I have been known to be determined. I am not easily distracted and hate to quit doing a task before I have completed it. I have been called stubborn, set in my ways and even hard-headed but one thing I don't think anyone would ever call me is daring. I am too analytical to just jump and do something. I have to read through documents twice and I have to wait at least 24 hours before making a decision. If someone presses me for an answer to a big decision right away they are almost 100% sure to...Read More » »

I am a Dave Ramsey fan. He is the man who made millions before age 26, lost it all and then made millions more helping people get out of debt. He is the author of The Total Money Makeover. It is a book that walks people through a step by step process of gaining financial freedom through becoming debt free using 7 "Baby Steps". One of his catch phrase is "Live like no one else now, so later you can live like no one else. I love when he tells people one way to cut expenses is to eat rice...Read More » »

When I was pregnant with my first child we lived in a small three room apartment that had the kitchen in the living room. We kept each other warm in the winters and got on each others nerves in the summer. We didn't have much besides love and potatoes. While I was pregnant I ate so many potatoes because they were filling and inexpensive.

Well, almost ten years later, potatoes are still a staple in my home. One of the easiest ways that I cook them are sauteed with onions. I know that in the...Read More » »

In the area of food seasoning, it is definitely time for me to step up my game. I use salt, pepper and seasoning salt pretty faithfully; but my husband's cooking is so much more savory then mine. Why? He uses herbs. Cilantro, oregano, parsley and many more. He chops them up and puts them into his sauces, meat seasonings and marinades and other dishes, he even blends them with other vegetables.

At Wind Ridge Herb Farm they have over 400 varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs. The leaves are...Read More » »

It is no secret to anyone around me that in 2012 I want to be a size 12. After having four children in as many years, I gained a total of 100lbs! Yes, I am putting it out there. The reality is, my youngest, the twins, just turned five and out of that hundred I have lost and found the same twenty pounds repeatedly.

From exercising, to eating less, I haven't consistently done them both at the same time for a long enough period of time to make a big difference. After 9 years of being married and 8...Read More » »

You say tomato, I say tomato. Either way you pronounce it tomatos are a household staple in my home. One of the biggest transitions that my children have felt is mommy giving them raw fruits and veggies for snacks. I don't do it every day but I'm trying my best to teach them that foods consume in their rawest form hold the vitamins and nutrients that the need to develop healthy.

My mother told me years ago that it was very important to give my children very few sugary snacks. Buying local produce...Read More » »

Fruit are the diamonds of nature's produce. They are naturally sweetened by rays of sunshine and their various colorful hues bring joy to the eater. At Black Diamond Farm they have over 40 varieties of heirloom apples, which grow in different seasons. They also are growing cherries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears and grapes. They use a process called IFP (Integrated Fruit Production).

Black Diamond Farm lists the different varieties and listed and the description of the types of...Read More » »

If you have heard the expression "Heaven on earth", you usually hear it as a description to describe a chocolate dessert. At least that has been my experience. Well at Prairie Pure Cheese, they boast that their milk is top quality which in turn produces heavenly slices of cheese and all because they take excellent care of their cows.

If you think that cheese is just good for hamburgers, then it is time for you to think out of the bun. Cheese is a wonderful addition to any meal any time of day or...Read More » »

Have you ever tasted an organic eggplant? What about an organic pickle? What is the difference you may ask? The crops organic farmers produce is grown in land that is not contaminated by pesticides and herbicides. Their certification guarantees that you are really only eating fresh foods.

Genesis Growers Organic Farm harvests everything from arugula to zucchini and right now you can buy asparagus, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, hot pepper, kale, peas, pickles, sweet potatoes, sweet corn,...Read More » »