Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Sketchy Redneck SHHHi..., Homestead Kitchen Chaos and more. Featured Event: Canning 101: Water Bath & Pressure Canning – July 26, 10am–2pm https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com... Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

Today, I share additional thoughts on the Victor/Victim topic as well as dive deeper into the homestead buying club concept. Heads up! Self-Reliance Festival ticket prices go up tomorrow at midnight — if you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time: https://selfreliancefestival.com Featured Event Paul Wheaton has a pretty cool Kickstarter that’s in early bird mode through today. The project? A movie about how they developed the “Willow Feeder,” their hands-off human waste composting system at Wheaton Labs. They’ve spent years refining this setup, and now they’re ready to share it with the world. If you toss in just $1 today, you get early supporter perks — including extra stuff they won’t offer later.  Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paulwheaton/willow-feeders?ref=9xygxe Sponsors Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry Canning a bushel of green beans Adding a Freezer so we can better organize frozen stores for the household Busting with eggs and need to fix the freeze dryer Frugality Tip Meal planning keeps you from eating out and is healthier Operation Independence Moving the shed today so that we can put the glamper where the shed was and start renting that out. The shed will be turned into a camping cabin (with AC). Who wants to come to a workday to help us get the areas looking nice? Main Topic of the Day: Homestead Buying Club and VictorhoodHomestead Buying Club and Empowering Homesteaders First off, I listened to the interview with Tactical and so very much appreciated him sharing his story and I found it really impactful and also inspiring in continuing on my own healing journey and personal growth, hopefully with some new ideas.  Second, last week’s podcast about being a victor or victim was also helpful. It’s the midst of burnout season for a lot of farmers (especially production based).  It’s all got my wheels turning again about an idea I had exactly a year ago after talking with another market vendor friend and being sick of all the sundresses and floppy hats and picturesque unrealistic homestead Instagram crap. I don’t really know the exact vision but just craving a support group of people in similar situations. See the image I made below:  But at the same time, the stress of farming for men is insane too. I know because I see it in Adam. He needs a community of like minded people. He’s more isolated these days because he always feels behind on the farm. We are in a crucial make or break time with our expansion so it’s been particularly stressful especially with cash flow management. I know it’ll all work out but it can be tough. Adam left his full time job. I love the idea you had of a farm to table meal.  Also, I’ve had ideas before of a “homestead Home Depot” salvage (like super cheap consignment or free scraps) where people can look to get spare items others don’t need anymore to build things on their homestead. The bad thing is I know everybody likes to keep their own personal junk piles cause “they might need it” but used lumber and scrap metal, animal feeders, heat lamps, waterers, fencing etc can all help people get started or attain something on a budget.  A network of people in the community willing to help people farm sit so that if ever there was a chance to travel you could pay someone familiar with handling livestock etc.  Also, on a personal level for our business, if you get a pma in place, I’m *guessing* you could custom butcher a hog and still sell the individual cuts to holler hub members.  There’s some gray area there that I don’t know about.  If it was legal that way that would save people a good bit of money for super high quality pork. In any case, I’ve got 23 pigs ready in another month or two that I need to displace. We don’t have freezer space for all 23 so I’m hoping to get some customs sold too  These are all things that go on inside my brain and since you’d been discussing the holler hub, I thought I’d spill my ideas because I’m honestly overwhelmed with incubating and improving our current business model and not trying to start new ones at this time! I would still like for us to get out and about and adventure to your place for the next gathering so we’ll bring your requested meats then unless you need otherwise.  VICTORHOODAfter listening to Episode 1060, I had some thoughts on the content. I’ll try not to be too long winded but having lived a life full of adversity and still navigating the fall out from some things, I have quite a bit of thoughts. While I don’t hope to magically cure anyone, I do hope to plant some seeds for thought. Towards the end of the episode there was a hypothetical posed. I just want to say, as someone who has personally experienced abuse, I wanted to reiterate that any victim of a crime is never responsible for what their abuser does. They are ONLY responsible for their own healing. It’s not fair, but it is our responsibility in how we move forward. As life is, we sometimes trust the wrong people, sometimes we are born to them, sometimes we are the person in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your singular responsibility, your role is not becoming a hurt person who hurts people. This is how we break cycles. This is how we become better people despite our adverse experiences. This is true when we get terminal diagnosis, we grew up in familial dysfunction, war, flooding, natural disaster and plagues. We lose people through death and abandonment. There are tons of adverse experiences we might not have placed ourselves in, however, we have choices, sometimes all of them are shit. Other times you must call yourself on your own shit. But remember, even manure can grow flowers and mushrooms.   On Forgiveness, there are 4 steps. Tell the story Name the hurt Grant Forgiveness Renew or Release the Relationship While that sounds much simpler than it is, these are the steps one must take. Once you have granted forgiveness, you are not allowed to continue to punish someone for the hurt they caused, that however, does not mean you stop talking about it. It means being able to talk to the transgressor in a way that opens a door for continued forgiveness. Telling the story doesn’t mean you stand on stage and out the person. It means you speak directly to the person who caused the hurt. It means you reach out to trusted allies for perspective and support. When we are emotionally escalated, our thoughts can get carried away. Practice pausing when your emotions are heightened.   Nothing big will ever be able to be solved overnight. That means you do not have to have an answer today, tonight or even tomorrow. It only means you have a willingness to come together on the subject. Forgiveness is a practice. This means that sometimes you will have to choose to forgive over and over again. Every time that hurt or betrayal surfaces, you will have a decision to make. This makes repair work exceptionally important. If you are willing to forgive and the other person does not want to do repair work, you are entering a cycle of continued harm. Please know when to walk away. Sometimes the person you have to forgive is yourself. This is imperative for any repair and healing work.   And finally steps to changing negative thought cycles: Pause and Notice -What am I thinking right now? Become aware of the loop, what is the thought or repeating pattern.   Name the Pattern- What kind of thought is this? Am I catastrophizing, black and white thinking, mind reading (assuming I know what someone is thinking or judging me) or criticism?   Feel and Validate- What feeling is driving this thought? Most negative thoughts are a reflection of an unmet need Acknowledge and name it with kindness instead of judgment or suppression   Reframe the thought- What is a kinder, truer, and more empowering thought? Don’t sugarcoat just shift towards something more balanced and compassionate. Ex: I’ve made mistakes, but I am learning, and mistakes do not define my character or value system. That was a good learning moment for me because I can be more aware of that moving forward. Look for evidence to prove yourself wrong. Think of this, if I am feeling unlovable, perhaps it’s helpful to think of moments or people who make me feel genuinely cared for and loved. If I think I always have bad luck, try to remember a time when something worked out for me. Proving negative thoughts wrong can help disrupt the negative thoughts train.   Shift and Choose- What supportive action can I take now? Do something that helps you reset. This can be journaling, breath work or moving your body. Do something that is for yourself, just YOU. Pouring yourself into something (like work) instead can be emotional bypassing. You want to be in your body and body aware, not avoiding it.   Anyway, I hope all of this is helpful. I hope it gives some actionable steps to those who aren’t certain where to start. And I hope this makes you all feel more free. Freedom is often found in the work we are avoiding. I want to add that you are worth your own 20 minutes for journaling, for a cup of quite coffee, for moving your body in a way that feels good to you. You have not received all the goodness you’ll ever have in your life YET. But all of that begins and ends with you.   Make it a great week.   GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.    Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: second cucumber flush, sheep hijinks, running things alone and more. Featured Event: Canning 101: Water Bath & Pressure Canning – July 26, 10am–2pm https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com... Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com Home alone Still haven't harvested the tea mints!  Cucumber wave 2 this week Tomatoes are a bit slower than other years but we've also had a bunch of cloud cover 2 pet bunnies 3 new ducks - HAVENT FOUND THE pond yet Sheep escape Adjusting the house rock wall to keep unwanted weeds away Basecamp roof 2 minute meatloaf Generater at the pasture - and weedeater help for neighbors Meetup July 27 Potato chard recipe - start by overlooking potatoes for potato salad Kamikaze mouse - also all my mousers are gone Wheelbarrows still suck Make it a great week!   GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

Before we dive in today: Prayers up for everyone dealing with the aftermath of the Texas floods. The loss of life has been heartbreaking. As always, we’ll work to connect you with ways to help — but only through channels where your time, money, and energy won’t be wasted. Stay tuned. Today, we talk about being a victim vs being a victor in the same situations leading to the question: How important is your perspective? We also cover our usual Monday Segments. Featured Event: July 26 Canning Class in the Holler https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/canning-101/ Sponsor 1: LiveFree.Academy – July 12 Encore of this Year's Exit and Build Land Summit Probably the BEST presentation I've ever given. https://www.exitandbuildlandsummit.com/?aff=bf5c1cb3991a4fdad92049d73c0b50c7d86f0f7314313a50298a11efa1565b71 Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Tried a new method for preserving Swiss chard   Second wave of cucumbers is coming in this week   Ate a frog: cleared out the storage shed (creating more space for power pantry storage instead of just piles of stuff)   Time to double down on drying herbs for tea and cooking Operation Independence Really excited about the upcoming canning class   Hosted a Hipcamper this weekend — boom! $25 earned Main Topic of the Show: Victim or Victor First let's look at what a victim is - or rather signs that you are acting like a victim and therefore bringing more negative upon yourself: Overusing the term "I can't" Explaining to friends all the things that went wrong or worked against you EVERY time you get together. Obsessing on what other people think about you, say about you, did to you - or are doing to you to undermine you Telling yourself you'll never get X because Y happened - over and over - this is a message that will come true when you say it - you are the story you tell yourself Focus on the causes of your current troubles rather than the things that can solve problems. And what does the victor look like? Takes rabid responsibility for their part in their own troubles (John Bush on self reflection, Buying things with a credit card to satisfy the instant gratification monkey, Friend with a violent husband removing herself from access, etc.) Controls their reaction to bad things to make the best of it - but not in a fake toxic positivity way. (Macchu Picchu) Focuses on what they CAN control (this one hurts for a reforming political junkie) Sees obstacles as challenges rather than insurmountable roadblocks Gains self worth internally, not from the feedback of others (and therefore cares not what people say about them or if people are trying to undermine them) A victor will ask - how can I? A victim will say I can't. That is the biggest difference between the two. So how do you become a victor when you are stuck as a victim? Recognize where you are - that is the first step to owning your future Shift your mindset from being helpless to proactive, rabid responsibility Know what you cannot control, and embrace that you can control your reaction to it Kill the negative thoughts and paranoia and ask yourself - How can i? Forgive - forgive yourself, forgive those around you - but it is ok to NOT forget6. Set boundaries to keep yourself building your future rather than getting stuck in past, unhealthy cycles. That choice — to build forward instead of staying broken — is what changes everything. Make it a great week. GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

  Join me for a group discussion with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Featured Event: Tomato Wall Open House June 8: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/june-8-homestead-open-house-tomato-wall-build-at-the-holler/ Sponsors:x Above Phone, Coupon code livefreetn, https://abovephone.com/?above=104 Holler Roast Coffee Show Resources Special Operations Equipment TheSurvivalPodcast.com Living Free in Tennessee NicoleSauce.com HollerRoast.com  Main content of the show Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community FreeSteading Group: https://freesteading.com/groups/living-free-in-tennessee/ Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Twitter: @nicolesauce IG: @nicolesauce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingFreeInTN  Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

  Join me for a group discussion with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Featured Event: Tomato Wall Open House June 8: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/june-8-homestead-open-house-tomato-wall-build-at-the-holler/ Sponsors:x Above Phone, Coupon code livefreetn, https://abovephone.com/?above=104 Holler Roast Coffee Show Resources Special Operations Equipment TheSurvivalPodcast.com Living Free in Tennessee NicoleSauce.com HollerRoast.com  Main content of the show Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community FreeSteading Group: https://freesteading.com/groups/living-free-in-tennessee/ Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Twitter: @nicolesauce IG: @nicolesauce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingFreeInTN  Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: visitors, meatups, blackberries, canning, and also Happy Independence Day! Featured Event: CANNING! Join me July 26 at The Holler Homestead for a hands-on, no-nonsense class on waterbath and pressure canning. We’ll make salsa, some beans, and talk about the history of canning! You'll go home with a jar of salsa, a cheat sheet, and maybe even a canning kit (we're giving one away). Lancaster, TN. Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com ock Garden Update - done for now Rabbit Processing Trippy Acres Visit Hip Camp Rental this weekend Hosted a few visitors this week Tomato wall update - compost tea in place Operation Ram Relocation Where should be put the shed? Blackberries are popping Red clover everywhere Chocolate and creek mint this weekend Northern spice bush is putting on berries Eggs and the new feed Mushroom failure - new batch - I waited too long Canning Class at Basecamp! July 26 20am-2pm Finance: Coffee sales and lamb sales were great this week   Make it a great week!   GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

Today, we talk about multiple ways to prepare squash — beyond just sautéing it — and cover all of our usual Monday segments. Featured Event: Strong Roots Resources: Foraging on the Farm – July 12 Details: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/foraging-on-the-farm-5/ Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com – Long-term food storage supplies that won’t break the bank. Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com – Solid tax strategies for those of us living outside the system. Tales from the Prepper Pantry The prepper pantry is in full disaster mode after hosting last weekend’s Rabbit Meatup. Whirling dervish level. Trippy Acres Farm dropped a mountain of summer abundance — squash everywhere. Hence, this week’s topic. Green bean canning season has officially started. Quick late-night taco bowl using leftovers was a winner — beans, meat, rice, and pantry odds-and-ends. Question from Brent How to get started with my freeze dryer Operation Independence The Rabbit Processing Class was a huge success. Students built their own gambrels, processed their rabbits, and got a crash course in rabbit as food. We even sold coffee — win-win. Also, the new HVAC is in at Holler Roast. A friend did the install as a trade, and I’ll be returning the favor next year with something from my skillset. Main Topic of the Day: Multiple Ways to Prepare Squash Why This Matters Squash piles up fast — and it’s easy to get sick of it. Most people fry it or make bread. There’s a lot more you can do. Fresh & Fast (Use It Now) Sautéed with onions — our daily go-to. Grilled slices — pairs great with eggs. Grated raw on salad. Scrambled into omelets. Zoodles — spiralized and tossed with sauce or oil. Main Dishes Squash lasagna — layers of meat, sauce, cheese, and squash slices. Ratatouille — classic, often forgotten, but easy to batch. Stuffed squash boats — ground beef, bell pepper, topped with cheese. Preserved & Long-Term Flour-dusted slices (chicken flour) — freeze for winter sauté. Pickled squash relish — excellent with charcuterie, recipe from Dawn Gorham. Ratatouille — freezes well in portions. Squash lasagna — prep now, freeze, and bake later. Stuffed squash boats — freeze unbaked or parbaked for easy winter meals. Zucchini/squash bread — not our thing anymore, but worth mentioning. Experimental / Less Common Planning to try freeze-dried squash chips with garlic and salt. Squash tossed into soups (though it can fall apart) Make it a great week. Community Links: Website: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com Holler Roast Coffee: https://hollerroast.com SRF Tickets: https://selfreliancefestival.com Telegram Group: https://t.me/lftnchat Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/259439594823655

Today, I am joined by Scott Armstrong of Rebinked News and Grand Theft World to talk about his journey through addiction and choosing freedom. Featured Event: Rabbit Meatup, June 29 Sponsor 1: HollerRoastCoffee.com Sponsor 2: AbovePhone.com Connect with Scott: Https://rebunked.news

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Garden to Table season, escaped rams reading the rules, shade structures for the raised beds, erosion mitigation and more! Featured Event: Sunday Meetup: Potluck and Rabbit Processing - 1pm-4pm, LivingFreeinTennessee.com to sign up Sponsor 1: TheWealthseadingPodcast.com Sponsor 2: SelfRelianceFestival.com Ask T: Doing work in the cool of the morning (I mean the less hot of the morning)   A week in the life at the Holler Homestead Sunday: Heat, Hustle, and Sheep Shade Structure Build Roasting in the Heat + Sheep Escape Evening Redneck Gift Midweek: Workshop Prep & Deliveries Dump Run in the Heat Pickling + Interrupted by Coffee Delivery Evening: Garden Grounding + Dinner Flow Propagating plants to fill in areas where we want specific things Planting for shade on the west side of the cabin Canning beets outside is a blessing on the inside temperature of my house Swim spa workouts Blackberries, passion, flowers Need to maintain the food forest and make sure the stuff I want living stays living Update on squash in the compost Elderberries in a few weeks 1st ripe tomato Tim delivering rabbits for this weekend’s demo Michelle is letting us harvest her garden this afternoon!! Duck setting eggs on hillside Eeeked the garden through with calmag and evening watering (Fire ant issue) Green beans are about to pop here Holler Neighbors/Community: Sunday dinner was fun - basecamp may be transitioning in August Finances - the country store idea is growing   Make it a great week!   GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link