Fall Sale

Please enjoy 10% off your next purchase at Farmhouse Wares.

Just enter code "fall11" at checkout.

Available through midnight, October 2, 2011.

Not valid on previous purchases. While supplies last.

Help Save the D. Landreth Seed Co

"Purveyors of Fine Seeds Since 1784" and America's 5th oldest continuously operating company, the D. Landreth Seed Co. needs your help. For the first time in their near-230 year history they are facing bankruptcy and are looking to spread the word about their company in the hopes of saving it through sales of their 2012 Heirloom and Vintage Seed Catalog and the resulting sales.

The catalog contains detailed histories and descriptions of their heirloom and vintage seeds plus additional historic information from their archive of antique catalogues dating back to 1839. "This catalogue contains more original historic horticultural information than any other resource currently being published. For the passionate gardener, it will be a valued resource. For the novice gardener, it is an absolutely critical tool and for anyone who is blessed with a love of history and a yearning to be in the garden."

Please visit their site and lend your support.

Carrots

Oh joy! Our carrot crop is looking yummy. Can't wait for cozy fall stews and down-to-earth side dishes made with this healthy veggie. I'm hopeful that it does a bit of good for me ol' eyes, too.

New: Industrial Vintage Pendant Lamp

This Industrial Vintage Pendant Lamp is one of my favorite new finds now available at the shop. I love its rustic elegance, which is perfect for farmhouse style kitchens. Made of iron, with a distressed green finish, the pendant lamp comes with a metal ceiling cap and a six foot cord with a plug that can be removed for professional hard wiring. 12" Round x 10.5"H (60 Watt Bulb Maximum)

Can you say "Yum"

Add Delicious French Butter Caramel to Your Harvest Season.

These creamy delights make a perfect companion to fall desserts:

apple pie, ice cream, custards, popcorn balls—even coffee.


Save 20% on French Butter Caramels, made with fresh butter

and sea salt.


Offer good on two items: individually-wrapped candies in a decorative milk pail

and our 7.85 oz. jar of caramel spread.

(No code necessary; sale price already applied.)

While supplies last.

A Saucy Season

My husband falls in love again with cooking every year in September, when the tomatoes are plentiful.

All that produce coming out the gardens must reignite some primal instinct he has to build up his and his family’s reserves, feeding our bodies with naturally delicious food now (and the guy can cook, even if he does say so himself) and stocking up our pantry for later. He joyously mixes the two enterprises, making supper while he’s turning out, say, 8 quarts of tomato sauce for the freezer. For days in late August and early September, and for briefer periods throughout the growing season, the counters overflow with vegetables in various stages of production, while the air fills with the most heavenly aromas you can imagine.

Happy as I am to see every last tomato (and a fair number of zucchinis, cucumbers, beans, beets and carrots) that we don’t eat freshly picked put up for later use, I usually feel a pang of worry that we won’t ever use it all. (Hubby, btw, always assures me that we don’t have nearly enough to get us to spring, let alone all the way to next year’s harvest.) Last year, thanks to a storm that knocked out the power and caused some freezer problems that we didn’t discover right away, we lost several bags of tomato sauce and some other vegetables. But I also worry that he burns so brightly during the harvest, that he won’t have the same energy and passion when the fresh produce stops coming, when the days grow short and his thoughts turn to other matters. When it comes time to use all those tomatoes, he’ll be busy getting the firewood undercover, feeding the stoves, not to mention hunting and skiing. Right now, he’s acting like Emiril Legasse or Bobby Flay, but by Valentine’s Day, his enthusiasm will have waned. He’ll still do a fair amount of cooking, and it’ll all be good. But the thrill will be gone. Will that freezer full of tomatoes be gone? Not unless he opens a restaurant, based on what I’ve seen in the last few weeks.

“You worry too much,” he says. True enough. “And I get a little better at this stuff with each passing year,” he says. “This year, I’m not just stewing and blanching and pickling, I’m filling the freezer with sauce. Tomato and garlic. Tomato, basil and garlic. Tomato sauce and meatballs. Tomato sauce with capers and olives. Every kind of sauce I can think of.”

No doubt. He is constantly refining his systems, perfecting his technique.
“And if you get worried, you could always take matters into your own hands,” he says. “You know, you’re a pretty good cook in your own right.”

Such a flatterer.

Every year in September my husband falls in love with cooking again. And I fall in a little bit more in love with him.

Love it! Martha Stewart Weddings Bride's Guide

We are over the moon about Sarah Smith's post on Martha Stewart Weddings Bride's Guide. I'm also a big fan of rustic weddings and casual, country celebrations of any kind, so I'm always looking for new things to make farmhouse style entertaining easy. Check out the full story, featuring our Zinc Place Cards, Rustic Glass Dryer Rack and more at The Bride's Guide. Thank you, Sarah.

There's No Place Like Romantic Homes

I'm so excited to be featured in the October issue of Romantic Homes magazine in their "Favorite Place" article. We all have that special place we retreat to in order to recharge and relax. I am honored to share my spot with their readers and all the other talented women featured. Thank you Romantic Homes.

Blackberry Honey Hand Soap is Back

We can't tell you how happy we are that the Blackberry Honey Hand Soap is back. I'm really wishing there was some technology available to allow you to smell this Blackberry Honey Liquid Hand Soap over the internet. It's so good that I find myself coming up with excuses to wash my hands. It's made by the Savannah Bee Company, which is a great little company that does a lot of educating about bees and harvesting honey. They support small bee farmers too. The Savannah Bee Company produces this luxurious soap using beehive products, natural ingredients and southern charm.

When blackberry and honey come together, it creates the most delicious scent. This product was inspired by the intense character created by those little bees.

Bee Fact: It takes 2 million flowers to make one pound of honey.

Blackberry Honey Liquid Hand Soap is available now at Farmhouse Wares. Try the Tupelo Honey Hand Soap, too.

See Us in EveryDay with Rachael Ray

We're so exctited to have our Vintage Style Herb Crates featured in the October issue of EveryDay with Rachael Ray. We couldn't agree more that this set of four nesting garden boxes are perfect for growing "fresh herbs in your kitchen window" or "to hold supplies for a dinner party." Thank you Rachael Ray!

Celebrate the Sweet Life

Celebrate the sweet life with our new 1000 Flowers Honey. Rosh Hashanah is September 29, and one of the most popular food traditions of this holiday is dipping apples in honey. Eating this sweet treat is a way of expressing hope for a sweet New Year.

Our new 1000 Flowers Honey, by Bernard Michaud, is made from an age-old recipe. Infused with the flavors of flowers throughout the Pyrenees, this honey is the most sublime honey I’ve ever tasted. Bernard Michaud is a family owned business, devoted to the art of bee keeping and transforming the sweet nectar of bees into pure gourmet goodness. Lightly scented with flavors such as acacia, lavender and orange, the 1000 Flowers Honey is 100% natural-nothing added, nothing taken away. Honey lovers will delight in this artfully crafted treat. Packaged in a reusable decorative pail, this honey makes a beautiful gift for this Rosh Hashanah or for anyone that enjoys a memorable treat.

The Rustic Glass Dryer Rack is Back

Our Rustic Glass Dryer Rack is back in stock! 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.

New: Antique Blue Vintage Style Metal Clock

Inspired by old clocks found throughout Paris Flea Markets, our new Antique Blue Vintage Style Metal Clock will brighten your farmhouse decor. The antique French country blue finish has a rustic patina for added charm. The big, bold numbers make it easy to read. Available at Farmhouse Wares.

Bull Headed

This handsome bull is more than just a decorative wall mount. He's also a boot jack or boot pull, designed to help pull off stubborn boots. You simply place the heel of the boot in the u-shaped horns, which acts as a grip. Place the weight of your other foot on the head and pull your foot free. Every farmhouse needs one. The Bull Head Wall Mount and Boot Jack is made of sturdy cast iron and has a rustic buttermilk finish. Available at Farmhouse Wares.

Back to School Sale

SAVE 10%

As the kids head back to school, treat yourself to a little quiet time

and something new for your home, plus save 10% off your next purchase.


To save 10% just enter coupon code "school11" during checkout.

Available today through midnight August 26, 2011.


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


CLICK HERE TO VISIT FARMHOUSE WARES

New: Dog Treat Canister

Stash away dog treats in our new vintage inspired Dog Biscuit Canister. Now you can store goodies in style, keeping them fresh, dry and safe from hungry hound pilfering. The Dog Biscuit Canister makes a great gift for dog-lovers and adds a little cheer to your kitchen too.

New York Transit Scroll

Our new vintage style New York Transit Scroll is a nostalgic nod to the bold design of early 20th-century subway signage. This reproduction subway banner embraces the forthright graphics once displayed in New York subway stations. I heart NY.

Porcelain Cheese Board

As I begin to feel fall in the air, a little wine and cheese party with friends feels like a yummy idea. I just love this Porcelain Cheese Board that's new at Farmhouse Wares. The French menu-motif is perfect for serving up fromage in style.

Antiqued Black Metal Pedestals

Inspired by vintage industrial decor, these Antiqued Black Metal Pedestals are perfect for displaying candles, keepsakes and more. They'll come in handy for flaunting your spooky Halloween decorations, too.

Cozy Kitchen Makeover

Last week I mentioned how I gave my farmhouse kitchen a much needed makeover. I wanted to make things a little cozier, especially since the kitchen seems to be the hub of all our activity. Most of our meals are served in the dining room or out on the patio in the summer, so the kitchen has become more of a place to chat and enjoy cocktails as we cook. Because of this, I wanted seating that was a little more comfortable than the small antique Hitchcock chairs we had (shown in the before picture). I also cringed over the old round table we had. It was useful while my daughter was small as she could go to town with her art projects and other messes without me freaking out.

I painted the walls a creamy white to brighten things up. Then I found a wicker settee that fit perfectly in the small space. I made the farm toile pillows and the yellow check cushion. I had the antique farm table in storage, just waiting for the day my daughter was old enough not to destroy it. I found the cheerful yellow wingback chair at a tag sale. I actually love the feeling created by this large upholstered chair. It makes it feel more like a place to sit and chat or read. We tend to hang in here a lot more since the re-do, which is great because the kitchen also has beautiful views of my gardens. It may be a small farmhouse kitchen, but now it's a cozy one too.

Hydrangeas

My Limelight Hydrangea is just packed with blooms. I picked a bunch this morning and put them in one of our new metal vases from the shop. (This is the medium size from our Vintaged Petite Metal Vase Collection.) If you're looking for a good performing Hydrangea, I highly recommend the Limelight. It's always packed and healthy, and the blooms turn from creamy white, to soft pink, to an old-fashioned maroon. It's the perfect flower for a country home.

Country Farm Toile

I came across this adorable country farm toile at a tag sale. I'm pretty drawn to anything toile, but when I saw chickens and sheep and some hearty farmers working away, my heart began to pound (this is always a sure sign I will break out the wallet without hesitation). I've been working on making my kitchen a little more cozy, so I made down-filled pillows with the toile and they seem to fit right in.

Cupcake Stands Create a Buzz

Our Cupcake Stands are creating quite a buzz in the August issue of Brides Magazine, and we're all aflutter about this full-page feature.

Wooden Ribbon Rack is Back

After a very, very long wait, I'm excited to offer the Wooden Ribbon Rack once again. I love mine because it fits my vintage style decor and helps keep all my wrapping supplies organized. The metal rod holds and dispenses ribbon, rick-rack, twine and more. It also has a drawer to keep scissors and tape in one convenient place. That's a wrap.

Wooden Ribbon Rack Available at Farmhouse Wares.

Shaker Cake Recipe

My husband is not big into sweets. This has always been a bit of a drag for me. It's a lot easier to indulge in desserts when you have someone who is just as eager as you. The thought of being the only one to order a sweet treat after a big meal feels a little lonely to me. So, when my husband came home with this shaker cake recipe and said I HAVE to make it, I was intrigued. I had some friends over for dinner the other night and decided to whip this up. It's a perfect summer treat, made with refreshing pineapple and a cream cheese frosting that is to do die for. Give it a try:

Shaker Cake
2 eggs well-beaten
20 oz undrained pineapple (crushed)
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

Combine ingredients by hand. Put in ungreased 9" x 13" pan
Bake at 350 for 35-45 min

Cream Cheese Frosting
1 eight-oz. pkg cream cheese
1/4 lb butter
1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Displayed on our French Wire Cake Stand, available at Farmhouse Wares

New: Vintaged Petite Metal Vase Collection

We just got this Vintaged Petite Metal Vase Collection in at the shop. They're perfect for setting the table for an elegant brunch or adding to a compilation of beloved white vases (can we ever have enough?). A charming set of three, each vase has an antique off-white, weathered finish for a vintage look.

New: Vintage Style Glass Butter Dish

Keep butter close at hand with our new Vintage Style Glass Butter Dish. Reminiscent of those found in old French country kitchens, its hefty pressed glass is durable and keeps butter cool.

See Us In Romantic Homes

We are honored to have two of our favorite products featured in the current issue of Romantic Homes Magazine. Our Rustic Wire Potato Basket and Glass Jam Pot with Fabric Cover are both on display in their Playing House Section. It's a must-see issue, as it is a Special Flea Market issue and it offers a guide to the best-of-the-best flea markets throughout the US. Thank you so much Romantic Homes.

Galvanized Cake Stand is Back

Many of you may recall The Lettered Cottage post about our Galvanzied Cake Stand and the yummy Key Lime Cake recipe. Well, I'm so excited to report they are finally back in stock today. Thank you all for your patience.

chicken report {no. 13}

Here's one good reason to carry a flashlight out to the coop at night. That little fellow on the bottom looks mighty cozy, but it could have been a stinking disaster.

There are so many nights when I hurry out there in the dark, too lazy to look for the flashlight, and stick my hands in the nesting boxes, fishing for eggs. You'd think I would have learned my lesson when my husband encountered a prickly possum hiding in the coop this spring. He didn't have a light with him, but he quickly realized something didn't sound right and went back for it. This picture is actually my brother-in-law's coop. He put it on facebook with the caption: "reason #6 to pack a flashlight when tending to the coop in the dark." I can't wait to ask him what reason number 1-5 are. I'll keep you posted.