Hi! I hope this Christmas house walk finds you all well!! come on in to our little farm house on the prairie...
more than half my day is spent in this little corner of the world... the kitchen my kitchen = my expression = my love for my family = and oh such good and tasty dishes... we ALL get involved in the kitchen! it's my favorite room of the house
these little candy canes are being bagged up for sale in the shop today! check back later!!!
collecting those little tins, I have made a lot of little treats for the kids cakes and tiny pies one of the things I really have enjoyed, is collecting small things like that — after all... I AM surrounded by six little sets of feet scampering about the farmhouse all day:) totally not complaining
thos candy canes are vintage wire ones and the coolest quick decorating thus far this year
this may not look like a Christmas kitchen... but simmering on the stove is some raw milk I'm heating up for baby Daniel, with my cup of tea steaping in the background, and the chalkboard proclaiming I need to slow down and enjoy these last few days of Advent
nature inspires this family of mine... this farmhouse... this soul
yes, that is the mini-conservatory Jason made for me to use in the potager... it's sitting next to and apple ladder... which is all resting peacefully on top of a table Jason also made using reclaimed barn wood
we've "freaked" out a few people with letting our Percheron horse Jordan roam the property free and eat the cool grass... and this picture simbolizes so much to me freedom
instead of taking all the pine trimmings and making thick swags, I am leaving them raw extending their life from outdoors right into our home unpolluted
a bunch of lavender grens as well as pine branches surround Mary especially since it's the feast day of the Immaculate Conception! Dear blessed Mother... so gentle and kind... may I always give my all to others through sacrificeMary... help me to be closer to your Son
the girl's room... all vintagey turquoise + red and simply so fun & cute!
this house most certainly is never 'totally tidy'... especially when you give your daughter the freedom to create in her 'vintage horse room'
back downstairs, in our once dining room (now turned living room) pinecones, dried oranges and an eskewed lamp;)... things are not perfect here
Daniel even got some new stuffed toys I hand stitched this holiday season... I couldn't resist letting him have them before Christmas day! he also loves playing with my yarn balls like a little kitty
he sure does love his sister... what a blessing a big family is!!
that's the end of the house tour for me... in case you missed stop #8, it is my very good personal friend, who literally lives just 30 minutes from the farm: Traci Thorson... she's our official photographer for the farm events and certain other publications... as well as stop #10: blondienc who has a great blog! --------------------------------- I'm so excited to present to you the very special project all of us here on the farm have been working on together... especially Jason and I
We've compiled some simple and traditional holiday recipes and easy to make gifts in this E-BOOK
AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY!December 9th!! it is an online e-book!!! We are so very excited to share this with you! (more on the book tomorrow) We also have something else to share!!
the winter 2011 collection of hand carved spoons from NA.DA.FARM Jason has been hand carving spoons they are so beautiful and special each spoon is one of a kind made from his own two hands truly beautiful 100% made by hand from reclaimed timber from the farm and other local wood organic in nature... organically finish each piece is sealed with organic olive oil... the safest sealant for wood used in the kitchen
We are opening up shop once again for some very wonderful hand crafted items from both Jason and myself... tomorrow!!!
From all of us here at the farm... peace + blessings,
For the May 2010 Sale at the farm here, I sold bundles of 'raw books'... old books that my daughter and I removed the binding from (this was hard to do to books I must say) What was left, was these beautiful old binders, and being that they were red, they inspired me to use them for the "Farm Menu" for our recent dinner party (see here)
Everything was made from scratch... the food and the decorations the best advice I can give anyone attempting a dinner party "from scratch" is to plan, organize, and make ahead some of the food!
Here's what you'll need: ~ old book covers (front, back, and binding still in tack) ~ a glue stick ~ old sheet music ~ and some bits of old lace and feathers (if desired) ~ some hemp twine for the tie ~ an awl and hammer ~ and of course, the printed image for your cover First off, take the awl and hammer and make holes in your (now) menu covers
This is the image I used courtesy of The Graphics Fairy (feel free to use any of these print outs for your own use)
for the cover, I just added text and sized it to a 5"x7" to fit my book cover
then took it into my little computer arts program and just erased the deer to get this:
then flipped it, added text and came up with this: (this is the finished inside of the Menu)
With that same scroll design, I flipped it once again, and added text to the inside top:
Paste the papers (cut to fit for the inside so as not to be in front of the hole)
to cover the rather ugly inside of the binding, I adhered old lace with glue and on the outside of the Menu, a sprig of rosemary and a small pheasant feather (which was also used in the buffet decorations) tied with another piece of vintage black lace
I cut some small strips of old sheet music (a whole page of music also took the place of a "placemat" on the table) under and above the front of the Menu with the glue stick
Of course, now looking at them, I probably wouldn't have used the black lace, but rather the vintage ticking, but the great thing about these, is that you can reuse them time and time again!!
Here's to enjoying your holiday season! ~Have a fantastic weekend~ xo+blessings,
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...
living within the seasons doesn't require anyone to celebrate a made up holiday surely you aren't surprised that we don't "celebrate" Halloween yes... the pressure is there from family... friends... loved ones to include the children in activities that are in essence... fun however
we'd rather gather together to celebrate all the people who gave their life for Someone... Something... more important than a bag full of candy... the day after is much more spiritually enhancing
it seems today's "holiday" has overshadowed the essence of this time of harvest + saints + souls even though racing around a neighborhood and getting all six of your children in and out of the car to run up to beg for candy from strangers while inundating them with sights and sounds of the demonic may sound like fun to some... it doesn't to us... however dressing up and enjoying the seasons does... as does raising our children to always think of what He wants from us... what we can do for Him... to be strong... to be faithful
raising four boys, we do so in the spirit of this idea, being open to their ideas and activities they want to do on the farm with their friends it is not uncommon to see at any given day an "army man" ducking down into his man-made foxhole (seriously... the oldest two boys dug a 3' deep x 12' foxhole in the back prairie) recently the two oldest boys had a few friends over (as did our oldest daughter last year at this time) to play be free be boys
a surprise meal of "mush" and a slice of bread for the soldiers (the mush was browned sausage with a homemade white sauce) the meal was served from a cast iron pot and an old ladle that was used to plop it onto the tin plates
it was hilarious... when I came out of the house and rang the bell... they all came running as I yelled "chow time!!" an order of "line up!" was issued as a plate and metal spoon was thrust into their chests the dish was plopped on and one kid just stood there... so I said "move along soldier!!" he looked at our son and said "what is this? " I responded "slop!... now move along... " the grin on my face told him I was not feeding him something rotten:) that boy's brother then said... "I don't care what it is... I'm starving" our kids... our boys are starving for their imaginations to be fed... they need the necessary food to help them grow in strength upon temptations... there is no denying that the world can influence your thinking and try to coerce you to do things you don't really want to do ("but everyone else is doing it") grow together as a family... starts by praying together as a family... and listening to their hopes and dreams whether you choose to celebrate this day or not: stay safe in both spirit and self peace + blessings,
Good Monday morning to you all!! Just a quick note for all of you who are traveling here to the farm for the May event...
Make sure you say that you are attending the "Farm Event" when you book your hotel room with the Holiday Inn Express it's where most of the out of town visitors are staying (and if you come and stay there, you get a special gift from me:) You also get the advantage of receiving a great discount... and rooms are filling up! so make sure you book your room soon if you would like to stay there to see how the hotel looks — and for more information — go HERE xo+farm blessings,
This week, my husband and I met the manager of the Holiday Inn Express... why? For you! Since we had such a bad experience this past October with the local (so-called) B&B, and so many of you are coming from out of town and need a place to sleep when visiting the farm for the May Event, well, let's just say: "you won't be disappointed"
the rug I wanted to bring home... isn't that the coolest? All Boho/Celtic like (can you tell I'm into Boho right now??) using furniture for the entry... love it!
The LOUNGE...
The Breakfast Bar (Complimentary for all guests)
it comes with a DELICIOUS coffee bar... yum...
He treated us to breakfast (so sweet)... what's hubby eating? Biscuits and Gravy, ham steak, coffee, and oh-so-yummy Cinnamon Rolls (really: eat the Cinnamon Rolls)
a little lounging myself... the hotel was quite large... and being that I am 'large too' (hey: I have only 6 weeks left!)... a little putting the feet up action was just right...
workout facility...
CHECK IT OUT!:
All brand new... everything... bed linens... pillows... carpet... lighting... tvs... wifi... and 10 minutes to the farm what more could you want or need? So, here's the deal: they cut the rate from $120 all the way down to $97.75 for the Farm Event For either a room with 2-Double Beds...
The Executive Sweet: 1-King size bed and one full-size sofa/bed, with two tvs... (this suite is $114.99)
Or last option? a room with one King size bed:
they even have your choice of pillows... love it!
and just in case you like watching tv, here's what it looks like...
no big whip to me, but it looks nice... and you get a desk, a little loungy area, micro and fridge in each room I'm super huge on the cleanliness thing, and usually bring my own sheets and pillow when traveling, but I can honestly say, I wouldn't here... and getting this tour... THANK YOU DEAN... was a total seller on my part... and my husband (especially the new pool... and cinnamon rolls... lol) To book your reservations, call: 815-562-9994 and MAKE SURE YOU MENTION you are coming to the Farm Event(in order for you to get your discount!!) Dates: May 20th and May 21st... more on the Event Coming Soon...
amongst the trees, grasses, goldenrod, compass plants, and many others, the shadows...
the upcoming October Event is so much more than ever... for it's not only in the new events barn, but with the theme 'a very prairie holiday' we are showcasing some amazing dealers... art... classes... but inviting you to come be a part of the prairie to feel it's peace to hear the sounds of a rustic nature untouched by man (well, except for us cutting down the thistles and ragweed:) and mowing trails) the hum of the bees and the big sky... such a big sky out here, that it reminds you of how insignificant you are, but how much of an impact you can have I'm so looking forward to showing you the event bit by bit this time We are already decorating the barn... and with baby Daniel now 5 months (I know... crazy), I do have more time to devote to you and your time here because when I decorate and prepare for these events, I am not necessarily thinking of me, but how you will feel With a large % of the world in an absolute mess, one thing stands constant: my love for this land and how we are living and loving in it, and how I can share that with you when you come here, I hope you: ~ leave all those worries behind~accept who you are~love being and living where you live~have faith~understand you are here for eachother~it's okay to make mistakes~create with the gifts you have been given have a beautiful weekend and even though you might not be able to (for whatever reasons) vacation, that doesn't mean you should not seize that joy I put together this for you to print out if you wish... just for a pretty reminder:
I do hope to see you on the farm for the event... it's going to be so special...
— classes are starting to fill up so make sure you register for ART on the farm HERE -since a lot of emails came my way for staying near the farm... look Tuesday next week on the events website for more information on the hotel discount-
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,
some plants are from my Hungarian grandfather, some others are from our kids' piano teacher... both together make a wonderful fresh organically grown rhubarb pie... the strawberries are a tip of the hat to my dad (his favorite pie)
strawberry rhubarb pies... getting all set for the bakery at the sale... we are so excited to see you all, and meet more of you too and remember, if you are coming out of town, there are a few rooms left at the Holiday Inn Express with a discounted rate (just make sure you mention Farm to get that deep discount!!)
preparation, music playing and fresh to me vintage sheets on the line... what am I listening to? First Aid Kit... love their grassroots/folk sound and I am so pleased they are making it in that tough business... been a long time listener
we are SO thrilled to present this to you!!! our very first e-book here's a little of what's inside...
it's all about slowing down this holiday season and enjoying simple traditions the price is only $2.99 so you can send it to friends, a mom, a sister or even your boss;) you can purchase it at the shop it's now open! peace + blessings,
bare foot and pregnant wearing a babushka if a rosary is in her basket (and if she looked like she just swallowed a basketball) then that sums me up right now... always one foot forward, one grounded, and always looking back when i should be watching where i am going (are those clams in her basket? i hate clams if so... let's pretend it's Hungarian peppers okay?) your personal e-mails about my last post, on 'trust' were shocking in a good way why? because when I write here, it's from my soul -who i am - i'm not thinking of pleasing you, the reader, but just writing like a journal some of you inspire me however, and that is amazing since it's over the computer and when you, the reader, acknowledge my sentiments, and actually read what i write, and leave me comments, or send me an email about how it changed your life, or made you feel, or think, well, it truly warms my heart and my soul... deeply thank you... have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday ~with or without turkey~ (just in case i don't "see" you here on the farm again this week)
The event this year is coming together so nicely... meant to be on so many levels...
totally random photo... he's just too cute not to post today...
There is so much more I wanted to include in the flyer, but there simply wasn't enough room!!
the entry fee on Friday night is waived when you bring your ticket (handed to you Friday night) back Saturday (if you plan on attending the event both days)
part of the proceeds both days benefit a local charity — Hope Haven -
there are more and more homeless individuals... but not enough room at their building... but we can help them (to make a more substantial donation, visit their website here)
Making a difference in other people's lives is so important on so many levels... and community needs to stick together
that's the primary reason why Jason and I host this event on our farm
to help support many different local artists, antique dealers, musicians, etc.
My focus for the sale is baking from scratch and selling those yummies in my little 'farm bakery' in the barn...
ART on the Farm classes have begun registration and you can see more about those classes here (or on my sidebar)... seats are limited, so please register soon
If coming from out of town, I am so thrilled that the Holiday Inn Express has created a room block and ALL rooms are the same price for you!! even the King Executive Suites!! to see more go here
This is a lot of information I know, but so much needs to be said when it comes to this event... there is much more to it than just stuff on tables or haystacks... it's all our creative efforts joined together to both inspire you and to give you the opportunity to purchase all HANDMADE and USA made items crafted by our hands — all of us involved...
Here's an idea: Gather a few of your friends that you haven't seen in awhile, or that you see all the time and love being around... create a closer connection to them by planning a trip to the farm... here's even a little something for you to send them in your e-mail...
If you gathered the "three of you"... split the hotel room ($97.50) three ways... it's only: $32.50 per person! This is an event I don't want you to miss! Take Jill's jewelry class Friday night, go shopping afterwards, go back to your plush hotel room, have a few cocktails, laugh and giggle, tell stories and eat some snacks while watching a movie... the next morning, grab a cup of coffee (and their famous cinnamon rolls at the hotel) and head back to the farm just after the sun rises to walk the prairie (rain or shine) to Jen's class to learn how to create a unique art under glass creation with the inspiration you will find on our farm and in the back 3 acre prairie... shop some more and enjoy a class by the famous artists Jeanne Oliver from Colorado... she is teaching two classes that are both unique and beautiful to create under the skylights in the horse barn... don't forget to grab a few cupcakes and sit under the trees and enjoy the farm!! (that sounds like a great weekend if you ask me) bringing your blankets to picnic or relax out in the prairie is highly encouraged:) xo+blessings,
I stood up there in disbelief — "oh man" I said as I looked at all the wonderful decorations
thoughts of taking all three totes downstairs and putting it all out for decorations... after all... I am on a Christmas house walk!...
but as I stood there with the children to find their little trees to put in their rooms, to decorate all their own, I stopped... took a deep breath... and left it all up there
This year, just like every other year, it's so easy to get caught up in the hub-bub of what this country of ours (God bless the USA) has made it into... commercial... "santa"... lights/action... competition
to us, a lot of the commercialism is rather like "noise"... polluting this holiday with things other than what this season is truly meaning should be evaluated...
this does not mean not celebrating the season with decorating!! like I would do that! good gravy no... what I am saying is that taking that deep breath up in the attic wasn't as hard as I thought — and there are certain things I will bring down this year for decorating... but a lot of it comes from the seasonal changes outdoors here on the prairie... the grasses are still tall... there are pine cones fallen from the trees... and taking those natural elements and leaving them how God made them in their natural beauty, instead of glittering them this year... gathering cranberries and stringing them for our tree...
instead of... the lights are staying boxed up = candles instead buying new ornaments = using pine cones from our trees hanging silvery tinsel = pheasant feathers
running to the store for that last minute gift = purchasing handmade items
getting caught up = slowing down and embracing nature
I hope you get inspired to take walks with your kids and gather what you have out your back door... look around your house and re-purpose items that you wouldn't normally use...
Today is the FIRST DAY for Jennifer Rizzo's House Walk!! there is a lot of inspiration today over there!! Today I will again be working on a very special project... very special to all of us here at the farm...
Throughout Advent, I will be sharing some deep thinking and soul searching... keeping in mind that Advent is really a "little lent" — a time for me to get ready to celebrate... to better understand myself and the direction I am consciously choosing to go...
thought 1: soul
Within all of us are souls... spirits... which have encompassed our bodies since the moment our parents joined in an act of love...
Our bodies are from the Earth... out of one of the most organic substances, for which all things grow: the soil...
We think, feel and will with our souls — our bodies are just the animation of this our souls are not composite if there is a life after death, then surely the cause of our animation has an existence all it's own even the most common uses of ourselves with our imaginations and memory abstract us from our bodily existence this fact alone suggests an existence of something else... but enclosed with it, yet free from it — independently
this means that the centre to all our interests and desires are in our spiritual side of our nature... that our salvation from this world (or loss of it) is the biggest issue of our pure existence when we let go of our current responsibilities/pressures/etc that surround this holiday season, we can then better let our spirit... our soul... guide our hands/feet/minds/heart
it is not complicated... rather it is clear... letting our soul work through us
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
on all purchases made from now until this Friday, on anything in our online SHOP...
all items are hand carved by Jason from reclaimed wood in and around the farm... bring some Farm home this holiday season... or give a piece of Farm to that special someone...
everything marked down with free shipping...
we hope you all have a very blessed Christmas!
{please note... there is no guarantee it will arrive to you by Christmas day}
Out of the generosity of their hearts... for the love of creating... the passion for teaching... and because you all deserve a little time away... Jeanne, Jen and Jill are giving away a package worth $500!!!
This is in conjuction with the October 7th and 8th Barn Sale/Event(45 min. West of Geneva, IL)
Can you believe it???
To make it a little more special, Jason and I are giving the winner VIP parking up by all the fun + some homemade goodness... we're putting extra care into your winnings! (a little hint: it'll be so sweet...)
The winner will receive 2 SPOTS FOR EACH OF THE 2 DAYS OF ART classes... AND You will also get a FREE HOTEL ROOM courtesy of the three of them at the 4 star hotel: Holiday Inn Express! To enter the giveaway all you have to do is: 1. Blog about the Art on the Farm classes at the NaDa Farm Sale and the Girls Weekend Giveaway. Once you have blogged about it come here to my blog and let us know. or 2. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Twitter for a second entry! Once you have talked about it let us know here on my blog. or 3. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Facebook for a third entry. Once you have talked about it on Facebook come back and let us know here on my blog. or 4. Pin it to Pinterest! Once you have pinned it, come back and let us know here on my blog.
All entries to be entered here (on Anne Marie's blog) only make sure you leave a comment for each entry you do DRAWING WILL END THIS FRIDAY! (Sept 23rd... at midnight)
Classes are filling up quickly as the NaDa Farm Sale date is getting closer.
If you want to sign up for the art of business, vintage journal or vintage mixed media class you can email Jeanne at Jeanneoli@hotmail.com to register.
If you want to sign up for Jennifer Rizzo's Reflections of the Prairie class you can email her at thecraftyhome@comcast.net.
To sign up for Jill Harris' Salvaged Treasures class you go can directly HERE to sign up.
***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*** WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY!
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,
I recently had some girl friends over... I encourage them to bring a friend... and I'm so glad some of them did... it's so nice to meet new people...
the night of Cupcakes & Cocktails was so nice...
I got to showcase some new recipes for some cupcakes I want to sell in October here at the event... = lemon and lavendar with a white chocolate/buttercream frosting = apple pie cupcake with buttercream frosting = gluten free chocolate cupcake with whipped cream mint frosting (the total favorite with the ladies) = carrot cupcake with classic cream cheese frosting = my classic (favorite) chocolate cupcake with white buttercream frosting (the other favorite)
i made these simple flags and inserted them into the cupcakes to let the ladies know what was what
I rearranged the rooms (more on this new look later this week) which was so fun to decorate for the get together
the table Jason made is perfect in the corner of the room for a buffet...
and of course... the cocktail...
when I have the 'hub' in the kitchen, I put my large cutting board on top of my stove, and use it for extra counter space... it works out great... here's the cocktail I made up (yumoramma... but after 4 o'clock only:) -for one drink — 2 oz. gin 2 T. na.da.farm pure prairie honey 4 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice 4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice -put all together in your cocktail shaker and shake it up good... serve over ice-
A hit with old and new friends alike! I would like to thank Midwest Living Magazine for such a nice article on me and the event/barn sale my husband and I do twice a year... thank you!! (there was a 'typo'... we are 80 miles WEST of Chicago, not East:)
The article is in the Out and About Section...
there really was no need for my picture!! for more information on the upcoming events, you can follow our homestead website: na.da.farm What to expect this October here? -ART on the Farm is back again... so very excited about the diversity we are presenting to you — BARN SALE... theme this October?? Prairie Holiday Jason and I are presenting a new area to the event... I'm working hard in the kitchen to offer my very best cupcakes and baked items for sale... enjoy the day! xo+blessings,
Congratulations Amy!!! you won the ART on the Farm Giveaway!!
here's Amy's comment: {Amy} said... This sounds like the coolest thing ever, what a generous give-away. And I am in Illinois... I could actually do this. This is just what my creative soul is looking for right about now! blogged:: http://amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/2011/09/hello-there-fall.html
-visit Amy's totally cute blog by clicking on the above picture-
(I love meeting new people!)
Here's what you'll be getting... ~ 2 seats (so bring a friend!) to all the art classes here on the farm + a ~ FREE night's stay in the 4star Holiday Inn Express just minutes from the farm!! (and you'll get some little goodies from me too) ~Greg Wheaton (palying here Friday night at 5-8pm) wanted to participate in this giveaway as well, and he is giving you one of his CD's Amy!!! This man is playing at the Hard Rock Cafe this next week in Chicago... he's no ordinary guitar player — he's extraordinary -
This was so much fun hosting this giveaway — and it was all from the generosity of Jeanne, Jill, and Jennifer there are a few seats available still in all classes (at least, last time I checked!) so please make sure you sign up today if you are thinking of coming... and OH! good news!! The hotel is allowing the special pricing of $97.75 still apply up until next Friday!
What's so amazing about these art classes, is that you are amongst nature when you are here it's so peaceful, and it allows your creative side to flourish under the direction of your teacher All three of those women teaching are amazing artists! and are so willing to open up this opportunity for you to come and create/shop/listen/eat:) If you are 'on the fence' for coming to take a class, just remember how important it is to allow God's gifts to you come through... and sometimes that might just mean learning a new technique... it might just be exactly what you need to get you going in a new artistic direction, or You could be like me, and pick up a paintbrush and draw giant feathers on the wall, to which I don't paint, don't draw, just sketch garden plans and hog houses or a simple skirt or dress on paper... but it was the most unexplainable time being in "that mode" Jill is making that weekend even MORE special! take a look:
click on image to sign up for one of Jill's classes we all have a busy life, let's take some time out of that life to enjoy it
peace + blessings,
I so wish I could give you all a giveaway like this... thanks to everyone who entered...
