Just in case you missed it....

It's been kind of a running joke around here (probably throughout america) how similar Sarah Palin and Tina Fey look.....So we were of course anxious to see her in a Palin sketch. We thought it was pretty funny. So just in case you didn't stay up, or just plain missed it--and in need of a good laugh, here ya go!

Food Storage Friday!

So, as you know, I am slowly (one week at a time) trying to learn more about food storage as well as starting our own. I know all the information sites say not to become OVERWHELMED with the numbers, but here it is, ladies and gents...the recommended amounts of food for 1 adult(7+)/1 child under 6 for ONE YEAR.

ONE ADULT

Grains:

Wheat: 150 lbs
Flour: 25 lbs
Cornmeal: 25 lbs
Oats: 25 lbs
Rice: 50 lbs
Pasta: 25 lbs
Total Grains: 300 lbs

Fats and Oils:

Shortening: 4 lbs
Vegetable Oil: 2 gallons
Mayo: 2 quarts
Salad Dressing: 1 quart
Peanut Butter: 4 lbs
Total Fats: 13 lbs

Legumes:

Beans, Dry: 30 lbs
Lima Beans: 5 lbs
Soy Beans: 10 lbs
Split Peas: 5 lbs
Lentils: 5 lbs
Dry Soup Mix: 5 lbs
Total Legumes: 60 lbs

Sugars:

Honey: 3 lbs
Sugar: 40 lbs
Brown Sugar: 3 lbs
Molasses: 1 lb
Corn Syrup: 3 lbs
Jam: 3 lbs
Fruit Drink, powdered: 6 lbs
Flavored Gelatin: 1 lb
Total Sugars: 60 lbs

Dairy:

Dry Milk: 60 lbs
Evaporated Milk: 12 cans
Other: 13 lbs
Total Dairy: 75 lbs

Cooking Essentials:

Baking Powder: 1 lb
Baking Soda: 1 lb
Yeast: .5 lb
Salt: 5 lbs
Vinegar: .5 gallon

Water:

Water: 14 gallons
Bleach: 1 gallon

Children 0-6 is approximately half, making sure if you have an infant, that formula and baby food are included.

I REALLY better get a move on..... I always discourage myself when I'm at the grocery store, because I keep thinking, I have NO SPACE for this stuff! At the very least, at least I have this information, so when we move into a house, I will be equipped to start storing!

What to buy Organic

I read this article in American Baby and thought it was pretty informative. I never thought I'd be one of those "Organic-buying" people....I used to think it was silly and an extravagance....but since reading more and more about it, and having a little Briggy....my mind has completely changed. This article details the 7 best organic food items to feed your children (although the recommend eating as organically as possible)

*Fact* Babies eat more than adults, pound for pound, and are more vulnerable to environmental toxins

1. MILK

although it is 50% MORE than conventional milk...it DOESNT contain th antibiotics, artificial hormones and pesticides that the conventional milk does.
Organic milk also contains significantly higher levels of heart-healthy fatty acids and antioxidants.

2. POTATOES

Potatoes are one of the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits/vegetables....81% of potatoes still contain pesticide AFTER being WASHED and PEELED!

3. PEANUT BUTTER

The pesticides used on peanuts are found to be ESPECIALLY toxic...also genetically modified soy may cross over into the peanut crop...which many believe is the reason for the dramatic decade-long increase in peanut allergies.

4. BABY FOOD

The body and brain of a newborn---> 3 year old grow faster than any other time in our lives.

5. KETCHUP

Research has found that organic ketchups are 57% higher in lycopene and have WAY more antioxidants than their conventional counterpart. Also, organic ketchups DO NOT have SUGAR and ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS.

6. APPLES

Apples are one of the most contaminated by pesticides...the organic version has been found to have higher levels of disease-fighting polyphenols and other phytonutrients.

7. BEEF

Antibiotics are used to promote growth in livestock, and those drugs may make it into our systems. And most American beef comes from cattle that is corn or grain fed, which is NOT healthy for us. Organic, grass-fed beef tends to be LEANER and has FIVE times the OMEGA-3 fats which are good for the heart. To locate organic beef in your area visit organicconsumers.org or at your local farmers market.

Massachusetts Organic Farms that sell organic/grass-fed beef:

Caledonia Farms--Barre, Ma
www.caledoniafarms.com

Crabapple Farms--Chesterfield, Ma
100 Bryant Street
413-296-0310


The Dirty Dozen
(These earn the distinction as the most contaminated by pesticides; buy organic when possible)

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes (Imported)
10. Pears
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes