In this week's episode, we’re going old-school and talking about something close to Annette’s heart: the art of canning food!

I've developed a passion for this age-old tradition, inspired by memories of my Aunt Marty's West Virginia home, where shelves were adorned with rows of canned goods. What began as a childhood fascination has evolved into a cornerstone of my homesteading lifestyle, bringing joy and a sense of connection to the food I grow.

Despite the convenience of store-bought options, home canning is a testament to our desire for freshness, flavor, food security, and control over what we eat. And let’s not forget the pure satisfaction of enjoying a delicious jam on toast that you have made yourself or gifting a loved one with homemade applesauce!

It’s true that busy lifestyles, safety concerns, inexperience, and the convenience of commercial alternatives may keep you from trying home canning, but the rewards are so worth the effort, friend!

Home canning isn't just about preserving food; it's about preserving traditions, fostering community, and embracing a way of life that honors our connection to the land and offers a comforting reminder of simpler times.

Join us in this episode as we discuss this big passion of mine and share how anyone can discover the joys of and master the art of home canning!

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources:

1. Annette’s Canning Course for Beginners
2. How to can in 10 easy steps with a tomato sauce recipe
3. Order my new book - Simple Country Living - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities. You’ll reduce waste, save money, harness new skills, and be able to live the “simple country life” no matter where you live.
4. Subscribe to Azure Farm’s newsletter for weekly inspiration, tips, informative blogs, recipes, and more!
5. Visit our website - Azure Farm - for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life.
6. Follow Annette on Instagram at Azure Farm for your daily inspiration.
7. Follow Jared on Instagram at Jared Thurmon.

Sign up for Jared's newsletter

to level up your health.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

So, a while back, I picked up this book called "Breath" by James Nestor, and let me tell you, it totally took my breath away😏 . Picture this: I'm on a plane next to Annette, trying out these breathing techniques from the book, and I must've looked like a complete lunatic! But you know what? I felt like I was floating on cloud nine, realizing in just five minutes that I'd been breathing all wrong my entire life.

Nestor's book dives deep into the art of breathing, showing how it's not just about staying alive but about living healthy. He lays out how our breath—whether it's through our nose or mouth, fast or slow—affects everything from our longevity to our blood pressure and overall health.

It's wild to think how something as simple as breathing through your nose instead of your mouth can make such a huge difference. Nestor explains how our modern diet and habits have turned us into a society of mouth-breathers, leading to issues like sleep apnea and reduced oxygen flow to our brains.

But there's hope! By relearning how to breathe, we can unlock a whole new level of health and vitality. In this episode, we share practical tips and exercises to help you master the art of breathing and rediscover the power of breath. Trust us; it's a game-changer for your health that you won't want to miss.

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources:

1. ‘Breath’ by James Nestor
2. Order my new book - Simple Country Living - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities. You’ll reduce waste, save money, harness new skills, and be able to live the “simple country life” no matter where you live.
3. Subscribe to Azure Farm’s newsletter for weekly inspiration, tips, informative blogs, recipes, and more!
4. Visit our website - Azure Farm - for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life.
5. Follow Annette on Instagram at Azure Farm for your daily inspiration.
6. Follow Jared on Instagram at Jared Thurmon.
7. Sign up for Jared's newsletter to level up your health.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm

As a married couple, we have always believed in maintaining our independence, nurturing our own interests, and, yes, having our own circle of friends. Don't get us wrong, our marriage is our priority, but we've seen firsthand how friendships outside of it can add so much richness to our lives.

Friendships can have a major impact on your health and well-being. And not just your own well-being but the well-being of your marriage or romantic relationship.

Your spouse will not always meet all of your needs. It is important to try to get your needs met in other ways as well, instead of depending on your partner and then feeling disappointed in their ability to always meet your needs.

In this podcast, we're diving into why these friendships are more than just a nice-to-have. From boosting your mental and physical health to helping you weather life's storms, friends are our support system. Plus, they keep things interesting, offering fresh perspectives and encouraging us to chase our passions.

Join us as we explore the myriad benefits of fostering friendships outside of marriage. After all, a happy marriage is built on a foundation of happy, fulfilled individuals - and having friends outside of it is a key ingredient to that recipe.

We also love to hear from you! Ask us anything about this topic. And if you don’t mind, we will share and discuss it anonymously on this podcast with fellow listeners! Text your question or message to (310) 879-8441.

If you like this episode and know of someone who needs to hear it, help us get this message out to improve people’s personal lives and foster healthy relationships!

Resources:

1. Order my new book - Simple Country Living - From how to start a garden to garden-to-table recipes, tips, and family activities. You’ll reduce waste, save money, harness new skills, and be able to live the “simple country life” no matter where you live.
2. Subscribe to Azure Farm’s newsletter for weekly inspiration, tips, informative blogs, recipes, and more!
3. Visit our website - Azure Farm - for all things concerning farm, home, gardening, and the simple life.
4. Follow Annette on Instagram at Azure Farm for your daily inspiration.
5. Follow Jared on Instagram at Jared Thurmon.
6. Sign up for Jared's newsletter to level up your health.

Here’s a few links to some things we’re passionate about:

Annette’s new book - Simple Country Living

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Country-Living-Techniques-Recipes/dp/0760385408

For our Workshops and How-to series - LiveHomeGrown.com

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/azure-farm/id1463340821

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4eieYkvDungVAwkcHewo89?si=j0_fZgcQSZq2e3lHAGFP0Q

Web - https://www.azurefarm.com and HappyFarmily.com

Follow along on IG or TikTok - @azurefarm