Olden Oasis

Audio:  happy-new-year-electropop-music-183324, Pixabay Graphics by: Canva studios and Gin Lee Exciting New Year Wishes for 2025! Hey everyone! Hope you had a fantastic New Year's celebration and are ready for an amazing year ahead! New Beginnings As we start off this new year, it's a great time to set some goals and make some resolutions. Whether it's getting better grades, being kinder to others, or trying something new, now is the perfect time to make a fresh start. Reflecting on the Past Take some time to think about the past year and all the things you accomplished. Celebrate your successes and learn from any challenges you faced. Every experience helps us grow and become stronger. Spreading Joy One of the best parts of the new year is spreading joy and positivity to those around us. Whether it's a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand, small gestures can make a big difference in someone's day. Setting Goals Think about what you want to achieve this year and ma...

Getting Ready for the Big 2025 Snowstorm: How to Prepare Your Homestead As we approach January, it is important to be aware of the potential for significant snow and ice storms across many states, including those in the southern region. It is crucial that we take the necessary precautions to ensure our safety and well-being during these extreme weather events. The impending storms are expected to be severe, with temperatures dropping to dangerously low levels. I urge everyone to make the necessary preparations for these winter storms. This includes stocking up on essential supplies, such as food, water, and emergency supplies. Additionally, it is important to ensure that outdoor pets are brought inside to a warm and safe environment. Let us all take the necessary steps to stay safe and prepared during these challenging weather conditions. Stocking Up on Supplies When a big snowstorm is on the way, it's important to make sure you have enough supplies to last you through ...

Black-eyed peas and ham, a Southerner’s New Year's dinner Hey there, have you ever heard about the magical powers of black-eyed peas with ham and collard greens? They're said to bring good luck and good fortune for a prosperous new year! Today, I'm whipping up a pot of black-eyed peas and ham, with collard greens on the side. It's a tradition here in the South to have this meal every New Year's Day. But this time, I'm making my peas ahead of time so I can share my recipe with you in time for the new year. Ingredients: 1 16-ounce bag of dried black-eyed peas 2 pounds of cooked ham, bacon, or ham hocks, diced 1 onion, diced 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons of seasoning salt 1 teaspoon of red cayenne pepper flakes ½ teaspoon of garlic powder 2-4 tablespoons of butter 4 cups of water 4 cups of vegetable stock or chicken broth Instructions: First, rinse your black-eyed peas and pick out any bad peas, pebbles, or other debris. You can soak them f...

How to Make Homemade Pork Rind Dog Treats If you're looking for a fun and easy way to spoil your furry friend, why not try making homemade pork rind dog treats? Not only are they simple to make, but your pup will absolutely love them! Follow these steps to create a delicious and healthy snack for your four-legged companion. Ingredients: Pork shoulder skins Instructions: To start, cut the pork shoulder skins into small pieces. Depending on the size of your pup, you may want to adjust the size of the pork rinds. For example, my Boxer girl prefers treats that she can easily hold with her paws while she enjoys chewing on them. Heat a cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium heat. Place the pork skin pieces in the skillet and cook until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove the pork rinds from the skillet and let them cool before giving them to your dog as a tasty treat! Now you can make your furry friend some delicious homemade pork rind dog treats using just pork shoulder skins a...

Sweet Potato Greens If you grow sweet potatoes, then you know how fast their vines can wildly take over your gardening space. But that could be considered a good thing, because not only are sweet potato tubers edible, but the entire plant is too! Plus, they can be fed to livestock such as chickens, hogs, cattle, goats, etc. It's important to note that the vine and leaves are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested. However, cats and dogs can eat sweet potato tubers once they've been cooked. Nutrients in Sweet Potato Leaves: The leaves of the sweet potato plant are loaded with nutrition; they contain niacin, vitamins B6, B2, B1, C, and E, pantothenic acid, beta-carotene, and biotin. The leaves also contain more riboflavin, vitamin B6, and vitamin C than the sweet potato itself. Preparing Sweet Potato Greens Sweet potato greens taste very similar to other popular greens that you may already eat, such as mustard, turnip, spinach, and dandelion greens. The smaller leaves are milder in...

Make Your Own Dry Cake Mixes at Home! If you've ever been curious about making your own dry cake mixes to keep in your pantry, you're in luck! Today, I'm going to show you how I make my basic dry cake mixes, how to store them, and the list of ingredients you'll need to bake them. Ingredients to make one basic cake mix: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated Splenda, or sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Note: If you'd like to shorten the list of ingredients, you can use 2 1/2 cups of self-rising flour or 2 1/2 cups of Original Bisquick baking mix as a substitute. Omit the baking powder and salt. To prepare more than one cake mix, just follow my list above and create as many batches as you desire. To make a chocolate cake mix, just add a 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to your basic cake mix. Adjust the amount of cocoa powder to suit your chocolate preference. To make a strawberry cake mix, add a 3-ounce package of dry strawberry Jello to your bas...

  Happy Holidays! I am absolutely thrilled to wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays this Christmas and New Year!  The holiday season is a time for joy, gratitude, and spreading love to those around us. I hope that your days are filled with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable memories with family and friends. As we approach the end of the year, it's a perfect time to reflect on all the blessings we have received and look forward to new beginnings in the coming year. May this holiday season bring you peace, happiness, and an abundance of good cheer. Here's to making this Christmas and New Year truly amazing and magical for you and your loved ones! Cheers to a fantastic celebration ahead! From our homestead to yours,  Happy Holidays!

Discovering the Flavor of Marigolds What do marigolds taste like? Have you ever wondered what marigolds taste like? Well, you're in luck because we're about to explore the unique flavor of these vibrant flowers! The Taste of Marigolds Marigolds have a slightly citrusy and peppery taste, with hints of tanginess and bitterness. Some people describe the flavor as similar to saffron or tarragon. Ways to Enjoy Marigolds Marigolds can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, such as salads, soups, and even desserts. They can also be brewed into tea or used to make a fragrant syrup. Health Benefits of Marigolds In addition to their unique flavor, marigolds also offer several health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great addition to your diet. Final Thoughts It's important to note that not all marigold varieties are edible, so make sure you're using a variety that is safe for consumption. Also, be sure to wash the peta...

Christmas Fruit Salad Create a festive and refreshing addition to your holiday spread with this delightful Christmas fruit salad recipe. Perfect for bringing a burst of color and flavor to your table, this salad combines a medley of fruits, including fruit cocktail, apples, bananas, cuties, and grapes, all topped with sugar-free Cool Whip. Whether served as a side dish, dessert, or potluck contribution, this easy-to-make dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. In this article, we will explore the ingredients needed, preparation steps, serving suggestions, nutritional benefits, variation options, and storage tips for this delicious Christmas treat. Introduction to Christmas Fruit Salad Recipe Tis the season for a refreshing and festive twist on the classic fruit salad! This Christmas fruit salad brings together a delightful mix of flavors and colors to brighten up your holiday table. Say goodbye to boring fruit salads and hello to a merry medley that will have your...

Homemade Microwave Fudge: Without Marshmallow Fluff or Sweetened Condensed Milk “It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” And if you are searching for a simple, delicious dessert for the holiday, today I am making an easy microwave fudge that doesn't require sweetened condensed milk or marshmallows. My recipe can be made sugar-free or with regular powdered sugar. I hope that y'all will enjoy it either way! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! Ingredients: 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup of sugar-free powdered sugar or regular powdered sugar 1/4 cup of evaporated milk, coconut milk, almond milk, or regular cow's milk 1/4 cup of butter Optional Ingredients: 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, or more depending on your preference. You can also use whole nuts and press them on top of the fudge just before placing it into the refrigerator to firm up. Instructions: To make easy microwave fudge without sweetened condensed milk or marshmallows, combine 1/2 cup of u...