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,
my Farm Kitchen is now open! come by for a visit anytime you'd like a "homemade from the heart" recipe
this week I'm featuring the Spritz cookie... a classic cookie here at the farm
Have a great weekend! And oh, by the way... if you have a loved one in the hospital... nursing home... care facility... go visit them love them they need it!! so badly!
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,
Hi! I hope this Christmas house walk finds you all well!! come on in to our little farm house on the prairie...
more than half my day is spent in this little corner of the world... the kitchen my kitchen = my expression = my love for my family = and oh such good and tasty dishes... we ALL get involved in the kitchen! it's my favorite room of the house
these little candy canes are being bagged up for sale in the shop today! check back later!!!
collecting those little tins, I have made a lot of little treats for the kids cakes and tiny pies one of the things I really have enjoyed, is collecting small things like that — after all... I AM surrounded by six little sets of feet scampering about the farmhouse all day:) totally not complaining
thos candy canes are vintage wire ones and the coolest quick decorating thus far this year
this may not look like a Christmas kitchen... but simmering on the stove is some raw milk I'm heating up for baby Daniel, with my cup of tea steaping in the background, and the chalkboard proclaiming I need to slow down and enjoy these last few days of Advent
nature inspires this family of mine... this farmhouse... this soul
yes, that is the mini-conservatory Jason made for me to use in the potager... it's sitting next to and apple ladder... which is all resting peacefully on top of a table Jason also made using reclaimed barn wood
we've "freaked" out a few people with letting our Percheron horse Jordan roam the property free and eat the cool grass... and this picture simbolizes so much to me freedom
instead of taking all the pine trimmings and making thick swags, I am leaving them raw extending their life from outdoors right into our home unpolluted
a bunch of lavender grens as well as pine branches surround Mary especially since it's the feast day of the Immaculate Conception! Dear blessed Mother... so gentle and kind... may I always give my all to others through sacrificeMary... help me to be closer to your Son
the girl's room... all vintagey turquoise + red and simply so fun & cute!
this house most certainly is never 'totally tidy'... especially when you give your daughter the freedom to create in her 'vintage horse room'
back downstairs, in our once dining room (now turned living room) pinecones, dried oranges and an eskewed lamp;)... things are not perfect here
Daniel even got some new stuffed toys I hand stitched this holiday season... I couldn't resist letting him have them before Christmas day! he also loves playing with my yarn balls like a little kitty
he sure does love his sister... what a blessing a big family is!!
that's the end of the house tour for me... in case you missed stop #8, it is my very good personal friend, who literally lives just 30 minutes from the farm: Traci Thorson... she's our official photographer for the farm events and certain other publications... as well as stop #10: blondienc who has a great blog! --------------------------------- I'm so excited to present to you the very special project all of us here on the farm have been working on together... especially Jason and I
We've compiled some simple and traditional holiday recipes and easy to make gifts in this E-BOOK
AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY!December 9th!! it is an online e-book!!! We are so very excited to share this with you! (more on the book tomorrow) We also have something else to share!!
the winter 2011 collection of hand carved spoons from NA.DA.FARM Jason has been hand carving spoons they are so beautiful and special each spoon is one of a kind made from his own two hands truly beautiful 100% made by hand from reclaimed timber from the farm and other local wood organic in nature... organically finish each piece is sealed with organic olive oil... the safest sealant for wood used in the kitchen
We are opening up shop once again for some very wonderful hand crafted items from both Jason and myself... tomorrow!!!
From all of us here at the farm... peace + blessings,
Wishing you all a beautiful White Wednesday and a peaceful 2011...
the front and rear entrances to my potager (kitchen garden)
and no, none of these pictures were altered... this was a gift one morning... and this is why I chose that spot for the Cake:
I turned the bend, and saw footsteps (of whose I don't know, because they stopped where I wanted the table set up) and in case you didn't get to see my cake and setting, you can just scroll down my blog to the previous post and see more of what I did in our woods for Christmas...
Hello!! I hope you all had a very blessed day with your family and friends
A special thank you for everyone who takes the time to stop here and say hello, leave comments, and read... thank you
We were unexpectedly blessed with having our Christmas here at the farm... alone... so peaceful and quiet
it was wonderful
here's an inside look all around the house... and a bit outdoors too
the mudroom...
the kitchen...
the three oldest when they were little in front of our old barn as "the nativity" scene... a treasure for us
can you tell I love the shelves Jason made for that wall?
my little snowman that our 11 yr. old son hand carved and made for me... i love him so so much! he even made the little mittens out of felt! the tree...
the living room...
I set up a little wine bar on the bookshelves in the living room
we added shutters in the bathroom, and i hung a jar my younger sister made with some lavender and spruce
upstairs in the kids rooms...
the boys' tree and decorations (they love to do it themselves)
and the girls' room... much different than the boys:)
and in the master...
a very special birthday gift from some good friends:)
my dresser was temporarily a wrapping station
made in Germany... these little angels lull me to sleep with their beauty
a view out the master... the first snow...
little Daniel's blue woolen coat hanging in his room
going back indoors, we are baking and feasting and loving this wonderful life...
Hope you are all celebrating all 12 days of Christmas...
one of our favorite dinners this time of year is what I shared in our e-book
inside the e-book you will find originnal farm recipes for: a slow cooked apple jelly ham + homemade cranberry sauce + yeast rolls + from the garden squash
some of the things I like about this meal are that {{ it is simple {{ slow cooked {{ all from scratch {{ in season I made the ebook step by step in order for you to take your laptop or iphone onto your kitchen counter (or look to your desktop) so that everything is perfectly simple easy and delicious I am actually "in charge of the ham" this Christmas for the big family get together at Jason's family... and there is a reason for that they too love that recipe Whatever you are cooking for the holidays, think about doing something slow cooked that will feed a crowd... ham is one of our favorites, because after an early supper, you can put the ham in the fridge and eat some delicious ham and cranberry sandwiches for a late snack! you can order your copy of our ebook: simply Christmas... with farm HERE it also makes a great virtual stocking stuffer!! especially for $2.99
Have a wonderful first day of your week!and another 'have fun' planning your Christmas dinner!!! peace + blessings,
that excited, happy, joyous, (more overjoyed really), filled with blessings, love, thankfulness... the whole nine yards (where did that saying come from — does anyone know?) it hit call it the sunshine streaming through our farmhouse windows or the love and support from friends and strangers from people viewing the ebook, but regardless, it hit I just ran to the kitchen to start some potpourri on the stove (I know that sounds corny, but if you haven't ever made homemade potpourri with orange skins/cloves/cinnamon — do it and then judge me) we are decorating more of the tree tonight — songs + cookies (which I haven't baked yet!) + more music and I'm sure a bit of chaos with lifting chubby four year old fingers up to the top of the tree to hang ornaments and a stray baby crawling on the floor to reach his stuffed candy canes... this small farmhouse is tight sometimes, but I wouldn't have any other way treasure this moment wherever you are, and if you haven't told someone you treasure them do it do it now... a priest once told me that if I think about my grandparent's then call them — that moment don't wait I just took pictures of the new downstairs living room (well, rearranged...) and will be back after some cookies are in the oven can I hear a 'hallelujah'?? we might not all be of the same religion, but one thing binds most of us all together at this time... and I don't know about you, but let's wipe that grumpy face off — even if you don't have a single dime to spend on Christmas gifts, you STILL have things to cherish... and life is one of them so go on out there the rest of the day and SMILE LAUGH!
BE MERRY!! AND BRIGHT!!!!!!!!!! Christ is shining through you! SHOW IT! with so much love and peace,
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...
the more and more time I spend on this farm, the more I realize how we become who we are by simply just working with what we have, and listening to our surroundings... opening our eyes
that is the great thing about life it is constantly changing... with new ideas... and right now, with advent season upon me and the farm, a new perspective on quite a few things have entered into my life here and yes, even in my farm kitchen...
this cabinet was in my craft room... it's a small nook off the living room which I use to sew and create in but when Fifi was here, she made a comment that this white hutch, was out of place... that it didn't fit into the rest of the house except for the kitchen (where we have white cabinets)
I didn't get upset... not in the slightest!... but it got me thinking on that ever since she brought it to my attention I just thought it looked good where it was... but who am I? certainly no decorator!! so this past week, I moved that hutch into the kitchen, where the chippy paint/jelly cupboard was...
make sure you stop and smell the roses wherever you are... these are still from my birthday! within the hutch, I tucked a few treasures...
a few ornaments here and there...
it brightened up this space even more... in all areas of the kitchen
sometimes friends and family make fun of me moving furniture around like this, but call me silly, but doing so, changes the physical and mental atmosphere here... decorating therapy so to speak possibly *************** i know my little "Christmas Cowboy" is in this photo... he had a birthday this past week... and he looooves being a cowboy (i love it too)
my very good friend Traci Thorson, as you all know I'm sure by now, is not only an amazing photographer, but her home is so real/inspiring/cozy/and oh my good gravy that kitchen!
Jason was the carpenter back earlier this year for the kitchen remodel — it's a wonderful farmhouse kitchen!!
She is one of the most unpretentious and genuine persons I know... and her home shows these virtues
Traci's home is stop #17 on Jennifer Rizzo's Christmas House Walk... it's been a great walk... and I'm loving be on this other end this year... to see my home for lat year's walk, go here
to see Traci's wonderful home and all the others, go here or to Jennifer's blog here
When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? ~G.K. Chesterton
what G.K.Chesterton told me through this quote was that gratitude is simple and comes from the most basic needs of this life... how I need to remind myself of this fact daily... that the most basic needs are what we need to thank God for even legs or in my kitchen... peppers
As I am stringing up the last of the peppers that we covered under our makeshift frost protector, I can't help but look at all the colors and variety now hanging down like jewels from our kitchen windows... out the window it certainly looks like winter with branches bare, but as the trees loose their leaves and fall to the ground to blanket and help protect the flower beds below with their natural mulch: gratitude is there gratitude is there in the morning with cutting boards waiting at the ready
gratitude is there with a clean kitchen and my tea kettle whistling
as Chesterton again had said: "Gratitude is the mother of all the virtues." from gratitude... it all starts... all other things flow... and all this week will be a self-enhancing inward journey for myself to find more and more gratitude amongst my life here on the farm...
in order to say 'thank you' properly, we have to first slow down and figure out how we would like to thank our Creator... for our life... let's start with a thank you letter... there is too much going on in my head at most times, but if I slow down and take out some writing paper (nothing fancy), I can begin to open up my mind to take in all that is going on... start the process of gratitude today I will be starting that letter to Him advent is right around the corner and I want to be fully prepared for the feast!! a lot to plan, yes, but if I break it up into small bits (starting with a thank you letter), more grace... more joy will follow peace + blessings,
It's a bit after 6:00 am Sunday morning and here I am
instead of making coffee I heated some up from yesterday's second brew
for my mind was awake and my eyes were still shut
My younger sister came for a few days... we don't see eachother much... we don't see eachother enough!!
All this time I am devoting to making "prairie swags" and prairie this and that — all that wasn't going to be for sale... it got me thinking how much I am just making for fun... made for you...
when you enter onto our humble farm... don't expect grandeur... there's no 'fancy' here
there aren't playsets for children or a bin full of corn for the kiddies...
it's a place of peace...
resting your eyes upon the horizon of soon to be harvested golden soybeans... fiery red grasses and golden rod reaching towards the sky... geese flying overhead to usher in winter's call...
A small little farm
A humble little place
What you'll find here is your choice... you may not find peace walking in the prairie... you may walk for the heck of it and see only weeds, and look at the horses and chickens in disgust of their "smells"
You may just come to shop and find nothing while shopping and think it was a big waste of time
or maybe you choose... choose to really see with your heart...
In anticipation of spending time with your girlfriends, husband, or even alone, you wear your favorite worn in jeans and comfy jersey top (and a few accessories that express "you") and you make plans for a country drive... finding parking 1/4 mile down the road you grab your shopping bag, sling it over your shoulder and enjoy the walk up to the farm's gates... upon entering the farm, you walk past the kitchen garden coming to an end and glance at one of the perennial beds that surround the house... you look out and see the horizon... up is the very clean and clear blue sky... and if it rains, your umbrella pops up to keep you dry, or your unabashed childhood rings in and you enjoy the fresh rain upon you... the crispness of the day invigorates you... you don't know or care what is for sale... no expectations...
Browsing the wares under the tents... you find those perfect unique gifts for your niece and mother... you know you won't be able to purchase these things again, so you seize the chance. Talking with new people, or keeping quiet to yourself, being on the farm is energetic yet calming. You see the white pillar/posts swagged with autumn prairie... it leads you to the barn while your tummy starts to grumble with scents of pie and coffee, soup and whole wheat rolls... and music... the guitar playing is stunning... you order a cup of coffee and vow to eat a cupcake before the night's end... taking it all in, you listen while your eyes browse the shop... being inspired... no regrets coming
The cupcake was delicious, and with your hands cupping your homemade soup bowl, you venture under the trees in the prairie to sip your soup and feel the warmth of the peace within your soul... a deeper connection with nature... within yourself... thanking God for giving you this opportunity to be outdoors with a warm bowl of soup. Your heart warms even more as your sweet friend and you laugh and talk as you walk the prairie... hearing the hum of the bees and picking a tuft of grass as it twirls in your fingers... memories
Your life is utterly unique to anyone else's... your experience here on earth can be that of thanksgiving and connection
you have heard me say this before, but a nice comfy vintage sofa in my kitchen would be perfect, if only i had the room...
thermos's at the ready (the small new one from Jen Rippenger's booth at Past & Present Shops)
a vintage clay mug from the Open Air Market... it's holding all of Jason's newly carved spoons, knives and honey dipper we'll be selling in the shop online soon
there's always room in my kitchen for Her
I also bought this little dust broom at Open Air Market hosted by Cheryl Hunt in Sycamore
a little treasure by a bird that once resided in my grandmother's home and a shelf from someplace along the flea market path from years ago... it is the simplest room of the house... and has to be... it's where all the baking happens... the baking nook i like to say
it's still only early morning on a sunday, but i'm already thinking of tomorrow
the kids have embraced their mother-teacher and i have embraced the routine and deep thinking and discussing time with my children
: : i think she loves the kitchen as much as i do: : i have bits of canning to do this week, and all sorts of things to get ready for the upcoming barn sale, but this time of year makes me rearrange... look at things in a crisp view... the mornings are cool enough to wear a sweater while the afternoon's warm sun sheds the sweater and fresh air fills the house with the faint scent of harvested corn and a nutty earth smell from fresh tilling a glorious time
i'll be sharing bits and pieces of each of my days this week...
I recently had some girl friends over... I encourage them to bring a friend... and I'm so glad some of them did... it's so nice to meet new people...
the night of Cupcakes & Cocktails was so nice...
I got to showcase some new recipes for some cupcakes I want to sell in October here at the event... = lemon and lavendar with a white chocolate/buttercream frosting = apple pie cupcake with buttercream frosting = gluten free chocolate cupcake with whipped cream mint frosting (the total favorite with the ladies) = carrot cupcake with classic cream cheese frosting = my classic (favorite) chocolate cupcake with white buttercream frosting (the other favorite)
i made these simple flags and inserted them into the cupcakes to let the ladies know what was what
I rearranged the rooms (more on this new look later this week) which was so fun to decorate for the get together
the table Jason made is perfect in the corner of the room for a buffet...
and of course... the cocktail...
when I have the 'hub' in the kitchen, I put my large cutting board on top of my stove, and use it for extra counter space... it works out great... here's the cocktail I made up (yumoramma... but after 4 o'clock only:) -for one drink — 2 oz. gin 2 T. na.da.farm pure prairie honey 4 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice 4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice -put all together in your cocktail shaker and shake it up good... serve over ice-
A hit with old and new friends alike! I would like to thank Midwest Living Magazine for such a nice article on me and the event/barn sale my husband and I do twice a year... thank you!! (there was a 'typo'... we are 80 miles WEST of Chicago, not East:)
The article is in the Out and About Section...
there really was no need for my picture!! for more information on the upcoming events, you can follow our homestead website: na.da.farm What to expect this October here? -ART on the Farm is back again... so very excited about the diversity we are presenting to you — BARN SALE... theme this October?? Prairie Holiday Jason and I are presenting a new area to the event... I'm working hard in the kitchen to offer my very best cupcakes and baked items for sale... enjoy the day! xo+blessings,
definitely one of my favorite meals during this hot summer sliced avocado, Havarti cheese, a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly chopped basil on whole wheat bread served with fresh cucumber slices if you have multi-grain bread or a sourdough, this dish is even better this meal I will sorely miss in just a very short time
all this time shuffling around the house preparing for school and the activities that follow the ending of the summer such as filling up the cellar with the preserved goodness from the garden, makes these quick and satisfying meals essential but truth be told... I cannot wait to simmer a pot of soup and slow roast a chicken (besides, I am losing my touch around the kitchen without all the daily cooking! it's been raw foods or grilled meals... I think my family is ready for it too) many of the women I know are purging the unused and unloved items within their homes' cracks and crevices... dusting off things that they don't use and donating them to charities such as I am there are so many things I do not use, or really like, that we have taken in from friends or purchased ourselves, and I think this time of year is so exciting because there are so many wonderful sales out there my advice: buy what you really like see what's out there help support those local businesses original art at the art shows... that antique dresser from a local shop... whatever your tastes are, here are my picks for this weekend: ************************************************************* Room 363 (one of the most talented display artists I know owns this shop)
if you live around Chicago, then you are familiar with Naperville a new shop, called Room363 is opening the doors this weekend for the very first time *************** and if traveling (or living) West, A Ruffled Nest in Sycamore is open this weekend too (I would definitely recommend trying to get here at 5pm Friday... she sells out quickly) I will be there before 5:) I have my eye on a neat old dresser
******************************** In DeKalb: a ribbon cutting ceremony at Carter's Cottage (Christie carries Annie Sloan Chalk Paint... and even has a new classroom for this very purpose... I have used that paint and love it!!!) looks like this avocado/Havarti meal will be my 'go to' sustenance for a quick meal before heading off to shop ************************************************** peace + blessings,
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 heat makes us pick super early in the morning and late at night as soon as they come in, they get washed and kept in the cellar, while we wash and prepare the jars and lids
the next morning, it's time to dice/slice and start the brine
we went a bit "overboard" with planting cucumbers we enjoyed them so much while gazing out at the frozen tundra during the harsh winter
since we went overboard, we are able to share so much with friends and family... and I'm so glad the garden is doing quite well considering the heat and due to planting so close together in most places, I am able to not weed so much (imagine that) so I did some more sewing using a striped sheet and appliqued a sailboat on it for our daughter
I didn't perfectly line the stripes up... without a care I made this skirt... she doesn't mind and neither do I we had lost power from a terribly windy storm... the weather up here is quite peculiar lately and I almost caved and got an air conditioner almost but once again, we chose not to it's almost a game now... letting it cool off inside the house and run around and closing the windows at just the right time... funny really... but with heavy drapes and quick feet, we are able to keep this old farmhouse cool enough... but we aren't using the oven, instead the grill and the side burner outdoors which I am hysterically calling my 'outdoor kitchen'... someday... someday! I am however, taking a break from pickles, and am blending and juicing them galore quite versatile anyone know of uses for cucumbers? I would love to hear how you use them in and out of the kitchen
= fans working overtime to cool down our brows = kids in and out of swimsuits more than the ice cubes in the freezer making their way to the glass of suntea = trips back and forth to the potager get better every time = no "in the kitchen" meals, just fresh from the garden and grill = little hands coming inside with green tomatoes to slice up and add to salad
summer means no worries... no schedule...
this summer is a busy place full of memories...
spending the late afternoon on our farm with 4 Seminarians = go kart rides = swinging from the tree swings = chasing after chickens = walking the prairie = ping pong games = TONS of laughter = lots of hungry appetites!! ~menu~ — Blue cheese filled burgers (served with a homemade roasted red-pepper sauce + sauteed mushrooms w/onions) -grilled zucchini (drizzled with olive oil and rosemary+thyme) -grilled sliced potatoes w/red onions and cheese drizzled with olive oil (wrapped tightly in recycled foil) -and my (almost) famous chocolate cake
These amazingly joyful group of men filled our hearts and souls with more joy in the Lord, but also made us ache with laughter...
