Ground Chickory Root -~ Herbal Coffee ~ Tidbits

There are some days I have the hankering for a coffee in the middle of the day.  I don't buy decaffeinated coffee.  Although, I noticed our grocer just started carrying an organic decaffeinated coffee.

I've known for a long time that chickweed root can be ground for a coffee flavored, healthy drink, but haven't grown it here (yet).  We've see a few around, but not enough to dig up.

Dandelion Poultice ~ Cleaver Poultices

Spring weeds are here now.  I wonderful time to gather, eat,  and store. I put some weed pesto in the freezer already.  I weeded about 95% of my herb garden, and all of the weeds, aside from the little bit of grass, were edible (or useful for natural remedies).

I've had quite a few experiences with dandelion since I first made dandelion jelly.  Over the years, I have made dandelion bread (which we absolutely love), dried dandelion for tea purposes, blanched and froze dandelion for meals (we love dandelion pesto), dried the root for a coffee substitute and medicinal purposes, and now I am making poultices.

Dandelion poultices, can be used to treat eczema, skin rashes, boils, and to reduce itchy skin (helps with itchy poison ivy). 

I am putting these poultices together in the freezer, like I do with comfrey and plantain.  There is nothing more comforting than a cold poultice in the summer, for an itchy rash too.

I am also putting cleaver poultices in to the freezer (as well as dehydrating some for medicinal purposes).  Cleaver weed poultices can be used to treat burns and even sunburn.  Spring is the only time I am able to pick this weed.  It's often found growing directly in my garden and will stick you like glue.  

Dandelion Poultice ~ Cleaver Poultices ©  May 2018 by Kristina at https://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/

Dandelion Poultice ~ Homesteading Tidbits

We are blessed with an abundance of dandelions this spring.  As I was looking out at the grass that needs mowed, I got a text from my older brother.

Self-Suffieciency Lifestyle Paying Off

I'm posting early today.  Hubby brought home another 10 lb. box of blueberries and a box of peaches.  I'll be busy for sure.

Here's an update on our journey to being self-sufficient.  Each year it gets better.
 
In the last 3 1/2 years we have really gained progress with self-sufficiency.  It does require some investments, but those pay off. 

So far this year, with making our own soap with our goat's milk, have not had to buy any bars of soap (and have used it to make homemade laundry detergent also).

We have not purchased dishwasher detergent either, and I am proud that we have reduced those chemicals and costs.

We have not had to buy any onions or potatoes this year.  Last year we did.  

We went all winter using green peppers we froze versus buying them from the store.

When we are low on eggs, we do without.  

We have cut down the cost of buying organic milk by having the goat's, and have drastically cut down the trips to the recycling center (cost of time and gasoline) to take milk jugs in.  It's been nice to recycle our canning jars for milk. 

I have not had to buy ricotta cheese this year also.  Making it is so easy with the goat's milk, but it takes 4 1/2 quarts. 

As for making ice cream out of goat's milk, we need another goat for more milk.  We need cream to add to the milk, otherwise it will freeze rock hard.  My daughter already has her eye on one she wants to add to her herd. 

We have not had to buy any jelly or jams for the last two years.  Every year I learn more recipes to make and stock up on.

I have cut back on the cost of annual flowers, and used seeds from other farmgirls (lovely zinnia's).  We also get the joy of watching butterflies.

We have not had to buy pickles or relish for two years now.  We had a bumper crop of cucumbers last year, and have not cut back the cost of carrots.

Our homemade deodorant is lasting so much longer, and had drastically cut back the cost and cut out the chemicals.

Last year, from butcher time to this spring, I never had to buy chicken.  Our meat chickens were worth the time to raise and we know they are chemical/antibiotic free. 

After last fall, and three rounds of yucky antibiotics, I am really working hard to use natural remedies.  Since then, and my awful sickness with allergies, we have been successful.  With the purchase of Allergy Easer Oil, I have not had to buy any allergy pills whatsoever (since last fall).  I have only had to take ibuprofen one time since then as well.  And my 10 year-old, who also suffers horribly, has not had to take one pill either.  She uses the roll-on Allergy Easer, and it has eliminated buying over the counter drugs, and we feel much better.  We've been successful at reducing our costs, and staying chemical free.

I've learned foraging skills, and have researched the health benefits of eating dandelion greens, and tops.  I've been making jelly from dandelions, and using the roots for dandelion "coffee."  I've learned that clovers are edible, and I can make jelly from white and red clover.  I've been making jelly from the flower of Queen Anne's Lace and studying the uses for the black walnuts on my property.  Even foxtail grass is edible.  We have wild chickweed on the property (not road side plants) and they can be used to make coffee, natural salves, and such as well.  Every year we pick the wild growing black raspberries.  It just gets more interesting as we learn.

I've learned skills for natural dyes, including the wild pokeweed growing on our property.  I hope to experiment more with plants like the goldenrod that grow here as well.

Over the past two years, I have taught my self to knit and to do needle tatting.  My goals are to learn quilting, blacksmithing, foraging for mushrooms, go hunting for deer myself, fish more often, and to learn the art of spinning wool.  The list gets longer each year, but our hand crocheted afghans are warmer than any blanket you can buy in the store, and last longer.  

This is our first year to plant again for a fall harvest.  Thankfully the August rains are helping.

It's all hard work, but in the end, worth it.  Our next goals are to make and use homemade toothpaste, grow enough corn to grind down ourselves for cornmeal, raise beef and dairy cows and much more.

Our wish list keeps growing, and every year we gain a few steps forward.

Tulips and Weeds that Feed

It's so strange to see my spring flowers bloom so early this year.  Pretty soon I will have enough dandelions for dandelion coffee and dandelion jelly.

Queen Anne's Lace Jelly

If my kids think I went nutso, by making the Dandelion Coffee, the Dandelion Jelly, and the Milkweed Flower Bud Quiche, they will really think I've fallen off my rocker now.

I have been going through old cookbooks, and reducing my supply.  I found a recipe for Queen Anne's Lace Jelly.  

Instead of cleaning my much needed bathroom, I walked around the property and plucked about 18-19 full heads of Queen Anne's Lace (not to be confused with Hemlock).

I soaked them in water to remove unwanted "guests" and then rinsed them twice.

Dandelion Greens for Dogs ~ Crocheted Cowls ~ Writing Update

I picked up more dandelion greens on my trip to town delivering meals to Dad.  With my dehydrator due to arrive any day now, I plan to dehydrate some for Jesse.  The one dog remaining from the original pack of ours.

He has tumors, and some were removed, but are growing back.  They are "fatty" tumors, but with that in mind, I'm drying dandelion, to sprinkle over his food (1 tsp. per every 20 lbs. of weight).  

His dog treats are made with kale, so he's getting more vitamins and nutrients that way as well.

Random Tidbits ~ Chicks get Sunshine

Breakfast - potatoes, red bell pepper, dandelion greens and eggs. No cheese.  It's delicious flavored with onions and/or shallot powder.

Sorry this post is so long.  I didn't mean to keep writing, but I think I'm trying to procrastinate my exercise today, ha ha!

Digging up Dandelions ~ Coffee Roasting Day

I am thrilled to find out that my pasture of dandelions is worth something.  I'm digging up enough dandelion roots to roast coffee today.  I have enough for one pot, but need to head back out and dig enough to fill a 5 gallon bucket.  Thanks to MaryJane Butters and her recipe, I have found another way to save money.  The petals can be used for making wine too.  I'm hoping the kids will be as excited as I am and help me in the digging process.

Homestead Happenings ~ The Rug is Done!

Our daughter named the one on the left "Dallas."  Both Dallas and Jackson are enjoying the grass already.  Although this week has been cold, they love it here.  Dallas is very friendly, but Jackson is a bit timid yet.

I can tell already they know who "Mom" is as well.  As soon as Daughter walks near the barn (where they can see her approaching), they run inside to her.  Of course she is the food supplier, so they know.  So funny to see them so attached to her already.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Although posting late today (due to work load today), I'm joining Happy Homemaker Monday. 

Birthday ~ Sparta ~ This and That

Woke up to a chilly 48°F this morning.  Hubby and I have been getting up earlier and having coffee on the porch.  The sun rises just about the time he rolls out of the driveway for work.  It was beautiful this morning, but right after I took this photo it was cloud cover.

Yesterday was my birthday.  I was home all day waiting for Hubby to get off work.  He had a dentist appt. after work too, so for me, it seemed like a looooooooong day.  I literally did not do any garden work.  It was too wet to weed too.  I did some crocheting on the porch, sat and talked with a few of the kids when they were home, and really just chilled all day.  When Hubby pulled in, he called me to the car, and surprised me with this Harley Davidson gift basket.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Over the weekend we got in a motorcycle ride.  We had to put all of our leather on, as it was chilly, but may be the last ride we get this year.

I put together this patriotic set and it sold the same day.  The person who purchased it paid well more than asking, including shipping.  I was overwhelmed with her generosity.  I sent a separate thank you card (homemade), with a personal receipt and note and a granny square patriotic keyfob and chain.  I'm now working on another set as well as other stuff to restock. 

I now have a list of restocking to do.  That was my last homemade card of that kind and granny keyfob's which are great to tuck in as an extra.

We went to town to stock up other supplies, like chicken food.  We don't know what is going to happen, and if no shutdowns happen, at least we have more than enough for winter.  Don't forget to stock up on your oil for your oil lamps.  We now have large containers/totes to stock up cat food/dog food/etc.  I have storage bins to hold 6 bags of chicken feed as well.

Outside Christmas lights are up.  I finally got them up early prior to cold nasty weather arriving.  I'm working on the master bath Christmas decor now.  I'm trying to decide if I want to purchase a new taller tree or use the shorter one I already have.  I'm leaning more on keeping the one I have, because we don't know what will happen to the economy in the next few weeks or even months in our State.

I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom today.

The weather . . .

49°/46° Windy, Rain, Cloudy.

How I am feeling this morning. . .

Good.  I actually overslept until 6:30am, but my husband had no breakfast to pack and packed his own lunch.  

On my mind . . .

Oh man.  A lot of stuff right now.  Just trying to plow through one day at a time.  My car is not done yet either.

On the breakfast plate. . .

Sweet potato/egg scramble with dandelion greens, coffee.

Right now I am . . .

Drinking a hot cup of organic coffee, finishing this up and posting.  Looking around the kitchen to decide what will go in the breakfast scramble.

On my reading pile . . .

On today's to-do list . . .

-dehydrate diced onions (stocking up)

-make a breakfast scramble for the week

-dishes

-clean master bath

-laundry

-vacuum

-not sure what else since I slept in so late (6:30am is late for me lately)

On my tv . . .

Good Witch

On the menu this week . . .

-sheet pan dinner

-breakfast for dinner, a new recipe to try

-chicken teriyaki over homemade vegetable fried rice or chicken tetrazzini

-soup beans, fried cabbage and buttermilk cornbread

(not in an particular order, and I may even change it as the week goes)

From the camera . . .

Sunrise Sunday morning before the clouds moved in and rain arrived.  

Looking around the house . . .

One kitchen table went from having tomatoes all over it to sweet potatoes.  I'll get them in the bin in a few days.

New recipe I tried last week or want to try . . .

Kamut granola bars.  Remember when I asked if you had recipes using kamut flakes?  Well I found one online.  We also want to try a new recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini.  I think I made something similar to another recipe but used cashews, but I made Rosemary walnuts.  It was on a cooking show, recommending recipes for gifting.  I won't be gifting this year, but want to try it out and put the recipe in my "Christmas" binder.  Be sure to visit my blog to see if we tried them and what we think.

To relax I will . . .

Crochet.  Maybe write (but I get sick of writing about the pandemic already and whatnot).  Maybe read for something different.

Something I want to share . . .

Nothing today.

On my prayer list . . .

My dad (he's scheduled for surgery Nov.11th),  Our state (our Governor is doing everything in is over used power to disrupt the election and to kill our economy).  His mandates and restrictions are out of control and make zero sense.  My family.  If the Governor shuts us down again, I know one that will be out of a job (again), and they are all at risk to get sick with a mask mandate, forcing healthy people to wear them all day at work, then shopping if they need to shop.  The only person I knew recently with the virus wore a mask at work full time. They all look so utterly exhausted, and one moves furniture and another climbs ladders. Our country. 

Roasted Dandelion Root "Coffee"

I was surprised that this "coffee" did not turn out a bit darker. It almost looks like tea in this clear mug. It's not for everyone, but worth the trouble to dig, wash, chop, roast, and brew. I am sure that we will continue to dig dandelions for this purpose. The recipe is in MaryJane's Outpost book (written by MaryJane Butters).

I now look at dandelions in a whole different way. It's not that ugly yard week anymore, but something useful. I may even make the jelly in her book too.

Happy Homemaker Monday

I'm up again before my husband gets home, but the worst part is that today he works a double.  Meaning he won't be home this morning, it'll be after he works another shift (1st).  It'll be a long day for sure.

Woke up to 9°F and frozen water pipes in the kitchen area.  Thankfully, I was prepared and filled large jugs.  The rest of the house has water.

Oh, and he is sick now too.  He works outside in this frigid weather, and working midnight runs you down.  He's getting medicinal teas, essential oils, Four Thieves and dandelions in his egg scramble.

Forgot to post 5 of these yesterday.

Ideas for revitalizing and energizing yourself (cont.):

36. Dress the way that feels right.

37. Practice good posture.

38. Utilize medical checkups.

39. Seek out good friends

40. Share yourself with significant

I'll admit purging my crafting supplies has been hard.  I'm finding fun items that make me sit down to figure out if I can or want to make gifts with them (or for sale at craft shows).  I've already opened one box for our daughter (with the grandkids) and taken out one bag.  Yikes.

I have however, completely cleaned out a 4 drawer cabinet.  It's going to Youngest for her apartment.

We've gotten just a wee bit more snow here, and the colder temps continue.  It's snowing this morning.  

Today's post is a little long.  Sorry for that.  

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I'll link up when she posts.  I need to get going, as the hours of the day go by way too fast anymore.

The weather outside is . . .

20°F/15°F, snowing

How I am feeling this morning . . .

Cold!  I am really not liking these temperatures lately.  We were lucky last winter I guess.

On my mind . . .

Trying to find a good day to get to the city for items I need.  Also trying to figure out which city, as one has a Hobby Lobby and the other direction does not.  Tough decisions.

Also on my mind, I miss family gatherings, going dancing (a lot), going to the library just for fun and browsing, and having the freedom to go out in public without a mask.  There were so many babies born in our family in 2020 that we didn't get to see or hold once yet.

I have many items I need to re-stock for a possible craft show this coming next fall.  I need to fill one order for scrubbies first, but have so much to re-stock.  

I'm already a worry-wart over Youngest moving out.  She hasn't learned to cook much, and I am already worried about her eating healthy.  I have a few months to work on that with her.

"If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!" -Dolly Parton

The sad part of this quote is that the younger generation won't know what a smile looks like and we can't see each other's smiles with the masks.  

On the breakfast plate . . .

Egg, dandelion greens, sausage and bean burrito, organic coffee

On my reading pile . . .

As the Earth Turns, 1933 copy

On my TV . . .

Dead to Me when my husband is at work.  Otherwise what ever we find interesting.

On the menu this week . . .

-Soup beans, fried cabbage

-Baked chicken parmesan, veggie

-Stuffed Bell Peppers

-Either cod or salmon, two veggies sides

-leftovers

From the camera . . .

A recent sunrise we enjoyed.

Am I the only one who has a husband that comes home from work and does a donut in the front yard?  Ha ha ha!  Letting off some steam perhaps?

Looking around the house . . .

Oh boy, it's in worse condition than last week. I really need to take stuff to donate and free up tables.  The more I purge the worse it looks.  Although I know the final results will be amazing.

New recipe I tried last week, or one that we really enjoyed . . .

I haven't had time to be honest.  I've stuck with favorite recipes and continue to purge the house.

To relax this week I will. . .

Work on the clothespin crafts (so I can finish up and put remaining supplies back in the donate box), possibly cut netting and crochet scrubbies.  Maybe even read.  

Something I want to share . . .

"Little Acts of Kindness" (5 of 35)

1. Say "Good Morning" to a person standing next to you in the elevator.

2. Pay the toll for the driver behind you.

3. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you're rushing.

4. Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention .  Kids love getting mail.

5. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, especially in extreme weather.

Devotional, Inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse . . .

Mom, she was given the green light for the vaccine, but can't find a place to get it.  My husband...he's sick.  Youngest as she ventures into her own apartment in a few months (and me, because I will miss her and Tiger her cat). For our kitchen water pipes to thaw.

Happy Homemaker Monday

I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom, for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Enjoy!

Breakfast time....what is on the plate this morning. . .
~ organic toast with organic peanut butter, coffee (I got a late start, and a sluggish one)

Happy Homemaker Monday

We were so thankful to see the rain arrive.  The garden and flower beds were so dry, not to mention the herb garden (I now call the "weed" garden).  The beets and carrots are very small right now.  I hope we have a good fall season to fatten them up.

We had a family breakfast Sunday morning. On our way there we had a major storm, taking out our power for 3 hours.  It was 86°F but a heat index of 97.  

We came home and Hubby worked on one daughter's car (in the heat no less.  I was watching out the window and saw him running.  Wasps had made a nest in her side mirror and one stung him.  Funny thing is, is that I had just picked plantain, and had fresh to grind up and put a poultice on his bite.  Anyway, car is finally fixed and delivered.  One more "to-do" checked off the list.

Hubby has been pretty good on his to-do list lately.  He even installed a new dead bolt on one door, and has more to go.  His priority now is fixing the old truck.  He plans to pick up a new drawer bracket for me today too.  Another job hopefully checked off this week.

Somehow, over our recent camping trip (best I figure because I woke up Sunday with a red spot on my ankle that was sort of feeling like a burn).  Not sure what it was but most likely in the spider family.  Plantain poultice to the rescue (and homemade neosporin).  Guess I'm going to start wearing tall socks under my jeans next camping trip.  I had shoes on with short socks.  Lesson learned.  We will also check under the camper mattresses each time we pop up the camper.

I finally ordered my instant read thermometer.  It's been a long time waiting on doing this.  I have one, but it's not an instant read.  I was watching America's test kitchen and they recommended it.  Once it arrives I'll share a picture of it.

Today I'm joining Sandra at Dairy of a Stay at Home Mom.  I already have a lot crossed off my to-do list.  I'm up early every day.



On the breakfast plate . . .
Breakfast burrito with scramble made with dandelion greens, and a homemade cinnamon roll.  Cup of organic coffee.


The weather outside is . . .
High of 86°F, Sunny with a chance of thunderstorms again tonight. Possible rain again today too.


Right now I am . . .
Trying to get my daughter to get out of bed.  It's almost 11am.


On my reading pile . . . 
Sorting mail and filing recipes if that counts for reading, ha ha!


On my TV this week . . .
Eat My Dust  and Urban Cowboy- movies on Amazon

On the menu . . .
Cabbage/potatoes and sausage
Tacos
Cheesy pasta broccoli bake
Blueberry pancakes and sausage

Leftovers


On the to do list . . .
Master bath
Laundry
Fold towels in laundry basket
Dishes/kitchen clean up
Run dishwasher
Floors
Water porch pots
Take clothes off drying racks and put them away
Make a bucket of homemade laundry detergent
Pay school fee 
Make a trip to the store for wasp spray
Place order for drawer brackets
Place order window switch for one daughter's car
Order a new spray nozzle for homemade bug spray
Take recycling
Call for Septic (might actually and finally get done)
A few things need canned this week
Clean up computer area


What I am creating . . .

Finished these two sets of pot holders and started another one.  I hope to have time to start another bracelet - got two more orders.


Looking forward to . . .
Our next motorcycle ride, camping trip - just anything relaxing.


Looking around the house . . .
I'm getting some ideas for different storage items in the kitchen.  Already ordered some containers for my canning rims


From the camera . . .

A picture that daughter took when Romeo had a sleepover weekend with the kids at their apt.  Zuri is warming up to him.  What a happy sight for sure.  King is too, Romeo just curled up with Zuri.


Thinking about . . .
Building a bat house.  We really need to get the bats out of the barn.


Prayers . . .
The world in general, private requests, super quick healing of my darn spider bite.

Herbal Hair Tonic and Hair Oil Updates

I made an herbal hair tonic to encourage hair growth and repair.  You can read the original post  here.  Why I made it is written below.  The hair tonic is made with all nettle, but I'm considering adding burdock root now.  The tea infusion I am drinking is made differently.

I have researched this through a few books and online, and do feel calcium helps hair and nails, so I made sure I was also drinking nettle and tulsi teas (infused for a stronger tea).


I made my tea infusion using 3/4 cup dry nettle and 1/4 cup dry oat straw.  Both are good combination for calcium, and hair and nail health.  I used a quart canning jar, poured boiling water over the herbs, placed the lid on, and steeped it for 4 or more hours, sometimes making it at night and steeping all night.  Drinking within 36 hours, before it goes rancid.

Happy Homemaker Monday

I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom today.  I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend.  Oddly, my kids did not try to prank me one time.

Over the weekend, we got a motorcycle ride, joined Hubby's family for Easter dinner, took my Dad plate of food, and split more wood.  I think not being prepared with a few years of split wood has finally weighed on my husband's mind.  He keeps saying, "I'm so tired of this, I will have all our wood split before next winter."

Update on my fall:  I had placed a comfrey poultice under my arm where I slammed onto the chair, but not anywhere else.  The bruise was gone in a few days, but last Saturday, I had shoulder pain and two nasty bruises show up on my knee.  




On the breakfast plate. . .

. . . from the gratitude journal ~ Internet Issues

I'm thankful for all the recipes I haven't tried yet.  The anticipation keeps me fired up, looking forward to something.

I'm thankful for having Jesse with us.  He's been a blessing and he's getting much needed exercise on the homestead.  And of course he's a great watch dog.

I'm thankful for anti-ill oil spray.  It's been killing off germs for us.

I'm thankful for coffee.  Without it, I would be a bear to deal with, ha ha!

I'm thankful for one daughter who has stepped up to the plate with helping out at get togethers.  She's bringing pie, cookies and other items to the meals, and I am so happy for that.  Woohoo to her helping out.

Here's what's been going on at the homestead.  First off, our internet provider has caused us problems.   We cannot access the internet on the desktop computer, due to a problem they created, and most likely to force us to use their DNS server to track and sell our browsing history.  I have already called another provider and we cannot get them (dish, and no clear path to a tower).  It's day 2 and they are telling me the same ol' story.  

I am using an old laptop, so all of my photos are not on here.  Another frustration. 

I had the pleasure of an all-day visit from our oldest daughter the other day - fed her breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Even the wifi cut out about dinner time, while she was doing her homework (college).

Here is what's been going on in the kitchen -  a large pan of overnight Mexican breakfast casserole, more einkorn peanut butter cookies, and a large batch of breakfast burrito filler (sausage, bacon, egg, potato, pepper, onion and dandelion).

...so what's going on in the living room?  

This job was completed, and I'm onto the next now.  I completely emptied my pie safe, dusted everything, purged, moved it from the wall, cleaned the wall, wall trim, and carpet.  What a job that was.  It has screens, so everything needed dusted.  I have to store my mixer, food processor, and as you can see many other kitchen items due to space in my kitchen.

I'm dusting off the emergency candles (literally) too.  Oye, the dust bunnies are everywhere, so I am thankful to stop and get a few breaks.

It's been cold here, and too early for November.  Hopefully, our internet issue will be resolved soon.  It's happening to other people, so I'm not the only one.