Disclaimer: I was not paid for this blog post, however I did receive a free copy of Modern Pioneering in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.
I LOVE being able to create things myself. Whether it’s crafts, attempting to garden or cooking. I like to think it comes from my upbringing. In an age where there’s always someone that we can pay to do something for us, where did the satisfaction go of just doing it ourselves? Modern Pioneering brings it all back for us and reminds us of our roots.
When I was growing up, my mom and grandmother showed me that there’s nothing wrong with doing things yourself, actually it’s the way things should be done. We picked our own berries and grew our own gardens – all organic of course (perks of growing up in the country). We had beef cows (terrible idea to let your children name cows by the way). I watched my mom and grandmother can vegetables and jams, make homemade dandelion wine and the smell of fresh maple syrup in a sugar house is still one of the greatest smells of all time. My dad made some of the furniture in our home and we all took part in building and expanding our home (even if it was just getting in the way as kids).
As an adult and living in the “big city”, things don’t come as easily. I can’t walk outside and just start planting a garden in an apartment complex – I resort to potted plants. It’s not so easy finding sugar houses and fresh maple syrup in Texas and I don’t see beef cows (or any cows really) on a regular basis (when I do you bet I get excited). It’s hard sticking to your roots!
Georgia Pellegrini brings together all of those things and more. She is a modern day pioneer teaching us that we can still do all of those things. A chef, hunter, crafter, and a woman. In her latest book, Modern Pioneering, she sticks to her roots and shares it with others. It’s skills for being self sufficient in a world where we forget it’s ok to rely on ourselves.
For starters, it’s the handy tips that has been passed down for generations:
Stick a toothpick between your teeth when cutting onions and you won’t cry!
It’s gardening tips, reusing everyday products, sprucing up a space and how to prepare food (with little waste).
How to reuse products to make amazing things – such as cutting glass bottles to make glasses, making paper or making wreaths from vines.
The recipes – amazing. Many of the recipes intertwine in the book so no part of the product is left over. Case in point – almond milk and almond flour.
Best of all there’s tips on how to negotiate at a farmers market, how to pick the best fish at the market and many more tips on how to become proficient on becoming your own pioneer!
The book is amazing!
It’s the perfect time of year to work on your pioneering skills!
Have you picked up Modern Pioneering?
That sounds like a fantastic book. Definitely going to have to add that to my list!
Helen- Life in Random Bits recently posted…Loaded potato casserole
Honestly, I can’t get enough of it. I have a list of projects to do. I figure they’ll make great holiday gift ideas!
I’m so going to try that watermelon keg! I definitely need to try that toothpick trick, too! 🙂
The toothpick trick works – I now go by it. Who would’ve thought?!
I have always loved her…now, I’m going to have to go buy this book!
You’ll have endless projects and ideas and also wonder… why didn’t I think of that?! The book is awesome, especially with the holidays coming up. Great as a gift or creating gifts! Hope you enjoy it!