Free $15 gift card for your school of choice?!

You get to choose the school which receives it. A simple low dollar purchase of even a coffee will qualify. Bring the kids. Bring friends. Everyone buy their own so the schools get more gift cards. DECEMBER 4 & 5 2010 only! IN store only! I'll be sharing in my next post a GREAT gift tutorial that would go FAB with a book or gift certificate for a book store. This post goes hand in hand with the next.
Our school systems do not receive much help help from the state. I have schools fees to pay despite it being a public school. And yes, the gubberment approved it. No pay? Then no diploma and no report cards sent home until it is paid. They cant kick you out but they can make it where there are no report cards, diploma or field trips or any other way that is not depriving you of education but the "extras" will be with held. Not to mention, the Treasurer can take you to small claims court. All fees are for those little things the government does not cover but are required in their education. This is ALL found in the (Ohio) State board of education handbook. Really, ...I have no reason to make this stuff up. I have been fired up about it for 7 years...

Anyway, here is the article. Even if you are anti social, anti public school, have no kids in public school(not combining the 2 but gotta cover the bases) or refuse to buy Borders for what ever reason that may be, pLeAsE consider getting out there and support the education of those whom are our future. Read on my friends and remember to come back in the next few days for that Book friendly tutorial I will sharing.They are so freaking cute! Can't wait to share..

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NEW YORK – The much discussed documentary "Waiting for Superman," which offers a harsh portrait of the country's public schools, has inspired a promotional collaboration among the Borders Group superstore chain, an education fundraiser and the publisher of the movie's companion book.

On Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, any Borders customer making an in-store purchase, whether of a book or a bagel or a latte, will receive a $15 gift card to donate to a public school of choice through DonorsChoose.org, an Internet-based charity. Anyone purchasing the book "Waiting for 'Superman': How We Can Save America's Failing Public Schools" will receive a second $15 card.

The companion text was published by PublicAffairs, part of the Perseus Books Group, which along with Borders and DonorsChoose.org announced the campaign Sunday.
❄• • • ❄• • • ❄• • •❄• • • ❄• • • ❄• • •

MARK THOSE CALENDERS and be sure to let the kids make their own purchase. The more the merrier for any school you choose!

Sweet Dreams,
~Tammie

what's the buzz?

After seeing the Urban Conversion doing the giveaway of the awesome Top Bar beehive from bee landing (check out the contest on their main page here) , I could not stop thinking of how nice it would be to have one myself. Talking The Captain into spending the money not to mention my already saving plan for the much needed new Nikon D90, was not getting me anywhere closer to owning one.So, the hunt was on. I found FREE top bar beehive plans over here, compliments of the Barefoot beekeeper (Paul Chandler).

The plans were a little hard for my simplified "bee knowledge hive lingo mind", but after seeing pictures with his directions and putting pen to paper, I came up with the plans. And now my garage/wood shop is covered in saw dust and looking rather demolished. Take in mind I am going from having an 1100 sq ft basement workshop to a 1 car garage workshop.

What do I like about the top Bar beehives? Well, put simply. The more nature replicating structures. Like a hollowed out log, wild bees prefer. Yes, the honey production is not as it is for the box type. Not drastic but if your going for high production demands, the top bar is not for you. Plenty for personal use and small selling. But the beeswax is much more bountiful AND the bee's seem to prefer it. Stay happier & healthier. Not to mention I much more prefer the natural way of the interior workings:

Is that not a beautiful sight to see? The bee's make their own comb and are less inclined to build it attached to the walls of the hive due to the sloping of the frame. Unlike the box style, you only make the top bar of the comb sections. No dovetailing. No faux wax/plastic sheets. Just all natural free forming by the bee's.

The Barefoot Beekeeper has a book out to go along with his hive plans. For under $13 PLUS he gives you free plans to download without any purchase (unlike any other site I have found which charges anywhere around $5 and up just for plans). PLUS his website has a forum to help you with the adventure into Bee's & the top bar beehive. Free support. Free plans. And if making the first hive with pine as I am, you will spend less then $30 for all the materials.

Quoting from outdoorplace.org:

"The Kenya top bar hive has been used extensively in development work because it is easy to build and its relatively low cost. Ordinary lumber will do nicely. This hive design is often practical for small-farmers in developing countries. In nature, bees attach comb to the ceiling and often to walls, but rarely to the floor. Taking advantage of this, the top bar hive has walls that slope inward towards the bottom. The bees behave as if the walls were a floor, and attach far less brace comb. This makes the comb easy to remove.
Extracting honey from a top bar hive is done by cutting the comb off the top-bar, leaving about 1/2 inch of comb so that the bees will be able to rebuild correctly."

I found the site of John ( outdoorplace.org ) to be less public interaction but not in a negative form. He shares his personal experience from being in the Peace Corps. and has some great experience to share of this Kenyan style hive. Less navigating and it's all John.

Between his site and the great Barefoot Beekeeper ( biobees.com ), You are sure to know all sides, benefits, care & support you could possibly need for your steps into beekeeping.

And No. They are not paying me. Actually they have no clue I am writing this. I have been scouring the sites for over a month now and just want to get the word out before Bee buying season is here. In my opinion, I found these 2 sites to be much more helpful and easy to understand.Reaping richer knowledge then many others out there. With winter, you can build yourself a few hives and enjoy a perfect read of Paul Chandler's Barefoot Beekeeping top bar hives book and be ready for the big buzz in the yard.
I am building 2 of these hives. One for me & one for Mr. J, who has no idea he will soon be the proud owner of his own top bar hive and a copy of Paul's book. He and Mrs. J will wake the holiday morn to a new hive (bee less of course) sitting outside their window with a big red ribbon. (Waiting for Spring instead.) Compliments of The Unusual Farm Chick's....wee chicks. ( we get gifts from their dog and they get gifts from our kids. Its just the way we roll.)
I hope if your considering the keeping of bee's you check out the sites and links I have provided. More people should be as knowledgeable as possible before their first bee's but finding the most helpful information (not to mention accurate info with so many "opinions" floating around out there) makes it a bit frustrating.
These hives are budget friendly. Newbie friendly. Small backyard homesteader friendly and of course... experienced beginner in the wood shop friendly plans.
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

Shutting down the Coon diner!

Before I write my morning adventure, I would like apologize to anyone who is offended/does not believe, in the actions I am about to share . I thank you for visiting and reading my posts of our Homesteading adventures, but if in any way you are offended by wild animals that kill other animals, being shot-even if it is to protect your own, then please skip this post. I do hope you will join us for my next posting. I believe everyone is entitled to their own way of living life with good intentions & this is one of mine. I hope you respect the fact that I respect your beliefs and is the reason I am writing this caution. Feel free to click this link which will take you to my other recent post on upcycling a sweater into a knit flat top Beanie visored hat.

I awoke late, for me. At 6 am I grabbed my coffee & went out on the porch to observe the beautiful moon we had. It sat in the western sky with dark clouds surrounding the glowing orb like the ones you see in werewolves movies. Breath taking beautiful.
Then.... I heard it. A hen cries out in the night and my adrenaline starts to pump. I rush into into the house, still PJ clad, to grab some boots & the .22 . Wheres the flashlight? I can't find my flashlight! Darn kids never leave my light alone.... Thankfully Mr.J put it in that big area light on the coop area. I grab the bullet clip and rush out to the chicken coop, looking a picture in my get up like those old time farmers in long johns, boots & a rifle.

As I get up the hill, I see it. This huge coon emerging from the coop door. I smile a wicked smile and think to myself "I got you now, you chicken eating thief.".
It makes a dash through the inside gate where the night can hide his location. No big deal. He is still in the run & after his most recent dining, I know where he is coming & going through.

I run around to the side of the work shop where the fence meets it's corner. Dang it. The Rain water system is blocking the corner view. I have to step out slightly more to get a shot as comes over the fence. But it looks like in his disorientation, he came up with a different plan.

The coon tries to climb up a corner further down, but can not climb out thanks to the "jail like" fencing angle on the chain link fence top. I wait patiently. Trying to adjust my eyes in the night on his dark figure. He hangs on the inside of the fence, most likely contemplating his next move. I fear shooting now would not work since the metal fence may ricochet the bullet if my shot is off.

After a minute, just when I thought I had him, he climbs down to go back to the other side of the chicken pen. I run around & he spots me. Running back towards that far dark corner.
I run, trying to get a clear shot so when he climbs I can just stick the barrel through the fence and aim at the corner 25 ft away.

Too late. he's up & over quicker then I could run. I hear his steps rustling leaves as he escapes into the woods with his life still in tact. Angrily I yell into the night "I'll get you coon! I now have a thirst for coon blood & your days are numbered!".

I sat out there by the coop, waiting to see if it would come back. After a bit the sun was rising giving more light so I could do a perimeter check. One pipe that held the fence at an angle is broken. The rust gave in easily to the weight of the coon & broke. Making it easy for it to climb in & out. I see a trail of feathers leading into the woods, so I follow it. Then I heard an odd noise & thought it had come back. As I go around one tree, I see something I did not expect. A lone hen, huddled under some briar's. She turns her head towards my voice and my heart breaks.

Her beak is destroyed and one eye is so swollen she cannot see. I talk soothing words as I step slowly towards her and scoop the frightened dear into my arms. I hear a crunch & know there is a broken bone. My anger at the coon swells up at the same time my compassion for this lone hen almost brings tears to my eyes.

I put her gently in the pen before asking The Captain to help and put her out of her misery. I know she will not survive her injuries and refuse to let her suffer. All my animals are raised with great care & respect. I have shared before my way of butchering. Never is the deed done before whispering my thanks for their sacrifice. Providing food for my family. I raise them with much happier lives then store meat. Days scratching in the grass, following us in the garden after the tilling & harvest is over. Taking dust baths beneath trees, treats & scraps shared freely and lots of petting & attention from all of us. They have a purpose but there is no reason to do it in a cold uncaring way.

I'll be utilizing my early morning waking to see if he comes back ....Smart little critter. The live trap has not worked so in order to protect what is left of our animals, 2 rabbits. It's stake out time! Looks like I'll be in the market for some hens soon. Maybe I'll wait till Spring & just buy pullets. Preventing the need to feed chicks all winter,( giving more free dinner to that coon).And plenty of time to RE-secure the fencing & coop for our next feathered flock.

Sweeter dreams,
~Tammie

Upcycling ~into Flat top Visor beanie~ {Tutorial time} 2

I searched the net just to see if I could find a tutorial for a flat top beanie, to no avail. All were the round top beanie or skull cap. In the book I mentioned of my previous post, no instructions were included, with the picture of this style. Simple enough, so I brainstormed & came up with this:

The style is perfect for a boy or girl. I made the one above a bit too big for my Lil man, much to Panda's delight. I clipped a piece of green sweater for the skull face and embroidered with crochet thread for the edging, face & bones. Do not judge me on my embroidery skill, to which I have none.

You will need 1 old baseball cap with a visor NOT made with cardboard. The Captain has received many "throw away" company logo caps to which I upcycled here. The visor is a hard foam plastic. In other words....Rain proof & hand washable. I also used 1 large or extra large size mens knitted sweater. The kind with the big waistband. If you want yours to have the look like above, try to go with ones that have the bar weave at least 3-5 inches tall on the bottom of the sweater. You will see the example in our picture below.

Step 1: After measuring the head of your recipient, cut the visor away from the cap head portion. Using an exacto knife, it went very smooth & could be "shaved" of any bumps. For a child, you will want to trim off the brim- about 1 inch in the U shape like this:

Step 2: Using the head measurements of your recipient ,cut the knit sweater from bottom.(Panda is a 20 inch circumference from the forehead -going down to about 2 inches above the skull base- full round). The height of fabric I cut is 6 1/2 inches x 20 inches. Remember it is a knit and will stretch. No need to cut a seam allowance. Cut from the sweater like this:

Step 3: That excess of the waist will be used for covering the visor. Easy way to measure, cover the visor to be sure you have enough for side seams & 2 fabric sides (a slight stretch is just fine). If not, just cut from higher up on the sweater.OR if the sleeves have the same the weave, cut 5 inches from the opening & cut open one seam side. I only see it as an issue if you did not use the sizes I mentioned above:

Step 4: Cut a CIRCLE from the the front or back of the sweater that is about 2 inches smaller round then CIRCUMFERENCE of the head. (in mine it is 18 inches for the circle) This will be your hat TOP.

Step 5: Sew a tube with the head band portion like this:

Step 6: Now sew the visor cover knit fabric in a tube- the short sides sewn together. Then 1 long side, being sure the bar weave portion is turned like in my pictures:

Step 7: Fit the visor inside and sew around it for the form fitting like this:


Step 8: Clip off the excess fabric where you have sewn the around the visor and sew again along to reinforce the seam.

Step 9: You will sew the upper side of your visor knit to the head front portion:

Step 10: Now slip the visor back in it's casing and sew it in like this:

You can clip away the excess fabric or sew a binding to cover up the excess. I left mine open since it does not show when wearing.

Step 11: With the hat inside out, sew the circle flat top to the head band portion and your done!

Embroider something cool like a skull/cross bones as I did, buy an iron on patch or leave it blank. Get creative and personalize it to the person whom will be it's new owner.

Now I have orders of 5 hats to do so I bid you.....

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Upcycled sweaters {tutorial time} 1

I will have 2 different tutorials on upcycling sweaters. Lets start with something that is the new "in" thing. Remember Madonna and her fingerless gloves? Yep, the 80's are the new influence of style which are walking the runway for the Fall fashion shows. The price for the average pair of wool fingerless glove (arm warmers) start around $15 for low brand and go up.
Of course, you must have more then 1 pair to keep things matching. Plenty of tutorials out there on making them too from knitting yourself or using the sleeve portion of old sweaters.
BUT this one shows how to do it with one of those $2 sweater vest finds at the thrift store. Lets start with some winter woolly ones.
Frog wanted a purple short sleeve dress which in order to wear during the winter, meant jeans as well as either a long sleeve shirt under it, a sweater over it or... these:
The inspiration came from a very cool book I picked up for Panda, on her quest to have a Handmade holiday theme, but keep it cool & useful. This is the sweater vest I upcycled in this tutorial, as well as the book that will teach you how to make these from sweater sleeves :

Step 1:Measure the arm of the person who will be wearing these. Frog is 5 (as of 2 days ago) and being my children are ogres compared to the average, I am not listing measurements in this tutorial other then sharing now, what her size is for comparison. I cut 4 panels of 8 1/2 inches long (length of forearm) x 4" wide (for the opening ends). For the thumb piece I cut a square 2 3/4 inches outside thumb x 2 1/2" inside thumb measurements.Step 2: Sew the front & back together on ONE long side. Be sure it is opposite from each other. Sew one set on the left side and the other set on the right side. These will be the seams on the opposite of your hand/thumbs. .

step 3: On the finger opening end, you will sew the square piece to each of the unsewn front side of your long pieces, at the finger opening end. This will encase the thumb separate from the other fingers. You will sew it straight on one side and at a slight V angle on the opposite (the top side-embroidered flower side for me-of these will be where you sew it at a half V angle like this:

Step 4: Cut off the excess of your thumb squareNow sew up the seam from the thumb bottom V to the arm top opening.Step 5: You will need either crocheting thread or embroidery thread to close up the thumb hole. I used black which utilizing very tiny stitches, it hid well into the knit weave. DO NOT hand sew all the way down. Use the half V thumb angle seam as your guide, sewing the seam about 1 inch.

You can either add the strip of grey (using the V Neck portion of the vest), by sewing it on the arm top end tube or just fold a seam & stitch. Your now done! Now what to do with the excess leftover knit fabric? How about a hat!


2 styles of cold weather hat coming up in our next {tutorial time}! One for the guys (an alternitive cool look) & one like the above for girls. Now go through those closets and prepare to utilize those old sweaters. By the way, these are great gifts for that teen/ tween and younger!

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Is a new Nikon D90 coming my way?

After all this new budgeting of our No cash No carry life, I now have the agreement from The Captain that in the Spring I can plan to purchase (the much desired) Nikon D90! To prevent any mishaps like those I have endured with my current & previous digital cameras, I have decided to buy a secure storage/carrying case. I had a look on the CSN luggage website, where I am now considering a briefcase look. They have laptop brief cases in almost every color with a classy fun look. I almost caved for this green one:

There are tote bags. And of course there are Camera cases. But I like the bright color selection of the briefcases. I of course do not need the case until Spring. Which is a good thing. I have seen so many great looking camera bags out there. Sized just right for the extra lenses and the big body of the higher quality (and price) digital cameras.

I'll keep checking out CSN over the winter. New things are always popping up over there.

Any recommendations for a child proof, clumsy proof & pretty much any disaster imaginable proof camera bag? Maybe I should just get one of those metal exterior padded interior deals. With our/my history of camera incidents.

Coming up next: UPCYCLE that old or thrift store favorite sweater into a kid (& now mom) favorite accessory! {tutorial time}

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

New Urban Homesteading television!

I'm a bit green with envy at the moment. For more then just the awesome Top Bar beehive, donated by Bee Landing to be used by Rodman, but the fact this guy is doing what I so badly wanted to do. Traveling out into the Homesteading world. Sharing his discovery, you CAN homestead in the urban environment. I would also love to claim it was I, who sparked this much anticipated television show. Which your welcome to say The Unusual Farm Chick is a genius! But it was not.
Rodman Schley is Host to The Urban Conversion. An up & coming television show that shares the experience of this city slicker whom travels to various Urban Homesteads around the U.S.A.
Reaping knowledge, how to & of course...unforgettable experiences as he learns more about Urban homesteading while "getting his hands dirty".

From Milking goats, cleaning out the chicken coop, learning about environmental responsibility, to raising backyard food gardens. All in the quest to reduce his own carbon footprint.
Rodman is a fiscal conservative businessman that places a high value on social responsibility for both humanity and our planet. He currently owns 13 successful businesses in the Denver area, and has a fairly extreme carbon footprint.

I discovered, or more like they discovered me, through youtube. I was sent a friend request by the name "The Urban Conversion". So I checked them out. WoW! I was impressed and over joyed to see this project coming to life. Rodman truly is the perfect host for this entertaining & mind opening production. I found myself smiling and laughing as I recalled my first experiences milking a goat and tending the chickens.

Watching Rodman dig in like a champ, determined to figure it all out.

There are many levels in the Urban homesteading life. Rodman is on the quest to experience them all. From off grid life to the backyard farming oasis. This is not your average mindless television show. They share what Urban homesteading is all about. In a way, opening the minds & eyes of those around us. Showing it is more then just a few chickens & a square foot garden. I believe this fresh look at the green movement will bring a better change to many lives and communities. Proving it can be done in a responsible & considerate fashion.

Finally. A show that will have me turning on the television once again. At least...for the half hour that it's on.
The Urban Conversion has a website with much more information then I can share with you. From teaser episodes to more information on who is Rodman and what this is all about. I highly encourage you to check it out and see for yourself. Share a post with YOUR readers about this new show and spread the word. It's time we decide what is worthy to watch and this one....is right up our alley.
Sweetest dreams,
~Tammie

Debunking Artisan Breads part 3/3 video

You will need to watch video 1 & 2 for the beginning of the artisan bread series. Below this final video, you will find your ingredient list to go with the videos. In video one I show you how to make the Biga starter which gives Artisan breads such a wonderful taste.

In video 2 I show you how to begin your dough with the biga starter added in.

And now for the final segment of the series, I show you how to form your dough, how to give a gourmet touch with the slicing of the raw dough, how to bake your loaves & the misting technique for that wonderful exterior crusty loaf look & airy interior texture..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6czmpkt6tE



For your biga starter you will be using:

2 cups water at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons active dried yeast
2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
Remember to let your biga sit at room temperature for 2 hours, then in the fridge for at least 6 hours before using.

For your bread dough, you will need:

6 ounces in weight or 3/4 to 1 full (solids) measuring cup of your Biga starter.
1/2 teaspoon active dried yeast
1 1/2 cups water at room temperature
3 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
2 teaspoons sea or kosher salt

Oven preheated to 400 degrees.
(just an FYI ~ preheated means you will turn your oven on to the temperature you will be baking at, it will take a few minutes for your oven to heat up to this temperature. Once it is AT the temperature you need, it is now considered preheated).

You will bake the bread at the 400 degree temperature.

Try not to mist your bread with the water spray bottle. This can result in a much less crunchy crust. It will not ruin the bread, you will just not have the style of crust you see in most Artisan bakery breads. Only the Oven bottom, sides and inside of the door should be misted a few squirts each. If you hear a "pop", (as long as it was not your light bulb :), it is the heated up oven reacting to the cooler temperatures of the water mist. Not a big deal but it can happen. So don't be scared. I am not responsible for any mishaps, but of course fully to blame for your success.

If you have any questions, do not fear asking. If you do not wish for anyone to see your question via here, just send an email. I'll get back to you ASAP. I have a project in the wood shop waiting for me and that table is not going to build itself.

Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

The Unusual Farm Chick

Artisan bread part 2 video~ Debunking Artisan bread

Below, I share how to use the Biga starter I shared in yesterdays video. I have broken the methods into 3 easy parts. This will allow ease in understanding the methods & gives more time for me to explain each method, show how to do it plus share tips & tricks I have learned, during the few years I have been making this recipe. I hope you enjoy your visit into my kitchen and try your hand at this delicious Rustic Italian loaf recipe. You will get the gourmet bread at such a fraction of a cost. The recipe makes loaves at about 25 cents each in home making cost. Well worth learning not only for the saving of money but the admiration & delight your family will have from your new skill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W5kY-FdeVc

Check back later today for the final segment of this series. Just in time for some weekend baking. In the mean time, get started with this & my previous video from yesterday, for following along on how to form the loaf plus tricks & tips for baking a crusty Italian loaf. I will also share a few "flavoring" ingredient amounts should you like to try something a little different after your success with the plain loaves. The third & final segment for this *is at this link*.

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

The Unusual Farm Chick

Debunking Artisan bread methods & Video

Who does not love the scent of fresh made bread filling the air? To cut into the loaf and see the steam rise and the REAL butter melt within seconds of meeting. I have met so many people who are intimidated by the process. From the thought of it being "too much work" to the fear of not knowing how to do it right.

Yes, anyone that can read, can pick up a cook book & make something. But when you are inexperienced, terms used in the recipe may cause some to stray from the homemade goodness one desires.

In this video, I show you how simple it is to begin bread making with Artisan breads. We start with a Biga starter that simply consists of water, yeast & flour. This acts as a flavor enhancer for your bread dough. A few minutes of hands on time. N special equipment or training required.

So c'mon. Jump right in & join the masses of those who have tread this ground before you. I promise. You will not regret the leap into home made goodness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSsMpjn4okE

Check Part 2 *at this link* of our Artisan bread making

& Part 3, the final segment *at these link* posts.

Videos made possible by:

Overstock.com & Lehmans.com

Until next time...

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

The Unusual Farm Chick