Friends, I hope this message finds you and your loved ones well. I'm taking a break from filming/sharing. We are happy and healthy. But I am finding that I just can't fit everything in, and my family and our health take precedent over anything else. We will be back in time, and I look forward to reconnecting then. Blessings, Amanda
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Friends, our family is safe and unaffected by hurricane Helene, and we are very thankful for that. However, our hearts are devastated for our friends and others that were not so fortunate in western North Carolina.
These 2 pictures are from when the kids, my mother and I visited Chimney Rock a year and a half ago. The town below is no no longer existent. It saddens our hearts with everything that has happened to such a beautiful part of our state.
I’ve taken a longer than expected hiatus from filming and sharing, and that is for no other reason other than I’m spending time with my family and just trying to take advantage of every day we have. I will be back filming again, hopefully within the next couple of weeks.
So much cleanup from the summer garden needs to be done and our pantry is full. I’m so looking forward to the season of slowing down and spending time with all of you.
Take care of your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you every day. ❤️
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Friends, life has gotten a bit crazy over here. Please forgive me for going dark for a couple of weeks. We are back at it for the #everybitcountschallenge in August.
Take time to enjoy family, friends and all of the happy moments in between. Nothing is guaranteed. ❤️
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For those of you who would like to follow along with the 2024 Homemade Dairy Product Invitational, these are the cultures you will need. And they are in no particular order. You can purchase directly from New England Cheesemaking Co. and you may be able to find most on Amazon, but be careful when purchasing the cultures on Amazon, that you are getting the exact strain that is needed. Amazon may not have all of the same.
www.cheesemaking.com:
C20G Chevre Starter Culture (we made this in the Jan 2024 video)
C21 Buttermilk Starter Culture
C30 Sour Cream Starter Culture
Y5 Yogurt Starter Culture (Sweet)
C101 Mesophilic Starter Culture
C201 Thermophilic Starter Culture
C33 Creme Fraiche Starter Culture
Citric Acid (it's a powder that we will use to make ricotta & mozzarella)
1 oz Liquid Animal Rennet (or purchase the 2 oz for better savings)
1 oz Calcium Chloride (or purchase the 2 oz for better savings)
Let me know if you have any questions. Cultures for Health is another great company with options (but again, be careful that you get the same strains), but I've chosen to stick with NECC to simplify this as much as possible.
-Amanda
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Happy 2024 friends!!! We’ve been taking a little time to rest and recharge. But we are back home and ready to jump into the #threeriverschallenge starting Jan 2. (We got home late tonight)
For the next 4+ weeks (hoping for 8 weeks), we will not be spending money on food but rather cooking at home with all we’ve put up over the last year and getting creative in the kitchen. My goal is to spend $0 in January on food, and less than $100 in February. 🤞🏻
I will be sharing all of our meals and progress in the challenge through weekly videos.
I’m so ready!! Are you? 😀
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I pray you had a day full of blessings and joy. Our bellies and hearts are full! I’m thankful for you, and allowing me to share our journey with you. See you soon!
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We are almost at 10,000 subscribers!!!!! 🎉 Thank you for all of your support and kindness. It’s so fun that we get to share our journey, and connect with so many people.
What are your homesteading questions? My husband agreed to do a video Q&A once we got to 10k. 🙌🏻
You can also send them directly via Instagram, thehappyhomesteadnc
Thank you! ❤️
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I’m starting to prepare for a FAQ video all about sourdough and I want your questions! What questions do you have about creating a starter, keeping a starter, feeding, making loaves, etc.?
Thank you!
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Friends, I’ve been taking some time to nurture my family and my health which is why I’ve lagged this week on any new videos. I’m working my way back to good health and work/life balance (if there is such a thing). I hope you enjoy a beautiful weekend with those you love, doing what you love. I’ll be sharing again very soon. ❤️
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Friends, yesterday was so slammed packed that I didn't get to film. :( But I'm getting back on the #everybitcountschallenge train today. Choo CHoo! See ya tomorrow!
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I'm Amanda. I'm a wife, mother and a homesteader at heart. I've always been drawn to living more sustainably, and learning new skills to help make that happen. I share skills I've learned, skills I'm trying to learn and how we progress on this journey as a family to live more simply and mindfully. Thank you for watching!