Amber Benge

We had to say goodbye to one of our original laying hens today. Our first chicks were a little group of golden comets. They have the sweetest temperaments, but we’ve found that they seem to have more health issues than our other birds like the orpingtons and buckeyes. Has anyone else noticed that with golden comets?

Regardless, I’m going to miss my golden girl. She was a sweet little friend. 💛

Farm kids are just built different. 💪🚜🌾

How much does the USDA estimate it costs to feed my family? This blew my mind.

Reply KICKOFF for all the details on the workshop and bundle! 🌱🙌

I’ll take my garden and homegrown tomatoes. You can keep the party. 🤭🍅 Anyone else?

Today, I moved all of the tomato seedlings into their own cups. This will help the legginess that tends to happen as baby plants start to reach for the light.

We have just about 2 weeks to go until our last frost date, which seems so wild. It’s been a cold spring and I’m planning to wait a couple of extra weeks before I plant out my summer crops. Better safe than sorry when it comes to frost and the plants need the soil to be nice and warm when we transplant them.

How’s your seed starting going? What challenges are you facing?

✨ Tune in for Homestead Kickoff Week from March 31 to April 9. We will have a free seed starting workshop to help you troubleshoot any problems you’re encountering! The workshop schedule will be released on Friday… I’m getting so excited! To get on the list for updates and the full schedule of free workshops, comment SUBSCRIBE. I’ll send you a free gardening book as a thank you for being part of this with us! 💛🌱

The first time I held my newborn, I remember being startled at how much hair she had! My little Ally Grace was born with a mop of dark hair and the brightest eyes I had ever seen.

Even 20 years later, I remember what her little baby head smelled like, what it felt like to run my fingers through that silky baby hair.

I adored my baby and studied every line and dot on her body. But I still cannot tell you the exact number of hairs on her head.

But God can.

His love is so much bigger, so much better than what we are even capable of understanding on a human level.

If you feel alone, discouraged, abandoned… take heart in knowing there is a God who loves you so much that he keeps count of the hairs on your head - yes, even during postpartum hair loss, even during chemo, or even if you have no hair at all.

He wants me to tell you today that He LOVES you and you are worthy of so much more if only you’ll find your identity in Him.

As you brush your hair today or put “piggies or bunnies” in the hair of your little princess, remember this truth. You are so perfectly loved, by a love that surpasses that great deep well you feel for even your own child.

Be encouraged friend. How can I pray for you today? 💛

He’s got jokes 🫠😬😂

Reply LIBRARY to grab a free ticket to the Self-Sufficient Garden Workshop.

Our monthly organic gardening workshop is happening THIS Thursday and you don’t want to miss it. Comment WORKSHOP to snag a ticket to join the live class. 🌱

How To Make Mimosa Tincture👇

✨But first, reply GET WELL to grab $10 off my beginner guide to using herbs - it includes some beginner recipes for teas and tinctures to help you start your home apothecary.✨

How to Make a Mimosa Tincture:

1. Fill a clean glass jar halfway with fresh or dried mimosa flowers (Albizia julibrissin).

2. Pour vodka (at least 80 proof) over the flowers until the jar is nearly full, leaving an inch of space at the top.

3. Seal the jar tightly, shake gently, and store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking every few days.

4. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into a clean, dark glass bottle. Discard solids.

5. Label and store in a cool, dark place.

To Use as a Remedy:

• Take 5-10 drops in water or directly under the tongue, 1-2 times daily, or as advised by your herbalist.

• Always talk with your healthcare provider before using herbs - especially if you’re on prescription medications, pregnant, or nursing. If your doctor dismisses herbs, find a new doctor. 😉