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Ever wondered how to juggle homestead life and vacation plans without a hitch? We've got you covered! This episode of Keeping it Real at the Gorham Homestead is packed with our personal stories and practical tips on managing a busy homestead while gearing up for an exciting family trip to Colorado. Get an insider's update on the raw milk industry, learn about the minimal risk of bird flu from local dairy farms, and join us in the anticipation of attending our niece Charlotte's wedding in beautiful Steamboat Springs. Tee also shares his recent fishing adventure, and we discuss the installation of our brand-new sprinkler system and the ongoing progress of our pond project.

In a community effort that exemplifies self-reliance, we teamed up with friends from the Self Reliance Festival to relocate our smaller chicken coop and a heavy dog kennel, making our homestead more efficient than ever. Hear about the strategic moves we made, from using a tractor to optimizing livestock and compost management. We also delve into the wonders of automation with our new Wi-Fi-enabled sprinkler system and our amusing wish for an automated weed eater. As we embrace technology to ease our workload, we share our thoughts on balancing upfront costs with long-term benefits.

Efficiency and organization are the names of the game as we recount our adventures with a new battery-operated weed eater, including some unexpected mishaps. Learn how we've optimized our property layout, from moving chickens closer to water spigots to organizing feed supplies and setting up new coops for our turkeys. Beyond the homestead, we touch on the joys of canning workshops and the importance of medical training, sharing personal anecdotes and upcoming family celebrations. Don't miss out on our heartfelt reflections and invaluable advice—this episode is a blend of laughter, learning, and life on the homestead. Happy Fourth of July, and keep it real, y'all!


Today's Sponsors:
Rogina, LLC in Lakeland, FL - RoginaConsulting.com
Hermitage Embroidery Works - HermitageEmbroidery.com
Hamilton, Gorham & Duncan, PLLC HGDLegal.com

Here's the link to the new wifi enabled garden timer: (it's not an affiliate link as of right now)
https://a.co/d/0ihKzlmc

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Have you ever wondered how a small bottle of essential oil could revolutionize your daily routine? Discover the transformative power of essential oils and their fascinating history on Keeping it Real at the Gorham Homestead. I'll share personal stories from my own journey towards a more natural lifestyle, including how peppermint essential oil has become my go-to for headaches and sinus relief, and the many versatile uses of lavender, from skincare to natural deodorant.

You'll learn why quality is paramount when it comes to choosing essential oils and how brands like Young Living stand out for their commitment to purity. We'll explore the benefits of essential oils in daily maintenance, emotional well-being, and cleaning, with specific mentions of lavender and lemon for their calming and detoxifying properties. Plus, discover the incredible skin care and wound healing benefits of frankincense, lavender, and myrrh.

On the homestead, essential oils take on even more roles. Learn how lemongrass can help with bee swarms and inflammation, while Melissa oil, despite its cost, is a powerhouse against cold sores and shingles. Thieves oil proves essential for cleaning and maintaining milking machines, and tea tree oil stands out for its broad-spectrum usefulness. We'll wrap up with a heartfelt discussion on the importance of quality, encouraging you to research and find what works best for you. For more insights and to stay connected, visit TheGorhamHomestead.com and follow us on social media as The Gorham Homestead.

References:
Young Living - check out my favorite essential oil company here. (Full disclosure, I do earn a commission) https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/referral/4604050

Sponsors:
A Bee's Closet - Bon Aqua, Tennessee for all your beekeeping needs

Rogina, LLC - your mold testing specialist, water damage assessments, lead sampling, sewege contamination sampling located in Florida www.RoginaConsulting.com

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Ever tried to move a six-foot emu size fence without losing your sanity? Join me on this week's episode of Keeping it Real at the Gorham Homestead, where I recount the unexpected fencing project that momentarily sidelined our regular podcast schedule. Hear about the trials and triumphs of tackling this massive job with the help of a young assistant, and get a sneak peek into our plans for upcoming episodes, including a deep dive into our top 10 essential oils in an upcoming interview with Joy Hinterkopft, who will share the scientific benefits of herbs and essential oils. Plus, don't miss updates on our homestead garden struggles, where we're harvesting Roma tomatoes, green beans, and more, all while preparing to expand into a homestead market.

This episode isn't just about farm chores and business ventures; it's also a heartfelt reflection on personal milestones. I get candid about the bittersweet experience of watching my youngest child grow up and the mixed emotions of my son Chase being away at camp on his birthday. From the bustling plans to increase raw milk production to the community spirit behind our new market space, this episode captures the essence of homestead life. And stay tuned for some exciting changes to our podcast schedule, with episodes now airing on Thursdays. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just curious about homestead living, there's something here for everyone.

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Can herbs truly transform your life and boost your homesteading journey? Join us on this enlightening episode of Keeping it Real, the Gorham Homestead podcast, as we unravel the mysteries behind our latest beekeeping endeavors and share valuable lessons from our meat chicken processing experience. From the health of our new colony to the challenges faced with an older hive, we provide a comprehensive update on the buzzing world of bees. Plus, gain practical tips on timely ordering and choosing the right feed types to enhance your homestead's productivity.

Ever wondered how lemon balm can soothe hyperactive children or St John's wort can ease anxiety and depression? We delve deep into the powerful healing properties of these herbs, revealing their cultivation secrets, preparation methods, and various forms of use. Discover how lemon balm's antiviral benefits can be amplified with licorice, and learn about St John's wort's potential side effects and the importance of consulting healthcare providers. This episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you harness the natural remedies around you for better health and well-being.

As we venture further into the world of herbs, we explore the benefits and precautions of using Queen Anne's Lace and wild lettuce, highlighting their significant roles in managing blood sugar levels and relieving pain. Plus, the heart-health benefits of motherwort and the immune-boosting powers of echinacea are uncovered, offering you a holistic approach to herbalism. Reflecting on the importance of utilizing natural resources, we provide inspiration for you to embrace the art of herbalism in your own life. Don't miss out on our upcoming episode about essential oils, and be sure to connect with us on social media and our website to stay engaged with our homesteading journey.

***Thank you to our sponsor "A Bee's Closet". Be sure to go see Joe Ellis for the best service and help on all your beekeeping needs!

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Unlock the secrets of natural healing straight from our Tennessee homestead on this week's episode of "Keeping It Real" at the Gorham Homestead. Ever wondered how a simple herb can speed up the healing of bones, wounds, and sprains? Join me, Dawn Gorham, as I share the incredible benefits of comfrey, from its cell-regenerating properties to its uses in teas and poultices for respiratory relief and digestive health. We'll also discuss crucial precautions for those with liver issues and offer practical tips on how to incorporate this powerful herb into your daily routine.

But that's not all. We dive into the versatile uses of yarrow and blackberry, two herbs that have become staples in our natural medicine cabinet. Drawing from personal experience, I reveal how yarrow has helped treat wounds, menstrual cramps, and fevers, and even stopped nosebleeds in seconds. Plus, learn about blackberry's astringent properties and how its leaves and roots can effectively treat diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Discover how blackberry juice can soothe an upset stomach without any added sugar.

Lastly, we explore the medicinal uses of some lesser-known yet highly effective herbs, including goldenrod, elderberry, rabbit tobacco, boneset, and mullein. You'll hear insights from Daryl Patton's enlightening book, "Mountain Medicine, the Herbal Remedies of Tommy Bass," and uncover how these herbs have been used to support respiratory health, boost immunity, and treat common ailments like asthma and lung congestion. From breaking fevers to alleviating earaches, these Native American herbs offer a treasure trove of natural solutions for your health needs. Don't miss this informative journey into the heart of herbal medicine.

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Are outdated city ordinances suffocating the spirit of rural homesteading? On today's episode of "Keeping it Real, the Gorham Homestead Podcast," we unravel the intense battle of a young couple in Dickson, Tennessee, who are caught in the crossfire of a restrictive law prohibiting chickens within a thousand feet of another structure. You'll hear about their determination to challenge this ordinance, the unexpected community support they garnered, and some intriguing off-the-record advice from a codes enforcer. This episode shines a light on the ongoing struggle between preserving rural living ideals and resisting encroaching urban regulations, advocating for the right to self-sustainability and community resilience.

As we shift gears, we delve into the nitty-gritty of launching and running a farm-based business. From FDA regulations to food freedom laws in Tennessee, this episode covers everything you need to legally sell herbs, chickens, and freeze-dried foods. We'll also tackle the importance of liability insurance, contracts, and choosing the right business structure to protect your homestead enterprise. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just embarking on this journey, our episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you navigate the legal landscape and operate your business ethically and successfully. Don't miss out on these essential tips to ensure your farm thrives within the bounds of the law.

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Hey there, Dawn Gorham here, and if you've ever felt the sting of a social media squall or found joy in a mason jar of home-canned strawberries, this episode of the Gorham Homestead podcast is your kind of story. From standing my ground on raw milk debates to sharing laughs over beekeeping acquisitions gone awry, I'm peeling back the curtain on homestead life - the sweet, the spicy, and the unavoidably sticky.

This time around, we're swapping tales from the vibrant trenches of gardening, where tomato plants run wild and bell peppers make for a freeze-drying frenzy. I'm tipping my hat to the local corn supplier while dreaming big about squash and okra expansions. But it's not just about the veggies; it's the heart-pumping thrill of adding more life to the mix - like welcoming my granddaughter Savannah, and those moments of sheer chaos, like trying to outsmart a crafty groundhog with nothing but fishing line and stubborn determination.

Strap in for a candid exploration of homesteading and its dance with daily life. From the practical magic of automated milking to the detailed planning that lets us sneak away for a quick trip (chickens and cows notwithstanding), these stories are a testament to family, resilience, and the power of a well-tended garden. So, whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just bee-curious about the buzz, join us as we keep it real and cultivate a life rooted in tradition and togetherness.

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Summary

In this episode, Dawn discusses women's preparedness and the unique roles and responsibilities that women have in prepping for their families. She emphasizes the importance of personal security, medical knowledge, nutrition, education, financial preparedness, building community, and embracing traditional gender roles. Dawn encourages women to prioritize their own safety, learn essential medical skills, provide nutritious food for their families, invest in their children's education, and be good stewards of their finances. She also highlights the value of being a stay-at-home mom and the importance of building a self-sufficient and self-reliant mindset.

Keywords

women's preparedness, personal security, medical knowledge, nutrition, education, financial preparedness, building community, traditional gender roles, stay-at-home mom, self-sufficiency

Takeaways

• Personal security should be a top priority for women in preparedness, including carrying a firearm and participating in the family security plan.
• Women should acquire medical knowledge and skills to provide care for their families in case of emergencies, including knowing how to stop bleeding and deliver a baby.
• Nutrition is crucial in prepping, and women should focus on storing nutrient-dense foods and learning to grow and preserve their own food.
• Women play a vital role in their children's education and should consider homeschooling if possible.
• Financial preparedness is essential, and women should work with their partners to create a budget that allows for prepping and building food and financial security.
• Building community and strong relationships with neighbors is important for support and collaboration in times of need.
• Women should embrace traditional gender roles and recognize the value of being a stay-at-home mom.
• Prepping goes beyond beans and bullets and requires a self-sufficient and self-reliant mindset.

Titles

• The Value of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom
• Nutrition and Food Security in Prepping

Sound Bites

• "It should be a number one top priority for us women because we can't take care of anybody if we're dead or taken out or injured."
• "If your husband gets hurt or takes a bullet or whatever, and we're the family nurse, do you know how to stop a bleed? If your husband gets shot or has a cut on his leg with a chainsaw or something crazy, do you know how to deliver a baby?"
• "Prepping with just beans and rice will keep you alive, but it is not going to help you thrive."

For medical preparedness, check out Homestead Medical on all the socials with Chuck Peoples
For women's tactical gun training, check out Tactical Response in Camden, TN
For women self defense check out Sonny Puzikas with Forward Training Concepts

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