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”.

What a Year, What a Month, What a Week!

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

Hello, Suburban Farmgirl Friends! It’s officially “spring” now, and as the seasons change, I am reflecting on what a year it’s been…what a month it’s been…and what a WEEK it’s been!

Since my last post just a month ago, so much has happened. In my neck of the woods, we have experienced two seasons’ weather, celebrated my birthday and Easter, and in just one week, we had sleet, snow, sun and 75 degrees, two Earthquakes and the Eclipse! How fast time flies, and things can change!

First off, congratulations to the winner of my drawing from last month’s blog post, Debbie. I hope you enjoy all the goodies heading your way!

As I write this, today marks one year to the day since our sweet chihuahua passed away at 15 years old (maybe older, we were never quite sure, as he was a rescue).

At only five pounds, he made up for his small stature with tons of personality. We have had pets “cross the rainbow bridge” before, but losing Pip was especially hard. Maybe it was because he was so small and delicate, or maybe because he was part of my daughter’s childhood. He was so deeply loved! His paws definitely left prints on our hearts, and we still feel his absence. I read recently that many companies are now adopting “pet bereavement” policies for their employees, with a recent study finding that most of us who own pets consider them family. I think that’s wonderful! Our pets definitely are family!

On a happier note, the pup we adopted from our favorite rescue in fall of 2022 settled in well and stepped up to being the “baby” of the family! My daughter bought him an Easter basket this year from a local vet. Rescues really appreciate love and being spoiled! He was so happy, he “sang”!

It is said that if you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a moment and it will change. That certainly has rung true recently. It seems like we have had a year of continuous rain. We’ve had so many cold, wet, rainy and overcast days in Connecticut the last year, that I was feeling a bit salty – wondering why everyone was getting so excited over an Eclipse, when it seems like it’s already always so dark!

Then, we started feeling warm days and sunnier weather with blooms starting to show. One morning last week, we woke up to beautiful, perfect spring weather.

Then, we had sleet and snow.

A day or so later, it was up to 75 degrees! It felt like summer! My little pup and I were so happy to hit our favorite walking trails. He looked like the King of the World as we took a break from our exercise.

By Friday, it was back to more seasonal weather, still pretty nice but not quite so warm. That morning, my daughter was home and in the back room enjoying a late morning cup of coffee. I was just finishing putting up the Easter decor. I keep my vintage glass bunnies in a curio cabinet, since they’re so delicate. Just as I was placing them in the cabinet, I heard what sounded like a very large dump truck go by the house, but then the sound did not pass, feeling like it was coming closer, like a rolling wave.

Suddenly, the shelves of the curio rattled, the light fixture swung side to side, and the entire house shook with the sound of rattling glass! It took a minute for the shaking to subside, and it scared us all as we tried to register what had just happened. Thankfully, nothing was broken.

We learned later that we experienced a 4.8 earthquake, something of that magnitude we don’t normally feel here in New England, felt from New Jersey and up. It was interesting that my chickens refused to come out of the coop that morning; I assumed they had heard a hawk or other predator. As soon as the quake subsided, they marched out of the coop, business as usual. A second quake of magnitude 4.0 (with a different epicenter, so it was not considered an aftershock) occurred at 6 PM, but none of us felt that one. Still, it was some excitement, though my West Coast friends were amused at how shaken we were, (wink wink).

That Monday, the big, historical Eclipse was to occur.

*It was a bright sunny day when the eclipse was to occur. I was ready – solar and lunar themed jewelry and jacket, and eclipse glasses!*

Our family was all home together, so we made an event out of the day! My daughter bought us all Eclipse glasses, I made us a playlist of eclipse-themed music, and my husband fired up the backyard firepit, the first time this year.

Our dogs seemed normal except for our little one who was more clingy than usual. Still, we left them inside for the day, just to be safe.

Outside, we roasted Smørrebrød, a tradition from Denmark – hot dogs wrapped in bread dough, roasted over a fire, and for dessert, old fashioned s’mores! We had not done that in years!

As the eclipse began, the birds stopped chirping, and the sunlight dimmed.

*The light began to dim as the eclipse approached.*

All was quiet except for one lone wild turkey strolling through the woods. We only went inside to check on our dogs, and to watch the live coverage of the eclipse in Texas and Maine.

A neighbor up the street gave my daughter a special filter for taking pics of the eclipse using a phone, as he had extras. We had so much fun outside, watching the eclipse change, and took some really amazing photos.

We were in the path of 91 percent totality (even though in our photos it looks dark), so the afternoon light only got “dusky”, as opposed to areas of total darkness. I can’t remember when we last enjoyed such a relaxing day outside by the fire, and it was a memorable day at our house.

*Earthquakes, an eclipse…Norman was “bored” by it all and slept through everything, saying “Silly humans, I don’t know what all the fuss is about!” Yawn…*

In all, the eclipse was wonderful to witness. There is so much currently dividing so many, and it was nice to see us all excited, together. It was also nice to see everyone “look up” from their phones for a change!

Life’s definitely been exciting, as of late. I’m also looking forward to warmer temperatures.

*Outdoor creatures are waking up from winter rest, like this large toad we see in the yard that we affectionately named “Bubba”.*

*While inside, my daughter’s pet snakes have come out of bromation. Tiramisu says “Hello”!*

*Peekaboo Peas! Seeds started in March after the snow thawed are peeking out of the ground.*

I’m also looking forward to all the good things that come with the warmer season’s arrival in New England – things such as gardening, farm stands, farmers markets and fairs. Inside, my seeds are started, ready for another season of fresh vegetables, straight from the garden. Outside, everyday something more pops alive with blooms, and we see more and more green – promises of another spring and summer! What a year it’s been!

Thanks for popping by the blog today! Hope you are enjoying your spring. Leave me a comment and let me know how things are going in your neck of the woods!

Floral Fever (and a Giveaway!)

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

Spring has sprung for many of you, dear readers. However, in my part of the country, winter hasn’t quite let go just yet. Even if Mother Nature graces us with some early spring-like days, we usually get a cold snap around St. Patty’s Day, and nothing really starts blooming until April. I’m finding myself with a case of floral fever!

I love flowers and floral patterns! Every room of my house has some nod to flowers and plants – be it a picture, a textile, or a plant. I think living in a cold climate makes me an even bigger fan of florals. I have lived most of my life in Connecticut, yet in my memories I can still clearly see the wildflowers in the Texas hill country from when I was small. A field of Texas wildflowers is a sight I will always miss.

Toddler me, wildflower picking in Texas, 1970 something.

*Fields of flowers, Texas hillcountry, 1970’s*

Living in New England, I appreciate blooming trees and plants now even more, and especially love flowers. I look forward to my favorite flowers blooming each spring, signaling the end of winter’s rest.

*Early spring blooms will be here soon…*

While I love all flowers, my favorite flowers are peonies. I just love their big, fluffy blooms that remind me of an old-fashioned petticoat.

Blooming in cooler climates, peonies have a short bloom time, and can be delicate, losing their petals in a heavy rain. Even so, the scent of a peony is Heavenly!

One event that we look forward to each year is the Connecticut Flower and Garden show. It’s usually at the end of February, and is a sign that the end of winter is near. There are vendors of all sorts, plants, and beautiful displays. Held at the Connecticut Convention Center, it is so exciting to go up the large stairway and into the doors where it is a gardener’s proverbial candy store! This year did not disappoint.

*I really loved seeing “Disney Princess” dresses created from flowers and plants.*

*Could that be the World’s Largest Watering Can?*

We had a wonderful time at the show this year, but my most favorite booth this year was that of a local artist from Westport, Connecticut, Kerstin Rao. Her booth was so bright and happy! My daughter bought me a beautiful tote bag, featuring a stunning bouquet of peonies, as an early birthday present.

*The beautiful birthday bag my daughter bought me is the perfect knitting project bag!* *Using my pretty floral bag makes me smile with the vivid colors and fluffy blooms so perfectly captured.*

Sketching all the time as a child, Kerstin Rao was known in school for her drawings. Originally from Minnesota, Kerstin moved to Kentucky when she was in the third grade, when her college-professor parents moved to the state for positions. An art major in college, when Kerstin moved to New York in the 1980’s, she realized at the time the New York City art trend was grunge and dark – the complete opposite of Kerstin, whose art was more delicate and cheerful. (Kerstin herself is a sunny breath of fresh air). Knowing she had to make a living, a sculptor friend suggested that Kerstin try teaching. She loved it from day one, and teaching became her calling.

Using art as a way to engage and explain to her students, Kerstin was an educator for 34 years, teaching in inner-city schools, and eventually ending up in Westport, Connecticut in 1999.

*Photo courtesy Kerstin Rao, Vivid Cottage*

It was during the lockdown of March 2020 that Kerstin found her second calling, creating the art that now graces her beautiful totes, tea towels and note cards.

*A beautiful tea towel featuring Kerstin’s art*, *photo courtesy Kerstin Rao*

When the Westport Farmers’ Market carefully reopened, the first thing Kerstin bought was a beautiful fresh flower bouquet from Kristin Burrello’s Muddy Feet Flower Farm. (Her bouquets and fresh flowers are amazing)!

Looking at that first purchased bouquet in the breezeway of her home, Kerstin pulled out her sketchpad. Kerstin began sketching bouquets she purchased each week from Kristin, loving the shapes and colors. She would lose herself in drawing, leaving behind the tension and worry of the Pandemic. Kerstin says she feels she “vanished into a world of natural beauty.”

*Kristin Burrello, Muddy Feet Farm, and Kerstin Rao, Vivid Cottage at the Westport Farmers Market. Photo courtesy Kerstin Rao*

After posting her sketches on Facebook, Kerstin received lots of encouragement and requests for items like greeting cards, and the rest is history! Kristin’s flowers inspired her, and she helped Kerstin as a sounding board, as Kerstin left teaching in her late 50’s to become a woman business owner of Vivid Cottage. Kerstin says “bouquets are a tiny world”, and “every bouquet is a fresh opportunity for adventure as an artist.”

To me, flowers are also medicine for the soul. I’m looking forward to spring, summer and fall blooms.

Until then, I will enjoy my bag, my flowery dresses, and other florals. And to help YOU with floral fever, I put together a little floral-themed giveaway: flowery note cards, a cute little hanging sign, flower seed packets, floral emery boards, and beautiful floral seals. One reader this month will be randomly chosen from the comments, so don’t forget to let me know that you stopped by!

Surviving A New England Suburban Winter

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

BRRRRRR….!

Greetings, Farmgirl friends! I hope this blog post finds you all doing well! In my part of the country, the first months of the year are the most difficult part of the winter season. It’s dark, it’s cold, and this year, it’s been R-A-I-N-Y and S-N-O-W-Y! It also seems like everyone we know has had a cold or cough at some point, and the days are long. If anyone knows how to get through endless dreary winter days, it’s all of us in New England!

*It was in the negative digits the day this photo was taken. The sun on the snow was so beautiful.*

While we haven’t gotten endless days of snow (just a bunch at once) or the horrible, below-zero temps we had a year ago at this time, the entire year has been so wet and this past month it has been so dark out much of the day!

With being inside so much, and with so many viruses and respiratory infections that plague this time of year, it’s important to do as much as we can to stay healthy. Eating superfoods is important. One of my favorite superfoods are organic blueberries, chock full of antioxidants. We throw them on cereal and oatmeal, eat them as a snack, throw them in green salads (delicious with a balsamic vinaigrette), and bake them into quick breads and muffins. I eat them all year round, but I especially love it when summer comes and the blueberry bushes I planted in the front of my house many moons ago grace us with a bounty of berries! Until then, I have to buy them at the grocery store.

Since groceries these days are so expensive, (especially fresh produce), I don’t want to waste anything! For berries, I keep them fresher longer by using this trick when storing them. I wash them, letting them drain in a colander. I then transfer them to a glass bowl with a tight-fitting plastic lid (I love the modern Pyrex for this). Before I close the lid, I take a quarter or half sheet of paper towel, and place it on top. I then seal the berries, but turn them upside down in the refrigerator before storing. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, keeping the berries from molding or going bad too quickly. I replace the towel every other day or so, when it becomes damp.

Staying hydrated this time of year is also so important, but many of us forget to drink much in winter because we don’t always feel as thirsty as in warmer months. Indoor air is dry and warm. Still, I get tired of water, even with lemon, and while they don’t have sugar, I try to limit seltzers because too much carbonation isn’t good for us, either.

Decaffeinated and herbal teas are a good choice. One of my favorite thirst-quenchers is iced tea! Teas, especially black and green, are a great source of antioxidents. Lately, I’ve also been enjoying herbal Hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea can be enjoyed hot, but it is especially refreshing served cold! Hibiscus tea hosts a tremendous amount of antioxidants, as well as is reported to host other benefits. Some studies show it may also lower blood pressure (so I drink it sparingly, and it should not be consumed by those on blood pressure medicine). It’s also thought that it may possibly help improve blood fat levels, may improve liver health, help prevent cancer, decrease the growth of bacteria that cause various infections such as UTI’s, and ward off bronchial infections and stomach infections. I love it because it has such a delicious zing, without caffeine. To make any of my iced teas, I pour boiling water over two tea bags in a pitcher, allowing them to steep until the color is nice and deep, adding cold water to top off before storing in the fridge. In addition to decaf black tea and hibiscus tea, I also enjoy making pomegranate iced tea, and other similar herbal flavors such as blueberry (just make sure that the tea is organic, using only natural and not artificial ingredients).

On freezing cold days off, we often love to hurkle-durkle in winter! The term hurkle-durkle (my new favorite word) refers to lounging in bed long after it is really time to get up, a 200-year-old Scottish phrase. Winter is the only time here that we really watch much television. On days off, we will turn off the news, catch up on our reading (or my knitting), perhaps while streaming an episode or two of a good show. We hurkle-durkle while we drink our morning coffee! Two of my favorite series that we have recently binge-watched are Masterpiece Theater’s Poldark series, running from 2015 to 2019 (beyond fabulous),and Only Murders in the Building, currently streaming on Hulu and starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. I’ve really enjoyed this series; it’s something “different”, and the “surprise” guests that show up in season 3 also make it a fun watch. Although, I have never been one to lounge around too long, so after a second cup of joe or so, I have GOT to get up! It’s hard to get going on a cold, wet day when you have warm, snuggling pets with you!

*My littlest dog is a “Hurkle Durkle Master”!*

Eating out has gotten quite pricey, and many restaurants have unfortunately closed in our area. Also, it gets dark here early in the winter, and then temperatures drop. I’d rather stay home and be cozy! A dear friend and I have been making dinners for each other, instead of going out. We take turns going to one another’s home in the early evening. We dine, catch up, and end the evening by 8:30 or so. Recently, she made me the most delicious Italian dinner, served on her beautiful antique china.

When it was my turn, I made a complete Danish dinner of meatballs in curry sauce, and for dessert, aebleskiver, served with homemade strawberry jam from strawberries picked fresh last summer. Simple, inexpensive meals are not complicated to make, and having dinner made for you, while spending time with a dear friend is such a winter pick-me-up.

During the winter, my family also tries to strive for hygge, the Danish term that means coziness, comfort…happiness. Sharing a platter of aebleskiver together, the wood burning stove burning warm with our dogs by our sides, is a treat on a cold day. While there are many variations for aebleskiver, my favorite recipe is a classic, very old Danish recipe that uses just a few simple pantry ingredients always on hand.

*I made this plate of aebleskiver to munch while our family caught the coronation of the new King of Denmark this winter.*

Classic Danish Aebleskiver

1 cup flour,
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs, separated
1 cup milk (I use oat milk due to a family member’s allergy).

Whip egg whites until frothy with peaks. Sift dry ingredients together. Add the milk and egg yolks to the dry ingredients, mix until smooth. Fold in the egg whites. Add oil to each well of an æbleskiver pan. Add dough halfway to each well. Flip, using a fork or skewer when they start to bubble. Dust with powder sugar (or vanilla sugar if you have it).

*I love my well-seasoned, cast iron aebleskiver pan; nowadays aebleskiver pans are widely available at many stores and online, at a variety of prices. You can now even find them on Amazon. *

We have jumped at being outside a bit on days where we’ve had dry weather and sunshine, taking walks. Getting outside, anytime of the year, in the sunshine and fresh air is so important for good health, body and soul (something farmgirls all know very well). We even recently had an afternoon here that reached 53 degrees!

One “warm” afternoon, we were even able to walk on the beach. The water was so still, there were no waves at all. Though in the 40’s, the wind was still cold, reminding us that winter still has a hold. Yet, being by the sea was so good for the soul!

*This sea gull decided to walk along with us a bit.*

However, by mid-week, we had the largest blizzard seen in the area in several years! There will be no “porch sitting” for a while!

*We had to keep shoveling snow so our little dog could go out. Our big dogs are not as thrilled by the snow, and there will be no barbeque on the grill for a bit!*

*Scarlett says, “Oh great. THIS cold, wet stuff again. I am going INSIDE!”*

*My girls and Roo enjoyed a hot treat for breakfast, then retreated to their cozy coop for the rest of the day.*

Schools and businesses are closed. When that happens, however, everything is back to “normal” by the very next day. Winter teaches us to “go with the flow”, to handle change, and to be prepared.

My Viking husband, sans gloves and hat, starts the morning shoveling a path for our beloved pups.

*Even though it is winter, spraying with deer repellent occasionally will deter the deer and other critters from munching buds so there are flowers in the spring.*

While shoveling snow is a workout, winter gives us a chance to slow down a bit before the busy seasons, spring through fall, arrive again. Before the snow hit, there were little signs that winter would eventually end…the rhododendrons have little buds at the tips, snowdrops have bloomed beneath the snow and ice…little signs of brighter days ahead!

I hope your days are bright and your winter is going well! Remember to leave me a comment so I know you dropped by!

Until Next Time…

Farmgirl Hugs,

Nicole

Stepping Into 2024

Posted on January 14, 2024 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

Happy New Year, farmgirl friends! I hope the new year is being kind to you so far! To me, January is “nesting season” – a bit of a lull after the rush of the holidays, and a time to hunker down before the spring comes again. It’s time to step into 2024!

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A Christmas Miracle

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

Happy Holidays to you all, Farmgirl readers! I hope you are having a wonderful season, and that the New Year brings us all joy, good health, and happiness for 2024!

We were dealt with more than our share of not-so-jolly this year, and our holidays were almost ruined by something that could have been a tragedy, a cherry on top of the proverbial “bad sundae”. Instead, we received a true Christmas miracle, and we are so overjoyed! I hope this post puts a smile on your face!

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Thankfulness

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

Hi Farmgirl friends! It’s hard to believe, but here we are at the tail-end of 2023! It doesn’t seem like we should be talking about the end of the year yet, preparing for another winter, and heading into the holidays. The year has sped by, and here we are!

2023 won’t go down in my books as my favorite year. Lately, everyone I know is going through something, it seems. My family has had some great times this year, but we have also had our fair share of disappointments and stress. To top it off, this Thanksgiving, we were supposed to have relatives visit, but now their trip has been postponed until spring. We are disappointed, but now we look forward to seeing them when winter leaves us again.

Thanksgiving. Giving Thanks. So much is going on in the world, it seems like a big ol’ mess. I think it is more important than ever to count our blessings, and embrace the coming holidays, even when things are less than “ideal”. I’m working extra hard to take my own advice! Count blessings; remember to look at the good – not the bad, sad, tedious or stressful things that come – things that are just part of life.

I’ve started my Christmas decorating, but am not doing it all at once – I’m “savoring” it. I am turning off the news more. I’m thankful for family, the wonderful friends I will be seeing during the holidays, and for farmgirl friends near and far. I am trying to be kinder to myself. Less pressure. More thankfulness. The holidays should be a time for joy, not a chore.

I’m thankful for little things. This fall, my daughter and I started doing a bi-weekly yoga class together. I really look forward to each class, and yoga is something I haven’t tried in decades, so it’s new to me. I also can’t wait to turn on Christmas lights, bake cookies, and see Christmas cards in the mailbox! Holidays are special because they give us something special to look forward to. I will keep that going all year – finding things to look forward to; it’s important and creates joy (even the littlest things, like an afternoon cup of coffee)!

This season, I’m making our traditional Thanksgiving meal, even though we are just the three of us. I am thankful that I will have my family at the table. We are also going to be taking dinner to another family, who could use a bit of extra joy this year… It’s not extra work for me to make more, it’s a blessing. Isn’t that what the holidays are about – spreading love and joy?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Until Next Time…Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Haunting the House for the Spooky Season

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

Hey there, farm-ghoul readers! Spooky season is upon us! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, and New England certainly is the place to be! Grab a cup of pumpkin spice tea, and come visit with me as I haunt my house for Halloween!

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So Long, Summer!

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

Happy Fall, Y’all! Where I originally grew up and lived over thirty plus years ago, the weather this time of year was still pretty much the same as it was in the middle of July. In New England, we have four distinct seasons, and each one brings on a different feel inside and out. September and early October often feel “in between”, with nods to both seasons, bringing cooler temperatures and waning sun. Even though it’s “between seasons”, there is still much to do, indoors and out!

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The Last Bit O’ Summer

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen

It’s so hard to believe that summer is almost over, at least by the calendar, but it’s not over yet. As I mentioned before, it’s been a weird summer weatherwise. However, there’s still some summer to be had!

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