Health
Spice Things Up
We ventured briefly out into the cold today. After struggling against the wind my kids became concerned that our chickens would blow away. I think the chickens will be fine (I hope), and I know something for sure: I don’t like the wind. I’m completely against it. But since it does me no good to […]
Autumn Musings
Autumn has brought that feeling with it, the feeling that it’s time to slow back down after the sometimes hectic pace of Summer. I’ve been so busy these last few months that I haven’t had the energy to write, or do anything creative for that matter. But the clouds and rain seem to have given me […]
Summer Time Tips
I hope everyone has been enjoying our Pacific Northwest summer! I have been a busy bee out in our yard; trimming, planting, digging. I love walking outside to the chicken coop in the mornings in flip-flops and getting some of the wetness of the grass on my feet. Little things like that make me happy. […]
Homemade Buttermilk
I grew up drinking buttermilk thanks to my grandma. She also cultivated in me a deep regard for coffee and All My Children. When Grandma was moved from her home into a convalescent hospital, I lost my buttermilk-drinking buddy (and an awful lot more). Through the years I kept my coffee habit going, and caught […]
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry, or Sambucus Nigra, is a berry plant native to Europe that has been shown to help prevent and treat the flu, cold, and other respiratory ailments by boosting the immune system. The berry is high in vitamin C, as well as other vitamins and minerals. I tried some elderberry syrup for the first time […]
Citrus Vinegar Cleaner
I’ve used diluted white vinegar as an all natural cleaner for a long time now; I use it on windows, floors, mirrors, countertops, even on carpet to remove smelly stains. When the vinegar dries it doesn’t leave a vinegary smell, and it’s safe to use around kids and pets. To make my homemade cleaner even […]
Kombucha
A few years ago a friend of mine gave me a piece of her kombucha culture so I could start brewing my own. I made it for a while, but then I decided to stop…I don’t even really remember why, but I’ve missed it ever since. Wanting to start making it again, I bought myself […]
Homemade Almond Butter
My grandparents had an almond orchard, and my dad has some almond trees on his property. I grew up climbing those trees, falling out of those trees, and wandering around the orchard eating fresh almonds. My first job was working for my grandpa in his orchard. I pulled hoses, trimmed branches, and painted baby tree […]
Replenishing with Probiotics: Milk Kefir
“All disease begins in the gut” — Hippocrates Your intestines are home to 100 TRILLION microorganisms! These microorganisms are known as our gut flora, and their job is so important to our bodies and our health that they are sometimes referred to as the “forgotten” organ. When we eat we’re not just feeding ourselves, […]
Furry Friends: Mad Catter Dinner & Auction
I recently came upon a flier for the 5th Annual Mad Catter Dinner and Auction, to be held on Saturday, September 28th in Vancouver. The purpose of this function is to raise money for Furry Friends, a non-profit no-kill shelter dedicated to re-homing cats in the Clark County area. According to the Furry Friends website […]