Souvenirs:
fabric

The whole concept behind my master bedroom is to "un-decorate"...

like I told Lulu over the phone ******* (which was so hilarious, because she literally took me out to a healthy breakfast, a ride across part of California all while taking care of her precious son while on the phone... I loved it Lu!) ******* that my great admiration for so many beautiful fabrics tempts me so often to buy these sumptuous fabrics, but I do NOT desire to have a bedroom that is 'decorated', but nicely put together with good design elements in mind.

Which is why I also thought of Lulu, from Dusty Lu Interiors
her and her husband have their own design business, but beyond that, I have seen what Lulu does on the inside of her own home (as you will see in the pictures in this post... they are all of her home)
*her answers are also in italics*
1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? Yes, I look for a focal point every room, or I make one, with a large piece of furniture, architecture like a fireplace mantel, artwork, etc. and center it.

2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? Easy, simplicity with detail.

3) what would you classify your style as? I really don't like to nail down one specific style I like, because my taste evolves all the time. One thing I know is certain I love and try to incorporate white into my designs.

4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? I buy what I love, and when you do that it all comes together and you can never go wrong.

5) If you were to design my bedroom, by knowing me personally, and seeing my style on my blog, while incorporating your style techniques, how would design my bedroom? First, I would like to say I enjoyed our conversation very much the other day on the phone. It gave me a chance to get to know you better, you are very genuine and so nice. When I spoke to you we suggested using a silver or silver blue paint color, I recently used both colors in two homes I helped design and decorate. When I design spaces I try to make it both masculine and feminine. When designing a bedroom, I believe it is a very personal space, and you need to consider both parties. I suggested keeping your gorgeous dark walnut sleigh bed to add that masculine touch and adding pretty fabrics for a feminine touch. The paint colors can go both ways, and when you accessories you can bring in natural elements to anchor the room and that can add both a feminine and masculine feel.

6)what elements would you include in your design plan? I love the use of symmetry especially in a bedroom, it gives an overall calming affect.

Lulu and I are digging a little deeper into the design now and actually picking out paint colors and furniture placement... and this could not be more fun!
If you haven't visited Lulu's online journal, then you may not know some really cool things about her! Like her constant zeal for learning — she's always taking these awesome classes that she shares with her readers (the last one being photography which was so interesting to me)...
her home has been featured in magazines and on the Internet
why is there a picture of Rachel here?

because Lulu has also has been Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture photographer for many projects...
the great things about having a job like that, is that it keeps her at home (where she wants to be) with her son. She's expecting her second baby and I couldn't be more thrilled (and somewhat disappointed she won't be making the trip here to Illinois in May — lol)
Her schedule sounds so busy, seriously, and for her to take the time to help me like this, is just so amazing to me... thank you Lulu... it really means a lot...
xo+blessings,

I am constantly impressed with the inspiration out there for this farm girl
stuck on the frozen tundra (but lovin' it), and able to access so many people from all across the world for Christmas decorating ideas is just like a Christmas present to me!!!

All of you guys are awesome... these are just some of the women who impressed me with staying true to their style this holiday season...
Enjoy! (most pictures here are labeled on the photographs by the blog they are from)

o

a fantastic idea with leftover fabrics for the perfect gift bag... 

office type


manon21


paige at simple thoughts 
By the way... I opened up a new journal, called Farm Kitchen... for some recipes and farm goodness:)
click on the image to visit...

peace and blessings, xo

Kathy! ( rikami212@gmail.com) you are the winner of my little giveaway...

I'll be sending it right off...

it couldn't be a more appropriate day... considering the reason behind the word "santa" is Saint Nicholas...

who was he? a very generous man who lived a long time ago yes, but extremely loved The Lord, followed the Church's teaching of charity, and helped 3 girls out by giving money tossed in their window so as they wouldn't be forced to live on the streets

i think that's pretty great!! and Kathy... you will be getting a nice surprise inside your box!

Thank you to all who entered... the magazine can be found at Barnes & Nobles, JoAnn Fabrics stores as well as online

xo + giving blessings,

sometimes when you walk into a home, you can just feel the soul there

for me, it's not when you walk into a home filled with items from homegoods or new furniture stores, but things they have accumulated over the years... from flea markets, roadside stands within their journeys, items they have collected within their walks in the woods, or that antique that caught their eye and spoke to them somehow — how they purchased it and took it home with them...

i am one of those people that likes to surround myself with items that we love

so many of us are...

it's not to show off to others or impress friends and family, or at least, it shouldn't be

our homes are reflections of who we are... some of us have read this before... and this is very true

at various times in my life, i purge and go sparse

right now, i am wanting my walls and bookcases dripping with books and textures and all sorts of pictures and collected items

something that will be more expressive in who i am... who we are
this can be difficult when i over think things, and don't have that certain couch i have been eyeing for years, or that old school cupboard at the local antiques store, or the chandelier being replaced, etc, etc... but making do with what we have can be discouraging, or it can be even more of an expression of us
most of our furniture and items were given to us or bought at flea markets or tag sales or local thrift stores
I can honestly say only some of the fabric used for curtains is new — it's just how i am — how we are -
our splurges are on that special piece that we find and know it will fit right in

but how do we know how to express your soul into your home?
embrace what you own, look for treasures... but most importantly, be comfortable with who you are right now and it will be shown how ever you choose to place things in your home

peace+blessings,

(all pictures from my *inspiration* Pinterest board)

When Fifi was here photographing our home for the book, she asked if I had any Cabbages and Roses fabric, and I said "no" with head hung low (for I secretly have always wanted some) no more was said
but then a few weeks after the shoot, Fifi sent me some of the fabric Christina had given her
I kept it folded up in my hutch to enjoy up until recently
I made some very relaxed nadafarm style curtains un hemmed and frayed... the way I like it
relaxed, a bit rugged, and un ironed

I made a top hem just a bit over an inch wide and strung hemp twine through the top and simply tied it on the brackets on either side of the sink and then swagged it very casual like

of course, my friend Fra and Stacey inspired me

I still have a bit of the fabric left, but have it folded up in the hutch for the future

Cabbages and Roses is just so classic isn't it?? I just love linen
xo+blessings,

= 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...

be back soon

xo+blessings,

trying to marry the two ideas was getting so complicated... when, as life, it shouldn't be

I stuck to that good ol' advice "buy what you love"

the pink satin throw is vintage... bought at one of my most favorite stores: Cracker Jax, in DeKalb, IL.
I was the recipient to a most generous gift certificate from a very good friend, so with that gift, I bought the satin throw and the bark cloth

The barkcloth is a vintage piece — and when I purchased it, it was a wide valance. With a quick cut of the scissors, I sewed up the side I cut, and because it was lined, all I had to do is slip my king size pillows in it and walla: 2 pillow covers for our king size bed!

I am not sure yet what to do over the bed... I have oil paintings... an old sign... a shelf... and old window... I just don't know yet... time will tell!
The blue French desk and love seat was purchased at another great little shop with tremendously inexpensive prices on furniture: Sweet Blessings in Rochelle, IL. I am not one to divulge pricing... but let me just tell you that both pieces together were under $150
the desk's flip down front was already off, but I propped it up in back, and added a collection of icons that Jason's sister has given to us over the years...

the couch is (I'm guessing) from the 1920's and in very good shape — with vintage blue chenille fabric and heavy springs... the small little round table was just given to me by my mom and dad... it was my grandmother's... just perfect to hold an ironstone platter with two cordial glasses and a bottle of locally made brandy:)

the mirror was bartered years ago for work Jason did at someone's house, and the dresser was bought just before Daniel was born — and had been in the girl's room up until a few days ago...
the vintage satin bright blue little organizer was previously used in "it's day" for holding stockings, but now holds my jewelry I love to see and use daily...

english tin from goodwill — hair pick from Cracker Jax

yellow and full of happy memories, the vintage travel case sitting atop my dresser was purchased on that recent road trip to Indiana to a fantastic! shop: Hot House Market... Carrie is one of my favorite display artists, and she had this idea of using the travel case as a jewelry box... as do i... and now it holds my summer jewelry as well as my most treasured vintage scarves I grab to throw on my head during the summer (small bowtie necklace also from Hot House Market)... earrings on far left, the ones with the little bees in middle and far right are from Tracy... i love her jewelry!! — and her:)

xo+blessings,

I think a lot of us can agree, that when looking back upon something you are passionate about, you learn from your mistakes, and if you still have that passion, you strive to perfect it...

So recently when I looked back in my 'sewing' files on my computer, I have realized something...

(a dress made with an antique dresser scarf front and buttoned shoulders)

that I love creating things... unique items to wear...

(pillow case dress)

~this outfit for when she was 3 is one of my favorites~

I also love taking pictures of the girls after making them these creations...

(... these below are some of my favorite photos with her in this dress)

Over time... my designs spun to more hand sewing... in the quiet of the outdoors...
under the oak tree or ancient white pine
Sewing to me, is like how I view food... taking things slow... paying attention to details...

(ruffled pants)

Prices of fabric used to be around $3 — $7 when I first started sewing independently...
patterns were around $2.75 (generally)

~Prices have gone triple that now~

Linen for example (like the pictures below here) is $14.99 per yard

and patterns are up in the $10 — $13 range for good patterns

(this purple dress here was without a pattern)

for the good stuff — made in USA — high quality

So...

I started not using patterns because of the prices... but could NOT sacrifice the fabric quality...

and when not using a pattern, my creativity seems much freer to express the mood of the dress with such things as French seams... mini pleats... more puff... less poof... a gather here... and a gather there...

(see this dress in it's entirety here)

When my daughter started competing in Irish dance, the dresses are literally over $1,000
yes, you read that right... thousands... we saw one at a competition and the mother proudly explained it was made in Ireland and was over $3,500.

good heavens.

"I can do that" was my first thought

and this is what I came up with — an almost replica of that $3,000 dress

however, mine is made out of an old red sparkly (cheap looking) dress I cut up for the red, but the rest is all hand done to my daughter's exact measurements with new fabrics (just in case you were wondering... she won 1st place medals with this dress)
Due to prices increasing with linen, I did have to raise my price of "Elizabeth" and her "companions" (that all sold out right away)

go here to see what Elizabeth is all about

go here for the full post on "pure miss E":

~have a wonderful Tuesday!!~

no, i did not put those flowers in her hair
a spontaneously loving older brother three years her senior, picked them for her and then adorned his little sister in "nature's finest"
though he avoids the camera like the plague, she was quite happy to have me take a few photographs of her smelling the peony blooms which rest in the shade and bloom later in the season due to this

don't get me wrong, this doesn't happen often, with an older brother placing flowers in her hair... but his kindness is evident in this family... a caring nature...

my life is full
full of life and love and kids
there is always some 'mucking' I'm doing, but truthfully, this "mucking" around is always my own fault... my life is most definitely a 'bed of roses'... there's thorns amongst the roses and I seem to get caught in those roses from time to time
perfectly normal
if any of you may be going through a 'rough patch' or are "mucking" through something
perfectly normal
there is nothing on this Earth that has not been suffered or dealt with ask yourself this: are you complaining about it?

stop
let that thorn pierce you through and penetrate a feeling deep within that stings for a bit... you are learning
each day we might just step in the "muck" to smell the roses and get pierced by the thorns as we do

just like her older brother taking the time to pick each flower and place it in her long braid... just because... may we all learn from an 11 year old boy's philosophy in life
shying away from any recognition while creating beauty around us and making someone feel special, not ourself

as we go about our day as a mother, and the possible crying baby for mama as the four year old is reminding his mother every 20 minutes he's hungry, and the 15 year old wants a trip back to the library while shooting off a firecracker, and the 11 year old younger brother decides to make a bazooka for his older brother's firecrackers to launch from pvc piping he found in the barn, and the 13 year old daughter wants to make brownies and plant gladiolas with her mama all the while the mother really just wants to make those curtains out of the fabric that has been hanging on the rod just draped over for nearly 2 weeks now with an actually hot cup of coffee... let us make sure we take time to make their life beautiful
put flowers in their hair
make them some brownies
put that band aid on the skinned knee of your little boy
sew those curtains for your home
embrace the day whichever way it comes... muck, thorns and all

it's perfectly normal
no complaints today... accept it all...
muck & thorns

just be sure you smell those roses along the way

xo + blessings,

It can be 10:44pm when the baby has just fallen asleep when I sit down to write/type here

It can be 5am with the baby nestled within my arms when I type with one hand here

All I know is that I write whatever is on my mind

there is a good reason why I am not an accountant... a lawyer... or in politics

and actually, those aren't things I do while being a mother to my six children and wife to the most patient man on the planet

sometimes I think it is so strange the way I wake up or the way I sit

it's never the same... someone is always popping into my lap or needing to talk (or ask for something)

now you are going to think I'm weird (and maybe I am) but today when I cleaned off my bookshelves and just put up 4 flower frogs I found tucked behind all this scrap fabric... it made me love it

love the simplicity of my life

what??! what seriously did I just say... simplistic life? yes... and you know why??? because I know that I am not here to be successful

or beautiful

or save the world

or perfect

but I am here

and I am here to know God... to love Him... and to serve Him in this world

AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE?
i am me
no one else will ever be me (thank God right?)
AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE?

there will NEVER be ANYONE ELSE like you

and if no one tells you this today, I will:
I love you

tell those around you that you love them... because when you love them, you love Him... when you love Him then you have come to know Him and you are serving Him


this table was noticed by me the moment it came out of Amy's car for the barn sale here...

I have to admit, it's kind of nice having a flea market come right to the farm...

the natural wax she put on it prevents it from chipping anymore, and the French hand towel made from flax is what i am using like a little table runner

the "curtain" is just fabric I strung up on a birch branch... just temporarily, to keep the heat out
if it was up to me, I wouldn't have any curtains
ever

but our big windows face the south... the heat pours in... good in winter... not so good in summer

we don't have air conditioning by choice, so everything is oriented in the rooms now for best light/views/heat control

this nook is so nice and cool in the crisp mornings, and watching the sunsets at night...

here's a closeup of the fabric... a nubby linen with a faded turquoise stripe

i grew up sailing with my Dad, and those memories are treasured and seem to be creeping out more and more in my sort of red, white, blue decor
you might already know how much I like Ralph Lauren's style, and seeing he's producing more of his quality goods right her in the USA, makes me like him even more
if only more of the big names did that... think of the jobs!

one of our old corn crib doors fell off awhile ago, and I recently used it for some food styling I was hired for by Jo Packham for a new book she hired me for (more on that later)
after bringing that in for a few shots, i really enjoyed it inside, and it is now very happy being in our nook

I am adding that same stripe fabric in my living room... not done yet sewing those

shopping at JoAnn Fabrics, at a 50% home decor is not so easy finding USA made fabric, but you can still find made in USA fabric, such as Waverly

it is a classic rose pattern I have always liked... and am very happy to work with it finally in our farmhouse

there is nothing like classic pattern and texture

there is a road trip I have planned with a good friend this weekend... if you follow me on Pinterest, you can see what's inspiring me in my pinboard entitled "road trip"
I'll be helping decorate a new shop in Indiana, and doing a photoshoot... but more on that later too
xo+blessings,

the perennial gardens meander a short distance from the potager to the house...

talking that walk on the gravel path to chase the chickens out of the mulch snip some herbs makes the chores to and from the garden that much more lovely

here's a look at some perennial combinations I like...



ninebark and a varigated willow shrub


primrose almost in bloom, hostas and rocks... rocks give such great depth and texture to a garden


peony and shasta daisy... though not lasting long, the peony's leaves are a favorite of mine in arrangements or do well alone in an old bottle


barberry bush and purple salvia 

walker's low (a purple catmint) and that lovely ninebark again

a baby and his mother (a perennial favorite)

inside the farmhouse...
at the barn sale here, I purchased this table from Amy of Eclectique Boutique (a great shop in Plano, IL) and it has transformed my downstairs...

some Waverly fabric has made it's way home to our farmhouse, and I can't wait to share all that I am working on inside

xo+blessings,

the great thing about this May Barn Sale is that I am doing all these things 'solo'
well, my daughter (who's now 13) is crafting/sewing/throwing ideas along with me

but how fun it has been gathering vintage fabrics/sheets/linens and re-purposing them
I made the sign above for over my bakery
I am giving myself the whole section where the feathers are drawn
— lots and lots of space -
— lots and lots of delicious cupcakes/pies/pie pops/cakes/cookies -
tested and tried on friends and family, these sweet treats are yum yum

so are these pom poms! and the garland I made with them

I am doing what I please with this sale
my sister and good friend will be helping me in the bakery too... I couldn't be more excited
really excited
I'm heading out there now (to the barn) to measure up something and get things ready
it's all so relaxed this time... what a blessing that has been...
I'm working on a post, that will show a list of all the dealers — nearly 20 people selling here this time -
20

speaking of items... I went into Hobby Lobby yesterday with my oldest son — he looking for modeling brushes, and me looking for a certain frosting tip that has mysteriously disappeared
all I have to say is that yes, you can purchase a $12 pillow that is all cute... but made in China — massed produced — not original
in this day and age with so much of that everywhere... it's easy to just plunk down your debit card and purchase that pillow — it even will be cute on your sofa — but what about supporting our country supporting our women and men who are trying to be at home with their kids what about the amount of petroleum spent on hauling that mass produced stuff here?
it seems awfully strange that anyone would purchase that stuff still
would you rather have a burger that is locally grown meat with a homemade fresh bun? or would you like a frozen pattie made with 'pink slime' slapped on a mushy bun with unripened tomatoes and ketchup with artificial dyes, that was all imported from another country
I say the first option sounds not only tastier, but more fulfilling
don't you agree??
don't we want to help others locally?? don't we want to show our children quality items? that helping others is one of this great nation's qualities?
yes we do
{and beware of those who have sales with neat looking stuff} {{reproductions are really hard to spot these days}} what looks like something from France may not be
and unfortunately, I do think some people are pulling the wool over your eyes ... they have pulled it up over mine too... (and did you know it is perfectly acceptable to ask the seller "is this made in China")
anyone with a tax id can purchase wholesale from many different companies who sell neat looking stuff but that is all it is "neat looking"
meanwhile, you have that mom down the street from you who wants to be home with her kids, is super creative, but her items are not selling because you already bought something similar from China because it was a bit cheaper (do you know why it was cheaper? because the men and women making those items are getting paid practically nothing)
why?
why are people still doing this??
Jason and I have requested to all dealers not to sell things like that here what is the creativeness in that? how is that art? how is that unique?
I don't have a problem with some items made in China, but if you can get the same thing from someone local then it is a no brainer to me
don't you agree???

God bless Hobby Lobby for staying a Christian company, and showing that they are thank you for that (I appreciate it so much, and that is exactly why I shopped there yesterday)

I needed some color in the dining room, so this corner hutch was brought into the dining room to hold my favorite collection of antique Mexican pottery...

i love the bird motif — each one hand painted -

the smaller dessert plates are corralled into a lined basket — along with a plate we unearthed when digging in the ground here at the farm... it has a large chunk taken out of the bottom... so that's why it's in the back

these old blue mason jars are great for a quick flower arrangement or to hold some silver ice cream spoons and knives...

this bowl was my grandmother's when she was alive... it's English... and so delicate...

i dream of making pottery someday... i love how Mexican pottery is hand done... rustic... personal... and hand crafted...

on the bottom shelf I am displaying some of my collection of antique French linens...

overall... it's doing the trick... for now at least... and I love having the little pillow Maria gave me as a gift, sitting on my son's high chair... it really is the best smelling lavender pillow...
(I might be tiring of the red fabric I slip covered on my dining room chairs though... if this baby doesn't come soon... maybe I should just re-do them no?)

have a wonderful day!
xo+blessings,

vintage fabrics are stirring my creative energy lately... and when a friend and I went shopping the other day at Salvation Army, a vintage pinched pleat taffeta floral drape was the first step to what became this:

it wasn't like that in the store... oh no... but with a good friend with me, and our minds working together, we picked out the polka dot fabric that matched the vintage fabric at the fabric shop, and of course, pom-pom trim was a must (it was so weird how everything came together like it did)
here's the $10 before... 

"eeew to the double eeew"
 everything is better with pom pom fringe!!

when I got home, I started immediately on this project and was done in no time... (I couldn't stand looking at that 3' in diameter 'ew' much more than 10 minutes after I got home)
I just stuck to the pattern that was on the original — with 8 triangles adjoined like a quilt top, cut the sides of the vintage drape to make the bottom (there was no measuring involved... and believe me when I tell you that it all worked out because of the grace of God)... added what I had left of the polka dot fabric and then the pom-pom fringe

I kept the top of the drape as is... I have plans to set that up for the sale in May in the bakery... to tell you that I am excited is an understatement
the other bits of scraps I used for a super cute scalloped bunting...

HOW TO MAKE: large scallop bunting (as seen in top of above photo) 1) use an embroidery hoop to make a desired shape of half circle, cut it out of paper for template (I used a small bunting piece on each end as well) 2) cut out as many as you can from your fabric using that template 3) along your now half-circle fabric pieces, sew a zig zag stitch around the raw edges 4) using a 1" or more seam binding, pin your scalloped edged pieces into seam binding, meeting edge up to the inside of the binding 5) using a decorative stitch (or a zig zag), sew the scalloped edges onto seam binding 6) add a button hole on each end for easy hanging 7) press and enjoy!!
small scallop bunting the small one (as seen in the middle of above photo) is made like this: 1) use a small circle to make desired half circle shape, cut it out of paper for template 2) along raw edge of semi-circle, use a zig zag stitch around raw edges 3) press + press down a 1/4" on straight edge 4) nestle string inside that folded edge of the scallops, and sew a zig zag stitch as you go along (I used a contrasted stitching — top thread green, bottom thread teal — fun) make sure you leave enough string on both ends to hand your new garland!
I am seeing vintage sheets used in such creative ways... I love it!!!
Jennifer Rizzo used vintage sheets in some really cool ways in her new look book too.
I love this one:

the flower pin was hand crocheted by Jenn... so super cute
she made these journals that I am thinking would be perfect for a personal garden journal (or maybe an inspiration journal for how to use vintage sheets in creative ways!!)

go HERE to see the whole lookbook & a chance to win $500 worth of merchandise from her new Spring line!! That is so generous I think... very very!
If you live near Rockford, Illinois, Jennifer and so many other talented women will be at Polly Hood's house this weekend... To find our more about Polly's sale that she is clearing her whole 1st floor out for, go here.

(I am listed to sell, but unexpectant hazards may be preventing me from doing it)

boys' birthdays can be difficult... actually... children's birthdays can be...
we are celebrating our second son's birthday this weekend
and last night, I put together this:

it's a 'SURVIVAL KIT' for boys
it contains: * a pair of binoculars * caribeeners * a camouflage handkerchief I made out of scrap camo-fabric * a compass

I added a few little drawstring bags, and added sewn-in pockets on one of the inside walls of the bag...

He's always going into the prairie with one of his older brother's bag, or a handkerchief tied into a bundle... or to the creek with his fishing pole and a snack in his pocket
he loves to sew himself, and I so I hope he likes his gift!
have a great rest of your weekend (I'm buying the stork a GPS when he arrives)
xo+blessings,

within your home... do you feel comfortable? or a little dry on the decorating??

i feel it all around blogland lately
I think some more thought needs to go into you
your style
your decorating
(I'm totally joining you by the way)
this room, for example, looks comfortable... lived in...
a little white... a little color... not fancy/expensive... but "that person's style"
(click on any image to go to source)

now, this shouldn't be complicating...
... using OVERKILL on vignettes (my hand is up and I'm totally guilty of this one... can anyone say eggs under cloche??)
the only way to find out your 'style' is to sometimes imitate that other person's style... and there certainly is NOTHING wrong with that!!
it always leads to something gorgeous like this:

or taking a "normal" bookshelf and doing this

image: tracy porter
the wonderful thing about this above photo from Tracy Porter is that it looks lived in... that's because it IS lived in...
most of Tracy's styling for her photographs are taken right within her home... that's why they are so great!
SO WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS DRYNESS??
we are going to take a non-hard edged approach to design... by dusting off the shelves and combine old with new...
take a look at this picture again:

here's what I notice...
what's old in this picture? * rustic barnwood table *blue bottle on bookshelf *vintage mirror over mantle *the fireplace itself
what's new in this picture? *new upholstered chairs *chandelier possibly (could be old, but is neutral that way) *blue candles which pop the chairs *family photographs *fresh flowers and *bold new pattern on white end chair *new sisal rug
there's nothing... and I repeat NOTHING in this picture that you couldn't do to achieve this look
did you notice not a single vignette in that picture? only bright colors, a bit of boldness with the table and the pattern on the chair but sophisticated textures
the best part of this is:
there is NO book or NO person that decides what YOU surround yourself with
you want those goose eggs under the cloche?... go for it
you want that gorgeous Golden Bamboo side table from Tracy Porter?... totally! 

and wallpaper your room in antique paper!
Most of us have children right? or grandchildren visiting?? well, at least I do, so that's what I know best
and letting fragile things sit out sometimes is a good thing — it teaches the children to behave and "please don't touch sweetie" is said a lot, but I'm not doing that so much anymore
I have gotten rid of that pretty look and am going more "me"...
my style...
instead I have been using sumptuous fabrics for that "elegant" feel I like... but ALWAYS with the contrast of "rustic prairie"... (like the original dark wood on the bed)



our sunroom... bed draped in coverlet I made out of pink taffeta... it's like slipping into a ball gown! Wednesday is the start of a new journey for me into a time of reflection and inner personal growth... and I will be in the desert... but certainly not dead! I feel so alive during Lent... it's a very empowering time for me
(but let's just hope I'm totally exhausted because I have a new baby)
apparently: ~patience is a virtue~
xo+blessings,

This front room used to be the old front porch of this house (to read more about it's history — and some divine intervention — go here)
Since Jill is doing a Porch Party every Monday, I thought I'd join in on the fun with pictures of my thrown together front room/porch/baby and I room...

only things that were bought was a dresser and the two glass lamps
everything else was literally thrown together to make a comfortable and feminine room for me and the baby to cuddle... dream... and enjoy our first few months together

the couch is vintage (our first purchase as a married couple)
my collection of mirrors I used in here as well as some of my favorite trim to add some texture and interest to some pretty boring lampshades...

my grandmother's antique egg cup adds a bit of color

this bed was a gift for my daughter a number of years ago...
I really like the dark wood tones against the pink! This pink fabric was originally purchased for the Patisserie I designed...
and never... NEVER thought it would be made into a coverlet for a bed I would sleep in... (didn't I tell you I was totally into pink lately?)

the fabric is taffeta... and feels like I am slipping into a ball gown when I get into bed...

bedside...

when I first started this room it was minimal bare... and I just couldn't help putting some of my favorite items in our home in that room
there is no 'rhyme or reason'... golds... metal... dark wood... painted items...
I let my gypsy soul go

a crocheted caplet my sweet grandmother made for me!

this is one of the items I purchased for the room...
a $60 dresser bought locally — and all it needed was a scrubbing
now it is perfect for a changing area

As the weather warms up... I'm looking forward to opening all of these wonderful casement windows and hearing the birds awaken in the morning and smell the flowers outdoors
it has a terrifc view of the potager as well

Do you have an area of your home you want just for you?
Just start bringing some of your favorite items into that space and you'll be surprised at how much you love it...
xo+blessings,

To see what this room has looked like before go: HERE or HERE or HERE or what until you see Romantic Prairie Style (book by Fifi O'Neill)

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,

Writing for me, and for many of you, is a daily occurrence... and I think it's so fantastic what blogs have done for inner personal growth and documentation of feelings, ideas, inspiration, etc.
and I think most of you would agree with me

that's what inspired me to created these hand stitched fabric covered Sacred Heart Journals (they are filled with lined paper)

each one unique
each one made by hand, by me, here on the farm...

whatever you feel and think from your heart is sacred
something to cherish

thanks for the inspiration everyone... YOU inspired me to stitch these
~to make it even more special, I am only having them available at the May event/barn sale~
xo+blessings,