Zinc Place Cards

We are happy to announce our Zinc Place Cards are back in stock. Sold in sets of six, these little cuties have so many uses. They offer a unique way to let your guests know where they'll be seated. The Zinc Place Cards can also be used to mark and identify cheeses and desserts around the buffet. Make entertaining easy with our Zinc Place Cards. Simply write your message in chalk and wipe away for future use.

a quiet place

I'm in the mood to find a quiet a place to sew or knit, read a magazine, or to simply daydream for a little while. I feel like I'm always moving so fast. I have so many details that need to be remembered and endless lists of things to be done. And then there are those moments when I forget one crucial thing: a permission form for my daughter's field trip, a friend's birthday, or to return my mother's phone call. That's when I know I'm on overload and it's time to allow myself to slow down, breathe and find a quiet place to recharge.

White Pedestal Bowl new at Farmhouse Wares.

Spring Accents

This is the perfect time of year to fill your home with fresh flowers. After all, studies show that a vase of flowers can boost your mood and fill you with a sunny attitude. This sure beats moping around, waiting for the gardens to bloom. I'm also a big fan of lighting candles to warm up the house as the evening light fades later and later. Our new Woven Willow Candle Holder and Vase fits both those needs and makes the perfect spring accent for any home.

Time to have fun

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. I'll be taking some time off from blogging this week to play with my daughter while she's on school break. I'll miss you, but enjoy your week!

Heartfelt

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart"-Confucius

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo, Betsy

Oh So Adorable Cupcake Stands

Just when we thought our Cupcake Stands (shown in yesterday's post) couldn't get any cuter, my friend Melanie, of the gorgeous Reverie-Daydream Boutique, sent me this picture from her little girl Gaia's second birthday party. And if you think this is sweet, stop by Melanie's blog to read the poem about her "little crumb" Gaia. Melanie, I just love this idea of spelling her name out in candles. She must have beamed when they were all lit up, and I'm sure, at least during the party, she became your little "cupcake" crumb. Happy Birthday Gaia.

A Valentine for You

XOXOXO

from
FARMHOUSE WARES!

PLEASE ENJOY 15% OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER AS OUR VALENTINE'S GIFT TO YOU!

JUST ENTER COUPON CODE "21410" AT CHECKOUT. OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT FEBRUARY 14, 2010.

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CLICK HERE TO GET THESE CUPCAKE STANDS

Wicker Market Baskets

I'm obsessed with these new Wicker Market Baskets. The fabric lining, made of 100% linen with a natural oatmeal color, is easily removed and machine washable, making them even more lovable. I use them for everything. They're great for magazines, knitting supplies or for transporting my daughter's toys back to her room (They won't stay in there for long.) I especially love taking the larger one to the Millstone Farm Market--a specialty market where I buy local meats and cheeses. It makes me feel like I'm in Paris.

mountain climbing

I don't know about you, but I've been an absolute sloth lately. I always find February a challenge-- the cold weather and brownish landscape can seem downright dreary. My energy level has been at an all-time low; close to say...sleep walking. I'm surprised I haven't been caught drooling on myself. Anyway, yesterday I decided to get off my patooty and do something invigorating. My daughter and I donned our snow-gear and headed for the mountain. We hiked up a vigorous 652ft. The breathtaking views and blast of cool fresh air did us good. We felt energized and strong. Then we came home and promptly cuddled up on the couch under a pile of blankies. It was exhausting being that energized.

Fresh Picks For Spring

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Jam Pots

Like a lot of people nowadays, I try save money by buying in bulk: butter, jams and jellies, ketchup and mustard, grains and cereals—stuff we use frequently or that keeps well.

Trouble is, big tubs of butter and jam—things we use nearly every day—are hard to use around the kitchen, hog too much space on the breakfast table, and look just awful.

Adorable glass jam pots to the rescue.

A stalwart of the traditional farmhouse kitchen—when every staple of the family diet came in bulk—the jam pot is essentially a modified serving bowl with a fitted cover. The idea is as simple as the uses are endless.

The Glass Jam Pots I’m using—new at Farmhouse Wares—are the perfect size for butter, jam, jelly, honey, condiments, relish, chutney or just about anything you want to keep on hand, ready to use, in the cupboard, fridge or on the kitchen counter. The vintage style glass jar is solid and practical. The cloth lid fits snug, has a waterproof inner lining and is machine washable. A touch of nostalgia along with a heap of function is just what every modern farmhouse needs.

My Room

It's so gratifying to receive all your nice comments about my slipcover. Here's a closer look at the complete room--new sofa and all. The sofa is soooo comfortable. The feather blend cushions are plump and cozy, which is heaven compared to my last foam-filled sofa. You can also see the grain sack picture that I was working on last year over the sofa along with a picture of Joan Didion (one of my favorite writers) that I painted. I'm sure I'll keep fussing with this room until garden season begins. Once the warmer weather comes I won't go near this room. I'll be outside as much as possible. Thanks again for your comments.

Here are a few details as to how I accomplished the slip cover project:

I made the pattern by tracing the shape of the chair onto big sheets of paper.

I made templates of the back, the side, and the seat cushion. I actually played with the paper templates, pinning them to the chair to figure out how each piece would need to connect. Then I pinned each template to the drop cloth and traced the pattern onto the fabric, adding an inch all around.

I sewed the outer back and sides together first. Then I added the inner back, followed by the inner arms, and the front skirt was attached last.

I'm pretty sure that the drop cloth I mentioned yesterday should still be available at Home Depot.

Hope I've inspired you to give it a try.

The Slipcover Project

I made a lot of progress on my slipcover this past weekend. I just need to hem the bottom and make a few small adjustments. I'm really amazed with myself, especially since I haven't touched a sewing machine in 29 years. I found it a lot easier than I imagined. Of course I made it extra easy by using a solid fabric. Prints can be complicated. I'll let you in on a little secret about the fabric too. This oatmeal colored canvas, which looks just like a beautiful linen is really just a painter's drop cloth from Home Depot. I think I paid $9.99 for it. Unfortunately, I don't remember the actual product name. I washed it several times to soften it up. Now, our cat Jenny Marie is happy to have her chair back, and I'm happy that the fabric is super durable and machine washable. Tomorrow I'll post some pictures of the new sofa, which looks quite nice with my chair.

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.