Home Ec

Jeff and I have decided to explore our inner pioneer by taking a stab at making many of our own household items and food. We weren't comfortable with the idea that we didn't know how to make some of the most simple cleaning items or basic foods. So we got out the horse and carriage and ventured down educational trail....via the Internet and my new bible "Making It, Radical Home Ec for a Post-Consumer World."

You can't believe how easy it is to make your own tooth paste or all purpose cleaner! It turns out, if you have baking soda and vinegar you are 90% of the way there. I am having a blast creating my own products that I know are safe and effective. No chemicals and they are about an 1/8 of the cost. I usually spend $4.99 on one tube of toothpaste, but not anymore!!! Today, I made a toothpaste from baking soda and peppermint essential oil for about .50 cents. Brady says his breath is fresher than ever and he plans on going on a kissing tour to truly test the product. Today alone we've made toothpaste, grainless granola (paleo crunch), kiefer, polishing paste and peppermints.

Thanks to a wonderfully warm spring we have already enjoyed several of own radishes and turnips. Our little plot of land at the community garden is growing like crazy. Beautiful greens are popping up everywhere. There is no better feeling than eating something you have grown yourself. Brady has been a fantastic farmer. He planted our crop of snap peas and is the official water boy. Mallory is more interested in chasing the ally cat around. She has yet to develop her green thumb.

All of this really comes down to trying to become more self sufficient, independent and knowledgeable. All things Brady says he has had in the bag since birth.