Knowing what survival food should we store is one way of being self-sufficient when disaster strikes. Here’s a list of survival food to help you get started with you emergency pantry. Have A Stockpile Of Survival Food In Your Pantry Now If you're in an area where winter season can be very terrible, you'll need to store enough food to meet the whole family's needs for the entire winter season. And any prepper can always count on his/her stockpile of food. Though there are already plenty of commercial survival food kits however just checking on the packages will make you lose your craving. Without a doubt, these survival food kits provide the much-needed nourishment, but then survival food has to provide some comfort too. So as a homesteader, I am well equipped with having my own delectable survival foods that give the body's much-needed nutrients and make life more tolerable when SHTF. Start stockpiling the following survival food now to get your emergency pantry ready for the winter season. 1. Bottled Water | When stocking bottled water consider that you’ll need one gallon per person each day. A normally active person can consume at least half gallon a day and other half are used for washing and adding to food. No products found. 2. Honey image via homesteading Honey is the ultimate survival food and health boosting wonder. It is an extraordinary survival food that you can definitely stockpile in your pantry. Store in an airtight jar and keep it dry and cool, and you'll be amazed at its remarkable shelf life. It will never turn foul. If you're buying honey, choose the all natural organic varieties to have the most bio-active components. Take note that once honey is heated, a lot of its health promoting qualities vanish. Clover Honey 60 lbs. Clover honey has a mild flavor and is great for use on... $445.00 Buy Now 3. Vegetables image via homesteading Use this list as your guide to having most nutritious vegetables available in your pantry. But feel free to add or modify it to meet your preference. Sweet Potatoes Beets Spinach Greens, like dandelion and collard Peppers, both hot and bell peppers provide essential nutrients Okra Asparagus Tomatoes – juice and whole Carrots Green Beans 4. Fruit | Fruit is great for all of us. To enjoy the longevity of your fresh fruit you can either can or dry them. Acai Berries Figs Mangosteen Pomegranates Goji Berries These 5 are considered as superfruits, so they are perfect for your survival pantry but you can also have the following: Apples – if you have a cellar it is perfect to store them fresh just like potatoes. If there's none, you can opt to canning or drying them. Orange Juice – A good source of vitamin C to help boost immunity. Pineapples and Juice Berries – cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Peaches Pears Prunes 5. Salt image via ngs Salt is known to absorb moisture, but given a proper storage, its shelf life is inconclusive. This mineral is valuable long term survival food and can be a fundamental bartering product. No products found. 6. Sugar image via ymcasouthflorida Imagine life without sugar! Oh no! I bet life without sugar is absolutely boring. The same with salt, sugar needs proper storage as it is also known to absorb moisture, however, this problem can be eliminated by including some rice granules into its container. Yum! Here's 15 dehydrator recipes to make this weekend –> https://t.co/7ZllzkD7YA pic.twitter.com/5tCBv0ItQm — Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) August 20, 2016 7. Dried Corn image via homesteading Basically, fresh corns on any recipe could be replaced by dried corn. To prolong corn's shelf life our ancestors started to drying it out so that it can be utilized any time of the year. 8. Wheat image via homesteading A well-known staple that contains valuable minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and protein. If you want a good quality of bread wheat is an essential and worry not because it has a long shelf life and inexpensive. 9. Powdered Milk image via livestrong Powdered milk can last inconclusively and contains valuable nutrients essential for survival. It has vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients that help strengthen bones. A good source of calories and protein, which helps to keep the body strong during hard times. Having it in your emergency pantry is worth considering. However, if you have a source of fresh milk in your homestead it is better you know how to prepare milk for survival and have a continuous supply of milk even when SHTF. 10. White Rice image via genesisgym A homesteader like me loves to include white rice to the emergency pantry. It's inexpensive, has an indefinite shelf life, and a perfect source of calories. I love it as addition to my soups, side dishes, and most of the time for our breakfast meal. No products found. 11. Instant Coffee, Cocoa, and Tea It is comforting to have a hot drink during the winter season. Including these to the emergency pantry, it will not only give a good alternative to water but also uplift your spirit. So long as you won’t introduce coffee to moisture, it's shelf life is indefinite. Shelf life for all cocoas and teas can be prolonged by using desiccant packets and through repackaging it with vacuum sealing. 12. Whole-Wheat Crackers image via gozamos Bread doesn't have the luxury of shelf life however, crackers have (but still see its container for expiration dates). That's why they are a good substitute. Crackers are also a good source of fat, this is the reason whole-grain or whole-wheat crackers have a briefer time shelf life than their plain partners, yet the additional fiber compensates when you're hungry. Vacuum-pressing the package of your crackers will extend its freshness. 13. Nuts and Trail Mixes image via eatthis Nuts and trail mixes are high-energy foods. They're nutritious and handy for snacking. Choose the vacuum-packed containers, which helps keep the nuts fresh. 14. Canned Chicken, Turkey, Salmon and Tuna | Canned goods last at least 2 years and vacuum-stuffed pouches have a briefer shelf live but still last at least 6 months. Canned meats provide protein, consider having a jerky, it’s easy to make and knowing what’s in it is perfect. Having canned goods in your emergency pantry does help. 15. Sports Drinks | Gatorade or Powerade contains carbohydrates and electrolytes that help replenish fluid and re-hydrate when water is insufficient. Considering having these in your emergency pantry. Let's get the basics for a long term food storage, from this video of Starry Hilder: Bare in mind my fellow homesteaders, that this list is just the basic. Feel free to add and modify it to meet your needs. Take note you are stockpiling food to survive winter but still, eat the food you like. Don't buy items because they're on sale, that can end up to waste your space. Also remember, stockpiling depends on your means. If you are supplementing with what you can buy from the store, create a list of everything you have and check expiration dates. And keep can opener handy, food won't of any use if you can't open it. If you are solely depending on the fruits of your labors, it is best to have them dried, or canned or both to prolong its shelf life. If you think of anything I've left off the list, or if you have any questions, please feel free to leave it in the comments section below. Can get enough of winter survival tips? Help your homestead thrive with these 10 winter survival skills!  Featured Image Via Quaint Junk

Planning a holiday party shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Actually, you can host a stress-free and unforgettable gathering with thoughtful preparation and a touch of creativity. Whether you envision a sophisticated soirée or a lighthearted ugly sweater bash, this guide filled with practical tips offers actionable ideas to make your event a success! Start with an Engaging Holiday Party Theme A well-chosen theme simplifies your planning by aligning decor, food, and activities, which creates a memorable atmosphere for guests. Here are four creative ideas: Winter Wonderland Picture your home transformed into a snowy, glittering haven. Use silver and white accents, faux snow, and twinkling fairy lights to set the mood. Complement the look with icy blue napkins or frosted glassware. To complete the theme, serve “snowball” cookies and white-hot chocolate in clear mugs. For more decorating tips, check out HGTV’s holiday decor ideas. Ugly Sweater Bash Encourage guests to wear their most ridiculous sweaters to create a festive and humorous vibe. Organize contests with categories like “Most Hideous” or “Best Handmade.” Use oversized ornaments, candy cane garlands, and colorful lights for playful decor. A photo booth with props like elf hats and reindeer antlers will provide entertainment and photo-worthy moments. Holiday Movie Marathon Choose a classic holiday film, such as Elf or Home Alone, to anchor your party. Dim the lights and provide cozy blankets for a theater-like experience. Add a snack bar with popcorn, movie-themed cookies, and hot cocoa. Label food stations with movie quotes for an extra touch of fun. If you need snack ideas, explore The Spruce Eats’ holiday recipes. Elegant Evening Affair Opt for metallic tones like gold or silver paired with crisp white linens for a refined gathering. Serve hors d’oeuvres, such as prosciutto-wrapped figs or crab-stuffed mushrooms, alongside champagne cocktails. Play soft instrumental holiday music to maintain a polished yet festive ambiance. Plan a Tasty and Efficient Menu Once your theme is set, focus on a flavorful and easy-to-prepare menu. Choose dishes you can make or serve buffet-style to maximize your time with guests. Appetizers Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill large mushrooms with a creamy cheese mixture, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs. Bake until golden brown for easy, bite-sized delights. Charcuterie Boards: Include seasonal items like spiced nuts, dried cranberries, and rosemary sprigs. Arrange meats, cheeses, and crackers beautifully for an eye-catching display. For tips, visit The Spruce Eats’ charcuterie guide. Main Dishes Glazed Spiral Ham: A sweet, smoky classic that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Bake, slice, and serve. Butternut Squash Risotto: A creamy vegetarian option that’s hearty and flavorful enough to please any guest. Desserts Peppermint Bark: Layer white and dark chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and let harden. Break into pieces for serving. DIY Cookie Bar: Provide sugar cookies, frosting, and sprinkles so guests can decorate their own treats. Drinks Cranberry Spritzers: Mix cranberry juice with prosecco and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Hot Apple Cider: Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves. Serve warm in clear mugs with orange slices. Decorate Your Space with Impact Your decor sets the tone for the entire event. Even simple touches can transform your home into a festive and inviting space. Add Layers of Lighting String fairy lights along mantels, doorways, and windows to create a soft glow. Add candles of varying heights to enhance depth and warmth. Flameless candles are an excellent option for safety in high-traffic areas.  Focus on the Centerpiece Create an elegant centerpiece with pine branches, pinecones, and candles. For a festive finish, add metallic ornaments or faux snow. This versatile setup complements both rustic and sophisticated themes. Personalize Place Settings Wrap cloth napkins with twine and attach handwritten name tags. Include a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon stick for added fragrance and style. These small details make guests feel appreciated. DIY Ornament Wall Hang ornaments vertically on fishing lines to create a striking photo backdrop. Pair the display with garlands or a wreath to enhance the holiday charm. Pro Hosting Tips to Reduce Stress Even with the best plans, hosting can feel overwhelming. These practical tips will help you stay organized and relaxed: Prep Early: Complete cooking, cleaning, and decorating one or two days before the party. Delegate Tasks: Ask friends or family to help with simple responsibilities, such as refilling drinks or managing the playlist. Include Activities: Offer engaging options like trivia games, ornament decorating, or a photo booth to keep guests entertained. Holiday Party Planning Made Easy Holiday party planning doesn’t have to feel stressful. By selecting a thoughtful theme, preparing an easy menu, and adding charming decor, you'll create an enjoyable and unforgettable celebration. These tips will keep you organized, help you create lasting memories, and allow you to enjoy the party alongside your guests. Start planning today! Choose your theme, finalize your menu, and begin decorating.  FAQs How far in advance should I start planning? Begin 3-4 weeks ahead to finalize a theme, send invitations, and shop for supplies. How do I pick the right theme? Think about your guest list, available space, and personal style. For elegance, choose a Winter Wonderland. For fun, go with an Ugly Sweater Bash. What’s an easy way to decorate on a budget? Use affordable items like fairy lights and natural accents like pinecones or branches. How do I accommodate dietary restrictions? Offer a variety of dishes, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Clearly label each dish. How can I make my party kid-friendly? Set up a kids’ corner with crafts, movies, or cookie decorating. Offer simple, fun snacks.

Self care is a must, especially when you work so hard making a living and a home! Do yourself a favor learn how to take extra care of yourself while prepping for winter. Self Care Tips For A Blissful Homestead Autumn is here, and winter is definitely just around the corner! As the weather becomes colder our nutritional requirements, mood, and energy may naturally change with the season–some even suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is common when we're cooped up indoors and not getting as much sun. Luckily, we don't have to snuggle up and hibernate just yet! Now is an awesome time to set new goals for self-care, start a new wellness routine, or patch up what you have been practicing. The holidays will be here before you know it, and focusing on self care now will help you stay on track and start your homestead's new year on the right foot. What Is Self Care? Self care is a vital way of helping us boost our overall well-being. It is anything we do that helps us maintain mental, emotional, and physical health. This includes things like exercise, hobbies, relaxation methods – these are all examples of self-care endeavors. Self-care will help us feel relaxed, healthy, and ready for whatever life throws at us. Why Is Self Care Important? Self-care is essential for me within these months of autumn as I start to slow down and finish off what has been a busy year. If I'm not sane, strong, and healthy, how can I move through life productively and happily? How can I ensure everyone and everything in my homestead thrives? Each of us can find many reasons why we should prioritize self care. And here are the main reasons why I give it some time even with all the prepping I have. No products found. 1. It Helps Me Manage Health Problems I find self care an effective way of managing mental or physical health problems. Every time something makes me feel tired, lonely, or depressed, I use self-care to acquire more energy to fight off an overwhelming feeling of restlessness. It also helps me keep my blood pressure in check. Self-care aids me in finishing my daily tasks as well as it gives me a little motivational push. 2. It Helps Me Rejuvenate Just like many other people, I use self care to de-stress and unwind after a long day in my homestead. Giving myself a luxurious bath with my favorite homemade bath bombs and taking a nap during the day brings back wonderful childhood memories that lighten up my mood, and it gives me a second wind for the rest of my daily chores. Sale Sky Organics Bath Bomb Gift Set for Body to Soak, Nourish & Relax, 6 ct. WHY WE LOVE IT: Sky Organics Bath Bomb Gift Set is made with...SOAK & REFRESH: Sky Organics Bath Bomb Gift Set refreshes... $13.93 Buy Now 3. It Keeps Me Healthy Physical exercise can be an excellent form of self-care — it burns off negative energy, it helps boost physical strength, and it breaks us up from things that stress us out. However, self-care is not all about physical stuff. Giving some time to do something you really enjoy, like cooking, reading a book, or gardening is also an awesome way to separate our body and mind from the stressful things in our life. That is why as early as now, I'm already starting my winter gardening and prepping my homestead for the challenges cold weather brings. Self Care Strategies Take some time or as little as ten minutes of your day to do at least one of these simple self care strategies for you and keep yourself sane in the coming cold winter months. I've been doing these for as long as I can remember, not only during autumn, but I find it much needed when the frigid cold months are fast approaching. 1. Create A Time For Self Care Set a time every day to practice self care. Regardless of it being just a few minutes, or an hour or two. Have a date with yourself and accomplish something that helps you feel easy and relaxed. 2. Keep It Simple Don't get crazy when setting goals for yourself. It’s essential to consider your current schedule and responsibilities when you are creating new goals to achieve. Making reasonable goals and then adding from there is a more beneficial strategy in a long run. Keeping a mindset of all or nothing does help me in setting reasonable and obtainable goals for myself and my homestead. I’ve learned from the experience of trial and error that I function well with more reasonable benchmarks, and this guarantees my practices are manageable and I am working at a level where I don't get easily beat down. 3. Practice Deep Breathing This is a no-brainer, right? That is the whole purpose of this practice. Stand, sit down, anything, and if you can close your eyes, do so. Breathe in for 3 or 4 seconds. Hold it for around 6 or 7. Then, breath out for 8. Repeat. This will help clear your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and recharge your spirit. Essential Oil Set - Top 18 Aromatherapy, Diffusers, Massage. Candle Making, Soaps, Bath Bombs. Lavender, Peppermint,... HIGHLY RATED: Experience the epitome of aromatherapy bliss...PLANT DERIVED EXTRACTS: Only the world’s finest... Buy Now 4. Stretch Don't forget to stretch! You can do this anywhere and anytime. It's taking a short break while you are at something. Simply raise your arms up and above your head and breathe. Incredibly simple and easy, but it will help you feel much better once you're done. Lucky Shop1234 Large Round Lotus Flower Mandala Tapestry Beach Towel & Blanket Table Cloth Fringe Tassel Beach Blanket... Eye-catching design and beautiful pattern, make it...Size matter: 150cm x 150cm. Large size allow two people sit... Buy Now 5. Declutter Simple Things Don't overthink this! It can be anything (rusty nails, broken glass, random paper, etc.) sitting around giving you no joy and purpose, get rid of them. It doesn't have to be a whole lot either, it can only be as little as a handful of clutter. It doesn't have to require tons of thought behind it, it just needs to go. 6. Look For 5 Beautiful Things Look around you. Find 5 beautiful things that can uplift your spirit. If you think you have plenty, don't get overwhelmed because it will become tiring. Find the simplest! It could be the way the sun is peeking through your kitchen window, the way your child or grandchild's smile lights up a room, or the way your pet begs for treats. Anything you can find beauty in, list them all. 7. Take Note Of Your Emotions Right Now We have a tendency of letting our emotions take charge with our action. This is a bad idea and more often than not it will become a challenge. Yes, our emotions are part of us, but we don't need to let them dictate and control our actions. When you are having a terrible day, acknowledge it, feel it, and let it go. This must not be deeply involved. Relax, sit down, write down your current emotions, and let them go. You can have it in sentences or just one word, it doesn't matter. What matters most, is you acknowledge and let them go. 8. Nourish With Seasonal Food Autumn is one of my favorite seasons! My garden is overflowing with great produce and I know for sure the markets as well are packed with fresh and delicious vegetables and fruits. Dark leafy greens, squash, beets, apples, stews, and soups are all perfect places to get started. Autumn is the best season to spend quality time in the kitchen cooking your favorite comfort food. It's the best time to savor warmer meals prepared with love. Make sure to set aside a couple hours each weekend to prepare some of your favorite food for the week. This is an incredible way to take care of yourself and align with the reward and the vitality of the season. You’ll have food to enjoy at your homestead for the whole week, or food to bring to work. Looking for hearty #soup recipes to warm you up on #ChristmasEve? Check out our ideas on HOMESTEADING.COM (link in bio)! A post shared by Homesteading (@homesteadingusa) on Dec 22, 2016 at 3:15pm PST 9. Laugh And Find Joy Laughter is the best medicine and a nourishment for the soul! It can transform any negative energy into a positive one. So, read a comic strip or watch a funny video. Find something that will make you genuinely laugh and go for it! At the end of the day, it is the little things that bring us true happiness, so focus on them. 10. Stay Connected With Yourself As leaves start to fall from the trees, the plant's energy goes back where it came from. Our lives reflect that feeling of establishing when we set aside an opportunity to connect to the innermost parts of ourselves. No products found. Spend a wonderful afternoon in nature, enjoy a cup of tea, or take a moment and reflect. There are numerous ways which we can connect with ourselves and consider what gives our life meaning. Autumn summons us to slow down and examine our hearts to find out where we need to go from here. Want to know where to begin with your self care? Check out this helpful video from How to Adult: Autumn is a beautiful season to give your self care strategy some evaluation and embrace the wonderful things autumn has to offer. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming and super complicated. And, there’s no better time than now to start acquiring the amazing benefits of self care and love. Happy Homesteading! What are your self care strategies? Are you feeling ready for winter? Let us know what your thoughts are about these self care strategies in the comments section below. Up Next: Winter Season | Finding Joy In Winter

Goats on the homestead may be the perfect livestock regardless of the size of the parcel you own or are leasing to create a sustainable farm. If living in a “right to farm” state, you may even be able to keep a pygmy or dwarf goat in a suburban backyard. Goats On The Homestead: The Perfect Livestock For Your Farm Even though Nigerian dwarf goat and pygmy goats are small in size, they are still enormous weed eaters. Any chore you can take off the daily “to do” list on the homestead is a time, energy, and money saver! Whether you decide to pen or free-range you goats, pygmy and dwarfs should be easier to keep contained than their standard-size peers because they cannot jump as high and would have to be able to climb up and out of their enclosure. Goats can share the same living space as miniature donkeys and ponies when a patient and calm introduction occurs between the various breeds of livestock. Introduce the animals at a graduated pace over the course of several days if planning to free-range them together or if they will share space in a single barn. Both breeds are known to be so docile they are rarely ever de-budded (horn removed) when place in petting zoos. Children of lower elementary school age often keep goats for their 4-H projects. Teaching children homesteading skills should begin at a young age, another reason small stature goats can be of value on the sustainable farm. Weaver Leather Livestock Brahma Webb Goat Halter, Brown Stylish show halter blends well with the color of the goatSolid chain lead with snap allows for quick and easy... Buy Now At least 4-H programs now allow several classes other than market for goats – meaning the animals do not have to be slaughtered and are returned to their youthful owners. In some areas “Kids Raising Kids” allow for an early introduction to learning goat care through 4-H programs. Specialized partnership projects between older 4-H and FFA members with children with disabilities also now exist and permit goats as project animals. More than 200 different breeds of goats are currently in existence. Although some are bred solely for meat or milk production due to their natural attributes for either, female goats from all breeds can be milked and meat can be harvested from each breed as well. Goat milk is far sweeter than cow's milk and is often regarded as being more acceptable to folks who suffer from lactose intolerance problems. Nigerian Dwarf Goats These small dairy goats on the homestead are capable of producing up to one-half gallon of deliciously sweet milk in a single day. You won't be able to get as much milk from a dwarf as is possible with a standard-size goat, but the investment in a dwarf goat both from a purchase and maintenance standpoint. Both Nigerian dwarf goats and pygmy goats originated in Africa and can live for up to 15 years, on average. They also typically weigh between 50 and 100 pounds once they reach maturity around two years old. Wethers, or castrated male goats, and billy goats – intact males tend to weigh slightly more than doelings (young female) or nanny goats – mature female. No products found. Pygmy Goats This breed of meat goat is often praised for its docile personality and sturdy body that basically resembles a barrel. The small stature meat goats will not produce as much protein as a standard-size goat, but again, the space a pygmy goat will require to roam, be housed, and the amount of feed required during the winter are substantially less than larger goats. Basically, you get a good bang for your buck while raising your beef and dairy products. Pygmy goats can earn their keep in weed-eating and breeding sale even if you never plan to butcher the cute little things. The price for Nigerian dwarf and goats and pygmy goats varies depending upon location and time of year, but they each typically sell for between $85 and $125 each. Goats on the homestead usually give birth to a single kid in their first litter, but in all subsequent litters twins (sometimes triplets) are typically born. They are known to be a very fertile breed. 320w Sheep / Goats Shearing Clipper Shears Buy Now Free-Ranging Goats Our first goat was trained to free-range after just a few days tied out on a chain and being taken on leashed walks around the homestead to learn her boundaries. The small goats on the homestead require significant less housing and grazing space – and cost a whole lot less to winter over than standard-size goats. Many a farmer over the centuries has lamented over goat housing woes. The medium-sized livestock is notoriously difficult to keep inside a fence…any fence. 320w Sheep / Goats Shearing Clipper Shears Buy Now In a concerted effort to maximize the benefits of having goats on our large homestead and to curtail the common frustrations so often associated with keeping goats, I decided to free-range our herd. Fellow homesteading and rural friends that have also raised goats thought I was completely nuts – at first. Train just one goat at a time to free-range to avoid the herd running off for greener pastures the first chance they get. The process seems to work more smoothly when the first two goats taught to free-range will be a breeding pair. Shockingly, the process of teaching goats to free range went both quickly and quite easily. I started with just one goat, a 3-year-old female. We kept her on a long chain for just two days to allow her to get acclimated to her new home, before putting her on a lead strap and going for walks to learn her territory. Pearl, a pygmy goat, bonded with my female blue heeler almost immediately – another thing seasoned goat keepers said would never happen. On day three I let Pearl off the lead strap and allowed her to roam about supervised, with Jovie. The goat and dog played and romped and ran along behind me during 4-wheeler rides. Although Pearl still has not become taken with Jovie's brother, Ruger, the dogs and the free-range herd of goats get along just fine. Initially, the horses and mini donkeys did not know what to make of Pearl and refused to intermingle in the barn – but that too soon subsided after the massive horses realized the tiny goat was not a threat. Even though I care for the most bull-headed mare on the planet, no kicking, biting, or any other bad behavior ever occurred between her herd and the pygmy goat. Once the first goat was comfortably free-ranging, we purchased her a mate and embarked upon the process all over again. The second time was even simpler. “Not Negan,” a dwarf billy goat, was only kept on a chain for 24 hours – it was abundantly clear Pearl was in charge and he was going to follow her everywhere and never leave her side. Be prepared for the pungent “Billy Goat Musk” smell, apparently, the mating prowess scent emitted by billy goats is not at all diminished due to size! Set of 9 Hoof Knife Knives Farrier Equine Horse Sheep Stainless Steel Blade Polished Wooden Handle + Fold Up Case Stainless Steel bladesWooden handles $29.99 Buy Now Goat Care Tips Goats are ruminant livestock – like cows. Contrary to common belief, cows do not have four stomachs but four chambers in their stomach – like goats, sheep, deer, and elk – among a handful of other animals but wild and domestic. The ruminant is one of the stomach chambers and when it gets out of whack, bloat occurs and must be treated quickly or a painful death could result. Drenching small goats with a 1 to 1 ratio of a mineral oil and baking soda – with a few drops of peppermint essential oil thrown in should break up the thick gas bubble rather quickly. Standing the goat up on its hind legs and gently rubbing the sides of its stomach should help produce the needed belching or flatulence. Dwarf and pygmy goats should eat up to 2 and a half pounds of hay or forage materials per day to get the nutrients they need and keep their stomach balance in check. Goats should be wormed about four times per year. Goat hooves must be trimmed regularly to prevent a painful and potentially debilitating deformation and rot from occurring. A farrier can perform the service for a nominal fee or you could quite easily learn how to properly trim and buy the needed file from a local agricultural supply store for around $25. Goat fencing could be comprised of upturned pallets with either barbed-wire or high-tensile wire woven in between the slats – or just the wire firmly mounted to T-posts. Electric fencing is another option but is not always durable enough to deter a goat from running through it or hooking it with horns to pull it down. Living Traditions Homestead shows a video of the best dairy goats for homesteading: What do you think about having goats on the homestead? Let us know in the comments section below. No products found. Up Next: Why Are Goats The Best Animal To Have On Your Farm

According to WebMD, more than 20 million Americans suffer from a mood disorder. Medical treatment for mood disorders can be quite costly. Due to this fact, more and more people are turning to all natural solutions to help with the symptoms. This may help you boost your mood as well. Boost Your Mood The Natural Way The possible symptoms of a mood disorder can include the following: Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety Pessimism, indifference Loss of energy, persistent lethargy Feelings of guilt, worthlessness Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal Unexplained aches and pains Recurring thoughts of death or suicide If you suspect that you may have a mood disorder, it is important that you acquire a proper diagnosis from your primary care physician.   In this article, I will cover all natural ways to help boost your mood, such as: Coconut Oil Exercise Avocados Nuts and Seeds Establish Good Sleeping Habits Laugh More Stay Hydrated Chocolate Enjoying Nature   Let’s begin! 1. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is truly a godsend for so many different things! Studies have shown that the fatty acid content in coconut oil helps to increase the dopamine and serotonin levels which, in turn, boosts your mood and relieves anxiety. Check out my article, 10 Coconut Oil Survival Uses | Basics For The Savvy Survivalist, to learn more about other amazing uses for coconut oil. 2. Exercise It is recommended that an adult should exercise at least 3 times a week to greatly reduce the risk of health problems such as heart disease and dementia. Adequate exercise also greatly improves your mood by releasing endorphins which gives you that sense of accomplishment after your workout. 3. Avocados Avocados are a great source of magnesium, folate, riboflavin, niacin, choline, vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-6. These nutrients are essential for keeping the blues away by increasing the dopamine and serotonin levels. Avocados can also help to decrease fatigue and support heart and brain health. To learn about this superfood, check out this article: Superfood Series: Avocados. 4. Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds such as flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, and walnuts are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. All of these nutrients combined support brain function. The magnesium and B vitamins decrease the probability of mood disorders (such as depression) and help to reduce anxiety symptoms. 5. Establish Good Sleeping Habits A continuous “lack of sleep” cycle can lead to various health issues down the road. Getting proper sleep is essential to help you boost your mood. Studies show that sleeping between the hours of 10pm – 2am greatly increases serotonin and, therefore, will boost your mood dramatically. If you suffer from insomnia, which so many of us do, please check out my article What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia for all natural solutions to help fight insomnia. 6. Laugh More There’s a saying: “Laughing Is Good For The Soul”. It is so true! There are so many health benefits related to laughter such as: Reduces stress hormone levels Stimulates endorphins Boosts anti-aging hormone levels Enhances creativity Makes life fun! Watch funny videos on youtube, go grab a drink with a friend, go to a comedy club….and laugh your way to a great mood! Life is too short not to laugh! 7. Stay Hydrated One great way to help boost your mood is to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated helps the body to release harmful toxins which, in turn, can greatly benefit your health, including your mood! One great and healthy way to accomplish sufficient hydration is to drink lemon water which has a number of health benefits, including boosting your mood. Check out my article, 12 Health Benefits of Lemon Water | Simply Healthy Living, to learn more about its many benefits. 8. Chocolate Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium which reduces excitability and irritation, relaxes nerves throughout the body, and relieves muscle tension…therefore, boosting your mood! Dark chocolate has other health benefits as well such as maintaining good heart health, regulating blood sugar, and aiding in weight loss. 9. Enjoying Nature Studies have shown that reconnecting to the earth, sometimes referred to as “grounding”, can greatly enhance your mood when you become connected to the earth’s energy. Walking barefoot outside, gardening, taking a nature walk, or going fishing are all different ways you can reconnect to the earth.   BuzzFeedBlue shows a video on how to boost your mood: What all-natural remedy do you use to boost your mood? Share with us in the comment section below. Up Next: 147 Natural Remedies For Homesteading To Make Life Easier Follow us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and twitter!   The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. 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