Summer is just around the corner and gardens are in full bloom!  I wanted to share with you an article I found that lists different flowers that can be eaten.  Edible flowers make a beautiful addition to any dish but especially salads and desserts.  As an added bonus, edible flowers are not just visually pleasing – they also supply the nutritional benefit of phytonutrients similar to those found in colorful fruits and vegetables.
Here is the chart – enjoy!
http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/blflowers.htm

The weather has been so gorgeous here in Iowa the past few days that my thoughts keep wandering to gardening…and more importantly (at least in my food obsessed opinion), to the delicious produce that comes out of gardens!  Here is a link to a great website that gives tips on how to garden no matter where you live or how much space you have, and it even provides resources for where to find locally grown produce to supplement what you grow in your own garden.  Enjoy!

http://coolfoodscampaign.org/your-tools/garden-guide/

With all this talk about the economy, I thought it would be fitting to give you ideas for living healthy on a budget.  This is an easy and healthy way to live, even in times of plenty!

• Shop at farmer’s markets.
• Buy meat, eggs, and dairy directly from a local farm if possible.  Go to http://www.westonaprice.org/localchapters/index.html to find a Weston Price chapter leader in your area who should be able to refer you to sources of local food.
• Learn how to make your own household cleaning and personal care products.  Many websites have info, and now we have our own expert here at the farm – look for articles by Annie on our website in the near future.
• Buy groceries in bulk through buying clubs.  Your local health food store or a Weston Price chapter leader may be able to refer you to an existing club or help you find out how to start your own.
• Plant a garden, even if it is only a small pot of herbs grown on the kitchen counter.
• Make your own meals at home and limit eating out.  If needed, spend a little bit of money on quality storage containers to motivate you to pack food from home instead of going out.  For example, a nice thermal mug that you use for coffee each morning might keep you from stopping at the local coffee shop on your way in to work.