What can we do in our day-to-day life so be and stay WELL?  We'll be approaching what it means to get and be well from many angles.  The choices we make every day greatly affect our overall health. We will cover dealing with existing issues and helping to lower your risk of sickness with an array of preventative measures.   

Session 4:

Tuesday, December 1st @ 6:30 pm
LIVE WELL
Healthy Lifestyle habits to improve & build upon. Tying it all together...

Registration Required to Attend!  
We will hold this online series through Zoom.  The only way to get the link is to pre-register. 

REGISTER NOW

What can we do in our day-to-day life so be and stay WELL?  We'll be approaching what it means to get and be well from many angles.  The choices we make every day greatly affect our overall health. We will cover dealing with existing issues and helping to lower your risk of sickness with an array of preventative measures.   

Session 3:

Tuesday, November 24th
HEAL WELL
Importance of Mental & Physical aspects - Stress Reduction and beneficial movement for overall health

Registration Required to Attend!  
We will hold this online series through Zoom.  The only way to get the link is to pre-register. 

REGISTER NOW

What can we do in our day-to-day life so be and stay WELL?  We'll be approaching what it means to get and be well from many angles.  The choices we make every day greatly affect our overall health. We will cover dealing with existing issues and helping to lower your risk of sickness with an array of preventative measures.   

Session 2:

Tuesday, November 17th @ 6:30 PM
EAT WELL
Eating for Health - Support current issues with food choices (feel better and probably lose a few pounds while you're at it)

Registration Required to Attend!  
We will hold this online series through Zoom.  The only way to get the link is to pre-register. 

REGISTER NOW

FREE 4-week Series

What can we do in our day-to-day life so be and stay WELL?  We'll be approaching what it means to get and be well from many angles.  The choices we make every day greatly affect our overall health. We will cover dealing with existing issues and helping to lower your risk of sickness with an array of preventative measures.   

Tuesday, November 10th @ 6:30 PM
Session 1:

RISK FACTOR ROLE CALL
Common Chronic Illnesses, their interconnectedness, and effects on immunity and health

Registration Required to Attend!  
We will hold this online series through Zoom.  The only way to get the link is to pre-register. 

REGISTER NOW

We'll be exploring the world of Sourdough Bread including a how-to demonstration with Essie Schultz of Good Grain Bread Co.

Join us via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83647425879

The discussion will include:
- Biology and chemistry of sourdough: the culture, yeasts & bacteria
- fermentation & transformation of the wheat
- nutrition & the impact on our microbiome: gluten content & effect on blood sugar
- A bit about the gut/brain axis
- History of bread making
- The milling process
- Choosing & sourcing ingredients

Questions and sharing of your own bread stories are welcome.

Coming off of last month’s topic of gut health we will move into the diverse and fascinating world of fermented foods. 

Join us as we meet and hear the stories of some locals that are very passionate about the magic of fermentation.  

We will be discussing: 

• Some history and heritage behind these amazing, living foods

• How they can add flavor, diversity to our plates (and glasses)

• The science and art of how fermented foods are created 

• How they have been shown to benefit our overall health  

Questions are encouraged. Come curious.

This class will be held virtually via Zoom:

Click THIS LINK to join at 6 pm on Tuesday, May 12th

• Going deeper: Application of fermented foods 

  • Healing with foods

  • Resource Guide

• Importance of Fiber

  • Prebiotics

  • How to get more

  • Diversity matters

  • Not too much, too fast

• Food choices & preparation tips

  • Bone & Meat Broths

We will talk about:

• Physical & Emotional Components

• Hormone connections

• Manifestation of imbalances

• Environmental Effects

• Importance of an individualistic approach

• Creating beneficial habits

• Fermented foods: why they’re essential and how they benefit the body

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/261403727

Meeting ID: 261 403 727

One tap mobile +16465588656,,261403727# US (New York)

+13126266799,,261403727# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US Meeting ID: 261 403 727

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aefdzFr5jA

NUTRIENT: a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

As a society, we're not getting enough of them. We’ll go deeper into specific whole foods and ingredients packed with nutritional power to keep our bodies functioning optimally.

We'll split you into groups and you'll have the opportunity to visit and learn at 3 different "stations" throughout the cafe.   Each mini-workshop will include a food demonstration and tasting along with some useful information to add to your Food as Medicine education.   

1  - Grace from Furnace Creek Farm, in the Kitchen

Demo & Tasting:  Make a broth using ashwagandha 

Discuss the applications of ashwagandha powder and how to incorporate it into different recipes. Learn how it can affect and benefit the body.  Talk about some other powdered roots and mushrooms

2 - Rachel in the FOH

Demo & Tasting:  Create a warm-weather friendly tea using the Ayurvedic herbs Gotu Kola and Tulsi or Holy Basil. These adaptogens use their intuitive nature to bring a sense of peace, clarity, and compassion into our lives. Learn more about how these ingredients support our health and well being.

3 - Sana, The Clean Junk Food Lady with help from Courtney in the Dining Room 

Demo and tasting:  Delicious snacks including some extra good-for-you ingredients.

Learn how to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your everyday dishes by adding superfoods.  We’ll also chat about listening to your body, diversifying your food choices to create balance.

Space is limited. Purchase Tickets HERE, visit the cafe or call 484-869-5193 to pay over the phone.

NUTRIENT: a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

As a society, we're not getting enough of them and it's one of the main reasons most of us are so sick! 

For this class, we will talk about how optimizing nutrients with food choices benefit our overall health.

What foods give you the most "bang for your buck"?  What are the most beneficial foods to get high-quality carbs, fats & protein?

What are examples of superfoods and how are they different from other foods?

What the heck are adaptogens and how do they affect the body?

What's the deal with mushrooms?

What are the best sources of fiber and why is important to get enough?

RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

We'll split you into groups and you'll have the opportunity to visit and learn at 3 different "stations" throughout the cafe.

1  - In the Kitchen with Pam

One of our local animal protein experts, Pam Ellenberger from Bent Limb Farm in Shoemakersville will be taking over the kitchen to show us how to properly roast an entire bird!  She'll also talk about how they're raised and how that effects sustainability on the farm.

Demos:

1) How to Roast and Carve a whole Chicken

2) How to cut up a raw chicken correctly into pieces to cook (or store/freeze)

A sampling of the finished product included in your ticket price!

2 - Martie in the FOH

Bone Broth talk/demo/tasting

 How to make it, why it's so special and good for your health.

3 -Courtney in the dining room

Roasted Seasonal Veggie and Local Resources/Sourcing Talk

- Benefits of eating locally & seasonally

- What's in season in now and where to get it? 

- Storage Veggies & preservation methods

Tickets: $20

REGISTER & PAY HERE!

Farmhouse Classroom Presents:

During this FREE group discussion, we'll be talking about the importance of choosing seasonal ingredients and all the wonderful local sources available in the Greater Reading area.

This class is all filled up, but if you’re interested in listening in tune into Facebook around 6 pm. We’ll be broadcasting via Facebook live!

We'll have a few local farmers and growers there to share their expertise and join in the conversation!

What foods are seasonal where we live during the winter?

What exactly does "local" mean anyway?

What are the benefits of eating seasonally & locally?

How to enjoy non-seasonal products in a sustainable way throughout the year.

Where and from who to buy local produce, meat, dairy, and other amazing healthy, edible products.

How are small producers different from the big guys?

And more...

Through demos and interactive lessons the Farmhouse Crew will show you how to prepare nutritious & delicious dishes that you can make at home as part of a healthy lifestyle.

 1. Grain Bowl Building w/ FHK's own, Chef Gunnar

2. Health Blends - Nutrient-dense Smoothies (Drinks & Bowls)  - Greens, Fresh & Frozen Fruit, superfoods & adaptogens, plant proteins

3. DIY Dressings & Sauces - for grain bowls, salads, roasted veggies

$20 /person includes class & food

Only 12 spaces available

BUY TICKETS

We're about to embark on a new year and a new decade!  It's time again to set intentions for bettering ourselves in all sorts of ways - including our eating habits.

The Holiday Season is the most difficult time to eat well and make healthy decisions: Parties and family get-togethers with traditional heavy meals, cheese platters, Christmas cookies & homemade desserts…   Though these foods are delicious and often nourish our souls, they lack the nutrition we need to feel our best.  

As the year is coming to an end it's time to be thinking about how we can feel better, fit into our pants better, and have more energy for the things we care about.  A huge part of that puzzle is paying attention to and being more conscious about what we put into our bodies every day. 

This discussion will give you your 2020 Healthy Eating Game Plan!

Topics will include:

• Basic Healthy Eating Reminders

• Shopping Tips - staying seasonal & local, label reading

• Time Management for Cooking - a little planning goes a long way

• Building a Healthy Pantry

• Nutrient-dense go-to meal ideas

• Environmental considerations

• Staying motivated & mindful

Come join the conversation, led by Integrative health coach, Courtney Shober and including some additional healthy eating experts!

Plan on registering for our next FHC event on Tuesday, January 21st to take the next step towards healthier eating.  We’ll have a great interactive cooking class to show you how to set your plan into action.

Register below to save your spot:

Join us for an informative presentation by Donna DeSanto Ott, PT DPT MS FMCHS as she discusses how to stay well in an increasingly wireless world? She will cover the increasing prevalence of technology in our everyday lives like 5G & Smart Meters.

Positive solutions for reducing exposure like diet, exercise & stress management all play a role in optimizing our health, as well as learning to use hardwired devices. We will also learn how to get involved with current legislative and advocacy efforts.

Join Herbalist Nicholas Kleinsith for the second installment of the detox series. In the second half, we will learn all about parasites - how we get them and what to do about them. They are a fact of life and a big part of some peoples health issues. Find out what species may be living inside you. Participation of the intro class is not a prerequisite of this class all curious parties are welcome!

Please call the cafe at (484) 869-5193 to register for the class.  Space is limited registration is reserved for those who can definitely commit to attending.  

Cost: $35 (can be paid night of the class - credit, check, or cash accepted.)     

SAVE $5 by prepaying for your registration HERE!!!

The cafe will be open starting at 5 pm for complimentary snacks and drinks. 

We live in a toxic world. We are exposed to chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxins on a daily basis. Join Master Herbalist, Nicholas Kleinsmith, of Miach Herbs for a great informative class on how to do proper detoxing.

Learn how our body stores up toxins, and how you can use nature to promote your body's natural filters, making you you cleaner inside and out.

Space is limited. Call the cafe to reserve your seat! 484-869-5193

This is a free introductory class with a paid, deeper class to follow a couple weeks after. More details to follow.

Join us in the #FarmhouseClassroom for a fun & informative juicing workshop & tasting.

Class Agenda:

• Which kind of juicer is right for you?  We'll demo 3 different kinds and talk about the differences

• What are the health benefits of juicing? 

• The importance of quality ingredients (clean, naturally grown, organic, non-GMO) as well as how and where to shop for them

• Creative recipe ideas

• Q & A

Price:

$10 will get you all this info + a delicious, nutrient-packed MTO juice!  Pay at the register upon arrival.

Register:

To reserve your spot you MUST ***Call the café at 484-869-5193 during regular business hours. Please give your name and phone number and the names of the people that will be joining you so we can add them to the class roster. We love our cozy space but that means there is limited space available. A Facebook RSVP is NOT enough to secure a seat.  Also, if you find out that you are unable to attend please be courteous and let us know.  There is typically a waiting list and if you can't make it, someone else will be able to take your place. 

Our first class on this subject filled up so quickly, that we decided to hold a repeat class so more people will have the opportunity to learn about this oh-so-important aspect of health!

5:00 PM -CAFE opens - nite bites & drinks will be available for sale

6:30 PM - FREE CLASS BEGINS

To Register and reserve your spot you MUST ***Call the cafe at 484-869-5193 during regular business hours. Please give your name and phone number and the names of the people that will be joining you so we can add them to the class roster. We have limited space available. A Facebook RSVP is not enough to secure a seat.

------------------------------------

Class Description:

Have you heard about the Microbiome? Exciting discoveries over the past 12 years show how important our gut health really is. At this FREE event, led by Henriette Alban, Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy, at Living in Balance, you will get an introduction into this fascinating ecosystem that exists within the human body.

Topics to be discussed:

- Where is the Microbiome and what are its functions

- Disease patterns lead back to microbial dysfunction

- A New Model of Healing - 80% of the Immune System

- External Factors - becoming aware: Agribusiness, conventional food, processed/synthetic non-nutrition

- What to avoid - leave out - eliminate from your pantry

- Nervous system/emotional effects on and through the microbiome

- A short list of what to focus on

This will be an intro class with the option to go deeper into more intensive and comprehensive sessions to held in the near future. More details on these additional sessions will be available at the event.

More and more discoveries are being made about how important our gut health is to our overall wellness. At this FREE event, led by Henriette Alban, Doctor of Naturopathy at Living in Balance, you will get an introduction into this fascinating ecosystem that exists within the human body.

Topics to be discussed:

- Where is the Microbiome and what are its functions

- Disease patterns lead back to microbial dysfunction

- Connection to the immune system & autoimmune diseases

- External Factors - becoming aware: Agribusiness, conventional food, processed/synthetic non-nutrition

- What to avoid - leave out - eliminate from your pantry

- Nervous system/emotional effects on and through the microbiome

- A short list of what to focus on

***Call the cafe at 484-869-5193 to reserve your spot***.

This will be an intro class with the option to go deeper into more intensive and comprehensive sessions to held in the near future. More details available at the event.

We’re switching up the previously scheduled topic for this date to an evening of storytelling from 3 extraordinary women who shifted their professions to help spread what they learned through their own experiences and positively impact their communities.

Panelists:

Martie Samuel, Owner of The Farmhouse Kitchen

Michelle Jones, RN-BC, ACRN of Co-County Wellness Services

Pamela Ellenberger. Owner of Bent Limb Farm

We're bombarded constantly by toxins inside and out - the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, the products and devices we use. At this event, we'll talk about where these toxins come from, how they can affect our health, how to minimize them with different methods and incorporating cleaner alternatives into our everyday lives.

This is a FREE event but space is limited, so please register by calling the café at 484-869-5193 or messaging us directly with your name and number of attendees.

We'll be discussing different ways to address pain - from occasional aches or injury rehab to chronic issues - with a more natural and integrative approach.  Just like other aspects of our health, our day-to-day choices can make a huge impact on our quality of life;  how we eat, move, and think are determining factors of how we experience pain.  There are many forms of pain relief and in most cases, a single option may not be the best choice.  We'll be talking about alternative pain-relieving strategies that can be used complementary to reduce and even end discomfort.  Some of the topics will include anti-inflammatory foods, herbs & spices, acupuncture, massage and other bodywork, CBD oil, yoga, meditation, other self-care practices.  

 Come to hear great tips and practical info from some local health & wellness professionals:

• Lisa Kahres, Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Reiki Master, Life Coach, & NLP Practitioner of Bee Fit and Healthy, Wyomissing, PA

• Owen McPeake, M.Ac., L.Om., of Oley Hills Acupuncture, Oley, PA

  • practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine licensed through the Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine

• Nicholas A. Kleinsmith, Master Herbalist, Nutritional Consultant, owner of Miach Herbs, Fleetwood, PA

Come to learn ways to better protect yourself against getting sick and help prevent the body's response to allergens.

We'll have great tips and practical info from some local health & wellness professionals:

 Nicholas A. Kleinsmith, MH (master herbalist), NC (nutritional consultant), owner of Miach Herbs in Fleetwood 

 Kathleen Jones, Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) at The Vitamin Shoppe

Whitney George, Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant of E3

We'll also have samples of our own "The Bee's Knees" health shot and recipes for some other FHK immune-boosting elixirs that you can make at home.

Space is limited to 22 spaces, so please RSVP by calling the café to reserve your spot or message us directly with your name.

Presented by Courtney Shober, Certified Integrative Health Coach & Education Coordinator at The Farmhouse Kitchen

Cultivating a healthy relationship with food is an important foundation of living a healthier and more energetic life.   

• A different perspective on Nutrition and Eating
• Why “diets” don’t work in the long run
• Tips for better digestion 
• How to make smarter food choices
• Strengthening your home-cooking game
• Integrating other important habits that increase your quality of life  

We'll tackle topics like how certain lifestyle changes, including becoming a more conscious consumer,  can have increasingly positive effects on our local (and global) environment.

Tami Shimp, VP Development & Community Relations, Berks Nature 

Meg Valente - Eco-Fashion

Buy Tickets HERE!

We all know protection of our natural resources is important but we don't always know where to start or how to make a difference.  For this panel, we'll talk about our relationship and responsibility to clean water.  What are some of the main sources of contamination and conservation methods?  What can we do in our own backyards and homes to make a positive impact?   Come learn how to be part of the solution and how improving the condition of the environment can enhance our individual wellness.

Panelists:

Karen Feridun, Berks Gas Truth, founder

Darree Sicher,  United Sludge Free Alliance, founder

Kent Himelright, Watershed Coordinator, Berks County Conservation District

Buy Tickets HERE!

Essential Oils have countless uses and are beneficial to many aspects of well-being.  For this panel, we'll cover all the basics of using essential oils as part of your wellness routine and then go deeper.  Learn about using essential oils in cleaning products to minimizing toxins in your home, aromatherapy for mood enhancement, aiding the body to fight illness with immune support, helping to balance hormones, reducing inflammation and much more.

Panelists:

Brittany Parrish, Feel Good Herbals

Brigitte Dilbeck, Oils to Share

Claire Farrar, Be Essentially Well

Kristen O'Reilly, Bloom + Blossom Collective

Buy tickets here!