Posted in Traditional Nutrition

OK, for those brave souls who accepted the Real Food Challenge, how are you doing?

Did you manage to do most of the assignments last week?  I did most of them.  Cleaned the pantry of most all the "bad stuff", bought some whole food replacements, soaked and cooked black beans and brown rice.

Did you do them all?  No.  I didn't  make sourdough (no rye flour), sprout any grains, or make sprouted grain bread (though I plan to try that this week). 

What did you find most challenging?  Avoiding the junk foods that seem to be everywhere now that I'm trying to eat only real food!  The kids had a bake sale at church Sunday, it was Hannah's birthday and we had ice cream cake, punch and lots of other "not real" food; our anniversary was yesterday and Carl bought me some lovely chocolate truffles ... there is chocolate following me everywhere I go and it's not even Valentine's Day, yet! 

OK, I hope to do a little better on this week's assignments.  Yesterday's was simple enough for me and I've downloaded the non-GMO Shopping Guide which was today's assignment. 

Please chime in and let us know how you are doing on your Real Food Challenge! 

Blessings,
Catherine

Posted in News and Issues

Please read this article at Nourished Kitchen on Genetically Engineered Alfalfa . 
There is a link at the bottom of the article to the USDA website where you can leave your comments on the deregulation of this crop until Feb. 16th. 

Blessings,
Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

The following article is a repost from the archives that I think is good information for this year as well.  I'm working on my own garden plans and seed starting today, and hopefully I'll have some photos of my seed starting table to show you next week.  Until then, have a wonderful weekend and try to find a way to add in a little gardening even in the midst of winter! 

Also, if you have any tips for gardening on a budget, please share them!

Blessings,

Catherine

Kristin posted a great article about the food budget.  Times are definitely tough for many of us, and it seems that the grocery budget is one place that gets cut quickly.  I agree with Kristin that while cutting back on food expenses may be a necessity, we should still be sure to buy the best quality we can and not resort to unhealthy foods just because they cost less.  In the long run, it is much better to pay a bit more for wholesome nutrition now than to pay for it with illness or doctor's visits later. 

Growing as much of your own food as possible is great for the budget and for your health!  There is nothing like the taste or nutrition of a home-grown fruit or veggie; and the exercise you get from working in the garden is a great health benefit, as well.

Some say that it isn't cheaper to grow your own food, with the cost of water, fertilizer, not to mention the seeds or plants.  I admit, you can spend as much as you are willing to on gardening, there are endless varieties and always something new out there.  I tend to collect plants much the way some people collect other things, so I know it can get expensive. 

But, you can grow a lot of food without spending much at all.  Often you can get seeds for less than $1.00 a packet.  I've seen them 10/$1.00 at the Tractor Supply Company here.  They might not be the exact variety you wanted, and your choices may be more limited; but if you are on a very tight budget, you could still grow 10 different vegetables for only $1.00 in seed cost!  Often other gardeners are more than happy to share seeds or extra seedlings with you, if you only ask.  Gardeners are usually very generous and friendly people and love to share their favorite hobby with others .

Watering can be done very frugally by catching rainwater and using that to water the garden.  Also, only water the plants, don't waste water by just turning on the sprinkler and watering the whole garden.  You will not only be using more water than necessary, you will be helping those pesky weed seeds germinate!    Mel Bartholomew suggests 1 inch of water per week in his book The Square Foot Garden.  In very hot areas, it might take a bit more during the heat of summer, but for the most part, 1 inch per week should be sufficient.  Most plants are hardier than you might think.  I had tomato plants that I didn't water much at all last year; and though they didn't produce during the hot, hot Summer; when Fall came around and the temperatures cooled off a bit, they started growing again and I got a decent harvest, without watering more than once or twice all Summer! 

If you make your own compost, you can use that to fertilize the soil, which is essentially free!  If your soil is healthy and well prepared, you won't need a lot of extra fertilizers anyway.  There are many inexpensive and natural ways to improve the soil and fertilize the garden without spending money on chemical fertilizers. 

A good book to help plan the garden and get the most from your garden spot is How To Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons . 

You can grow at least a few things in containers if you don't have room anywhere else.  There are many varieties that do great in pots and it is so nice to pluck a fresh tomato and some lettuce from your own Kitchen or Patio Garden!  A book that I've read time and time again is Lasagna Gardening for Small Spaces by Pat Lanza .  You will be amazed at what you can grow in very little space! 

So, in these tough economic times, let's get growing!  I used to love to watch The Victory Garden on PBS, even as a child .  I don't watch tv these days; but I think it is time that we see Victory Gardens growing in every neighborhood! 

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Traditional Nutrition

OK, I've signed up for the Real Food Challenge at The Nourished Kitchen.  Anyone else care to join in? 
Check it out and if you decide to join the challenge, leave a comment here so we can encourage one another along the way!

Blessings,
Catherine ... off to clean out the cupboard which is the Day 1 assignment!

Posted in Homemade Clean

OK, I really don't love to do the laundry, though I am trying to learn! 

We had some good suggestions on this subject recently-
hanging the clothes out on a line to enjoy nature and sunshine, adding nice fragrances to the detergent, etc. 
I plan to make some little encouragers for myself- a pretty clothespin bag, a nice bottle of Lavender linen spray, Geranium scented detergent and softener, lavender dryer bags, and just maybe some type of encouraging word picture to hang in my tiny laundry room... I'm still thinking about what to use there.  Please share how you encourage yourself to love the laundry if you haven't already done so!

In a previous discussion here on the Front Porch, Teresa asked about preventing static cling.  I did a bit of research and found a few suggestions:

1.  Use vinegar in the rinse cycle.

2.  Use borax or baking soda in the rinse cycle.

3.  Do not overdry your clothing.  The articles I read say this is a major cause of static cling. 

4.  If you do have static cling, wet your hands before handling the clothes. 

OK, your turn!  Please help Teresa with her laundry issue, and share any tips you have for preventing or getting rid of static cling naturally. 

Don't forget to share ways to love the laundry, too.  I'd love to see photos of your laundry room and other laundry things- clotheslines, clothespin bags, etc.! 

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

I found the following article from The Nourished Kitchen to be interesting: 10 Ways to Grow Your Foodshed.

Several of the items on the list are things that our family is either doing or plans to do in the future.
The first thing on the list- grow a community garden, is what our ministry is beginning right now.  We have a garden spot designated at the church we are serving in, and plan to begin preparing the soil in just a few days.  We are excited about not only growing fresh vegetables to share with the community, but having the opportunity to teach the local children about gardening, where real food comes from, and Who created that food, and the earth, and people, etc.  My main issue at this point is finding room to grow all of the things on my "to-grow" list! 

We have also requested a plot in the city community garden to grow produce for our own family; and I plan to do some "micro-gardens" in suitable spots in my yard- a little patch of something here, a container there, wherever I can find a sunny spot that will support some plant life, I plan to plant either a vegetable, fruit, herb, or edible flower! 

We will be donating a portion of our harvest from both the community garden and our own plot to the local foodbanks as well as the kitchen at the homeless shelter, which is number 9 on the list. 

I have considered teaching a cooking class using vegetables and herbs from the community garden, though it will have to be a very informal thing. 

When possible, I do shop local and shop real.  I am slowly finding good local sources for the things that I can't produce on my urban homestead- milk, eggs (though I'm still considering a couple of hens), honey, meat, etc. 

There are lots of things that can be done, like gardening with a neighbor or friend if you don't want to (or can't) commit to a community garden.  When we first started discussing a community garden at the church, two church members offered their backyards as garden plots (which was a great idea, but we wanted a garden in the neighborhood).   We also had a lady offer to let us use a portion of land that she owns, unfortunately there is no water source, which won't work in our climate.  There are lots of unused yards, vacant lots, empty fields if you just look around.  It might take a bit of investigating to find out who owns them, but if you desire a place to garden, it may be well worth the effort. 

My husband met a gentleman recently who wants to start a program where for a fee, he takes care of your goat on his farm, even doing the milking for you.  I love that idea, because as much as I desire to have my own source of raw goat's milk, I know that I am not cut out for all the work that is involved with owning and caring for goats (and I live in an urban area where it wouldn't be possible anyway). 

When I lived in an apartment and really couldn't garden (though I tried), I joined a group of ladies who took turns picking up vegetables for the whole group from a CSA-type ministry several miles from us.  There were about 6 of us, so though it was a 40 mile drive, each person only had to make the drive every six weeks.  There were 2 other stops that many of us made along the way to pick up grain or baked goods, farm fresh cheese and dairy products, so it was a worthwhile trip and usually a fun one for those of us with children because they got to see not only the garden, but farm animals and artisans making cheese, soap, pottery, etc. as well. 

OK, what are your thoughts?  Anyone have ideas or experience with any of these?  I would love any advice you have on community gardens.  Even though this will be our second community garden, it will be different from the first, and I am always thrilled to have input from those who have done things before.  Cooking classes, anyone have any tips for that?  Please share anything  you think would be helpful on this topic. 

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Going Green

I hope to make my life "Greener" in 2010. 
Anyone else trying to step a bit more lightly on the earth this year? 
If so, please share your ideas and plans.  Reading what someone else is doing is often a great encouragement for me; and I love new ideas and things to try, as do lots of others in our community.  So, don't be shy, please join in on the conversation! 

One thing that I plan to do in a more green fashion is the laundry.  I've got most of my ingredients for making laundry detergent.  I stopped using this before due to some very hard water; but now I can try again.  I am already using vinegar and lemon essential oil in place of fabric softener, and will be hanging my clothes out to dry just as soon as I can get a new line strung on the clothesline poles. It's on the "honey do" list, which is quite extensive these days.  One more thing I plan to do is eliminate more of the extra clothing so I'm not washing so many loads of clothes.  My husband has 2 different sets of uniforms plus his "regular clothes", and with 3 girlies and a little one in the household...that adds up to a monstrous Mt. Washmore at times .   I'm also trying to learn to love doing the laundry ... it hasn't happened yet; but I'm working on it!  I think I'll scent the laundry detergent with my personal "happy scent"- Geranium essential oil, perhaps that will help.  Any tips on making the laundry chore more pleasant?

Please do let us know how you are "Going Green"!

Blessings,
Catherine  

Posted in Homestead Kitchen

It is most definitely soup weather at my house today, cold (at least to me) and rainy.  I read recently that January is National Soup Month (as well as National Hot Tea Month).  I love to simmer a pot of soup or stew on the back burner of the stove for hours on cold winter days.  Some days I don't have time for that however, and then it's time to make my favorite soup of all: Veggie Cheese Soup.  It is quick to prepare, but oh so tasty!

Here's a basic recipe, though I don't ever use exact amounts, I just eyeball it and adjust to my liking.

Veggie Cheese Soup

2 Tbl butter

2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced

1 onion, peeled and chopped

2-3 stalks celery , sliced thinly

3 carrots, peeled and diced

water or chicken broth to cover vegetables

1 chicken bouillon cube if you are using water

1 cup half & half or whole milk

2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

dash Tabasco

salt & pepper to taste

parsley for garnish

 

Saute all veggies except potatoes in butter until onions and celery are softened.  Add potatoes and enough water (or chicken broth) to cover.  Add bouillon if using water.   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender.  Stir in milk, cheese and seasonings.  Heat through, but do not boil.  Garnish with parsley, if desired.  Enjoy!

This soup served with a green salad and Quick Rolls is a family favorite at our house.

 

I have 2 new soup recipes from a friend to try out in the coming days.  Once I've taste tested them, I'll post them for you, as well.

Do you have a family favorite soup recipe to share with us?  Please post it and put a link in the comments section so we can add some new soups to our menus this January!  

Next week I'll be back posting in the Garden.  This week I'm mostly plotting and planning what I want to grow anyway; and I like to visit the Homestead Kitchen now and then.   

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homemade Clean

Hank left a question in the comments section of last week's Homemade Clean post asking about cleaning the oven.  I agree, store bought oven cleaner is not something that I want in my household, either. 

For general oven cleaning, baking soda works well.  Sprinkle it on, scrub as needed with a wet scrubbing pad or sponge and wipe clean with water. 

To make some "scrubbing bubbles" add a bit of vinegar to your spray bottle.

If you need something stronger, I have had excellent results cleaning up even nasty oven spills like a baked-over pie, using just salt and a spray bottle of water!   

It seems to work best if the oven is just a bit warm,  take salt and sprinkle it liberally over the spots that need some extra cleaning power.  Then take a spray bottle of water and mist the salt until it is just damp.  Let it sit for several hours (I leave it overnight).  Then just wipe away the grime along with the salt. 

 

Hope that helps you keep the kitchen chemical free, Hank. 

 

If anyone else has a tried and true method for cleaning the oven, please share it with us!

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Simple and Frugal Living

Rhonda, at down---to---earth has written an excellent article on living simply - Making the life you want.  She not only shares how she began making changes to simplify her own life, she also gives practical advice for making your own workable version of the simple life, the life you want. 

"Don't be fooled into believing that a simple life - or whatever you call it, is easy. It usually involves doing more work because you give away convenience and you trade fast for slow.  And don't live your life according to mine, think about what you want and custom make the life you want."  ~ Rhonda, down--to--earth

If like me, you want to simplify your life a bit more this year, do check out this article.  I've got a fresh page in my notebook ready to start listing ideas and plans for making the simple life I want!

1 item on my list of simple things to do this year is soapmaking. 

I also plan to do quite a bit of sewing for the home using recycled materials when at all possible.  Napkins is first on the list of things to make, and I think I have an old sheet and some other fabric that will work perfectly.  I hope to eliminate most of the paper goods we use around the house. 

 

I'll share more of my own simple living thoughts with you in the days to come.

Please share your own ideas or plans for simple living this year with us as well.  Leave a comment with your thoughts, or put a link to your blog post in the comments for us so we can find you!

 

Blessings,

Catherine

Posted in Homestead Garden and Farm

OK, from the titles of many blog posts this morning, some of us are not enjoying the cold weather we've been getting, myself included!  I'm not used to extended periods of cold, a day or two now and then, yes ... but this is definitely out of the ordinary. 

Nevertheless, those of us who garden won't let a little (ok maybe a lot) of cold weather keep us from our gardening, right?  No, I'm not planning on going outside today ... maybe tomorrow if the thermometer creeps above freezing, but for today I'll be thinking warm thoughts, doing a bit of "armchair gardening",  and some indoor gardening as well. 

I have several tasks on my list for today and the weekend:

inventory seed box (again)

work on seed orders

start new garden journal

harvest microgreens and start a new batch

set up area for indoor seed starting (find the grow lights and get them hung in place) 

water houseplants and divide or repot as needed

enjoy reading seed catalogs and gardening books (this one goes last because I can spend LOTS of time here)

 

So, you see there are plenty of gardeny things to do when the weather outside is frightful!  I could find a few more, I'm sure, but these will keep me busy enough. 

If you'd like more garden tasks for January, check out the Gardening Jobs for January page at The Old Farmer's Almanac site. 

Don't forget to take time to enjoy a nice cup of tea!

Blessings,

Catherine

 

Posted in Homemaking

I've been making my own cleaning products for a long time; but as with cooking, I'm always happy to find a new recipe to try!  I found a few "new to me"  recipes for cleaning this morning and thought some of you might like  them, too.

The title says Homemade Cleaners for the Bathroom, but they could be used in other places just as well. 

Homemade Cleaners  

 I use baking soda and vinegar on just about everything.  Sometimes I add  essential oils and maybe a bit of borax or salt for some extra scrubbing power. 

If you have a favorite homemade cleaner, please share it with us! 

Blessings,

Catherine