Author: Isabelle
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Cherish the Moments
Good morning. This morning handed me a moment so tender and cinematic that I wanted to freeze it in time. The kind of moment that feels scripted, like someone carefully arranged the lighting and whispered, Pay attention. This is important. The sky was clear, painted in soft early-morning blues. The sun was just beginning to… Read more
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Homemade Tomato Paste Powder: Turning Scraps into Kitchen Gold
When I first started canning tomatoes, one thing drove me a little crazy-the scraps. Piles of skins, seeds, and bits that seemed destined for the compost or chicken yard. And while the chickens were thrilled, I couldn’t help but feel like I was wasting food that had taken so much time and care to grow.… Read more
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August in the Midwest: A Season of Flavor, Harvest, and Preservation
There’s something enchanting about August here in the Midwest. It feels like we’re living between two worlds—one where summer still lingers with its hot, sticky nights, and another where cooler evenings slip in, reminding us that fall is on its way. It’s a month of balance, of transition, and of abundance. By this time of… Read more
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Cucumbers Everywhere: A Simple Summer Salad
If there’s one thing a Midwest garden can do in the height of summer, it’s overwhelm you with cucumbers. Don’t get me wrong—I love a crisp pickle as much as anyone, but after jars and jars of them, sometimes you just want something different. And when the cucumbers are rolling in by the basketful, with… Read more
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Garden-Fresh Habits: How Meal Planning & Growing Our Own Food Changed the Game
Let’s talk about that Meal Planning project we started. You know the one. The big plan to get organized, eat healthier, save money, and reduce that daily stress of asking, “What’s for dinner?” Well… it’s still going, and honestly, it’s been such a game changer. Now, let’s be real — we don’t use the meal… Read more
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Our 2025 Gardening Journey Has Begun! A New Year, New Plants, and Exciting Growth
The gardening season is officially underway, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to dive into 2025’s gardening journey! There’s something incredibly special about this time of year—the anticipation, the planning, the first signs of life as you start your seeds indoors, and that undeniable excitement of watching things grow. After a bit of reflection and… Read more
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Welcoming the New Year: Dreaming of Spring
Happy New Year, everyone! As we close the book on another chapter and step into a fresh one, I can’t help but reflect on how this winter has been full of surprises. Right before Christmas, we were blessed with a beautiful blanket of snow—a scene straight out of a holiday postcard. But, as quickly as… Read more
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Off to a Good Start in 2025: Mastering Meal Planning
One of the first things I’ve crossed off my 2025 to-do list is something I’ve been trying to tackle for years: meal planning. And let me tell you, it feels like a major win already. Now, before you picture a perfectly curated Pinterest-worthy system, let me set the record straight—this is nothing fancy. My journey… Read more
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Embracing the Canning Season: From Tomatoes to Tasty Preserves
As the end of August approaches, the rhythm of summer shifts toward a satisfying and productive endeavor—canning season. For many of us, this time of year is a blend of anticipation and hard work, as the bounty of our gardens reaches its peak. With tomatoes coming in by the bucketful, it’s an opportunity to preserve… Read more