Men are taking a more proactive role in parenting these days. Forty years ago, 43 percent of men had never changed a diaper or dressed an infant. Now, that number is down to only three percent. That is huge but creates hilarity in the learning curve as men adapt to this new parenting role. Fortunately, the baby won’t remember those moments when dad dresses them funky. @here_4_the_drama_ When Dad’s in charge of dressing time. Expect the unexpected today we’re rocking a newborn bonnet! Just making sure we get really good use out of everything thats due to be donated. #sweetbaby #baby #babyboy #fyp #fypシ #viral #mumlife #momlife #parenting #smile #tinyhat #babybonnet #gummysmiles ♬ original sound – Here_4_the_drama_ Placing a beanie on backward is a simple mistake. After this video, I’m sure Dad won’t do that again when he dresses the baby. However, there are many other ways to declare that the dad dressed the baby. When the dad is clueless, it can make for funny parental moments. But not all dads are entirely clueless. One dad has a baby girl and takes extra time each day picking out the perfect outfit. As if that wasn’t awesome enough, he also coordinates his own clothing choices to match what he dresses his daughter in! Some dads, unsure of their own choices, might confide in a fashion-conscious five-month-old infant to help them make choices. This dad holds up outfits for his young daughter and selects an outfit based on her smile reaction. Genius! Image from TikTok. Some dads take a bit longer to get into a routine with dressing the baby. On his third child, this dad still can’t grasp that the onesie snaps go inside the pants. @sydgene 3 kids later and he still puts the pants underneath the onesie #3under2 #dadsoftiktok #dadoftwins #twindad #babyclothing ♬ A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey It is great to see dads embracing a more sharing role in parenting. They are learning, and (while we can’t stop ourselves from laughing) we should continue to encourage them. They are doing a phenomenal job of stepping up. Kudos to every dad who dresses their baby! Please share if you laughed. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here and here. The post Mom Shares Silly Results Of What Happens “When Dad Dresses The Baby” appeared first on InspireMore.

Biden met with Powell in May 2022, over a year into his presidency.

'Harris’s event with Oprah prompts cheers and tears'

AN ABBEY GATE SURVIVOR SPEAKS... EXCLUSIVE: ‘Blood Is On Their Hands’: Abbey Gate Survivor Describes Coming Face To Face With Joe Biden (VIDEO) Vice President Kamala Harris explained during ABC News’ presidential debate that she supported Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2021. As a result of that choice, she said, American tax dollars are no longer going to the war. She falsely added that there are no more American soldiers in active combat zones.

'Political violence has no place in our country'

'A valuable opportunity'

'Either grossly incompetent or fully support Hamas'

Movies & TV The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power The Rings of Power Encounters the Prequel Problem in “Where Is He?” Did we really need to explain that away? Badly? By Sylas K Barrett | Published on September 20, 2024 Credit: Amazon Studios Comment 1 Share New Share Credit: Amazon Studios Episode six, “Where Is He?” opens with Arondir tracking Adar’s army. He finds a map on an orc he has killed. In Eregion, Celebrimbor is frustrated in his attempts to forge the rings for men, and suffering from lapses in his memory. Annatar takes over the administrative duties of Eregion. The elves find the body of a soldier, who has “Where is he?” in orcish writing carved into his chest. Mirdania wants to tell Celebrimbor, but Annatar says that no one is to disturb him. Adar insists that he can help Galadriel destroy Sauron for good, suggesting that Morgoth’s crown could be paired with the power of Galadriel’s ring to truly destroy him forever. He has figured out that Halbrand is Sauron, and asks Galadriel to put aside her pride to save Eregion. Pharazôn presides over Elendil’s trial. He offers to commute the death sentence if Elendil renounces his crimes and swears allegiance to Numenor’s true king. Elendil declares that Miriel will always be Numenor’s true ruler. Pharazôn’s advisor suggests that they “let the Valar decide” Elendil’s fate. The Stranger has a vision of Nori in trouble, and Bombadil tells him that the secret fire can show him things, if he learns to listen. The Stranger wants to master the secret fire and use it as a weapon, and Bombadil scornfully tells him that he has failed every trial he has encountered thus far, but if he fails this one, there will not be another. Nori considers turning herself in to the riders to protect the Stoors. Poppy and Merimac share a romantic moment. Later, Poppy reminds Nori that the riders are after the Stranger, and that Nori turning herself in might put the whole world at risk. Bombadil leads the Stranger to a place where there are many dead trees, and tells him that he will find his staff only when he is focused solely on the goal of serving the secret fire. The Stranger knows that Nori and Poppy will die if he doesn’t go to them, but Bombadil tells him that if he leaves now, he can never return to seek his staff. He tells the Stranger that he can choose his friend, or his destiny, and then disappears. In Khazad-dûm, the dwarves are hard at work in the mines and forges. Annatar comes to King Durin and his son to ask for more mithril, offering the timber needed for mining in exchange. Durin IV is surprised when his father refuses Annatar, and relieved, until the King tells his son that he intends merely to wait the elves out—they will need mithril armor for the coming war, and then the dwarves can name any price they want. Again Durin IV tries to get his father to take off the ring—when he tries to pull it off Durin’s finger, the king throws him away with supernatural force. In their rooms, Disa is determined to do whatever it takes to show the other dwarves that Durin III is no longer fit to rule. Durin IV can’t stand the thought of humiliating his own father, who is still there somewhere behind the ring’s influence, but Disa argues that unless they act, that bit of Durin will be destroyed, and the kingdom with him. Eärien visits her imprisoned father, begging him to accept Pharazôn’s offer of mercy, before he is thrown into the sea to face Trial by Abyss. He refuses, but Eärien has brought Míriel to speak to him. She commands him to bow to Pharazôn, but Elendil still refuses, and tells her that if it is the will of the Valar that his life be spared, then it will be. Narvi and some of the miners encounter Disa blocking their path. They intend to move her by force, but her singing brings giant bats which drive the men away. Durin emerges from out of sight, impressed and declaring his love for his wife. Credit: Amazon Studios Elendil is about to be thrown into the sea to face the judgment of the Valar, but Míriel demands to take his place. By the letter of the law, Pharazôn has no choice but to accept, and Miriel is led down to the water. A giant tentacle drags her under the surface, and she faces a huge creature. Then she is returned to the surface, an act which proclaims that the Valar have found her innocent. Elendil leads a cheer for Tar Miriel, Queen of the Sea, and all the people take it up. Pharazôn consults the palantir, seeing a vision of fire and Halbrand’s face. Galadriel tells Adar about the rings, and that Elrond has her ring, Nenya. She suggests that once the Lindon army has taken Eregion, she and Adar can be there to defeat Sauron. He replies that she has told him everything he needs to know, and reveals the true size of his orcish army. Galadriel realizes that this must be what Sauron wants. She is dragged away, begging Adar not to let Sauron manipulate him. In Eregion, they hear the sounds of Adar’s army approaching, and Sauron stands at a window, cutting his hand with a blade. Celebrimbor is working feverishly over designs for the nine rings. When he hears the sounds outside he goes to check, despite Annatar’s protests. But Sauron uses his power to make Celebrimbor see everything as normal. He presents Celebrimbor with a vial of powdered mithril, and promises that the rings of power will one day be the most precious things in Middle-earth. The illusion fades once Celebrimbor has gone back inside, and the attack on Eregion begins. Credit: Amazon Studios It’s difficult to review this episode, because it has the same strengths and the same weaknesses as the episodes that came before last week’s. The scenes between Disa and Durin, and between Durin and his father, remain the best executed, while those with Galadriel and Celebrimbor are clearly trying to do something equally profound but can’t quite manage it. And then there is the storyline with Elendil, Míriel, and the fate of Númenor, which is actually pretty riveting—except for the fact that the show fails to establish certain details that are needed to make the story effective. Perhaps the most egregious, in my eyes, is the character of Eärien, who was barely shown in season one and now has a very significant role in Pharazôn’s court. Her conversation with Elendil, in which she fears losing her father as she lost her brother and begs him to swear his allegiance should be heartbreaking, but all we know about her is that she blames Míriel for Isildur’s death, and went so far as to conspire with Pharazôn against her rule. I think the point is also supposed to be that she was genuinely shaken by her discovery of the palantir and Míriel’s use of it, but it really only comes off that she would say anything to punish the queen for Isildur’s death. I have no reason to think that she believes in what she’s doing, and as a result, her plea to her father feels selfish, rather than heartfelt. On the other hand, when she asks Elendil to swallow his pride, his response to her comes off equally badly. He tells her that if she believes his actions are about pride, then there is nothing more they can say to each other, and it comes off as impossibly cruel given that they have never actually had a real conversation in which Elendil explains his beliefs, or tries to understand hers. This conversion in his cell is merely a more dramatic rehashing of the argument they had when the Sea Guards were being dismissed, and Elendil seems to have written his daughter off impossibly easily. He is willing to fight for what he believes in, he is willing to fight for, and with, Míriel—to listen to her perspective and try to understand, even though he can’t ultimately do as she asks. But with Eärien, he seems to dismiss her the moment she doesn’t agree with him. And I find myself wondering if he ever cared about his daughter at all, or if she ranks so low on his list of priorities that he has no time to spare for her when he’s busy nobly dying for what he believes in. It is impressive, somehow, that neither character comes off sympathetically when I think the show intends them both to. The way the narrative handles Míriel is also disappointing—she has the basics of a great character but the journey they started to give her in season one has been cast aside in favor of giving the struggle to Elendil, which is a mistake from a storytelling perspective, and also means that this important journey was taken away from a Black woman and given to a white man. Elendil is, of course, a big name in Tolkien’s work—his name is even born by the star whose light Galadriel gifts to Frodo in The Fellowship of the Ring—so one presumes this is why he has become the focal point of the conflict in Númenor. But there’s really no other reason for it. It should be Míriel’s journey, and if the conflict with Elendil’s inability to submit to Pharazôn’s rule had been presented from her perspective, then her decision to take his place in the Trial of the Abyss would have been much more poignant and powerful, a choice that belonged to her, rather than one it feels like Elendil pushed her to because of his “nobler” heart. The decision to blind Míriel at the end of the last season is a baffling one. It doesn’t add anything to her journey, and it’s troubling that the show seems to be trying to equate her loss of political power with the loss of her sight. Perhaps that is unintentional, but I can’t think why else the choice would have been made, and it only results in removing further agency from a character that the narrative is already treating poorly. Míriel’s blindness is depicted in a one-dimensional, ableist manner, with a sighted actress, and no attempt is made to deal with the reality of someone adapting to a new disability. It looks clumsy on screen. One aspect of the story that I think is being handled really well is what the power of Durin’s ring looks and sounds like. It is necessary to code it enough like the One Ring to show the similarities, without making it exactly like the One, which is more powerful and more connected to Sauron’s influence. The other rings are supposed to corrupt, but they aren’t supposed to turn you into a weak version of Sauron, the way the One eventually does. The show has struck that balance well, but I’ve been worried that it will eventually make the similarities too blatant, or too corny. The moment when Durin III pushed his son did feel like too much, but other than that I think that the balance has been just right. Last week, Druin’s conversation with Narvi in which he panicked that Narvi had taken the ring was similar to the way Bilbo fussed over the location of his, without being identical. And when Durin IV asks his father to take the ring off, we again have something that is similar enough to chill the viewer, yet is also a moment that belongs to itself. “Why should I?” Durin asks his son, “It is mine,” and for a moment I believed he would lapse into a recitation of “my own, my precious.” Instead, he finishes with, “it belongs to me,” and his son, with perfect grief in his voice, answers “No, you belong to it.” It was, I think, the best moment in the episode, and possibly in the entire season. There is an attempt within this season, and this episode in particular, to show a variety of characters struggling to decide whether to accept the advice of friends, loved ones, and allies or to trust their own instincts and desires. With Elendil, he is asked by Míriel to submit to Pharazôn as king, but he cannot bring himself to do it, because his own heart tells him that it is wrong. With Durin IV, he can’t bear the thought of humiliating his father, but accepts Disa’s advice when she insists that it is necessary, both for the king’s sake and their peoples’. Galadriel is persuaded to put aside her own instincts in regards to Adar, only to discover that he has tricked her, and that they are both playing into Sauron’s hands. And the Stranger is told by Bombadil that he must choose between saving his friends and fulfilling his destiny. In theory, I don’t dislike that newborn Gandalf (we all know it’s Gandalf) is being given the Luke-in-Empire-Strikes-Back test. I imagine that his journey will be similar to the one given to Aang in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where it will appear at first that his love for others is a weakness he can’t afford, but in the end will be his true strength. I do, however, absolutely hate how it’s being presented. I assumed, when we first met fallen-star Gandalf, that part of his journey would be rediscovering his identity as one of the Istari, that the memory loss was due to the shock of being incarnated in a living, mortal body. However, he is being presented more like someone just created, and the idea that this newborn being is constantly being tested and failing, pinocchio-style, is kind of grating. If this guy just arrived and has no idea who he is or who anyone else is, how is he supposed to make the right choices? And whatever he’s being told and however he’s being judged, it shouldn’t be by Tom Bombadil? As I pointed out last week, they’ve just made Bombadil seem like another wizard, and the fact that he’s wise-guiding Gandalf the way Gandalf will go on to wise-guide Bilbo and Frodo is, if you’ll forgive an unprofessional turn of phrase, just dippy. They took what is arguably the most important and powerful quote from The Fellowship of the Ring—one in which Gandalf shapes the entire story thematically in a moment of candor with Frodo—and threw it away as something an out-of-character Tom Bombadil once said to him. This is, as my spouse calls it, the prequel problem. In an effort to explain away who Gandalf was in The Lord of the Rings, an intricate part of him is dashed off as a quick one-liner. Gandalf’s speech to Frodo, his own impulse towards compassion and not to “deal out death in judgment”—when Gandalf is certainly powerful enough to do both—shows why he is the one Istar who succeeds when all the others fail. Sauron and Saruman succumb to the lure of power and lust for control over others, Radagast gets distracted by his own interests, which are not evil but aren’t what he was sent to Middle-earth to do. (And then there’s the other two Wizards whose fate was never disclosed but who certainly weren’t any help in the fights against Morgoth and Sauron.) It is easy to shorthand Gandalf’s identity with this line, and a few others Bombadil has delivered, but it cheapens it. Bombadil’s constant references to “serving the secret fire” is another example of the same problem. This phrase is also used by Gandalf in his famous “you shall not pass” speech in The Fellowship of the Ring, in which he declares himself “a servant of the Secret Fire” also known as Eä, a somewhat undefined concept of the power of creation and existence. He was identifying himself as a servant of the Valar, and now the show is using that same phrase, but this time to suggest that Bombadil is teaching Gandalf how the world works, and how to access its hidden powers. It’s unclear whether Gandalf is meant to have known this and forgotten, or if this is new information he is gaining for the first time, but either way, the short-hand being used here is somehow both simplistic and yet unnecessarily vague at the same time. It’s a real waste to bring in Tom Bombadil and not have him behave like Tom Bombadil. But it feels like the show didn’t know how else to progress Gandalf’s story without having someone to sit him down and explain everything to him, and to the audience. This is another moment where the show’s pacing is all over the palace: We had most of the encounter with Bombadil in episode four, then we had nothing in five, and now in episode six we briefly wrap it up with one scene that doesn’t actually add anything new to the questions Gandalf is facing, plus half a scene with Nori and Poppy that doesn’t do anything at all (although I admit that Poppy and Meridoc are very cute). It’s almost like the scenes are just dropped into the episode so we don’t forget they exist. Also, did Tom Bombadil just vanish at the end of that conversation, like a ghost? Or like Batman? That is so silly, and not in a good, Bombadil sort of way. He could have just dropped that heavy choice in front of Gandalf and then gone skipping off singing, thank you very much. Credit: Amazon Studios Moments I enjoyed in episode six: Anatar’s fancy new robes. It’s a very George Lucas move to update his look from Jesus-chic to to this dark new outfit, with its slim silhouette and asymmetrical feathered shoulder that is vaguely reminiscent of armor. He is more secure in his power over Celebrimbor now, and close to achieving his goals, and showing that in his physical look is a really nice touch. It’s a more flattering outfit on Vickers’ as well, and even makes the wig look a bit more convincing. At least, when you don’t see it from the back, anyway. Arondir’s short but excellent fight scene. Arondir was my favorite character in season one, and although he’s been edged out by Disa, I really wish he was in season two more. I assume they’re just reminding us that he exists so he can come rescue Galadriel at a significantly dramatic moment. Adar’s description of Sauron’s influence on people was actually really good. I wish the show had been better at showing it to us, but I did enjoy the conversation between him and Galadriel about how they had both experienced his manipulation, particularly the way in which he makes others feel like his power is their own. Again, it’s using a single description, a single conversation, to do all the work that should be done over the course of the entire season, but it did help me understand how Sauron’s influence feels to those who experience it, particularly to Celebrimbor, so I appreciated its inclusion here. Celebrimbor’s very Shakespearean monologue to the rings, asking why they keep defying him. It doesn’t quite work because the language doesn’t fit the way anyone speaks at any other time in the show, but on its own it was kind of great. Until next week…[end-mark] The post <i>The Rings of Power</i> Encounters the Prequel Problem in “Where Is He?” appeared first on Reactor.

Are you in need of some natural immune support? Come learn how to make fire cider with this step-by-step guide. Our easy and flexible fire cider recipe is full of healing ingredients and herbs that will help you stay healthy during the cold and flu season – and feel better faster!This post will cover everything you need to know to make homemade fire cider, including the key ingredients used in traditional fire cider recipes, some delicious optional ingredients we love to add to ours, the health benefits of fire cider, and tips on how to store and use it.Note: This post was originally published in January 2019.Disclosure: Homestead and Chill is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. RELATED: Apple cider vinegar is a key component of fire cider. Come learn how to make apple cider vinegar using whole apples or apple scraps. It’s one of our favorite ways to preserve homegrown apples. A note on timingKeep in mind that homemade fire cider must infuse for almost a month before it’s ready to use. So if you need immune support ASAP, check out our popular elderberry syrup recipe too! The kids love that one.What Is Fire Cider?Fire cider is a spicy, tangy herbal tonic used to naturally support the immune system. It’s also known to improve circulation and digestion. Loaded with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, it can be used to both prevent illness or notably shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms.Fire cider is made by infusing numerous superfood ingredients in raw apple cider vinegar for several weeks, including but not limited to ginger, garlic, onion, chili peppers, horseradish, herbs and more. If you don’t love spicy foods, don’t worry! You can adjust the heat level by using more or less chilis. The addition of honey at the end also helps to balance out the spunky flavor. Fire cider is highly concentrated and only consumed in small amounts, such as a 1-ounce “shot” or mixed with juice.Fire Cider BenefitsEach ingredient in this homemade fire cider recipe offers its own unique health benefits. When combined, they create a powerful natural remedy that’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-viral, and a decongestant all in one!For instance, the allicin found in both garlic and onion can help stop the growth of bacteria and fungi, while chili peppers and ginger are both excellent for respiratory health and circulation. Apple cider vinegar is full of probiotics and antioxidants that support gut health and whole-body wellness. That said, homemade fire cider can help to open airways, soothe sore throats, ease congestion, loosen mucus, calm coughs, flush and detox your system, and generally encourage your body to resist and fight off flu and cold bugs more quickly.Traditional Fire Cider Ingredients + ExtrasRenown herbalist Rosemary Gladstar uses seven key ingredients in her traditional Fire Cider recipe – garlic, onion, horseradish*, ginger, cayenne powder, honey, and raw apple cider vinegar – which is featured in her book Medicinal Herb’s: A Beginner’s Guide.However, you can get creative and include other optional beneficial tasty additions too. For instance, we love to add citrus, turmeric, and a variety of fresh herbs to ours. Rose hips, dried elderberries*, cinnamon sticks, , and pomegranate (crushed kernels or juice) are also beautiful nutrient-rich additions to fire cider. Some folks add sprigs of cedar or pine for an earthy, woodsy vibe. Have fun and use what is available to you locally and seasonally!*SAFETY NOTES: It’s recommended to avoid horseradish if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Omit as needed. Also, fresh elderberries can be toxic when consumed raw, so they must be dried or cooked first. Finally, fire cider may exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux. Fresh horseradish root can usually be found at your local natural foods store, or at a specialty Asian foods market. Call around to see who has some! Fire Cider RecipeThe recipe below is for one quart jar of fire cider. We usually scale up and make a half-gallon jar (or two), so that’s what is shown in the photos. If possible, it’s best to use organic ingredients.1 medium onion, diced (we prefer sweet yellow or white) 4 to 5 cloves of garlic, chopped 3 to 4 Tbsp fresh horseradish root, grated or chopped. If you can’t find fresh horseradish root, use 2 Tbsp of dried horseradish like this organic option. 3 to 4 tbsp fresh ginger root, grated or chopped Raw unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar – Enough to fill the jar and submerge the other ingredients. We usually need almost a full 32 oz bottle of AVC per half-gallon jar of fire cider (or 16 ounces per quart jar). Raw honey, local if possible – added later, see the instructions below. To make it vegan you can either brave it and go sans-sweetener, or use a natural plant-based replacement like maple or agave syrup. Cayenne powder or chili powder, also added laterOptional ingredients3 to 4 tablespoons fresh grated turmeric rhizome (substitute equivalent in teaspoons if using dried turmeric powder) Fresh citrus – about one fruit per quart jar. Oranges and lemons are especially delicious in fire cider, though we’ve often used grapefruit and limes too. You can juice and zest them, or add slices to the jar. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon balm, or lemongrass – a few sprigs per jar is good! Fresh chili peppers – at least one per jar, scaling up for larger batches or for a heat-loving taste preference. 1/4 cup dried elderberries or rosehips Black pepper. A pinch of peppercorns or few dashes of ground pepper to each jar helps make the turmeric more bioavailable. A handful of dried calendula flowersInstructionsStep 1: Chop All Ingredients Chop, grate, or otherwise prep the ingredients as described above. The smaller the pieces, the better it will all infuse. Using a food processor makes it extra fast and easy to make fire cider! We usually cut the citrus into large slices, leave sprigs of fresh herbs whole, and use a food processor for the garlic, onion, turmeric, ginger, and horseradish.NOTE: You may want to open a window while you make fire cider. Fresh horseradish root is super pungent and can sting your eyes and throat. I also recommend to use caution and wear gloves when working with fresh hot chili peppers.Using a food processor saves a lot of time and energy!Step 2: Fill the JarAdd all of the prepped fire cider ingredients into your choice size of mason jar or flip-top glass container, which should be about two-thirds to three-quarters full of the prepared ingredients when done. Resist the urge to overfill the container though. The more full it is, the less room there is for liquid, and thus less volume of homemade fire cider at the end.Do not add the honey or chili powder at this time! Those will be added once the fire cider is finished steeping and is strained, in a few weeks. I admittedly got a little excited and overfilled these jars a tad… but there was a lot of empty air space around all that citrus at the bottom too! Room for plenty of apple cider vinegar.Step 3: Add Apple Cider VinegarSlowly pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar, lightly knocking out any air bubbles as needed, until the container is full. It is okay if some of the ingredients float on top, but there should be enough vinegar in the jar to completely submerge everything.Step 4: CoverCover the jars of fire cider with either BPA-free plastic mason jar lids or high-quality food grade stainless steel lids that will not rust. If using a standard mason jar lid, add a piece of waxed parchment paper on top before putting the lid on. Otherwise, the acidic nature of the vinegar will corrode a regular metal jar lid. FAQ: Do you need to “burp” fire cider? No, you don’t need to burp the fire cider container as it steeps. Since there is no fermentation taking place, fire cider does not generate any gas to release from the jar. That means an air lock fermentation lid is not needed. Step 5: Infuse and ShakeNow it’s time to let the fire cider sit and steep for 3 to 4 weeks, at minimum. While infusing, store fire cider at room temperature. Choose a location where you’ll see it and remember to gently shake it daily (for the first several days especially). This will help everything mix and infuse better, but even more importantly, help prevent mold growth by keeping the contents submerged and moving. Allowing the same ingredients to float on top (exposed to air) for many days without mixing increases the chance of mold.FAQ: Should you store fire cider in a dark or light place? While infusing, it doesn’t really matter! I’ve read instructions that say to keep it in a dark place, but expert Rosemary Gladstar says a warm sunny kitchen window will work too. We often keep ours on the kitchen counter so we’ll see it. Once strained and bottled, we store it in a dark location. Color change after infusing and shaking for 2 weeks. Step 6: StrainAfter a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks, it’s time to separate and strain the liquid. There is no harm in letting it go longer though. Some herbalists steep their fire cider for many months!To strain fire cider, we set a fine mesh stainless steel strainer over a large empty container or bowl below. You could also use a regular strainer lined with cheesecloth.If you’re making a quart of fire cider, you can likely dump all the contents into the strainer at once. Since we make larger batches, we need to add the contents to the strainer a little at a time so it doesn’t overflow. To help drain and extract as much of the healing liquid as possible, I use a large wooden spoon to firmly press and “wring out” the solids in the strainer. If you’re using cheesecloth, you could squeeze the whole bag.Step 7: Add HoneyAfter straining, raw honey is added to fire cider “to taste” rather than using exact measurements. For our taste buds, we add about 1/4 cup of honey per half-gallon jar of fire cider – or just a couple tablespoons per quart jar batch. (Yet I’m also Type 1 Diabetic, so I go light on sweet stuff in general.)Honey helps to balance out the spicy flavor and make fire cider much more palatable. High in antioxidants and nutrients, it offers additional medicinal benefits as well. Studies show it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, prebiotic, and anticancer properties. Honey also helps to coat and soothe sore throats. We love taking fermented garlic honey when we’re feeling crummy too!*Tip: If your honey is cold and difficult to pour, warm it up first by placing the jar of honey in a bowl of hot water and then use a whisk to thoroughly mix it in. Avoid heating the honey directly however, as that can destroy some of the medicinal compounds and health benefits of the honey. All strained and separated, and the honey taking a nice warm bath. Step 8: Add CayenneFinally, add and thoroughly mix cayenne powder or chili powder, again “to taste”. If your original concoction included hot chili peppers, your fire cider may already be spicy enough for your liking! Ms. Gladstar doesn’t add peppers to her initial fire cider infusion, and instead only adds cayenne powder at the end. Even when we use fresh peppers, we usually add a pinch of homemade chili powder to the mix too. I don’t usually love spicy things, but I know a little heat is welcome and beneficial in this case!Adding a little homegrown chili powder to the partyStorage and Shelf LifeNow it’s time to bottle your finished homemade fire cider! Use a funnel to transfer it into final storage containers of choice, and store in a cool dark location. You could save and reuse the bottles from the original apple cider vinegar, use other miscellaneous bottles or jars, or store it in swing-top bottles like ours. Glass is best given the strong smell, acidity, and color, especially if you used turmeric.FAQ: Does fire cider need to be refrigerated? No, refrigeration isn’t necessary. Since fire cider is primarily vinegar it is shelf-stable. However, many people prefer to drink it cold, so you may want to refrigerate it anyways. Storing fire cider in the fridge may also help to extend its shelf life. FAQ: How long does fire cider last? Fire cider stays good for several months when stored in a cool dark location, such as the pantry. In the refrigerator, fire cider should stay good for well up to a year or longer. While it may darken or slightly change flavor over time, spoilage is unlikely. As long as it is doesn’t develop mold or develop a noticeably “off” flavor or odor, it’s probably still good! How to Take Fire CiderIt is recommended to take 1 to 2 tablespoons of fire cider per day throughout the fall and winter for immune support. When you feel like you’re coming down with something, take a little shot a few times per day as needed. (Like other types of “shots”, it’s usually nice to have a chaser nearby when you take fire cider.)Given the spunky flavor, kids probably won’t enjoy fire cider straight like we do. Instead, you could dilute and mix it in water or juice for them. Or, do that for yourself if needed! You can also use fire cider as a zesty salad dressing or in other savory recipes that call for vinegar. Remember to shake the bottle before pouring to ensure you’re getting all the good stuff that may have settled to the bottom. Since it’s so acidic, it’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water afterwards to protect tooth enamel.What to do with leftover fire cider pulpThe leftover now-pickled garlic, ginger, onion, and other herb bits need not go to waste! After straining, some folks save and enjoy fire cider pulp on top of salads or in stir fry. You can also dehydrate the solids and grind them into a homemade seasoning powder. A friend of mine puts the powder into capsules, and takes them as immunity supplements. Her family didn’t like drinking the fire cider as much as she did, so this was her solution to have them reap some of the benefits also.Cheers to good health!And that concludes this lesson. I hope you feel excited and empowered to make your own fire cider now. Please feel free to ask questions, leave a review, or to share this post! Thank you so much for tuning in today.You may also like:How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup (Immune Health & Allergy Relief) How to Make Vegetable Broth Using Saved Kitchen Scraps DIY Bath Salts Recipe: Beautiful Natural Herbal Bath Salts How to Make Homemade Calendula Salve for Healthy Skin How to Make Medicinal Herb Infused Oil: Two Ways Print Homemade Fire Cider Recipe for Immune Health Learn how to make traditional fire cider with our easy step-by-step recipe, plus extra optional ingredients to kick it up a notch! Full of healthy plants and herbs, homemade fire cider naturally supports your immune system and keep you healthy during the cold and flu season. Course Dressing, Natural Medicine Beverage, Side DishKeyword Fire Cider Prep Time 30 minutes minutesInfusion Time 21 days days Servings 1 quart EquipmentLarge glass, ceramic, or other non-reactive container for infusing Ingredients1 medium yellow or white onion4-5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped3-4 tbsp fresh horseradish, grated3-4 tbsp fresh ginger, gratedraw apple cider vinegar (enough to pour over other ingredients and fill the jar)raw honey, added later – after weeks of infusioncayenne pepper powder, also added later (if other hot peppers aren't added during infusion)Optional: fresh citrus, 3-4 tbsp fresh grated turmeric, black pepper, hot chili peppers (instead of cayenne later), 1/4 cup dried elderberries or rosehips, and fresh herbs such as oregano, lemon grass, thyme, rosemary, sage, or calendula blooms InstructionsChop or use a food processor to prepare the above-listed onion, garlic, horseradish and ginger – per quart jar. Scale up as needed for larger batches.Slice the optional citrus into slices or quarters, e.g. one lemon and/or orange per quart jar.Pack your container of choice with the prepared ingredients until it is about ¾ of the way full.Pour the ACV over the prepared ingredients until the container is full. Place a lid on the container, and store at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks minimum. Shake the jar on a daily basis to help the ingredients steep and infuse.After a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks, strain the contents of the jar using cheese cloth and/or fine mesh strainer, separating the solids from the liquid. Retain the liquid! Squeeze solids to extract as much liquid as possible.Add honey* into the reserved liquid to taste – we usually do just a couple tablespoons per infused and drained quart jar, Also add chili or cayenne powder to taste, and thoroughly stir to combine. *As a vegan variation, either skip the sweeter or use agave syrup – though it doesn't have the same healing properties as local raw honey. Bottle the liquid and store in your refrigerator or a cool dark place. Fire cider should last up to a year or longer. As long as it is doesn't develop mold or a sudden change in flavor or odor, it's still good.It is now ready to drink! Enjoy often to stay healthy during the winter months. It is recommended to take 1-2 tablespoons of fire cider per day throughout the fall and winter as a preventative measure. If you are feeling some crud coming on, up your dose to a full 1 oz “shot”! You can repeat a few times a day. You can also use fire cider as a zesty salad dressing! Remember to shake the bottle before pouring to ensure you’re getting all the good stuff that may have settled. Did you enjoy this article? Want to hear more? Stay in touch! Sign up below to receive weekly updates on new posts from Homestead and Chill. The post Easy Fire Cider Recipe: How to Make Homemade Fire Cider appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. California Governor Gavin Newsom has managed to “amaze” Elon Musk with his latest foray into censorship – a threat of a lawsuit, related to the X owner sharing memes and an AI-generated parody video. “Amazing” was his only comment to a video of Newsom addressing a press briefing and revealing he was not ruling out legal action against Musk and a meme creator of conservative provenance. The content makes fun of Newsom’s party comrades and ideological allies, and for that reason, he concluded that they “hurt democracy.” If it comes, a lawsuit would be based on a law Newsom signed earlier in the week, which he told reporters provides for the possibility of seeking an injunction. The law itself is promoted as “protecting democracy from manipulation and deepfakes,” but Musk has already disagreed, saying instead that the goal of the draconian legislation – the most restrictive of its kind in the US – was to outlaw parody. Newsom previously criticized Musk for sharing content involving Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The video poked fun at Harris by parodying one of her campaign ads, but just like other like-minded politicians, Newsom is pretending that he doesn’t understand what happened there. In late July, he took to X to comment on the ad parody by calling it “voice manipulation that should be illegal” and vowing to sign a law to make that effect. Musk reposted the video to show his followers what the California governor, in his own words, considers to be undermining trust, deteriorating an already volatile political climate, and of course, threatening elections and democracy. Musk’s post, which ended with laughing emojis, read, “You’re not gonna believe this, but Gavin Newsom just announced that he signed a LAW to make parody illegal, based on this video.” Those supporting California’s authorities’ ongoing efforts (started before the previous election, in 2019) to restrict (and now make illegal) content that is manipulated, regardless of the “genre,” said the state is a “leader” in this. But opponents see it as a radical component in the “war on memes” launched after yet another presidential ballot – that of 2016. Memes at that time became Democrats’ “enemy number 2” – right after the now debunked “foreign meddling” theory, used as justification for losing the election. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Parody Under Fire: Gavin Newsom Threatens Elon Musk for Kamala Harris Video appeared first on Reclaim The Net.