Filled with delicious food, family time, and fun activities like hiking, Saturdays, aka Sabbaths, were the norm in both our families. Today, we continue this tradition with our daughter, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting from our hectic lives. The joy, peace, and strength we gain from observing the Sabbath prepare us to face the upcoming week with renewed vigor.

In this episode, we delve into how the Sabbath has enriched our lives and the scientifically proven benefits of treating the Sabbath as a weekly vacation. Rigorous studies show that regular downtime significantly reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels, and improves mood, among other health benefits. All the more reason to rest, don't you think?!

There’s also a fascinating connection between Sabbath and longevity, as evident in Loma Linda, California, a Blue Zone where residents live significantly longer and happier lives.

Come join us as we share tips on how to maximize the Sabbath's benefits to have a true day of rest and reflection, enriching our lives and potentially extending them.

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 Annette’s 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.

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

It’s "Blooming Science!" In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of flowers and their remarkable ability to enhance our well-being and emotions. Whether you're a flower enthusiast or just curious about how nature can improve your day-to-day life, you're in the right place.

Imagine walking into a room and feeling an instant lift in your spirits just because of a beautiful bouquet—there’s actual science behind that magical moment, friend. From boosting your mood to sparking creativity, flowers have a powerful impact on our lives.

Whether it’s the bouquet that made your day, the garden that brings you peace, or the office plant that keeps you inspired, flowers and their different colors play a unique role.

So, join us as we share how adding a little bit of floral magic to your surroundings can transform your mood and well-being!

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 Annette’s 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. Learn how to grow and care for beautiful flowers with these informative blogs.
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.

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

Have you ever tasted something as delicious as a strawberry milkshake made with real, freshly plucked, juicy, in-season strawberries?? Well, let us tell you, friend, it is SO GOOD.

After a visit to a strawberry farm, Jared and Ava decided to turn fresh strawberries into the best milkshakes we've ever tasted! This experience once again reminded us of the profound difference in taste and quality when enjoying in-season produce.

Moving to the countryside transformed our lifestyle and diet, inspiring us to grow our own veggies and embrace local, seasonal foods. Seasonal eating means enjoying fruits and vegetables at their peak nutritional value and flavor, harvested just as nature intended.

In this episode, we explore the numerous benefits of eating seasonally, from fresher and more nutritious food to cost savings, environmental advantages, and supporting local farmers. Learn practical tips on how to source local produce, even if you live in the city, and discover ways to preserve your favorite seasonal fruits and veggies to enjoy all year round.

Join us as we delve into the joys and benefits of eating with the seasons and get inspired to make delicious, nutritious choices that align with nature's rhythm!

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 Annette’s 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. Seasonal produce lists for all 12 months of the year.
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.

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

85% of Americans struggle with self-doubt, the feeling that they don't feel enough about some aspect of their lives or themselves. Are you part of this 85%? Do you have an inner critical voice that holds you back or makes you believe you are not good enough? We sure do!

In this podcast episode, we journey into the depths of self-criticism, a challenge that impacts the lives of so many, including us. We'll explore how self-doubt and anxiety can cast a shadow over our mental and physical well-being.

We share our personal stories of wrestling with our inner critics and how, through vulnerability and introspection, we discovered the toxic nature of this self-doubt and the pivotal step of unmasking its origins to reclaim control over our lives.

Together, we'll uncover practical strategies for liberation—embracing intentional living, fostering gratitude, and cultivating forgiveness. These tools have been game-changers in our journey of silencing the inner critic and finding a path to fulfillment and joy.

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 Annette’s 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.

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

Let’s talk about the myth of the Supermom. You know, that idea of a mother who effortlessly manages to juggle work, family, and home with perfection, never showing a hint of stress or fatigue. But let's be real, can any of us truly answer yes to all those criteria?

The truth is, there's no such thing as a superhero mother. No Supermom. Sure, we might see glimpses of this ideal in movies, fairy tales, or on social media, but it's just that—a fleeting image, not reality.

So, what does it take to be a "Supermom" in the real world? Join us in this episode as we share our thoughts on being the best mom you can be and busting the myth of being a supermom.

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. Article by Jared - The Book of Immortal Fame
2. Order Annette’s 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

In this episode, we uncover the fascinating world of dopamine and its profound impact on our relationships. We explore the intricate workings of the brain's dopamine circuits—the desire circuit and the control circuit—and how they shape our desires, pursuits, and connections with others.

Discover how the thrill of anticipation can lead to addiction (the wrong kind), and explore the most efficient dopamine triggers that can easily ensnare us. From alcohol and drugs to video games and social media, we uncover the surprising culprits behind our cravings.

We also reveal the secrets to maintaining the high in your relationship. Learn how to harness the power of dopamine to keep your partner addicted to you in all the right ways.

P.S. This episode may not be suitable for young ears ;-)

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. Book - The Molecule Of More - How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity.
2. Order Annette’s 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

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