for reasons unknown, i like my breakfast warm and rather late... if it was up to me, we would eat breakfast around 10 am
like starting a pot of oatmeal... and letting that simmer and bubble until creamy and so delicious
i do not like to rush things
when i do have to rush with the family in the morning, it is though we are all constantly turning in circles and elbowing each other
being though i have now chopped all my hair off once again, the vanity in front of the mirror happens no longer (what a relief to be done with having it curled or 'done'...) even though my daughter is brilliant when it comes to hair styles with braids and fishtails and pins and curls, it was just not me
all this expands my idea to eat breakfast at 10am... i don't particularly think that my younger children will appreciate this new idea, so i might just have to make a personal choice
for a time there, i was getting up early every single day (except the rest day of Sunday) and running down the road... i hate running... never have liked it... never have liked running around
so on the table one day, ham and cheese scones were at the ready instead of my conditioned muscles, as were sliced fresh cantaloupe that was the sweetest
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...
cooking on cast iron is by far my favorite way to cook
as is using our hen's eggs
farm fresh eggs makes this morning delight a rich golden color... and this puffed oven pancake is a great quick breakfast on a Saturday morning
it acts like a souffle so do not fret when it releases it's "puff"
serve with fresh strawberries
cooking on cast iron gives foods I prepare a great texture and flavor it's actually my favorite way to cook... on cast iron
enjoy!
Morning Delightserves 8 4 T. butter 6 eggs 1 cup all purpose/unbleached flour 1 cup milk 1/2 tsp. salt fresh strawberries, sliced (about 2 cups) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place butter in an 18" ovenproof skillet and place in oven until butter melts, about 4 minutes. In your mixer or bowl, beat the eggs until combined. Add the flour, milk and salt and beat until smooth. Remove skillet from oven and immediately put your egg mixture into hot skillet. Bake for about 25 minutes (a nice golden color will tell you it's done). While it's baking, slice your strawberries and set your table sweetly. Serve right away. This pancake will puff in the oven and looks glorious — and then flattens like a pancake (ha) — so serving it immediately will show the others you are feeding how pretty it is... but it literally takes seconds for it to deflate... (it acts like a souffle). No need for syrup on this one, however, Jason does appreciate having the maple syrup to drizzle on top. xo+delightful morning blessings,
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,
the feeling of Christmas has started early here...
it started as soon as that wonderful smell of gingerbread was baking in my oven
what is it about these little guys that makes me chuckle? they are funny to me... little gingerbread people
i adapted an old recipe i had and am super happy with the way they came out... fluffy/thick/delicious!
i will be selling them all bagged up and ready for you at Christmas in the Alley this weekend in Sycamore
If you haven't been to Sherrie's store, A Ruffled Nest, it is completely all decked out for Christmas... as I have been over there helping her get things ready... all I can say is it is SO fun in there and having other dealers participate next door amongst the twinkly lights and live sounds of Christmas... going in and out of the old brick buildings while meandering through all the Christmas decorations... well... it's going to be so much fun I cannot wait!
My daughter has made the most delicious homemade hot cocoa mixes she has nestled inside vintage mugs that will be there for sale at Christmas in the Alley...
each mug with 2 generous helpings of cocoa for those chilly evenings (with mini marshmallows and a candy cane:) are $10 each
she has also made some snow globes from vintage mason jars! (I'll be sharing that tomorrow)
Jason has also been working on some terrific handmade/ hand carved gifts...
there are knives, baby spoons, honey dippers, serving spoons, buttons, lunch boards, cutting boards, rolling pins... We are so very excited to share these with you!!
more information on all of Jason's hand carved items and the other items, will be all up this week...
everyone is feeling creative... and getting back to crocheting and knitting in the early mornings before we start school...
there is always a hearty breakfast... and to see the kids work together like this every morning warms my heart more than any cup of coffee...
on a personal note, a new fitness regime has started... and it's due to how baby Daniel isn't snuggling up to his Mama to nurse any longer... it's always such a sad time for me... I already miss him warm in my arms... his independence is surfacing... as is his personality!! He has this laugh that is hilarious... like a sneaky laugh "hah hah"... if I can catch him, I'll record it, because it cracks me up...
he'll sit there in my bedroom and hide from me... I'll say "where's Daniel... I don't see him anywhere??" and I hear in the closet a slight "hah hah"...
I don't know what is going to be more time consuming for me this week; preparing for Advent or baking for Christmas in the Alley
I have been changing up the decorating around here too... it's been a lot of fun putting up new curtains... moving furniture... totally changing up my bedroom too...
sharing all of it in good time...
hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving weekend... we all needed that break around here!!!!
how often I am in a constant state of control my faith humbles me to the point of exhausting all resources within me and I seem to malfunction rather quickly
shut down
letting someone else take control... = what's for breakfast = how we garden = plans for the day = how to sort the laundry = what we'll pray on as a family all this responsibility (and obviously much more than what I revealed) can be heavy upon my shoulders... but never a burden... just heavy... and sometimes too heavy where I seem to be crushed like a dog with it's head out the window, the exhilarating feeling of being in a car, windows down, is freeing maybe I'm saying that because I seriously don't get out that much... but that could just be my saving grace... the more I get out, the more I want out... but the more I pray... the more I want to pray pushing the door open to the garden gate to go back up to the house, I looked back and my eyes saw my husband watering our newly planted asparagus patch, son was weeding, girl was swinging... big kids were at the last day of a Church retreat... the baby wiggled under my chin and the Holy Spirit rushed passed me as the wind feels with the windows down... the objects of my affection were closer than they appear I started walking up the gravel path, my flip flops flipping on my heels, but my feet weren't touching the ground. My spirit was soaring with amazement — not being able to fully realize what was happening - I parked myself upon the comfy cushy chair on the deck and held my baby close and nourished him physically. Completely letting the moment sink upon me. = We are letting our life here be led by something stronger than our hands = The seasons and changes in weather guide our chores, duties, responsibilities I am not in control, just along for the ride... and it's a gorgeous view
i have bills to pay... but instead i read an old magazine i pulled from my files
and even though my hands should be busily planting another crop of lettuce seeds in the much overgrown garden... i have chosen to upload some photographs to share with all of you... to hopefully encourage you... encourage me...
instead of embracing my oldest son of 14 years whose height is getting awfully close to his mother's of 5'9, I embrace the typewriter and breathe my steaming cup of coffee into my senses to arouse my slumbering mind and eagerly await the time i won't hear the rooster awake me in the wee hours of the morning or the 3 year old running to my skirt hem in horror thinking that Gilberta the goose is going to attack him when instead all she wanted was his piece of grahm cracker
excuse me while I go enjoy some homemade rhubarb/strawberry pie for breakfast with my mother in law
she's bringing me an awesome gift that humbles me to the core... serendipitous i tell you...
until next time!
he doesn't look like he "usually does here" but for some reason i just can't stop looking at him... his worried look upon my daughter's embrace is melting my heart to tears... "where's mama" is what i am calling that one besides... he looks like a red head and he's really brown with auburn & blonde highilights:)
CHOOSE to have a great weekend even if it means you are nursing a baby 24-7 while adding to the size of your hips with homemade pies and cookies because "someone" loves to bake...
It’s already 9:10 – been up since 5am or was it 3am?? No clue – the bags under my eyes tell me it was most likely around 3 A mini chocolate cake for breakfast with sprinkles on top for good measure – made by daughter of the most blessed kind (sorry: there is no way I’m sharing that coveted recipe) Two coffee cups stand at attention – one used and abused from this morning’s bedroom soiree with baby – the other hot and ready with cake
The whole concept behind my master bedroom is to "un-decorate"...
like I told Lulu over the phone ******* (which was so hilarious, because she literally took me out to a healthy breakfast, a ride across part of California all while taking care of her precious son while on the phone... I loved it Lu!) ******* that my great admiration for so many beautiful fabrics tempts me so often to buy these sumptuous fabrics, but I do NOT desire to have a bedroom that is 'decorated', but nicely put together with good design elements in mind.
Which is why I also thought of Lulu, from Dusty Lu Interiors her and her husband have their own design business, but beyond that, I have seen what Lulu does on the inside of her own home (as you will see in the pictures in this post... they are all of her home) *her answers are also in italics* 1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? Yes, I look for a focal point every room, or I make one, with a large piece of furniture, architecture like a fireplace mantel, artwork, etc. and center it.
2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? Easy, simplicity with detail.
3) what would you classify your style as? I really don't like to nail down one specific style I like, because my taste evolves all the time. One thing I know is certain I love and try to incorporate white into my designs.
4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? I buy what I love, and when you do that it all comes together and you can never go wrong.
5) If you were to design my bedroom, by knowing me personally, and seeing my style on my blog, while incorporating your style techniques, how would design my bedroom? First, I would like to say I enjoyed our conversation very much the other day on the phone. It gave me a chance to get to know you better, you are very genuine and so nice. When I spoke to you we suggested using a silver or silver blue paint color, I recently used both colors in two homes I helped design and decorate. When I design spaces I try to make it both masculine and feminine. When designing a bedroom, I believe it is a very personal space, and you need to consider both parties. I suggested keeping your gorgeous dark walnut sleigh bed to add that masculine touch and adding pretty fabrics for a feminine touch. The paint colors can go both ways, and when you accessories you can bring in natural elements to anchor the room and that can add both a feminine and masculine feel.
6)what elements would you include in your design plan? I love the use of symmetry especially in a bedroom, it gives an overall calming affect.
Lulu and I are digging a little deeper into the design now and actually picking out paint colors and furniture placement... and this could not be more fun! If you haven't visited Lulu's online journal, then you may not know some really cool things about her! Like her constant zeal for learning — she's always taking these awesome classes that she shares with her readers (the last one being photography which was so interesting to me)... her home has been featured in magazines and on the Internet why is there a picture of Rachel here?
because Lulu has also has been Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture photographer for many projects... the great things about having a job like that, is that it keeps her at home (where she wants to be) with her son. She's expecting her second baby and I couldn't be more thrilled (and somewhat disappointed she won't be making the trip here to Illinois in May — lol) Her schedule sounds so busy, seriously, and for her to take the time to help me like this, is just so amazing to me... thank you Lulu... it really means a lot... xo+blessings,
even for breakfast with some scrambled eggs inside a tortilla this is a very easy dish, and would be great to bring to your next gathering at your friend's house
avocados are in season right now and so delicious, and was my inspiration for this layered dip
appropriately named "supper" because we have this on very hot days
it is nothing fancy, but on a hot day, it is more than enough
bean & avocado layered supper here's an easy recipe for refried beans and then all you need is to start layering... like this... refried beans (you can use store bought of course) one avocado mashed + 2 T. of sour cream mixed together grated cheese (I used cheddar) 2 spring onions finely chopped drizzle lime juice (optional) finely diced tomatoes some finely chopped cilantro and parsley serve with organic corn chips (or tortillas for a heartier meal) shred some more cheese on top of dish
we have been experimenting with cooking over an open flame outdoors and am so stoked to share those recipes and photographs with you have a beautiful weekend xo+fired up blessings,
If you have been here long enough to read some of my posts, you totally understand that I absolutely love being here on the farm
in the house
in the garden
cooking
walking the prairie
being with all six of the kids
truly. truly. truly. i would not have it any other way — God's will be done! -
my human instinct tells me to kick off my shoes and run through the rain... do a cartwheel at whim... eat pie for breakfast
I do the pie thing, and have done the rain dance, but I seriously think I would break something if I attempted a cartwheel (which I will attempt after I do some more turbojam videos — trust me -)
the joy is there
I can see it like looking through binoculars
almost touch it it's so close
but the joy is a struggle when you are nursing an almost 4 month old who still nurses like a newborn trying to write articles for different publications only to change it a dozen times go out to the beet patch to find the rabbit has been rather hungry and sacrifice the day at home with the baby so the rest of the family can take the boat out
yes
that is it
jealousy
jealous that I couldn't go jealous that I don't have more time to pick every single cucumber jealous that other women wear a size 7 and only have two children at home while they sip champagne on the veranda with their friends in the afternoon (I know of someone who does that) jealous that I am not someone else??
no
jealous that I am not more joyous?
yes
bringing more joy into my life is a daily sacrifice finding it in laundry and this Africa hotness bringing more joy into my life through more prayer and devotion bringing more joy into my life with more sacrifice
this is what He wants me to do
funny note... I seriously didn't even want to mention God... and yet, here I do it...
bringing more joy into my life with accepting this vocation, silencing my fears
silencing. fear.
Fear that I might someday be that women with only two children left at home. Fear that I might pick every cucumber that is in the garden and then have to do something with them. Fear that there will be no more chubby hands handing me a perfect blueberry Fear that I will have to be living life solo Fear is holding back my silence -
I crave the silence yet want to hear the noise. Of my husband's laughter and the children talk of their adventures with him on the canoe, the boat, by foot or in the air...
So in the end, I am joyous... so joyful to come into the mudroom and see flower colored flip flops and worn-toed cowboy boots So overjoyed to see that little onesie hanging out to dry in the warm sun
Tearfully joyful to know that my family is enjoying this sunshine at the lake, eating the sandwiches they packed and the granola bars I made the ache in my chest is not sadness but joy JOY!
we are all thinking all the time pouring our coffee we are thinking... putting on our shoes we are thinking... combing our hair... cooking breakfast... spending the afternoon when visiting with our sweet Mom and Dad... when you tucked your child to bed tonight... you were thinking... we are constantly thinking...
what are you thinking about?? thinking is creative... you think about something and your actions will follow these actions are directly a result of the thoughts we are thinking what we think = who we are
believe + think you will do good you will do good
spend the rest of this week of Advent dedicated to creative thinking dedicated
spend each day this week in a bit of silence within yourself keep it simple think good
I would guess that 89% of you have never met me in person... you don't know if my life is the way it is... or if I love walking in the prairie for real... or bake my own bread... or sew my own skirts...
yes, I do all of those things
but now, after being a "blogger" for awhile, sometimes it is coming back into my face with not smiles but disbelief
even those women that truly know me have said things like "you can say all you want Anne Marie... life isn't like that"
no apologizes from me... life IS like that... for me... and it most certainly can be for YOU I'm not about to say 'sorry, but... '
I'm not about to tell you 'oh... I didn't mean to make you feel _________'
never apologize for the way you are living to anyone... if you are going through some hard times, that is for you to get through... for you to become closer to your creator... not away...
step single every
every single step
up and down we choose... what is more important to you vs. what can take the back seat
this could be all you have ever known: the ups and downs, but it still is your choice... and you may just like climbing up or descending down... and that's okay... no apologizes
no matter what you might be experiencing, there is a way to get pass that wall... you put the wall there... the one you just can't seem to not only see through, but get through, get around
God doesn't make you put that wall up... you built it with all your negativity... excess energy... wasted energy
every day
every single day I go down into my soul to lift it back up again... offering all that I am in communion with Him to enjoy the day, to enjoy my life, to grow in union with my husband and our family
I choose the misery presented to me... I choose the way a song makes me feel... I choose the color of denim skirt I lift up to my hips that bore all six of my children... I choose
like my dad says "it's all in your head"...
it's my life... no apologizes indeed... = how my boys cooked breakfast for us or how the sunrises out here lately with the cool morning makes the most unbelievable sunrises in the prairie = how the chickens we have aren't laying eggs and would rather eat the tomatoes instead of the crickets and worms = how I absolutely love embracing my domesticity — plain and simple — through my faith... through the Church
One thing is constant with me, and that is my constant enhancement for those around me... I like to consider me dying to self in order to give it to others...
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Not too long ago, the woman who chose to be home with her children could cook, bake, sew, tend the garden, can, teach her children, entertain, and still have time to pray
there is still that same amount of ticks and tocks on the clock
women... men... it is time you made yourself worthy of your time here...
