Hey, I'm Annie
I'm not here to sell you a fantasy version of homestead life.
I'm living the real thing — off the grid, in the Idaho mountains, with a flock I hatched myself, a grow room, a greenhouse, and a very strong opinion about what's in your food.
If you found me through the chemtrail content — welcome.
If you found me through the chicken content — also welcome.
They're the same page. Stick around and you'll see why.
Midwest girlie
I grew up in South Dakota. Real food came from someone you knew. Slow living wasn't a trend — it was just Tuesday.
These days I live tucked into the Idaho mountains, off-grid by design. I have a flock of birds I hatched from eggs I collected from birds I raised. I have an indoor grow room and a greenhouse. I source feed with no soy, no corn, no seed oils. My birds free-range on actual Idaho ground every single day.
I didn't move here for the aesthetic. I moved here because the further I got from the supply chain, the better I felt about what I was putting in my body.
Green Thumb Guru
I grow what I eat because I don't trust what I can't trace.
I hatch my own flock because I want to know every part of the chain — what the parent birds ate, what the ground looked like, what went into the egg that went into my breakfast.
I source feed I can read the label on and actually understand. I grow mealworms for my birds because I'd rather know the protein source than trust a bag that says "natural ingredients."
This isn't a hobby. It's the most deliberate thing I do.
Community Builder
I'm not interested in chasing followers.
I'm interested in building a community of people who are asking the same questions I'm asking and doing something about it.
People who are done outsourcing their food supply to a system they don't fully trust.
People who are curious enough to look into it and stubborn enough to do something about it.
If that's you — you found the right page.
Why Trust ME
Because I'm not here to sell you a fantasy — I'm living the real thing.
I didn't grow up doing this. I learned the hard way: one frozen waterer, failed hatch, and rogue rooster at a time.
I built my homestead from scratch. Off-grid. In the mountains. With no blueprint and a lot of trial and error.
Here's what I know now that I didn't know then:
The information is out there. But most of it is either dressed up past the point of being useful, or so overwhelming it makes you want to give up before you start.
I share everything — what worked, what failed, what I'd do differently. From mealworms to meat birds. Soil to coop automation. Incubation humidity to lockdown day 18.
I'm not a guru. I'm someone who got fed up with the system, decided to build a way out of it, and documented everything along the way so you don't have to figure it all out alone.
Growing your own food is the most radical act of self-preservation we have left. I take that seriously, and you should too.
So if you want someone who gets it — someone who's walked through the overwhelm and is still walking, still building, still learning — You're in the right place.
Why choose my course
Because Googling every chicken question at midnight isn’t a strategy.
My "Hatch to Harvest" course is the guide I wish I had when I started. Googling your way through a hatch at midnight isn't a system. It's a prayer.
I built Hatch to Harvest because when I started, I couldn't find a single resource that covered the full process — from picking the right egg to harvest day — without either dumbing it down or leaving out the parts that matter.
This is the course I built for myself and made available because you deserve more than a patchwork of YouTube videos and Facebook group opinions.
Everything from brooder setup to harvest. Every step in order. Hard-earned from doing it myself, off-grid, without a team.
It's not for people who want to dabble. It's for people who are ready to raise their own meat, know exactly what they're eating, and stop depending on a supply chain they can't see.
What problems can I solve
If you've ever felt any of this — keep reading...
Overwhelmed by conflicting advice and not sure who to actually trust.
Frustrated by courses that cost a lot and assume you already know things.
Ready to raise your own food but not sure where the first step is.
Done trusting labels and wanting to know the full chain from seed, egg, or chick to what's on your plate.
Suspicious that the food system isn't as stable as everyone says — and wanting to build something that doesn't depend on it.
I've been all of those things.
I'll walk you through every part of this — chickens, food, systems, sourcing — with clear practical steps from someone who's done it the hard way and figured out what actually works.
This isn't about being perfect. It's about being less dependent. One bird, one harvest, one skill at a time.
Read The Blog
The Power of Rose Hips: Benefits, Harvest Tips, and Delicious Recipes
The Power of Rose Hips: Benefits, Harvest Tips, and Delicious Recipes
As the first frost arrives, it’s the perfect time to harvest rose hips—those vibrant red-orange berries packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, just waiting to enhance our fall and winter health routines. Today, we'll explore rose hip benefits, harvest tips, and delicious ways to use them. Let’s get started!
Harvesting Rose Hips: When and How to Pick Them
Rose hips reach their peak just after the first frost, which sweetens their flavor and maximizes nutrient content. When harvesting, look for bright red or orange hips that feel slightly soft but aren’t mushy. Skip any that are brown or shriveled.
5 Delicious Rose Hip Recipes
1. Rose Hip Tea
This soothing tea is perfect for chilly days and boosts your vitamin C intake naturally.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh rose hips (or 2 tbsp dried)
2 cups water
Instructions:
Rinse and halve the rose hips to remove seeds (important to prevent irritation).
Boil the water, add the rose hips, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Strain, add honey if desired, and enjoy warm.
Pro Tip: Add a slice of fresh ginger for extra warmth!
2. Rose Hip Syrup
Use this nutrient-rich syrup as a topping or natural sweetener, especially during cold season.
Ingredients:
2 cups rose hips
2 cups water
1 cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Simmer the rose hips in water for about 20 minutes, mashing as they cook.
Strain to remove seeds and skins, then add sugar to the strained liquid.
Simmer another 10 minutes until syrupy, then pour into sterilized jars.
Serving Ideas: Mix with sparkling water, drizzle on pancakes, or use in cocktails.
3. Rose Hip Jelly
A unique, tart spread with a beautiful color. Pairs well with toast, cheese, or roasted meats.
Ingredients:
4 cups rose hips, seeds removed
4 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 box pectin
Instructions:
Boil rose hips in water, then strain and return the liquid to the pot.
Add sugar and pectin, bringing it to a boil. Stir continuously until it thickens.
Pour into sterilized jars, seal, and allow to cool.
Tip: Enjoy it with soft cheeses or as a glaze for meats.
4. Rose Hip Vinegar
A tangy, flavorful addition to dressings, marinades, and sauces.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh rose hips
2 cups apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Place cleaned rose hips in a jar, then cover with apple cider vinegar.
Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks.
Strain and transfer to a clean bottle.
Suggested Use: Perfect in vinaigrettes or marinades!
5. DIY Rose Hip Oil for Skin Care
Rose hip oil is a soothing, nourishing skincare oil known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dried rose hips
1 cup carrier oil (like almond or jojoba)
Instructions:
Add dried rose hips to a glass jar and cover with carrier oil.
Seal and let infuse in a warm place for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Strain, bottle, and use as a moisturizer or add a few drops to your bath.
Skin Tip: Apply at night for radiant skin or use in your bath for a nourishing soak.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Hips
Can I eat rose hips raw? Yes, but remember to remove the seeds to avoid irritation.
Do rose hips pair well with other flavors? Absolutely! They blend well with cinnamon, ginger, and other fall fruits like apples and oranges.
Is it necessary to strain the seeds? Yes, the seeds can be irritating, so straining is recommended for most recipes.
Rose hips offer a versatile and nutritious way to enhance your homestead kitchen. From immune-boosting teas to skincare oils, there are countless ways to enjoy the benefits of this wild superfruit. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a natural remedy enthusiast, these recipes provide simple, effective methods for harnessing the power of rose hips.
Enjoy experimenting and let us know your favorite ways to use them!
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