Stepping Toward Self-Sufficiency

Some days, I'm fed up. I look at my grocery bill and think--there must be a better way. For years now, I've wanted to put in a vegetable garden and grow fruit trees to make our family less dependent upon others. One day, I picked up green beans from the store and they looked unnaturally green. Not only that, I've gotten spoiled with fresh eggs and honey from our pastor's farm. The turkey he sold us for Thanksgiving was 27 pounds!

While, I doubt I'll ever be raising chickens and turkeys like our pastor does, I want 2012 to be the year our family begins stepping toward self-sufficiency. Not only will it be good for us, it will be good for our environment too.

I hope those of you who have already been where I am are willing to share some advice. Where did you start? What project did you tackle first? Are there products to help us move toward going green and being more self-sufficient that won't cost an arm and a leg? I'll be writing up occasional posts to track our progress.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Product Review: Kashi Whole Wheat Biscuits: Cinnamon Harvest

There are days I think I'm a cereal connoisseur. I've always been a big cereal eater. As a kid it wouldn't be unusual for me to have 3 or more bowls a day.

Back then it was usually the sweet stuff, but now that I'm older, I don't want all that sugar for my first meal of the day. Cereal is still convenient for a busy mom like me, though, so every week I walk up and down the cereal aisle looking for something that tastes great and is good for me too.

Our entire family likes shredded wheat, but let's face it, without sugar it can be a bit blah. I saw Kashi Whole Wheat Biscuits at Walmart on one of my recent trips. I hate the thought of spending money on a full box of cereal without knowing if we'll like it, so I requested a free sample of the Cinnamon Harvest flavor.

My family loved it! I'm happy because I'm trying to get my oldest daughter and I to eat better. This allows us to do that without sacrificing great taste. Kashi Whole Wheat Biscuits: Cinnamon Harvest are USDA organic. They contain 47 grams of whole grains. They're also high in fiber, low fat, and sodium free. Each serving only contains 9 grams of sugar. Honestly, can you find a better cereal?

I bought a box this week when I visited the grocery store again. I am so thrilled to have discovered this new cereal.

The other great thing about Kashi, is that they are dedicated to a healthier you and a greener world. If you visit the Kashi website at http://www.kashi.com/ you can sign up to use their Lifestyle Tools. They have a guide to all things natural in your community, offer a place where you can accept challenges and post your accomplishments toward a healthier and happier you. There's even a place to take surveys. There are also articles and recipes online.

I look forward to being an active member of the Kashi community.

I requested a free sample of this product to be featured during Product and Movie Review month. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I received no monetary compensation.

Planet Wise Wet Bag Giveaway at Confessions of an Overworked Mom

My friend, Ellen, is at it again. Every time I wander out there she has some great giveaway going. Today was no different.

With beach season coming before we know it, she's offering a Planet Wise Wet Bag giveaway. If I bought one of these I could certainly get away from carrying a plastic bag back and forth to the YMCA during our daughter's swimming lessons.

I'll let you check out Ellen's blog for more details on this resuable Wet Bag and on rules for how to enter. Don't miss the many ways you can increase your chances of winning.

This giveaway is only for those living in the USA. The last day to enter is May 2nd, so stop by Confessions of an Overworked Mom now!