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Most Recent Entries
- 20% Off Coupon Code - This Weekend Only
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- Called Into Duty
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- I Want to Learn To Do That!
- All In A Day’s Work…
- Little, Middle, and Big
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From Today’s Inbox
Saturday, March 6, 2010
I love these DVD’s! We just received The Art of Sewing and it is wonderful. This was such a great idea to film these ladies. They are great. My three year old loves CeCe. We have all of these except the dairy one and hope you have more in the series. These are great for everyone. Especially people who are unable to live the homesteading lifestyle at the moment, they can watch these and live it vicariously. Thanks again for all your hard work on these DVD’s. May the Lord Bless you.
Difficult Decision
Thursday, February 25, 2010
There were numerous excellent entries to our Homestead Blessings “What Have They Meant to You?” contest. After reading the many nice tributes to the West Ladies, we wish we could reward everyone who entered with a complimentary DVD. But then it would be a giveaway, not a contest. : )
Here are the winning entries:
ADULT
I only discovered Homestead Blessings this past winter. Already, the West Ladies are such a blessing to our family. As a new homesteading family, we have enjoyed learning new skills to help us reach our goals of getting back to simplicity. In fact, we’ve used The Art of Gardening video to supplement our homeschool Agriscience course. We’ve already implemented some of the new skills and have built a compost bin. As well, we have begun saving our kitchen scraps to use for our spring compost pile. I just love that we can watch the videos again to reinforce our newly learned skills.
As a mother, I sometimes just watch The West Ladies for encouragement. In this age, when so many hearts are turned away from the home, I find comfort in knowing there are others out there who still cherish and desire to the nurture the home. The West Ladies are kindred spirits who encourage me as a Keeper at Home. I am so thankful to have discovered them, and even my husband is so pleased to own a series of DVDs that supports the values that we hold dear.
- Delinda B.
YOUTH
We had to award two in this category…
Without a doubt we have most benefited from the West Ladies in the matter of inspiration. We already made bread and gardened, but they inspired us to go “above and beyond the Call of Duty”.
As we watch them make everything beautiful we are inspired to do likewise. We always made bread, but they made it lovely. They made gorgeous sweet rolls and pizza crusts.
The movies are filmed so well and the dialouge is so clear, we felt like we were right there with them. When we finish each movie we always go try to make our own “Homestead Blessings”!
- Jessica P, age 16
Clean clothes were already on our clothesline, but thanks to the charming West ladies, we’ve been inspired to increase our homesteading skills, right here in the city!
The West ladies do a wonderful job giving easy-to-follow instructions, and are really fun to watch! Since seeing their DVDs, I have dipped nine lovely beeswax candles, and I hope to make a bunch more! I have baked every recipe on “The Art of Bread-making”, and we have loved them all! Their recipes for bread, meal-in-a-loaf, pizza, and cinnamon rolls have become favorites.
After watching “The Art of Canning”, my mom and I felt confident to do some ourselves. We canned several jars of peach jelly and we hope to do more this summer. We will soon be experimenting with their idea of planting potatoes without dirt; I’m eager to see how that goes. I have not learned how to make soap yet, but this is something I really want to do soon.
I have been thankful to learn useful skills which help me as I seek to serve God, my family, our church, guests in our home, and as I prepare to be a homemaker. As Mrs. West says, “It’s a blessing!” and we agree!- Mary Pate H., age 12
CHILD
I really like the West Ladies videos. They are packed with great ideas and good recipes. I have made their pizza sticks and also cinnamon rolls. This summer we plan to try their potato planting idea. The videos are very fun to watch because they are a good encouragement for my family. Another thing I like about the DVDs is some of them have songs that the West Ladies have written.
- Julia P., age 8
Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to everyone who sent the many thoughtful entries. The Art of Sewing releases next week.
In 250 Words or Less…
Monday, February 22, 2010
There’s still time to submit your sub-250 word entry in the HSB giveaway contest that ends in two days (Wednesday February 24).
Here are the contest details that were posted last week:
Here’s a simple contest that will result in three winners being sent a free copy of The Art of Sewing (which releases March 3):
Tell us how the West Ladies and the Homestead Blessings DVDs have benefited you. Frugality, developing new skill sets, working together as a family - we want to know how you and your family have enjoyed the series.
We’ll award winners in three categories:
1. Adult
2. Youth (age 12 - 18)
3. Child (up to age 11)
Send us your entry of 250 words or less by Wednesday February 24 here. We’ll announce the winners next week. Indicate your age (for categories 2 and 3), and spread the word. We’ll look forward to hearing from you!
What Have They Meant to You?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Here’s a simple contest that will result in three winners being sent a free copy of The Art of Sewing (which releases March 3):
Tell us how the West Ladies and the Homestead Blessings DVDs have benefited you. Frugality, developing new skill sets, working together as a family - we want to know how you and your family have enjoyed the series.
We’ll award winners in three categories:
1. Adult
2. Youth (age 12 - 18)
3. Child (up to age 11)
Send us your entry of 250 words or less by Wednesday February 24 here. We’ll announce the winners next week. Indicate your age (for categories 2 and 3), and spread the word. We’ll look forward to hearing from you!
Another Nice Review
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine just posted some kind words about “The Homestead Blessings” series, Collection Two:
Franklin Springs Media and the West ladies have done it again! They have created and produced a three-volume set of videos that are perfect for the family or homemaker who wants to master some practical skills that are quickly becoming a lost art. With these DVDs, you too can learn about growing herbs, gardening, and canning while enjoying some homespun hospitality and southern charm with Vicki, Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe West, a delightful mother/daughter(s) team from Tennessee.
“The Art of Herbs” video (61 minutes plus additional bonus material) is all about identifying, growing, preserving, and using herbs in a variety of ways—for both cooking and health. The Wests take you on a walk through their own beautiful herb garden while giving tips and advice on cultivating and harvesting various plants, including thyme, oregano, basil, garlic, chives, and more. The West ladies also present easy step-by-step instructions for making vinegars, tonics, teas, butters, and even attractive culinary gifts.
“The Art of Gardening” video (49 minutes plus additional bonus material) is a terrific DVD for both beginning and veteran gardeners. The West ladies start with a lesson on composting and then move on to other topics, including pest control, potato patches, tools, flowers, container gardening, vegetables, how to lay out straight rows, etc. I especially liked the segments on how to grow potatoes the easy way and how to create an instant “lasagna garden.” The West ladies prove that a garden can be beautiful as well as functional, and I can’t wait to try out some of their ideas when we plant our garden in the spring.
“The Art of Canning” video (54 minutes plus additional bonus material) is one of the best resources about food preservation I’ve ever seen, and I have quite a few books on the subject. This DVD is chock-full of useful information that will give a canning “newbie” the confidence to master and enjoy what can be a difficult skill for many beginners. The West ladies cover basic equipment, types of canners, jar cleaning and storage, etc. They also give easy instructions for canning goods such as green beans, tomatoes, pickles, and jams. Although I have canned produce and vegetables for years, I have never “put up” pickled eggs or sauerkraut before. After watching this video, I may have to give it a go!
Each video includes bonus material, including trailers, recipes, contact information, and a song performed by the West ladies. And if you’ve never heard them sing before, you are in for a treat. Their down-home Appalachian style and beautiful harmonies are music to the ears. And their obvious love for family and home is truly a blessing.
Lisa’s Take on Dairy Delights
Friday, February 5, 2010
Here’s a new review from Lisa at www.HomesteadOriginals.com of the newest Homestead Blessings title - The Art of Dairy Delights:
My girls and I just love the Homestead Blessings series, such fun and such useful skills to learn - that will be useful for a lifetime! I was really thrilled with the latest release in the series, “Dairy Delights”, as we have a small herd of dairy goats!
The West ladies are always fun and give great instruction! In “Dairy Delights” we join them on their farm, and learn about making homemade, hand crank Ice Creams, Yogurts, Cheeses and YUMMY Butters! Although we’ve made Ice Creams, Cheeses and Butters - you can always learn something new, and we sure did! We’ve made honey-butter for a number of years, but never thought to add that extra pinch of cinnamon - what a treat! Herb Butters are heavenly and the West ladies give us some great ideas for delicious herbal butters - perfect on homemade breads! I also learned some new tricks in watching the ladies during their ‘stretching’ process in the making of their mozzerella cheese, it’s so nice to have the visual with the DVD’s. Learn about home-dairying equipment, the delicious health and nutritional benefits (raw milk is SO good for you!) of fresh dairy products - and if you don’t have a dairy animal - don’t fret - you can use milk right off the store shelf if you like, too. We learned some fun new recipes and lots of tips for using all that farm fresh milk! We love the Homestead Blessings series of DVD’s - excellent instruction in the arts of the homesteady and old ways of doing things - which we LOVE. Absolutely recommended!
- Lisa
Thanks, Lisa. We’re glad you and the girls enjoyed The Art of Dairy Delights!
Yes, It’s ORD
Friday, January 29, 2010
While we might have preferred that others of you were right (we wish we were at Charles de Gaulle in Paris yesterday), most of you made the correct choice.
Michael Brabo, you got there first. Yesterday, we spent a frigid (but productive) day in beautiful wintry Chicago.
Congratulations, Michael. Enjoy the Carver film!
Guess & Win
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A free copy of our new George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way DVD will be sent to the first person who correctly identifies the iconic terminal in the city where we were exploring an exciting new project today. Name the city and airport in this not-too-challenging travel question here...
More Carver Feedback
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Here are a few more comments from attendees at a screening last weekend for George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way:
From a dad…
“Outstanding documentary that provides a shining testimony of Carver’s life as one who excelled in his life’s calling and yet equally devoted himself in serving others. This film helps raise the bar of expectation as we teach and train the next generation. Thank you Franklin Springs for providing another first class film that encourages and edifies the entire family.”
Mike B.
From students…
“This film was so beautiful and inspiring. What a wonderful lesson we can learn from Mr. Carver about pouring our lives into others. He was not always doing what felt good or was easiest at the time, but he was serving and loving others first. A wonderful film and a captivating story.”
Hannah B. 15
“It was cool to see an interview with an actual student of George Washington Carver!”
Willa H. 11
“The George Washington Carver film encouraged me to study plants more and learn more about the world around me. I was inspired by this wonderful man’s life.”
Abby B. age 13
“In this movie I learned that George Washington Carver served many people. He was a very smart man who studied plants and invented many things.
I liked to listen to the stories that people told about him. Especially the older man who was once his student”Lydia B. 9
“George Washington Carver was a hard working man. He had many trials through his life, but never stopped trusting in the Lord. This point is captured very well in this movie”
Andrew B. 11
“It was thoroughly enjoyable to watch. I enjoyed learning so much detail about a Godly man’s life.”
Emma H. 13
The film ships February 1.
First Reactions
Thursday, January 21, 2010
We held a screening of George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way last Friday evening, and we’ve been hearing back from attendees. Here are a few of the numerous reports we’ve received:
George Washington Carver seemed to come alive in this documentary about his life. The still pictures, the on-site video, and the interviews all worked together beautifully to teach me the story of this remarkable man in a way that textbooks never did.
- Tina H.
I really enjoyed this film, especially the cinematography and narration.
- Chris S.
The George Washington Carver film was the most inspiring documentary that I’ve seen in a long time. I was fascinated by his life story. What a man of faith he was, and what passion he had for his Creator! It’s amazing how the Lord blesses the world through seemingly ordinary people that commit their lives to serving Him. I pray that my children will follow Dr. Carver’s example.
- Trish L.