Olden Oasis

Creating a Cozy Christmas on a Small Scale Homestead This holiday season at Olden Oasis is dedicated to a no-spend approach. That's right—zero expenditure! This means no spending on Christmas gifts or any other non-essential items. Allow me to explain the rationale behind this decision. The holiday season often brings stress and anxiety, and this year, these feelings are exacerbated by the rising costs of goods. Therefore, I have chosen to embrace a no-spend holiday. However, this does not mean that we cannot create beautiful experiences or celebrate in unique ways without incurring costs. The commercialization of Christmas has reached its limits for me, and if you feel the same, I would like to share some of my zero-spend ideas with you. Decorating Your Homestead When it comes to decorating your small scale homestead for Christmas, simplicity is key. Opt for natural decorations like pine cones, holly branches, and dried oranges. Hang up some string lights and maybe even make your ...

Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup: A Simple and Healthy Recipe This recipe provides a delicious and nutritious homemade vegetable soup that is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for multiple meals. It's packed with healthy vegetables and is sure to become a family favorite. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped, or sliced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 8 cups of vegetable broth (low sodium preferred) 1 teaspoon of dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary Seasoning salt and black ground pepper, to taste Optional : Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Instructions: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Add the Broth and Se...

Old-Fashioned Sugar-Free CoCoa Oatmeal Candy This is my adaptation of my family's favorite holiday candy. It can be spooned out in the shapes of cookies, or spread out evenly in a pan, then cut into squares. Today, I made it both ways. I use old-fashioned oats for my recipe and I add them to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking the candy mixture. If you prefer, you can use quick oats instead. If using quick oats, turn the burner off before adding them into the pan. Regardless of what type of oats I use in the recipe, I always bring the candy mixture to a boil and finish cooking it for 2 to 3 minutes more before adding the oats. Ingredients: 2 ½ cups of granulated white Splenda or granulated monk fruit  ¼ cup of cocoa powder, add additional if you prefer. ½ cup of evaporated milk 2 cups of peanut butter (can be smooth or crunchy). 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extra 2 tablespoons of honey 4 cups of old-fashioned oats Instructions: In a large saucepan, add 2 ½ cups...

Effortless No-Cook Christmas Candy Recipes Prepare your chocolate chips for these seven straightforward chocolate-coated Christmas candy recipes. These delightful treats are crafted without the need for eggs, powdered sugar, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, or frosting. 1. Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows Ingredients : Marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles or other candy toppings (optional) Instructions : Melt chocolate chips in the microwave. Dip marshmallows in chocolate and sprinkle with toppings. Let cool until set. 2. Nut Cluster Candies Ingredients : You can use various types of nuts for this recipe such as: pecans, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, or your favorite mixed nuts. Chocolate chips Instructions : Melt chocolate chips, mix in peanuts, and drop spoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until set. 3. 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars Ingredients : Sweetened shredded coconut, milk chocolate or dark chocolate, coconut oil Instructions : Mix coconut with a little coconut oil...

Homemade Turkey Chili With Beans Here is my complete turkey chili recipe that uses 2 pounds of dried pinto beans and 2 pounds of ground turkey sausage. This recipe feeds a crowd and stretches well for leftovers. You can use mild, medium, or hot spiced turkey sausage, depending on your preference. Servings: 12–16 Total time: about 2.5–3.5 hours (hands-on 1.5–2 hours, plus soaking and simmering) Ingredients: 2 pounds dried pinto beans, rinsed, sorted, and checked for any stones 2 pounds ground turkey sausage (usually 93% lean) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium red bell peppers, diced 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with their juice 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or more as needed) 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) Seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Opti...

Homemade Venison (Deer) Stew Today, I would like to share my recipe for a hearty, rustic venison stew featuring tender meat, potatoes, and mushrooms in a savory broth. This recipe is flavorful, simple to prepare, and yields a comforting meal for cold wintery days. Ingredients: 2 pounds ground venison (deer) 8 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced 2 small yellow onions, diced 4 cups beef broth (more as needed to cover ingredients) 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening) Instructions: In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground venison over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if desired. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to sof...

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...

Discovering Indian Strawberries and Why They're Awesome! What Are Indian Strawberries? Indian strawberries, scientifically referred to as *Potentilla indica*, are native to the eastern and southern regions of Asia. However, they have successfully naturalized in various areas, including parts of the United States and Canada. These resilient plants typically thrive in lawns, disturbed habitats, and moist woodlands, showcasing their adaptability to diverse environments. Indian strawberries are small, juicy fruits. They are not the same as the big, red strawberries you might find in a grocery store. Instead, they are tiny and can be a bit different in taste, but they are just as delicious! Why Are Indian Strawberries Good for You? These little berries are packed with nutrients that can help keep you healthy. Here are some cool benefits of eating Indian strawberries: 1. Packed with Vitamins Indian strawberries are full of vitamins, especially vitamin ...

Internet Troubles: A Quick Update What’s Going On? Hey everyone! I wanted to take a moment to share something that’s been really frustrating for me. Since early March, my internet has been acting like it’s on vacation—totally gone! I’ve tried so many times to share new posts with you all, but every time I hit “upload,” it just doesn’t work. It’s like my internet is playing hide and seek, and it’s winning! My Struggles I’ve done everything I can think of to fix this problem. I’ve checked my connections, restarted my router, and even called my internet provider for help. But no luck! It feels like I’m stuck in a never-ending game of “Will It Work?” and the answer is always “No.” Keeping It Simple Because of all this trouble, I’m keeping this post super simple. I can’t even add any cool photos right now because I’m not sure if it will upload. I just wanted to let you all know what’s been happening and why I haven’t been able to share more with you. Thanks for being patient with me!

Growing Lettuce in Hydroponic Trays Year Round Introduction Hey there! Today, we're going to talk about how you can grow lettuce in hydroponic trays all year round. It's a cool way to have fresh veggies whenever you want! What You'll Need Materials: - Hydroponic trays - Lettuce seeds - Water - Nutrient solution - Grow lights Equipment: - pH meter - EC meter - Thermometer Setting Up Your Hydroponic System First, you'll need to set up your hydroponic trays. Fill them with water and add the nutrient solution according to the instructions. Make sure the pH and EC levels are right by using the meters. Planting Your Lettuces Next, it's time to plant your lettuce seeds in the trays. Make sure to space them out evenly and cover them with a thin layer of growing medium. Keep the trays under the grow lights for about 12-16 hours a day. Caring for Your Lettuces Check the water levels in the trays regularly and top up if needed. Keep an eye on the temperature and ad...

Growing Vegetable Plants in Rockwool Cubes Hey there, fellow gardeners! Today we're going to talk about a cool way to grow your own vegetables using rockwool cubes. It may sound fancy, but it's actually pretty simple and fun. Let's dive in! What You'll Need: First things first, you'll need some rockwool cubes . These are like little sponges that help your plants grow strong and healthy. You'll also need some vegetable seeds, a tray to hold the cubes, and water. I personally use these hydroponic grow trays with dome lids. Step 1: Soak the Cubes Before you plant your seeds, you'll need to soak the rockwool cubes in water. This helps them absorb moisture and provides a good environment for your plants to grow. Step 2: Plant Your Seeds Once your cubes are nice and soaked, it's time to plant your seeds. Make a little hole in the top of each cube and drop a couple of seeds in. Some seeds are so tiny and I generally end up planting more than two in...

Image by Sydney Swann from Pixabay How to Protect Your Property from Flooding with Levees What are Levees? Levees are barriers built to prevent flooding by holding back water. They are usually made of dirt, sand, or concrete and are built along rivers, lakes, or coastlines. Why Build Levees? Levees are important because they help protect homes, buildings, and farmland from being damaged by floods. By diverting water away from these areas, levees can prevent costly repairs and keep people safe. How to Build Levees Building levees requires careful planning and construction. First, you need to determine the height and length of the levee needed to protect your property. Then, you will need to gather materials like dirt or sand to build the barrier. Make sure to compact the materials tightly to prevent water from seeping through. Additional Tips: Consider hiring a professional to help design and build the levee. Regularly inspect and maintain the levee to ensure it remains effective. Be a...

Foraging dandelion greens Now is the perfect time to forage for the perfect greens that commonly grow naturally in your own backyard. Yes, I am referring to dandelion greens. The dandelion plant is known as a common weed, but it is chalk full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Dandelions are what some people call a lawn nuisance, but I like to think of them as free health food. These jagged, saw-toothed plants are edible from root to flower, and they are actually known as a superfood. If you don't have a lawn full of dandelions, they are also available as a tea, supplements, and in some grocery stores, fresh dandelions can be purchased in the produce aisle. Dandelion greens can be picked, rinsed, and cleaned, then eaten raw or cooked just like any other type of green that you may buy or grow in your home garden. So why would you want to eat dandelions? For one thing, dandelions are free food. They grow organically on the lawns of most residential homes, and for another...