Halfway Homesteading

So, you think living in the country means all your neighbors will be cute little goats and chickens? Well, think again! Welcome to my “halfway homesteading” adventure, where the only thing I'm raising is my kid (and maybe my eyebrows when the 4-year-old starts asking for a pet goat).

Now, with the school year in full swing and flu season creeping around the corner like that one relative who only visits during the holidays, it’s time to stock up on some trusty homemade remedies. Enter the dynamic duo of cold and flu defense: Fermented Garlic Honey and Oregano Oil! Because if you can’t ward off germs with charming small-town vibes, you might as well do it with a garlic-infused concoction that smells like you just had dinner with Dracula.

Fermented Garlic Honey

1. Ingredients:

   • 1 cup raw honey

   • 1 head of garlic (yes, the whole head—don’t be shy)

2. Instructions:

   • Peel the cloves and smash them lightly (channel your inner anger here; it’s therapeutic).

   • Place the smashed cloves in a clean jar and pour the honey over them.

   • Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 3-4 weeks.

   • Shake it up every few days, because if a jar of garlic honey isn’t jiggled, did it even happen?

3. Usage:

   • Take 1 teaspoon as needed. Trust me, the flavor is worth the sniffles!

Oregano Oil

Just a heads-up! This stuff is potent. We’re talking a little drop can do a lot here. Use a carrier oil (like olive oil) to dilute it. Your taste buds will thank you (and your nose will stop twitching).

Homemade Oregano Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 glass jar with a lid

• Organic dried oregano

• Organic olive or avocado oil

• Small funnel

• Saucepan & water

Instructions:

1. In your glass jar, combine equal parts of organic dried oregano and your choice of oil (olive or avocado).

2. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat.

3. Carefully place the jar with the oregano-oil mixture into the hot water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to infuse.

4. After the time is up, remove the jar from the water and place it in a sunny spot for two weeks. Yes, that's right—let that sunshine work its magic!

5. Remember to shake the jar daily. This is your stirring method, because we're classy like that.

6. After two weeks, strain the oil using a cheesecloth or fine strainer. Funnel it into an amber dropper bottle or another jar.

7. Store your homemade oregano oil in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Enjoy your herbal triumph in a bottle!

1. Dosage:

   • Mix 1 drop of oregano oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and take it once a day when you’re feeling under the weather. Call it your “sick day shot—no, not that kind!”

Bonus Tools for My Tiny Cute Kitchen

Let’s chat about life’s little helpers. I’ve recently become obsessed with:

• Metal Funnels: They’re easier to clean than the silicone ones and don’t hold on to, oh, I don’t know, the scent of garlic for a century.

• Tiny Cute Mason Jars: Because everything in a tiny cute house must be tiny and cute. Plus, they perfect for gifts, make some oils and give them away during the holidays!

Reminder: This is NOT medical advice! Always consult with your doctor because I’m just a mom trying to navigate the jungle of parenting with a sprinkle of humor and a side of garlic. Do your research and find what remedies best fit your family’s needs.

So there you have it! My attempt at starting a homestead—complete with a feral 4-year-old, a messy kitchen, and a dash of garlic magic. Stay well out there!

works in progress….. stay tuned