Under The Gypsy Tree

Glimpses In

2010-04-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

Life is not so much about the destination as it is the journeySo I decided to go on a photo binge. Sharing what going on and trying to photograph all the beauties as they decide to visit. The beloved flower fairies are so enchanting. I've also been tinkering away in my shop working on some new projects.

So here are a few projects I have been tinkering with .

Jewelry Pockets / Pouches

A new Packaging Concept

My New Pearls

Then We have the Garden

My new leeks came in

Then here are some pretties I found around the house

Happenings

2010-04-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

“A wealthy landowner cannot cultivate and improve his farm without spreading comfort and well-being around him. Rich and abundant crops, a numerous population and a prosperous countryside are the rewards for his efforts.”
Antoine Lavoisier quotes This is what is going on in the garden this week.
So far I started lettuce , carrots and radishes.
I have finished some rows in the little garden , made arrangements for the plow to come in monday , and have planted brussels and broccoli.

I also have some pics of flowers around the farm.

Fried Dandelion Flowers

2010-04-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

“If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn.”
french_horn_quee
Andrew V. Mason quotesThis is a recipie I found for

Fried Dandelion Flowers
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup plain flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
optional (other favorite seasonings like garlic powder, onion salt, or seasoning salt-go light on the seasonings until you're sure you like the flavors with the blooms)
Beat the egg and add the milk. Whisk in the flour and seasonings. You can dip the flowers and fry immediately, but the batter stays on better if it's refrigerated for a half hour or so.

When the batter is lightly browned, lift the flowers out of the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Fried Dandelion Flowers are good served as appetizers or as a side dish with ham.

Read more at Suite101: Fried Dandelion Flowers http://southerncuisine.suite101.com/article.cfm/frieddandelionflowers#ixzz0kib0zJuu

I really loved em , they tasted like a spinach and cheese popper of some sort and I really enjoyed them. The larger the flower the more pronounced the spinach flavor.

BABIES !!

2010-04-02T05:52:00.000-07:00

When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies. And now when every new baby is born its first laugh becomes a fairy. So there ought to be.
-- James Matthew Barrie This Is a New Movie I really DO want to see.

St Louis Missouri Botanical Gardens

2010-03-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. ~George Washington CarverThese Are From the St Louis Missouri Botanical Gardens
http://www.mobot.org/

Click on any photo to look closer.

View all

Get your own

Scant Postings

2010-03-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

Life is not so much about the destination as it is the journeyLife Has Been Sniffly and postings have been scanty bear with me.
The ground is starting to thaw and i should be able to get some stuff started inside. It looks like I won't be moving for another year , but at the end of the harvest season I should have enough money to go Somewhere. Where ? Only the wind knows. Only the wind knows where the gypsy tree will go next.

I don't want to move , but circumstances are sometimes out of my hands. The days have warmed and the tractor should come soon to plow the rows. I have found a sprinkler system that should work . I am tired yes. Very disappointed indeed. My heart is somewhat icy and all i can focus on is my children. I have a year here , and I will do all I can to enjoy myself because that is what life is for. I shall not dwell on sadness. It is unbecoming.

The change of season has for some reason left me ill. My ears are unwell and the boy has brought home some type of illness that hit my ears nose and throat for sure.

The Seed List

2010-03-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has
been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed
there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.
- Henry David ThoreauSo I decided that I would Share my seed List thus far. A quarter of my seeds came from seeds I found discounted a few years ago (and may not do best with Germ rates) , and most of My Seeds came from Abceeds.com Heirloom Master Gardner Seed Pack

No need to note that I also supplemented with anything I may have come across elsewhere. LOL

Peas :
Early Bird
Dwarf Sugar
Snow
Green Arrow

Okra:
Dwarf Green
Clemson Spineless

Brassicas :
Brussels
Cauliflower
Waltham Brocolli
Radish
Red Cabbage
SwissChard
turnip
beet

Squah:
Yellow Croonkneck
Black Zuchini
Dark Zuchini

Cucumbers:
Mucher
Pickleinhg
Marketmore

Pumpkin:
Howdin
Sugar Baby

The Odd Ones:
Salsify
Parsnip
Kalidescope Carrots
Broom Corn
Spinach
Mustard Green

Melons :
Vales Best Jumbo
Charleston Grey
Crimson Sweet
Early Bird
Orange Tendersweet

Tomatoes:
Beefsteak
Large Red Cherry
Medium Red
Rutgers Selecet
Gardners Delight
Delicious
Tiny Tim
Roma
Red Lightning
Yellow Stuffer

Gourds:
Crown of Thorns
Luffa
Birdhouse
Speckled Swan
Small Warted
Pear Bi-Color
Apple

Pepper:
Cayanne
Sweet WOnder
Bananna
Jalapeno

Corn
Small Ornamental
Hopi Blue
Large Ornamental
Ornamental Pop
Stawberry
Golden Bantam
Exsperimental Early Bird

Beans:
blue lake
tender green
kentucky wonder
french
exsperimental

Lettuce:
Bon Vivant
Mesculin
Black Seeded Simpson

New Shirts

2010-03-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

The finest clothing made is a person's skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this. ~Mark TwainSo I got 2 Shirts and a Skirt Made this month. I have photoshopped them a bit in the photos below so you get a better idea of how they look . (it is extremely hard to take pictures of yourself wearing clothing)

Both are a lot alike , the brown one is a stretchy micro couderouy like fabric. The Fabric was full price @ 1.95 a yard , I used 2 Yard for this shirt. So Aprox 3$.

The Second used is made from a fabulous red and black print I found on the bargin rack for 1$ a yard , I bought 3 yard and used 2 yards. I used 2 Strands of boas tape as well. The pleats took some work but I managed. I loved the way the very pale orange , the black and the gold worked perfectly with the green bias tape as well. Aprox 5$

Video Break (Kid Approved)

2010-03-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Understanding a Pro-Foodie Frugal Stance

2010-03-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

I hope that you will learn how to be a frugal foodie w/ me.When I first Mentioned Frugality , I mentioned that there is no reason under the sky your family should ever have to suffer from your frugality. Food is not something to skimp on. Your families health is much more important than a penny saved. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a Pound of cure. That is for sure.

I am really a closet foodie of sorts. I love food , I love trying new flavors and tastes and styles and textures. I although must confess i do not so much enjoy eating. I eat a little here and there and have been said to peck about like a bird. I guess that's just my lot , I love food , but I love to experience it , not just eat. I really thoroughly love the history behind a food , I love experiencing and understanding the how and why of the texture and flavor. Maybe its just a me thing.

I love trying new recipes all the time , I love the cooking and the ingredient gathering process. It really is frugal because ingredients are so much cheaper than buying the end result pre-made. That special made with love flavor enhancer is in my opinion a real asset.

Have you ever really thought about all the types of foreign cuisine around the worlds. Just plug-in the words "international cuisine recipes" in google and you will find a world or results that might just surprise and delight you.

There may be a few pockets of food that displease you but for the most part I think you will enjoy yourself.Before prepackaged food people actually made things themselves , and in my opinion I think a human can make much tastier food than any machine I have or have yet to meet.

So bear with me if you a regular meat and potato person . I will cover your desires as well. Basic wholesome ingredients a bit or work , sometimes easier than you would think and sometimes a bit harder. Frugal ever bit of the way through. I hope that you will learn how to be a frugal foodie w/ me.

Kids Activity - #1 Flowers

2010-03-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Click Image above Print at paper Size , Use as template on regular paper or w/ Construction paper , Allow children to pick the color or petals they desire , glue to circle , when all petals in place glue another circle opposite of it , tape to walls , or poke hole in a petal and hang from somewhere. Not all that challenging for anyone over 5.

Orange Oil

2010-03-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Calandeula Oil

2010-03-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

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Now playing: Evanescence - Everybody's Fool
via FoxyTunes

Garden Plans (Click Image to View)

2010-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

This image is nowhere near to scaleThe Black Blocks indicate the house , barn and coops
The green outer edging is cucumbers , melons , gourds and pumpkins in a few area's , a few small patches of corn as well. (To be shoot bagged). On the other side of the house will be herbs , salad and quick root vegetables and behind is the basic regular garden with all the goodies to be seen. This image is no where near scale and the entire sections shown encompass close to 5 acres.

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Now playing: 05 Woman's Work
via FoxyTunes

Blog Parade

2010-03-04T18:22:00.001-08:00

Life is not so much about the destination as it is the journeyCome , Join the Blog Parade !! Click the Banner to the left and join in the fun .

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?

Morning , because that's when dew nourish the little flowers.

2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?

I could probably Spend a lifetime on nothing but coconut shrimp.

3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?

I would wish family farm in the foothills of of appalachia.

4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?

People never believe my hair is actually blue black and swear I dye it. (I don't)

5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?

I would probably say little house on the prairie (through good AND bad) as laura.

6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?

I wish that I could draw better.

7.If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?

I would love to go to Hawaii and see their little snails (very beautiful colors)

8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?

Alternative / Folk

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?

http://preparednesspantry.blogspot.com/

10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?

As a Native American before America was discovered

11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?

Burnt Orange (As the sun , as the fallen leaves , as the petals of a flower , as the eyes of a beloved amber cat)

12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?
Happy

13. What's the last album you listened to?

Citizen Cope (Rainwater)

14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?

I don't use a pillow

Frugality

2010-03-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

Don't be Fadtastic , be yourself

I want to cover the frugal topics of my house. Frugality is the management of funds for their most advantageous usage. Its not a fad , its not a compromise , and its not a game. (Even if it sometimes feel like it).

I run a well stocked pantry. at least 3 months if not more.
I build my Pantry over time.
I only Fill it with what I know my household will eat.
I make most things from scratch.

Frugality Vs. Cheapness

Cheapness is not Essentially a requirement of frugality.
What will last longer , the cheaply made or the well made ? Choosing what will last longest would fall under frugality , or optimal usage of funds. Buying what is cheaply made will only save money in the short term , not so much the long term. Avoiding checkups may save money in the short term , but if you get sick it will cost you. Going to regular checkups and preventive care saves you more in the long run.

Frugality is NOT Nutritional Deprivation

There is no reason whatsoever to deprive your family of great tasting nutritionally and caloricaly sound foodstuffs. NO REASON UNDER THE SKY. Cheapness in the food department is inevitably a self created trap. I am not saying to go out and buy everything organic , I am saying dont skimp on your families caloric and nutrition needs to save a dime.

Its all about Balance
You need to keep the pro's and cons of everything you do and apply a good measurement of balance to what you are doing.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
If you are newer to frugality or moderately so , you may or may not have taken a step outside your comfort zone. Try something new , you might just like what you try.

Ethnic Foods Rule
American Foods normally stand as processed and packaged goods. These prepackaged , pre-made goodies and such normally cost more and lack the same nutritional benefits as made from scratch products. Again it may be about stepping outside your comfort zone , but you may like it. People in other countries eat the most basic foods , but believe me that does not mean any less flavor or texture or any number of wonderful variants. Research , explore. Who knows what you will find. Its like exploring some deserted tomb and finding a wonderful food combination you may have never thought of .

Its not Crunchy its Common
If its keeps being labeled and you glory in the label it will never be considered normal.
Strive to normalize it , make it common sense , not some special skill. Dont let it be a niche thing , but strive to normalize it. My life has been quoted as crunchy for years and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what people were saying. When I did I just laughed. I am not about the FADtastic. I wasn't being crunchy , I was just being me. I think people restrain their own growth through placing themselves in a niche. Its sad , because they fall out of the niche and loose all the good things that they have learned in an act of separation. Don't be Fadtastic , be yourself.

Invest
Not so much in stocks , but in yourself , in your future , in your Industrial Endeavors.

Go as you came
Live within your means , pay your debt and strive not to get in any more. Not owing anyone anything is the greatest freedom I have ever known. Repay everything , financially or obligatory and you will know the freedom of honestly saying I don't owe anyone anything.

Garden if You Can
If you can , do it , Learn the value of a single seed and you will understand the true spirit of frugality. Grow it , preserve it , know it and eat it.

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Now playing: Citizen Cope - Son's Gonna Rise
via FoxyTunes

About Me

2010-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

Life is not so much about the destination as it is the journeyI am a 28 Year old Single Mother of 2.
I make and Sell Jewelry for a Living.
I live on a 4 Acre Farm and I sell Whatever I have available at the local Market. My children are 1 and 3 , I am will never give you child rearing advice unless you ask , even then I may tack on a disclaimer of my un-professionalism. I am although an excellent crafter , gardener , outdoors-woman and frugalista.

I love cooking , growing , and creating things. I love my Lord , my People and my country (for better and worse). I love my children and I hope to teach them that life is not so much about the destination as it is the journey.

Due to the nature of my frugality , industry and hope , I live my life single just as freely as I would as a married woman. There is not much of a difference in how things around here work.

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Now playing: Eddie Vedder - Far Behind
via FoxyTunes

March Goals

2010-03-01T12:21:00.000-08:00

March Goals

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Now playing: Eddie Vedder - Rise
via FoxyTunes