...but when there are transitions going on in my life, I tend to decorate differently... and these pictures are just drawing me in this week
click on image to go to source... a fav. blog of mine
all the following pictures from "TRENDLAND.net"
can you guess what is drawing me in???
xo+farm blessings,
i'm freaking out
with both excitement and anticipation for this Friday
why I think I have time to type is beyond me... but when you are nursing, well, you have one free hand!
that one hand is good though... I can still eat these...
thanks mom... your homemade parfaits were delicious! and just what i needed
there are times I need my hands free... the sling works great, but it's the help of my family frees up my hands at times... so thank you so much kids!
(at least he has a smile on his face right?)
i am freaking out though... but it feels great!!
Can't wait to see you all!!! SO many wonderful items from so many wonderful dealers.
If you still don't know who's been invited to come here and be a dealer, you can go here.
See you all soon!! (p.s. did you see my last post? Fifi is totally decked out in Boho-finery for the Boho-Ball Friday night!)
xo+farm blessings,
my world is full of color...
the perennial gardens are just starting to pop
recently I went out shopping & found a turquoise table that I had EVERY intention of putting in our "Sweet Life" display at the event
but after I cleaned it up inside I noticed how much it reminded me of the gardens just steps away from my living room...
it's created a whole new look in here now!
i love Jenn's pillow i purchased from her new line
(she's bringing similar pieces to the sale)
adding some apple blossomed branches and the feel of the house is so much more of an extension of our gardens... our farm...
I have never seen my French linen look so complementary
adding more branches to the other rooms helps connect them
i brought out items i had tucked away...
there was something missing...
so I added my sail boat oil painting collection... it gave me just the right amount of color & texture i was inspired by
now my home is a true reflection of the outdoors... the natural wood trim and dark lines of the furniture are like the tree branches... colors are the flowers... lace is the rugged fence surrounding the potager & gravel paths
nature inspired me once again... but in a totally colorful way!!
Fifi has put together the coolest outfit for the Boho-Ball... hope you are coming to meet her & dressing up yourself!!!
click on picture to go see a "Fifi-styleBoho-outfit"
xo+colorful farm blessings,
When I saw this above picture, I knew choosing the Friday night event as the Boho-Ball would be just what I needed...
not to party like a rock star
but to express creativity... explore ideas... create texture and depth... to combine organic elements with history...
why?
because I like rules... traditions... being conventional
but in my daily life of taking care of the children and the farm
but inside me, is still that little girl who vividly remembers imaging living in the woods behind my house while eating wild mushrooms and weaving flowers in my hair
when I was a child, I disliked rules and conventions, but somehow was able to live life like a wild playful child... but now... as a wife and mother, I have a quite peace
I still get inspired by many colors, and like combining different styles, rugged materials and sweet but delicate colors that evoke a cheerful mood
When I sat inside that hollowed out tree between my home and where my grandparent's lived (it was a short walk through the woods) the ambiance was always fun, relaxing and warm... splendid
I decorated that hollowed out tree with anything I had or found
now??
I decorate our barn
I know that the barn's styling isn't exactly what I have in my head... just like that tree was never exactly what I wanted it to look like
but it's an expression of a part of me... just like the Boho-Ball will be... with working with whatever I have or find
it is what's inside that counts...
and it's okay to dream
there will be lots of surprises that night, but one thing is for certain... I WILL be weaving flowers in my hair (even though I know I won't be as beautiful as her:)
via bohemian bride there's only one life... and I am living mine... but always remembering my dreams...
who's with me!?!!
I know Fifi is... she just sent me this picture...
Boho-Ball: May 20th from 5pm-8pm
xo+farm blessings,
My parents recently took a trip to Italy...
they "forgot" to bring me
but they did take lots of pictures, which aren't digital, so I can't share them, but let's just say my Mom's photography skills are rather close to a professional..and some of what she has shown me were almost hard to believe! Visiting Tuscany... Venice... having a coffee on the balcony overlooking Venice
like I said... they "forgot" to bring me... and the children... and even my husband
the above picture is not my Mom's painting, however, she paints rather well and I don't know the source of that painting above, but it did spark the idea behind the sale's theme
source unknown
the rich colors of Italy's flowers and buildings are so amazing! who said you can't mix orange and blue?? nature sure didn't say you can't... and Italy screams it at you in such an iconic way
As soon as Mom and Dad returned and showed me their 1,465 photos on a warm summer day on the deck, the inspiration ignited like those colors I have always admired in rich Italian oil paintings (as you know, I collect colorful oil paintings)
Being that I have a historically traveling family heritage, there sure isn't an ounce of Italian in me, but I'm sure my gypsy aunts and uncles stopped by the roadside grotto and had a cuppa on their travels
when Jenn and I were shopping at a local vintage clothing shop right after the October sale, I saw the coolest boho-dress (which I really hope fits me still) and I said I was going to buy it for the May ball, and our two heads combined to come up with the Boho-Ball!
It's all about creativity... color... inspiration...
and not caring what the styles are but being yourself... HAVING FUN!!
That's what this May event is all about... HAVING FUN... and enjoying buying local... shopping... eating... while enjoying the fresh air
kind of what I suppose my Mom and Dad experienced when they shopped the Italian markets without me
Half of the space that my husband Jason and I have designated the sale area of the barn, is what we like to call the "Market"
a dream market... photo by Finn Lyngensen
in the market you will find these AWESOME dealers... and just like the gypsies they are, they are traveling from all over!!
~ Traci and Mark (from Morris, IL and Geneva, IL)
~ Denise and Janice (from Geneva, IL)
~ Jeanine Burkhardt... CHippY ShaBbY!! (from Wisconsin)
~ Laura... Verbena Tested Treasures (from Florida)
These dealers will be selling their wares in the "Market" area of the barn and will be separate from the other space designated as "the Shop" (but that's for another post... soon!)
ever since last October, I have been planning this "Market"... with flowers, herbs, & baked goods made by me... and we'll be serving lunch as well for a nominal fee...
and no, I won't be selling my cured hams from the barn rafters... not this year at least...
market in san lorenzo
if the weather is nice, there will be blankets available for you to borrow and take out to the prairie for a picnic... anywhere you want in the prairie... to soak up the sunshine... time with friends and enjoy your afternoon out at the farm... (sir Charles the rooster won't mind a bit if you share your crackers with him and his gal)...
My Mom is out here today and she has the best ideas... and we are going out to the "Market" and "the Shop" so she can help me feel left out she went to Italy with my Dad and "forgot" to bring me
and to help decorate
Hope you can make it to the "Market" to see the amazing finds they are bringing!! Jason and I won't buy all of the awesomeness
we'll save some for you:)
enjoy the day!
xo+farm blessings,
As Anne, from Fiona and Twig, so eloquently said on her recent post... "we have a responsibility to support local businesses"
You all know how we had a CSA for a time... but how the garden space is devoted, as of now, to our growing family... but how I am in full support of helping fellow farmers (of organic practices) of both vegetables and meat
This "local thinking" doesn't stop with food... but for shopping too!!
Even though you may never visit these shops I have been featuring this week for the Boho-Ball here on the farm in May, I am truly hoping that you help support YOUR local businesses too... there are always great stores nearby that feature unique items — of both old and new -
MOXIE is one of them for me
Megan Morrison is so sweet and so creative... and her shop always has things in it that I like to buy..
from bags to jewelry... to new clothes to this...
DO YOU SEE ALL THAT LOVELY VINTAGE CLOTHING?? some great stuff... shoes that would rival any Anthropologie store!
Megan is ALSO doing a 20% OFF discount on any vintage clothing and accessories at her shop for the Boho-Ball!! (mention you are going to Farm's Boho-Ball)
Thanks Megan! HAPPY SHOPPING!! (and a special thanks for your beautiful model:)
(and Jenn took all the pictures once again... because her friend was immobile with an enormous child in her tummy... how's that for a good excuse eh?)
I forgot to mention that both Cracker Jax and Moxie are only 15 minutes from the farm (make sure you visit them both when you visit the farm too)
xo+blessings,
when my older sister went to NIU, nearly 20 years ago, she found (what I thought was) the coolest apartment... above this amazing store
CRACKER JAX
and it's still there and it keeps getting more fabulous!
it actually was what peeked my interest in vintage clothes... (so thank you Lauren)
Lauren, the super talented & sweet owner, is generously giving anyone shopping at her shop
20% OFF any vintage clothing!! make sure you mention you are going to the BOHO-BALL
i want those boots
some bling anyone??
you could even make your own Boho-gown!
really... everywhere you turn there are some amazing things...
BOHO-LOVELY!
here's where they are at...
you can visit their blog
OR
go say "hi" from me to their FACEBOOK page
For those of you coming to the May event: I highly recommend stopping by this shop
ALSO... the rooms are getting full at the hotel, go HERE to book your room
(A HUGE thanks to Jenn for taking all these great pictures)
xo+blessings!
The Boho-Ball at the farm is only a few months away...
it happens Friday night, May 20th from 5-8pm...
here's what you have to look forward to at the Boho-Ball: (there is more to come later on this oh-so-fun event) champagne!
treats!
an AWESOME giveaway at the door for anyone who comes dressed for the event!
MEET FIFI O'NEILL!!! and let her sign her new book!!!!
shopping!
inspiration! (can you tell I'm excited??) it gets better...
my sweet friend Tracy Porter can't make it to the event, but she said how much she was bummed she was missing out on so much fun! So we decided to do a giveaway for ANYONE reading this post!!
no need to become my follower — or post about it -
no obligations
this is FOR FUN! in honor of celebrating life with creativity!!
if you want to add it to your sidebar to tell your friends about it (feel free) you get one chance... one comment... that's all!!
are you ready??
Tracy is giving ONE BLESSED WINNER A $250 GIFT CARD TO HER ONLINE SHOP!
I know!
ISN'T SHE THE BEST??
here's some of what her shop has to offer:
here's the rules again: -only ONE comment that's all!
*STARTS TODAY, APRIL 1st AND GOES UNTIL NEXT FRIDAY APRIL 8th — midnight-*
All the best to you! Tracy and I simply can't wait to see who wins!!!!
xo+blessings,
remember... ONLY ONE COMMENT PER PERSON... winner will be chosen per random.org *GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*
I followed Jeanne's blog for awhile... and thought her art and perspective on life co-existed and were portrayed beautifully on her blog
we started talking through the e-mails once and awhile
I sent her a link to a farm just West of mine... (I am always looking for a replacement farm with an old barn)... and lo and behold it was her Dad's listing!!
No idea she grew up nearly 20 minutes from Farm until that day
We were able to meet last summer... our daughters are pen pals... our sons are pen pals too...
and I'm so blessed to call her my friend
she really is that special... always listening... never needing anything... so very caring... when my son had a severe accident this past summer, Jeanne and her son were more caring than even most of our family members
sending books and prayers, calling to see how he was doing... (it really meant so much to my son and I... she is truly a genuine person!!) and THAT is the reason her art and items she creates are so special... because she is a true artist... letting her life and self be expressed through her art
her original art work
I'm just so amazed she wants to be a part of my sale here... but she is!
SHE'S COMING HERE TO THE FARM EVENT!!
She's debuting her NEW product line in my barn... I can. not. wait.
Her and I are totally doing karaoke that night... laughing... dancing... laughing at ourselves... she cracks me up
Jeanne will also be TEACHING a class on mixed media art in our summer house, the second day of the Farm Event... May 21st
What a great vacation with your girlfriends!!!! Come to the Event... shop... drink champagne at the Boho-Ball... meet other bloggers... get inspired... eat... laugh... (swim at the hotel pool!)... and take Jeanne's Mixed Media Art Class!!
Seats will be limited for this... and details will be given out soon
and I really hope she understands how special I think she is and how I can't wait to see her again
in the meantime...
let's SHOP for her items HERE and read more about her life HERE
xo+blessings,
I had to add this... but I can SO feel the love around the world today...
all from a humble man named Saint Valentine...
isn't it awesome when we send eachother love??
something I made a few years ago
Every day this week I will be featuring one of the dealers that were invited to sell and have accepted my offer to join me, in the NEW barn...
YES! We are moving the sale into the BIG BARN, where my husband has converted a section of this barn into the Farm Market!!!
He has built a 12' High by 60' Long Wall... it's where "the shop" is...
and the "outdoor market dealers" are
SO LET'S MEET ONE OF THESE AMAZINGLY TALENTED LADIES!!!
Today's featured dealer is Jill Harris... or as we all know and love her: Gypsy Brocante...
here's what she just sent me...
is she the coolest gypsy or what?
Jill is packing that gypsy caravan all the way from New Jersey to the prairie lands of Illinois!! (too exciting)
Here's Jill's own words: "Revived vintage treasures with a gypsy flair and free spirit style... all with a history to tell"
she's so cool
She makes amazing... (and I mean amazing) jewelry...
And these original and oh so treasured GYPSY style tops... she even hand dyes the lace... (wouldn't this be the cutest thing to wear with a comfy-thin t-shirt and long denim skirt for the BOHO-BALL???
she's a new addition to the Farm family of dealers, and I can't wait until she gets here!
She's on her porch today... and having a great party... which you are ALL invited to...
You can SHOP for Jill's Gypsy Brocante HERE and visit her on the porch for a totally fun party HERE
Have a fantastic start of your week!
xo+Gypsy Blessings,
whenever I come across fabric that speaks to me, for whatever reason, I purchase it...
whether it's vintage... antique from France... or new...
this fabric is so luxurious... silky... so feminine... I had to play around and take it's picture up my stairway to show you it's glory...
it will be transformed into a few gowns... which you could wear to the Boho-Ball that I'm hosting here at the farm May 20th — the Friday night event -
being no stranger to creating gowns, this is one sewing project that I'm so excited to get started on
more on the Boho-Ball coming soon...
and another giveaway tomorrow to kick of February' Farm theme: "romantic spring"
xo+blessings,
over the weekend, my inspiration has only grown for color pops in my own home, and for items I'm hand — stitching and creating for the May event...
here's some pictures that I thought I'd share about (kind of) what I'm thinking about...
this one, is one of my favorites... look at that couch fabric... and oil painting — totally different styles — but with the white walls and the elegant chandie it is perfect
photo: House Beautiful oh man — this one is bold — but as you may know, I collect oil paintings, take off the frames, and put them up that way... this room/corner, looks like THE best spot to get more inspiration...
photo: Elaine Griffin this one actually surprised me with the pink check (see?? all that pink — I am just all over that lately) the hand painted flowers and color combinations are all scaled up just right... besides, my oldest daughter loves this picture...
photo: Marie Claire last, but certainly not least, is this picnic scene I fell across while perusing the net — I am not sure exactly if it's for a couture shoot, or for a fabric company (there was no photo credit available) but I'm so pleased to share with you that for the Friday night of the May event here, it very much will have this 'vibe' about it...
color... relax... a bit of whimsy... and of course: nature...
here's Anne Marie's definition of Boho: "a free relaxed style, with a bit of whimsical color within nature"
Who's with me and some color!!??!!!
xo+blessing,
This week, my husband and I met the manager of the Holiday Inn Express...
why?
For you! Since we had such a bad experience this past October with the local (so-called) B&B, and so many of you are coming from out of town and need a place to sleep when visiting the farm for the May Event, well, let's just say:
"you won't be disappointed"
the rug I wanted to bring home... isn't that the coolest? All Boho/Celtic like (can you tell I'm into Boho right now??)
using furniture for the entry... love it!
The LOUNGE...
The Breakfast Bar (Complimentary for all guests)
it comes with a DELICIOUS coffee bar... yum...
He treated us to breakfast (so sweet)...
what's hubby eating? Biscuits and Gravy, ham steak, coffee, and oh-so-yummy Cinnamon Rolls (really: eat the Cinnamon Rolls)
a little lounging myself... the hotel was quite large... and being that I am 'large too' (hey: I have only 6 weeks left!)... a little putting the feet up action was just right...
workout facility...
CHECK IT OUT!:
All brand new... everything... bed linens... pillows... carpet... lighting... tvs... wifi...
and 10 minutes to the farm
what more could you want or need?
So, here's the deal: they cut the rate from $120 all the way down to $97.75 for the Farm Event
For either a room with 2-Double Beds...
The Executive Sweet: 1-King size bed and one full-size sofa/bed, with two tvs... (this suite is $114.99)
Or last option? a room with one King size bed:
they even have your choice of pillows... love it!
and just in case you like watching tv, here's what it looks like...
no big whip to me, but it looks nice... and you get a desk, a little loungy area, micro and fridge in each room
I'm super huge on the cleanliness thing, and usually bring my own sheets and pillow when traveling, but I can honestly say, I wouldn't here...
and getting this tour... THANK YOU DEAN... was a total seller on my part... and my husband
(especially the new pool... and cinnamon rolls... lol)
To book your reservations, call: 815-562-9994 and MAKE SURE YOU MENTION you are coming to the Farm Event (in order for you to get your discount!!)
Dates: May 20th and May 21st... more on the Event Coming Soon...
Have a great Friday,
xo+blessings,
Our oldest daughter celebrated a birthday recently, but I had planned long before her celebration...
Tracy from Tied-Up-Memories had made this custom necklace just for her! ~white horse locket (she loves our white horse Jordan... and lockets) ~ keys (she has something for old keys... I wonder where she gets that? lol) ~ A few beautiful religious medals ~ old glass beads surrounded by wonderful chains and craftsmanship
I have bought a number of Tracy's beautiful jewelry
she's such a good friend to make a custom piece of jewelry isn't she?
We once did a barter for her jewelry... for one of my long skirts I designed just for her:
her sweet post on it
The necklace she made for our daughter, goes quite well with this new feminine/satin/watercolor design top I just finished sewing...
the feel of this top is so feminine-boho...
it's part of my new line of clothing... for the sale!
*a special thank you again Tracy* she loves it!!
If you are interested in purchasing a similar necklace, visit Tracy at her Etsy Shop:
Hope you are all enjoying the week... if not... start now!
xo+blessings,
