Elsa: The Newest of the Trupp Family

Well we've added another. I was convinced we wouldn't just yet but it happened.

Yes.....We adopted a dog. And we just love her.

Around valentines day, the hubs suggested getting a larger dog. He knew I've always loved larger dogs, though I'm attached to my Chihuahua tuco. But he also wanted a larger dog that he could take with him when he goes out bow hunting and I wanted one that would make me feel safe when he works late. And I wanted a dog that could play with the girls. Maybe not beanie (she is not into animals AT ALL lol) but definitely for Sophie.

So I found a sweet dog at a local rescue. I am BIG into rescues. She was a golden/lab mix. About 4 years old. I had her cat tested and small dog tested when I was there. Everything seemed to be fine. So I brought her home. And learned very quickly, everything was not going to be fine. While she was a sweet dog with us, she just could not handle being around tuco and kali (the cat) without chasing them. And when tuco let her know that he wasn't a "play" type of dog. She nipped and hooked his lower jaw good. I was devastated. Tuco was fine but it was painfully obvious that it wasn't going to work. We had to take her back. After a week of dealing with "Lexi" and her rescue shelter, I felt I just wanted to wait until we moved. I didn't want to deal with it at all. I felt so ashamed and guilty for taking on this dog that I couldn't handle and flipping our household upside down. Just didn't want to deal with it at all.

Then Greg had to work late. And I learned something about myself. I'm a big Wuss. lol. I used to be able to take on the world. But now I can't. Scared of everything. So in the morning with my usual craigslist scanning of real estate and farm equipment, I clicked on the pets section. I had been avoiding it like the plague but figured I'd take a peek.

There was the ad: Free Dog to a good home.

So I clicked on it to check it out. I'm so glad I did.

I contacted the owner and we texted a bit back and forth. "Ally", as she was called, was a German Shepherd/Mastiff mix who was about 5 1/2 months old. Raised with 2 cats and a jack Russell terrier. And a 5yr old and 2yr old children. I asked the gentleman why he had to give her up and he informed me that due to circumstances, he was moving to a different area that did not allow large dogs. Sounded like the perfect set up. We agreed to meet. I was determined to not make the same mistake as I did with Lexi. Not to let my heart take over. He showed up right on time and my goodness was I just blown away. This pup is the sweetest pup. Of course my heart fell for her immediately.

So here we are. The girls decided that we should call her "Elsa" as Ally was very close to Aunti Alex. And Elsa.....well Elsa just fits. She's just awesome. So full of love and sweetness. She, too, has not quite figured out that Tuco and Kali don't "play" but the mastiff in her takes over and she is so gentle.

lol She is quite bumbly as I call it. She hasn't figured out that she is all legs and a pup. Stumbling all over herself as she climbs the steps or running down a hill. And the girls (well Sophie) love her as much as we do. She still has some learning as far as finishing up potty training and learning not to "mouth" when she plays. But she is doing so well and is so smart.

We couldn't have asked for a better addition to the Trupp Homestead :-).

Our sweet Elsa.

The Love of Raw Milk



Its not easy raising a family on one income. When we decided to have children 6 years ago I neverwould have pictured myself as the "Stay at home Mom" kind of person. But then my two bundles came along it became apparent that being with my children (and my home) is where I was meant to be.

So the hubs and I sat down and really crunched the numbers. It would be tight but if it meant being with our children and raising them the way we had wanted, then penny pinching was the way to be. Bottom line......we were going to make it work.

I painstakingly plan out our budget every month of food and bills. I feel this is part of my job. And yes its not a secret that we go a different route when it comes to the food that we choose to provide for our family. Some things are cheaper in the long run and others are a bit more pricey. But I feel some things you just cannot compromise when it comes to your family.

One of the foods that is top on our priority list is milk.

We go through a TON of milk in this house. While my husband and I aren't big milk drinkers ourselves, our children can put away a gallon quicker than a blink of an eye. And add the dairy foods that come from that milk and it adds up.  

So considering how much goes into our family, finding good, quality milk is of big importance. Raw milk in our house is a must in our budget. I add it on with all the other main bills because its just not something I'm willing to compromise anymore.

I know it sounds crazy that we drink Raw Milk, but I promise you, with a little research and a reputable source, its worth every penny. I can guarantee organic, hormone free, wholesome milk that I know will fill my family with healthy enzymes, vitamins, and protein that pasteurization kills in conventional milk. I'm not saying that Raw Milk is the only way to go. I know its not readily available in a lot of places. For example even here in Kentucky. It is illegal to buy or sell raw milk here. I don't "buy" raw milk. I bought shares in a herd of cows. This is the product that my herd gives in which I am entitled too. I pay a maintenance fee every week which goes towards the care of our animals and in turn we get gallons of milk from our cows. Its simple but tricky. lol. Check your local laws. We own three shares so we get three gallons every week. And yes we use up all that milk.

Its not just milk that comes with it. Its the cream as well. Liquid, healthy fats. And with that I'm able to make our butter, coffee creamer, ice cream, and whatever else we need for the week. I'm even dabbling in cheesemaking! So in the long run those shares go along way!

I also love the fact that I know exactly where this product comes from. I even know the cows names!! White face, Black face, and Red. lol. The kids named them :-). Its such a religious and wonderful feeling driving out to the homestead every week to pick up our supply. To see where our cows eat, sleep and breath. Its magical. And so rewarding! Worth the 25 miles one way every week. Of course I hope to one day raise our very own milk cow, but until then I will gladly drive out there. Its my little slice heaven every Thursday. Thursday is now my favorite day of the week. Thursday is Milk Day <3

I'm not saying that Raw Milk is the only way to go. If its not available where you live, by all means, go find yourself some good organic milk. Please make sure you are drinking organic though. The hormones and process they go through is just not good. For you and the cows. But if it is available, do yourself a favor and check it out!

For more information on: Raw Milk
Also for useful information: http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/05/got-raw-milk-why-we-chose-to-go-raw.html

Spring is here!! almost....

This weekend was filled with warmth and dreams of the future months. There is nothing better than waking early and the sun is shining. How can one not want to go out and get hands dirty?

I was finally able to start my garden. After discussing with our landlords, we got the ok to plant a small garden as long as we fill it with seed or sod upon moving out. So I started with 10 x 10 as a starter.

I'm going to purchase the bulk of my seeds and starter plants from my farmstand store to insure heirloom. I also have a few planter pots that will hold other plants. Since I'm a full time Homesteader and SAHM, I know I'll have the time to tend to these responsibilities like never before. I've kept a small garden and plants over the past few years but nothing this big. And last year really only consisted of a few potted plants. So I'm excited to really start my gardening going for the summer.

This is my perfect time to practice my skills so that we can (hopefully) live off our land in the future. I know that there will be a lot of mistakes and mishaps and that is ok. What better way than to learn from experience.

This years garden will consist of my typical squash, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes. But I will also be trying my hand at corn since we go through so much. And also want to try some peas. Broccoli will also be making an appearance albeit small as Beanie and I are really the only fans. And then some spinach, carrots and butter crunch lettuce (Greg's Favorite). I also plan on purchasing another blue berry plant to hopefully produce berries for my sweet Papa. They are his favorite!!

Big plans for sure!

While today is snow covered again, I know that is only for today and tomorrow will be warmer. I cannot WAIT for only warm days and to be able to spend the majority of our days in the garden and outside.

Big Dreams

 

Oh how I miss owning our home. We actually are blessed with a really great rental home in a very nice neighborhood. Even a bit of land. But its hard when you know its not yours. When something breaks you have to call the "Landlord" and wait for them to get around to fixing it. Living on two acres of land is such a great concept EXEPT when its not yours and you can't do much with it. Although we are able to plant a garden, I would love to have more than "my neighbors chickens".

And then there is the gas fire place. Whoever thought these were a good idea?? Especially when its never been hooked up! Ugh. Wood burning for me. I love the smell and I also never like the idea of relying on a company to heat my home. We had a brutal winter with lows that dipped under 0 degrees. So gas was in high demand and at a premium. For something so basic as staying warm. And having a propane fireplace.....not hooked up......just mocking me. Ugh. Our furnace broke this winter which caused it to run constantly and never getting above 67. Also causing the bill to sky rocket as you could imagine. So sitting in a freezing house.....staring at a fireplace you can't use.....ugh.

This brings us back to our dreams. I am constantly on the craigslist ads perusing back and forth from the "Farm and Garden" section and the "Real Estate for Sale" ads. Just dreaming. We had to short sale our house when we left Washington so that, legally, does not allow us to buy for 3 years. In August we will be starting our second year. So when I came upon two (almost) perfect houses, it hurt like no other.

First house was the perfect Homesteaders house. 15 acres with a pond and homemade firing range. 3 bedroom house almost completed but nothing we couldn't handle. and OFF GRID. $50,000. Le sigh. Just not the right time.

Second house was a bit more promising. Lease to Own. 2 Year contract. Which would buy us the time we needed. 3 bedroom brick home with detached garage. Only 15 minutes or so from our current rental. BUT only 1 acre. 1 Bathroom. And REALLY close to a highway. As Greg puts it "One of the girls would wonder into the road, get hit by a semi, then he would have to go find an Indian Pet cemetery, bury her, she would come back to life and kill me and others." Ok that was a bit of a stretch but just not a good situation for us. And I really want more land than 1 acre.

So we sat down and really talked about what was important to us. We loved our first home.....until we had children. Then it was just too small. And we couldn't do anything with it. We don't want to get into a situation like that again. Where we "Settle". And we are willing to search for it.....and wait if needed.

I want 5-10 acres so I can have my animals and garden. I want a wood burning fireplace. Greg wants 10 acres and some wooded so he can hunt and have trees for our fireplace if needed. He wants a pond. He wants to NOT be on a main road. A house that is set back a bit. These, we've decided, are things that are just so important to us. And we aren't willing to settle anymore.

While its frustrating to know that we will be living in a rental for a while longer, it seems a little less painful to know that the next home we own will be ours. And what WE want. A place for our farm and our children to grow. A place for us. And then I know we will have finally arrived and we can live our dream of the Trupp Homestead.

Life....Sometimes

There are times when it feels like the world is your oyster. You are flying high and can touch the stars if you want. Everything seems to be in the right place and nobody and nothing is going to bring you down. And then there are other days. Days when whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. When all you want to do is rewind the day like an old VCR watching it in reverse until you are sleeping soundly awaiting your alarm to start the day fresh. Yep its been a couple of those these few days.

We were dealt with two Mega hits in a day this past week. Firstly, my husbands paycheck was a bit short as we hadn't calculated in the lost hours for a death in the family. Sure we have a little savings but we are trying to build that up again remember. No biggie right? We have food and meat so that will cover some costs lost until next paycheck. Well then there's the other. Nothing like coming home to a non-freezing freezer. Remember that post I did a couple weeks ago of our big meat purchase and buying bulk?? Yep that was it. Gone. I was able to salvage a couple chops and 1 package of chicken. But the rest was black and soft. It was a slow thaw. *sigh*. Such a waste. That's what bothered me the most. All is wasted. There was some venison in that freezer too from a dear friend that had rotted as well. Such a waste.

Now one can handle these one of two ways. Worry worry worry until you make yourself sick and you're snapping at all and everyone. OR. Drive on. Move onward and upward. Make lemon curd out of lemons. Or Chicken salad out of Chicken Sh*@ as my father would say. I feel this is the foundation of homesteading for me. Break away all the romantic thoughts of animals and fresh food and home. To me, Homesteading is making the most with what you have. So you AREN'T running to the stores. This will be tough as we definitely are a MEAT and potatoes kind of family, but its not impossible.

 

This also means being there for each other. A marriage works as a team. The family works as a team. When one is down, the other needs to pick up and be a rock. And to be honest...My husband is an amazing rock. No matter how down or worried I get, he is always there to remind me that "this too shall pass". Of course he says it super guy like fashion and in different words lol. But you get my drift. And when he is down, Its my turn to pull up my big girl panties and rock on. I know that these were two big blows for him. As a man, he wants to provide the best way possible for his family. And he does in more ways than he will ever know. But this is one time when I can utilize all those skills that I have been honing for the past couple years as a Stay At Home Mom and Future homesteader. Making as much as I can from scratch with just the pantry staples and whatever else we have. This is my way of "providing for my family". Its my way of being there for my husband. And being the best mommy and wife I can be.

Times are hard. But we are here for each other. And in the end. That's really all that matters. Being here for my children is the best thing I can do for them. I've been in the kitchen all morning making butter and yogurt and granola. Now I'm soaking and cooking beans for supper tonight. We have some bacon and we are going to make it last! Going to be nice for my husband to come home to a big bowl of hearty bean and bacon soup I think. That coupled with our girls' smiling faces and a nice clean(ish) house (lol I've got kids!! trying to clean with two children is like trying to brush your teeth with oreos!!), I think we will be alright :-)

2014 Goals

I had learned early on that New Years "Resolutions" usually don't make it past the first month before they are cast aside and forgotten about. I'm more inclined to call them goals. That way there is no pressure to have them done. More to have something to work towards. Then you feel so much more accomplished when you have completed them.

This year my goals are for both homesteading and personal. I like to stay well rounded and grounded.

 

 

2014 Goals

 

1. Build Planters - We live in a rental house so are unable to build a real garden as we have pretty strict landlords :-/
2. Plant Garden (Vegetables and Fruit) - in the planters of course
3. Start Purchasing Raw Milk  YAY COMPLETE!!!!
4. Make Dress - I'm always making things for the girls and others but I've never made anything really for myself. I've seen an idea of purchasing vintage sheets and making a dress. Really want to do this for the summer.
5. Build a Chicken Coop (for the neighbors) -  We live in a rental house but have some pretty awesome neighbors who are willing to loan us some of the back land, when needed, for chickens in exchange for as many eggs as they want. So we are going to build a coop/tractor (for our neighbors chickens).
6. Replace/Build Savings account - When we started out we owned a VERY Small house in Seattle. Then Sophie came and, shortly after, Beanie. We learned pretty quickly that not only did we need more family around but we were quickly out growing our house. Unfortunately, the economy didn't really seem to care about are situation so we ended up selling our house under short sale. We first drained our savings to move to Utah to be closer to one of my sisters but found out quickly it wasn't for us. So, again drained our account to move to Kentucky to be closer to my mother and family. This was the proper move for us but very costly in that we, again, we're stuck with no savings. So this is the year to put that back!
7. Start Christmas Presents - Last year I waited WAY too long and was left scrambling at the end of the year. I always make our presents for family so this year I would like to get a head start.
8. Make Kombucha - I've always heard this stuff is amazing for you. And I have found a flavor that I like at Kroger. So maybe this year is the year to start brewing it for myself? We'll see.
9. Purchase Bow - This is for Greg. He has really shown interested in archery and hunting. And to be honest, having a freezer full of organic, FREE Meat, is mighty appealing. 

 

So those are my goals. Again both for Homesteading and personal. Not bad for already having completed one!

 

Yay for 2014!!

The Great "Health or Taste" Debate

 

If there's one thing you know about me its that I love good food! I've always liked the way my "Papa" always said it: "I like the taste of food". Its true. Is there anything better than sitting down after a really great meal and feeling completely blown over and satisfied? no I don't think so. And I don't think that the taste of food should diminish because you want to be more conscious of food. I think if anything....it gets better.

People have this big misconception that more conscious means flax burger and soy milk. Green seaweed drinks and quinoa loafs. I'm sure those things are all nice and tasty but not something that I'm willing to subject my family too. At least not yet. ;-). It also doesn't mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for it either. We are a one income household. Penny pinching is the name of the game here. And I'm not going to let my families health decline to do so. It just takes a little bit more work. But since I'm now a SAHM...I feel that this is part of my job now.

So these are things I do to achieve both:

1.) Become a "Locavore":  No this isn't a crazy dinosaur....though my two year old would be ok with that. This means try to purchase local. Go to farmers markets. Support your local businesses. Support your local economy. I've learned that just doing a little research on the internet can go a long way. I've found great little family farm stands and shops. And a great thing about this is not only are you going to the source for your food but these farmers talk! So if you can't seem to find something just ask and a lot of times they can point you in the right direction. Multitasking!!

2.) Buy in bulk.  Most of the money you shell out when purchasing a certain product is gone towards packaging and handling. For example: Meat. Today was meat day in the homestead. Now normally we purchase 1/4 side of beef and 1/2 hog a year but being we are still pretty new to the area, we haven't gotten to really picking out a new farm. Sooooo I found a butcher shop in the mean time. Yes THEY STILL DO EXIST. And I promise you 9 times out of 10 the cuts are better and better price. So on Friday, Beanie and I went to the butcher to purchase our meat supply for the next couple months. I purchase 3 whole chickens (learn to break down a chicken. I will have a post about how this is done in the future. But really I promise its not that intimidating and you save a ton of money in the long run. Plus there is less waste), 1 GINORMOUS pork loin, and 4 steaks. And yes this means a little work involved. I roasted one of the chickens on Friday and we had leftover meat for Saturday night nachos PLUS carcass to make chicken stock. Today I broke down the other two chickens and got 2 packages of boneless breasts and 2 packages of legs and wings. That's 6 meals of chicken plus more bones for stock. The steaks were packaged into 2 packages of 2. And the Loin was made into 4 packages of chops, 1 whole pork roast which will probably last us at least 3 meals, and I ground some to make 2 packages of sausage. A little work but the meat will last us a while and I'm still supporting local economy.

3.) READ YOUR INGREDIENTS  I can't stress this enough. My rule of thumb is....If I can't pronounce it, I'm not eating it. I also follow the "5 ingredients or less rule." Chances are those two things save your money and your health.

4.) Produce what you can from home. Plant a garden for vegetables and produce. Build a chicken coop for eggs. Learn to make bread. Did you know you can make bread from just a few simple ingredients and NO KNEADING?!!? I'll do a post on this recipe soon. But YEAH! Its possible. And it tastes SOOOOO much better and costs just pennies. The more things you can produce from home, the better. They taste better and usually costs way less.

5.) Purchase whole foods. I'm not saying shop at Whole Foods (though if you can afford it or swing it than great!) but we don't have one close or the pocket book. This means vegetables, meat, nuts, grains, etc. I read somewhere that if you stick to the outer part of the grocery store than you are golden. ITS TRUE!! This is where most of the real foods are. Produce, Meat, Dairy...these are all around the edges of the store.

Obviously there are exceptions to every rule. You have to do what is best for you and your family. And I'm not saying I am all knowing. These are just some guidelines that we follow and has helped us in the end. I have been able to slowly widdle out most of our processed items in our pantry and fridge and didn't break the bank doing so. Plus I still make tasty treats for my family.

 

 

Introductions

When I had found I was pregnant with my first baby I was convinced that the "Working Mom" was the life style for me. Living in Seattle, "progressive working mothers" was the way of life.  Then that little bundle of blue eyed energy came into my life bringing a whole world of new feelings and emotions. Now I have always been a health conscience person of moderate affair and was blessed with the ability to go to culinary school to explore that……I’m getting off track. Let me start from the beginning. My name is Nikki and these are my crazy adventures of stay at home mom/homestead beginnings/complete transition for our family to local and homemade sustainable foods.

I have always been a self-described hippy at heart. Always in tune with nature and the healthy ways of sustainable lifestyle. Culinary school really solidified that for me in that I was able to taste and see the difference when incorporating local and natural ingredients. But when my two beautiful bouncing girls came into my life, first Sophia in the spring 2009 and then our early Little Bean or Lilith in the fall 2011, these principles really took on a new meaning for me. I began noticing I was reading labels more closely and asking where items came from. Now I’m not saying that I haven’t stepped foot in a grocery store since then. Times have been hard and to be honest: my babies gotta eat and I had to work. But over time and much contemplation, our family has found it best for me to be at home which affords me the time to really hone in on my skills of honest cooking and care.

I gave notice at my job and November 15 of 2013 was my last day of paperwork master. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to practice these principles I have grown to love. Teaching my children where our food comes from is so very important to me. We started our adventure, way back when, in Seattle, spent a short jaunt in Utah, and now live in Kentucky with amazing people and opportunity surrounding us. I truly think its a good fit. While we don’t have quite the food “selection”, per se, as we did in Seattle, we definitely have a different variety. And I’ve never been one to shy away from a good cooking challenge! And I hope to be able to share some these with you from time to time.