Author Archives: Nicole Christensen

About Nicole Christensen

Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens. Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.

The New Addition

There’s been an “event” at the Suburban Farmgirl’s home!  A new member has recently joined the family, and our hearts are tightly wrapped around four white paws!

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Childhood's Curtain Call

It’s been a big summer for my daughter, turning ten (“Double-Digits, Mom!”).  I spend lots of one-on-one time with my girl, and the upcoming school year will be transitional, as she heads to a new school, in a grade that “promotes independence”.  We’re starting the “tween” years, and I can’t help but feel a bit of “empty-nest syndrome” setting in as she gets ready for back-to-school.

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Summer Surprises

My suburban yard isn’t a typical suburban property, because I don’t  have just “manicured” spaces, but also have natural, brushy areas and woods. Because of this, we get more surprises than we would if we had a more conventional-type yard. Of course, surprises are somethin’ any “outdoor” girl learns to expect, and this season’s had no shortage of ’em…good, bad, sweet, savory and downright hilarious!

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Serenity…

Serenity. Is it an emotion?  A moment in time, a state of being? In this world where everybody’s busy, time’s a commodity, and there’s so much conflict everywhere, where do you find “serenity”? Farmgirls know!

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The Elephant's Trunk

It’s a beautiful Sunday.  Where can a Farmgirl  enjoy the outdoors, chat with friendly folks from all over, and find everything AND the kitchen sink?  From furniture to plants, glassware to books, jewelry to collectibles…there’s treasure for everyone.  Intrigued?  Head with me to one of my favorite spots…

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June Tidbits

Summer’s almost “officially” here for us in Connecticut.  There’s the old saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”  It should say, “Time flies when you’re having fun raising children.”  We’ve been crazy-busy with lots of “end of year” activities. There’s recitals, field trips, and events galore!  I’m looking forward to some less-scheduled, slower summer days.  Of course, when you love gardening, grilling, and being outside, there’s much to do before you can rest!  Join me, the Suburban Farmgirl, as I work on making the season for being outdoors great!

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End of Spring: Tips, Tricks, and Happenings

We’re rounding the corner on the end of Spring, and the start to my favorite season is upon us.   We’ve been  busy getting the yard and garden ready. Come on over, and see what’s happening in the ‘burbs.  I’ve got some great tips to share!

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Meet the Hogans

A while back, my daughter got a bee in her bonnet that she wanted to go fishin’ with her grandpa in Texas.  I’m not sure from where the idea came, since she’d never been fishing, but once an idea gets in her head, it’s stuck! So on our Spring Break Texas trip, Papa Charlie was determined his granddaughter would get that dream!  Since his pond water level was so low and has only minnows and baby catfish, he called his friends from the neighboring ranch to see if we could fish at their lake.  They graciously said yes.  Head back to Texas with me, and meet the Hogans, a most inspiring couple, doing what they can to create a retreat for wild birds almost lost to the native Texas hill country.

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A Farmgirl Goes Home

Living in Connecticut, I don’t  see relatives as often as I’d like. For my daughter’s Spring Break, my hubby suggested she and I spend a week with my family. Take a “Farmgirl” trip with me as we head to the Great State of Texas!

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Winning the Lotto – What Would YOU Do?

There’s been much media “hoopla” lately over the big New York Lottery. There’s buzz everywhere…the grocery store, the parent pick-up line at school, and of course, all over the news.  I’ve never been a  lottery player.  I’m not a negative-Nelly, but it’s always seemed to me a waste of money, because the odds of winning are miniscule. (I prefer to think of myself as sensible. I’d rather take that $5.00 and buy a magazine or a couple packets of seeds for the garden). But, when you hear of someone winning, whose life is gonna drastically change, you can’t help but wonder, “What would I do if it were me?”

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