Guest Blogger: Mitchell Walters

Summer in Mississippi is a wonderful time to enjoy locally grown fruits and vegetables. Farms around the state are yielding an abundance of fresh produce, and many Mississippians are taking advantage of a Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA.  A CSA is a locally-based model of food distribution, where consumers receive a weekly share of a farm's harvest. What a perfect way to support local farmers, and treat yourself to wholesome, delicious fare! 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Van Killen, owner of Two Dog Farms with his wife, Tori.  Named for their beloved blue heeler/lab mix, Sid, and English Springer Spaniel, Arlo, Two Dog Farms is an organic-inspired produce farm that sells shares of their harvest through a CSA, at local farmers markets, and in restaurants. Killen grew up on a farm in the delta and says, "the idea of growing fruits and vegetables in a sustaining way has been a passion of mine for a long time." 

Here, Killen describes his passion for us, and gives details on how to provide your family with fresh vegetables and fruit, grown right here in Mississippi:

{Where do you get your produce?   Is it all Mississippi grown?}
 The produce in our CSA comes from what we grow in the dirt. We supplement the weekly share with our partner and neighboring farm, Hydroponic Farm (on salad days). Everything is grown in Flora, MS.

{How can people sign up to receive your food?}
 We have an application on our Facebook page (Two Dog Farms) or people can email me at twodogfarmsllc@gmail.com.

{How much does it cost to join the CSA?  Do you also sell at local farmers markets?}
The cost is $28 a week and people can pay for the full season in advance, or in 2 payments. The CSA has already started, but we are happy to prorate anyone who is interested in joining. The CSA will last until the end of August.
Also, we are selling at the High Street farmers market on Saturdays and the Madison farmers market on Tuesdays.

{Why do you think it is important for Mississippians to eat locally grown produce?}
 We have some of the most fertile land in the country right under our feet. A great way to embrace what we have is to enjoy the bountiful seasonal food that can be grown here.

{What inspires you?}
I get inspired when someone tells me how great the produce is, how they prepared it, and that they can't wait to get more. That's what makes me want to keep doing what I'm doing and growing the farm to supply more people.

{What is your favorite thing about living and working in Mississippi?}
The people of Mississippi!

Thanks to Van and Tori Killen for sharing their business and these beautiful photos with us. We hope you are all inspired to fill your table with fresh, local produce this summer!

Photos courtesy of Two Dog Farms

"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

-President Abraham Lincoln

As you gather with family and friends today we want to pause to remember why we celebrate this day.  We are ever grateful for the men and women who serve selflessly to defend our freedoms, and today we remember the ones who didn't return.  Today we remember them and their commitments to fight for our freedoms.  We pray for their families and comrades who miss them immensely.  May we never take these freedoms for granted, for they were secured with an ultimate sacrifice.  

Here is a list of Mississippi's Fallen Heroes and another list of Mississippians who fought and died in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Help us in remembering and honoring them today.  

As Heath Ferguson said, "Thank you God, for pouring courage into the hearts of so many.  May you now pour comfort into the hearts of the hurting.  Amen."

{Image Credit: Google}

Followell Fotography | Fresh Cut Catering and Floral | Emily Ferguson Designs

Guest Blogger: Mitchell Walters

As we usher in spring in Mississippi, we often open our homes and hearts to celebrate our dearest friends with festive wedding and baby showers.  As Southerners, we Mississippians take pride in our warm hospitality and gracious hosting skills.  While we know you all throw a lovely event, it is always helpful to brush up on shower etiquette!  Today we turn to Amy Vanderbilt to guide us on hosting unforgettable {and perfectly proper} parties.    

Feting a blushing bride is a special moment for every Mrs.-to-be.  Brides should have at least one shower, in order to commemorate her last moments as a single woman with her dearest friends and family.  Here are several etiquette tips for playing the role as hostess at a wedding shower:

- A shower should never be given by a bride’s mother, sister or grandmother.  It is considered in poor taste, as guests might suspect that the bride’s family is begging for more gifts!

- One or several of the bride’s closest friends typically give a wedding shower.  If the bride has more than one shower, different friends should be invited to each shower!  Therefore, no one will have to buy more than one gift.

- If hosting, you should hold the shower at least two weeks before the wedding.  She will be much too busy preparing for her nuptials if it falls too close to the wedding date.

- As a hostess, it is important to ask the bride when she would like the shower to take place.  Feel free to give her an idea of how many guests your venue can accommodate!  That way you will not be taken off guard when 98 of her closest friends show up for brunch in your tiny apartment!

- Ask for the bride’s input on colors, themes, etc.  She might be particular, and her happiness is of the upmost importance! At the end of the day the bride needs to remember that they are graciously hosting this for you, so don't have too many opinions!

-Guests can be invited by printed invitations, specifically designed for the occasion.  Or, if the shower will be an intimate affair, a hand-written invitation is considered a lovely gesture.

- Gifts should be fairly inexpensive, simple and practical.  The bride and groom will also receive wedding gifts from each guest, which is considered their true present. 

- As the bride, a small hostess gift is a sweet way to say thank you. 

- It is always easiest to write thank you letters after the shower, so they don't pile up!  {don't forget to write one for each hostess}


The gorgeous floral arrangements are by Au Courant