I learned a lot about others in the area and I really enjoyed seeing the crafts and things others were selling. We made friends and I really look forward to doing more events in the area.

The evening after the event at Tractor Supply we walked over to the neighbor's who had a litter of puppies ready for new homes and brought home an incredibly adorable new member of the family. Meet Daisy, everyone!

It's been so hot the last few days I haven't really done much during the day, and have been saving outside work for the evening when it's a little cooler. We have some tomatoes starting to form, and beans growing too fast to trellis. The garden is starting to look like we'll have some food to eat soon!
Today I checked on the bees and saw some really awesome sights. First, I noticed different stages of eggs/larvae but then on the third frame I pulled I witnessed a new bee emerging from a cell. Then on the same frame the queen waddled by and laid eggs in some of the cells. This time I remembered to bring the camera along so I'll share the pictures I took today.

It's wonderful seeing how all the different aspects of my business life, farm life, and "regular" life can blend together. I look forward to another week (maybe a little cooler, please!) and seeing what new things come about, what things we get better at, what things we may fail at... Because without failure there isn't any possibility for knowledge and humility.

Have a good rest of your week folks. I look forward to comments and discussions! 
 Until next week....

This week I also started working on mixtures for different foot soaks. I want something that I can feel the soothing qualities and is still gentle and safe for sensitive skin. I tested a batch and my hubby tested a batch. Still a little more tweaking, but I think we're almost there. I asked the great world of Facebook what others might prefer, a loose herbal tea like soak you can put in a bag or metal diffuser, already made/disposable tea bags with herbs, or something that will dissolve in the water. So far the majority have said they would prefer a dissolving soak. What's your opinion? I'd love to hear what you would prefer. 

What else have I started this week? I did start and finish my first ever batch of strawberry honey jam. It's really delicious! Our great and wonderful neighbor dropped off some strawberries she grew last weekend, and yesterday I made a pint and a half of jam. Here is a link to the recipe I used: Strawberry Honey Jam
It's delicious and hard not to eat it all. This is the second time I've ever canned anything in a water bath canner. First time was last fall my neighbor Bob and his wife came and helped me can applesauce. I ran low on strawberries so I had to reduce the ingredients accordingly, but it worked out great and is delicious! After it was all said and done, I came out with one single pint that I canned and an extra half pint I stuck in the fridge. It's a great sugar free jam.

 Now that it is Friday, it is a little easier to look back and reflect on the week. I did accomplish a good bit, but I wish I had done more. Isn't that always the way?
This week I also had another first, I checked on the bees alone. I went up, opened up the hive and pulled frames. I checked them carefully to make sure that the queen was laying eggs. Happily, she is. Which means in about a month we will have more workers to increase population and grow the hive. They have been busy working building comb, and filling it with honey and pollen. Good job ladies!

I also worked in the garden a little and planted two more varieties of bush beans, and butternut and acorn squash. When they sprout I will plant more. I hope to have a long harvest so I can put some up, store some for winter, and maybe sell a little bit. I am trying the Florida weave trellis style as well. So far it seems to work very well with the peas and the Jacob's Cattle beans. When I was out in the garden I found 4 tiny baby birds below their nest that was built into the eave of the shed we use for storage and half as a chicken house. I put them back up, but it was so hot that day I think they were jumping out. They all died but one who managed to get into my garden. I haven't checked on him today, but I think he's doing good fending for himself. He's the only bird I'll welcome into my garden for now!

Well, that wraps it up for this week. Hopefully this weekend is productive and next week I can write a little more about what is happening here on the homestead! Before you go, enjoy this little video of me "going for a morning run" with my escape artist chicken. Have a great weekend!

Niffer's All Natural Products Update

Hello out there! I think I've finally woken up from my winter time hibernation. It is starting to stay warm and the trees are budding here in Tennessee. I cannot wait until I'm surrounded by green! We are starting to settle in and working our way towards our goal of a small farm. So far we have a large plot (28'x128') ready for planting, and we even have four laying hens and three month old chicks. By the end of April we will have bees, too! Our farm is coming along nicely!

I hope you all haven't thought I have given up or stopped making Niffer's All Natural Products. I have been asked a few times if I am "still making stuff." I have just been focusing on getting settled at home for the last few months. I have filled orders as they have come in since the move, but I haven't done much promotion of my business. But I am still here, and I am still making your favorite products! Since I am no longer in West Virginia where most of you are, you can order items online through my website or Etsy shop. Links to those places are near the bottom of this email. Shipping is generally around $6.60 to $9.85 for most orders, I can fit a lot into one box!

I have decided to discontinue a few products that haven't received much interest, Niffer's All Natural Completely Clean-- All-Purpose Cleaner, Bath Teas, and the Cleansing Gel (Traveler's Gel is still being offered). I have had some thoughts into trying a foot soak rather than bath teas, but I am still working on that.

I would love to hear from you, so send me an email or post on my Facebook page! Happy Spring, everyone!

That about sums up the updates for now. Remember, Niffer's All Natural Bug Repellent is great this time of year. Especially for repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and those pesky gnats. You can order anytime online or reply to this email. If you're on  Facebook, feel free to message me with questions, concerns, or orders, too!

Thank you for taking time today to read this email, I appreciate each and every one of you!

Yours,
Niffer.

Hello! Well it looks like it's finally happening. After all the ups and down, hurdles, jumps, skips, trips, and falls; it looks like we are finally going to closing. We are set to close this coming Friday, the 21st. When we actually move is still up in the air, but it will be in the next couple weeks. Our new home will be located in the mountains of East Tennessee, on 16 acres with two creeks, and so much room for new memories!

 I don't want to leave any of you without products when you need them, so if you think you need anything do not hesitate to call, email, or order through one of the online shops. I do plan on having a sale on a few of the products I currently have in stock. I will send another newsletter when I get the sale up. I need to do inventory first. I'd love to have a little less to pack, so message me with orders!

I am so excited for what the future holds for Niffer's All Natural Products. I've lived in West Virginia for almost my entire life. My business was started here, and with all the support from my fellow West Virginians I feel like I've grown a pretty dang cool business that's dedicated to YOU and YOUR needs. Even in Tennessee I will keep my same standards of pure natural goodness for the home and body. So keep in touch!

That about sums up the updates for now. You can order anytime online or reply to this email. If you're on  Facebook, feel free to message me with questions, concerns, or orders, too!

Thank you for taking time today to read this email, I appreciate each and every one of you!

Yours,
Niffer.

Want to check out all of what Niffer's offers? Visit http://www.niffersallnatural.com or www.etsy.com/shop/SoapsNPaintsByNiffer

Need to order Niffer's All Natural Products and have them shipped? Not a problem, follow one of these links to order online, or call 304-268-8060 (this is my cell phone) and I can help you with your order.
Niffer's Online Store
Niffer's Etsy Shop

Please support our friends at these local businesses!
 Stop into one of the shops in Jefferson County, WV that carry Niffer's products!
The Local Source in Shepherdstown, WV
133 W. German Street Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Southern Charm in Charles Town WV
131 W. Washington Street Charles Town, WV 25414

Sokel MakeUp and Skin Care Charles Town, WV
123 N. Charles Street Charles Town, WV 25414

Do you know someone who would like to get these emails? Please forward this email to them and they can subscribe here.

Thank you everyone for supporting Niffer's!
Niffer Foust
niffersallnatural@gmail.com Copyright © 2015 Niffer's All Natural Products, All rights reserved.