In this article we are going to talk about Mirror Neurons, what they are and how they work.



Wikipedia describes Mirror Neurons as this:



A mirror neuron is a neuron that fires both when an animal acts and when the animal observes the same action performed by another.  Thus, the neuron "mirrors" the behavior of the other, as though the observer were itself acting. Such neurons have been directly observed in primate species.  Birds have been shown to have imitative resonance behaviors and neurological evidence suggests the presence of some form of mirroring system.  In humans, brain activity consistent with that of mirror neurons has been found in the premotor cortex, the supplementary motor area, the primary somatosensory cortex, and the inferior parietal cortex.







The function of the mirror system in humans is a subject of much speculation. Some researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology consider that this system provides the physiological mechanism for the perception/action coupling (see the common coding theory). They argue that mirror neurons may be important for understanding the actions of other people, and for learning new skills by imitation. Some researchers speculate that mirror systems may simulate observed actions, and thus contribute to theory of mind skills, while others relate mirror neurons to language abilities. Neuroscientists such as Marco Iacoboni (UCLA) have argued that mirror neuron systems in the human brain help us understand the actions and intentions of other people. In a study published in March 2005, Iacoboni and his colleagues reported that mirror neurons could discern whether another person who was picking up a cup of tea planned to drink from it or clear it from the table. In addition, Iacoboni has argued that mirror neurons are the neural basis of the human capacity for emotions such as empathy.



So, that was the basis for what mirror neurons are, what they are capable of and what scientist think about them.  I know there are different opinions regarding mirror neurons, but that's a good thing.  It's good to ask question, discuss different ideas until we find out what is factual and what is merely a theory.



I find the whole thing fascinating and have used different ways and forms of tapping into this amazing tool we all have inside of us.







For instance, if you can think of being empathetic while communicating with another person or group of people.  That is, if we are truly trying to understand their thoughts and feelings and allow ourselves to be influenced by their point of view we are much more likely to trigger mirror neurons and get the same kind of response in return from them.  



Why?  Because they're going to be more empathetic to our response which means they will be more influenced by the way we're thinking.  The opposite is if I'm really trying to persuade someone to my point of view, they're more likely to put up a wall and d

Mirror Neurons and How to Harness Them

Hey Everyone!







Well, it has been an up and down week between weather, getting the garden cleaned out, and driving kids to practice/work.



But finally, today I got to stay home ALL day, and it was fantastic. Running around is more unusual for me as the farm needs attention, but sometimes life throws you curve balls that you have to roll with.



That being said, when you get out of a routine, you also appreciate the little things more, like waking up to a rooster crowing and enjoying him instead of wanting to shoot him, or your daughter saying pillow fight and then giggling as she waylays you.



Walking down the stairs, the house is freezing because the fire went out during the night. Normally this might bring a grumpy response, but once you light the fire and feel the soft fingertips of the flame reaching, your body awakes, and you don't mind the task so much.



When you run around, you are overloaded or pressured with time and people. It may not seem to affect you or your health at first, but the longer you do it, the more you miss the quiet or special little things.



Even if you love the hustle of the city, you still have a routine or things you love about simple pleasures.



Trust me, I believe in getting out, being refreshed, and taking a vacation. It is the mindless running around that I'm talking about and can affect people.



So what's my point? Well, people are always saying they need to get away or want to go somewhere. But I don't believe it's necessarily the getting away or mindless running that needs to happen. It is simply making the life where you are at where you want to be.



There will always be a bigger and better place in your mind or scenario. And there will always be the possibility that your child will turn out to be an Olympic star. But don't give up living and enjoying the simple pleasures because you always want to be somewhere else. Or feel you will ruin your child's life if they are not in every school event.



Harrison Ford said it best in, Six Days and Seven Nights, "It's an island, babe. If you don't bring it here, you won't find it here."







Contentment comes in finding out who you are, not in how many places you can go or how often you run around.



As I write about health, I'm reminded that contentment is probably the biggest key to every person's health. Because if you are content, you are not stressed. As we all know, stress kills, so every person should avoid it or the environment where you feel it.



Now sometimes you can't control the environment, like for me this week. So to keep the stress low, I needed to find joy in running instead of stressing myself out because things were piling up at home.



And by doing that, I learned to enjoy the tiny little things at the same time. Kind of a domino effect; once the dominos fall, you can see over the top and have a new perspective.



You may be thinking, "well, duh," but even when something seems like common sense, we still overlook it. So I

Enjoying Every Little Thing

Dancing to me is such a part of everything I think about, do and who I am.  I dance in the kitchen, at home with the kids, the car, airport, and even while I write my manuscripts;  which character will end up on the dance floor, moving to the music?:)



Dancing brings out emotions that could never be expressed or explained with words.  You feel, therefore you dance.  To me it's that simple.



I can escape in a Bourrée or pretend I'm on top of a mountain in a field of flowers, leaping and chaînéing.  Dancing to me is like opening the first pages of a new book.  The anticipation and excitement of finding out who the characters are and what will unfold are the same as when a person first starts moving to the music.



Our bodies feel every beat, every movement, either alone or while dancing with a partner.  Every sensation is alive and burning through our veins.







I don't think there is a feeling more beautiful than when our minds and bodies come together creating movement in the form of a dance.  We release, we let go, we become free and no one holds us back as it's impossible to cage a soul on fire.



So many people are afraid of what they look like on a dance floor or beyond.  But there is no wrong way to feel unless the outcome is driven by fear.  So, put your fears aside and step into the beauty of a moment to share love, joy even suffering.  Opportunities pass swiftly when you overthink or take for granted time. 



Dance can heal the soul faster than the majority of things on earth because you can release your grief, not only through tears but through every part of yourself.  Our bodies and minds are connected through the spirit, so stop trying to separate what is intended to be together.  You can no more separate soul mates with distant, a wave from the ocean than you can a body from its form of dance.







Some say, "I can't dance."  I wholeheartedly disagree.  You are human and therefore created to move.  The way we were designed with joints, tendons, and muscles allows for movement of every kind.  Perhaps you don't because you don't know-how.  You think you need to be shown.  Perhaps your "Don't" or "Can't" is only fear because you think you need to have so many steps down first.  The steps to dance don't determine whether you can dance, your soul dances without a lesson.  You just need to let it out and not be afraid.



We have all looked or done silly things in our lives, but instead of hiding in a corner blushing you just have to laugh and enjoy the learning process.  Watching people enjoy the art of dancing or life brings so much pleasure.  You see the radiant light come to life in their eyes and almost feel as if you are right there with them on the floor.  And friends, that's what it means to dance!



I have been thinking a lot about this topic not only because it's a part of who I am but because of what's happening in our country. My advice, if you are struggling or need a reset is attend a chi

Dance like Nobody’s Watching

The windows are open, and a cool fall breeze is blowing the curtains back and forth.



The chickens are clucking, and the cow is starting to bellar as it is close to milking time.



On our farm we have several fruit trees, apples being one of them. It's kind of funny because every time I mow with my daughter she points to the trees and depending on the season we eat cherries, crandall currents, apricots, plums, or apples.



What a treat and blessing it is to pick fresh fruit right off the trees and bushes. Although you should wait to pick apples until after the first frost as they become sweeter, ours don't last that long with little fingers. For this reason, it may seem a little early, but I want to give you a quick tutorial on how to dehydrate apples.



How to Dehydrate Apples



Food and Items needed:



ApplesDehydratorLarge bowlLemon juice (optional).Small paring knife.



Directions:



Step one is to pick apples from your tree, purchase at a farmers market, or buy them from the store.  Then wash your apples to make sure they are clean from spray, dirt, etc.  My children eat the peelings, so I want to make sure they are clean.







Next, set up your apple peeler and place an apple on the tongs. Turn the apple peeler until you remove the core and peelings from the apple.







As you peel the apples, discard the core into a bowl and feed them to your chickens or pigs, put them in the compost, or throw them in the trash.  The peelings you can munch on or discard the same way.







The next step is to cut the ends of your apple ring with your knife and down one side. Or you can snap them off with your fingers. Depending on your apple peeler, some skin might be left on the apple coils. No worries, if you don't want to dehydrate that part, merely cut it off.







Place the now peeled and cut apple slices in a bowl, and as an option, you can sprinkle lemon juice over the top to keep them from turning brown. I don't do this part because the apples taste the same either way when dehydrated. 







Once you have enough apples, start placing them on the trays until the trays are full.







Once the trays are filled, place the lid on, plug in your dehydrator, and set the temperature to 130 degrees.







  Depending on the thickness of the apple slices it should take 4 to 5 hours until the batch is done, and your apples have a rubbery consistency. Then place the apple slices in bags and or jars and store until you are ready to munch and Enjoy!



The dehydrated apples don't last long in our house, and sometimes I wonder why I went through all that trouble! But they seem to taste better. You can also take them as snacks in the car and don't have as great of a mess to clean up. Or bring them out for movie night along with popcorn for a nice snack. 



Either way, enjoy and remember to stay healthy and free!



Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for a local newspaper, has written several books to include

How to Dehydrate Apples

Top of the morning to you!



Well, it has been about three weeks since we’ve pulled the onions from the garden and laid them on our wagon to dry.



Now comes the fun part. However, dehydrating onions is not a job for the weak. Even after I give you a few tips to reduce the smell, in the end, it still stinks.



Some batches are better than others but if you make it out without crying, you are a stronger person than me. With that being said, if you have your tissue box, we are ready to begin.



Tips for reducing the potency while dehydrating onions:



Tip one is to use yellow onions over white.Tip two, don't cut a large number at one time.And tip three, prepare the onions in a garage or a place that is well ventilated.



List of items needed:



DehydratorSharp knifeChopping boardOnionsQuart jar or another storage containerFunnel



Now that you have all of your items and onions it's time to begin.  



First dig your onions out of the garden or buy some from the store.



Peel, slice, and chop onions one at a time using a slap chopper or knife.







Once you have the desired amount of chopped onions you would like to dehydrate, place them on the layers of your dehydrator until the trays are all filled or you run out of onions.







Set temperature to 135 degrees. You can lower the temperature if you'd like, but your onions will be done in about 4 hours at this temperature.



Place the dehydrator in a garage or porch to reduce the smell in the house.



When your timer goes off just check to see if the batch is finished. You will know when they feel rubbery but also dry. If they turn to dust you have obviously left them in for too long. Or if they have not finished leave them in for a little while longer. 







Once they have fished, set up your jar with a funnel or another container of your choice. I can fill a one-quart jar with a medium-sized dehydrator with 4 layers. 







Once your machine is turned off, remove the lid and take out the onions using your hands or another kitchen tool and fill your jar or jars. After the jar is filled and sealed, store your now dehydrated onions in a cupboard or a cool, dry place.







Now that you have finished dehydrating, you are ready for winter.  You can also use the onions as a gift to family or when you are short on time.



On a side note.  If you want to make onion powder, you would merely dehydrate longer until the onions are dried and crunchy.  Place them in a gallon bag at that point and use a rolling pin to roll over them until you have powder.



That’s it, friends. For more tips and recipes on natural and healthy living, stay tuned each week. Until then, stay free!



Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for a local and state newspaper, has written several books to include  A Busy Morning On The Farm and an upcoming thriller/drama series called “Prisoner Within.” She is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint, writes a blog on health

How to Dehydrate Onions

The weather has been so incredible lately. It’s still warm but with a little breeze. I checked the garden yesterday, and the little sugar pumpkins are a beautiful orange, so I picked one. 



Since I had my little daughter with me, we also picked some large zucchini and fed them to the milk cows, calves, and our little pony, Sylvia. It was just like a sweet story playing out.



After a while, however, the sun was going down, which meant it was getting chilly, and Chai was on my mind. So, we walked back to the house with our little pumpkin and washed it up.







I had to convince my daughter I was not baking it down to make pumpkin pie yet, but instead, we were going to make some delicious chai hot chocolate.



I, like a lot of people, although we love coming up with our own brew or creation, we also appreciate a good recipe when we find one. This Chai hot chocolate is a simple version, and when I don’t have a lot of time, I like to use it and modify it a touch.



Since I am a huge advocate for healthy living, I always add a dash of turmeric and pepper, which will aid in your health yet bring out the flavor in your drink. So here it is…



Chai Hot Chocolate 



This recipe is for 2 serving and created by Christina Lane and modified by Heather Earles



PREP TIME 5 minutesCOOK TIME 5 minutesTOTAL TIME 10 minutes







Ingredients



1 1/2 cups chai concentrate1/2 cup whole milk of your choice2 tablespoons organic cocoa powderwhipped cream, for servingcinnamon sticks, for serving¼ tsp turmeric with a dash of cayenne or black pepper (optional)



Instructions



In a small pan, combine the chai concentrate and your milk of choice over medium heat. Heat until steaming, about 5 minutes. (Alternatively, heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until steaming).Add one tablespoon of cocoa powder to the bottom of two mugs along with the turmeric and pepper. Slowly whisk half of the hot chai mixture into the cocoa powder into each cup.Top with whipped cream, an extra dusting of cinnamon, and serve.



Chai hot chocolate is a simple drink, yet very warming, and a perfect way to end your day alone with a book or with the family.Enjoy your day, friends, and remember to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.



Heather EarlesIs the owner of H&E Literary Works LLC, writes for a local and state newspaper, has written several books to include  A Busy Morning On The Farm and an upcoming thriller/drama series called “Prisoner Within.” She is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint, writes a blog on healthy living to aid and inspire. She has a podcast called Herb ‘N Wisdom™, enjoys country living, God, and her family. “I love helping people feel better about life.”
Learn more about the author

Chai Hot Chocolate

Hey book lovers, I’m back again. You’ve made it through the first round and to give you a little refresher, this is what we discussed in Part 1 of how to Prepare your Book/Files/Manuscript:



Traditional publishingSelf-PublishingIndie PublishingAnd a mixture of Indie and Self-Publishing



We also went through how to:



Prepare your book/files/manuscriptWhat to do after you've finished your manuscript like,Making a checklist,Writing a query letter,Researching, companies and literary agents,And the last, turning in your project.



Now you are at the point where you've turned in your manuscript to several agents. Please note we are talking about traditional publishing at this point. I will cover self-publishing, Indie, and a mixture later.



Turning in your book/manuscript/files to one or ten literary agents doesn't cut it. Unless you have an inside connection, you need to turn your manuscript into at least a hundred literary agents or more if you hope to hear something back.



I'm not trying to discourage you. But this is the reality since so many people are writing and wanting to be published.



Hearing Back from A Literary Agent



If or when you hear from an agent, it will likely be a request to see your entire manuscript. Remember, they often do not read your book/files/manuscripts, only your query letter, unless it is the first three chapters. 



But now they are interested, so they will request your entire book. Once the agent has read through it, they will either love it or leave it. If they love it, you may start to talk about signing on with them, or they will ask general questions to see if you are willing to change the title name, etc. 



In short, they want to know if you are willing to work with them, at which point you can either decline or accept their offer.



What to Do When You Get a Call



Would you please not act like a moron when you get a call? At least not on the phone. Stay professional and giggle or pop a bottle of champagne AFTER you hang up. There is NOTHING wrong with being excited. For heaven's sake, you have been through the wringer and spent hours upon hours of your time seeing this project through. No, go ahead and celebrate once your meeting or phone call is over with the agent.



What Comes Next? Do I accept the offer or not?







When you have an offer to sign with a literary agent, take a day and consider if this is the person that you want to work with. No one can make this decision for you.



However, it is worth noting that not everyone will even get one response, and by not everyone, I mean, according to Mark Malatesta, "your odds of getting a literary agent are 1 in 6,000.



That does NOT mean 1 out of every 6,000 authors who try to get an agent will make it, and the other 5,999 will fail. It means the best book agents can get as many as 1,500 queries per month, and they sometimes only offer to represent approximately 6 new clients per year. Some writer representatives take on more. Bu

Preparing Your Book/Files/Manuscript Part 2

Hello, gardeners, and Herb 'N Wisdom™fans. Well, it's another gorgeous day on the farm. 



It's also that time of the year where the garden is producing all kinds of golden delicious splendor. 



Speaking of golden, today we are learning how to make and freeze sweet corn. As with canning and freezing most produce, it's not difficult it just takes a little time. Although freezing sweet corn goes pretty quickly the batch size will determine how long it takes. 



Here is a list of items you will need to make and freeze sweet corn:



Corn:)SugarSaltButterWaterTwo bowls or one bowl and a cake panKnife of choiceGarbage can or animals who like scrapsQuart Freezer bagsLadleFunnel (optional)PotLarge Spoon



Now that you have what you need the first step is to shuck the corn.







After you have shucked all of the corn and have taken the silks off, put the ears of corn in your sink and wash them off.



Once they are washed and all remaining silks removed, bring them to your work area to begin cutting the corn off the cob.  Use your large bowl or cake pan for this and your knife of choice.  Start cutting from the top and work your way down.







While cutting, place the empty cobs in another bowl to take out to the animals or throw them away in the garbage can.







Once all of the corn is off the cob, it is now time to start measuring the loose corn then dump it into your large pot on the stove.







Recipe for a single batch of sweet corn:







8 cups of corn2 cups water2 Tbls sugar1 tsp salt1/4 pound or 1 stick of butter



Measure your corn first to determine if you will have a single, double or triple batch.  Once that is determined you can now measure the other ingredients accordingly.



After all of the items are measured and in your large pot, stir often with your large spoon. Heat the mixture on medium-high heat until you bring the corn mixture to a boil.  Boil it for 5 minutes then remove it from the heat.







Your next step is to cool the corn.  This can be done a couple different ways.



Fill a large bowl with ice and set the pot in it. Stir frequently to release steam, allowing it to cool faster.Scoop corn into cake pans and place it in the fridge to cool.







After your sweet corn has cooled, it is time to scoop the mixture into your freezer bags.  I would suggest using a funnel for this part to keep the stickiness of the corn away from where it seals on the bag.  Fill each bag 3/4 full or less with a ladle or large spoon, seal the bag, and lay it flat on a cookie sheet.







You can mark your bags with the proper date before or after your corn is in them.







Please put all of your corn in your freezer when bagged and on the cookie sheet or sheets.  After the corn is frozen you can take them off the cookie sheet.  Notice how nicely they stack in the freezer because you froze evenly and flat.







Last but not least.  Pull corn out of the freezer and use as desired:).



You are now an expert

How to Make and Freeze Sweet Corn

Hello Book Lovers, Authors, dreamers, and those of you interested in taking the next step to learn about getting a book published.



I live on a sustainable farm with my husband and four children for those of you who don't know me. I'm an established author of inspiration, fiction, children's books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. I publish a weekly blog and podcast (Herb' N Wisdom™) and am a Print Specialist for Pufferprint. 



If you're like me and want to know everything I can about someone and their upcoming projects, here is an interview I did with the Veteran Crowd Spotlight. 







Since you now know who I am, we can dive right into our topic: Heather's book writing tips and how you can use these tips to make your dreams and book writing goals come to life. In short, Preparing Your Book/Files/Manuscript Part One.



It doesn't matter if we are talking about a children's book, the book printing process to include how to print your own book, or novel writing. Or simple things like what information you need before heading to a publisher to include ISBNs and author bios. 



We are going to cover it all and, in the end, ease your mind and frustration so you can take that next step or create a more fluid process of getting your book published the next time around.



Ready to start? Let's do it!



To begin, I want to clarify a few things. I will be talking about different types of publishing. For instance, traditional publishing is where the author turns in their work to a literary agent who finds them a traditional publisher. That publisher then uses their resources to edit, advertise, etc.



Self-publishing is another platform where you go through a company such as WestBow Press, turn in your manuscript or files, and then they charge you a certain amount to edit, create the cover, advertise, and take you from the beginning of the process to the printing of your book. 



Indie publishing is where you do all of the work, cover, layout, bio, acquire your own ISBN, and then take it to a printing company to have it printed or use an online platform like Smashwords, Amazon, or Barns&Noble. 



And lastly, we have a mixture where you are like an Indie publisher but companies like Pufferprint offer ISBN's, barcodes, and formatting help. These have an additional cost but are calculated for each project, so you are aware upfront of what those will be before you begin. 







So to recap, we will discuss:



Traditional publishingSelf-PublishingIndie PublishingAnd a mixture of Indie and Self-Publishing



With those in mind, let's start with preparing your files.



Preparing your book/files/Manuscript Part One



Since we are talking about different books, like children's books versus fiction or biographies, there are different processes. Not only in what you need to complete before submitting your work but because some of you are going straight to a literary agent and some of you are goin

Preparing Your Book/Files/Manuscript Part One

By Rachel Castro







Delicious and bursting with flavor, Asian lettuce wraps are a great idea for entertaining or a family-style meal.



Each person can build their own fresh, delicious wrap. Just be sure to have plates or napkins available since the mixture can sometimes drip a little. 



To serve the Asian Lettuce Wrap, allow each person to spoon a portion of the meat into a lettuce leaf. Wrap the lettuce around the meat like a burrito and enjoy!



This recipe first appeared on RED Cipes.



Ingredients



16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves 1 pound lean ground beef 1 tablespoon cooking oil ¼ cup hoisin sauce 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fermented real soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 2 teaspoons minced pickled ginger 1 dash Asian chile pepper sauce, or to taste (Optional)1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped  2 teaspoons Asian (dark) sesame oil1 bunch green onions, chopped



Directions



Step 1Rinse whole lettuce leaves and pat dry, being careful not to tear them. Set aside.Step 2Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef and cooking oil in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease; transfer beef to a bowl. Now cook and stir onion in the same skillet used for the beef until it's slightly tender about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir hoisin sauce, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and chile pepper sauce into onions. Add water chestnuts, green onions, sesame oil, and cooked beef; cook and stir until the onions just begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.Step 3Arrange lettuce leaves around the outer edge of a large serving platter and pile meat mixture in the center.Serve and enjoy.



For those of you who like cheese with everything, you can sprinkle a little on like a garnish or place some in the center before you roll the lettuce around the meat.



That's it. Until next time remember to stay healthy and free!



Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, children’s books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™), is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint and has her own company H&E Literary Works.
Learn more about the author

Asian Lettuce Wrap

One of the favorite things for my family this time of year, is when our baby chicks arrive in the mail. It's like Easter and Christmas, all tied into one.







Previously we spent time picking out different breeds to add color and class to our coop, and now they are here. This year we have beautiful reds, speckled, and black chicks. And, of course, they were all given names.



As with each year, we choose themes for our animals that are born. This year the theme is rock bands. So two of the baby chicks are named Guns and Roses. It is fun for the kids, and with themes, I remember their names a whole lot easier.



Because baby chicks bring so much joy to our family, I want to give you that same experience. Even if this is your first year buying chicks, there is no need to be stressed. As far as animals go, chicks/chickens are the easiest, in my opinion, to take care of.



With that being said, this post, along with my YouTube video, should set your mind at ease on what to do when your chicks arrive in the mail or if you get them from a store.



Buying Your Chicks



You can order your chicks online or from a local store. For years now we have ordered ours from Murray McMurray. 



When Should You Order Your Baby Chicks?



We order ours in February, March, or April so that they will arrive by June or July. Since we live in the North, this allows them to come when our temperatures are a little warmer. But if you have a nice place with a heat lamp, you can order when it is best for you. If you buy them from a local store, I would ask when they expect their chicks in prior, so you are ready for them when they come. If ordering online, they will show you when to expect your shipment if you order on a certain date, so no guessing is necessary.



Getting Your Pen Ready



After you have ordered your baby chicks or found out from your local store when they will arrive, it is time to get your pen all set up. 



Here is a list of what you need:



Chick feed. There is medicated and non-medicated feed, which you can find at a Fleet Farm or local feed store.  You can also make your own mixture. I would recommend buying two 25lb bags to start.Feed holder.Water Holder. You can also buy these at the same place as the feed or online.Heat Lamp. Depending on the number of chicks and temperature, you might need two.Some type of chick pen, or galvanized tank, homemade box, etc.Sawdust or straw. We use both.



Once you have all the items, set up your pen so that all you have left to do is add the water and feed when the chicks arrive. 



We put a layer of sawdust down first and then a layer of straw.  Trust me, this makes pen cleanup a lot simpler and also keeps the smell down. See the picture below.







The straw bales we use as a border to keep our large pen a tad smaller. This helps with heat and containment.



The Chicks Have Arrived!



It's time, your chicks have just arrived in the mail, or you have brought them home from the store

What to do when your Chicks arrive in the mail

You can't always get what you want, but you don't have to accept defeat. Whether the store doesn’t carry it, they’re out, or you are in a time crunch and need a particular item, there are ways to substitute.



Here are some cleaning hacks and tips to keep things moving along.







Get Rid Of Soap Scrum



Spritz that gunk with cooking spray and let it sit for a couple of minutes. The scum will come off with just a swipe of a towel. Then wash the surface with soap and water.



Eliminate Grease Stains



Rub some chalk on greasy spots on clothes or table linens and let it absorb the oil before you brush it off. If the stain lingers, rub more chalk into it before laundering. 



To get rid of ring-around-the-collar stains, mark them heavily with chalk before laundering to absorb the oils that hold in the dirt.



Repel Dust From Your Screens



Because televisions and computers are electrically charged, they attract dust. Fabric softener sheets will get them clean and keep them that way.



Rescue A Rug







If you've spilled coffee or tea on the carpet, there's another tasty beverage that can clean the mess: beer. Rub a few teaspoons (or more, if you made a really big mess) lightly into the fabric. 



Flat beer will also polish up your wood furniture.



Dissolve Tarnish On Silverware



Grab some potatoes and boil them up. Remove them from the water and save them to eat later. Then place your silverware in the potato water and let it sit for an hour. Remove and wash it. The tarnish should have disappeared.



Unstick Gum Tip



Got chewing gum smooshed into the carpet or on the wall? WD-40 will loosen it. This works on wax drippings too.



Remove Water Stains From Furniture



Did your guests somehow miss the coasters? To get rid of those annoying white rings left by moist glasses, gently rub some non-gel toothpaste on the wood with a soft cloth. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and let the area dry.



Lemon Juice







Besides brightening the flavor of recipes, lemon juice can clean and freshen your microwave and your laundry. It's also a potent exfoliant, dandruff fighter, wart remover, and disinfectant.



Lift a Scorch Mark



If you singe your favorite shirt with a hot iron, wet the area and cover it with cornstarch. Allow the cornstarch to dry, then brush it away.



I'm sure there are many, many more cleaning hacks and tips we could add to this list, but for now, I hope the ones listed are helpful.



Until next time, always remember to stay healthy and free!



Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, children’s books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint.
Learn more about the author

Cleaning Hacks and Tips

Have you ever run out of something or thrown away a food item because it didn't get used?



Well, hopefully, with these food and cooking tips, you can save a little time and money by substituting or preserving.



 Ready to start? Me too!



Here we go...



Substitute For Yeast: 







Are you looking to make a loaf of bread? Mix one teaspoon each of powdered vitamin C (or citric acid) and baking soda. What's more, the dough you add it to won't have to rise before baking.



Replace Baking Powder:



Substitute two parts cream of tartar mixed with one part each baking soda and cornstarch. The cornstarch slows the reaction between the acidic cream of tartar and the alkaline baking soda, which helps the compound maintain its leavening power longer.



Protect Veggies In The Fridge:



Line your refrigerator's crisper drawer with paper towels. They will absorb the moisture that causes your fruits and vegetables to rot. When the lining gets dirty, throw it out and replace it with fresh paper towels.



Keep Fruit Fresh:



 Do your berries, and grapes get moldy before you've had a chance to enjoy them? Store them in a colander--not a closed plastic container--in the refrigerator. The cold air will circulate through the holes and around the fruit, keeping it fresher for days.



Revive Soggy Lettuce:



Don't toss those sorry leaves in the garbage. Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water, put the soggy lettuce in it, and refrigerate for about an hour. Make sure the leaves are completely dry before using them in salads or sandwiches.



Tenderize Meat:



Soaking inexpensive cuts of meat in vinegar for up to four hours doesn't just break down tough fibers; it also reduces carcinogenic compounds that form during grilling. Experiment with different vinegar varieties for added flavor, or simply use apple cider vinegar or distilled vinegar. Just be sure to rinse the meat off before cooking.







Save A Bottle Of Wine:



If the cork breaks apart when you open a bottle, no problem. Pour the wine through a coffee filter. It will catch everything but the liquid.



Baking Soda:



In addition to being a stand-in for baking powder and other cooking staples, baking soda can clean and deodorize your vegetables, your pots and get hard stains like cool-aid, turmeric, pen, or grime off of your countertops.



These are just a few Food and Cooking tips to make your life easier. If you have any more, I would love to hear about them. Otherwise, stay tuned next week for some additional Life Hacks and Tips.



Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, children’s books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint.
Learn more about the author

Food and Cooking Tips & Life Hacks

I love when something makes my life easier or more efficient. With these life hacks, I can do just that even if I don't have what I would call the right product for the job.



Substituting isn't a bad thing as long as the job gets done in the proper way. So read on for these simple health and beauty hacks.



Disinfect A Cut



No rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide? An alcohol-based mouthwash can clean a shallow cut and disinfect your skin. Alternatively, you can dab a few drops of lemon juice directly on the cut.



Treat Minor Burns



If you sustain a minor skin burn, quickly pour some baking soda into a container of ice water, soak a cloth or quake pad in it, and apply it to the burn. Keep applying the solution until the burn no longer feels hot. This treatment will also prevent many burns from blistering. Another option: Apply vanilla extract. The evaporation of the alcohol into vanilla extract cools the burn.



Ease Achy Spots







For pain in your knee or other joints or muscles, rub in some warming liniment and wrap the area with plastic wrap. The wrap will increase the heating effect of the liniment. Test on a small area first to make sure your skin does not burn.



Relax Stiff Muscles



If you prefer to soak your sore spots, take a bath in Epsom salts and throw in a few tablespoons of prepared yellow mustard. The mustard will enhance the soothing effects of the salts.



Remove A Splinter



You can avoid the agony of digging a splinter out with a needle by covering it with adhesive tape instead. After about three days, pull the tape off slowly, and the splinter should come out with it.



Save Your Shave







If you run out of shaving cream, try slathering some soft butter on your wet skin for a smooth, close shave.



Make a Dehumidifier



A humid closet, attic, or cellar can wreak havoc on your health as well as on your clothes. Get rid of all that humidity with homemade dehumidifiers. To make one, just put some charcoal briquettes in a large, clean, lidded can and punch a few holes in the lid. Place one or more in humid areas. Replace the charcoal every few months.



Repel Ticks And Other Insects



Going for a walk in the woods? Smear some mentholated chest rub on your ankles, wrists, and neck before you leave the house. It might not be your favorite scent, but gnats, mosquitos, and disease-carrying ticks hate it, and they'll go in search of a sweeter-smelling victim.



That's it friends. Check-in next week to get some more life hacks. But in the meantime remember to stay healthy and free!



Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, children’s books, a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and is a Print Specialist for Pufferprint.
Learn more about the author

Health And Beauty Life Hacks

Taking time to enjoy the things around you is good for the soul.







Everyone has work to do and only so much time to do it, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take time to enjoy those around us or events that are happening in our hometowns.







A community takes people coming together. Local business owners need support from their patrons to keep their doors open. This allows everyone to enjoy their services, including visitors.



Whether you’re single or have a family enjoying the town and people near you is positive. When events such as parades, crazy days, or other exciting things are held, it gives everyone a chance to participate and celebrate living in the town where they’re at.



I love heading to town when there is something going on. The kids get to see their friends and I get to walk around different shops looking at what’s new. The sun is shining, so we are soaking in some vitamin D and for a few hours, we leave the work behind.







Now I love my farm, the great outdoors, and plants, so a stop at the local nursery to pick up some beautiful flowers for my pots or herbs for the garden is usually on the bucket list :). To me, that’s 100% pure joy, plus I am supporting my community.



For you, it might be getting out of the house and talking to someone at the parade. Or shopping at your favorite store which is now running sales because it’s crazy days. Whatever the case is, enjoying the community is for everyone.



Libraries usually have an event for adults and children, which is a perfect way to get out no matter which season it is. Our local library is great for this! They have author readings, a summer reading program that encourages an active reading schedule for the kiddos, and coding and building classes. The library stays open, giving the community access to wonderful books, movies, and computers. Everyone wins from this.



Lumber stores, groceries, hairdressers are all in need of your support, especially after being shut down or partially last year like our local L&H shoe repair shop. It’s a family-owned business that has been around for a long time providing a great service to our community. Also, the Ace Hardware and Bong's Bootery right on Central. These stores have serviced the community for decades and are irreplaceable. 







Another stop you should make is to your second-hand store. You never know what treasure you’re going to find, plus you can get an entire wardrobe for a wonderfully cheap price :).



I love shopping there and having the kids pick out clothes for the season. They grow so fast; who wants to spend a fortune every time they have a growth spurt?



Garage sales, rummage sales, those are a couple more ideas to get you out and enjoy a summer day. Some of these places are also great for picking up discounted items. Having a new baby? You can find so many clothes for only $0.25 to $0.30 each. Talk about a bargain!



If you’re not into shopping check out your local town's

Enjoying the Town and People Near You

As I was looking for something to add a little oomph to my skin, I ran across this recipe by Kendle Moon of Mountain Rose Herbs that I think you will enjoy.



Green-tea skin-care formulations can offer gentle yet stimulating hydration support for skin that requires a little extra nourishment and moisture. 



This hydrating green tea face/skin-serum recipe infuses the benefits of green tea leaves into organic olive oil and brings in the goodness of select essential oils for a pampering and beautifully scented blend. 



This particular recipe is suitable for a wide range of folks, and many find it light enough to use on the face before bed, in the morning, or both. It is also generally friendly for mature or sensitive skin, as the essential oil ratio is quite low.



You'll notice that this recipe makes approximately 1 cup of serum, which is quite a bit. You can divide the batch up among friends if you plan to primarily use it on your face, or you can use it as a whole-body oil during seasons or occasions when you're bothered by overall skin dryness. 



The recipe is also easy to reduce if you'd like to make a smaller amount. But, the first step is to create an infused oil.







Green Tea Infused Oil



Makes: About 1 1/2 cups infused oil



Ingredients:



1 cup organic green tea1 2/3 cups organic olive oil



Directions:



Pour loose green tea into a pint-sized canning or glass pantry jar with a lid.Top tea with olive oil until completely covered.Allow the mixture to infuse for 4-6 weeks, shake regularly, and make sure tea stays completely covered with oil.Push tea down with a clean spoon or add more oil if needed.Strain oil using a funnel strainer and or cheesecloth.Discard tea into compost.



Green Tea Face Serum



Makes: About 1 Cup



Ingredients:



1/2 cup organic green-tea-infused olive oil (recipe above)1/4 cup organic avocado oil1/4 cup jojoba oil2 T organic sunflower oil12 drops organic rosemary essential oil12 drops organic lavender essential oil8 drops organic geranium essential oil4 drops organic myrtle essential oil



Directions:



Combine all the ingredients in a glass jar with the lid and shake well to combine.Transfer serum into a dark amber or cobalt blue bottle to protect from light and store in a cool, dark place.This serum does not need to be refrigerated and should keep for several months if properly stored.Use accordingly.



Pro Tips:



A little skin serum goes a long way! Use an oil dropper or a low-volume pump to add a small amount of liquid, then gently spread serum over your face.Any kind of high-quality green tea will work well in this serum. I used sencha in this particular recipe, but I've also infused spring green tea or gunpowder green tea with great success.



Use this green tea face serum accordingly and enjoy the hydrating effects it has on your skin.



That's it until next time. Remember to stay healthy and free.



Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they

Hydrating Green Tea Face Serum

picture from mitzyathome.com



I am a true believer that homemade gifts are the best kind. I also believe that gifts for self are a must. Everyone needs spoiled, even if it's in the smallest of ways.



Just imagine closing your eyes and rubbing on this aromatic cinnamon and orange body scrub. The coconut oil moisturizes, creating a spa-type experience.



The ingredients are few, but the feeling is powerful.



Cinnamon and Orange Body Scrub



by Alice Krek



Ingredients and Items needed:



2 cups granulated sugar1/2 cup + 2 Tbls. coconut oil6 drops orange essential oilZest of 1 orange1/2-2 tsp. ground cinnamon2 small glass jars (9.8 fl. oz. each)White feltRibbonGift labels/White paper



Directions:



In a small bowl, combine the sugar and coconut oil. Mix with a spatula until well combined, and the mixture resembles a paste.Add essential oil, orange zest, and as much ground cinnamon as you wish (more cinnamon means the scrub will be a darker color).Split into two jars (or use just one big jar if you wish) and cover with lids.Cut two felt circles, each twice as big as the side of the lid. Place them on top of each jar, and then tie a ribbon and a tag around the jar.Keep in a cool, dark place until you are ready to give this as a gift.



If you're making this for yourself, you can easily keep the scrub at room temperature in the bathroom. It'll keep for about two months.



How to Use:



Use lukewarm water; allow it to run for 5-10 minutes to soften the skin.Pause running water and apply the scrub in circular motions; start at your feet and move upwards towards your heart to enhance circulation.Maintain gentle pressure (don't scrub too hard!)Rinse thoroughly.



That's it!!! Enjoy and be sure to make some for yourself!



Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a sustainable farm with their four children. She is an established author of inspiration, fiction, and children’s books; a journalist, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for two newspapers to aid and inspire others. “I want to make people feel good about life.”
Learn more about the author

Cinnamon and Orange Body Scrub

photos by: Kim Henry -Eric Pare 



"Be proactive. Take a stand. Be a light. And in everything you do, spread Hope!" -Christopher Gambino.



Why are we here? Are we here to fulfill the desires of the body? To look beautiful or handsome? Are we here to have the highest number of followers on social media? There is a common theme with the list above. All of them relate to the smallness of oneself, and therefore none of them are the valid reason.



To give light is to be a light or a beacon of hope. Taking a stand requires a need to protect someone you love, something you believe in, or both. And to be proactive requires a drive to do something even when we don't like it to create an outcome that will benefit someone else. These require a person to be selfless and act.



Sure, you could twist them all around and once again do it for the sole purpose of you being the outcome, the one who reaps the benefits and gains credit, but how much of life and the true purpose of it you will miss.



The human body is one of the greatest and most magical mysteries in life. So why do we choose to use it and abuse it in ways that destroy its sole purpose? All that does is take away our ability to help others and lead a life of example.



To be a light requires you to use all your, body, mind, heart, and soul. What if I told you your sole purpose in life was to be a passionate tool that had nothing to do with you. We are so self-absorbed as humans that we rarely see a gift we have in this life. 



We work hard, make money, have a mind to be the best in the game, get the girl or guy, the perfect house, and then what? Can the soul really be satisfied with these things?



To pursue strictly one's own happiness is to have nothing in life to look forward to. To pursue life and be light because we have been called to a bigger purpose is everything in life.



I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. - John 8:12.



Getting the girl, the house, etc. aren't bad things, but if all your hope and happiness depend on you having them, it is meaningless.







I have found through my own experience that when I put my hope in an object or person, I always come crashing down hard and that sharing my light with the world couldn't be dependent on a noun. We are held in esteem by a higher commander, who calls all the shots, and if we would just follow Him, our light would shine brighter and brighter.



That doesn't mean we tell people off, quit our jobs, and self-mediate in hopes a beam of glory will come. God has plenty to say about laziness and people who talk without thinking. No. The point is to let your light shine wherever you're at or in whatever you are doing. To be a beacon of hope by example in your home, with your friends, or at your workplace. That includes jumping out of airplane soldiers.



Get past what someone might think or say about you. "Be proactive, Take a stand. Be a light. And in everything, you do s

Be a Light of Hope for Others

The birds are singing, the ground is thawed, which means it's time to prepare your soil for planting.



In different areas of the country, you can start preparing your soil earlier. For instance, down south, the weather becomes warmer earlier, but up here in the north, a person needs to wait a while longer as our weather is bipolar at times (especially this year).



Nevertheless, when the ground is thawed and the freezing temperature is behind you, it's time to prepare the soil for planting.



Now there are different beliefs on preparing the soil. Some believe in no-tilling through the entire planting process and harvesting.



"No-till farming (also known as zero tillage or direct drilling) is an agricultural technique for growing crops or pasture without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till farming decreases the amount of soil erosion tillage causes in certain soils, especially in sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain. 



Other possible benefits include an increase in the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil, soil retention of organic matter, and nutrient cycling. These methods may increase the amount and variety of life in and on the soil. While conventional no-tillage systems use herbicides to control weeds, organic systems use a combination of strategies, such as planting cover crops as mulch to suppress weeds." -Wikipedia



No-tilling is one method and then there are others, like us, who till first thing in the spring. I love it when the ground gets turned up, and you see the dark layers of soil.



Note, you shouldn't till when the wind is blowing extremely hard as you do not want your top soil blowing away. Also, through out the winter and even early spring add compost, ashes, and other natural supplements to keep replenishing your soil so it does not become depleted.



If you are unsure what your soil needs, you can get information or bring in a sample to your county extension office.



How Much Soil is Enough?



You do not need a large plot of dirt to have a garden. There are lots of methods where vertical planting can save on space. Also, using five-gallon buckets for tomatoes adds additional planting space. If using a bucket, however, you still need to make sure you have quality soil.



Where Should you Plant a Garden?



When you have tilled or are ready to plant using the no-till method, make sure your garden area is not a bog. Yes, you want water, but you don't need to drown your seeds or plants. This means do not plant where gutters will drain into your garden or where there is a low area that holds water when it rains. Natural drainage is the best kind, so choose areas where the garden will sit a little higher or where there is a natural small slope.



The soil will not be so hard when you choose these types of areas, which means your seedlings will have an easier time germinating and growing. Keeping your soil happy is the best way to keep your veggies or plants growing healthy and nutriti

Getting the Soil Ready for Spring Planting

A hot topic of conversation at the school board meeting this last week was the rise in popularity of Juul smoking cartridges. 



Juul smoking is a growing problem among young people nationwide to include the small schools and communities such as Wishek and Ashley.



Juul smoking is when a cartridge (or pod) is filled with liquid. “The liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. When you puff on the mouthpiece of the device, it activates a heating element. This heats up the liquid in the pod and turns it into vapor.” -familydoctor.org



One Juul pod (cartridge) can last for 200 puffs and contains about 0.7ml of liquid. This liquid or nicotine in an entire pod is equal to a pack of 20 cigarettes, and 10 puffs equal 1 cigarette.



As the number of puffs depends on the person, so does the level of nicotine. However, a large minority of individuals take more than 140 puffs per day. For teachers and teens, this poses a problem.







When talking with Principal Christopher Doane of the Ashley School, his main concern was the teens’ health. “Whether those health issues come now or down the road, I honestly don’t think the kids realize the risks.”



Doane compared it to “20 years ago when cigarettes were a trend and cool to do. Kid’s think Juul smoking is mostly vaping water, and it isn’t, which they will find out later on when certain health conditions arise as they did from cigarettes. At present, however, there aren’t enough studies done to make those conditions well known.” 



However, some studies and health concerns that have been done include the following:



You have a chronic cough. Chemicals in vapes could irritate your throat. ... You have chest pain or shortness of breath. Fluid could collect in your lungs and make breathing difficult or even impossible. ... You vomit, feel nauseous, or have diarrhea. ... You’re running a fever. ... You feel tired.



A person is considered to be vaping too much if they show any of these signs.



-insider.com



Is vaping less harmful than smoking?



Although Juul smoking or vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is still not considered safe. Michael Blaha, M.D., M.P.H., director of clinical research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, explains, “E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic. 



While we don’t know exactly what chemicals are in e-cigarettes, Blaha says, “there’s almost no doubt that they expose you to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes.”



However, there has also been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping. As of Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 60 deaths in patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI)

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