A Trip to AuburnLea Farms

and a great experience!

by Russ Rock

             Castle life can be fun and it can always bring unexpected nuggets of fun. That is what happened to Linda and I today when we took a trip to the "Land" of AuburnLea Farms! An unexpected quick trip that brought more than we anticipated.

             My wife and I started our Saturday like any other. We had things to do but wanted to do something together before the chores started and distracted us from each other. After talking for a while we hit a topic we had discussed in times past but never explored. We are interested in buying bulk meats and possibly buying a whole side of beef and getting one or more of the kids in the family involved. 

             While exploring this topic we found a website that answered our questions and offered other options as well. AuburnLea Farms is where we landed and they have an excellent website that is clear, easy to navigate and a pleasure to visit.

http://www.auburnleafarms.com/the_grainery_farm_store

5500 Mollies Creek Road
Gladys, VA 24554
ph: (434) 283-8109

                Since the farm is nearby we decided to drive over and take a look at what they had available.
If you go to their website you will find not only their offering of All natural Pastured Beef, Chicken and Turkey but Sweeteners, Baking Items, Spices, Whole grains and much more.  I won't list them all, you will have to go to their website and check it out for yourself.

          Our first encounter was with two gentle and inquisitive Labrador retrievers that made sure we petted them and made a fuss over them. We then went in the store and were greeted by the Queen of the Castle at Auburn Lea farms and found her to be a wonderful woman who cares for her husband and six children. We had the pleasure of meeting some of the kids and were quick to find how our families contrasted each other. Becky and her husband have 5 girls and 1 boy, whereas Linda and I have 5 Boys and 1 girl! I had to ask the young Prince of the farm how old he was and soon found he was too young for my daughter. Oh Well!

             Becky was rich with knowledge about her products and anyone would quickly realize she prides herself in giving her family the best all natural products she can find. She does the same for any one who come to the store. You will soon discover her shelves are stocked with healthy products for any who choose to become one of AuburnLea's customers. It was a pleasure talking with her and we learned something from her we did not know.

              Of the items we purchased were Ginger ale for me (my soft drink of choice), Locally produced honey and Coconut Oil. The coconut oil was that nugget of knowledge we learned about today. Becky explained it as one of those alternatives to vegetable shortening or lard that is used in cooking. I was a little concerned about the coconut oil having a flavor that would compete with the baked items being prepared. Becky was quick to let us know the flavor was neutral and would not interfere.

              Linda and I were "wowed" by the experience and as soon as we got home Linda decided to try the coconut oil by making biscuits. Yummy, yummy yum! Linda used this recipe for the biscuits:

 http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/330/Cracker_Barrel_Biscuits48939.shtml

And here is what they looked like:

                 Flaky, tasty and no hint of coconut.... just like Becky said.

               As we drove off the farm we saw the Pasture Fed turkeys corralled inside a movable fence. The thought of Thanksgiving was immediately on our minds. I think we will visit AuburnLea Farms again and will soon be enjoying pasture feed turkey to enjoy the holiday with.
It was an awesome experience and .... thank you Becky for allowing us to share some time with you.

The Homestead Survival: Use A Squeeze Bottle To Fill Your Cupcake Pan With...

The Homestead Survival: Use A Squeeze Bottle To Fill Your Cupcake Pan With...: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/why-didnt-someone-tell-me-sooner-part-3/#comment-16577015 Simple, Easy ... Why did I not think...

Cool mornings, warm breakfast

With the onset of Fall, the air begins to chill.  These are the types of mornings that something warm and filling is much enjoyed.

I am all about easy.  Opening a box of cereal is great.  You pour, add milk and eat.  The only problem with this is the price of cereal is so high.  Not to mention the amount of sugar that can be consumed within that bowl of cereal.

Years ago, I was looking for alternative breakfast ideas for my family.  My kids loved those days when the cost of cereal allowed for it to be a regular part of breakfast.  Expense played a big part of doing away with that idea.  Feeding 5 boys and 1 girl for breakfast can get pricey.

A friend turned me on to some awesome breakfast ideas, one of which I am going to share with you.  They liked oatmeal, but not so much that I made it every day.  This recipe is an oatmeal recipe with a twist.  I even  altered it to remove the white, processed sugar and replaced it with honey.

Now here is an even better choice when making this.  You know that leftover whey you have, from making the Greek Yogurt.  Use this in place of the buttermilk, or even 1/2 milk, 1/2 whey.  Never throw away an ingredient that you can use.

Well, here is the recipe...Happy Morning Meal enjoyment

Baked Oatmeal

3cups oatmeal

3/4 cups honey

1 cup buttermilk (replace with 1/2 c milk, 1/2 c whey from yogurt)

2 eggs

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup melted butter

Combine ingredients in a large bowl.  Spoon the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish

Bake @ 350* for 25 - 35 min  Serve warm.

The Homestead Survival: Granola in your Slow Cooker recipe

The Homestead Survival: Granola in your Slow Cooker recipe: http://www.stacymakescents.com/crock-pot-granola Coconut Oil (Organic) 16 Ounces Tropic Bee Orange Blossom Honey, 32-Ounce Bottle ...

Something Old/Something New

You know the saying, especially if you are a bride to be....Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.

Well most of that saying also applies to many of the articles we have in our home.  Being frugal can really pay off.  How many things do we toss away, just because it is old or broken, full of holes or we just don't like it any more.  The landfills in America are filled with many such items.

This morning I had the wonderful experience of seeing a blog that gave me a truly great idea for my family.  Re-purposing old sweaters.  You know you have them in your closet, those sweaters that are stretched out or you have worn it for several winters and are just tired of it.  That sweater that your children have out grown, but you hang on to it, because you know that 'someone' will need a sweater.  How about those old sweatshirt...they work just as well.

The Re-purposed idea that I saw, was to take that old sweater and make it into a lovely pair of 'new' mittens for the winter.  Yup, you are reading correctly...mittens.  I got really excited about this, because not only do we have old sweaters that we are not wearing, but I was in need of ideas that were not going to break my wallet, for Christmas presents.

I tried it.  My daughter had outgrown one of her favorite sweatshirts and had it in the give away pile.  I proceeded to take my hand and make a template, on paper, for a pattern to cut out the fabric with.  I redid the pattern to accommodate the stitching that would be done and 'thought' I had the best pattern piece there was.

Have you heard the saying:  'Measure twice, cut once'?  Yeah....me and my bright ideas....measure once and then 'cut'!!  You guessed it...I cut out the complete pair of mittens and started to sew the first one together.  Turned the fabric so that I could put my hand inside of it....NOT!!  The cut out version was the right size, the stitched version would not go over my hand.  I did not take into account the stretch of the wrist for the width of my hand.  Lesson learned.

Back to the drawing board.  Redesign the pattern and cut out a new mitten.  Stitch together and it worked!  Here is a photo of the finished product.  This 'old' shirt was from the GAP and my daughter wore it for several years.  It has now become my first prototype of a wonderful idea for Christmas presents.

Now, to give credit where credit is due.  This idea came from a Blog that I am subscribed to.  Here is the link for this idea: 

 http://homesteadsurvival.blogspot.com/2012/10/repurpose-old-sweater-into-pair-of.html

Another site to visit, to see how someone has taken something old and made it new again is:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticEleganceSC

Tonia makes lovely accent items for the home out of wood and hardware that would normally been thrown away.

Happy Re-purposing!!

Seasons

With Fall heading into full swing, I felt it was appropriate to ask the question....What is your favorite Season?

I tend to like Spring and Fall, with Winter in 3rd place.  Spring and Fall are 2 of the most awesome seasons and here are the reasons why I feel this way. 

In the Spring, all the dormant life starts to flow.  The bulbs that were planted in the garden put forth an array of flowers.  Daffodils, Hyacinths, Crocus' and Tulips add such lovely color to flower beds, even if there is still snow on the ground.  Hyacinths add the extra beauty of fragrance that fills the air.  Trees start to bud and the flowering varieties add their special color to lengthening days.  Magnolias, dogwoods, crab apples and all the fruit trees have an array of color that can't be beat.

The birds start their fluttering of business as the males sing and strut their color, all designed to lure the female.  The bird feeder can see many different varieties of birds that are passing through and color is everywhere.

Fall is another time when the world is full of color.  Every tree that will soon be bare of it's leaves, will put on a show of color.  Every shade of red, orange, yellow can be seen as the shortening days lead to cooler evenings.  Even the sky takes on a different hue as days shorten.  Neighborhoods start to prepare for all the festivities of Fall.  Pumpkins start showing up on front doorsteps along with all those crazy decorations for Halloween.  All of this adds to the excitement of children as they look forward to the yearly event that lands them an over abundance of candy.

While there is still time, windows open up to let in fresh air...one last breath before everything will be closed up for the Winter.  This is also the time of year when you can catch a brief scent of Cinnamon, as baking starts to take place.  Pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, apple pie, & apple sauce are all the wonderful treats that can be found during the fall season.

Winter brings on it's own start beauty.  Bare trees, stand in the shortened days, reaching up to the sun.  There is a sense of sleepiness in the air, as we even begin to feel the short days.  Children wish for snow.  A good snowfall adds it's own beauty to this time of year.

As the snow is falling, there is such a quiet hush that falls in the air.  To those who have never heard the hush, it is hard to describe.  To those who have experienced it, it brings a sense of awe and wonder as we watch the falling snow.  The sleds are prepared and children are begging to go out and play.  Who will be the first to place the 1st footprint in the virgin snow, in the front yard.  The sun makes the snowflakes sparkle like diamonds.  Icicles catch the light and shine with glass like clarity.  Hot chocolate starts pouring, to warm cold fingers and noses....Winter...a true wonderland.

These are why the Seasons of Spring, Fall & Winter are my favorite Seasons.  Enjoy this time of year...the colors are coming!

More than just clothing

CastleWear Creations is all about family.  One of the many aspects of family, is feeding everyone with healthy alternatives to what is offered in your local grocery store.  How can this be done, you may ask.  I don't have the time to spend all day in my Kitchen, cooking and making food that is less processed.   Well, you don't really need a lot of time, just quality time.

Take yogurt, for instance.  Have you ever read the labels of all those yogurts that are out there.  They are advertised on TV as being healthy, Greek, fun flavors for kids, can help you lose weight and the real funny one...make your spouse resemble John Stamos.

I personally prefer the Organic variety, yet even with these, you need to read the labels.  So many of these yogurts on the market have additional additives that are not necessary for a good yogurt.  Who needs corn syrup in yogurt?  What is important in a yogurt are the probiotic cultures that make yogurt, yogurt.

Then there is the cost.  I have eaten my fair share of Stoneyfield brand yogurt.  I love the French vanilla, low fat variety.  The catch with this is I will eat a quart of this in 4 days, with granola added to it.  I love this for breakfast.  The average cost of the quart of yogurt is $3.60.  That price adds up.  I need to be saving money not building to my expenditures.  But, I want to continue to eat healthy.

What are my alternatives?  Well, I could stop buying the Organic variety.  Then I lose the wholesomeness of the yogurt.  The live cultures may be there, with the standard yogurt, but you get all those additional additives.  Along comes making your own yogurt.  'WHAT'!!!  You are saying that I should make my own yogurt?  Yes, I am and you don't need that fancy yogurt maker.

I wanted to start doing this for myself, so I started reading all the different ways to make yogurt.  They are all good, but I had to find the one that would work for me.  I tried the Crock Pot version.  It worked, but I had more of a Kefir type yogurt than the solid yogurt I was used to.  I ate it and liked it, but I still wanted a thicker yogurt.  Keep looking....then I stumbled on a recipe that I found on another website.

I found this recipe on a website called:  www.spicefoodie.com  It is called 'How to make Homemade Greek Yogurt'.  I figured I was game to try this.  I got all the ingredients and since I use a cream-line milk (milk that is non-homogenized) I was going to use that and have a thin layer of cream on top of my yogurt.  Well, it turned out, but not the way I liked it.  It was thicker than the last batch I had made, but still not the way I wanted it to look.  I felt it was even too runny to even try to strain out the whey, to make it Greek style.

Keep trying.  I purchased the homogenized, whole milk, variety of Organic milk that get for my family.  Followed the recipe and success.  The yogurt was thick and easy to place in the separator.  I use the
Donvier Yogurt Cheese Maker, for separating out the whey.  

Time:  it is going to take too long to make this.  To this I say....NOT...the whole process of cooking the milk, to cooling it down took no more than an hour, maybe just a little more, depending on the insulation of the pot you use.  The culture time is 6 hours, but you don't have to watch it.  Afterwards the cooling down part is done in your refrigerator.  From start to finish, you have invested about 24 hours, but most of that time is being a passive onlooker.

This yogurt is mild and an excellent base for a morning parfait, with fruit and granola.  Add a little raw honey, to sweeten and you have the best yogurt money can buy.

Here is the link to get the recipe:  http://www.spiciefoodie.com/2012/08/01/how-to-make-homemade-greek-yogurt/.

This is a picture of the Donvier Yogurt Cheese Maker that I use to remove the whey:

This can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/Cuisipro-Donvier-Yogurt-Cheese-Maker/dp/B000064841/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t  A very good investment.

I hope this dispels the myth to making good wholesome yogurt.

***One thing I forgot to say.  The cost for making yogurt is less than purchasing the Organic variety, in your local grocery store.  I pay $2.99 for a 1/2 gallon of Organic milk.  This makes approx 2 quarts of yogurt.  Cost of Organic yogurt can be a minimum of $3.50 and go up from there, fro a quart of yogurt.  I get more yogurt for less than the cost of a quart of store purchased yogurt.

Happy yogurt making!!

Good Morning

Stopping by to say, Good Morning.  Not a lot to share at this time.  Feel free to share your morning thoughts and ideas.

Do you have something you would like me to ponder?  What would you like me to share with you?  Respond to this post and I will read your ideas and questions so that I can respond to them.

Have a Great Day!!

Juggling

Have you ever tried to juggle balls?  It is not an easy thing to do.  There is a process that has to be learned, in order for you to succeed at juggling.  I remember when my youngest son taught himself how to juggle.  He first started with 2 tennis balls.  He worked hard at getting down the rhythm of throwing and catching the balls, then took on the next step.  He succeeded, not because it was easy for him, but because he practiced and was persistent.

Now take that same concept, as a wife & mom in today’s society.  Juggling….how many things are you doing in a day?  You first start with 2 items, your spouse and home.  For the most part, you are probably able to keep up with the rhythm that is taking place.  IF you are working, that is the 3^rd ball that has been added to your already dizzying schedule.  Now add the new baby.  You think, I can do this, but you are afraid that something may fall.  How can I keep up with all my other obligations and still maintain the balancing act.

Here is my suggestion.  Slow down.  The role of wife & mom is the most important role you can ever have.  We were designed to fulfill this role.  Enjoy the times with your spouse.  He will be the one that will be there, even after the children are grown and married.  Savor the moments with him.  He should be your best friend and the one that you can go to when you need comfort.

As you welcome the new addition or additions…depending on how many children you plan to have; sit with them, sing to them, rock them, and nurse them.  Enjoy the infant stage, it goes away too quickly. I know it seems like all we can think of is the next stage in an infant’s life, but each stage is a treasure.  Each child is a treasure. 

Finally, take time for yourself.  Indulge in that soothing bath, with special bath salts.  Take that nap, when the new addition is napping, so that you will be able to meet the demands for the rest of your day.  Most of all, smile and laugh and live life….it goes by too quickly.  

Learning to Juggle

Juggling

Blogging

What is a blog?  I know that it is my thoughts, put on paper, that are intended to reach an audience that I do not see.

Why am I doing this?  Well, I need to be able to promote my concepts...clothing for Infants & Toddlers.  I want to share with new moms and established moms, that are looking for clothing for their little ones.  I also want to reach the mom that needs to relax or is looking for something gentle to bathe her little one with.

Thus, CastleWear Creations was born.  This is the blog page for the web page.  Keep checking back to see what other thoughts and ideas I may have.

A Tribute

What is a tribute?  According to the dictionary it is:  

• a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or inacknowledgment of gratitude or esteem.

This tribute had it's beginnings during my teen years.  I spent a couple of weeks with my Aunt & Uncle, during the summer.  During that time, my Aunt took the time to teach me how to sew.  I made a skirt.  Nothing fancy, but it was the beginning of my love of sewing.  She was patient and worked with me, showing me how to measure and cut fabric, follow the directions of the pattern and piece together the skirt. Thank you Joan Gadde, for investing your time with me.

My Grandmother, Alice, was someone else who had in impact on me.  She taught me how to do Cross Stitch and needlepoint. She also spent time, on several occasions, trying to teach me how to knit.  For me, that is a lost cause.  No talent for knitting, but, the work that she has done over the years is awesome.  She made several sweater sets for me, when I was expecting my first son, which were also used by all the other children I have.  She also encouraged my sewing, as a teen, by purchasing a pattern and fabric for me to make myself an outfit.

My other Grandmother, Alys, was gifted as well.  She had watched a woman creating lace, while riding the subway to work.  As she watched this woman, she began to learn the same art of Tatting.  Tatting is a form of lace work, which makes pretty doilies as well as lace trim for all types of clothing, pillow cases or what have you.  She Tatted the trim for one of my hand made outfits, to dress it up.  As she was doing that, I sat next to her and learned how to Tat, myself.  My mother also learned this talent and had trimmed numerous handkerchiefs that she carried in her purse (as was the custom, back in the 60's).                                                                                                  

                                                   

I love to sew.  I love to see the finished product and these women were instrumental in teaching me what I know today.  There are others that have also encouraged and taught me new skills.  Terry Steinlen taught me how to Smock patterns on dresses.  Lauri Staton took the time to teach me how to do Swedish Weave.  I hope to some day pass this love on to my daughter (she is already starting to learn how to operate a sewing machine, does needlework and Swedish Weave). 

This is my tribute.  To these women I say, Thank You!!

                                                     

Creation of an Idea

Well, this is a new concept for me.  Blogging.  Hmm, putting thoughts and ideas down on paper (or shall I say virtual paper).  

Why, you may ask, sewing clothing for children.  Well, that was an easy one.  I had previously sewn, both for myself and for my 6 children.  When I started to sew for my children, I only had boys.  Many of my friends used to look at me and say that they thought it was harder to sew boys clothing than girls.  I disagreed.  Little girls clothing is cute, but has so many different additions to them that it can be more of a challenge to sew for girls.  Boys I had and boys I was sewing for.

Why sew to earn income?  Well, I am and have always been a fan of a certain woman, who was very industrious in and around her home.  Many women fear her, because they think that her standards are unattainable.  I am one who does not believe that, about this woman.  Who is she?  She is the Proverbs 31 Woman.                                                                                                         

Here she is:

Proverbs 31:10 - 31 NASB

(by the way, this description of a Worthy Woman was given to King Lemuel, by his mother)

Description of a Worthy Woman

10 An excellent wife, who can find?

For her worth is far above jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

And he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good and not evil                           

All the days of her life.

13 She looks for wool and flax

And works with her hands in delight.

14 She is like merchant ships;

She brings her food from afar.

15 She rises also while it is still night

And gives food to her household

And portions to her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

From her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself with strength

And makes her arms strong.18 She senses that her gain is good;                                                                            

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,

And her hands grasp the spindle.

20 She  extends her hand to the poor,

And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,

For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for herself;

Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates,

When he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

And she smiles at the future.

26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and bless her;

Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

29 “Many daughters have done nobly,

But you excel them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

But a woman who  fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her the product of her hands,

And let her works praise her in the gates.

So, with this thought in mind, I was trying to figure out a way to be at home with my 2 teen aged children (my other 4 are on their own: 3 married, 1 single) and still earn an income to help the household.  This is how 'CastleWear Creations' came into being.

I do not and never have liked the idea of having to leave my home to help out with the finacial part of the family.  I have always believed that it was my place to be at home with the children, even when they are teens.  The teens still have needs to be met, that can only be done with mom around.  Unfortunately, I have had to leave the home to help out.  I do not like it and look forward to the day when I can return home, full time.

As stated earlier, this is a new concept for me, blogging.  I hope to have more added as time goes by.  For now, I am going to share some photos of then & now...enjoy and leave comments, if you choose to do so.

Lovin' life as a wife & mom...

~~Linda~~