desserts, or mix them into salad dressings. Making your own simple syrups is a must-have skill in any homestead and herbalist kitchen. 

Some of our favorite ways to use simple ...

Growing up, my room was filled with all sorts of crafts, usually involving paper of any and every kind. I had glue, glitter, paints, colored pencils, fancy scissors that cut all sorts of shapes, and rubber stamps galore. Hello 80s! 

While all of those things are fun tools for a crafty person to ...

 I've never been able to drink alcohol — not even a glass of wine. Having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease paired with a compromised digestive system makes alcohol one of the hardest things for me to handle. Only a sip or two will have me sleeping in short order and will leave my digestive system f...

Our hoop house greenhouse is one of my favorite places to go when it is cold and wet out in the Pacific North West. It is a peaceful little oasis where I can garden while listening to the rain, and best of all… where I can grow food for my family without getting too soaked.

We have had our origi...