Happy Halloween

My Little Girl

My little bean is sick today. She has a fever and aches all over. Of course, the swine flu has me on hyper alert. So I'm spending my day hovering over her. She has a Halloween party tomorrow that she has been talking about since school started. It will break my heart if she can't go. Poor peanut.

Sale-Celebrate Country Style Living

We're having a sale and we wanted to let you know about it first. Celebrate country style living with 15% off your next purchase of $50 or more at Farmhouse Wares. Just enter code "country" upon checkout.

So set your Thanksgiving table with a few of our fall favorites and enjoy the savings:

These new Decorative Wheat Stalks make an elegant presentation.

Our Red Striped Table Runner has French Country style and tons of charm.

The Diego Round Wood Bowl is hewn by hand and finished with coffee grounds and beeswax for a natural, healthy patina.

Offer valid through November 1, 2009. While supplies last.

Tupelo Honey

We think Savannah Bee's Tupelo Honey is like a thick, slow-moving river of liquid sunshine. When you pour it from the elegant flute bottle into strong black tea, or onto a piece of crisp buttery toast, or over a piece of aged cheddar, you know you're in for something special.

Shown here with our collapsable wire magazine holder.

White Wednesday {no. 9}

Welcome to another White Wednesday. All of my whites today come straight from Farmhouse Wares. Hope you enjoy the day.

White Enamel Cake Stands-they're finally back in stock. Yeah!
French Country Coat Rack
Farmhouse Milled Soap
Ivory Wheat Pitcher

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

ladybug, ladybug...

It's that time of year again! The outside of my house is covered with ladybugs. On these warm, fall days they seem to come around looking for a cozy place to hide for the next few months. It's funny to watch the cats react to them. There are literally hundreds of them. I'm sure they're finding plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in this old farmhouse. The frugal mom has the complete low-down on these critters, along with some helpful tips for getting rid of the buggers once they make it inside--and they will.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

This looks like a fine place to view the foliage.

Photo from Yankee Magazine's Photo of the Week.

bittersweet

My little bittersweet wreath was made in approximately three minutes. That includes the removal of leaves and connecting the vines. That was the easy part. It took me about 30 minutes to go out and tackle my way through the brush and another 20 to tug and pull at the vines while trying to maintain the precious berries.

Bittersweet is aptly named, because even though its bright yellow and orange fruits look so pretty, its vines are invasive and can kill trees and shrubs. I know, because I've been watching it kill my lilacs over the years. I've tried everything, save for chemicals, to eradicate it. I've pulled the vines from their roots until my back was too sore to move anymore. But they come back with a vengeance. So every fall, I give up my battle, and embrace their beauty. It's bittersweet.

Happy weekend!

Going Home to Roost

I recently had the pleasure of getting to know Bonnie of Going Home to Roost. Bonnie is a fellow chicken lover and someone who appreciates the cozy comforts of home. Like our chickens, she likes to roost at home--all snuggled up in her mountain nest, creating beautiful things.

Her etsy shop is filled with the most adorable aprons, tea towels, and pillows. I'm especially in love with the woodland creatures, like the fawn and the owl, that show up in colorful patterns on many of her pieces.

You must also stop by her blog for a daily dose of inspiration. Her blog has a comforting and friendly vibe to it. You'll feel right at home.

chicken report {no. 4}

Yesterday was a sad day on the farm. We had to say goodbye to one of our hens. The day before, a few of them had escaped from the run via a hole they had made in the fencing. We didn't know they escaped until my neighbor's dog starting going nuts. Pure mayhem ensued. Before anyone knew what was really happening, the dog took hold of one of the bards. My neighbor was able to scare the dog and get the hen free, but there were feathers everywhere. It looked like an old-fashioned pillow fight had just gone down. When everything settled down, we realized four more hens were missing. We searched for a while and finally found them hidden deep in some brush. The injured hen was in rough shape, but she managed her way to the roost. My husband and I hoped she would be fine, while my more experienced neighbors said we should make dinner out of her. We both knew we weren't quite ready for that, so we decided to wait and hope for the best. In the morning she was gone, lying still on the floor in the corner. Our hearts broke. We buried her as the other chickens looked on. My daughter put flowers and a pumpkin by her grave. Rest in peace my little chicken.

an apple a day

These apple votives are fun and easy to make. Not to mention, they make the house so cozy. All you have to do is scoop out the middle, insert your candle and you've got instant ambiance. Hope you all have a cozy, fall weekend.

A Royal Treat

GIVE YOUR SKIN A ROYAL TREAT!

WE'RE OFFERING FREE SHIPPING ON OUR POPULAR ROYAL JELLY BODY BUTTER FOR A LIMITED TIME.

Just in time for winter, it's perfect for soothing dry, chapped hands. As we try to ward off flu germs by constantly washing our hands, it is especially important to keep them moisturized as well, so germs don't slip through the cracks

Click here to shop

White Wednesday {no. 7}

Cozy up with today's white Wednesday finds.

Knit Throw from Pottery Barn

Squirrel Lamp from Farmhouse Wares

Ceramic Tureen from Farmhouse Wares

Hand spun yarn from Locally Grown

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

A Fall Picnic

Fall is a great time to picnic. I'm thinking a cozy blanket, some hot cider and warm comfort foods will make the perfect picnic for this Columbus Day Weekend. This tuffin tin, found via the giver's log is a picnic must-have.

The world around me

Last week, much of my time seemed to be spent hunched over my computer, working. I didn't get out much. When I did, I was lost in thought, so I didn't see the world around me. Well, I emerged today into the fresh air, starting with an early morning bike ride. I was amazed how much had changed--the trees looked brilliant against the blue sky and there were so many gorgeous fall decorations adorning each house that I went by. There were mums, pumpkins and Halloween displays everywhere. It's amazing how much has changed in just one week. I made a promise to myself to break away from the computer more often and keep my eyes open to the world around me.

Image found via Good Housekeeping

The Rhythm of Raking

I love to rake. It's much like vacuuming. I find the rhythm of raking very soothing and the instant results gratifying. It's a good family chore where we can all get out; get some fresh air and exercise. My daughter likes to hide in the piles, and of course throw them in colorful burst into the air. I have to admit: I get a little panicky when she does though. Don't mess with my clean piles! I have to restrain myself and remember to have some fun. It can be a burden to always want to be neat and tidy. I'm going to try to let loose with the leaves this year. How about you?

Falling for Acorns

Acorns can hurt. Have you ever had one fall on your head while hiking in the woods? I have and my reaction is always a little embarrassing. The thing is, it startles me, and my first thought is that someone just threw a rock at me. Call me paranoid. I giggle nervously when I realize it's just a harmless acorn, and then I look around to make sure nobody was watching. The squirrels must think I'm nuts. Anyhoo, I happen to think acorns are quite beautiful. I found this gorgeous image via Bliss.

Our Cupcake Stands Are Back

We're so pleased to report that our Cupcake Stands are back in stock! They're here just in time to help you display your Halloween cupcake masterpieces. If you need some ideas, then stop by All Things Cupcake for the largest collection of Halloween cupcakes you'll ever see.

Have a happy weekend!

New Arrival at Farmhouse Wares

Get ready to spruce up your kitchen for the coming holidays. Our new Rustic Glass Dryer Rack is reminiscent of vintage french bottle drying racks. It's ideal for showing off a collection. Hand forged iron makes up this sturdy and funtional kitchen helper. Use it to dry all those party glasses or to display your favorite mugs.

White Wednesday {no. 6}

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for your well-wishes and great ideas to get me out of my funk yesterday. Welcome to another fun-filled White Wednesday. Today we have: a beauty in a bubble bath, happy clouds, a bejeweled carousel horse and our loveable glass milk bottle.

As always, I recommend you stop by Faded Charm for more White Wednesday goodies.

Sack of Potatoes

I feel like a sack of potatoes today. Wish I could shake it. Do you have any tricks up your sleeve for snapping out of a funk? I think french fries might help. Ya know... why fight it.

Autumn Joy

In honor of the Autumnal Equinox I thought I'd share some Autumn Joy with you. This sedum plant is aptly named and a must-have for any fall garden. Spread the joy.

Egghead

This is pretty much what breakfast looks like everyday now that we have three hens laying. We have 10 hens in all, so I imagine we'll be getting creative with the egg dishes real soon. It's so much fun going out to the coop and finding these little edible presents. Not to mention we have a bunch of goofy chickens that make us laugh every day. What a satisfying hobby.

Well, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. We'll be painting our house. After such a rainy summer, we're finally able to take advantage of the dry weather and get some work done. It's a mad dash to beat the cold weather. We have old clapboards that need a lot of prepping. My husband knows that I'm not a big fan of the "most important" prep process. I tried to be lazy about it last fall when I did the porch. I'm paying for it now. I can be such an egghead.

Cape Cod Cranberries

One of the oldest farming organizations in this country is The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, established in 1888. This is the time of year when the cranberry farmers get busy with the harvest of this healthful fruit. If you're looking for a fun family fall trip then join the 6th Annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration, Saturday and Sunday, October 10 - 11, 2009. You'll get to see the beauty of the bogs and dream up new cranberry recipes for your Thanksgiving feast.

White Wednesday {no. 5}

It's a wee bit chilly here this morning, so I am hopeful that this White Wednesday brings a little warmth to the day.

It includes a basket of fresh white towels, my dad's wooly white sheep (ok, so he's a little dirty), a starfish (I'm clinging to summer), and a bowl of fluffy flour.

I hope you all have a warm Wednesday. As always, I recommend you stop by Faded Charm for more White Wednesday goodies.

Keeping it Simple

Rather than just swoon over the gorgeous kitchen featured in the October issue of House Beautiful, I decided to assemble a few things from the shop that would get me as close as possible to the same look and feel created by the designer, stylist Aaron Hom. His entire home looks so comfortable and inviting. With a perfect blend of modern and vintage styles, along with every shade of white, Hom has transformed his classic bungalow into a true gem.

{get the look}

Top left: Vintage Style Wood Cutting Board

Top right: Glass Retro Cannisters

Bottom left: White Enamel Cake Stands

Bottom right: Vintage Style Red Striped Runner

Save 15% on Your Next Order

SAVE 15% ON YOUR NEXT ORDER!

JUST ENTER CODE "save15" AT CHECKOUT.

OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT SEPTEMBER 16, 2009.

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

cannot be combined with other offers.)

click here to shop

Chicken Report {no. 3}

Yahoo! Hooray! Today was the day! We have our first egg! I can't tell you how giddy this makes me. Our daughter came running in the house before school to tell us the news. My husband and I just smiled at each other with that look that says, "it doesn't get any better than this." It's these little moments in time that will leave the biggest impressions--on us and our daughter. Life is good. Happy Friday!

The Warmth of Wood

There's something so warm and inviting about wood bowls. Our Diego Wood Bowls, shown here in the oval shape, are really pieces of art that will become cherished family heirlooms. Felled by axe, drawn by oxen, and hewn by hand, each is finished with coffee grounds and a coating of beeswax. This toxin-free process offers rich, vibrant color that really highlights the hand-hewn details. Round Diego Wood Bowls are also available at Farmhouse Wares.

Also pictured lower left are our Wood Salad Servers and our Brick French Dishtowels in blue.

Cheap Candles

I just spotted these little gems over at Mediterranean Life. They are from Spain, and they're called Mariposas. Tim called them "light for the poor". "They're handmade from a thin slice of wine cork, coloured paper and a wick dipped in wax. They're used by floating them on old oil or pork fat, and lighting the wick." Tim tried them with modern lamp oil and said they worked great. I think they'd be great for a party. I'm on the hunt for them.