Welcome to the first in a new series on the blog, where we dive into some common misconceptions about what it is to live more slowly and sustainably. We’re here to clear things up a bit, and to show you how a more sustainable lifestyle is achievable for everyone, no...
It’s finally summer, which means we’re gearing up for a lot more time spent out in the sun—or better yet, a perfect spot in the shade! You might not be able to gather with friends at your favorite local eatery right now, but you can certainly prepare your own food and...
When contemplating sustainable laundry, hand washing and line drying might be ideal. But we don’t have to go that far if we’re not inclined—do we?
I was doing some things outside the barn the other day when I heard a very loud humming sound, and looked up to see a dark mass hovering over our bee hive boxes. I’d seen this before and knew what to do. Quick action was needed. Luckily I had my phone with me. “Joe,...
This time last year we were honored to welcome Graham Keegan (@yesgraham) and his crew to our farm as they made their way from Los Angeles to Vermont, educating communities along their route about the magic of the indigo plant. As the DC area stop on the 2019 Indigo...
As we make our way through the many changes wrought by this journey through the global pandemic, do you find yourself drawn to the idea of wilderness? When we begin to recognize a desire for a more slow living lifestyle, there comes a glimmer of awakening from the...
Join us for the Slow Living Book Club, a monthly “get together” to discuss books that relate (however loosely) to our favorite topic, and one that’s gaining more relevance every day.
We all know what a quilt is – or we at least have some idea. To some people a quilt is just a kind of blanket that old people have, to some, quilts are a Pinterest inspired wedding decor, and to others, quilts are a a physical manifestation of excited energy that had nowhere else to go.
The tradition of dyeing Easter eggs goes way back, most likely even before Easter itself, to pagan times when spring celebrations included decorating eggs as a symbol of rebirth. For me personally, the ritual goes back to the sixties, a kitchen table covered with...
It's a widely accepted and well studied notion that our modern way of life has created a disconnect between humans and the natural world, and this affects our health and well-being. Our direct interaction with the sun and wind, the weather, the seasonal shifts, water...
Today marks the return of Daylight Savings Time for much of the country, and the whole thing about losing an hour and gaining it back in the fall. Isn't it odd how whatever time the clock says, is only what everyone has agreed it's going to be? Let's talk about time....
How can we cultivate surroundings that deeply nurture our health and well-being? At Lady Farmer, we talk a lot about how as a culture and as humans, we've lost so much of our connection to the sources of our daily needs - our food, our clothing, our shelters and tools...
This week, we're talking about food, but not just any food. We're taking a look at real food, what it is, and why it's important and how you can bring more of it into your life. So what what is slow food to you? Does that mean a home cooked meal? Hand grown veggies? A...
The apparel industry is a leading source of pollution on the planet. Staggering amounts of water are used to make a single t-shirt that’s flown all over the globe for different stages of production before hitting some chain retail shelf for a few dollars. Hands that...
Sowing seeds of slow living is our mantra at Lady Farmer. Simplifying our belongings, prioritizing good choices in food and clothing, and choosing sustainable habits have a positive impact on ourselves, our community and our planet. In 2019, the Lady Farmer community...
January 6th marks the beginning of Epiphany, a period of several weeks in the Christian liturgical year between Christmas and Lent. This season of Epiphany calls us to be Wise Men and Women, to search out the Holy and appear before it with praise and gratitude. The story tells us it requires a long journey, a journey that will, in the end, bring us face to face with the truth.
Are you looking for simple ways to cultivate more sustainable holiday traditions? Rethinking our decorations, tree trimming and gift wrapping is a good place to start. Traditional holiday ornaments, gift wrapping paper, tape, ribbons and trimmings often contain...
What happens when you put dozens of fun and smart sustainably-minded women together in a beautiful setting for two days, with wonderful food and wine and amazing workshops? In a word: magic! And magic is indeed what happened on November 15th-17th, when we had the...
A big part of leading a sustainable lifestyle is knowing that there are alternatives to buying more things, especially when it comes to our clothes. We already know not to buy fast and cheaply produced fashion, and fortunately there are more brands out there now who...
The fall is a magical time for us here at Lady Farmer. And no, it's not just because we get to cozy up with our dogs by the fire or watch the crisp sunrises through the yellowing leaves of the black walnut tree out back (although that's pretty great).... One of the...
In terms of creating a more sustainable lifestyle, what does the term “clean beauty” encompass? As Lady Farmers, we like to think about the health of the planet and the people when considering the things we use every day. Is the product made with naturally derived...
What is a slow food practice that you can start right now, with things you already have in your kitchen? Sourdough baking! Sourdough bread is made from fermented dough. The level of fermentation can vary. Basically, the dough that's used in sourdough bread is a mix...
We’ve banned plastic straws, bought our reusable water bottles, and become expert thrift shoppers. We’ve learned that small changes in our lifestyle can have mighty impacts on the environment. But did you know that contributing to the health of the planet will not...
Walk into any clothing store these days and look around. Garments are available in a vast array of colors, from black, white and neutral tones all the way to neon brights in any hue and everything in between. To the modern day consumer, it's perfectly normal and...
A sustainable lifestyle is more than just integrating slow fashion and zero waste practices into your routine. Just as our material resources need to be managed in a way that allows us the joy of slow living, our inner resources, such as our mental and emotional...
Nothing says summertime like having a cool drink in the shade. We enjoy a lot of iced drinks here on the farm, especially when the chores keep us outside on hot days. Despite the hundreds of beverage choices on the market, however, there are several reasons we choose...
Making sustainable food choices on a road trip can be a challenge, especially if you really care about sourcing and quality. Options are usually limited to fast food and packaged, shelf stable snacks at gas stations, not even close to the guidelines we like to follow...
Whether you live on country acreage or dwell in the city, you’re a Lady Farmer if you care deeply about sowing seeds of slow living. You might be seeking more sustainability in your life, or you have a yearning for more connection to yourself, your loved ones and your...
Many of us are seeking a more sustainable approach to our holiday celebrations. Let’s take a slow living look at one our favorite cultural symbols of spring, the Easter basket. It’s a tradition to fill baskets to the brim with neon plastic grass, small toys and...
One of the biggest challenges in creating a sustainable lifestyle is reducing the amount of plastic we use daily. According to a report cited in this Scientific American article, plastic manufacturing has increased exponentially in this century. Because food storage...