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,
I took down an old rabbit hutch I had on top of this cabinet, and started putting out all the nests we have collected here made from the horses hair and even our dog's long fur... mostly wrens' nests... with some of our favorite feathers... it needed something... some color... creativity...
inspiration via Country Living magazine...
we unearthed this plate while digging up the first perennial bed here...
and this plate is from my late grandmother...
instead of painting on the pumpkin like CLiving did, we chose to paint on the glass to create a 3-D art effect (when I say "we " I really mean my oldest daughter... she did a great job!)
a small collection of old glass bottles hold feathers and nests...
my youngest daughter painted this hurricane... it's a bird with a top hat... and I think it is super creative and super cute! the old silk top hat I traded with Polly at the 2010 October sale...
the best thing about this craft is that the glow of the candle illuminates the bird silhouettes and it is painted on with acrylic paint... so it washes right off with warm water... go HERE for the bird silhouettes — we cut out the birds we liked, taped them onto the glass, used a small brush to paint the outline around the bird, and then filled it in with the black paint — just use a regular old black acrylic paint The black birds are migrating right now, and their stop over at the farm has been noisy, but welcome.
Working within a small space, our master bedroom is just that: small (or cozy depending on how I feel that day) Here's my question (which I don't ask for very often): "Is it okay to put a sleigh bed in front of the window?" this is what my bedroom looks like now...
We enjoy our views of the barns and prairie through our master bedroom window on one side, and on the other side is a view of the ancient oak tree — another great view -
so we have tucked our bed in a sort of alcove... which is okay, but I'm up for some change, and moving furniture is #1 on my list to do, unless I think of some other way to decorate that "alcove" it is where I do a lot of reading and writing... so it needs to be soothing... serene... relaxing (input other relaxing words here)
I know I'm probably nuts to do this project now (with the holidays here and all) but the funny thing is, this is the time I go out shopping at retail stores the most!! I RARELY go shopping... so why not use some birthday money and do it right? right i thought so
My inspiration is coming from two LOVELY ladies that I adore here on the net, and am very happy to call them my friends as well... Lulu (from Dusty Lu) and Jo (from Secret Garden Cottage)
I'll be posting some Q&A with both Lulu and Jo in the upcoming week, so stay tuned for the progress!! xo+blessings,
The Master Bedroom Design Q(uestions) & A(nswers) was a BLAST! Wouldn't being a decorating reporter be so fun? I think so So many of you wonderful readers haven't asked me "why" I am re-decorating my bedroom with Jo and Lulu as design stylists... because it's obvious why! They both have great talent... What's my decorating motto for this bedroom: "un-decorate" Today's Q&A is with Jo, from the Secret Garden Cottage. Her and I have talked back and forth, because of the blogs, for quite some time, and as soon I saw her kitchen/dining area, even though it's a kitchen, it inspired me for my bedroom... and here's why:
All of Jo's Answers are in italicized print, and all pictures in this post are from Jo's beautifully inspiring blog. Here's the Q&A with one of the nicest women, Jo:
1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? something that anchors the room? If so, it is usually art or architecture
A: Yes. I definitely always try to have a focal point in each of my rooms, usually architectural pieces. I don't use much art in my home, mostly because I have a hard time finding something I like 100%.
2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? A: Well... I try to keep in mind that this is my husband's home, too, and wouldn't want to overwhelm him with too many floral prints, ruffles, or super feminine colors. I try to add a feminine touch to my decor with some of the furniture pieces I use, such as the table I recently bought and placed in my kitchen. It has some decorative scroll work and pretty, curvy legs. I also use flowers and herbs from the garden to add a little bit of romance to my home, as well as the slipcovered furniture and accessories, such as glass cloches, white ironstone pitchers, and candles.
3) what would you classify your style as? A: I think my style is very eclectic. I love French farmhouse, Scandinavian, and American country cottage styles, and I think I have a little bit of each style in my home.
4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? A: Sometimes I fell like I struggle with this myself. I try to give my home an overall cohesive feeling by using the same color scheme throughout my home. I generally only use different shades of white in my decor, including my wall paint. I also try to purchase furniture pieces that work well together... have similar architectural lines and so forth.
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? what elements would you include in your design plan? A: Keeping in mind your personal style... I think that the one thing you like about mine and Lulu's style is the use of white in our decor, so I would give you an all white bedroom. I would use an architectural piece with white, chippy paint such as a vintage door(s) or fireplace mantle for your headboard. I've also noticed that you like warm wood tones in your home, so I would incorporate warm wood pieces of furniture, such as your night stands and maybe a vintage chest or bench (if room allows) at the foot of your bed. The bed linens you have would look beautiful in the room, but I would add a bed skirt to make it a bit more femine. I also noticed that you love vintage silver, which I think would look gorgeous in the bedroom in the use of accessories. I would dress the windows with sheer linen or cotton curtain panels that puddle on the floor just slightly and use tree branches for the curtain rods. Since your room is small, you would want to keep accessories to a minimum to give it a serene, peaceful feeling.
Anything else you would like to say?? I just want to thank you again for including me in your bedroom makeover, Anne Marie. I feel so honored that you would consider my ideas alongside Lulu's to inspire a room makeover in your beautiful home. You have such an amazingly beautiful style and creative mind, so I know this room will turn out to be the beautiful haven you desire, and I can't wait to see it when it's done!
Isn't she the sweetest?? I wish she lived closer to actually help me! How much fun we'd have... After I saw THIS POST she did, and she had quite a few of the same inspiration photos that I have in my design collection, I knew I would beg her to do this for me:) Tomorrow is my friend Lulu's Q&A with me... stay tuned! Hope you are all enjoying your week thus far!! peace and blessings,
I'm sure you are familiar with Jennifer at the Painted Cottage... but she posted this today and I love! this picture!! how creative and fun (not to mention the rest of her house looks gorgeous)
She's got great style and always has unique DIY ideas... thanks for the inspiration Jennifer!!
I'm even going to post again today — a little later — our Christmas card we sent out... xo+Christmas 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...
I stood up there in disbelief — "oh man" I said as I looked at all the wonderful decorations
thoughts of taking all three totes downstairs and putting it all out for decorations... after all... I am on a Christmas house walk!...
but as I stood there with the children to find their little trees to put in their rooms, to decorate all their own, I stopped... took a deep breath... and left it all up there
This year, just like every other year, it's so easy to get caught up in the hub-bub of what this country of ours (God bless the USA) has made it into... commercial... "santa"... lights/action... competition
to us, a lot of the commercialism is rather like "noise"... polluting this holiday with things other than what this season is truly meaning should be evaluated...
this does not mean not celebrating the season with decorating!! like I would do that! good gravy no... what I am saying is that taking that deep breath up in the attic wasn't as hard as I thought — and there are certain things I will bring down this year for decorating... but a lot of it comes from the seasonal changes outdoors here on the prairie... the grasses are still tall... there are pine cones fallen from the trees... and taking those natural elements and leaving them how God made them in their natural beauty, instead of glittering them this year... gathering cranberries and stringing them for our tree...
instead of... the lights are staying boxed up = candles instead buying new ornaments = using pine cones from our trees hanging silvery tinsel = pheasant feathers
running to the store for that last minute gift = purchasing handmade items
getting caught up = slowing down and embracing nature
I hope you get inspired to take walks with your kids and gather what you have out your back door... look around your house and re-purpose items that you wouldn't normally use...
Today is the FIRST DAY for Jennifer Rizzo's House Walk!! there is a lot of inspiration today over there!! Today I will again be working on a very special project... very special to all of us here at the farm...
i am cleaning out the house, rearranging furniture, helping a friend with her computer 'stuff', hosting a young man's get together and creating a simple pot of chili today
the sun rose beautiful, all your prayers are so welcomed for my dad
he's doing so much better...
thank you so so much
i was listening to someone speak about our connection with each other... how when Christ said 'love they neighbor' what did he mean besides smiling at them, helping them out when they need it, donating to a good cause, helping in a disaster... it went deeper than that
isn't it beautiful how when Christ was preaching he rarely 'said it like it is' but rather made us think... a deeper sense of neighbor for example
this speaker was explaining how our souls are connected to one another because of Him, and because of this, we have the ability to embrace them even after they pass from this world...
so last night, i laid in bed, read some soulful inspirations, closed my eyes and imagined something i have never imagined...
that God is here with me, my Dad, and all that I see... but it's like having it completely dark, and when someone turned on a strong light you'd see God... that the veil was lifted from this life... that heaven is not up in the clouds, but rather, all around us... we just aren't able to see it because our souls are not completely to Him...
well, mine isn't
i unfortunately hold myself back from completeness into 'that realm of heaven'... i love my kids, my husband, my farm, my life, and all these material possessions...
slowly, He is making me realize this and I am able to embrace this life in joys and sorrows while at the same time (trying to be) completely His
when the sun comes up so strong and brilliant and the day is filled with so much, i am completely thankful i can still help others and enjoy this life... and learn more each day or night about who i am... who He made me
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)
it is sitting in my dining room's corner... all rustic and worn now...
i have always liked pie safes, and this one for under $10 at a local store caught my eye, and though I don't have any before pictures, it is just a new piece, was maple, and nothing special it also had a thick wire on it we removed the wire and put in this old screening and took off the handle completely our daughter painted it in old white anne sloan paint, then distressed it :: she did a wonderful job: :
it was recently photographed for some food styling i have worked on with traci thorson as the photographer maria's cabinet and amazing styling was my inspiration for the shot (these are not the pictures by the way of the food styling... it was of a savory pie:)
now, for the next part of this week's renovation... what the 'hay' to do with this shelf above my sink! i love the sign that i bought from stacey back here at the may sale, but too summery for me right now what to do! suggestions would be fantastic...
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,
The October event is right around the corner... Jason and I are working hard to make the event special and unique for everyone visiting (October 7th and 8th) Part of the uniqueness to this past spring's event was hosting an art class with teacher/artist Jeanne Oliver. The class filled up quickly and a creative fun time was had by all who attended. (you can visit here to see photos of the past art class) Creating... within an atmosphere of farm life... sharing... inspiration... memories together... on the prairie under the skylights in the horse barn, and the sounds of the horses and chickens in the background, you will be able to learn from her artistic abilities with and these lovely ladies will be here on the farm to guide you in this process... teach you how to create
~Jeanne Oliver ~ if you have met Jeanne, you will automatically have a smile on your face... Jeanne is not only creative, but such a peaceful soul — so joyful — and it's one of the qualities I admire and aspire to be myself... and having her back to the farm to teach 3 classes this October 7th and 8th is so exciting...
Vintage Art Journal Class (12-2:30pm) Saturday, October 8th
You will take a variety of vintage elements and create a beautiful and usable art/writing journal. You will start with a vintage book and alter it to include vintage elements that make it reflect your own personal style. Each journal will be full of vintage papers and watercolor paper. All supplies will be provided but you are free to bring anything personal you would like to add. You will learn how to stamp onto metals and leathers, different photo transfer processes and mixed media techniques. You will also learn beginning art journaling techniques so you can start filling your journal with your own art. All of my classes give clear step by step directions. Even if you have never created art before you will leave with not only a new piece of art but the knowledge to continue your own art at home. $58 ($50 if taken with the vintage mixed media art class)
Vintage Mixed Media Art Class (3-5pm) Saturday, October 8th You will take a canvas and vintage elements to create a finished mixed media art piece. Each piece will include vintage papers, charcoal, pencil, paint and vintage hardware. You will learn different photo transfer processes, mixed media techniques and how to use water soluble pencils to create beautiful art. All supplies will be provided. You will leave with a completed vintage mixed media art piece on a door plate (escutcheon) stand. All of my classes give clear step by step directions. Even if you have never created art before you will leave with not only a new piece of art but the knowledge to continue your own art at home.
$58 ($50 if taken with the vintage art journal class)
To sign up for any of Jeanne's classes, send her an email at jeanneoli@hotmail.com with subject line: NaDa Farm Art Class
~ Jennifer Rizzo ~ Most of you already know that I love this girl... and how much she has been a part of the last events...
I'm so excited to have her coming to teach 2 very unique classes!
Reflections of the prairie mixed media art class (9-11am) Saturday, October 8th
Bring your coffee and join in on a two hour class where we will create a mixed media mirrored art piece made from a magnifying glass using paper, decoupage medium and the inspiration of the peaceful surroundings. It starts with the 15 minute prairie walk/meditation to gather inspiration. Suitable for all skill levels, Each student will leave with a completed, unique art piece.
$38.00
To sign up for any of Jenifer's classes, send her an email at thecraftyhome@comcast.net with subject line: NaDa Farm Art Class
~ Jeanne and Jen are teaching another class together ~ (1.5 hours 7:30 — 9 pm Friday, October 7th) There is such joy in simply creating, but there is something so fulfilling about being able share it with others as well. Have you always wanted to find ways to let your artwork shine or create paths to promote your unique creations? This mini-class will cover ways to: -Remove the fear and take the steps you need towards being published in national magazines -Learn about the ease and tricks for opening an on-line Etsy or Web store -Get hints and information about what you need to open a booth in a co-op space or antique store -Sell or consign your items wholesale to retailers And more….. $18 It includes 1 hour of pure information and ½ hour of Q and A time. Hosted by Jeanne Oliver and Jennifer Rizzo to sign up for this class, you can contact either Jennifer or Jeanne ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ Jill Harris ~ Traveling from the shorses of Jersey to the farm!! This super talented lady is coming back to the farm to not only sell her one of a kind wares, but also teaching a jewelry class
Jill's class will be Friday, October 7th from 4-7pm
To sign up for Jill's class, you can contact her at: gypsyfleamarket@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Hotel discount information is coming soon!-
Can't wait to see you all again!!! and meeting some new people too...
getting through... changing our minds as quickly as the squash blossoms fall... wanting to do more... see more... hear more... feel more
all of us can raise our hands to the thoughts of wanting more — whether spiritual or material it is our 'human nature' to want to do more
this has gotten twisted to where wanting more is for ourselves
but think about it... how so very unique you are... we are... that we were granted this right to our life... by whom? certainly not ourselves willed it into existence... it was given to us
each of us carry a special place within this life... because of this uniqueness we have... and certain people come into your life, my life, our lives for a reason... and it isn't to become more cynical, more vindictive person, to be more agitated, more stressed, more upset, more judgemental... even though most often times people react this way when confronted with someone "new"...
these wonderful encounters of unique individual souls, regardless of what their bodies are like, create thoughts and feelings within us... giving us inspiration, ideas, new thoughts...
and though we may change our minds often, it is all because we are trying to find more ways to glorify, to lift our spirits, to enhance those bits and pieces that have been given to us since we have been nursed in our mother's arms... always wanting to do more because when we are children we are so willing to do so... to please
dividing our experiences as children to our adult lives can be suppressed just so long... all of us are different from when we were children... and letting go of the mistakes we've made has to be done — sometimes daily, sometimes just once... but those mistakes that we've made, and mistakes are made every day... can help you grow... help you see... help you hear... help you feel
the thing about feelings is that they come and go... so though you may make a mistake, asking for forgiveness will humble yourself like a child, and give you that feeling... but always keep in mind that everyone — every single one of us — has made mistakes, hurt others, whether they want to humble themselves in order to have compassion on you is their choice... but I understand, and I think you do too...
welcomed with hydrangeas cut from the garden in a vintage blue vase set upon a garage sale find nightstand that sits next to a lamp from my grandmother (an old marble one!)
nestled in the nook for whomever happens to stop by, eat a meal, and stay up late talking on the deck with wine, laughter, debates, opinions, and the summer breeze... they get to nestle into vintage sheets hung outdoors on the line, and if blessed by a cool breeze, a small collection of quilts neatly folded nearby to grab and snuggle under
a dream of mine is to open up the corn crib (restored of course) to have guests stay here and just 'be' on the farm with all it's sights, doings, peace and inspiration wouldn't that be grand? i think so like seeing a bee swarm just steps away from the hives (that means another hive is born!!) speaking of bees... we are soon to "spin out" the 2nd batch of 'pure prairie honey' (which in case you didn't see, was in the latest issue of Romantic Prairie Magazine — with Fifi O'Neill) she is so very sweet... as sweet as our honey I think... a good day and night to all xo+blessings,
Want a few fresh touches to your kitchen without spending anything?
thought so
I'm all about "using what you have" and being HAPPY with what you have... and I'm not a frivolous shopper... on the contrary... I'm so very picky with what I buy for our home... a lot of what we have was given to us from either gifts or they are hand me downs... just like Francesca (but I call her Fra:)
so when I saw my good friend Fra's (who lives in Italy) kitchen window the other day, I had to share it here... because just a simple window treatment brought a totally understated yet feminine look to her home
but I love her home — it's not filled with new items, but well loved pieces from family — even her house was her grandmothers! (I do hope you take a look into her beautiful world) We both had our babies around the same time... hers being the first, mine was the sixth... but now we share a common bond of motherhood beyond our friendship of womanhood...
and then there's my friend Stacey... she also posted her kitchen recently and like Fra, it's filled with her own style... and the colors and fun touches are just perfectly placed... she and her adorable little family just moved into this new house and she has big plans... I know how difficult it is to find the money to do the things you want, but in time it all works out... but I say she is doing a fabulous job with what she has (just the way I like it!) I had the privilege to meet Stacey at the past May sale and that meeting wasn't surely long enough!!! We're hoping to meet up and do some vintage shopping soon...
I write a lot like I'm just writing in my journal... for which I am... this is my online journal... but may I just say a big hello to all my readers... you are so welcome here on my farm... here in my journal...
I often get emails that ask me so many personal questions... and though I may not divulge in that too often, most of my posts are actually hand written with a pen in my bedside journal and then re-typed the next morning onto this journal... sometimes with revisions but most often times it's from that leather bound book and black pen that await me in the evenings... so my blog is really an "open book"
and though I may not respond to every comment, I do read every one
just one of my inspiration picture (via country living)
not so much "clutter", and I am working on my daughter to create an oil painting of our dog Samson who passed a few years ago (a black Tibetan Mastiff) someday Jason will build us something like this on either side of the bed... I just know it:) to see more of my inspiration, see my pinterest board: "current project" our master bedroom (you will see why this is a project) it's a place... sorely neglected... it was painted a deep orange on the one wall behind our bed — a sleigh bed that is espresso (but you could also say 'black') the bed came with two nightstands and even though I like the King size (to squeeze a number of children with us at any given time) I really have never cared for it... or the night stands... it was from a customer of Jason's for a job he was doing... the man was moving to Hong Kong and needed to sell his furniture... so a deal we didn't want to pass up... but, it is modern... not bad... but just not what I have in mind for this 'undecorated' look here's the 'before'
our style isn't a "style" really... so we jokingly call it "Farm Style" it's a blend of anything we have on hand really natural woods and found objects pieces that tell a story
the hallway's built in linen closet... will never paint this... love it
a peek into our bedroom...
the armoire is gone it was from our original small little farmhouse in a small town where we started raising our family so I moved it into the little boys room...
this shot of the bed was taken in '09 — tried to disguise the orange wall... to no avail...
(can anyone say "a sorry attempt to decorate"??)
but I think it was a few years ago now that my friend Lulu and I were on the phone and she was urging me to: — get rid of the armoire... check! — paint... check!! — chandelier... I'm working on that... (to check out more about how this master bedroom has slowly being done, go here) I'm approaching this room with a romantic softness that will naturally infuse our farm and prairie life no 'decorating' or such I'm totally flying by the seat of my pants (per usual) and wanting to finish this project by Saturday why? a very special reason... that I will indulge you in on a later day
thousands of years man has cooked on the open flame thinking of that is surely humbling isn't it? we have so many modern conveniences that sometimes we wrap ourselves up and then get caught up in that wrapping and don't remember how things "used to be" for our fellow brethren before the late 18th century if you count wood burning ovens, then you're still not that far away think about that for a minute wood fired cooking was the predominate source of cooking up until about 160 years ago that's it... 160 years is all my grandfather is 95, so it was just 65 years before him (roughly speaking of course)
this is not the type of cooking for everyone, and I understand that, but doing it once and awhile is an extremely eye opening 'event'
and I mean event! The children and Jason all heard of me reading to them aloud some passages of books like psalms or something about wood fired cooking... recipes that were found in this awesome 1970's camping/cookbook... and some much needed modern day inspiration for using foods in healthy ways. Our oldest son is always willing to please my culinary challenges, so he went out there with me to 'start the fire' at about 5pm...
We eat late in the summer to avoid cooking in the heat, and this area is shaded by the mature pine trees on the north side of the kitchen garden... After a tree fell from a storm we have used the thick pieces of the trunk for our seats -
by 5:45 the fire was ready
a tripod with a grill is all I have used thus far just make sure you set it up before you start the fire, or it will make your job alot harder:) also a point of note... wearing long skirts without a thicker apron on front to hold it down is not a smart idea... thus I would highly recommend if wearing a skirt, wear your thicker denim one, not the light airy one that could quite possibly get very very close to setting your skirt on fire... though this would help flame the fire, burns are nothing to joke about! the wood was started with using pine needles and some twigs once it got going, we added some smaller logs he had split and some left whole another point of note... he did all the splitting with an axe he looked about 24 when splitting that wood it wasn't hard because the wood was very dry and the axe sharp this was another way for children to be a part of the cooking even back before stoves
cooking with your children doesn't always mean they are slicing the produce, but it goes back farther than that with the gardening, the preparation, the setting of the table, the hand picked posies from the gardens... all this week I will be featuring open fire cooking and different techniques all by trial and error... xo+fired up blessings,
even for breakfast with some scrambled eggs inside a tortilla this is a very easy dish, and would be great to bring to your next gathering at your friend's house
avocados are in season right now and so delicious, and was my inspiration for this layered dip
appropriately named "supper" because we have this on very hot days
it is nothing fancy, but on a hot day, it is more than enough
bean & avocado layered supper here's an easy recipe for refried beans and then all you need is to start layering... like this... refried beans (you can use store bought of course) one avocado mashed + 2 T. of sour cream mixed together grated cheese (I used cheddar) 2 spring onions finely chopped drizzle lime juice (optional) finely diced tomatoes some finely chopped cilantro and parsley serve with organic corn chips (or tortillas for a heartier meal) shred some more cheese on top of dish
we have been experimenting with cooking over an open flame outdoors and am so stoked to share those recipes and photographs with you have a beautiful weekend xo+fired up blessings,
my good friend Julia lives all the way across the country in Washington
her blog, Blissfully Content, is a constant inspiration... she is trying to live as I have mentioned in yesterday's post... I have learned a lot from her...
Julia's harvest table near her kitchen garden... photo by Julia click on above image to take you to her online journal
