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The Ultimate Monthly Canning Guide For Zone 5 Gardeners
It can be so overwhelming during the spring and summer months when you’re garden is ready to harvest and you’re trying to preserve what you can. Having a Monthly Canning Guide for Zone 5 Gardeners can be very helpful during the planning process. If you’re just starting your gardening or canning journey, don’t feel like you have to do it all. Start with a few things this year and step up when you’re ready. You’ll find ideas for canning, dehydrating, and making fresh recipes with your produce & herbs in the post. Canning Supplies & Common Ingredients: Prepare your canning supplies. Make sure you have jars, rings, and lids in…
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How to Dry Calendula Flowers 3 Different Ways
There are many ways to dry herbs and flowers; learn How to Dry Calendula in 3 ways in this article! If you’re short on time, you can use the oven or dehydrator method, and if you have lots of time, you can set your calendula flowers out to dry. Regardless of how you dry your calendula, you’re going to love these dried flowers in any DIY skincare recipe. Once you have your dried calendula, try this Calendula-Infused Coconut Oil Recipe so you can start to see the amazing benefits! If you want more DIY herbal recipes, check out our page on Natural Living. This post contains affiliate links. This will…
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How to Start Seeds Indoors in Zone 5: Tips, Timeline, and Best Plants
Learn when to Start Seeds Indoors in Zone 5 plus grab some tips and tricks along the way. If you’re new to gardening, this is a great place to start! Starting your seeds indoor can help combat the shorter growing season that we have in zone 5. Learn when to start some popular seeds to they are ready to be transplanted after the danger of frost has passed. If you’re thinking big learn about Planning Your Homestead. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us offset the cost of running the blog. We only share products we use and would recommend to a…
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Easy Penne Pasta Bake Recipe with Mozzarella and Marinara
A delicious twist on the classic mostaccioli, this Easy Penne Pasta Bake is just as comforting with its delicious cheesy goodness and rich marinara sauce! You can call it mostaccioli, baked ziti, or penne pasta bake; this classic recipe is versatile and customizable with whatever kind of noodles you have. If you’re in the mood for more cozy, satisfying meals, browse our favorite Comfort Foods and Classic Recipes. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us offset the cost of running the blog. We only share products we use and would recommend to a friend. Thank you for your support! Click ‘HERE’ for more info.…
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How to Make Calendula-Infused Coconut Oil | Gentle Enough for Babies
I’ve been searching for a gentle but powerful herb-infused oil for my toddler’s diaper rash. Calendula flowers have a laundry list of benefits, traditionally used for calming and soothing the skin. Calendula-Infused Coconut Oil is a powerful natural remedy that is gentle on babies’ sensitive skin but also very healing. I hope you’ll give this simple and effective infusion a try. Want to explore more ways to use herbs in everyday life? Don’t miss our complete guide to Herbal Oil Infusions. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us offset the cost of running the blog. We only share products we use and…
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12 Easy Jam and Jelly Recipes for Beginners
Easy Jam and Jelly Recipes for Beginners are a great place to start if you’re new to making homemade preserves. These simple recipes also make sweet gifts any time of year. Whether you’re learning the basics or looking for no-canner-required options, this collection has something for every comfort level. Even experienced canners might find a new favorite. Looking for more ideas? Visit our Jams and Jellies page to learn how to make homemade jams and jellies. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us offset the cost of running the blog. We only share products we use and would recommend to a friend.…
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How to Make Lemon Balm Lip Balm for Cold Sores
This Natural Lip Balm for Cold Sores recipe is a great one to have on hand for when you are in need. Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is great for naturally treating cold sores because of its anti-viral properties. A large majority of the population has been exposed to the cold sore virus, so it is great to have this lemon balm lip balm available to fight the symptoms and help resolve them quickly. This lip balm uses lemon balm-infused olive oil and melissa, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils, all of which have cold sore-fighting properties. It also incorporates beeswax and grass-fed tallow to deeply nourish and protect lips.…
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How to Make Lemon Balm Infused Olive Oil
Lemon Balm Infused Olive Oil has many benefits and is easy to make with simple ingredients! Infusing oils with herbs is a centuries-old practice in holistic health, cooking, and skincare. Learn three different ways to dry lemon balm, depending on your time and equipment available, and how to infuse your dried lemon balm into oil. My daughter started our lemon balm plant because she loved the smell. Later, we discovered it is beneficial in combating cold sores, how cool! Learn more about the benefits below. Herbal oils are the foundation of so many natural remedies—learn more about them in our Herbal Oil Infusions Page. This post contains affiliate links. This…
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Quick Taco Bake with Doritos
This Quick Taco Bake with Doritos is a weeknight lifesaver and guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It layers seasoned ground beef, creamy filling, shredded cheese, and crunchy Doritos for a comfort food casserole that disappears fast. Anything taco-flavored is a hit in our house—especially when I use my Homemade Taco Seasoning to give it a flavorful, from-scratch boost. I don’t know about you, but when everyone in my family happily eats the same dinner, I feel like I’ve won Mom of the Year (or at least Mom of the Day!). This recipe is just one of many from-scratch meals we love—see more in our Comfort Foods and Classic Recipes collection. This post contains…
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Best Christmas Jam for Gifts | A Low Sugar Recipe
The best Christmas jam for gifts is one that’s festive, flavorful, and easy to make — and this cranberry-strawberry jam fits the bill perfectly. It’s warm with holiday spices and looks beautiful in a simple mason jar. This homemade jam makes a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or neighbors and adds a personal touch to any holiday basket. Want more ideas? Visit our Jams and Jellies page to learn how to make homemade jams and jellies. This post contains affiliate links. This will not cost you anything but will help us to offset the cost of running the blog. We only share products we use and would recommend to a…
