The Howell Family: Day 25

Our grapes are finally ready. These are Elizabeth's favorites and she has been keeping an eye on the vines for the last couple of weeks. During the summer heat we tend to eat more fresh fruits and lots of fluids. It's just too hot to eat too much.
Fridays are one of the kids favorite days. They get to help daddy pick the watermelon, tomatoes and cantaloupe-and now grapes. The goat and calf are always excited on Fridays too. They know they will get a few broken melons to munch on.

The Howell Family: Day 24

We had a busy day running errands, dr. appointments (it's a girl!) and working. On busy days it's harder to eat locally. So we have to really make an effort to bring foods with us and take advantage of the time we are at home.
Here are a few of my favorite "on the go" local foods:
Un-cut melons for trips as a family where we will be able to cut and eat
Sliced and baggied melon and blackberries
Granola
Whole peaches and apples

And here are some of our favorite snacks at home:
Banana Bread
Sliced Cheese
Sliced Tomatos
Sliced Melons
Summer Sausage

The Kickert Challenge

We finished up our week of eating local and absolutely loved it! There were moments when we really wanted to go grab some food through a drive through, or eat a bag of chips...but I am so glad we lasted the whole week. It was well worth the time and effort we put into it, and we were able to talk to a lot of people about eating local. On a few occasions we were asked to go to dinners or parties where non-local food was being served, it was neat to hear people's responses to our "Eat Local Challenge"! We had so much fun eating local that we decided to try and eat at least one weeks worth of meals local each month. This will be more difficult to do in the winter when the Farmer's Market isn't open, but we thought we would give it a shot. If anyone has any leads on local veggies throughout the winter months we would love your input!
Beth

The Howell Family: Day 23

We went to Chaney's again tonight for their $1 ice cream cones. We also purchased a quart for later this week!

Breakfast:
Blueberry Bread

Dinner:
Green Beans
New Potatoes
Ham
Tomato Sauce

The Howell Family: Day 22

Breakfast:
Blueberry Bread

Lunch:
Tomatoes
Cantaloupe

Dinner:
Chicken Sandwiches
Watermelon

The Howell Family: Day 21

Breakfast:
Toast with Strawberry Preserves

Lunch:
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Ham

Dinner:
Chicken
Corn
Tomatoes
Cantaloupe

The Howell Family: Day 20

Just a reminder that you have until the last day of July to pledge to eat at least one completely local meal. This will include you in the drawing for the $300 shopping spree to Sky Farmers Market.
Breakfast:
Blueberry Bread
Milk

Lunch:
Ham
Eggs
Sourdough Bread
Tomatoes
Cheddar Cheese

Dinner:
Sausage
Corn
Tomato
Tomato Basil Cheese
Cantaloupe

The Howell Family: Day 19

A few weeks ago we went to Barren River Lake state park for a short vacation. Not only was it only 25 miles from home which saved on travel time (and gas) it was also a wonderful choice for our family. The resort has a great pool, beach area, fun activity for kids and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy nature. And to top it off the food is excellent and they purchase as much local food as possible. So we went back tonight for dinner and we were not dissapointed. Check out a Kentucky state park for your next vacation.

Breakfast:
Granola
Peaches
Milk

Lunch:
Aged Cheddar
Tomato
Cantaloupe

Dinner:
The Buffet at Barren River Lake state park including:
Corn
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Fish
Chicken
Vegetable Soup

The Howell Family: Day 18

Thanks to everyone who tuned into AM Kentucky yesterday. I was asked to come and share our experience with their viewer's. It was a great interview and we were able to discuss the many benefits of eating local. They will be giving away a basket of produce form the SKY Farmers Market on the show at noon today.

Breakfast:
Peaches
Sour Dough Bread

Lunch:
Pepperoni
Sausage
Watermelon
Corn
Peaches

Dinner:
Chicken
Tomato
Sweet Corn

The Howell Family: Day 17

Breakfast:
Eggs
Tomato

Lunch:
Ham
Watermelon
Sour Dough Bread
Cider

Dinner:
Pork Chops
Sweet Corn
Tomato
Cantaloupe

The Howell Family: Day 16

We had a special treat tonight. $1 ice cream cones from Chaney's. They have this special every Wednesday night from 4-8 so we hope to see you there next Wednesday!

Breakfast:
Eggs
Cantaloupe

Lunch:
Bacon and Tomato Sandwiches
Specialty Melon

Dinner:
Tomato
Specialty Melon
Ice Cream from Chaney's

The Howell Family: Day 15

We ran out of bread and milk today for the first time. I remembered a bakery/market on the way to Russellville and thought that I would try it out. So the kids and I headed over there and luckily we were able to buy local bread, milk and cookies!
Check out WBKO's website to register to win an Eat Local bag full of goodies! The drawing will be held on Friday.

Breakfast:
Granola
Milk

Lunch:
Salad, Baked Potatoes, and Peaches at the Bakery

Dinner:
Eggs
Bacon
Toast
Tomato
Specialty Melon

The Kickert's Challenge

We are a family of two who have decided to tackle the "Eat Local Challenge". We have been in and out a lot during the month so we chose to complete a solid week of eating only local food. We are on day three, and so far it has been great. Not only are we supporting local farmers/businesses, but we are eating healthier, spending less on food and eating less. The only thing that has been a little tricky is cutting out carbs. The only local place you can get carbs (as far as I know) is the breads, pastries, and granola that are sold on Saturdays at the Farmer's Market. We are a carb loving family and narrowing down our carbs to one loaf of bread has been tough. Otherwise, we are doing great! Below are some of the meals we have been eating:

Bunless burgers with sauted squash and onions
Baked Peach Chicken with broccoli
Homemade Applesauce
Scrambled eggs with peppers, onions, and cheese with fried potatoes

We have also discovered a fruit haven in Cross Plains, TN. There are two orchards across the road from each other. One sells blackberries and peaches and the other sells blueberries and peaches. The blueberries and blackberries are pick your own. Prices are very reasonable too. Blackberries were $2/qt and Blueberries $5/qt. Peaches were a little high though, $12/peck...but all were delicious. To get to the orchards, take the Cross Plains exit and turn right off the exit. Go about 7 miles and turn left by "The Orchard" sign. One orchard will be on the right and the other the left. I hope others are able to go down and check out these orchards.
~Ben and Beth Kickert

The Howell Family: Day 14

We are half way through the challenge and we are getting so much positive feedback. Our family has found so many benefits from eating locally and we are hearing that many of you have too. Watch mid-day on WBKO tomorrow for a cooking segment using all locally produced foods.

Breakfast:
Eggs
Sliced Tomatoes
Milk

Lunch:
Ham
Sliced Cucumber
Watermelon
Cider

Dinner:
Smoked Sausage
Green Pepper
Sour Dough Bread
Honey
Sliced Tomato
Yellow Watermelon

Laundry Soap Recipe

Here is a quick and easy recipe for laundry detergent. This is the non scented recipe, but you can use scented soaps with low oil content as well.
1/2 cup washing soda (not baking)
1/2 cup borax
1/2 bar of Fel Naptha soap or Zote soap ( grated) You can also use Ivory soap.
Heat 1 gal. water on stove. Mix in washing soda and borax, then add grated soap. Heat until soap is melted, then put in a 5 gallon bucket, let cool for 1 hour then add 2 gallons hot water to bucket . Pour into old milk gallon jugs with a funnel.
Use 1/3 to 1/2 a cup per load depending on the load size.

This is a very quick and easy way to save money and trips to the grocery store! There are tons of variations on the internet so you may want to do a search to find one that fits your needs. You can also find recipes for dishwasher and hand soap.
And don't forget that we have a great vendor (Lazy B Farms) at the farmers market selling soaps and lotions.

The Howell Family: Day 11, 12 & 13

We went to Shelbyville this weekend for a family reunion and ate a lot of good food. A lot of it was local, but a few things weren't. My aunt is known for her great cooking and she didn't let us down! We attended the Shelbyville farmers market and purchased local honey and Elizabeth held some of the cutest chicks you have ever seen. Since we did eat a combination of foods this weekend I thought that I would list the local foods we were blessed to have:

Freshly Made Applesauce
Sliced Tomatoes
Smoked Pork
Strawberry Preserves
Green Beans
Fried Squash

The Howell Family: Day 10

We are finally starting to pick a few watermelon, tomatoes and cantaloupe. The kids have been waiting for so long. They were there when daddy planted everything and have watched them slowly grow.

Breakfast:
Eggs
Tomato
Smoked Gouda

Lunch:
Ham
New Potatoes
Watermelon

Dinner:
Chicken
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Blackberries

The Howell Family: Day 9

You might notice that lot of our meals are pretty repetitive. Part of that is having two toddlers in the house and the other is that we actually enjoy eating that way. The simplicity of eating whole foods rather than more expensive, time consuming meals makes things easier on all of us. Another reason eating locally is working so well for our family.

Breakfast:
Eggs
Aged Cheddar
Blackberries
Milk

Lunch:
Pork Chops
Sweet Corn
Blackberries
Cider

Dinner:
Pork Chops
Tomatoes
Squash
Blackberry Cobbler

The Howell Family: Day 8

Nathan took the kids to pick fresh blackberries today and we ate way too many of them and also made a cobbler. We were able to freeze several for later use. We also made the rest of our applesauce using Lodi Apples (june apples).

Breakfast:
Eggs
Blueberries
Milk

Lunch:
Eggs
Peaches
Aged Cheddar

Dinner:
Pork Chops
Sweet Corn
New Potatoes
Blackberry Cobbler

The Howell Family: Day 7

We had another fun day of "food" shopping as we are now calling it. We went to Jackson's Orchard and Chaney's. We stocked up on Peaches, Apples, Sweet Corn, Apple Cider, and Ice Cream.

Breakfast:
Eggs
Blueberries
Milk

Lunch:
Smoked Chicken
Sliced Tomato
Aged Cheddar
Apple Cider

Dinner:
Smoked Chicken
Sliced Tomato (the first yellow from our garden)
Sweet Corn
Peaches
Ice Cream

The Howell Family: Day 6

The kids are starting to ask for a few of our traditional "grocery" items. Bananas, grapes and orange juice to name a few. At first I was a little concerned about them missing these staples from our diet. But it has actually become a great way to begin the discussion of why we are eating locally. I am hoping that this is just the beginning of our conversation about a healthy diet and supporting local farmers.

Breakfast:
Granola
Blueberries
Milk

Lunch:
Smoked Chicken
Bread and Butter Pickles
Smoked Gouda
Cider

Dinner:
Eggplant Parmesean
New Potatoes
Peaches

The Howell Family: Day 5

The kids are already starting to ask EVERYDAY when Farmer's Market day is. Saturdays at SKY Farmer's Market day is great for anyone wanting to eat local. There are lots of participants signing up for the challenge and we hope to have some of their experiences posted here soon.

Breakfast:
Eggs
Toasted Sour Dough Bread
Milk

Lunch:
Smoked Beef
Potatoes
Applesauce
Cider

Dinner:
Smoked Chicken
Cucumber
Tomatoes
Smoked Gouda
Chopped Lettuce

The Howell Family: Day 4

The fourth of July was our first holiday while eating completely local. In preparing for a dinner in our home tonight I had to run by a major chain store to purchase a couple non food items. And I can't tell you how relieved I was that I didn't have to fight my way through the food department. Eating local has so many benefits, but I have to say that not having to push a cart down a narrow aisle with two kids is one of them!

Breakfast:
Eggs
Aged Cheddar Cheese
Milk

Lunch:
Peaches
Blueberries
Ham
Cider

Dinner:
Smoked Pork
Applesauce
Potatoes
Sliced Tomato
Corn on the Cob

Eating Local On a Budget

Anyone who know's our family know's that we live on a tight budget. And that it is a top priority for us to be good stewards of our finances. Honestly, this was our first concern when deciding to eat completely locally for the month of July. After doing some research we decided that it was possible. And now that we have been on this venture for about three weeks I am realizing that we are actually SAVING money. There are so many temptations at the grocery store (especially when shopping with toddlers). And over-processed, overly packaged items cost more money. So we are thrilled that one of the added benefits of eating local has been easier on the wallet. Here are some great tips from Jennifer Miaser, Editor of the Eat Local Challenge site:

Serious Eats, this week, posted a great article about how to eat locally and sustainably on a budget. While we know from last year's Pennywise challenge that eating locally on a budget is possible, it's also easy to watch the food bills pile up when you're concerned with finding sustainable products for your family's dinner table.
Among the suggestions in the SE article, I especially like the suggestions to cut back on meat consumption, and to buy in season. In season eating offers the best value for local produce, and if you put up or preserve foods while they are in season you can have a version of them throughout the year. In addition to the Serious Eats advice, I would also suggest the following:
1) Subscribe to a CSA. CSA boxes from local farms typically offer a good value for in-season, fresh produce.
2) Get to know your farmers. You're more likely to find out about good deals on your food, and to learn what foods offer the best value that week. Just start by saying hi, asking them about their week, and asking them about the produce. Soon, many will be keeping an eye out for special deals for you.
3) Be smart about your meat purchases. Consider a cow share or meat CSA if it's available in your area (or start your own!). Choose whole chickens over boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Learn to work with odd meat cuts so that you can maximize your dollar when possible.
Jennifer Maiser is the editor of the Eat Local Challenge website. She is often found behind a camera or writing for her site, Life Begins at 30.

The Howell Family: Day 3

I am so relieved not to have to go to the grocery store this week. I did stop by a discount store to pick up storage containers for over ripe fruits and vegetables, but other than that we have been able to get everything we need at the SKY Farmers Market and local farms. And the kids are learning so much by meeting the actual farmers that are growing our foods. Some of these farmers are family friends and the rest have quickly become new friends.

Breakfast:
Granola with Blueberries
Eggs
Chocolate Milk

Lunch:
Peaches
Applesauce
Ham
Apple Cider

Dinner:
Smoked Beef
Peaches
Green Beans
Homemade Ice Cream

The Howell Family: Day 2

We have solved our juice issue. On a trip to Jackson's Orchard we purchased frozen apple cider from last year. The kids are as excited as I am. It's still early in the day, but I thought I would go ahead and share our daily menu with you.

Breakfast:
Granola with raisens
Milk

Lunch:
Sliced Tomato
Ham
Peaches and Blueberries

Dinner:
Corn on the Cob
Pork Chops
Fried Squash
Peaches and Blueberries

The Howell Family: Day 1

We are officially on day 1 of the challenge, but our family has basically been eating mostly local for almost a week. Thought that I would share our daily menus with our blog readers just so you know how easily planning local meals can be. Just a reminder that we would love to hear your stories, recipes and menu ideas.

Breakfast:
Scrambled Eggs topped with red Tomato and Pepper Jack Cheese
Milk

Lunch:
Sliced Squash
Tomatoes and Cucumber
Aged Cheddar Cheese
Sour Dough Bread

Dinner:
Kentucky Ham
New Potatoes
Sliced Tomatoes
Blackberry Cobbler

The Howell Family: We are Ready

It took us about two weeks to wean our kitchen from all of the store bought, over processed foods. But we are now officially eating locally. There are a few exceptions and I thought I would list them here in case someone has a good local vendor you would like to share: salt, pepper, flour, olive oil, and organic juice (for the kids).

Online Resources

National eat local challenge
Find your 100 Miles
Sky Farmers Market's Producer's
Sky Farmer's Market Produce Availability
Kentucky Proud Members

And make sure to check out the Kentucky Market Maker where you can search for specific producers and products!!!

100 Miles

For the purpose of our Eat Local Challenge local will be defined as within 100 miles. We would appreciate it if you would post (as a comment below) your favorite producer's that are within 100 miles of the Warren County area.
There is also a lot of information at the 100 Mile Diet website.

The Howell Family: Getting Ready

We are getting close to the month of July and the Eat Local Challenge. Since we will be eating all locally grown food we are currently trying to clean out our fridge, freezer and pantry. We are transitioning to local slowly as more foods become available. There are a few foods we are going to miss but we are trying to focus on all of the new fresh foods that are going to be available to us soon! This Saturday we went to the SKY Farmers Market and stocked up. Here is our farmer's market list:
~Chocolate Milk (we still had store bought white milk)
~Cheddar Cheese
~Sour Dough Bread
~Dessert Item (Buttermilk Pie-Yum)
~Dozen Eggs
~Sausage
~Broccoli
~Tomatoes
~Onions
~Squash
~Flavored Tea
~Doggy Biscuit

Next Week's list:
~Chocolate Milk
~White Milk
~Cheddar Cheese
~Sour Dough Bread
~Wheat Bread
~Dessert Item (Probably Cookies)
~2 Dozen Eggs
~Whole Chicken
~Broccoli
~Tomatoes
~Onions
~Squash
~Green's
~Decaffeinated Coffee (Really excited about this!)
And I am sure that there will be more once I get there. That is the exciting thing about this time of year. And as our kitchen contents are dwindling I find myself relieved. We had way too much stuff before. My goal for the month of July is to avoid the major grocery stores all together. So I am having to evaluate what we are currently purchasing and from where. I'll share more later about stocking up on Toilet Paper and making our own Laundry Detergent.

Share your farmer's market list in the comment section of this post.

Share Your Story

Is your family planning on pledging to eat local during the month of July. You can be planning one special meal of all local foods or you may be planning to try becoming a localvore. We would love for you to share your story with our blog readers. Please send your stories to weddings@floribundadesigns.net and include a photo if you wish.

The Howell Family: Saying Yes to Local

I would like to welcome you to our story. A story of a family of four (soon to be five) pledging to become localvores for the month of July. The most important movitavor for our family is to eat safe, healthy food that is good for us and the environment. But as a mom I am also interested in foods that my 2 and 4 year old will eat. Join us on our adventure as we share our daily challenges and benefits to becoming localvores.

Nathan and Michelle Howell

Reasons to Eat Local

There is a new term being used for those who choose to eat most of their foods from locally produced farmers.
A “Localvore” is a person dedicated to eating food grown and produced locally. There are a lot of good reasons to consider this for your family.

· Less resources are expended packaging and transporting local food.
· It supports the local economy- more money remains in our local community.
· It is healthier– bad preservatives are less since food doesn't travel as far
· It is more honest– in the terms of the producer and growing process. It must be; we are all neighbors.
· If for no other reason– IT TASTES BETTER!

Are you ready to pledge?

To participate in the challenge you can submit a pledge form online or at the Sky Farmers Market.
Link to Pledge Form: http://www.skyfarmersmarket.com/files/documents/eat_local_challenge.pdf

Eat Local Challenge

When: Month of July

What: Pledge to eat at least one entire locally grown, raised or produced meal during the month of July. Additional pledge options can be found, including a Kids Division, at www.skyfarmersmarket.com.

How: Simply complete the following pledge form or go online at www. skyfarmersmarket.com to find the form. Each week in July the pledge entries can be returned to any vender at the SKY Regional Farmers Market or online. These pledges are automatically entered into a weekly drawing for:
“Eat Local Challenge”
· market bag
· kids cotton tee ( for the Kids Division)
· organic cotton tee
All weekly winners will be in a drawing for a grand prize coupon book good for a $300.00 shopping spree at the SKY Regional Farmers Market at The Medical Center-Riverside.

Why: When you buy direct your dollars stay within your community and strengthen the local economy and thus preserves farming as a livelihood….not to mention the healthy life choice you are making for your family.

Current Producer's

O'Daniel Farms, Joe and Debbie O'Daniel - decorative plants, produce, pastured eggs
Au Naturel Farm, Paul and Alison Wiediger - produce, cut flowers, pastured eggs http://www.aunaturelfarm.com/
Bobby and Thelma Groce - decorative plants, produce
James Manco - produce
Bryce and Eloise Geiser - produce and decorative plants
Jim Sears - Gourmet dog biscuits
Willis and Edna Schrock - Farm bottled cream line milk, baked goods
David Weaver - decorative plants, planters, produce
Lazy B Farm - Hand made soaps and lotions
Kenny Mattingly - Kenny's Country Cheese
http://www.kennyscountrycheese.com/
Joleen and Martin Stone - decorative plants and cut flowers
Steve and Betsy Borders - produce
Nathan Howell - produce

What can I find at Sky Farmers Market?

Wonderful variety of seasonal produce
Gorgeous bedding plants, hanging baskets and color bowls
Perennials hardy in our area
Herbs to plant and to eat
Kenny's Country Cheese
JD Country milk
Mennonite baked goods
Handmade Soap
Farm Fresh eggs
Honey
Farm canned salsas and other savory items
Colorful cut flowers in bouquets and single stems
Zutrav dog biscuits
AND!! Lots of friendly farmers and craftspeople

Why Sky Farmers Market?

Here is some information about SKY FARMERS MARKET directly from their website (follow the link for more info). We strive to provide the freshest local farm products, best horticultural items and most interesting crafts in the region. We are unique in Bowling Green in that we are the only "producer-only" market. That means you are buying produce from the farmer who grew it.
'Course that also means you can't buy watermelons in May, but when you do buy them in late June or July, you're buying local Kentucky melons. Buying local is the best way to support local farmers and get the freshest food.
Don't be fooled by others' claims of "home-grown". (After all, everything is grown at someone's home!) Come to the market where everything is grown by the farmers!

Where is Sky Farmer's Market?

This year we are still on The Medical Center's campus . We'll be in that front lot, in front of the Riverside building, just off the bypass across from Kroger. Turn left at the Medical Center main entrance and we're on the left. You can't miss us! Lots of space for farmers and customers to park. Come and join us for our FIFTH Season!! Opening Saturday, April 12th at 7:00 AM.

Welcome

Welcome to the Sky Farmers Market blog!