Souvenirs [Search results for Farm Style...] 

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

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~ 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

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~ 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
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~ 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...

xo+blessings,

stopping in the garden to add fresh herbs

while the open fired chicken is still cooking, we raked the coals under the grill to be able to put the pan ontop of them while nice and hot

the chicken was still blazin' while the focaccia was cooking slow

when the chicken was nice and golden brown, we removed it from the fire and kept it warm indoors by just placing it in the oven... but next time, I will make sure I start the bread sooner

you can see from the above photograph that it is rising from the baking happening underneath
I knew if I added aluminum foil it would cook quicker on top, but I was avoiding using it for this dish

here the bread is cooked almost on the bottom — you can see the golden crust forming yum just make sure you keep turning it and move the logs near the bread in order to capture the most heat

Focaccia alla Farm Style
Mix 3 and 1/2 cups unbleached flour + 1 teaspoon instant yeast + 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl add 3/4 warm (110 degrees F) water a bit at a time + 2 tablespoons of olive oil -mix thoroughly
Add enough warm water (about 1/2 cup) to make a soft dough that forms into a ball (use your muscles and a wooden spoon)
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead... If the dough is too dry, add a bit of warm water by the teaspoon If the dough is too sticky, add a bit of flour by the teaspoon
Knead for just about 4 minutes is all — just until it forms into a ball that is held together nicely, not smooth and elastic like most bread recipes
Place dough ball into an oiled bowl, place dry towel over the top of bowl and let rise at room temperature until doubled (about an hour) *you may also place this dough into the refrigerator overnight and return to room temperature before proceeding the next day*
After bread has risen, transfer it to an oiled 18" pizza stone or 2 — 9" round pans (may use pie pan if that is only thing you've got)
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil + 1 teaspoon sea salt + 3 tablespoons of room temperature water and pour mixture over the focaccia... spreading to the edges of the dough Dimple the dough with your fingers Let rise for 45 minutes
Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired, fresh rosemary and thyme
if using the open fire... Place pan(s) onto hot raked out coals for 30 minutes -making sure to rotate pan every 10 minutes-
Place pan(s) on its side of the campfire ring -rotating every 10 minutes until cooked on top-

if using the oven... Bake in a 425*F oven for 20 minutes or until golden on top

Don't be surprised if the bottom gets a bit crisp when cooking on the fire it's still delicious
and makes a great leftover bread to use for a breakfast idea I'll share another time...
as far as the spiritual activity... there is more time I am devoting to this and will most definitely share this with you soon but thank you for all your emails regarding this... I have not forgotten to share my heart and soul with you
xo+fired up blessings,

just one of my inspiration picture (via country living)

not so much "clutter", and I am working on my daughter to create an oil painting of our dog Samson who passed a few years ago (a black Tibetan Mastiff)
someday Jason will build us something like this on either side of the bed... I just know it:)
to see more of my inspiration, see my pinterest board: "current project"
our master bedroom (you will see why this is a project)
it's a place... sorely neglected... it was painted a deep orange on the one wall behind our bed — a sleigh bed that is espresso (but you could also say 'black')
the bed came with two nightstands and even though I like the King size (to squeeze a number of children with us at any given time) I really have never cared for it... or the night stands...
it was from a customer of Jason's for a job he was doing... the man was moving to Hong Kong and needed to sell his furniture... so a deal we didn't want to pass up...
but, it is modern... not bad... but just not what I have in mind for this 'undecorated' look
here's the 'before'

our style isn't a "style" really... so we jokingly call it "Farm Style" it's a blend of anything we have on hand really natural woods and found objects
pieces that tell a story

the hallway's built in linen closet... will never paint this... love it

a peek into our bedroom...

the armoire is gone it was from our original small little farmhouse in a small town where we started raising our family so I moved it into the little boys room...

this shot of the bed was taken in '09 — tried to disguise the orange wall... to no avail...

(can anyone say "a sorry attempt to decorate"??)

but I think it was a few years ago now that my friend Lulu and I were on the phone and she was urging me to: — get rid of the armoire... check! — paint... check!! — chandelier... I'm working on that...
(to check out more about how this master bedroom has slowly being done, go here)
I'm approaching this room with a romantic softness that will naturally infuse our farm and prairie life
no 'decorating' or such
I'm totally flying by the seat of my pants (per usual)
and wanting to finish this project by Saturday
why?
a very special reason... that I will indulge you in on a later day

xo+master 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,

I'm not here to say "this room is fabulous" or "look at this!" or anything like that... actually, it is more like: our home
thrift store finds... beloved pictures of my grandparents by their working horses when they were young... birds an old friend gave me... peacock feathers... and canvas tarps on my couches

I could write a whole series of posts on how to stop copying other people's decorating and embrace what you have...

the round table currently has a number of library books strewn on it's round top...
pillows are missing on the couches... ideas of black and white feather pictures and more Native American art is in the works... our office is filled with that sort of thing...
truthfully... Jason has quite the eye for style (he wouldn't admit this of course) but I like his rugged influence on our home... I like to call it "rugged classic style"... or how about "farm style"
:) 

horse drawing by our oldest daughter... pictures of my grandparents when in their youth... bird from my old friend Cathy... camera collection of Jason's and a bowl full of found arrowheads and old pottery we find
it's a simplistic version of the museum room...

a photograph I took while visiting here a few years ago
— i love black and white —

but there it is... our living room... also known currently as "soooo cozy" via our kids who take turns on the new 'daybed' (really just the twin bed that was in the sunroom that got moved out without the frame)

what's that you say? an empty front room now?? oh yes... empty except for the sounds of the piano and an old hutch... needless to say, plans for in there are sure to come... but first, I think I'll bake some pie:)

An honor to be chosen from Fifi O'Neill's new cookbook for an Italian publication...

From the Italian magazine "COUNTRY & COUNTRY"...

Conforto per corpo e anima it reads "Comfort for body and soul... "
3 out of the 6 photos are of me and Farm... all I can say is thank you!!!
there I am drizzling locally raised lamb shanks with olive oil and my rosemary from the garden above me are my kids and a few friends playing on the ancient oak tree swing on the south side of our grounds
and the farm to table style dinner in the bottom photograph, taken by Mark Lohman, under the pergola and table strewn with fresh food I made for our large party of friends, including Fifi herself at the head of the table... it was her birthday, and though I wanted to make her, her favorite dessert, bread pudding, my oven stopped working and so became another favorite, rhubarb compote with bourbon dressing served with slow churned vanilla ice cream
The recipes in the book are so very delicious, as Marylout Tapp and Jennifer Rizzo (bottom right photo above) will agree.
The settings are inspirational and the recipes fresh and delicious.
No wonder it is in Italian!!
My recipes for the farm to table dinner are all in the book, pictures of our farm and me preparing it as well...
a wonderful book
such a complete blessing to be a part of that!!

saying it in Italian is so much more beautiful... Conforto per corpo e anima!!

(almost as beautiful as Latin)
xo+delicious blessings,

a choice

a blessing

a star-spangled flag...

lately when I think of freedom my arms want to burst from the sides of my apron as I look out my kitchen window to almost claim that moment's right upon me for freedom

even in the most oppressed nations, you can still feel the freedom inside you, but your arms are tied behind your backs to proclaim it... the country's leaders forbid such independence

when I used to work behind a desk, in a cubicle (that job only lasted a short time... my sense of self was being squashed between those stuffy desks and intensely stressful vibes surging through my veins to complete 'the job') I could not wait until that noon lunch time hit — to the second, I would grab my car keys and b-line to my tiny little car... hit the sunroof open, pretty much peel out of the parking lot and head to a local forest preserve...
I would sit in the sun, even in dead of winter...
it was freedom from everything

freedom for me is that direct connection between the land and myself

that is why so many people are claiming this word "farm" into everything they are doing... from style inside their homes... to their blog titles... their names...

The word 'farm' and 'freedom' harmonize...

people don't go into the city to feel freedom (well, at least no one I know)... but the country...

the farm

the wide open spaces...

like my arms out wide exclaiming my freedom... the sky that we gaze at and the wide horizons I dream of and that inspire me so much...

you don't have to be living on the farm to throw your arms up and proclaim your freedom...

you don't have to be a mom of six children to let others know how much you value life...

you don't have to wear the flag and carry a gun...

freedom comes from within...

you can see freedom grow by planting a garden... being able to plant those seeds you saved, and nourished and weeded and harvested and preserved... watching that little seed flourish...

that seed is planted in us

that seed is planted from our forefathers who loved God first and that is exactly why they came to this great country... to plant freedom here... to plant freedom to reseed itself and flourish...

to throw their arms out and breathe in that sense of awe and wonder

let go of all the complications and burst your arms into the air wherever you are and proclaim your freedom

peace + blessings,

what's new... : : 2 cans of Glidden Excellence 'oyster shell': : 1920's love seat: : vintage pillow: : blue French desk: : bark cloth: : pink satin throw: : blue satin dresser catchall: : yellow travel case: : watercolor art work next to bed i'll share how & what i did later... for now... there is a bottle of locally made sherry to share with my husband of 16 years
you see: he was traveling during our anniversary on an out of the country trip as a temporary fisherman/free spirit, so I decided to surprise him with a complete bedroom transformation

he likes it

xo + blessings,

YOU WON JoLynn!!!
(winner taken by using random.org) Send me your address at: ndfmama@gmail.com in order to receive your signed copy of Romantic Prairie Style, by the one and only Fifi O'Neill!!

Here's JoLynn's comment: ____________________________ JoLynn said...

Oh, how I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this style!! I feel like I have just "figured out" what my style is {actually a mix of things}, but I would be so thrilled to win this book!!! Thanks for the generous giveaway!:)
Wednesday, February 02, 2011 ____________________________

Congratulations JoLynn! Fif and I have loved reading your comments... and if you aren't JoLynn, then both Fifi and I would love to extend the invitation to come to the Farm Event this May 20th and 21st, here in Illinois, where she and the photographer Mark Lohman, will be selling and signing the book... hope to see you!

Fifi &

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

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!

So how did you all do editing your homes over the weekend??
If you started making progress... that's good... but don't let it stay that way...
seriously... get rid of anything that doesn't mean something to you...
the thing about styling your own home, is to have it reflect you...
how do you achieve this??

buy what you love put odd characteristics together
I don't shop at Home Goods or Hobby Lobby for decor items... that just isn't me
I just sort of do whatever feels organic...
like when Gilberta started laying her eggs this past month, it seemed only right to put them out for display...

but it doesn't have that 'punch'
maybe it's because I have five kids and STILL expecting the sixth but whatever the reason... the eggs under the cloches just isn't what I'm thinking...

this is more of what I'm thinking:

via: trine thorson


via: Andres Schonnemann
I'm no professional... and my idea of 'style' is evolving it seems into an area that I didn't know existed!


via: living inside
I used to be all about antiques, but now, it seems, that I would like to add more eclecticism into the decor... some bold colors... just pops — keeping the background neutral — in white and tan...
just as life evolves, so can your style
LET IT HAPPEN!
the worst thing you can do is get in a rut... and not try adding a new look
if you like that large glass turquoise vase at the thrift store for $5 — buy it -
if you want to add an old school blackboard to your living room wall — do it
if you like all your kitchen utensils packed away for a change and nothing on your counters — super!
TRY a NEW style... by just editing what you have...

though my hands may be calloused from working around this farm in the summer, winter time they are inside tending more towards the interior once spring really comes, that fresh bouquet of flowers are just the right accent (like in this photo — with the peonies on the coffee table) 

via: amelia1
let's see where this will go...
xo+blessings,

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

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

o

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

office type


manon21


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

peace and blessings, xo

I had to add this... but I can SO feel the love around the world today...
all from a humble man named Saint Valentine...

isn't it awesome when we send eachother love??


something I made a few years ago
Every day this week I will be featuring one of the dealers that were invited to sell and have accepted my offer to join me, in the NEW barn...
YES! We are moving the sale into the BIG BARN, where my husband has converted a section of this barn into the Farm Market!!!
He has built a 12' High by 60' Long Wall... it's where "the shop" is...
and the "outdoor market dealers" are

SO LET'S MEET ONE OF THESE AMAZINGLY TALENTED LADIES!!!

Today's featured dealer is Jill Harris... or as we all know and love her: Gypsy Brocante...
here's what she just sent me...

is she the coolest gypsy or what?
Jill is packing that gypsy caravan all the way from New Jersey to the prairie lands of Illinois!! (too exciting)
Here's Jill's own words: "Revived vintage treasures with a gypsy flair and free spirit style... all with a history to tell"
she's so cool

She makes amazing... (and I mean amazing) jewelry...

And these original and oh so treasured GYPSY style tops... she even hand dyes the lace... (wouldn't this be the cutest thing to wear with a comfy-thin t-shirt and long denim skirt for the BOHO-BALL???

she's a new addition to the Farm family of dealers, and I can't wait until she gets here!
She's on her porch today... and having a great party... which you are ALL invited to...

You can SHOP for Jill's Gypsy Brocante HERE and visit her on the porch for a totally fun party HERE
Have a fantastic start of your week!
xo+Gypsy Blessings,

the rhythm of music can change your perspective... your mood...
which can be a good thing!
there are times when this farm gypsy lover of music just has to share with you
Josh Garrels is one of them... how would I describe his music style?
Poetic, creative, talented, fresh, genuine
in my written journal that resides next to my bed and captures my evening sentiments and dreams of tomorrow, music does the same for me
as i am a self-taught acoustic guitar singer/songwriter, i am very much impressed with Josh's ability to sound out his real life through his music
as I share my life... music doesn't seem right to be separated from this online journal
sometimes on a Wednesday, I will feature a special artist... one that we are listening to on the farm...

you have to look at people without judging them... beard, no beard... tattoo, no tatoo... you don't know their faith... you don't know their history... all you know is that he/she is your brethren 

Josh Garrels

how are you going to change the world?
those that are the smallest I think make the biggest impact... not the giants shouting from the mountain tops...  humility is love... love is humility
what has this got to do with music? everything when you are an artist, whether of sculpture, clothing or music, yourself is expressed through that art
it's a beautiful thing... and can change your life...

now if only Josh would come out with an LP (hint hint Josh)
xo+blessings,

One of THE biggest influences for this upcoming May Event here at our organic farm has been
TRACY PORTER

she sent me these collages she made just for us to see!!
A mother of four
A successful entreprenuer
A midwestern girl at heart, but lives sea-side now
A true love for life... family... gardening... nature... and following her instincts

If you are saying "who's Tracy Porter" then go HERE
and think Macy's... Bloomingdales... HGTV... Better Homes and Gardens... E! and countelss other places
this girl doesn't mess around... she's 100% pure "her"
not conforming to anyone's standards, but rather setting her own

I had the priviledge to interview my new friend...
it seriously has got to be the one of the coolest things that has happened to me this year... getting inspired by Tracy
her answers are in turquoise:
1) When you moved to S.Barbara, did you bring everything? Or did you edit your items to suit your new home? a. Our move to Santa Barbara was one filled with many choices, and huge emotion…including a major crazy edit. So crazy that we hired an auction company to sell a lot of our stuff…I am the original magpie. I throw away nothing. Sick, and wonderful. I did not go to the auction, it went on once we moved, I would have been a wreck to watch it….to weird…..I had to really separate, and it was just stuff…..plus we brought what we needed and it was a good edit, and most importantly I was moving across the country with what I treasure more than anything in my world…my family.
2) Where is your favorite place to shop?
a. I love old things so I get pretty amped in vintage shops, flea markets, thrift stores, goodwill anything second hand is good to me….I fill my pockets with sour patch kids, put on a backpack and off I go…I need to be free to touch and smell everything, and the candy helps me just not get too wound up …I am a really excited person when I get around old stuff. Well…I am really excited most of the time anyway.

3) Do you gather the most inspiration from? Nature? Visiting other countries?
a. I gather from anything and everything. I look at stuff non-stop….I am a very curious bird, always wanting to explore. I adore travel…so much. I find it to be really freeing…but I am a girl that can sit on my bed with a glass of wine late at night and a stack of books or magazines and I will write down a notebook full of thoughts in an hour. I don’t have to go across the pond to get inspired I can find it quickly and I think that helps me in my process. I work very quickly, and I move onto to new things fast, which is good based on the range of stuff we get our fingers into.

4) How often do you rearrange your furniture? And when you do this…do you clear out the whole room and start from scratch? Or just ‘edit’?
a. I tend not to do major overhauls, I am more of a vignetter….life gets so busy with kids and our company…but I find it really inspiring and relaxing to move stuff around. Once a week ( maybe twice) for sure I am moving things….in little ways here and there…If I repaint ( which I want to soon) then I really go all out and move stuff. Always after holidays. .big changes too….oddly.

5) What advice can you give, on how to decorate using your passion?
a. I get that decorating can be really intimidating. I always encourage following your gut on choices. Make a list of what you love, what makes you giddy…knuckle biters…why do you love them… tear magazines apart, look through books, or websites and look at what you’ve gathered. You really do know what you love, and what you are passionate about. Find a way to inspire yourself…movies, songs, scents, imagery, something must stir you deep inside…ask yourself questions and you are on your way…little steps, a vignette a powder room…always start small.

6) Do you have a place of your very own in your home that you like to snuggle up to with a good book and a glass of wine?
a. My bed. Always.

7) Your clothing style and your home décor items blend so well together, and I can tell it’s from your heart and soul (that’s one of the reason I like your style)…timeless really…but do you ever feel like going with the trends?
a. I look at everything that’s going on of course in stores, magazines, online, sometimes I am sucked in. Mostly not….I just do what I do….and that’s what feels right to our company, and I am pretty sure to our customers. I want everything to feel really special, very soulful, layered…I want what we create to feel timeless and unique, feel good stuff. I am grateful that we have had the good fortune of people buying our things for nearly 20 years, ….we have done our fair share of learning along the way…skinned knees, etc. You try things, and you look back and cringe, but you have to try things….I mostly look at what we have created with a full heart..that we are still here…. working harder than ever…and for sure more humbled than ever. Being in business can really be superb for perspective….it’s an endurance game…I always compare it to running cross-country back in high school.

8) What’s next for ‘Tracy Porter’…another book perhaps? A TV show??
a. YES!!! Working towards so many things….in this day you really have to keep a lot of irons in the fire, so we do. We don’t take anything for granted, we just keep moving along, moving forward, making new plans, setting new goals…..we are happy to be able to do what we do every day. We will always evolve and try new things, and re-try things…..that’s the interesting piece in all of this..you really have to put yourself out there. So we do!

9) What’s your favorite kind of food? And do you cook?
a. Food is huge in our home. My husband is an amazing cook, and I love to cook as well. We love everything…ethnic especially. ( but we don’t cook a lot of ethnic, that’s more like date-night!) We eat a lot of fresh fish, love Sunday roasts, all veggies…yes, yes…homemade pasta….we like preparing food…we eat late (8pm-ish) which our kids are fine with. The kitchen and dinner table are so important to us and to the way we are raising our four boys. We want them to appreciate how to grow, shop for, make and appreciate good food. I want the smell of food from our home to sit deep in their souls….I am a big believer that the kitchen table is a very healing, healthy and nurturing place for families.

10) What advice do you have for those who have children and that are trying to open up a business? Whether online or brick and mortar?
a. If you are able to work from home, then try it. You may find it easier with children. We used to go into our studio, but since we moved we are trying a work from home situation, and for our family it works really well. Flexibility is key, because owning and running a business never stops. Even though we make it a point to not “talk shop” at night…it can sit on my brain….and I work so hard to be in the moment with my family. Online is great as you may have more options with kids and their oddball schedules. Sometimes you need to try things one way then change them, don’t get too rigid about following a perfectly created plan, as you need to know business is about change and being able to change with it. I have heard far too many people straight out of business school with brand new business’ tell me all about their plan and how it is all going to work as they have it all thought through and then they flip when something didn’t go as perfectly planned. Business is a lot like life, planning, goal setting….but more than anything flexibility will get you through anything.

11) What kind of music do you listen to?
a. I have Pandora on all the time and my mix is all over the board….from Feist, to Bread, to Cat Stevens, Brazilian music, Melody Gardot, Beth Orton, Bebel Gilberto, Seals and Croft…..I am a child of the 70’s so it’s deep inside of me but my French Grand’Mere lived with us…so Edith Piaf was always playing, Billie holiday was as well, Nina Simone …..I still love it all. I have an awful voice ( totally tone deaf, and never remember any words) but I love to sing….so I really crank it in the car and just go for it!


she's goregous inside and out
Thank you so much for your lovely thoughtful questions. Oceans full of kisses to you all!!!
xxx
Tracy

SHOP Tracy Porter HERE

Read Tracy's SO fun blog HERE
She has made numerous videos on everything from decorating advice... fashion... to beauty tips
I literally spent an entire evening in awe...
what an inspiration she is to me and to anyone! to be true to yourself and follow your heart
If she only lived back in Wisconsin... then she'd be able to attend the events here! ~and come over for a glass of wine and a homemade dinner~
Tracy and I have a HUGE surprise for you soon
HUGE
xo+blessings,

(yes, now I have 3 Tracy's as friends... one with and "i"... one with a "ey" and one that is just "y") hilarious

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 will we ever be able to attend to the spiritual enhancement of ourselves when there is so much to do of this world ?? There are meals, laundry, work, kids...

to be organized within these tasks we can then find time to devote in prayer and /or meditation

meal planning...
a huge responsibility in our lives, no matter how many children you have at home — and besides breathing, meal planning is the most often misused area of organization (hence fast food chains)

It may take some time, but trust me when I tell you it is worth it

So, we are going to start today... what do you have planned for supper? you should know... if you do not know, then let's find out... let's plan

On the net, there are so many wonderful places to find recipes, but let's start in your recipe box... you know, those good, great or delicious recipes tucked away in that cute box you have in the pantry from Grandma or Mom, or a good friend, or a neighbor down the road... and don't forget those cookbooks and magazines

Where Women Cook is a magazine you can find online or in the bookstore... and is really more like a cookbook than a magazine... very well put together. This past Spring, 2011, right after Daniel was born, I had the privilege to cook and style and write for Where Women Cook...

I also had the honor to work together again with my very good friend and amazing food photographer, Traci Thorson.

it was a 'Family Pizza Night'...

Gathering together for meals is certainly nothing new... and pizza is such a fun and easy way to bring the whole family together with ingredients fresh from the market, your pantry, or a quick trip to the store if it's winter...

You can find 'Family Pizza Night' on the farm in the March issue... I grabbed this from the website...

To see more about Where Women Cook, and the issue my family and I are in, you can visit their website here: WWCook

So let's get a pen... print out these below documents I put together to share with you, and make some great family meals... get organized... and have some more time! imagine that!! more time to devote to your spirit

here's an easy to follow Menu Planner... (and later this week I will put up a grocery list)... let's start this Sunday... you have the whole week to think of all those great recipes you want to share with your family...

Here's a quick recipe:
Chicken and Peaches with Sweet Potatoes...
Take one package of hormone free + organic chicken thighs... put them in your crock pot with a can of (home-preserved preferably) peaches with the juice... slice 3 sweet potatoes and put them on top... then slice 1 small onion and put that on top of the sweet potatoes... let simmer 7 hours and it's time to ring that dinner bell

peace + blessings,

Want a few fresh touches to your kitchen without spending anything?

thought so

I'm all about "using what you have" and being HAPPY with what you have... and I'm not a frivolous shopper... on the contrary... I'm so very picky with what I buy for our home... a lot of what we have was given to us from either gifts or they are hand me downs... just like Francesca (but I call her Fra:)

so when I saw my good friend Fra's (who lives in Italy) kitchen window the other day, I had to share it here... because just a simple window treatment brought a totally understated yet feminine look to her home

but I love her home — it's not filled with new items, but well loved pieces from family — even her house was her grandmothers! (I do hope you take a look into her beautiful world)
We both had our babies around the same time... hers being the first, mine was the sixth... but now we share a common bond of motherhood beyond our friendship of womanhood...

and then there's my friend Stacey... she also posted her kitchen recently and like Fra, it's filled with her own style... and the colors and fun touches are just perfectly placed... she and her adorable little family just moved into this new house and she has big plans... I know how difficult it is to find the money to do the things you want, but in time it all works out... but I say she is doing a fabulous job with what she has (just the way I like it!) I had the privilege to meet Stacey at the past May sale and that meeting wasn't surely long enough!!! We're hoping to meet up and do some vintage shopping soon...

I write a lot like I'm just writing in my journal... for which I am... this is my online journal... but may I just say a big hello to all my readers... you are so welcome here on my farm... here in my journal...

I often get emails that ask me so many personal questions... and though I may not divulge in that too often, most of my posts are actually hand written with a pen in my bedside journal and then re-typed the next morning onto this journal... sometimes with revisions but most often times it's from that leather bound book and black pen that await me in the evenings... so my blog is really an "open book"

and though I may not respond to every comment, I do read every one

you are all so unique... thanks for stopping

enjoy your day!!

slow cooked lamb shanks... asparagus with Hollandaise sauce... white bean ragout... homemade fettuccine... warm rhubarb-Bourbon compote with vanilla ice cream

That is what I served for Fifi O'Neill and Mark Lohman (a friend and the wonderful photographer of this book), and our other guests that filled the long farmhouse table outdoors, at a farm to table style dinner late last spring.
All those recipes are now in Fifi's new book, The Romantic Prairie Cookbook
It was a pleasure having Fifi over for dinner again, and though there were some mishaps (like my oven breaking down) it all was meant to be that way. The recipes in the oven had to be changed quickly, and a quick trip to the garden inspired me, and from the reaction from our guests, they were more than happy with the results.
I'm honored to have been in this book.
Like Fifi's description of the book: "Field-fresh recipes and homespun settings"

here are a few shots from the rhubarb-bourbon compote...

this will be my 'go to' cookbook this 2012... there are some really great recipes and beautiful settings in here...

thank you so much Fifi for asking me to be in this cookbook it was such a pleasure preparing the food... and bringing it all to table
xo+blessings,