yesterday was my birthday, and I awoke to my oldest son making pancakes, decorations my two daughters put up the night before... and the day only got better
my husband gave me a kiss goodbye for work, and when he returned, family came over to enjoy dinner at the farm... and lots of laughter...
my 9year old son crafted this wreath for me!! i love it!
and then came my 11 yr. old daughter's gift... a work of art...
all the details she put into it, all on her own, were so incredible... a treasure...
when my husband returned home from his long day, he blessed me with a strong hug and a tender kiss, and the most beautiful bouquet of white roses...
there was one pink one he said "for you are my one true love"
yup i lost it... i let the moment go and let me totally feel his love
where did my 9yr. old get this wreath idea? for Thanksgiving, I made a paper wreath for my sister-in-law as a hostess gift, and she hung it in her kitchen:
I hope she liked it! This post is part of White Wednesday, and for more white inspiration, go here. ~a very merry december to you all!~ xo+blessings,
our daughter has gathered some adorable items, like tiny porcelain vintage deer and little vintage porcelain elves and tiny evergreen bottle brush trees in the local thrift stores & antiques shops, to make these adorable snow globes... some are tiny glass jars, and others are vintage blue mason jars
they will be available at A Ruffled Nest's Christmas show tomorrow, Friday, November 30th from 5-8pm as well as Saturday December 1st 10-3pm
116 South California Street, Sycamore, IL.
Many other local artisans + vintage sellers will be next door too! Along with some dealers selling re-purposed and painted items...
Me? I'll be there helping out, selling some gingerbread men and other organic cookies + cupcakes (chocolate with peppermint frosting!) while enjoying the complimentary wine and candy bar:)
Hope to see you there! This show will be a great way to buy local/supporting these women while buying Christmas gifts!!
Hi! I hope this Christmas house walk finds you all well!! come on in to our little farm house on the prairie...
more than half my day is spent in this little corner of the world... the kitchen my kitchen = my expression = my love for my family = and oh such good and tasty dishes... we ALL get involved in the kitchen! it's my favorite room of the house
these little candy canes are being bagged up for sale in the shop today! check back later!!!
collecting those little tins, I have made a lot of little treats for the kids cakes and tiny pies one of the things I really have enjoyed, is collecting small things like that — after all... I AM surrounded by six little sets of feet scampering about the farmhouse all day:) totally not complaining
thos candy canes are vintage wire ones and the coolest quick decorating thus far this year
this may not look like a Christmas kitchen... but simmering on the stove is some raw milk I'm heating up for baby Daniel, with my cup of tea steaping in the background, and the chalkboard proclaiming I need to slow down and enjoy these last few days of Advent
nature inspires this family of mine... this farmhouse... this soul
yes, that is the mini-conservatory Jason made for me to use in the potager... it's sitting next to and apple ladder... which is all resting peacefully on top of a table Jason also made using reclaimed barn wood
we've "freaked" out a few people with letting our Percheron horse Jordan roam the property free and eat the cool grass... and this picture simbolizes so much to me freedom
instead of taking all the pine trimmings and making thick swags, I am leaving them raw extending their life from outdoors right into our home unpolluted
a bunch of lavender grens as well as pine branches surround Mary especially since it's the feast day of the Immaculate Conception! Dear blessed Mother... so gentle and kind... may I always give my all to others through sacrificeMary... help me to be closer to your Son
the girl's room... all vintagey turquoise + red and simply so fun & cute!
this house most certainly is never 'totally tidy'... especially when you give your daughter the freedom to create in her 'vintage horse room'
back downstairs, in our once dining room (now turned living room) pinecones, dried oranges and an eskewed lamp;)... things are not perfect here
Daniel even got some new stuffed toys I hand stitched this holiday season... I couldn't resist letting him have them before Christmas day! he also loves playing with my yarn balls like a little kitty
he sure does love his sister... what a blessing a big family is!!
that's the end of the house tour for me... in case you missed stop #8, it is my very good personal friend, who literally lives just 30 minutes from the farm: Traci Thorson... she's our official photographer for the farm events and certain other publications... as well as stop #10: blondienc who has a great blog! --------------------------------- I'm so excited to present to you the very special project all of us here on the farm have been working on together... especially Jason and I
We've compiled some simple and traditional holiday recipes and easy to make gifts in this E-BOOK
AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY!December 9th!! it is an online e-book!!! We are so very excited to share this with you! (more on the book tomorrow) We also have something else to share!!
the winter 2011 collection of hand carved spoons from NA.DA.FARM Jason has been hand carving spoons they are so beautiful and special each spoon is one of a kind made from his own two hands truly beautiful 100% made by hand from reclaimed timber from the farm and other local wood organic in nature... organically finish each piece is sealed with organic olive oil... the safest sealant for wood used in the kitchen
We are opening up shop once again for some very wonderful hand crafted items from both Jason and myself... tomorrow!!!
From all of us here at the farm... peace + blessings,
an abundance to reflect on this past year of many feathers, cupcakes, spoons, and a new soul
sometimes being so far from home yet not leaving anywhere
learning trying finding
seeking a new life within me through untangling the brambles i have caught myself in
i cannot go back
i must follow the star
seeking my soul finding what He wants from me trying desperately to always please Him
learning my failings and the strength that comes from this knowledge
gathering memories and losing the moments in time to once again clear the way to seek the star
finding the laughter... (never too far to look)
my star
not of fame or fortune or greed or something of this world
my star
peace + new year blessings,
{1} sisters {2} together as a family is all we want {3} reflecting, admiring {4} hair by oldest daughter — that is so fun! {5} cinnamon rolls — enought to feed the county {6} Christmas morning table at the farm {7} brothers {8} "rabbit man" (a.k.a. our comedian son) {9} little "lumberdanny"
Wishing you all a beautiful White Wednesday and a peaceful 2011...
the front and rear entrances to my potager (kitchen garden)
and no, none of these pictures were altered... this was a gift one morning... and this is why I chose that spot for the Cake:
I turned the bend, and saw footsteps (of whose I don't know, because they stopped where I wanted the table set up) and in case you didn't get to see my cake and setting, you can just scroll down my blog to the previous post and see more of what I did in our woods for Christmas...
When you think of celebrating the birth of your own child, preperations are sometimes extensive... invitations sent out... fun and games planned... and of course, the cake SO I ASKED MYSELF THIS: "what if I was to prepare a birthday party for Jesus... God's only son" first off the pressure would be insurmountable... but knowing only He is perfect sure helps me... I had this whole photo shoot set out in my mind to have a white cake in the barn... with the animals around... and sort of "re-create" the manger idea but then I awoke this morning to this:
It was as if God Himself whispered His sweetness on the farm a dense fog surrounded our property, and beyond the woods you couldn't see... beyond the prairie was mystery beyond anything any one of us could ever do I quickly baked the cake, but had an idea to put it in the winter-storybook-like woods with silver... crystals... white... and the cake for Him How did I set about doing this? I thought for a moment... and came up with this: Jesus is filled with awe and wonder (like the woods that surrounded this)... He is masculine and bold(like the heavy metal table and strong branches) He is sweet (like the cake) and pure (as the snow that inspired this photo shoot)
Happy Birthday Sweet Jesus and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!!! xo+Christmas Blessings,
I don't normally repost, but I miss my very dear niece and her family... and this cake I made, entirely from scratch just for her last birthday here before they moved, is something I wanted to share with all of you, and her (again)...
hope you enjoy... (the music I added and snowfall goes with the 'storybook cake')
She has lived through the bitter winter before, but this year, the temperatures were much colder, after a heavy snowfall, ice showered the countryside... it was one of the most unpleasant winters she could remember... and even though it was Christmas, there was no sign or even a whisper of His blessed name...
she was determined to tend to those who needed her most, for they had no one... no wood for their stoves... no food for their bellies... and she knew, if she didn't help them... that no one else would...
Of course, leaving your home, to visit others, was forbidden in this gloomy and bemired land...
The evil ruler did not want anyone in his path to one day overpower all of humanity, even the smallest of children, and thus, sent a decree throughout the land "keep to yourself, and help no one, you must do what I say, or death"... Balmala rules cruelly over the land... without mercy... without regard to others... the most selfish person to have lived thus far... and Balmala especially has no mercy upon those who call themselves "believers"...
putting all fear aside, and bundled in her woolen cape, Elisabeth did what she was taught by her dear Grammy... she sometimes can still hear Grammy's words on such a cold, still day such as this; "do His will, no matter what the obstacles, and always give glory to the Father, and the Son, and to the... " "what was that?" Elisabeth was startled by a scraping sort of noise, and then the earth below her shook...
sometimes, after such a thing would happen, Elisabeth would feel, as though someone much bigger than her was watching her every move... not always an uncomfortable feeling, but rather, like a warm whisper within the trees...
and felt eyes were upon her back... but she wasted no time... she had one last stop... or as she thought.
Elisabeth was almost there... to a home no one has ever lived in...
and legend says, that the only way out, is through the basement... for if one traveled around back, they would surely peril from the cliffs below... but knowing this, and with strength from all the faithfully departed surrounding her heart, Elisabeth was guided forward, to hopefully... finally... find what she has been searching for, for the last 17 years...
*end of story... thank you for reading *
this is the way the cake looked all lit up with her birthday candles...
over the weekend, we opened up our shop farm life and we have been busy ever since filling orders!!
sometimes life sweeps into your life like a tidel wave — or since it's so cold, like a giant snowball
without warning
I was on the phone with a very supportive friend today, and for the first time, I unloaded on her
she didn't know what hit her I think like a giant snowball that builds momentum I talked and talked
needless to say, I had phone remorse
do you ever get off the phone with someone and say "oh good gravy that was not what I should have said"
well, that happened to me today amongst the simmering soup I was preparing and sending out our new e-book, the snowball hit me
making sure the soup was okay, and the baby was happy with his older sister, I came over here to convey to you thought 4... (all Advent I have been sharing thoughts) thought 4... charity in a small world I heard this from a young woman at church on Sunday it is the sort of thing that keeps in your mind throughout the day wanting for this snowball to melt, it took a moment to make me remember that I need not worry about what happens that charity means startring at home — giving time to take notice and comment on your four year old dressed up with his red cape on and holding a wooden sword that his older brother made by hand for his fourth birthday from Papa's wood carving set. Knowing that instead of going hungry we have a 1/4 of a steer coming to the farm and that even though the car broke down on the way to town with everyone in the car, what a blessing to have met that the couple who helped us get back home, since we were "all pioneer" and didn't bring our cell phones, and ironically enuogh, the woman has a brother in the same town that Jason and I used to live in and said brother and Jason knew eachother from being on the fire department in that small town. small world that everything you do comes back around to you this is a worldwide belief — whatever you may call it, "doing unto others as they would do unto you" is pretty solid teaching — regardless of faith keeping it simple, the snowball has melted from the fire of love I have for life, and the wonderful support you all have shown us in our new shop... Jen's party (go HERE to see some amazing homes decorating!!) is just what I needed to be a part of... if you scroll down to the previous posts here on my blog, you can see how we are decorating...
simply
it's a minimal approach to the season... care into what is being put out... clean/simple/natural/farmstyle
boquet was a gift from sponsor — Maple Valley Off-grid Farm it's not much, but here's a little something for all of you, that should go really well with the recipes in the e-book
I made it myself with a bunch of snowflakes I got from the graphics fairy... thanks graphics fairy!! (click on image to get a bigger picture + right click + copy + save)
that little four year old is cute as a button right now with his new sword, and was very tempted to want to cut his cake with it!! maybe his Papa will hand carve a serving piece for cake soon eh?
and yes, those are mini marshmallows on top... it's a quick and easy way to decorate a little four year old's birthday cake!!
all the love and support for our new products in the shop has been amazing thank you so much!! we appreciate that more than you know our new e-book is only $2.99 click on image to go take a peek at what's it is all about:
there is so much we are adding into the shop everyday — especially these spoons that my husband Jason has been creating from hand 100% hand carved!! I love them!!
there are also some sweet life products in the shop (hand embroidered sweet towels and aprons) sorry but we are not shipping internationally at this time MERRY CHRISTMAS! peace + blessings,
at least we'll have something to slather on bread + biscuits + pancakes! the last bit of canning for the year (unless I can find some local cranberries)... and I'm even thinking of canning turkey soup... if anyone has done this... I'd love to hear from you:) peace + blessings,
I put this together so that if you are coming to the sale, you'll know where everyone is:)
(Feel free to print it out)
Farm Barn Sale Vendor Map
Oct.19th 5-8pm & Oct.20th 9-noon
INDOOR VENDOR MAP
Farm Indoor Vendor Map Friday, October 19th 5-8pm... Saturday, October 20th 9-noon
Anne Marie (of Farm) is in the Bakery (by the musician “J”) A –Eclectique Boutique (Amy Haines) B – A Sort of Fairy Tale C – Red Bird Vintage D – A Ruffled Nest E – Rachel Polly F – Carter’s Cottage G – Cracker Jax H – Counting Your Blessings I – Whimsy
J – Greg Wheaton – musician
K – Francie Skoflanc L – Lis Dunn Desings M – Nikki (cake pedestals) N – Fine Line Antiques O – Gray Graniteware Farmhouse
P – Penelli Belle, Inc.
OUTDOOR VENDOR MAP
Farm Outdoor Vendor Map Friday, October 19th 5-8pm... Saturday, October 20th 9-noon $5 entry fee (part of proceeds benefits local charity) 1 – A Beautiful Party 2 – Rick Hundt 4 – Lis Daun – Lemon Grass Designs
that is our hope for all of you at the upcoming show we are hosting for all of these fabulous people
HERE'S A LIST OF OUR INSPIRING VENDORS that will be joining us for October 2012 Barn Sale/Flea Market in no particular order... ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, RE PURPOSED, RUSTY AND COOL... Cracker Jax Counting your Blessings Eclectique Boutique A Sort of Fairytale A Beautiful Party Gray Graniteware Farmhouse Lis Dunn Designs Simple but Different Lemon Grass Designs Whimsical Perspective Red Bird Vintage Rachel Polly 'bags by Margaret' Carter's Cottage Nikki Sisk and Nancy Bratcher A Ruffled Nest Fabbychic All My Musings Fine Line Antiques Francie Skoflanc Peg Feltes FOOD LIST:
Steve from Farm Food (serving locally raised all beef hot dogs)
Anne Marie from Farm (serving coffee, hot cider, gluten free cupcakes, regular cupcakes, cakes, pies, pie pops, etc)
Christina from Simple but Different (working along side Anne Marie... because she's my sister and we love her baking!!)
there will also be warm apple cider and coffee
I'll be sharing pictures here and on this blog for the next 2 weeks
Greg Wheaton is gracing us with his soulful music for both days this October!! you can check him out here (his CD's will be for sale... but they do sell out quickly)
It's a bit after 6:00 am Sunday morning and here I am
instead of making coffee I heated some up from yesterday's second brew
for my mind was awake and my eyes were still shut
My younger sister came for a few days... we don't see eachother much... we don't see eachother enough!!
All this time I am devoting to making "prairie swags" and prairie this and that — all that wasn't going to be for sale... it got me thinking how much I am just making for fun... made for you...
when you enter onto our humble farm... don't expect grandeur... there's no 'fancy' here
there aren't playsets for children or a bin full of corn for the kiddies...
it's a place of peace...
resting your eyes upon the horizon of soon to be harvested golden soybeans... fiery red grasses and golden rod reaching towards the sky... geese flying overhead to usher in winter's call...
A small little farm
A humble little place
What you'll find here is your choice... you may not find peace walking in the prairie... you may walk for the heck of it and see only weeds, and look at the horses and chickens in disgust of their "smells"
You may just come to shop and find nothing while shopping and think it was a big waste of time
or maybe you choose... choose to really see with your heart...
In anticipation of spending time with your girlfriends, husband, or even alone, you wear your favorite worn in jeans and comfy jersey top (and a few accessories that express "you") and you make plans for a country drive... finding parking 1/4 mile down the road you grab your shopping bag, sling it over your shoulder and enjoy the walk up to the farm's gates... upon entering the farm, you walk past the kitchen garden coming to an end and glance at one of the perennial beds that surround the house... you look out and see the horizon... up is the very clean and clear blue sky... and if it rains, your umbrella pops up to keep you dry, or your unabashed childhood rings in and you enjoy the fresh rain upon you... the crispness of the day invigorates you... you don't know or care what is for sale... no expectations...
Browsing the wares under the tents... you find those perfect unique gifts for your niece and mother... you know you won't be able to purchase these things again, so you seize the chance. Talking with new people, or keeping quiet to yourself, being on the farm is energetic yet calming. You see the white pillar/posts swagged with autumn prairie... it leads you to the barn while your tummy starts to grumble with scents of pie and coffee, soup and whole wheat rolls... and music... the guitar playing is stunning... you order a cup of coffee and vow to eat a cupcake before the night's end... taking it all in, you listen while your eyes browse the shop... being inspired... no regrets coming
The cupcake was delicious, and with your hands cupping your homemade soup bowl, you venture under the trees in the prairie to sip your soup and feel the warmth of the peace within your soul... a deeper connection with nature... within yourself... thanking God for giving you this opportunity to be outdoors with a warm bowl of soup. Your heart warms even more as your sweet friend and you laugh and talk as you walk the prairie... hearing the hum of the bees and picking a tuft of grass as it twirls in your fingers... memories
Your life is utterly unique to anyone else's... your experience here on earth can be that of thanksgiving and connection
Jason and I are so happy to provide live music as you shop the farm, enjoy a cupcake and a cup of coffee (Jason said it'll be a great place to chill while the wives do the shopping... lol) we're setting up a prairie lounge so you all can sit back and relax and enjoy Greg's music you will not be dissapointed: October 7th, 5-8pm In case you can't make it to the farm, you can still enjoy his music by connecting with him: ~ facebook ~ ~ youtube ~ to purchase his album on CD, you can go here
Kara... a kindred soul to be sure... a friend of mine... has opened up her brick farmhouse for a unique event and if I could, I would be there in a heart beat!!!
click on image to see more about Kara's event! helping support one another is vital to life... and Kara is one of those women who inspires me with her love for God, and her amazing talents and style
Kara almost gathered her uniqueness to the farm to be a part of my sale, but with little ones, it was just too hard to leave them... and I most heartily agree how difficult that would be! so she decided to host an event on her own... and I am so very proud of her for doing so... and so wish I could be there... (make sure you click on the image to see more about her event!!)
Vendors are securing their places here at the farm... they will be lining our gravel drive to the sale barn... where more dealers will be amongst the stillness of the prairie and the sights and sounds of the farm.
For those of you attending the art classes here (limited spaces! reserve your place today!!!) the entrance fee is waived of course to come and shop:) Make sure you bring a cozy sweater to enjoy that morning cup of coffee at Jen's art under glass class — what an awesome class this is! don't miss it!! Jill Harris is packing up her amazing pieces of found objects to create with you some unique jewelry and Jeanne will be here on the farm that weekend to teach once again... she so enjoyed her time here on the farm with you gals at the class this past May, and didn't want to miss this opportunity to enjoy the autumn prairie and create with you again.
To sign up for Jen's class email her at: thecraftyhome@comcast.net To sign up for Jill's class email her at: gypsyfleamarket@gmail.com To sign up for Jeanne's class(es) email her at: jeanneoli@hotmail.com
The weather is PERFECT today... and can't wait to get out to the barn after our studies are done!!
If you have any questions about coming to the event, I would be more than happy to answer them for you. Just email me at: ndfmama@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE!! IF YOU ARE COMING TO THE FARM AND PLAN ON STAYING OVERNIGHT... THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS WILL BE EXPIRING THE DISCOUNT IF YOU DO NOT RESERVE YOUR ROOM BY SEPTEMBER 23RD... so reserve your room today!!!
be back soon with pictures of the barn xo+blessings,
The event this year is coming together so nicely... meant to be on so many levels...
totally random photo... he's just too cute not to post today...
There is so much more I wanted to include in the flyer, but there simply wasn't enough room!!
the entry fee on Friday night is waived when you bring your ticket (handed to you Friday night) back Saturday (if you plan on attending the event both days)
part of the proceeds both days benefit a local charity — Hope Haven -
there are more and more homeless individuals... but not enough room at their building... but we can help them (to make a more substantial donation, visit their website here)
Making a difference in other people's lives is so important on so many levels... and community needs to stick together
that's the primary reason why Jason and I host this event on our farm
to help support many different local artists, antique dealers, musicians, etc.
My focus for the sale is baking from scratch and selling those yummies in my little 'farm bakery' in the barn...
ART on the Farm classes have begun registration and you can see more about those classes here (or on my sidebar)... seats are limited, so please register soon
If coming from out of town, I am so thrilled that the Holiday Inn Express has created a room block and ALL rooms are the same price for you!! even the King Executive Suites!! to see more go here
This is a lot of information I know, but so much needs to be said when it comes to this event... there is much more to it than just stuff on tables or haystacks... it's all our creative efforts joined together to both inspire you and to give you the opportunity to purchase all HANDMADE and USA made items crafted by our hands — all of us involved...
Here's an idea: Gather a few of your friends that you haven't seen in awhile, or that you see all the time and love being around... create a closer connection to them by planning a trip to the farm... here's even a little something for you to send them in your e-mail...
If you gathered the "three of you"... split the hotel room ($97.50) three ways... it's only: $32.50 per person! This is an event I don't want you to miss! Take Jill's jewelry class Friday night, go shopping afterwards, go back to your plush hotel room, have a few cocktails, laugh and giggle, tell stories and eat some snacks while watching a movie... the next morning, grab a cup of coffee (and their famous cinnamon rolls at the hotel) and head back to the farm just after the sun rises to walk the prairie (rain or shine) to Jen's class to learn how to create a unique art under glass creation with the inspiration you will find on our farm and in the back 3 acre prairie... shop some more and enjoy a class by the famous artists Jeanne Oliver from Colorado... she is teaching two classes that are both unique and beautiful to create under the skylights in the horse barn... don't forget to grab a few cupcakes and sit under the trees and enjoy the farm!! (that sounds like a great weekend if you ask me) bringing your blankets to picnic or relax out in the prairie is highly encouraged:) xo+blessings,
a wonderful thing occurs at the end of the growing season
picking and washing and preserving... it all comes together to savor the summer
a mass of cherry tomatoes are turning into red rubies for stews in the winter and sauce for the pasta it's about 6:02 am and the stove is about to be fired up already
i spent the day yesterday glued to the computer... well, most of the day, reserving spaces for the upcoming sale in october... just about 40 people where/are invited, but it works as a first come/first serve basis for dealer spaces... one dealer cracked me up saying it was like purchasing Justin Beiber concert tickets... meaning, it was done in less than 3 hours for all practical purposes... an exhausting 3 hours of coordinating all the emails and phone calls... but we are happy to say that this sale is going to be so fantastic — with returning people and new people! Unfortunately, our barn is not big enough for all who were invited, if it was, we would have been able to fill that too! and I so wish we could!! and a few of my very favorite dealers are not able to make it due to family and life... here's a sneak peek into my head right now: there is talk of a fashion show, live music both days, new windows and tables and chairs to gaze out into the prairie while eating your cupcakes and other baked goods while sipping your complimentary wine... yes, maybe wine instead of champagne... you just never know!
i will contemplate all of this while i am stuffing little red tomatoes and romas into my mason jars this morning
while thinking and dreaming of doing this someday with all of us here
I recently had some girl friends over... I encourage them to bring a friend... and I'm so glad some of them did... it's so nice to meet new people...
the night of Cupcakes & Cocktails was so nice...
I got to showcase some new recipes for some cupcakes I want to sell in October here at the event... = lemon and lavendar with a white chocolate/buttercream frosting = apple pie cupcake with buttercream frosting = gluten free chocolate cupcake with whipped cream mint frosting (the total favorite with the ladies) = carrot cupcake with classic cream cheese frosting = my classic (favorite) chocolate cupcake with white buttercream frosting (the other favorite)
i made these simple flags and inserted them into the cupcakes to let the ladies know what was what
I rearranged the rooms (more on this new look later this week) which was so fun to decorate for the get together
the table Jason made is perfect in the corner of the room for a buffet...
and of course... the cocktail...
when I have the 'hub' in the kitchen, I put my large cutting board on top of my stove, and use it for extra counter space... it works out great... here's the cocktail I made up (yumoramma... but after 4 o'clock only:) -for one drink — 2 oz. gin 2 T. na.da.farm pure prairie honey 4 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice 4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice -put all together in your cocktail shaker and shake it up good... serve over ice-
A hit with old and new friends alike! I would like to thank Midwest Living Magazine for such a nice article on me and the event/barn sale my husband and I do twice a year... thank you!! (there was a 'typo'... we are 80 miles WEST of Chicago, not East:)
The article is in the Out and About Section...
there really was no need for my picture!! for more information on the upcoming events, you can follow our homestead website: na.da.farm What to expect this October here? -ART on the Farm is back again... so very excited about the diversity we are presenting to you — BARN SALE... theme this October?? Prairie Holiday Jason and I are presenting a new area to the event... I'm working hard in the kitchen to offer my very best cupcakes and baked items for sale... enjoy the day! xo+blessings,
do you ever see "diy" stuff here? nope well, rarely do you ever see Anne Marie painting something? nope why is that you wonder??
hhhhhmmm... could be because I like making cupcakes rather than painting, or even weeding for that matter I'm not much of a painter, but so admire people who do it well, and with the right 'stuff'
so downtown in DeKalb, there is a new store Carter's Cottage and Christie, the owner, is a certified, bonfied, dealer of this precious paint...
when I was there shopping, and meeting Christie, she was just opening the first boxes... so exciting!
she's a total cutie, and we hit it off... we had so much to talk about... we literally talked about repelling in the south to flea market shopping... if you are in the area, her shop is a must go!! I even picked up a great turquoise metal youth chair that is now my oldest duaghter's art chair (more on that this week — we re-decorated her room!!) here's Christie!
make sure you tell her I said "Hi!" when you go in... so... who out there has used Annie Sloan paint?? and what did you think? (I really like the finish it gives on the furniture... a softness about it)
= the garden beckons my hair grows longer and I put it in braids the cucumbers wind around the beans sun bursts through the fence and my boots squeak daughter rides bareback amongst the prairie grasses with little sister holding on tight baby coos on the sun dappled blanket beneath the giant pine
a morning kiss to a little one and my coffee mug is filled a basket full of scones to take out to Jason sways over the crook of my arm the garden beckons my hat that was hung on the hook inside this old farmhouse now rests on my head more fabric and cupcakes thoughts and prayers
I will be taking a short break here, but will be checking e-mails. Enjoy your life amongst the heat of the summer and hold onto yourself from the depth of your souls by journeying your life by sacrificing for others and constantly giving to them while thanking Him...
When baby Daniel sees our dog Bella, she doesn't know that Bella won't talk back to him this struck me (as does every single thing I encounter in my life) and it really made me think He was sitting on my lap, tummy down on my chubby thighs (yes, I did say MY chubby thighs) and was talking to the dog... cooing away... inflections here and there trying to get her attention! she was looking at him, which he giggles at, and their communication was complete he doesn't know the dog doesn't talk it doesn't matter to him Baby Daniel accepts the dog the way she is... non talking and all
random picture of what I did Saturday morning... came up with 2 new yummy cupcakes!! = lemon cupcake with fresh blueberry butter cream frosting = chocolate and lavender cupcake with blueberry butter cream frosting both will be available at the farm this October with the blueberries the family picked so graciously for me and for you... as well as the lavender from my garden... organically grown The Homesteading Series here at NA.DA.FARM will be up and running soon! Jason and I can't wait to share some more NA.DA.FARM with you
