Manifesta Farms the concept and physical farm is a dream come true! When we began our search for acreage to settle in 2014 in Southern California the market was thin on space. One random morning Stephen saw a new listing pop up for a 2 ½ acre lot in a prime location surprisingly in our price range. We were able to see it that same day and made an offer which the sellers accepted quickly. Afterward it was obvious why the sellers took their money and ran...from rat infestations, to a leaky roof and so many issues in between, it turned into our largest up cycle project to date. But in the middle of all the recreating/renovating learning occurs here by the hour and probably most important, we have the space to achieve goals like raising dairy goats, growing a garden, and raising children to be creative and responsible.

Now, Manifesta Farms blog is an extension of our every day life for those who need encouragement and inspiration for healthy and creative living. It is also a convenient way for me to create memories for our future generations by passing on our creations and lessons learned. It is my hope, as I notice the current culture increasingly disconnected from its past in areas of sustainable, creative and healthy living, that we can reverse this trend for as many people and families as possible. I sincerely hope you will be inspired and encouraged!

Art Background

Drawing captivated me at an early age. I can recall helping myself to copy paper from my moms printer and taught myself how to paint/draw portraits from books. And, two years in a row I won sweepstakes at the LA county fair with my first two painting efforts.

My growing art skills and love of creating allowed me to make a few bucks painting murals before I met my husband. After we were married we worked on fun and rewarding mural projects together. Since those early days I have explored the worlds of oil painting and my favorite medium now, watercolor. Currently I offer commissioned water colors for just about any occasion. You can check out the gallery here.

In a busy house with the needs of small children, undivided time to paint comes in small spurts. However, my family understands I thrive best when I have a chance to release the creative energy inside. I've found also that for my personality, variety results in more fun and excitement. Interior/exterior home decorating, accenting a dinner dish with an edible flower, building a succulent bowl for a gift, planting a garden, baking sourdough bread are just a few examples of how I keep it interesting around the farm.

Health Background

I dealt with chronic sickness growing up, frequent bouts of despondency in high school, digestive issues most of the time and cramps would often be so painful I couldn't leave my bed. I was finally exposed to learning about healing through diet when my younger brother was diagnosed with autism . My family was attempting to change my brother's diet hoping for improvement so I began making similar changes.

Amazingly, within a year of removing processed foods and increasing my water and exercise, I no longer suffered from severe cramps or dejection. Like most situations requiring self control, I failed often but eventually overcame the main sugar temptation through prayer and a change of perspective. Essentially, I came to understand I had an obligation to take care of my body because it is not my own to do as I please but rather a gift from God. About this time I also started working at a health food store and was reading as many books as I could. As I became more educated about my food choices my typical diet appeared to me more and more disgusting. Coupled with the grocery stores lack of organic food options it made for a challenge to find what I knew I needed.

Some of the changes I made quickly were cutting out dairy, sugar, meat. I also tried raw food only for awhile. And further along the way I learned of the importance of bone broth, grass-fed meat, raw dairy, fermented products, properly prepared grains/beans, real butter and cod liver oil. Hunting down sources for these life giving foods eventually led me to think about producing as much as I could myself which turned into a quest for a place to achieve that goal!

Fun Facts

The "homestead" concept evolved over time through observation and learning but it resonated anyway since in the back of my mind I had always thoroughly enjoyed the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and the "Little House on the Prairie" TV reruns. I was inspired by those stories and images. It was a connection to a past that was missing for my generation and it presented an appealing way of life in terms of family and sustainable living. I became more and more motivated to "get in the game" on a homestead and try my hand at many of the techniques and concepts I was learning about.

My husband and I grew up in Southern California, but since we've been married we've also lived in Nevada and Virginia, before moving back to California in 2014.

My husband is a professional pilot. He completely surprised me and proposed to me in a small airplane we had rented for a sightseeing flight!

Our milking goats are Purebred Nubians; we really like their pendulous ears! We have a mini Schnauzer named 'Norman' Rockwell and two Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dogs. Norman was content to be a house dog but since we've had our homestead he had found a purpose keeping all the other animals in line.

Favorite Hobbies

Watercolor painting continues to be my favorite past time when I have time!

All of my children draw, paint, or sculpt.

Rock climbing is a fun family time, whether at the rock climbing gym or outside at Red Rocks, Nevada.

Ballet is part of my girls education, for posture training, and grace. I enjoy it as well!

Road bikes and mountain bikes are enjoyed by all.

We love to hike together! Outside activities are our favorite way to exercise.

Reading a novel as a family at night is our favorite, the children love when we read. I let them draw or sculpt during this time, it helps them to listen.

I especially enjoy family breakfasts; we usually share from our hearts at this time, discuss questions, study the bible, talk about current events, and pray together.

Favorite Foods

For food lovers this is a long answer. My sourdough pizza is everyone's favorite food here. Although, my oldest daughter says its soup and my middle son says Burritos!

Mexican food is a staple thanks to my Hispanic Grandmother. She gave me my love for spicy salsa and tamale making at Christmas time!

As a Native Californian our favorite fast food is "In n Out", Although we often make a version at home as an E meal (THM) Air fried Fries!

Sushi roles has to be one of our favorite foods. Even the toddlers love it! A favorite date night is going out for Sushi!

I enjoy making Thai food with a side of fish sauce, lime, and diced fresh chilies. Thai food always brings back fond memories for me of a trip I did to Thailand when I was younger.

Who doesn't love a good steak and potatoes? Horseradish anyone? And a side of fermented sauerkraut is a must!

My grandfather introduced us to Liver and Onions. It wasn't a favorite at first but we've refined our favorite ways to eat it and everyone looks forward to it!

Ice cream of course - We keep a giant old fashioned hand churned ice cream maker. We try to have sugar free dairy free options or freeze milk smoothies and blend them up for a soft serve creation. Smoothies often replace a meal around here.

Leaving a Legacy

I was so blessed to marry a man with a similar passion for healthy living. He is also an amazing birth coach and teacher for our children! Sharing the same health goals with my husband makes it easy to experiment with food and his encouragement to keep learning just propels me forward even more.

Along the way, I have been fortunate to birth 9 beautiful children with whom I now have the privilege to share all I've learned.

In the same way, it is my hope you find this little blog a place of inspiration for your own journey.

Behind the Scenes...

Funny things happen all the time here, and sometimes the unexpected toddler tales are the best!