Gracelynne had started to create her own spot in the land of the internet, then halted. When Hallie Grace passed away, Hallie's wish was for Gracelynne to take over a good amount of things she had been working on over her decade on the internet.

Today, I'm asking all of you to help these endeavors grow -- Grant Hallie's wished ♥

Blogs:

Rustic Roots - https://rustic-roots.blogspot.com/

Unapologetically Grandma - https://unapologeticallygrandma.blogspot.com/

Facebook:

Profile - https://www.facebook.com/GracelynneMacAllister

Grit & Grace Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/gritandgrace2024

Seed Wishes Link (open for the weekend) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/gritandgrace2024/posts/2228750844150166/

Newsletter info:
Rustic Roots: Including but definitely not limited to -- Homesteading information (off-grid and for the city), canning recipes and classes, sourdough bread (starters, recipes, troubleshooting, and more), gardening, seed swaps, recipes, herbalism, crafts (quilting, crocheting, etc) & more.

To Subscribe --

Just send an email to: rusticrootshomestead2024@gmail.com

Subject Line: Add Me


Unapologetically Grandma: Including but definitely not limited to -- women and aging, life in general, kids, grandkids, homeschooling, recipes, bible study, support, pen pal exchanges, Christmas and Birthday card exchanges, & more.

To Subscribe --

Just send an email to: unapologeticallygrandma@outlook.com

Subject Line: Add Me

Please be patient. In the coming weeks, I will be redoing and re-aligning the blog. I had a medical scare and was sick for a bit and will be changing direction.

For a bit more details and an off-grid opportunity, please CLICK HERE

I'd love to get my store going. In addition to the Team Bear line, I will be introducing a variety of styles. A few are below -- please follow my store and check back for new items. All profits made from this store and any donations to my cash app, and purchases of my sourdough (after expenses are taken out) will go to my "Get back off-grid" savings jar - I will share a post about it soon.

As I am waiting for Sunday Family Dinner to cook (and for two of my adult children to get here, I thought I'd share some homeschool thoughts. I homeschooled all of my children and will be doing it for my grandchildren as well.

Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice for many families seeking a personalized and flexible education for their children. However, despite its growing acceptance, there are still lingering myths and misconceptions surrounding homeschooling that deserve to be debunked. Let's explore some of these myths and shed light on the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Homeschooled children lack socialization opportunities.

Truth: This is perhaps one of the most common myths about homeschooling. In reality, homeschooling provides children with diverse socialization opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. Homeschooled children often engage in co-op classes, extracurricular activities, sports teams, community service, and various social gatherings with other homeschooling families. Additionally, homeschoolers have the chance to interact with individuals of different ages and backgrounds, fostering strong social skills and adaptability.

Myth #2: Homeschooled children perform poorly academically.

Truth: Numerous studies have shown that homeschooled children typically perform at or above the level of their traditionally schooled peers on standardized tests. Homeschooling allows for a personalized and tailored approach to education, enabling students to learn at their own pace and focus on their individual strengths and weaknesses. With dedicated parents or educators guiding their learning journey, homeschooled children often excel academically and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Myth #3: Homeschooling is only for religious or overly protective families.

Truth: While some families choose homeschooling for religious reasons or to provide a protective environment for their children, homeschooling is a diverse educational option that appeals to families for a variety of reasons. Families may choose homeschooling for academic reasons, to accommodate a child's learning style or special needs, to travel or pursue unique opportunities, or simply to provide a more individualized and flexible educational experience.

Myth #4: Homeschooled children miss out on extracurricular activities and opportunities.

Truth: Homeschooled children have ample opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and pursue their interests outside of traditional school settings. Many communities offer sports teams, clubs, music lessons, art classes, and other enrichment activities specifically tailored for homeschoolers. Additionally, homeschooling allows children the flexibility to explore passions, engage in internships, volunteer work, or dual enrollment programs at local colleges.

Myth #5: Parents need to be experts in all subjects to homeschool effectively.

Truth: One of the strengths of homeschooling is the ability to leverage resources and support to provide a well-rounded education for children. Parents do not need to be experts in every subject to homeschool successfully. There are abundant curriculum options, online resources, co-op classes, tutors, and support groups available to assist parents in teaching subjects outside of their expertise. Homeschooling is a collaborative effort that can involve various resources and individuals working together to support a child's education.

Homeschooling offers a unique and effective educational approach that can benefit many families and children. By dispelling these myths and understanding the truth behind homeschooling, we can appreciate the diverse opportunities and positive outcomes that homeschooling can provide for students. Whether for academic, social, or personal reasons, homeschooling continues to be a valuable educational option that empowers families to tailor an education that best suits their children's needs and aspirations. Let's embrace the diversity and possibilities of homeschooling as we strive to provide the best educational experiences for our children

Did I miss a myth? Tell me yours and I will see if I can debunk it. Leave a comment or email me

I have been brainstorming what I would like to put in the Bible Box (there will be a clean read box coming soon too).

I've created a list of what I have come up with. I may also include my bible study, book by book, in the boxes. If you have suggestions on what you would like to see, please leave a comment or drop me an email. 

If you would like to contribute or donate to any box throughout the year, please contact me at gracelynnemacallister@gmail.com to see what we can work out. I will not be releasing box 1 until I have 4 boxes set up to go to be sure I have time to keep planning without having to halt a subscription.

Also, I may offer a monthly and quarterly option so that there is flexibility in how often boxes are received.

I like things to be personal -- so here is how you sign up:

By signing up you will get my 28-day gratitude challenge FREE

I'd love for you to share me with your friends too ♥

Did you know you can sprout lentils for salad use? Even sandwich use.

Greens are good!

Also, if you have chickens, they LOVE these too.

I bought 3 bags and had them shipped from Amazon. They were $1.29 each and since I am a prime member, there was no shipping cost.

This is day 1 (Video HERE)

1) Place a small amount in the bottom of your jar

2) Cover with water

3) Gently shake and cover

Day 2

1) Gently shake

2) Drain water

3) Rinse

4) Cover with water again, cover, and sit over night

Day 3, 4, & 5, do the same -- until you see them start to sprout

Back

Many styles and items with more waiting to be approved for the shop and more are being designed. Have a request? I'll see what I can do. 

Please share, follow, comment, etc - it's the best way to help small businesses :)

Other items coming in different categories as well.

Front

Purchase HERE

Purchase HERE

Purchase HERE

Purchase HERE

Purchase HERE

Purchase HERE

Welcome back to the realm of creative preservation and flavorful experimentation! Today, we're venturing beyond the basics to explore innovative canning ideas and tantalizing recipes that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights. 🎨🍇✨

**Infuse Your Creations with Flavor:**

Ready to add a burst of creativity to your canned goods? Consider infusing your preserves with unique flavors and aromatic herbs. From lavender-infused peach jam to rosemary-infused pickles, the possibilities are endless when it comes to flavor experiments.

**Create Custom Jams & Jellies:**

Take your canning skills up a notch by crafting your own custom jams and jellies. Mix and match different fruits, spices, and sweeteners to create signature spreads that will have your taste buds singing. Don't be afraid to think outside the jar and explore unconventional flavor combinations!

**Play with Pickling:**

Pickling isn't just for cucumbers! Experiment with pickling a variety of fruits and vegetables to create tangy, crunchy delights that will add zing to your meals. From pickled watermelon rinds to spicy pickled beans, pickling opens up a world of flavor possibilities.

**Savor Homemade Sauces & Salsas:**

Ditch the store-bought condiments and whip up your own homemade sauces and salsas. From smoky barbecue sauces to fiery chili salsas, homemade condiments add a personal touch to your meals and elevate the dining experience.

**Share Your Creations:**

Canning is not just about preservation; it's also about sharing the fruits of your labor with others. Consider gifting your homemade preserves to friends and family, or hosting a tasting party to showcase your delicious creations. Spread the joy of homemade goodness!

**Embark on a Culinary Adventure:**

As you explore creative canning ideas and experiment with flavorful recipes, remember that canning is as much an art form as it is a science. Embrace the process, savor the flavors, and let your creativity run wild in the preserving kitchen.

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other as you unleash your creativity and culinary prowess in the world of canning. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll delve into advanced canning techniques and pro tips to take your preservation skills to the next level. 🥭🌶️🍴

Welcome back, aspiring home preservers! Today, we're delving deep into the intricate art of canning, where science meets culinary creativity in a symphony of preservation. 🌿✨

**Prep Like a Pro:**

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let's talk about the importance of preparation in the canning process. From selecting the freshest produce to ensuring your equipment is sanitized and ready to go, meticulous preparation sets the foundation for preserving perfection.

**Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients & Tools:**

Ensure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. From fruits and vegetables to spices and sweeteners, gather everything you need for your canning masterpiece. Don't forget your trusty canning tools and supplies to make the process seamless.

**Step 2: Sterilize Your Jars:**

Properly sterilizing your jars is a critical step in the canning process. Wash your jars in hot, soapy water and then sterilize them in boiling water or using the sanitize setting on your dishwasher. Ensure your lids are clean and ready for sealing.

**Step 3: Prep Your Produce:**

Wash, peel, and chop your produce as needed for your recipe. Whether you're making jams, pickles, or sauces, proper preparation of your ingredients is key to delicious results.

**Step 4: Fill & Seal Your Jars:**

Carefully fill your sterilized jars with your prepared ingredients, leaving the appropriate headspace as specified in your recipe. Wipe the jar rims clean, place the lids on top, and securely screw on the bands.

**Step 5: Process Your Jars:**

Depending on the recipe and the type of food you're preserving, you'll either use a water bath canner or a pressure canner to process your jars. Follow the recommended processing times and methods for the best results.

**Step 6: Enjoy Your Creations:**

Once your jars have been processed and cooled, label them with the date and contents. Store your canned goods in a cool, dark place and savor the fruits of your labor for months to come.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll explore creative canning ideas and share mouthwatering recipes to inspire your culinary adventures. Get ready to elevate your canning skills and unleash your creativity in the preserving kitchen! 🌶️🍯🎨