Laundry Day

Happy weekend everyone! I'll be doing the laundry.

Products shown (clockwise): Brick French Dishtowels

Farmhouse Lavender Laundry Sachets by Sweet Grass Farm

Clothes Pin Bag

Farmhouse Lemon Laundry Powder and Farbric Softener

Watch out for Wile E. Coyote

Someone has a sense of humor. I spotted this mischievous Wile E. Coyote on the road to my sister's house. His boulder is set to land right on the street. Road Runner beware.

Printing on Vintage Hankies

I just love this idea of screen printing on vintage hankies from dani's details. It's just brilliant. Check out dani's details for lots of other gorgeous designs and inspiration.

Home for a Bunny

Easter is coming, which means my daughter will start begging me for pet bunny. She does every year, but I always say "no" because we have so many living things to take care of already. We also have an abundance of coyote and fox that could cause a problem. But being a guilt-ridden mother, I started to do a little research. Research can't hurt-right?

The Eglu, pictured above, looks like a pretty fine home for a bunny. Omlet USA offers a complete habitat for rabbits or chickens. According to the manufacturer, they are easy to clean and fully insulated. These compact little houses also come with the run, so bunny can get his/her exercise. Best of all it comes in pink. Maybe I'll start begging for a bunny.

Sweet Treats

I have a sweet tooth--always have. When I was young I would ask why we even needed dinner. Couldn't we just go straight to dessert? My husband surprised me once by making that a reality. He packed a basket full of pastries and champagne and swept me off to the beach for an unforgettable sunset meal. Unforgettable because I got very sick and quickly learned why we eat dinner first.

I learned, again, that everything is better in moderation. Still, there is one exception to this rule and that is Tartelette. No moderation required to visit this beautiful blog and absorb the most delicious pastry recipes--not to mention the amazing photography. Tartelette is the sweet creation of pastry chef Helen, a French expatriate living in Charleston, SC. and soon to be published author of her first pastry cookbook. Enjoy!

Sweet Dreams

I'm tired of seeing this.
I'm dreaming of seeing this.

Happy Weekend!

Pine Cone Hill Quilt Sale

COZY UP WITH 60% OFF OUR PINE CONE HILL QUILTS AND SHAMS.
(while supplies last.)
click here to begin shopping

Romanticizing Rodents

You’re bound to have mice when you live in a farmhouse, which is why we have three cats. Still, when one of my cats corners these little critters, like this guy here, I feel bad. You see I have come to imagine that, like a Beatrix Potter book, my mice are living civilized lives behind my walls. You know…matchbox beds and bits of insulation as blankets. I especially like to think they wear cute little outfits and keep their homes very clean, like Hunca Munca here with her dust pan.

When this guy managed to escape, which didn’t seem too hard because the cat was about as savvy as a cartoon cat, I breathed a sigh of relief. I know his friends must have cheered him on when he arrived home—in my walls.

Hatch Show Print

If you love the look of old, vintage style advertising posters then you must visit Hatch Show Print. Operating since 1879, they're the oldest working letterpress print shop in America. Over the years they've created advertising posters for country music performers such as Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. It's a small operation with about 10 employees and two cats. They've got lots of great posters at very affordable prices. Check 'em out.

Organic Solutions

Yesterday's bright sun brought me out for a tour of my gardens. Of course, they're all burried under snow still, but just seeing the basic outlines and the dried stalks of ecinachea gets me psyched. So I'm already planning ahead and looking for the best organic options to tackle some of the duanting dilemmas I faced last year. Powdery mildew really made a mess of my phlox and false sunflower and beatles ate my roses.

I recently found Pharm Solutions. They offer ready-to-use sprays formulated with eco-friendly ingredients. Products include organic fertilizers, and pest and weed control solutions. It's so nice to have healthy alternatives, especially when I spend so much time out there with my family and pets. Pharm Solutions will definately find its way into my garden tool basket before it's too late.

Our Valentine Gift For You

FROM NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 14TH, RECEIVE 20% OFF

ANY PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE.

JUST ENTER THE CODE "heart" UPON CHECKOUT.

(offer valid while supplies last. not valid on previous purchases.

cannot be combined with other offers.)
click here to begin shopping

New at Farmhouse Wares

We just got this Provence Vase in at Farmhouse Wares, and I can't wait to fill one with lilacs or peonies. Its soft, chalky patina and flouted shape will make any flower arrangement more romantic. Hmmm, speaking of romantic, this would make a nice Valentine gift for a flower loving friend.

Lobster isn't just for summer

I'm back from my mini vacation. We went to Moosehead, Maine and enjoyed playing in the snow and the fresh air. One of my favorite nights was when we boiled some Maine lobsters outside in a fire pit. After a long day of snowshoeing and snowmobiling it was nice to just hang by the fire as we prepared to fill our bellies with the taste of summer.

If you're craving some Maine lobster then check out www.mainelobsterdirect.com. They do such a nice job shipping complete lobster dinners right to your door.

R & R

I'm off for a bit of R & R. I'll be back to the blog on Monday. Until then, be well.

Winter Whites

Everything feels so white today.

Pantry Tip

It's no fun going to the market and then getting home only to realize you forgot the coffee. This usually happens with my staples--or the things we don't run out of every week. So, I finally got smart and started storing my pantry items in glass cannisters. Not only do they look so pretty and keep things fresh, now I can quickly see what we may be running low on before I head out to the market. It's my little way of making sure I don't forget the coffee, 'cause things just get ugly without it. This Retro Glass Cannister Set is, of course, available at Farmhouse Wares.

CB I Hate Perfume

I'm a big fan of any kind of scent that has the ability to transport me from one mood to another. Better yet, imagine a scent that can capture a place and time. CB I Hate Perfume seems to have a special ability to do just that with scents like "In the Library" or "Memory of Kindness".

At the Beach 1966 seems like the perfect escape from the winter blues. The description from CB I Hate Perfume reads, "The prime note in this scent is Coppertone 1967 blended with a new accord I created especially for this perfume – North Atlantic. The base of the scent contains a bit of Wet Sand, Seashell, Driftwood and just a hint of Boardwalk. The effect when you wear At The Beach 1966 is as if you've been swimming all day in the ocean."

Nuff said.

I heart magazines

This is just one of my many embarrassing magazine piles. I LOVE magazines. I don’t crack open a magazine until I know I can dedicate some serious quality time. I also go crazy if someone is reading a magazine I haven’t read yet and they start showing me pictures. That’s just sacrilegious to me. I savor every quiet moment--every morsel of my magazine.

My Mom is the same way. She has magazines that must date back to the 70's, and she knows if you've touched them. She knows.

Of course I have guilt about all that paper. I know it’s not good for the planet, but if I let a magazine go, I recycle. Anywho, I'm very sad today because I keep learning of more magazines biting the dust. Today it was Domino. Last week it was Country Home and before that it was Cottage Living.

Something has to change, so that I don’t lose one of my favorite pastimes. There are some good thoughts about this topic being expressed over at the blog Please sir. Check it out and add your two cents.

Snow Day Crafts

Today was a snow day, so I pulled out all the craft supplies and helped my daughter make her Valentine cards. I left her at it for while and discovered she had gone glitter crazy. I think the inventor of glitter was an evil genius.

Things I Saw on My Walk Today

Here are some things that caught my attention today: a colorful car, a lantern to love, and a frozen fountain that's still running.

Cure for Cabin Fever--a Sale

Cure your cabin fever with something new from Farmhouse Wares. Create a cozy cabin feel or bring the scent of spring into your home with Farmhouse Lilac Fragrance Sticks by Sweet Grass Farm.

No matter what you select you'll receive 20% off your entire order from now through January 28th, 2009.

JUST ENTER THE CODE "cabin" UPON CHECKOUT.

(offer valid while supplies last. not valid on previous purchases.

cannot be combined with other offers.)

Missing my Gardens

I'm exhausted today. We went to an inaugural ball last night and stayed out past my bedtime. I don't know if it's all the celebrating for our new Pres, or my busy day, or the blasted cold weather, but I'm feeling wiped. The winter, with its beautiful piles of snow and frigid temps tends to wear on me around this time. I miss my gardens. When I don't have my gardens taking up my attention, I notice my house becomes really small and annoyingly dirty.

I guess I'll take out my garden journal and start planning and dreaming of the moment I can get my hands dirty instead of giving a rat’s patooty about the dust balls.

P.S. That pretty little peony is from my garden. I transplanted a bunch in the fall and can't wait to see the results.

happy, happy inauguration day!

A Winter Walk on MLK Day

There's nothing like a winter walk. So quiet and fresh. Peace.

Farm Fresh Wedding Favor

Looking for farm fresh wedding favor ideas? Check out the Winter issue of The Bride and Bloom Magazine, and you'll see Farmhouse Wares' Black Cat Honey featured (#1). Hang personalized tags from this old-fashioned muth jar of honey for a sweet favor your guests will love. Let us know if you need a bunch.

Bleu Nature=Beach Love

I'm craving warm beaches today, which is why I'm now in love with these driftwood pieces from Bleu Nature. Thank you Lime in the Coconut for keeping me close to beach life.

Smartwool Socks--Very Smart

Everyone knows that quaint old New England Farmhouses tend to have not-so-quaint cold drafts. Also, my southern pine wood floors may look great, but they are ice cold this time of year, making me yearn for wall-to-wall shag carpet.

But the icy winter weather is no problem when you have Smartwool. I live in Smartwool socks. They are so comfortable, and they keep my toes toasty warm. The best thing--they’re durable. I’ve washed them a million times. I’ve gone on hundreds of hikes. I’ve walked outside in them—without shoes (to get the cats or call for my daughter)—dozens of times. They still keep my toes toasty warm.

Get yourself some Smartwool Socks. You can wear them all-year-round, but you’ll be especially happy if the weather in your farmhouse is as cold as mine.

Sweetheart Conversation Hearts

The Sweetheart Conversation Hearts bring back bittersweet memories. I can remember being in gradeschool and setting up my little Valentine mailbox in anticipation for the big day. I actually lived in fear that I might not receive a single Valentine. I imagined the worst, and visualized how I would cope in front of all my classmates. Luckily, I never had to face that situation, as my mailbox always got filled with little cards and sweetheart candies--as did everyone's. (Thank goodness for all the politcally correct parents that know it's just not nice to leave anyone out.)

The Sweetheart Conversation Hearts are an American icon, and their sweet little g-rated messages have been part of Valentine's Day traditions since 1902. Hard to believe that the New England based company, Necco came up with the concept when Abraham Lincoln was still the Pres.

Get Organized and Save

When I begin a fresh new year, I like to start in an organized fashion. Clean up and clear out is the mantra. My family knows all too well that if something doesn't have a proper place (and the kitchen counter does not count) it will likely end up in the trash. I don't mind piles, as long as those piles are stashed away in something attractive. Here are a few ideas from Farmhouse Wares:

Hemp Grain Sack Tote, Canvas Bordeaux Bucket, Wire Magazine Holder, Renewable Mango Wood Nesting Bowls.

And from now through January 14th you can save 15% off any order at Farmhouse Wares. Just enter the code "organize" during checkout.

Discount applies to our Flea Market section as well. Not valid on previous orders. May not be combined with other offers. While supplies last.

Après-ski

For many, après-ski means party time. Have a few drinks, warm food and laugh with friends about the day on the slopes. For moi, après-ski refers to the moment in time when I slather Spring Chicken Muscle Rub from head-to-toe and whine about how out of shape I am. I ain't a spring chicken anymore. This rub is also perfect après-shoveling, which I think I'll be doing tomorrow. Whine.