herbs are starting to be hung to dry in the kitchen... and being that I don't have a summer kitchen outdoors (someday I hope!) it sort of feels like it with that ladder up there and the fresh herbs drying when you are drying herbs, they shouldn't receive any sunshine — hang in smaller bunches from hemp twine in a dark place — I like this spot because I can snip here and there when needed in recipes, but soon the herbs will be harvested and dried in much bigger quantities for storage for over winter this is the time I start thinking of food storage... canning... freezing...
I receive quite a few emails in regards to 'how I do things' with the grocery shopping/etc... and I'm working on that to show you who are interested but it takes time I've been calculating things, making notes, writing this and writing that
August 15th is the big reveal of the October Barn Sale/Event theme as well!! I can't wait to let you all know about it! back to the potager I go...
After you have harvested your herbs -dry them in a very dark place — hang them or put them in a paper bag — top open — until brittle
grab your most cheerful child at that moment...
crumple crumple crumple
(just sit back with your fresh cup of tea and take your cheerful child's photograph... encouraging them along the way with tales of adventure)
we have so much sage that we use large plastic bags to preserve them
the more delicate (and not as abundant here on the farm) herbs get to reside over winter in beautiful blue mason jars... respectively...
To confess: autumn is my absolute favorite in the garden... we are organically growing our vegetables, so at this time of year I can gloriously pull off a slug here and there on the pepper plants and throw them to the chickens since we have had a frost already, there aren't any other bugs (hallelujah) but it's now time for cleanup and more garlic to plant I'm hoping to find some time today to sew a pair of booties for Daniel and even my own cloth diapers (from an old sweater:) peace + blessings,
me preparing a dynamic new pesto: sage blossom pesto (recipe shared later this week) herbs are hanging from my antique spice rack above the stove now... it is a great space to do this at, because the direct sunlight doesn't hit the herbs, and they dry so nicely (besides me liking them hanging there) now is your time to harvest any blooms on your herbs, in order to make a prolific herb harvest soon
peonies dry beautifully, as does chamomile (for my organic chamomile teas i make)
Jason bought me this enormous antique wire whisk from Josie's antiques for mother's day... i cannot wait to use it
i do have to say, the kitchen has been stripped, minimal crept back in... and i now have a very different looking kitchen since i snapped these photos whenever i give a completely thorough cleaning, things get rearranged (hence why my house is always turning around... i like love to clean)
see the extraordinary in your ordinary day see the beauty in utilitarian objects see the beauty in work see the beauty in bloom xo+blessings,
preserving the last of the herbs... photo taken by daughteri would like to say
i have a lot
there is so much
both spiritually and materially that i am changing... doing... being
my days have been consumed with this life/vocation/existence but still i change
my mind starts to wander and think... of me...
never... ever... is this a good idea
it's like i put this self made cross (which is quite heavy) upon myself and absolutely refuse to have help in carrying it
that's not a cross from Him, but of my own design...
my father has been in the hospital now for 21 days... his cross is real... and he is letting others help him carry it... he doesn't have the strength to carry it himself...
this all has happened not only for my father, but for all involved in his life...
isn't it always the case... where you are more than willing to help others carry their cross, but when you start to feel the weight, you bear it yourself, because you think you can do it
i don't know about others, but, i can't do it alone
so so much i am working on... trying to listen and be obedient... giving in to the circumstances of life
so much on my mind that i can't even journal it all... my journal has been neglected bedside for weeks
the trivial things of worry and concern are nothing compared to what my mother has been going through seeing her husband... my dad... go through such a trying time...
this all has happened not only for my father, but for all involved in his life...
those socks still need mending, the meals done, the last of the herbs harvested, math lessons completed, prayers of thanks to be earnestly said
the worry and the mind wander and the thoughts can 'hang out' for awhile in my mind, but ultimately it is not necessary or needed...
the best way to put my thoughts coherently is by none other than C.S. Lewis... “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
(I will be discussing this all through this week...)
homemade ranch dressing 1 cup of homemade or store bought mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream a dash of garlic powder 3 fresh sprigs of dill (just the ends) cut up finely 2 Tablespoons of freshly minced parsley a small handful of chives chopped very thinly 1 teaspoon onion powder and no more than 1/4 cup of either buttermilk or milk put all the ingredients into a mason jar, except for the milk, and shake it up really good depending on how thick you want your dressing to be, add a teaspoon at a time of the buttermilk and milk super easy — super good - here's a quick tip on herbs... use scissors to cut up your herbs next time (works great on any herb)
I must confess, I played it safe with my first open fire meal to show you, by cooking chicken
There are a number of reasons why... the first being expense
I am appalled at how the chicken farming industry (even organic) has chosen to charge such an insanely expensive amount for chicken breasts — de boned -
appalled I say!
$17 was the most expensive for a large family pack — but the average while shopping around was $15...
appalled
Being that our freezer did not have any more chicken (which will soon be remedied) I don't just shop around for the cheapest meat... I just can't... not after seeing so many video accounts of the conditions they treat chickens or what they feed them... If I am in a 'pickle' and can't find organic (which is exactly what happened to me when shopping for this dish) then all natural — no added hormone meat/etc, is what I end up with.
I am sorry to say, that I wasn't pleased with the chicken... but if I hadn't raised our own heritage birds and primarily only eat that humanely treated truly free range chicken I wouldn't have 'scoffed' at the store bought.
You could just say I just made an extremely long excuse for not preparing one of our own chickens instead of going to the store... eh hem...
At any rate, this open fire chicken recipe was a huge hit and we had enough to add to salad the following day with that homemade ranch dressing... I even threw in a few strawberries, hard boiled eggs, some sunflower seeds, and chopped green onions from the garden.
To prepare your chicken — even if it is from your own farmyard — make sure you rinse and pat dry...
Make sure you have your grill set up before starting the fire.
For the fire: 1) start with putting your logs in place... leaning the tops together (to form a tepee of sorts) 2) gather some kindling (twigs and pine needles) and put those under the logs 3) light the kindling (blocking the wind with your body if need be) and gently blow onto the kindling to keep the fire burning 4) add more kindling if necessary in order to catch the logs on fire as well 5) once the logs are burning well, let them be on fire for at least 30 minutes until you start seeing that lovely gray ash form on the logs 6) start moving the logs under your grate to disperse the heat as evenly as you can
when putting the chicken onto the grill, put the center one on first... now, I'm not just saying this to make it look nice, or cook the middle... I am saying this because it is quite possible that if you lay one on the edge of the grill, well, it could flip off and land into the hot ashes as you yourself flip out that you just were so stupid... it's possible you know... Start your grill about 12" from the fire.
open fire chicken
drizzle olive oil onto (bone in) chicken breasts — pick some thyme and rosemary, rub it over the chicken and then leave it on the top of the chicken to add flavor — sprinkle with sea salt and pepper if desired
let cook on bone side down for 20 minutes — keeping an eye on that underside -
flip the chicken over when a golden brown and continue cooking the skin side down until golden also
(if you are using de-boned chicken breasts, the cooking time will decrease, but so will your wallet)
keep an eye on the fire, and move around your logs in order to try and get the heat consistent under all the chicken... if need be, use a pair of tongs to move the chicken around if one is browning too much in one spot... you may also have to raise your grill or lower your grill depending on the intensity of the heat
the chicken is done when it is golden brown on both sides — to double check, remove from the heat, and slice through the thickest part of the biggest chicken breast and if no longer pink, it's done
yum so good and worth every last moment soaking up the time outdoors... having the children around me... under the trees overlooking the fields... thankful for the hardworking husband to bring home the money to purchase this chicken... for the storm that took down the tree in order to fuel this meal... for the herbs growing abundantly in the garden to enhance this dish... so good
To go along with this chicken dish, my home made fresh herb focaccia bread was a must. Over the fire, it made the most delicious flavor... sharing that recipe this week too.
I am also wanting to share something with you that has been very near to my soul... a project I am working on internally that seems to have crept out... I just can't hold it in any longer, and am working on writing more about that... no, it's nothing for the world... but for me... for you... for others... A spiritual enhancement that is a life altering way of being.
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,
finally a restaurant nearby that sells local organic food!
Two Brothers... formally known as 'The Roundhouse' — in Aurora, IL. and totally get the battered green beans — yum! We are looking forward to selling some hot peppers and herbs to them!! yeah! maybe we'll trade beer instead of money... epecially the dark beer (not pictured here... that glass is long gone) (can you tell I'm looking forward to the weekend already?)
My parents recently took a trip to Italy... they "forgot" to bring me but they did take lots of pictures, which aren't digital, so I can't share them, but let's just say my Mom's photography skills are rather close to a professional..and some of what she has shown me were almost hard to believe! Visiting Tuscany... Venice... having a coffee on the balcony overlooking Venice like I said... they "forgot" to bring me... and the children... and even my husband
the above picture is not my Mom's painting, however, she paints rather well and I don't know the source of that painting above, but it did spark the idea behind the sale's theme
source unknown the rich colors of Italy's flowers and buildings are so amazing! who said you can't mix orange and blue?? nature sure didn't say you can't... and Italy screams it at you in such an iconic way
As soon as Mom and Dad returned and showed me their 1,465 photos on a warm summer day on the deck, the inspiration ignited like those colors I have always admired in rich Italian oil paintings (as you know, I collect colorful oil paintings) Being that I have a historically traveling family heritage, there sure isn't an ounce of Italian in me, but I'm sure my gypsy aunts and uncles stopped by the roadside grotto and had a cuppa on their travels
when Jenn and I were shopping at a local vintage clothing shop right after the October sale, I saw the coolest boho-dress (which I really hope fits me still) and I said I was going to buy it for the May ball, and our two heads combined to come up with the Boho-Ball! It's all about creativity... color... inspiration... and not caring what the styles are but being yourself... HAVING FUN!! That's what this May event is all about... HAVING FUN... and enjoying buying local... shopping... eating... while enjoying the fresh air kind of what I suppose my Mom and Dad experienced when they shopped the Italian markets without me
Half of the space that my husband Jason and I have designated the sale area of the barn, is what we like to call the "Market"
a dream market... photo by Finn Lyngensen in the market you will find these AWESOME dealers... and just like the gypsies they are, they are traveling from all over!! ~ Traci and Mark (from Morris, IL and Geneva, IL) ~ Denise and Janice (from Geneva, IL) ~ Jeanine Burkhardt... CHippY ShaBbY!! (from Wisconsin) ~ Laura... Verbena Tested Treasures (from Florida) These dealers will be selling their wares in the "Market" area of the barn and will be separate from the other space designated as "the Shop" (but that's for another post... soon!)
ever since last October, I have been planning this "Market"... with flowers, herbs, & baked goods made by me... and we'll be serving lunch as well for a nominal fee... and no, I won't be selling my cured hams from the barn rafters... not this year at least...
market in san lorenzo if the weather is nice, there will be blankets available for you to borrow and take out to the prairie for a picnic... anywhere you want in the prairie... to soak up the sunshine... time with friends and enjoy your afternoon out at the farm... (sir Charles the rooster won't mind a bit if you share your crackers with him and his gal)...
My Mom is out here today and she has the best ideas... and we are going out to the "Market" and "the Shop" so she can help me feel left out she went to Italy with my Dad and "forgot" to bring me
and to help decorate
Hope you can make it to the "Market" to see the amazing finds they are bringing!! Jason and I won't buy all of the awesomeness we'll save some for you:) enjoy the day! xo+farm blessings,
The Master Bedroom Design Q(uestions) & A(nswers) was a BLAST! Wouldn't being a decorating reporter be so fun? I think so So many of you wonderful readers haven't asked me "why" I am re-decorating my bedroom with Jo and Lulu as design stylists... because it's obvious why! They both have great talent... What's my decorating motto for this bedroom: "un-decorate" Today's Q&A is with Jo, from the Secret Garden Cottage. Her and I have talked back and forth, because of the blogs, for quite some time, and as soon I saw her kitchen/dining area, even though it's a kitchen, it inspired me for my bedroom... and here's why:
All of Jo's Answers are in italicized print, and all pictures in this post are from Jo's beautifully inspiring blog. Here's the Q&A with one of the nicest women, Jo:
1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? something that anchors the room? If so, it is usually art or architecture
A: Yes. I definitely always try to have a focal point in each of my rooms, usually architectural pieces. I don't use much art in my home, mostly because I have a hard time finding something I like 100%.
2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? A: Well... I try to keep in mind that this is my husband's home, too, and wouldn't want to overwhelm him with too many floral prints, ruffles, or super feminine colors. I try to add a feminine touch to my decor with some of the furniture pieces I use, such as the table I recently bought and placed in my kitchen. It has some decorative scroll work and pretty, curvy legs. I also use flowers and herbs from the garden to add a little bit of romance to my home, as well as the slipcovered furniture and accessories, such as glass cloches, white ironstone pitchers, and candles.
3) what would you classify your style as? A: I think my style is very eclectic. I love French farmhouse, Scandinavian, and American country cottage styles, and I think I have a little bit of each style in my home.
4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? A: Sometimes I fell like I struggle with this myself. I try to give my home an overall cohesive feeling by using the same color scheme throughout my home. I generally only use different shades of white in my decor, including my wall paint. I also try to purchase furniture pieces that work well together... have similar architectural lines and so forth.
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? what elements would you include in your design plan? A: Keeping in mind your personal style... I think that the one thing you like about mine and Lulu's style is the use of white in our decor, so I would give you an all white bedroom. I would use an architectural piece with white, chippy paint such as a vintage door(s) or fireplace mantle for your headboard. I've also noticed that you like warm wood tones in your home, so I would incorporate warm wood pieces of furniture, such as your night stands and maybe a vintage chest or bench (if room allows) at the foot of your bed. The bed linens you have would look beautiful in the room, but I would add a bed skirt to make it a bit more femine. I also noticed that you love vintage silver, which I think would look gorgeous in the bedroom in the use of accessories. I would dress the windows with sheer linen or cotton curtain panels that puddle on the floor just slightly and use tree branches for the curtain rods. Since your room is small, you would want to keep accessories to a minimum to give it a serene, peaceful feeling.
Anything else you would like to say?? I just want to thank you again for including me in your bedroom makeover, Anne Marie. I feel so honored that you would consider my ideas alongside Lulu's to inspire a room makeover in your beautiful home. You have such an amazingly beautiful style and creative mind, so I know this room will turn out to be the beautiful haven you desire, and I can't wait to see it when it's done!
Isn't she the sweetest?? I wish she lived closer to actually help me! How much fun we'd have... After I saw THIS POST she did, and she had quite a few of the same inspiration photos that I have in my design collection, I knew I would beg her to do this for me:) Tomorrow is my friend Lulu's Q&A with me... stay tuned! Hope you are all enjoying your week thus far!! peace and blessings,
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
