photo courtesy of Un Coeur en Provence (click on to visit Laeriss's great blog) this above photograph stopped me in my tracks it is so completely opposite from what I decorate like, yet I really like it so free like... expressionistic... flea market treasures I have seen some amazing homes this Christmas here on the web... I'm so impressed with what you all do!! and that above picture is certainly not Christmas decor, however, it has given me some ideas I hope to implement tomorrow and share with you by the weekend (besides... this farmhouse needs a bit of rearranging and color I say) hope you are enjoying your moment in life,
I received an email this morning that got me thinking about my Bohemia roots...
the rich colors of Hungarian needlework at a market... picture source unknown as 'family legend' has it: some of my ancestors were so poor that they had dirt floors and when someone would come to visit, a design was drawn into the freshly combed dirt floor with a special type of broom
My family isn't a big family on that Hungarian/Transylvania/Bohemia side, but I do know that some of them were in fact gypsies...
my Hungarian grandfather with his team of work horses he plowed the fields with
my Grandfather today... he just turned 94 on Easter Sunday... and still in the garden Bohemia style to me is a free expression of the wild and rugged countryside of Europe cuddled with gentle touches from exotic travelers that passed through that region
my Hungarian grandmother with flowers in her hair... both are more absolute FAVORITE pictures of them (of course, the family doesn't have any pictures of the gypsies... I wish!) I chose Bohemian Italy — which could be hard to figure out — for the event, because to me, both Italy and Bohemia are so rich with culture and surprise and texture and intrigue... and I do like a challenge... Blending Italy and Bohemian style has been so much fun!! Muted colors with blasts of color here and there I am so excited for the event, and to see all of you again who came before and meet new people too... and in the true gypsy style, ALL bloggers are welcome to come to the new BLOGGER TENT!!
image via tumblr (please forgive me for not knowing the source... if you know, let me know)... I love this image! It will be a special place just for all you bloggers... to meet... mingle... have some champagne... and have a great time meeting new BLOGGERS If you are coming, let me know and I'll add you to my sidebar of 'who's coming' for those of you not coming, I so wish you could... and as you can just imagine, but life is pretty much consumed with my sweet baby Daniel and this upcoming event... Have a great day!! xo+blessings,
that is our hope for all of you at the upcoming show we are hosting for all of these fabulous people
HERE'S A LIST OF OUR INSPIRING VENDORS that will be joining us for October 2012 Barn Sale/Flea Market in no particular order... ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, RE PURPOSED, RUSTY AND COOL... Cracker Jax Counting your Blessings Eclectique Boutique A Sort of Fairytale A Beautiful Party Gray Graniteware Farmhouse Lis Dunn Designs Simple but Different Lemon Grass Designs Whimsical Perspective Red Bird Vintage Rachel Polly 'bags by Margaret' Carter's Cottage Nikki Sisk and Nancy Bratcher A Ruffled Nest Fabbychic All My Musings Fine Line Antiques Francie Skoflanc Peg Feltes FOOD LIST:
Steve from Farm Food (serving locally raised all beef hot dogs)
Anne Marie from Farm (serving coffee, hot cider, gluten free cupcakes, regular cupcakes, cakes, pies, pie pops, etc)
Christina from Simple but Different (working along side Anne Marie... because she's my sister and we love her baking!!)
there will also be warm apple cider and coffee
I'll be sharing pictures here and on this blog for the next 2 weeks
Greg Wheaton is gracing us with his soulful music for both days this October!! you can check him out here (his CD's will be for sale... but they do sell out quickly)
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)
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
Classes are filling up quickly!! Only a few left!!!!!!! OCTOBER 7th & 8th JEWELRY CLASS BY JILL HARRIS: (Friday night) To sign up for Jill's class email her at: gypsyfleamarket@gmail.com HOW TO CREATE AN ARTFUL BUSINESS (Friday night) & HER ART UNDER GLASS CLASS (Saturday morning): To sign up for Jen's class email her at: thecraftyhome@comcast.net VINTAGE ART JOURNAL & VINTAGE MIXED MEDIA ART (both on Saturday afternoon) To sign up for Jeanne's class(es) email her at: jeanneoli@hotmail.com peace + blessings,
Kara... a kindred soul to be sure... a friend of mine... has opened up her brick farmhouse for a unique event and if I could, I would be there in a heart beat!!!
click on image to see more about Kara's event! helping support one another is vital to life... and Kara is one of those women who inspires me with her love for God, and her amazing talents and style
Kara almost gathered her uniqueness to the farm to be a part of my sale, but with little ones, it was just too hard to leave them... and I most heartily agree how difficult that would be! so she decided to host an event on her own... and I am so very proud of her for doing so... and so wish I could be there... (make sure you click on the image to see more about her event!!)
Vendors are securing their places here at the farm... they will be lining our gravel drive to the sale barn... where more dealers will be amongst the stillness of the prairie and the sights and sounds of the farm.
For those of you attending the art classes here (limited spaces! reserve your place today!!!) the entrance fee is waived of course to come and shop:) Make sure you bring a cozy sweater to enjoy that morning cup of coffee at Jen's art under glass class — what an awesome class this is! don't miss it!! Jill Harris is packing up her amazing pieces of found objects to create with you some unique jewelry and Jeanne will be here on the farm that weekend to teach once again... she so enjoyed her time here on the farm with you gals at the class this past May, and didn't want to miss this opportunity to enjoy the autumn prairie and create with you again.
To sign up for Jen's class email her at: thecraftyhome@comcast.net To sign up for Jill's class email her at: gypsyfleamarket@gmail.com To sign up for Jeanne's class(es) email her at: jeanneoli@hotmail.com
The weather is PERFECT today... and can't wait to get out to the barn after our studies are done!!
If you have any questions about coming to the event, I would be more than happy to answer them for you. Just email me at: ndfmama@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE!! IF YOU ARE COMING TO THE FARM AND PLAN ON STAYING OVERNIGHT... THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS WILL BE EXPIRING THE DISCOUNT IF YOU DO NOT RESERVE YOUR ROOM BY SEPTEMBER 23RD... so reserve your room today!!!
be back soon with pictures of the barn xo+blessings,
wild caught from Alaska automatically catches my attention (pun intended) when perusing the grocery store... it's something I cannot find at the farmer's market in Illinois you can catch salmon in Lake Michigan, but these beauties came home with me...
slathored in a honey — mustard — butter sauce
and encrusted with crushed pecans and bread crumbs
a favorite dish of ours here's the how to: purchase salmon with skin on still melt 1/2 cups of butter in a small bowl, mix together the butter +1/4 cup of honey + 4 tablespoons of Dijon mustard paint that onto the meaty part of the salmon crush 1 cup of pecans mix together the pecans and 1 cup of homemade breadcrumbs + press onto salmon over medium heat, grill for about 20 minutes at most (until edges of salmon flake with fork) — you can also cook this in the oven at 350*-
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...
do you ever see "diy" stuff here? nope well, rarely do you ever see Anne Marie painting something? nope why is that you wonder??
hhhhhmmm... could be because I like making cupcakes rather than painting, or even weeding for that matter I'm not much of a painter, but so admire people who do it well, and with the right 'stuff'
so downtown in DeKalb, there is a new store Carter's Cottage and Christie, the owner, is a certified, bonfied, dealer of this precious paint...
when I was there shopping, and meeting Christie, she was just opening the first boxes... so exciting!
she's a total cutie, and we hit it off... we had so much to talk about... we literally talked about repelling in the south to flea market shopping... if you are in the area, her shop is a must go!! I even picked up a great turquoise metal youth chair that is now my oldest duaghter's art chair (more on that this week — we re-decorated her room!!) here's Christie!
make sure you tell her I said "Hi!" when you go in... so... who out there has used Annie Sloan paint?? and what did you think? (I really like the finish it gives on the furniture... a softness about it)
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:)
suffocating on constant noise in the world, I physically removed myself from it this week in adoration me alone in silence with Him I set up the day and time... brought my notebook and pen... it was the best thing I could have done for myself, my family, and my healing from a personal issue the very same day, we had to travel 45 minutes in the car, with baby Daniel at a constant cry — no matter what his dear siblings did for him to try to make him quiet
in both situations it literally took me over 15 minutes to detox myself from the clamoring in my head
all I know is that when I silenced myself that is when I could acutally let the Lord speak to me... not the world
today's thought: the world is given to us from the silence within
yes, the living room got rearranged again (surprise surprise)... from top to bottom: 1)vintage suitcases hold family photographs and picnic on the go ideas... 2)one of the coolest toys for children of all ages... 3)the rearrange... 4)globe collection courtesy of the children's grammy + one from a flea market jaunt with Jason, for which they are all money banks except the big ones, so hopefully it will promote more savings... 5)chest of drawers with baby clothes & toys + blankets... 6)my chalkboard from when I was 5 and I "played school" — things really aren't any different
trying to avoid bananas is hard for this mother of six... it's so easy to keep a few on hand in the cooler in the car for a quick snack for baby Daniel or the other kids (or me)... but it is not a local fruit
if I was to eat local fruits that are available at my farmer's market it would be mostly berries in the late spring — summer and then apples, peaches, and the possible plum
not complaining, but pretty much just whining that I wouldn't be able to eat bananas again if I go with that idea of only eating seasonal and local with no waste
with all that being said, I did recently have a few bananas on hand, and some ripe strawberries
for this food styling, I brought it into one of my favorite pieces of furniture that rests off of our living room... it's an old cabinet, and Jason replaced the back boards with a wide tongue and groove... a recently favorite place for me to take photographs of my last food styling job for Jo Packham's new book which I had the honor and priviledge to work on (more on that later)
even makes a great dessert if served with ice cream or freshly whipped cream
in blueberry season, add whole blueberries as a substitute for strawberries
spending the weekend at my grandparent's home, he at 95 and her at 92, we recorded stories with our video camera of his time in the war... how he started a car with a blow torch... hilarious, inspiring, humbling...
they laugh A LOT and i love them for that and all they taught me and still do... here our society thinks we are so progressive with 'eco-friendly' this and that
no way after listening to my grandma talk to me about her life on the farm, the only thing they threw away were chicken bones even at that, throwing away meant burying them they would dig trenches in their garden (my mom does this still) and throw away the chicken bones or fish bones... buried in the garden to decompose and add nutrients to the soil
humbling...
they would go to the store for only flour, sugar, coffee and salt
it really made me think if i could do that — it would literally be a life changing endeavour Jason can't live without peanut butter or coffee, so I could just keep using my organic co-op in DeKalb for my peanut butter ( you use the same container — fill up, go home)
i'd utilize my farmer's markets a whole lot more
cook only fresh
no more store bought anything in a package except the flour/sugar/coffee/salt
can you imagine the amount of work I would be doing for myself??
humbling yes, inspiring: most definitely
i keep asking myself "if she can do it, why can't i?" Jason and I talked of this all the way home, and here's what we have decided... that I need to start small and gradually work my way to only throwing away chicken bones in the trench in the garden
getting a few hogs = yes
getting a hoop house = yes
getting a milking goat or cow = yes
we have big plans, which means we most likely will either do all three or nothing... Jason is an 'all or nothing' type of guy (and i love him for that)
(they even plant where they usually plant annuals... they are no dummies!) please note: if anyone in my area has pasture raised hogs for sale now, a hoop house (or know of where to get a very nice one), or a milking Nubian goat or jersey cow, please relax.
photograph by Traci Thorson in may of 2011, Jeanne Oliver's bag was hanging on the door for sale, as well as a flower I made from brown recycled paper and newspaper... this image is now in the pages of Where Women Cook magazine those flowers were noticed by Carrie Rosen, from hot house market, who sold her wares of all sorts at that same sale... in may of 2011
traci thorson photography
i am so sorry to say i didn't shop in carrie's booth, or anyone else's booth
here's another shot of the flowers, but I put them on cattle fencing I rolled, added lace to the outside, and the flowers underneath...
traci thorson photography
i was so busy with a newborn and hosting that large farm to table dinner with Fifi, that there just was not any time... but today, I'm in Indiana on a photoshoot with Traci Thorson at Carrie's new shop! an amazing shop in LaFayette Indiana hot house market Carrie and Todd hired me to make those flowers and a few other things... but it's mostly a fun mini-road trip with a good friend we thought we'd squeeze in a photoshoot while we're at it:)
... on another topic...
I'm also linking up with Jennifer Rizzo for her garden walk...
flag bunting on the vegetablr garden fence
the wonderful scent of privet in bloom
lastly but not least a bird house my mom & dad made for us
have a fantastic rest of your day... a wonderful weekend... and may you be an inspiration for others in virtue with grace
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,
how to give more to my family in the garden and less from the store and even farmer's market
how to make a wood fired pizza oven and start cooking by fire more
how to congeal my thoughts into something substantial for you...
how to simplify
being happy with who I am = simplifying staying home and making do = simplifying not being swayed by what the world find to be valuable = simplifying not worrying about the future = simplifying eating out of my garden = simplifying
many people who I talk to about simplifying their lives start with something organic, like eating or supporting local farmer's markets
truthfully, the only way we, as individuals, can live simply is an individual decision... find out what is clouding your mind...
is it from the television? the computer? the shopping at "big box" stores??
Television is a waste of time for us... kids included
when looking out the window the other day, I noticed my oldest son walking around the grounds... alone...
not discontent or melancholy, but rather, just walking... he is a big thinker (I have no idea where he gets that...)
so I asked him what he'd like to do this week, now that we are done with studies... a bike ride... camping... bowling...
I was all ears and rather eager to grab my keys and his water bottle and take him wherever he wanted to go...
'Mama... that all sounds like fun... but I like it here... (insert brother's name here) and I are planning on making a movie today in the woods... '
okay I thought... he'll change his mind... now that I planted this seed of inspiration and fun thoughts, he'll want me to take him later
My parents recently took a trip to Italy... they "forgot" to bring me but they did take lots of pictures, which aren't digital, so I can't share them, but let's just say my Mom's photography skills are rather close to a professional..and some of what she has shown me were almost hard to believe! Visiting Tuscany... Venice... having a coffee on the balcony overlooking Venice like I said... they "forgot" to bring me... and the children... and even my husband
the above picture is not my Mom's painting, however, she paints rather well and I don't know the source of that painting above, but it did spark the idea behind the sale's theme
source unknown the rich colors of Italy's flowers and buildings are so amazing! who said you can't mix orange and blue?? nature sure didn't say you can't... and Italy screams it at you in such an iconic way
As soon as Mom and Dad returned and showed me their 1,465 photos on a warm summer day on the deck, the inspiration ignited like those colors I have always admired in rich Italian oil paintings (as you know, I collect colorful oil paintings) Being that I have a historically traveling family heritage, there sure isn't an ounce of Italian in me, but I'm sure my gypsy aunts and uncles stopped by the roadside grotto and had a cuppa on their travels
when Jenn and I were shopping at a local vintage clothing shop right after the October sale, I saw the coolest boho-dress (which I really hope fits me still) and I said I was going to buy it for the May ball, and our two heads combined to come up with the Boho-Ball! It's all about creativity... color... inspiration... and not caring what the styles are but being yourself... HAVING FUN!! That's what this May event is all about... HAVING FUN... and enjoying buying local... shopping... eating... while enjoying the fresh air kind of what I suppose my Mom and Dad experienced when they shopped the Italian markets without me
Half of the space that my husband Jason and I have designated the sale area of the barn, is what we like to call the "Market"
a dream market... photo by Finn Lyngensen in the market you will find these AWESOME dealers... and just like the gypsies they are, they are traveling from all over!! ~ Traci and Mark (from Morris, IL and Geneva, IL) ~ Denise and Janice (from Geneva, IL) ~ Jeanine Burkhardt... CHippY ShaBbY!! (from Wisconsin) ~ Laura... Verbena Tested Treasures (from Florida) These dealers will be selling their wares in the "Market" area of the barn and will be separate from the other space designated as "the Shop" (but that's for another post... soon!)
ever since last October, I have been planning this "Market"... with flowers, herbs, & baked goods made by me... and we'll be serving lunch as well for a nominal fee... and no, I won't be selling my cured hams from the barn rafters... not this year at least...
market in san lorenzo if the weather is nice, there will be blankets available for you to borrow and take out to the prairie for a picnic... anywhere you want in the prairie... to soak up the sunshine... time with friends and enjoy your afternoon out at the farm... (sir Charles the rooster won't mind a bit if you share your crackers with him and his gal)...
My Mom is out here today and she has the best ideas... and we are going out to the "Market" and "the Shop" so she can help me feel left out she went to Italy with my Dad and "forgot" to bring me
and to help decorate
Hope you can make it to the "Market" to see the amazing finds they are bringing!! Jason and I won't buy all of the awesomeness we'll save some for you:) enjoy the day! xo+farm blessings,
there is nothing better than a bright sunny day and a clean kitchen to get me baking my special organic chocolate filled cupcakes coming right up! (have to practice before I sell them at the sale right??) I had a fantastic time with my two daughters and the baby at Kane County Flea Market Saturday... it was so great to see the dealers who were invited to sell here at the farm. It's so important to Jason and I to make personal contact with them... besides, a day out shopping is just what I wanted/needed. Meeting up with two friends I haven't seen since before the baby was born was great too! I don't know about you, but spring is awesome isn't it?? I LOVE the feeling of spring!! A HUGE thanks to all you other super duper dealers at Kane setting out our fliers... I love all the support you give one another... and we appreciate you spreading the word of our sale (yes... I said super duper) I saw some awesome booth setups and great stuff to buy there — but didn't buy anything this time — my hands were kind of full:) can you believe he's a month old??
& a very special thank you to Lauren for such a sweet girft!
click on image to find out more about a 'dynamic duo' that is coming to the farm for the May Event/Barn Sale (if it doesn't rain) I'm off to the Kane County Flea Market today! have a fantastic day...don't rely on anyone else to make this a good day... it's up to YOU xo+farm blessings,
