In the U.S. and many other parts of the world, Black Friday has become synonymous with extreme sales, long lines, and a frantic rush to buy more. People stay up late or rise before dawn to camp outside stores, eager to snatch up deals that promise to save money but often lead to impulse purchases.Continue reading “Black Friday: Consumerism at Its Worst and How to Avoid It”
Author Archives: Traci Houston
Farm Table Talk: Every School Should Have a Garden Program—No Excuses
Alright, let’s get into it. Every single school should have a garden program. No excuses. Kids should be learning how to cultivate and grow their own food, and it’s beyond me why we’re not doing this everywhere already. Let’s start with the basics: some of the most important life skills can be learned in theContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: Every School Should Have a Garden Program—No Excuses”
Winterizing Your Homestead: Preparing for Cold Weather on the Farm
As the golden hues of autumn fade into the crisp air of winter, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your homestead for the colder months. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting on your homesteading journey, winterizing your farm can be both practical and satisfying. It’s a time to take stockContinue reading “Winterizing Your Homestead: Preparing for Cold Weather on the Farm”
Farm Table Talk: Resilient Food or Efficient Food—What Will It Take?
I just finished reading Will Harris’ book A Bold Return to Giving A Damn, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. There’s one question he poses in the last chapter that has been bouncing around in my head ever since: “What will it take for you, the person buying the food that farmers likeContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: Resilient Food or Efficient Food—What Will It Take?”
Sustainable Thanksgiving: How to Host an Eco-Friendly Holiday Feast
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share a delicious meal, and reflect on the things we’re grateful for. But it can also be an opportunity to align our holiday traditions with our sustainable values. From sourcing local ingredients to cutting down on waste, there are many ways to make Thanksgiving an eco-friendlyContinue reading “Sustainable Thanksgiving: How to Host an Eco-Friendly Holiday Feast”
Farm Table Talk: Does Self-Sufficiency Still Matter? (Spoiler: Yes, Now More Than Ever)
Alright, let’s get into it—self-sufficiency. With all the modern conveniences we’ve got—grocery stores on every corner, fast food just a drive-thru away—some folks think self-sufficiency is outdated. But if the last few years have shown us anything, it’s that relying on those conveniences can be a shaky bet. Remember COVID? We all saw firsthand howContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: Does Self-Sufficiency Still Matter? (Spoiler: Yes, Now More Than Ever)”
Farm Table Talk: The Truth About “Natural” and “Sustainable” Labels—It’s Mostly Marketing
Alright, it’s time we talk about some of the most misleading words in the food industry: “natural” and “sustainable.” These days, it feels like everything has one of those words slapped on the label. Pick up a bag of chips, and suddenly they’re “all-natural.” Look at a plastic bottle and, wouldn’t you know it, it’sContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: The Truth About “Natural” and “Sustainable” Labels—It’s Mostly Marketing”
Intentional Holiday Spending: How to Stick to Your Values Without Breaking the Bank
The holiday season, with its festive lights and joyful gatherings, often comes with a less joyous side—financial strain. The pressure to give generously can lead to overspending and, in some cases, regrettable purchases that don’t align with your values. However, with thoughtful planning and a commitment to ethical spending, it’s possible to celebrate the seasonContinue reading “Intentional Holiday Spending: How to Stick to Your Values Without Breaking the Bank”
Farm Table Talk: Organic Isn’t Perfect—Why We Should Look Beyond the Label
Alright, let’s talk about something that really gets people going: “organic” vs. “conventional” farming. Seems like anytime the word organic pops up, people think it’s automatically better. But is it really? Sometimes, I think we rely way too much on a label and miss the bigger picture of what makes food healthy, safe, and sustainable.Continue reading “Farm Table Talk: Organic Isn’t Perfect—Why We Should Look Beyond the Label”
Repurposing Holiday Leftovers: Creative Recipes for After the Feast
The holidays are a time for gathering, celebrating, and indulging in festive meals with family and friends. While the holiday spread may be impressive, it often leaves behind an overwhelming amount of leftovers. But instead of letting those leftovers go to waste, you can turn them into delicious new dishes that will keep the holidayContinue reading “Repurposing Holiday Leftovers: Creative Recipes for After the Feast”
