Their values, skills, and traditions used to be passed from one generation to the next, sadly this has been lost in today’s culture of more, faster, easier.

Come with me on a journey back to the basics and discover the amazing benefits of old-fashioned living.

I’m a country gal by heart but raised in a city – like a fish out of water.  I didn’t understand the full impact of this until my husband and I got our little slice of heaven in rural Wisconsin (and neither did he, but that’s a story for a different day) I have often thought that I was born 100 years after my time, I dreamed of crossing the prairie and homesteading like Ma and Pa and Laura Ingalls.  I am fascinated with their strength, tenacity, and pure, simple lifestyle. 

I longed for some of that simplicity and ‘back-to-basics’ for my own growing family, but that’s not what I was experiencing! From the kitchen cupboards to the bathroom cabinets, I was bombarded by warning labels – harmful if swallowed – keep out of reach of children – call poison control if ingested – not to mention the food labels with words I didn’t even recognize! All of that sent this momma on a mission to make my home a safe and healthy oasis where I could confidently nurture my family. 

My journey back began about 30 years ago with one small cherry tomato plant that I grew in a pot in the back yard.  I was so thrilled to grow something that we could eat! I expanded my garden little by little over the years and learned the benefits of clean eating and clean living. I sought out alternatives to the products that filled the supermarket shelves and gave me a headache as I walked by.

Thanks to my sister-in-love, I learned how to can and preserve the produce from my garden, which allowed us to eat home-grown foods year ‘round. She had learned this from her mom, who learned from her mom, who learned from her mom, and I wondered what else we could learn from past generations. I had no idea what I was in store for! From bone broth, to soaking grains, to fermentation of all kinds…  I began to learn that the old ways of preparing food not only allowed for preservation of foods, but also had many amazing health benefits!

Along the way, I was also introduced to Young Living essential oils and a community of like-minded mommas who were pursuing natural, healthy and often ‘old-fashioned’ methods of caring for their families. Over the years we have shared our struggles, triumphs, tips, tricks and recipes. One baby step at a time I was able to create the safe zone I longed for. And I am so excited that today there isn’t a room or even a cupboard in my house that isn’t completely safe for any member of my family – from my 80-something mom, to my pets, all the way to my youngest grandbaby.

I am so grateful for all of the amazing women who have shared their triumphs, failures and learning experiences with me! Now it is my turn to give back and help you take the next step on your journey back to the basics.