A Peek at Our Nature Table

The subject of nature tables came up on a forum site I frequent and it gave me the idea to share some pictures of our nature table here on my blog.

We've been "nature tabling" for about 6 years now. Sometimes our displays have been very elaborate, other times super simple. 

Right now our table is quite simple. It speaks to me of this quiet, winter time of sparseness and barren landscape.

 

We use a faux-fur lining. The man and woman figure were made by a friend using items she collects on the beach. The man is chopping wood (our papa) the woman is gathering or harvesting with a basket and she has a baby on her back (me!). 

Deer antlers are the large "bridge" like structure over the whole thing. My eldest actually found these in the woods near our home. A twig of madrone leaves with a red berry still attached is poised on top. 

 

 

 

Acorns and other winter treasures collected by the kiddies :)

 

This is where the nature table stands in relation to our home. It's currently located on the middle shelf of our dinning room display case. Underneath I usually place additional seasonally themed decorations, here we see our St. Lucia doll, yule gnomes and a book on the nativity. 

Our St. Lucia Celebration

 

Yesterday was St. Lucia day. In our tradition St. Lucia and her Yule Gnome travel on the eve of her day leaving treats of maple candies to good little boys and girls. This St. Lucia Eve happened to also be the third Sunday of advent.

We read this story about St. Lucia by candle light with our St. Lucia and Yule Gnome doll as props.

The next day, on St. Lucia day, we baked her traditional buns. We use whole grain spelt instead of regular flour and we skip the saffron because it's so darn expensive. We enjoyed the buns during family game night. Yum! What a fabulous day!

 

Mouthwatering eh?

Waldorf Playroom Decoration for Boys - Space!

 

Here are some pictures of our recent playroom addition - a universe. We hung up a large, dark blue sheet we bought from the thrift shop on the wall, in the corner. We then water colored planets, asteroids, stars, etc, cut them out and taped them out. The effect is a wonderful backdrop for imaginative play!

 

 

Recipe: Soaked Muesli Cereal

Photo Credit

I few years ago, and to my great sadness, I learned that supermarket cereals, even the organic ones, are really unhealthy.  And by really unhealthy I mean they are toxic. So I played around with some alternatives and here's my favorite.

Soaked Muesli, a natural Swiss cereal.

3 cups rolled oats and/or rye flakes
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup sunflower seeds


Pulse all ingredients in a food processor or blender a few times. Fill cereal bowl(s) 1/2 full with dry cereal. Add water (about as much as you would add milk if this was traditional cereal). Add a teaspoon of high quality yogurt. Stir. Set bowl, covered, in a warm place over night. In the morning add a pinch of salt, a bit of honey or raw sugar, and a dash of heavy cream.

I love this breakfast because it's so fast, easy, natural, healthy and filling. I like to make it on the mornings when I have a lot to do and need a quick, filling meal. The kids also LOVE it.

Another tip: if you can avoid it, don't take you kids down cereal isles in stores. We shop the outside of all stores, even the health food store. We get fresh fruits, veggies, dairy, meat, baking supplies and some bulk grains, like oats. My kids never even see the Mac and Cheese boxes with Sponge Bob or the half million different types of super hero breakfast cereal. They do not even know it exists. ;)

Homemade Gift Ideas from Mother Nature

Thanksgiving is over, let Christmas begin! 

I'm on a mission this season to bring lovingly handcrafted, nature based and up-cycled gifts to my loved ones. Here are my top picks from around the web of things you can make using materials collected on a nature walk.

Crochet hooks and knitting needles

Pine Cone Napkin Rings

Twig Vase

Fairy House

Angel Pine Cone

Pine Cone Owls

Please share your links and ideas with us!

Thanksgiving in our Home and Dropped Pie Recipe with Story!!

A nice, old fashion, hand turkey! No better decoration :)

 

 Holiday center piece. Madrone berries from the trees in our backyard.

We are having chicken instead of turkey since we are a small family and can't eat a whole turkey.

 

My favorite way to make cranberry sauce. Take dehydrated cranberries and soak them overnight. Drain the water and puree. Simple and oh so yummy!

Now it's time for my dropped pie recipe!

This recipe was born out of my broken oven this year. It's two pies, cooked on the strove top instead of the oven. It has a neat story to tell with it (story below recipe).

Crust:

1/2 cup of butter, cold and cubed

3/4 cup spelt flour

pinch of salt

pinch of sugar

1/4 cup whole milk

Pulse all ingredients in a blender or food processor until crumbly. Place crumbs in a well buttered skillet on medium heat. Cover and story about ever 3 minutes or so until you end up with a flaky, pie crust stir fry.

 

Filling (Pumpkin)

1/2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin

cloves, allspice and nutmeg to taste

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup raw cane sugar or maple syrup

3 eggs

Blend all ingredients well. On the stove top cook the mix on medium heat whisking often for about 5-10 minutes. Turn to medium high heat and whisk until it reaches a pudding-like state. Let cool for 10-15 minutes. Place pie crumbles in a dish, cover with pumpkin filling. Chill in fridge for 30 minutes and serve when ready :)

Filling (Pecan)

3 large eggs

3/4 cup water

1 3/4 cup raw cane sugar

pinch of salt

2 oz unsalted butter, melted

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups pecan pieces

Whisk eggs and water together until well blended. Add sugar, salt, vanilla and butter. Whisk well.Place on stove top at medium high heat, whisking often for about 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, add pecans, poor over crumbles and place in fridge for 30 minutes.

The Story of Dropped Pie

Once upon a time a woman was getting her home ready for Thanksgiving. This woman was known throughout her village for the best pies on earth! As she pulled her warm, tasty pies from the oven and set them cool upon the window sill and angel descended from Heaven. He had heard of her pies and wanted to take them up to heaven so all the angels could try some. The woman agreed but she asked them not to eat them all and to please bring half of each pie back for her family.

The angel agreed. He ascended to heaven with the pies. After all the angels had all tried a bite (and agreed they were the best pies on earth and in heaven) the angel began to fly back to earth to give the pies back when a turkey flew passed him (in a hurry to avoid some hunters). Startled the angel dropped the pies and they landed in the woman's pan with their crusts broken into a million pieces.

Albino Deer!

Nope, these aren't goats, they are albino deer.

There is a herd of them near Nykki's homeschool charter school and we caught some of them grazing a few days ago.

Lovely aren't they?

Seeing them in person is even more amazing. The white is such a stark contrast to the green of the fields. They look sharp, almost hyper real.

We are so blessed by such beauty...

Keeping a Tidy Home

Keeping a tidy home can be a struggle, especially when one has children. Children can mess things up quicker than a hurricane, as we all know well! :) I am concerned with trend of messiness in the world. It seems no one is willing to go that extra step in keeping their towns, neighborhoods, selves and homes clean, tidy and organized.

In Psalms 51:10 it says;

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

When we have a clean space and a clean body we can relax, quite the mind and renew our spirit in our fresh surroundings. 

Over the years I have refined my homemaking skills such that I keep a pretty tidy home. I thought I would share some of my tips for success.

A Good Start

1. Own Less Stuff

I cannot over stress the importance of getting rid of junk. Here is the best method I have found for getting rid of things; over the course of a few weeks go through your things every few days and box up stuff to get rid of.

Allow one of your household closets to be filled with keepsakes (year books, photo albums, that special outfit you are saving for your grandchildren, etc). Give every person in the house three medium sized boxes. EVERYTHING they own (clothes, books, toys, toothbrush, sheets, etc) should fit into those three medium sized boxes. Furniture not included but don't fall in the trap of owning too much furniture either, be sure you are actually using it or get rid of it.

Take a box down to your local thrift shop or to the garbage every time you leave the house during your de-cluttering time. Once your house is clean, EVERY TIME you bring home new stuff (except food), keep the bag it came in and refill it with things to give away. Do not buy more stuff until you have given an equal amount away.

2. Don't Let Your Children Own Toys With Many Pieces

Until they are old enough to control it they are not old enough to own it. My oldest is 7 years-old and he is STILL not old enough for a toys with more than 5-10 pieces (except puzzles).

3. A Place For Everything and Everything in  It's Place

Everything you own should have a home that is put up or tucked away accept for a few decorative items (but don't put out too many of these otherwise your space becomes too cluttered). Don't let stacks of things pile up. Be sure that books are straight on the bookshelf and DVDs are tucked away.

Don't leave things on the floor. The floor space should be clean, clear and vacuumed often. Have a box by the door for shoes and may be one for socks if needed. Be sure they are put away every time you return home.

4. Avoid Distractions

You're not thinking about what needs to be done in your home if you are zoned out on TV or the Internet all day. Limit these activities to certain, set aside, time periods only and you'll be amazed at how much more time you have to spend on your home both in respects to cleaning but other things as well, like cooking healthy meals.

If you find yourself surfing through TV or the Internet with no real intention then you are over using these things.


Keeping It Clean

I clean three times per day, at least. After breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner.

I have a routine of going from one room to another. Livingroom, bedroom, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. Start with the room where you would entertain a guest dropping by (like the living room) and work your way through the rooms that are most often seen and used.

I pick things up off the floor. I have a box in the living room for toys to be tossed into. When it's full it gets taken back to the toy room. I allow my children to play with toys in the common areas but the toys cannot live there. I pick things up off the tables and and shelves such as old glasses and cups and forgotten nick knacks. I make sure the beds are made, the dishes done and the surfaces cleaned off.


Deep Cleaning

Once per week, usually on Saturday, I do a deep cleaning. I put on some good music, an audio book or something to this effect, I strap the baby on my back in the Ergo and I get to cleaning. I clean what is most in need that week as well as giving every room a good scrubbing.

I wipe down the windows, sweep and vacuum the floors, clean off the window moldings, wipe down the walls of finger prints, dust, wipe down blinds, clean off dining chairs, wash the trash can lid, wipe down the floor boards, clean the fixtures, straighten or rearrange pictures, scrub out the toilet and bathtub, mop up spills in the fridge, change bed sheets, etc.

When I have the time and energy I tackle big projects like reorganizing a closet or cleaning the play room.

And that's it. I spend probably one hour a day cleaning and about 2-5 hours on Saturday, so not really that much.


If you don't already, I invite you to embrace the spirit of cleanliness in your home. You'll feel better, guests will feel more at ease and life will run smoother. Honor your sacred space as the wise, capable homemaker you are!

Blessings!

Halloween At Our Home

Our Internet was down for a week, I wanted to post these earlier but I thought I would share them now. Blessings of the season! (P.S. Blogger is being weird with the pics)

 

A Flower Kitty, a costume right out of his imagination!

 Very important, deciding your pumpkins face

 

I love pumpkin guts!!!

Sunnydale Cheerleader from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (with babe in the Ergo)

Hand knit Polar Bear costume, so cute you could just melt into a pile of goo.

Nykki was Hans Solo

We went to a super cute Halloween party at the local school.

 

Hope you had a happy Halloween!!!!!

Soaked, Spelt, Biscuits

These biscuits will knock your socks off! (So you may want to go bare foot before trying them). Also, they are soooo simple to make you'll get addicted to 'em quick!

Ingredients

3 cups of spelt flour (you can use wheat but spelt tastes better)
1 Tsp baking powder
1 tsp natural salt

1/3 cup plain, whole milk, yogurt
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter
1 Tsp apple cider vinegar

Sift dry ingredients together, set aside, in a another bowl mix wet ingredients well. Add wet to dry, mix until just barely mixed together. DON'T OVER MIX. Cover with a towel and leave in a warm place for 12-24 hours. Gently pat out biscuits (I like to pat them out thin and then stack two together so they open easily for buttering), place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, pop in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

We use them for breakfast, egg sandwiches, hamburgers, sides to salads, picnic snacks, etc. They are perfect with grass fed butter and lacto-fermented jam!

Finding Your Sweet Voice

Feminine Friday is a semi regular feature on A Wise and Glorious Purpose aimed at promoting a culture where women embrace their womanhood as a divine and eternal characteristic.

If eyes are the window to the soul than the voice is it's banner, proclaiming to everyone how we esteem ourselves as well as others.


How do you use your voice?

In Jane Austen's Mansfield Park we read that young Fanny, though not rich or educated, makes a decent first impression on her new family because she, "was not vulgar, her voice was sweet, and when she spoke, her countenance was pretty."

Is your voice pretty? I know that growing up rather Tom-boyish I didn't spend much time on developing a sweet voice. I learned to speak rather harshly, in the manner of those around me, and certainly public schooling did noting but worsen my voices tempo as well as the vulgar words I would use.

For a long time I was of the opinion that using curse words, talking in lower class slang, and arguing in public were all just parts of me and that people around me should deal with this. I was a brave, strong, independent woman and I thought rough speech testified to this.

Once I had children I could hear my voice coming out of them and I didn't like it. I didn't like the way I sounded. I wanted to sound like the beautiful, sweet women I respected in literature. Not snobby, but kind and respectful. I wanted people to think well of me.

It's still a struggle to remember this trait and to practice it. I have successfully stopped cursing, I do not yell or argue in public (except in an emergency) and I speak in order to understand and be understood, not to incite debate but I still raise my voice too often, whine and slip into slang more often then I would like.

It will mostly likely be a life long repair job however I am excited about the ripple effect it will have on my children who are often spoken well of in regards to their speech and politeness.

My husband enjoys it as well. He thinks it's cute when I refuse to cuss, or when I pout instead of shout. He adores the way I speak kindly of others and struggle not to gossip.  Men want to look upon women as if we are fairy like beings of grace and beauty, they want to respect our sweetness so they feel they have something pure to protect and provide for..

Here are some things I have found helpful in my quest to cultivate a gentle voice...

1. Watch my media intake.

I try and stick to sweetness in my environment. I watch movies and read books were people are civil and respectful in their speech. Classics always come to mind here, Peter Pan, Jane Austen, Little Women, Little House on the Prairie, etc.

2. Practice

When I hear words and manners of speaking that I like, I practice using them.

3. Substitute

It was hard for me to quit cursing, I couldn't just *not* say anything in moments of great joy or sorrow so I used substitute words that are cuter and sweeter. Some popular substitute words include, fetch, flip, holy moly, jeepers creepers, jimany petes, and well-I-declare!

It's amazing the ease and grace that comes from good speech. It improves the mood of your life when you limit the amount of negativity you're willing to let spill from your lips. A sweet voice can cultivate a sweet life. 

You'll also be pleasantly surprised how well your children will speak when you, their mother, show them a good example.

The Importance of Sleep for Children

 

Newborn Avi enjoys a nap while nursing.

Benjamin Franklin famously said; "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." I can testify that this is true for children as well as adults. In the Waldorf method of education and lifestyle early bedtimes are a crucial part of a healthy home rhythm.

Sometimes as adults we don't fully appreciate how much sleep children need to thrive. We place them on our own sleep schedule or struggle endless hours to get them to go to bed a little earlier than us. We can see the results in their tired eyes, their cranky behavior and their bedtime fussiness.

Our Papa has been working more evenings lately and has been out of town a lot so our bedtime routine has seen me struggle to get the boys to bed on time and while I aim for the recommended 7 pm bedtime the boys are often not asleep until 8  or 9 pm.

Our rates of whining, irritability, and over all grouchiness have increased in response, prompting me to do a little research into how much sleep children need and suggestions for bedtime routines.

First let's look at how much sleep your children need by their age...

Newborns, 1-2 months old need 10.5 - 18 hours per day, waking often to eat.

Infants, 3 - 11 months old need 9-12 hours of sleep per night, waking often to eat as well as several naps throughout the day.

Toddlers, 1-3 years old need 12-14 hours sleep in a 24 hour period.

Preschoolers, 3 - 5 years old need 11 - 13 hours of sleep per night.

Children, 5-12 years old need 10-11 hours of sleep.


A few important points to remember is that even though your child may need 11 hours of sleep that doesn't mean that sleeping from midnight to 11 am is an optimum schedule. Rudolph Steiner, the creator of the Waldorf method, taught that every hour of sleep you get before midnight is worth twice as much as sleep you get after midnight - thus an early bedtime is best for children (as well as adults).

So, in our home my children usually wake up between 7 and 8 am, this mean that Ronan should be in bed, and asleep around 7 pm and Nykki no later than 9 pm. When you factor in brushing teeth, putting on jammies, reading a few stories, our bedtime routine really should begin no later than 6 pm.

As I write this, my sleepy Ro Ro is dozing while laying on my shoulder. He fell asleep around 9 pm last night and the several meltdowns he's had today are telling me that I need to adjust our dinner time to 5 pm so that we can begin our bed routine at 6 pm.

Our preferred bedtime routine (which has been off since I had Avi) is to get teeth brushed and jammies on right after dinner. We then snuggle in bed and read a few pictures as well as a few chapters from our chapter book by candle light.

What is your bedtime routine? What bedtime have you found to work best?

3 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot

Photo Credit



As we explored in yesterday's post, it's cold and flu season. I'm starting to lose count how many friends of mine have ended up in the hospital in the past month or two over flu related conditions. Every year when and if I get the flu my father always tells me, "You should have got your flu shot."

I've never had a flu shot, nope, not a one. I'm grateful that flu shots didn't become popular until I was already an adult and could make a choice for myself. After much research I choose not to get the flu shot for a few crucial reasons.

1. It doesn't work

The CDC's (Centers for Disease Control) own findings have found that you are just as likely to get the flu whether or not you've gotten a flu shot. Yep, that's right, just as likely. The flu shot does not work. Hence the flu shot, at best, is a waste of money, time, energy, and skin poky-ness.

2. Adverse Reactions

Some adverse reactions to getting the flu shot include; fever, rash, headaches, hives, and even seizures. Some people have been permanently disabled. I don't know about you but I don't feel like playing rush n' roulette with my quality of life.


3. Brain Damage 

Many flu shots contain thimersol, which is 49% mercury. Yep, the same stuff that use to make hat markers "mad as a hatter." That's because it's a nero toxin, which means, quite simply, it dulls and injures your brain. Don't know 'bout you, but I really, really, like my brain.


Fairly good reasons, eh? Yes, I know that having the flu is terrible. I hate it especially because I usually end up needing an IV to stay hydrated but the flu is also part of the human condition. It builds our natural immunity that we then pass down to our children, making them stronger. That's how the human race has survived.

So, the next time someone in medical clothing comes up to you and says, "Me like flu shot, flu shot gooooooood." Back away slowly, never run, and go take some Vitamin D. It's been shown to be 800% more effective than the flu shot.

Works Cited

Why You Shouldn't Get a Flu Shot

Read This Before You Get the Flu Shot, CNN

Why the Flu Vaccine Doesn't Work

Vitamin D Proven Far Better than Vaccines

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Photo Credit

We all know it's coming and for some of us it seemed to come much to early. Cold and flu season are differently upon us and here in Northern California we are getting hit with some nasties just on the tail end of a summer flu season that was unusually yucky.

There are many things we can do to prevent colds and flues and while nothing is 100% effective these remidies have taken a girl (me) from about 10 colds and flues per yer (yes, I averaged nearly one per month at age 20) to about 2 per year.

Here are my top picks for preventing colds and flues:

1. Eat healthy. 

So simple yet we all forget to do it or some are confused on how. For those who read my blog you know that we follow a traditional foods diet. To translate that in a nutshell I will say this; shop the outside of the store. Fresh fruits, veggies, meats and dairy. Buy organic, local, raw - as unmessed with as possible. Eat real food, real butter, real fat, not hydrogenated oils, no boxed, sugared grains. Eat real meats and real, whole fat, dairy.


2. Get lot's of rest. 

Reduce your stress by simplifying your life. Be sure you have one full day per week where you are relaxing 99% of the day.


3. Drink lots of pure water. 

At least 8, 8 oz glasses per day and more if you can. If you hate the taste of water try adding a little lemon juice to it, or drink lot's of watered down, caffeine free herbal teas.


4. Drink Super Hero Juice. 

What's Super Hero Juice, you ask? Here's the receipe:

2 Tsp dried Elderberries
2 Tsp Ginger
2 Tsp Slippery Elm Bark


Add to two quarts of water, simmer for an hour, add 1/2 cup of raw honey, stir. Let sit overnight. In the morning strain the tea, add to the tea 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Store in the fridge, drink liberally, everyday.


5. Make chicken soup at least once per week. 

Here's my favorite recipe from my sister's blog



6. Take your Vitamin D3!

In the summer time we make Vitamin D 3 from the sunlight. But during winter we cannot make any Vitamin D 3. This vitamin is CRUCIAL in immune system function and a whole host of other body functions including keeping us from getting depressed and helping us with the absorption of calcium.

Back in the day we use to get a lot of Vitamin D 3 from wholesome animal products. Be sure to eat full fat meat and dairy from naturally raised, grass fed animals. Eat organ meats like liver too. I cannot stress this enough. Vitamin D 3 is the most important kind of Vitamin D and is only found in sunlight (from March 21st to September 21st) and quality animal products.

Be sure to take a Vitamin D 3 supplement, I like Source Naturals. Take it everyday.



7. Wash your hands often.

We have all heard this again and again but really it's the simplest, easiest way to keep from getting sick. Remind your children to wash their hands and check up on them, make sure they are doing a good job at it. Warm water, scrub while you sing the ABCs, rinse thoroughly. 

Okay, so you've done all that and you're still sick, now what? Really the only thing you can once are sick is to rest, drinks lots of water and wait to get better. Some things, like taking Zinc and garlic, can help speed up your recovery time but for the most part, you're in it 'til it's over.

By why suffer more then you have to? Before you get sick put together a Wellness Kit!

Items for your Wellness Kit include;

Self directing activities for the kids such as crayons, coloring books, movies, books on tape, etc.

Natural remedies you like to have on hand. I like to be well stocked on yarrow, oregon grape root, coliodal silver, oregano, vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, zinc, ginger, nux vomica (for stomach flues), Herb's for Kids Temp Assure (my FAVORITE kids tinctures because my little guys run hot) etc. If you are new to herbs you can always buy cold and flu season, pre-packaged blends in teas and tinctures.

Extra household items you may not be able to get to the store to pick up such as toilet paper, paper towels, pads or tampons, diapers, wipes, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, etc.

Tylenol (use sparingly), thermometer, and hot water bottle.

In your freezer - pre-made chicken soup, several loaves of sprouted bread, grass fed butter.

In your cupboard - peanut butter (so the kids can make their own sandwiches), oral rehydration drink like Recharge.

A chart describing who has what chore responsibility while mom is sick plus treats to motivate the kids to do extra picking up around the house.

I  urge you to get you kit together today if you don't already have one.

Be healthy, be prepared and beat cold and flu season!

Boy in Action!

 

Over at Home With the Boys everyone is linking up to show off their favorite shot of their boys in action. Here's mine. Beach day...what can I say? It's so much fun they just have to roll around in it!

My Famous Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting!

 

OK, so it's not that famous but my sister-in-law likes it! Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

One 8 oz package of organic cream cheese (room temperature)

Two cups of heavy whipping cream (cold) plus 4 Tsp. heavy whipping cream (room temp.)

1 tsp. Vanilla (optional)

2 tsp. orange zest (optional)

1 Tsp. raw honey (optional)

Place the cream cheese and 4 Tsp of whipping cream in a medium sauce pan. Turn your burner on low and stir until creamy. Set aside. In another bowl whip the cream until fluffy. Add optional ingredients to the cream cheese. Then add the cream cheese to the whip cream (be sure it is not warm any longer it should be back to room temp.) Stir slowly, folding the two mixes together until just mixed. Place in fridge for about 20 minutes. Then you can frost a cake with it! Makes a great topping to fruit bowls, cupcakes, waffles, pancakes, etc!

Lacto-fermented Blackberry and Marmalade Jam

I cannot express how scrumptulecent this jam is! It has an old fashion holiday taste with the blending of the citrus and berry flavors. This has fast become my favorite jam - ever! The bonus is that it's so easy to make! Here's how...

3 cups of crushed berries and finely chopped oranges (peels included)
1/4 cup rapadura or sucanot
1/4 cup whey (the watery stuff on top of yogurt)
1 teaspoons sea salt
Filtered water

Place all ingredients together and mash until well squished. Put into, scalded, quart sized mason jar, pack down as best you can to avoid air bubbles and close the lid tightly. Be sure there is at least one clean inch of room from the top of the jar. Leave out for 48 hours to ferment. Enjoy! Store in a cool place or your fridge for up to two months.

So nummy you wont believe it!

Autumn Equinox / Michaelmas Celebration - Day Two

So we are two days into our week long festival, are you following along? If so please comment below and let us know how it's going!

Last night my family and I dove into these bad boys...

Then I dressed as Sir George and told the beginning of our celebration story

The kids are really getting a kick out of Sir George even Seth comes and listens to the stories!

Tonight after our Sir George tale we lit candle all around the house to shine while Father Sun starts going to bed early.