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How to Soak Quinoa
Recently, I mentioned my efforts to incorporate more quinoa in our diets here at the Yankee Homestead, for a variety of reasons. Why Eat Quinoa? Grain-free–There is much controversy over the consumption of grains. Quinoa is actually a seed, but sort of behaves like a grain, making it a perfect substitute for rice. Nutritious–Quinoa is…
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Sunday Evening Nature Walk: Edwards Landing Park {Leesburg, VA}
The Sunday Evening Nature Walk Most Sunday nights when the weather permits, our family can be found exploring a nearby trail or nature spot. It’s one of our favorite things to do together! We usually pack a picnic dinner, our DEET-free bug spray and some favorite nature guides and gear–like these magnifying glasses–and head…
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Laundry Room Makeover, Part 2: The Sorting Closet {The Vision}
Check out Laundry Room Makeover, Part 2: The Sorting Closet {Before} for the first part of this story… The First Problem First, there was the problem of where and how to sort laundry without leaving it out in the open and constantly underfoot. The Second Problem Next, was the related problem of what to do…
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The Canning Bragging Club
I did it! I finally learned how to can. (Maybe there’s hope for my sewing skills…) Thanks to my friend Diana, who was so very generous with her time and with her canning equipment, I can now proudly inform folks that I am indeed from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. And mean it. Even without the sewing…
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Changing of the Guards: Our Rotating Book Display
Well, it’s a new month and almost a new season. We’ve also got a birthday in a few days. [Older Brother will be 7–I can hardly believe it!] At the Yankee Homestead, all of this adds up to: A New Book Display. Several new book displays, actually.
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Year Round Nature Activity for Kids: Raising Butterflies
Raising butterflies is a perfect nature activity for young children–it’s fairly easy to do, and gives everyone a firsthand look at a butterfly’s life cycle. Reading excellent books on the topic makes the experience even more delightful. Want to give it a shot? Read on for our favorite butterfly-raising resources. Also check out this…
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Non-Toxic Nail Polish
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that nail polish is not the healthiest thing to put on your body. After all, nail polish is paint. It doesn’t wash off. It (usually) doesn’t chip. That can’t be healthy, right? It turns out that–as you might imagine–most nail polish contains at least three major…
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Using Herbs in Flower Arrangements
This is the time of year when herbs are growing like crazy in our garden. Yours, too? Here’s an idea for putting herbs to good use, aside from the obvious culinary uses… Include them in floral arrangements! We recently hosted a large cookout and I had a fantastic time putting together a zillion small…
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Free Printable Activity: Last Days of Summer
Last Days of Summer It’s hard to believe that fall is just around the corner. Summer is still with us for a few more weeks, though, and what better way to enjoy these final days of the season than with this fun (and free!) printable activity from Harmony Art Mom, over at Handbook of Nature…
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Laundry Room Makeover, Part 2: The Sorting Closet {Before}
The Sorting Closet Remember the sorting hat from the Harry Potter books? Well, we have a sorting closet. Unfortunately, our sorting closet does not actually perform the sorting for us (like the magic sorting hat). However, it does simplify the process, not to mention the fact that all sorting can be hidden…
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