Moving Into Twenty-Fifteen. Very. Slowly.

I am not a sitter. I’m not even a slow walker. As a matter of fact, I tend to take everything in life in huge, bounding steps. As this year is drawing to a close and I look back it seems like I just rushed through everything. I’m not one to make New Years Resolutions, but this year I have a huge goal.

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  1. Sandy says:

    Oh my gosh. I want the same thing. I do everything at such a fast pace. Just not sure how to get it all done if I slow down.. I’ve been working on making time to enjoy more. People still better watch out at the grocery store. Don’t think I’ll slow down there unless there’s someone fun to talk to

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Sandy, your comment about the grocery store made me laugh because my original post had a sentence that went something like, “I can’t even walk slow in the grocery store” and I took that out because I had the same thought as you…. I don’t think I’ll slow down there! 🙂 Ha Ha! Happy New Year! – Dori –

  2. Ann Visser says:

    Wonderful idea!! I think I’ll try it. And a very happy new year to you and your family.

  3. bonnie b says:

    Dori,
    I think you hit the nail on the head for me! i seem to go through my days with goals in mind. I have to get this done by this time, etc. So often I think I am slowing down and savoring the moments, but when I look back on the days, they seem to have passed too quickly. I usually don’t try to make New Year resolutions either, but trying to slow down and enjoy seems to be one that I should make. My years are many (just having a birthday) and not as much time left to savor perhaps. Better “get ‘er done” now. Thanks. Your post made me stop and think. Happy, healthy, slower, New Year to you.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Bonnie, I am the same – going though my days with a list of things I have to accomplish that day. And yes the years just pass too quickly. Happy New Year – Dori –

  4. Liz Bowling says:

    How delightful she is. You are right on about the moment. That is all we have and if it is the last thing someone remembers us by may it be one of joy.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Liz, she is such a delight isn’t she? One of things I was thinking when I wrote the post, but didn’t mention, is that I don’t want to hear myself say to my grand-children, “Hurry up” ever again. I hate that. They are so fresh and so delightful and I want to enjoy that more. Happy New Year to you! – Dori –

  5. Marilyn Khadduri says:

    Dear Dori,

    I HEAR YOU!!! I have been feeling the same way, and am aiming for the same
    goal. Why do we rush through just because everyone around us is rushing
    through? I am going to choose a different path, and enjoy my journey.
    I look forward to hearing about your enjoyable times in the “slower” mode. 🙂

    Happy New Year and blessings,
    Marilyn

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Marilyn, I think you summed up the problem so well… we rush because everyone around us is rushing. Sad, isn’t it? And yes, I think I’m going to have some accounting to do now that I’ve voiced my goals! 🙂 Happy New Year! – Dori –

  6. ann says:

    Thank you so much for the beautiful post! I’m the only person in my office today and so I am “allowed” to move and do as slowly as I like — for a change. I love the quiet and the peace of this place when no one is here; I also love the people with whom I am privileged to work every day– whether they are here or not! And I love meeting their needs as I am able. Sometimes that means I get to move very fast and other times, I get to move a bit slower. In all those circumstances, I pray that I will look at the time spent to meet whatever need as valuable and precious — whether spent quickly or slowly. That is, after all, the point: to value and cherish each moment– no matter what. Your post brought me back to that long-ago realized conviction. Thank you. Blessings to you and all those you hold dear in this precious New Year!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Ann, I really loved your comment. I love the feeling of being in the moment and being what we should be as the situation calls for. Very helpful words – thank you for sharing! Happy New Year! – Dori –

  7. Karen(old cowgirl) Montoya says:

    Hi Dori,
    Now you younger people now why people look at us “older” people and say ” I don’t ever want to slow down like them. Well, maybe we were made to slow down so we could enjoy the trip. Even out to the mail box or even grocery shopping. You never know who is in the same store. Maybe someone that you have not seen in awhile. Someone you could reconnect with if you just slowed down like us. Yes, I am one of those “older” people. I now enjoy going to the store and take a while to look around and visit with those very people I did not take the time to speak to until I “just slowed down”.
    Yes, Dori, enjoy your trip as you slow down and look around. You just might see someone or something that takes your breath away.
    May all your days to come be filled with peace, joy, and love.
    Kay

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Kay, I love your comment about enjoying going to the store and just to take a while to look around and visit. This is something that I cannot seem to do. I hate going to the store! So it is a huge hurry for me. And now I recognize I need to look at it a little differently. Thanks for that! Happy New Year! Thanks for reading and commenting. – Dori –

      • Karen(old cowgirl) Montoya says:

        Hi Dori,
        feel free to email me if you want and I will respond.
        Kay Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to me.

  8. Karen Brown says:

    Praying your new year and new resolutions will be blessed and come to pass. Thanks for sharing.

  9. CJ Armstrong says:

    Dori,
    I’m with you . . . health challenges over the past 1 1/2 years have kind of forced me to take a different approach to life and to look at taking it slower, not being so focused on “gotta do” stuff. I’m hoping for 2015 to be richer and fuller . . . and healthier because of it.
    Happy New Year!
    CJ

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear CJ, health challenges do force us to take a different look at life and our priorities. I hope your 2015 is a healthier year for you also. – Dori –

  10. Luanne Erickson says:

    Dear Friend, Loved this post.. and loved the memory of our girlfriend retreat in your camper! smile.. good times!
    Have a wonderful New Year… enjoying every minute.
    (Once my sis gave me a book titled.. “The Art of Doing Nothing” You may need it, to help you keep this resolution) ha ha
    Love and Hugs! Luanne

  11. susana says:

    Cute kid and cute dog….nice hen you can enjoy the slow moments in an adventurous hectic life!

  12. susana says:

    Belated Merry Christmas and a Happy Farm girl New Year 2015…..can’t believe it….this was the fastest year for me to fly by!

  13. Janet says:

    What a wonderful view from your porch, I really think I could look at that all day. Hope you have a wonderful 2015.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Janet, it is a wonderful view. We always have a nice breeze so sitting there in the summertime is amazing because it isn’t hot and we don’t have bugs… but it is quite cold sitting there in the winter! 🙂 Happy New Year! – Dori –

  14. Cyndie says:

    Dear Dori: oh do I ever hear you my friend! How much have we missed by rushing through life in such a big hurry? Here’s to 2015 being the year to savor it all…joys & sorrows, laughter & tears, mountains & valleys. Life is just too precious! Happy New Year!!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Cyndie, It does make you stop and think sometimes doesn’t it… WHAT is the big hurry??? Hugs to you dear friend. – Dori –

  15. Janna Whitley says:

    “Slow down, you move too fast.
    You got to make the morning last.
    Just kicking down the cobble stones.
    Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy.

    Hello lamppost,
    What cha knowing?
    I’ve come to watch your flowers growing.
    Ain’t cha got no rhymes for me?
    Doot-in’ doo-doo,
    Feelin’ groovy.

    Got no deeds to do,
    No promises to keep.
    I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
    Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
    Life, I love you,
    All is groovy.” Simon & Garfunkel

    Awesome post!!!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Janna! I LOVE THIS!!! You’re one of the friends I want to sit and laugh with! (Or talk flowers with!!) Hugs to you! – Dori –

      • Janna Whitley says:

        Dori,

        I would love to porch sit and laugh with you! And talk flowers… and chickens, and vegetables and grand-girls… and whatever else.

        Hugs back,

        Janna

        • Dori Troutman says:

          Janna, it’s freezing on the porch in the winter (we have a constant breeze that is awesome in the spring/summer/fall and freezing in the winter). So, lets set a date for May!!! And yes, chickens, vegetables, and grand-girls too! – Dori –

  16. Angela says:

    Me too! Not sure how to work on slowing down with a 2 yr old on the loose! I think it boils down to letting less get put on my To Do list.

    I have a beautiful embroidery book to show you when I come to teach you to crochet!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Angela – I’ve been doing some “you tube” crochet lessons!! Hopefully when you come I’ll be a little more easily taught!!! 🙂 February??? What’s your schedule? Hugs, dear friend! – Dori – P.S. Can’t wait to see the embroidery book.

  17. Nancy Wold says:

    Hi Dori, love the pictures, love your thoughts, and love you! I did slow down a little this last year (age related I am sure) and have taken time to enjoy what I love more: my girls, my grandkids, my animals, my friends, and my garden. It still goes way too fast, but it is worth it! Happy, happy New Year! Nancy

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Nancy, you have ALWAYS been a good example to me of enjoying life to it’s fullest and not letting “things” bog you down. And you’ve always worked hard to cultivate the most important relationships. I love you for that… and for lots more! Happy day, dear friend. – Dori –

  18. laura parker says:

    Thank you for this!! I feel the same way, that I’m just going through the motions without enjoying the moment. This is a great time to make a change.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Laura – I’ve really been tested with the slowing down thing the last couple of days. Due to a huge water leak in the main and then some water pressure issues since, we are having a problem getting enough water pressure to get the water to our booster pump to get it the rest of the way up the hill. So I’ve not had water for 2 whole days. I’m trying to say, “Hey this is a great opportunity to just sit and embroider or crochet”… can’t clean house for company, can’t wash dishes, can’t do laundry…. so I sit. And I’m struggling. There’s always SO. MUCH. TO. DO. Isn’t that pitiful??? This is gonna be hard for me to do some letting go! 🙂 Happy New Year! – Dori –

      • Karen(old cowgirl) Montoya says:

        Dear Dori,
        Some one up above heard you and is giving you the chance to slow down. What is more important your house or the company you are going to have? Your company is not coming to see your house they are coming to see YOU. So do what you can, sweep, vacuum, dust, put out your already clean things, go to the store and get the pretty “paper” or plastic plates, plastic ware. Relax, you do not want your company to see an over rot beautiful women. Do you. I know I have to be reminded of that myself. About cleaning for company that is. Do what you can, leave the rest when you clean after they leave. You might be surprised at their reactions, after all they might have a few of their own stories to tell.
        Always and Happy New Year to you and your whole families.
        Kay

        • Dori Troutman says:

          Dear Kay, so very true! 🙂 And I tell myself the same thing. I think it’s sinking in! (Did you get my email?) Have a wonderful week. – Dori –

  19. Karen Sanford says:

    Dori, I live in TN also Middle TN which part of the state are you all in? that view from your front porch swing is beautiful!

  20. Betty Benesi says:

    It all comes down to spending our time or filling our time. I also have the same New Year’s goal. We get so wound up that when we do have a scrap of time, it’s impossible to enjoy. It’s like ok go make art, write or what have you. Unfortunately, it is so difficult to switch gears that time flees away. I am trying to incorporate more fun in my life so at least I have some pleasurable memories.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Thank you Betty. You are so right: spending our time, or filling our time. I love that thought. So far I’ve been able to do some things that I’ve really been wanting to do for some time – and soaking it in! Thanks for writing. – Dori –

  21. Denise Ross says:

    Hi Dori,
    I’m loving your New Years resolution. On walking fast, that’s me to a tee. My family is constantly telling me to slow down when they walk with me, I do but my slow is their. I’m pretty y goal focused and can’t relax if I haven’t felt I’ve put in a decent days work – blame my parents for that one. Anyway I just have longer days and less sleeping hours, I’m excited about life and want to be awake as much as possible to cram as much living in as possible. How’s that for a line. It came to me when I was wiping up the dishes the other day. I do have quiet ime in the mornings and evenings and spend some time with my kids and husband everyday too, so I’m thinking it’s kinda working. It’s my way of slowing down enough to savour as much of life as possible but also get done what I need to do.
    Happy new year to you and yours. I’m looking forward to seeing how you go with it. If you’re like me it’ll be a challenge and a half lol
    Denise
    Australia

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Denise. WOW! I think we are kindred spirits! You described me to a tee! 🙂 The fact that I can only sleep 4-5 hours a night used to make me crazy and then about 10 years ago I realized that I might as well make the most of it. So I do! And the funny thing is that it never slows me down during the day. I think some of us are wired differently huh? And YES, it is a huge challenge to me to slow down. I actually find my heart sort of racing when I so! Ha Ha! My husband and I are training for a marathon and I find that I can speed walk as fast as I can run… I think I’ve been in training my whole life! 🙂 I’ll keep you posted on the slowing down thing! – Dori – P.S. So happy to have a “met” a kindred spirit all the way over in Australia!

  22. Denise Ross says:

    Whoops I forgot to mention how cute the video was.

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Mason Jars {Can A Farmgirl Have Too Many?}

I got home from New Mexico and jumped right in to some winter crafting for my house as well as for gifts and as I was “wrapping” gifts in Mason Jars I realized how many places in my house I use canning jars.  I grabbed my camera and started walking around my house shooting pictures of my jars in all their many uses.  Then for fun I decided to share with you.  Come along for a little tour!

 

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  1. Cindy says:

    Very cute ideas! Love this! Thanks and Merry Christmas from one farmgal to another! Cindy,Wilder, Idaho

  2. susana says:

    Do you actually get five dollars for a bunch of flowers? And here I been giving them away.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Susana! Yes, we do get $5 a jar and we sell out every single day. 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season. – Dori –

  3. CJ Armstrong says:

    I’m with you on canning jars! All kinds of uses! When I have jars that, for whatever reason, no longer seal for proper canning purposes they become great jars for other uses. Over the years I have used a lot of Yankee jar candles (a few other brands) and those jars are what I store my buttons and other craft embellishments in. Handy they are!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      CJ, After I wrote my blog post this week I began to realize how many other places I use my jars. They are wonderful aren’t they? Have a wonderful Holiday Season! – Dori –

  4. Adrienne says:

    I have all my dry food items stored in canning jars. There is a large shelf unit holding four sizes (gallon, half-gallon, quart and pint-and-a-half). Everything from pastas, beans, rice, couscous, TVP, dehydrated soy “meats”, coffees, teas, and nutritional yeast are in the gallon jars. The half-gallon jars store flours and grains. The quart jars have seeds and grains from amaranth to teff. And the pint-and-a-half jars hold dehydrated fruit from apples to strawberries. Canning jars are great for storage as well as the many other uses you have.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Adrienne, do you dry your own fruit? I want to purchase a dehydrator this next year and dry our fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. And yes, the jars would be PERFECT for that. Have a wonderful Holiday Season! – Dori –

      • Adrienne says:

        I don’t have my dehydrator any longer but I order from a couple of companies who dehydrate organic fruit and veggies.

  5. maureen says:

    I am a glass junkie! Cooking & baking dishes, storage jars, vintage and new serving dishes, you name it, I probably have it. My pantry is full of gallon jars that hold everything from kitchen staples to cookies. The only problem there is my husband has mistaken the powdered sugar for flour on more than one occasion (even when they’re labeled)! Glass is so versatile and wonderful to display treasures. I’ve bought items more than once because I liked the jar it came in.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Maureen! That’s funny about purchasing something because of the jar – I’ve don’t that very same thing!!! 🙂 I love glass too. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I have a single plastic anything in my kitchen. My vintage Pyrex is probably my favorite. Happy Holidays! – Dori –

  6. Jane Drew says:

    Dori – You are SO right – a farm girl can NOT have too many jars! I am giving all my gifts in Mason jars this Christmas. The possibilities are endless, and I was actually on my way to the feed store to get more jars when I saw your post. Keep inspiring! Jane

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Jane, I have always given food type gifts in jars (home-made candy and popcorn especially) but this year I was really amazed at how many things you can gift in a jar. I love the fun in coming up with ideas. Happy Holidays to you! – Dori –

  7. diana henretty says:

    Love your bright ideas for mason jars this cloudy morning in the Ozarks.
    I fell in love with the old blue jars, so I started collecting them, filled each one
    with a different herb tea, and put them in an old cabinet, they look so beautiful and are so useful too!!
    They also make beautiful candle holders, filling the jars with potpourri, then placing a small glass candle holder in the top of the jar, and lighting up your world!!
    Happiness from the Christmas City, Noel, Mo…….Diana

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Diana, there just isn’t anything prettier than those vintage blue jars. They really do cheer up a room. I have not used the jars for candle holders, but I have seen that done. I am going to do that TODAY! Thanks for the reminder. Happy Holidays to you in Noel, MO! – Dori –

  8. Linda says:

    I am impressed with your collection of jars. I, too, use mine for multi-purposes. I do not can any more, but did years ago. I mainly use mine for food-stuffs and sewing items. I have some green jars that I cherish….. Memories. You sure have lots of energy to do all you do. Wishing you a Happy Holiday. Linda/Illinois

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Linda, thank you for writing. I do have a lot of “nervous” energy that usually does me no good, but I do try to channel it in the right crafty direction! 🙂 And yes, those vintage jars do trigger memories. It is wonderful. Happy Holiday to you! – Dori –

  9. Smamantha titus says:

    What a great idea for those Mason jars. I plan on during this Christmas break redoing my pantry with mason jars. Thanks for the super great ideas. Sam

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Sam, there is something about Mason Jars lined up in the pantry that really encourage keeping it clean and organized. You will love it. Hope your Holidays are the best! – Dori –

  10. Mary Smith says:

    I love your ideas. We used them for a candy bar, a 1920s themed party for my mother’s 90th birthday , my daughter researched all candy from the 1920s, each guest got a mason jar to select and fill with candy. Everyone loved it. Thanks keep the great stories coming.Have a great weekend. Sincerely Mary

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Mary, OH MY GOODNESS!!! What a fantastic idea! I’m going to remember this and use it. I bet your mother loved it too – it probably brought back all kinds of fun memories! Do you have pictures you would share? Email some to me – I’d love to see them! redfeedsack@gmail.com Happy Holidays! – Dori –

  11. Deb says:

    Howdy, Dori! Well, I guess you DO have a thing for mason jars! 😉 I agree with you. A farmgirl can never have enough! I painted some up with chalk paint last year and sold them in my booth and gave some as gifts too! Here’s the link! http://www.farmgirlbloggers.com/244!
    Love your porch photo! Merry Christmas, Dori!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Deb, you know I’ve not tried painting them yet but I’ve wanted too. Did you use Annie Sloan’s chalk paint? I’m heading over to check out your post for some ideas. Hugs to you and Happy Holidays to you and your family! – Dori –
      P.S. Hows your sweet Momma settling in?

  12. Karen Brown says:

    Hi, I also love canning jars for all uses. I love the way you use them. Thanks for sharing. And I think I’ll let my oldest grandy girl plant more flowers in the garden next year for jar displays.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Karen, Definitely let your little grand-girl plant more flowers! Zinnias and sunflowers look amazing in the Mason Jars! Happy Holidays to you! – Dori –

  13. Michelle says:

    This is soooooo fun! Canning jars are a huge part of my life too. I have them in every room of my house, put to some form of use. I “inherited” some old blue ones about 20 years ago and have them displayed proudly above my wood stove. I like to think of all of the years that they were lovingly used by a wife and mother to help feed her family. I use newer jars of all sizes everyday. The quarts of pickles and tomatoes waiting to be used all winter. The pints of spiced peach jam to savor on warm biscuits. The half gallons that hold my bread baking ingredients for daily homemade bread. And the pint that I’m sipping water out of right now. I love my old jars that tie me somehow to the past. I love the newer ones that tie me firmly to the present. And I hope that my 18 year old daughter will cherish them all someday in her future, when she will “inherit” my glass treasures. Michelle in Nampa, Idaho. (Hi Cindy in Wilder)

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Michelle, I loved your comment. It was absolutely beautifully written. I’m thankful that my daughter has the same love for old things that I do and Mason Jars are right up there in her favorites! I’m certain that your daughter will cherish them too. Thank you so much for brightening my day with your comment. Happy Holidays! – Dori –

  14. Michelle says:

    Oh Dori, I got so carried away about extolling the virtues of canning jars that I forgot to mention that your Cowboy Cookies in a jar look adorable! My daughter loves Cowboy cookies and would love to give them to her friends for Christmas. She would probably change the name to Farmgirl Cookies, too. I would love to have the recipe/steps on putting them together. Thanks. Michelle in Idaho

  15. Debra Brown says:

    No you can never have to many jars. I have had jars for everything old and new. Many many uses for then. Merry Christmas

  16. Joan says:

    Love the tour!!! great ideas and so much fun to look at. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  17. April says:

    Love your cute pantry!

    Do you do a roadside stand for your flower sales and are you on your dirt road? Aka end of your driveway or somewhere different?

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello April, I love my pantry too. It is one of my favorite things in my house!

      Yes, we sell our flowers on a roadside stand, honor system only. We are not on a dirt road, but we are off the main road. It is a definite Tennessee “back” road with not a lot of traffic, so we’ve been surprised at how well our flowers have sold. You can read our blog that tells a lot about it here: http://www.farmfreshstand.blogspot.com Hope your Holidays are happy! – Dori –

  18. kim says:

    Way too cute and fun! I too use canning jars all over the house for this and that. I don’t think my displays are as neat and photo worthy as yours. I love love love your flower stand – as a matter of fact it is my inspiration for my future want to have my own stand dreams. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Kim, I have a lot of things in Mason Jars that are not that photo worthy! 🙂 Like the left overs in my refrigerator that I store in jars! We love our flower stand – I dreamed about a farm stand for a long time. It was my daughter that had the idea of a flower stand. It is awesome and we love it. You can read more about it at our blog: farmfreshstand.blogspot.com Happy Holidays to you also! – Dori –

  19. Nicole Christensen says:

    Oh, Dori, I LOVE your pantry! My aunt used to have an antique screen door for her pantry door in her kitchen. Thank you for taking me down memory lane! You have inspired me to put even more items in the pantry in jars. Love the chalk labels…where do you find them? I will have to get some. And, now I want a screen door for my kitchen! 🙂

    I too, have always used canning jars as drinking glasses, (ice tea is my drink of choice, as well). It’s something my parents always did when I was little. When I moved here, my friends all thought it was so clever, my mason jar drinking glasses, like a novelty. Now everyone does it! And don’t you love those lids? Greatest invention in a long time, if ya ask me.

    Oh, and your flowers are beautiful!

    Awesome post, Dori!

    Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole (Suburban Farmgirl Blogger)

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Nicole, when do I get to meet you?! 🙂 Don’t you think we need a farmgirlbloggers reunion? I wanted an antique screen door but settled for the $10 unpainted one at Lowes and I painted it in Annie Sloan chalk paint with a dark wax finish so it looks a little “antiquey”! I so totally love it. My husband was skeptical but now he thinks its great. It really is a good way to keep a pantry all tidy and clean too.

      As for the chalk labels. I purchased mine on Amazon – they are inexpensive. And a little tip about chalk… a chalk pen works so much better than regular chalk. Here is a link to what I purchased. Labels and chalk pen included! http://www.amazon.com/Fancy-Rectangle-Chalkboard-Sticker-Variety/dp/B00LICFALI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418437143&sr=8-2&keywords=chalkboard+labels

      I’ve been keeping my eye out for a Blow Mold in our local antique stores and haven’t seen any. 🙁 Next year!

      Hugs – Happy Holidays with your family! – Dori –

  20. Glenda says:

    I am not sure how I stumbled onto your blog but I love it. I first looked at your other blog of your beautiful farm house. I use canning jars for everything. First for canning, dehydrated foods, dried beans and pasta. We buy fresh raw milk so it is in half gallon canning jars. I think it is a shame that everyone wants us to go green but now everything is in plastic. When Mayonaise jars started being plastic I could not believe it. I save all glass jars. I use them for salad dressing, spices, even left over dye from dying wool. Your flowers are beautiful, I would pay $5 in a heart beat!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Glenda, I so agree with your comment. Going “green” and selling things in plastic just don’t quite go together! I remember when I was a kid and my mom sold our cows milk in those beautiful glass gallon size “pickle” jars! 🙂 She still has a lot of them.

      I’m glad you found me at my personal blog and now here too. Keep visiting and commenting! Happy Holidays to you! – Dori –

  21. Angela says:

    Beautiful pictures and such neat ideas! Where did you get the lid for the jar for the girls to drink from! I love ice tea in canning jars! I’m thinking of creating a crocheted canning jar cozy just for my ice tea jar.

  22. Vivian Monroe says:

    Dori, I love love love the flower farmstand, and the screen door pantry. I have been wanting to put one on my pantry, but then I think will I keep it tidy. lol. I think I will. Love the jars, and I saw a cute idea last year at a craft sale. A girl had some vintage aprons her mom had made, and she placed them rolled up in a canning jar with a recipe card attached. and was selling them pkgd this way. so cute 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and yours. Neta

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Vivan, Oh my word. What an AWESOME idea for a gift – vintage aprons in a mason jar. I’m going to make a note of that so I don’t forget. I love that idea. I love having a screen door on my pantry. It really encourages me to keep it neat and tidy. The jars really make a difference in how it looks and also how easy it is to lee it nice. I have another small “can” pantry attached to the side of my refrigerator cabinet and that is where I put “ugly” things! Ha Ha! 🙂 Although I very rarely buy any canned goods but I do keep things in there that just don’t look pretty in my main pantry! 🙂 Our flower stand is very precious to my daughter and I! Happy Holidays to you! – Dori –

  23. I’ve been wanting to put a screen door on my pantry- now maybe I’tt actually do it. I love it in red- wouldn’t have thought of that. Thanks.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Wayve, red is such an amazing color – I have in my house in a lot of places. I don’t think I could live without the color red!!! 🙂 – Dori –

  24. Heidi Brockman says:

    Love all the jars and their many uses! But where do you find the sippy cup insert? Thanks.

  25. Rowena Philbeck says:

    Love your site and the beautiful canning jars. Love the screen door as well. So cool!!!Happy Holidays to you and your family.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Rowena, thank you! I think the screen door is one of my favorite things (even though it took my husband a little time to come around to it!)! Happy Holidays to you also! – Dori –

  26. Lorraine says:

    Thank you for the ideas!

  27. Marci D says:

    Love all of your mason jars and their many uses. I have some of the old blue ones I use for decoration and the rest I use to can. I liked all the ideas for storing craft, markers and sewing supplies in them. I love your pantry set up too.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Marci, I do love those blue mason jars – they are gorgeous aren’t they? I like that they are making some “vintage look” blue ones now, but they sure don’t compare! Thanks for writing. – Dori –

  28. Penny says:

    I love using canning jars too ,paint them .theres nothing you cant do with jars thank you for sharing .

  29. You are a very bright person!

  30. Carl says:

    This design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep
    a reader entertained. Between your wit and
    your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic
    job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

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