Simple Money Honey


Second Hand


Wealth


10/10/10 Work Parties


Have a great weekend!


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Sustainable Family Finances
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

This cute little tomato is much happier than I’ve been about my garden this summer. I’m disappointed to share that our harvest has been minimal at best. This was our second summer gardening at our “new” home, and this past spring I was prepped to make it the best harvest yet. 


I did all the right things, with a cover crop and amending my soil. I thoughtfully drafted a garden design, and planned for getting my hands dirty and an abundant harvest.


Alas, the slugs ate the majority of my starts before they were ever established. June was the second wettest on record and it seemed as if my garden growth was put on pause. By the time it ever caught up to blossom it was too late.


Sadly, I know I’m not alone and I’ve heard this summer dubbed “the year of the green tomato.” Last year I literally had daily bowls of fist sized golden taxi-cab heirlooms, and I’ve yet to harvest a single full sized tomato. Heather, from the Greenest Dollar, was also dismayed by her lack of harvest and posted several tips for fall gardening. 


Our grocery bill has certainly been the highest in years, and I’m hoping to get back in the garden business this fall. I just planted potatoes and hope to put in some cauliflower and broccoli soon.


Did you get a decent summer harvest?
Are you really for a fall/winter garden?


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Sustainable Family Finances
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

This past weekend I was excited to pick up a flat of blueberries from long-time family friends who started an organic blueberry venture in retirement, Mohawk River Blueberries. Our Big Guy was equally thrilled about helping pass out free samples while I shopped at Food Front Co-op.


I remember when co-ops where the only place you could find a limited selection of local organic produce. You know the world is changing when virtually every grocer is on the bandwagon, and some have even tried a faux farmer’s market.


Prices have gone down significantly, and cost is more linked to seasonal production. Eating in season is much cheaper, and nudges us toward food decisions with a lighter footprint.


Local Harvest will help you quickly find local farmer’s markets, co-ops, and restaurants that offer the most local food available in your region (in the U.S. that is.)


I recently heard about project that helps link wholesale food growers with regional food buyers. Food Hub connects restaurants with farmers and ranchers.

Do you pay attention to whether your food is local?
Is your local food affordable?


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Sustainable Family Finances
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

After two weekends away from the house, my focus this week is on simply refocusing. I don’t know about your house, but even though we are constantly tidying up, the piles still mound. 


I have to take some of the blame, because I’m a natural “piler,” while Hubby wants to have a clear deck. It’s part of our chaordic harmony. Just because I’ve come to terms with my stacking ways, doesn’t mean that I let them run my life.


So I’ve taken a little time each evening to work on updating my new family budget , which has already helped to reduce the piles…I still haven’t gotten away from those darn receipts yet! I do have to say that even as a self-proclaimed stacker, there is still a certain satisfaction in recycling an overdue stack.  


But I decided that I needed a bit some fresh ideas. Here is the best articles I found from the Creative Mama about creating small clip boards to stay organized. I’m going to give it a try, because even though I’ve used folders for years they can feel too out of site.



How do you maintain your piles?


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.