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Canning

A jar of tomato soup being lifted out of a water bath canner.

Canning Mistakes That Can Kill You: What to Avoid

Canning mistakes can feel intimidating, especially canning mistakes that can kill you or when you hear warnings about food safety and botulism. But the

Image of a man and woman sitting in the kitchen. Text overlay says, "Pantry Chat"

Pantry Chat Q & A

Today we're answering your questions! Everything including gardening, homesteading, preserving foods, household management and so much more.

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If you’ve ever felt nervous about spoiled canned food or heard scary stories about botulism, this video is for you.

I'm going to walk you through the truth about canning safety, what actually causes spoiled canned food, and why fear is not what keeps your food safe. Proper knowledge and tested methods are what matter most.

In this video, I’m sharing:
• The real signs of spoiled canned food
• Why botulism can’t be seen or smelled
• What actually causes unsafe canned food
• Why proper processing times and methods matter
• How to can confidently without fear

When you understand the science behind safe food preservation, canning becomes one of the best ways to keep nutritious, shelf-stable food on hand for your family.

If you want more help troubleshooting common canning concerns, be sure to grab my FREE Canning Confidence Pack here:
👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/confident-canner-podcast

And for even more information on safe home canning, read the full blog post here:
👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/canning-mistakes-to-avoid/

Happy canning! 💛

#HomeCanning #CanningSafety #FoodPreservation #Homesteading #PressureCanning #WaterBathCanning #HomesteadingFamily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo 

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!  
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

If you’ve ever felt nervous about spoiled canned food or heard scary stories about botulism, this video is for you.

I'm going to walk you through the truth about canning safety, what actually causes spoiled canned food, and why fear is not what keeps your food safe. Proper knowledge and tested methods are what matter most.

In this video, I’m sharing:
• The real signs of spoiled canned food
• Why botulism can’t be seen or smelled
• What actually causes unsafe canned food
• Why proper processing times and methods matter
• How to can confidently without fear

When you understand the science behind safe food preservation, canning becomes one of the best ways to keep nutritious, shelf-stable food on hand for your family.

If you want more help troubleshooting common canning concerns, be sure to grab my FREE Canning Confidence Pack here:
👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/confident-canner-podcast

And for even more information on safe home canning, read the full blog post here:
👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/canning-mistakes-to-avoid/

Happy canning! 💛

#HomeCanning #CanningSafety #FoodPreservation #Homesteading #PressureCanning #WaterBathCanning #HomesteadingFamily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLmdrcUF1YmdTRTRN

Stop Being Afraid of Botulism (How to Can Safely)

views 6 hours ago

What happens when “the good life” slowly pulls families away from community, stewardship, and durable living?

In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I got to sit down with my good friend Rory Groves to discuss modern culture, technology, family economy, and why so many families feel disconnected from the life they were meant to live.

Using the newly republished book, Henry and the Great Society, as a lens, we talk about:

- What was lost as society modernized
- Why community matters more than ever
- The danger of radical individualism
- How families can intentionally rebuild culture at home
- Why history helps us navigate the future

This is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation for families longing to live differently in a rapidly changing world.

Links Mentioned:
- Grab your copy of Henry and the Great Society here: https://homeward.press 
- Find Rory's book, Durable Trades here: https://www.thegrovestead.com/product/durable-trades/
- Learn more about the Gather and Grow events here: https://gatherandgrow.us

🌿 Today’s episode is sponsored by Homestead Kitchen Magazine: Homestead Kitchen Magazine is our ad-free monthly print magazine filled with trusted recipes, seasonal living inspiration, gardening, herbalism, preserving, and practical homestead skills from experienced teachers and contributors. Carolyn also shares a monthly faith-centered reflection from the heart of the homestead. Grab your subscription here: 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-magazine

#FamilyEconomy #RoryGroves #EverydayHomesteading #HomesteadingFamily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo 

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!  
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

What happens when “the good life” slowly pulls families away from community, stewardship, and durable living?

In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I got to sit down with my good friend Rory Groves to discuss modern culture, technology, family economy, and why so many families feel disconnected from the life they were meant to live.

Using the newly republished book, Henry and the Great Society, as a lens, we talk about:

- What was lost as society modernized
- Why community matters more than ever
- The danger of radical individualism
- How families can intentionally rebuild culture at home
- Why history helps us navigate the future

This is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation for families longing to live differently in a rapidly changing world.

Links Mentioned:
- Grab your copy of Henry and the Great Society here: https://homeward.press
- Find Rory's book, Durable Trades here: https://www.thegrovestead.com/product/durable-trades/
- Learn more about the Gather and Grow events here: https://gatherandgrow.us

🌿 Today’s episode is sponsored by Homestead Kitchen Magazine: Homestead Kitchen Magazine is our ad-free monthly print magazine filled with trusted recipes, seasonal living inspiration, gardening, herbalism, preserving, and practical homestead skills from experienced teachers and contributors. Carolyn also shares a monthly faith-centered reflection from the heart of the homestead. Grab your subscription here: 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-magazine

#FamilyEconomy #RoryGroves #EverydayHomesteading #HomesteadingFamily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLmFkY3NTU05HaHow

The "Trojan Horse" of Modern Culture

views May 16th

What happens when you finally slow down long enough to ask… “Is this actually working?”

After years of pushing hard on our homestead, we took a step back. And what we realized changed how we’re approaching everything this year.

In this video, we’re sharing:
- The projects we’re focusing on in 2026
- What we’re scaling back (and why)
- How our homestead is shifting into a multi-generational system
- And the big changes that are helping us avoid burnout

If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to do everything on your homestead, this conversation is for you.

🌱 What We Cover
- Simplifying our dairy system
- Stepping away from pig breeding
- Turning the main garden over to the next generation
- Expanding our beef program
- Starting a family egg business
- Rebuilding our home exterior
- Resetting our orchard and long-term plans

🧭 Mentioned in This Video
- Learn how much to plant for a year’s worth of food: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-grow-a-years-worth-of-food/
- Raising backyard chickens: https://homesteadingfamily.com/raising-backyard-egg-laying-chickens/
- Stocking your pantry the right way: https://homesteadingfamily.com/prepping-your-pantry-for-winter/
- Planting fruit trees: https://homesteadingfamily.com/growing-perennials-on-the-homestead/
- Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. For first-time customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction
1:22 - Azure Standard
5:29 - 2026 Projects

💬 Join the Conversation - What are YOU changing on your homestead this year? 
Are you adding something new… or letting something go?
Drop a comment below. We read every one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo 

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!  
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

What happens when you finally slow down long enough to ask… “Is this actually working?”

After years of pushing hard on our homestead, we took a step back. And what we realized changed how we’re approaching everything this year.

In this video, we’re sharing:
- The projects we’re focusing on in 2026
- What we’re scaling back (and why)
- How our homestead is shifting into a multi-generational system
- And the big changes that are helping us avoid burnout

If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to do everything on your homestead, this conversation is for you.

🌱 What We Cover
- Simplifying our dairy system
- Stepping away from pig breeding
- Turning the main garden over to the next generation
- Expanding our beef program
- Starting a family egg business
- Rebuilding our home exterior
- Resetting our orchard and long-term plans

🧭 Mentioned in This Video
- Learn how much to plant for a year’s worth of food: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-grow-a-years-worth-of-food/
- Raising backyard chickens: https://homesteadingfamily.com/raising-backyard-egg-laying-chickens/
- Stocking your pantry the right way: https://homesteadingfamily.com/prepping-your-pantry-for-winter/
- Planting fruit trees: https://homesteadingfamily.com/growing-perennials-on-the-homestead/
- Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. For first-time customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction
1:22 - Azure Standard
5:29 - 2026 Projects

💬 Join the Conversation - What are YOU changing on your homestead this year?
Are you adding something new… or letting something go?
Drop a comment below. We read every one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLk5vN18wVS1Xam5B

What We're Actually Doing on the Homestead This Year

views May 9th

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things… but still feel worn down, discouraged, or stuck?

In this video, I’m sharing a lesson God taught me right in the middle of my garden. What started as struggling seedlings and a couple of dying plants turned into a powerful realization about my own heart, my thoughts, and the words I was speaking over myself.

If you’ve ever been hard on yourself, battled negative thoughts, or felt like your spiritual life looks right on the outside but feels dry on the inside, this is for you.

In this video:
• The gardening mistake that mirrored what was happening in my own life
• How our words impact growth, both in the garden and in our hearts
• What it looks like to replace harsh thoughts with truth
• How to begin speaking life, even when it feels unnatural

Your words carry more power than you think. And just like plants need nourishment to grow strong, so do we.

You can nurture life. Even in your own heart.

💛 Read the full blog post (or my other faith articles) here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/growing-not-killing/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo 

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!  
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things… but still feel worn down, discouraged, or stuck?

In this video, I’m sharing a lesson God taught me right in the middle of my garden. What started as struggling seedlings and a couple of dying plants turned into a powerful realization about my own heart, my thoughts, and the words I was speaking over myself.

If you’ve ever been hard on yourself, battled negative thoughts, or felt like your spiritual life looks right on the outside but feels dry on the inside, this is for you.

In this video:
• The gardening mistake that mirrored what was happening in my own life
• How our words impact growth, both in the garden and in our hearts
• What it looks like to replace harsh thoughts with truth
• How to begin speaking life, even when it feels unnatural

Your words carry more power than you think. And just like plants need nourishment to grow strong, so do we.

You can nurture life. Even in your own heart.

💛 Read the full blog post (or my other faith articles) here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/growing-not-killing/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLkZ1cDRhQ1Q5ZzZB

If Your Soul Feels Weary, Listen to This

views May 6th

I’ll be honest… when I first heard about freeze dryers, I thought they were a gimmick.

I didn’t want to spend money on an expensive appliance that would just sit there collecting dust.

But after using one in my own kitchen, I can tell you this clearly… I was wrong.

In this video, I’m sharing the 7 things I wish I knew before getting a freeze dryer. These are the lessons that would have saved me time, food, and a whole lot of frustration when I was first starting out.

If you’re wondering whether a freeze dryer is worth it, or how to actually use one in real life, this will help you make a much more confident decision.

I’ll walk you through:

• Why I thought a freeze dryer would be a waste (and what changed)
• The #1 factor that determines how your food turns out
• Why you need a simple workflow, not just a machine
• The packaging mistake that can ruin your food
• Why freeze drying isn’t as complicated as it sounds
• The best foods to start with (and what to avoid)
• How a freeze dryer can pay for itself faster than you expect

Freeze drying has helped me reduce food waste, simplify meal prep, and honestly… give me back weeks of my time every year. And that’s something I don’t take lightly.

👉 Want help getting started without the trial and error?

Join me for my FREE live freeze drying training where I walk you step-by-step through:

• The 7 steps to freeze drying (so you get it right the first time)
• How to afford a freeze dryer
• Practical ways it saves money
• How to actually make it work in your daily life

You can sign up here:
https://homesteadingfamily.com/freeze-drying-training

I’ll be there live teaching and answering your questions.

If you’ve been thinking about freeze drying, this is one of those skills that can truly change how you preserve food and manage your time at home.

For more information, check out the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-getting-a-freeze-dryer/

LINKS MENTIONED:

- Freeze Drying FREE Webinar: https://homesteadingfamily.com/freeze-drying-training
- Freeze Drying the Harvest book: https://homesteadingfamily.com/hl-freeze-drying-the-harvest
- Freeze Drying Blog Posts: https://homesteadingfamily.com/category/preserve/freeze-drying/
- How to Store Freeze Dried Food: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-store-freeze-dried-food/
- Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this episode of Everyday Homesteading. If you want to replace your linens with cleaner, more sustainable options, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens/

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
1:50 - American Blossom Linens
4:35 - Main Topic

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo 

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!  
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT

#freezedrying #freezedriedfood #freezedryingtips

I’ll be honest… when I first heard about freeze dryers, I thought they were a gimmick.

I didn’t want to spend money on an expensive appliance that would just sit there collecting dust.

But after using one in my own kitchen, I can tell you this clearly… I was wrong.

In this video, I’m sharing the 7 things I wish I knew before getting a freeze dryer. These are the lessons that would have saved me time, food, and a whole lot of frustration when I was first starting out.

If you’re wondering whether a freeze dryer is worth it, or how to actually use one in real life, this will help you make a much more confident decision.

I’ll walk you through:

• Why I thought a freeze dryer would be a waste (and what changed)
• The #1 factor that determines how your food turns out
• Why you need a simple workflow, not just a machine
• The packaging mistake that can ruin your food
• Why freeze drying isn’t as complicated as it sounds
• The best foods to start with (and what to avoid)
• How a freeze dryer can pay for itself faster than you expect

Freeze drying has helped me reduce food waste, simplify meal prep, and honestly… give me back weeks of my time every year. And that’s something I don’t take lightly.

👉 Want help getting started without the trial and error?

Join me for my FREE live freeze drying training where I walk you step-by-step through:

• The 7 steps to freeze drying (so you get it right the first time)
• How to afford a freeze dryer
• Practical ways it saves money
• How to actually make it work in your daily life

You can sign up here:
https://homesteadingfamily.com/freeze-drying-training

I’ll be there live teaching and answering your questions.

If you’ve been thinking about freeze drying, this is one of those skills that can truly change how you preserve food and manage your time at home.

For more information, check out the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-getting-a-freeze-dryer/

LINKS MENTIONED:

- Freeze Drying FREE Webinar: https://homesteadingfamily.com/freeze-drying-training
- Freeze Drying the Harvest book: https://homesteadingfamily.com/hl-freeze-drying-the-harvest
- Freeze Drying Blog Posts: https://homesteadingfamily.com/category/preserve/freeze-drying/
- How to Store Freeze Dried Food: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-store-freeze-dried-food/
- Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this episode of Everyday Homesteading. If you want to replace your linens with cleaner, more sustainable options, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens/

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
1:50 - American Blossom Linens
4:35 - Main Topic

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT

#freezedrying #freezedriedfood #freezedryingtips

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLjhLWXQwZmNpYVF3

7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a Freeze Dryer

views May 2nd

How to Homestead Anywhere Crash Course

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