Souvenirs [Search results for bakery

  • a look into my studio...

    a look into my studio...

    the great thing about this May Barn Sale is that I am doing all these things 'solo'
    well, my daughter (who's now 13) is crafting/sewing/throwing ideas along with me

    but how fun it has been gathering vintage fabrics/sheets/linens and re-purposing them
    I made the sign above for over my bakery
    I am giving myself the whole section where the feathers are drawn
    — lots and lots of space -
    — lots and lots of delicious cupcakes/pies/pie pops/cakes/cookies -
    tested and tried on friends and family, these sweet treats are yum yum

    so are these pom poms! and the garland I made with them

    I am doing what I please with this sale
    my sister and good friend will be helping me in the bakery too... I couldn't be more excited
    really excited
    I'm heading out there now (to the barn) to measure up something and get things ready
    it's all so relaxed this time... what a blessing that has been...
    I'm working on a post, that will show a list of all the dealers — nearly 20 people selling here this time -
    20

    speaking of items... I went into Hobby Lobby yesterday with my oldest son — he looking for modeling brushes, and me looking for a certain frosting tip that has mysteriously disappeared
    all I have to say is that yes, you can purchase a $12 pillow that is all cute... but made in China — massed produced — not original
    in this day and age with so much of that everywhere... it's easy to just plunk down your debit card and purchase that pillow — it even will be cute on your sofa — but what about supporting our country supporting our women and men who are trying to be at home with their kids what about the amount of petroleum spent on hauling that mass produced stuff here?
    it seems awfully strange that anyone would purchase that stuff still
    would you rather have a burger that is locally grown meat with a homemade fresh bun? or would you like a frozen pattie made with 'pink slime' slapped on a mushy bun with unripened tomatoes and ketchup with artificial dyes, that was all imported from another country
    I say the first option sounds not only tastier, but more fulfilling
    don't you agree??
    don't we want to help others locally?? don't we want to show our children quality items? that helping others is one of this great nation's qualities?
    yes we do
    {and beware of those who have sales with neat looking stuff} {{reproductions are really hard to spot these days}} what looks like something from France may not be
    and unfortunately, I do think some people are pulling the wool over your eyes ... they have pulled it up over mine too... (and did you know it is perfectly acceptable to ask the seller "is this made in China")
    anyone with a tax id can purchase wholesale from many different companies who sell neat looking stuff but that is all it is "neat looking"
    meanwhile, you have that mom down the street from you who wants to be home with her kids, is super creative, but her items are not selling because you already bought something similar from China because it was a bit cheaper (do you know why it was cheaper? because the men and women making those items are getting paid practically nothing)
    why?
    why are people still doing this??
    Jason and I have requested to all dealers not to sell things like that here what is the creativeness in that? how is that art? how is that unique?
    I don't have a problem with some items made in China, but if you can get the same thing from someone local then it is a no brainer to me
    don't you agree???

    God bless Hobby Lobby for staying a Christian company, and showing that they are thank you for that (I appreciate it so much, and that is exactly why I shopped there yesterday)

  • for all i care...

    for all i care...

    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

    for all i care...

    peace + blessings,

  • today is a prettty day...

    today is a prettty day...

    why?

    because I think some of us need some pretty... some of us need to stop harping on one another and just be thankful for what we have

    no matter where you are in life, there is always room for pretty!

    and the other day, while making a cake, I added pink frosting... what better way to add some pretty into my life

    I found the Blessed Mother statue at an estate sale of a neighbor down the road... and she's so beautiful not to add to this spring look

    I think she looks just perfect under the blooms and welcoming guests She brings such peace to any decor
    I used vintage hankies for little napkins... wouldn't that be the cutest to do the next time you have cocktails or a birthday party? or just a few friends over??

    the ruffled frosting technique is something that I have been wanting to try
    no matter how much I try to get my frosting decorations to be perfect... they just aren't...
    I'm okay with that...

    oh yes... and the shoes make me happy too:)

    a thrift store buy
    I plan on making mini cakes with this ruffle frosting for the May sale, in the bakery yes... those are my colors lately...
    loving every step of the way
    xo + pretty blessings,

  • no matter...

    no matter...

    you are on your way through life

    i didn't know you

    i don't know the day or life you have had
    we are seperated by many miles and a few years

    while i was wearing leg warmers you were swaddled in your mother's arms

    would it matter if i knew your name + background + the shoe size you wear?

    i didn't know you
    you might be a passerby... your on your way while i am on mine

    the nest you have woven amongst the golden hues and gray skies will never be forgotten

    i stitched it for them, and they hung it in their window... so sweet... if you were here this past weekend, you would have noticed a turquoise truck + camper on the old barn foundation

    on Thursday of last week, my oldest son and I were headed to our neighbor's farm to get some straw to lay down in the prairie lounge... we passed this turquoise truck... hood open... one with his head in the engine, the other behind the wheel... I stopped to see if help was needed... no was the answer I received...

    again, we passed them, now with our truck filled with the straw

    I thought to myself how they looked familiar without knowing them... how I needed to get home and get to work... how if they really needed my help they would have said so right??

    Jason left for work when I came home... but called me 45 minutes later telling me he was towing a couple to the farm who were stranded... not surprised, I put on my shoes to greet them onto the farm

    She recognized me

    We started talking... and talking... and talking... not knowing how our paths are so very similar in life... deep within our souls, our experiences...

    If you saw a naturally beautiful soul behind the bakery counter at the sale this past weekend, it was her...
    moving to their new home

    passing by the farm but never leaving my heart

    we are close enough in this world to see with our hearts and not our minds, or pre-conceived ideas

    it's quite simple to realize that in this world help is always there for me... I am the one who needs to accept it

    acceptance is love

    no matter what — trust — love -

    no matter what the age difference or demographics are
    no matter if we both love baking and biking
    no matter if we love the nature that surrounds us
    no matter if both of the men in our lives are carpenters

    there is much more in common with each and every person if you just stop to notice it...

    age, tattoos, color of skin... it really doesn't matter when it comes to the human experience does it...

    I feel so very blessed beyond measure that I met them... and that God had our paths cross... they have been for more than one reason... they were there for me and I hope I have been there for her... for them both...

    peace + blessings,

  • Souvenirs

    a little peek at the bakery's head-dress

  • pies, pies, pies

    pies, pies, pies

    fresh rhubarb gathered from the garden

    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

    xo+strawberry-rhubarb blessings,

  • vintage... blossom... bunting... market

    vintage... blossom... bunting... market

    vintage fabrics are stirring my creative energy lately... and when a friend and I went shopping the other day at Salvation Army, a vintage pinched pleat taffeta floral drape was the first step to what became this:

    it wasn't like that in the store... oh no... but with a good friend with me, and our minds working together, we picked out the polka dot fabric that matched the vintage fabric at the fabric shop, and of course, pom-pom trim was a must (it was so weird how everything came together like it did)
    here's the $10 before... 

    "eeew to the double eeew"
     everything is better with pom pom fringe!!

    when I got home, I started immediately on this project and was done in no time... (I couldn't stand looking at that 3' in diameter 'ew' much more than 10 minutes after I got home)
    I just stuck to the pattern that was on the original — with 8 triangles adjoined like a quilt top, cut the sides of the vintage drape to make the bottom (there was no measuring involved... and believe me when I tell you that it all worked out because of the grace of God)... added what I had left of the polka dot fabric and then the pom-pom fringe

    I kept the top of the drape as is... I have plans to set that up for the sale in May in the bakery... to tell you that I am excited is an understatement
    the other bits of scraps I used for a super cute scalloped bunting...

    HOW TO MAKE: large scallop bunting (as seen in top of above photo) 1) use an embroidery hoop to make a desired shape of half circle, cut it out of paper for template (I used a small bunting piece on each end as well) 2) cut out as many as you can from your fabric using that template 3) along your now half-circle fabric pieces, sew a zig zag stitch around the raw edges 4) using a 1" or more seam binding, pin your scalloped edged pieces into seam binding, meeting edge up to the inside of the binding 5) using a decorative stitch (or a zig zag), sew the scalloped edges onto seam binding 6) add a button hole on each end for easy hanging 7) press and enjoy!!
    small scallop bunting the small one (as seen in the middle of above photo) is made like this: 1) use a small circle to make desired half circle shape, cut it out of paper for template 2) along raw edge of semi-circle, use a zig zag stitch around raw edges 3) press + press down a 1/4" on straight edge 4) nestle string inside that folded edge of the scallops, and sew a zig zag stitch as you go along (I used a contrasted stitching — top thread green, bottom thread teal — fun) make sure you leave enough string on both ends to hand your new garland!
    I am seeing vintage sheets used in such creative ways... I love it!!!
    Jennifer Rizzo used vintage sheets in some really cool ways in her new look book too.
    I love this one:

    the flower pin was hand crocheted by Jenn... so super cute
    she made these journals that I am thinking would be perfect for a personal garden journal (or maybe an inspiration journal for how to use vintage sheets in creative ways!!)

    go HERE to see the whole lookbook & a chance to win $500 worth of merchandise from her new Spring line!! That is so generous I think... very very!
    If you live near Rockford, Illinois, Jennifer and so many other talented women will be at Polly Hood's house this weekend... To find our more about Polly's sale that she is clearing her whole 1st floor out for, go here.

    (I am listed to sell, but unexpectant hazards may be preventing me from doing it)

  • rambles...

    rambles...

    Many of my new interests seem to include calligraphy, floral art, feminine and light clothing, and a touch of gold. Some of that may be due to the May sale approaching and I am planning my space, the feel and the overall design. I am really looking forward to once again working with my younger sister in that bakery of ours. She completely sold out of all her wonderful baked goods (and quite frankly, I wasn't surprised... those baked giant pumpkin doughnut holes were amazing!) I do think she is planning on including some special items, such as myself, like candy — no added 'goo' or colors... just natural and a small treat.

    One might think that I eat sweets all the time, but on the contrary. I tend to make them for the family, and I do enjoy them from time to time, but oh my hips if I kept making them and eating them, you could definitely then call me 'big mama'. Funny enough, when I am a Grandma (if I am a Grandma) I want to have some meat on my bones and be cuddly... not a skinny one... but that is besides the point, and I don't want to rush those cuddly squeezes yet — not by a long shot. I want to savor this day and all the rest.

    However, days are hard, and diving into motherhood, when I hate diving, has lately put me in a state of flux. Not being able to make decisions is one of them (and I suppose Pinterest isn't helping me in that fact either). The days are too long some days, and too short the others. My zeal... the 'oomph' has left me lately. I know the good Lord knows what He is doing. Keeping quiet. Keeping still. I don't get talked to by the Lord like I hear so many women proclaim. That they 'hear the Lord' speak to them. Truthfully, I do hear the Lord in Church, and when I do happen to make decisions that are important (that little 'no no' or 'nudge nudge').

    In my mind there are days when I am elsewhere... sometimes that is dreaming of me being an artist in my barn (when i can't paint a lick) or other days it is in a bit of quiet contemplation (when I usually end up knitting or crocheting).

    There are those pictures that are so unlike me, yet, I gravitate toward them like it is what I do see in my head, and being a stylist, I see things that way... the light... how they captured the dress just so beautiful... or the cake just at the right level and color in both the foreground and the background...

    It seems today is a bit of ramble... and that might be due to the fact that my journal near my bedside has been empty since i don't remember when. It is very unlike me not to write, to journal, etc. Life is so full sometimes, and that fullness is both of the good and of the bad, we just have to accept it all because it is in our life. But if you choose to focus on the bad more than the good, then, well, you just don't see things as a blessing, but of darkness. I find it really poignant that the Lord made the Light first... and that the sun is an enormous star... and just those two things could keep my mind occupied the rest of the day. Finding inspiration from that golden sun is one of the reasons I am liking the gold, the rest is quite uncertain, but I am enjoying the process within my soul finding out the reasons the "why" of the rest.

  • Vendor Map for Sale this Weekend

    Vendor Map for Sale this Weekend

    I put this together so that if you are coming to the sale, you'll know where everyone is:)

    (Feel free to print it out)

    Farm Barn Sale Vendor Map

    Oct.19th 5-8pm & Oct.20th 9-noon

    INDOOR VENDOR MAP

    

    Farm Indoor Vendor Map
    Friday, October 19th 5-8pm... Saturday, October 20th 9-noon

    Anne Marie (of Farm) is in the Bakery (by the musician “J”)
    A –Eclectique Boutique (Amy Haines)
    B – A Sort of Fairy Tale
    C – Red Bird Vintage
    D – A Ruffled Nest
    E – Rachel Polly
    F – Carter’s Cottage
    G – Cracker Jax
    H – Counting Your Blessings
    I – Whimsy

    J – Greg Wheaton – musician

    K – Francie Skoflanc
    L – Lis Dunn Desings
    M – Nikki (cake pedestals)
    N – Fine Line Antiques
    O – Gray Graniteware Farmhouse

    P – Penelli Belle, Inc.

    OUTDOOR VENDOR MAP

    Farm Outdoor Vendor Map
    Friday, October 19th 5-8pm... Saturday, October 20th 9-noon
    $5 entry fee (part of proceeds benefits local charity)
    1 – A Beautiful Party
    2 – Rick Hundt
    4 – Lis Daun – Lemon Grass Designs

    8 – Bags by Margaret
    9 – Vintage Farmhouse

    10 & 11 –All My Musings
    12 – Crazy Acres
    13 – Peg Feltes

  • Sale Information (and a cutie)

    Sale Information (and a cutie)

    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,

  • a bit of the sale...

    a bit of the sale...

    this picture of Bryanne from Cracker Jax says it all... smiles

    coffee bar

    our daughter and Christie Carter's daughter together in the bakery

    Stormy skies invoked a moody atmosphere that was magical
    more pictures tomorrow!!

  • from scratch...

    from scratch...

    how often we run to the store to get pre-packaged items
    back just 70 years ago, you didn't do that
    you didn't even have that option, except eating at a restaurant
    things were from scratch... fresh... and that was 'the every day', not just because your girlfriends are coming over and you want to serve them some homemade muffins with coffee...
    how very lazy we have become as a society
    yes
    I said lazy

    there is nothing wrong with using a food processor, or Bosch mixer, but there is something wrong with pre-packaged food from the store...
    think of this:
    when you are walking through the grocery store, stay to the perimeter of the store — that is where all the fresh vegetables, meats, dairy, bakery, etc, is...
    if you need to, head into the dry goods area for flour/beans/rice... but try not to get that oozy goozy stuff that they are selling from tubes that you squeeze into your mouth because you are too lazy to put it into a glass jar and use a utensil

    does this sound harsh? saying that we are lazy??
    I'm right along side you with the big fat "L" on my head
    I don't grow my wheat, then grind it to make flour, then bake bread with it every day...
    I do know of woman who actually do this... and my apron strings are off to you... and someday, I would love to do that... in between raising my sheep in pasture to spin my wool, to knit my sweaters while I wait for my goat's milk to simmer to the right temperature for my goats milk soap, as I pull out my bread from the oven, after I just finished graduating my son from homeschooled high school, and taught my daughter how to Irish dance stronger and steeped my tea from the chamomile plants I grow in the garden...
    "L"
    we aren't all able to do those things... quite frankly... I don't know anyone who does all of that in one day
    we pick and choose what we want... like a great oatmeal muffin recipe...
    whip up the egg whites, add them gently into the mixture already in the bowl
    then you sit back and watch it puff in the oven and give the whole house a breathe of homemade goodness

    and if that's all this woman can accomplish in one day, then go ahead, slap that "L" on my forehead, I deserve it, but before you look at me and judge me and think that everything smells delicious like these muffins, know this: a lot of hard work goes into my kids first, not my appearance... not my house... not my farm...
    my kids

    there is way too much "look what I did" out here in cyberland, and quite frankly, it's making me nauseated
    I have so much I'd like to share with you, that I am working on, or that I have worked on, but truthfully, it is all a bunch of vanity... telling you what I've done or doing or going to do (I will, in time, share when and what I want)
    reading the written word, especially on the computer screen, you can read someone's words and take it the wrong way — I do hope you all understand that I do not ever want you to feel like I'm rubbing it in
    I can't stand that
    I share what I do here, because it is my space — my journal
    and I love all of you who come to visit, and I enjoy getting to know some of you even more through emails — and your comments -
    There was a friend of mine very recently who told me that all she can get done is a load of laundry, and here I am doing this and that and the other — I know she is not bitter about it, but if she only knew how special she is by doing what she does... I am a very organized person — and can get a lot accomplished in the day because of two very important reasons: 1) I do not watch TV, we don't have one and 2) I plan meals with six children and a husband to feed, these meals and baked goods I do are planned at least a week in advance — minus the sporadic baked goods my daughter or son like to do (or me:)
    negativity, doubt, and vanity all lead to one thing: depression
    stop thinking of yourself and do something for someone else — break the cycle of "me"
    create something good today by not talking bad about anyone look at everyone you come in contact with today (everyone) and know that God loves them just as much as you... you aren't the cat's meow... you are one of very very many in this world
    what can you do today? for someone else?? go bake something from scratch for your kids, neighbor, friend, priest, aunt, mom, husband... they'll love it
    peace + blessings,

  • Souvenirs

    sticking with the same ol' recipe is hard for me to do at times

    I'm trying to make a different type of macaron for you who come to the barn sale this May
    i should have known not to mix up my recipe... the new ones didn't turn out...
    trial and error
    isn't our life so much like that?? trial and error
    whatever you do... do not give up on yourself...
    each of us are strong... able to make our own decisions...
    do not be afraid of trying somethng new who cares if it fails! you tried... learn from it... move on...
    and know when to go back to the way it worked
    I don't know about you... but when I am in the kitchen, I learn so much about everything, inspiration comes, and that note pad on my fridge is taken off quite frequently to jot down rice and beans amongst doodles and ideas
    one of those days happened a bit ago, and I'm working behind the scenes to make my online journal a bit more fun and colorful... such as my life
    here's my color palette I'm choosing for not only my bakery and the space I'm sharing with my sister, but also for the blog here (with added black accents)

    life is oh so serious lately... so so serious... and though I too am a serious person, the children need me to be cheerful... heck... I need to be cheerful through "all this"
    Can't wait to share it all with you!
    xo + colorful blessings,