Olden Oasis

Happy Thanksgiving From Olden Oasis, During this cherished holiday, let us take the opportunity to express gratitude for the abundance and blessings in our lives.  Thanksgiving serves as a meaningful time for reflection and appreciation of the efforts and support provided by family, friends, and colleagues throughout the year. It is also an occasion to foster a spirit of community, warmth, and generosity, reinforcing connections with those around us. As you gather to celebrate and enjoy the traditional feast with loved ones or embrace solitude in contemplation, may your Thanksgiving be filled with peace and joy. This holiday reminds us of the importance of giving back and helping others less fortunate than ourselves; thus, volunteering or sharing our resources can amplify its significance.  Wishing you a truly blessed holiday complete with love, laughter, and memorable moments that strengthen bonds across personal and professional realms. From my family to yours,...

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Divinity Homemade candy is a cherished tradition during the holiday season, and divinity holds a special place in our hearts here at Olden Oasis Homestead. As we embark on this festive time of year, I am pleased to share my comprehensive step-by-step guide for crafting the perfect divinity. Preparation and Equipment Needed Before you tackle divinity, get your kitchen buzzing! You’ll need a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a candy thermometer, mixing bowls, and a stand, hand mixer, or a big wooden spoon. Don’t forget parchment paper to line your pans. Prepping everything in advance will save you from frantic kitchen chaos mid-recipe. Ingredients: 2 cups white granulated Splenda or sugar 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (optional) Whipping the egg whites To achieve the perfect consistency when whipping egg whites for homemade divinity, be...

Classic French Vanilla Cake Seeking a delectable and straightforward homemade cake for the holidays? This classic French vanilla cake is a cherished favorite in my family. French vanilla cake has a flavor that's superior to a basic vanilla cake, in my opinion. Its buttery vanilla taste and texture are so dreamy that it's downright difficult to resist. Ingredients: 1 cup of butter, softened 2 cups of Splenda or sugar 3 large eggs 2-3/4 cups of cake flour, or all-purpose flour, sifted 2-1/4 teaspoons of baking powder 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt 1 cup of oat milk 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract Vanilla buttercream frosting ingredients: 1 cup of butter, softened 1-1/2 cups of vegetable shortening 6 cups of sugar-free powdered sugar or regular powdered sugar, sifted 6 tablespoons of oat milk, almond milk, or whole milk (add more if needed) 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract Instructions: Grease a 9x13 cake pan with butter, then dust the inside of the pan with flour. Shake th...

What are the Benefits of Snap-Together Tiles? A few months ago, I decided to explore the option of purchasing plastic snap-together tiles due to the skyrocketing prices of wood, including even the most affordable plywood. As someone who values frugality, I was intrigued by the potential cost savings. Additionally, I wanted to assess the durability of snap-together tiles and determine whether they could outlast traditional wood materials. Today, I will share the insights I have gathered regarding their performance and longevity. Easy Installation Interlocking Design:  These tiles are designed to snap together effortlessly, eliminating the need for adhesives or tools. Quick Coverage: Ideal for patios and balconies, they can rapidly cover large areas. Durability- Weather Resistant : Constructed from wood-plastic composite, these tiles resist fading, rot, and decay. Non-Slip Surface:  Many models feature a non-slip finish, enhancing safety in wet conditions. Maintenance- Low Maint...

All Natural, No Cost Chinking I am currently engaged in a significant project at our Olden Oasis homestead, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. Unfortunately, progress is currently delayed due to inclement weather. Chinking is a technique traditionally associated with log cabins. Although our home was constructed using thick oak boards rather than logs, it shares many characteristics with traditional log homes. I am doing this project independently, manually, with no additional costs. I already possess the necessary basic tools and am exclusively using natural materials available on my property. So, what is chinking with natural materials? Chinking with natural materials typically involves using a mixture of clay, wood ashes, and water, which can create a durable and eco-friendly seal between logs, or in my case boards. Moss, straw, or any other natural plant fibers can also be used to strengthen the chinking. This traditional method allows the logs to breathe while providing...

Batch Cooking Freezer Meals Imagine enjoying home-cooked, healthy, and delicious meals at your convenience. Whenever you plan to prepare a meal, consider doubling or tripling your recipe. This approach not only saves time but can also lead to cost savings over time. Bulk cooking is a time-honored practice, with roots tracing back to ancient civilizations that efficiently fed large groups. For instance, just yesterday, I prepared a meal featuring turkey, ham, stuffing, and green beans as a side dish, all intended for my home-cooked freezer meals. These dishes will be ideal for the holidays or any day when you want to simplify meal preparation. You can customize your meals based on your family's preferences. Once prepared, portion the food into freezer-safe containers. Opt for microwave-safe containers for easy reheating, or use aluminum foil pans, which are also effective for this purpose. Enjoy the process, and then relax with the time you've saved from daily meal preparation. ...

Taking Care of Tiny Kittens Finding the Little Furry Friends One day in October, on my birthday, I went outside and guess what I found? Three tiny kittens right by my deck! The next morning, my Boxer dog showed me another kitten hiding nearby. The first three kittens looked like they were about three weeks old, and the one with the creamy orange fur seemed a bit older, maybe four weeks. Becoming a Kitten Caretaker There was no mother cat around, so I decided to take care of them myself. I started feeding them warm kitten formula from a bottle to make sure they got the nutrition they needed. Growing Up Fast Now, the kittens are about 6-7 weeks old and are doing great! When they reached their fourth week, I began giving them a mix of kitten pate and formula. Just last week, they started eating kitten chow, which is a big step for them. Happy and Energetic The kittens are full of energy and are having a blast playing inside the house. They are happy, healthy, and I believe they're rea...

How to Cook a Yummy Turkey for Thanksgiving Getting Ready for the Big Feast Thanksgiving is a special time when families come together to enjoy a big meal. The star of the show is usually a delicious turkey. But how do you make sure your turkey is the best it can be? Let's find out! Picking the Right Turkey First, you need to choose a turkey. Make sure it's big enough to feed everyone at your table. A good rule is to have about one pound of turkey per person. If you have ten people coming over, get a ten-pound turkey. Thawing the Turkey If your turkey is frozen, you need to thaw it before cooking. The safest way is to let it sit in the fridge for a few days. Plan ahead so it's ready to cook on Thanksgiving Day. Prepping the Turkey Before you cook the turkey, take out the giblets. These are usually in a little bag inside the turkey. You can use them to make gravy if you want. Then, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Seasoning the Turkey Now it's time to add some flavo...