Farmers Market Challenge Update

This past week we spent $115 LESS than we spend on average at Trader Joes, shopping at the Farmers market. Do I have the attention of your wallet? Husband? I thought so. And we would have spent even less if the toddler didn't get diarrhea and me break down and get some friggin’ diapers.  I had a moment of weakness after cleaning her and her entire crib worth of fluffy lovies and blankets from what appeared to be 8 gallons of butterscotch pudding. Emphases on the butt. Can you blame me?
I also got a new interesting thing to expand my horizons in food. Turkey eggs. If you can get them, GET THEM. As great a cook as people tell me I am, (okay, I’ll just admit it because people don’t care as much that you are bragging if you feed them) I am not terribly adventurous. I spent my entire childhood and all but the past 5 years of my adulthood with a terrible stomach condition. (Healed by 5 years of clean eating btw) Puking that much will give you weird aversions. Anyway don’t be lurky about turkey. They are a little richer than chicken eggs and about twice the size or 3 times the size if you get a double yoker like we did. Jack. Pot.
So I promised, that I would share a recipe. Below the recipe I will give the info of the farm or vendor we got that product from. Here is a fairly regular thing I make from what we get and you can change it depending on what veggies are in season. Ready? It’s super easy. A monkey could do it. Also, you have to help me name it because it deserves a name. Also, I really kinda hate lamb. Not my bag but this stuff is amazing so again don‘t be skerd!

Lamb chorizo and veggie and feta egg thingie that I made up one day (Help!)

One package lamb chorizo
Seasonal veggies, I used zucchini and carrots, shredded on a box grater or a food processor if you are a 1%er. (Okay, maybe I’m just jealous)
Large tomato or two sliced about ¾” thick
Lard (I used leaf lard because I’m a snob like that)
# of eggs (any kind) of people you will be serving (lucky hubby got the double yoked turkey egg)
Red onion (or white onion, I’m not the boss of you) sliced very thin
Feta cheese crumbled

Cut chorizo out of casing and brown/crumble in a little lard* until cooked through. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon. If needed, add a little more lard for sautéing your veggies. While not needed for the chorizo you will need to remember to salt and pepper the layers as you go. Toss in onions first, cook for about a minute. Add remaining veggies S&P and sauté to your liking and remove to individual dishes for serving. In the same skillet, for the love of flavor, brown up the tomato slices on each side a little. Oh, the sweetness! While that is going down, layer the chorizo atop its luxurious bed of veggies. Say night, night. When the tomatoes are looking done, but not smushy,  put them on the chorizo, top with a sunny side up egg, or at the very least over easy. The whole point of the egg is the yolk dripping down into all the layers. *wipes drool* Then finally top with crumbled feta. So from top to bottom you will have:

Feta

Egg

Tomato

Chorizo

Veggies

There is it. My kids gobble it up and it is CRAZY filling. Everything I got came from the Saturday 441 market with the exception of the leaf fat which I picked up straight from the farm because I needed an excuse to visit Jill.
Lamb chorizo-Oak Lane Sheep Farm
Veggies-Frog Song Organics http://frogsongorganics.com/
Feta cheese-Cypress Point Creamery http://cypresspointcreamery.com/
Turkey eggs-laughingchickenfarm.com (some of my favorite people)
Leaf fat to render lard-http://www.cognitofarm.com/Cognito_Farm/Home.html

Enjoy!

*I always suggest cooking grass fed animals or wild game in a little extra oil because they are naturally very lean and otherwise may result in very expensive dog or chicken food (i.e. inedible).

Farmer's Market Challenge

Are you ready? “For what?”, you say? The extreme weight loss, money saving, clear conscience consuming, relationship making, waste reducing, improved health, shop local FARMERS MARKET CHALLENGE challenge challenge challenge! (*for full effect say out loud while decreasing your volume* start loud, it‘s fun, I‘ll give you a sec to reread it, go on) Okay, I admit that is a teensy bit much. But just a teensy bit. A while back we challenged ourselves to only shop at the farmers market for our groceries and personal care items. It was awesome! All those things above actually happened. So I decided before we go into the summer months, aka the a/c running non stop which costs a million dollars with no available overtime months, it would be helpful to do it again to save some money.
I’m calling it a challenge because there are a few aspects that are indeed challenging. If you are committed there are going to be things you have to do without. No, I’m not talking coffee, I’m still living on planet reality, you can get coffee at the farmers market. Though you will probably have to switch to honey to sweeten it, which I came to prefer and kept doing. I mean like on-the-go meal planning. Now I am a proud culinary school drop out so I am pretty good at this. I can make something tasty from just about any combo I am presented with. You will certainly become more creative and flexible.
I am going into this with a somewhat planned advantage. For starters I am still breastfeeding the baby. Yes, I’m still calling her a baby. Leave me alone. I also still have all my cloth diapers so that’s going to be happening again. We now also have a garden and chickens which we didn't before. The garden for right now will only in the next month give us some lettuce, kale, cabbage, garlic, possibly some beans, and herbs but not a ton. We get 3 eggs a day from the girls, so that‘s helpful. I also have a few things on hand that could work for our benefit. I make a habit of buying bulk grains, saves a TON and I have a bunch left! I have 5 lbs of cap fat to render into the best lard ever as well. A neighbor gave us some of his deer meat and I have some chicken carcasses in the freezer to make broth with my veggie trimmings. Yup, save those in a freezer bag as the week goes and once full, time for broth.
To start the challenge I went to the farmers market today and a local place that sells raw milk and spent $94. Here is what it got me, ½ flat each blueberries and strawberries, 2 bunches of humongous carrots, 4 heads broccoli, 4 large red onions, and because I bought  all that from her she threw in a head of lettuce, cauliflower, and 2 tomatoes, all organic. This is a perk when you are a regular. They know you pour your grocery money into their farm and homes and they appreciate it. They benefit and so do you. Then I got 2 lbs raw local honey and honey soap which is good for shaving too. 2 gallons raw milk and 1 quart cream, which will become butter. I will go again on Saturday for things like meat and cheese and all the delicious treats that I’m going to let you be surprised by.

Another benefit to doing this is the ability to budget. Most farmers markets are cash only so you just go there with what you are going to spend and don’t take out more. That’s it. When things were tight for us I realized how precious what we bought was. This was only intensified by growing some of our own food. Preparing the soil, hauling tons of mulch, planning, seeding, watering, and for the love, the waiting. Oh the waiting! Our food is sacred people! So much work and we think so little of the abundance we can scoop up at these corporate places. I really caused us to be more aware of waste. 

One of my favorite aspects is the relationships built. The people at the farmers market are the best kinds of Americans you will find. They are honest and hard working. They are super knowledgeable and share their knowledge freely. We have been out to some of these farms to learn, even on slaughtering day. Free knowledge for the taking in tough times. Can’t beat that. In the visiting you can also see how things are run on an ethical level. Okay, it’s about to get heavy now, I apologize in advance. Do yourself  a favor, Google “slavery in the American food industry”.  Don’t be a chicken. I can guarantee with a large amount of certainty  you won’t like what you find down that rabbit hole and especially if you claim the name of Christ, and most especially if you are a believer that talks a lot about human trafficking. I see your posts all the time and you are right, it’s evil and wrong. Here is your chance to do something ACTUAL, tangible, in real life, with your money and mouth. I‘m not just talking about sending that check out to your organization of choice. That is just too easy, you can do better.  You have to eat and you have to get it somewhere. Reap all of the benefits listed above and have a clean conscience. Something to think about. Clean soul food tastes better than slavery food any day of the week. 

Now, I am not condemning anyone who does not make this choice or for whatever reason cannot, of course. I get it. Some of you don’t have the farmers markets like I do here or don‘t want to shop where weird hippies like me shop because you think you might catch a whiff of patchouli. You can still educate yourself and become more conscientious. We are all on our own journey and all learning so be patient with yourself and don‘t heap on guilt. Guilt is a slavery all on it’s own. This is my personal conviction and many are just not aware of the real cost of their food.  By “the real cost”  I mean the actual cost up front, the cost of bad health, and the cost of waste, but also the cost of human lives perpetuated by a system of slavery that most of us, me included here, have signed up for unknowingly. It breaks my heart to think the back of a child breaks for my chocolate, or sugar. It’s just not worth it to me. 

I plan to post a weekly update with ideas on what do to with the food and recipes. I would also love to hear from you! What did you make? What did you learn? Did you lose weight and/or feel better? Make any new buddies or have hilariously quirky conversations? (I should have mentioned that is also a fairly regular benefit.) Okay foodie freedom fighters GO!

Choosing Thankfulness

Whenever my kids are having a hard time or are complaining I say to them "Choose Thankfulness" and help them examine the aspects of whatever it is, and pick out things to say "Thank you Jesus for...". It IS a choice. There are really happy people in really crappy circumstances, circumstances even the most empathetic person cannot wrap their heads and heart around. They are happy and at peace because they choose to be thankful. As some of you know this has been a really challenging week for our family and it's only Wednesday. Last night after my husband went to bed I sat alone with the Lord in the living room and cried about it all. Guess what he patiently and quietly whispered into my heart. "Choose thankfulness." So here it is, something I am thankful for, for each thing that was difficult or meant for my harm or the harm of those I love, I'm choosing elements to be thankful for.

I am thankful for our little monster dog Rylo who was accidentally let out and killed one of our chicks. He makes us laugh with his, whatever the opposite of majesty, grace, and beauty is called. I'm thankful that he makes my Lena Bean so happy, except that day. I'm thankful that we have chickens and the resources that includes. I'm thankful for the child who volunteered to dig the hole, bury, and make a cross for the grave of "Cammo". Seriously, the depths of this kid, just like their daddy.

I am thankful for Hannah Williams. I am thankful for the special bond I have with this BEAUTIFUL, kind, fun, deep, affectionate, gigantically hearted sister. I am thankful the Lord has given her a life mate. I am so thankful for him too. Such a precious, tender brother. I am thankful for them individually, but what they are together in the Lord is a whole other gift to be thankful for. I am thankful the Lord has a lifetime of adventure planned for them, even if it means I have to say good bye, or "see you later". I am also thankful for her parents.

I am thankful for those who have shown us understanding, sensitivity, and love how it applies to being a police family at a time where people are hating them. Between the ambush killing of an officer so close to home and Ferguson, the level of sensitivity some people have and the love and concern they show, it warms my heart more than you could ever know.  I am thankful for the officers we know, ALL GOOD GUYS. I am thankful for their servant hearts. I am thankful that the sheep have sheep dogs to protect them against the wolves. I am thankful for my police wives too! And of course, I am thankful to be married to a real life hero. There is nothing in this world, besides Jesus, I am more proud of than him who my heart loves.

I am thankful one of my children didn't receive a worse diagnosis. It really could be worse. I am thankful a couple aspects of the illness will go away with age. While there is no cure or real treatment I am thankful there are natural, dietary, and physical therapies that can help some. I am thankful for the love that surrounds them. True love. From A LOT of people. Not a thing I take lightly or take for granted. I am thankful for how the Lord plans to use this child and already has. I am also thankful He prepared me for the news with a strong suspicion and it wasn't a bomb dropped out of nowhere. His grace is also in knowing that about me.

I am thankful for the family member that hates my guts. I am thankful they are alive and well enough to hate me. Not being sarcastic, I'm serious.  I am thankful the Lord allows me to truly and completely forgive them even if they have blown through their 77X7. I'm thankful one of the things they hate about me most is that I follow Jesus. To be hated for His sake, there is no better privilege. I am thankful the Lord is my friend and shares His pain from this person with me. They hate me because I am a "christian" but hate Him because His is Christ. He shared that one with me last night too. We both love and forgive them, even if they keep wounding.

And lastly,because it's equally important to be thankful for the small things as they really add up,  I am thankful I got to clean up after Friday's party. #1 It was SO fun! #2 We got to keep the paper plates and today, this very day, Wednesday, November 26th 2014 I am SO thankful for paper plates.

Two birds in the bush IS one in the hand. Wait, what?

Okay, so that's not how the saying goes but it is up in this hizouse when it comes to dinner. There is a super duper easy way to have chicken prepared and ready for when you need it and you get a great bonus. Wanna know what the bonus is? SCHMALTZ!!! Oh, goodness gracious, sweet precious schmaltz. If you know what that is, you are oohing and ahhing right along with me. If not, you are probably thinking, "Isn't that the kind of thing gangsters drink out of a paper bag?". No baby, that's Schlitz. Schmaltz is rendered chicken or goose fat used for frying or as a spread. I use it for neither but if you wanted to you could. I put it ALL in a soup. Seriously great stuff for gut healing. So, it's this easy ready? Put 2 whole chickens (we use organic) in your crockpot, add nothing at all, turn it on low for 11-12 hours, go to bed. Yep, no water, no salt, no veggies. Nothing. In the morning you will have 2 slightly golden chickens sitting in the most insanely gelatinous/schmaltzy broth. The broth is so flavorful and strong that I use it (it comes to about 1-3 cups) just as a base for a huge pot of soup only adding water the rest of the way. The chicken is also crazy flavorful and tender and not mealy like chicken can sometimes be when you cook it in the crockpot. I don't claim to understand the majic that happens to them in the wee hours, but it's amazing. Let the chickens cool and when you are ready start picking the meat off. I usually put one chicken each in a freezer bag but you can certianly seperate it into smaller portions if you are not feeding 6 people like us. I make certian that the chicken is fully cooled before I put it in a plastic freezer bag because I don't like the idea of heating the plastic bag at all. When I make a soup or casserole or whatever I just drop the bag on the tile floor which breaks up the pieces, and add it right in. I usually take all the bones and start a broth for another time while I'm at it but if you don't have the time you can always freeze the bones and do it at a later time. So two birds in the bush, or the crockpot, means you have dinner in the hand when you want it.

For those who are interested in living a healthy natural lifestyle, which we are striving to do, this is a good resource to learn more. You'll learn about health, wellness, fitness, homesteading, essential oils, food allergies or sensitivities, natural health and all that jazz. There is a way you can get the courses for free, who doesn't like free? Anyway here is the link because I know you want it, and I'm stringing you along, and now you are going crazy because I just won't post it. Ready? http://healthylivingbundle.com/?ref=d5496767d2
I'm not getting paid for this advert, I just wanted to share a resource with you all.

May you have love that never ends, 
lots of money, and lots of friends. 
Health be yours, whatever you do, 
and may God send many blessings to you!

Wait! Don't throw that out!

     Once upon a time there was a couple with 3 children (at the time). The couple was deeply in love. I'm talking head over heels, DEEP in love. Unfortunately, they were just as deep in debt. So, they learned to be creative, cheap, resourceful, and use everything! Okay, blah, blah, blah, The End. Seriously people we had NO money. Negative money actually. In that time it became troublesome to  me the amount of garbage we had. We needed much yet tossed much. And that was even with using cloth diapers! So in this post I'm going to run through a few things I have made in the last day or two and then what I made from the waste from the thing I made. Did I lose you? 

First, a while back I made vanilla extract because it was cheaper. I did the math it was hundreds of times cheaper. No kidding. Vodka or bourbon+ these vanilla beans +3 months=vanilla extract. I suggest buying the ginormous package and splitting with a friend to save the most. Anywho, I had some spent beans from the process and with that I made vanilla sugar.  Have you ever had this delightful product? It's a little piece of heaven, but a piece of heaven I am not willing to spend $3.49 PER OUNCE on! I'm not even kidding. To make your own, put the spent beans in sugar and let that sit a few months shaking the jar every now and then. Put it in your coffee, or water kefir primary ferment for a cream soda kinda vibe. Or you can add cinnamon to the last little bit like I did and sprinkle on apples for apple chips. 

Guess what happens next. Well, with apple chips you have cores and trimmings that are too small for the dehydrator. Toss them? NO! Did you not see the title of this post?! You put the apple waste in a mason jar cover with water, cover with a cloth and in 6 months you have your own raw apple cider vinegar! Like Bragg's but basically free. It is exactly that easy. Get yourself a big enough jar and you can keep adding to it. I used a 1/2 gallon jar and covered with a "hippie paper towel". (That's what we call the paper towels I made with receiving blankets I no longer used. They are the best!) You can use cheese cloth if you are still working on your granola-ness.

The next thing is chicken. This can go further than you think. I'll start by asking you this. What is the first thing you do when you pop a chicken in the oven? You cut up veggies (or pull out all your veggie scraps you've been saving in your freezer in anticipation of this day) put them in your crock pot so when you are done with your chicken the bones can go straight in. To get the most minerals out of the bones add a splash of, guess what. I'll give you a hint. It's something I mentioned ^^up there^^. Apple cider vinegar. Put on low and in the morning you will have broth. Again, if scraps and carcasses is something you usually throw away, you have just made a way to get free broth with the amount and type of salt you want to add. Also I doubt you'll add weird ingredients like msg. You can actually get a few batches of this broth by continuing to pull broth out and adding water and occasionally scraps for a few days. If it has color, it has flavor and nutrients. 3-5 days for chicken bones and a week for beef bones. Once you can easily break them between your forefinger and thumb they are done. You can can or freeze the broth but do NOT freeze in canning jars.They will crack.  Don't ask how I know. A friend of mine... Okay it was me. When you are done with the veggies they can go to the dog. As for the bones,  grind them and feed them to the dogs OR if it sits okay with you, your chickens. They are cannibals. They have no problem with it. Eww.

If we ever are in a situation like the great depression, or you just become broke like we were, and you have learned to use everything you have you'll not have a learning curve and you can just keep on keeping on.  If you ever wonder what to do with left over X or trimmings from Y, google it, you will be surprised, and educated, and people will think you are so cool and resourceful, mostly because you will be. 

Leftover hugs and kisses,
Meg

  

8 Facts about the majestic Mare-Bear

The Mare-Bear is a rare creature indeed. In fact at this moment in time there is only one in existence, on the ENTIRE planet and we have the privilege of  hand raising this preciousness.

Here are 8 facts to acquaint you with the beautiful Mare-Bear

#1 They dance to any kind of beat. The dog scratching himself, veggies being chopped, and if you attempt to soothe this creature with some back patting, forget it. DANCE. PARTY. They have even been known to dance to the rhythm of their own suckling.

#2 They are super soft and smooshie.

#3 They have huge eyes and are watching your every move. I'm almost sure they don't even blink.

#4 They are little fighters and survivors. (A post for another day)

#5 They don't want their own food. They want yours. 

#6 They have a sense of humor from a young age. For example they pretend to take a bite out of you, then smack their lips. Yummy humans.

#7 They are SUPER social creatures. *Excuse me random guy, I've never seen or met you before but will you hold me?*

#8 They favor the number 8. Born 8/8 at 8:46 and was 18.5 inches. 

Here is a short documentary of the birth and 1st year of us raising this beautiful little creature!

Happy birthday baby girl! We love you!