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Monday, April 28, 2014

Simple Homemade Promegran Cherry Protein/Energy Balls



Anyone else sick of chemicals and artificial flavors in so called "food" these days? I, personally, am! Thanks to Pinterest and learning about GMO's and clean eating through my Fitness Coaching business, I am on a making food from scratch kick just like grandma used to make. I can honestly say that I have been living the last 29 years blindly and ignorantly, but now my eyes are open and I am making some changes here at Dow Farms. No more preservatives, no more sugars, no more fake "food" and certainly no more ingredients I can't pronounce.

Here is my first attempt at making Protein/Energy balls from scratch. They might not be the prettiest, but they are delicious, healthy and clean!

Recipe:

1 cup of oats
1/2 cup natural Peanut Butter
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup Pomegran Cherry Granola (Nature's Path Organic)
1/3 cup honey
1 scoop of vanilla whey protein (Beachody)

Mix the ingredients in a large bowl until they are mixed well.
Roll the dough into balls. (I ended up with 14)
Refrigerate for 30 mins.
Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.


Thursday, April 24, 2014

15 Rules for our Stars and Stripes that Every American Should Know


Did you know there is something called Flag Etiquette? It's true!

 One of the things that was instilled in both of us is a LOVE and RESPECT for our great nation. An American Flag waving in the breeze and flying high is one of the ways we show respect and the love we both cherish for this country, so an American flag is a MUST at Dow Farms. However, there is more to it than just simply flying the Star Spangle Banner from our house. There is some responsibility that comes with it as well. Here is a list of some of the rules for flag etiquette that every AMERICAN should know....

1. Flags should be flown from sunrise to sunset daily. Flags maybe flown at night if they are properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. 

2. Flags should not be flown during inclement weather. Only if the flag is an all weather flag, may the flag be flown during rain, snow, etc. 

3. When flying two  flags on the same posts (ie. American flag and state flag), the American flag always goes on top. 

4. Never use the flag for decoration. Use Bunting instead of a flag for decorations. 

5. When flags are flown at parades, all uniformed military personnel should display the military salute. Military personnel and veterans who are not in uniform may display the military salute. All civilians present should face the flag, stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and remove all hats and other headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder (hands should be over the heart). 

6. Stars on the flag when displayed should face north or east depending on the direction of the street the flag is being displayed over. 

7. On special days the flag maybe flown at half staff. For example, on Memorial day the flag should be flown at half staff until noon and then raised. 

8. Do not let the flag touch the ground, EVER!

9. Do not fly upside down unless there is an emergency. (Flags flown upside down is a sign of distress)

10. Do not carry the flag flat or carry things in it.

11. Do not use the flag as clothing. 

12. Do not store the flag where it can get dirty. 

13. Do not use it as a cover. 

14. Do not fasten it or tie it back. The flag should always fall free. 

15. Do not draw or mark on the flag. 

Now that you know the flag etiquette for our American Flag, I strongly urge every American to display an American Flag on their house. Our soldiers and veterans have fought for our freedoms and some even gave their lives to protect our freedoms, so let's show them some respect for their service by displaying a flag and being a responsible American by taking care of our flags. It really is the least we can to do celebrate our freedoms and salute the soldiers and veterans everyday, isn't it? 

Info taken from: https://www.vfw.org/Community/Flag-Education/

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Easter Sunday

Well, I must admit today was not only special because today was Easter, but it was also special because it was finally beautiful outside here in Michigan. We are both winter people, but it sure is nice to be outside watering our plants and enjoying a little time outdoors. The warmth of the sun on our faces sure does warm our souls. 



The day was spent watering our seedlings and plants. The seedlings are really starting to pop up. This year I am going all out for our garden and keeping my fingers crossed I can actually grow some veggies and fruit this year.  Let's just say my past gardening experience has proven, I do not have a green thumb! We have cucumbers, tomatoes, hot peppers, green peppers, sweet corn, pumpkins, sunflowers, carrots, peas, green beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, gourds, raspberries, grapes, strawberries, and fresh herbs. Boy, is that a lot of stuff! I'm still not really sure where we are going to put all of these plants. One of the many downsides to living in town is we just don't have the yard space we truly want to have for our garden. We will be building our raised garden beds soon and we surely will figure it out though or at least I hope we will! 


Today wasn't all work though. Chevy and I spent some time relaxing in the yard, watching the clouds roll by, and daydreaming. I'm sure Chevy was daydreaming about chasing all the squirrels in the neighborhood while I spent the time daydreaming about our dream farm. Yup, I can see it now..... Big old Farm House with a nice wrap around porch. Acre after acre of plants, fruit trees, and our future kids running a mock on the farm picking fresh fruits and veggies for cooking, selling, and canning while Chevy tags along. We both want to start a brewery/winery as well as having our own farmers market available. Oh the dream life..... We are working hard to make this dream a reality! 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Our Very First Blog

Welcome to our BLOG! 


We are Ed and Melissa an engaged couple living in a small farming community in Michigan. We LOVE the farm life, but our first house is in town and not that dream farmhouse sitting on acres and acres of farmland. Since we are two country bumpkins trapped in the town life, we are making the most of it by learning about farming, creating our dream life the best we can here in town and working hard to make that dream life become a reality as soon as possible.

This is our story.......