What’s in the food we eat…..

This is a great post from my friend Hannah.   If you are wanting some more honest facts about the ingredients in our food then this is a great article for you.  Now, I would not panic, I am fairly certain my daughter eats food with many of the ingredients listed here.  Like in all things, moderation is the key and at the very least, we all of the right to make fully informed decisions about the food we eat!!  For me, it’s another reason to go local and fresh as much as possible. Check out her blog and their farm’s website for more great info.  Top 15 Ingredients to Avoid

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A life less ordinary…..

I lead an interesting life. Not in a I am more interesting than you kind of way, just interesting, blessed, and full. I traveled the world when I was young and got to see places through the eyes of a kid with little responsibility and full of idealistic hope and big dreams. I have been in love, had my heart broken, and met the person who I cannot imagine life without. I have a big family that have helped shape the person who I am today and who continue to play a major rule in my life. I have had a variety of jobs in the food industry, in healthcare and education all of which have introduced me to some of the most interesting characters in the world. I can say I have worked at a dude ranch and a refugee camp. I was even the bomb pop girl at a fun park. Yup, BOMB POP GIRL. I have dined with doctors and chefs and even call many of them friends. I have been smacked in the face with series crisis’ that I thought I would never overcome, and yet emerged all the better for it. I now live by the motto God will never give you more than you can handle. Even on the days when I firmly believe that curling up in my flannel jammies, with a bottle of wine and a good book should be my career, I recite that motto and find a way through. I have changed my personal definition of family. I have friends who are really my sisters even though we may not talk as often as we should or see each other as often as we could. Yes, Bridget and Kate I am referring to you. Just knowing you are there makes me a better person because you are amazing women who I am so blessed to know and love. And yes I need to call and visit more. I have great friends doing amazing things all around the world and great friends doing amazing things right down the road. My home has served as a rally point for victims of fire and my fire as served as the rally point for friends and family in celebration. Our spare bedroom has served as a home to friends and loved ones in need. My daughter has an extended group of people she knows to be part of her family and who in the event of an emergency she could go to and I would know she would be safe. As I look at the Amish culture who just add on to their homes to make room for the extended family ( fear not I love pants, buttons and pop culture to much to adopt that lifestyle) or the age of Little House on the Prairie when big and even extended families cozied up into a one room house I think I understand the real heart of homesteading. It’s about surrounding yourself with people you love and filling your home and hearth with love and laughter and wholesome delicious food. As a approach the next chapter of my life as a wife, mother, Localvore in training who wants to be a physicians assistant, farmer, writer and politician, my home and hearth will always be open, coffee will always be on, an extra bed will always be ready and our family will always have room for one more.

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Ten Things the 2011 Holiday Season has Taught Me

1. If you want to “make homemade Christmas gifts” you need to start 12 months in advance. 12 days does not cut it.
2. Homemade Jams and Jellies do however make great gifts in a pinch. They also class up gift cards and cash so you don’t have to be that guy.
3. The Elf on the Shelf is the best disciplinarian on the Earth. You just have to point to that creepy little dude and suddenly the bad behavior ceases.

4. There really isn’t anything quite as awesome as seeing your child’s face when she sees what Santa brought her.
5. There is nothing quite as un-awesome as your child puking all over on Christmas Eve.
6. The Holiday Elves will clean, organize and even label things in your pantry.

Just kidding. I did that but it’s nice to dream.
7. Entertaining during the holidays is GREAT motivation to get your house clean, or at least shove all your clutter into cabinets and closets.
8. Having chickens and thus unlimited eggs comes in super handy during holiday time.
9. It is perfectly acceptable to stay in your jammies and accomplish nothing on Christmas day.
10. Christmas is really about family and friends. Good presents and delicious food are icing on the cake. Good icing mind you, but icing nonetheless.

I hope you all had as warm and wonderful holiday season as we did at the Farmgirl Homestead!

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The end of fantasy camp….part one

Sorry folks I am just recovering from an amazing wedding weekend with my oldest dearest and one of the best friends I have ever had AND I am coping with life without a nanny AND housekeeper!! I will give everyone some great details from this past week to make up for lost time!! Also, just before leaving for the wedding I found myself desperate to can nearly 100 pounds of tomatoes while working a full time job! This folks is all part of the joy of harvest season!!

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