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Fall is in the air

Wow I got up this morning to a chilly 42. Time to get working on the fireplace as I don't want to spend all my money on oil for this old farmhouse. It is also time to get the last of the veggies out of the garden and put away for the cold months ahead. I have loved spending time in my garden this year and plan to make it twice the size next year.  I have also decided to have raised beds, so I have lots to do over the winter months.
My pears are almost ready for picking but my lovely dog seems to think they are hers for eating. I hope she leaves some for me. My Mum put pears up every year for us and we would eat them over winter with warm custard and cream. I also think I may make some pear butter as I have never done that before.

For years I wents away from a garden when I lived in the city. Now I wished I had always had pots growing veggies on the porch. You can grow them anywhere and I'm here to help you get started.

Time to get the sewing machine out and make some Christmas projects. I will post pic so you can see how easy it is to make some things.

Less is More

So my thoughts for today are less is more. With everyone trying to save money and living within their budget.  I have gone back to my roots once again. When growing up my Mother mostly brought cotton and wool. Both last longer for sure. My kids have only slept in cotton PJ's, as their skin can breathe.  If you wonder why your kids sweat so much at night, look to see what they are wearing. Just a thought.

Thinking this way I have moved in my kitchen area. Why buy all this stuff that only does one thing, or processed food that only makes up one way. Why not buy less and make more. Putting a well cooked dinner on the table and seeing how everyone loves it, makes you feel better than pulling something out of the freezer and throwing it in the oven. We all buy nice clothes to make our kids look great on the outside, but what about the inside. What about their health and well being. Have you read the labels on some of your food that you eat. There is so much in food that we don't need, do you know what everything is on that label.  Follow me on my journey to eating better, less is more. 

I know when we are working full time jobs and kids are playing sports it is hard to get good food on the table in 30 minutes, but it can be done. I know so many don't make their own mashed potatoes. They use the ones from the box. See below to making your own mashed potatoes.

Buy potatoes (one bag can also let you make roast potatoes, fries, homefries, the list goes on)

Peel about 5 potatoes and boil potatoes until you can push a knife or fork through it easy
Drain water. Be careful you are dealing with boiled water.
Add about 3 tablespoons of butter. ( I use real butter)
1/4 cup of milk and beat.

It takes you about 20 minutes from start to finish and most is cooking time. Once you have the potatoes on the stove top you can be making the rest of your meal.

Just make one change a week. I know lots of people know how to make mashed potatoes, but some don't and this is for you.

Happy cooking, think less is more.

Garden Fresh

What a great morning. I woke up to a thunder storm and I always love how fresh everything is after a good rain.  The veggie garden is loving the rain we have had the last few days, it was looking like I was going to have to give it a good water the other day.  Everything is slowing getting ready and I have been making fresh salsa everyday. Yesterday I found two more zuchinni, so last night I was looking for more ways to cook it up. I have never had butternut squash in the garden and this year it looks like, I will have more than enough to eat all winter. I think today I will make some butternut squash soup. It is nice to be able to know where most of my food is coming from. If didn't grow any veggie's this year or think you can't. Try next year. I have some great ideas for city kids and will post pictures early spring. When I lived in the city I never thought about having a community garden in our apartment complex. Now I think it is a great idea that everyone should try and start.  

Backyard Chickens

For those who know me, we ordered our chickens in April and they arrived in May. It is now August and they have grown so much and I'm thinking the eggs will start coming next month. For anyone thinking of getting some for your backyard, you should. They don't ask for much and you get lots in return. You do need a place for them to live, food and water. They are so fun to watch and brings lots of laughs as they are not very smart.  The benefits of having your own is huge in my mind. It is funny when you buy store brought eggs they are all a alike, no bad ones, all the same size. I wonder how many drugs are put in those eggs to make that happen, let alone the poor chickens that don't have a fun life...... Backyard chickens have wonder eggs, rich yellow yolks and cook up so different. If you have any questions about raising your own, drop us a line we will be glad to help out.

Fall Morning

As I sit here wondering how I'm going to finish all my cakes for the weekend, I hear the birds outside.  It is so beautiful to be able to look out the windows and listen to the birds. Soon everyone will be up and the house will be filled with talking and laughing and the dog will need breakfast, along with the chickens and kids. But for now I get a few minutes to just listen to to the world out my window.  It is always great to just take a few minutes everyday to relax and enjoy the world we live it. Just last year I was so busy with working full time and having my youngest in daycare. I know so many of us are busy with work, but don't forget time for play......................

End of Summer

Wow where has the time gone. I have been busy with kids, baby chickens and of course the garden. Since this was our first year back to the garden, I planted a little of everything. It has been fun watching the kids working out what are weeds and what are plants. I lost all my lettuces as my son thought they were easy to pull out. Oh no. I have got so many books from the library over the summer to work out how I want to put up my food. I can't believe how different American food has become. Do we even know what food is anymore? Do we even know where it comes from?

Happy Summer everyone. With the kids back in School next week and fall on the way, you will see more of me.