Finch Haven Farms

Tea time and tulips

2017-02-08T06:06:00.001-08:00

It's February and I feel like I am reliving a moment in time. I swear this last year has flown by. I was shopping at Target the other day with my mom and the girls. You know how we all do as children when we size our feet by slider scale at the shoe store. Well my oldest stood on the foot size mat they have there like she always does and I paid little attention until my mother said she was an eleven. I had her do it again and slid her foot to exactly the same spot as the little footprint inside the shoe outline. Sure enough, she was right there. I nearly had a panic attack. When did that happen? I immediately bought a few pairs of shoes so that this weed of a kid wouldn't wake one day and be shoeless.

Wasn't it just a few days ago that we were visiting with family in South Florida. Swimming by the beach in Margaritaville. Only one child with us. 2016 was a blur after that. Pregnancy during uncertain times made the year disappear. Now I have this amazing little person in my life and I fear I am losing track of another year. It's Super Bowl weekend and it marked the anniversary of the passing of my favorite dog. It's been 3 years already. Wow. That feels like last week. I am hosting the party this year. It's going to be interesting since we are eating vegetarian now and our friends who are coming are gluten free. My family who are also invited are neither. Hmm, should be fun.

I am cleaning, sorting, and purging things at home because despite what that little groundhog says, it's spring here. I know some of you are buried under snow right now and I am truly sorry for you. It's 78 here and the visiting flock of robins already told me several weeks ago that we will not be having any cold weather. So I am spring cleaning the house and planning for my spring garden. This vegetarian thing is a surprise and a challenge but even though I never saw myself doing it I am actually enjoying it. I plan to try canning of my own garden produce this year. Stay tuned for that. It should be an adventure.

Spring

2017-01-25T19:41:00.001-08:00

It's a warm January here in the south. Aside from a few chilly nights I have given up on the idea of wearing boots and sweaters this year. I have big plans for myself this year. Spring has me dreaming of veggies in the garden and lots of flowers. It also has me planning for my shop. There are so many things I am trying to accomplish that I had to delegate some work to a friend of mine. She is great, I call her the work wife. She does all the stuff I have no time, patience or desire to do for my husband's business. She even patiently endures my daughter's visits to her office. I think I would have locked the door already. But it has opened up more time in my schedule to create and refine my ideas for my shop. I have already posted some items with more in the works. Spring this year will usher in new growth and productivity on the farm, in the garden and in my shop. Be on the look out because there are signs of spring already.

Food is Life

2016-09-30T09:00:00.001-07:00

Netflix has been our go to for television lately. I have been fixated on cooking documentaries. It was a real awakening watching chefs at work and at home. People passionate about food. Not just preparing but growing, sourcing and keeping traditions.

Some went back to basics while others broke ground on new techniques. Both were inspiring but I find myself gravitating to their need for wholesome, real food.

It seems that we have lost the love for food. What it means to put thought, time and preparation into what we feed the ones we love the most. Cooking is not a waste of time. It's not preventing you from living your life. Cooking is life.

This week I have been doing my best to put thought and time into making meals. I have enjoyed spending time with my family while being in the kitchen. It helps me to slow down and enjoy the moments together. After, it seems a waste to eat in front of the tv and we spend more time eating at the table together.

How can I expect my three year old to place importance on eating and trying new foods if I don't. Tonight I am making pizza instead of ordering out. It took a few extra minutes this morning to make the dough, defrost the sausage, and select the toppings but it will be worth it tonight. Try at least one night a week to make dinner from scratch. Or at least less items from a box or mix. I guarantee you will like the taste and your family will enjoy the time together enjoying a meal made with love. Maybe you will want to try my cast iron skillet pizza. So, here is the recipe.

1 1/2 cups of flour

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp active yeast

3/4 cup water

Mix and set dough aside in bowl covered with plastic wrap for approximately 12 hours or until dough doubles.

Grease pan and spread dough in bottom of skillet. Add sauce and topping and cook on stovetop on medium height for three minutes. Then place in 500 degree oven. Cook until golden brown.

Pregnancy in uncertain times

2016-08-25T07:59:00.001-07:00

As this year started with news of zika in Brazil I was thankful that it was a world away and I had no intentions of having a baby this year. Well, time and unforeseen events put me exactly where I didn't plan to be. Pregnant and about 250 miles away from a zika zone.

In the beginning I was not concerned. Mild flu like symptoms sounded easy enough. Then the bombshell, catastrophic birth defects. We are careful about mosquito control around our house because we have intermittent spraying provided by the county in our rural area. We dump out any standing water. We maintain our pool and sprinklers do not leave standing water. Even a bromeliad can hold enough water to harbor mosquitoes.

Air conditioning, window and door screens, porch fans, are all great ways to keep them out of the house. Lemon grass, citronella plants and repellants are all in place at my house. Still, the concern was there about zika.

I spoke to my doctor about our current precautionary measures and our last resort plan. As it is now known zika can be transmitted between partners and my husband is outdoors more than I am. Although he is not infected we take measures not to be exposed thru contact. I avoid all unnecessary outdoor activities which means my pool is not seeing as much action this summer as it would have. My garden is done for the season and I don't have any zinnia fields this year. We also spoke with my doctor about an evacuation plan. If by chance confirmed cases of locally transmitted zika are in my immediate area I will leave to be with family in another state for whatever number of weeks I have at that point in between scheduled doctor visits.

That is where things get tricky. In the final trimester we go from once a month visits to every three weeks, then every two weeks and finally every week until delivery. I may not have the ability to evacuate if it does come down to that.

I am in no hurry to run. Home is where I prefer to stay. My doctor assured me he is keeping on top of all the latest data as well and reminded me that the mosquito that carries zika only travels about a mile radius in it's lifetime. That makes the spread slow going if people do as they should and protect themselves. He is confident I will give birth before there is any danger in my area.

With all that swirling thru my mind I stay indoors and work on what I can to prepare for the baby. I will be thankful when I can finally hold her in my arms and see her healthy and strong. 11 more weeks of confinement and lots of prayers will be well worth the effort.

Ramblings on a Rainy Day

2016-01-28T14:49:00.001-08:00

It's day two of the rains and it forces us to stay inside and address the indoor chores that have been pushed aside. These past two weeks I have been sick with a nasty cold. It has finally loosened it's grip on me and I put in a decent afternoon of purging and polishing my spaces. I feel that spring is approaching quickly for us in the Southern states. Dreams of a veggie garden and flowers galore fill my mind but for now that must wait. I have addressed my most used spaces in the house and tossed out, pared down and prioritized them into submission. I will never claim to be a minimalist. Quite the opposite. I proudly wave the maximalist flag. That is, if I could find it buried in all my stuff. All jokes aside, it's beautiful in pictures and I can appreciate the beauty in it but I need more. More family, more food, more quilts for cuddles, more music for dance parties. More of everything that is good. Can you blame me? Even when I think a dreamy, creamy white farmhouse is just what I need I find I can't live without rich, bold color. I have decided to embrace it and just keep it contained. This way my more modern husband can handle my crazy collections without wanting to take a match to it all. I put a few guidelines together to help keep me in check when I am collecting and curating.

1. Do I love it?

You know that kind of love I'm talking about right? The can't put it down, don't know how I ever lived without it, it's absolutely perfect kind of loving it. If I hesitate, it's a no. When it's right, you know.

2. Where will I put it?

If I have to think about it for too long it's probably not gonna work. No sense in forcing it because in the end, it'll never be right.

3. Does it go?

If there is absolutely nothing in my house that speaks nice with any item I want to add it's probably not gonna work out. Now, I don't stick hard and fast to themes when decorating since they don't hold up to the test of time. Instead, I choose things that speak to who I am and the people we are as a family. Even if the little messages each item says about you is subdued or only understood by you it will all come together.

Case in point. My china cabinet. It is an antique that has been passed from my mother to me. Most would have painted it with some form of chalk paint and distressing but I like the age and it's original color with flaking edges of veneers remind me of all the moments in my childhood growing up with it in our dining room. Inside I have a mix of old books, antique Johnson brothers dishes, globes, wire baskets, farm animal figurines and family photographs. It's not the usual display but I like it. It's a reflection of me. Inside it are all my favorite things, happy moments and special treasures. Many things are triggers to memories made that bring happiness when I recall them. That's the trick really. If when you look at something in your home, big or small, does it bring you to a happy place? If all you can think of are negatives no matter how beautiful or useful it may be it will always be a problematic space.

Lastly, don't follow design fads or mimic others. Your home should reflect you and your family. Not someone else's. Design rules are really more like guidelines. If you like it who is to say it's not good design. Rug size, picture placement, and curtain height are all negotiable. Enjoy the process. Have fun and your spaces will inevitably end up cheerful.

Time to make the donuts

2016-01-03T19:31:00.001-08:00

It another new year. This time I sat on the sofa with my freshly minted little kid. Yup. Three years old going on 30. She has grown up too fast. Sigh. I guess that means maternity leave is officially over. I don't like to wait to start making changes for the better so I get working on it when we have time off during the holidays. It may seem like overkill but I have a new monthly planner, meal planner, shopping list, daily schedule, business notebook and to do list. Each has its job to do so I can keep up with all of mine. I am taking on more responsibilities with my husband's business. I am looking to start a joint business venture with him this year as well. I still plan to develop my own business and blog more now that my girl is bigger and I still have family responsibilities. If it sounds exhausting it is. That's why I have so many things helping me keep it all together. I can't keep it all in my head straight so I plan to do it on paper. I feel like that old dunkin commercial where he slides out of bed half asleep and it's crazy early. Yup, that's me. Not a morning person but determined to make the most of it this year. Ugh, I set my alarm and hope for sweet dreams because tomorrow is gonna be a beast. Someone set the coffee machine cuz it's time to make the donuts.

What time is it.

2015-12-08T02:31:00.001-08:00

4:38. The clock reads 4:38. Another sleepless night. I am prone to severe lower back pain during times of stress or even just prolonged use of certain muscles. Have you even tried to go any distance in Thanksgiving holiday traffic? Our ride home was long and nerve wracking. I drove from southern Georgia all the way home to central Florida. It doesn't seem like much until you are driving in the dark, thru unfamiliar surroundings, white knuckling it thru metropolitan areas under major road construction filled to the brim with other agitated and reckless drivers during the most dangerous kind of drizzling rain. Now sit like that for 4 hours or better. Now, just when you think you have it under wraps a little voice from the backseat says " Hey guys, you smell that? What does that smell like?" Suddenly it hits you. A stinky diaper has now joined the party. Yes, that is stress. I made it home but as soon as I was headed to my bed, pop! I have been nearly immobilized for a week now. Muscle rubs, medicine, stretching, pressure points, basically anything that causes pain to better my situation I have endured. I was doing ok but I rushed the recovery. I was desperate to get things accomplished. And for that I paid a steep price. I have been miserable in any position. My almost three year old wants mommy to carry and hold her. I can't hardly function. Not to get too graphic but even your own bum can seem miles away when you have limited range in motion.

5:15. Here I sit, laughing at myself smelling like some of my favorite old people full of icy hot and Advil. When did I get to be so old? When could I not sleep in late? How has an ice pack and a heating pad become my closest companions? It hits me. 5:17 and I am having an epiphany. My new year will be one of putting mommy first. I can't do the things I want or need to do for my loved ones if I am suffering from lack of care. If I did my exercise, took my vitamins and supplements regularly, gave myself permission to be important perhaps I would not be doing this at 5:19. This new year I will no longer have a baby or a toddler. I will have a little girl. Wow. That was fast. Now there is no reason why I can't do what must be done for myself. She has been the best little helper and support this week. She wants to do everything I do. Why am I teaching her to sacrifice herself? It's a one time gift. But if I have her join me when I work and when I recharge she can see there must be a balance. A light cannot burn for those around it without first being plugged in and receiving power for itself. Without it the light grows dark and burns out and is nolonger useful.

If these seem like ramblings of a crazy woman, remember it's 5:25 and I am still awake. I believe my Advil has begun to work as I can now finally sit in one position longer than 30 seconds. I am also pretty sure my muscle rub patch it working because I am tingly and stink to high heaven. My back has been improving, but this week has forced me to slow down and prioritize. A gift really. Vacation should be peaceful and restful. Yeah, right. We had a blast running all over Atlanta doing things with our little family but home is good too. So, I leave you with the little song my girl has shared with me this week taught to her by a little cartoon tiger named Daniel.... "When your sick, rest is best. Rest is best".

My special treasures

2015-11-30T17:48:00.001-08:00

I have taken a sabbatical from blogging for a while. It has given me time to refocus and attend to more important things in life. Namely my family. I focused all my efforts on children and study. Dinners and healing. It has given me satisfaction to find purpose in my life. Work, though it may be arduous, lets me sleep well at night knowing I have given it my all. Seeing growth and strength come from all the hard work and prayers has been a joy. I look forward to more of this rewarding life I have been enjoying. Like all good things, people become envious and seek to ruin or lay claim to such bliss. It is heartbreaking to watch the ones you love fiercely bear a burden so great. I wish to help carry the load but it is not mine to bear. So I wait. I hope that all will work out in the end and once again all have success and find their happy ending. In these stressful times I find solace in keeping close those I love most, above all others. I fill my time with bringing order to my home and life. I get a little bit stronger everyday listening to music that reflects the feelings in my heart. I work with my hands and relish the little moments. A child's giggle. A hearty meal. A hand to hold. A prayer heard. A silent tear shed for love. I hope they know how much love I carry in my heart. How much I hope to show through my actions because words cannot encompass it all. Family is forever. To my dearest special treasures I send my love. May you never worry, life marches on. We all keep moving forward.

My heart is full tonight as I write these words. Something I never wished for has been my greatest blessing. I hope to continue busy in my work. I hope to continue what I have started with greater focus. I am not perfect. Good takes effort. More work is required to have a good thing and keep it. We stumble, even fall but with love around you there is always an outstretched hand there to lift you up and dust you off. Life brings change. Good and bad we learn to ride the waves and see it thru. Success is not guaranteed but failure is not an option. With that in mind I keep working. I keep trying and I know someday soon I will find peace in the end results. I give it my all. No regrets.

Words of wisdom

2015-05-05T08:35:00.001-07:00

I have been very busy lately and sometimes I let myself get overwhelmed. I have a photoshop app on my phone with some inspiring words. It got me thinking, what if I did a series using my photos and these words. I hope they help you look at life in a new way. Visit my Instagram to see what I saw in each word. I'd love to hear what your thoughts are for each word.

Getting my groove back

2015-03-30T16:56:00.001-07:00

I have taken time off for motherhood and spring time farm chores but this week I was able to help a sweet friend of mine have a wedding shower. She loves peacocks and I just so happened to have a whole collection of supplies to help make her day fantastic.

I only had to add a few bits from the store to complete the look. I worked with some decor provided by the mother of the bride and some great ideas inspired by Pinterest.

Washi tape and self adhesive rhinestone trim made these plain glass cylinders look glamorous for just a few dollars.

Adding flowers, peacock feathers and a bit of sparkle and the centerpieces were ready.

Spray paint made plastic utensils and disposable serve ware more appropriate to the theme.

Baby food jars with painted and papered lids were filled with balsamic vinegar, minced garlic and Italian herbs. A small bottle of olive oil and a basket of bread kept the guest happy before dinner.

Using a photo of the happy couple as part of the decor helps set the mood. Love was in the air for my friends. May they live happily ever after. Now that my creative juices are flowing I just may have to get some crafting done for myself.

It all started with a pair of shoes

2015-03-12T13:08:00.001-07:00

Like so many moms I have been surprised by the quick outgrowth of clothes and shoes. The sudden onset of warm weather has brought to my attention that my daughter has sprouted almost as quickly as the new leaves on the oaks outside. I scurried around this past week scouring the barren shelves at my local stores hoping to find shoes in her size. In passing I found a few at the Payless shoe store. 8 bucks a pair? I almost squealed out loud. Instead I clutched them like a smuggler moving contraband in hopes no one else would notice the amazing sale prices and I quickly buzzed over to my size. Lo and behold the clouds parted and I heard angels sing. A cute pair of sneakers in my favorite shade of neon citron for 10 dollars! I picked out one other pair of slip on sneakers but that is another story. I was so proud of myself and my haul I started thinking how to wear them.

It just so happened an IG friend of mine (@lofty.closet) posted her newest look using citron. I got to noticing just how many things I own in this fantastically happy color. I have everything from bed linens and pillows to handbags, clothes and art all in the same shade. It got me thinking. What about a capsule wardrobe? I have seen so many hip bloggers and Pinterest boards on the subject. Why had I not tried it myself? So here is my plan. I am going to try to complete the month of March using one consisting of indigo and citron. I'll document my combinations and see how it goes.

I have so little time to dress myself so hopefully this will be a refreshing change from my woeful fashion choices as of late. I used to be pretty good at this stuff but my personal style has taken a back seat as has my beauty and exercise regimen. It's time to get back in the swing before summer. I deserve to look as stylish, dare I say cute, as my daughter. What color palette should I do next month? I'm thinking something with radiant orchid. Hmmm.

Welcome Home Spring

2015-02-26T12:17:00.001-08:00

Depending on where you live if it's winter there you are probably under deep snow. I don't envy you my friend. I am a southern girl who enjoys the occasional frost but no snow shovels required here. We have had a very warm winter which gets me dreaming of spring.

I have been planning my garden and collecting seeds. I got a few cotton seeds given to me and I am anxious to get them planted. We have had one really cold night with extended hours below freezing but by the weekend we were back in the 80s.

I have sprinkled my row of zinnia seeds for what I hope to be a dazzling display like last year along my driveway fence. I got a ridiculously good deal at the end of summer on more seeds so I have enough to really make a good show all over my property. At .02 cents per package how could I not buy them all?

I hope to include a cutting garden as well as veggies this year. My little one has a soft spot for picking flowers and I would like to give her as many as she can carry. I have also made plans for her to stay busy when she is outside while I am working. My parents got her a slide which is the first thing she talks about when she gets up each morning. I want to make a PVC playhouse and garage for her outdoor toys. This way she has her own play space in the yard.

We have so many new leaves beginning to peek out of the tree tops. The orchard is beginning to blossom. Birds are chirping and making new homes everywhere on the farm. My in-laws are buying a house down the road so there are new beginnings all around. It seems everyone is coming home this spring. All these changes are exhilarating and hopefully bring us much joy in the season ahead.

A new "old" wall

2015-02-04T12:56:00.001-08:00

If you have been living anywhere other than under a rock you know planked walls are popular. Not like the old paneling from the 70s but classy dare I say sophisticated. The look can range from reclaimed barnwood or palets to smooth, tongue and groove painted planks. I went for a more rustic look. The decision was easy when it came to location. The first wall you see when you enter my home needed the focus. I have been in love with the idea since I first saw Sarah Richardson renovate her farmhouse on HGTV. Along comes Chip and JoJo with their fixer upper show and I see a whole new world of ship lap open up before me.

As you may or may not know my home is a traditional American foursquare design but built in the 90s. I can say for a fact there is no beautiful old shiplap hiding under the drywall. Instead I am forced to faux the look of age. This job was easy. I was painting the living room a new color anyways and planks saved me the task of painting the largest wall. We purchased 16 foot long corral boards like we use on our livestock fencing. It's inexpensive and has just the right amount of distressed finish to it already. My wall took a total of 15 boards and at about 10 dollars each that was cheap.

First we located studs and marked the wall with chalk lines. The we made sure the boards were level. A bit of prep and measurements made the installation much easier.

See how quick? It only took us one night to complete this wall. A few hours really minus the shopping time and set up.

Once the wall was up and the room painted all the furniture can get put in it's place. A little decluttering and rearranging was in order.

Isn't it funny how small rooms can look larger when you leave space around the furniture? Just shifting the large china cabinet over a bit makes the room seem larger because the eye sees the extra space around it and tells your brain that it must be large to fit such a big piece and still have space.

We got rid of the large leather furniture. It was purchased for another house and another life and it just never quite fit in this house. We are currently living with pieces scavenged from other rooms and it works well. We need to buy a few items but that is design. Nothing good happens in a flash. A collected look is just that. It takes time to find and collect all the right pieces. That is part of the fun.

Indian food made easy

2015-01-03T16:57:00.001-08:00

I made my goal this week to be intentional about what we eat. I planned out dinners and so far so good. Saturday was planned out solid so a little forethought had to go into dinner prep. Pizza is an easy go to when you are tired. The night before we made the yogurt marinade for our tandoori turkey and let it sit in the fridge until time to cook. The carrot salad is a simple steamed carrots, ginger, lime juice, cilantro and the hidden gem, seame oil and toasted sesame seeds. The lentil and red beans is a premade package from World Market. Heat and eat. The rice with chickpeas is the same. Seeds of change makes a variety of flavors. This one was Indian blend. 90 seconds and dinner is served.

I am by no means a food blogger but this was definitely a meal worth putting forth a bit of effort. I had to share so as to keep myself accountable. I am setting my goal one day, one week, one month at a time.

It's early yet but I am hopeful that I can continue on the path to better eating and in turn forming better habits over all.

Next is my clutter busting. Oh dear me. That will be the challenge.

A real dinner

2015-01-02T17:18:00.001-08:00

Finally decided to take charge of what we eat. I made a meal plan for the week based on a Weight Watchers cook book I purchased and then left to collect dust above the fridge.

This is a fennel, red cabbage and orange segment salad with a citrus ginger vinaigrette. We also made the peanut satay chicken. The marinade is ginger and lime juice with a dash of fish sauce. The peanut sauce is coconut milk, crunchy peanut butter, cilantro and seasonings. Honestly, I was afraid of the fish sauce but in the end it was one of the most amazing meals I have had in a long time, dining out included.

Taking charge of our health and setting a good example for my daughter is top priority. I hope every recipe is this good.

Real life in my living room

2015-01-01T16:24:00.001-08:00

I started this year with a new mantra: keep it real. So here it is. No fuss and frills. Just my real life, flaws and all. I am always looking to improve so I do plan to paint and rearrange here and there but with intention and a thrifty mentality. Let's take a tour shall we?

I have a palette of green, blue, tan and brown going on in this space right now. I had all of the main pieces already. I didn't realize I had this whole thing until I found some pillows at big lots and suddenly it hit me. Now my cow makes sense in the room. It is a bit dark in here still but a fresh wall color will take care of that. Yes, that is Elmo photo bombing. I move him around often so my 2-year-old is always surprised to see him. I think she believes he is real.

I had a larger basket making this a coffee table but I like the simpler look of a smaller tray. The large white basket now sits atop my fridge.

I've heard plants help air quality in your home. These two are hard at work beside a basket I picked up from the dollar spot in Target. It's made of clothes line and is perfect for holding coasters and any random bits floating about.

A serendipitous purchase of placemats from Big Lots keeps my table cloth clean a bit longer. Who has time for laundry much less changing the table cloth everyday.

Someday I may style this table but for now it holds napkins, and coloring books. The limpton tea can holds crayons stylishly and the jar on the bottom shelf holds a can of spray sunscreen.

This little lovely was a request from my husband. A handy place to hold coats and hats since we have no foyer or hall closet to catch our belongings at the door.

Life is real. I could wish for a magazine living room but with pets and kids and a less than perfect home design we do what we can, the best we can. Our home may not reflect the popular tastes but I hope it at least reflects the love within.

I have dishes to wash. Mouths to feed. Laundry to fold. Everyday stuff. I also have a wonderful family who spent the day with me. My home is filled with the smells of my childhood while dinner is finishing up in the oven. It makes me a little misty as memories flow through my mind while I stir my beans and the pork roast sizzles. I am making memories in the everyday. Today was a good one to remember.

Preparing for 2015

2014-12-31T18:01:00.001-08:00

Here we are again starting a new year. This evening while the rest of the world parties and plans to squeeze in one last night of vices I am doing the exact opposite. I am washing laundry, putting my now two-year-old baby girl to bed and planning my goals for 2015.

I am startled by how quickly this year had passed. I realize I am no better than I was this time last year. I do believe I was overly ambitious with my goals. Reflecting on how things have gone in 2014 I decided to be more realistic this time.

I am going to be more forgiving with myself. Life is not like a design magazine. We have all seen those articles where a gorgeous family live perfectly in a gorgeous house and everything seems too perfect. It is! They are styled and staged like any other photo in a magazine. Life is messy. Laundry piles up. Kids make messes. Dinner is not always awesome. Mom stays in sweatpants some days. That is real and still happy moments happen.

I am going to focus on the everyday and keep it real. I will not punish myself for not living life like a magazine. I will take it one day at a time and rejoice with my accomplishment.

I want to be less attached to material things. Letting go makes room for other things in life. I will not suffer with less. Quality over quantity.

There is a garland hanging from the chalk board in my kitchen made of old photos. They are everyday moments and great accomplishments but all are precious and worth remembering. I keep them there to remind me to always be present in the moment and notice the everyday. They are moments never to be repeated. I will appreciate the little things because they add up to something great. A life well lived.

Create a custom snack mix

2014-12-27T11:16:00.001-08:00

Does anyone else hate all the open and half eaten bags of snacks floating around in your pantry? I find my family opens a variety but never finishes eating the bag. Maybe they get bored or forget it's in there. Whatever the reason I find little bits left in all the bags stuffed in the dark corners of my pantry pullouts. I have devised a clever way to get rid of all those forgotten goodies.

It's a simple idea really. Chex and gardettos's are making millions on it. Put them all together. Only this way is cheaper and no one picks out all the bits they don't like since there are none in the first place.

I collected bags of pretzel fish, cheddar penguins, m&ms, animal crackers and teddy graham cookies. Toss them together gently in a mixing bowl and scoop out a half cup serving into ziploc snack bags.

Perfect for a snack on the go for my picky toddler and anyone else who needs a little something.

My little butterfly

2014-10-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

We took a little time yesterday after working in the yard to snap some photos. My little farm girl easily trades work boots for wings and we collected some of the last of summer's zinnias.

She has traded her crib for a big girl bed this week. The transition had been surprisingly smooth. I think it was because she was ready even though we probably weren't. I waited pensively for the cries and yelling but all I it was a little complaining and the occasional knock and then off to sleep.

When has my little love bug turned into a big girl? The metamorphosis has happened so quickly it makes me a bit misty. Farewell my little baby. A beautiful little girl who's external beauty is rivaled only by her beautiful personality has now entered our lives. May you stay this way a little bit longer.

From my front porch looking in....

2014-10-19T19:08:00.001-07:00

The fall has officially arrived here at the farm. I see the confetti of leaves falling again and I think how quickly the time has passed. The world is ready to start again renewed and fresh. It inspired me to do the same to my outdoor spaces. This is where I spent my time this evening. I went to Home Depot and found some amazing Edison bulb sting lights for $20 each. A few heavy duty staples and the mood is set. Then off to the walmart for some flowers and plants and it's almost done. Bringing the indoors out with a few pillows and a throw, even a lamp ties all the spaces together beautifully. It's a funny thing in the country. The few neighbor close enough to see don't have many lights. When I turn on the porch lights the world goes dark and disappears. Everything past the picket fence goes away and we can focus on each other for a while. I can't wait to spend all my cool autumn evenings out here on the porch swing enjoying good coffee and good conversation with friends. If you're in the area stop and sit for a spell. I'll leave a light on for you.

Amazing Autumn Welcome

2014-09-26T13:39:00.001-07:00

Okay, so amazing might be exaggerating a bit but I love the feeling it evokes. Walking in to a home that smells like baking goodies and is warm and comfy is so relaxing. This is a busy part of the year for many and I am no exception. It's time to plant my winter crops and I am in a rush now to complete the house so I can go outside. I got the inspiration to add a bit if dark blue to my space. I started by using things out of my stash.

This is my pillow that is inspiring the palette. I really want a tartan plaid in the space too but I have yet to find it.

Some snippets of ribbon, Pom Pom trim and feathers collected from the henhouse decorate my entry mirror and set the tone.

Don't they look like little turkey feathers? These awesomely realistic leaves are a garland I picked up at big lots for 8 bucks. Amazing, I know.

These little cuties are my daughter's addition to the space. I had to add feet to the orange stool since she pushes it all over the house. That is also her favorite pumpkin which I lovingly refer to as the pumpkin of power. She feels it helps her be super strong. Who am I to argue?

I have also put out some of my vintage books. I like to collect for color but also interesting topics. A book on etiquette can come in handy.

So that's a few "AMAZING" things I've been up to this week. Anything extra that gets done when the family has been sick and the toddler is teething qualifies as amazing. Just saying....

Who Says Autumn Has To Be Boring?

2014-09-15T07:39:00.001-07:00

I last showed you my keeping room updates for the season. Here in Florida fall is not your traditional copper leaves and crisp air. It is still very colorful and warm. We enjoy swimming in our pool while others are pulling out scarves.

In honor of our tropical autumn I wanted to show you what my kitchen looks like. We have a simple color palette of cream cabinets and tan granite. This allow for a splash of color in the accessories. I am inspired by art I bought in the clearance section of the world market a few years ago.

This double basket storage keeps my seeds harvested from my garden, napkins, cutting boards and all the loose bits that can make a kitchen feel cluttered.

This little pumpkin was handmade by simpledream2 on etsy. All the pumpkins in my kitchen come from her. They are sturdy and well made and wash up nicely when needed.

Vintage items like the French rolling pin and owl tea towel happily coexist with bright batik pumpkins.

I made some buntings in a complementary color palette to help bring it all together. Even the mini kitchen got one.

As you can see autumn has many shades. My kitchen is fun and bright and the heart of my home. Who says fall needs to be the same old thing? Here it's all the colors in between and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Autumn is not the end but a sign of a new beginning.

2014-09-06T12:31:00.001-07:00

I have been visiting family this past week and I am so refreshed. When you venture outside the world you know and explore the unfamiliar it gives a fresh perspective. I am always eager to return home to try new things and continue with the activities I love. The Midwestern lifestyle is that of comfort and heart. A hard day's work is rewarded with food prepared by loving hands and a soft place to relax. I yearn for that in my home. I enjoy parousing design blogs, social media and magazines looking for inspiration from other design enthusiasts. I see beautiful things at every turn of a page or swipe of a finger. Somehow I find that there are too many beautiful things to fit under one roof. Every time I decide to empty my space I feel the vacancy and a need to fill it back up again. When visiting with my aunt Ida, or so my daughter has dubbed her, I am embraced by a style that I myself cannot maintain. We share a common love of coffe, pumpkins, creating, cooking and collecting but our personal styles couldn't be further apart. Still, there is a comfortableness I find in her home. She has unknowingly given me an epiphany. As you may know I have been struggling with my personal identity. Who am I now? It struck me that as a single mom of three she was forced to tighten her belt many times and sacrifice some of the things she enjoys to provide for her family. She has done so with grace and beauty and still her home is filled with the things that make her house a home. How does she do it? Well, as I pondered the matter I noticed that she has all the things that make her happy out where she can see them. Eureka! That's what I have been doing wrong. I am tossing about without direction because I need a constant reminder of who I am as a person and where we are as a family. I took this new concept home with me and began right away.

September first is long enough to wait to set out my first pumpkin. My daughter now shares this passion and was enthralled to see them make their way even to her little kitchen. I unpacked the faux autumn leaves (I do live in Florida remember it's not even close to turning colors yet) and spread them about in all the locations I frequent in my house daily. The buffet functions as a mantel for me so that was the first place I started. It is the centerpiece of my keeping room and the first thing you see when you enter the house. I have been collecting feathers from my turkey and have quite an assortment now. I still plan to add some photos and seasonal prints but for now this is what I've got going.

Next was the dining table which needs to be minimal for easy changing of the linens. Mercury glass is my thing in this room and a slowly growing collection of pieces has been collected from discount stores for very low prices. I have not spent over $20 on any one item. This year designers have caught on and my self control is challenged every time I go into home goods.

My side tables also got a sprinkling of autumn decor with some candles and gourds for added color. Here are the before and after photos of each table.

This little vignette actually does double duty. The dish holds those pesky charger cords that always disappear but it keeps them from drawing too much attention.

Where I hang my car keys and such also got a dose of fall. The tall canister is from ikea and does a super job of holding a dog leash and a can of sunscreen.

My dough bowl has been holding a collection of air plants that fall from my trees during rainstorms and my mercury glass gourds. A few leaves and twigs and it's ready for cooler weather.

The coffee table/ottoman took a bit more time. I had to find the stems I wanted at my local michael's but at 40% off I was glad they still had some. If only I could just go out to the yard and clip some from a tree. Oh well, these are almost as good as the real thing. The tin cans hold pecans for shelling and snacking. Someday they may be from my trees instead of a farm in Georgia.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my keeping room. I'll post again of each room as it transforms for the season.

It seems to me that less things is a simpler way to live but not always easier. When you see what you have you don't feel as empty. As my favorite things make their way out from behind doors and drawers I see my modern country style emerging. Nothing has to match or stay in a certain color palette. As long as you find use for it and you love it you will always find it beautiful to look at. Objects don't have to be expensive to have value. Usefulness is a beautiful thing. Country style is collected over time. A home should reflect those who live there and the love they share. Visiting family has inspired me to cherish what I have and to challenge my frugality. Make sure the more important things. I think the best trips are the ones that lead you home.

Finding My Happy Place

2014-08-12T10:59:00.001-07:00

It has been far too long in between this and my last post. I am a woman who wears many hats as I am sure most mothers are. I have been working to keep things what they were and hoping to simply add another small person to the mix. I find now that there is a grand transformation that happens when you have children. I struggle to fit all my activities into one day. Instead of burning out I have decided to clear out. I am unloading my extra things that weigh life down and only keeping what is important. I have begun to simplify the way we live so that there is less time spent curating and maintaining things and more time to do what I really want. If I am to have the time to reconnect wii my blog, my business and myself I must first lighten my load. I can't blame anyone but myself for it. I have decided to carry this baggage for too long and deluded myself into thinking I can balance it all.

I must come to grips with aging and all that goes with it. I hope to set a good example for my daughter and this transformation will take time. Until I have reached my goals I must remember to take each day at a time. Each day has it's own anxieties. I hear the words but find it difficult sometimes to remember and apply the counsel. Autumn is just around the corner and I am taking the opportunity to shed the old personality and start again new.

I look at my daily life and I find that working hard to maintain what others find beautiful sometimes robs me of the joy in doing it. I am inspired to live simply. Find happiness in my everyday. Beauty comes. Remain grateful. Live a purposeful life.

Well, no time like the present to make something great.

Family Tree Gallery Wall

2014-01-27T13:13:00.001-08:00

I have been very busy with the new year. Sorry for the lack of attention. The husband and I have been redoing the walls in our stairwell. We have a growing collection of photos and bits that we are arranging up the walls. As you can see we have been making a family tree of sorts with relatives pictures both old and new. The rule here is that it must be family, or home related. It's still a work in progress but I am happy so far with the results. What do you think? Would a gallery wall fit in your home?