winter blues

Here's a scene from our backyard today. So quiet. So blue. It's making me sleepy.

New England Woods

I love to hike in the woods around my house. The fresh, lush scents of pine and earthy mosses seem to wake me up and refresh my soul. The New England Woods Soy Candle by Sweet Grass Farm brings that same clean, woodsy feeling right into your home, which is perfect for days when cabin fever sets in. This clean-burning soy candle has the power to transport me deep into the woods even when I'm sitting in the office. Ahh!

couch art

Remember how I was complaining that my daughter drew on my couch with a Sharpie? I suppose I should consider moving in this direction with the new sofa. I found this masterpiece via the NY Times. Pamela Bell, one of the four original partners of Kate Spade, let her daughter and her classmates decorate this muslin couch. Gulp.

The Winter Party Revealed

Well, another winter weekend is upon us. Here are a few snapshots from our winter party last weekend. Things should be quieter around here. I have a new couch coming next week, so I will spend my time cleaning in honor of its arrival. I can't wait. I've had the same couch for 17 years. It has survived all kinds of baby bloopers, sick cat trauma (not pretty), kids playing manicure (hello red nail polish), a sharpie test by my daughter (which failed BTW) and finally, Jenny Marie's never ending nail grooming habit. Now, I'm not one to shy away from a challenge, so I ordered a natural white couch. (Don't LOL.) It's slip covered, so I'm fantasizing that I'll be able to easily clean it. Nonetheless, my daughter has been in new couch training all week. The training drills will be harsh this weekend. I'm not fooling around, this new one should last another 17. Enjoy your weekend.

We're Having A Sale

ENJOY 15% OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER! JUST ENTER COUPON CODE "winterbliss" AT
CHECKOUT. OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT JANUARY 23, 2010.

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

visit the shop

Jenny's not too thrilled

Happy Tuesday! Hope you all had a great weekend. We had such a fun party. I'll try to get some pictures up soon. I also made a wee bit of progress on my slipcover project. I decided to tackle the seat cushion first because it seemed the most straightforward. I went with the oatmeal colored material shown at the bottom of the pile. The hardest part of this project has been trying to pry Jenny Marie (the cat) out of the chair so I can take measurements and such. I'm not kidding you, it's like a drug to her. She never leaves it. You can see from the top picture that she's not too thrilled with all my fussing. She thinks the chair is just fine as it is. I slipped the cushion cover on last night to see how it fit, and she jumped right back on top of it, so I went off to bed. The cushion fill is all feathers, which is super comfy, but it looks a little lumpy. I'm debating whether to add some foam to make the overall appearance a little neater. (Don't tell my husband or Jenny Marie.) I still have to make some adjustments and add a zipper or some Velcro to the back to close it up. I'll just have to wait until Jenny abandons her post for some food before I can work on it again.

Happy Winter Weekend!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! We're having a winter party to celebrate the season and to get everyone out of winter hibernation. I know it's hard to get out of those fluffy warm slippers some days, but I've just told them all to bring the slippers along. I'm off to make cupcakes.

White Wednesday {no. 16}

Happy White Wednesday. Here are a few things that every little white farmhouse needs--all from the lovely Cote Bastide.

Stay warm and cozy.

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

Bully or Brave?

This morning I saw my daughter walking out the door in her pj's, holding a camera. "What are you up to?" I asked her. She pointed to this giant hawk that was sitting in a nearby tree. He was HUGE and very peaceful looking. In fact, he didn't seem to have a care in the world. Suddenly, this little blue jay, that was tiny in comparison, comes out of nowhere and begins tormenting the hawk. The blue jay fluttered about and occasionally slammed into the hawk's head. The hawk remained composed and didn't flinch or even seem to get mad at the blue jay. After roughly six body slams by the blue jay, the silent hawk took off. I don't know if that little blue jay was a bully or a brave soul. Nonetheless, it is the hawk's reaction that impresses me most.

P.S. Sorry the image isn't that great. I need a powerful zoom lense.

A Fine Mitten Tree

We love to play outdoors in the winter. The kids can actually ski right in our backyard. The neighbor pulls them up the hill on his snowmobile and they have a blast flying back down. I'm always trying new ways to keep all the winter hats, gloves and mittens organized and dry. This year I put our Rustic Glass Dryer Rack to the test as a mitten tree. I must say, I'm loving it! It's perfect and best of all, it doesn't take up a ton of room. We'll keep it by the wood stove to keep those winter woolens dry during our winter celebration this coming weekend.

Skating Away

Happy Friday! I hope you do something this weekend that makes you feel like a kid. Recently, my dad sent me a box full of old sports gear (He must have been cleaning out his garage). I found a pair of my old skates. Inscribed in marker on the inside is "Betsy + Andy Gibb." My daughter actually noticed it first. She looked a little mad, as though I were betraying her Dad with this past love of mine. The skates fit her like a glove, and it made my heart smile to watch her skating around in them. Hmmm.... I've got to get a new pair so I can skate with her. This time I'll write, "Betsy + Tom 4ever."

Let the sewing begin!

I have a perfectly good explanation for not posting yesterday. You see, I took the Christmas tree down the night before, and well…it just drained me. I actually left the tree up much longer than usual, because I knew, once it came down the “MY LIVING ROOM NEEDS A MAKEOVER!!!!” mania would rear its ugly head. It happens every winter. I suddenly see every blemish, every little greasy kid hand print, every project that was not completed, and… I go a little crazy. My family knows to just step aside and let it run its course. They pray they make it to garden season unscathed by my fervor.

I spent yesterday rearranging, lugging furniture, cleaning and rearranging again. This is just the first phase. I have dreams of painting and buying new pieces of furniture, but the one dream that has haunted me for about three years is to fix up this little chair I found by the road. It’s been hauled in the house numerous times for inspiration. Then it lands back in the garage and gets shuffled around as cars move in for snow storms. My husband would like to put it back on the curb for some other dreamer, but I am determined.

So when my daughter asked Santa for a sewing machine I knew that I would finally be able to give this chair the makeover it deserves. Mind you, I haven’t used a sewing machine since my seventh grade home-economics class. Then, serendipitously, I won Cath Kidston’s “SEW” via Beach Vintage. If I ever needed inspiration to start sewing the Cath Kidston book surely gave me all I needed. It’s filled with eye-candy and great tips.

So the chair was dragged back in. My cat promptly made a cozy home for herself on it, and I…well, I just sat and stared at it, waiting for it tell me what fabric to use. When I declared to my husband and daughter that I would endeavor to make my very first slipcover, they seemed relieved. “Let the sewing begin” they cheered, knowing that this undertaking of mine will keep them safe from me for a little while.

Super Duty Hand Care

Featured in Country Living's bargain issue, this powerful hand salve truly is a bargain. For just $7.95 you'll get soothing relief for dry, cracked hands. Gardeners and farmers swear by the wonders of Super Duty Hand Care's all-natural formula, and I'm one of them! When you haul buckets of water out to the chicken coop, the cold, dry winter air is very unforgiving. My hands take a beating, but this little tin fixes them right up. Available at Farmhouse Wares.

Happy Monday and New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! My family and I had such a lovely little break. Whoa! I didn't realize how much I needed some pajama time. We had an endless snow storm that blew in Friday and stayed until late last night. This made it easy to relax. We went ice skating on a nearby pond yesterday and came home to enjoy popcorn, hot cocoa and a movie. I'm having a hard time getting into the swing of work, but I'm ready to start this new year with a fresh perspective. Here's the inspiration that hangs on my fridge:

"If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you." Les Brown

So tell me, what's inspiring you this year?

Photo by Garrett Sheehan

Happy Holidays

Peek-a-boo Santa

I see you!
Hope you all are ready for Santa's arrival. I'm sure he'll get out of this snowdrift in time. I've been so busy with holiday stuff (A teacher once told me never to use the word "stuff", but I'm bucking his words of wisdom today.) that I feel neglectful of my blog and all my blogging friends. Please accept my apologies if I haven't stopped by for a visit in a while. I hope you all are past the busy times and can now enjoy time with family and friends. I know I am very much looking forward to feeling a little less in over my head--like our Santa here. Peace.

Photo by my brother-in-law, Garrett Sheehan

snowy valley

Did you get some snow this weekend? When our little valley gets coated in snow everything seems so calm and bright. Hot chocolate, sledding and sitting by the fire are the only things we should concern ourselves with on a snowy day. But there are paths to be shoveled, chickens to water and Christmas shopping that needs to get done. Still, being surrounded by this white wonderland, one can't help but slow down and breathe in it's calm beauty.

Thank you Remodelista

I'm so thrilled that our Brick French Dish Towels were recently featured on Remodelista. Remodelista is my go-to source for all of my decorating needs, so it's quite an honor. I love that Julie recommends these pretty little vintage style towels for use in the guest bathroom. Brilliant!

Save on Gifts for Gardeners

Do you have a garden lover in your life?

Save 15% on anything in our farmyard section
from now through December 18, 2009.
Enter coupon code "gardenlove" during checkout.

offer valid while supplies last.
only valid for items in our farmyard section.

click here to shop

Holiday Flea Market Sale

THE FLEA MARKET IS BRIMMING WITH HOLIDAY SALES. SOME ITEMS ARE ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY,
SO STOP BY TODAY.

(while supplies last)

click here to visit the shop

Folding Desk Caddy is Back

This recycled wood folding desk caddy is a great gift for gardeners with a passion for planning. I use mine to keep seed packs neat and organized and to keep track of plant tags (which I constantly refer back to). It holds my garden journal, as well as all the pictures I tear from magazines for inspiration. The best part is, it folds up nicely to keep everything neat when the season ends. Available at Farmhouse Wares.

Making Clothespin People

My daughter wanted to make some clothespin people to hang on the tree, so I pulled out the giant tub of craft goodies and let her go to it. I gave her some tips and ideas and went off to tackle my chores. Two minutes later she requested glue gun assistance, and I was happy to help because...well it's a glue gun and it gets blooming hot. As soon as I touched the clothespin and fuzzy piece of felt I was hooked. Next thing I know, I'm controlling the entire show, making squads of soldiers, Native American tribes, pilgrim villages and angels. My daughter had long- abandoned the project while I obsessed over new ways to make hair and dresses. Already accustom to these craft endeavors turning into marathon sessions, my daughter rolled her eyes as I continued to imagine new clothespin people. Needless to say, we have way too many to hang on the tree, so these little wooden friends will adorn the tops of Christmas presents for friends and family. I do believe it will be a while before my daughter wants to craft with me again.

White Wednesday {no. 15}

Well, it sure is a white Wednesday around here today. A beautiful blanket of snow fell quietly this morning. So for today we have...

A perfect white mug for hot chocolate seems cozy on this cold day.
A pretty little white angel, made by my daughter, dances on the Christmas tree.
Snow covered Christmas trees look beautiful, but they need to drip dry before entering the house. (Same goes for my daughter, after hours of sledding.)

Enjoy this White Wednesday!

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

We're Having a Sale

STOP BY FARMHOUSE WARES AND SAVE 10% ON YOUR NEXT ORDER!

JUST ENTER CODE "cheers09" AT CHECKOUT. OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT DECEMBER 10, 2009.

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

Pretty Perle Cake Stand

Christmas morning is always a special time around here. Even though we're busy, we somehow manage to remain calm and joyful. To keep things simple, I'll be serving up quiche, made with fresh chicken eggs straight from our coop. We just got this Perle Glass Cake Stand in the shop. It's such a little charmer and perfect for my Christmas brunch. I just love everything about it, especially its hobnail style edging, which gives it a vintage feel. I can't wait to show it off. Available now at Farmhouse Wares.

Great Gift for Teachers or for Stockings

My friends are always asking me for great gift ideas to show their appreciation to the teachers that watch over their little ones all year. My favorite is this All the Better to Kiss you with Organic Lip Balm set. It includes three lip balms in adorable vintage style tins: Pepperminty, Lavender Vanilla and Chai Mandarin. They taste clean and yummy, and they bring instant relief to chapped lips no matter the season. USDA Certified Organic, they're a healthier choice, which teachers appreciate. The set also makes a very cute stocking stuffer for kids or perhaps a favorite friend. It's just $17.99 for the set of three and we're offering free shipping, so stock up!

Thanksgiving in Plimoth

I took my daughter to Plimoth Plantation this past weekend, so she could experience what the first Thanksgiving was like. It was an amazing day by the crisp ocean. We had so much fun visiting the homes of these brave pilgrims and getting cozy by their hearths. What a time it must have been. I leave you with some images from both the English village and the Native American village. I highly recommend a visit. You can learn more here.

Chicken Report {no. 5}

I hope you all had a restful holiday weekend. It's been a while since I gave a chicken report, so I thought I'd take this time to tell you all about the giant eggs we've been getting. You can see from the top picture that these eggs look like dinosaur eggs in comparison to what our chickens typically lay. I was a little freaked the first time I found one. My first reaction..."yikes! That must hurt." I was amused to learn it contained two yolks, a.k.a double-yolkers. My husband, the ever vigilant and concerned chicken farmer, promptly researched this mystery. Turns out, it's not that uncommon. At the website poultryhelp, under "odd eggs," he found this: "Double yolkers appear when ovulation occurs too rapidly, or when one yolk somehow gets 'lost' and is joined by the next yolk. Double yolkers may be by a pullet whose productive cycle is not yet well synchronized." Translation: one of our chickens is still learning how to work her magic.

Of course, my daughter was excited that we could possibly have twins, but it's very unlikely that a double-yolker would produce twin chicks. Apparently, there isn't enough room so they would likely fight each other, with one or both dying in the process. Ah, nature...you always have something new for me to learn.

Double-yolkers are said to bring good luck, so I consider myself one lucky girl. I hope you find a double-yolker some day too.

Wishing you a ....

I am thankful for so many things, especially for all of you. Thank you for bringing continued warmth and joy to my world. May you and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Peace.

We're on the List of Likes

We were thrilled when the Herb Companion selected our Herb Plant Stakes for their List of Likes. After all, these plant stakes make the perfect gift for gardeners. I like to give them as hostess gifts too.

The set includes nine wood stakes packed away in an elegant glass-topped wooden box keeper.

Each stake measures 1" x 7.5" x .25", box measures 8.5" x 4" x 2". Includes nine stakes, which are painted black with white lettering for Sage, Basil, Oregano, Lavender, Thyme, Parsley, Mint, Dill and Rosemary.

Check out the Herb Companion at your local newsstand today for other great gift ideas.