Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop #208 and Happy Halloween!

Happy Farmgirl Friday! 

Oh, it did our hearts good to see you all last week! Thanks for comin' round to share your farmgirl talents with us again.  I confess I don't have any cute Halloween crafts or treats to share this week. We had company from Reno, Nevada last week so we were out and about sight seeing all up an down the south coast and Cape Cod enjoying fall in New England. Everywhere you go, people are saying the color hasn't been this beautiful in years and I agree.

  I had to pull over and get a quick pic of this charming little red cape all gussied up for fall. We're also in the middle of a bathroom remodel and putting the garden to bed. I've got dahlias to dig and store and a fallen down greenhouse to clear out before winter comes. Life is GOOD!

Debbie's been busy canning of all things, right in the middle of her kitchen remodel. Now, that's some serious farmgirl'n! As the old saying goes, " where there's a determined farmgirl, it shall be done ". Okay, maybe it's not an old saying, but it's true!

 Speaking of determined and talented farmgirls, it's time to renew my subscription to MaryJanesFarm Magazine. Yes, this IS a shameless plug for my favorite magazine in the whole world. It just gets better with every issue... and that's a lot of issues. 15 years and counting of farmgirl inspiration! 

I couldn't pick a favorite from last weeks hop. I loved each and every entry. So many hit home and inspired me to get moving. I need to make marinara sauce, I cleaned my closet yesterday, ( not photo worthy, but clean), I'm still decorating for fall, and I'm always looking for new homesteading and decorating ideas. Thanks for covering all the bases, once again! 

Let's hop farmgirls! 

Now, where did I put my witches hat?

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 183 PLUS a Farmgirl Outing to The Northeastern Poultry Congress

Woot! Woot! Happy Farmgirl Friday on Sunday! I hope you're getting some fun in this weekend along with your daily rounds. I was able to sneak away to the Northeaster Poultry Congress  (from Chicks to Champs ) in Springfield, MA yesterday with my friend Melissa from Tilly's Nest. Here's a great post she wrote for Community Chickens you might like to check out if you've ever thought about going to a Poultry show.

We had a blast looking at all the different breeds of chickens and listening to the roosters crow and the geese honk all day long. Plus we got to meet some of our blogging friends in person too! That's always a treat!


 Imagine about 50 or more rows just like this one filled with all sizes, colors and breeds of poultry! You might think that it would be pretty smelly inside but I learned that the chickens don't get fed prior to judging. They get water but no food until they've been judged. Afterwards they can eat their little chicken hearts out.

There was so much going on I had a hard time deciding where to point my camera. But then I spotted this little gal giving her pet chicken a work out on the obstacle course and I had to get a closer look. Adults, juniors and children alike enter their birds in various categories in hopes of placing high or even winning a championship.

  It was so heartwarming to watch the youngster with their birds. They were so passionate and knowledgeable about their hobby and showed such poise and maturity, especially while under the judges watchful eye like this group of juniors in the showmanship class below.

 This pretty girl is a Blue Orpington. 

This Barred Rock Cockerel ( a domestic bird under a year old ) was quite the handsome fella!
It's a lot to take in in one day, but so worth going ( at least once ) if you're a backyard chicken keeper or maybe you and your children are looking for a way to add some competitive fun to an already enjoyable hobby.

 
 So, that was my chick-filled farmgirl outing this weekend!

Before you get hopping be sure to check out the latest Giveaway! Carole West of Garden Up Green is giving away one download of her new eBook Quail, Getting Started. One more day to enter here!

 Debbie of Farmgirl Unleashed  ( my co- hostess and farmgirl in crime )  and I are looking forward to watching your year unfold and we've got  more great  FARMGIRL GIVEAWAYS planned for you too!

 Time to link-up and play some Farmgirl Show and Tell with us!

Zinnias~ Brash or Beautiful?

 The zinnia is by far one of the boldest and brightest flowers you can grow in a cutting garden. 

These brazen-faced, hotheaded, self assertive and if I may, uppity flowers bring the heat and spice to a fading flowerbed quicker than many deep- rooted perennials and they last longer too, blooming right up until the first frost.

I'll admit, I'm a fan of their brightly lit petals and brash undertones.

What's not to love about the nervy and vivacious zinnia? 

They adore showing off in the garden and in the vase. And, the magnetic attraction between them and the local bees is something to behold.

They can't keep their fuzzy little bums away from them!

I planted several packets of Botanical Interest Cut and Come Again seeds in late spring in  our deep raised beds of 12 inches and we've had blooms since mid-July. We always get a very high germination rate with Botanical Interest seeds ( even the Heirloom varieties)! Love them!

 Zinnias give so much for the little care that they require. All they need to start a fiesta in your flower garden is good draining soil, ( rich in organic matter ) plenty of sunshine ( 6- 8 hours per day)  and steady doses of watering during germination. Once they've got their leaves give them a good drink every few days ( more water during severely hot weather) but don't over water. These cheeky blooms, like it HOT! 

Every garden needs a PARTY GIRL!

What do YOU think about this popular heirloom bloom? Brash or Beautiful?

Slow Flower Bouquets~ Three Ways!

 

  Besides picking ripe, juicy tomatoes right off the vine, nothing is more rewarding than cutting your own fresh flowers from the garden and placing them in a favorite vase for home decoration or to give to a friend or family member. Today, I'm sharing three ways to create simple bouquets using mostly dahlias in different colorways. The arrangement and color story in the top photo was inspired by the beautiful bubblegum pink art deco vase which was a recent gift from my mother in law. I've seen it filled with blooms from her yard over the years, displayed next to her kitchen sink where it sat until recently when she gave it to me. This year I chose several deep red, burgundy and purple dahlias  as well as some lighter softer shades of pink for the garden. I think they look smashing in my new/old pink vase don't you? They go perfectly in our guest room which is decorated in soft, grammy- like colors.

 

Next up is a bouquet bursting with the energy of bold, bright hues of a few dahlias and some brightly colored zinnias placed in the ever popular mason jar vase.

I promise you, these are the actual colors! Heirloom varieties bloom longer and brighter than other seeds because they are truest to the original plant. This arrangement will sit on my dining room table where it will compliment the other colors in the room.

 And sometimes one gigantic bloom in a sweet little vintage vase is all you need to bring some simple beauty and elegance to a small corner of your home. Think bathroom vanity, entry way tables, or nightstands. I love to cut fresh zinnias for our daughters room and sometimes she even cuts her own and makes arrangements for herself which I love!

This large white dinner plate dahlia placed in a little clear hobnail vase is earmarked for my desk in our bedroom... Simple and romantic!

I hope you're inspired to grow a patch of your own " slow flowers" and create some of your own home-grown bouquets to beautify your home and share with friends and loved ones!
Any old vase will do, just let the flowers do the talking and you'll be amazed what you can whip up!
Happy Growing! 

 Love,
Deb 

Farmgirl Friday # 164 and Happy Fourth of July!

 

Woot! Woot! Happy Farmgirl Friday and Fourth of July! Two great occasions to celebrate, don't you agree? The smell of bacon cooking is wafting through the house as I write this am. My handsome Yankee is cooking his special bacon, egg and cheese on an everything bagel for brunch served up with a side of fresh fruit! I'd better hurry if I'm going to " get it hot" so I'll turn it over to you, my talented farmgirl friends. 

Wanna know what the Daisies On My Doorstep have taught me over the years? 

Come on by the Beachfarmgirl Blog for a lesson or two in flower folklore!

It's time to get your farmgirl FOURTH on! Link up and strut your gardening, cooking, crafting, farming, DIY, and special 4th of July treats!

Debbie at Farmgirl Unleashed   and my Co-hostess in Farmgirl Friday crime has been busy " settling in" after a long stay with her daughter and new little family. She's been playing in the weeds in her gardens, proclaiming her a true "organic gardener". Stop in to see how she's doing at Big Sky Acres!

Tis' the season of plenty and there is so much to celebrate!

As always, we thank you for your participation in the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop! 

 You don't have to live on a farm to join this hop!

 Farmgirl is a Condition of the Heart~ MaryJaneButters

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 163 and Homestead Cookbook Survey!

Happy Farmgirl Friday! What a week it's been here in New England. We've had picture perfect weather ( minus one afternoon rain shower) pleasant temps in the high 70's, no humidity and just the right amount of a sea breeze blowing to make it feel like summer. Kind of unusual for these parts, so we are relishing in our good weather fortune while it lasts. Speaking of relish,what better time to kick off a new Homestead Cookbook than in the growing season? After three plus years of everyone gathering here each Friday, sharing all things farmgirl AND delicious homestead recipes I've been inspired to put together a cookbook featuring YOUR homestead stories and recipes. To gauge interest in this little ole project of mine, I've created a survey which is linked to the button above in my sidebar.
 I hope you'll take the time to take the survey, share a recipe, your  homestead story and be a part of The Homestead Cookbook anthology. It's sure to inspire homesteaders old and new alike! Oh, and please feel free to share the  button and link to the survey too!

Now it's time to get your farmgirl on! Link up and strut your gardening, cooking, crafting, farming, DIY, up cycling, STUFF!!!

Debbie at Farmgirl Unleashed  and my Co-hostess in Farmgirl Friday crime became a first time Grammie last week. She's home and ready to unleash her inner farmgirl ( and probably get her very leggy tomatoes planted) ...! 

It's the season of plenty and there is so much to celebrate!

As always, we thank you for your participation in the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop! 

 You don't have to live on a farm to join this hop!

 Farmgirl is a Condition of the Heart~ MaryJaneButters

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 157 & Sunflowers

Welcome back to the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop week # 157! The weather has been just lovely this week here in Plymouth, Ma. Sunny and warm with mild spring breezes ( without the chill factor ) welcome me outside to plan, dream and plant.  I always purchase my seeds early so I can be sure to get my favorites. This years Sunflower garden is sure to be spectacular with these varieties bringing cheer and delight to the garden and my yard flower bouquets, not to mention the birds and the bee's!
I've grown Drop Dead Red

 and Autumn Beauty

 before but the Florists Sunny Bouquet is a new variety I'm trying out! I always have great luck with Botanical Interests Seeds... They have a high germination rage and the blooms do not disappoint! I should be able to sew these any day now in my raised beds. If you have a sunny patch in your yard give these summer beauties a try!

The rush is on to get things in the ground! Debbie of Farmgirl Unleashed  ( my co- hostess and farmgirl in crime ) and I are anxious to see what you've all been up to this week!  Show us what cha got!

You don't have to live on a farm to join this hop!

 Farmgirl is a Condition of the Heart~ MaryJaneButters 

Brag a little ( or a lot ) about your farmgirl talents! 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! 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! 

As always, we thank you for your participation in the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop!

 Enter up to three entries per hop! 

Wishing you beauty, joy and love. 
Love, Deb 

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 149 and Counting...

Howdy farmgirls ( and boys )! Welcome to your favorite weekly hop where you get to preen amongst your peers! I've yet to come across a more fun-loving and welcoming bunch than you, our loyal blog hop participants. Truth be told, y'all are like old friends. After all, it's been THREE years since this hop began and my how we've grown in farmgirl years. Homesteads have been bought and sold, children and farm babies have been born, DIY projects and fence mending of every sort have taken on new meaning as we all strive to make our homesteads beautiful, comfortable and productive places we can be proud of with our own touch of farmgirl flair! One thing we can always count on is our weekly round up of farmgirls right here every Friday! 

This week marks my 3 year anniversary as  MJF Beach Farmgirl Blogger and the birth of hosting the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop! Time really DOES fly when you're having fun.

Along the way, farmgirl bloggers Heidi, Dolly and Debbie joined in the fun and now host along with me each week! We can't wait to see what you're up to from week to week so let's get going!
Link up from any of our blogs listed below!

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 don't have to live on a farm to join this hop!

 Farmgirl is a Condition of the Heart~ MaryJaneButters 

Brag a little ( or a lot ) about your farmgirl talents! 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! 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!


Stay tuned for a very exciting 150th Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop Announcement next week!!!

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 145 PLUS Who won the Waggin' Delights Giveaway?

 

Howdy friends! It's great to be back for another week of farming around on the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop! And, how fun is it that it's also Valentines Day? I loved all the romance inspired crafts, cakes and treats shared last week!

 I'm gonna make my part of this post quick cuz I've got a velvet cake in the oven for tonight's desert but we do have an announcement to make!

We have a winner for our Waggin' Delights  Artisans Dog Treats giveaway! 

 

Are ya ready? Max and Jasmine sniffed out a winner! They chose Lori White because they like the fact that her dogs ( and sometimes her cat ) sleep in the family bed. 

That's one big happy furry family!

Congratulations Lori and thanks to all who entered! 

Now it's time to get hoppin'...

Heidi, Dolly, Debbie and I love to see what you're up to from week to week so let's get going!

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 don't have to live on a farm to join this hop!

 Farmgirl is a Condition of the Heart~ MaryJaneButters 

Brag a little ( or a lot ) about your farmgirl talents! 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! 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! 

 Enter up to three entries per hop!

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 141

 

 Happy Farmgirl Friday everyone! Welcome back to the finest farmgirl soul food linkup going! 

Are you ready to dig in to this weeks entries? I sure am! I don't know about you but now the the holiday decorations are down and put away I'm beginning to notice several of the left over projects that got put on hold when fall arrived. Most of mine involve giving some walls and rooms a fresh coat of paint and revamping some pieces of furniture in my bedroom and dining room. 

Some of our clever and crafty farmgirls got me feeling inspired to get going! If you didn't get by to Heaven's Walk blog be sure to stop back there this week and check out her fabulous tutorial on making a prairie shutter from scratch. Her beautiful home is filled with charming decor sure to keep you coming back for more..

If this is what heaven looks like, I'm in! Also, check out The Chick n' Coop for her FRUGAL farmhouse COUNTRY- FIDE bathroom re-DO! Here's a peak at the fabric she chose!

Purty, purty...

Heidi, Dolly, Debbie and I love to see what you're up to from week to week so let's get going!

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 don't have to live on a farm to join this hop!

 Farmgirl is a Condition of the Heart~ MaryJaneButters 

Brag a little ( or a lot ) about your farmgirl talents! 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! 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! 
Finally, 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!

Farmgirl Friday CHRISTMAS Blog Hop # 138

Dear friends, Happy Farmgirl Friday Christmas! I'm taking a break from holiday wrapping and other holiday elf like activities so we can link up and share some holiday cheer over the next few days before Christmas. If you're like me, you still have a few things to do and Christmas is never complete without putting the last little details on your meal plan and getting your shopping done.

Then you can kick back and relax while visiting your favorite blogs from the hop! 

Heidi, Dolly, Debbie and I want to thank you for linking up every week. Each and every one of you brings something unique and special to our weekly hop!

 I swear I'm going to make my first loaf of homemade bread this year! I say it every year and this time, I'm gonna do it! REALLY, I am! Did you know your Farmgirl Friday Kitchen Pinterest Board has 859 followers? Keep those recipes coming!!!

I love red and black anything. Even Christmas ornaments! The Chick n' Coop shared the cutest DIY Barnyard Style ornaments made form the simplest supplies list ever. Thank you for the inspiration Farmlife Chick!

   What NEW and CREATIVE things will YOU try on your homestead in 2014! What did last year teach you in your homesteading endeavors. These are the things we want to hear about when we meet again for the FIRST Farmgirl Friday in January 2014! 

NO LINK UP NEXT WEEK  

But this week's on! 

 Time to link up for your weekly dose of farmgirl soul food!

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!

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!

 I'm crafting up more Christmas over on the Beach Farmgirl Blog... Come on by!