Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 127 and more of The Vintage Bazaar!

 

Howdy friends! Welcome back to the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 127! 

You may remember ( or not ) me telling you last week that I took my farmgirl out to play at The Vintage Bazaar in Salsbury, MA. last weekend. I only gave you a tease because I'm sharing the entire lot ( pun intended ) in my MJF Beach Farmgirl post this week! So if you're yearn'n for an early fall farmgirl adventure, come on by and say hello to some amazing venders and artisan's!

I'm loving the change of seasons here on the hop! It's always so inspiring and fun to see what you are all up to! We are so blessed to have our little community of farmgirls/boys to share with each week! 

So keep the " good stuff " coming! 

~ Your Farmgirl Friday Hostesses ~  

Heidi of My Simple Country Living 
and White Wolf Summit Farmgirl Blog
Dolly of Hibiscus House and Dolly is Cooking
Debbie of Farmgirl Unleashed 
and me of course!

 Here are the rules for the Farmgirl/GUY Blog Hop!

1.) Write a post about your farmgirl lifestyle and brag a little about your farmgirl talents while your at it! Share what being a farmgirl means to you. Include lots of photos of your farm, crafts, animals,  quilts, home decor projects and thrifty make overs, your backyard garden, chicken coop, recipes, studio or workshop. You get the idea!

2). Leave your entry in the  Linky tools space to your  Farmgirl Friday post.

3). Please include the Farmgirl Friday button ( or link back here ) in your post and remember to share this hop with all of your blogging friends!

4.) Enter up to three entries per hop! 


 DON'T BE SHY~  

Be sure to leave a note if you're new to the hop! If you haven't clicked that follow button yet, please join us and be sure to stop by our FACEBOOK page and like us there too! 

As always, thank you for your continued participation and welcome new friends and followers! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! See you on the hop! 

PS. This is a blog hop, so please share it with your friends by copying the code at the bottom of this post and including it into your weekly entry!

Dried Hydrangeas For Fall Crafting and Decorating

 Would you just look at the mixture of color in this bunch of Endless Summer Hydrangea blossoms? It's like spring, summer, fall and winter all rolled in to one! These minty green, pale blue, soft lavender and deep purply pinks with a few tinged flower petals beg to be enjoyed a little longer don't they? How many of you harvest and create with dried Hydrangea blossoms? 

There's really no big secret to harvesting them. If you cut them in summer when they are still brilliant in color, they will die like any other flower in a week or so. 

To harvest for drying simply wait until late summer to cut them. We northeastern gardeners cut in late August through September before the first frost.

You can dry them in a vase or bucket with a little water in the bottom or no water at all.

 At this point they are ready for crafting, displaying of gift giving!  

I was inspired to make some mini bouquet's to sell in my booth Burlap and Bling after seeing them for sale at The Vintage Bazaar I went too last weekend.

 I have one very large Endless Summer Hydrangea that provided me with enough dried blossoms to create 15 or so mini bouquets ( 3 stems each ). 

 I went outside in the cool of the evening and cut a cooler full of blooms and kept them outside over night. The following morning I went to work creating my bouquets!

 

 Here's how I put my bouquets together.

I gathered three Hydrangea blossoms and removed all the leaves from the stems.

Then I cut the stems even on the bottom.

 I tied them together in three places with jute.

I also included my business post card along with the price tag.

I tucked them into my vintage clam basket ( for sale at my booth for 65.00 ) and packed them into the car with a few other items.

 But, not before I took more photos of them! 

Don't they look pretty with the red backdrop or our shed?

Or how about posed in front of this pair of Antique shutters?

Well, as you can see it's not that difficult to harvest your dried hydrangeas...I've even seen them for sale in Etsy shops!

Next, I'm going to try making a cottage wreath with them and what ever else I can snip out of the garden! 

Do you harvest your hydrangeas? What do you like to do with them?
Please share your projects and tips below!

DUST, MUST AND RUST AT THE VINTAGE BAZAAR!

 

 Sometimes a girl just has to hit the open road with friend for a day of FARMGIRL adventure!

My pal Melissa Caughey of Tilly's Nest Blog and I did just that this past Saturday! Where were we headed? To The Vintage Bazaar in Salsbury, MA. This was the third year for this event and the first time either us us had attended! When I read it was going to be held on the grounds of a  historic flower farm I was T.H.E.R.E.!

Pettengill Farm

I don't want to give it all away cuz I'm sharing on  my MJF BEACH Farmgirl Blog this weekend too, but I just couldn't keep all that we saw under my hat for another minute! 

  So, here are some of the highlights!

Of-course there was a tractor and of-course children were climbing all over it! I wanted to climb on too but I didn't want to ruin the kids fun to I contained myself, but it wasn't easy!

 Do you dream of owning an old vintage truck of your very own? I do! My dad had an old red ford model of this vintage that I adored! This old vintage truck was for sale! I didn't bring enough money this trip, but next time I just might be better prepared!

There were salvaged banisters and buttons.

Linens and lace.

Vintage chicken keeping goods were in abundance! 

Here's Melissa checking out the metal egg crate and a vintage chicken water feeder.

 

 It was an amazing day!  We walked, talked, and oohed and awed our way through 125 amazing vender's! We also met some fabulous ladies who each have vintage shops of their own. But that's Top Secret for now!

I'll tell ya all about them in my upcoming post for MaryJanesFarm, I promise!

Until then... Tell us how you've been getting YOUR farmgirl on this fall!

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 126 and Garden Marker Giveaway

 Welcome back to the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop now it our 126th week! Aren't these hand painted garden markers adorable? I was recently contacted by the very talented and generous freelance illustrator and designer Catherine LaPointe about doing a giveaway for you and I couldn't resist  sharing her FARM FRESH hand painted garden markers with you!  Any one of these ( or one of each ) would look adorable poking out the top of your favorite gardener's Christmas stocking or tucked into your garden tote at the ready for next years garden.
The giveaway begins tonight ( September 19th at midnight ) !
Go HERE to enter this giveaway on Catherine's Facebook page ( LIKE HER PAGE ) then come right back to enter this weeks hop! Her giveaway starts today and runs through October 4th! The winner will be chosen automatically by Rafflecopter and announced on October 5th.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

~Your Farmgirl Friday Hostesses~  

 Everyone who plays in the dirt, craft room, kitchen or farmyard are welcome! FARM-BOYS WELCOME!
 Now, you know what time it is? YUP! Time to link up for your weekly dose of farmgirl soul food! 

 Your Farmgirl Friday Hostesses~  

Heidi of My Simple Country Living 
and White Wolf Summit Farmgirl Blog
Dolly of Hibiscus House and Dolly is Cooking
Debbie of Farmgirl Unleashed 
and me of course!

 Here are the rules for the Farmgirl/GUY Blog Hop!

1.) Write a post about your farmgirl lifestyle and brag a little about your farmgirl talents while your at it! Share what being a farmgirl means to you. Include lots of photos of your farm, crafts, animals,  quilts, home decor projects and thrifty make overs, your backyard garden, chicken coop, recipes, studio or workshop. You get the idea!

2). Leave your entry in the  Linky tools space to your  Farmgirl Friday post.

3). Please include the Farmgirl Friday button ( or link back here ) in your post and remember to share this hop with all of your blogging friends!

4.) Enter up to three entries per hop! 


 DON'T BE SHY~  

Be sure to leave a note if you're new to the hop! If you haven't clicked that follow button yet, please join us and be sure to stop by our FACEBOOK page and like us there too! 

As always, thank you for your continued participation and welcome new friends and followers! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! See you on the hop! 

PS. This is a blog hop, so please share it with your friends by copying the code at the bottom of this post and including it into your weekly entry! 

My Top 5 Autumn Bloomers

Knock Out Rose

I know, I know... You were expecting to see images of burnt orange pumpkins, dried berries and plumes and some lovely garden mums. After all aren't those Autumn bloomers too?

Of course they are, but I'm talking about different bloomers today. The one's that bring you joy in the garden right up until the first frost. I know many rose purists don't appreciate the new varieties of roses, especially the Knock Out Rose. But I look at it this way. Knock Out Roses have earned a place in Dandelion House Gardens because of what they are not what they aren't. These beautiful landscape roses are hardy, disease resistant, and add long lasting color to your garden. Plus, they have a delicate rose scent to boot! I am a FAN!

Lemon Queen

I love the Lemon Queen sunflower. These beauties grow up to 8 feet tall starting in early September all the way until the first frost. Plant them next to ornamental grasses if you enjoy a natural effect in your garden. They make lovely loose fall arrangement's too! 

Autumn Sedum Joy adds a beautiful pinky plumb richness and texture to the late summer garden

and looks right at home planted next to ornamental grasses in bloom.

 

Ornamental grasses are so beautiful when their feathery plumes come into bloom.They sparkle in the afternoon sunlight and wave gently in the breeze.

It seems almost sinful that flowers this beautiful are still going strong so late in the season. That's the simple beauty of growing dahlias. They are the perfect late bloomers in any garden. Whether in a pot on your patio or deck, a raised bed or a field.

Nothing can compare to the beauty of the dahlia in your late summer garden.

Look, even the bee's are still storing up on pollen! 

  What are YOUR favorite autumn bloomers?

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 125

 

Welcome one and all to the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 125! WOW! I just realized it's Friday the 13th! I'm not really superstitious are you? I'm gonna predict we are in for another great party weekend with our farmgirl family!  What a great hop we had last week! It was so fun to welcome Debbie " Farmgirl Unleashed " to our little party wasn't it? I love her farmgirl spirit and I hear she has a fun featured farmgirl for you this week!

 I'm guessing some of you got your farmgirl spunk back by the looks of how many entries we had last week!  I was thrilled to see our party tip the  party scale at over 100 entries! Many people take blogging breaks during the summer due to travel, too much heat and work or just feeling UN inspired... I think it's natural to feel that way during the hot summer months don't you? 

 I'm so happy we are moving into fall and cooler weather.  I definitely feel sharper and more " with it " ! I'm looking forward to more cooking inside, nice walks and finally getting to my fall To-Do list. 

I've been a little tied up with some extra special farmgirl'n over at my moms this past week!  When you're done linking up, pop over to my MJF Beach Farmgirl Blog for some GET WELL remedies, FARMGIRL STYLE! 

Now, it's time to link up for your weekly dose of farmgirl soul food! 

 Everyone who plays in the dirt, craft room, kitchen or farmyard are welcome! FARM-BOYS WELCOME!

Your Farmgirl Friday Hostesses~  

Heidi of My Simple Country Living 
and White Wolf Summit Farmgirl Blog
Dolly of Hibiscus House and Dolly is Cooking
Debbie of Farmgirl Unleashed 
and me of course!

 Here are the rules for the Farmgirl/GUY Blog Hop!

1.) Write a post about your farmgirl lifestyle and brag a little about your farmgirl talents while your at it! Share what being a farmgirl means to you. Include lots of photos of your farm, crafts, animals,  quilts, home decor projects and thrifty make overs, your backyard garden, chicken coop, recipes, studio or workshop. You get the idea!

2). Leave your entry in the  Linky tools space to your  Farmgirl Friday post.

3). Please include the Farmgirl Friday button ( or link back here ) in your post and remember to share this hop with all of your blogging friends!

4.) Enter up to three entries per hop! 


 DON'T BE SHY~  

Be sure to leave a note if you're new to the hop! If you haven't clicked that follow button yet, please join us and be sure to stop by our FACEBOOK page and like us there too! 

As always, thank you for your continued participation and welcome new friends and followers! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! See you on the hop! 

PS. This is a blog hop, so please share it with your friends by copying the code at the bottom of this post and including it into your weekly entry!

Good-bye Lacy Lou

Lacy Lou   2006-2013
It's never easy when we lose an important member of  our backyard flock because, lets face it, they're all important right? This past weekend I went out to do my daily check on the girls and my heart dropped to the ground when I spotted my sweet Lacy Lou huddled up next to the shed inside the run. I knew what was happening because I've seen what a sick chicken looks like in their final hours before. She was pale, weak, and her eyes were closed. When I tried to stand her up to see if she was able she would just lay back down again. I brought her some water and she took a few small sips then closed her eyes again. I sat with her a while stroking her feathers and telling her she was a good girl and that I loved her and would miss her then I picked her up and placed her in the hen house so she would be safer. I felt torn about what to do from there. I wanted to put her in a box and bring her in the house and sit with her until she left this world but I was only going to be home for an hour or so as I'm staying with my own mother hen who is recovering from her recent hip replacement surgery and she was home alone taking a nap. I needed to get back to her! Finally, I decided to leave  Lacy Lou be. I said my good-byes and drove back to my mothers house knowing she probably wouldn't make it through the night.My husband called the next day to tell me that he found her outside in the same spot, lying in the dirt by the shed  and she was gone. I coudn't believe she had gotten her weak little body back outside.

I never thought I would get so attached to my girls before I had some of my own. They just add so much to our little backyard farm life.

Lacy Lou was such a special gal. She was a good listener, always there for a fellow feathered friend.

She was head- hen of our first flock and one of now two remaining girls from that first clutch of eight. 

She was always the first to check out  the scraps from the kitchen making sure it was alright for the rest of the girls.She knew her name and always came when I called. I will miss our daily visits. I have nothing but respect  for my girl Lacy Lou... She was a lady, through and through. 

Wyandottes are a friendly, mild mannered breed and make wonderful coop mates. Plus, they don't mind the cold  winter weather here in New England. To learn more about this wonderful breed go here! 

I know the girls will miss her too but they all love Liza Jane  (one of  our Ameracauna's)  who has graciously stepped up as the new Mother Hen! 

Don't let this photo fool ya. She's not as mean as she looks, but she runs a tight hen house! 

I would love to know how you say goodbye to members of your flock? Do you help them make the transition with special care, a trip the vet or just let nature take it's course? 

Talk to me! 

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 124 PLUS Meet FARMGIRL UNLEASHED

 Dear fellow farmgirl/boy participants, new friends and followers! 

Today, my fellow farmgirl hostesses Heidi, Dolly and I are super excited to introduce you to our NEW bloggin' friend and BRAND NEW fellow hostess of our weekly Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop! Debbie of Farmgirl Unleashed recently got her " farmgirl walking papers" when she joined MaryJanes Farmgirl Sisterhood.  She's sister # 4393! We first met Debbie when she linked up to our weekly hop a few weeks ago. She's a city farmgirl gone rural and loving every minute of  it!

  We fell instantly in love with her uber -cute FARMGIRL blog design and her UN- ashamed, from the heart writing style about UN- leashing her inner farmgirl on her newly acquired 5 acre homestead

Right now, she's over the moon about her new pole barn ( among other things)  and keeping us in the loop with weekly entries and photos! 

 If you haven't met Debbie ( Farmgirl Unleashed ) please hop over and give her a warm welcome and a friendly hello! We know you'll enjoy her blog as much as we do!

 YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE FARMGIRL SISTERHOOD to join the FARMGIRL/BOY FRIDAY BLOG HOP although I highly recommend you check it out if you like the idea of earning badges for all the fun farmgirl activities you already do, and the new ones you will try your hand at in the future!

 Everyone who plays in the dirt, craft room, kitchen or farmyard are welcome! FARM-BOYS WELCOME!
 Now, you know what time it is? YUP! Time to link up for your weekly dose of farmgirl soul food! 

 Your Farmgirl Friday Hostesses~  

Heidi of My Simple Country Living 
and White Wolf Summit Farmgirl Blog
Dolly of Hibiscus House and Dolly is Cooking
Debbie of Farmgirl Unleashed 
and me of course!

 Here are the rules for the Farmgirl/GUY Blog Hop!

1.) Write a post about your farmgirl lifestyle and brag a little about your farmgirl talents while your at it! Share what being a farmgirl means to you. Include lots of photos of your farm, crafts, animals,  quilts, home decor projects and thrifty make overs, your backyard garden, chicken coop, recipes, studio or workshop. You get the idea!

2). Leave your entry in the  Linky tools space to your  Farmgirl Friday post.

3). Please include the Farmgirl Friday button ( or link back here ) in your post and remember to share this hop with all of your blogging friends!

4.) Enter up to three entries per hop! 


 DON'T BE SHY~  

Be sure to leave a note if you're new to the hop! If you haven't clicked that follow button yet, please join us and be sure to stop by our FACEBOOK page and like us there too! 

As always, thank you for your continued participation and welcome new friends and followers! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! See you on the hop! 

PS. This is a blog hop, so please share it with your friends by copying the code at the bottom of this post and including it into your weekly entry! 

Frugal Flower Vases

 

 This post is for all of you  flower growers out there who love to share the beauty of your garden with out giving away ( or heaven forbid ) purchasing a new vase or vessel for your homemade bouquet.  

I've been recycling food and beverage jars for the last year so that when full bloom time arrived I would have enough vases around to make my simple backyard bouquets.

 This is just a sampling of the jars I saved. I love the iced tea bottles for taller/heavier single blooms such as dahlias or sunflowers.Collect different sizes and shapes. Most labels come off easily in the dishwasher or if you soak them for a few minutes in hot soapy water. 

Using recycled food jars for vases is fun and frugal. You can come up with so many different arrangements. I wish I had a picture of the bouquet I gave our new neighbors this weekend. It was a pickle jar with the label still adhered! I gave it away before I thought of taking a photo. Darn it!

Wouldn't that be perfect on a late- summer picnic table filled with farm fresh backyard flowers? 

It is still summer ya know!