Natural Living

Many of us recognize and acknowledge the benefits of growing our own food. Yet factors such as time, money, space, know-how, and limited resources make maintaining a home garden a less than practical option for everyone. Luckily there are a few really good alternatives that can help supply us and our families with fresh produce throughout this season of harvest. Gardening Alternatives 1. …

Raisins are dried grapes, this we know. Making raisins from fresh grapes involves only one small step, yet — if you’re like me — few of us have ever tried the process at home. This year, since we are experiencing somewhat of a bumper crop of grapes coming from our tiny backyard vineyard, the children and I decided it would …

Combining two passions in my life — my children and backpacking — has always been a desire of mine. And after much planning, a few weekends ago we set out on our very first family backpacking trip — 2 year old and all! By no means would I consider us experts in the field of backpacking with …

With the celebration of Memorial Day in the U.S. behind us, summer is preparing for her grand entrance — and with her, the anticipation of many outdoor adventures are on the horizon.  Now’s the perfect time to put together an herbal first aid kit — wouldn’t you say!?! During this month of May — through our series “Creating a Kitchen …

Before really learning about the different herbal remedies, I remember hearing “compress” and “poultices” and then thinking they were one in the same. Well, over the years, I have come to understand that compresses and poultices are similar, but not the same. Compresses and poultices are excellent remedies to be used in acute (sudden onset) …

I feel like my medicine chest isn’t complete without these herbal cold care capsules. This is one of my most effective and favorite remedies for combating minor cold and flu symptoms. Making my own allows me the freedom and joy of controlling the quality of ingredients! In fact, most of the herbs I use in this …