Happy New Year,
Can you believe we’ve made it to 2023?
Here on the farm, we have been blessed with bunnies in abundance and ram lambs coming three by three. This can feel overwhelming as there are more mouths to feed, and more souls to tend, ensuring space, and safety and all infrastructure still works with the new additions. Did you know that a Lop kit’s superpower is to find that one teeny tiny spot in the rabbitat (Rabbit Habitat) that was missed when bunny proofing was being done? It’s a pretty incredible thing to witness as these little jumping beans find the one and only hole in their enclosure. With each litter and each jumping bean showing off his or her superpower we are getting each rabbitat dialed in, which we are realizing, we are grateful for. With each population explosion, we are fixing and or maintaining, ensuring safety for all.
As overwhelmed as we can sometimes feel we always find a way back to the beauty that is the blessing. We are blessed with knowing that we will have the best, highest quality meat available because we truly believe each soul should have the best possible life we can give them.
Oh, January - the month for resolutions.
If you want to change this or that about yourself or your habits, why not a resolution? You tell someone your resolution so, that in theory, they can help you to stick with it, to be a better version of yourself. It’s all backed by good intentions but in the end, accountability is lacking and we fall back into old easy habits/lifestyles.
So how do I resolve to be a better versions of myself? First, I had to look up the difference between resolve and resolution…dictionary here we come.
Resolution: noun 1. a firm decision to do or not to do something.
Resolve: verb 2. Decide firmly on a course of action.
Ever heard the saying, “You can’t be a noun without being a verb”? It’s one of my favorites as it reminds me that we aren’t this or that without taking some course of action, which for me, helps to solidify why I don’t make resolutions. I need a course of action to follow, I need an action plan to keep going not just a decision based on a “New Year’s” tradition. I used to make resolutions every New Year and then be very judgmental about my lack of follow through being very hurtful to my inner me. I now realize that without a resolve (course of action) my resolution was basically a moot point.
So no resolutions again this year, just resolve and follow through. If I slide back into old ways or am not as far along a path as I believe I should be, I don’t have to berate myself, I simply need to find a better “course of action” that works with how my brain works. Growth is not easy nor is it meant to be. Growth takes determination, grit, follow-through, etc. but most importantly (in my humble opinion) it takes love. Love for yourself. Love for those around you who might be struggling as well. Give love, be kind, and grow.
Happy 2023! We love you and are so grateful for the support we receive. Y’ALL ROCK!
January Fun 411:
Flower: Carnation, Snowdrop
Birthstone: Garnet (Constancy)
1-1 First Footing, National Hangover Day, New Year’s Day
1-4 National Spaghetti Day
1-6 Bean Day, Cuddle Up Day (be cautious of the order you celebrate these)
1-9 Play Good Day
1-11 Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
1-13 National Rubber Duckie Day
1-16 Appreciate a Dragon Day (One of my personal favorites), MLK Jr. Day
1-17 Kid Inventors Day
1-19 National Popcorn Day
1-21 National Hugging Day, Squirrel Appreciation Day
1-29 National Puzzle Day
1-30 Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
1-31 Inspire Your Heart With Art Day
For the Month: Blood Donor, Braille Literacy
For the Month Nationally: Hobby, Hot Tea, Oatmeal and Soup
Happy New Year from the Oasis
La Vita e’ Bella, M.o.M. (Mistress of the Manor)
Oasis Farm Population +/- 127
Caretakers: 5
Cats: 6
Chickens: +/- 31
Cows Beef: 1
Cows Dairy: 1
Dogs: 3
Goats: 2
Pigs: 2
Rabbits +/- 60
Sheep: 13
Turkeys: 3
--Airline points: we have a necessary trip coming up in April and WOW are plane tickets off the charts. If you have airline travel points you would like to donate to a worthy cause we would be eternally grateful.
-Fencing
-Working Garden Hoses
-Hay &/or Grain Feeders
-Painted Desert Ewe/Ewe Lamb (looking to diversify genetics)
-Bunnies, Bunnies, Bunnies
-Lambs a Leaping (a.k.a. stotting)
-Wormwood for the animals
-Seeds - check out the Farm Store for full lists
-Currently NO deliveries
-Pick-Up days by pre-arrangement
Homemade Playdough
Do you remember playdough as a kid? As a youngster, we didn’t have play dough but our friends up the road did. Yes, we played and created and used our imagination but as someone who has always had a problem with chemicals oftentimes, the smell of our friend’s playdough would give me a headache. I wish that we had known of homemade playdough at that time…better late than never though and since I now know, I want to share.
Playdough encourages creativity and can keep kids occupied for hours (you’re welcome busy parents.) You add a few things like a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and other miscellany from your kitchen and there is more than just play happening. Playdough is a tactile, visual way to encourage creativity but with the addition of your child’s favorite essential oil, it can be aroma therapeutic as well.
We use DoTerra Essential Oils in our house and I feel safe in the use of them but I realize that not everyone has access to these CPTG Essential Oils. If you are going to add essential oils to the dough please be sure whatever you choose is PURE, not adulterated as many on the market shelves are.
Aromatherapy Play Dough
Ingredients:
2 cups Flour
2 cups Colored Water
1 cup Salt
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Tsp. Cream of Tartar
5 drops essential oil of your choosing
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients, except for the essential oils, in a large saucepan and stir until combined.
2. Once combined, put over medium heat. Using a spatula, continue to stir the ingredients together until they form a ball. Note: Do not overcook as it will lead to dry play dough
3. Remove from heat and cool on parchment paper.
4. Once cool, add 5 drops of your child’s favorite essential oil and knead until thoroughly combined.
That’s it! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for months of fun.
This next recipe is from iheartnaptime.net and is another version of the playdough
Ingredients:
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup Salt
4 Tsp. Cream of Tartar
2 cups Lukewarm Water
2 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil (coconut oil works too)
Food Coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Stir together the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large pot. Next add the water and oil. If you’re only making one color, stir in the color now.
2. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough has thickened and begins to form into a ball. Remove from heat and place inside a bowl, gallon sized bag or onto waxed paper.
3. Allow to cool slightly and then knead until smooth. If you’re adding colors after, divide the dough into balls (for how many colors you want) and then add the dough into quart sized bags. Start with about 5 drops of color and add more to brighten it. Knead the dough, while inside the bag so it doesn’t stain your hands. Once it’s all mixed together, you’re ready to PLAY.
4. Store in the zip-lock bags to keep soft. If store properly it will keep soft for up to 3 months.
For additional fun, add about 1/4 cup glitter to the bag and knead it in.
DISCLAIMER: These Play doughs should not be consumed by children or pets.
Tis the season for soups, stews, chowders and chilis.
When it’s a cold, rainy, blustery day, soups and the like, can give you a boost like no other. They are full of healthy goodness and warms you through. Add a bit of bread on the side and happiness abounds.
Quick Potato & Corn Chowder
Ingredients:
1 large onion chopped
2 Tbsps. oil
1/2 lb. potatoes cut into 1/2 inch chunks
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
2 1/2 cups corn kernels
Bacon fried and crumbled for topping
Scallions chopped for topping
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, sauté onions in oil until tender.
2. Add potatoes, chicken broth and half-and-half. Simmer for 12 minutes.
3. Add corn and simmer till potatoes are tender, 3-5 minutes
4. Puree half the soup and mix it back into the pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Serve topped with bacon crumbles and scallions.
Creamy Tomato Soup
Throw in a grilled cheese and you have memories in the making.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. Oil or Fat (we use lard or tallow rendered here at the farm)
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 Tbsps. Italian Seasoning
2 (28oz) cans crushed tomatoes
1 Tsp. baking soda
2 cups chicken broth
1 (12oz) can evaporated milk
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat fat/oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until tender.
2. Stir in Italian seasonings; cook until fragrant, less than a minute.
3. Add tomatoes and baking soda, then chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Simmer partially covered for about 10 minutes.
4. Working in batches, pour soup into a blender; purée until creamy smooth, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Can also use a stick blender.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in milk. Heat to simmering and season with salt and pepper.
Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Beet Kvass
Here we are talking about another fermented food. Beet Kvass is a fermented/cultured drink. Beets are truly amazing in their health benefits and then you make this fermented drink and you bring the benefits to entirely new heights.
Beets are high in betacyanin which is said to dramatically increase the oxygen-carrying ability of the blood. In my research, I have found that traditionally beetroots were used to/for:
support immune function cleanse the blood combat fatigue chemical sensitivities allergies digestive problems help with constipation sluggish liver
This is a very powerful drink and should be taken to tolerance, meaning start out small and see how your body reacts. Too much good stuff at one time when our bodies are not accustomed can turn into a very unpleasant experience.
The use of whey in the making of kvass is a personal preference as you can make kvass without the whey. I am including both recipes so that you can try both and see what works best for your taste preferences.
I hope you will give this amazing drink a try. The benefits are truly worth it. For more in-depth information please visit CulturedFoodLife.com in the search bar simply type in Kvass and you will find wonderful articles and recipes.
Beet Kvass (no whey)
Ingredients:
12 ounces beets (approximately)
1-2 teaspoons salt (Himalayan, Kosher, or Sea Salt)
Flavoring Options: Ginger, Lemon, Orange or Spices
Instructions:
1. Clean and trim beets, leaving the skin on. Rough dice beets into 1/2-inch cubes. Do Not grate or cut smaller than +/- 1/2 inch. Too small leads to very rapid fermentation.
Place beets in a clean quart jar. Add salt and flavoring(s) if using.
3. Cover with fresh (non-chlorinated) water, leaving at least 1 inch of headspace. Cover the jar tightly and set it on a plate to catch any drips.
4. Let the jar ferment at room temperature. You may see bubbles in the jar and the brine may seep out (woohoo for the plate).
5. Check it daily. Open to release any gas build up and if any “scum” has formed simply skim it off (it’s really okay). Taste you Kvass.
6. When the taste is to your liking, strain off the liquid and store your kvass in the fridge. As a fermented beverage, it will last a month or longer. Consume daily. Your body will thank you.
Beet Kvass with Whey
The link will take you directly to this recipe on the culturedfoodlife.com website.
Ingredients:
2 cups Red Beets cubed and peeled
4 cups water
1 teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon Cutting Edge Cultures or 1/2 cup kefir whey
Instructions:
1. Place water, salt, and culture or whey into the jar. Add cubed beets to the jar.
2. Seal the jar with an airlock or tight-fitting lid, and allow the kvass to ferment for 5 days to 1 week or until it tastes pleasantly sour. It ferments faster in warm temperatures and slower in cool temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Strain and serve immediately or pour into bottles and store in fridge for up to 1 month.
Community Partners
A huge THANK YOU to Salina at Artistic Wonders for the wonderful Graphic Art.
If you require art of any sort give her a shout at:
artisticwonderscreates@gmail.com