Cool Chicken Coop Plans

I'm always on the look out for new and different ways to construct thing. If it can be made with recycled material well then if definitely is up my alley and grabs my attention right away! I came across a fantastic post tonight on a hoop style coop. Perfect for a couple turkeys or other birds especially over the spring and summer months! Here it is for you to check out yourself. This just might make it onto an upcoming project post yet!!!!

http://www.communitychickens.com/2012/11/stories-from-neighboring-coops.html#.U2mzD_ldU1I

Check it out and let me know what you think!!!

~ Niki

May 14th homestead class plans. Herb Garden & Meet and Greet.

Getting really excited here at the homestead to be starting the homeschool classes in just over a week!

With so much interest one can't help but be excited! So for all you looking for the information here you go!

Date: May 14, 2014

Time: 1:00 - 4:00

Project (s):

Each project will consist of a herb garden starter this is the perfect size to rest on your kitchen counter for fresh herbs for your meals. We will also be making soil block seed bombs for those of you that have a garden space or have larger pots to put herbs in.

I request that anyone interested in any of this years classes please attend this one if possible as we will be going over plans for the entire class term, as well as a fun chat session so everyone gets to know each other a bit as well as their way around the homestead!

No snacks needed for this class as I will be putting a spread together for the first class. Some parents have asked if they can bring something to share with everyone and this is more than ok! I do need to know if anyone in your family has any food allergies, so we can be sure there is something for everyone!

Cost: 10.00/family (one project) 5.00 for any additional projects for the family. 

Tools needed: None just your creativity!

RSVP deadline is Midnight May 10, 2014 as I need to make sure I have enough supplies to cover everyone as well as food ;)

Please email (beyonddreams@live.ca) with the following information:

Contact Name, phone number, and email.

Family member names and ages

How many projects you wish to make

Any food allergies.

We will be offering receipts for those of you turning them in for funding reimbursement, please let me know if you would like them so I can have them ready before class. Once I receive your information I will send you a confirmation email along with all my contact information and directions for those of you that need it!

Payments for classes will be accepted via cash or EMT. 

Can't wait to meet you all have a wonderful week!!

~ Niki

Stuffed Breakfast Peppers (with recipe)

So I found one of my newest easy meal/snack recipes. As with all my recipes I put my own personal twist on it. Pinterest is a killer man all those meal ideas, ugh. This one was well worth trying. It has instantly become a family favourite. Try it in your home and see what you think!

Ingredients 

Bell Peppers

Eggs

Crumpled Bacon

Cubed cheese (or shredded)

Seasonings

Slice bell peppers 1/2 inches thick (we eat 2 - 3 per person)

Place in a hot oiled pan

Put in desired amount of crumpled bacon and any other ingredients you want (we did finely chopped onions once as well as minced garlic)

Once pan is good and hot simply crack one egg in each pepper slice, or scramble up some eggs and put in the middle!

Now this isn't Pinterest, and I'm not a food photographer here's the real deal, some of the egg will seep out the bottom, thus why I said make sure pan is hot first. First time I tried this in a cold pan I think the only part of the egg that stayed in the pepper was the yoke! Lol

Now simply cover with a lid, reduce heat and let it cook. I pour a little water in the pan tho "steam" the tops.

Once the egg is cooked to your liking, simply top with cheese, replace lid, and turn off the heat. Let sit for about 3 min and serve!

These are so good! Also the peppers will be very juicy and have a sweetness to them! Try your own twist and let me know what you think!

~ Niki

Time to bounce!

So the boys did a bunch of yard work today; raking, burning dead leaves, moving some lumber, helped clear out some more stuff in the coops etc. then they decided they were missing their trampoline. SO it was time to set it up! They did an awesome job since I really wasn't much help funny how broken ribs effects so much. (On a side note really can't wait for them to heal lol)

Anyways they packed all the pieces out of storage and started setting it up. They even got all the springs on without my help. I love sing my boys enjoying their time together, even more so when it doesn't involve electronics! Don't get me wron they learn a lot of there laptops, movies, and games, but it's nice to see them getting back to good old fashion fun and fresh air!

~ Niki

Quick Check In.

The last couple days have been pretty busy around here, but it's been so nice to really start getting things checked off the honey do list (mainly mine lol). We got the coops electrical all inspected and bulbs replaced, got the anti theft fixed on my expedition, got some electrical done in the garage, got the trees marked in the new garden are, fixed the chainsaw, knocked down all the trees, got the majority of the coop cleaned out, gazebo set up, etc etc. I feel like I haven't stopped!

I have to admit it's a great feeling to finall see the end nearing on a couple of projects that have been on my list for months. I'm forced to take a bit of a breather right now and rest my back, but plan on getting my butt outside again soon. Hopefully the weather stays good so I can get a bunch of other stuff sold off this week, and finally get to the end of the downsizing we started in September of last year. It's a great feeling to let go of stuff that really doesn't fit you're life anymore.

I'll post more pics once I finish the work on the coop and get the other side cleaned out. I'm so excited to get it all done, and bring some beautiful birds home!

~ Niki