One of kale’s super powers is that it’s pretty easy to grow. Another is that once you’ve got a stand, it’s not going anywhere. Kale can survive freeze, drought, even some hot stretches. Which means you’ve sometimes got to get creative at finding ways to eat it. Kale chips are good. Kale is great inContinue reading “Kale Smoothie”
Author Archives: christinanifong
Here’s Help for Eating Local
After 20 years of trying to feed my family healthily and create a sustainable household, I have come to believe more strongly than ever that eating local is good for me, my kids and the planet. So, from time to time I’ll post guides and resources, confessions and inspiration. Here’s where you’ll find the how-tosContinue reading “Here’s Help for Eating Local”
Pick-Your-Own Berries in Southwest Virginia
The strawberries ripen sometime in May, then come the blueberries and blackberries and raspberries. In the best years, blueberry picking can continue through September. All around the Roanoke Valley are farms and orchards with fresh, often pesticide-free produce waiting for us to come fetch it. Here’s a place to start if you’re hoping to pickContinue reading “Pick-Your-Own Berries in Southwest Virginia”
July 2020 Newsletter
Opening Up to New Possibilities It is just before sunset and ribbons of bright orange streak through low puffy clouds. I am walking on a foot bridge across the breathtaking James River in downtown Richmond, Va. Water courses over barely visible boulders. Mama duck paddles her babies to a stand of weeds to search for bugs. An ospreyContinue reading “July 2020 Newsletter”
Our Kids Are Growing Up Faster in This, Our New World
It was a regular Thursday night. My youngest and I were boxing up beloved toys that she hadn’t touched in months. We were creating spaces for new projects sorely needed now that so much of our lives centered around home. Out of nowhere, my stomach began hurting. I felt hot and tingly. The thermometer confirmedContinue reading “Our Kids Are Growing Up Faster in This, Our New World”
Welcome to Nourishing Stories
Nourishing Stories is my monthly email newsletter. It’s not a run-down of headlines or a list of items to buy, but a few minutes spent pondering the big questions, savoring some good writing and feeling inspired by delicious seasonal recipes. I’ve dabbled in a few newsletter formats over the years, but last February I stirredContinue reading “Welcome to Nourishing Stories”
Everyday Essays
Though I have written as a journalist for 30 years and dabbled in fiction and poetry off and on, I’ve only turned my attention to the craft of personal essays in the last few years. Below, find a collection of my essays, some published in magazines, on radio, and in online outlets, others created forContinue reading “Everyday Essays”
Opening Up to New Possibilities
It is just before sunset and ribbons of bright orange streak through low puffy clouds. I am walking on a foot bridge across the breathtaking James River in downtown Richmond, Va. Water courses over barely visible boulders. Mama duck paddles her babies to a stand of weeds to search for bugs. An osprey dips and glides overhead. AContinue reading “Opening Up to New Possibilities”
Learning to Listen
For Lent one year, I thought hard about what would be a true sacrifice I could make during the season between Ash Wednesday and Easter. I was a young mother at the time, staying home with my children. There were so few things that were even mine to give up. I was not eating in fancy restaurants orContinue reading “Learning to Listen”
June 2020 Newsletter
Learning to Listen For Lent one year, I thought hard about what would be a true sacrifice I could make during the season between Ash Wednesday and Easter. I was a young mother at the time, staying home with my children. There were so few things that were even mine to give up. I was not eating inContinue reading “June 2020 Newsletter”