Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Step Aside, Bach

We listen to all kinds of music 'round these parts.

Obviously, there's Mo-town, right? Okay, we've covered that. We've got the funk out here. You get it. 

But, really, we get down with just about any kind of melody, because, well...music is completely incredible in almost any form. So captivating to see where the sound takes you!

So we listen. A lot. 
And we experiment with creating our own :::cough::: unique sound.

Sometimes, our exploratory sessions start out rather silly, since trained musicians we are not.
But somehow, concentration does, in fact, set in during these interludes. There's a genuine search for harmony, melody, rhythm.

And then the effort becomes all-consuming. I mean, clearly...there are FEET involved here. You know you're lost in the music when your toes are up near your face, actively participating, right?

Good stuff, all around. 

For us, it's all about playing with sound- exploring what's possible. We're not worried that our melodies won't be played in Rockefeller Center, not discouraged by our lack of formal training or improper finger holds right now. 

We're just exploring the generation of music, and we're seriously having fun!

So on that NOTE (ba-dum-dum), when our finale was complete, I had to show my girls one of my favorite YouTube videos of all time. 

You really just HAVE to watch this, because these young musicians are most definitely about to blow your mind to smithereens. I promise. These guys are heart attack talented, awfully easy on the eyes, and will make your ears sizzle with their incredible sound.

Here's what happens when musical genuis EXPLODES! Unreal, friends. 

Have a rockin' Wednesday, people!
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

Monday, January 28, 2013

A GIVEAWAY with Back to the Roots!


Every now and then, I stumble upon a company that just has the right idea.

Let me tell you, friends, with bonkers high standards and insistence on stellar customer service, I am no easy sell.

When my husband brought home our first Back to the Roots product, a kit for our family to grow our very own oyster mushrooms, I did my homework to learn more about this new company.

Aaaaaand I'm sold! Finally, an approachable, environmentally conscious, noble company that I support 100%! I have had the privledge of communicating, firsthand, with several members of the Back to the Roots team, and I'd like to high-five every one of them. Good people, working for a good cause.
Photo from backtotheroots.com
Best of all, Back to the Roots promotes hands-on education and inspires both children and adults to learn more about the wonderful science that swirls around us every day.

And because they're THAT awesome, Back to the Roots is offering one From My Hearth to Yours reader a free mushroom kit- to bring a little of the outdoors IN this winter. You'll marvel at the oyster mushrooms that will grow from your care...and then you can eat em' up in a savory new recipe that I hope you'll share when you're done!

Extra cool? ALL From My Hearth to Yours readers get a 10% discount on any mushroom garden purchased from Back to the Roots' online store until February 28th! Simply enter the discount code 'FROMTHEHEARTH10' at checkout.
P.S. How noble is it that Back to the Roots donates kits to classrooms when you help share your experience with their kits?!? Well all right!
Wanna see how it's done? For details and photos of our personal experience with our Back to the Roots mushroom garden, catch up by reading my previous post, "Grow Your Own Mushroom Project."
So "heads up" to my teacher friends, my mom and dad cohorts, my science nerd buddies and the culinary creators who are lookin' to jazz up their entrees. This is one giveaway that's sure to impress.
*****

So, how do you nab that prize?
To hop into the game pool, leave a comment below about why you'd like to win this fascinating mushroom garden. A randomizer program will select one winner from the comment list on this page to take home the goods! (1 entry)

Wanna increase your odds?
"Like" From My Hearth to Yours on Facebook for one additional entry. Already on board? Comment separately below and, I do declare, you'll be swimming in that game pool twice! Always trying to increase the odds for regular readers here at the Hearth! (1 entry)

Or scroll down on the right side bar to join up with From My Hearth to Yours on Google Friend Connect for yet another entry. Comment to notify me on this page, stay in the Hearth's loop, and tack on one additional shot at the prize! (1 entry)

*Giveaway is open to ALL From My Hearth to Yours readers till Thursday, January 31st at 9p.m. EST. Winner will be announced on Friday, February 1st.
***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED***

Good luck, people! Three chances to win. Get it!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Home Sweet Home with Melanie Linder

There are just some people...
some people who inspire, who create, who have the power to make you see the world in a more graceful light.  

My beautiful friend, Melanie Linder, is one of those people. She is loveliness in every sense of the word. And now, with her darling new daughter, Luella, in the world- her life is loveliness2

For the past six years, Melanie has been designing original prints that warm the heart at Spread the Love, her sweet little shop on Etsy.

With her "very best creation yet" nestled in her arms, she has taken a brief hiatus to reorganize her shop for a new season and, most importantly, to put in overtime developing her groove as Mommy-Extraordinairre.
Itching to see what has going on behind the scenes while the Linder Ladies are gearing up for the spring? Have a look at the beauty within Melanie's very own "Home Sweet Home."

There's inspiration in every corner of her world, and Melanie's prints prove that her art most definitely imitates her lovely life.
You know how it is with art...you get a read, a feeling from every piece of music, every marble sculpture, every watercolored composition. When you look at Melanie's work, the love and whimsy flow right through your bloodstream- hit ya right in the heart in the very best way. 
How heartwarming, indeed, to see my radiant, beaming friend completely in her element- always such a natural artist, and now the most beautifully graceful mother as well.

So get ready, friends! Spread the Love will be reopening on February 1st- and I tell you, people, Melanie is just better than EVER! She's sure to spread even more love this year, so stop by her shop or her blog, Turtle Bunny Love, to wish her well (and maybe to dote on precious Lu) anytime! 

We couldn't be more excited to watch the Linder story unfold...
Obviously, Melanie might just be the best artist the world has ever known. Oooooooh, that Lu! Just picture perfect, every time!

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

Baby, It's Cold Outside


How to survive a morning this cold?
Cuddling.
Obviously.

Snuggle up with someone you love this weekend, and laugh yourselves silly. That oughta work wonders in keeping both your bodies...and your hearts nice and warm. 

"So when you're cold
  From the inside out
  And don't know what to do,
  Remember love and friendship,
  And the warmth will come to you."
  - Stephen Cosgrove


Happy FRIDAY, my sweet friends!

P.S. Congratulations to Stephanie, #16 in the comment list and the lucky winner of the MakIt Make-a-Plate Kit. We're so excited for you and your darlin' son to enjoy creating your very own masterpiece to treasure for years to come!

***Stay tuned for another AWESOME new giveaway with Back to the Roots on Monday!

What fun activities do you have planned to stay warm in this chilly weather?
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours




Thursday, January 24, 2013

Oh, Al Green...

Is anyone else a little crushed that Al Green turned down the request to sing for Obama's inauguration?

Oh, Al! :::heart pangs
I'll never forget the first day Al Green popped onto my radar. Would you believe that I hadn't been exposed to that smooth funky soulfulness until college?!? Shameful!

One of my housemates had just returned from a trip to his hometown and picked up the Al Green -Greatest Hits album that instantly flipped a switch in my brain. My Mo-town madness effect went into overdrive; I couldn't help myself...that groove just gets under my skin and starts sizzling! I lost all control.

The horns in the Let's Stay Together intro had have a hypnotic, black hole effect on me. I just start getting drawn toward the speakers, wherever they may be. With barbershop pole swirling eyeballs, I'm completely pulled into Al's mesmerizing fusion of sound.

And, as if that swingin' melody wasn't enough, I also had this photo hanging on my bedroom wall all throughout my college years, because obviously.
So for those of you who already know the power of Al, and especially for those of you who aren't sure what I'm yammering about here, get into THIS for a few minutes today. The bomb drops at exactly 33 seconds into this jam. You'll see what I mean, that's for sure.

Mmmmmm hmmmmm...here's to you, Al. Here's to you.

Have a wonderful day, my friends! May the force of Al be with you.

What's your favorite Al Green song? Is it even possible to pick a favorite when they're all this amazing?

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Reachin' for the Moon!

Are you and your kiddos down with what's UP?

My girls and I are space cases :::cough (in more than one sense) and are always gazing upward- to learn more about astronomy and what's swirling up in the skies.

One of my earliest childhood memories is of my dad placing Glow-in-the-Dark Star stickers all over my ceiling. I'd stare, mesmerized, at the neon green glow until my thoughts, and the color of the stars faded into the black hole nothingness of night. 
Uncle Milton-Moon in My Room looks so real!
Naturally, I tried to recreate this experience with my darlings, but I found that the sticker glow fades far too quickly. Maybe my kids just need to fall asleep faster. Yeah, there's that. There's definitely that. 

But the teacher in me is always on the lookout for new fun and educational ideas. When I stumbled upon the Uncle Milton- Moon in My Room, I knew we'd have to give it a go. 

And pardon the cliche, but this thing is out of this world!

After adding batteries, we hung the moon on my daughter's wall and handed her the remote...yes the remote control- to get started. 
From anywhere in her room, kiddo can shoot for the moon and click through the different lunar phases. We've been trying to match the phase of moon on her wall to that of the moon outside, and this kid has the difference between "waxing" and "waning" down pat now. 

Best part? Our budding astronomer uses the light of her very own moon to read in her room after the hall light goes out for the night- and when our lil' bookworm falls asleep mid-chapter, the Uncle Milton moon automatically shuts off after 30 minutes to preserve battery power. 

The girls go bonkers over controlling the moon with that remote, and hey- I can't lie- somehow I find a way to take a turn clicking through the phases myself every night. What can I say? It's irresistible!
We are all over the moon for this incredibly fun and educational product. I'm so jealous that I didn't have one of these when I was a kid. 

Truth be told, I actually considered getting another one to use as a night-light in our hallway. Then I could play with the remote from my own bed and illuminate my walk at night- to avoid tripping over the booby traps of toys my girls have set in stealth. Space cases, all of us. Can't say I didn't warn you. 

Way to go, Uncle Milton! Thanks to your team for bringing the moon down to earth and for giving us the control to learn more about our solar system. Seriously cool!
*This is NOT a sponsored post. The opinions expressed here are my own. Just writing about something that I think is rad!

Have you found any exciting new products that help teach the wee ones about our universe? Do tell!


P.S. Readers still have until tomorrow night to enter to win the Make-a-Plate Kit GIVEAWAY! Hop into the game pool now for your chance to win!


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Now THAT'S Doin' Good Business


Did you all read the story about the 7-year-old lil' dude who lost his LEGO man and wrote to the company about a replacement? 

If you missed this adorable story, you've GOT to check it out here. You'll love it. I almost cried. Ok, maybe I did...a little. I'm a huge sap. 
Luka Apps (Credit: http://twitter.com/lukaapps)
Now THAT is what I'm talkin' about, friends. THAT'S the kind of company I'm so happy to support. THAT is what customer service should be. I'm so happy that this sweet little kid got a response like this from LEGO and it warms my heart to hear stories like this in the news. 

Bring on the "good" news any day. Every day! We need more of that, don't you think?

Is there a source for only good news? If so, I'm signing up immediately. Stuff like this just makes my day. 

Three cheers for LEGO and their sweet hearts!

Speaking of great customer service and sweet hearts...special thanks to Lodge for generously offering up the awesome giveaway this week. I can't say enough about how wonderful it was to work with this company. They've got my business any day! 

And, what you've been waiting for- chosen by the list randomizer on Random. org, our lucky Lodge giveaway winner is...number 2 in the comment list, Bethany Noelle! CONGRATULATIONS on your big score! Lodge will be sending that incredible new skillet right to your door. 

Stay tuned for another fun giveaway from MakIt on Monday! This one will leave the wee ones a' smilin'!

Have a happy-hearted day, full of loads of good news, my friends!
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Spying on Superman

I know Superman. 

Actually, don't know how I swung this one, but I married into an entire family of Superpeople. It's pretty crazy- very Bella and Jacob-esque for a Jersey homegirl like me. 

Make me one of you! 

My kids are showing signs of my husband's super genes, so I guess that makes them half-breeds. That's something, right?

Anyway, last month, the patriarch of the Superpeople handed out Christmas gifts to the fam. Supergifts, of course- bowls he'd turned by hand, made from trees from the properties of the recipients. Um...cue theme music here. 
Who DOES stuff like this? :::Superman

I mean, seriously. Is this for real? With squinty eyes, I wanted needed a demonstration, proof that this wasn't some magic trick. Take me to your workshop. Show me how it's done.
Look at this wall! Geometrically inspiring!
And, being a noble and reasonable head Superdude, he immediately complied and gave me a full tour of his headquarters and a walkthrough of the bowl turning process.
Getting started
As expected, everything in the Supershop was completely fascinating. So many interesting tools! So much to learn! Made me wanna be a woodworker. If only I carried the genes...
Gouges galore
And then it was demonstration time.
Superman really knows his way around a woodshop. 
And, clearly, he really knows how to turn out unbelievably beautiful work! These are the gifts that will be handed down for...ever. Treasures. Made from the trees in the backyard. Made to last. Made with love. Superlove. 
I encourage you to spy on those Superfolk when you suspect their powers. Uncover the secrets of how they make their magic so we can pass on the goodness for generations to come. I'm super grateful for the tour into the master's mind. What an inspiration! Super-cool!

Do you have Superpeople in your family? What kind of magic do they make?


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Don't Let Your Doggies Eat THAT!

A few weeks ago, as I was popping a piece of gum out of its wrapping, it bounced out onto my kitchen floor. Not wasting a second, my Beast Dog snatched that sucker up, gave it a quick chew and swallowed.
Normally, I'd be elated that Ole' Stinkmouth was being proactive about his stankin' breath, but I cringed as I remembered reading an article in Dog Fancy magazine about xylitol, an ingredient in gum that can be deadly to the pooches.

I've learned that many of the "treats" I've seen people feed their doggies can be incredibly hazardous. So, after my xylitol scare, a phone call to the vet and my recent vigilance in keeping my daughters' dang raisins away from our dog, I figured it was time to share the info about some of the surprising NO NOs that we need to keep away from the mongrels.

The xylitol in gum, candy, toothpaste, and artificial sweeteners can cause a major drop in blood pressure and can cause liver failure. Ingesting even one small piece of gum is enough to cause a serious problem in a small dog. Yipes!
Don't give the doggies any of these NO NO foods, no matter how cute they try to be to persuade you!
If anyone spills a beer at your next party, for Pete's sake, do NOT let your dog clean up the mess. Alcohol can be incredibly toxic to your dog's liver. Again, the smaller the dog, the more serious it is to keep Rover on the wagon. It's never okay to let your dog consume alcoholic beverages.

Who knew that avocado could be a problem? Persin, a fungicidal toxin that is harmless to humans but dangerous for dog consumption, is found throughout the entire plant, seed, fruit and bark. We have an avocado plant in our home. Now we know to keep it out of Kaine-dog's reach.

Grapes, raisins and currants can cause vomiting and, in large quantities, kidney failure in canines. I've seen tons of people toss grapes to their dogs as treats. Bad idea! Toss out the dog biscuits instead.

Caffeine in chocolate, coffee, tea can cause heart palpitations, muscle tremors, rapid breathing and again, in excess, can be fatal. Be extra careful to keep your four-legged-friends out of the refreshments.
Beautiful Sweet Dutchess confections are for humans only! Keep the pooches away!
You might be used to giving a dog a bone, but avoid "real" bones from fish and meat, since they put your dog at risk of choking or suffering from internal lacerations. Dang. See what domestication does to a fella?

For dogs, onions and garlic are a problem in all forms (powdered, raw, cooked, dehydrated). Avoid giving your pet anything that contains these ingredients.

Only a handful of macadamia nuts has the potential to cause incredible sickness and can be fatal, especially if combined with chocolate. Save these treats for yourself!

Of course, there are many more foods to avoid when it comes to feeding your pets. Most of us have heard to avoid giving dogs dairy, raw eggs and chocolate, but for more thorough lists and information, check out this slideshow of the big NO foods for pets at WebMD and a great, printable list from Doctors Foster and Smith with food items to avoid feeding Fido and reasons why you should steer clear.

If your pooch does consume any of these ickies, make sure you have your veterinarian's number somewhere easily accessible, along with the number for an emergency clinic in case of an accident after your regular office hours.

Take good care of those lil' (or BIG) stinkers and fill em' up with lots of safe, healthy goodies this year!
Sending you and your barking beasts lots of love!

Have you ever had a health scare when your dog ate something funky? Never a fun event. 

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

Monday, January 14, 2013

Lodge Cookware GIVEAWAY!


Happy Monday, friends!

Ready to make your week a lil' sunnier by winning some totally BOSS loot?!?

I'm super excited to have the honor of hosting a Lodge giveaway, where one lucky reader has the chance to score a 10 1/4-inch skillet that will definitely change up your cooking habits for the better. 

Last week, in Turning Up the Heat- Cooking with Cast Iron, I discussed the incredible benefits of making the switch to cast iron cookware. Here's to hoping you guys love the goods as much as we do!
So what's up for grabs? Lodge is offering up one of their best sellers for you to get cookin'! Check out their website description.

The Lodge 10-1/4-inch Skillet was rated as one of the two dozen essential tools in the home and kitchen (Martha Stewart Living February 2008).
We have a size and shape to meet any of your cooking needs, with assist handles for easier handling 10-1/4" dia., 2" depth

Foundry season, ready to use upon purchase.
Use on all cooking surfaces, grills and campfires.
Oven safe.
Saute, sear, fry, bake and stir fry to heart's content

So, how do you nab that prize?
To hop into the game pool, leave a comment below about why you'd be psyched to win this awesome skillet. A randomizer program will select one winner from the comment list to take home the goods!

Wanna increase your odds?
"Like" From My Hearth to Yours on Facebook for one additional entry. Already on board? Comment separately below and, I do declare, you'll be swimming in that game pool twice!

Or scroll down on the right side bar to join up with From My Hearth to Yours on Google Friend Connect for yet another entry. Comment to notify me on this page, stay in the Hearth's loop, and tack on one additional shot at that skillet!

*Giveaway is open to ALL From My Hearth to Yours readers till Wednesday, January 16th at 9p.m. EST. Winner will be announced on Thursday, January 17th. 
***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED***

Good luck, people! Get it! 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Mo-town Madness Challenge- Let's Get It On


Oh, Mo-town...

It can be one really rocky day, and a lil' Mo-town does wonders when it comes to reviving my groove.
I just can't control myself from moving to the jam. I try. Really I do. It's a test in impulse control.

As soon as the beat kicks in, I try not to rock my head to the percussion. I try not to tap ma' toes. I fight to keep my shoulders from a' flailing. Hips, don't sway! Fingers, stop snappin'! Feet, stop shufflin'!

All efforts in vain. The more I concentrate on controlling one body part from groovin'- it's certain that some other part is taking over the jive. Seriously, I've tried. My dang TEETH tap if I try to stop my body from moving.

Something about Mo-town drives me bonkers in the best way- like Cally catnip or something! I have a hard time trusting anyone who claims to genuinely not feel the Mo-town vibe. How could anyone withstand the impetus of that groove?!?

I challenge you.

Here's one of my all-time favorite Mo-town jams, by the soulful Marvin Gaye. I dare you to get through half of this song without moving a muscle. I don't think it can be done. I'm not sure you should admit it if you CAN block that kinda jam. Ooooh, now it's a double dare.

And, please...can you check out that outfit? I mean, really! Let's not overlook Marvin's own trademark wiggle. Shazam, people. Sha-zam! So, let's get it on!

What's your favorite Mo-town jam?

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours



Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Real People Feature: Rich Finogle Jr.


Home Movies
Who are you? 
My name is Rich Finogle Jr. I'm in my twenties, and I play bass and sing in the band, Home Movies.


What is the best advice you've ever given or received and why? 
Hmm, that's a tough one. I've given a ton of advice over the years to my friends and complete strangers who've asked me. I guess I would say the best advice I have ever given would be the best advice I have ever gotten. 

Do what makes you happy, while being yourself, regardless of what people may say about you. 

I think that life isn't really worth living if you're not doing something that makes you happy, and why pretend to be someone else while doing it? The best person anyone could be is themselves.


What has been the greatest challenge in your life and why? 
I would have to say my greatest challenge has been overcoming depression. It still shows its ugly face every now and then, but I can honestly say that I am happier than I've ever been. 

The best thing to come out of this challenge would be my songwriting, but it's not fun being sad all the time- especially when you should be happy, you know? 

It took a few years, but I can finally say that I am sincerely happy with how my life is, even though there are some things I would change. But hey, everyone has things in life that they would change. 

The idea is to work towards what you want changed and set a goal. If you're always working towards something, your mind has no time to be depressed.


What has been the greatest joy in your life and why? 
Music, definitely. There is nothing in my life that creates the kind of emotion that music does for me. 

I play in a Pop Punk band called Home Movies. Music is my first love, and I will always love it. It has the ability to bring back memories from years ago, but it also has the ability to create new ones. It has saved my life countless times. Sometimes I meet people who don't listen to music and I ask myself, how in the world could anyone live without music? I know I would be dead or insane without it.


What is one thing you have not done that you really want to do and why? 
Play the Vans Warped Tour. That's the biggest punk and alternative tour of all time, and I would really like my band to be a mainstay on it. Even if we just get to play it once, that would be enough, because I just want to experience it as a band instead of a fan.
*****

I LOVE Rich's advice! Let's do it, whatever it is that we truly love- because when we've got a lotta happy in our hearts, it spills out onto everyone around us. I'm all for more happy in the world, aren't you?

Life without music? I can't imagine. I don't want to imagine. An extra high-five to Rich and Home Movies for filling our world with creative SOUND. I've had the privilege of watching Rich rock out...and homeboy busts a beat, I'll tell ya. 

Lighters up for Rich (Man...do people even DO that anymore? How old am I?!?) as we send him crazy love and applause on his journey to playing at Warped Tour. Keep us posted, and send us show dates!

Have you ever been to the Vans Warped Tour? Having been there, done that, I'd LOVE to head back to check out some fresh, innovative sound! Go Rich!


Keep up with upcoming stories and  features at https://www.facebook.com/FromMyHearthToYours

P.S. If you'd like to participate in a Real People Feature, send me a message at cally@frommyhearthtoyours.com or comment below. We'd love to hear from you.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Turning Up the Heat- Cooking with Cast Iron

So whatchoo cookin' in these days?

Back in the dark, dumdum college days, my fella and I were cooking up our grub in (GASP) non-stick cookware. YIPES! 

(PLEASE tell me you're not still cooking in that nasty teflon crud, people. Please. If you are, check out this EWG article and dump the funk tonight. Seriously. Lose it.)

Once we got our heads straight, we dumped anything with a non-stick coating and upgraded to all stainless steel Calphalon cookware, which we've used for years with no complaints. But then...

The big chef in our family asked for a cast iron skillet for Christmas. Soon the conversations began and we learned why cast iron is, undoubtedly, the way to go!
Lodge cast iron
We grabbed these super handle mitts here.
Aside from the completely affordable cost, crazy longevity and virtual indestructibility, cooking with cast iron has awesome health benefits-  the most obvious being that you'll be adding iron into your diet by cooking in these bad boys, so you'll boost your immune system and maintain higher energy levels. 

What? You think I'm blowin' teflon up your wazoo with all this info? Pffft. Check out 3 Health Reasons to Cook with Cast Iron from Eating Well to rub it all in. And this article from the New York Times really seals the deal if you're thinking of making the switch. 
Image Credit
Bonus? If anyone shady comes atchya while you're cooking...WHAM! Cast iron ain't messin' around when it comes to self defense. 
Lodge cast iron
Lodge is THE cast iron cookware company in the United States, and you can pick up their products just about anywhere. We actually purchase from our local hardware store!

We bake bread and keep food warm in our dutch oven, and use our skillets daily. Best. Cookware. Ever!

Clean-up ain't no thang. We simply use water and a scraper to remove any sticky stuff and then hit it up with a designated sponge that we use only for the cast iron cookware. To prevent rust, we always dry immediately after cleaning- using a soft washcloth. 
Lodge cast iron
Gently scrape off sticky residue and wash with water to clean. Don't use harsh steel wool, as it will remove your seasoning.
To keep our "seasoning" ideal, we spread a light coating of oil on the clean, dry cooking surface. 
Lodge cast iron
Season with oil- the best non-stick coating of all!
Since we've started using cast iron cookware, our more expensive, snazzy stainless steel has been staying stored in the cabinet. We absolutely prefer the convenience, ease and health benefits of cooking with cast iron.

The ONLY cons to using cast iron cookware are the incredible weight of the pieces (good grief- don't drop these suckas!), hot handles (grab some handle covers to solve that one) and the minor effort of keeping the cookware seasoned. Little stuff though- don't let it deter you. The pros DEFINITELY outweigh the itty bitty cons.

So turn up the heat, friends! Get cookin'! Use cast iron on the stove, in the oven, HECK...over an open fire! Then carve your initials into the dang things and hand them down for generations to come. They'll be around long after you're "ashes to ashes"- that's for sure.

What's for dinner, folks?
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

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