Julie Martin

Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees in Central Texas

Planning is only half the battle—when and how you plant determines whether your trees will just survive or truly thrive in Central Texas. This guide walks you through the best times to plant each type of tree and how to set up your orchard for long-term success in Gardening Zone 8b. In Zone 8b, most fruit trees should be planted...Read More

The Next Frontier: Where the 2025 Farm Bill Stands—and What It Means for Regenerative Agriculture

When we published The U.S. Farm Bill: A New Chapter for Regenerative Agriculture, we hoped it would help seed conversations around pushing for a farm bill that empowers regenerative producers. And because of it, we've been supporting the League of Women Voters in the north/northwest suburbs of Chicago to mobilize action in support of regenerative agriculture. Now, the legislative process...Read More

Varicose Veins: The Holistic Secrets You Need to Know

Varicose veins can be more than just a cosmetic concern—they're often a sign of deeper circulatory issues. While conventional vein treatments focus on surgery or injections, holistic approaches aim to support the body's natural systems from the inside out. Whether you're dealing with mild vein visibility or more prominent varicosities, this guide explores the most effective natural ways to support...Read More

Planning an Orchard in Central Texas (Zone 8b)

Designing a thriving orchard in Central Texas means embracing the rhythms of the local climate: hot summers, mild winters, and occasional deep freezes. With sandy clay loam soil, full sun exposure, and thoughtful layout planning, this land is ideal for a vibrant, highly productive food forest. Our orchard project here at Mother Luck Ranch is more than just a place...Read More

LDL vs. HDL Cholesterol: What Really Matters for Heart Health?

For decades, cholesterol has been misunderstood. We’ve been told to fear butter, eggs, and red meat—foods that traditional cultures have thrived on for generations. Yet modern research reveals a far more nuanced story about cholesterol, heart disease, and dietary fat. In this article, I’ll break down the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol, how cholesterol truly impacts heart health, and...Read More

How Homeopathy Helped Our Cat Heal Naturally

When you live close to the land, you start to notice the body’s rhythms. You also start to trust them. But it’s one thing to apply that philosophy to yourself—and another entirely when it’s your animal. This is the story of how our cat, Lucy, was impaled by something, developed a growing infection, and healed beautifully with nothing more than...Read More

How Home Lighting Is Destroying Our Health

I used to chalk it up to stress—the midday fog, the second wind that hit late at night, the 2 a.m. wakings that left me wired and restless. But the more I paid attention, the more I realized something deeper was off. I wasn’t just tired—my rhythm felt broken. And when I started talking to others, I realized it wasn’t...Read More

Sun Gazing: Reclaiming Light as a Nutrient

In a world dominated by artificial light and digital screens, ancient practices like sun gazing are being rediscovered by those of us seeking to align with nature, reset our circadian rhythms, and recharge the body on a cellular level. Often misunderstood, sun gazing is not about staring blindly into the sun—it’s a time-tested ritual rooted in reverence for light as...Read More

Unlocking the Benefits of Cold Therapy

Cold therapy—also known as cold exposure, cold immersion, or cryotherapy—is an ancient practice rooted in human biology. From the icy rivers used by Nordic ancestors to the snow baths of Japanese samurai and the sacred water rituals of Indigenous cultures, cold has long been a tool for purification, resilience, and healing. In today’s world, this tradition lives on through plunges,...Read More

Golden Milk: The Ancient Anti-Inflammatory Elixir for Whole-Body Wellness

I didn’t grow up with golden milk, but once I discovered it, I couldn’t believe something so simple could feel so deeply nourishing. It’s become a ritual in our home—warm, grounding, and full of ancient goodness that supports everything from digestion to deep sleep. Whether I’m winding down at the end of the day or needing a mid-morning reset, golden...Read More