thought 3: Challenge Challenging myself to face the truth... that tomorrow will come more quickly than I would like...
that no matter what others might say or I myself choose to think, I need to follow my dreams... my passions...
to challenge myself to be myself! imagine that... to actually just pursue what my heart leads me to do
this is a very... very... tough thing for me to do
within this little four-square farmhouse are 8 people — six of whom I am totally and completely responsible for
the oldest is only 14, and I tell you what, he needs just as much care as our son who is turning 4 today!
to challenge myself to not feel guilty I am working on something (for all of you)... because it is really what my passion lies... within our farmhouse... within our family... embracing God and His nature
I sit up straighter
my thoughts are positive
my heart is overwhelmed with excitement, joy, and love...
simple thoughts = simple joy
my thoughts today center on choosing the simplistic joy of Christmas... and going forth with a project I've been working really hard on... and so has my husband...
tomorrow we'll be sharing what Jason and I have been working on
I hope you all are able to come back tomorrow so that all of us here at the farm can share with you something very special...
tomorrow we will sharing images of the inside of our simplistic farmhouse here's a sneak peek:
that excited, happy, joyous, (more overjoyed really), filled with blessings, love, thankfulness... the whole nine yards (where did that saying come from — does anyone know?) it hit call it the sunshine streaming through our farmhouse windows or the love and support from friends and strangers from people viewing the ebook, but regardless, it hit I just ran to the kitchen to start some potpourri on the stove (I know that sounds corny, but if you haven't ever made homemade potpourri with orange skins/cloves/cinnamon — do it and then judge me) we are decorating more of the tree tonight — songs + cookies (which I haven't baked yet!) + more music and I'm sure a bit of chaos with lifting chubby four year old fingers up to the top of the tree to hang ornaments and a stray baby crawling on the floor to reach his stuffed candy canes... this small farmhouse is tight sometimes, but I wouldn't have any other way treasure this moment wherever you are, and if you haven't told someone you treasure them do it do it now... a priest once told me that if I think about my grandparent's then call them — that moment don't wait I just took pictures of the new downstairs living room (well, rearranged...) and will be back after some cookies are in the oven can I hear a 'hallelujah'?? we might not all be of the same religion, but one thing binds most of us all together at this time... and I don't know about you, but let's wipe that grumpy face off — even if you don't have a single dime to spend on Christmas gifts, you STILL have things to cherish... and life is one of them so go on out there the rest of the day and SMILE LAUGH!
BE MERRY!! AND BRIGHT!!!!!!!!!! Christ is shining through you! SHOW IT! with so much love and peace,
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,
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
there wasn't a lot of sparkle here at the farmhouse this past December
the serious nature of life overshadowed that sparkle i accept this
i accept the serious nature i accept to truly love God, i must accept it... whererver you may be at this very moment reading this... know that you are a gift in itself
there is no need for the material there is no need no need to be sad... nor worry... nor fear... but accept open your heart this moment to His will seeing the poetry in life feeling the sense of the acceptance
breathing in His love
exhaling it to others...
(photographas taken of my dear little girl and her spirit is what inspires me upon this day)
the perennial gardens meander a short distance from the potager to the house...
talking that walk on the gravel path to chase the chickens out of the mulch snip some herbs makes the chores to and from the garden that much more lovely
here's a look at some perennial combinations I like...
ninebark and a varigated willow shrub
primrose almost in bloom, hostas and rocks... rocks give such great depth and texture to a garden
peony and shasta daisy... though not lasting long, the peony's leaves are a favorite of mine in arrangements or do well alone in an old bottle
barberry bush and purple salvia
walker's low (a purple catmint) and that lovely ninebark again
a baby and his mother (a perennial favorite)
inside the farmhouse... at the barn sale here, I purchased this table from Amy of Eclectique Boutique (a great shop in Plano, IL) and it has transformed my downstairs...
some Waverly fabric has made it's way home to our farmhouse, and I can't wait to share all that I am working on inside
Holiday times brings out so much cheer!! Being that I am still up in the night with my little one does put a damper on the "cheer" factor some mornings, but today, I woke up, and all but the 14 yr. old (boy — still asleep) were outdoors playing in the fresh fallen snow... and this instantly cheered me up!
I love the seasons changing... and I have so many crafts/ideas going on inside our farmhouse that I can't wait to share with you!!!
Speaking of sharing: Jennifer Rizzo, designer/artist, contacted me to see if I wanted to share the inside of our farmhouse for Christmas decorating
gulp
a lot to do I must say... but I'm so excited to be in this line up...
starts Monday!! but I'm stop 9 (thank goodness)
do you need to feel more cheer right now?? then take a look at Jeanne's new look book at her blog — oh my goodness it is so amazing... completely so well put together and creative — her photography is so dang good I'm off to school the kids + have some coffee + and create!! (all three together;) peace + blessings,
I'm so thrilled to tell you that I am expanding on this conceptual journey of 'beauty'
putting together a room, with all it's rearranging of furniture and the play of light on a certain chair, or the way the bookcase it now highlighted by your side lamp all invokes a story of how you visual your space
yes, I am rearranging again
this room is awesome with the archway... and I keep trying to incorporate that space into the living room space (as you see, it's the living room again:) however, the coziness keeps telling me to embrace that beauty of coziness!!
it's high time that the blue floral couch from 1940 gets moved out... it just doesn't fit my decor anymore
and the hutch... it has housed crafts, silver, everyday dishes, bowls, and now is in the living room waiting... poor thing
baby Daniel is thoroughly confused and delighted to have a plethora of crawling space (notice the 'moving men' under the couch) my current (material) desires are to achieve an earthy easy elegance into this farmhouse with softness
here's some of my inspiration:
I've always been a great 'lover' of things black and white, and would love to add some more of that into the house...
designtoinspire.net
this photo has it (almost) all of what I'm thinking: natural wood, black, white, texture, a bit of industrial, clean + simple (what it is lacking is more color)
skema this entry has the red I really like, the antique piece, the natural wood around doorway, the pops of color... and though paisley might be "out" I still think this looks great
Canadian house to home as soon as I saw this, I instantly wanted to put up some more of my oil paintings... good thing I didn't put them out to sell them at the barn sale!
country living the open shelving idea is really striking a chord with me, there's talk of using remaining wood from the sunroom remodel (douglas fir) for the shelves
countryliving
beautifullife
~have a great rest of the day~ peace + blessings,
measure 2/3 cup sugar + 2 teaspoons of vanilla = add to egg mixture, beat together until well combined (but not foamy)
stir into egg mixture 2 cups of cooked rice (leftover plain rice works great too)
optional: add 1 cup of raisins and cinnamon if desired
pour into 3 quart casserole dish or individual custard cups
bake for 30-45 minutes for custard cups or 45-50 minutes for casserole dish (stir after 30 minutes) (if using custard cups put them in a 13x9 casserole dish with 1/2" of boiling water before baking — boiling water so you don't crack your dish in the oven)
it is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean serve warm or chilled (I like them fresh)
if you used individual custard cups, you may loosen edges with a spatula or knife, and slip them out inverted onto a plate
peace + farmhouse kitchen blessings,
just so you know, I (try to remember) to pray before I bake anything:)
yes, about the baby due in a few short weeks... but honestly, this May Event is really the best thing that could be for me right now... a blessing if you will...
My Hungarian roots are colorized by the true gypsy blood that runs through my veins...
photo credit: gypsy purplestories of dirt floor huts, and brushing the dirt with a special rake to make patterns in the floor when company comes to visit... seriously... no joke!! I am from Gypsy Blood (I know what you are thinking... "oooohhhh... that explains it!) lol you have no idea how badly I want to make a gypsy hut of my own... or at least bring in more textures and colors into my home decor... so I'm trying... I just bought 2 pink chairs for my living room — PINK! (do you think my gypsy soul is telling me it's a girl?) Our home is pretty 'prairie farmhouse', but I came up with a new one that I really like: "PRAIRIE GYPSY" that's me!
photo credit: Tobias Harvey
but I tend to crave solitude colors as well... and would love to spruce up the corn crib like this:
photo credit: Virginia McDonald see? didn't I tell you I was random? thoughts are like that when you just had a braxton/hicks contraction and some sugared treats with milk (craving) I tend to dress the same way... sometimes pure linen with simple drop earrings... or a classic long denim skirt with a t-shirt top and funky hat or head scarf it never is the same and neither should my "decorating" I am no decorator... not one bit do I think so, but I do like expressing myself around my home with sometimes new furniture, new drapes I made, or a simple throw
and don't you worry! I am still focused on that master bedroom!! inspiration via linenandlavender.blogspot
this table was noticed by me the moment it came out of Amy's car for the barn sale here...
I have to admit, it's kind of nice having a flea market come right to the farm...
the natural wax she put on it prevents it from chipping anymore, and the French hand towel made from flax is what i am using like a little table runner
the "curtain" is just fabric I strung up on a birch branch... just temporarily, to keep the heat out if it was up to me, I wouldn't have any curtains ever
but our big windows face the south... the heat pours in... good in winter... not so good in summer
we don't have air conditioning by choice, so everything is oriented in the rooms now for best light/views/heat control
this nook is so nice and cool in the crisp mornings, and watching the sunsets at night...
here's a closeup of the fabric... a nubby linen with a faded turquoise stripe
i grew up sailing with my Dad, and those memories are treasured and seem to be creeping out more and more in my sort of red, white, blue decor you might already know how much I like Ralph Lauren's style, and seeing he's producing more of his quality goods right her in the USA, makes me like him even more if only more of the big names did that... think of the jobs!
one of our old corn crib doors fell off awhile ago, and I recently used it for some food styling I was hired for by Jo Packham for a new book she hired me for (more on that later) after bringing that in for a few shots, i really enjoyed it inside, and it is now very happy being in our nook
I am adding that same stripe fabric in my living room... not done yet sewing those
shopping at JoAnn Fabrics, at a 50% home decor is not so easy finding USA made fabric, but you can still find made in USA fabric, such as Waverly
it is a classic rose pattern I have always liked... and am very happy to work with it finally in our farmhouse
there is nothing like classic pattern and texture
there is a road trip I have planned with a good friend this weekend... if you follow me on Pinterest, you can see what's inspiring me in my pinboard entitled "road trip" I'll be helping decorate a new shop in Indiana, and doing a photoshoot... but more on that later too xo+blessings,
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,
this weekend I took down the bird pictures and crucifix, and moved some furniture around as well - (please click on images to be taken to their sources) and thoughts are turning towards Christmas... but first, before anything, there is Advent
As eager as I am to spend another winter here, there are some changes going on with my decorating (surprise surprise) some key elements I am focusing on: — Christ — simple — organic/natural — comfortable
and for the girls' room! color + vintage + farmhouse
vintage leather is THE best... already softened and the quality... you can't beat it (for the most part) I have had this jacket for years — and when I saw these cowboy boots made in Kansas at the local thrift store, I couldn't believe they were only $4 and matched my coat perfect. (looks like it matches the congas in the background too)
I think I am finally done with preparation for the May event... These mini-journals have been so fun to create and hand sew... I love sitting in this old farmhouse, and listening to an old record, with my feet up and a cup of tea and creating these for you, at the sale...
hope you had a great weekend... our son liked his gift... the survival kit... he came down this morning with it all decked out, filled, and slung over his shoulder... ready for the day — are YOU ready for the day? -
= 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...
there are plans to recover these chairs... but to this absolute amateur in re-upholster, this project is going to wait for the time being, I'm really enjoying the romantic prairie look in this farmhouse even more and for $70 for the pair, I seriously couldn't pass these up
*on a personal note... * thank you all so much for being so sweet to me and my "ideas" and putting up with the random thoughts you all make me smile every time I read your comments... and I mean that *thank you* have a fantastic weekend! xo+blessings,
Those two go together considering when I neglect my prayer life, or time in solitude, I start to envy others This is a constant struggle for me With 6 children (which entails feeding, clothing, and cleaning up after them daily), homeschooling, hosting big farm events, and just the other daily chores of being a wife and mother, finding time for daily respite is nothing short of a miracle in itself but somehow, miracles happen because I do find the time each day to spend praying and meditating writing and thinking but not nearly as much as I would like to, to keep enhancing my beliefs and spirituality
one thing I always keep in mind, is this: never spend more time on the computer than in prayer never spend more time contemplating what to wear than intimate time with God always understand that if I can't make the time, if I'm just too tired, God will understand At times, I envy those who only have 2 children, in school, and can create their art, write, shop, attend lectures or classes, but then I remember that slows down (sloth) my spirit besides, I wouldn't want to have any other life than my own God gave it to me... the present
xo+blessings,
FOR SOME EASTER INSPIRATION from my farmhouse kitchen: ~ BASKETS ~ CONFECTIONS ~ BUNNY BREADS (my favorite and the kids too!)
just one of my inspiration picture (via country living)
not so much "clutter", and I am working on my daughter to create an oil painting of our dog Samson who passed a few years ago (a black Tibetan Mastiff) someday Jason will build us something like this on either side of the bed... I just know it:) to see more of my inspiration, see my pinterest board: "current project" our master bedroom (you will see why this is a project) it's a place... sorely neglected... it was painted a deep orange on the one wall behind our bed — a sleigh bed that is espresso (but you could also say 'black') the bed came with two nightstands and even though I like the King size (to squeeze a number of children with us at any given time) I really have never cared for it... or the night stands... it was from a customer of Jason's for a job he was doing... the man was moving to Hong Kong and needed to sell his furniture... so a deal we didn't want to pass up... but, it is modern... not bad... but just not what I have in mind for this 'undecorated' look here's the 'before'
our style isn't a "style" really... so we jokingly call it "Farm Style" it's a blend of anything we have on hand really natural woods and found objects pieces that tell a story
the hallway's built in linen closet... will never paint this... love it
a peek into our bedroom...
the armoire is gone it was from our original small little farmhouse in a small town where we started raising our family so I moved it into the little boys room...
this shot of the bed was taken in '09 — tried to disguise the orange wall... to no avail...
(can anyone say "a sorry attempt to decorate"??)
but I think it was a few years ago now that my friend Lulu and I were on the phone and she was urging me to: — get rid of the armoire... check! — paint... check!! — chandelier... I'm working on that... (to check out more about how this master bedroom has slowly being done, go here) I'm approaching this room with a romantic softness that will naturally infuse our farm and prairie life no 'decorating' or such I'm totally flying by the seat of my pants (per usual) and wanting to finish this project by Saturday why? a very special reason... that I will indulge you in on a later day
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)
