Monday, May 20, 2013

Good Morning Monday!

Hey there!  I'm over at Mary-Andering Thoughts and Issues today.  
It is Past Time we start thinking about Where Our Food Comes From was exhilarating to write.  I am passionate about spreading the word about GMOs and I hope you learn something from my contribution.

Check out the post and when you have a minute check out GMO Free Worldwide!

Tomorrow Tuesdays with a Twist goes LIVE at 7am EST at Back to the Basics and It's Your Life!

Find out what I did this weekend at Mary's Kitchen!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sunday Throwback post and The Creative HomeAcre Hop

Good Morning!  Since March Against Monsanto is right around the corner (May 25th) I'll be sharing a few of my "throwback posts" about GMOs.

Honeybee Deaths and Genetically Modified Crops

This article was originally published by Global Research in March 2008
Commercial beehives pollinate over a third of {North}America’s crops and that web of nourishment encompasses everything from fruits like peaches, apples, cherries, strawberries and more, to nuts like California almonds, 90 percent of which are helped along by the honeybees. Without this pollination, you could kiss those crops goodbye, to say nothing of the honey bees produce or the flowers they also fertilize’.1 

      This essay will discuss the arguments and seriousness pertaining to the massive deaths and the decline of Bee colonies in North America. As well, it will shed light on a worldwide hunger issue that will have an economical and ecological impact in the very near future. 

      There are many reasons given to the decline in Bees, but one argument that matters most is the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and "Terminator Seeds" that are presently being endorsed by governments and forcefully utilized as our primary agricultural needs of survival. I will argue what is publicized and covered by the media is in actuality masking the real forces at work, namely the impact of genetically modified seeds on the reproduction of bee colonies across North America.

      Genetically modified seeds are produced and distributed by powerful biotech conglomerates. The latter manipulate government agricultural policy with a view to supporting their agenda of dominance in the agricultural industry. American conglomerates such as Monsanto, Pioneer Hybrid and others, have created seeds that reproduce only under certain conditions, often linked to the use of their own brands of fertilizer and/or insecticide.

The genetic modification of the plant leads to the concurrent genetic modification of the flower pollen. When the flower pollen becomes genetically modified or sterile, the bees will potentially go malnourished and die of illness due to the lack of nutrients and the interruption of the digestive capacity of what they feed on through the summer and over the winter hibernation process.

 You'll find the rest of the article here.

And now for the Party...
Each of the co-host have chosen their own features so be sure to stop by each blog to see if you've been featured!

My favorite last week was Savory Caprese Quick Bread from Pink Recipe Box

The Creative HomeAcre hop is hosted by:

Manuela from A Cultivated Nest  
Mary from Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen  
Alison from Mumtopia and 
Lisa Lynn from The Self Sufficient HomeAcre  

That means that when you link up your posts each week, they will be viewed by even more people! Each host will be sharing her own picks for Featured Bloggers. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured and increases your exposure to new readers. Be sure to check all of our blogs to see if you were featured! Thanks to all of the talented bloggers who linked up last week! 

If you would like to be featured, be sure to link back to the hop! Grab the button if you were featured!
The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
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  Now, on to your latest creations!
  • Share your Creative Home posts featuring photography, creative writing, home cooking, eco-friendly crafts, home decor, vintage finds, objects d’ art, fiber arts and sewing, farm girl fashion, thrifty tips, food preservation and gardening helpers, hand made ‘wholesomeness’, and good ol’ fashioned homemaking news. If you have a creative side, I’d love to see what you’ve been working on! Etsy sellers are welcome to share here too. :)
  • Please link back to the hop in your post. If you don’t take a couple of seconds to do this, you won’t be featured. I’ve created a couple of cute buttons for you to grab, or you can use a text link in your post. Thanks for sharing the hop with others!
  • Pretty please, with cherries on top, go visit as many of the other bloggers posting as you can! The whole point of a hop is to build a community of like minded bloggers who share and support each other. :) We all love to hear from our visitors, so please leave thoughtful and kind comments when you visit!
  • You are welcome to link your archived posts here, as long as all of the content you share is your own.
  • Link your posts once. Please do not link the same post you linked last week! Let's keep it fresh and fun!
  • By linking your posts here you are agreeing to let us share your post and images on social media and our blogs.
  • Happy hopping!
The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
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Friday, May 17, 2013

FOOD REVOLUTION DAY!!!

If you missed out on the announcement...Wake up!!!
Today is an AMAZING day in the land of food.  Today we celebrate!
My Farmer's Market produce run!

Food Revolution Day on 17 May is a global day of action for people to make a stand for good food and essential cooking skills. It's a chance for people to come together within their homes, schools, workplaces and communities to cook and share their kitchen skills, food knowledge and resources. Food Revolution Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of good food and better food education for everyone by focusing on three simple actions – cook it, share it, live it. The first Food Revolution Day took place on 19 May 2012 with more than 1,000 events in 664 cities across 62 countries. Find out all about Food Revolution Day 2012 here.

Who is Taking Part?

Food Revolution Day is open to any individual, school, business and organisation that wants to take part in hosting or attending activities in their local area on 17 May. Many local activities will also be organised by our voluntary Food Revolution ambassadors who play a leadership role across the world in connecting individuals, schools, businesses and organisations at a local level. Get in touch with your nearest ambassador by visiting the Food Revolution Day team’s webpage. If you want to get involved, raise awareness or fundraise for better food education and cooking skills, then why not organise an activity in your local area. Follow the link to download the Food Revolution Day Activity Guide for loads of help and ideas. If you simply wish to attend an activity near you, visit our interactive activities map to find out where they’re taking place. 

Why have a Day of Action?

Cooking skills used to be passed down from generation to generation, but now millions of people lack even the most basic cooking skills. We need to get back to basics: to cook and eat fresh local produce; to share cooking skills and food knowledge; to join forces within communities and get as many people involved as possible. Food Revolution Day is our opportunity to get the world to focus on the importance of good food and essential cooking skills, by rallying our efforts to empower people with better cooking skills and to inspire them to cook fresh food from scratch. 

I had 2 major cooking influences growing up: My Mom and my Granny.  Both are/were equally amazing!  When I go back home to visit every year the kitchen is FULL of "smith girls."  My mom makes the BEST carrot cake ever which is a family recipe and both of my sisters are so creative in the kitchen.  We have a great time and I am so very grateful for the experience!

Super Mega Birthday Salad

Ingredients:
Lettuce, chopped
Radish, sliced
Jicama, peeled and chopped
Tomatoes, sliced
Cucumber, sliced thin
Carrots, shredded
Avocado, sliced

Directions
Layer each ingredient however you like.  My final product is pictured.


The Super Simple Potato

Ingredients:
1 red potato
1-2 teaspoons olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Directions
Slice potato most of the way through leaving the bottom intact
Microwave for approx 5 minutes, turning halfway.
Drizzle with olive oil and microwave for another 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and microwave for a final 1 1/2 minutes.
Serve hot!


Baked Spicy Chickpeas

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place garbanzo beans in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with olive oil and spices.  Toss to coat.
place garbanzo beans on a cookie sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes.  Serve hot or cool.
I love these as a topping for salad!


Black Bean Quesadilla

Ingredients:
1/2 cup black beans, smashed
tortilla
cheese
salsa, optional

Directions
Smush black beans with a fork.  Heat tortilla and add cheese.  I prefer mozarrella.
Once the cheese is mostly melted, add smushed black beans to half of the tortilla and fold.
Cook on medium for approx 1 minute per side and serve hot.


I hope you have enjoyed my edition Food Revolution Day!  It's not too late to get started on your own.
Cook It!  Share It!



Thursday, May 16, 2013

Green Circle Grove Giveaway

It's has been one exciting Month here!  We've had giveaways galore both at here AND sponsored on other blogs.  
I've had a wonderful time sharing giveaways and checking out all of the AMAZING links shared at Tuesdays with a Twist link up!

I was so pleased when Lisa offered the opportunity to join several other fabulous bloggers to bring you another fun giveaway.  Everyone likes free stuff right?  Check it out!

Market Bag Giveaway!

Meredith and Kristen from Green Circle Grove are sponsoring another awesome giveaway! Check out this beautiful Toile Market Bag they are offering to one lucky winner!
 GE Note: Cabbage not included

This fabric market bag is made from sturdy "outdoor cloth". It's 12" x 9" x 8" in a white on red toile print, which reverses to red on white toile. The black cotton webbing straps are double-stitched into the top seam for extra strength. Machine washable in cool water on a gentle cycle; hang to dry. Rolls up to stick in a purse or to tuck under a seat in the car. 
GE
 
 Please be sure to stop by and visit Green Circle Grove's Etsy shop for a great selection of handmade soaps and fabric bags!
 
   

This giveaway is hosted by:  
Meredith of Green Circle Grove  

Ann from Summers Acres  

Carol from Everything Home with Carol  

Jenny from Black Fox Homestead  

Alison from Mumtopia  

Mary from Back to the Basics and Mary’s Kitchen and 

Lisa at The Self Sufficient HomeAcre

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

GMO Free Foods!

I'm always looking for GMO free options.  It is VERY important to me to not only SHARE but to also DO!
Have you liked GMO Free Worldwide on facebook yet?  
There are LOTS of great tips available.
Don't forget...Food Revolution Day is May 17th!  What are YOU cooking? 

*Click to pictures for more information*

25 Pounds of Naturally Free Layer Feed!


Non-GMO Cereal. Pack of 6!


2.5 Pounds Long Grain Brown Rice. Organic, Non-GMO!

March Against Monsanto happens May 25th around the world!  Some people say 12 noon, others say 2pm.  I might be unable to "march" but I plan on showing my support with this blog, multiple fb pages that I operate AND I'm going to get out there with fliers and signs.

If you've never heard of March Against Monsanto just google it.  There are LOTS of links and plenty of organizations getting involved.  

Mary’s Heirloom Seeds
100% Non-GMO, Organic, Heirloom Seeds

Organic Golden Flax cereal. 6-Pack

BIG things are going on this month.  If you are planning on participating on May 17th for Food Revolution Day PLEASE leave a comment or email your post to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com
I will SHARE your post on multiple fb pages!!!

GMO Free Worldwide
Sharing this informative post at Tuesdays with a Twist and HERE.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Tuesdays with a Twist #6 and Food Revolution Day

Have you heard about Food Revolution Day? 
On May 17th Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics will be participating in Food Revolution Day.  Will you join thousands of people in over 60 countries to celebrate?
 
What is Food revolution Day?
Food Revolution Day on 17 May is a global day of action for people to make a stand for good food and essential cooking skills. It's a chance for people to come together within their homes, schools, workplaces and communities to cook and share their kitchen skills, food knowledge and resources. Food Revolution Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of good food and better food education for everyone by focusing on three simple actions – cook it, share it, live it. The first Food Revolution Day took place on 19 May 2012 with more than 1,000 events in 664 cities across 62 countries. Find out all about Food Revolution Day 2012 hereFree Downloads available!

The most important part of our Food Revolution Day will be eating
GMO Free!!!  Check out our fb page for details or grab a button.
Getting involved can be as simple as posting a recipe you'll make for Food Revolution Day or just sharing what's it's all about.
Please share on facebook and other social media!

March Against Monsanto is happening on May 25th.  This is a worldwide protest and I encourage everyone to get involved.

Are you ready for another fantastic party?
Back to the Basics
The top clicked posts from last week are 

and I Want YOU on My Team from Mary's Kitchen

Back to the Basics  
If you've been featured we've got a button for you!!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs.


Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
 *Pictures should be your own*
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos  
(with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Books on Gardening and Homesteading

Being prepared for "gardening time" is almost as important as soils, seeds, water and sunshine.  Notice I said almost...Seeds are SO much more important!  
For a major list of books check out My Bookshelf (above).

So to get you excited about gardening time (or get you started)  I have come up with a list of books that I have found useful both in the garden and around the house. *If you purchase the book using the link provided I do make a tiny commission.*  If you're not sure which books you will find useful, by all means check out your local Library!

For getting started:





For Herbs and herbal remedies:



Living more self-sufficient:




A-Z Gardening/Homestead/Self-Sufficient: LOVE this book!!!


 

So far I have only had time to review several books on this blog:
(fantastic book with recipes including purple opal basil jelly)
Backyard Homesteading (first book up top)
The Doomsday Key (not about gardening. Mystery/GMO)

So there you have it!  This is just a small selection of what's out there in the way of gardening and herbs, DIY projects and more.