I just found out about this movement and am way excited!!!

My family unknowingly has been living this way to some extent and was wondering in anyone in the SLC area knowns about Urban Homesteading?

I would love to exchange ideas, experiences, and such.

Maybe.. but I am not sure what an urban homesteader is... is it like sqautters?

sounds to me like having land in the city.

I found an article on it in mother earth news (http://www.motherearthnews.com/Modern-Homesteading/1980-09-01/Community-Homesteading-Programs.aspx). i'm not aware of any projects in our area.. but i'll keep my eyes and ears open.. sounds cool!

When I lived downtown, I recall walking past houses that were obviously urban homesteads (food, not lawns). I can't for the life of me think where any of them are, specifically, but for sure around the U and the aves.

DH and I plan to have an urban homestead if we are unable to move somewhere more rural when he is done with school. For now, I'm busting sod and attempting to force some food from the weeds in the field behind our house! I'm 100% down with the movement and DH is mostly convinced because it means not mowing a lawn! :lol

These guys (http://www.homegrownevolution.com/) are in Cali, but I like to check in on them every now and then. They also have a book.

YEAH!!! So glad to see there are more people interested in Urban Homesteading in SLC.

I was not aware of the movement until I stumbled upon a thread here and WOW!

As for what I understand... its all about creating as much of a self-sustaining, self-producing "farm-like" environment in the city. i.e. gardening, raising chickens, canning your own produce, etc..

I would love to exchange ideas, get/give support and share stories.

If you would like to know more, this site has a list of other urban homesteading sites (http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/UrbanHomesteader/). I really liked the Little Homestead in the City (http://www.urbanhomestead.org)

I look forward to connecting, growing, and laughing with ya all!!

I just checked out the Mother Earth article and I had to giggle because this is what I had thought Urban Homesteading (UH) had meant... moving into an abandoned home and claiming it as mine. :innocent

But upon further investigating I realized that there are apparently two types of UH and I am referring to the one mentioned below.

I hope this clears up any confusion!

Maybe the Boing Collective and the Bike House are urban homestead? Anyone here live there? They are downtown,, the Boing Collective gardens in the front lawn, I love it!

I have met a woman that lives at the Boing Collective if I am remembering correctly. Sounds cool!! I don't know if they would call themselves Urban Homesteaders or not but I would imagine they follow many of the principles.

I would like to create a list of ways families can become more self sufficient and how/where in SLC to go for supplies, ideas, support etc.

Here are a few I have jotted down. Please feel free to add to the list!!!!


Grow your own produce.
Make as much of our outdoor space eatable as possible
Convert lawn, add edible plants to flower beds, container gardening, garden plot
Plant supplies
Wasatch Community Garden Plant Sale - wonderful heirlooms
Red Butte Garden Plant Sale - great variety
Millcreek Garden Nursery - nice helpful staff, Red Butte Garden membership discount
Green House for off season production
Compost kitchen scraps
Utah Recycling up in Park City- apparently has a nice composter for $
Make your own Bread
Practice, Practice, Practice (it is a lot harder than you think)
Share recipes
Preserve what you produce
Canning
Dry herbs
Make your own Cheese
Find a local dairy farm
Goat farm
Drake Family Goat Farm -apparently you can go there and even ask for unpasteurized milk
Learn how
Make your own Brew/Wine/Kid-friendly beverages
Home Brewing Supplies
Beer Nut 1200 S. State
Connect with other homebrewers
Buy locally as much as possible
Buy Local First Directory
Livestock
Chickens
Eggs
Fertilizer/Bug control
Meat.. hey if I am going to eat it I might as well do the dirty job myself.. though I have to admit I might just go Veggie instead.. not much of a killer instinct in me:o
Goats
Milk
Weed control
Connect with other Utah Urban Homesteaders
Potlucks
Farm Field trips

great list!

we brew our own beer :lol

How long have you guys been brewin?

I got my DH a kit for Christmas and we have brewed 3 beers and 1 root beer. The kiddos loved the root beer. How could they not when it is basically flavored sugar water :yum

Also wanted to spread the word that there is a Lammas Festival (First Harvest) today up at Jordan Pines group Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon @2pm. Bring early harvest items to grill and share. There will be art, music and fun. Family friendly!!

Yes, yes, yes!

Hi all, I hadn't signed on to mdc for awhile... and I come back to find urban homesteaders in SLC!!! Cool!

I am a homesteader in the making! DH and I have designed a self sustaining home with attached greenhouse to build on 13th South across from Liberty Park. We will be using passive heating and cooling, creating our own power, harvesting rainwater, using greywater for irrigation, and we plan to grow all the fruits and vegetables we need to feed our family plus some. I'm still trying to talk DH into having chickens but we'll see how that goes! The house will be built nearly completely out of recycled and waste stream materials. So far the city has been very excited and supportive. Check out our website:
www.gorilladesign.org

Right now, I have a small container garden so that I can move it when we start construction. I am learning about food preservation (canning, fermenting, etc.) and am loving it!!! I make kombucha and just started our first batch of mead. I used to love baking bread but it has been so long that I'm learning it all over again... it's not at all like riding a bike!!! I am also trying to get together a group to make buying raw milk from Orem more feasible... pm me if you're interested! Oh yeah, and if anyone knows a good place to order a whole cow from (hormone free, pastured and as little antibiotics as possible)... our source just sold his ranch.

Let's keep this thread going and hopefully all meet soon... share the knowledge and all that!:thumb

Yes, yes, yes!

Hi all, I hadn't signed on to mdc for awhile... and I come back to find urban homesteaders in SLC!!! Cool!

I am a homesteader in the making! DH and I have designed a self sustaining home with attached greenhouse to build on 13th South across from Liberty Park. We will be using passive heating and cooling, creating our own power, harvesting rainwater, using greywater for irrigation, and we plan to grow all the fruits and vegetables we need to feed our family plus some. I'm still trying to talk DH into having chickens but we'll see how that goes! The house will be built nearly completely out of recycled and waste stream materials. So far the city has been very excited and supportive. Check out our website:
www.gorilladesign.org

Right now, I have a small container garden so that I can move it when we start construction. I am learning about food preservation (canning, fermenting, etc.) and am loving it!!! I make kombucha and just started our first batch of mead. I used to love baking bread but it has been so long that I'm learning it all over again... it's not at all like riding a bike!!! I am also trying to get together a group to make buying raw milk from Orem more feasible... pm me if you're interested! Oh yeah, and if anyone knows a good place to order a whole cow from (hormone free, pastured and as little antibiotics as possible)... our source just sold his ranch.

Let's keep this thread going and hopefully all meet soon... share the knowledge and all that!:thumb

RIGHT ON! have you started on it yet??

Welcome Delfuego
So glad there are more Urban Homesteading Women in SLC!!!

Been thinking about hosting a potluck style social where everyone brings home grown/made food, we would share ideas and then someone would share a skill i.e. How to make your own cheese! If people are interested we could even hold it once a month at various houses.

It would look something like this:

:lightbulb: :joy: :treehugger: :eat: :slingtwin :blah :clap :balloons

Basically that translate into an idea spreadin, joy creatin, tree huggin, food grubbin, kid-friendly, conversation flowin, hand clappin, good time!!!

What do you all think?

Sounds like a party! Let's do it!

We haven't started building the house yet. We have the construction documents finished and stamped by our Structural Engineer. We are currently in the permitting and funding stage. We hope to start building in September.

Well, about 10 years ago I had GOATS and a GARDEN in Sugarhouse... yes, goats. :love:love:love

Now I live in an RV and have only 1 aloe plant... oh and I grow sprouts :lol

I'm all about the urban homesteading... well, when we get another home. :wink

I am so excited to move! we are going to be moving to the area on Sep 1st. This is just what we want to do, I didn't know that it was called anything! We are looking for a house to rent in Sugarhouse. I guess that is the best place to look. We are trying to survive with only 1 car.(my dh is in sales and will be driving all over the place) I have 3 kids and I homeschool. we definitley want to have a garden. Chickens and goats would be great but probably most landlords would say no. If anyone has any suggestions about places to live that are good for biking and walking places w/3 kids in tow lemme know!

Welcome Salt Pheonix and KissyKoko!!

Salt- Seeing as you are an old goat/chicken handler...we may need to have you share your knowledge at one of our get-togethers.

Kissy-I dont know about goats but I have known of people renting that have had chickens. Cross your fingers!!

Bumping!:wink

we did the chicken coop tour "tour de coops" sponsored by Wasatch Community Gardens and saw lots of urban homesteading complete with goats!

I want to do this, but my time is limited lately... I have a small house on a large lot with a little "orchard" in the back. We'll do the chicken thing soon.

My neighbors have a 1/4 acre with a victorian house on it and are doing amazing things!

It's fun to be in touch with y'all!

Thanks Delfuego!!!

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. Busy moving and getting ready for starting my playschool for the coming school year.

So I ran into another UUH (Utah Urban Homesteader) and she said she would be willing to give a little demonstration on canning at one of our little get
togethers!!!

What do you ladies think?! Shall we meet and organize a UUH Social for September? It is almost canning time!!!

Welcome Emma-
Wish I would have known about the tour. It sounds like it would have been fun. My little one definitely would have loved it!

Thanks Delfuego!!!

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. Busy moving and getting ready for starting my playschool for the coming school year.

So I ran into another UUH (Utah Urban Homesteader) and she said she would be willing to give a little demonstration on canning at one of our little get
togethers!!!

What do you ladies think?! Shall we meet and organize a UUH Social for September? It is almost canning time!!!


I would love to!

Welcome Emma-
Wish I would have known about the tour. It sounds like it would have been fun. My little one definitely would have loved it!

Me too!

Hi everybody, we found a place near liberty park and the landlady said we could have hens! I am really excited to move up there. There are already garden boxes but I doubt I will have anything to can but I would love to come to the canning demo to watch. My kids are so cute;4yrold ds said"can that be my chore,finding the eggs?" My dd (7) is on a little house Laura Ingalls binge. We just finished the whole series! I grew up in LA in an apt. so I am very new to all of this but very enthusiastic!

After school starts and we all get settled into our new rhythm, I would love to get together to plan.

How does after Labor Day weekend sound? We could meet at a library/park/coffee house/tea house/other.

I am excited to meet other hip urbaners like yourselves.

I don't know if we are what you consider "urban homesteaders" but we are trying to "live off the fat of the land" as I put it. I talk about what we are doing on our blog (link in my signature).

Welcome Sexysisam-
I would definitely say that you are an urban homesteader!!! I would love to see pics of all your dwarf fruit trees and hear how they are doing. My DH is way into small fruits. I will have to tell him about your trees!

Hello fellow Utah homesteaders! We have a little 3 acre homestead in the middle of American Fork so we're more of suburban homesteaders than urban ;). We have chickens, a garden and a little orchard. We plan on adding other animals soon. We recently dug up a big patch of front lawn for more garden space. You can check out my blog:
www.sinnedee.wordpress.com

I can't wait to meet all of you!

Kissykoko: I live by Liberty Park too, we'll be neighbors! When are you moving in?

Getting together after Labor Day would be great. Here's an idea... we could take turns hosting the group at our own houses (maybe even like tupperware party style or less formal) and that way we could all see what each of us is doing. What do you think?

Sexysism - I love that Victory Garden poster! Did you know Eleanor Roosevelt planted a Victory Garden in front of the White House? Eleanor is a favorite of mine... in case you couldn't tell by the sig . :love

Springbabes - Wow! What a home! Looks like you are one busy woman!!! Is that a cinnamon stick in your pickles?

Springbabes - Wow! What a home! Looks like you are one busy woman!!! Is that a cinnamon stick in your pickles?
No, it's a purple bush bean! I seem to only be able to harvest 4 or 5 beans at a time so I just shoved a few in with the pickles:p.

That's a good idea. (I thought cinnamon would be a little odd... but I'm up for almost anything new!)

I just pickled a batch of cucumbers and green beans... it was perfect doing them at the same time because I could use the same pickling juice for both. I just added some red peppers to the green beans after because I like them extra spicy!

Welcome Springbabes!!! I hope the water situation works out for you guys.

My playschool kids and I just made the best peach pie!! All from scratch. I only had to start over once on the crust dough but hey for a new baker that ain't bad! It was so much fun!

Speaking of baking... I was wondering if any of you ladies have experience with adding different ingredients to your bread i.e..blue cheese, nuts, herbs etc. I am starting to make some pretty decent loaves from my mom's recipe and would like to add some variety but am not sure how to go about it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Delfuego-I like your idea about meeting at each other's houses. Would anyone like to volunteer to be the first host?!

Sexysism - I love that Victory Garden poster! Did you know Eleanor Roosevelt planted a Victory Garden in front of the White House? Eleanor is a favorite of mine... in case you couldn't tell by the sig .

Thanks, I actually got it off of the Path to Freedom (http://www.pathtofreedom.com/)website (I think).

Purplepetal, I posted pictures (http://homesteadmommy.blogspot.com/2008/08/our-baby-trees.html) of my trees on my blog today.

I also just ordered my first set of heirloom seeds from Baker Creek (http://rareseeds.com/). Does anyone else do heirloom? Maybe we could also do a seed exchange.

I can't because I'm in the middle of a remodel, but count me in for future dates!

Delfuego-I like your idea about meeting at each other's houses. Would anyone like to volunteer to be the first host?!

Uhmmm... I guess since I suggested it... I would love to host the group in my home:D. It's tiny, but we can all get cozy:wink! Oh, also I have a fairly big yard so we could set up some water toys for the kids and let them get crazy!

Purplepetal - Since you are the group originator, do you want to schedule something? Weekday mornings are out for me, I also can't do the afternoon of the 4th or the evening of the 5th. Every other time looks open.

Thank you Delfuego for offering to be the first host!!! I can host the next get together!

Weekday mornings till 1pm are always out for me. Weekends are generally the best time for me. But I could do Wednesday, September 3rd at 1pm till 4pm or anywhere in that time frame.

It will be so nice to meet you ladies. I am anxious to learn more about preserving the food that we have grown. Grew up on home canned food but was more interested with playing outside at the time. Dang!!! Who knew. :innocent

The 3rd from 1-4pm works for me. Does that time work for everyone else?

Should I prepare some kind of demonstration or just show y'all what I've been up to?

Works for me!!!!

Just going to barge in a smidge here.I used to be a UH in Glendale, by the Gateway..chickens and all...About a year ago we moved north to Roy by Ogden,I'm trying to get going here, but the code is very non chicken, so I'm going to have to build a shed and sneak them!I'm thinking a pygmy goat too...We're kindof killing off the lawn sortof not on purpose...I've been pregnant since we moved here though, so it's slow going.I do want to add that there is a co-housing unit on Utah Street just off Redwood Rd that seems UH too.I bet they'd be happy to host some gatherings in their community space.There's also a small neighborhood of UH-ers off redwood road and 7000ish s.Very fun to drive through,chickens ALL over,like a small farming community right in the center of the valley!

I (hopefully) sent invitations to everyone who has posted on this thread with directions to my house. If for some reason you didn't get one and you are interested in getting together tomorrow at 1, pm me and I'll send an invite.

Thanks! See y'all then!:balloons

Alyssa- your mailbox is too full, so I'll post here:

Thank you! for the invite.. I will be at work, but would you mind if just my DH and Sebastian came, and I can meet them after work (2:20ish)? Or, if you don't mind me coming a little later that would be OK too.

I'd love to come but I didn't get a PM. If someone can PM me (Alyssa's PM box is full)...

Thanks! Wow, this will be fun!

Oops! I just cleared out my inbox... sorry about that! Emma, I'll send you an invite.

DH's are also welcome! Mine won't be here... but you'll meet him another time probably.

May we invite others who would be interested?

Sure! The more the merrier... see you soon.

Oh.. I totally forgot about it after work.. but I had a ton of homework to do before class tonight. I'd LOVE to come the next time.. weekends are best for us :)

I wanna hear about it!

Sorry I missed too!
I did get this email though today, if you guys are interested in this, specifically the bolded part. I'll probably check it out tomorrow!


The University of Utah is introducing it's FIRST campus-based
Farmers' Market starting Fall Semester 2008! This new market
will enable students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community
to purchase fresh, healthy, local produce and unique arts and
crafts where they live, work and study. Come experience a
delicious bounty of local peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and corn,
and handmade jewelry, pottery candles and more.

When: Thursdays from 10am~V2pm,
August 28th-October 2nd, adequately filling a need for local weekday sales in SLC. Come see us tomorrow!

Where: Websters Lawn, East of the Pioneer Theater Company

Why:
To promote health, wellness, local economic development,
as well as enhance a sense of community among those on
campus and with the broader community at large. There
will also be a fun weekly sustainable living workshop series
on home-scale composting, backyard chickens, and a
whole suite of educational opportunities!

For more info visit our website at
http://www.sustainability.utah.edu/farmerinfo.htm
or contact Market Managers:

Alexandra Parvaz
bedrazzled@gmail.com, or 801-596-0326

Angela Marie-Harmeet Kaur Blanchard
harmeet0821@gmail.com, or 801-833-9798


The U of U Farmer's Market was created through a collaborative
effort between the student group S.E.E.D. (Sustainable Environments
and Ecological Design), the Office of Sustainability, SHAC, OHP, and
the Wellness Center.

Sorry I missed too!
I did get this email though today, if you guys are interested in this, specifically the bolded part. I'll probably check it out tomorrow!


The University of Utah is introducing it's FIRST campus-based
Farmers' Market starting Fall Semester 2008! This new market
will enable students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community
to purchase fresh, healthy, local produce and unique arts and
crafts where they live, work and study. Come experience a
delicious bounty of local peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and corn,
and handmade jewelry, pottery candles and more.

When: Thursdays from 10am~V2pm,
August 28th-October 2nd, adequately filling a need for local weekday sales in SLC. Come see us tomorrow!

Where: Websters Lawn, East of the Pioneer Theater Company

Why:
To promote health, wellness, local economic development,
as well as enhance a sense of community among those on
campus and with the broader community at large. There
will also be a fun weekly sustainable living workshop series
on home-scale composting, backyard chickens, and a
whole suite of educational opportunities!

For more info visit our website at
http://www.sustainability.utah.edu/farmerinfo.htm
or contact Market Managers:

Alexandra Parvaz
bedrazzled@gmail.com, or 801-596-0326

Angela Marie-Harmeet Kaur Blanchard
harmeet0821@gmail.com, or 801-833-9798


The U of U Farmer's Market was created through a collaborative
effort between the student group S.E.E.D. (Sustainable Environments
and Ecological Design), the Office of Sustainability, SHAC, OHP, and
the Wellness Center.

Wow! That sounds awesome! I wish they would have done that when I was there! I never had time to make it to the farmer's market when I was in school!

Seems our rv days may be coming to a close and will be looking for a place. If you mamas have any heads up on a spot in/around Salt Lake with enough room for a couple/three hens, a small veggie space and compost, will you shout it out to me?
If I have to live in a stick house, I WANT SOME HOMESTEADING SPACE!!! :D
I don't think we are going to buy another house, dh doesn't do "mr. fix-it" so I think renting is the best option for us.
TIA!

I want to thank Delfuego for hosting such a wonderful get together on Wednesday. It was so great to meet some of the women from this thread and share ideas, stories, goals etc.

My little girl loved it so much that she cant wait for the next Utah Urban Homesteaders get together.

I agreed to host the event next month. I will be demonstrating toy making. I will be sending a materials list closer to the day (the day I have yet to pick) for people who are intersted in making an incredibly cute homemade toy.

Thanks again everyone that showed up and I hope more can make it next month!!!!

Salt Pheonix-
Our last place is up for rent if you are interested I can send you more details and pics.

4bdrm 2bath
or 3 bdrm, 2 livingrooms, 2bath
garden plot (that we built)
compost pile (needs to be turned)
nice back yard
walking distance to grocery store, parks, local shops
Sugarhouse location
$1200/mo.
You would have to ask about chickens but the landlady is pretty flexible.

Does anyone know where I can get some dried Indian corn?
Thanks

4bdrm 2bath
$1200/mo.

That's kind of big for what we want/need. Something along the lines of 2-3 bdrm, 1 ba. $900 or less per month.


Indian Corn: The farmers market? I usually see it in the regular grocery too, closer to fall.

Thanks purplepetal! We had a great time with everyone over! I hope to meet more homesteaders at your house next month too! I think this is a really cool thing we're starting here!!!

I picked a whole bunch of tomatoes from my grandpa's garden today and am planning on canning them Tuesday afternoon. If anyone wants to come learn how, I could certainly use some help and other kids to distract ds!:D PM me (or call if you have my number) if you're up for a little playdate/"putting up" party!

Salt Phoenix, I'll let you know if I hear of anything in that range!

Here is the info for the Harvest Festival I was talking about... It is open to all and will be a whole lot of fun.

Join Us As We Welcome

the Harvest,

the Dreams &

the Journey Inside &

Towards One Another



When: Saturday, September 20th

Where: Traces Organic Garden
1432 South 1100 East
(off street parking only please)

Time: 4:30pm – Crafts & Creations
5:00pm – Bring your own Picnic
5:30pm – Puppet Show
6:00pm - Water Ceremony

Looks like fun... and what a great place for it too! We plan to be there!

Does anyone here know the best way to dry herbs?

I have hung some lavender, hops and rosemary upside down about a week and a half ago for an activity for the kids and am hoping that it will work.

We will also be picking some of our basil this weekend and would like to preserve it in as many different forms as possible i.e. dried, pesto. If anyone has other technics or ideas let me know.

thanks

Hey, Wonder Woman,

I just wanted to let you know that I left town and came back again already, so I am free to play on Saturday (I think! I have fam in town and so far no big plans for that time!).

Yay!

your plan for herbs sounds great. The whole thing sounds wonderful.

I'll get in touch with you somehow...

Emma-
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! I will give you a call later this afternoon about the details. How exciting to have live music. Thank you!! Feel free to invite your family as well. It is going to be really nice and very kid oriented.

Delfuego-
I am glad that you guys will be coming to the festival as well!! How wonderful!!!

Hi everyone! I'm not in SLC yet, but will be very soon. We're looking for a house to rent and I'm hoping to do as much gardening as possible and hoping to have chickens as well.

I will know only one family in the area so I need mama friends :love

I'm gonna post my own thread so not to hijack this one, but I really need help finding a suitable place to live out there.

Ended up taking my nephew for the evening and he wasn't feeling good. Hope the festival was fun... it sure turned out to be a beautiful day for it after that rain!

PP - An early welcome to SLC! When do you plan to move?

:bump:

What day should we get together this month? Purplepetal, are you still up for the toy-making workshop?

I am preserving tomatoes, peaches, apples, pears and grapes this week! If anyone wants to come over and learn how (or teach me how), and help, and take some home with you... let me know! DS would love some playmates!

Hi Mammas!

That celebration was so fun Jennifer!

I'd like to get together, too. I'm trying to figure out what to do with pears (maybe dry them or puree and freeze)...

I would love to come over and help with canning!! I had a friend drop off a ton of pears and the only thing I can think of to do is dry them. I would love to learn how to can! Tuesday and Wednesday after 1pm of this week are great for me.

As for October's workshop... How does Wednesday, October 8th at 2pm sound?

I am thinking that we should do a toymaking workshop closer to Christmas and all that. Fall being so food oriented and all. So how does a canning or breakmaking workshop sound?

I have another canning contact who said she would be willing to come to my house and do a canning workshop or we can make wonderful loaves of bread. I have been getting better and would love to experiment with adding different things. I am most curious about adding blue cheese and walnuts. YUM

What would everyone prefer...canning or breadmaking? Let me know so that I can make the necessary arrangements!

Hi all! Getting closer to finding that perfect little spot to bed down for the winter! :cold:
We have looked at so many properties... Some were amazing with huge yards, places for chickens & a goat... fruit trees... RIGHT IN TOWN!
The problem is...
I'm afraid of drive by shootings. :duck:
I guess that's why it was so cheap. :(

Pears: Any interest in brandied pears? I have done pears and apricots both canned in brandy. :eat:
You can make wine or mead (melomel) with them.
Of course there is always fruit leather.

I would love to learn brandied pears! mmmmm... and mead! I tried some mead from plums but I don't think it really turned out right.

My pears are ready to go. I have to do something with them in the next couple of days. Wanna come over and play :D?

The 8th works for me. Canning or bread would be great!

The 8th works for us, too (or anytime sooner, yo)!

Sweet the 8th at 2pm it is. I will PM my address closer to the date.

I am still trying to decide what to do but it will be fun regardless. I did have someone suggest learning about chutneys. I am down with that as well. What ever it is I will let you all know before the 8th.

On another note:

I just tried to make a wheat/white walnut, blue cheese, rosemary and garlic bread and let me just tell you it could be used as a tasty brick for the witch's house in Hanzel and Gretel. ARGGG

I have the hardest time with breads that contain wheat. However, I learned yesterday from a friend's mom that you can add gluten or use a lighter wheat flour like a pastry flour and that helps with the heaviness. So I am on round #2.

I will make an eatable bread!!!!:eat:

Good luck with the breadmaking... I hope to be at it again myself soon!

I wasn't able to make it to the last one.. but I would love to come to the next one.. I have a morning class at South City SLCC that day.. what part of town is it in?

I am within biking/walking distance of South SLCC. I am glad you will be able to make it!!

So I have decided on what to do!!!

How does a banana cupcake makin', felt gnome sewin', kid playin' fun day sound? :D

I figure we could make simple banana cupcakes with the kids... then while the kids play and eat, us big people will sit down to make a cute felt gnome and talk about how are gardens did this year, share tips, talk about what we would like to do the same or different for next year etc...

I will provide the ingredients for the banana cupcakes and something to drink.

Below is what you would need to bring to make a gnome. They are super easy and usually take only 10-20mins to complete.

Materials Needed for a Felt Gnome.
1 8x10 sheet of felt any color (you can get wool felt at Piper's Quilting store on 11th East and about 19th South or you can get felt at any craft store like Micheal's)
Matching Embroidery thread
1 4x4 square piece of skin tone felt
A couple handfuls of wool or synthetic batting
A doll making needle (however, any thinner needle will do just fine)
Sewing Scissors

If the weather is good I can accommodate up to 10-14 mommas and their kids. If the weather keeps us inside I can only accommodate 6-8 mommas and their kids. So pray for good weather!

I am excited to have you all over!!

Cool! We'll be there!

-EG

HALF AN ACRE!!! We found a rental with a HALF ACRE FIELD out back!!!!
I am already overwhelmed with what I'm going to do with all that room!
Chickens have been ok'd. :thumb
Garden is a given. :thumb
Goat/s are OK if the neighbors don't complain! :thumb (unlikely)
There is a HUGE cherry tree out back...

Now I'm excited! :joy::joy::joy:

I have no idea how to keep the birds and worms out of the cherries. :o
I guess I have all winter to find out! :wink
We have a small smallish tiller, but...
Anybody have access to a LARGE tiller? :o

I can't WAIT to have people over!!!
I won't be making this weeks get together, but soon! soon! soon!!! Maybe before winter we can have a chicken tractor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tractor) making party at my house?!

If there are any mamas that don't have space to garden just yet, maybe we can work something out for spring with my NEW HALF ACRE!!! :thumb
It's in Glendale.... I can see Wasatch Commons (http://www.econ.utah.edu/~ehrbar/coho/index.htm) from our front yard.

We'll be there tomorrow!

Congrats Salt Phoenix!!! I would love to make a chicken tractor with you!!!

HALF AN ACRE!!! We found a rental with a HALF ACRE FIELD out back!!!!
I am already overwhelmed with what I'm going to do with all that room!
Chickens have been ok'd. :thumb
Garden is a given. :thumb
Goat/s are OK if the neighbors don't complain! :thumb (unlikely)
There is a HUGE cherry tree out back...

Now I'm excited! :joy::joy::joy:

I have no idea how to keep the birds and worms out of the cherries. :o
I guess I have all winter to find out! :wink
We have a small smallish tiller, but...
Anybody have access to a LARGE tiller? :o

I can't WAIT to have people over!!!
I won't be making this weeks get together, but soon! soon! soon!!! Maybe before winter we can have a chicken tractor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tractor) making party at my house?!

If there are any mamas that don't have space to garden just yet, maybe we can work something out for spring with my NEW HALF ACRE!!! :thumb
It's in Glendale.... I can see Wasatch Commons (http://www.econ.utah.edu/~ehrbar/coho/index.htm) from our front yard.

That's awesome! I don't know where Glendale is, but I do know where wasatch commons is.. so I guess they are in Glendale too?

That's awesome! I don't know where Glendale is, but I do know where wasatch commons is.. so I guess they are in Glendale too?

I am literally a stones throw to the east. I know a lot of folks over there, so I might say I already like the neighbors! :thumb

Congrats Salt Phoenix!!
So my friend just went into labor!! :joy:

Which is very exciting but means that I will not be able to host the get together tomorrow in that I am their back-up doula i.e when hubby can go no longer I step in.

Could I reschedule? Or would someone else like to host this month?
I have been so looking forward to having you all over to bake, sew and talk about gardens. Alas, mother nature is definitely on her own time.

I could do it, but not tomorrow (we don't have any LR furniture yet, and the backyard is a mess right now). Give me one week... :lady

-EG

I realized I can't go tomorrow either any way... I work on Weds and Thurs.. I thought the 8th was today (good thing I realized that beforehand!).

I also live in a condo in murray, so I am not the best candidate to host a get together. But I would really like to come to one!

So my friend delivered the most adorable baby boy!!! It made me so baby hungry but not enough to be pregnant hungry.
Does anyone ever get pregnant hungry? :wink

Anyway, EG are you still open to hosting or would you rather I host? I could on Monday if anyone is interested but dont mind at all if you would like to host the UUHs this month. Just let me/us know.

My hubby and I are closing on our home on the 15th and then we are moving so I will not be able to host again until Dec. It is our first home and I swear I go there every other day and just walk around the yard dreaming of what we are going to do. I am very excited to be able to plant something knowing that I will be able to see it grow to its potential. Such a beautiful and rare treat we get to experience.

Jennifer!

I love reading your thoughts/sentiments. I'd be so happy if you hosted this month! I could do the month after unless anyone else is wanting to...

Are we on for Monday? :love

Yeah one person said yes so Monday, Oct 13 at 1pm?

:joy:

I'm going to try to make it Monday...I'm in the middle of moving, but should take the time out! 10yr. old dd and ms. emberlotus in tow?
did I miss a post about address/activity/what to bring?

I can do Mondays too :)

So here was my post about activities an materials!!!

I will be PMing everyone later tonight!! It will be good to see the older faces with the new.


I am within biking/walking distance of South SLCC. I am glad you will be able to make it!!

So I have decided on what to do!!!

How does a banana cupcake makin', felt gnome sewin', kid playin' fun day sound? :D

I figure we could make simple banana cupcakes with the kids... then while the kids play and eat, us big people will sit down to make a cute felt gnome and talk about how are gardens did this year, share tips, talk about what we would like to do the same or different for next year etc...

I will provide the ingredients for the banana cupcakes and something to drink.

Below is what you would need to bring to make a gnome. They are super easy and usually take only 10-20mins to complete.

Materials Needed for a Felt Gnome.
1 8x10 sheet of felt any color (you can get wool felt at Piper's Quilting store on 11th East and about 19th South or you can get felt at any craft store like Micheal's)
Matching Embroidery thread
1 4x4 square piece of skin tone felt
A couple handfuls of wool or synthetic batting
A doll making needle (however, any thinner needle will do just fine)
Sewing Scissors

If the weather is good I can accommodate up to 10-14 mommas and their kids. If the weather keeps us inside I can only accommodate 6-8 mommas and their kids. So pray for good weather!

I am excited to have you all over!!

I'd be interested on Monday. Is this open to anybody?

Aurelie -Welcome!!! We would love to have you join us!

I am PMing everyone tonight. If you don't get the info please let me know.

Oops, I missed it! Didn't realize it had been so long since I checked MDC!

Well, next month hopefully!

We built a greenhouse... finished it right in time for the snow and were able to pull our tomato plants,etc. inside. Yeah!!! We designed it to reuse the heat from the dryer vent and also to help heat the house during the winter time... it seems to be working!

OH YAY!!!!

I'm so glad I found this thread!!! MY hubby and I just purchased our first home and it's on .32 acres. We currently have a pear tree ( I have been making some KILLER pear cobbler and pear bread lately) and I just finished planting a cherry, apple, and asian pear tree. We are planning on getting chickens at the end of winter and two goats shortly thereafter. We are also planning on making a large portion of our yard a garden area. I'd love to meet with you all and share recipes/food/whatever!:thumb

Hi xochitl! Hope you can make it to the next one!

delfuego- Oops! Next time! Your greenhouse sounds awesome!

purplepetal, saltphoenix, and Aurelie, It was great to meet you mamas today!

oooooh a greenhouse!!!! i'd like to see that!

It was great to meet LizzyQ, Aurelie & Jennifer yesterday! I've already made a few more little felt gnomes... SO CUTE!!!
I'll be glad to host the group anytime! Warning: I'll put you all to work in the yard or kitchen. :wink

I'm getting super excited to get started on this yard. I have GOT to get the rest of my stuff moved in tho!

First on my yard agenda:
Build a compost pile.
Cover next years garden area with newspapers & black plastic.
Build a Chicken Coop.
:thumb

I made yogurt last night on the furnace pilot light. Thick, creamy yogurt. Yum. :eat:

Aack! Sorry I missed ya'all! My sister was in town with her 5 kids and my lil' one ended up needing a nap really badly...

So am I hosting the next one or who is? :joy:

That would be great... I'm bummed I missed the last one... will definitely make it to this one! I will bring you a scoby then too... unless your really jonesing for some kt, in which case I can give you one now if you want :wink.

The greenhouse is working great. We haven't sealed up all the air gaps or added any thermal mass yet. Still, it hasn't gotten below 40 degrees in there. Right now the thermometer reads 100. It's no work of art, but it's definitely functional! Can't wait to show it off!

oooh! the greenhouse sounds great, delfuego!

I hope all y'all are well...

I would love to get in on these get-togethers! I first started emailing Alyssa a couple months ago when we were talking about the milk runs to orem but I flaked out of that then. Sorry about that Alyssa I would love to join in if you started something.

My car died a bit ago but I will be getting a new one very soon! Currently my dh and I are renting near Sugarhouse but someday we hope to own a home where we can have goats and chickens and such. But for now I am doing the best I can with what we have. I love making bread! ALthough I haven't had a ton of sucess with wheat bread yet mainly just white.

I am so excited :joy: to have found this thread! I hope I can join in the fun with you ladies.

So..... do we have any square foot gardeners? I'm thinking I'm going to give it a go next year and dedicate this year's garden for my bumper crop and squash.

Hey Ladies-
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We have been so very busy with getting our new house ready for a childcare inspection that I have had little time to do anything that doesn't involve eating, sleeping and building/cleaning/moving.

How is everyone doing?

When will the next get together be? Any ideas?

I could do it at my house in two weeks or so... what days work for everyone? What about Tuesday the 4th of Nov at noon?

We could do "kids and music" (including a drum circle!) and/or we could talk about kombucha and other fermentation processes (and get Alyssa in on it) and/or chicken coop plans/ideas.

I could do it at my house in two weeks or so... what days work for everyone? What about Tuesday the 4th of Nov at noon?

We could do "kids and music" (including a drum circle!) and/or we could talk about kombucha and other fermentation processes (and get Alyssa in on it) and/or chicken coop plans/ideas.

I like those ideas, and that day and time would work for me.
What went on last time? How about talking a bit about Sourdough and Kefir as well?

I can do Tues at noon. I get out of class at SLCC around 11, and maybe I can get a friend to watch Sebastian for me that morning in that part of town. We have a drum I can bring for him too.

I also think I have some sourdough, it's been dormant in my fridge for months now.. hopefully it still works.

I just got some sourdough (dried starter) from someone who has been doing it on ebay for a very long time. I am so excited to start experimenting with it, she sent some of her recipes along with it as well.

Anyone have any other suggestions? Hopefully I will have our car repaired by then walking gets very old!

OOOHHH! I bet you are so excited to be in YOUR home!!!!!

I'm doing ok. I suck at moving, and just emptied a huge storage unit of 6 years. :yikes:
It's still stacked in boxes in the backyard :duck:
Slowly, but surely, we too will be moved in. Thank goodness we don't have to pass an inspection! :wink

I built a "good enough" compost heap to start with out back. We got the little tiller out of storage and hopefully that will happen this week for getting garlic in the ground. I don't have a good cheap source for strawberries or raspberries, so if anyone has a line on... LET ME KNOW! :thumb

I've dug through all of the wood scraps around the place and I am pretty sure I can get SOMETHING built for some chickens with nothing more than the effort. :love PLEASE OH PLEASE let the weather hold out! :1praying:

I'll keep you all posted if I decide to have a chicken coop "raising" or something. :o

I'm good for Nov. 4. Anywhere... I'll even host if there is need. :-)

Unfortunately Tuesdays don't work for me. I can do Wednesday - Friday after 1pm.

However, if Tuesday works for everyone else I will just read all the after posts and make it to the next one!!!:thumb

And yes it is nice to be in our own home!! I can't wait to have you all over!!!

Hi Sarah! :D

We're doing good... loving watching the changing season! I've got my compost bin up and going now and have been doing some planting for next spring. I'm planning to prepare a portion of the yard for a garden plot next year too.

Jennifer, good luck on your inspection... and congrats on the new home!

Nov. 4 is Election Day... I'm planning to vote today but I hear that they expect long long long lines. We may want to schedule another day. That being said, it looks like the only day that week that won't work for me is friday. Also, I don't get off work until noon so 1 o'clock is better for me, but we can just show up late if noon works for everyone else.

I have a bunch of scobies I can bring for anyone who wants to try kombucha. I can also bring a recipe and some for people to try. I would love to learn about sourdough and other fermentation! We could also bring instruments for the kids to play with while we're busy. What do you think Deborah?

This is going to be fun! :treehugger:

Okay, how about Wednesday Nov 5th at 1pm? (I live by Trolley Square.)

We'll do a drum circle and kid's music play and talk about fermentation. The kids may be able to explore our very wild backyard if we can sit out there (how likely is that? don't you love Utah weather!).

I'll have some vegan bean soup for those with hungry tummies and we can sample some homemade kombucha (thanks to Alyssa!).

Alyssa will bring info/scobies for making kombucha tea and I can talk about kefir (and maybe sourkraut). Can someone talk with us about using sourdough culture (LizzyQ?)? Any other ideas? Anyone do simple meads, etc.? I know Alyssa has some experience fermenting veges -anyone else?

Okay, I'll PM the list as we get closer to the date of our gathering... :treehugger:

Cool. I'm putting it on the calendar! Looking forward to seeing everyone!

I have sourdough, but I've never used it yet! :o

I can come, if I can come after work.. around 2:30 or so. Is that too late? I get off work at 2 on Weds.

Penciling it in on my calendar for Wed. Nov. 5th at 1pm. I cant wait to learn!!!

oh I am so thrilled:joy:

I will definetly be there!

I want to come too!
Aurelie

I just finished reading "Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas" by Tom Robbin and what a read. It so closely mirrors where we are right now i.e. economy, that it was not the escape read I had intended it to be but none the less...what a great book!!!

It amped my desire to learn more about the homemaking arts and gardening. I am excited to meet next week and wish everyone a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

We are going to try to make it on Wednesday too:joy:. I've been experimenting with fermenting vegetables this summer but I'm never sure I'm doing it right. I'd love to learn more. And I've been wanting to get into kombucha and kefir for the longest time.

What ages are all your kids? I'll be bringing my 5 and 1 year-olds but I'm not so sure about my older ones.

Alyssa will bring info/scobies for making kombucha tea and I can talk about kefir
Anyone do simple meads, etc.?


I've made mead. :love Maybe I can find a bottle around somewhere to sample on Wedneday. :o
I'm excited for the scobies! I'd love to have a kefir start, if anyone has any?

Hey Deb-
I have a few mothers (1-3) that would love to make it tomorrow for the get together!! Would that be alright?

that'd be great! I'm PMing everyone. Let me know if you don't get it and I'll retry...

YAY!

maybe we can start at 1:30 so that LizzyQ can be here for most of it :joy:

We are going to try to make it on Wednesday too:joy:. I've been experimenting with fermenting vegetables this summer but I'm never sure I'm doing it right. I'd love to learn more. And I've been wanting to get into kombucha and kefir for the longest time.

What ages are all your kids? I'll be bringing my 5 and 1 year-olds but I'm not so sure about my older ones.

Hi Cindy,

I don't remember how old Crystal's kids are but they are like 7 and 8???

Feel free to bring your older kids -wow, this is going to be a fun crowd!!

-Debora

Salt Phoenix - I'd love to try some of your mead!

Will see you all tomorrow at 1:30!

It was so nice to meet all of you today. I'm so glad I made the drive. Thank you, Debora for opening up your home to all of us. And thanks, Alyssa for the scoby! I can't wait to get my kombucha brewing.

I am so glad I got to come today as well! I apologize I wasn't able to stay very long I was borrowing my mother's car or I would have definetly stayed. Did anything else fun go on? I can bring some of my sourdough starter for the next meeting if anyone wants any.

OMG.. I totally forgot about this today, oops! I hope you all had a good time! :o

WOOT WOOT! I'll take sourdough starter! :eat:

I'm also really stoked about the scoby! I spent WAY too much time finding her "the right container" and "the right spot" in my kitchen today! :love
as per le usual... dh stared blankly (fearfully?) at the blubbering mass. :angry I don't even know how he ended up with ME and my homesteading ways.
That's 'aight...
MORE KOMBUCHA FOR ME! :joy:

Thanks for the day all!!! I'll be glad to host next month. Good motivation to get all my boxes hid... er, uhm, PUT AWAY! :wink :D

EDIT: WOAH! LIZZYQ!!!! Just noticed the ticker!!!! WOAH! CONGRATS!!!!

EDIT: WOAH! LIZZYQ!!!! Just noticed the ticker!!!! WOAH! CONGRATS!!!!

Thanks!

That was so fun! :love:

We missed you LizzyQ and Jennifer (and friends!) and Aurelie...

Julie, no kidding about hiding boxes -my bedroom is full of junk that I threw in there and I'm SO SORRY about not getting the outlet covers on in the dining room (i am so embarrassed -it was tops on my list of things to do but i forgot! :bag:)

yeah for scobies and the amazing mead -i am so inspired. and our december gathering can't come soon enough! you mamas (and your kids) rock.

Maybe someday I'll make it out to a get together. My work schedule can be kind of wonky... plus, admittedly, I can be a bit flaky :bag: so I don't want to commit to a meeting and then forget or get distracted or whatever and not make it.

But I am thinking of making a foray into cheesemaking sometime soon...

I am so glad that the November meeting went so well! I still would love to get a scobie if possible?! Sorry I could not attend. (so wish we still had "red tents")

I am excited that the get togethers are growing and providing so much fun, information and connections. Feels good!!
:joy:

I'm SO SORRY about not getting the outlet covers on in the dining room

outlet covers? :yikes: I don't even have outlet covers... which is worse: no outlet covers or 548308 things plugged with their miles of tangled cords hanging all over the floor? :duck:
I was just thinking today that my house is SOOOO not baby friendly. :( I really don't know how to make it baby friendly without buying cabinets with locking doors. I can't afford new locking cabinets. :( I really do just have to keep my eyes on Ember 100%. I can't leave her alone. Now that she's crawling, I'm a little nervous. I guess I'll keep trying to figure out a better system. Organization experts, apply within. :o

We should make the most of the December meet and go home with something nifty and gifty? I'm still thinking about what we should do. I could share LOTS of things, but they aren't all appropriate for having the littles running about. Like soap making or candle making... or too time intensive like brewing.
Maybe recrafted soap bars and a discussion on lye soap?
Handcrafted bath salts? Salt dough ornaments for the kids?
Card making?
I also have TONZ of unclaimed fabric... maybe we should utilize that for some sort of crafting or gift making? Even something simple like sachets?
I'll keep brainstorming. Input welcome. :p

Wow, I was just looking at last years schedule at Tree Utah (http://www.treeutah.org/gardenevents.htm). Have you mamas seen this? I can't wait to make it to some of these next year!
:thumb

I'm so dissapointed that I didn't come!!! Last meetup I came home refreshed and energized.

We've been sick at our house--I may even have to go to a doctor (any recommendations). After half a month, I'm considering that I may not be able to kick this on my own.

The kids were also napping. So next time. We'll focus on getting well and we'll be there.

Also, congrats Lizzie! How exciting.

I am so glad that the November meeting went so well! I still would love to get a scobie if possible?! Sorry I could not attend. (so wish we still had "red tents")

I am excited that the get togethers are growing and providing so much fun, information and connections. Feels good!!
:joy:

I could bring a scobie by, Jennifer and pick up those crayons (if you still want to send them off) and see your new place!

Maybe someday I'll make it out to a get together. My work schedule can be kind of wonky... plus, admittedly, I can be a bit flaky :bag: so I don't want to commit to a meeting and then forget or get distracted or whatever and not make it.

But I am thinking of making a foray into cheesemaking sometime soon...
Don't you live in Lehi? If you want we could car-pool sometime. Even if I bring all my kids I still have 2 free seats in my minivan.

So we just did some massive yard work today and have a few plants that need new homes. If you are interested let me know and I will PM you our new address.


Oregano (2-4 plants)
Violets??? (3-5 plants)
Lambs Ear (3-5 plants)

We decided to plant a Blind Man's Herb Garden in the front. We kept some of the existing oregano and mint, added lavender and will be adding rosemary, lemon balm and fennel. I just hope the scents blend well together. We shall see next year!!!

I read about it in "The Curious Gardener's ALMANAC: centuries of practical garden wisdom" by Niall Edworthy. A great book. Full of wonderful gardening wisdoms, yummy recipes, historical tidbits, and inspirational sayings. A must have!!!

Speaking of books...does anyone have or know of any good landscaping/vegetable gardening/permaculture books or websites. We are going to start designing our back yard and need inspiration.

The downtown library has a good selection of permaculture books. I can't remember any off the top of my head but have checked out several there.

Thanks all for the good time at Deborah's and I'm so glad I could share my scobies! Jennifer, if you want one... I can trade you for those oregano plants you mentioned! :wink

Can't wait for the next get together at your house Julie. I'm up for any of those ideas. I have lots of fancy squares of fabrics (samples from the interior design dept. at work). I can bring them if you have ideas for how to use them.

Yeah so many scoobies. I had better go try some kobucha to see if I even like it. lol

Deb- I tried responding to your PM but could not send it. :(
Alyssa- I will PM my new address for the oregano exchange! :thumb
Julie- I would love to help out with figuring out simple ways to baby proof your house without having to spend more than $20. I am a bit of a organization freak (not martha steward bad) though you would not be able to tell lately. :o
Lizzy - Congrats on the :baby
Aurelie- I am bummed I missed it too. :crap
Everyone Else - Sending lots of good vibes your way!!! :goodvibes:

I had fun with the little smiley faces today can you tell?!

I would love to help out with figuring out simple ways to baby proof your house without having to spend more than $20. I am a bit of a organization freak

I'm downs! :thumb

Deb- I tried responding to your PM but could not send it. :(

I had fun with the little smiley faces today can you tell?![/QUOTE]

Sorry! I have room now in my inbox... :love

So we just did some massive yard work today and have a few plants that need new homes. If you are interested let me know and I will PM you our new address.


Oregano (2-4 plants)
Violets??? (3-5 plants)
Lambs Ear (3-5 plants)




I'm interested in the Lambs Ear and maybe the violets if you still have plants that are in decent shape. I have, da, da, dum, mono:(, so I've been slow on the board lately. Let me know.

II have, da, da, dum, mono:(

:yikes:
GET BETTER SOON!

Seeing as I missed the last get together I am wondering if there is another planned for Dec?

There is a December meet scheduled... It's supposed to be at my house, if people aren't too afraid of my small child hazards. :o

I can't do it Wednesday, December 3rd. But I am open for Wednesday, December 10th or Thursday, December 4th.

ALSO: I know I mentioned some sort of fabric craft, but I am having trouble coming up with something EASY, FAST and SAFE :duck:
I thought maybe I'd change gears entirely and do something that is ALSO useful for the month of December:

A SOUP SWAP

Who's with me? :eat:

Julie- I can do Weds Dec 10th, but only after work. Maybe I can switch my schedule that day for another.

What would a soup swap entail?

Julie- I can do Weds Dec 10th, but only after work. Maybe I can switch my schedule that day for another.

What would a soup swap entail?

Let's plan on Wednesday, December 10th then! :D

Basically we all bring the same amount of one kind of home made soup (6 one quart containers) and go home with 6 different ones for the freezer!
If everyone is interested in doing this, I will send out more extensive info.

I was actually thinking about doing a soup swap in January because Saturday, January 24, 2009 is National Soup Swap Day (http://www.soupswap.com/blog/). Maybe I still will! :thumb

We certainly don't have to do a soup swap if it isn't something that suits the group. I can go back to procrastinating about fabric. :p

I am all in for Dec. 10!

A soup swap sounds like fun but we may want to arrange that as a separate event among those of similar dietary guidelines. I wouldn't want to leave anyone out and I know that my family would take a loooooooooong time to make use of 6 quarts of vegan soup.:duck: But definitely up for the idea!

I think you mentioned soap before too... I've always wanted to experiment with soap making but have never gotten around to it. Soaps make nice christmas gifts or salves are always good for winter... do you do salves?

Jennifer - Thanks for the oregano!!!!

Alyssa-
I am so glad you got it!!

I got my scobbie and am still needing to find it a good home. I have put it in the fridge and my DH has suggested feeding it some sugar. Is that a good idea? I hope to have it in a jar and fermenting by Sunday but don't want it to die before then.

Wednesdays may become difficult for me in that I have a kiddo stay till 3pm at my preschool. However it is not every wednesday so I will try and be there. I so missed seeing everyone at the last one and really dont want to miss another.

Dec 10th sounds good. Soup swap sounds great!! Soup is one of my favorite foods and I enjoy making it. :eat: Oh, We made homemade laundry detergent and it works well, even on cloth dipes.

A soup swap sounds like fun but we may want to arrange that as a separate event among those of similar dietary guidelines. I wouldn't want to leave anyone out and I know that my family would take a loooooooooong time to make use of 6 quarts of vegan soup.:duck: But definitely up for the idea!


very good point! We wouldn't make use of non-vegan soup here.

Oh, We made homemade laundry detergent and it works well, even on cloth dipes.

what a great idea!

Soap FTW. I'm not going to do lye soap with the babies around though. We can discuss the process. It's not that hard. I will have some melt & pour available so that we can take a vegetable oil soap (olive most likely) essential oils of your choice, flowers/herbs/oats of choice additions, pour into the mold of your choice (gotta find them), put in the freezer wah lah, mostly-handcrafted soap ready before you leave. :joy:
Bath salts are inexpensive and easy to make too.
Crystal, will you bring your laundry soap recipe?

Sourdough question for anyone: I'm attempting my OWN starter from scratch. Good idea? Bad idea? Does anyone HAVE sourdough to share if I'm insane for trying?
How about kefir? Anyone have kefir grains? :1praying:
Help me, after my successful batch of kombucha, I've gone on a non-alcoholic (for a change) fermenting rampage. :o Thanks for the addiction Alyssa... no, really, THANKS! :thumb

Anyone here a cast iron cooking fan? :eat:

Yeah soap!

Julie - Your welcome! I'm quite happy with my addiction as well!

Maybe we could meet a little later than normal so LizzyQ and Jennifer can make it. Like from 3 to 6 or something... what do you think? Does that cut to close to dinnertime?

Jennifer - your scoby should be fine in the fridge for a few more days, I don't think that adding sugar will do much good in the fridge as it sort of goes into hybernation. Also, your first ferment may take a couple of extra days for the scoby to kind of wake up.

I would love a sourdough starter and kefir grains too if anyone has a line on any...

Sarah - how's your sourdough going? Do you have enough starter to bring with you to share?

Y

Maybe we could meet a little later than normal so LizzyQ and Jennifer can make it. Like from 3 to 6 or something... what do you think? Does that cut to close to dinnertime?

3:00 is perfect for me.

Yay for us!

our get-togethers are beautiful and fun!!! I love bringing MDC to life...

:joy:

3pm would be great for me too!!! And again I might be able to make an earlier time too if necessary!

3pm Wednesday, December 10th at my house! :joy:


I got an email today from a woman in Mapleton with kefir grains. :D

Woohoo! Where's Mapleton?

Mapleton is in Utah County. I just need to make a little trip down there.

I have SOURDOUGH!!! I made the starter myself and used it for the first time this morning. Sourdough English Muffins. :eat: Yes, they WERE delicious! Made a huge batch and stuck them in the freezer.

So... if anyone wants LOCAL WILD SOURDOUGH starter... lemme know. I encouraged it in the beginning with Goji berries. Dunno if it helped or if it even mattered, but I'm quite happy with the results so far. :thumb

I'm on round 3 of the Kombucha... YAY FOR DRIED BLUEBERRIES! I'm liking that flavor best, I think, out of the things I've tried so far.

I don't know if this is even allowed, but is anyone interested in some Discovery Toys? I'm hostessing a toy party on December 2nd at 7pm, if anyone is in the market... Guaranteed delivery before the holidays. I figure it's a good way to get some reduced priced stuff for the kids. Let me know!!!

:joy::joy:I have KEFIR GRAINS! :joy::joy:

that is all. :wink

Wow, Julie, you're DOIN' IT!! I love to hear about it!

I would LOVE to have some wild, local, sourdough starter (and I'm sure I'm not the only one!)!!!

:love

uh huh! me too! would love some kefir grains and sourdough starter that is!

way to go lady!:thumb

I got plenty. Come get 'em. :D
I'm getting a quart of fresh kefir every 12 hours! I think that means I have too many! See blog for pictures. :love

I have to say that finally being in MY HOME after a few roaming years has felt really good to do things like this. I've missed it. I'm sure I will calm down after a year or two of tending the kitchen, garden, livestock again... but I have to make up for all that I missed! :wink

I will pm my phone number and addy to you guys.

I have to say that finally being in MY HOME after a few roaming years has felt really good to do things like this. I've missed it. I'm sure I will calm down after a year or two of tending the kitchen, garden, livestock again... but I have to make up for all that I missed! :wink

I know what you mean!!! This is the first time in a long long long time that I have lived in the same place for more than a year... it feels good to be able to invest time in my garden and know I won't be leaving it behind!

Wow! Every 12 hours??? Do you have to use raw milk or is pasteurized okay?

Wow! Every 12 hours??? Do you have to use raw milk or is pasteurized okay?

Pasteurized has been working for me. At least so far! I've been using 365 whole when I don't have raw goat milk. I didn't like the result of using skim/lowfat though. I do make a trip out to the goat dairy when I can. (I used to milk the goats at that dairy :love) For one, I love goat milk and for two, I guess the whole, raw goat milk is like extra nourishing for the grains as well. She said the only thing better would be camel milk. :lol
But at 6 bux a half gallon of raw goat milk? I really need to get my own goat. :o

I've had to put all those grains to bed in the fridge. I was getting overrun already with them! It was seriously kefiring my milk so quickly, I felt like I was always straining kefir & washing equipment.
I've already converted some of them to water kefir. Used them in some apple juice. Tastes fine. Just added a little "zing" to it.

Just sent out the phone number and address of the next meeting!
PM me if you didn't get it!

THIS WEDNESDAY! December 10th 3pm MY HOUSE

Julie-Wonder!

What do we bring so that we can participate in all our fun activities?

Yay!

What do we bring so that we can participate in all our fun activities?

I have everything we need for these activities. If you have a favorite essential oil blend or type, bring it for your salts and/or soap. I have lots of choices, but can't guarantee your personal favorite/s. A dollar or two for each bar you want to make is helpful, but NOT NECESSARY, as I will end up using these supplies eventually anyway. Really, you NEED nothing but yourselves and kiddles.

Julie -
I am so excited about next Wednesday. I will be able to make good on my offer of child proofing etc if you still need it

Yeah! My first batch of Kefir looks like it's ready!

Thanks Julie!!! Yesterday was so much fun!!!!!:thumb

I've had a crappy last couple days, and so I couldn't make it :( I am totally bummed, so if anyone wants to spontaneously hang out with me, let me know!

sorry you're bumming, lizzyq!

I've got time next week if you want to get kids together... PM me!

I'm interested in doing this. We're moving to Sugarhouse next week (!!!) and will be in an apartment for a while, but once Chris gets back from Afghanistan (he might be going in July) we want to buy a house with enough land to grow all our own food and have a few chickens for eggs. :-)

Meanwhile I want to grow a few basics (tomatoes, squash, a few herbs) in pots while we're in an apartment.

Hi Jessica- Welcome to SLC!!!

I just finished my semester this week, so I've got more freetime besides the days I work.

I did it!!!
First batch of Kefir in the fridge and Kombucha brewin"!!!:joy:
Thanks ladies for all your wisdom, inspirations and friendship. and welcome Jessica!

Hi! We're closing on place in lower sugarhouse this week and I just came across this great thread! We've been talking about how we can squeeze as many edible plants as possible into our postage stamp yard this spring (my husband is getting a grow light system for Christmas so we can start seedlings inside!). We would love to be involved with some of these get-togethers/how-to fests. Sad I missed the December one, but please let me know about the next!

Hi guys! Alyssa & Deborah told me about this group and it sounds wonderful! Hi Julie L. & Cindy:p My husband, 2 sons (6 &3) & I live in the Millcreek area (just barely west of Sugarhouse) on a 1/4 acre. We've been here 12 years and have a huge garden (50 x 50 feet). We have a semi-xeriscaped front yard, but now I'm thinking that plants that we could utilize (native if possible) would be great to put up there. That being said, there is soooo much more that we want to do with the space that we have (chickens, fruit trees, rainwater catchment, greenhouse, ect. ect...).

Looking forward to meeting you all:)

Julie v.

HEY JULIE V. and other new mamas!!! :joy:

We may have to find some mamas with bigger houses for our meetings! Bring on the spring & yard space to meet! :D

I was wondering if there are any mamas that want to go in with me on a raw milk co-op? I am LOVING that raw cow milk (thanks alyssa) although I LOVE goat milk, the cow milk cost half as much as the goat milk. I have to get a goat... but until then, if we get a few of us on a regular schedule, (weekly run for milk) maybe we would only have to drive to Utah County once every couple of months or so as individuals. If not, maybe I should ask a broader Salt Lake Valley group? LMK! (or put me in the loop, if I'm missing something :wink )

I've been having some health problems and I will probably be cutting any NON-raw milk out of my diet.

On homesteading news: My first attempt at home-made kraut was a lonely, unsupported, family nose turning, absolutely delicious SUCCESS! :joy:
I've got a 5lb. bag of carrots I have to use up before Saturdays delivery of Food Co-op. Guess what's getting fermented next? :carrot :eat:

Julie (SaltPheonix) are you okay? Health problems? Heres a bit of heart sparkle to help lighten your spirits. :throb:goodvibes:

Raw Milk- I will have to talk to my hubby about it! Sounds cool though.

Julie (SaltPheonix) are you okay? Health problems?

Thanks for the sparkles. :o
I don't really know what is wrong with me. Maybe thyroid probs. and/or adrenal fatigue. I've seen an ND, but it's not a quick fix. Just always feel like I've been hit by a truck. Achy, stiff, weak, headaches, exhaustion, irritability, sore, tired all the time. Worse than being pregnant.
no, i'm not pregnant. lol
I was getting really scared that when you turn 40, you suddenly fall apart, but I've been assured that it's not "normal" to feel like 80 when you are 40. For that I'm thankful, but now I WANT MY ACTIVE LIFE BACK! :angry
The ND fully and wholeheartedly demanded I keep a diet in line with NT. :joy:
He was EXTRA excited to hear how many things live in my kitchen. :D
There's tests to run, but the saliva tests (which he prefers to blood) are really $$$ so this may take some time. My insurance won't pay for them. :angry so until then, really good food, supplements, and rest, rest, rest.
If I went to a regular endocrinologist, I'd be in and out with a prescription on next to NO $$$. I don't know that I'd be "cured", but I bet they'd give me SOMETHING to instantly take the pain away. :irked:
Can I just say :censored I really wish that I could afford the kind of health care I want? Don't get me started on the sorry state of this country's health care system.

On to something interesting...
What have you mama's done with your kefir? smoothies? cream cheese? cooking?
I made a sweet cheese spread today. A little raspberry jam stirred into goat milk kefir cream cheese. :thumb
I have all this whey left over. I use it in everything that needs a little liquid. :wink

I can relate to you Salt. I too have thyroid issues. Comes with the territory of mommyhood I guess. I go to Leslie Peterson and the saliva test I took was not as expensive.

As for Kefir... I need recipes. As I stated food and cooking are not my forta so I have been limited to smoothies which my family is getting tired of. I would love to learn how to make that kefir cheese with herbs.

Also, my kefir is way sour tasting. Is this normal? I don't recall Julie's being as sour. Any tips?!

I need recipes. As I stated food and cooking are not my forta so I have been limited to smoothies which my family is getting tired of. I would love to learn how to make that kefir cheese with herbs.

Also, my kefir is way sour tasting. Is this normal? I don't recall Julie's being as sour. Any tips?!

It is pretty sour. If you can use less milk when you brew, somehow brew it faster/warmer (less than 24 hrs) it's less sour. The longer the ferment, the more sour it will become. The agave or maple syrup sure does take the edge off the sour though.
I use it in any recipes for with milk or buttermilk. If it's cooked it loses the living properties, but a good way to use up kefir. It's still good for you.
I soak grains & beans in it. Mixed with water.
Use it for dip and dressing base.
The cheese is easy. I let the strained off kefir sit on the counter for another 24 hrs. It will separate a little more and the whey will kind of sit at the bottom. Then I get several layers of cheesecloth and lay it in a plastic strainer of some sort with another bowl under it to catch the whey. I use a plastic soup ladle and scoop the kefir solids off the top of the separated kefir. I slowly pour it into the cheesecloth/strainer setup. Let that sit for 12-24 hrs. (hang the cheesecloth bag if you can, but don't squeeze it)
Unwrap your cheesecloth, you have a "cream cheese". Mix with anything you like. LOTS of herbs, fresh or dried. Jams, honey, fruit, seeds, anything.
They keep forever in the fridge.

I know I'd like to hear some more ideas!

I have an extra gallon of cider from the food co-op. Does anyone have a good hard cider recipe?

Hi Julie V. and other newbies to the thread! Looking like this group is gonna get big! Outdoor gatherings in the spring will be great... until then, we'll just have to get cozy!

Julie L. - Would love to do a raw milk coop! I really love the Redmond milk, and until they put a store in SLC it would be great to have more people to share the trip with!

I haven't had many kefir adventures yet... mostly smoothies. They are perfect for my breakfast. But, DH made Tandoori chicken marinated in kefir for a day. It was yummy!!!

We're moving from Provo to Salt Lake sometime in January and this group sounds fabulous! Hopefully I'll make it to the February meetup. I've made my own mozzarella cheese and it was really easy and so tasty. Once dd2 can handle me eating dairy again I want to learn how to make kefir etc :joy: We'll be in an apartment, but I would like to try an indoor herb garden and learn other skills.
Joy

I am excited to announce that I will be hosting Preschool and Kindergarten Prep Workshops by Peggy Gardner, an Educational Consultant, Teacher, Author, and Mother specializing in the Charlotte Mason Educational Approach.

Charlotte Mason was an educator in London that strongly believed in bringing education to "life". For those of you familiar with Waldorf you will notice many similarities. There is also a big CM homeschooling movement in Utah for all you homeschoolers.

The cost would be $15 per person or $30 for a couple. The date and time is to be announced but I am hoping to host in January.

If you are interested please let me know. I am very excited about this event!!!!

Also, I will be making my first kefir cheese this week!!!!!

Linguistmama - Welcome! Hope to see you soon!

Jennifer - Good luck with the Kefir cheese!

All - I have set up a yahoo group for a SLC raw milk coop:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slc_rawmilk/

Please join if interested... hopefully it will make coordinating raw milk runs much easier!

Is there a new get-together scheduled for Jan? I REALLY want to go.. I think I am over my morning sickness and everything now, and I am taking all night classes next semester and work Wed/Thurs afternoons.

I'm still in a Murray condo, so I can't host one, yet, until I move back to downtown-ish area (hopefully soon!)

I believe that Crystal volunteered to host in January. Not sure what day yet... but I'm sure she'll set something up soon.

My husband and I just bought our first home tegether in August and we are making plans to "urban homestead" and live off our land as much as possible. He grew up on 17 wooded acres in Oregon (no fair) and I'm a city girl with a wild heart, eager to learn. So here's some of our plans so far...

~Chicks in the spring for the kids to raise (think we'll start with 3 or 4).

~Two pygmy goats in early summer. I saw some baby ones years ago and I fell in love. They are so cute! We do want to milk them and use the milk for food and making soap.

~Bunnies (not to eat, just to love on and for fertilizer for our gardens).

~Organic garden, pumpkin patch, berries, and herb garden.

~Water collection (shh...I heard its illegal in Utah so don't tell ;) ). I've told my DH this is not Oregon but he's convinced we'd still get enough for the garden.

And my favorite thing...after this school year, I am leaving my job as a preschool teacher for a local school district and opening my own earth-friendly, waldorfy, outdoorsy preschool/daycare!

I am excited to know there are other like-minded people in the area and hope to get to know all off you soon! Let me know when the next get-together is!

Jennifer: I'd be interested in the CM thing. I've done and heard a lot about it over the years, I LOVE LOVE LOVE nature notebooks. Even though I consider us un-schoolers, I've always been fond of CM and I'm always down to hear more! And ENJOY that kefir cheese! :thumb

I'm excited about our group growth. Perhaps we can all make each others journey to urban homesteading easier come spring and summer! (I'll help you trim your goats toenails and dispatch the chickens if you loan me your tiller :wink)

Happy New Year Everyone!!!:balloons Here's to learning, growth and joy in 2009!

Welcome earthmama!

I talked to Crystal today and she said she is excited to have us all over this month. She said that Wednesday afternoons work well for her and we talked about meeting at 3:00 again like we did last time. Did that work pretty well for most?

We didn't talk about what the focus of the gathering would be this time... I don't know if she already has something planned but please offer suggestions if you have them!

Jennifer - I just got a chance to check out Charlotte Mason a little... I'm definitely interested... let me know when you are planning this I would love to make it if I can!

Julie L. - Still up for a soup swap this month?

!!!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

My resolution...to accept postive change in whatever form it takes and to take at least one nap a month (my hubby gave me the last, apparently he thinks I need more beauty sleep lol)..his resolutions?... to make more home brew (I gave him that one and one more I cant say/write :Sheepish:)... it's gonna be a good year! :D

I am glad that there is interest in the workshops. I am very excited. Peggy is tailoring them just for this event so I am sure they will be great.

I have been thinking of expanding my preschool but felt I needed a strong educational foundation and when I started researching, I found the Charlotte Mason approach and that is when I found Peggy. Very serindipidous. I really like the Nature Journals as well!!

I also want to thank everyone who has joined this group. You are all beautiful and inspirational. Thanks for bringing a dream to life!!!

So many things have been falling into place. It really is going to be a good year!!

:love Jennifer

Also, I want to thank Alyssa for her first "bump" to keep this group alive. You are truely the backbone! :joy:

wow, this is amazing!!!

Jennifer, I'm interested in being an attendee!

Alyssa, thanks for setting up the raw milk list!

Alyssa, Crystal, sorry i didn't follow through on meeting downtown for First Night! Sometimes things get so busy/complicated...

more later! I want to post my New Year ideas like Jennifer did.

Love out,
emma g

Happy New Year !!! yes I still would love to host this month... how about Jan 21st wed 3pm? I am flexible and it seemed like wed afternoon worked for everybody last time. Sorry about not posting sooner it is very rare that I ever go on the computer without bouncing on a ball and nursing my toddler. I will have some homemade soup on hand and some snacks for the kids. I don't really have an activity for us to do. I could give everybody samples of the homemade laundry detergent for you to try. to see if you like it first before you buy the supplies to make it. Baby is crying gotta go

Soup Swap WILL happen. :eat:

I'm thinking of Thursday, January 22nd ish. Dinner time. :eat:
I have to confirm the location first. :wink
I'm just going with the suggested guidelines on the NSSD blog (http://www.soupswap.com/blog/).
And now is the perfect time to start promoting it! :thumb
Who wants in?

I'd be down for a laundry soap sample, but anything you want to do is great to me!

I had a realization over New Year holiday. I have spent the last 20 years preparing to keep bees and didn't know it. :dizzy: It's like they are coming TO ME. I've been called. :flipped
Now it's my job to learn about and work the bees. :love
So, does anybody have, know about, work or know anyone that DOES anything about bees? :o

AND I have TWO quart size containers of freshly made KimChi up for grabs if anyone wants lacto-fermented veggie goodness without having to stink up their own kitchen. I have 3.5 quarts total, and with the kraut (2 quarts) and gingered carrots (2 quarts) and only ME eating it. I'll want to make more before this is EVER gone. :( I made too much and have some to share. :o I eat it alone, with scrambled eggs, on sandwiches, side for beans, soups or stews, wrapped in cheese...
LMK if anyone wants some!

Happy New Year !!! yes I still would love to host this month... how about Jan 21st wed 3pm?

I think that works for me :)


I had a realization over New Year holiday. I have spent the last 20 years preparing to keep bees and didn't know it. :dizzy: It's like they are coming TO ME. I've been called. :flipped
Now it's my job to learn about and work the bees. :love
So, does anybody have, know about, work or know anyone that DOES anything about bees? :o

I have a friend whose step-dad use to be a bee keeper, I think. I'll ask her if she knows anything.

We will probably move in time to come to this month's meeting. :D

Sorry I didn't make it to the last meeting! I haven't been on here for a little while and I we have been in and out for the last month or so, sorry Alyssa about not returning your calls I haven't been home much.

But I am excited to come to the next meeting!

I have made my laundry detergent before and it seems to work well.

Thanks Jennifer! It was truely a selfish act though... I've been wanting to be a part of a group like this for awhile!

Julie, a friend of mine keeps bees, and his honey is sooo yummy!:eat: I'll ask him about it for you. Do you still have some kimchi? I'm all in for soup swap on the 22nd.

Wednesday the 21st at 3 works for me too. Maybe we could make it all about natural home cleaning. I have a recipe for homemade drain cleaner that I love. Should we bring our recipes/ideas and share?

Deborah - I didn't make it to First Night either!

Sarah - no problem! Did you join the yahoo group?

Finally, I'm excited to report that I am now LEED certified! Hooray! I took the test on Friday and passed. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, it's a green building rating system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Sooo, now that I'm not studying everyday, Jennifer I'd love to come take a look at your new house/yard and see if I can offer any ideas to help!

Oh yeah... my New Year's resolution is to come to get to know myself better. Make friends with myself, so to speak. :)

:thumb Congrats Alyssa!!!! I would love to have you come look at our home. We just finished our floors. We used a great finishing product from the Green Building Center OSMO and it looks wonderful. We are looking to find out more about removing a wall and then we have two additions that we really need some advice on. Thanks for offering!!!! I am available during the week usually after 1pm or weekends.

I am in for Natural Home Cleaning on Wednesday the 21st and for Soup Swap on Thursday the 22nd!!! Are hubbys invited to the Soup Swap?

First Night was alot of fun. Sorry you guys missed it. We did go home early in that our little one fell asleep. They could use more warming huts and dance inspiring music (slow ballets are not the best for New Years especially when you are outside :eyesroll)but definitley a good family event!!!

Oh yeah...I finally bottled my Kombucha. I will be trying it today!!!!!

I'd love to come to this month's homesteading thing (21st sounds good). We just moved here from Maine and I'm excited to get to know some like-minded folks. Natural cleaning sounds good to me; I can probably scrounge up a few ideas. And the soup swap sounds great too! How do I find out the exact locations? I imagine you don't post them online.
Thanks, looking forward to meeting everyone!

I still have Kim Chi :eat:

Natural Home Cleaning :thumb

Info about soup swap in the soup thread. :D

:joy:

I just joined the Raw milk yahoo group. Thanks for setting it up Alyssa! I'm planning on making cream cheese and whey this week with some of the milk that I got last week.

I love homemade cleaning products, that's all I use. I make laundry soap, automatic dish detergent (borax & baking soda), and have lots of recipes for various other cleaners from a good friend of mine who makes the most wonderful smelling cleaners along with foot creams, body cream, lip balm, soap, ect... that are all natural and earth friendly. We should be able to come on the 21st, unless my 3 year old happens to take a nap that day:yawning:

I'm also interested in hearing about the nature journals, we are unschoolers, but do whatever our kids are open to, and we love being out in nature and exploring lots. I heard a bit about Charlotte Mason at one of the last Salt Lake Home Educator meetings, but not real in depth.

Julie v.

Did someone say BEES!!!

Check this out. For some reason Wasatch Community Gardens sent me an old update email and included was this msg about bees.


Other News,

There is a new couple in town starting a bee business. They are looking
for organic gardens to place hives. They will maintain the bees, all
you have to do is give them a spot. It is mutually beneficial, you will
have hives in your garden for extra good pollination, with out any of
the work. If you would like to contact them here is their email,
hansenhives@gmail.com and they have a website you can check out as
well, www.hansenhives.com (http://www.hansenhives.com/)

Good Luck Julie!!!!

I love natural cleaners too! I would especially love to know about toilet bowl cleaner. It's my last hangup, but lysol works so well :o

Welcome Ameliasisco! Yes, the hostess usually pm's everyone with an invitation shortly before the get-together.

So apparently there is a Seed Swap hosted by the Peoples Market on Saturday, January 31st at the Sorenson Unity Center on 1307 So. 900 W. I dont know the exact time right now but will post it when I do.

You do not need to bring seeds to be able to get seeds though next year will I ever have some seeds to give. If anyone is interested in car pooling let me know.

Can I just say how great it is to be here right now!! SLC is really changing and I like it. :joy:

Also, I am looking for a venue for the Penny Gardner workshops. We cant do it at the library in that she is charging for them, so if you know of a place that might work please let me know.
Thanks in advance

Penny Gardner
WOAH! Blast from the past! It was Penny Gardner that I took some little workshops from 10-12 yrs. ago! It will be crazy to see her! Not that she will remember me though. I'm sure she's taught thousands of those classes. lol
How many people are you looking at for the workshop? (thinking of a place)

And that whole SEED SWAP thing? I was just about to place some orders and was going to ask here if anyone wanted to split some packages with me! I will definitely check it out! :thumb

I DID look into hosting some hives here in the yard, but when you do that, you don't get to work the bees OR keep the honey. :( However it IS a great idea for someone who wants to help without HAVING to work the bees.
I just signed up for a class up at the University on Beekeeping though. I'm stoked. :D

Guess what I made yesterday? PIIMA CREAM! :joy::eat: It's a very luxurious cultured cream. :love You'll never eat sour cream again. :love I will share. :thumb

PIIMA CREAM! :joy::eat:

I'm constantly in awe.

Seed swap would be cool. I was going to put in an order to JL Hudson seed co., but maybe I'll just wait.

I'm definitely up for the seed swap! We are, as we speak, cleaning out a spare unfinished room in our house to use as a grow room for starting seeds.

Hi Everyone!

I volunteered to send out the invites for the January UUH get-together at Crystal's house on Wed. at 3:00. I just PM'd everyone... PM me if I inadvertently missed you!

The topic will be Natural Home Cleaning :treehugger:

Hi everyone, Thanks Alyssa for pming everybody. I am looking forward to our get together. Somebody forwarded me an e-mail about a chicken class (having chickens in the city) I will try to find the link and post it or at least have the info by wed. Has anybody else gone to the winter farmers market at oasis cafe on Sat? I am going to try to make it today.

I just picked up the University of Utah's Continuing Education catalog today and they have a Backyard Chickens class ($51) and a Bee Keeping class ($97)... is that the one you signed up for Julie?

Wow! They also have Gluten-free, Raw Foods, and Eating Local cooking classes. Knitting, weaving, glass bead making....

Hmmm... looks like I may be going back to school!

I just picked up the University of Utah's Continuing Education catalog today and they have a Backyard Chickens class ($51) and a Bee Keeping class ($97)... is that the one you signed up for Julie?

Wow! They also have Gluten-free, Raw Foods, and Eating Local cooking classes. Knitting, weaving, glass bead making....

Hmmm... looks like I may be going back to school!

wow that's awesome! Where can I get a copy of that?

That's the class! :thumb

I think I have at least a beginner level understanding of chickens, as I've raised them before. It's the bees that I'm starting from scratch with! :o

TALK TO ME ABOUT WORM COMPOSTING... anyone have a worm composter? I'm thinking I'm going to just make one out of a large rubbermaid bin?

We haven't done worm composting, but intend to this year. My son made a worm tower for the kitchen counter (6 worms) and we put occasional kitchen scraps, but obviously nothing real serious for using in the garden.

Here is a local guy to get worms from:

http://rottnappleworms.tripod.com/

I believe he's in Sigurd, Utah, but he's usually at the downtown farmer's market in the summer.

Julie v.

I've been worm composting since last summer. I just use a 5 gallon bucket and the worms seem happy and are definitely productive. Their Darius' pets! :D I keep the bucket in our kitchen under the table and it has never stunk but it does get a lot of fruit flies living in it. When it gets warmer I will move it outside.

I ended up buying worms from the rotten apple worm farm guy because I couldn't catch any in my yard during the summer. However, in the fall when it started raining there were tons of worms to be found so I think they will be plentiful again in the spring too.

I think I almost have Roi talked into chickens. For those who have raised chickens - is it worth taking a class for or should I just do it?

LizzyQ - I picked up the catalog at Oasis Cafe.

This just in...

Time change for tomorrow's gathering. It will start at 2 pm instead of 3.

Can't wait to see everyone there!

oooh! 5 gallon bucket it is! :thumb what do you have in it? and how much kitchen scrap will they go thru?

i wouldn't take a chicken class... but some are probably saying the same about the bee class. :o

Here is the homemade laundry soap recipe:

4 Cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

Is it ok to come late? Something came up at the last minute :irked: What time do you want to end?

Yes, it is okay to come late. I have to leave by 5:15 but if people are still wanting to hang out Alyssa has agreed to take over as hostess! I haven't joined the raw milk yahoo group yet but my dh is going to pleasant grove today or tommorrow if raw milk is needed by anybody. :joy:I am so excited to hang out w/y'all again and meet new mama's and lil ones:wink

:(:(:( sorry i missed today i had an appt. that went THREE HOURS over. :(:(:(
my 10-1 appt. turned into a 10-4 appt. :irked:
and with a very sick babe that won't take a bottle waiting for me? I couldn't stop. :(
i was so bummed. :( I couldn't even come late...

what did i miss?

Just wanted to stop in and say "hey..." I hope to now be included in all the Urban Homesteader activities and nights of fun!

wow that's awesome! Where can I get a copy of that?

I'm not an urban homesteader, but I read this thread the other day. Anyway, this morning there was a PSA on NPR about the chicken class and I thought of this. They gave this website: http://continue.utah.edu/lifelong/

It was great to see everyone and to meet all the new people on Wednesday... and of course soup swap yesterday was awesome... thanks for all the yummy soup!

Crystal, thanks for posting the recipe for the laundry detergent... I'm excited to give it a try.

Sage... I was supposed to email you a link or something. Please remind me of what!:o

Is it ok to come late? Something came up at the last minute :irked: What time do you want to end?

Joy,I was just about to email this thread to you and then thought I'd better check it out first because you're probably already on here!

Also, subbing.

Crystal-
I will be putting the homemade laundry detergent to test tomorrow. I am very excited. Thank you again for hosting. I may just have to come and get a wall sample. Loved the color!!!

I still have Kim Chi & Piima starters for anyone that may want some. I was going to bring them on Wednesday, but didn't make it. :( I have kefir grains for Julie V. and... yep, I think that's it. Is that it? :o


I had a :dizzy: weekend.

Oh yeah! Seed Swap this weekend!!! This is like 3 blocks from my house! Here is the updated info:

Come to the 2009 People’s Market Seed Swap! (http://slcpeoplesmarket.org/)
Saturday, January 31st from 5-7 PM
Sorensen Unity Center
1383 S. 900 W. SLC, UT

I will still be ordering seeds soon, if anyone wants to go in with me on packets. I have a long list! :wink
Maybe we could have an after seed swap, seed Co-op!

Julie-
I love the idea of a seed co-op. You can count us in!! Speaking of co-ops...

My friend wants to order some rare and fancy chickens from a hatchery but she needs to order 25 at a time. So far we have 12 chicks in our order.

If anyone is interested in joining the order just check out McMurry Hatchery online. Choose your chicks and then let me know by Thursday.

:joy: Yeah for Chickens, Seeds and Great Women Getting Togther :joy:

I am planning on chickens for this spring but I was thinking about hatching from eggs. Do you think your friend would be into going in on an egg order?

I saw that McMurray offers that too... expensive though but I guess it's probably worth it for rare breeds.

And yes to seed co-op! Julie, do you know who you're going to order from? I was looking at JL Hudson Seed Co. and already have the beginnings of a list put together. Mostly I wanted to find a source of Holy Basil and that was one of the few I found.

I'm interested in the seed co-op but we don't have a garden :( We could garden at MIL's, but she lives in farmington, and I just don't think I could commit to going up there all the time pregnant or with a NB.

Alyssa-
I would like to hatch eggs as well (kids would so love it) so I will ask Kes if she is open to that. I will let you know!
Yeah rare breeds are expensive, personally I just want egg laying chicks but a few rare ones will be fun!!!!

Does anyone know of some great tricks to helping a pregnant momma with nausea? Another friend of mine is really struggling!!

Thanks Ladies

Lizzy-
Have you ever thought of a container garden? Great for renting, apartments, small spaces and very low maintance!!!

I'm downs for a fancy chicken order... I know I want a few fancies. Silkies and Crested. Mark also wants some Dominiques, (zebra chickens he calls them :eyesroll) but I don't know that they are considered fancy. How does that work exactly? Order the assortment and hope for the best? :shrug
If it's a chicken grab bag, know that I'm not SET on specific fancies... I am flexible. As long as I ultimately get enough eggs to be worth feeding the chickens. :o If I need "regular chickens" they aren't that hard to find all grow'd up locally.
I've incubated eggs from my own chickens. It really IS fun, and you know they are going to hatch before they hatch (other than by counting days) because you can hear them PEEPING INSIDE THE EGG for a day ahead! I was blown away the first time I heard that! SO CUTE!
side note: don't "help" the chick get out of the egg at ANY point :o
I had about a 2/3 hatch rate. Sold my incubator 4-5 years ago tho. :( Who knew I would want it again so soon? :p

I was eyeballing SEEDS OF CHANGE (http://www.seedsofchange.com/) for my seeds and also have a giant list. But I'm up for whoever/wherever. Most of the things I want in the garden this year are pretty basic veggies. They don't HAVE to be ordered anywhere specific.
The only specialty item I have to order are some of THESE (http://www.growinghappiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/romanesco_broccoli.gif). But that is something else altogether. :wink

Julie, what the heck is that thing?!? JL Hudson (http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/) seeds are between 1.50 and 2.00 a packet and from what I've read they seem to be a really good company. The drawback is that they don't have pretty pictures or an easy-to-navigate website so you pretty much have to know what you want already. Ordering is also a little harder but may be worth if for the $$$ savings. Check it out and see what you think.

I found these instructions for building an incubator: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/eggs/res20-incubator.html I think I may already have the plexiglass which is probably the most expensive part of the set-up. Except I'm not sure how much incubator thermometers are.
I'm also actively looking for an incubator that we could borrow. :D

Jennifer, I was sooooo sick my first trimester (and second, but not as bad). The only things that I remember that worked for me was limes (I squeezed them in and on everything) and hot baths... hence the reason I did a waterbirth! I know that ginger is supposed to work really well too... some real ginger ale might go a long way... Liberty Heights has some good stuff or you could try brewing it. There's also these suckers, I think they're called preggie pops, that have ginger in them.

Julie, what the heck is that thing?!?

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL? :love

Romanesco Broccoli. And I want some. :eat:

Oh, and morning sickness: Had it BAD with all three. Tried everything. Those ginger candies that Whole Foods sells in bulk are pretty nice, but nothing FIXED it, some things definitely helped take the edge off: Sea-Bands or sour foods. The only thing that ever really helped across the board was a little herbal medicine... in cookies or macaroni & cheese :mischief

hello hello hello is there anybody outhere? ok enough pink floyd. We are renting a duplex with a sizable patio and a back yard the size of my sons small bedroom. I REALLY want to grow as much of our own food as possible. Is anyone else around here doing the same with a similar situation?

Hello Hello -
I did when we were renting. I once grew a beautiful garden in my apartment that had no patio or back yard.

I planted my tomotoes in 5 gal buckets I found and my herbs in milk jugs. I did build a small garden plot out of scrap wood for my strawberries and sat it next to the dumpsters. The nieghbors loved it!! I set out patio chairs and painted a moral on a wal behind the dumpster to make it more appealing. It actually turned out to be a neat spot. My daughter loved it. though in the hot hot summer it got a bit smelly :o

The most important thing to remember is to drill drainage holes in all of your containers. You can also do alot of square foot gardening by trailing your plants (squash,tomatoes,beans) up trellises. By going up you add lots of space.

Hope this helps. If you are ever in the SLC area you are always welcome to stop on by one of our gatherings!!!

Speaking of gatherings...

Utah Urban Homesteaders
"February Get Together"

Saturday, February 7th
2pm

Mrs Jennifer's House
(to be PMed)

Backyard Chickens

Speaking of gatherings...

Utah Urban Homesteaders
"February Get Together"

Saturday, February 7th
2pm

Mrs Jennifer's House
(to be PMed)

Backyard Chickens

Are we going to help you build a coop? :joy:

Maybe for the March gathering we can do it on patio gardens since there are some of us who live in apartments or condos...? Just a thought. It would be a great time to discuss it because that will be about the time to start some seedlings indoors :)

I like that idea. :thumb

Yeah backyard chickens!!!!!! I'll be there!

Patio Gardens will be great too... good idea LizzyQ!

Yeah, we'll be there:) I would love a meeting about patio gardens. I tried to do a small herb container garden last year, but I could use some tips since all of the plants died except one.

Oh, I'm really interested in the backyard chickens as we're planning to get chickens this year only Saturday is Bald Eagle Day and my 6 year old wants to go bald eagle sighting. Can we come late? Not sure how long we'll be out and about, where we're going is about an hour and a half drive.

Let's not forget knitting! Didn't I hear someone mention that at the last meeting? I really want to learn.
Also, for a future meeting I might be able to get some people to come talk to us about urban beekeeping. We're getting a hive through Hansen Hives (they maintain it initially, but we will probably buy it from them eventually). The bees will be here in March or April, I can't wait!