The colder weather and Christmas approaching doesn't 'freak me out'... does it you? Instead of running around buying gifts, try buying from your favorite bloggers' shops that they have online...
seriously
you can buy anything from organic handmade soaps, to jewelry, to nostalgic items, to even macroons and books!
I'm not plugging my own shop... I just know why I do it, and hope that others do too... "to support local businesses... " trust me... it's not about the money (that under $10 item I sold for the month of November, well, I'm not relying on that to feed these guys... it's just fun)
(a few years ago... i don't know about you, but I hate looking at the kids when they are so young... time goes so fast...) I went out this past weekend with my sister-in-law and seriously couldn't even believe how much stuff in the stores were "made in china" that really puts people in our free country out of business you know... help support each other... by doing so, you are not only supporting small businesses, but also cutting back on the pollution that is involved with all that transporting from goods overseas to here... not that I don't like the goods from other countries... just be conscious of what you are doing this holiday- or better yet... do what we do, and not give but one gift per child and spend the weekend with them snowboarding and making memories... it's just a good thing to look at the 'big picture' when it comes to this holiday season: don't get caught up in spending your money but DO get caught up in the belief of the WHY we are celebrating think about it: would you rather give your child a plastic toy with harmful chemicals on it to suck on and break a week (or sooner) after they get it from you? or would you rather give your child your time together? making homemade hot cocoa and wrapping gifts for families that are in need?? let them know the word "charity" not "selfish" or "spoiled"
it starts at home, and to us here at the farm... its simply with nature...
no... not to a publisher... not to the next blogger you meet... not to any editor... but submit yourself to your calling as a mother as a wife as a woman
(one of my favorite depictions of the Blessed Mother when she is being told she is to have a Son) don't get caught up in the shopping... the hustle... the bustle... if I can do it with five kids and nearly seven months pregnant, I think you can too This blogging world is not a competition... it's not something to bring us down... but to lift us up! keep us inspired!! that doesn't mean you have to go out and purchase that cabinet just like you saw at "so and so's" blog and break the bank... or decorate your home just like "so and so" and waste your money on what truly isn't your style but someone else's... help support one another ladies! look around and see it's okay to not spend your money!! For so many of the women in my life that I LOVE, this is what I hear them saying: "Santa" + money + gifts + gas money + stress + anxiety + topping last year's gift + "so and so" + family + Jesus' birth = Christmas take money out of the equation what are you left with: Family + Jesus birth = Christmas sounds pretty good to me... but the best part is this is how it should be here's to a holy and happy holiday season for each of you this Christmas... truly from the bottom of my heart... peace and blessings,
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,
We know how hard it is to get to the store... or want to go to the store
let alone find something unique... hand crafted... USA made...
so starting now, Jason and I have decided to host a big sale in the shop!!!!
here's a peek at what you'll find on sale... as well as other items we still have available
If you would like your items shipped and arrived before Christmas... you have to order by Monday...
**click on images to see them in the shop **
journals the sacred prairie collection...
the cutest little vintage candy canes (limited quantity left!!)
the sweet life...
spoons (hand carved from start to finish)
the ebook: simply Christmas... with farm is able to be emailed to anywhere!! so make sure when you purchase the ebook, you ignore the shop's policy of only orders in USA... Fra in Italy has enjoyed it as much as my friend Julia in USA...
it is only $2.99... and makes a great virtual stocking stuffer!!!
available by clicking the cover here...
and again... and huge thank you to all of you emailing me and telling me you like the book... thank you so much!!! we are SO glad! and it was so much fun doing... that I am in the works on another...
on a decorating note... (fun fun) I totally redid the house today, no money spent — just lots of muscles!! am up late in so much excitement that Christmas is coming so soon... I can hardly wait! the kids and I have some really fun things to share with you...
(and I'm sure I'll pop back in here to journal some more thoughts... no doubt about that)
Kathy! ( rikami212@gmail.com) you are the winner of my little giveaway...
I'll be sending it right off...
it couldn't be a more appropriate day... considering the reason behind the word "santa" is Saint Nicholas...
who was he? a very generous man who lived a long time ago yes, but extremely loved The Lord, followed the Church's teaching of charity, and helped 3 girls out by giving money tossed in their window so as they wouldn't be forced to live on the streets
i think that's pretty great!! and Kathy... you will be getting a nice surprise inside your box!
Thank you to all who entered... the magazine can be found at Barnes & Nobles, JoAnn Fabrics stores as well as online
... the key to independence + understanding + charity + knowledge +(and so much more) don't rely on others to do the work for you... think for you... speak for you... get out and do the work yourself get out there and speak for yourself don't take away from others what they worked so hard to do for themselves... but give to humanity... by saving humanity keep yourself educated keep yourself prepared keep yourself at peace with God first... and your life will turn around whatever you do today will effect your soul... your connection with God... your connection with people both near and far understand this understand that any ill will you give to others will most certainly come back to you if not now... it definitely will come back to you later
life is not about money or worldly things... but don't turn a blind eye and be afraid of sticking up for your beliefs... just make sure that your beliefs are truly for the better good of man educate yourself peace + blessings,
my heart is completely strong and beating within me for you all visiting this weekend
if i could show you my heart, it would be cracking my rib bones from the swelling of love for this event
i love it
i love the excitement, the stress, the organization, the emails, the phone calls...
i seriously (seriously) can say i do not care if it rains, snows, hails, or if the sun shines bright
all i care is that i make this a place for you to take time to enjoy
enjoy this gift of life that God has given you...
to hear the symphony of blessings amongst the prickly thorns
to look upon the land and see the glorious nature and feel the softness of the grass as it sways
that the time here you spend is not for you, but to glorify
glorify the One who gave it to you
a thankful embrace of the autumn splendor which our (oh so needs work) farmette has
you will never find grandeur here
don't expect a marvelously weeded bed with clean stalls and immaculately clean children
we live a real life and within that real life is a chorus of praise for what we have no matter how much work it is, or the amount of dirt that gets under our fingernails
no matter how much we try, it never (ever) is the way we dream it will be
not one thing in this life is perfect not one but it's ours... it's our home... a place we have settled down
all i care is that i make this a place for you to take time to enjoy... somewhere to come with friends or your mom...
to come say hi in the bakery where i will be with my sister, daughter, and dear friend...
to pick out something special i baked with you in mind
to get a cup of coffee and sit beneath the branches in my 'natural bakery' and listen to the live music and chat... dream... relax...
this takes a lot of work
a lot of effort on all our parts — all the dealers sitting in their creative spaces and making one of a kind creations that they love and want to share... the hours of painting and refinishing the furniture... the excitement of finding vintage flannels all around the Midwest to compliment your favorite tall boots and leggings...
work within the families coordinating time for their mom to go out with her friends
effort to save up money to enjoy some shopping to ruffle your nest
the drive out to our farm
it means more than you all know having you here and helping support those men and women who are amazing creators and artists
finally a restaurant nearby that sells local organic food!
Two Brothers... formally known as 'The Roundhouse' — in Aurora, IL. and totally get the battered green beans — yum! We are looking forward to selling some hot peppers and herbs to them!! yeah! maybe we'll trade beer instead of money... epecially the dark beer (not pictured here... that glass is long gone) (can you tell I'm looking forward to the weekend already?)
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
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
this is a personal choice that we are doing as a family
our personal choice to look upon life with simplicity and positivity
no complaining or uttering negativity
what started as something for me, has been taken to by Jason... and now the kids
I didn't force anything upon them... they saw the changes... they noted the difference... however slight it was
when you are raising six children in a traditional atmosphere, while so many others are, well, 'not', one might start to think they 'should' do more
there are so many things I do not share in my online journal... like complaints
everyone's life is deep... mine is ever so deep and sometimes I myself get caught down in that 'abyss'
there are times when I just need to step back and make sure I am keeping my life simple...
and simplicity to me is keeping my eyes wide open and noticing all the political 'goo' and the world's disasters and all of that... I am not blind to the restrictions our government seems to be pushing upon us... I know all about all of that, but keeping positive as much as I possibly can
so did Christ
now, think of that for just a bit... when Christ was alive and his heart was beating upon this Earth within His body... His eyes saw so much that was not good... His hands helped so very many who needed help... his feet walked and led others towards only a positive way of thinking... of being...
connecting the true person of who Christ was into our daily lives can be quite challenging... after all, it was over 2,000 years ago... but Christ was born, was walking around, preached, and lived amongst others
the light He brought forth was exactly that... light
not darkness and oppression
not hatred and judgment
but He brought light upon the darkness... and still does
being positive at all times He was
even when casting out the merchants in God's house; he showed them by force but to a good... not to focus on money
Life and Money gets in the way of positivity I see
you want to live your life free... with unabashed creativity to do what you want... free...
our society has taught that you need to feel joy and happiness when you are successful... have money to do the things you want... and blogging is not helping with this situation...
every blog you go to you sit at your chair behind the computer screen and choose to judge or to accept
Christ accepted everyone for who they were... 'forgive them Father, for they know not what they do' seperating the sin from the sinner
even the people who just tortured and murdered Him he forgave
so that is exactly what will lead me... or lead you... to positivity
forgiving yourself for any wrong doing you did... if you need to go to confession: go
if you need to tell God sorry; do
don't wait another moment to start this project positive
it is a challenge... and it's up to you to think if it is a hard challenge or a fun challenge... catch yourself even to stop thinking of negativity... no matter what
for some of you who are experiencing some very trying times... dealing with the death of someone you love... dealing with cancer... or some serious life altering situation, I know that being positive is difficult at this time... it takes small steps for some and big steps for others
definitely make some time to thank God for the certain blessings you do have — and make sure to get on your knees in adoration and thanks every evening
you heard me on your knees
when is the last time your kids 'caught' you in prayer by your bedside on your knees? when is the last time you 'caught' them by their bedside on their knees? kneeling in adoration humbles who you are and exalts Who is worthy of adoration
this challenge takes nothing more but the will to do it... free will
if you are reading blogs that you get jealous of: stop being negative towards them... this is not healthy... you don't want to be judgmental any longer... you want to be happy for them in their success or failures whether they have 45 followers or 4,500 followers
what is important in life is very misconstrued here on the net... or can be... if you are looking at it with negativity
I must confess, I played it safe with my first open fire meal to show you, by cooking chicken
There are a number of reasons why... the first being expense
I am appalled at how the chicken farming industry (even organic) has chosen to charge such an insanely expensive amount for chicken breasts — de boned -
appalled I say!
$17 was the most expensive for a large family pack — but the average while shopping around was $15...
appalled
Being that our freezer did not have any more chicken (which will soon be remedied) I don't just shop around for the cheapest meat... I just can't... not after seeing so many video accounts of the conditions they treat chickens or what they feed them... If I am in a 'pickle' and can't find organic (which is exactly what happened to me when shopping for this dish) then all natural — no added hormone meat/etc, is what I end up with.
I am sorry to say, that I wasn't pleased with the chicken... but if I hadn't raised our own heritage birds and primarily only eat that humanely treated truly free range chicken I wouldn't have 'scoffed' at the store bought.
You could just say I just made an extremely long excuse for not preparing one of our own chickens instead of going to the store... eh hem...
At any rate, this open fire chicken recipe was a huge hit and we had enough to add to salad the following day with that homemade ranch dressing... I even threw in a few strawberries, hard boiled eggs, some sunflower seeds, and chopped green onions from the garden.
To prepare your chicken — even if it is from your own farmyard — make sure you rinse and pat dry...
Make sure you have your grill set up before starting the fire.
For the fire: 1) start with putting your logs in place... leaning the tops together (to form a tepee of sorts) 2) gather some kindling (twigs and pine needles) and put those under the logs 3) light the kindling (blocking the wind with your body if need be) and gently blow onto the kindling to keep the fire burning 4) add more kindling if necessary in order to catch the logs on fire as well 5) once the logs are burning well, let them be on fire for at least 30 minutes until you start seeing that lovely gray ash form on the logs 6) start moving the logs under your grate to disperse the heat as evenly as you can
when putting the chicken onto the grill, put the center one on first... now, I'm not just saying this to make it look nice, or cook the middle... I am saying this because it is quite possible that if you lay one on the edge of the grill, well, it could flip off and land into the hot ashes as you yourself flip out that you just were so stupid... it's possible you know... Start your grill about 12" from the fire.
open fire chicken
drizzle olive oil onto (bone in) chicken breasts — pick some thyme and rosemary, rub it over the chicken and then leave it on the top of the chicken to add flavor — sprinkle with sea salt and pepper if desired
let cook on bone side down for 20 minutes — keeping an eye on that underside -
flip the chicken over when a golden brown and continue cooking the skin side down until golden also
(if you are using de-boned chicken breasts, the cooking time will decrease, but so will your wallet)
keep an eye on the fire, and move around your logs in order to try and get the heat consistent under all the chicken... if need be, use a pair of tongs to move the chicken around if one is browning too much in one spot... you may also have to raise your grill or lower your grill depending on the intensity of the heat
the chicken is done when it is golden brown on both sides — to double check, remove from the heat, and slice through the thickest part of the biggest chicken breast and if no longer pink, it's done
yum so good and worth every last moment soaking up the time outdoors... having the children around me... under the trees overlooking the fields... thankful for the hardworking husband to bring home the money to purchase this chicken... for the storm that took down the tree in order to fuel this meal... for the herbs growing abundantly in the garden to enhance this dish... so good
To go along with this chicken dish, my home made fresh herb focaccia bread was a must. Over the fire, it made the most delicious flavor... sharing that recipe this week too.
I am also wanting to share something with you that has been very near to my soul... a project I am working on internally that seems to have crept out... I just can't hold it in any longer, and am working on writing more about that... no, it's nothing for the world... but for me... for you... for others... A spiritual enhancement that is a life altering way of being.
picture courtesy of the boys... and Jason's vintage G.I. Joe collection from childhood I have tried wearing silky type clothes, but end up wearing the cotton and linen... the more handmade the better... and I generally do not wear purple with black combat boots
Looking back at this post, I'm so glad I had the lace hanging by hemp twine (now I can take it down with no problems)
heck, I didn't even want a diamond ring for our wedding... just a simple turquoise on silver... my husband's wedding band was something I had a artisan jeweler create with silver and white gold blended to create a one of a kind artistic sentiment of my love (which fell off his blessed finger while skiing the Illinois river... so if anyone ever finds it, let me know)... I would have settled with him tying a piece of hemp twine around my finger...
~Those "things" just aren't important to us~
we don't get caught up or over anxious about being self-sustainable... but strive to be (it is HARD work)... what is more important right now is that we focus on raising our children with us... not separate... they are an intregal part of who we are (there is a saying that 'you are who your kids are')
Our marriage is sometimes rough, but mostly smooth... and I truly attest that to Jason's patience... and though I chose an understated white gold band with a tiny diamond (it wasn't about the money) for my wedding ring (a vintage 1927 Vintage ring we both found the week before the wedding), we are pretty simplistic people.
no tv... we have one to watch the occasional movie... the kids (and there are 6 of them) only watch a movie maybe once a week if that...
no video games... which includes hand held objects of complete wastes of time
we work... we work alot... but to us, work is prayer
We are entering into our 16th year of marriage and only just beginning to get to know each other...
but we both have always been nature lovers... outdoors hiking and mountain biking (Jason used to race mountain bikes — but that is a whole other story in itself)... I used to repel and introduced him to the sport as well... (going to college for a degree in Environmental Science back when only two schools even offered it helped finding the best outdoor spots)
Our love has grown from nature... with nature... and now we raise our children that way... a seasonal way of raising our children...
Our meals are based on the seasons for the most part... Our lives are definitely shaped by the seasons with chores changing monthly by the change in climates here in the midwest (and they sure do change here in the midwest)
unplug yourself... just for a day
There are no princesses here... or princes for that matter...
no pomp... no aires... just a bit of dirt, sunshine, rain and always a breeze Life is dirty... but the bright light of faith shines upon us every day regardless if it's hidden behind an obstacle... there even are tears somedays but they cleanse us and keep us honest... and the breeze seems to always blow something else into our lives here on the farm
Our two girls' are precious to us, just as much as the boys are... but there is no way we are raising them to believe that they aren't going to be getting their hands dirty in life... that work is the way to grace... that working hard at whatever you want to achieve in life is THE only way you reach your goals
Sewing dresses and skirt with them... even embroidering details upon their clothing... this is my opportunity to comfort them with something I have worked at just for them... from my hands to them...
It's the same with cooking... we comfort those around us by preparing a good healthy meal that will help support them through the day... as is for anything we do with our children... life is messy, and we certainly aren't raising any princesses here
all the love and support for this day, xo+blessings,
director Richard Dale's home here he has a gigantic amount of money, but his home exudes comfort and personality a world flair with downhome aesthetics (that above picture is my fav. from his home though) have a great day! xo+blessings,
just weeded three big beds in the potager, started on the perennial beds for the 4th time in the same spot... why these chickens that follow me around don't pick up the shovel is beyond me... I mean, what the heck? can't they see that I need help pulling out violets??? (and may I ask why that is our state flower here in Illinois... seriously... it's cute, but absolutely penance on Earth)
do you see? do you see her just 'high tailing' (pun intended) it out of here! she even has her bestie with her on the right making the escape route...
back inside, I am preparing dinner drinking a glass of wine and getting inspiration like this:
that was a perfectly level concrete slab — with a jackhammer made cracks and planted (click on image to see more)
then there's this great flat in New Zealand...
(click on image for source)
there is no way on God's green earth I could ever have the money to do this, or the energy to keep it up, but such beauty...
(click on picture for source) Needless to say, I bought fox gloves, rosemary, and onion sets today not for the concrete area, but man alive aren't ideas the best? especially on this absolutely perfect weather day life is so beautiful isn't it? i love it
(tomorrow I'll share the dinner... "Donna's Chicken"... if that chicken doesn't pick up that shovel, then guess who's on the plate this Saturday... no... I'm totally joking...) xo + beautiful blessings,
When I was proposed to by Jason (that's a whole other story) and we went looking for rings, I didn't want any diamond... I just wanted that union... that bond... and a simple turquoise vintage ring was what I thought I would get
His mother owns an antiques store in Geneva, IL (it is rated the #1 antiques store in the Fox Valley area) — it really is quite a nice store! (I even do the window displays) — and Karen — Jason's mom — has a beautiful selection of turquoise... nothing was quite what I was thinking... and while shopping with her and Jason, she said "Oh Anne Marie... just look at a diamond... just for fun... "
so I did
through a special eyeglass (forgot the name)...
I was blown away at this rock... so amazingly beautiful... from the 1920's and in perfect condition... set in white gold — almost like silver...
She went on to explain to me how diamonds of this beauty are so rare and... well... she said a lot and I'm sorry to say that I don't remember everything she said... my heart was swelling inside thinking of why this ring was in the store... why someone brought it in and sold it... or was it found... was it someones grandmother's and they needed the money... a family heirloom... was it a ring that was given back to a man who loved that woman and was rejected by her love and she thrust the ring back at him never to speak to him again... the inscription says 1920 and has the couple's initials...
of course, I envisioned her with her cloche hate and smart skirt suit on and him dapper with a fedora and trench coat and pinstripe suit... they were out to dinner and he proposed — she threw her arms around him and... well, you get the idea... this ring was more to me than a diamond — it is like making a new life to this rock... giving it that sparkle that was lost sitting there in the store...
we are so much like a diamond... we start out in life so raw and rugged... and with the constant pressures to do good to ourselves and others we are crushed on all sides... sometimes so stressed we just want to hide away with a lemon meringue pie and a pot of coffee (hypothetically speaking of course;)
let those pressures crush us — it will make us spectacular in the eyes of others and God...
to me, there is nothing in this life more important than being beautiful in the eyes of God
but immediately, we show our beauty to others by our acts towards them...
when things don't go smoothly, on whatever project you are working on, know that is just part of this life process of crushing you further and further until that pressure makes you beautiful in the eyes of God, to others, and yourself...
it's all part of this process... just have patience... we all go through pressure...
many of you have emailed me about diamonds since I posted this... and I wanted to share with you more on how a diamond is made... you can go here.
peaceful Lenten blessings,
btw: you can find an amazingly clear diamond for a fraction of the cost in antique stores!!
I have to admit, that when Fifi contacted me, I thought it wouldn't go right... that she wouldn't like it... I was out in the garden, nails full of dirt, and hot and tired from working out in the garden when my husband called to me "Fifi's on the phone" I started laughing... it just didn't even sound right!... but it was for real... she started talking to me and her voice was so sweet... and she was so genuine... and she put me at ease immediately asking me questions about our farm I answered the best I could, but it all didn't sound worth it for being in a book... so I asked Fifi if I was going to be in the 'decorating no-no section' or the 'romantic faux pauxs' seriously but she laughed and said "i don't think so sweetheart" afterall, I knew the other women who were going to be featured in the book... and I knew that their talent and creativity and decorating skills far excel mine but here we are... she did like our home, and actually did put it in the book...
after a day of photography shoots in and out of the farmhouse, we gathered some elements from inside and actually brought them outside to our prairie we have in the back 3 acres, for a fantastic candlelit dinner shot ... it really was so romantic... so Romantic Prairie Style
we then enjoyed dinner on our deck with both Fifi and Mark... and the next day, our little 5 year old daughter asked when "Uncle Mark" was coming back (she missed him already... and seriously thought he was her uncle... so cute!) both Mark and Fifi are a part of our family now... part of our memories here on our prairie, and I hope when you see our home in Fifi's book, that you feel a part of our life here too... no amount of money could buy the gifts I have received by knowing this sweet lady...
SO WHAT'S THE GIVEAWAY???
A SIGNED COPY OF HER NEW BOOK! enter the giveaway by: * taking the giveaway button and placing it on your sidebar, and linking it back to this post * leave a comment here sharing with Fifi and I what you love (if you wish) Deadline is: February 11th, 2011... 12/midnight Winner announced: February 14th (Saint Valentines Day)
PLEASE NOTE: that the book will not be published until the end of April, and the winner of this giveaway will be mailed a signed copy shortly after the release date... and remember, that Fifi and Mark will both be here at the farm May 20th and 21st for the Farm Event! They will be selling and signing copies here both days... if you want to book your stay for the event, then go HERE ROOMS ARE GOING FAST! (limited rooms available) All the best... xo+blessings, Fifi and
AND BY THE WAY... I'm linking this post to my friend Jenn's fantastic party!! go HERE to join in on the fun!
