Hersey Homestead

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Fried Green Tomatoes: Overcoming Adversity

Looking back, we can all pinpoint moments that changed our lives forever. Moments that altered our views and shaped the course of our life. I am opening my heart to share one of those moments with you and the lessons I learned from it. See, I was born into poverty. One of my earliest childhood memories is that of fried green tomatoes. A neighbor came over with a large box of green tomatoes she had planned to toss, but instead offered them to us. With little more than a jar of jalapeños in the fridge, we accepted. At age five, with two younger siblings, we didn't have much, but we had a whole lot of green tomatoes. Mom fried up green tomatoes, with a little table salt, for lunch. And I have loved fried green tomatoes ever since. That is one of those life-altering moments. In my first years of school, I was a late reader in a special reading class. I struggled with adding coin values and telling time. I was shy and came from a broken family. ...

Navigating Halloween with Allergies

Whether it be for allergies or personal preference, navigating candy-filled holidays can be overwhelming. With pillowcases full of chocolates & sugary treats, that your hotdog & watermelon dressed children collected, you've got to do something. Their big eyes look up at you in wanting & this awesome idea will save them from disappointment. This isn't my idea, rather one I recently heard about and it's brilliant! Just passing along this goodie. The night of Halloween, you've got loads of candy that you don't want your kids to eat. But, what's that?! Down swoops the Switch Witch on her broomstick, to save the day. Simply have your children put their candy bags on the porch or somewhere a witch might spot it. While the children are sleeping, the Switch Witch does her magic. The unwanted candy disappears and healthier treats are left in a puff of smoke. Spoiler alert. YOU are the Switch Witch, mom and dad. You've got the magic to make it happen. ...

The Ways of Old

Little House on the Prairie shaped my life as a young girl. With dreams of romping through the meadow, stoking a fire, and cooking in a black kettle; a simplified life was calling me. Ironically, I grew up in the city and ate frozen burritos for dinner. Where's my people at? In my daydreams, I fancy sitting in a rocking chair, sipping lemongrass tea, as I knit my children a sweater. Truth is I don't own a rocking chair and I haven't the slightest clue how to knit...yet. Here's the thing, you can learn anything you set your mind to, at least that's what I'm teaching my children. Instead of just saying it though, showing it seems to make a lasting impression. So, this apartment living, city dwelling momma is on a mission to teach her children the ways of old. That looks like gardening on an apartment balcony, in pots, painstakingly every year. Why? Because there is a lesson of beauty in growing your own food. Understanding the fruits of your labor....

Zero-waste homeschooling

We homeschool and love it (most days). However, I realized quickly how homeschooling and being zero-waste are often at odds with each other. All the paper, workbooks, craft supplies. It gets overwhelming, especially in those young years when hands-on crafting is what it's all about. I set out to be more mindful of homeschooling with less waste. Do I think you can homeschool absolutely zero-waste? Sure. If you choose to do everything on the computer. I am not that extreme, but I have found a few tips that lightens the waste load. 1. Thrifting - This is obviously my number one tip. I love the hunt. You would be surprised at how many times I find brand new or nearly new workbooks, games, and flashcards at thrift stores. Also craft supplies or yards of fabric. Not only is this method a huge money saver, but also doesn't add the waste in the world. When you are done with said items, simply pass them off or return back to the thrift shop. Thrifting is a huge step in cr...

Fall cleaning

Warning: Sarcasm is afoot. Fall is on it's way and I am eagerly beckoning it to come in. With more time spent indoors, it's time to get down to the nitty gritty. Here is a list of a few easy to miss places, that you'll want to freshen up... dun dun dun 1. Trash can. They are super gross, like always. If you open the lid and there's no trash inside, yet the smell is breathtaking, and not the good kind, it's time. Scrub that thing out. Take it to a car wash if you must. Add a few drop of peppermint in the bottom and on the underside of the lid and you'll be ready to show off that can to all your guests. 2. Mirrors. I'm not sure what it is about a sparkly mirror and kids, but they find a way to speckle that thing up the instant you've finished. Sooo, you're gonna have to distract the kids with snacks to make this one happen. Then, with ninja like skills, splash a bit of vinegar on the mirror and give it a quick wipe. 5 minutes of a clean mirror...

Motherhood: The Things They Dont Say

We've all seen the articles floating around about the joys of motherhood. They paint this picture of a happy pregnancy, perfect delivery, and just pure joy from there on out. Even while pregnant, everyone touts how wonderful being a mother is. And motherhood is a wonder to experience, but sometimes it's not all daisies and sunshine. There is a side to motherhood I wish we would talk about more. Real life, hard motherhood stuff that I wish someone would have told me about during my pregnancy. Things, had I known, that would have saved me the trouble of feeling isolated in the struggle. Well, if no one else is talking about it, then I am. Here goes... Pregnancy sucks. Morning sickness, or if you're lucky, all day sickness. Stretched skin, stretch marks, swollen feet, hot flashes, difficulty breathing, shooting nerve pain in your legs, painful pressure on your tail bone, pain from being kicked in the ribs, and back pain. But don't worry, everyone will tell you to be gr...