Souvenirs [Search results for cupcakes] 

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,

that is our hope for all of you at the upcoming show we are hosting for all of these fabulous people

HERE'S A LIST OF OUR INSPIRING VENDORS that will be joining us for October 2012 Barn Sale/Flea Market in no particular order...
ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, RE PURPOSED, RUSTY AND COOL... Cracker Jax Counting your Blessings Eclectique Boutique A Sort of Fairytale A Beautiful Party Gray Graniteware Farmhouse Lis Dunn Designs Simple but Different Lemon Grass Designs Whimsical Perspective Red Bird Vintage Rachel Polly 'bags by Margaret' Carter's Cottage Nikki Sisk and Nancy Bratcher A Ruffled Nest Fabbychic All My Musings Fine Line Antiques Francie Skoflanc Peg Feltes
FOOD LIST:

Steve from Farm Food
(serving locally raised all beef hot dogs)

Anne Marie from Farm
(serving coffee, hot cider, gluten free cupcakes, regular cupcakes, cakes, pies, pie pops, etc)

Christina from Simple but Different
(working along side Anne Marie... because she's my sister and we love her baking!!)

there will also be warm apple cider and coffee

I'll be sharing pictures here and on this blog for the next 2 weeks

Greg Wheaton is gracing us with his soulful music for both days this October!!
you can check him out here
(his CD's will be for sale... but they do sell out quickly)

we hope to see you here...

seeking

finding

trying

learning

gathering

an abundance to reflect on this past year of many feathers, cupcakes, spoons, and a new soul

sometimes being so far from home yet not leaving anywhere

learning
trying
finding

seeking a new life within me through untangling the brambles i have caught myself in

i cannot go back

i must follow the star

seeking my soul
finding what He wants from me
trying desperately to always please Him

learning my failings and the strength that comes from this knowledge

gathering memories and losing the moments in time to once again clear the way to seek the star

finding the laughter...
(never too far to look)

my star

not of fame or fortune or greed or something of this world

my star

peace + new year blessings,

{1} sisters
{2} together as a family is all we want
{3} reflecting, admiring
{4} hair by oldest daughter — that is so fun!
{5} cinnamon rolls — enought to feed the county
{6} Christmas morning table at the farm
{7} brothers
{8} "rabbit man" (a.k.a. our comedian son)
{9} little "lumberdanny"

there is nothing better than a bright sunny day and a clean kitchen to get me baking
my special organic chocolate filled cupcakes coming right up! (have to practice before I sell them at the sale right??)
I had a fantastic time with my two daughters and the baby at Kane County Flea Market Saturday... it was so great to see the dealers who were invited to sell here at the farm. It's so important to Jason and I to make personal contact with them... besides, a day out shopping is just what I wanted/needed.
Meeting up with two friends I haven't seen since before the baby was born was great too!
I don't know about you, but spring is awesome isn't it?? I LOVE the feeling of spring!!
A HUGE thanks to all you other super duper dealers at Kane setting out our fliers... I love all the support you give one another... and we appreciate you spreading the word of our sale (yes... I said super duper)
I saw some awesome booth setups and great stuff to buy there — but didn't buy anything this time — my hands were kind of full:)
can you believe he's a month old??

& a very special thank you to Lauren for such a sweet girft!

xo+farm blessings,

a wonderful thing occurs at the end of the growing season

picking and washing and preserving... it all comes together to savor the summer

a mass of cherry tomatoes are turning into red rubies for stews in the winter and sauce for the pasta
it's about 6:02 am and the stove is about to be fired up already

i spent the day yesterday glued to the computer... well, most of the day, reserving spaces for the upcoming sale in october... just about 40 people where/are invited, but it works as a first come/first serve basis for dealer spaces... one dealer cracked me up saying it was like purchasing Justin Beiber concert tickets... meaning, it was done in less than 3 hours for all practical purposes... an exhausting 3 hours of coordinating all the emails and phone calls... but we are happy to say that this sale is going to be so fantastic — with returning people and new people! Unfortunately, our barn is not big enough for all who were invited, if it was, we would have been able to fill that too! and I so wish we could!! and a few of my very favorite dealers are not able to make it due to family and life...
here's a sneak peek into my head right now: there is talk of a fashion show, live music both days, new windows and tables and chairs to gaze out into the prairie while eating your cupcakes and other baked goods while sipping your complimentary wine... yes, maybe wine instead of champagne... you just never know!

i will contemplate all of this while i am stuffing little red tomatoes and romas into my mason jars this morning

while thinking and dreaming of doing this someday with all of us here

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)

no... not from that puffed oven pancake, or the homemade sugar cookies and cupcakes we're testing for the sale (had no clue what 'flooding' was until recently — but my oh my is that fun)

an overwhelming sense of being full hit me tonight when at church

my mind literally screamed at me to shut up

all these ideas, pictures, styling, sewing, baking, planning, etc on top of all other 'normal' aspects of my life builds and builds until I felt almost pregnant... and on my last few weeks (no I'm not expecting... as far as I know)

If I'm not creating or doing I'm reading... I just don't sit still

that doesn't mean I'm super organized and can accomplish a whole bunch, but it does mean I've got my interests scattered... for crying out loud I got inspired while shopping the ethnic isle at Woodman's...
that is the super great thing about our human ability to absorb every ounce of our surroundings

every ounce of it

some might not want to, and stick with the routine, take their daily to dos get them done, and package everything neatly

others might not have any schedule and totally flow with life like floating on a raft with a beer in one hand (that doesn't sound so bad really...)

but I find myself in between those two... and I'm sure a lot of you can relate to that

What an awesome feeling to know that we are ever expanding in our minds... that the possibilities are endless and absolutely God's doing

I can see a deeper need and desire for each of us to slow down and enjoy the simplicity in life more, especially with all the iphones/ipads/computer games/x-box's/TV/movies...

how?
{{connecting with nature
{{meditating on the glorious nature of our very existence
{{sitting quietly still in the presence of Our Lord for at least an hour a week
{{reading
{{writing
{{hugging your spouse... at least an hour a week

and so many more ideas that would be beautifully captured in your life

capturing that fullness in your life is simply stopping quietly to hear Him

... what is He saying to you

eat a cupcake... that is what He's saying to me right now... how about you?

= the garden beckons
my hair grows longer and I put it in braids
the cucumbers wind around the beans
sun bursts through the fence and my boots squeak
daughter rides bareback amongst the prairie grasses with little sister holding on tight
baby coos on the sun dappled blanket beneath the giant pine

a morning kiss to a little one and my coffee mug is filled
a basket full of scones to take out to Jason sways over the crook of my arm
the garden beckons
my hat that was hung on the hook inside this old farmhouse now rests on my head
more fabric and cupcakes thoughts and prayers

I will be taking a short break here, but will be checking e-mails. Enjoy your life amongst the heat of the summer and hold onto yourself from the depth of your souls by journeying your life by sacrificing for others and constantly giving to them while thanking Him...

be back soon

xo+blessings,

giving more... like I promised, myself I would do, has been harder than I anticipated
which makes me realize that was the right choice this season of Lent
it's like having a child who hates broccoli say he's giving up broccoli... it's not much of a sacrifice is it
when we sacrfice... now that is something when knowledge is gained when we starve ourselves from something we crave... that is when the lessons are learned

what do you we own here on Earth that is really deeply worthy?
the gift of ourselves
the best thing about this gift of self is that we are thinking of them, not us we can give them a custom gift of exactly what they need... a shoulder to lean on... a strong hand to pull them up... a whole belly chuckle

— there is this couple... whom Jason and I have had the privilege to meet back a few sales ago now... Harold and his beautiful wife Cathleen... we were standing there shootin' the breeze in the horse barn about farm life, family, faith, kids, antiques, marriage, hogs... and sitting right next to Harold and I was a gorgeous mint condition typewriter...
I had been wanting one for quite some time... and it was actually my mother in laws (she owns an antiques store in Geneva... this was not a family heirloom)... and Harold looks over at that typewriter and says "well looky there... that is a beauty... I'll take that"
oh man I thought — how lucky he was! — why didn't I set it aside when I had the chance??
I almost begrudgedly closed the case it was in, with original paperwork mind you, in all it's beautiful splendor up to the checkout counter for him...
Harold then went on to explain how he is a writer (which kind of helped me a bit to know it was going to somewhere it would be respected) if my memory serves me right, there was something about the initials on the case that was even significant (forgive me if I'm wrong you two)

that was not a sacrifice on my part... it wasn't mine... it was the one that got away...

time passed, and seasons changed... and when Harold and I would see eachother at the flea market we'd tease eachother about it... jokingly of course...

then this past October came

busy with selling cupcakes and greeting visitors I looked up and saw them coming to the sale... eager to say hello through the crowds, I went right up to them...
they were holding the typewriter
in the box
with a big ol' bow on the top

for me...

Harold explained how he couldn't type on it... how it just never felt right... not in the right home
through my tears of such a sweetness for their act of kindness and generosity I tried to tell them thank you... it didn't seem enough... just saying thank you
that has to be one of the nicest and most generous things anyone has ever done for me
he knew I liked it, he knows I like to write
but it was an unexpected act... expecting nothing in return that was most profound
a sacrifice for him became a gift for me, more than just something material

it will be forevered cherished Harold...

thank you.
xo + blessings,

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,

When baby Daniel sees our dog Bella, she doesn't know that Bella won't talk back to him
this struck me (as does every single thing I encounter in my life) and it really made me think
He was sitting on my lap, tummy down on my chubby thighs (yes, I did say MY chubby thighs) and was talking to the dog... cooing away... inflections here and there
trying to get her attention!
she was looking at him, which he giggles at, and their communication was complete
he doesn't know the dog doesn't talk
it doesn't matter to him
Baby Daniel accepts the dog the way she is... non talking and all

random picture of what I did Saturday morning... came up with 2 new yummy cupcakes!! = lemon cupcake with fresh blueberry butter cream frosting = chocolate and lavender cupcake with blueberry butter cream frosting
both will be available at the farm this October with the blueberries the family picked so graciously for me and for you... as well as the lavender from my garden... organically grown
The Homesteading Series here at NA.DA.FARM will be up and running soon! Jason and I can't wait to share some more NA.DA.FARM with you

do you ever see "diy" stuff here?
nope
well, rarely
do you ever see Anne Marie painting something?
nope
why is that you wonder??

hhhhhmmm... could be because I like making cupcakes rather than painting, or even weeding for that matter
I'm not much of a painter, but so admire people who do it well, and with the right 'stuff'

so downtown in DeKalb, there is a new store
Carter's Cottage
and Christie, the owner, is a certified, bonfied, dealer of this precious paint...

when I was there shopping, and meeting Christie, she was just opening the first boxes...
so exciting!

she's a total cutie, and we hit it off... we had so much to talk about... we literally talked about repelling in the south to flea market shopping...
if you are in the area, her shop is a must go!!
I even picked up a great turquoise metal youth chair that is now my oldest duaghter's art chair (more on that this week — we re-decorated her room!!)
here's Christie!

make sure you tell her I said "Hi!" when you go in...
so... who out there has used Annie Sloan paint?? and what did you think? (I really like the finish it gives on the furniture... a softness about it)

xo+blessings,

you all know how I am getting ready for the sale tomorrow
but no stress this time
busy — yes — very
but with my husband's support and everyone in the family helping, it is such a blessing

that doesn't mean I have time during the day to sit and relax
however
I do take the time early in the morning with Jason and my coffee
and water the gardens and make my list

on mother's day, our daughter wanted a picture of her and I together... (it was her birthday the day before mother's day)

and then she took the camera to catch me... I am not one to take my picture
she has a way of getting her mother in a photo... which I am not fond of... being behind the camera

getting ready yes, but also so very excited to see you
as soon as I open my eyes tomorrow morning, dealers will be setting up, cupcakes will be frosted, a few last sales tags will be put on some of my items, and bouquets made
if you are coming from far off, I will have a white dresser inside the entrance, where Greg Wheaton will be playing his acoustic guitar there will be flyers from all the wonderful shops in the area
here's a sampling of Greg's music an honor for him to play here Friday night 5-8pm

our daughter has gathered some adorable items, like tiny porcelain vintage deer and little vintage porcelain elves and tiny evergreen bottle brush trees in the local thrift stores & antiques shops, to make these adorable snow globes... some are tiny glass jars, and others are vintage blue mason jars

they will be available at A Ruffled Nest's Christmas show tomorrow, Friday, November 30th from 5-8pm as well as Saturday December 1st 10-3pm

116 South California Street, Sycamore, IL.

Many other local artisans + vintage sellers will be next door too! Along with some dealers selling re-purposed and painted items...

Me? I'll be there helping out, selling some gingerbread men and other organic cookies + cupcakes (chocolate with peppermint frosting!) while enjoying the complimentary wine and candy bar:)

Hope to see you there! This show will be a great way to buy local/supporting these women while buying Christmas gifts!!

xo + snow globe and gingerbread blessings,

my uncle needed some love recently... coming home to heal from surgery, I brought his favorite: carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

I make these in cupcakes too (but with frosting on the top!) maybe even later this spring... like May 18th and 19th?)
xo+sweet blessings,

• LOCALLY RAISED ALL BEEF HOT DOGS & BRATWURST (Chi-town style)
• ANTIQUES
• VINTAGE ITEMS
• PAINTED FURNITURE
• HAND SEWN BAGS
• CUPCAKES & SWEET TREATS
• PICNIC IDEAS + ITEMS
• HAND PAINTED SILHOUETTES
• ART JOURNALS
• HATS
• SHABBY-CHIC STYLE HOME DECOR
• COLORFUL VINTAGE ITEMS
• CAKE PEDESTALS
• FARMHOUSE DECOR
• CLOTHING — prairie style
• and so much more

~safe travels~

xo+barn sale blessings,
Jason &

and family...