tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24852538864884981082024-03-04T23:23:47.580-08:00Amusing ProvincialA Steady Dose of Faith, Farm & FancyAmusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-45156751418179562692012-03-08T06:55:00.001-08:002012-03-08T18:15:34.970-08:00Magazine GiveAway!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzBabAtdMkudMpmk_mz8o1jdcPcK5Sz7U05MR2wzLrhMUcWMg1C_o89msyRxbP3LRTCB3J9T8t0_1bYNikbR1Z4Jmyw5dU9vuiYjfIweZPwRUEPIt0JBvPsBUOal26EzDmH_Xb25x5IeL/s1600/paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzBabAtdMkudMpmk_mz8o1jdcPcK5Sz7U05MR2wzLrhMUcWMg1C_o89msyRxbP3LRTCB3J9T8t0_1bYNikbR1Z4Jmyw5dU9vuiYjfIweZPwRUEPIt0JBvPsBUOal26EzDmH_Xb25x5IeL/s1600/paris.jpg" yda="true" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Bonjour!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As most of you know I love all things French. Hubby even brought home an animated movie last night titled "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfMcbsE-kf8"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Monster in Paris</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">." I loved it all.....sigh.....someday.....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So as you can guess I love to read the blog: </span><a href="http://www.parisiennefarmgirl.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Parisienne Farmgirl</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. And of course I wanted to subscribe to her upcoming </span><a href="http://www.parisiennefarmgirlmagazine.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magazine.</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> This is a unique E Zine that will be delivered right to your Inbox for only $24.95 a year, 4 issues total.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F0G8ppOnPJoHqhXSna44dEbzQFnOmgRPrGvGMBpKIDlHpKQ9r8G-d2AcuElpBrWIP4uB0_GvaIFQd_967yLpf4hpMatmjGw-Fzq8bhGGIxD2zWMtEaWcbIwFJtM_Bmve1i2VZGoC_-yR/s1600/pfm+logo+for+blogs+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F0G8ppOnPJoHqhXSna44dEbzQFnOmgRPrGvGMBpKIDlHpKQ9r8G-d2AcuElpBrWIP4uB0_GvaIFQd_967yLpf4hpMatmjGw-Fzq8bhGGIxD2zWMtEaWcbIwFJtM_Bmve1i2VZGoC_-yR/s320/pfm+logo+for+blogs+40.jpg" width="267" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But what makes this Magazine GiveAway (for The Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine) so much more amazing is that I have an article being published in the magazine!!!! Pinch me!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So please sign up to subscribe to the magazine and if you are chosen as the subscription winner your fee will be reimbursed to you. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWqxKt3LE81GkE1UX-FWth9KPe8AQw-0he93YeL-Hti6E7B472hsOs1mDrbTWMd5rWkIH9n1aiXknfn627jtS3Cawj927n4aG4Yu5yjhiblX_lOzfRvp3E3TXQk0N-Qn5TeAUJ6Vx5Ut1/s1600/LaFermeLogo_K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWqxKt3LE81GkE1UX-FWth9KPe8AQw-0he93YeL-Hti6E7B472hsOs1mDrbTWMd5rWkIH9n1aiXknfn627jtS3Cawj927n4aG4Yu5yjhiblX_lOzfRvp3E3TXQk0N-Qn5TeAUJ6Vx5Ut1/s320/LaFermeLogo_K.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To enter the Magazine GiveAway: 1. leave a comment below telling me if you would rather vacation in Paris or on a Farm and a brief description why. 2. Also like my Facebook Page </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amusing-Provincial-of-La-Ferme/105617636226049"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amusing Provincial of La Ferme</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and leave a comment there. I want to know my readers!!! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you in advance for all of the lovely support I appreciate it so much! </span>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-10300208681453701332012-03-06T13:08:00.000-08:002012-03-06T13:08:49.462-08:00New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfVwtnDiPDE7DLDRVafiGgpnABbFxq_lPQPHffVVu6SxjEjTNzBJQyTACVDG6qYbk0zqWyD_aPPesQgdzy1RUUgGfQUMpQoZtIqwrpvtm51J8sfiZw2hRQ3065_D4pT9a3MbjEnptaV2c/s1600/balloonbouqet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfVwtnDiPDE7DLDRVafiGgpnABbFxq_lPQPHffVVu6SxjEjTNzBJQyTACVDG6qYbk0zqWyD_aPPesQgdzy1RUUgGfQUMpQoZtIqwrpvtm51J8sfiZw2hRQ3065_D4pT9a3MbjEnptaV2c/s320/balloonbouqet.jpg" uda="true" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I am working on some Gardening Posts & Chicken Posts (chicks are supposed to hatch tomorrow!!) on a new blog!!! My amazingly talented cousin (yes I have a great family) has designed a new blog for me, but I'm still learning all of the bells & whistles so I am not giving you the link quite yet. But I wanted you to know that new things are coming! Hooray for Spring & New Beginnings!!! God has blessed me with so much abundance and joy in the past month I am overwhelmed by His goodness. It is my prayer that you are as well. <br />
<br />
You know His timing is incredible. I have been walking around the yard looking for signs of spring. One of the goats is really getting large with kids in the womb. Iris have turned green and my Hellebore has a bud. I believe God is like that. He is all around us putting treasures in our path that we walk by every day or has been covered up by leaves or snow but they are there for us to uncover. <br />
<br />
A month ago I was twiddling my thumbs, praying for direction in my life and grabbing for whatever strand of hope and opportunity that I saw. Today I am going from to-do list to to-do list for all of those strings I grabbed have turned out to be a huge balloon bouquet of abundance and joy that is carrying me on the ride of my life. <br />
<br />
Trying to balance family and work (did I just say that) and making time for my creative endeavors as well as "chores" (these moments of solitude outdoors with the animals is more like a welcome break in the day) and homesteading tasks can be overwhelming. Not to mention relationships (friends, family, spiritual). But the beauty of His plan is that it all works together so smoothly and flows so effortlessly when it is within His will.<br />
<br />
Praying this spring takes you to new heights in every aspect of your life.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Jennifer <br />
<br />
<br />
Notice the rainbow above the balloons in the photo.<br />
photo taken from here: <a href="http://www.maggieoldmixon.com/2011/05/joyeux-anniversaire-a-moi-2/">http://www.maggieoldmixon.com/2011/05/joyeux-anniversaire-a-moi-2/</a>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-91977573406020174832012-03-01T14:25:00.000-08:002012-03-01T14:25:01.508-08:00Head Over Heels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_eIjkr0A1qEZN8Syc5FiDed0QQJIdMsEINbPuTcAPWGGTDYOBVxaItFBLxyCadngiOF_bM5un1HzFr_0AWPvyxfEgLYhatVbns6RScpZlBnvhzhsTsYIv0YCGcXWgamPcGx1Ao7aoqOL/s1600/weddingdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_eIjkr0A1qEZN8Syc5FiDed0QQJIdMsEINbPuTcAPWGGTDYOBVxaItFBLxyCadngiOF_bM5un1HzFr_0AWPvyxfEgLYhatVbns6RScpZlBnvhzhsTsYIv0YCGcXWgamPcGx1Ao7aoqOL/s320/weddingdress.jpg" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Well I'm in love. I've been searching for an outfit to wear for an upcoming event. I wanted something unique, earthy, farmgirlish, fancy, yet simple: ME.<br />
<br />
Well Etsy never disappoints. I mean does this description get any better? "Rust. Sweat. Stormy nights. Sweet Tea on the front porch. Whisky out back. House proud. Cypress moss swinging from branches. Old leather. Family secrets. Muddy back roads. Torn linen. Tent revivals. " Each piece is in my Favorites section. And her goods were SOLD OUT at Anthropologie in New Orleans!!!<br />
<br />
Yes that's love speaking. When I have something in my mind I know what I want and I usually do not waver. For example....I knew I wanted a vintage looking lacy number for my wedding day - no poofy ball gown for me. I walked in told them what I wanted 30 minutes and $300 later I had it! <br />
<br />
So I've had in my mind what I want for this event and a few others I've been planning for when I came across <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bayousalvage#">Bayou Salvage on Etsy</a>. What's not to love about someone who describes her pinafores as "Country Fried?" My kinda gal!<br />
<br />
So I've made some major decisions ladies. I must have it all. Or at least a few pieces of this charming collection. Please visit this talented artist and support her. I cannot rave about her enough!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSdWcjOXdjS5aJHeypGR8OMKMxEqh4BfAFN9dD69YxOG784cQ-Zvu-rCpWqcHW_hXgnOFoPjohyvWF3EP9q-d8ruWB2lylMqyxd9ptrXrtlH6HDawf5jB9XcorXf0aCXhi8fws4IgM_3d/s1600/bayoubags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSdWcjOXdjS5aJHeypGR8OMKMxEqh4BfAFN9dD69YxOG784cQ-Zvu-rCpWqcHW_hXgnOFoPjohyvWF3EP9q-d8ruWB2lylMqyxd9ptrXrtlH6HDawf5jB9XcorXf0aCXhi8fws4IgM_3d/s320/bayoubags.jpg" uda="true" width="187" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdsIPSsFL-VO7I6DZtbJPEltvRNKhiXd2YbObToFogQw5_oWy-2OMiCWowweHpcSp8-3VAp_G-WwbOtUBqRwUZQ4FXev-q4UPHscnxRHWbGCPy6Pgvdzxbvw9PyfAa-eiE1hgmSUPgbOC/s1600/bayoudress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdsIPSsFL-VO7I6DZtbJPEltvRNKhiXd2YbObToFogQw5_oWy-2OMiCWowweHpcSp8-3VAp_G-WwbOtUBqRwUZQ4FXev-q4UPHscnxRHWbGCPy6Pgvdzxbvw9PyfAa-eiE1hgmSUPgbOC/s320/bayoudress.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-30368093193953631592012-02-23T11:40:00.000-08:002012-02-23T11:40:16.921-08:00What Makes Up Your Make Up?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a make up girl. I feel naked without lipstick. I love Aqua Net. I love to smell good and I used to match my nail polish with my outift....daily. Now that I'm a semi hippie I'm actually reading labels and finding out for myself what's in the products I use.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(meaning of hippie according to Webster's Dictionary is: </span><br />
<div class="sense-block-one"><div class="scnt"><span class="ssens"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>:</strong> a usually young person who rejects the mores of established society (as by dressing unconventionally or favoring communal living) and advocates a nonviolent ethic; <em>broadly</em> <strong>:</strong> a long-haired unconventionally dressed young person </span></span></div><div class="scnt"><span class="ssens"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span> </div><div class="scnt"><span class="ssens"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ummmm....crazy definition!) and yes I do have long hair and am rejecting what I believe most of us as a society have been led to believe; that if it's on the shelf (food or in this case MAKE UP) it's a safe product. </span></span></div><div class="scnt"><span class="ssens"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span> </div><div class="scnt"><span class="ssens"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have this cousin that I love (yes I have to because we're family but she's totally cool and I genuinely love her) and she MAKES make up. Good make up that covers my flaws and in cute little packages and reasonably priced. And made up of all natural non chemical products. You can find out her contact info </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Gods-Green-Earth-Cosmetics/159090390788962"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on Facebook. You will love it too! She was inspired to start her company because of all that she read in labels on make up.</span></span></div><div class="scnt"><span class="ssens"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span> </div><div class="scnt"><span class="ssens"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you know that cosmetics aren't tested by the FDA before they go on the market? According to </span><a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health/2008-08-01/Safe-Personal-Care-Products.aspx"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mother Earth News</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (great informative magainzine by the way) 80 % of the products used in most cosmetics have been linked to cancer and other health concerns. Mineral make up is better for you but still might contain aluminum! It is also is used in a lot of anti persperants! Some mascara even has mercury! You can read a distrubing list of toxic chemicals used in common beauty products </span><a href="http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthsafety/tp/toxic-chemicals-in-cosmetics.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on this site.</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My new rule is if I can't pronounce it and know what it is then I probably don't want it in my food or on my body.</span></span></div><span class="ssens"></span></div><span class="ssens"><div class="scnt"><br />
</div><div class="scnt"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to my beloved Aqua Net, if I should be warned not to stand close to a fire when wearing it or holding it, then maybe I shouldn't be wearing it???? Here's how it rates on the </span><a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product.php?prod_id=5213&refurl=%2Fbrowse.php%3Fcontaining%3D705989%26"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Environmental Working Group website.</span></a></div><div class="scnt"><br />
</div><div class="scnt"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love </span><a href="http://www.sarahkovac.com/2012/01/inching-toward-natural-living-join-me.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SarahKovacsFootnotes+%28Sarah+Kovac%27s+Footnotes%29"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this blog</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by Sarah Kovac who shares all about her experiences of giving up shampoo and making her own face wash. I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do and I just might give up shampoo too!!!</span></div><div class="scnt"><br />
</div><div class="scnt"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was thrilled a few months ago to read of a local Northwest Missouri Mom who started her own business by creating Non Toxic Nail Polish called </span><a href="http://www.piggypaint.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Piggy Paint.</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> She has now sold to and met famous celebrities like Tori Spelling and it all started out by her finding out what ingredients are in the products she was using. </span></div><div class="scnt"><br />
</div><div class="scnt"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women amaze me! We have such potential! We are so persuasive! And creative! Imagine the influence we could have in our homes, our stores, our finances.....Start Reading Labels, Imagining the World A Better Place and then TAKE ACTION!!!!</span></div><div class="scnt"><br />
</div><div class="scnt"><br />
</div></span>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-33803656839930493832012-02-19T14:05:00.000-08:002012-02-19T14:05:33.053-08:00Around the Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy7YqwvyUh619F_wRIzFwyCitYBz1l_F1wc5Km2Crrrc5NqEboRMfCzo084HsYtpWxBi0_TE5z7ooS4WA93m_ZBoPQ0-vNXFxfZGYpP8EM_Xy4dGSb2EP5s0w0V_8_1v4PYcMvaMQjKwJ/s1600/DSCF6593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy7YqwvyUh619F_wRIzFwyCitYBz1l_F1wc5Km2Crrrc5NqEboRMfCzo084HsYtpWxBi0_TE5z7ooS4WA93m_ZBoPQ0-vNXFxfZGYpP8EM_Xy4dGSb2EP5s0w0V_8_1v4PYcMvaMQjKwJ/s320/DSCF6593.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>They're here!!!! My French Copper Maran Eggs have arrived! Can't wait for 21 days until they hatch! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE-26_q-Yq5b1P5qQMBpfHku7Jpvu7F91EJPiVSPFyBTkGkZMFi2TiUUJ_qOocv6ZjxZkNholIcKxC9Lql7MEdUFczMkv9K0RCKuzng5mjx-cgKDBrElVYLfOX5CSAK9aQK0Y5EYgs-lZ/s1600/DSCF6594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE-26_q-Yq5b1P5qQMBpfHku7Jpvu7F91EJPiVSPFyBTkGkZMFi2TiUUJ_qOocv6ZjxZkNholIcKxC9Lql7MEdUFczMkv9K0RCKuzng5mjx-cgKDBrElVYLfOX5CSAK9aQK0Y5EYgs-lZ/s320/DSCF6594.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJdHzIQlTW00Wns-YmsmzsfCo5qy4pA7hDv0F_MiAq1fCm52IvfI3rF36KXNEtigC-JNmK6P_x9p6Mm1SeRSyjsJU-BVidCXGPcpHD-xtX6_sJUNXw9f66sxGXHqASWZMhC5_WJGmRzyD/s1600/DSCF6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJdHzIQlTW00Wns-YmsmzsfCo5qy4pA7hDv0F_MiAq1fCm52IvfI3rF36KXNEtigC-JNmK6P_x9p6Mm1SeRSyjsJU-BVidCXGPcpHD-xtX6_sJUNXw9f66sxGXHqASWZMhC5_WJGmRzyD/s320/DSCF6595.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv-y1X61rLF2GWYfJKHbGzRnCqGaloBtY2Eqg91efSFYAUwFzo5Bqwh-1f0FVn7tSQ8lH7MM0x3fbD3hRSbPTJXar3GOpY-wurTEKVndDMnodnA7PF_y3lS08oDGiz4V7WDonb7FpHu7-/s1600/DSCF6596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv-y1X61rLF2GWYfJKHbGzRnCqGaloBtY2Eqg91efSFYAUwFzo5Bqwh-1f0FVn7tSQ8lH7MM0x3fbD3hRSbPTJXar3GOpY-wurTEKVndDMnodnA7PF_y3lS08oDGiz4V7WDonb7FpHu7-/s320/DSCF6596.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Don't you just love the dark chocolate color?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMKsaJgQdc2V-08TOUqADGcqv_woBPnqaC01SGBrXtED_6yYkktV3JkpbZYPN6bJbIgP6rkU74LU7W8jCvk5V3ORkiRuuY3sAAXqDx-zFkuvyBr9foK69LsSw9bDc-TCc2oWl7ti9QxGz/s1600/dominiqueupclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMKsaJgQdc2V-08TOUqADGcqv_woBPnqaC01SGBrXtED_6yYkktV3JkpbZYPN6bJbIgP6rkU74LU7W8jCvk5V3ORkiRuuY3sAAXqDx-zFkuvyBr9foK69LsSw9bDc-TCc2oWl7ti9QxGz/s320/dominiqueupclose.jpg" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibojSuOWSCP99dRWWZHvFQXzZz5fCNSPuhqDMVV7OS1sSxm9qCqiL024XKHBPr4ioIwsMIZB7776Gma_w24OPd85efSJa0hCgNzKL2DCjilYoQFr7EHcUCleuunXF27GrkmCG4uuoeMxu-/s1600/roosterphoenix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibojSuOWSCP99dRWWZHvFQXzZz5fCNSPuhqDMVV7OS1sSxm9qCqiL024XKHBPr4ioIwsMIZB7776Gma_w24OPd85efSJa0hCgNzKL2DCjilYoQFr7EHcUCleuunXF27GrkmCG4uuoeMxu-/s320/roosterphoenix.jpg" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBm9Eon29B78NqNVS-Ly0mFuFSP0J6X1F39u4xwZDgkBiKKnvgShaVn7RNJFw19yLkjc2n3HhCVmdL5tF8IWIyB-353dEZpVtopxZtRsSup3WWG56w-rnfGW6WxdjGcCcsFKYMCEMABBW/s1600/tomturkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBm9Eon29B78NqNVS-Ly0mFuFSP0J6X1F39u4xwZDgkBiKKnvgShaVn7RNJFw19yLkjc2n3HhCVmdL5tF8IWIyB-353dEZpVtopxZtRsSup3WWG56w-rnfGW6WxdjGcCcsFKYMCEMABBW/s320/tomturkey.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKEzU25I93cKX4vZPkT3FPrhDuP0rORCNeSHvbEimYCRB2Q17xFXVb3voRtlXuLf2uNySaObR3ZGG20Qv2eTtMLROawQl9dRcBTdxglJJ1mFDKD5rq75y5ufV7A3uqtVY3QdW5h_wBtnq/s1600/sillyromance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKEzU25I93cKX4vZPkT3FPrhDuP0rORCNeSHvbEimYCRB2Q17xFXVb3voRtlXuLf2uNySaObR3ZGG20Qv2eTtMLROawQl9dRcBTdxglJJ1mFDKD5rq75y5ufV7A3uqtVY3QdW5h_wBtnq/s320/sillyromance.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRJfH41wYUnfqSXSkDw6pSXiufus5ItDkR_ywML_c4PqDTwNDjQa5pKE7dZ-DDhI0iva28IhBRGFU9qMnR-n1MwaWU3Qj4k24rSXk58qbpZwcnOxvCS3myNM39-LYnbIj_r0qfxG7x0ei/s1600/tangeritaupclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRJfH41wYUnfqSXSkDw6pSXiufus5ItDkR_ywML_c4PqDTwNDjQa5pKE7dZ-DDhI0iva28IhBRGFU9qMnR-n1MwaWU3Qj4k24rSXk58qbpZwcnOxvCS3myNM39-LYnbIj_r0qfxG7x0ei/s320/tangeritaupclose.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-86657616351432149752012-02-13T10:33:00.000-08:002012-02-16T06:43:31.978-08:00The Homestead Shopper - Part 2 Natural vs. Organic & Coupons!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLoMgDyC5rg9aShTqcWFV-DxnAVppfeQrH02ywQXE_HEY_DmZDDBUG2xlvs-NsqWDDvJVIxtPATm9axo63iqNbbFepzvzS_9iN4YgjBAhaPOj41uOdr0gqDPgkhJYzhvIdUaNvQo0wYnA/s1600/funnfarmgirl;me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLoMgDyC5rg9aShTqcWFV-DxnAVppfeQrH02ywQXE_HEY_DmZDDBUG2xlvs-NsqWDDvJVIxtPATm9axo63iqNbbFepzvzS_9iN4YgjBAhaPOj41uOdr0gqDPgkhJYzhvIdUaNvQo0wYnA/s320/funnfarmgirl;me.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh boy. I hope I can type as fast as I can think. This is a passionate subject for me and I am just overflowing with all I want to share yet keep it cute and fun and brief. My mouth wants to flap open just like in the photo above.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all how blessed are we to live in a day in age where we can find info at our fingertips and connect with others passionate in the same topics? AmAzInG!!! So blessed! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night during the Grammys this thought provoking commerical was played and sponsored by Chipotle. I loved it! It actually almost brought me to tears that's how passionate I am about getting back to our roots. </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMfSGt6rHos&feature=youtu.be"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a peek.</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> How awesome that when someone like me, who feels that my little voice and lifestyle can't make a difference, sees something this powerful aired by a large company to a huge viewer spot I begin to think maybe there is hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know if I mentioned it or not but my family's New Years Resolution has been to eat mainly organic, Non GMO food as much as we possibly can. Yes I still love soda (Lord help me) and let the boys eat candy bars now and then because I'm a believer in not letting it be taboo or that's all we will want (think diets and budgeting too). I know it's bad but....I've gotta wean myself! Our grocery bill has skyrocketed. I used to shop exclusively at Aldi's because they have a lot of great products like milk without hormones and it's cheap. But right after our resolution they began to build a new Aldi's and did not hire local workers and since I'm all about local. Well. It's been a timely decision to move our business to the organic section at HyVee. A couple of weeks ago I thought this is crazy I have to make this a little more adorable so I decided to incorporate some 100% All Natural items into our diet. When I got home and took the time to read the labels I did not like what I saw. The new jello I was so excited to finally give to my poor deprived children in their lunch box had corn syrup in it!!!! Never mind the no artificial colors label, the corn syrup was just as bad! So here are a few links to the Natural vs. Organic debate. This week I will once again be buying all organic items. (I actually think they taste better). And Hyvee has their own off brand of organic items so that really helps to buy those. If you can only do All Natural at least it's a step in the right direction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what Organic It's Worth it </span><a href="http://www.organicitsworthit.org/natural/natural-vs-organic"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">has to say.</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Stonyfield says </span><a href="http://www.stonyfield.com/why-organic/organic-vs-natural"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this.</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One last link are these </span><a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-food/organic-food-basics/difference-between-organic-and-natural-food.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">organic facts.</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if you've decided to buy organic why not use coupons to help save money? I'm all about coupons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organic Valley is one of my favorite company's. I just love their coffee creamer!!! Way better tasting than the new All Natural one I found at Hyvee. You can print coupons right off of their </span><a href="http://www.organicvalley.coop/coupons/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">website.</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It was already the same price and with the coupon: cheaper!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the Frugal Girls site. It lists all of the upcoming sales and combines them with coupons. </span><a href="http://www.organicdeals.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the organic version. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a few more can be found </span><a href="http://frugalliving.about.com/od/foodsavings/tp/Organic_Coupons.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here.</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If any of you readers out there have additional links or suggestions I would love to hear your comments below. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dream would be for each of you to be able to grow your own food or even a fraction of it. And if you can't, please support your local farmers who do at your nearest farmers market.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know this hasn't been full of cute pictures but I hope you found this post just as inspiring.</span>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-61835171093861025712012-02-03T05:48:00.000-08:002012-02-03T05:48:20.926-08:00The Homestead Shopper - Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMDdEJv5Ot5qnDjs6gmTyqYF0QRwDP1SwJyt6CecQ5jxoo4bqL6gRTguDfIEm0mDejXRy8WSQH8p2DFYdt9xxkZbz-4HpKuFvg-3IhNgZlP2HN6yvBO4vDMmCl108IeaigJq2ALNaHhok/s1600/french+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMDdEJv5Ot5qnDjs6gmTyqYF0QRwDP1SwJyt6CecQ5jxoo4bqL6gRTguDfIEm0mDejXRy8WSQH8p2DFYdt9xxkZbz-4HpKuFvg-3IhNgZlP2HN6yvBO4vDMmCl108IeaigJq2ALNaHhok/s320/french+girl.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I love this photo I found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/259238522270122467/">Pintrest.</a>. Add sunglasses to the look and that's me (I wish!) flying down the aisles....If you have seen me over the course of the last year at any number of retail stores with the large sunglasses on and my hood up (but now I see the scarf is way cooler), rushing past you, don't think a thing about it. Apparently I shop like a criminal. Since I have been on the quest to make a lot of the products I use - I have been buying very unusual products that I normally would not buy. Glycerin, lye, ammonia, huge amounts of vodka. Yep. <br />
<br />
Over the summer I was buying ammonia on a regular basis at the dollar store for a cheap flower booster recipe I found online. Until the manager would get called up every time I came in. Apparently you can make drugs with ammonia. I found an alternative <a href="http://frugalliving.about.com/od/doityourself/tp/Homemade_Fertilizer.htm">Garden Fertilizer Recipe</a>.<br />
<br />
Lye is used to make soap and must be purchased at chemical companies. To use it I wait until the kids are in bed and put on gloves and goggles because if the stuff touches your flesh it will eat it and a trip to the ER is necessary. So that's what I'm doing if you drive by my house late at night and see my silhouette in the window stirring with the science garb on. NOT cooking up criminal concoctions. Would it be easier to buy already made wonderful goat's milk soap? Why yes it would. Two of my very good friends sell theirs and you can find them <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Made-With-Love-Handmade-Goat-Milk-Soap/121371457945146">Here</a> and <a href="http://www.providencehillfarm.net/">Here.</a><br />
<br />
Oh the vodka. It's for the <a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/make-your-own-heavenly-homemade-vanilla-and-peppermint-extracts">Vanilla Extract</a>. I promise!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pfoo3ITD_5K-lqIdHniDTaK7Tj2SbuOSpLGweIPh_yhkg7RuGQckPtDq5MEIZJMs2SlPhq_lUV3OwKtXDR6nzlOSvSLYZGalBbXcJIMiyif-e8FsqhLEtyZ_Hb8ZWsI6chHRSo3ouXoY/s1600/vodka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pfoo3ITD_5K-lqIdHniDTaK7Tj2SbuOSpLGweIPh_yhkg7RuGQckPtDq5MEIZJMs2SlPhq_lUV3OwKtXDR6nzlOSvSLYZGalBbXcJIMiyif-e8FsqhLEtyZ_Hb8ZWsI6chHRSo3ouXoY/s320/vodka.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Yes you've seen me looking at <a href="http://www.cabelas.com/product/Remington174-8708482-Express174-Compact-Shotgun/705626.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dpink%2Bguns%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26x%3D32%26y%3D12&Ntt=pink+guns&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products">Pink Camo Guns</a> online but only because my son is obsessed with hunting and I'm forced to watch it all day on TV and those girls look pretty cool shooting grizzlies. <br />
<br />
And I am a follower of <a href="http://www.junkmafia.com/">Junk Mafia</a> because it's AwEsOmE!!!! I love their daytrips! It's about shopping people!<br />
I hope you'll decide that being a homesteader is worth the suspicious looks in the checkout line. What crazy things have you purchased to skip the middle man and create your own products?Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-40388757698527734042012-01-25T05:28:00.000-08:002012-01-25T05:28:35.870-08:00Be The Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmifhHnJlG24v31zm6GlQUQ288X2ao0E-_pvkCYJfaEOdUY8y1e9rRG86xPBjTyAXcMHLOYP8l6b7DnybLoKDuMtDEeXfoaEjJoCiyvYxv-eEHCPLkntGXnL8sIwE4V6SXHdn0lq5SsfQV/s1600/eggs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmifhHnJlG24v31zm6GlQUQ288X2ao0E-_pvkCYJfaEOdUY8y1e9rRG86xPBjTyAXcMHLOYP8l6b7DnybLoKDuMtDEeXfoaEjJoCiyvYxv-eEHCPLkntGXnL8sIwE4V6SXHdn0lq5SsfQV/s320/eggs3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>My favorite meal of the day is breakfast. Mainly because it's my husband's specialty. But also because it's just so darn good. My sister and I were leafing through Country Living Magazine yesterday and she was drooling over the breakfast served in <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/maple-farm-brunch-menu?click=main_sr#fbIndex1">this article.</a> It features sausage, pancakes, and Maple Pecan Butter. Want to know what excites me most about this menu? I can raise everything I need for the entire meal here on the farm. When I look at a recipe I think, "Do I have everything I need to make it already at home?" That's the beauty of self sufficiency and one of my main goals for our farm. <br />
<br />
Last year we planted a small nut grove and this spring we plan on adding Sugar Maples to the farm and Heritage Hogs. We have milk for the butter and we have planted wheat to make the pancakes. Yes, it will take a long time for the trees to grow large enough to produce nuts and sweet syrup but we have to start sometime. <br />
<br />
We want to leave our children with the resources and the knowledge on how to provide for themselves in the future and not just financially. Times have changed and it's vital to know where your food comes from and how to obtain it. I joke that I don't want to be Amish (they are fabulous people but I love my technology too!) yet I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and find knowledge there not just entertainment (my kids also love to watch it). I believe it's important for young men to know how to hunt for food, start a fire and of course do dishes & laundry. (That's right we will arrange a marriage for a price. Joking!!! I'm a believer in TRUE LOVE).<br />
<br />
My boys got the cutest book from a ChickFilA meal a few months ago and I just love it. In the book it's the farmer's birthday and all of the animals are excited about what they can give the farmer: cow-milk, sheep-wool, pig-sausage, hen-egg, horse-pulling wagon, dog-friendship. I believe that's what God intended; for us to give the animals a happy life and that they in turn want to give back to us.<br />
<br />
What's your favorite recipe and how can you start becoming self sufficient by producing all that's in that recipe? Salsa is a great place to start or salad because all you need is a small spot on your balcony or backyard to grow all you need for just a few dollars worth of seeds or plants. I hope your winter days are spent dreaming of small differences you can make in your life that will affect the next generation. It doesn't even have to be food related. It could be trying to live more green, starting the habit of an hour a day just talking to your child without the distraction of handheld electronics, calling a good friend once a week.....These practices will all affect your future and your childs. I'll close with one of the most common sayings you'll hear but it's so true:<br />
<br />
Be The Change You Want To See In The World.Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-50758109806827984742012-01-20T12:17:00.000-08:002012-01-20T12:19:45.038-08:00Inside Scoop: What's in the farmgirls make up bag?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssoymKFCGxyMLbk3h-82lJfkZGMsBCjGOPSPbUQOr_EVPCKuWjiWcbvfPzcXpxVeHno6uaGejxd8N_coKAbDzrk0JYNZL6PWAawGB8tYLE8kvZyowKfnG8tuCqEENrMMbPfxuOKu_9BX0/s1600/DSCF6551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssoymKFCGxyMLbk3h-82lJfkZGMsBCjGOPSPbUQOr_EVPCKuWjiWcbvfPzcXpxVeHno6uaGejxd8N_coKAbDzrk0JYNZL6PWAawGB8tYLE8kvZyowKfnG8tuCqEENrMMbPfxuOKu_9BX0/s320/DSCF6551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As the granddaughter of beauticians I've been wearing lipstick and painting my nails (to coordinate my outift) since I was a toddler. I've toned down over the years (Hallelujah!) but still don't like to leave the house without lipstick & mascara on. As a farm girl I've got a few other suprises in my make up bag. This is my current favorite lipstick from Loreal. Take this fun <a href="http://www.personalityquiz.net/innertraits/lipstick.htm#6">quiz</a> to see what your lipstick shape says about you.<br />
<br />
I have another favorite lipstick that is suited especially for my skin color. A couple of years ago I read Color Me Beautiful to determine what colors look best with my skin coloring. You can buy the product colors to suit you <a href="http://www.colormebeautiful.com/seasons/colormebeautifulbook.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_hz56Yg_lUiqfIRZ9TDKyNLubxk02MwWDdc7Y9Ski9TyBe6XF7wfv5PThGrBssQSk_cgU5bSTqIuwwXPICv-avzTcYWK89VsDqLY35zuCDwhTZ9xu2UybF0LSJzgfH-cO_jNT6mi7WnL/s1600/DSCF6544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_hz56Yg_lUiqfIRZ9TDKyNLubxk02MwWDdc7Y9Ski9TyBe6XF7wfv5PThGrBssQSk_cgU5bSTqIuwwXPICv-avzTcYWK89VsDqLY35zuCDwhTZ9xu2UybF0LSJzgfH-cO_jNT6mi7WnL/s320/DSCF6544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I had to buy this lip balm when I saw it at the feed store. I really love this product! All natural, pretty local to me (Wichita, KS) and invented by a woman!!!! I'm seriously considering getting the bumper sticker. Check out <a href="http://www.ilovechickenpoop.com/">I Love Chicken Poop</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-zjmEKskzqWL2v-OUl2gewJMZ0yPMvK4dtJVU1JRJRoMj_fJ3VFgzaYfp4onc5c-VUv1cHL-grUd1XT7xmL-9313LW8TXMeQv3xTbe4b0ApPTbyRIe9lyAM5NyqCB0gF3o1bhI5RUHMt/s1600/DSCF6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-zjmEKskzqWL2v-OUl2gewJMZ0yPMvK4dtJVU1JRJRoMj_fJ3VFgzaYfp4onc5c-VUv1cHL-grUd1XT7xmL-9313LW8TXMeQv3xTbe4b0ApPTbyRIe9lyAM5NyqCB0gF3o1bhI5RUHMt/s320/DSCF6546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pretty pill box, lip gloss, black eyeliner, mascara, favorite earrings and broken bracelet I can't seem to part with. What's that on the far right you say???<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-NVhg4p8nQVdVKHbX2EqgGzUMQgq9_Ctw6QOsOUATXDtKiRR1XyxVAvIleDZ04rMU_s_W0ssl9WG6PysOentyOW9vQD_W0M_tvUlzmL-YadkaFVpayUad8Ew6qKEdh-XTdTiv1It_LHM/s1600/DSCF6555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-NVhg4p8nQVdVKHbX2EqgGzUMQgq9_Ctw6QOsOUATXDtKiRR1XyxVAvIleDZ04rMU_s_W0ssl9WG6PysOentyOW9vQD_W0M_tvUlzmL-YadkaFVpayUad8Ew6qKEdh-XTdTiv1It_LHM/s320/DSCF6555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My handy dandy pocket knife!! Yes I use this for opening toys, haybales, you name it. Well, I don't clean my fingernails with it like a real redneck......<br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend future farmgirls of America.Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-84844125069952513992012-01-16T09:07:00.000-08:002012-01-16T09:07:54.070-08:00My Weekend in Pictures (with short descriptions)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I must first let you know that I am in no way a photographer. Until the iPhone I have been the mom who never had the camera and begged the Good Moms to send me copies. Hubby had bought me a cool camera I just never knew how to use it. Still don't. But I'm determined to learn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3avhu5XbRwHC9bk9wjAqP3RdE3QkWGN4_PdUEKWThtp2L8n4ibsPU5hML1PlkWLO4ED_FzWKQ6lzbZFin3IQnAH8Ib0a4NwJWgSkWhdfw65-1cTl9IsDuUcsr8xb0MhhzhDlbrfnUx2S/s1600/butterchurner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3avhu5XbRwHC9bk9wjAqP3RdE3QkWGN4_PdUEKWThtp2L8n4ibsPU5hML1PlkWLO4ED_FzWKQ6lzbZFin3IQnAH8Ib0a4NwJWgSkWhdfw65-1cTl9IsDuUcsr8xb0MhhzhDlbrfnUx2S/s320/butterchurner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I was tickled pink with delight at this gift of a gorgeous electric butter churner from the sweetest lady at our church. I cannot wait to make butter!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! Best. Gift. Ever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTAt39S13esxz4lm1WGF8OVdsgtQ3BuPppv2iWNtAiKcY0fxOcHqOXQRaP7c9n3Zhsn8e-bGeANbzzt3VzlcLaLmPCv1wIYkJNH6JGQn68Br7oDY_xu7ireVbddqM-dgD3Emdn2diY9Pe/s1600/hockey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTAt39S13esxz4lm1WGF8OVdsgtQ3BuPppv2iWNtAiKcY0fxOcHqOXQRaP7c9n3Zhsn8e-bGeANbzzt3VzlcLaLmPCv1wIYkJNH6JGQn68Br7oDY_xu7ireVbddqM-dgD3Emdn2diY9Pe/s320/hockey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My boys play hockey. Here is a cool shot of one of them going after the puck at a gorgeous outdoor rink. We had to leave before dark to get there in time for the 8:20 game. We were late. And got lost on the way home. Shhhh don't tell my husband I told you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVFK8BPYaG5Qs63ojN-13BL1r9nVFBD_x7FOn9YmRTy6K3OB7Tttg-REkgJtvPTjvs_n1B9XrZBBxLKKmQPTcGcX8B9V7ZX8dHhg48rNcGv3TIarj9jTpi942thtnOeGGX1F7HSCuDaAI/s1600/lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVFK8BPYaG5Qs63ojN-13BL1r9nVFBD_x7FOn9YmRTy6K3OB7Tttg-REkgJtvPTjvs_n1B9XrZBBxLKKmQPTcGcX8B9V7ZX8dHhg48rNcGv3TIarj9jTpi942thtnOeGGX1F7HSCuDaAI/s320/lantern.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Hubby worked on our remodeling project. Currently my three small boys share a room. It's very crowded......thus the remodeling of the basement. Therefore I must clean out all the goodies that are in the basement to make room for construction. Here are a few of the items I have been gathering to decorate the boys' rooms with. I have quite the collection started so that means a lot of hard work for me. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmHidCB9wFNlBvvLt4aaSuQxVGKSR9CWpqUxGU748NksSvPLU5_vkdYplzYhsnnyX646dquXXn-c6mDW_Qq_IQoTnQN3oa35iemgTvjX8L3TOWVdctkKY6xF8uq9nIp9XgYXoQGQjt8mx/s1600/noodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmHidCB9wFNlBvvLt4aaSuQxVGKSR9CWpqUxGU748NksSvPLU5_vkdYplzYhsnnyX646dquXXn-c6mDW_Qq_IQoTnQN3oa35iemgTvjX8L3TOWVdctkKY6xF8uq9nIp9XgYXoQGQjt8mx/s320/noodles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These homemade noodles were super easy to make and tasted better than they look. I did not take any pictures of the burnt homemade spaghetti sauce or the black garlic bread. Not kidding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCxYTqp8S8pnD2oRoBFk_NgdYR2kAQ67VAtbDxgQNdNqj-sh4KiE1GR6-8Kyb9Ztj-klN_w3Sox-Torp6jPB8V8m8LdAquwYEfyMilxxjE3_8FRBLkFzJ7l3K88_TpXd2EXLARDsmXu77/s1600/yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCxYTqp8S8pnD2oRoBFk_NgdYR2kAQ67VAtbDxgQNdNqj-sh4KiE1GR6-8Kyb9Ztj-klN_w3Sox-Torp6jPB8V8m8LdAquwYEfyMilxxjE3_8FRBLkFzJ7l3K88_TpXd2EXLARDsmXu77/s320/yarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am learning to knit. I'm terrible!!! I can crochet but knitting has been hard for me to catch on to. Luckily I have some very sweet & patient friends who are trying to teach me. I can't wait until I can use these new knitting needles I got for Christmas without swearing under my breath.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5PU2WTcyOPzu187SrVAbI22UUaKf16-T3Muk9NXsN-LsHQfRP6mye9EecM-gkSk5qTgi4OLwxDX58HOXIF3QMd6dtmM1wzBIlZDJWRvL1by3P0WgFTooHplkEyS9qw5Dw1PcFa3MpwCC/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5PU2WTcyOPzu187SrVAbI22UUaKf16-T3Muk9NXsN-LsHQfRP6mye9EecM-gkSk5qTgi4OLwxDX58HOXIF3QMd6dtmM1wzBIlZDJWRvL1by3P0WgFTooHplkEyS9qw5Dw1PcFa3MpwCC/s320/books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I LOVE to read! And I usually read several books at once depending on my mood. I have these by my bedside right now. I like to read fiction back and forth with books about subjects I want to learn. I am also back and forth between 2 books on my Kindle that I try to take with me. I usually read books about financial goals (Suze Orman right now), spiritual, gardening and something fun I want to learn about. What are you reading? I'd love to know.Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-54756012826066767352012-01-11T10:07:00.000-08:002012-01-19T05:13:05.617-08:00What's A Girl To WearDo you ever watch "Whats Not to Wear?" The unsuspecting fashion do's & don'ts? Well I did not name my blog Amusing Provincial (funny farmgirl) for nothing. While I was not on the show I did have a similar scenario.<br />
<br />
Over the past few months my oldest son has been obssessed with trying to get a deer. Which unfortunately he never did. However weekends have consisted with accidently washing the camo clothes (who knew they were supposed to stink!), buying expensive deer corn and depoisiting it accordingly. And moving the Deer Cam around the property. Last week's shots only included one dear. Moi. Unbeknownst to me I was being photographed as I did the chores morning & night. In my galoshes & flannel pajamas. In the muck boots with a towel on my just washed hair. And don't forget the last minute chore run before church of ballet flats and cute scarf. Luckily for me these photos have already been deleted. Oh my.<br />
<br />
So what's a farmgirl to wear when doing her chores? During the summer when my full time occupation is to lounge by the pool and weed the garden my must haves to wear are a comfy skirt, a floppy hat and an apron. Yes sometimes I find myself at an event and look down to see that I have muddy knees, but it's so much cooler. A hat is essential to keep the sun off your face and hair out of your eyes. And the apron must have lots of deep pockets to hold eggs and fresh veggies. Here's my favorite I purchased at a flea market:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jt1rHRlE8nbclTNJ04FnraUtLoTr8-RlEgb0IETlSHcxiS3fwgijxRS1nUY_3unw15-m56TLgy06pEmKJjuuywnndbK6Td3wD-zZW0Ses0Y9E0xUbvJoAcuKS1IaLNB7rv2MzbSp30EH/s1600/DSCF6467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jt1rHRlE8nbclTNJ04FnraUtLoTr8-RlEgb0IETlSHcxiS3fwgijxRS1nUY_3unw15-m56TLgy06pEmKJjuuywnndbK6Td3wD-zZW0Ses0Y9E0xUbvJoAcuKS1IaLNB7rv2MzbSp30EH/s320/DSCF6467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Another one that my beautiful mother in law helped me make several years ago is this one that I love to display.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NXpW1mbfILsF3_dBh9A4w01-gTsvdAO-2vtOVuTZE6IbHy8QADASnj4LW9TaCu9eLX0772jHf-jUXref80_Er9NXUE3dalz9I9x3VEb-0SRZXVafBJeRTe4oRkIN6TqxKbkoXt4TKcJQ/s1600/DSCF6466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NXpW1mbfILsF3_dBh9A4w01-gTsvdAO-2vtOVuTZE6IbHy8QADASnj4LW9TaCu9eLX0772jHf-jUXref80_Er9NXUE3dalz9I9x3VEb-0SRZXVafBJeRTe4oRkIN6TqxKbkoXt4TKcJQ/s320/DSCF6466.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
There are oodles of cute looks to copy from Pintrest (follow me!) and I've discovered this fun blog you <a href="http://farmerstrophywife.com/">might enjoy.</a> And of course one of my favorite places to shop is <a href="http://gypsyville.com/">Junk Gypsy.</a><br />
<br />
You never know what I'll be wearing or wear you might find me (art museum in fabulous block prints, tea house in frilly lace or rowdy restaurant in boots & bling) but home is where I can't wait to get back to.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiXvSK6MB60TN5pTvJP56R0OX_l9tEeRUiF5l2IRTzjmpQo9OTGEigLG8T0b03NkK4NYjGO7ogJ80cX1-KSZd2pxfMkA5e9az30H3ag3xMfQDVRoSxRXrpo2NuSiWwJEoj1O02NMOzZNp/s1600/cowgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiXvSK6MB60TN5pTvJP56R0OX_l9tEeRUiF5l2IRTzjmpQo9OTGEigLG8T0b03NkK4NYjGO7ogJ80cX1-KSZd2pxfMkA5e9az30H3ag3xMfQDVRoSxRXrpo2NuSiWwJEoj1O02NMOzZNp/s1600/cowgirl.jpg" /></a></div>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-34346143714244244362012-01-05T11:47:00.000-08:002012-01-05T11:47:38.680-08:00Oh so yummy butter!I remember the first time I had real butter.....I was helping a neighbor lady who lived on a dairy farm and she served homemade bread with real butter. And real Farmers cheese. Oh so yummy!!!!<br />
<br />
I'm having a few girlfriends over tomorrow so this morning I put my hair back in cute scarf fashion and donned my great grandmother's apron - ready to tackle the kitchen. (You wear boots and blue jeans to the rodeo, sweats to the gym, "work clothes" to work don't ya? Why not dress to cook?) On the agenda: homemade bread and butter. If you follow me on Pintrest you can easily see that I love both. (I will have a link to follow me on Pintrest just as soon as I figure out how!) Even though I have been at it for 4 hours it really doesn't take long to do....just a few simple steps but it takes time for bread to rise and bake and such. Here is a link to my current favorite bread recipe: <a href="http://artisanfarmsteadliving.blogspot.com/search/label/Bread">Courtesy Providence Hill Farm</a> It's super easy and delicous!<br />
<br />
My hubby did good this Christmas and bought some items off of my Amazon Wish List. I got this darling butter mold and a bread basket, garden book and perfume I wanted. I also got an army blanket and camping plates. Yes they were on my list but I had them on there for other people....one of these days I'm going Glamping and going to blog about it. : ) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04LcCKXvAyDHc-UNZJgNF7jUwm05rx-prqHEBclzNNVz6hPv9HWmkATn1EYZpJjLVAgt-6hkYEhDo-lQjKk-NNWfaq3pFZLyFy6EFB9cl8lY6P0CJugxdATapX1daKRfl74UA1w53gPpg/s1600/buttermold52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04LcCKXvAyDHc-UNZJgNF7jUwm05rx-prqHEBclzNNVz6hPv9HWmkATn1EYZpJjLVAgt-6hkYEhDo-lQjKk-NNWfaq3pFZLyFy6EFB9cl8lY6P0CJugxdATapX1daKRfl74UA1w53gPpg/s320/buttermold52.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Back to the butter. I learned how to make this from the sweetest lady I met at Garden Club and I love how easy it is! All you do is buy some cream from a local dairy. I do milk goats but they do not naturally have cream that rises to the top like a cow would. I do have on my Wish List (pay attention honey) a Cream Seperator that would do the trick for my goats milk. And I would love one of these wooden paddles to use when I make butter.<a href="http://windrushonline.com/treenware/treenware.htm">Wooden Spatulas & Paddles</a><br />
<br />
Anyways....Add the cream to your KitchenAid and let it whisk on low about 4 min until it reaches the whipped cream stage. You can take out half of it if you choose and add sugar & vanilla and top that lattice apple pie you just made. Or turn up the dial to high for about 10 more minutes and let it do it's thing. It's extremely messy so I put a towel over mine. Before you know it you now have butter and buttermilk which can be used for pancakes and lots of yummy things. Place the butter in a separate bowl and rinse it with cold water. You may now add any salt or herbs you'd like. I chose to salt some and put in the butter mold and made <span style="color: orange;">Orange Mint Butter</span> with the rest:<br />
<br />
<br />
1 stick butter <br />
2 Tablespoons Honey<br />
1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint<br />
1 teaspoon orange zest<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
That's it! The other butter is still in the mold in the freezer but here is what it looks like when we served it at Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GQT1DQI0iDCfcO4xuYLWzjQ1EYDXOwxLbUGUhfspDVO7Kep8bADMZ6At6VTQxfc0NmlTLliaZCNrA_34POEpsZNPDGq4ph5OJ1DGrk2Y5qK8QbXEVc5fAGosANXIQG8Zy9tlkRb6qqS4/s1600/buttermold6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GQT1DQI0iDCfcO4xuYLWzjQ1EYDXOwxLbUGUhfspDVO7Kep8bADMZ6At6VTQxfc0NmlTLliaZCNrA_34POEpsZNPDGq4ph5OJ1DGrk2Y5qK8QbXEVc5fAGosANXIQG8Zy9tlkRb6qqS4/s320/buttermold6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pretty darn cute, huh? Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-61881779099832766612011-12-30T05:39:00.000-08:002011-12-30T05:39:05.556-08:00The Power of a Seed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL6q726oFXkuuLrKZcBvCTLFdNpaoR-AhmOSyoa7p9B7S6X_YQZBJ4IiQ2HzKIo7JJpu-fuSHZaVKEiXMaKpcyOJne1YPfCnnnrBZudJhdk5vtgWK-ptylLJENAfFdy14Aj6IJdCPmYea/s1600/bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL6q726oFXkuuLrKZcBvCTLFdNpaoR-AhmOSyoa7p9B7S6X_YQZBJ4IiQ2HzKIo7JJpu-fuSHZaVKEiXMaKpcyOJne1YPfCnnnrBZudJhdk5vtgWK-ptylLJENAfFdy14Aj6IJdCPmYea/s320/bouquet.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Over the past two weeks I have received about a dozen seed catalogs in the mail. What a joy to see the vibrant colors in the winter! To dream of warm soil and tasty veggies, of picking bouquets right out of the garden. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLc19xgvp50gVCZoZiZwIw1KWR2GA_BNbNlTZ7javnUdMb1az1aoulZeSODY_faUa7ybQ8njMV_gaunsey2_d3NBSc2KxHES7FUILlNa7F0ygRFlfmXGDQ6tJUKPaQcKgVhaZMSdm8Mc6/s1600/gardenphotos+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLc19xgvp50gVCZoZiZwIw1KWR2GA_BNbNlTZ7javnUdMb1az1aoulZeSODY_faUa7ybQ8njMV_gaunsey2_d3NBSc2KxHES7FUILlNa7F0ygRFlfmXGDQ6tJUKPaQcKgVhaZMSdm8Mc6/s320/gardenphotos+066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My absolute favorite catalog to order seeds from and pour over is Bakers Creek. They also have a magazine I devour cover to cover quarterly and a new book that I just received as a gift. Not to mention they are pretty local! I visited them at their original Mansfield, MO location this summer although they now have two other locations as well. The photos and descriptions are delicious! Not to mention they are an Heirloom Seed Company!!! Here's the link to their site where you can request your own catalog: <a href="http://rareseeds.com/">Bakers Creek Seed Company</a><br />
<br />
My tag line for this blog reads: A Steady Dose of Faith, Farm & Fancy. I don't normally mention too much of the Faith part. It seems sacred somehow, the sancutary I find in the garden, my petitions to God, my act of loving Him. Yet I know it is to be shared. There is a saying that One Is Nearest to God in the Garden Than Anywhere Else on Earth and for me that is so true. The beauty, the quiet, the miracle of a seed. One Sunday morning when I just needed time alone with God I sent my husband and boys to church and went out to work in the garden. Bless the little church on the next road over that rang their church bells that morning! That solemn ringing broke something in me that day and healing was able to begin.<br />
<br />
I have been frustrated recently in my prayer life and was telling my father about it. A farmer himself and the man who alongside my mother introduced me to God and nurtured that relationship from birth and still does. I'm not sure where he heard this analogy but it spoke volumes to my heart and once again gave me hope. I'd asked him why God wasn't answering my prayers and he explained it like this: "Our prayers are like rain. There must be a seed that has been sown first for the prayers to produce a harvest. That seed is God's word (John 6:63 says God's word is Life/alive). Find scripture to back up what you are asking God for and memorize it, repeat it until it's planted so deep in your spirit that it abides (something you cling to and have faith in even when it seems to have failed) and then you can water it." <br />
<br />
If you're still reading I am going to add below an article I wrote on kids and gardening and the power of a seed. May your garden be planted in love and well watered. Au Revoir<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcTgJg8taLqgtszmvxoUieQV1P2gxHuDKKkEU0Jd8Lak86bOa5pJ0n3P13m-bVIX_gaL37kAU44xyDMSZuU_W9_PdJiTTb3TIUT87p599D02N4ne2zuvewgXSa_A_I-RuHyK2_YZaPvWW/s1600/lilies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcTgJg8taLqgtszmvxoUieQV1P2gxHuDKKkEU0Jd8Lak86bOa5pJ0n3P13m-bVIX_gaL37kAU44xyDMSZuU_W9_PdJiTTb3TIUT87p599D02N4ne2zuvewgXSa_A_I-RuHyK2_YZaPvWW/s1600/lilies.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN">As a mom who loves to garden my approach to involving my kids revolves around a little bitty beginning that miraculously turns into something much bigger and more beautiful than we could have imagined and might just sustain us for sometime; the power of a seed.<br />
<br />
My children are also my seeds who once started out as a dream of mine, then a small fetus planted in love and someday will become grown men more beautiful and powerful than I could have imagined and with the ability to sustain themselves. What better way to teach them this important lesson than with gardening. <br />
<br />
Children are so eager to learn and help. Yes, it might take a fight to pull them away from the television or in my case the XBOX, but once they are outside and you give them a task they beg for more. Tools just their size are available at most garden centers and even dollar stores and can make it easier for them to participate and still allow mom & dad to get some work done. <br />
<br />
Most of us like to help others but to have a place of our own or any possession creates a feeling of pride and is something children crave. Give them their own section of the garden or even a simple pot to plant something that they are responsible for and are allowed to nurture. All it takes is some dirt, water, sunshine and one tiny seed to produce a beautiful flower or a bearing vegetable. <br />
<br />
There are so many fun colors and names for plants that make planning your garden half the fun. If you combine those two elements to entice the five senses you’ve got a garden that is educational for even your youngest child. Huge sunflowers can grow quickly to teach kids all about size,. Try planting it staked to a yard stick and you’ve got a math lesson right there! As if the smell of the outdoors doesn’t provide enough pleasantries let your child tend a fragrant herb such as mint for tea or basil for pizza. The possibilities are endless. My own children love to show guests our five different kinds of mints and name them. As for touch there’s nothing a kid loves more than the mighty worm wiggling in the earth but don’t forget the fuzzy Lamb’s Ears used in previous times for healing wounds and for my boys as bunny ears. But watch out for the prickly pear, a cactus that actually grows in Missouri! Taste is an easy find in the garden if no chemicals are used. You can grow any number of vegetables and herbs for culinary purposes but did you know you can eat dandelion stems? Make sure there haven’t been any pesticides used on them first. Grasses swaying in the breeze actually make a lovely sound in the garden or grow bamboo and harvest it to make your very own wind chime in the fall. <br />
<br />
Gardening is art; the colors, the placement, the arrangement of plants in and out of the ground. All of this hands on experience provides powerful memories for your child and opportunities to express themselves. There’s nothing better than setting up an easel in the garden, capturing time with photography or reading amongst the world you’ve created in the garden. <br />
<br />
One of my favorite ways to use gardening to benefit my children is to create memories and establish our relationship by time spent together and accomplishments made. These teachable moments are abundant in the garden when mentioning the lifecycle of the bee or butterfly that you’ve persuaded to come with beautiful plants. Or how bread can be made from the wheat seed. Maybe mention the native plants used by our first American settlers or wonder at the beauty of the sunflower seed that at the end of the season will produce a harvest for the birds. <br />
<br />
There are many sources on gardening with children at the library or local nature centers like the Remington Nature Center in St. Joseph, Missouri. Perhaps you’ll take them to the Arbor Day Celebration at the Conservation Department and plant a tree to mark their age by taking a picture of them next to the tree each year and that one day that they will be able to climb. <br />
<br />
The possibilities are endless in connecting you and your child to each other through gardening and it all starts with a single seed.</span>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-31528978133258406232011-12-21T06:25:00.000-08:002011-12-21T06:25:11.267-08:00It All Starts With A Pair of Boots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx225G9UXPWoNw8KojE5oph-E7WXvd57YWcw7spfUXBuCWsiwXGRz-Klqix3OFYwX1IsH3jtHXb790x4P56cEPbUOUh_Su6ok5C_k5BXwv8K0y38icpTsyJk82ILphFVIlLZXuJjaP6vWk/s1600/boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx225G9UXPWoNw8KojE5oph-E7WXvd57YWcw7spfUXBuCWsiwXGRz-Klqix3OFYwX1IsH3jtHXb790x4P56cEPbUOUh_Su6ok5C_k5BXwv8K0y38icpTsyJk82ILphFVIlLZXuJjaP6vWk/s320/boots.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I've always loved old things; vintage finds, "junk" as some would call it. My bedroom growing up was full of family treasures, scraps of old lace, anything with a history. I found these pale pink boots (in my size!) at an antique store. I'd never given into the living on a farm in a fashion sense. I actually used to follow all the models (you know...Christy Turlington, Niki Taylor, Linda Evangelista) and would try to copy their outifts. The closest I got to farm related was when I wore twine from a haybale around my neck as a choker (Thanking God I don't have pictures!). But the boots were a KICKstart to my inner farmgirl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGkurgJTkH3x-xAJUQDKjIg052Qqk7iaKwFXatteSNUQRxFvtAAoaREU3ZTJ6AXYdjbSFMvAOaAvaj4qedv4wRLNZEZppBZNn_kVp59PkQtc4U9AMyhXRXXlvRwHleA4xxaead4yY6L9I/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGkurgJTkH3x-xAJUQDKjIg052Qqk7iaKwFXatteSNUQRxFvtAAoaREU3ZTJ6AXYdjbSFMvAOaAvaj4qedv4wRLNZEZppBZNn_kVp59PkQtc4U9AMyhXRXXlvRwHleA4xxaead4yY6L9I/s320/garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Wanting to feed my family fresh produce without pesticides and blessed with lots of space, I started with a simple strawberry patch and small potager of 4 raised beds. Once the kids were a little older we finally decided to build a chicken coop (something we'd wanted to do for a few years). We had so much fun picking out funky chickens to order.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfHCcbToiCshDQBqMqTrHajOwRIgnbLnBeG6MPFAfWizjLMAbWPIExr8k83K-F9On6qwG0YDvBXN041ia7n1Bx1PqH3-4t__rKaxBwN9Qt9Kw60QRtdrpq41YW1JxYRDEHqy75Uvm1jH1/s1600/rooster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfHCcbToiCshDQBqMqTrHajOwRIgnbLnBeG6MPFAfWizjLMAbWPIExr8k83K-F9On6qwG0YDvBXN041ia7n1Bx1PqH3-4t__rKaxBwN9Qt9Kw60QRtdrpq41YW1JxYRDEHqy75Uvm1jH1/s320/rooster.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>After that the whole farm lifestyle has gotten really addictive. I began reading inspiring books and blogs and realized I wanted a lot more than just eggs and veggies. I wanted it all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIA3U1uC4vbZnTm3D6gbHf9pHDEjckpdm985lADhUCUzVpAjYyHrE68Ni2wtqaINGUYtWP8lt9aOteqPc9P1zjRaXMbTtroGeLw2cjqhG6wbvYw6AW_RX95aztsMh-2ej7eVoZBKi0ZU_/s1600/honeycrispapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIA3U1uC4vbZnTm3D6gbHf9pHDEjckpdm985lADhUCUzVpAjYyHrE68Ni2wtqaINGUYtWP8lt9aOteqPc9P1zjRaXMbTtroGeLw2cjqhG6wbvYw6AW_RX95aztsMh-2ej7eVoZBKi0ZU_/s1600/honeycrispapple.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eShCsb-FUvV823xWk6flyNAZiRi5RmnJeIrvOqIDSAYXUcusi8IJqMzFQLce3tcq5qOtvoJOdrJLpPH4fcMLR5qAvEdKwzJLBc4srJwcSsPsHnSQCAvgYO-Nph0V68UN72_uvxp3iNRK/s1600/sheep.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eShCsb-FUvV823xWk6flyNAZiRi5RmnJeIrvOqIDSAYXUcusi8IJqMzFQLce3tcq5qOtvoJOdrJLpPH4fcMLR5qAvEdKwzJLBc4srJwcSsPsHnSQCAvgYO-Nph0V68UN72_uvxp3iNRK/s1600/sheep.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUHl1zGhxIIzdtIBpwvrQsQSblgkIOnvh2BbrO_GNM5CofIul8Cig2Hdm0847yuoZHTLBi9rFhPEQmNNNHhHbYLxDGCu2dFXUgJVLC7vhl7JtNRSVLV9zYF11FyoTM1YHAz_-4C0q9OOO/s1600/turkeys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUHl1zGhxIIzdtIBpwvrQsQSblgkIOnvh2BbrO_GNM5CofIul8Cig2Hdm0847yuoZHTLBi9rFhPEQmNNNHhHbYLxDGCu2dFXUgJVLC7vhl7JtNRSVLV9zYF11FyoTM1YHAz_-4C0q9OOO/s1600/turkeys.jpg" /></a></div>We know have (in addition to chickens) turkeys, ducks, milking goats, honeybees, a HUGE garden and my wishlist is even longer! I hope Santa brings me warm pink carhart bibs and cheese making equipment. I never dreamt I would embrace the Great Outdoors, my Inner Farmgirl, and bloom where I was planted (when I used to think I was stuck where I was at). And it all started with a Pair of Boots!Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-78395476599863223382011-12-14T10:16:00.000-08:002011-12-14T10:16:27.696-08:00Metallics in the Landscape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDgvXeNQ4FsdBJgrkc4KBPTuZQa3tq9qYDiQGviA0NCmjSeP0QQaUYQnagGAEAcPUwRv6JvEWBWElBG4ljnFTA3OA2XPrpmB3mvgYXOJXb7yeb0d4RhfEkwv3cEruHjpLvuIAKqyBwaN6/s1600/winterherbgarden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDgvXeNQ4FsdBJgrkc4KBPTuZQa3tq9qYDiQGviA0NCmjSeP0QQaUYQnagGAEAcPUwRv6JvEWBWElBG4ljnFTA3OA2XPrpmB3mvgYXOJXb7yeb0d4RhfEkwv3cEruHjpLvuIAKqyBwaN6/s320/winterherbgarden.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUORj-7eiCLZpYCoPq4uCi8uY8eD6TmBWyS9PSDcttNXYMyAix8WF_DT-5l3dKZP3DzKjrGcIr8ofoDGH9rMgH_lrxl4lKurEHtMS6h3uQilgY-If0JBhafDpjx8hKOUaDh2OggHwdQzTq/s1600/silversage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUORj-7eiCLZpYCoPq4uCi8uY8eD6TmBWyS9PSDcttNXYMyAix8WF_DT-5l3dKZP3DzKjrGcIr8ofoDGH9rMgH_lrxl4lKurEHtMS6h3uQilgY-If0JBhafDpjx8hKOUaDh2OggHwdQzTq/s320/silversage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Every day when I look out my kitchen window at my herb garden I am amazed at the resiliencecy of plants. My sage is a rockstar this time of year. In fact the only star of the season. The mint is still a bit green but the chives have disappeared and all of the annuals; basil, parsely & oregneo. Lemon Balm and Thyme are holding on but the sage....oh the sage. I have always loved the silver leaves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVVZGnjcFIJytNA0JyOkPvtYk1k0yIcruQMM_hc_M-lRXPb0A3XDUhFbT40lUCEZ79HhcrOEQmapxhHJKKjRsaUDmHxVhsFstnVtT2nOc9-t_PZruBweR9nf_ZwSYQk7qUnqe7b5sK6on/s1600/upclosesilversage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVVZGnjcFIJytNA0JyOkPvtYk1k0yIcruQMM_hc_M-lRXPb0A3XDUhFbT40lUCEZ79HhcrOEQmapxhHJKKjRsaUDmHxVhsFstnVtT2nOc9-t_PZruBweR9nf_ZwSYQk7qUnqe7b5sK6on/s320/upclosesilversage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We just had a winter thunderstorm so the wet leaves around the plant look like a rich bronze....just gorgeous. Even my Tri Color Sage is looking good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8z_JdeYqbn40eS5nalpEjBdHCJu05ccuH39MjiXWrEolhGcRzPtj7gIEZjuou0yX9UL9qDz1J2NegJL_Ij00nYOpF9FX3jWk5RKU7OKftf28udgPKKtQZE50st96dkQINyvAUrLcM8WR/s1600/tricolorsage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8z_JdeYqbn40eS5nalpEjBdHCJu05ccuH39MjiXWrEolhGcRzPtj7gIEZjuou0yX9UL9qDz1J2NegJL_Ij00nYOpF9FX3jWk5RKU7OKftf28udgPKKtQZE50st96dkQINyvAUrLcM8WR/s320/tricolorsage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At the end of the season I had placed straw on top of the beds but the chickens spread it around for me. In places I didn't put it. Or want it. But they looked cute doing it. They do bring me joy. Their feathers shimmering in the rain like twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. Taking it a bit too far???? Yea. Maybe that is stretching it a bit. <br />
<br />
On another note if you love to decorate like I do, especially with metallics and natural elements, you'll enjoy Silve Sage Designs. Check them out on Facebook or online here.... <a href="http://www.silversagedesignstudio.com/website/sites/web/docroot/home">http://www.silversagedesignstudio.com/website/sites/web/docroot/home</a><br />
<br />
May your Holidays Be Merry & Bright!Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-49459548064125128752011-12-07T07:06:00.000-08:002011-12-07T07:06:28.681-08:00Footprints in the Frost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zltM6zQtdGshnKZ8Wo-TphQRg9aOaYQe5_XmnjIHTDTJ5mC5ELRa6OGSgB8_pTOshQl5kl-iDo0wUpPaHwGCd5cxEK_ncVAUqKJJil2oRLvlSquIrYqEzl7MYYep_6VfeUrozFpTFAgu/s1600/footprintsinthefrost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zltM6zQtdGshnKZ8Wo-TphQRg9aOaYQe5_XmnjIHTDTJ5mC5ELRa6OGSgB8_pTOshQl5kl-iDo0wUpPaHwGCd5cxEK_ncVAUqKJJil2oRLvlSquIrYqEzl7MYYep_6VfeUrozFpTFAgu/s320/footprintsinthefrost.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Good Morning from Northwest Missouri where it's a chilly 15 degrees! This is the time of year when having animals on the farm can be more of a challenge. Although I've winterized as much as I can it is still a challenge to keep farmgirl and animals cozy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYy8tsQzGso6xeh75zg6NsDN9dgVYW-UCdhGNRqkHhbculj_cLmGh7JlxkQAd-yfHfGrZlEK-7nAIQwTTAEbHi1oE5OdRsjLYDF2oZuyqpLCE94dcGS7Q-ssNwAKzQavJQuFmGTXC7AP-n/s1600/frozenwaterer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYy8tsQzGso6xeh75zg6NsDN9dgVYW-UCdhGNRqkHhbculj_cLmGh7JlxkQAd-yfHfGrZlEK-7nAIQwTTAEbHi1oE5OdRsjLYDF2oZuyqpLCE94dcGS7Q-ssNwAKzQavJQuFmGTXC7AP-n/s320/frozenwaterer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This automatic waterer for the sheep and goats is not supposed to freeze but the past two days the top 1/2" has been frozen. I chop it up and retrieve the mini glaciers with my hands. Brrrrr!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f6_OH2vZvb0AiwcfE9WA32ombnoWOvwUSRC9OKmXMGPKuBCspLYui9CW904goKmXzSs9HXZ0XOsMM-sFtIPGGSs-LhznBJwNhfmghKGxm4zSl5SsbJREVsXzwR8fxKby6tPXeeMVlBYr/s1600/frostypond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f6_OH2vZvb0AiwcfE9WA32ombnoWOvwUSRC9OKmXMGPKuBCspLYui9CW904goKmXzSs9HXZ0XOsMM-sFtIPGGSs-LhznBJwNhfmghKGxm4zSl5SsbJREVsXzwR8fxKby6tPXeeMVlBYr/s320/frostypond.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa3vYPhItrB5zDMETShN2vehGt9OOE1CeCIKIbsL7eKy10gb_EOho98dVjizvaGuqYHs6asQX44Zv8jcd9y1gPMHWw42n5l5F8oYELMPw952LbKdNzFLu4MRl2SWqD5wOExpamFpIyAsS/s1600/frostyfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa3vYPhItrB5zDMETShN2vehGt9OOE1CeCIKIbsL7eKy10gb_EOho98dVjizvaGuqYHs6asQX44Zv8jcd9y1gPMHWw42n5l5F8oYELMPw952LbKdNzFLu4MRl2SWqD5wOExpamFpIyAsS/s320/frostyfield.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS9SNKvd0oOkmNhZOSrew8eBslzhbeeHPWPZFfTv_6o1D8wj6ONIP9RMgZmvFtOfiCa4ZPiXDn6_0OVVOqCyZotHMcK9lIlODsVxaWMnTkZO4nZxZrACeU3gBEh_tbVWrWJQfWYJhQ-eq/s1600/frostyturkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS9SNKvd0oOkmNhZOSrew8eBslzhbeeHPWPZFfTv_6o1D8wj6ONIP9RMgZmvFtOfiCa4ZPiXDn6_0OVVOqCyZotHMcK9lIlODsVxaWMnTkZO4nZxZrACeU3gBEh_tbVWrWJQfWYJhQ-eq/s320/frostyturkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A heating lamp is burned out in the chicken coop so a trip to the farm store is planned for later today to buy all the critters extra goodies like dried meal worms, cracked corn, peanuts for the goats and fancy minerals for the sheep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9IymtaXHvWlNT7ELiwhxR3ehupiPNPuDjkOUsWc2X3LrGb30s4Me0M-BV6kwBD6uBH89c49S8IqsU6eknwtif7O8u5VZeAdVbISEFX7Nf7IwaG8nlY2T-5L4B9mDO9WHiuAGfxnH-U_D/s1600/muckboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9IymtaXHvWlNT7ELiwhxR3ehupiPNPuDjkOUsWc2X3LrGb30s4Me0M-BV6kwBD6uBH89c49S8IqsU6eknwtif7O8u5VZeAdVbISEFX7Nf7IwaG8nlY2T-5L4B9mDO9WHiuAGfxnH-U_D/s320/muckboots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So glad hubby got me these warm Muck Boots that will keep my feet toasty when we're trudging through snow drifts soon. Hopefully Santa will bring me my own Carhart & Bibs! Oh how my list has changed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that chores are done I can snuggle with my babies who are recovering from being sick. Stay warm!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAomufvdd7P3jp-y-Sn-eTGZQRsMVsL4TTKg3l73rOdEVCtsvlqCX6UDFRe3LdPRB0yFPQGguvCAvn0xV5_EtCd2VX4jxnTNS9wtokcXr14BaLfxVHuO8dFbeR4HPW0G-lKM1ShyphenhyphenXoyGfQ/s1600/jenimportantwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAomufvdd7P3jp-y-Sn-eTGZQRsMVsL4TTKg3l73rOdEVCtsvlqCX6UDFRe3LdPRB0yFPQGguvCAvn0xV5_EtCd2VX4jxnTNS9wtokcXr14BaLfxVHuO8dFbeR4HPW0G-lKM1ShyphenhyphenXoyGfQ/s320/jenimportantwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-2388763356004600502011-11-30T12:32:00.000-08:002011-11-30T12:32:05.556-08:00Am I Crossing A Line? "Relations" on the FarmNow don't let your mind get ahead of yourself; this isn't about Mr. Morris and I and our rolls in the hay, this is about the animals. I have been hauling my gorgeous goats back in forth in my mini-van (my vintage dream truck is still a dream right now) for driveway dates....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r-mTkuSPwnDXD68LRr96DhXzlWbZxaBfVTFYft2_r8S5KekeuKEB1qiJAQHvNvfPcOSYPMUrzSry02tyzEeu3GxGl0dsaaZ01DOAnSt6RVSKlQk4zqb5F_qlTKCE9phNX9kIRagKyplV/s1600/goatincar" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r-mTkuSPwnDXD68LRr96DhXzlWbZxaBfVTFYft2_r8S5KekeuKEB1qiJAQHvNvfPcOSYPMUrzSry02tyzEeu3GxGl0dsaaZ01DOAnSt6RVSKlQk4zqb5F_qlTKCE9phNX9kIRagKyplV/s1600/goatincar" /></a></div> This has been interesting. Not messy believe it or not. But on to the "relations." <br />
<br />
There is a whole process about getting a goat pregnant I had no idea about. And timing is everything! I've had to insert hormones vaginally (once I figured out which opening it was), given shots of hormones and drove many many miles to meet Prince Charming. Except sometimes I gave the hormones too late or once the "insertion" fell out. See Mr. Charming doesn't just mount for fun. There is a ceremony. She squats and pees. He smells. If he doesn't smell that she's in heat he is not interested! And so the many many miles. This last time I left her for an overnight rendevous and viola! Success! I will spare you the details how we know she has been bred. Did you want to know all of this? Sure you did that's why you're reading it right? : ) <br />
<br />
Since I'm not so in tune with the sheep and haven't bonded with them as closely, I totally want to get one of these harness markers for my next ram so I know when he's done the deed. I just love the Fiber Farm team and want to be the shepherdess they are. <a href="http://www.fiberfarm.com/2010/10/breeding-season">http://www.fiberfarm.com/2010/10/breeding-season</a><br />
<br />
Other little ladies on the farm have been courted so to say. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCBpeQYCEJhtXzGxPousxxoHV1tz43mWN6Jx7fMKKBFdIKhSGULkFfqxX4cM1JPIP9ebi3h7pR_eoCgP-VQjD8mh__T0Murclb4N9-rGx9LHJLGJMwMH7lIkqj1xa6KLYmwE4jPQpl7b8/s1600/dominque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCBpeQYCEJhtXzGxPousxxoHV1tz43mWN6Jx7fMKKBFdIKhSGULkFfqxX4cM1JPIP9ebi3h7pR_eoCgP-VQjD8mh__T0Murclb4N9-rGx9LHJLGJMwMH7lIkqj1xa6KLYmwE4jPQpl7b8/s320/dominque.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Who can resist Monique strutting her stuff around the farm? <br />
Apparently not her sons!!!! Seriously! We hatched eggs this spring and of course now that everyone is old enough for us to tell which gender they are, these teenage chickens will stand in line and each take turns with the lady! Perposterous! I can't stand this "method" and will not let my ladies suffer all winter cooped up with those men. So all but one lucky lad will become chicken soup. That may sound terrible but we are meat eaters and I'm gonna eat chicken from Hyvee or my house so at least I know they were happy while they were alive. <br />
<br />
Well that's all I have to say for now about "Relations" on the Farm. <br />
<br />
On other fronts I have been creating plastic bag wreaths, trying to find a bread recipe I can't screw up (honey oat) <a href="http://artisanfarmsteadliving.blogspot.com/search/label/Bread">http://artisanfarmsteadliving.blogspot.com/search/label/Bread</a> as well as plant wheat so I can have my own flour (you know how warm the dirt feels in the summer? well it's frrrrreezing this time of year) and working on another sweet little project I hope to announce soon. And there's a little holiday called Christmas coming up and a birthday boy in the house so life has been full but in the best way possible. Can't wait to start the 24 days of Advent Calender with my boys tonight.<br />
<br />
Hope I haven't crossed the line with this post and that you're still a fan! Oh and I had to pull over and admire these terraces! They're like stairways to heaven. Never seen such beautiful terraces. Obviously since I had that true and honest thought I MuSt bE a FaRmEr!!!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsrkoQ5gnpq9sPh2b6NKYbr5wmrcYHCpMch9a5nC5KND96h-yGcw2SvG7BUH8vm2AMzgtkmSJ38yX-kbK_z5gIbbhBHpHiy-GO7tWLmcpdbmrK19BkE8sTGwqlDIQTjIL7zj4kCg8jTzX/s1600/terrace" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsrkoQ5gnpq9sPh2b6NKYbr5wmrcYHCpMch9a5nC5KND96h-yGcw2SvG7BUH8vm2AMzgtkmSJ38yX-kbK_z5gIbbhBHpHiy-GO7tWLmcpdbmrK19BkE8sTGwqlDIQTjIL7zj4kCg8jTzX/s1600/terrace" /></a></div>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-18975661356680315682011-11-27T06:53:00.000-08:002011-11-27T06:53:24.875-08:00Wanna Be Farmer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTWCOt2T3HP-fU5mhp08Fg-HVzJXAJThtFCnCd_0wVw6Zuto4AhAkEUTimQmknYOgHLXmt7qDAV4xVs5m7YPna9OK_ylaeyS_R__bCUdVoARugITxM3GQ4WUdff-IM4yw8Q6Yw_1UU7Ka/s1600/first+photo" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTWCOt2T3HP-fU5mhp08Fg-HVzJXAJThtFCnCd_0wVw6Zuto4AhAkEUTimQmknYOgHLXmt7qDAV4xVs5m7YPna9OK_ylaeyS_R__bCUdVoARugITxM3GQ4WUdff-IM4yw8Q6Yw_1UU7Ka/s1600/first+photo" /></a></div>This is a picture of me when we first got married and moved into our home 12 years ago. I've lived within a mile of this house we bought from my parents all of my life. But until I had my own land I never dreamt of gardens or wanting to do farmgirl things. I'd helped Dad here and there on the farm growing up. Once I even had a bottle fed calf but that was it. Now I can't look out my kitchen window without imagining the sugar maples (that I've yet to buy) all tall and glorious, full of sweet maple syrup. Or the milking parlour nestled between the goat pen and hay barn with organized shelves of supplies, an industrial gleaming sink and an elegant cooler full of cheeses and milk. When did I turn into a Wanna Be Farmer? <br />
This past week I decided to forge ahead and buy wheat seed to plant so in the spring I could harvest it to make my own flour. I went to an agricultural store pretending I knew what I was talking about and bought winter wheat. I knew that much. But after showing my dad the 50 lb bag he said don't you need "hard" wheat not "soft?" So I had to take it back and exchange it. They don't usually sell hard wheat they said, since I'm guessing not many people want to make their own flour. When did I turn into a Wanna Be Farmer?!<br />
<br />
I thought the little lambs would be here in October yet there's no sign of them. Determined to be smarter with the goats, thanks to my wonderful mentor, I will know exactly when their precious kids will arrive. This week I've been drug around the goat pen trying to catch a stubborn lady to give her a hormone shot after frantically calling my mentor 2 weeks ago to double check about the anatomy of a goats backside before we started the hormone/baby making process. When did I turn into a Wanna Be Farmer?!!!!<br />
<br />
Last Saturday I celebrated my 33rd birthday. I did perform the ultimate girly fantasy of shopping till I dropped but the day wasn't complete without my trying out my favorite birthday gift; hot pink muck boots. I think I'm officially a Wanna Be Farmer.Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-29338935371584872962011-11-12T13:28:00.000-08:002011-11-12T13:28:10.993-08:00Tea & TinselGreetings! We've been busy here on the farm with fall check ups and getting ready for babies! Still no little lambs but we've almost finished the breeding for our Nubians. The hens have enjoyed the warm weather and have been laying lots of gorgeous pastel eggs for us. This time of year as I reflect on what we've accomplished on our farm I am adding to my list of all the things I want to do next year. Herbs and veggies I want to grow (stevia & okra), animals we want to add (heritage hogs) and of course buildings (milking parlour, green house, arbor in Big Garden...). I think the hope of Spring is what gets this Outdoor Girl through the winter. To keep busy during the cold months I like to get crafty and read lots of books. I am blessed to have friends to get crafty with who constantly inspire me. Recently some of us got together to make wreaths, ornaments & hoop art. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xpzOIYAW1Y76-04bobUDISxo9bJvm9Kba1MRh_cA5j7bgHIBkiUgUPZ8aHiejT7bnfychsyZAhfarrsvrXBcIk2hyphenhyphen-B6eoWrrnnmTNuX8QF7HBUn61B4Jlbsp8ZteW2FqnW88EDV3O5T/s1600/hoopart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xpzOIYAW1Y76-04bobUDISxo9bJvm9Kba1MRh_cA5j7bgHIBkiUgUPZ8aHiejT7bnfychsyZAhfarrsvrXBcIk2hyphenhyphen-B6eoWrrnnmTNuX8QF7HBUn61B4Jlbsp8ZteW2FqnW88EDV3O5T/s1600/hoopart.jpg" /></a></div>For constant inspiration blogs are my favorite. Check out some super cute ones on my side bar. Today however I went to an annual Holiday Shopping Experience in a nearby town. Oh the goodies were endless! There was the most amazing lady who repurposes items into jewelry full of history. I couldn't resist! And a few of my friends who are fun artists had booths where I snatched up this darling crown for my bedroom! Vintage and lace seem to be everywhere this holiday season!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIWPlbaQMqmBYysdbs_nNMisSdl-KhjDiZfK5YhRsSqfqMrUtnBF3auOgb9QC20HkXhQ9arpMVniGXaxgcgRwRqbn8_-pkKZR1g0gUvdnHOkDky6u5r01grKYTrwAt793kH5hHb2t_UAA/s1600/sugarplumfinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIWPlbaQMqmBYysdbs_nNMisSdl-KhjDiZfK5YhRsSqfqMrUtnBF3auOgb9QC20HkXhQ9arpMVniGXaxgcgRwRqbn8_-pkKZR1g0gUvdnHOkDky6u5r01grKYTrwAt793kH5hHb2t_UAA/s1600/sugarplumfinds.jpg" /></a></div>My boys are busy playing XBox, hunting for deer, wrestling and practicing their drums so mama is nursing her tickling throat with these yummy lemon drops and hot tea with honey while I snuggle under my grey wool blanket dreaming of all the delightful Christmas Tinsel Decorations I want to tackle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOPyt8kkDDdkSZQVej0TNvjR6qBz-jfFD1V0YxJk8PxVCZphMEQgy5mGRkwBcRAHRwUxSGOL0ylQlrBsOLsiml9HcFFvZfHbiTqJpmfX-Z8bztgQF6G9Oec1rVWzliHWGaHqUYyb5Cct0/s1600/organiccandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOPyt8kkDDdkSZQVej0TNvjR6qBz-jfFD1V0YxJk8PxVCZphMEQgy5mGRkwBcRAHRwUxSGOL0ylQlrBsOLsiml9HcFFvZfHbiTqJpmfX-Z8bztgQF6G9Oec1rVWzliHWGaHqUYyb5Cct0/s1600/organiccandy.jpg" /></a></div> Keep Cozy!!! Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-85296785101778879442011-10-21T05:29:00.000-07:002011-10-21T05:29:53.161-07:00Seasons ChangeToday I awoke with a determined spirit to get my long list of outdoor chores done (sorry honey the laundry might have to wait!) since God has answered my prayer for a few more days of warm weather and free calendar. Normally I am the kind of gal who completes an assignment the day it is given. Tell me what you want for Christmas and it's bought that day. Can't help it; I'm a list maker and love to check stuff off that list. However, since school has began and my boys' activity schedules have increased I have found myself napping in my free hours or rushing to the grocery store or doing that laundry out of "oh no the boys are out of underwear!" I've been exhausted and frustrated that I have to do chores in the dark and eat pizza in the parking lot (luckily we have a dvd player in the car so it feels more like home!). This fall I've felt more like the suprised grasshopper than the prepared ant in the classic fable. I don't like it one bit. So after crying out to God and checking the weather forecast, once again He has given me a second chance. No napping for me today. Instead I will (and already have started some of these)....<br />
<br />
<strong>Make laundry soap</strong> (so when outdoor chores are done I CAN do laundry honey!) <a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/04/09/making-your-own-laundry-detergent-a-detailed-visual-guide/">http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/04/09/making-your-own-laundry-detergent-a-detailed-visual-guide/</a> I of course either make my own soap or use my lovely friends soap made from my goat's milk. <br />
<br />
Cut open gourds or pumpkins I want to grow again next year and <strong>dry out the seeds</strong>. (I had over 100 pumpkins this year. So excited after no surviving pumpkins last year. Curse those squash bugs! Organic gardening is tough!) Any ideas what I can make with Turkish Gourds?<br />
<br />
<strong>Order cover crop seeds</strong>. I should be planting them today but alas I still have <strong>6 beds yet to uproot</strong> plants and work the soil. I kept waiting for the artichokes to make artichokes but I guess it's not going to happen. I started them from seed and they have huge lovely gray foilage but nothing edible that I can see yet.<br />
<br />
<strong>Plant Strawberries!!</strong> I had one of my favorite local nursery's, Moffett Nursery, order me some strawberries I can plant this fall. One even has a berry already on it! Unfortunately my lovely hens dug up all of my strawberry plants so this time they will be tucked into a bed in The Big Garden which will hopefully have a fence around it next spring. I also picked up a few checkered tulip bulbs from Moffetts which I will plant today. Can't wait to see those in the spring!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0PzY9THP2ETPzgdYg9Ex0Om3Uj5rhKm7KnBJw2Rm0-v66JsZIw6gQsduUyIqK5UW3BAXrFLFDZ79-e08NGP1ARaVEemaojbxbqO85FAMVjyZ4Y9JX96pC93qmM87s-Hb5JZKtDQMQevq/s1600/strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0PzY9THP2ETPzgdYg9Ex0Om3Uj5rhKm7KnBJw2Rm0-v66JsZIw6gQsduUyIqK5UW3BAXrFLFDZ79-e08NGP1ARaVEemaojbxbqO85FAMVjyZ4Y9JX96pC93qmM87s-Hb5JZKtDQMQevq/s320/strawberries.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Straw</strong>. I am expecting lambs any day and have had their area all comfy and warm for awhile now. This time I am working on the goats' pen. I am down to 2 square bales of straw and will try to fashion a cozy spot for the girls with straw from a big round bale. The girls will be bred in the next few weeks so I want them to be extra comfy this winter. I know when I was pregnant I liked to lay around and nap so why wouldn't they? Can't wait to see those babies next April with their floppy ears! And oh the things I want to make with all that milk!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr0Uo73hRCDa2eTpKH8ziihb8gBHopWKOmJpmLVt9r00TmWZvXL_sCZ1SkI7OHnKEn-VXVxyobUu_rzNoJ-6H2uApprQn0npRCzT2T7U_kOXhmT_NPJ4-YA5duwiG4CGIlTNuCHWbv1_P/s1600/artisianalcheese.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr0Uo73hRCDa2eTpKH8ziihb8gBHopWKOmJpmLVt9r00TmWZvXL_sCZ1SkI7OHnKEn-VXVxyobUu_rzNoJ-6H2uApprQn0npRCzT2T7U_kOXhmT_NPJ4-YA5duwiG4CGIlTNuCHWbv1_P/s1600/artisianalcheese.bmp" /></a></div><br />
I do have lots of indoor chores like dusting and sweeping but that I'm saving for tomorrow when I'll have two more helpers at home to help mama. : ) <br />
<br />
Happy Fall!!!!!Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-63536043807318412492011-09-27T14:30:00.000-07:002011-09-27T14:30:25.286-07:00Elegant ElementsI have not posted in awhile because I have been extremely busy. Very, Very busy. Did I mention extremely busy? Not the busy that most people are used to I'm sure but for me very busy. All with wonderful good things like volunteering at school and watching my boys play hockey and helping someone in need and going on dates with my husband to Lowes. All very good things but I am just not used to getting my kids in bed after 8:30 and falling asleep while I read them stories. We each have seasons in our lives of busyness. I used to have to nurse the baby while I read to the preschooler and chased the toddler. All at once. My mom would say "Enjoy it. It will go by fast." And looking back it did. Now that I'm down to one kiddo at home I thought things would slow down but we are just as busy, just with different things. But I love it and I love experiencing life with them. As long as I get a few afternoons in the garden once in awhile. <br />
<br />
I've always tried to make time to do things for me that I love admist the busyness. Most of the time I love where I am but I dream about and am inspired by a certain lifestyle that I don't necessarily get to live out. Like the poet who writes from her bedroom window overlooking Paris. Or the artist who overlooks the River Seine as she paints the tourists. Sensing a pattern here? I take elements of what I imagine these carefree women with their lavish lifestyles enjoy, that appeal to me. For instance, I love local coffee shops but I would rather make my own cappucino or spiced chai tea latte. I love to buy fancy drink ingredients and make them to suit my taste and my budget. My sister got me hooked on making my own chocolate croissants after having one for brunch on the Plaza by simply placing one piece (or more!) of your favorite really good chocolate inside a Pillsbury triangle croissant dough. I can make a dozen for the price of one and enjoy it without leaving my kitchen.<br />
<br />
I have always loved decorating, especially at the change of a season. At times I feel frustrated in a house full of men; thinking "What's the point?" Recently I met with a good friend whose beautifully decorated home inspired me to remember that I do it because it makes me happy. A quick google search of fall decorating or flipping through a favorite magazine can get my juices flowing to create even small vingettes that make me smile.<br />
<br />
Who doesn't love fresh flowers? A few years ago when I was daydreaming, as a lot of stay at home moms do, I created my "dream budget." It was to include an amount for weekly bouquets. I don't treat myself to my favorite florist as often as I'd like but in the summer I pick bouquets from my garden that cost pennies from the seed aisle. Even a branch from the out of doors can look artfully arranged on your fireplace mantle.<br />
<br />
In case you haven't noticed I love all things french so a few years back I searched for french musicians. I fell in love with a few artists whose songs I may not be able to understand but they can instantly put me in the mood that I'm not surrounded by screaming children, loads of laundry and dozens of action figures. <br />
<br />
The woman sets the mood in the home for sure. It's sometimes a frustrating responsibility. It took me a long time to realize I have to make myself happy and can't wait for someone to do something for me that will make me happy. For me, surrounding myself with beautiful things and delicacies to eat, good music and lots of fresh air make me happy. If I take the time to pray and do something for myself before the kiddos wake up (coffee alone; bliss) it's a definete step in the right direction. Even throughout the day if I am doing chores while listening to my favorite show, that's 30 minutes of me time that helps make me a better wife and mother.<br />
<br />
What do you do to keep your sanity and include elegant elements in your every day?Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-56925420220115131112011-09-15T06:37:00.000-07:002011-09-15T06:37:18.818-07:00Farm to FancyYesterday's post was more of a passionate farm blog; today's is how to take some of that earthy farmgirl stuff and incoraporate into your life in a fresh & fancy way. The topic is one of my favorite things: BATHS<br />
<br />
Someday....(my poor husband will be working on my Honey Do list until he retires!) I NEED one of these charming outdoor baths like I first saw in a Mary Jane Farms magazine (which I'm totally addicted to. She even has a GirlScout kinda badge thing going on....super fun!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUapKnzC6quCEYP2kQhyphenhyphenfVgNP1Zt7wfNd0bYv60zpKmx4MfM2ulJ_ZcoMRD9WjinwhykCXh6KYylb9Nrg1ug7SyatAmNI2o6-DofaV0kckbsk6Ba0U_vYjVe9PxDnPTW9V8MGES0kB4S2/s1600/outdoorbath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUapKnzC6quCEYP2kQhyphenhyphenfVgNP1Zt7wfNd0bYv60zpKmx4MfM2ulJ_ZcoMRD9WjinwhykCXh6KYylb9Nrg1ug7SyatAmNI2o6-DofaV0kckbsk6Ba0U_vYjVe9PxDnPTW9V8MGES0kB4S2/s1600/outdoorbath1.jpg" /></a></div>But until that happens I love to soak INSIDE! There are so many fabulous products out there that someday I will post about (I have friends who are soap experts) but today I want to focus on what I have here on the farm. MILK & HERBS. <br />
<br />
If you don't grow your own herbs you can get some from your local Farmers' Market or even your hometown HyVee and tie them in a bundle in your shower or bath. Try chamomile at night or lemon balm in the morning.<a href="http://mountainroseblog.com/savoring-summer/">http://mountainroseblog.com/savoring-summer/</a> How romantic is a fresh bath bouquet?<br />
<br />
I love this article on using GOAT'S MILK in the most luxurious bath yet. Check out <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/">http://www.localharvest.org/</a> to find some near you. <a href="http://healthytimesarticles.com/warm-milk-bath/">http://healthytimesarticles.com/warm-milk-bath/</a> As you can read in this article goat's milk can protect your skin from harmful rays and the aging process! Inside or out this is why I own my sweet girls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQEJm5OdyWos7QnumRAdoj07HXL5tNkfwCftSVD_fGq_uzb-dXl5GvugQS_rO8h5OdlcatZSxeqGiLZomcCfk-jXz6tgBhdDaPjcwnvFeOMo3KdRDIccR3Hbh28ZquW9wFy2YW5HLSQx3/s1600/296977_2345415319808_1382780016_32831661_7348260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQEJm5OdyWos7QnumRAdoj07HXL5tNkfwCftSVD_fGq_uzb-dXl5GvugQS_rO8h5OdlcatZSxeqGiLZomcCfk-jXz6tgBhdDaPjcwnvFeOMo3KdRDIccR3Hbh28ZquW9wFy2YW5HLSQx3/s1600/296977_2345415319808_1382780016_32831661_7348260_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmCwzd6JNavKwQ1FmobDoSkvjUS59xprtMqotuvHAv8Nja6KUOcWhyphenhyphenF60NxGrxLC6YUWXoGgipYUhzf5Ee-DUkRHmJm9IDBRJexYpHCqBvYE85plQCPkTPQRfgRulDALWlPz7TcxY5_7A/s1600/299286_2345416159829_1382780016_32831662_7235517_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmCwzd6JNavKwQ1FmobDoSkvjUS59xprtMqotuvHAv8Nja6KUOcWhyphenhyphenF60NxGrxLC6YUWXoGgipYUhzf5Ee-DUkRHmJm9IDBRJexYpHCqBvYE85plQCPkTPQRfgRulDALWlPz7TcxY5_7A/s1600/299286_2345416159829_1382780016_32831662_7235517_n.jpg" /></a></div>By adding all natural goat's milk to your bath your body will soak up all the goodness in it (definetely read the article above for all the benefits) and enjoy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg786fKCApwO-QBQIWSgtsWGaasFDeNo7jA1pROkreOlKViNfmnaBalDk-cs_fn-xDhN_YEd6tYmV0QYmE79UOeM4hWyR1TyloAZABKyDiLm-4jOpBoA3vIUByeIUGVFkGuPRDniRlK5FWo/s1600/candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg786fKCApwO-QBQIWSgtsWGaasFDeNo7jA1pROkreOlKViNfmnaBalDk-cs_fn-xDhN_YEd6tYmV0QYmE79UOeM4hWyR1TyloAZABKyDiLm-4jOpBoA3vIUByeIUGVFkGuPRDniRlK5FWo/s1600/candles.jpg" /></a></div>A bath isn't complete without candles and music and a glass of tea or wine. I have a chandelier in mine. Even if you just treat yourself to this leisurlely evening once a week or even once a month your body and mind will thank you. You deserve it!Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-20349002712989498152011-09-14T16:12:00.000-07:002011-09-14T16:12:13.849-07:00Babies!!!!It feels like Spring here on the farm. Cooler temps and new life everywhere. We should have new lambs in the next few weeks and we just hatched two baby turkeys in the incubator. <br />
<br />
After reading about the Slow Food Movement and Heritage Breeds I knew I wanted to have these special animals on our farm. Here are a few links for further reading, but basically these are hardy animals that are nearing extinction. <a href="http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/heritage/">http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/heritage/</a> <a href="http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/ark_product_detail/bourbon_red/">http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/ark_product_detail/bourbon_red/</a><br />
Why? Because over time certain breeds that produced the most were chosen by farmers and now the others are suffering. For example, when you imagine a pig or a cow you probably imagine the common pink pig or black & white Holstein cow. What about chickens? White chickens & white eggs come to mind? Yes, these are the common breeds represented in the United States but these animals are also usually in large farms where they can't graze freely or have as humane living quarters. Did you know the 'Butterball Turkey' has to have it's eggs fertilized by humans (in a round about way) because they are too broad breasted & fat to perform the duty as nature intended.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMjhEKUuw4y3v8vPk6vYGYXZG4rJ6zbw7_eSFaAUI3TmNNB5k3MX1B50W8e4oPJDyMYd50evfaWIkoc5OC1e_JhyphenhyphenmW5IoQU4boxppb-GAHDvsa6nPnZpo8IYCOopdTZ5C8vKZikXkPynr/s1600/DSCF6236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMjhEKUuw4y3v8vPk6vYGYXZG4rJ6zbw7_eSFaAUI3TmNNB5k3MX1B50W8e4oPJDyMYd50evfaWIkoc5OC1e_JhyphenhyphenmW5IoQU4boxppb-GAHDvsa6nPnZpo8IYCOopdTZ5C8vKZikXkPynr/s320/DSCF6236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> babies basking in the heat lamp<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the animals I wanted to hear out my kitchen window was the Gobble! Gobble! of a turkey and we had our heart set on the Bourbon Red Turkey. We were thrilled to find a listing on our local Craigslist for a hen & tom! We snatched them up and chose to incubate the eggs for definete results. Just this week the two babies were born. The boys named them Love & BlueBerry. I secretly call them Easter & Dinner. I know that sounds awful but I want to know where my food comes from and know that it enjoyed a good life and ate good food. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkpyPCwAKkToYacI5AystAT1sl8IWb9ByqrxXcK6R1acgfgp1y9OgQGIuLZI-eT9G6lIXqhYSP4Na8HIqXSp1GKjnUy73M4FCEtS-LeDuPNdp8o4M91NMalL5dpz7Yu8SYoAdm2H8pH85/s1600/DSCF6226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkpyPCwAKkToYacI5AystAT1sl8IWb9ByqrxXcK6R1acgfgp1y9OgQGIuLZI-eT9G6lIXqhYSP4Na8HIqXSp1GKjnUy73M4FCEtS-LeDuPNdp8o4M91NMalL5dpz7Yu8SYoAdm2H8pH85/s320/DSCF6226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There are so many beautiful Heritage Breeds that are a joy to keep with docile personalities, hardy to your climate & charming coloring. I have several still on my Must Have list. Right now I'm begging my hubby to get me a Hereford Hog. Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-83478702342446506322011-09-09T18:03:00.000-07:002011-09-09T18:03:07.015-07:00A R TI love ART! From poetry to sculpture. From painting to knitting. From gardening to home decorating. From cooking to soap making. From feathering your hair to designing clothing. From playing an instrument to designing a website. From jewelry to scrapbooking; in my eyes there is ART everywhere. Even in a hay field! (Don't tell my dad I think his hayfield is a work of ART!) Have you ever noticed the patchwork lay of the open land? I just love to get creative in fresh new ways and right now the world is full of classes everywhere you turn to try out new ARTs & lost ARTs. There are oodles of new ARTs I want to learn! I have been on a journey the past few years of taking some of these classes. I've learned so many wonderful things and met the most amazing people! And this Sunday our local ART museum is hosting a Free Family ART day which I plan on participating in. <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/">http://albrecht-kemper.org/</a><br />
<br />
One of my favorite ARTsy hotspots to visit is the lovely little town called Leavenworth, KS. It has an amazing jewelry shop where you are the ARTist and can design your own bling. <a href="http://www.artisticworksbylu.com/">http://www.artisticworksbylu.com/</a> While there you can eat at the amazing Peacock Cafe who monthly hosts all kinds of ARTistic classes. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepeacockcafe">http://www.facebook.com/thepeacockcafe</a> One fabulous ARTist I was honored to take a class from is Cathy Kline whose paintings simply take my breath away with their beauty. <a href="http://www.cathyklineartgallery.blogspot.com/">http://www.cathyklineartgallery.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oYk8eGEWduGy-lGP6Kvn0m8hHloHQy4kvnyB1ixk47Ts5gLaUciSpwytlrjxXe2JCPj2-RdX47tMsnRlVFWxt1uXaknUKfZvXVKr4KuXujNhES42vmfezODhPdJBnKQN3lOdBA4ZOr08/s1600/DSCF6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oYk8eGEWduGy-lGP6Kvn0m8hHloHQy4kvnyB1ixk47Ts5gLaUciSpwytlrjxXe2JCPj2-RdX47tMsnRlVFWxt1uXaknUKfZvXVKr4KuXujNhES42vmfezODhPdJBnKQN3lOdBA4ZOr08/s200/DSCF6215.JPG" width="200" /></a>Cow Painting by Moi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HlnREYob-2S7FdTM7VOEh4lHFJTUN6vlmRnePbpw0GYsmHaFxYKB5DwktVH4CVbemurgqnS2uU1qVyTPeVieEFRu-bZi8WDmtLK3jQR70cRBXeqpz1IM4Y8rkQ12_HpzCrq0v6-1I1fV/s1600/DSCF6218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HlnREYob-2S7FdTM7VOEh4lHFJTUN6vlmRnePbpw0GYsmHaFxYKB5DwktVH4CVbemurgqnS2uU1qVyTPeVieEFRu-bZi8WDmtLK3jQR70cRBXeqpz1IM4Y8rkQ12_HpzCrq0v6-1I1fV/s320/DSCF6218.JPG" width="240" /></a>Remake of old Table Top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I plan on taking a knitting class this fall and hopefully a cheese making class. I want to learn the lost ART of broom making and basket weaving (too much time at Silver Dollar City this summer?) What new ARTs do you want to learn and what ART do you enjoy? I'm always up for learning something new. I'd love to know what inspires you! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ1CMo4m0aDcpTL67PqVmJsPs9TMAnoZChII7ellGXTbqb_VuVw_mNoa1nWWE8upHenwTdKD5p5wys6zc7Z3beaJ0H4Cnr74bFvCcRvTbdsx9r9KLHW3Ix3ZauooZ2nYOboZ_U-4MRWCm/s1600/DSCF6212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ1CMo4m0aDcpTL67PqVmJsPs9TMAnoZChII7ellGXTbqb_VuVw_mNoa1nWWE8upHenwTdKD5p5wys6zc7Z3beaJ0H4Cnr74bFvCcRvTbdsx9r9KLHW3Ix3ZauooZ2nYOboZ_U-4MRWCm/s320/DSCF6212.JPG" width="240" /></a>Great Statuary Head with Funky Beaded Necklace and Someday Covered in a Clematis Gown; Pure White of course!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa3aAZb9cR9c_C2ba6FknKqjcDb3ZMAMSxYHZsjGYPgDPGO4fAqpEMcvoyuxw0kc_Ji7KqPX3cjy4AE7YPVYLZQBdoiKGhXqI8qyY6JCl6ZVkJWKFDDeWvaBuurFiILwHDdgKoiRyTVpC/s1600/DSCF6207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa3aAZb9cR9c_C2ba6FknKqjcDb3ZMAMSxYHZsjGYPgDPGO4fAqpEMcvoyuxw0kc_Ji7KqPX3cjy4AE7YPVYLZQBdoiKGhXqI8qyY6JCl6ZVkJWKFDDeWvaBuurFiILwHDdgKoiRyTVpC/s320/DSCF6207.JPG" width="320" /></a>Daddy's Hay Field</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWImiB1wVXh1ml1sgR4aWVCLFTWRPd7DhdI4CmMKyH_iLq4ZXvba1RI85F28pOboWLqa1ZCSFLM_G_fpgHLVM0xe1u0C-p6u7rWlElO5Cu4YECKXKFJD8YI36dYCsnN6P64mzGl_wnwsNA/s1600/DSCF6210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWImiB1wVXh1ml1sgR4aWVCLFTWRPd7DhdI4CmMKyH_iLq4ZXvba1RI85F28pOboWLqa1ZCSFLM_G_fpgHLVM0xe1u0C-p6u7rWlElO5Cu4YECKXKFJD8YI36dYCsnN6P64mzGl_wnwsNA/s320/DSCF6210.JPG" width="320" /></a>The Lone Butternut ARTfully arranged by one of my son's. For his sake I won't name which one. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcOdECMPQN7SAPb1L8d8Hy9WQl2StC-_KgboK51tUrRgI3XjIbkNUnJBCXId5xS4SWs40ObNXW1pzrTxrNTudlrAMt0efR9vhfDNM6HtazNYZsuzd-smVNuzsFW3MQDcjc2D5zc9KYP52/s1600/DSCF6211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcOdECMPQN7SAPb1L8d8Hy9WQl2StC-_KgboK51tUrRgI3XjIbkNUnJBCXId5xS4SWs40ObNXW1pzrTxrNTudlrAMt0efR9vhfDNM6HtazNYZsuzd-smVNuzsFW3MQDcjc2D5zc9KYP52/s320/DSCF6211.JPG" width="320" /></a>Another piece by one of my little ARTists</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love, Love, Love this beautiful couple and the song they wrote and the video they made. Enjoy my Friends!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/0w9mxEbQ_NE">http://youtu.be/0w9mxEbQ_NE</a></div>Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485253886488498108.post-56627226151620517022011-09-08T06:22:00.000-07:002011-09-08T06:22:57.070-07:00Funny Farm GirlThere is a reason the name of my blog means Funny Farm Girl. As you follow my blog I hope you'll find inspiration and a sense of motivation that if I can do it you can do it 100 times better! Seriously, I am by no means an expert at this gardening/farm girl thing but I am learning!!! Thank you for helping me learn....I'd love for you to post your ideas on how I might be able to do something easier or better. I can't just read a book and know how to do something, I'm a YouTube girl.....I've got to see it and try it OVER and OVER before I can do it. So each year hopefully I will have lived and learned and get the hang of things. <br />
<br />
A few examples.....Shopping: Where do you buy farm related supplies and feed for your animals? I try to go to Orschlens because it is close to my house and the people that work there are very helpful and will even help me out to the car. But they do not carry some of the brands of feed I need. So my search went on all over our closest big town and I have to sometimes go to the more expensive and less friendly Tractor Supply. I'm sure it's a hoot to see me pursuing the aisles of this place (although they do carry cute boots, some blingin belts and even pink feed buckets.....the world is getting the hint girlz!) but the real amusing part is when I hit the parking lot. It all begins with my cart full of 3-4 50 lb bags of feed and little 'ole me and at least one child in tow. As you leave the store the only way out is down a ramp. Yep, a ramp.....that goes straight into a parking lot full of usually very nice diesel trucks....situated on one of the steepest hills on our main drag in Joe Town....you've got it; a declining parking lot. Now, I am getting better and figuring this all out and by now I have learned to park at the bottom of the hill/lot because that is where I'm gonna end up. Imagine me now, trying to look like the graceful gal I never have been, trying to keep a cart (on wheels ya know) with at least 150 lbs in it from rolling down a hill. Not pretty! Luckily I've never hit a car but I usually leave about in a fit of tears. I heard rumor that a sweet little spot closer to home carries the same feed and will load it for me...Oh happy day! I do hope it's true! <br />
<br />
On to Gardening: Last year I read a fabulous book that has inspired me in so many areas. "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver is a book I reference over and over and it's a fun read all about her adventures on the farm. I highly recommend it. She eats off her farm or from her neighbors in her county for a full year. Wow!!! So we worked all spring to build the Big Garden as we call it. This garden has 28 raised beds in it. I'd add more if I could. I was under the misconception that I plant every seed or bulb in every packet. For example; in the onions sets I bought (3 different varieties; 1 in each bed) I planted the full bag. I have onions out the wahhzoo! (is that even a word?). However I planted the full seed packet of green beans into one bed and was able to can 6 pints and 1 quart. I had hoped for enough green beans for the winter not the week!!!!! Live & learn. Live & learn. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monique one of our Heritage Dominique Hens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFiiXGiToagla6M58jIhoU1Z_u2DUYmZVx6A8odKGPHKUb6CErJCODTIf3PvY7UsXODju8CAtno9f3gQDz2IEumj2VijD-5nHk3nw_Ro44nlj0vqHYEdqZs0KIjUQcSPTC6JPAUu_gVlQ/s1600/dominque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFiiXGiToagla6M58jIhoU1Z_u2DUYmZVx6A8odKGPHKUb6CErJCODTIf3PvY7UsXODju8CAtno9f3gQDz2IEumj2VijD-5nHk3nw_Ro44nlj0vqHYEdqZs0KIjUQcSPTC6JPAUu_gVlQ/s320/dominque.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_ULA-ypa7Rhmfsd_3MQ4hXbrkCifU0UwqZsCRNcQisS6981b5jpibLEn_cPTJMslGyUAPWxHjdnhXlulwLjc4EHtqlk3nYbokxxFkSacyecmrCOYBjv8VF6D-V8VizgWj4LsBQ0Jd3Vu/s1600/tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_ULA-ypa7Rhmfsd_3MQ4hXbrkCifU0UwqZsCRNcQisS6981b5jpibLEn_cPTJMslGyUAPWxHjdnhXlulwLjc4EHtqlk3nYbokxxFkSacyecmrCOYBjv8VF6D-V8VizgWj4LsBQ0Jd3Vu/s1600/tomatoes.jpg" /></a></div> Bamboo Tomato Cages in a Raised Bed<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Reason Why<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAIs1-ntjkkTATSLPGNkU0ycDW-l3aKlpao-0RZhyphenhyphenoSP0O_SIgRDPyJlX5jcZ4sMzc6MvLcZnvH3mltkFafc3iJraQfsgmSHKEiz9SwlDofkdSFtrgB_RfEDl9eTfYMH20ilymMENRfYL/s1600/262218_2220888126706_1382780016_32649106_4882568_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAIs1-ntjkkTATSLPGNkU0ycDW-l3aKlpao-0RZhyphenhyphenoSP0O_SIgRDPyJlX5jcZ4sMzc6MvLcZnvH3mltkFafc3iJraQfsgmSHKEiz9SwlDofkdSFtrgB_RfEDl9eTfYMH20ilymMENRfYL/s1600/262218_2220888126706_1382780016_32649106_4882568_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So as you can see I am a far cry from an expert on farming and I am daily learning how difficult it is to garden organically (I have nightmares about squashbugs) and how expensive it is (any idea how much a good sheep fence is or parts for the waterer or feed or tomato cages....oh my). But I do enjoy it! Daresay I LOVE it! I'm so thankful my husband puts up with all my whims and fancies and actually enjoys this hobby farm as much as I do. At the end of the day I'd rather be weeding the garden and stomping the squashbugs (another great mental image) or greeting the hens that run (or waddle or whatever it is that they do) towards me and follow me around the yard because they know I'll bring them a treat. And to see my boys climbing trees and helping Daddy build nesting boxes or searching for potatoes in the dirt....this is why I do it. Because it's in me. Somewhere deep down the girl I spent my junior and high school years trying to cover up with make up and name brand clothes and friends and phone calls....somewhere she's down there, emerging daily as I finally embrace who I am and what I love....a Funny Farm Girl.Amusing Provincialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06527943800067632384noreply@blogger.com2