Post Road Vintage

Parisienne Farmgirl is IN THE HOUSE!

Heather — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:32:17 +0000

HI you darling peeps!! How was your week? It was a fast and furious one here (in all the right ways!) And what better way to end it than to introduce you to a lovely and downright hilarious.. lady!! Oh- and GIVEAWAY TIME! So you bet your boots you’ll want to read all that this awesome woman has to say!!

So pleased to welcome Angela Reed from Parisienne Farmgirl to PRV. I love Angela’s French style, her potager (that’s a garden, you probably knew that already but not this backwards Yooper), her passion for cooking, love for family, and downright HONESTY. Gotta love a woman that’s comfy in her own skin. We need a few more of them around… dontchya think? So yes, Parisienne Farmgirl is a true inspiration to moi!

Angela has recently launched a magazine, Parisienne Farmgirl. It’s going to rock the block, I just know it. She even generously offered to give a whole years subscription away! What a doll!! Ok, I know you’re twiddling your thumbs thinking you want to hear from the woman herself… So HERE GOES!

-Could you please introduce your lovely self to us?

Ok… for fun we’ll start at the very beginning. I am Angela J. Reed. My parents were out to dinner at a Big Boy (remember those?) and asked the waitress what she thought about a girls name and she said, “I like Angela”… they must have too. My middle names is my Moms name; Joy.

My gorgeous husband and I have made our home for the last 17 years in the suburbs of Chicago. Half that time in a suburban nightmare and half out in the country burbs. We are about the last stop before you hit Wisconsin. I have 4 gorgeous children here on earth and a baby in heaven that we lost to miscarriage. Had I any idea how much I would have adored being a Momma I would have started A LOT earlier but we began our family when I was thirty. I simply had no idea. Needless to say I am passionate about family life. With four under seven it gets a little loud and we sure can go thru the food but it’s LIFE! By that I mean our home is ALIVE and I love it that way. My background is pretty lame compared with so much of the talent that is out there these days. I believe I wasted my twenties having no idea how to develop and express my passions… I spent so much of that time around people that sucked the security out of me. They were toxic and I almost shriveled up and died. By the time I turned about 30 I felt like I was re-born. It was like I woke up and said “enough is enough” I don’t care what people think – they can take or leave me. If I want to be a crazy girl who loves God AND politics, who yacks about Paris and her garden all the time then that is who I am. I dove into gardening, cooking, mothering, singing, writing, photography… and never looked back.

-It’s obvious you incorporate your creativity into your family life. Any secrets to share about how you make it all work together?

Of course, I treat my children like children but in many aspects they are along for the ride and if I am doing it – they are doing it. I constantly talk to them. (We home school so they are ALWAYS by my side). If I am in the kitchen baking bread I simply start sharing with them the ingredients, what I am doing, how I doing it. If I am in the garden I call them over to pull a week or plant a seed. Creativity can lead to selfishness in me. My time. My projects. My mess that needs to be cleaned up. But I don’t want my kids to feel like they are not a part of my world. They are my world so (even though it can be a hassle) I try to involve them in just about everything I do.

-What inspired you to start the magazine?

Over the years I have done a lot of creative things. I re-designed furniture for a couple years for some Chicago boutiques, I’ve made soap in my kitchen and sold it, I’ve designed some gardens in the area, taken wedding photographs and I still make and sell my macarons for a mini-barn sale I do with my Mom twice a year. But we have really been praying about a new family business (we used to make over kitchen cabinets full time until the economy tanked – now we just do a couple a year). We needed something that wasn’t messy, something I could do that would incorporate my love of fine things, photography, food and joie de vivre. I was very inspired by Mimi of Belle Inspiration Magazine and had some good chats with her about my goals. When I finally settled into the idea it was so comfortable – as if it had been waiting there for me the whole time.

Our readers can expect just about everything from Paris to the Farm. ”Blending Country Life Simplicity with Champs Élysées Sophistication” is our motto. Every city girl dreams of a more simple life and every country girl dreams of the glamour of the big city. This magazine is featuring talent from around the WORLD. Gorgeous photography, recipes, fashion, travel and homes never before seen in magazines or blogland!

-What are your hopes and plans for the future of your Magazine?

Currently our house is in the market. With four children it’s time for us to finally live on a farm. It is our prayer that this magazine would grow to bless all the women involved. Directing more people to their shops, Etsy stores and talent and that it would grow into a business that our family can run together (with the help of our team) from our home (farm) someday.

-What has been your favorite part (so far) in writing and working on the Magazine?

I am FLOORED at the talent that has sought US out! Incredible writers! Horticulturists! Interior Designers! Photographers – for goodness sake – we are working with the artist in residence at the US Embassy in Amman Jordan! I just CAN NOT get over the enthusiasm for what we are doing.

-What is your favorite food?

Oh boy. My FAVORITE food?

Well. It’s not politically correct (however neither am I) but I would have to say I would just about kill for a nice slice of paté (not country style) with a slice of toasted bread, a side of crushed pepper, sea salt, a dollop of figs and a cold glass of Sauterne. That is perfection for me. It is THE perfect combination of food and wine.

Thanks so much Angela for sharing with us!! You’re awesome!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

You have a chance to win a years worth of PFM!

Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine is a quarterly e-zine delivered straight to you!

A $24.95 value… (IMHO worth EVEN MORE)

How awesome would it be to win? Here are the rules-

For the first chance leave a comment sharing what you’d MOST look forward to reading about in PFM.

For a second chance share this giveaway on your blog.

For a third, fourth, or fifth chance share on FB, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Please remember to leave a separate comment for each entry. If you want to subscribe right away you can still be entered to win! Should you win PF will refund you your payment!!

I’ll draw the lucky winna’ in ONE WEEK!

Have fun gals!

xoHeather

p.s. Read Angela’s Blog HERE

Find out more info on

Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine HERE

Time to Take Matters in YOUR OWN HANDS

Heather — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:52:20 +0000

Howdy and how are ya? Are you staying warm still? Here’s what my corner of the world looks like-

How about yours? Are you still wallowing in the white stuff or are you floating about your garden like I can only dream of?

My skiing legs are loving winter but my gardening hands are ITCHING to be digging in the dirt…

So how ’bout both? Yeppers, I decided to kick the ho-hum no garden doldrums and plant my own… inside! Do you sow seeds indoors? These are ivy geraniums and I’m hoping they grow big ‘n luscious for my front porch buckets this summer.

Last year I was horrible at keeping these petunias watered and dead headed. That’s why I want to try geraniums instead. And IVY geraniums?? L.O.V.E. Geraniums are awesome because they can handle very little water and you can save them year to year!

But as usual I went a ‘lil overboard when ordering my seeds. Lots of veggies to be direct sown but the geraniums? No, I don’t need 50 plants. I need 4… so now it is YOUR LUCKY DAY!

The first five to leave me a comment telling me your garden plans for the year will get around 10 ivy geranium seeds. (I’ll email you to get your address.)

F-R-E-E that spells free!

They are Geranium Ivy Tornado seeds, lilac color.

I’ll be including my favorite tips and tricks for indoor planting in the Spring issue of Homebound- Subscribe here to get the next copy if you haven’t already! (It’s FREE!)

Have a great rest of the week!

xoHeather

He DARES ya to do this…

Heather — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:30:30 +0000

Hi ya’ll! How in the digs are you? Was your weekend a merry one? It was an AWESOME sunny weekend here in Michigan. Full of skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. I even spent a ‘lil time with the other male in my life.

Between all the winter fun I’ve been doing a LOT of reading and writing. Lots of learning and growing and changing… it’s in the air, can ya smell it? (yeah, me neither.. but I can sense it anyhow… haha)

A big project I’m working on right now is to set up a FREE email biz course for my wholesale customers and other creative biz peeps. Are you one of them? I so enjoyed writing this and this post and I know I have SO MUCH more to share! I am NOT a business expert.. but if you have a creative biz or a yearning to start one you can sign up here. “Class” will start on March 1st but you can sign up after that too

It’s going to be a free class 8 weeks long with one lesson a week and I’ll also be sharing my wholesale info with you too. I am trying to gear it towards those just getting started but I believe it will contain great value to a wide range of experience / industries.

But… I want YOUR input. Because I’m still in the middle of creating the lessons I really want to hear from you. Leave me a comment letting me know the #1 thing you’d like to learn about starting or running a creative business.

I am SO looking forward to this!! Thanks in advance for your feedback!

mooocho-love,

xoHeather

Don’t miss signing up HERE! It’s going to be fun you creative biz peeps!!

A Bit ‘a Pink Goodness (no underthings involved)

Heather — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:30:46 +0000

My heart is sing-songing and flip-flopping right now. Partly cause my Valentine is back at home and partly cause I’ve got something sweet to share.

I actually had intentions to paint her red but now I’m so happy I was plum out… so pink she is.

This shelf was sketched up by moi, then my ~~nerdy~~ engineer man drew her up on the computer and flexed his pipes and built her. I slap dabbed some ASCP… and we are ready to roll with my Valentine’s inspired sweetheart.

Inspired by my new fabric turned apron. How can ya go wrong with pink, red, white, and of course some gray to keep her all grounded.

It’s choking me up right now that we didn’t make two once we were at it. I know it’s not too late. It’s not too late. It’s not too late. (repeat words to help me repeat shelf… dang it just was not that easy!) But this is all part of my year long challenge. I am NOT trying to mass produce I am trying to really stretch my creative wings and challenge myself to LEARN and GROW. I am so excited about all the new designs that are in my head and written on paper… And now I need to tell you a big fat THANK YOU cause it would not be near as fun if I didn’t have ya dear friends to share with.

I took WAY too many pictures. Because, well my kitchen was clean for a change and that just doesn’t happen on a regular basis. So I had to document the miracle, y’know?

Thank you for letting me share with you! I hope you are having a romantic week!

(remember… it’s a state of mind!! hehe)

xo.Heather

p.s. $100 worth of PRV giveaway over on French Larkspur right now!

p.p.s. If you’ve got a yearning for this pink beauty you can find here HERE.

Creating and a Failure (sort of)

Heather — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:53:30 +0000

Hello you sunshiny faces!! Tis a beauty day here in the U.P of Michigan! Reason #1 – Mr. PRV is coming home today after being gone ALL wkend (yes, I am that useless without him) #2. The sun is shining. #3. Grandma’s got the kiddos. #4. YOU’RE HERE!

AND it is already round 3 of my YEAR LONG CHALLENGE! You can catch up on round one and round two if you’d like.

So for today’s…. DRUMMM ROLLLLL…. OK. I did it. Failed. Fell flat on my face. You with me? Y’know that saying… that “life” got in the way? That is so bogus of an excuse, isn’t it? Even though I use it all the time! haha! But really when I think about it how can “life” get in the way of life. That really makes no sense at all!! So instead of using the 101 excuses that I had I am going to share with you a SNEAK PREVIEW as well as a yummy recipe instead.

Am I fired yet??

Yes she is pink. She is on the wall soon to be photographed in all her Valentine’s pink-ness. (is that a word??)

And we learned how to knit while the man was gone! My five year ole boyga… the one with NO patience at all… actually managed this. So darn cute.

March onward now towards the recipe-

Lemon Sugar Cookie’s.. my MIL’s recipe.. My Mr’s Fave…

1 1/4 c. sugar

3/4 c. butter

2 eggs

3/4 c. milk

2 tsp lemon flavoring

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. baking powder

4 1/2 c. flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream sugar and butter.

Add eggs. And Milk.

Mix dry ingredients together separately. (I am a slacker, I don’t do this.)

Add dry mix to wet.

Stir till combined.

Roll out 1/4″ thick, cut out, and sprinkle with sugar. (I forgot that last step too!)

Thanks Ev.. for reminding me that YES you do have to bake these!

10 min at 375 degrees.

Pile on a plate for a ‘lil Valentine’s gift for you and your honey.

Devour.

xo.Heather

p.s. Congrats to Georgia, Debby Messner, Jenn A, RMann, and Karlin for winning the Sarah Jane printable Valentines!

Michigan’s Four Seasons with Maria – Rusty Hinge

Heather — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:30:48 +0000

Good day ladies!! (and men) I’ve got something oh so special to share with you! Yes.. I may be just a teeny tiny bit biased but I really don’t think there’s anything better than Michigan’s four seasons!

(all photos via Rusty Hinge)

I am so honored to share with you Maria from Rusty Hinge. She takes such beautiful photos… this woman’s got SYLE! I wish Lower MI was closer to my home in the Keweenaw Peninsula… because I think I’d figure out a way to invite myself over… and I mean that in the least creepiest way possible!!

(all photos via Rusty Hinge)

Maria was kind enough to answer a few questions I had about her and her home. But after that… we’ll let the pictures do the talking. They are (literally) worth a thousand words!!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Maria Marcusse. I grew up on a small dairy farm in the countryside of Northern (lower) Michigan, and I happily still live here with my husband, Karl (for five years already? Wow time flies, doesn’t it?)

What compelled you to start a blog?

I love to create, re purpose, and reuse the old and the vintage. I want to inspire and encourage others as I have been by the wonderful blogs that I read!

What is your favorite part about blogging?

The best part about blogging is all the dear friends I have made near and far…

How old is your home? Do you have any history from it to share?

My farmhouse is over 100 years old. It has many things that might merit complaint, but I call it character and charm! I love the stories that come with an old home like this. For instance, last summer I was out working in my garden, when an older couple pulled up the drive to say hello. He told me that this was the home where his father grew up and they were in the area and wanted to see it again. How amazing to hear all the tales that come my way from people who remember the “farmhouse on the hill!”

What is your favorite room in your home and why?

My favorite room is by bedroom. I love the calm and relaxing feeling I get with the white walls and the vintage linens on our bed.

What is your favorite project that you’ve done?

It is hard to pick one favorite as I always have my hands busy with something. I’d have to say right now, my favorite is my hand sewn grain sack coverlet. This winter, I decided to hand sew a grain sack border around it to make it that much better ( I need something to do during these long Michigan winters!)

How would you describe your style of decorating?

I really don’t stick to one style of decorating. If I love it, I try to make it work. But as you see by all the vintage french treasures scattered around, I do lean toward french farmhouse.

(all photos via Rusty Hinge)

Seriously, I had SUCH a hard time picking the photos for this feature! Thank you so much Maria for sharing your beautiful home and garden here on PRV. (Had to sneak in that photo of the soap dispenser… love love seeing PRV goodies being used ‘n enjoyed!)

But seriously there is SO many more yummy pictures to see… grab your coffee and head over for a visit to Maria’s very own Rusty Hinge.

You’ve been warned!

xoHeather

p.s. don’t forget to enter this fun ‘lil giveaway!

My Cuppa Tea…

Heather — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:00:38 +0000

Hello new ‘n old friends alike! Here today to share a ‘lil Valentine’s cheer today. Do you celebrate Cupid’s big day? I do! I’m all about the excuse to get a night out + something a lil special from Mr. PRV… sounds like a darn good holiday if you ask me!

Yesterday the kids’ and I baked up some lemon sugar cookies. I’m not sure if I had more fun making them, eating them, or cutting out these sweet ‘lil Valentines… sigh… life’s simple pleasures are truly the best, aren’t they??

These cards are printables from Sarah Jane Studios. I LOVE LOVE Sarah’s work. I bought a special journal from her when we lost our daughter and I own this beautiful Christmas book she illustrated too. Her work is alive with the imagination and wonder of children. I was honored to meet her at the Creative Connection last year and she is just as sweet as these little cookies, I’m telling ya.

Today I am giving away FIVE sets of these awesome printable cards! WAHOO!! Right?? That means you have a darn good chance to be one of the winners! But if you DON’T want to rely on your chances you can grab yourself some Valentine’s fun HERE. They are only $5 and the best five bucks I’ve spent in some time!

All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment letting me know how/if you celebrate Cupid’s Arrow. For additional entries share this post on Facebook, twitter, or pinterest. Just be sure to LEAVE A SEPERATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.

You have till Saturday Feb 11th to enter. I will draw the winners on Sunday.

All right peeps! Good luck… have fun I will be back later to share a beautiful home ‘n person with you later this week.

Till then,

xo.Heather

p.s. more excitement on Post Road! I’m in Spring 2012 Artful Blogging! This was a fun one to write…

all about how I’ve messed up at blogging! hehe.. oops, not sure if I was supposed to admit that!

You can find a copy here or at your local bookstore.

A Dare to Dream…

Heather — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:30:01 +0000

Hello! How are you? Do you remember a while ago when I talked about Mom’s in Biz? Yup! Today I am back at it again…

(snowshoeing with my sister)

It was so awesome to hear so many of your dreams. I think it is SO important to never stop dreaming. And it DOESN’T have to be business related. I have a bazillion dreams right now and it really comes down to prioritizing those dreams. Being realistic and choosing one or two to focus on at a time does not make you a failure! Can anyone say, human?? There is a negative connotation to the word “dreamer”. But that is TOTALLY unnecessary. As long as your dreams are written down somewhere and you have something that you are taking action on RIGHT NOW then it is all good!

For instance.. a few of my dreams are to raise pigs and cows along with our chickens (and kids! haha) And to double the size of our garden. And to plant an apple orchard. But I am forcing myself to be very realistic with what I want to accomplish first. Maybe these “homesteading” dreams won’t happen for another 5 or 10 years and I am totally ok with that. Because I have a bunch of other dreams that are taking priority at this point in my life… but I can still pour over my farming and gardening magazines and appreciate what will ‘someday’ be. And it is all good because I am giving myself permission to learn, and grow, and be a mom and wife and friend, and not try to ‘do and be’ everything…. even though I really want to!! hehe….

To me dreaming means that you have hope for the future. You have a positive attitude (don’t let those Debbie Downer’s get you down!!) And most of all it means you have self accountability and belief that you CAN and WILL create the life that you want to live. Can you tell that this is something I’m really passionate about? I am neck deep in dreams right now… and much is thanks to the Hello Soul Hello Business class I am taking.

When I started my business I really didn’t have a dream or a vision. I just had a burning desire to create and keep it real… being home with my babies and living my simple lil Country life. But then this crazy thing started happening. Actual real live people started showing up. YOU showed up and encouraged me! You read my meager blog.. maybe even bought something. Shared your ideas, your hearts, your friendly caring selves with me. Two words. HOLY COW.

And then, GASP! You said I inspired you. Motivated you. Cheered you. I’m sure I’ve turned off a lot of people in the process but it’s all good. I am just thankful for YOU. For YOU taking the time to read this NOW. So now my dreams and visions are really inspired by you. Because my life HAS been changed since I started this journey. And I wouldn’t change a thing. Even the times I screwed up. It’s all good. It’s just me… being my usual imperfect self.

OK, sorry this has turned into quite the rant! Didn’t really intend that, LOL. I know you’re all busy but I really wrote this cause I want to hear from you. I want to hear (again) what your (biggest) dream is (right now). And then tell me ONE ACTIONABLE STEP you think you could take to start accomplishing. Or if you don’t know where to start I would love it if someone else would jump in with an idea.

Cause face it, I need motivation too.

ok, that is all for today. Love you guys.

xo.Heather

p.s. I finally got the handmade frames in the shop!

And more colors of shelves and coat racks.. that is if you call gray a color- I do!!

A Place After My Heart…

Heather — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:45:07 +0000

Top of the day to you! Today I have something special to share! My favorite shop in the U.P… and possibly the world! Yup, it’s THAAAT good. Though I’ve gotta admit… world traveler I’m not!

I’m sharing with ya this little jewel found in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula of MI. Re-Treat Design is a once a month shop located on 103 Frue Ave in Houghton, Michigan. They have been open since April 2010… how is it possible that it gets better each month??

Here is where you’ll find the best vintage and antique pieces as well as the perfectly U.P handcrafted items. I sell my soap dispensers here too, so I may be a ‘lil biased!

I asked co-owner Christine Young a few questions about the story behind Re-Treat and here’s what she had to share–

What inspired you to open Re-Treat’s Doors?

The love of junking and repurposing.

What has surprised you the most?

That our customers have become our friends and they are kind of crazed (or crazy) on opening night!

What is your favorite part about Re-Treat?

Finding the perfect items for our customers. Buying trips are the BEST!

This is a picture happy post but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! If you are local this baby is open THIS WEEKEND! Yes, this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Typically they are open the first weekend of every month. If you’re not from the U.P of MI well then you’re in the right spot too… cause I’ve got some hardcore eye candy for you!!

I L.O.V.E. coming here for design and decorating ideas!

I even enjoy visiting their powder room!

Darling ‘lil Finnish cards.

Show me some Valentine’s Love <3

Bits ‘n Bobs.

{staying warm} in the Copper Country.

ooh… how’d I miss that bird? I want her!!

I hope you enjoyed!! Maybe see ya at Re-Treat this weekend?

xo.Heather

linking up to ABeachCottage

Down on the Farm

Heather — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:30:05 +0000

Hi PRV’ers! Today I’m sharing with you a newly discovered book! One that’s got me bursting with excitement over Spring and Summer. I know, I know, not a good place to be when we’re still up to our eyeballs in snow here in Northern MI!

This book, “Free Range Chicken Gardens” by Jessi Bloom is a combo of two of my favorite subjects! I have to admit that I’ve pawned much of the chicken chores off on the PRV man (thanks Hon!) But this year I am excited to NOT be such a negligent chicken farmer and gardener. Last year I TOTALLY immersed myself into learning about business but then the CORE of why I do this sort of fell by the way…

Cause if I can’t practice what I preach then really, what is the point?? This year I am determined to give my yard and garden the attention it so badly deserves. For me it is a matter of being REALISTIC about what I can take on.. anyone else have this problem?

After reading this book I got loads of inspiration on how to incorporate my chickens and yard together. Love how she is totally realistic and talks about what a terror these ~~buggers~~ I mean cuties, can be.

I am considering making my veggie garden a “rotating” one. To cut it down to a more manageable size – it’s actually quite dinky.. but didn’t I just tell you I’m going to work on being realistic? This book gave me a ton of ideas on how I could do this. I might even raise our meat birds this summer on top of a couple of my raised beds. I’m hoping this lets me find more time to landscape and care for some other areas of my yard that are at the moment…. hmmm…. calling it nicely here, redneck central.

If you’ve thought about adopting some feathered friends this book would be the perfect jumping off point. Or maybe you’re like me and wanting to get ideas on how to incorporate them into your yard and garden. Loved my gals free ranging in the fall but did NOT love the turds (for lack of better word) all over my porch and steps. I look forward to putting Jessi’s ideas to good use!

And to top it off the publisher of Free Range Chicken Gardens is having an awesome giveaway right now! Just about all you’d need to get started on your own chicken adventure including this lovely read.

I hope you win!

Ok, off to dreaming about my gardens… and how to keep the chicken drops off my steps!

Till next time!

xo.Heather