Thursday, October 31, 2013

Beggar's Night



Happy All Hallow's Eve... or Beggar's Night as it's referred to here in Massachusetts! 
It is said that All Hallow's Eve was originally a Celtic tradition that celebrated the end of Harvest Season and arrival of Old Man Winter with a festival!  A time to prepare for the darker, longer days ahead. 
We homemakers know that feeling all to well...October isn't just for trick or treating! It's the month we spend clearing the cobwebs INSIDE! We freshen linens and bedding, stock the pantry, clean out the frig, empty closets and make sure everyone has appropriate winter wear. Boots, coats, hats and gloves come out for inspection and we bring out the throws for cuddling under on family movie night! I LOVE this time of year don't you? 
Our teens no longer trick or treat. Now a  day's they gather at friends houses to " party " with candy and Chinese take out. As for me, I dusted off my favorite witches hat and I'm ready for the neighborhood ghosts and goblins.  I'm expecting a lot of zombies at our door this year inspired by the Walking Dead Series and video games.
Be safe and enjoy this very special time of year when home becomes  your winter haven once gain. 
What  special things do you do to cozy things up for the winter at your house?

 For a more in depth HALLOWEEN history account visit this fun link!


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Waiting In The Wings...


I don't often write about our children. They are teenagers and you know teenagers... They can be funny about what we parents share about them even to our friends and family, much less a large public community like blogging or Facebook. I'm not Pioneer Woman  ( love her !) and even though I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing her children's smiling faces on her lovely blog my two would probably shoot me dead and bury me in one of my dahlia beds if I posted actual frontal facial images of them on a regular basis! Believe me, it's not easy for me to hold out on you ! They are the reasons behind everything I do as a mom!  It's hard to believe we are only a few short years from an empty nest. 
In the meantime I'm learning a lot from our boy about following your dreams. Here's where I get to brag a little... Humor me?

If you're a mom, no doubt you've been inspired by your child/children for one thing or another, at one time or another. Our oldest will be 18 in a couple of months but he's been making his own trail for a few years now. He knows exactly where he wants to be in life. Making music, producing music and sharing the universal language of love with the masses. Will he get there? I think he will and here's why. He started writing rap lyrics when he was 14. As a home-school mom I thought it was great that he was writing on his own and his early lyrics weren't bad either.

Fast forward three years. He has a home recording system which helped him produce his first mixed tape over the summer...That's young speak for C.D.. Ten original Raps! At first we weren't thrilled with the fact that he wanted to rap. If you've heard some of it, you know why. Here's what we told him. Be true to your self as an artist, don't copy others and create music you'll be proud of many years from now. So far, so good. 
  Here's what I've learned from our son after watching him hone in on his personal dream star.

If you don't follow your dreams, you may never catch up to them!

He works HARD at following his dreams!!!
 He puts his heart and soul into his writing every single day. When he's not working, he's listening to music, writing lyrics, recording music and networking with other artists.
He's starting to get some shows! The image above of him waiting in the wings for his most recent performance makes me so proud. Not because I want a famous son one day, but because I know he has something inside to share with the world and how hard he's worked just to get there, to that very spot.

 The places he performs aren't the cream of the crop but that doesn't matter to him. He has something to say to the world, something to share. Any opportunity he has to do that makes him happy and keeps him moving in the direction of his dreams. With each performance he broadens his horizons and gains momentum to continue on.

It's not always the most talented people who make their dreams come true. Most of the time it's the most persistent and disciplined that rise to the top and inspire others to work with the same passion and dedication to get there too! That's a our boy! I'm not only proud of him and his work ethic, but I'm so very pleased for him that he knows his own heart and mind at such a young age. What a gift!

Is there someone in your life who inspires you to follow your dreams?
 I'd love to hear about it! 



Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Grandma's Room ~ Thrifty Makeover Sneak Peak!


Don't you just love it when you fall into a sweet bargain when you're not even looking for one? 
That's what happened to me when I was out thrifting last weekend.

I didn't even know I wanted to make over the room my mother in law stays in when she visits until I saw this charming quilt with 2 matching shams and pillow to match at one of my local haunts! It didn't help matters that the print is soft roses. I'm a sucker for cottage roses. They're too girly to use in our master bedroom ( says hubs) and our daughter leans towards more vintage modern designs so no roses for her either.  But, there are no rules for Grandmas room so I'll  ( we'll ) have my roses after all!  Each item is in perfect condition!
I snapped up 4 items for a total of $20.96

Full sized quilt 12.99 
2 standard sized pillow shams 2.99 each
Decorative pillow 1.99 

I'm so excited about my bargain basement treasures I just had to share a smidgen of it with you. But, I have to go now... I've got some painting to do! 



This antique oak dresser is crying out for some ASCP in Duck Egg Blue don't cha think? 

I'm off! 
 I'll be back with the final reveal in a few days! Stay tuned! 
Happy hunting to you if you're out there looking for treasure to feather your nest this fall!

Monday, October 28, 2013

Spicy NO CRUST Zucchini Quiche


 Dear friends,
Happy Monday! I hope this note finds you all well rested from a weekend spent doing your most favorite fall things! The Red Sox are holding their own in the World Series games so that made for a peaceful weekend in my house! It also means I've got tummies to fill! 
 Things are heating up in the Dandelion House Kitchen, now that temps have fallen enough for me to be near the stove without stripping down to my skivvies just to survive cooking a meal for my family. I never thought I'd be THIS HOT at 51!!! :) Can you relate? 
Anyway, I've been working my way through our CSA Basket we had delivered last week and I had three zucchinis to use up before they became chicken  food! 
My handsome Yankee and I love quiche and the teens are beginning to warm up to it as well. 
I like zucchini but it can be sort of watery when it's cooked which can drown out the flavor so I decided to add some pepper-jack cheese to this recipe to liven it up and the crumbled bacon on top gave it some much needed crunch!
This recipe will make two pies.

 Spicy NO CRUST Zucchini Quiche 

2-3 medium sized zucchini
1 dozen eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8oz shredded pepper jack cheese
8 slices thick bacon
salt and pepper to taste
 crushed red pepper

Peel and grate zucchini. Grate both cheeses and set aside.Cook bacon and set aside.
In large mixing bowl or pitcher stir eggs and milk together with a fork until mixed well.
Add 2 1/2 cups zucchini to the egg mixture
Add cheeses.
Salt and pepper to taste. Stir all ingredients together and pour into greased quiche dishes or a glass pie plate. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and crumbled bacon pieces.

Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees or until cooked all the way through. 

Serve with crispy home fries and fresh fruit juice. 

ENJOY!
 


Friday, October 25, 2013

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 131


 I just love gathering together at the end of the week to catch up with all of you and to get fired -up by the inspiring posts you share! Even though my two teens are past trick or treating age I loved these hand-made TREAT BAGS created at Cats On The Homestead Blog! 



 They're perfect for a small Halloween Party or for playing the BOO your neighbor trick where you fill a bag full of treats, then you drop the bag on a neighbors porch, ring the door bell and run like the dickens before they can find out who BOO'd them! Check out her blog for the full tutorial!


The leaves on the trees are just about at their colorful peak along the shorelines in New England and the local Cranberry Bogs are on fire with bright red berries ready for harvesting. I went out to capture some of the local bogs in their fall glory. I just happen to have a soft spot for Cranberries. You'll learn why when you pop on over to the MJF Beach Farmgirl Blog for a trip through Cranberry Country with me!


 I also made a visit to my favorite local farm stand for corn stocks and pumpkins and fresh pressed apple cider. Temperatures are beginning to drop at night ( my menopausal body is so happy about that I can't even tell you ) and the days have been clear and crisp! How about you? What have you been doing this week to get your  inner fall farmgirl fired up?

Your Farmgirl Friday Hostesses want to know!

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!

You know what to do!

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! 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!




Thursday, October 24, 2013

LIP- SMACKIN' Sweet Potato Cashew Bake and my Facebook Recipe a Day Party


 I love this time of year. It's when I pull out my trusty dusty kitchen friend my old Better Homes and Gardens Cook book to hunt for my favorite tried and true holiday recipes. It's become an annual tradition to include this honey of a sweet potato dish in our Thanksgiving menu. It's so deliciously sweet you may be able to convert your non-sweet potato fans with just one taste!

Lip-Smackin' Sweet Potato Cashew Bake
6 medium sweet potatoes ( 2 lbs)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup broken cashews ( we like the salted ones)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 8 3/4 oz can sliced peaches
3 tablespoons butter

Prepare and cook whole sweet potatoes until tender. ( about 40 minutes) Drain, peel and cut crosswise into thick pieces. Combine brown sugar, cashews, ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Drain peaches well. In a 10x6x2-inch baking dish layer half each of the sweet potatoes, peach slices, and brown sugar mixture. Repeat layers. Dot with butter. Bake uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake about 10 minutes longer. Spoon brown sugar syrup over before serving. Serves 6- 8.
* marshmallow topping optional. Add them to the top during the last 10 minutes of baking just before serving.


Are you thinking about your Thanksgiving Dinner Menu yet?
YOUR INVITED to share in my RECIPE A DAY Facebook party!
Starting today up until Thanksgiving Day share your holiday family favorite recipes on my Facebook page! Bring on the homemade bread, savory soups, pumpkin, apple and pecan pies, turkey roasting tips, salad fixing's stuffing secrets and table scape ideas!
I'll feature one of YOUR RECIPES EVERY DAY before noon on my page!
Let's eat!
Deb

Monday, October 21, 2013

Who's Your Farmer?

 

Good question isn't it? Unless you grow your own veggies or make it a point to eat local most folks have no idea where their food comes from never mind when broccoli or asparagus is in season. If you go by the produce section in the supermarket every thing's in season year round' and we've gotten used to the convenience and wide selection of fruits and vegetables that are available to us. But at what price to our local farmers and our over all health? Locavores are coming out to the farmers markets and supporting local farms and businesses in increasing numbers all across the United States for a variety of reasons. Some people just want to feel better about what they put in their bodies. They KNOW eating fresh, local and organic, and GMO free is what's best for them. Others want to participate in the cycle of farm to table on a local level. They want to keep their hard earned dollars in the community by supporting local farmers and in turn reap the benefits of being able to choose fresh, local produce, dairy and meats over mass produced food and in- humane treatment of animals raised for food consumption. They want to KNOW their farmer.

I'm happy to report that last week I was introduced to 30 local farmers by two of my enterprising farmgirl friends, Pam and Charlotte of South Shore Organics, in Hanover, MA. After visiting their store a few weeks ago in preparation for an upcoming ( in depth ) article in MaryJanesFarm I just had to learn more!

Pam and Charlotte
  I attended a local locavore meeting where they spoke about their passion for organically grown, GMO free ( clean food ). They are pioneers in the concept of home delivery CSA and the only one of their kind in Southern Massachusetts. 





 Behind the farm-stand storefront is where all action is. 

 Local produce is picked and delivered the day of packing and boxes go out the following day to be delivered to your door!
 After getting the tour and tasting some of the yummy fresh produce I came home and immediately signed up for service. The website gives you several basket size options to choose from as well as how often you want to take delivery. Once a week, twice a week, once every three weeks or once a month. We chose to have delivery every three weeks to start.


I've already unpacked my box and stored my veggies away but this partially filled box ( pictured above ) gives you an idea of the variety of foods that go in to one delivery.

Here's what I got in my box called Humble Harvest

Humble Harvest - $45
2lb Sweet Potatoes (SG), Local
1lb Parsnips (SG), Local
1 head Celery (SG), Local
8oz Habanero Peppers (OG), Local
1 head Cauliflower (SG), Local
1 Butternut (SG), Local
1 bunch Kohlrabi (OG), Local
1 head Lettuce (OG), Local
5 Bananas (OG, FT), Imported
1.5lb Spencer Apples (IPM), Local
8oz Cranberries (OG), Local
1 bunch Tatsoi (OG), Local
1.5lb Zucchini (SG), Local
3 D’Anjou Pears (OG), US

I am so excited about this service not only for the convenience aspect but because I  feel good about supporting my local farmers. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction knowing I play a small part in helping local farmers grow and sustain their livelihood. Everyone benefits! Plus, my teens are eating more veggies too.. I'll keep ya posted with some of the new recipes I'll be trying too! Oh, and did I mention I'm learning new things too! I had no idea what Tatsoi or Kohlrabi was until last week!

I encourage you to do a little googling and see if you have such a service in your area! Even if you grow the bulk of your veggies and put up your harvest you could still EAT FRESH during the winter months!

  Another great resource for finding out who your farmer is are the Edible Communities Magazines. Can't find one for your area?  Start one! 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 130 & Breast Cancer Awareness Month



 Is this the most beautiful jar of crab apple jelly you've ever seen? It's ALMOST too pretty to eat! I think I'd leave it on my windowsill as a sun catcher. Imagine all the daydreaming THAT would inspire! 

As it turns out this gorgeous jar of jelly wasn't made for daydreaming at all. THIS WEEKS FEATURED FARMGIRL Aura Moore of Sons and Daughters Farm blog shared her apple picking, cider pressing, family day out in her entry last week. Her images of a fun fall day out with her home-schooled brood (ending with them sprawled out on the floor cuddling their pet bunnies) tugged at my heart. It reminded me so much of some of our fall outings from our early homeschooling days.

 In reading her post I also learned that Tattler Lids is doing a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  35% of the proceeds from the sales of their PINK lids will be going to the Women's Cancer Fund at Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation in Michigan

I wish it wasn't so, but each of us are touched by breast cancer in one way or another.Whether you are a survivor or have lost a loved one to the disease. There are so many different ways to support ongoing research for breast cancer in your local community. You can walk, run, cook, bake, craft, and if you live by the sea you can take The Polar Plunge in memory of those who have lost the good fight and those who still " put em up" against breast cancer every day.

Aura makes her FIRST JELLY ( with the help of a farmgirl friend)  and gives an A++ rating for Tattlers PINK Reusable Lids!
Who else has used Tattlers Lids? 


Your farmgirl Friday hostess:

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!

Heidi, Dolly, Debbie and I would love to hear your thoughts! Be sure to get by each of the hostess blogs as each of us have different features every week! Whether it be news from home, or a farmgirl from afar!

Also, our thoughts and prayers go out to our co- hostess and farmgirl sister Dolly this week for the loss of her sweet mom,Dot. Dot was the inspiration behind many of Dolly's posts( like this one featuring her Sour Cream Pound Cake). I know many of us feel as if we got to know her generous and loving spirit through Dolly's blogs. We will miss her.

What's new farmgirls? It's your turn to share!!!
We can't wait to see what you have in store this week!


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!


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Nightstands in Duck Egg Blue

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
 The sun is out, the sky is blue. What's a girl to do? PAINT! 
With the weather being so clear and dry right now along the eastern seaboard I love to spend the day outside painting in the fresh air. I've had a couple of nightstands that have been in line for a re-do for my booth and I'm happy to report  I can finally check them off my list today! 

When I'm looking for furniture to re-fresh I always try to find pieces that don't need much repair or that I like the look of " as is ". I lucked out when I came across TWO Basset ( Made in the USA) nightstands at my favorite hunting spot. I paid 9.99 each! A steal!!!

The old finish was a medium stained oak.
Just look at the new and improved shabby, rustic, french finish! 
The secret to my weathered look is to have a light hand when painting. 
1) Dip your brush into the paint but don't soak it.
2) Brush this way and that so your  brush marks are going in different directions.
3) Try and leave some of the underlying wood tones UN-painted so they show through, that way you'll have less to remove when distressing.
4) You can remove chalk paint as you paint with a damp cloth or wait for it to dry ( about half an hour ) and sand until you like the results.

 Beautifully distressed and ready for a new home!

I kept the aged brass hardware but I think something glass, or with some sparkle would be elegant too! 


How do you like my little leg? I didn't use any relief ( chap stick or petroleum jelly ) underneath the paint. I simply rubbed it off once it was dry with medium grit sandpaper.  It worked like a charm. I followed up with ASCP Clear Wax.

I always have the best of intentions when it comes to placing my finds in my booth for sale. I'm gonna need will power to let these beauties go! They match my bedroom comforter perfectly! 

What's keeping you busy during these glorious fall days?

Friday, October 11, 2013

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 129 & APPLES!


 Welcome to the 129th Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop! 
This is the time of year on the hop where we are all in danger of putting on a few extra pounds. The recipes being shared here weekly from your homestead kitchens are amazingly tantalizing. 
I am pinning them all to the Farmgirl Friday Recipe Box. Yep, they're all YOUR recipes and a few of mine sprinkled in. We have 796 following and pinning away! How fun is that?  
 Being the savvy homesteaders you are, you already know that October is National Apple month.
This weeks Featured Farmgirl award goes to none other than Mrs. H. of The Heritage Schoolhouse blog. She shared a dozen ways to enjoy National Apple Month featuring traditional apple recipes we all know and love. About the only thing she didn't do was press her own cider! 

Apple Cinnamon Scones
Mrs. H, I hope you're reading today. You really need to write a cook book! REALLY!
Those scones are on my weekend  baking list! 

As for this farmgirl I've been cleaning and  de-cluttering, making way for more fun fall projects here at home. I've yet to take the leap into fall due to some catching up on paperwork I've had to do. But I'm ready now. You can read all about my Slooooow Fall over on the MJF Beach Farmgirl Blog!


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! 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!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Burlap and Bling Lampshade Tutorial kinda/sorta


 No, it's not a hat but you could wear it on your head to a party, or at a party, or to create a party atmosphere at home if you wanted to. Or, you could just use it for the purpose it was intended for. To bring a little burlap and bling to your home decor. This is the base of the lamp/s I made the shades for! It's a vintage crystal lamp from the 1950's. They are at my booth shadeless at the sans shades at the moment but not for long! If you squint, it's easier to picture them together. Go ahead and try it. I'll wait....... See? Yeah,  not so much... anyway....

here's my attempt at a tutorial... kinda /sorta like the title says.

I started with two re-claimed bell shaped lampshades
( medium size) 


 I cut my burlap garland into 13 inch strips and applied them at an angle draping down the lampshade. Glue a corner of the garland at the top of the shade and let the remaining piece drape down and around the shade naturally. Glue it to the shade using your glue gun in a few places. Be careful not to over do the glue because you'll be able to see it through the burlap! Let the pices fall naturally around the shade and fill in the uncovered spaces with random scraps of burlap until the shade is completely covered and you like how it looks.  I tried to channel Magnolia Pearl while was making mine. I was going for that perfectly imperfect look!
Trim any edges of the burlap garland off the bottom of the shade leaving 1/4 inch at the bottom overhang so the white fabric underneath  doesn't show.


 Once your shade is covered apply your black trim to the top edge of the shade. Then apply your ribbon with bling to the top edge of the black trim. ( see below ) Arrange your large stick-on jewels randomly on the shade then glue them in place with your glue gun. Now it's time for you to clip, glue or pin your flower on.  Center it in the middle of the shade in between the bottom of the trim and the bottom of the shade.



TA DA! This was an easy fun up cycling project to do. If you don't like black you can choose any color. I think white, or ivory and lace trim would be lovely too for a classic shabby look!
 Just use your imagination and have fun with it!  
There's a ton of inspiration on pinterest to get your creative juices going!

  Supplies: 
1 or 2 bell shaped lampshades
1 roll of burlap garland ( you can find it at Michael's craft store )
large flower pin/clips of your choosing
 2 packages large stick- on jewels ( Michael's or Joannes Craft Store )
Black crafting trim 1 yard will give you plenty!
Ribbon with some sparkle
glue gun
scissors

So tell me... Hat or lampshade or both? 


Saturday, October 5, 2013

Under a Blanket of Leaves


 Can you feel it? I can... Winter is closer than you think! The farmers almanac says we are in for a bitterly cold winter this year and while I hope they are wrong about the temperature there's no denying that fall is in full swing. Especially here along the south coast of New England. I've been keeping an eye on my trees this week for changes in color and falling leaves. I swear in just a few days the trees over our shed and hen house turned and began to fall creating a blanket of leaves on the ground, the roof of the shed and the chicken run!  When I looked our our bedroom window this morning it looked as if our shed was wearing a rather ill- fitting wig of fallen leaves! The chicken wire over the run gathers leaves and creates a faux roof as well. I like to think this makes the girls feel nice and cozy in their fall nest with a blanket of leaves overhead.


 Our neighborhood has grown quiet over the years as the children have grown up and out of " playing" in the yard. These days they congregate out on the street at the hoop after school and on the weekends in-between work and socializing. I don't mind the quiet though. The leaves crackle as I walk inside the run to visit with the girls. Liza Jane ( who has taken over the roll of head hen since Lacy Lou passed ) is always the first to come and greet me. I think she must have had the bottom bunk last night because her head and neck are speckled with  something white and it's NOT her feathers! Well, I'm just saying...



As I rounded the corner of the shed I found the rest of the gang having some quiet time under the trees.


We sat under the blanket of leaves together and had a nice visit...
It was so tranquil sitting there.  Even the girls seemed to understand the beauty of the moment as they cooed and clucked quietly back to me. I've cleared the cobwebs out of the hen house and laid in a fresh bale of shavings for added warmth. The girls have just about finished molting and they're ready for a long, relaxing vacation from laying an egg a day!  I wish I could send them on a tropical vacation... Hmm.
Can't you just see them in their polka dot bikinis and sun hats sipping scorpions on the beach? 
They ARE the Cottage Hens after all! 




Friday, October 4, 2013

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 128


 Welcome back to the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 128! 

I just had to share this darling " farmgirl scarecrow " with you! She reminds me of  Sister # 1  and Queen Bee MaryJaneButters with her straw hat, plaid shirt, and long braids. I wish I could take credit for creating her, but I'm only the photographer in this instance! This farmgirl scarecrow is the good luck mascot for my friends ( Pam and Charlotte)  over at South Shore Organics in Hanover, MA. 
They're begging the question, " Who's Your Farmer ? " with the grand opening of their new CSA home delivery business. The first of their kind in our area and they're getting rave reviews from the locals!  I invite you to visit their link, and if you live on the south shore of Boston, take a trip down to their " Farm Stand " store -front where you can buy fresh, local organic and GMO FREE food straight from many of your local farmers year round'. You just get a taste of the goodness these farmgirls have to offer today but you'll be seeing more of them in the future in the pages of MaryJanesFarm Magazine!

This weeks featured Farmgirl is Amaranth & Kale for the amazing Twig and Acorn wreath she created and shared on last weeks hop!  It's so fun to get outside this time of year and gather sticks, acorns, pine-cones, leaves, dried branches, flowers and seed pods and bring them inside for your harvest decorating.  Just look at this natural beauty!  Go here for the full tutorial!


What natural findings do you like to bring inside and decorate with for fall? 


Now, on with the hop! 
 ~ 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! 

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