Hello there, fellow moms! I’m so excited to finally unveil the chapters of my life to you. My name is Alyssa from Stickan Photography, and I am a busy mom of three adorable and very busy kids. As a Christian, I always strive to put my family and faith first. However, I have to admit, saying no is not my strong suit. With my job as a teacher coach, and being married to a fellow teacher, life can get pretty hectic. But amidst the chaos, I have found solace in my little patch of acreage and I am welcome you to learn along with me. Are you intrigued yet?

My Homesteading Goal

Embarking on my homemaker journey has truly been a labor of love. My goal, a dream really, is to gradually morph our little farm into a thriving haven of wholesome living. A big part of that dream is due to become a reality in late May when our lovely goats are expecting babies. Their arrival will inject fresh life into our farm and a bundle of new responsibilities. Another part of my grand plan involves introducing chickens into our mix. Yes, you read that right, chickens! They are such hardy creatures and, not to mention, a great source of fresh eggs. Talk about self-sufficiency, right? I find myself enthralled by the thought of seeing them freely roaming around, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of our budding homestead. But my homesteading goal isn’t just about animals and farm life. It’s also about the food that graces our table. More and more, I am endeavoring to create from scratch. It’s an empowering feeling to provide your family with home-cooked meals, knowing exactly what goes into them. There’s something therapeutic about kneading dough or stirring a pot of homemade soup. It might take a little more time, but the reward is well worth it.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried elderberries
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup honey (added after cooling)

Instructions:

1. Place the dried elderberries, sliced apple, sliced orange, and water into the instant pot.
2. Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
3. Allow the mixture to cool.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup of honey.

Elderberry Gummies:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elderberry syrup (cooled)
• 6 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the elderberry syrup with the grass-fed gelatin. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
2. Pour the mixture into candy molds of your choice.
3. Refrigerate until the gummies are set.

Expert Tip:

• Use molds with simple shapes, such as those found on Amazon, like hearts or shells, to make it easier for the gummies to come out of the molds.
• Try other add-ins to the syrup such as cinnamon sticks or ginger

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy the elderberry syrup on its own or mixed with water for a refreshing drink.
• Share the elderberry gummies as a delightful and healthy treat for the entire family. They make for a great immune booster, especially during colder months.

There you have it – a sneak peek into my homesteading ambitions. As each day passes, I find myself more engrossed in this journey towards a wholesome and self-sustaining life.