Thursday November 10, 2011
In the spirit of thanks, and, in particular, thanking my sponsors, this week's post is dedicated to Hearst and Sears/K-Mart. They go hand in had because Sears and K-Mart are the exclusive retailers of the Country Living Magazine branded product. And, as you may figure - Country Living is one of the Hearst Magazine titles! Country Living is one of my favorite magazines because it provides great inspiration and tips for creating an inspirational country and heirloom look. In fact, the tabletop that is shown in the special has many of the Country Living products - the table cloth, plates, napkins and many of the serving pieces including the chicken butter dish, and gravy boat.
Thank you for your lovely magazine and for creating and selling affordable products to create an heirloom tabletop look!
Wednesday November 02, 2011
In the spirit of giving thanks for my sponsors - this week the focus is on Stonyfield.
I'll never forget when I first moved to Boston in February 1991, one of the highlights of my new city was discovering Bread and Circus. Bread and Circus was acquired by Whole Foods but was essentially a precursor to Whole Foods. And, one of my favorite foods that I discovered at Bread and Circus was Stonyfield Farm Yogurt from Londonderry, NH. I thought is was so cool to buy a "local" yogurt vs a big brand and it tasted so much richer and delicious.
So, you cannot even imagine the joy that I experienced when they agreed to be a sponsor.
Allow me to list some of the reasons I love Stonyfield and Gary Hirshberg:
The obvious - their delicious, organic yogurt.
Gary's book - specifically his commitment to the mission and his views on sustainability and stewardship of our planet.
Stonyfield's role and message in Food, Inc.
Stonyfield's Greener Cow Project.
Stonyfield's philosophy and message resonate with me. Here it is:
" We were on a mission to make the planet healthier even before we were making yogurt. Today, we make it our mission to work towards all sorts of healthy.
Our mission: We’re committed to healthy food, healthy people, a healthy planet and healthy business.
Healthy food. We will craft and offer the most delicious and nourishing organic yogurts and dairy products.
Healthy people. We will enhance the health and well-being of our consumers and colleagues.
Healthy planet. We will help protect and restore the planet and promote the viability of family farms.
Healthy business. We will prove that healthy profits and a healthy planet are not in conflict and that, in fact, dedication to health and sustainability enhances shareholder value. We believe that business must lead the way to a more sustainable future."
THANK YOU STONYFIELD for all that you do!! And, in particular for all my friends fighting breast cancer:
Monday October 24, 2011
For the next several Mondays I will be giving THANKS to each of my Heirloom Meals' Thanksgiving sponsors. First up is Pete and Gerry's Heirloom Eggs. 
Pretty much, hands down the perfect sponsor for Heirloom Meals. Not only do they raise and sell organic, heirloom eggs, they are a family-owned business from New England. They are philosophically aligned with Heirloom Meals' desire to use only real, in season ingredients that are either local or sustainably grown.
Their mission:
"At Pete and Gerry's, we are a family farm that has produced high quality eggs for four generations in Monroe, NH, in the heart of the White Mountains. We believe in providing you, our customer, with fresh organic, cage free, omega-3 eggs from hens that are Certified Humane. As our family farm has grown our commitment to you has remained unchanged and we hope that you will enjoy our eggs as much as we do!
Happy chickens lay better eggs™"
Many of you know that I have chickens and Pete and Gerry's is my go-to egg when my chickens are in a laying lull or if I need more than my flock produces!! They also have chickens that lay those gorgeous blue eggs. When you buy their eggs, it's like Easter all the time!!
Pasture-raised eggs are healthier and rich in omega3 and have a deep orange yolk and are full of flavor. Try making a frittata or some custard with their eggs and you'll taste and see the difference. Worth every extra penny!
Thank you Pete and Gerry's! You have helped me realize a dream!
Monday August 22, 2011
It is only fitting that when I sit down to write my Monday post (which I have been remiss in writing) that I write about my beloved intern, Erin Gernon. Erin joined me on June 20 and returned to Hiawatha, Kansas on August 20th. Two months flew by and we accomplished much!! 
Erin will return to Smith College in 2 weeks as a senior. And, I am happy to report that Smith is still attracting the best and the brightest!! Erin brought her smarts, can-do attitude, and tenacity. When combined with her Midwestern humility, she was a subtle powerhouse of capability and competence. I was beyond impressed and will miss her dearly!!
This one's for you Erin!! I thank you from the bottom of my heart!! You are amazing!
xxoo
Monday July 04, 2011
I love celebrating our independence. But it's not just freedom from the British or the birth of our nation that gives me pause, it's all the freedoms and rights that that independence gave us - speech, religion, bear arms, gender equality etc.
Thank you founding father's, and thank you all who have fought to keep our freedoms.
Monday June 13, 2011
Last year my garden consisted of 12 tomato plants, 20 garlic plants, some asparagus, broccoli and onions on a patch of dirt that measured 10 x 10.
This year, Jim and I transformed a 41 X 20 foot plot:
Into this:
Will keep you updated on our progress......