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.

New! Milk Bottle Carrier with Vintage Style Milk Bottles

Serve up cream and milk in pure farmhouse style. This Vintage Milk Bottle and Carrier set is a sweet reminder of simpler times. While it's perfect for keeping your milk fresh, it doubles as a charming country vase. The wire milk bottle carrier is aged with a rustic patina and wood handle, and the vintage style milk bottles display traditional milk dairy logos. New at Farmhouse Wares.

Cozy time

May you be as cozy as a cat today!

We're Having a Sale

SAVE 10%

Farmhouse Wares celebrates the casual, relaxed style of country living with 10% off.

To save 10% off your next purchase just enter coupon code "relax11" during checkout.

Available today through midnight March 5, 2011.

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


CLICK HERE TO VISIT FARMHOUSE WARES

Bedside Carafe to the Rescue

It's important to stay hydrated during winter's dry months. Keeping a little water by the bed is a great way to help manage feeling parched and dry in the middle of the night. Our Recycled Glass Bedside Water Carafe and matching glass set makes a great bedside companion. It comes in handy to beat dry air, but it's also pretty great for those nights after one-to-many pinot grigios. It really helps you avoid a headache the next morning. My guests always appreciate that I keep one by their bed--perhaps because they enjoy the pinot too.

New! French Country Wicker Baskets

Our new French Country Wicker Baskets are perfect for keeping your home or office organized. The ageless beauty of natural fibers are woven together to make these functional, yet beautiful, wicker baskets with french country style. The fabric lining, made of 100% linen with a natural oatmeal color, has a cotton lace trim and is easily removed and machine washable.

Ruled Ceramic Pitcher

Hey there! For those of you who have been patiently waiting, the Ruled Ceramic Pitcher is finally back in stock. I think it would be perfect filled with some pretty pink tulips.

Herb Crates with Flowers

I decided to add a little bit of spring to my farmhouse decor. Our Vintage Style Herb Crates make perfect flower boxes. This one is packed with baby's breath to welcome guests as they enter our porch. It makes me happy every time I walk by it. Happy Friday.

P.S. I'll be taking a little bit time away from blogging next week to play with my daughter during her vacation. See you soon.

sneaky mama

From time to time I like to sneak music onto my daughter's ipod. My goal with these little surprise tunes is to put a smile on her face, but I also want to expand her range of music to reach beyond Disney and Taylor Swift. Most of the time she likes my picks, but she has reported back that she's been mortified when one of them comes on while she is with her friends. Today, I give her the gift of Henry Mancini's "Baby Elephant Walk". I think she'll like it. How 'bout you?

a white wednesday sale

We're celebrating this White Wednesday with a sale.

Today through Friday, February 18, 2011,

you can save 20% on these Enamel Cake Stands.

Just enter coupon code "ECS216" (case sensitive) during checkout.

Shhh...it's just for you and our Facebook fans.

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

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

chicken report {no. 11}

It’s been a long, rough winter for me, and I’m pretty confident my chickens feel the same. Because of all the snow, their run has been diminished to a small patch of freedom in front of the coop. On cold days, they stay nestled inside, and can’t be bothered with the outdoors, save for a few small moments of kicking around for some scraps in the morning. Their sleeping habits are all messed up. We find them sleeping in the nesting boxes, which are metal and cold, rather than on the roost. My husband thinks it’s due to a draft that appears to be blowing in the lath shutters he designed. If I know my husband, he’s already planning a way to provide R4 value insulation to keep his ladies warm.

They’ve still been producing eggs, though not as frequent. We’re down to about 4-5 a day versus eight. Last year, we used a light to trick them into thinking it was spring, so they would produce at their regular pace. My husband didn’t want to stress them, so he gave them a break from the lamp this year.

Yesterday was near 50 degrees and we were all happy chickens. It was nice to see the girls venture outside and play in the dirt. They must be staring at that wall of white stuff that leads to their big run and wondering if it will ever go back to the way it was: lush green grass and warm, sunny days. I know I’m very much looking forward to seeing the grass again. I just can’t wait till I can make my way to the coop without slipping and sliding on the icy, narrow path. Feels like we have miles to go...

Happy Valentine's Day!

VALENTINE'S DAY SALE

VALENTINE'S DAY SALE

SAVE 10%

Please enjoy a 10% savings on your next purchase from Farmhouse Wares.

Just enter coupon code "valentine2011" during checkout.

Available today through midnight February 11, 2011.



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

a sweet valentine tradition

Making Valentine's Day cards with my daughter has become a sweet little tradition that I really cherish. We found time during the last snow storm to start making a batch for her classmates. She loves getting all sticky with glue and glitter and letting her creativity flow, but most of all, I think she just loves having my full attention. In this busy life, there's nothing sweeter than that.

Chase Away the Winter Blues

This new Botanical Aromatherapy Beeswax Candle Gift Set is just the thing to help you escape a case of the winter blues. Enjoy the fresh, natural scent of garden flowers while immersing yourself in the purity of natural beeswax. These hand-crafted beeswax candles are infused with the soothing properties of the hive and the purest essential oils.

The gift set includes one 2.1 oz. square glass each of Lavender & Frankincense, Grapefruit & Fennel, and Clary Sage & Ylang Ylang candles. Each candle will burn for 15 hours.

Makes a great Valentine's Day Gift too.

I'm no spring chicken

I have had my share of shoveling snow this winter. I shovel to the coop. I shovel to the wood pile. I shovel a path for the oilman. I shovel all the snow that the plow guy did not remove. I shovel all the piles of snow that the plow guy put in my way. I shovel around the foundation. Anyway, you get the point. I'm thrilled to burn tons of calories, but I'm one sore lady. Luckily, we have Spring Chicken Muscle Rub . Rub this cinnamon scented concoction into tired, sore, aching muscles, and all of a sudden, you’ll feel warm, soothing relief! Made with pure cassia and peppermint essential oils, plus heat expressed Calendula oil (used for centuries for inflammation and pain relief, as well as cell regeneration). All the above is mixed into a great, soothing and vitamin rich canola oil gel.

After a warm shower, I massage the rub in and my whole body says, "Ahhhhh." Its scent is heavenly, too, which works wonders on my aching mind. (More snow tomorrow!)

This all natural, old-fashioned remedy is a must-have for the medicine chest.

This Winter is No Picnic

Looks like I won't be having cocktails on the veranda tonight!

A Recycled Valentine

If you're a fan of recycling old things into new treasures then here is a sweet idea for a Valentine's Day Gift. Head out to your local antique shop and rummage through the old post-card bins. There are so many beautiful vintage Valentine’s Day cards just waiting for a frame and a new home. Often the writing is still legible, which makes me feel a bit like a voyeur. But it’s also kind of poetic to know the sweetness that these Valentines once brought to someone continues to bring joy to the new owners.

reposted from 2008

Bee Mine

Give your Valentine the gift of Rapture. The pure, sweet scent of natural beeswax blends with Patchouli and Cassia essential oils to give this candle a stirring, exotic aroma that arouses passion and renews the spirit. It will you make you swoon.

Made by Big Dipper Wax Works, the Rapture candle comes in a beehive-shaped glass holder, along with a set of matches, and it's all packaged within this unique recyclable tube. Burns for over 35 hours--that's a lot of swoon time.