Search Results

Winter is one of my favorite times of the year. The hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, the days are chilly, the nights are even colder, and the meals are warm and comforting. Spring may seem far off but there is work to be done for the home gardener. Of course, I can’t think about gardening without also thinking about preserving. Last year was my first year canning and I absolutely love it! Not only are the finished products beautiful, but it allows me to feel connected to history. I think about those before us who lived by the slogan: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” I remember being in the garden with my grandma and baking apple pies with her. Those memories with her helped lead me to make similar memories with my daughters. The time for getting your supplies in order and starting seeds is now. As you can probably imagine, finding gardening and canning supplies in the last three years has been pretty hit or miss in some areas. To ensure that you're ready for the season, take a moment to review what you have on hand and what you may need this year. Here’s what I have enjoyed working with so far: Gardening Supplies Food Safe Buckets If you are limited on space or limited physically on how much you can do in the garden, buckets or planters are a great option. Last spring, I purchased 5-gallon buckets from a local restaurant. If using buckets, you'll want to ensure that they are marked “food safe”. You definitely don't want to use anything that previously held things with chemicals. Raised Beds This past fall I purchased four galvanized raised beds, which are working out great. The size I have is 4x8x1, but there are various shapes and sizes available. Irrigation System My husband and I both work full-time, so watering the garden was an issue last year. Sometimes it wouldn't get watered until mid-afternoon or until after dinner. Having an irrigation system in place allows me to have watering on a timer which allows for consistent watering. Hopefully, this year’s garden will enjoy that! Seeds You can find seeds just about anywhere. I've had luck with seeds from Dollar Tree and, have purchased some name-brand, “fancy” seeds from a couple of big box stores. They all seem to provide pretty similar results. Seed Starting Mix Last year I used Miracle Grow potting mix and it did just fine. This year I'm trying out Espoma Organic Potting Mix and it seems to provide similar results so far. Grow Lights and Starting Seeds Indoors There are many ways to set up an indoor growing station. I've been using a DIY grow light box recommended by CaliKim. The setup is easy and affordable. You’ll simply need a 30-gallon clear storage tote, a clamp light, and a LED bulb that emits 3000 lumens. Preserving Supplies Presto 23-Quart Induction Compatible Pressure Canner There are two types of canning: water bath and pressure canning. You could purchase two separate pots. Personally, I use my pressure canner without the lid, and it works phenomenally. You just want to make sure you use the canning rack insert for both applications so that your jars aren’t resting on the bottom of the pot. Mason Jars, Lids, and Rings There are a variety of Mason jars available. I have used some classic Ball jars and some plain ones I found at Dollar General. As long as they're canning jars and don't have any chips or cracks, they should work just fine. As far as I know, there's only one brand of lids that allows you to reuse them. Others can only be sealed once. It's worth the investment to purchase reusable lids. Canning Cookbook When canning, you'll want to follow recipes that have been approved by the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Canning is an exact science and requires careful preparation to avoid illnesses such as Botulism. I have been using the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving by Judi Kingry and have really enjoyed the recipes in it. The Pizza Sauce recipe is my family’s favorite! Canning Supplies You'll need a few supplies to handle your jars safely and ensure your product has the proper headspace required. There are several kits available, but you want to make sure you have a funnel, a jar lifter, a bubble reducer, measuring spoons and cups, and a ladle. You'll also want to have good-quality pot holders. The cloth pot holders can burn you if they get wet, so I prefer to use the silicone ones when canning. Cotton dish towels are also something you'll need. You don't want to place hot jars on a bare countertop as this could cause your jars to break or change your product's temperature causing a faulty seal. Slow Cooker I prefer to make my stocks and sauces in the slow cooker. I feel like the flavor is better and it allows me to do other things while it works for me. I have two 7-quart slow cookers that I typically have going at the same time on canning days, but you could definitely get by with just one. Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

Plus Where to Look for Help in Your Own Community As a beginner gardener and food preserver, I have really focused on learning from those who know all about the subject. However, the internet is big place with so many resources it can become overwhelming. As a student, I enjoy learning from those who not only know what they are teaching, but who do it in a fun and inspiring way. Here is a list of some of my favorite teachers. I really like how Kevin breaks down the “why” of growing certain things for their benefits. I also enjoy his posts about things that he has grown that weren’t really worth the time and effort. He also shares things like how to set up an irrigation system, how to set up raised beds, and in-ground gardening tips. https://www.youtube.com/@epicgardening https://www.epicgardening.com I am huge fan of Becky over at Acre Homestead because she seems to really do it all: gardening, cooking, canning, and chickens all with a newborn in tow. She offers a lot of great cooking tips and the science behind it. She also brings you along for her garden season from start to finish and is honest about her successes and failures. It’s like Bob Ross, Alton Brown, and the Pioneer Woman conjured her up for us! https://www.youtube.com/@AcreHomestead https://scratchpantry.com Mr. Charles Hancock, also known as the Old Alabama Gardener, shared many of his “secret” gardening tips for many years via Youtube. Sadly, he passed away in November 2021. However, his videos are still very relevant and offer the kind of valuable information you could only find from someone with decades of experience. His family is passionate about bringing awareness to Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity. https://www.youtube.com/@OldAlabamaGardener Toward Garden offers many videos on growing plants from seed. I enjoy the relaxing music and his straight-to-the-point direction. I find this to be helpful in having a visual of the growing process and how big I can expect plants to get. https://www.youtube.com/@TowardGarden I have only recently discovered Cassandra over at Becoming a Farm Girl. I was hooked right away by her personality and “give it to you straight” attitude. After only a few videos I feel like we have been best buds for years. She shares gardening and preserving tips for those who work full-time, live in small spaces, and just want to get started on a “back to roots” journey. https://www.youtube.com/@BecomingaFarmGirl https://becomingafarmgirl.com Online resources are a fantastic way to learn at our own pace in our own time. However, there are many community resources available to you as well. First and foremost, check out the gardening section at your local public library. There are tons of books available to you for free. Just sign up for a free library card. Our local library allows you to hold on to checkouts up to 3 weeks. Don’t forget to look for other media like magazines and DVDs! Next, most counties in the United States have a Master Gardener Association. “The main purpose of the organization is to promote responsible horticultural practices and education.” Source: http://msmastergardener.org. Many extension offices also offer in-person and virtual classes and volunteer opportunities. Here's a list of online classes my local group is currently offering for Zone 8: http://www.aces.edu/go/gardenzoom.com Here are just a couple more extension office links but be sure to find your local office for the best information for your growing area. https://extension.arizona.edu/free-online-gardening-talks https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden Don’t forget to check out your local nurseries. Talk to those who work with plants in your growing area. Ask them for tips and recommendations! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

Huge thanks to Brian over at Warriors Vision for having me on his podcast! Be sure to check it out below, and follow him at WarriorsCollectionBrand.com, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Subscribe & stay tuned for our upcoming newsletter here!

When we think of "homesteading" we often think of acres of farmland with a big, red barn, a lot of farm animals, and life skills that have been handed down for generations. At least, that's what I tend to think of! But what if we live in the suburbs on a quarter-acre plot with an HOA, or a fourth-floor walk-up in the middle of a concrete jungle? What if no one teaches us those traditions and life skills? Can we still be homesteaders? I think we can. I think if we shift our focus to production and less on consumption, we can indeed be homesteaders. If we choose to decrease our dependence on resources and supply chains that aren’t guaranteed, work with our own hands to feel that we're contributing real and profound value to our families and the world, and become more responsible for ourselves and our families - I think that is the heart of a homesteader, regardless of their location or circumstance. Rather than purchase all of our food from the grocery store, why don’t we grow some ourselves and get to know our local farmers? Rather than going through the drive-thru, why don't we learn to make real food from scratch? Rather than living in a state of unpreparedness, why don't we begin to learn the skills we need to be confident and able? I think it's possible if we do the work. And that has been my goal. Here are ten essential skills I believe everyone needs to feel confident in their abilities, not only as homesteaders but as human beings. Let me know in the comments what you would add to this list! Establish a community. One of the most important things we can do for ourselves, and our families, is to be a part of a community that is knowledgeable and helpful. Whether your goal is to become self-sufficient or just learn basic life skills, you need people who you can learn from and people who want to learn. Much of what I love about homesteading is the traditions, and that's hard to do without a group of people with the wisdom to share them. Finding a community can be as simple as online groups, through your local extension office, or with neighbors. Cooking and baking from scratch. Learning to cook and bake from scratch can not only save you a lot of money, but it allows you the ability to choose what exactly is in your food. By having the freedom to choose specific ingredients, you're able to cater to your family’s exact dietary needs. Making meals from scratch can be hard to do when you work outside the home, but just devoting an hour or two an evening, or a few hours on a weekend can really add up. Most of my go-to recipes are things I can make ahead of time. I can make a freezer meal for later, breakfast the night before, or preserve things for longer storage, all of which my future self will thank me for! Learn to sew by hand. Learning to repair your clothing for longer use, or making your own clothing can keep a lot of waste out of landfills. Hand sewing is a fun, inexpensive hobby that can increase hand-eye coordination, improve math skills and reduce stress. Having a small sewing kit is a necessity and because it's portable, it's easy to always have on hand. I do recommend learning to use a sewing machine as well. A machine can help save a lot of time when working on larger projects! There are many beginner videos available all over the internet, and I also recommend reaching out to your older friends and relatives that have a wealth of knowledge to share! Repurpose and Recycle We have so much available to us nowadays that it seems everything we could ever want, or need is available with little to no inconvenience. However, this isn't always a good thing. We seem to have forgotten the old mantra “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.” that we learned as school children. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, about 146.1 million tons of municipal solid waste were landfilled. Food was the largest component at about 24 percent. Plastics accounted for over 18 percent, paper and paperboard made up about 12 percent, and rubber, leather, and textiles comprised over 11 percent. You can learn more about MSW landfills here. The bottom line is, we can do better for ourselves, our households, and our planet! Learn basic home maintenance skills. Skills such as carpentry and plumbing can save you a lot of valuable time and headaches. Something as simple as repairing clogged drains and toilets, a running toilet, or leaky faucets and pipes can save you a ton of money by doing the work yourself rather than calling a plumber. Basic carpentry knowledge can help you move quickly through simple projects and give you the confidence to move on to bigger jobs! Learn auto mechanic skills. Keeping your vehicles and machinery in good working order can be straightforward if you have the proper know-how. Reading over the owner’s manual and watching videos on how to conduct common tasks such as changing the oil, replacing a belt, and changing a tire could save you a lot of time and money! Learn to hunt and fish legally and humanely. It's important to know the state and federal laws pertaining to hunting and fishing. There are certain regulations regarding age limits, education, and training prior to receiving permits, zoning areas, seasons, and breed and quantity per person. You can find this information with a simple online search of fishing and wildlife laws in your specific location. Learn how to garden in your climate. Knowing your growing climate and hardiness zone is a must! It's important to know what your soil conditions are like and what crops do best in your climate conditions. Gardening styles such as hydroponic or aquaponic gardening may be better suited to the needs of your particular climate. Container gardening, indoor gardening, and raised bed gardening may better suit your needs if you are limited in space. There's a wealth of knowledge at your local library, your local extension office, and online. Learn to harvest rainwater. In my state, there are currently no law restrictions when it comes to harvesting rainwater. This is not the case for some states in the U.S. Some states may allow rainwater catchment but require a permit, or may specify the size of the system used, and the purpose for which the rainwater would be used. It's best to be up to date on the regulations in your area before setting up any rain catchment system, big or small. Learn basic first aid. Knowing basic first aid skills can be the difference between life and death. There are simple steps of first aid that may help to avoid making a bad situation worse. If you're prepared during an emergency, you're likely to be more confident in your skills and know how to respond to a person in need. Knowing how to minimize panic and physically move someone without increasing injury can help the victim suffer less. There are classes available through The American Red Cross, YMCAs, local colleges, and online. Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. If you have a gardener in your life, finding the perfect gift for them doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Whether they're a beginner or have years of experience, the items on this list are sure to please! Pair any or all of these with items from my previous posts, Book Recommendations for the Gardener, or TEN Simple Eco-Friendly Changes to Make Now! Gifts $35 or Less Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Of course, no garden is complete without seeds and plants! I like to think that I have two hobbies; one is gardening and the other is buying seeds and plants. Seeds are delicate things with infinite potential. I love this Red Milkweed and all the stunning butterflies and dragonflies it brings to my garden. Pick up a variety of seeds for optimal beauty and harvest! Stream2Sea Sunscreen One of the most practical and caring gifts you can give anyone that enjoys the outdoors is a high-quality, eco-friendly mineral sunscreen. I mentioned this product in my previous post and I absolutely love it! I admit, I used to be awful with applying sunscreen to my fair skin but after a skin cancer scare in 2017, I never forget to lather up! Stream2Sea goes on smoothly with no cakey residue, and it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Help protect the ones you love and the environment, it’s a win-win! Click the link above, or use coupon code theazaleahomestead for 10% off! Gudrun Iron Garden Obelisk Trellis This obelisk trellis is perfect for trellising vining plants, supporting flowers or vegetables, or as a simple decorative element in the garden. This trellis is over 6 feet tall and weighs less than 3 pounds. It's made of iron with a finished coat and comes with stakes to easily secure it in place. Columbia Sportswear Unisex Bora Bora II Booney Hat A sunhat is essential when working outside. This Unisex Bora Bora II Booney Hat by Columbia has a 3-inch brim and features built-in UPF for the ultimate protection from the sun. I especially love that it has a breathable mesh vent panel to help keep me cool. The best part, it's machine washable! Second Skin Garden Gloves For stubborn weeds or outdoor projects that require strong gloves, these Second Skin Garden Gloves are just the thing! These water-resistant nylon gloves provide silicone grips and long cuffs for extra safety and protection. They also offer lab-certified UPF 50 protection from the sun and are machine washable. Gifts under $50 ThermoPro TP68B Gardeners plan all things gardening around the weather. Will it rain? How hot will it be? Take the guesswork out of planning by using this indoor/outdoor weather station! This system offers a smart temperature sensor with a wireless remote range of up to 500 feet and is equipped with barometers for the home to predict weather 12-24 hours based on barometric pressure. Teknor Apex Zero-G Hose Every garden needs a high-quality garden hose that is free of lead, won’t kink or coil, is lightweight, and sturdy enough to last more than one season. Sound too good to be true? The Teknor Apex Zero-G hose offers all that and more! It features commercial-grade crush-resistant couplings and has an abrasion and puncture-resistant outer cover that is sure to last for many seasons to come. Botanical Interests Harvest Basket A functional and necessary gift every gardener needs is a harvest basket. Available in two sizes, this sturdy basket is a beauty! It offers a weather-resistant, hand-rubbed oil finish made of pine, birch, and oak. Gifts for $75+ GroundWork Wooden Raised Bed Planter All gardeners could use a new garden bed! This elevated raised garden bed is perfect for small spaces like patios and balconies or as a part of a larger garden area. It's made of unfinished solid fir wood and can be painted to suit your aesthetics. The elevated height requires no bending or leaning over which makes it more comfortable and user-friendly. Vego Garden Solar Garden Lights Lighting is important in a garden space. It not only provides a beautiful ambiance, but it can also repel pests like skunks and possums. These solar lights hold a charge for up to 5 hours and have an auto sensor that turns on at nightfall. The lights are also magnetic and pair perfectly with galvanized beds. Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

Crispy on the outside and packed full of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese, these Breakfast Egg Rolls are the perfect addition to your brunch menu or as a hearty meal on the go! Jump to Recipe I love it when my girls help me out in the kitchen. It’s a great time for us to chat about whatever they want to chat about while doing something fun. I find that they open up more and talk about things they maybe wouldn’t have thought to talk about before. The business of the task at hand helps us both to feel comfortable and at ease in our discussions making for a meaningful bonding experience. This is a great opportunity to not only build our relationship but they’re learning life skills in the process. I encourage you to bring your kids (big or small) into the kitchen with you! In our kitchen, we enjoy taking a classic pairing like sausage and eggs and turning it into something fun and different rather than how we typically enjoy them. I’ve shared fun ways to change the presentation of our family favorites before in my Loaded Breakfast Pizza and Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels recipes. Sometimes, we just need to look at things a little differently to appreciate them again. These Breakfast Egg Rolls are a fantastic way to shake things up a bit, while still having those classic flavor combinations we know and love! And, because this recipe is so versatile, it’s super easy to tailor it to your preferences. Simple ingredient changes are easy and budget-friendly ways to keep a favorite recipe from becoming ho-hum. So don’t be afraid to mix things up! Yield: 20 Breakfast Egg Rolls Ingredients 20 egg roll wrappers 1 pound breakfast sausage 6 large eggs 2 Tablespoons of milk 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 3 scallions or green onions, thinly sliced ½ large red bell pepper, finely diced 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon chili powder 1/3 cup water ½ teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder Directions In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, and spices. Lightly whisk eggs until thoroughly beaten. Set bowl aside. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Remove cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to allow excess oil to drain off. Pour egg mixture into skillet with residual grease from the cooked sausage. Cook eggs over medium heat while constantly breaking up the eggs. Scrape the eggs from the sides of the pan to the middle. Fold and lightly break apart the large clumps of egg for approximately 1-2 minutes. Once the eggs are slightly firm, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Gently mix the sausage in with the eggs for about 1 minute. Add the sliced green onions and red pepper and mix gently to combine with the eggs and sausage. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature where it can be safely handled with bare hands. In a small bowl, mix together water and cornstarch. This will be our “glue” to help keep the egg rolls sealed. Place egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape on a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Add about 3 tablespoons of the egg and sausage mixture with a pinch of the shredded cheese toward the bottom of the egg roll wrapper. Begin rolling the egg roll wrapper by bringing the bottom up to the middle. Then bring the left side of the egg roll wrapper to the middle of the bottom. Repeat the process with the right side of the egg roll wrapper. Starting from the bottom, begin tightly rolling forward until you reach the tip of the egg roll wrapper. Dab your index finger into the water and cornstarch mixture then lightly trace along the edges of the top of the egg roll wrapper. Finish rolling and gently press the tip into the rolled wrapper. Continue this process for the remaining egg rolls. Once all of the egg rolls are tightly rolled and sealed, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray each egg roll with a neutral cooking spray such as olive oil or avocado oil. Bake the egg rolls at 400 degrees for approximately 7 minutes. Turn the egg rolls and continue baking for another 5-7 minutes or until the egg rolls are lightly golden and appear crispy. Serve warm. How to Fry Breakfast Egg Rolls: If frying these egg rolls on the stovetop, I recommend using a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot. Add oil to the pot and bring it to a temperature of 365 degrees. Working in small batches, carefully place egg rolls into hot oil and fry for approximately 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove eggrolls from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate. How to Air Fry Breakfast Egg Rolls: If using an air fryer to bake these egg rolls, place the egg rolls seam-side down in a single layer on the air fryer tray. Light spray each eggroll with a non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 390 degrees for approximately 7-9 minutes, flipping the eggrolls about halfway through. How to Freeze and Reheat Breakfast Egg Rolls: These Breakfast Egg Rolls can be frozen pre-cooked or after they're baked and cooled completely. Place the egg rolls seam-side down on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1 hour. Remove the frozen egg rolls and place them in a freezer-safe storage bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat uncooked egg rolls, allow egg rolls to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Lightly spray the egg rolls with a non-stick cooking spray and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 7-9 minutes then turn the egg rolls and bake for an additional 7 minutes. To reheat cooked egg rolls, heat in the microwave for approximately 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Please note that the egg rolls may lose some of their delicious crispiness. For the best results, reheat in a toaster oven or traditional oven for 7-9 minutes, then flip the egg rolls and bake for an additional 7 minutes. We love hearing from you! Let us know if you enjoyed these Breakfast Egg Rolls in the comments below or share on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

Soft, chewy, and full of natural fruit juice these homemade fruit gummies are absolutely delicious and are ready to eat in about 30 minutes! Jump to recipe My kids and husband love fruit gummies. The sugar-coated sour ones are probably their absolute favorite candy. However, I don’t love the ingredients found in them. Have you looked at the ingredients list on store-bought fruit gummies lately? If you look up a popular non-organic brand of gummy bears, you’ll find there are at least thirteen ingredients listed. Wowzers! Sure, there are some organic options available but even those have over ten ingredients. Homemade gummies are super easy to make, and you only need 3 simple, natural ingredients. I recently discovered that I could make our own fruit gummies and we won’t be going back to the store bought version! As an avid home canner, we have a strong supply of home canned fruits and vegetables pretty much year-round. When I’m making a batch of Buttermilk Mixed Berry Waffles, I like to save the juice leftover in the jar. This is the perfect amount for making a small batch of homemade gummies for the kids. Sometimes I find a juice flavor that I don’t have or a new flavor combination that sounds good and will pick up a bottle of 100% juice at the grocery store. So, if you’re not a home canner, no worries, you can still make some delicious homemade gummies! Even if you use a storebought juice you will still be eliminating those unnecessary ingredients found in prepackage gummies. Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need to make homemade gummies: 1 Cup pure fruit or vegetable juice 4 Tablespoons unflavored gelatin ½ cup cold water That’s it! Who knew making delicious, nutritious gummies at home could be so easy? Making these homemade gummies is super easy! First, in a medium bowl, combine ½ cup cold water and 4 Tablespoons of unflavored gelatin. Gently stir to combine then set aside for about 3-5 minutes. Next, heat one cup of fruit juice in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat for approximately 2-3 minutes. The juice should be warm but not boiling. Slowly add the water and gelatin mixture to the warm juice in the saucepan. Stir gently to combine and continue to simmer on low heat for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool for just a minute. Prepare silicone candy molds by placing them on a flat baking sheet. Using a food-safe dropper, carefully fill the cavities of a silicone candy mold. If you don’t have a silicone mold, you can simply just pour the mixture into an 8x8 baking dish and cut into bite-sized pieces once it has completely set. Once all of the cavities are filled in your molds, place them in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. The baking sheet will help to catch any spills. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Helpful tips: You’ll want to avoid highly acidic juices like orange, grapefruit, lemons, limes, peaches, and pineapple. Fruits like this will break down the gelatin because they have a high concentration of the enzyme bromelain. Our favorite flavors are cherry, strawberry mango, blueberry, and raspberry. My kids and husband really love the tart/sourness of unsweetened gummies. However, if you want sweeter gummies, you can add 1 or 2 Tablespoons of honey, pure maple syrup, or other organic natural sweetener. If you enjoyed this Homemade Fruit Gummies recipe, let us know in the comments! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

This delicious submarine-style sandwich is made with savory Italian meatballs and a homemade marinara sauce served on a perfectly toasted Italian roll! Serves 6 Jump to recipe Whether you're preparing for a simple and delicious game day feast or just want an affordable, easy-to-pull-together dinner, these Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches will definitely be a crowd favorite! There are several variations of this classic sandwich available all over the internet so we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here. My family and I have tried a few different versions, but we just couldn’t find one that we all loved - until now. Just a few simple tweaks and a homemade marinara sauce were all it needed to become one of our family favorites! One of the things we love about this recipe is that the meatballs are baked. Pan-frying can take a while and it makes a mess. Meatballs cooked in a slow cooker tend to fall apart more easily. These meatballs are so tender and juicy but still hold their shape perfectly! As a busy, homeschooling mom who works outside of the home, one of my favorite things when it comes to cooking, are items that can be prepared ahead of time. I need meals to come together quickly before the family threatens a hostile takeover with fast food! The meatball mixture for this recipe comes together in under 10 minutes thanks to simple, budget-friendly pantry staples like dried herbs. I like to prepare them the night before so that they're ready for the oven at a moment’s notice. Prepared meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen in their raw or cooked form for up to 2 months. Allow frozen meatballs to thaw prior to baking and be sure to use an internal thermometer to check for doneness. It's recommended beef be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. So, let’s get started! For this Italian Meatball Sub Sandwich recipe, you will need: Ground Beef If you're using only ground beef, you’ll want to use at least an 80/20 blend to ensure the meat does not dry out. For this recipe, I use a lean 90/10 because the Italian Sausage will add additional fat. Ground Italian Sausage With a fat content of at least 20 percent, ground Italian sausage will increase the fat and moisture in the meatballs, not to mention the flavor. I use a mild blend since I’m serving kiddos but if you enjoy spicy, feel free to use a hot Italian sausage. Herbs and Spices When it comes to adding flavor, the right herbs and spices are key. Garlic and onion both offer delicious umami flavor and aromatic powerhouses like oregano and basil are sure to add a mouthwatering goodness to every bite! Parmesan Cheese We prefer freshly shredded parmesan cheese for this recipe, but you could absolutely use store-bought grated. I like that the shredded cheese melts easier and enhances the overall flavor. Grated cheese does help to ensure it is more evenly distributed in the meat mixture. Both work great, so don’t fret too much over it. Homemade Marinara Sauce We've tried and even liked some store-bought sauces, but we just love homemade marinara sauce. Store-bought sauces tend to be on the sweeter side which can be hard to overcome on the flavor palate. You just can’t beat the freshness of a homemade sauce. Italian Breadcrumbs Those random ends of bread that my kids don’t care for aren’t tossed in the trash! I keep them in a quart-sized, freezer-safe bag until I need to make breadcrumbs. For this recipe I like to add about a teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano then I use my food processor to grind them up finely. Mozzarella Cheese Can it be an Italian Meatball Sub Sandwich without Mozzarella cheese? No way! Well, I suppose Provolone could be a fantastic substitute. You just want a delicious cheese that melts easily. Italian Loaf Rolls A crusty Italian loaf is able to withstand all of the deliciousness we’re packing into it. I like to tear out some of the extra dough in the middle to make more room for the meatballs. I find it helps the meatballs stay in place and makes eating the sandwich easier (and usually, less messy). Toss those bread pieces into your freezer bag for the next time you need homemade breadcrumbs! Making these Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches is incredibly easy! Here’s how: First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Set aside a 9x13 baking dish. Mix together meat, herbs, spices, Parmesan, 1 large egg, ¼ cup marinara sauce, and about ½ cup of breadcrumbs in a large bowl. You want to use either a wooden spoon or just your fingertips to combine the ingredients gently. Don’t overwork the mixture or it won’t hold together when you form the meatballs. Next, using a one-inch cookie scoop, begin forming meatballs. Place into baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Then add the remaining marinara sauce to cover the meatballs and continue baking for about 15-20 more minutes. It's recommended beef be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. Remove meatballs from oven. Add 4-5 meatballs to each 6-inch Italian sub roll. Top with mozzarella cheese. These Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches come together so quickly and with minimal effort. If you have a kiddo that enjoys helping in the kitchen, this is a fun one! Ingredients 1-pound lean ground beef 1/2-pound ground Italian sausage 1 Teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 ½ teaspoons basil 1 ½ teaspoons oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese ¼ cup + 1 1/2 cups homemade marinara sauce 1 large egg ½ - 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs 12 Slices mozzarella cheese 6 Italian loaf rolls, approximately 6 inches long Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients with only ¼ cup homemade marinara sauce. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, roll into one-inch balls, and place into a 9x13 baking dish. If you don’t have a cookie scoop you can simply “eyeball it” or use a 1 Tablespoon measuring spoon and use two Tablespoons per meatball. The equal measurement helps to ensure an even cooking time. I typically get about 24-30 meatballs from this recipe. Place formed meatballs into baking dish and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until meat is cooked through and evenly browned. Internal temperature should be at least 160 degrees. Pour the remaining homemade marinara sauce over the top of meatballs and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Place approximately 4-5 meatballs per Italian roll. Add additional sauce based on preference. Top with mozzarella cheese. The residual heat from the meatballs and sauce should melt the cheese pretty quickly. However, feel free to place the prepared sandwiches on a sheet pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes. If you enjoyed this Italian Meatball Sub Sandwich recipe, we'd love to hear from you in the comments below! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

Homemade granola is such an easy staple to have on hand all of the time. It is perfect for snacking or as a quick and healthy breakfast on the go! Jump to recipe It can be really tempting to stop by a drive-through for a biscuit and coffee on a busy morning. Or, to even skip breakfast all together. But neither of those are very healthy nor budget friendly. A quick and affordable option I love is homemade granola. It's absolutely delicious on its own. I mix just a handful of this chocolatey, fruity, goodness with yogurt. Trust me, it will keep you full until lunchtime without feeling weighed down. Make a big batch of it to start your week off right! Store bought granola can be filled with extra sugar and unnecessary artificial ingredients. This homemade version keeps it nice and simple and completely customizable. This Chocolatey Fruit & Nut Granola has healthy ingredients you can pronounce and likely have on hand already! For this recipe you will need: Old Fashioned Rolled Oats You want the real stuff here, nothing that is instant or “quick cooking”. Just good, whole rolled oats that are full of protein and soluble fiber. The fiber in oats, known as beta glucan, has been found to lower blood glucose and cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Soluble fiber can also promote healthy gut bacteria. (1) If you're allergic or have a sensitivity to gluten, be sure to check the packaging for the “Certified Gluten-Free” label since some brands may have a risk of cross-contamination. The CGF label should ensure that the oats were packaged in a gluten free environment. Walnuts Walnuts are considered by scientists to be a superfood because they offer a high amount of unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-sterols and vitamins found in walnuts have been found to help suppress hunger which could aid in weight loss.(2) The high levels of the amino acid, arginine, has been found to assist the liver in detoxifying ammonia.(3) Raisins Raisins contain magnesium and potassium, which can be good for nerve and muscle functions, as well as heart health. (4) Dried Cranberries Fresh cranberries have been long known as a superfood, but dried cranberries offer healthy benefits as well. Full of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and potassium, dried cranberries have been found to aid in heart health. The dietary fibers found in dried cranberries can aid in intestinal conditions, such as constipation and indigestion. (5) Dried Cherries Scientific research has found that dried cherries can aid in inflammation due to arthritis and gout. Dried cherries are also high in fiber and can aid in intestinal conditions.(6) Honey When it comes to sweeteners, raw honey tops the list with the most nutrients and vitamins. Unlike refined sugar, honey’s proportion of fructose to glucose has a lower glycemic index, meaning that it can help avoid the spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar. (7) Coconut Oil Coconut oil is high in antioxidants and can help to lower blood pressure. Virgin coconut oil is rich in phenolic compounds which can aid in inflammation. (8) Dark Chocolate Packed full of iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus, dark chocolate has been found to support immunity. Dark chocolate can even help to improve blood flow to your skin and help protect from sun damage, thanks to its antioxidants! (9) Ready to make this delicious Chocolatey Fruit and Nut Granola? Let’s get started! First, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and prepare a 9x13 sheet pan with parchment paper. Next, heat coconut oil until melted. Combine all ingredients, except the dark chocolate, in a large bowl. Evenly distribute mixture onto prepared sheet pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until oats are slightly crisp. Remove sheet pan from oven and place on a wire cooling rack for about 5-10 minutes. Add dark chocolate chips and allow mixture to cool completely before breaking into clusters. Yield: Approximately 8 cups Ingredients 4 ½ cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats 1 cup Walnut halves or pieces 1/2 cup raisins 2/3 cup dried cranberries 2/3 cup dried cherries 3/4 cup raw honey 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, melted 1/2 cup dark chocolate mini chips Directions Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a 9x13 sheet pan with parchment paper. In a small microwave safe bowl, add coconut oil and heat for approximately 20 seconds or until melted. In a large bowl, combine melted coconut oil and ingredients, except the dark chocolate. Spread mixture into an even layer on prepared parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until oats are golden and slightly crisp. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Cool mixture for approximately 5-10 minutes. Then add dark chocolate chips. Allow mixture to cool completely. Break apart the mixture into clusters and place into sealable container. Did you enjoy this Chocolatey Fruit and Nut Granola recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today! Sources: 1) https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/start-your- day-with-healthy-oatmeal#:~:text=Oats%20contain%20a%20type%20of,gut%20bacteria%20and%20intestinal %20health 2) https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/health-benefits-of-walnuts-2018081314526 3) https://www.fishertitus.org/healthy-living/healthy-living-blog/2018/what-foods-cleanse- your-liver/#:~:text=It%20also%20assists%20the%20liver,the%20liver%20in%20detoxifying%20ammonia 4) https://time.com/5525636/are-raisins-healthy/ 5) https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/dried-cranberries-health-benefits-nutrition-uses-for-skin-and-hair-recipes-side-effects 6) https://sunrisefresh.com/blogs/blog/are-dried-cherries-good-for-you#:~:text=Dried%20cherries%20could%20possibly%20be,for%20an%20efficient%20food%20source 7) https://bestbees.com/2023/01/16/benefits-of-honey/ 8) https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/coconut-health-benefits 9) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dark-chocolate-health-benefits

Light, fluffy, and easy to prepare, these Buttermilk Mixed Berry Waffles are one of my absolute favorite breakfast recipes. Though, we have been known to have them for dinner on occasion! Yield: Varies - I have this waffle maker and get about 28 individual square servings. Jump to recipe We enjoy picking fresh berries every year from a local grower and we look forward to making these delicious waffles. I like to prepare a huge batch at once and then freeze the rest for later. They can easily be warmed up quickly in a microwave or toaster oven. Try them with a little Homemade Peach Butter on top for a taste of sunshine! To make these Buttermilk Mixed Berry Waffles, you will need: Flour I used organic, unbleached all-purpose flour for this recipe, but you could certainly use a gluten-free option. To ensure accurate flour measurements, use a spoon to add the flour to your measuring cup and level if off with a flat edge, like the back of a butterknife. Baking Powder and Baking Soda Yep, I use both baking powder and baking soda for our waffles. We’re going for extra fluffy waffles here. Buttermilk Do not skimp out on this ingredient! Buttermilk has been found to activate baking soda which produces the gas to make dough or batter rise. If you use regular milk or even the DIY trick of adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk, be aware that the batter may not be as thick as if you used actual buttermilk. The tangy flavor of buttermilk pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the berries. Eggs, Salt, & Sugar I use my Homemade Mixed Berry Extract in this waffle recipe because I think it really adds that umph of berry flavor. A good vanilla extract will work just fine too! Butter We love the richness real butter adds to baked goods, but you can certainly replace the butter with a neutral oil like olive oil or avocado oil. For this recipe, you’ll need about ¾ cup of oil. Lemon Zest The lemon zest in this recipe will pair perfectly with the sweet berries and add a little more complexity to each bite. Blueberries & Raspberries I have used both fresh and frozen berries in this recipe and both do well. You will just want to drain your thawed frozen berries to avoid adding any additional liquid to the batter. You could also use freeze-dried berries, which I do pretty often. If you are interested in learning more about freeze drying you can read our review here. Let's Get Started! These Buttermilk Mixed Berry Waffles come together in 7 easy steps: First, preheat waffle iron and spray lightly with non-stick spray. Next, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Next, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, butter, sugar, and lemon zest in separate, large bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients one ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Gently fold in the mixed berries. Pour batter onto preheated waffle iron. The amount of batter will vary based on the size of your waffle maker. Cook waffles according to your waffle maker’s manufacturer recommendations. Ingredients 4 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 4 large eggs 4 cups buttermilk 3 Tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons Homemade Mixed Berry Extract 2 sticks butter, melted Zest from one lemon Mixed berries Directions In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients one ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Gently fold in the berries. Preheat waffle iron and spray lightly with non-stick spray. Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter onto waffle iron. Cook waffles as per manufacturer’s instructions or until waffles are golden brown and slightly crispy. Did you enjoy these Buttermilk Mixed Berry Waffles? Let us know in the comments below! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

These cake-like doughnuts are full of fall flavors! Covered in delicious cinnamon sugar and packed with apple flavor, they're the perfect way to start your fall morning. These baked doughnuts are moist, sweet, and easy to make. They also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. With just a few staple ingredients, you can have a plate full of these mouthwatering doughnuts in no time! Jump to Recipe For this recipe you'll need: All-purpose flour You can absolutely use gluten-free flour for this recipe; however, I used standard, all-purpose. To ensure accurate flour measurements, use a spoon to add the flour to your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge, like the back of a butterknife. Apple Cider For this recipe, you want concentrated apple cider, which is just making an apple cider reduction. It’s quick and easy to do! Simply simmer two cups of apple cider in a small saucepan over low-medium heat for approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Your cider should be reduced by half leaving you will approximately 1 cup. Baking Powder, Baking Soda, & Fine Sea Salt Apple Pie Spice You can use a store-bought version or make your own by mixing together in a small jar or bowl: 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon ground cloves Butter We love the richness real butter adds to baked goods, but you can certainly replace the butter with a neutral oil like olive oil or avocado oil. You’ll want to use 1 ½ Tablespoons of oil for the batter and drizzle a little oil over each baked doughnut prior to adding the topping. Sugar and Molasses Why not just use brown sugar? You definitely can! It just isn’t something I buy anymore. If using brown sugar, you will just use the one-cup measurement that is listed for sugar—no need to add more or less. Eggs & Milk I used 2% milk for this recipe because that’s what we typically have on hand on a regular basis. Apple Cinnamon Extract I have a super easy homemade recipe for this. However, you can find a store-bought version online or just simply use vanilla extract. Making The Apple Cider Doughnuts Baked doughnuts are probably one of my absolute favorite breakfasts to make because they come together so quickly and with minimal effort. While the apple cider is doing its magic of reduction, go ahead and start getting your dry ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients, including cooled cider reduction. Add dry ingredients a little at a time to wet ingredients, and mix well after each addition. Lightly grease your doughnut pan and carefully fill each cavity approximately ¾ full. Bake for 17-20 minutes at 350 degrees. Allow doughnuts to cool in pan for about 3 minutes then transfer to a wire cooling rack. Carefully dip each doughnut into melted butter, or drizzle with oil, then coat the doughnut in the prepared topping mixture. Ingredients 2 cups apple cider, concentrated 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 ½ teaspoon apple pie spice ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses 1 large egg ½ cup milk 1 ½ teaspoons apple cinnamon extract Topping ½ cup butter, melted 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon apple pie spice 1 teaspoon apple cinnamon extract Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium saucepan over low heat, simmer apple cider until reduced to approximately 1 cup, approximately 20-25 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, molasses, egg, milk, and apple cinnamon extract. Using mixer on low-medium speed, carefully add dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. Lightly grease doughnut pan with nonstick spray, then carefully spoon batter into each cavity, approximately 3⁄4 of the way full. Bake for approximately 17-20 minutes or until golden brown and inserted toothpick is clean. Allow doughnuts to cool in pan for 3 minutes before transferring to wire cooling racks. In a small shallow bowl, combine sugar, apple pie spice, and apple cinnamon extract. While doughnuts are warm, but cool enough to handle, begin lightly dipping each in the melted butter. Then carefully coat all sides of each doughnut in the sugar mixture. Freezing Instructions: Use parchment or wax paper in between each completely cooled doughnut and store in a gallon-sized freezer bag for up to 3 months. Did you make these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts? Let us know in the comments below how they turned out! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!

There are many reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. According to the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, the number one reason 80% of parents choose to homeschool is due to  a concern about the environment of other schools. However, other reasonings are due to dissatisfaction with academic instruction, the desire to include religious beliefs, and a desire to provide a nontraditional approach to learning. (1) There are different ways to homeschool and what is “best” for one family may not be ideal for another. So how do you know which method to go with? Begin listing the key goals you hope to accomplish by homeschooling. Are you looking for more flexibility and a less stressful learning environment? Do you want to instill a value system in your child’s education? Many questions like these can be answered simply by figuring out what is most important to you as a parent and educator and what will best help your child learn and grow. So, what methods of homeschooling are available and what are the pros and cons to each? Let’s take a look at the 5 most common. Traditional Homeschooling Traditional Homeschooling is a method many parents use when they are withdrawing their child from a traditional school setting. This method attempts to keep things moving in a structured and orderly timeframe similar to that of public and private school environments. Some of the pros with traditional homeschooling are there are several curriculum sets that are set up to help get you started right away and have teacher’s manuals available to assist parents with teaching the curriculum. Traditional homeschooling offers a predictability that may help students and parents stay on track because the parent can easily assess their child’s progress. One of the possible cons of traditional homeschooling is that it can take the fun out of learning because it is so structured. It can also be difficult to find the right fit for both student and parent. Another con with traditional schooling is that all-in-one curriculums can be expensive if purchasing brand new. If you’re looking to save some money, (and who isn’t?) try looking for used curriculums in your local homeschool community or online used bookstores. (2) Montessori Method Named after the late 19 th century Italian educator, Dr. Maria Montessori, this approach places an emphasis unique individuality of each child who’s creativity and curiosity is encouraged. Students are invited to learn through play by having activities and learning tools readily and easily accessible to them. Many families with young children opt for this learning style as it lends itself to learning early on positive social and learning behaviors, hands-on learning, and self-regulation. One of the possible cons is that this method is specifically designed for younger children and likely wouldn't hold the attention of an older child. The Montessori method is also a loosely structured program, and it can be difficult to find a good rhythm for repetition. (3) Charlotte Mason Method This method was created by British educator, Charlotte Mason at the turn of the 20th century. During a time when quality education was offered to only those in upper classes, Mason believed that all children, regardless of social class deserved equal education. Built on a Christian worldview, knowledge of scripture is at the forefront followed by classic literature and nature studies. One of the possible pros for this method is it places a heavy emphasis on the Christian religion. Of course, if your family follows a different religion or would rather a secular curriculum, this likely would not be a good fit. This method relies on a vast reading library which can become expensive and may become boring to a child who wishes to have more hands-on learning. (4) Unschooling While several of the homeschool learning methods are structured and have set curricula, unschooling is the polar opposite. Its name may suggest that there is no learning happening at all but that isn’t the case. Unschooling places a huge emphasis on “natural learning” or child-led learning, meaning the studies follow whatever the child’s interests are. Learning takes place by way of experiences such as field trips, activities that are hands-on, and allow the child to explore their curiosities. While unschooling is flexible and customizable to each child, it lacks structure and accountability which can lead to stagnation. (5) Unit Studies This method is based on single theme learning and studies are built around that theme to create a unit. All subjects are intertwined into the central theme to create a holistic approach by learning each theme in depth which can help with retention. Unit Studies are customizable and can be taught to children of various ages and grade levels at the same time, which is a plus if you have a large family. This can help to alleviate a lot of stress because the parent’s prep time is drastically reduced. There's no set curriculum to follow, so lesson plans and materials will need to be planned ahead of time for each concept. Depending on your theme, it can be difficult to find just the right resources to meet your child’s educational needs. However, the lack of set curricula allows you to spend as much or as little time on a subject as you desire. (6) In our home, we combine different methods. For our 9th grader who prefers online learning, we add in art classes like graphic design, hands-on science experiments, and additional reading from the Charlotte Mason library. For our 5th grader who prefers workbooks for the core subjects, we add in unit studies, additional reading, and unschooling methods by way of crochet and piano classes. You can read more about our homeschooling experiences here: Homeschooling: Finding the Answer to Your "Why?" Homeschooling with Unit Studies If you have been thinking about homeschooling and the doubts have held you back, please know that YOU CAN DO THIS! No one knows your child, loves your child, and understands your child better than you. If you start a curriculum and you both hate it, change it. Even if you have only completed a few pages of the book - switch things up! The beauty of homeschooling is the flexibility of what, when, where, and how you teach. Sources 1) https://responsiblehomeschooling.org/research/summaries/reasons-parents-homeschool/ 2) https://classicalconversations.com/blog/homeschool-methods-explained/#:~:text=Traditional%20homeschooling%20typically%20involves%20the,to%20employ%20a%20premade%20program. 3) https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/What-Is-Montessori 4) https://simplycharlottemason.com/what-is-the-charlotte-mason-method/ 5) https://www.naturalchild.org/articles/guest/earl_stevens.html 6) https://homeschool-curriculum.org/homeschool-unit-studies/ Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here to sign up for our newsletter today!