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Homestead Blog Hop 608 – Make Copycat Oreos and Natural Cleaners

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Welcome to Homestead Blog Hop, a weekly gathering for homesteaders and simple living enthusiasts to share DIY projects, from-scratch recipes, and creative inspiration. This week’s hop features cozy homesteading tips, along with practical ideas that celebrate handmade living and self-sufficiency.

Whether you’re looking for seasonal crafts, homemade treats, or encouragement on your homesteading journey, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to carry into the new year. Grab a cup of tea, explore the featured posts, and join us in sharing your own homestead creations.

Meet Your Homesteading Hosts

We’re Kelly from Simple Life Mom, Liz from The Cape Coop, Natasha from Houseful of Nicholes, and Laurie from Ridgehaven Homestead. Together, we’re passionate about from-scratch living, simple ingredients, frugal habits, and intentional homesteading. We’re delighted to host the Homestead Blog Hop, where you can find fresh inspiration each week for DIY projects, homemade recipes, and practical simple living ideas.

Follow Us for More Homestead Inspiration

Natasha – Houseful of Nicholes
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Laurie – Ridge Haven Homestead
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Liz – The Cape Coop
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Kelly – Simple Life Mom
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FEATURED POSTS from the Last Homestead Blog Hop

Each week, we take turns selecting three featured posts from the Homestead Blog Hop. These features are shared across all of our social media platforms, helping spotlight the creativity and hard work of our fellow homesteaders. Here are the featured posts from last week’s hop:

1. Four Pantry Ingredients That Replace Most Household Cleaners from The Once and Future Homestead

2. Easy Homemade Oreo Cookies Recipe – Copycat Oreos from Ann’s Entitled Life

3. Blistered Green Bean Salad with Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette Feta and Chopped Almonds from Scratch Made Food

Congrats! Feel free to grab the featured on button for your post.

Just right click and ‘save image as…‘

Guidelines for the Homestead Blog Hop

  1. Click the “Add Your Link” button below and upload a clear, eye-catching image from your project or recipe. Please link directly to the family-friendly post itself, not your blog’s homepage.
  2. You may link up up to three posts each week.
  3. Take time to visit a few other blogs in the hop and leave a thoughtful comment to let them know you stopped by. Community support makes this hop special!
  4. Please include a link back to the Homestead Blog Hop in your post. Posts without a backlink are not eligible to be featured. All featured posts are shared across all hosts’ social media channels.
  5. Share posts that haven’t been linked to the hop before. Older posts are welcome as long as they are new to the hop.
  6. By joining the Homestead Blog Hop, you grant the hosts permission to use one image from your post, with a link back to your site, if your post is selected as a feature next week.
  7. This is a family-friendly link-up designed to encourage, inspire, and support the homesteader in all of us.

Let the Party Begin!

Which project are you excited to try this week? Leave a comment below.

Join Our Homestead Blog Hop Pinterest Board

Follow all of your hosts on Pinterest and send a message if you’d like to be added to our Homestead Blog Hop group board. This board is a great place to share your DIY projects, crafts, and from-scratch recipes with the homesteading community.

Guideline: Only pin posts that you’ve linked up to the Homestead Blog Hop.

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asian cabbage rolls

Healthy Sesame Ginger Cabbage Rolls

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Once upon a time I was addicted to Chinese food. And I don’t mean real Chinese food; I mean the processed, Americanized version at places like Panda Express. Since switching to real food years ago, I’ve experimented with plenty of delicious and healthy Asian inspired recipes. These sesame ginger cabbage rolls are my latest obsession

They’re packed with veggies and protein and bursting with Asian flavors like toasted sesame oil, ginger, and coconut aminos (like soy sauce). I’ll serve them as appetizers, or more often as part of the main meal. They take just minutes of hands on time and you can make a big batch and store the leftovers for later. 

Sesame Ginger Cabbage Rolls

If you love the flavors of dumplings or pot stickers but don’t love the extra work of making wrappers, these cabbage rolls are a great alternative. And while the premade wonton wrappers are fast, they’re not always the cleanest. Napa cabbage is surprisingly tender after a quick blanch and makes a wrapper that’s light and easy to work with. It also adds another serving of vegetables without changing the classic savory filling. 

You can use other meats, but I like ground chicken since it doesn’t overpower the other flavors, like ginger and garlic. Plus, it adds a healthy dose of protein. Finely diced shiitake mushrooms blend right into the filling to add an earthy flavor and extra moisture so the chicken stays moist as it cooks. 

My favorite part is the dipping sauce though. It brings everything together for a salty, savory dip. Coconut aminos taste like soy sauce, but slightly sweeter (and without the soy). Then there’s the earthy ginger, sesame and chili crisp for a bit of spiciness. Every bite has so much flavor without the ultraprocessed sauces or MSG. 

Tips for the Best Cabbage Rolls

One of the biggest tricks to making these is choosing the right cabbage. Napa cabbage has softer, flexible leaves that roll easily after a quick blanch. If the thick white stem feels stiff, simply remove it before filling and rolling. This makes the leaves easier to work with and helps prevent tearing.

You also don’t want to overfill the rolls. About one-third cup of filling is plenty for each leaf and makes rolling much easier. If a leaf does split, it’s an easy fix. Simply overlap another cabbage leaf around it before cooking. Once they’re steamed, no one will notice.

After browning the bottoms for a couple of minutes, I add a little water and cover the pan to let the cabbage steam while the filling cooks through. Remove the lid for the last minute or two to let any remaining liquid evaporate and give the bottoms a little extra texture.

Easy to Customize

These cabbage rolls are easy to adapt with whatever you have on hand. Ground turkey or pork both work well in place of chicken, and shredded carrots add a little natural sweetness and color. If you like more crunch, stir in some finely chopped water chestnuts before rolling everything up.

Leftovers also reheat well, making these a great meal prep option. I store them in the refrigerator for a few days and warm them gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water. They’re just as delicious the next day for lunch or a quick dinner.

We love making homemade pot stickers, but these sesame ginger cabbage rolls have become one of our favorite shortcuts. They have all the savory flavors we love, and the tender cabbage creates a surprisingly satisfying substitute for traditional wonton wrappers.

Healthy Sesame Ginger Cabbage Rolls

These flavorful cabbage rolls feature protein, veggies, and real food ingredients like garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame.

For the Sesame Napa Cabbage Rolls

For the Sesame Coconut Aminos Dipping Sauce

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully separate 8-10 large Napa cabbage leaves and blanch them for about 1 minute, just until softened and flexible enough to roll without tearing. Transfer the leaves to an ice bath or a plate to cool and pat dry with paper towels. If needed, trim the thickest portion of the stem with a knife so the leaves roll more easily.

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, green onions, coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, ginger, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.

  • Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. Place approximately 1/3 cup of filling near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly, similar to a burrito or spring roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

  • Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom. Add ¼ cup water to the skillet and immediately cover with a lid. Steam for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate and the bottoms to crisp slightly.

  • While the rolls cook, whisk together the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chili crisp, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds.

  • Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Sesame Ginger Cabbage Rolls

Amount Per Serving (1 cabbage roll)

Calories 139
Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 0.03g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 39mg13%

Sodium 200mg9%

Potassium 332mg9%

Carbohydrates 5g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 9g18%

Vitamin A 95IU2%

Vitamin C 7mg8%

Calcium 26mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

For extra heat, add a teaspoon of chili crisp directly to the filling mixture

Storage and Shelf Life

Keep any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little water to steam.

More Asian Inspired Recipes

These delicious recipes are a healthier spin on typical fast food and Asian inspired dishes.

Have you made wraps or cabbage rolls before? What are your favorite flavors to use? Leave a comment and let us know!

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The Ultimate Christmas in July Gift Guide

The Ultimate Christmas in July Gift Guide

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If you’re anything like me, you know that the best handmade gifts can’t always be made at the last minute. Some projects—like cold process soap—need weeks to cure, while others simply take time to gather supplies, create, and package with care. That’s exactly why I love celebrating Christmas in July. It’s the perfect excuse to start planning for a handmade holiday without the stress of a December rush.

Over the years, we’ve hosted some unforgettable Christmas in July gatherings, complete with hilarious White Elephant exchanges that have become family legends. (Yes, the giant Christmas sweater and that infamous pair of underwear made the rounds for years!) Those memories are part of what makes this tradition so much fun.

Whether you’re planning your own Christmas in July celebration or you’re simply someone who likes to get a head start on holiday gift-making, this guide is filled with ideas to inspire you.

Inside, you’ll find handmade gift ideas, natural products I genuinely love, trusted companies I enjoy supporting, and time-tested DIY recipes that are perfect for gifting. I’ve also included a few special splurge-worthy finds if you’re looking to treat someone—or yourself—to something extra special.

From healthy ingredients and beautiful handcrafted products to DIY gifts you can start making today, there’s something here for every maker and every gift list.

Now, let’s dive in and start planning a handmade holiday you’ll actually enjoy creating.

Table of Contents

  • Gold Jewelry for Gifting
  • Handmade Holiday Soap Recipes
  • Luxurious Lotion for Gifts
  • Handmade Soap for Men
  • Herbal Lip Balm Recipes
  • Facial and Body Scrubs
  • Homemade Candles
  • Diffuser Oil Blends
  • Homemade Herbal Teas
  • Handmade Gift Basket Ideas
  • Creative Gift Wrapping & Packaging
  • Final Thoughts

1. Gold Jewelry for Gifting

I actually love the combination of handmade with something polished. It’s an earthy, yet elegant look that’s natural and classy at the same time. Whether it’s a delicate necklace, a pair of simple earrings, or a meaningful bracelet, jewelry has a way of becoming part of someone’s everyday life and become even more special if they are high-quality pieces that are passed down from generation to generation.

If you’re looking for a gift that feels both elegant and personal, this gold jewelry is a wonderful choice. It’s perfect for moms, sisters, friends, teachers, or anyone who appreciates classic style that will last for years to come.

2. Handmade Holiday Soap Recipes

Homemade soap is one of my favorite gifts to make because it’s both beautiful and practical. The only catch is that many cold process soaps need four to six weeks to cure, making Christmas in July the perfect time to start creating.

Whether you love festive scents, herbal ingredients, or naturally colored bars, making soap ahead of time means you’ll have plenty of gorgeous gifts ready when the holidays arrive. Package them with ribbon, kraft paper, or a handmade label for an extra special touch. You can also try some from my shop now.

3. Luxurious Lotion for Gifts

A rich, nourishing lotion is always a welcome gift during the colder months. Homemade lotions made with quality oils and butters feel incredibly luxurious while giving friends and family something they’ll actually use every day.

From lightweight lotions to rich body creams, there are plenty of recipes to suit every skin type. Pair a handmade lotion with coordinating soap or lip balm to create a beautiful spa-inspired gift set. Make your own with my recipes or get some from my shop.

4. Handmade Soap for Men

Finding thoughtful gifts for the men in your life doesn’t have to be difficult. Handmade soaps with earthy, woodsy, citrus, or spicy scents make practical gifts that feel just a little more special than anything you’ll find on a store shelf.

These soaps are perfect for husbands, dads, brothers, grandfathers, or coworkers. Add them to a gift basket with a shaving brush, beard oil, or handcrafted wooden soap dish for a gift that’s both useful and memorable.

5. Herbal Lip Balm Recipes

Lip balm is one of those small gifts that everyone appreciates. They’re inexpensive to make, easy to customize, and perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, party favors, or adding to larger gift baskets.

Using nourishing oils, beeswax, and herbal infusions creates lip balms that feel wonderful while avoiding unnecessary ingredients. Once you start making your own, you’ll probably find yourself keeping a few extras for your own purse or pocket, too.

6. Facial and Body Scrubs

Sugar and salt scrubs make wonderful homemade gifts because they’re quick to create and instantly feel like a little luxury. They’re perfect for encouraging a little self-care during the busy holiday season.

From gentle facial scrubs to exfoliating body scrubs scented with essential oils, there are endless ways to customize them. Package them in reusable glass jars with festive labels, and you’ll have a gift that’s both beautiful and practical.

7. Homemade Candles

Few things create a cozy holiday atmosphere quite like a beautiful, naturally scented candle. Making your own allows you to choose natural waxes, favorite fragrances, and containers that match your personal style.

Candles make wonderful standalone gifts or can be paired with soap, lotion, tea, or a favorite book for a thoughtful gift basket. They’re one of those handmade gifts that people enjoy long after the holidays are over.

8. Diffuser Oil Blends

Essential oil diffuser blends are a simple way to fill a home with comforting seasonal aromas. Whether you enjoy warm spices, fresh evergreens, bright citrus, or calming lavender, creating custom blends lets you personalize every gift.

Bottle your favorite combinations in small glass bottles with handwritten labels or include printable blend recipes alongside a diffuser. They’re thoughtful gifts for anyone who enjoys creating a peaceful, welcoming home.

9. Homemade Herbal Teas

There’s something comforting about curling up with a warm cup of herbal tea on a cold winter evening. Homemade tea blends are easy to customize using dried herbs, flowers, and spices, making them a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Package loose-leaf blends in glass jars, reusable tea tins, or kraft bags with brewing instructions and a handwritten note. Pair them with a favorite mug, local honey, or homemade cookies for a cozy gift that’s sure to be appreciated throughout the season.

Gift Baskets

If you’re wondering how to put these all together, then consider making a few different categories and making a gift basket. Gift baskets are incredibly popular around the holidays because they let you combine several small handmade items into one thoughtful gift.

There are many times throughout the year to create gift baskets. Some great ideas include:

  • New neighbor welcome basket
  • Spa gift basket (soap, lotion, lip balm, scrub, candle)
  • Tea lover’s basket (herbal tea, mug, honey, candle)
  • Men’s grooming basket
  • Hostess gift basket

Make all of your gifts or find Handmade Gifts in my Shop.

Handmade Gift Packaging Ideas

Presentation makes handmade gifts feel even more special.

Include ideas like:

  • Kraft boxes
  • Mason jars
  • Muslin bags
  • Twine and dried orange slices
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Handmade gift tags
  • Wax seals
  • Reusable baskets

Get beautiful gift-wrapping ideas and make handmade wrapping paper here.

Whether you’re making a single thoughtful gift for Christmas in July or planning an entire handmade Christmas, I hope these ideas inspire you to start creating now. A little planning in July can make the holiday season feel far less stressful—and much more enjoyable.

I’d love to hear what handmade gifts you’re making this year, so leave a comment below and share your favorite Christmas in July tradition!

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How cosmetic dermatologists are using AI to create personalised skin and hair treatments |

How cosmetic dermatologists are using AI to create personalised skin and hair treatments |

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of cosmetic dermatology, not as a replacement for dermatologists, but as a powerful clinical tool that helps them assess skin, personalise treatments and improve patient outcomes. From analysing high-resolution facial images to predicting how a person’s skin might respond to laser procedures, AI is reshaping the way cosmetic concerns such as wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars and hair loss are evaluated and managed.A 2024 review titled ‘Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Its Applications in Melanoma and Keratinocyte Carcinoma Diagnosis’ published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that AI is already being integrated into skin assessment, treatment planning, dermocosmetic product development and hair disorder management. Machine learning and deep learning models are enabling more personalised approaches, while image-analysis systems are helping clinicians identify subtle changes that may be difficult to detect with the naked eye. At the same time, researchers emphasise that AI remains a decision-support tool and not a substitute for clinical expertise.

AI is changing cosmetic dermatology beyond chatbots and skin filters

One of AI’s biggest contributions to cosmetic dermatology is its ability to process thousands of facial features simultaneously. Advanced imaging platforms and AI-powered software can evaluate wrinkles, pigmentation, pore size, redness, hydration and skin texture within seconds, giving dermatologists objective measurements before recommending treatment. According to the review, some platforms use facial imaging to provide detailed skin analyses, while consumer-focused applications generate personalised skincare recommendations by analysing an individual’s skin characteristics and environmental factors. Rather than relying solely on visual observation, dermatologists can use these digital assessments to tailor chemical peels, laser therapies, injectables and skincare regimens more precisely to each patient. This level of personalisation is particularly valuable because skin ageing, pigmentation and acne vary widely depending on genetics, lifestyle, sun exposure and skin tone. AI helps combine these variables into a more comprehensive assessment that supports clinical decision-making.

Cosmetic dermatologists are also using AI to improve hair restoration and aesthetic procedures

Artificial intelligence is extending beyond facial skincare into hair and scalp treatments. The review highlights that AI algorithms are increasingly being used to assess hair density, identify early signs of hair loss and monitor treatment responses over time. By comparing sequential photographs, clinicians can objectively evaluate whether therapies for androgenetic alopecia or other hair disorders are producing measurable improvements. AI is also improving cosmetic procedures by helping predict treatment outcomes. Machine-learning models can analyse patient characteristics alongside previous clinical data to estimate how someone may respond to laser resurfacing, pigmentation treatments or other aesthetic procedures. This allows dermatologists to customise treatment settings, minimise potential complications and provide patients with more realistic expectations before beginning therapy.Speaking to Women’s Health, Dr Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist, said patients at her practice can use AI-powered tools to scan their faces and analyse their skin while waiting for their appointment. The technology provides an initial assessment that helps streamline consultations and gives both the patient and dermatologist a more detailed understanding of concerns before treatment begins.However, Dr Henry also cautioned that AI still has important limitations. She told Women’s Health that her research team often extends the duration of clinical trials to ensure participants represent a broader range of skin tones. Even so, she noted that progress takes time. Until AI training datasets better reflect the full diversity of human skin, these systems will continue to have blind spots, particularly when assessing cosmetic concerns or recommending treatments for people with darker skin tones.

AI is helping patients visualise results before treatment

According to Wiley Online Library, one of the most visible applications of AI in cosmetic dermatology is treatment simulation. Newer AI-powered software can generate realistic visualisations showing how a patient’s appearance might change after fillers, laser procedures or skin rejuvenation treatments. These simulations are not guarantees of results but serve as educational tools that help patients better understand potential outcomes and communicate their expectations more effectively. According to experts interviewed by Women’s Health Magazine, these visualisation tools are also helping improve doctor-patient communication by making consultations more interactive and allowing treatment goals to be discussed using personalised digital models instead of generic before-and-after photographs.

AI is transforming cosmetic dermatology but dermatologists remain essential

Despite its rapid progress, AI has clear limitations. The 2024 review notes that many algorithms still require broader clinical validation and more diverse datasets to ensure reliable performance across different skin tones, ages and ethnic groups. Bias in training data remains a significant challenge, particularly for populations historically underrepresented in dermatological image databases. Researchers therefore agree that AI should complement, not replace, medical expertise. Dermatologists combine imaging results with medical history, physical examination, patient preferences and clinical judgement in ways that current AI systems cannot replicate.As cosmetic dermatology continues to embrace digital technologies, AI is likely to become an increasingly valuable assistant rather than an autonomous decision-maker. Used responsibly, it has the potential to deliver more personalised skin and hair treatments, improve treatment planning and enhance patient education, while keeping the dermatologist firmly at the centre of care.

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