We have had a small kitchen garden for the past several years, but this is our first year of really being aggressive with trying to raise our own food.  It is amazing how much practical knowledge in the life skills department have been lost over the past several generations, and though we both know a little, Storey’s Guide to Country Living has rapidly become indispensable.  Did you know that planting onions and carrots together prevents pests in both, or do you know which side of the garden is best for planting your corn?  Storey’s Guide has a little bit of everything from gardening to keeping livestock to canning and freezing.  It is a compilation of the things our grandmothers knew how to do that we don’t.  I have not read it cover to cover, but rather once section at a time, as needed.  This makes a great reference book.  I am thinking about getting a 2nd copy just to keep in the tool shed.  Enjoy!

I have been on a much-needed blog hiatus for the past several months, as our family life took a few twists and turns.  Homeschooling, remodeling, trying to unpack boxes and organize, plus keeping everyone in clean socks and underwear has been a bit of a challenge.  With sunny weather, my energy levels seem to have spiked and our schedule is slowly normalizing even though I seem to be juggling more than ever.  I hope to keep this blog updated more regularly, and will be trying to post more practical lifestyle tips rather than just duplicating the DRIVE ACROSS TOWN TO GET 10 FREE DEODORANTS TODAY deals that are already abundant on the web.  I shop to live, not live to shop, so this blog will reflect my minimalist approach with regard to grocery store trips.  Hope you are able to learn a few things, and please share your ideas as well.