Why isn't everyone gardening?

With all of the wonderful benefits of gardening such as healing and better nutrition. Why aren't more people doing it?

Well, if your used to the traditional row gardening the answer is weeding, time, space and the list just goes on and on.

BUT there is hope! You CAN grow flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables enough to sustain your family in almost any space.

Have you heard of Square Foot Gardening, created by Mel Bartholomew? I just completed a symposium to become a certified teacher of this amazingly easy gardening method and would love to share it with you! Comment here or email me to learn more about how to make Square Foot Gardening work for you!

William & Kate chose some green

William & Kate chose some green thought this was a wonderful article to share in light of the recent excitement over the royal wedding

Foodie Friday and more!

Well, I said I would include new couponing deals today as well but upon researching, I could not find wonderful deals as I have the past few weeks...but every store has their "off" weeks. I will remind you of 14 Carrot's Produce sale on Sunday and Thursday from 1p to 5p and to watch for Earthfare's weekly deals.

Now, for the recipe: (CSA inspired, see tab at top of the page)

Turnip Mashed Potatoes

6 large new potatoes, skin on
2 large turnips, peeled
1/2 cup cream, heated
1 stick melted butter
1/2 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

Slice potatoes and turnips 1/4-inch thick. Cook in boiling water for 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain. Whip unpeeled cooked potatoes and turnips with electric mixer, mixing until moderately smooth (don't overbeat them; a few lumps are nice). Add hot cream, butter, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Whip again until blended. Adjust thickness by adding more cream, if desired.

recipe from foodnetwork.com

Remember to use local and organic whenever possible.

No Fear, I'll Return Tomorrow

Due to a hectic schedule Thrifty Thursday will be combined with Foodie Friday. Thanks.

Wordless Wednesday...

Do your research...

I have been reading a wonderful book by Robyn O'Brian called The Unhealthy Truth that is bound to raise questions, and lots of them! While she began her research because of a food allergy in one of her sprouts this book is for anyone questioning what our modern foods are doing to our bodies, especially the bodies of our little sprouts.

She talks about soy formula and soy products and how they can have harmful effects. She references Dr. Sears quite a bit, so be sure to check out what he has to say at http://www.askdrsears.com/. Basically, soy contains isoflavones that mimic estrogen. And while it may not be an issue for full grown adults soy formula is questionable to say the least. A quick overview of Dr. Sear's reservations of soy formula:

- 30 to 50% of milk allergy sprouts have a soy allergy as well

- "protein made by big mammals for little mammals is ideal for babies" (direct quote)

- soy binds and prevents certain minerals and calcium for being properly absorbed

- high levels of aluminium (disturbed that facts basically say that no one really knows the harm level...it's like they are letting children be their little experiment)

- soy formula before intestinal closure gives a child predisposition to soy allergies later on

- higher sodium, which creates a palate that prefers saltiness...not a good health habit to start!

My issue lies with the hidden connections with Monsanto, researchers and the formula producers. It's like we have one huge hidden web of connections that help hide the issues to sell the products...everyone makes money and our children are there experiment. Now, while my sprouts are breastfed I know others who have gone the formula route that deserves this information upfront. Our sprouts are not an experiment...they are the future to a greener, more eco world.

And if your sprouts (or yourself) have food allergies check out http://www.allergykids.com/!

Swiss Chard & Feta Frittata

Okay, I know it's not a foodie Friday but I just had to share this delicious recipe that I made with ALL organic and almost all local ingredients for Easter morning. It's a great recipe to prepare ahead for a fast breakfast as well...and not feed your family an over processed mystery "fruit" bar.

1 bunch swiss chard, stems removed, rough chopped
about 1/2 cup feta cheese (more or less depended on home much you like cheesy eggs)
2 minced fresh garlic cloves
1 large spring onion, diced
8 fresh eggs
a few chopped marinated artichoke hearts (optional)
1 pepidew pepper, diced (optional)
olive oil, salt & fresh ground pepper

Heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat in oven safe pan. Add onions and garlic, saute until tender. Add swiss chard and a little salt and saute until reduced to about half. Set aside. In a bowl, whisk eggs and pepper together. Add cooked veggies, feta, artichoke and pepidew. Whipe out oven safe pan and add two Tbsp oil. Once oil is very hot add egg mixture and let cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Have broiler set on high and transfer to oven. Broil 3-4 minutes until center if firm and frittata is golden brown. Remove, cool slightly, transfer to plate and ENJOY! Goes well with sliced tomatoes or fresh, local strawberries!

Mix it up and try tomatoes and olives! The combinations are endless! And remember, make it local and organic whenever possible!

Sunday's Eco Inspiration

Happy Easter Everyone! Today's inspiration is about the story of the first Easter, it's not a verse but rather, a reflection.

Think about how involved nature is in the Holy week and up to Easter morning. Jesus prayed in THE GARDEN, He wore a CROWN OF THORNS, He was NAILED TO A TREE, He was BURIED IN A TOMB OF STONE, the STONE WAS ROLLED AWAY, and He ASCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS. Looking at it this way, how can we not be reminded of the gift God gave us everyday? Every time we look at a tree...think of the cross. Every time you see a stone...remember the empty tomb. Reminders of the Resurrection surround us if we just look at nature through different eyes. And once you do, how could you not protect it?

Enjoy Easter, enjoy nature... and always remember the Sacrifice that Saves.