Keep the Bugs at Bay

We've had so much rain this spring that the mosquitoes are out of control. Last weekend, I had swarms of them around me, and they seem to be the size of small cats. I'm so happy we finally have Insect Veil Spray back in stock. Just in time for the summer season.


Insect Veil Spray is a natural insect repellent. Utilizing age-old herbal wisdom, this effective repellent combines lemongrass, wintergreen and catnip oils with good old Soy Oil. Research suggests that Soy Oil contains insect repelling compounds that are very effective. No Deet, chemicals or synthetics are used, so this is great for kids and those with sensitive skin.

Galvanized Cake Stand Shout Out

I want to thank Layla and Kevin of The Lettered Cottage for making our Galvanzied Cake Stand a little star today. At the moment the cake stand is sadly out of stock, but we're expecting more in mid-June. Feel free to shoot us an email at customercare@farmhousewares.com, and we'll contact you as soon as they are in. I also want to thank Kevin's mom for sharing her Key Lime Cake recipe. I'm wild about key lime anything, and this could be trouble for me as I enter into bathing suit season.

eat your fruits and veggies

Now that local farmer's markets are beginning to crop up for the spring, you can start getting fresh, seasonal produce with ease. Those of you brave enough to tend your own garden know that soon you'll have a plethora of veggies and not nearly enough recipes. (Any new recipes for zucchini are always welcome here.) Stop by the Daily Green for a helpful guide to cooking up 13 different spring fruits and veggies. Make sure you sign up for email newsletters, as you'll be sure to get great tips for green living.

New: Vintage Style WC Sign

Give your bathroom door a touch of European style with our new cast iron WC sign. Used throughout Europe to indicate public toilets or water closets, the WC sign is a whimsical way of helping your guests find their way. Inspired by vintage enamel signs, this sturdy cast iron sign is white with raised black letters.

Just Beachy

Our Coastal Bayberry Soy Candle, by Sweet Grass Farm, is one of our best-selling scents for a good reason--it smells heavenly. It takes me right to the sandy shores where the bayberry bush thrives. Spicy with clove and woodsy notes, this candle creates a warm feeling. The best way to describe it is like being inside a rustic beach cabin with exposed wood beams, sandy floors that need to be swept and fresh saltwater air streaming in through the windows. When I can't get to the beach, I bring the beach to me with the Coastal Bayberry Candle. Available at Farmhouse Wares.

chicken report {no. 12}

Note to self: do not wear sparkly flip flops when tending to the chickens...ever!

Summertime Savings

With Memorial Day just around the corner,

we hope to inspire you to find time this summer to slow down

and enjoy life's simple pleasures.


Farmhouse Wares invites you to save 10% off your next purchase.

To save 10% just enter coupon code "summer11" during checkout.

Available today through midnight May 14, 2011.


Offer available while supplies last. Not valid on previous purchases.


CLICK HERE TO VISIT FARMHOUSE WARES

a fine farmhouse

I recently painted my living room, but I haven't rehung a lot of my old art, as some of the pieces don't feel like they fit anymore. When I go through all that trouble of painting, I want everything to feel fresh and new. I've fallen in the love with the quiet simplicity and bold green background of this farmhouse painting. I found it via Illustrator, Julia Icenogle's blog. It keeps haunting me.

Got Milk Bottles?

The Philadelphia Inquirer knows a good thing when they see it. Our Glass Milk Bottles were recently featured in their Market Basket section, and we couldn't be happier that the good word is spreading about these charming, yet practical milk bottles.

what a face

Look at our boy, Fluffy. Doesn't he just steal your heart? He stole our hearts when he came as a stray around this time a few years ago. He's a real charmer, too. I just love that pink nose.

New: Square Enamel Cake Stands

If you fell in love with our round Enamel Cake Stands, with their sweet scalloped edges, then you'll be happy to know that they are now also available with a new square shape. Entertain with these elegant Square Enamel Cake Stands. The scalloped edges add a touch of vintage style, and they are perfect for displaying your creative creations. Use them separately or layer as shown. Great for cheese, cookies, cakes and more.

Easter Time

I'll be taking a little break from blogging to celebrate Easter with family and friends. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, too!

spring cleaning

It's that time of year again when we throw open the windows and give the house a good scrub down. To lift your mood and make your house smell fresh and clean, try the Farmhouse Fresh White Lilac line of home goods. This environmentally friendly line, by Sweet Grass Farm, includes laundry care products, dish soap, linen spray, furniture wax, an all-purpose spray cleaner and more.

happy times

Spring is starting to bloom around here. After another round of snow last week, Mother Nature is finally giving us a break with a blast of warmer weather. My daughter and I had a bet as to when our piles of snow in the driveway would melt. She guessed April 11 back in early March. I scoffed, and more optimistically chose April 1. Well, yesterday there was a little sandy patch of snow when we went down to the bus. It was gone by afternoon. April 11 on the spot. She is quite pleased with herself, and I am pleased that this new warm air is making my gardens begin to unfurl with happy colors.

Today...

seems like a good day to play hooky and search for beach glass and shells.

Rustic Horse Door Stop

Our farmhouse has become a little crooked over the years. If you drop a marble on the living room floor, it will roll all the way to the other end of the room. Crooked also means doors never seem to stay put when they are left open. I need door stops in several rooms, so we can avoid cracking our baby toes on the bottom edges when we walk by. This Rustic Horse Door Stop is perfect for keeping doors quiet and still, especially on breezy days. Made of cast iron, the Rustic Horse Door Stop makes a handsome helper with plenty of farmhouse style. The handle makes it easy to pick it up and move it around as needed.

Vintage Style Bait Bucket Lantern

Our new Bait Bucket Lantern is well-suited for easy rustic living. Inspired by vintage bait buckets, it captures the feeling of a day spent walking dusty country roads, sitting by cool streams, waiting to catch the biggest fish ever.

Wire Mesh Cubby and Coat Rack is Back

I'm pleased to tell you that our Wire Mesh Cubby and Coat Rack is back in stock! They went so fast last time. I just love its industrial vintage style, and it features four wire mesh cubbies, so you can store mail, books or bills. There are nine coat hooks, making it ideal for a busy mudroom. The wood shelf has an off-white, distressed finish.

what's wrong with this picture?

Remember naughty Katrina? I told you about how she was stalking this birdhouse. As I mentioned, a family of bluebirds is living in there. I was finally able to capture one of the bluebird parents. Amazing color on this sweet little bird. So far, Katrina has not gone back up. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the birds prevail.

white wednesday {no. 36}

Today's White Wednesday features our newest item at the shop: our Vintage Style White Enamelware Pitcher. Nothing says country living quite like white enamelware. The simple charm of enamelware fits right in with any decor, and it is especially suited for casual farmhouse decor. Inspired by flea market finds, our white enamel pitcher has a fine black trim and a generous spout, and it's food safe, so bring on the lemonade.

P.S. Don't forget to visit Faded Charm for more white Wednesday goodies.

New: Woven Wire Heart Box

I just love this new Woven Wire Heart Box. Let me count the ways in which it can be used:

• It's a great way to display small keepsakes from a memorable event.


• Welcome your guests by filling the heart box with small scented soaps.


• Create creative place cards by dangling one from each chair.


• Sneak a love note inside and greet a loved-one by hanging it at the front door just before they get home.


• Make an adorable wedding or shower favor by filling it with something tied to your event.


• Surprise your child by filling it with a sweet treat and hiding it in his/her lunch bag.

Do you have an idea too? I'd love to hear it.

P.S. The wire box comes with a small clasp to keep it closed and a silk ribbon, so you can also hang it.

Galvanized Cake Stand

I recently discovered our Galvanized Tin Pedestal featured on Luna and Chloe Weddings blog. It looks so beautiful with this stunning white cake on it. As Kristi points out, they're "perfection together." The gorgeous cake and photo were both created by Rosie of Sweetapolita. Her blog is filled with great ideas for all your sweet treats, including 50 tips for baking better cakes. I will study these tips closely, as I can only hope to make a cake worthy of displaying on our pretty pedestal. Thank you Kristi and Rosie.

New: Rustic Wire Potato Basket

Store extra towels, soaps, toys, kindling wood, or veggies from the garden. With so many practical uses, our Rustic Wire Potato Basket is a must-have for any farmhouse. Its simple, rustic design suits any decor.

white wednesday {no. 35}

We're featuring our new Vintage Style Bulb Tray. Inspired by bulb drying trays used by flower growers for generations, our metal Vintage Style Bulb Tray features an antiqued off-white finish and a sturdy handle for easy transport. It's perfect for drying bulbs, onions or entertaining with casual farmhouse style.

P.S. Don't forget to visit Faded Charm for more white Wednesday goodies.

Fair Game?

Can you believe this naughty cat? Her name is Katrina, and she's not playing nice on this spring day. I'm pretty sure there is a nest of bluebirds in there, because I've seen the parents on a daily basis. (I'll try to get a picture for you.) I told her to shoo, but she has a mind of her own. Nature can be so cruel.

New: Metal Cage Flower Frog Vases and Wire Caddy

Create a charming country centerpiece with this set of three Metal Cage Flower Frog Vases and Wire Caddy. The vintage style cage flower frog creates a grid that makes flower arranging a snap. The rustic wire caddy features a well-weathered patina and vintage inspired wood handles. The cages are easily removed when it comes time to clean the glass jars. Available at Farmhouse Wares.

Willow Offers Relaxed Country Style

With Easter just around the corner, the spring promises many opportunities for casual entertaining with family and friends. Our Willow Door Basket and Woven Willow Cloche and Tray make perfect companions for entertaining. The relaxed, country cottage style of natural willow creates an atmosphere that your guests will be charmed by.

white wednesday {no. 34}

I'm loving the way my new white tulips really pop against our black sideboard. Makes me happy on this rainy white Wednesday.

P.S. Don't forget to visit Faded Charm for more white Wednesday goodies.

Recycled Wood Folding Desk Caddy

It must be the time of year when everyone is getting organized, as we've had a lot of customers ask about our Recycled Wood Folding Desk Caddy. We decided to bring it back for a limited time. It's perfect for storing keepsakes and other memorabilia. I use mine to organize my garden seeds and small supplies. I especially love that it folds up, so things stay organized and tidy even when it's not garden season.

Vintage Style Clothes Pin Bag

We are pleased to announce that our new Vintage Style Clothes Pin Bag is featured in the current issue of Early Homes Magazine! As they say, "Hanging clothes up to dry in the fresh, clean air is not only nostalgic, but eco-senstive, too." Our new bag helps keep "clothespins within easy reach." It's on newstands now, so check it out.