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I have a strong feeling during this time of year that I don’t want to purchase gifts just for the sake of having something to give. I feel that everything I give absolutely must come from the heart. And for that to happen it usually either comes out of my sewing room or my kitchen!
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My husband and I have been at my Mom and Dad’s in New Mexico for the last week and one of the things I love so much when we come home to visit is my Momma’s amazing home-made Mexican food. I feel like I can hardly get enough of it! I told my Mom that since I would be working on this blog post while I’m at her house then she gets to choose what I’m going to write about. Lucky for all you readers she said, “How about you tell everyone how I make Red Chile Stacked Enchiladas”? I was excited because that meant I would get to eat them! So, here is a little tutorial of my special and amazing Momma making her famous red enchiladas.
Mary Ann Pedersen says: Best blog ever!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary Ann! Thank you!
– Dori –
edee zwiefelhofer says: I know they sell a frozen red chile container in the freezer couldn’t it be used instead?
Dori Troutman says: Hi Edee! I had NO idea but that is a fabulous idea! I wonder if it is 100% red chile puree or if it has tomato sauce added? I will have to check it out in my local grocery store and see if they have it. I will also go back into my post and edit it to add that suggestion! Thanks!
– Dori –
Perfect! I really miss the great Mexican food we got in Tucson, so this is on my list!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marlene,
Oh yes… Tucson has some amazing Mexican food!!!! I bet you do miss it!
– Dori –
Krista says: Dori, thanks for sharing such a special recipe with us! I am not the biggest fan of Mexican food, but my family sure is! I will definitely share this recipe with them and give it a try. The main reason I avoid Mexican food is because of how spicy it is. Do you think this recipe is spicy or mild? I am also interested in trying an enchilada with an egg on top! Sounds really interesting.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Krista!
Since this enchilada sauce is made out of nothing but the chile peppers then the “heat” all depends on how hot the peppers are. There are no other spices added so it is really nice because there are nothing that would upset a stomach, etc… I feel that red chile tends to be milder than when it is green and fresh off the plant, but maybe I’m wrong. These were not hot at all. You also can order mild chile from the website I mentioned. And then the enchiladas would totally not be hot. And yes…. try it with the egg on top. I mean seriously you cannot believe how good it is! 🙂
– Dori –
Krista says: Thank you, Dori! I will give these a try knowing that I can have it mild! I’m looking forward to tasting them.
Jodie says: Singing to my heart. My Grannie is from Estancia, NM. I grew up with a fried egg on top of a lot of her dishes and it is delish! Everytime I got home to the Midwest to visit Grannie, I get a dish like this since she’s knows I love it. There’s something about having someone special make you their special comfort food, but your post has encouraged me to try to make this on my own. Thanks to you and your momma for sharing.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Jodie,
Oh Estancia, NM. I know where that is! And I’m so happy that someone understands how amazing a fried egg on top of Mexican food is! 🙂
And yes… having that special Mom or Grannie make the food of our childhood for us is such a wonderful feeling.
Thanks for writing.
– Dori –
Christine says: It has been many years since I sat at the table of your parents home but, reading this sure brought back memories and made me long for a good ole visit. My children (now adults) often speak of your family when they reminisce about their childhood.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Christine,
Awww… thank you. That is the sweetest comment. WE have amazing and special memories of you and your children too.
Hugs,
– Dori –
Christine says: I also wanted to say, great picture of your mother – she doesn’t age. Also, one absolutely must have an egg on top when having Red Chile Stacked Enchiladas!
Hi Dori!
This post sure made me hungry for authentic Mexican food. We do have a couple of good mexi restaurants here, but they are few and far between. What a fun week you had with your mama…I’m glad you got some time together in her kitchen! She’s a cutie. The recipe seems pretty simple and looks delicious. I just may give it a try on a cold New England day this winter.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Deb
Dori Troutman says: Hi Deb,
Come visit me…. I’ll cook you up some yummy Mexican food! We have numerous restaurants here in Tennessee that everyone raves about being amazing. But… well, no. 🙁 They are not!
Happy December! Hope you’re keeping warm.
xoxo
– Dori –
Vivian Monroe says: Oh my goodness I cannot wait to try. My best friends mom (who was like my mom) taught me to cook alot of mexican dishes as she was from Mexico. I just finished making tamales last week and probably will make another batch next week. You probably can buy red chill sauce already made but it is not the same. I grow my own peppers, and let them turn red on the plant then pick them string them up with thread to dry, then I roast them in the oven just a bit, and then grind and make my own pepper. The taste is so amazingly different from red pepper you buy in the store. So I feel like the fresh made chilli is going to be alot tastier than canned or frozen. I am so exicted to try this. Thank your mom for sharing her wonderful recipe. I enjoyed this post as it reminded me so much of being in the kitchen with mama Cindy. she has gone home to be with the Lord now, but I know she smiles down everytime I make her tamales, or make homemade tortillas. (she knows somebody was paying attention in the kitchen) 🙂 Be blessed and thanks again for sharing.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Vivian,
Oh I would love to try your tamales! Do you make them with pork? That is how we always made them.
And I agree…. if the red chile pepper sauce isn’t fresh, it isn’t going to taste the same. Definitely not if it’s canned. I’ve looked at the ingredients of canned enchilada sauce and I just have to laugh!
And do you make home-made tortillas too? I’ve made them, but honestly I’m not very good at it. I need to do it a lot and they would get better I’m quite sure!
Thanks for writing,
– Dori –
Patty Guitierez says: Thank you so much for taking us step by step how to make the red sauce and great meal.
I never knew how the red sauce was made so used Las Palmas sauce. Can this be used for the tamale sauce?
Thank you. Patty
Dori Troutman says: Hi Patty! YES!!! This is exactly what we use for tamales.
– Dori –
Cindi says: Wow someone else uses the egg! How that warms my heart. My mom used to make rolled enchilada and always stuffed them with chopped cooked eggs and cheese. She also taught me to dip the tortilla in the sauce, as opposed to just pouring it over the top. Much better dipped (funny how you really can tell the difference). One year I decided to have enchiladas for Christmas dinner ~ just to mix things up a bit for kids hauling their young families from relative to relative for holiday dinners. It was such a hit I now get requests. Yep. This Thanksgiving was not turkey 🙂 So glad I finally got time to get back to your blog! Almost done with my over-enthusiastic response to your quilt challenge way back… when was that?! 🙂 Season’s best to you!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Cindi!
Good to hear from you again!
I can’t even remember when my quilt challenge was – a year ago maybe? But I’ve just ordered fabric for two twin size quilts. Maybe I should issue another challenge to motivate myself to get them done in a hurry! I do love the quilting process though… all the way through.
Send me a picture when you finish yours!
– Dori –
Joan says: Oh double YUMMMMMM!!! Haven’t had breakfast and this is totally my kind of eats, well it is this morning. I love foods from all over the world and living in Colorado, so close to New Mexico, well lots of good Mexican food here but now I can make it myself. Loved seeing your Mother. God bless.
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Joan! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE mexican food for breakfast! Green chile cheese tamales is my favorite breakfast food! 🙂
– Dori –
Dori. thank you so much for this post. i could almost taste it looking at the pictures 🙂 i have tried to make beans (like your mom made) but have not had any luck. would your mom be willing to share her recipe? Thank you,
Sonya
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sonya,
Most definitely my Mom would share “her” recipe!!! I’ll try to do a blog post on it soon!
– Dori –
Karen Brown says: Oh gosh, wow, looks so yummy. I might try these this looonnnggg cold winter. Thanks.
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My husband and I have been at my Mom and Dad’s in New Mexico for the last week and one of the things I love so much when we come home to visit is my Momma’s amazing home-made Mexican food. I feel like I can hardly get enough of it! I told my Mom that since I would be working on this blog post while I’m at her house then she gets to choose what I’m going to write about. Lucky for all you readers she said, “How about you tell everyone how I make Red Chile Stacked Enchiladas”? I was excited because that meant I would get to eat them! So, here is a little tutorial of my special and amazing Momma making her famous red enchiladas.
Mary Ann Pedersen says: Best blog ever!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary Ann! Thank you!
– Dori –
edee zwiefelhofer says: I know they sell a frozen red chile container in the freezer couldn’t it be used instead?
Dori Troutman says: Hi Edee! I had NO idea but that is a fabulous idea! I wonder if it is 100% red chile puree or if it has tomato sauce added? I will have to check it out in my local grocery store and see if they have it. I will also go back into my post and edit it to add that suggestion! Thanks!
– Dori –
Perfect! I really miss the great Mexican food we got in Tucson, so this is on my list!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marlene,
Oh yes… Tucson has some amazing Mexican food!!!! I bet you do miss it!
– Dori –
Krista says: Dori, thanks for sharing such a special recipe with us! I am not the biggest fan of Mexican food, but my family sure is! I will definitely share this recipe with them and give it a try. The main reason I avoid Mexican food is because of how spicy it is. Do you think this recipe is spicy or mild? I am also interested in trying an enchilada with an egg on top! Sounds really interesting.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Krista!
Since this enchilada sauce is made out of nothing but the chile peppers then the “heat” all depends on how hot the peppers are. There are no other spices added so it is really nice because there are nothing that would upset a stomach, etc… I feel that red chile tends to be milder than when it is green and fresh off the plant, but maybe I’m wrong. These were not hot at all. You also can order mild chile from the website I mentioned. And then the enchiladas would totally not be hot. And yes…. try it with the egg on top. I mean seriously you cannot believe how good it is! 🙂
– Dori –
Krista says: Thank you, Dori! I will give these a try knowing that I can have it mild! I’m looking forward to tasting them.
Jodie says: Singing to my heart. My Grannie is from Estancia, NM. I grew up with a fried egg on top of a lot of her dishes and it is delish! Everytime I got home to the Midwest to visit Grannie, I get a dish like this since she’s knows I love it. There’s something about having someone special make you their special comfort food, but your post has encouraged me to try to make this on my own. Thanks to you and your momma for sharing.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Jodie,
Oh Estancia, NM. I know where that is! And I’m so happy that someone understands how amazing a fried egg on top of Mexican food is! 🙂
And yes… having that special Mom or Grannie make the food of our childhood for us is such a wonderful feeling.
Thanks for writing.
– Dori –
Christine says: It has been many years since I sat at the table of your parents home but, reading this sure brought back memories and made me long for a good ole visit. My children (now adults) often speak of your family when they reminisce about their childhood.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Christine,
Awww… thank you. That is the sweetest comment. WE have amazing and special memories of you and your children too.
Hugs,
– Dori –
Christine says: I also wanted to say, great picture of your mother – she doesn’t age. Also, one absolutely must have an egg on top when having Red Chile Stacked Enchiladas!
Hi Dori!
This post sure made me hungry for authentic Mexican food. We do have a couple of good mexi restaurants here, but they are few and far between. What a fun week you had with your mama…I’m glad you got some time together in her kitchen! She’s a cutie. The recipe seems pretty simple and looks delicious. I just may give it a try on a cold New England day this winter.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Deb
Dori Troutman says: Hi Deb,
Come visit me…. I’ll cook you up some yummy Mexican food! We have numerous restaurants here in Tennessee that everyone raves about being amazing. But… well, no. 🙁 They are not!
Happy December! Hope you’re keeping warm.
xoxo
– Dori –
Vivian Monroe says: Oh my goodness I cannot wait to try. My best friends mom (who was like my mom) taught me to cook alot of mexican dishes as she was from Mexico. I just finished making tamales last week and probably will make another batch next week. You probably can buy red chill sauce already made but it is not the same. I grow my own peppers, and let them turn red on the plant then pick them string them up with thread to dry, then I roast them in the oven just a bit, and then grind and make my own pepper. The taste is so amazingly different from red pepper you buy in the store. So I feel like the fresh made chilli is going to be alot tastier than canned or frozen. I am so exicted to try this. Thank your mom for sharing her wonderful recipe. I enjoyed this post as it reminded me so much of being in the kitchen with mama Cindy. she has gone home to be with the Lord now, but I know she smiles down everytime I make her tamales, or make homemade tortillas. (she knows somebody was paying attention in the kitchen) 🙂 Be blessed and thanks again for sharing.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Vivian,
Oh I would love to try your tamales! Do you make them with pork? That is how we always made them.
And I agree…. if the red chile pepper sauce isn’t fresh, it isn’t going to taste the same. Definitely not if it’s canned. I’ve looked at the ingredients of canned enchilada sauce and I just have to laugh!
And do you make home-made tortillas too? I’ve made them, but honestly I’m not very good at it. I need to do it a lot and they would get better I’m quite sure!
Thanks for writing,
– Dori –
Patty Guitierez says: Thank you so much for taking us step by step how to make the red sauce and great meal.
I never knew how the red sauce was made so used Las Palmas sauce. Can this be used for the tamale sauce?
Thank you. Patty
Dori Troutman says: Hi Patty! YES!!! This is exactly what we use for tamales.
– Dori –
Cindi says: Wow someone else uses the egg! How that warms my heart. My mom used to make rolled enchilada and always stuffed them with chopped cooked eggs and cheese. She also taught me to dip the tortilla in the sauce, as opposed to just pouring it over the top. Much better dipped (funny how you really can tell the difference). One year I decided to have enchiladas for Christmas dinner ~ just to mix things up a bit for kids hauling their young families from relative to relative for holiday dinners. It was such a hit I now get requests. Yep. This Thanksgiving was not turkey 🙂 So glad I finally got time to get back to your blog! Almost done with my over-enthusiastic response to your quilt challenge way back… when was that?! 🙂 Season’s best to you!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Cindi!
Good to hear from you again!
I can’t even remember when my quilt challenge was – a year ago maybe? But I’ve just ordered fabric for two twin size quilts. Maybe I should issue another challenge to motivate myself to get them done in a hurry! I do love the quilting process though… all the way through.
Send me a picture when you finish yours!
– Dori –
Joan says: Oh double YUMMMMMM!!! Haven’t had breakfast and this is totally my kind of eats, well it is this morning. I love foods from all over the world and living in Colorado, so close to New Mexico, well lots of good Mexican food here but now I can make it myself. Loved seeing your Mother. God bless.
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Joan! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE mexican food for breakfast! Green chile cheese tamales is my favorite breakfast food! 🙂
– Dori –
Dori. thank you so much for this post. i could almost taste it looking at the pictures 🙂 i have tried to make beans (like your mom made) but have not had any luck. would your mom be willing to share her recipe? Thank you,
Sonya
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sonya,
Most definitely my Mom would share “her” recipe!!! I’ll try to do a blog post on it soon!
– Dori –
Karen Brown says: Oh gosh, wow, looks so yummy. I might try these this looonnnggg cold winter. Thanks.
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All summer I’ve been wanting to write a blog post about the flower farming business that my daughter and I have. Every time I think about it, this thought comes to my mind: “How would I describe why our flower business is so special to us”? And the words just evade me.
Cyndie Gray says: this is so special & so sweet….really wish i could be a regular customer at your little stand with the amazingly beautiful flowers!!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Cyndie. I wish you lived close enough to be my customer too. I would actually deliver them right to your door!
Hugs to you dear friend!
– Dori –
Krista says: Congratulations Jennifer! Enjoy your MaryJanesFarm Farmgirl DIY issue!
Dori, I am so happy to hear that your flower business means so much to you and your family! I also love that you go off the honor system and you have so many wonderful people in your community who abide by it. How nice for you to have met those wonderful ladies while you were setting up. It melts my heart for you! Maybe you should take a day to sit there and meet some of your clients and hear their stories. I wish you were in driving distance of me so I could come get some flowers for my home as well!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Krista!
My daughter and I have considered doing that very thing…. sitting there and chatting! The honor system is amazing. So many people told us it would never work and we had our doubts too; but it is incredible how it DOES work. It is one of my favorite things about it.
I wish you were within driving distance too!
– Dori –
Carol Johnson says: Your flowers are truly beautiful! How blessed you are to be able to do what you love with people you love and share with others! Thank you.
Carol
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Carol.
I do very much consider it a blessing in my life. One of my favorite things is watching the grand-girls grow up in the garden. My daughter and I hope that they can take it over someday.
– Dori –
Karen says: Dori,
You amaze me! This story made my heart happy. I LOVE flowers. I love that you do this for your community. Tennessee is not that far away…from FL. Hopefully someday I will be able to see your flower stand, buy a jar of happiness and have a wee visit!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Karen,
Thank you. I love flowers too – they just make my heart sing! 🙂 And no; we’re not that far from Florida! If you take a trip this way, please let me know!!!!
– Dori –
Well, you finally found ALL the right words. Thank you for filling my heart this morning. Joe Barron, former owner of the historic 4-story flour mill that I now steward, had an honor system “store” for his flour. His sign (that I still have) said, “If no one here, help yourself.”
Dori Troutman says: Hi MaryJane,
Well, typical me… no words and then ALL the words!!! 🙂
Love that sign… I think I need that in my kitchen! Ha!
Thanks MJ!
Hugs,
– Dori –
Kerrie H says: Hi Dori- Thank you so much for blessing so many. We have a farm stand nearby that does honor system, too, and it does work. I love going out there. I have raised beds for veggies but flowers have always been on my list. You have inspired me to go for it.
Love your posts. I’ve made lots of your crocheted dish clothes and they are just too cute! Keep making smiles! ~~Kerrie
Dori Troutman says: Hello Kerrie,
Thank you for writing. Isn’t there something about an honor system that just makes you feel good all over??? I love it.
I’m so happy you make my crocheted dish cloths. They are the best gift ever aren’t they??
– Dori –
P.S. And yes… go for the flowers!!!
Donna Collins says: I wish I lived closer too!(I live in NJ) Flowers just make me happy (yours are beautiful!). Thank you for sharing your life with us, you and your family are an inspiration!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Donna,
Too bad New Jersey is so far from Tennessee!
Thank you so much for your sweet words and for writing.
– Dori –
Pam says: Dori, I so enjoy reading your farm life experiences. I have to say, however, that this one is my favorite because it involves your whole family in sharing and providing a sweet and loved service to your community. Don’t ever stop writing. Oh, and I just LOVE Zinnias!!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Pam,
Yes… there is something about the whole family being involved that really makes it special. And for me, being with my daughter every morning is the icing on the cake.
Thank you for your encouragement to keep writing. Sometimes it’s a struggle to get the words out the way I want! 🙂
– Dori –
P.S. And yes… oh my word, Zinnias are my favorite flower ever. They are so miraculous the way they just bloom and bloom and bloom!
Thanks so much for sharing. It has always been a dream of mine to sell flowers just like this. Your post has motivated me so much. Such a sweet article!
Dori Troutman says: Dear Rebecca,
Jump into it. The amazing thing is that you don’t much land. If you read Deb’s posts (the Beach Farmgirl) she grows and sells flowers from her backyard beds. It is amazing.
Thank you for writing!
– Dori –
Irene says: Dori, your flowers are beautiful. I love the idea of selling them in the mason jars. I wish we lived closer to TN. Its a beautiful state. My husband grew up in Greenville TN. Love your article in the Farmgirl DIY issue.
Dori Troutman says: Hello today Irene! 🙂
Thank you for writing to me; you know how much I appreciate it!
It was my daughter’s idea to sell the flowers out of mason jars. We wanted something sustainable and it sure is. We are amazed at how many people return their jars too.
Tennessee is a very beautiful state. I’m not sure where Greenville is – I must look that up!
– Dori –
P.S. That DIY article was a fun one to write! But I stressed those measurements until I though I would lose my mind! Ha Ha!!!
Nanette Boots says: Dori – your flower arrangements are beautiful. I don’t recognize the spiky hot pink/magenta flowers. What are they? Wonder if they’d grow in our climate. Thanks, N
Dori Troutman says: Hi Nanette!
Those pretty spiky hot pink flowers are Pampus Plume Celosia. They are beautiful as filler in a bouquet. We love it. We also grow it in a yellow color, but this purple is our favorite.
I think they are really versatile for climate. I’m on a Facebook flower farming group and people grow it from the New England states to the hot Texas states. We are very hot here in Tennessee and surprisingly very dry (we dry farm our flowers) and it does great. Not sure where you are located, but I would sure give it a try.
Thanks for writing!
– Dori –
Nanette Boots says: Thanks for the info, Dori. I live in North Dakota and am moving to South Dakota for the next growing season. Can’t wait to give it a try. Too bad there’s 6 months of snow and cold before then! N
Marilyn says: Those flowers are gorgeous. What makes it even more special is the fact that it involves your daughter and her family. Continued success with the flower stand.
Marilyn
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Marilyn,
Yes… the fun is in Andrea and I doing it together. And of course the little girls too. I wouldn’t enjoy it near as much if I was trying to do it by myself!
– Dori –
Deanne says: I really enjoyed your story. I am a flower grower and lover as well and want to do what you are doing. The flower garden is a place of solace and meditation and is truly healing. Thanks for sharing. You give encouragement to the dreamers.
Dori Troutman says: Hello Deanne,
It is one of those things that I think a person can’t even describe – you almost have to experience it don’t you think? The healing in the flower garden. It is real.
Thank you for writing!
– Dori –
linda says: You are such a joyful inspiration on this rainy day in Northern California. I had not seriously thought about planting a flower garden so next year..yes.
I recently looked at our crop of Cinderella pumpkins and had a second look; like I had never really seen them before. Their deep beauty touched my deepest heart.
Thank you so very much for sharing your flowers your heart
Dori Troutman says: Hi Linda,
Oh yes, please plant a flower garden! We order from rareseeds.com and they have the most amazing heirloom zinnias you’ll ever grow! My favorite.
I think you are so right – sometimes we have to just sit and look at something through new eyes. And pumpkins are so gorgeous. I told my husband that my daughter and I need a little more area plowed up and composted and we’re going to plant some pumpkins to sell on our stand next year! We had some there for decoration and someone bought them! No…. they didn’t steal them, they bought them! Isn’t that hilarious?!! 🙂 So do you grow a crop for selling or just enjoying?
Thanks for writing,
– Dori –
Marlene Capelle says: You and your family are one of the luckiest families in forever. I think you are growing peace in a small way that is bigger than you can imagine.
Dori Troutman says: Dear Marlene,
Your comment brought tears to my eyes. It was just such a beautiful thing to say and I think you for that.
I do recognize how lucky we are and I try to never take it for granted. But thank you so much for that reminder.
– Dori –
Vivian Monroe says: Dori, what beautiful flowers and what a wonderful sweet group of customers you have. I love the box of jars as a blessing. how sweet. You and beach farmgirl Deb have the most beautiful flowers. Lots of work but worth all of the kind words and smiles. Be BLessed. Neta
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Neta,
Yes, Deb and I are both so lucky to be fellow flower farmers (and believe me, we trade notes via email quite frequently!). I will say here that I’ve never seen such beautiful Dahlias as the one that Deb grows in New England. Unfortunately we have no luck with Dahlias down South with the heat. We keep trying though and I’m determined to find the right shady spot to make them grow! 🙂
– Dori –
MarciD says: Love it! This inspired my 8 year-old daughter to make flower arrangements from the remaining zinnias in our garden and take them in to her teachers at school. Her grandma taught her how to arrange flowers over the summer (I missed out on the flower green thumb gene). She has plans to plant more flowers in our garden next year and have a little flower stand.
Dori Troutman says: Hello Marci,
Oh I’m so happy that I inspired your daughter!!!! That is the most exciting thing ever! I hope she enjoys it as much as my eight-year old grand-daughter does. It is such an awesome things for kids to learn!
You’ll have to let me know next summer!
– Dori –
P.S. http://www.rareseeds.com is our favorite place for ordering heirloom zinnia seeds. They are big and beautiful!
MarciD says: Thank you. I will check it out.
Joyce Winget says: Loved your story. I’m retired now and my dream is to have a flower farm like yours. I just need to talk my husband into buying land with full sun. Our little acre has too much shade for my dahlias and peonies. Joyce
Lovely article and farmstand. I got to read it again when it showed up in my new issue of MaryJane’s Farm. A great followup would be the business side of things. I’m going to retrofit an old milk can as a chained-down pay drop. Do you have any suggestions or do’s and don’ts for starting a stand? Thanks!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Karin,
Thank you! Yes it was fun having my article in the magazine this month as well! 🙂
I love the idea of a milk can for a pay drop. Great idea!!!
The thing I think I would recommend most on getting a farm stand started and getting the word out is social media. A Facebook page is a MUST!!! It’s a great way to keep everyone informed of what you have on your flower stand each day and just keep them reminded about it! We share a picture almost every day during growing season and when there is a good picture, it really generates more “likes” and therefore more traffic. AND more shares of course! We also encourage people who buy our flowers to take pictures and tag us or post to our page and that generates interest and almost a competitive edge in a sense… people see the pictures and think “Oh I need to do the same thing”! Ha! 🙂 You can view our FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/Farm-Fresh-823504691015424/
– Dori –
Hi Dori,
Thanks for the social media reminder. Plus, we’ll be doing a good deed for the community by cheering everybody up with beautiful flower shots …
linda says: Love the flowers beautiful!
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Have you heard the acronym DIH instead of DIY? I just recently found out that it means “do it herself”! And I love that! I’m very much a DIH kind of Farmgirl and that is probably because I was raised by a mother, who was also raised by a mother, that wasn’t afraid to tackle anything.
Joan H says: Happy Greetings, Dori!
I like to sew also, so this post is especially enjoyable! I love, love, love the tour of your room and the project you did too. For me there is nothing so special than to have my own special space. Bravo! I now have an extra machine for my granddaughter too. Fun!
That extra edition magazine is one I’m looking forward to.
Thank you!
Joan
FG 6465
Cindy says: Love your idea and your sewing room. So neat and tidy. I know a cleared up room helps to make you more creative. I need to figure out how to be more organized with my sewing things. Would love a copy of this magazine. Thanks.
Jena says: Cute post. Definitely can agree with finding new purpose for the things we own. I just love getting outta the box for purpose!
Jena
Maxine says: Dori, this post just amused me so much, as it’s exactly something I would do! I really do love your craft room! BTW, I’m sure that magazine copy has my name all over it! LOL!
Krista says: I love DIY projects. Or better yet DIH projects! I know that Home Depot offered classes for children, but I didn’t know about the adult classes. They sound like so much fun. I will have to sign up for one sometime and drag my mom along. Your new shelf turned out way nice. Repurposing what you have is always the best. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Thank you for the magazine giveaway. I can’t wait to check it out.
I love to sew and do crafts. My craft room has my desk to computer, sewing machine, and wall to wall craft supplies, and projects. That was a very good idea of yours.I wish my craft room could look so neat.
Denise Ross says: Dori, I love what you’ve done with your (old/new) shelf unit. It looks fabulous.
I love dih ing. I’ve got a beautiful detailed did cabinet that a client was throwing out. We rescued it, painted it a beautiful white, and changed out the top on it from an ugly marble one to a beautiful high gloss hardwood timber one and it just looks amazing. I’ve done a desk/dresser that I found at a thrift store for $25, with brass handles which I polished right up and it looks so beautiful. I use it every day. I love repurposing things, making old things workable and beautiful again. The process is just as wonderful as enjoying the end result and knowing I’ve done it, is the best feeling. I’m always looking for inspiration too from others projects too. Well done. Love the wooden barrel too. I can just imagine that at your place.
Blessings to you
Denise
Australia
Good work, sister farmgirl!!! That looks amazing and encourages me to get to organizing and quilting!!
Megan says: Your shelf turned out beautiful! I would love to win a copy of the magazine. 🙂
Jennifer says: Dori
I’m an avid reader of your posts and I share them with my favorite friend. One of my vocations is Family Physician so you can imagine how pressed for time I am, but your posts inspire my thinking and provide a dreamy escape to the farm. If you’d like to come do a DIH project on our 32 acres in Idaho, you’d be ever so welcome.
We even have a gravel road…
Jennifer
Debbie cook says: I love your website and your projects, especially the quilted ones…
Valerie says: What a wonderful and sweet story! And the project you complete such a grand idea for me too with my art stuff. i do oil painting and now it needs a good cabinet that would hold all my needs. Been such a long time I have been painting but I need to get back to it. LOVE the concept “do it herself”. Just love it. To enjoy it more with the new magazine would be so “Love it”.
Lorena Caler says: Would love to have a copy. But the shipping to my address is almost twice what you’re selling the magazine. I’ll take my chances on winning and if I don’t, I’ll buy the newstand copy.
Sandy says: I would love to win the Mary Jane DIY issue. Thanks for the chance.
Elizabeth says: I would love to win a copy! You storage makeover is beautiful!
beth midkiff says: I would love to receive one of the DIH books! It’s my style!!
Linda Stiglich says: I love to see old things”repurposed”, as they are usually better built and have character that is so lacking these days. Good work, now you have something you can be proud of for many reasons! Thanks for the heads up on the Home Depot projects, too.
I’m so glad you re-cycled your father-in-law’s work! What a great feeling! And I love D.I.Herself.
If I don’t win the new publication, I will definitely order it or track it down! Looks awesome!
Jane Parsons says: I too love to DIY or the newest version for us gals, DIH. That fits me so much better. I’m always figuring out how to take an object and make it better or just reuse and recycle. Very creative and love the transformation of your rolling shelve.
Love that shelf. My idea of recycling to max.
Gives me some ideas to explore myself.
Thanks
MarciD says: Dori,
I just love your blogs and I love that you include so many pics. Thanks for always brightening my day.
Judy says: Hi Dori – Your sewing room looks great. I know what you mean about repurposing – my precious husband was put to the test time and again to help me in my sewing room renovations. I would love to have a copy of the magazine. thanks for sharing your ideas.
Linda says: Dori,
I just have been reading your facebook post about the rolling book case. I too love old pieces of furniture that I have been given from time to time. I also especially love your little mini quilts. They are perfect above your table. I look forward to doing some mini quilts also. I would love one of the new books. I have her other ones and each time a new one comes out I just sit and read…… Can’t help myself I am addicted to all Mary Janes books and magazines.
Denise says: I love that you took something old and worn and breathed beauty and new life into it! Your sewing room is awesome. I’m sure you must enjoy it immensely now. How wonderful that you spend time sewing with your daughter and granddaughter, making wonderful memories for their storehouse of good times spent with you. I am redoing a place of my own and you have inspired me to DIH. Never heard that term before your blog.
Would love to win a copy of this special edition. Thanks for the opportunity!
Gaye N. Durst says: I love the idea of rescuing something that is a family hand me down! I think of the awesome pieces my dad or my gramps or father in law had made, and the ways they could have been altered if need be.
Carol says: Dori … I love how your shelf turned out! Isn’t it funny how you live with something for forever and then suddenly something happens and you find a better, prettier use for it? I love it! Carol
Rosemary says: You reminded me of something I did a lo-ong time ago. We were given a Magnavox TV but the TV didn’t work and I hated to throw away a perfectly good but too deep mahogany cabinet. So I cut it almost in half (parallel to the front) so I had a back and a front. I set the back part (no doors) on top of the front half that has the doors. I put a couple of shelves in the top part and used brown shoe polish on the edges of the shelves and the cut parts for a perfect match of the colors. I also put one shelf in the bottom part. With a piece of plywood over the whole back it is sturdy and solid. My husband thought I was crazy when I suggested it but it has been a nice looking, useful, step-back cupboard for about 40 years!
I always enjoy reading your postings and have to say I much prefer DIH to DIY, so thanks for that idea! I think remaking old things to work in your life today is not only smart for the environment but often, as in this case, results in creating something much nicer than what’s available commercially now. Good for you and congratulations.
Yes, I would love to receive a copy, and hope it goes to the commenter who needs it most.
Nancy says: Thank you for the sweet story and inspiration! I’ll be checking out craft days at Home Depot, too. 🙂
DJ says: Awesome! Your sewing room looks so nice and organized! I really love it!
Lana Wolford says: So encouraging to see your project finished and I love the smaller quilts on the wall…all inspiring! And…winning the special edition would be as well! Thanks!
Lana Wolford says: I commented but it doesn’t want to post…
Lana Wolford says: There – it finally did!
Marcy says: I just loved reading this and seeing your gorgeous sewing room! Truly inspirational!!
Cindy says: I always shop stores to get ideas and then go home and see what I have to make it with. That way you get new ideas but use what you have.
Rebecca Riccio says: I just bought an old farmhouse and it came with quite a few pieces of old furniture. Your project has given me ideas with some of the furniture I have, especially for my new craft room. Love the idea of using something old and creating something new from it. The only requirement is imagination and a desire to do the job.
Thanks for the ideas.
Nanette Boots says: Dori, I love your new shelf. I too am a DIH and have been all my life. I can’t imagine not tackling a project I want done before I’m too old to enjoy it. It helps to have a handy husband too. Thanks for showing us your special “ME” place.
Susan says: Grandpa Earl would be pleased!
Joyce Baker says: I love what you did with your cabinet!!! It looks great!!! I’m glad you refurbished it after all your father in law put alot of hard work and love into making it!! You just made it better with your hard work and love!!!!! I’m always excited to get my Mary Jane magazines!!!! Love them!!!!!
Lisa Zimmerman says: That turned out so cute. I love up upcycling pieces that are meaningful to family. I’m very excited about the new DIY magazine it’ll be welcomed by the DIH here!
Cathi Greatorex says: This is a fun idea! Thanks for sharing…We recently moved to our dream ranch in the Mission Valley of Montana….The kitchen is HUGE…We have an old dresser, long and narrow…that I see as an island in that kitchen! May take some time to get to..but now that irrigating season is over…there is more time! CG
Tami Cole says: Dori. I love your idea for keeping the wooden shelf. New paint will change the look of everything from days gone by. You just gave me an idea to make fabric wall hangings. Your wall looks so awesome. I love reading your posts . Keep up the great farm gal work . Your an inspiration to me
Tami
Deb Larsen says: I loved reading your story. A dream come true! Most all of our DIH&H( his and her or her and his) projects are on our dining room table. Sometimes more than one sharing the space (Condo Living!) .
Robin Reichardt says: Your sewing room is inspiring me to look atound and see what furniture piece I can repurpose to help make my sewing area as organized as yours. Then maybe I’ll get with it and make it beautiful like you have with your quilted wall hangings!
Robin Crittenden says: I love what you did. It’s awesome. My sewing room could use that.
Bonnie B says: Dori, Your post really made me smile. I can just imagine you standing there with your hand on the cut off piece and telling your husband what you were looking for! I have also done similiar things. I have also gotten rid of something too soon and wished for it back ~ so glad you saw the possibilities before that happened. And you saved a family piece. It looks just perfect now with your little quilts above it. I wish I was as organized!
I would love a copy of the special edition of MJ’s Farm either by winning or I will have to purchase it myself ~ looks so interesting. Thanks for the opportunity and enjoy your room.
Janeen Breyman says: My mother was a seamstress. She had drawers full of fabric and notions. I have fond memories of playing with her button jar. I would love to win a copy of Mary Jane’s new DIY.
Genevieve Caswell says: I sew & quilt a lot, but you just made my day. I really enjoy a good make over project, and anything else that gets me organized. Here’s hoping I win & good luck to everyone!
Your sewing room is an inspiration. You have some really good ideas and you are very “resourceful”… My sewing area is starting to look like “hoarders” ugh! So I would love to win the DIH MaryJanesFarm issue and get more great ideas. Thank You for your blogs…
Karen says: I have so many dih projects and ideas. This magazine gives me the inspiration I need to complete some.
Marion says: Love what you did with that piece of furniture. Thanks for the giveaway.
Marion
.
This summer, three years after we finished building and moved into our home, my husband and I finally started the long and hot project of building the fence around our house. This isn’t just a simple little fence, friends! We’ve dreamed of one of those beautiful post and rail fences that you see all over Tennessee and Kentucky on the horse properties. You know what I’m talking about right?
Denise Ross says: Your fence, looks really fantastic, Dori. Really suits your house. Phew, that is one heavy, hard and hot job. But I’m thinking there’s nothing quite like the feeling of looking out at it now,and going, yay, we did that, doesn’t it look great! I love keeping busy too and a farm would be lovely but not just yet. Love keeping up with what you’re doing. Take care and many blessings to you and yours from Australia.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Denise!
I do think the fence sort of completes our house. Finally.
What is it about keeping busy that is so nourishing? I mean, sometimes I wish I could just SIT AND BE LAZY and I just cannot do it. I really do try! The one place I manage to do that is the beach in Florida and we are heading there soon, so looking forward to that.
Thanks for writing!
– Dori –
Nicki says: Hi, Dori! I have to admit, I have a little bit of “fence envy…” We’ve been needing to replace our split rail fence (“only” about 600 feet in our rural subdivision), and I really wanted a black, 3-rail fence. But to save labor & materials cost, (and especially since we might be “fixin’ to sell”), we’re opting for another split-rail.
In other news, my daughter and I had the opportunity to spend a whole month in Oaxaca, Mexico this summer…a dream come true! (For some strange reason I’d thought the fence would magically appear while we were gone, but no such luck! LOL)
Dori Troutman says: Nicki, I think I would take the Oaxaca trip over the 3-rail fence any day! 🙂 Ha Ha!! Sounds like such an amazing trip. I want to hear more!
And I bet your split rail fence is awesome!
– Dori –
Barbara Livdahl says: I love how y’all came up with a perfect solution for holding those boards in place – brilliant! Everything is looking great.
Joan H says: Wow, great post Dori! I mean rail. No, I mean post, the other kind! Really though, what a huge undertaking. And the fence looks beautiful. Congrats to you both.
Joan
Ginger dawn harman says: Wow, what a farm chore! Looks great. Giving you a Farmgirl Sisterhood Ye Haw…
Stephanie Graham says: I never thought a “fence” story would make me want to cry but I just had a picture of your house and property years from now! Lots of memories to be made there! It’s so neat seeing the progress from the beginning! All the hard work and love you put into everything you do really shows!
It looks beautiful! Can’t wait to see it! I know it was a lot of hard, hot work. And do NOT ask my kids about painting fences black. They will not give you any encouragement . Just wear old clothes! But it will all be worth it in the end!
Adrienne Kristine says: Love your farm house and all the work you did on the fence. Now don’t throw things but have you thought about painting the fence barn red like the gate? I’m suggesting that option by looking at the overall property, your white house and healthy green grass. Just my two cents. Paint on!
Joan says: Oh Dori, thank you so much for your wonderful post!!! Brings back great memories when I was on the farm. ‘Busy’ is nourishing and then to throw in some relaxing fun, well it just doesn’t get any better than that. Your fence looks superb and painted black will make it stand out and enhance your entire property. It will be so much work to do but so rewarding. The two of you make great work-mates. God bless. P.S. give that beautiful TN. ground a hug for me, so miss it.
Val says: If you put wheels on each side of the center of the gate they will be easy to open, and use a roller when you paint the fence. You should be able to do most of it that way.
Krista says: Wow your fence looks fantastic! You guys did such an amazing job! I bet it was a lot of hard work and you are so proud to see it accomplished! My husband has built many fences in his life and he says its some hard work. Glad I haven’t had to build one yet! Good luck with the painting in the future!
Wanda Mouzon says: What a beautiful farm! And I love your narrative about life on it! It makes me miss the farm life when I read your blog. We now live in one of the densest communities south of NYC! They sometimes call South Beach, “little Manhattan”. But like the saying goes, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl!
Robin Reichardt says: You and your husband know how to work smarter not harder!! Looks great!
Vivian Monroe says: It looks great! I know you are glad to have a yard now. 🙂 Be Blessed and Happy fencing on down the road some time.
ps let those grands do the painting, make it a party. 🙂
Wow…what a project! It looks wonderful! Wish I had that around our farm…congrats on a job well done and thanks for sharing!
The fence is wonderful! I have plenty of projects, but my husband never seems to get to any of them. I have asked for weeks for the guns to be taken from the dining room, but they are still there.
Marilyn says: Congratulations on your fence. Nice job.
Marilyn
Jannice Kolsbun says: I really enjoy the pictures of your beautiful home and the people who live there. I always think…what a neat person you are. Busy hands, kind and loving. Your grandchildren must adore you. Jann
.
.
I’m not one to dwell on negative things in the news or world events. It’s not that I want to bury my head in the sand either, but I guess I just choose to dwell on positive things. Things that warm my heart and make my days happier.
Denise Ross says: Lovely post, Dori. There is a lot of awful things happening, but we do need to concentrate on our blessings. Love your photos too. You have a beautiful home and I love nothing more than working up a sweat on a project and looking at it when it’s finished with satisfaction And delight. It it one of life’s joys for sure. Happy summer days to you and winter to me here in Australia. Take care and blessings to you and yours.
Denise
Dori Troutman says: Hi Denise,
We can sure get bogged down in worrying over things and forget to look beyond it.
I agree… nothing like working up a sweat to make a person happy and thankful!
Happy Winter in Australia!
– Dori –
marilyn Khadduri says: Hi Dori,
Thank you for that great advice! Philippians 4:8 gives us the same advice, and a
list of all the things we should keep our minds on. Like you, I choose to keep my
mind on all the blessings I’ve been given.
Blessings,
Marilyn
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marilyn,
I too love Philippians 4:8. All the things we need to think on that keep us happy and content.
Thank you for writing!
– Dori –
I love the photos you have here. Your home looks like it has a spectacular view and please continue to focus on the good things.
Dori Troutman says: Hello Carol,
Our home is a work in progress… I never knew it would take so long to get it all finished and the landscape done! Maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t know!!
Thank you for writing,
– Dori –
Barbara Purvine says: Thank you, Dori! This post just might be a turning point for me, my attitude, and my life!
Dori Troutman says: Hello Barbara,
What a sweet comment and thank you so much for writing me.
Hugs,
– Dori –
Krista says: I couldn’t agree with you more! I am not a fan of dwelling on the negative. I like to think that I am a fairly positive person. Life is to short to be negative and not enjoy the beauty that is all around. I actually found loads of happiness last night as I was out picking veggies from my garden for dinner. It’s the first time I have grown a garden so the excitement is amplified! At the same time it makes me grateful for all the blessings I have and all the positive in my life. Thank you for the reminder of the importance of happiness and the small things that create it!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Krista!
Even though I’ve had vegetable gardens my entire adult life, they still bring me loads of happiness! So don’t think it is just because this is your first garden… you’ll actually probably love it more every year! I always say there are so many life lessons learned in the garden!
Thanks for writing!
– Dori –
MarciD says: Awesome post…your blogs always warm my heart. Farmgirl-ing at it’s finest. Please do a blog out the sewing project with your granddaughter. I would love to do one with my daughter. She has been asking to learn to sew.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marci,
Your words warmed MY heart!
That project with my grand-daughter was so much fun. She and I have been doing several fun sewing projects but I think that one rated right up there as one of the funnest! It really does need a blog post about it!
– Dori –
Maxine says: Your post just makes me smile. I would love more on the sewing too…it looks like such a fun project, and you know I have the perfect Littles to do it with!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Max,
I’m thinking to do a blog post on that project soon. I’ll let you know!!! 🙂
Hugs,
– Dori –
Karen says: Dori,
Thank you for you great advice! I enjoy reading your post and would love for you to start a blog some day. You have a lot of wisdom to share with all of us! I just ordered a subscription to Mary Jane Farms Magazine! Have a blessed day today!
Dori Troutman says: Hello Karen,
I do write a personal blog where I share a lot about my life on our farm and my projects. You can follow it here: http://www.theredfeedsack.com
SO happy you got a subscription to MaryJanesFarm magazine! It is my very, very favorite magazine to read!
– Dori –
Deanne says: Beautiful blog!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Deanne!
– Dori –
Beautiful words, beautiful life, beautiful photos, … Creative and wise living at it’s best!
Love it all… Thank you for sharing your slice of happiness and your friendship!
xoxoxo Deb ( Beach Farmgirl) …
Your flowers are looking amazing, as always and those little grand-girls of yours are precious!!!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Deb. You are such a special friend… so thankful we have each other.
Tight hugs,
– Dori –
Mary Pitman says: I just feel like we’ve had a nice visit. I just LOVE your posts. I love working in the garden in summer and my flowers. I don’t love the heat of summer here in the south, but do love the fresh, home-grown veggies and flowers blooming
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary,
I love that you felt like we had a nice visit and I’m so glad that you wrote and told me. It made me so happy.
The heat in the summer here in the South is pretty stifling isn’t it? And then I remind myself of the heat we had out West and I’d take the South any day because at least it is green!!! 🙂 And we have amazing gardens don’t we?!
Til next time friend… 🙂
– Dori –
Lisa B says: Hi Dori,
Thank You for the reminder to choose happiness! With all of the bad things happening in this world it would be easy to get depressed and feel hopeless. Focusing on my family, home and garden heals my soul. We just picked our first watermelon of the season. It’s the best watermelon I have ever tasted! I love both you and your daughters blogs and enjoy looking at the pictures on your instagram accounts. They bring happiness to my day!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Lisa,
So exciting on your first watermelon of the season!!! I have tried to grow watermelon and they never get anywhere near the ripe stage before the raccoons destroy them. It is so sad.
Thank you writing to me and following along elsewhere too. Big hugs…
– Dori –
Marie says: Love your post. I agree with you. I’m caring for my mom, loving every minute of it. I’m tired but it’s a good tired and I wouldn’t want to be doing any thing else.
We have so many blessings around us so continue to take the time to smell the roses.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Marie,
It warmed my heart and made me so happy to read what you said about caring for your mother. What a beautiful, beautiful attitude to have. It really is a beautiful example of making the best and happiest of some of the hardest experiences.
Thank you for writing!
– Dori –
bobbie Calgaro says: Dori,
What a lovely post. Enjoying the precious gifts of life is important no matter what is going on in the world. We can’t necessarily fix what’s wrong with the world but we can choose to celebrate what’s good and right about it, pass it on to our succeeding generations, treat each other with love, respect, and kindness, and hope that it makes a difference to all.
Dori Troutman says: Dear Bobbie,
Your words were perfect. Exactly what I was trying to say! Thank you!
– Dori –
Sandi King says: Inspiring to say the least, Dori. Thanks for this blog. I always read every comment, every blog, and it feels good to belong to this. I think we all could use uplifting stories that keep us happy, inspired, and looking for the good things in life and being thankful for all our blessings in the small and big things we encounter every day. Inspired by your building your own home – we are trying to fix ours up – smoke damaged throughout – lots of work here. Got a rash from tearing out carpet. Itchy and painful all in one. But so glad to get rid of it. Hope to move in by October this year. Need prayers if anyone is willing. Thanks for your blog.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sandi,
It is so wonderful to have readers that read our blog posts, comments, and encourage us! You’re always there.
Building a house all by ourselves was such an undertaking, but gutting and remodeling is a whole other undertaking that is almost harder in a lot of ways. Such a huge job. But how awesome that you are one your way and have a goal of October!!! I’ll be thinking of you. Keep me posted!
– Dori –
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Denise!
– Dori –
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Lyn!
It’s beautiful days here in Tennessee! Hope you’re doing well?
– Dori –
Cindy says: Love and peace! We need so desperately !! GO TRUMP !!
Dori Troutman says: Cindy,
Thank you so much for writing!
– Dori –
Joan says: Thank you Dori, love n peace and all that God will bring.
Dori Troutman says: Hello Joan,
Thank you so much for writing. The little comments mean a lot.
– Dori –
Diane Loehr says: I just loved your article this month about being happy. I have been going through a horrible time with my husband being in ICU for more than 2 weeks now. The doctors have also decided that there is nothing that can be done and have given him 1-3 months to live. Talk about stress. Your final paragraph made me very happy and I have cut it out and put in on my refrig to read every day or when I am getting depressed with everything that is going on. I too want to be happy again! I too want to laugh and take joy in the simple things life as to offer. Even if it is to pick up a craft project again and try to relax. Have a great day – Diane
Dori Troutman says: Good morning Diane,
My heart goes out to you and I wish I could just give you a very tight hug.
It is such a miracle how we can find peace and joy in the simplest of things and I know that happiness is in your future again.
With love,
– Dori –
P.S. Please keep us posted on your husband.
Meredith Williams says: Prayers for peace, comfort and love going up for you Diane! ❤️
Maureen says: Thanks so much for the great post! I also choose to be positive and believe we all have many blessings. When life gets hurried, step back and take stock. Kindness is always in season. BIg Hugs!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Maureen,
Stepping back and taking stock is such a great thing to do. So often I forget to do that.
And yes, kindness is never out of season! My mother used to say, “In every situation kindness is appropriate”! 🙂
Hugs back,
– Dori –
Dori, you are the best! Every Sunday as I drive our red bus into town for supplies, I look up at your hilltop and wonder what is going on up there. And I am thankful that your farmstead is so beautifully fit into the land, without shouting, “Hey, look, I have commandeered the view of the hilltop!” You are always considerate. I need you to come teach me how to can and grow veggies in general. I do believe I recognize those strawberry baskets. That is something we can do right! Now the strawberry field is a pumpkin field. I love your posts.
Dori Troutman says: Dear Wayve,
YOU are the best. Your words mean the world to me.
And yes those are you strawberry baskets. I use the buckets too! 🙂 I actually said to me daughter the other day, “I wonder how many people use their strawberry baskets all summer for their produce?”!
And your strawberries? Absolutely THE BEST ever. You definitely know how to do that! And oh how I love your strawberries. My very favorite thing about early summer.
Big hugs, Wayve. We’ve got to get through this busy season and then WE ARE GETTING TOGETHER.
– Dori –
Alex says: What a lovely post, Dori! It’s so great to see the amazing abundance of food and beauty you are getting from your farm. Your tomatoes are weeks ahead of ours up here ;)–but we, too, have had a bumper crop of cukes!
Your hand pies looks scrumptious! Thanks for a bit of Farmgirl eye candy amongst the maelstrom of current events, we all need it.
Best to you and yours,
Alex
Dori Troutman says: Hi Alex!
I’ve been hearing about your gorgeous summer! I bet it is positively beautiful. Oh I need to visit Alaska again!
Hugs to you,
– Dori –
Nicki says: I loved your encouraging and uplifting post! And yes, please do tell us about Illustrated Sewing!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Nicki!!!
– Dori –
Debbie says: What a beautiful blog post. I’ve followed you for quite a while…loved watching your house become a home. My youngest daughters name is Jillian! She loves to cross stitch…just like me 🙂
I see a “I choose to be happy” quilt sampler in your future!
My mouth is watering thinking of your pickles!
Take care,
Debbie
Dori Troutman says: Oh thank you Debbie! And how fun you have a little one named Jillian? What is her nickname? We call our Jillian things like Jilly, Jilly Billy, Jills, and on and on! 🙂
Oh a I Choose Happy sampler is a great idea!!! I used to cross stitch; but something happened and a number of years ago I quit. Something to do with the counting really got to me. But I loved it. Maybe it is time to give it a try again.
Thanks for writing!
– Dori –
Nicole Christensen says: Beautiful post, Dori. I had to smile at the shaker…I have similar shakers, by Tipp City. Mine are milk glass with red cherries, but so similar.
I thought of you and your grandgirls recently. My little nieces from Denmark visited recently. They are six and four. We went in the garden together, they helped me feed the chickens and make dinner, we baked cookies and I read bedtime stories…things I did with my girl when she was their age. It was so fun – and I thought, “this must be what it is like to have grandgirls someday like Dori!”
Love the flowers and the post. Much love!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole (Suburban Farmgirl)
Pam says: Dori, I have so enjoyed reading all your posts. Each time I am reminded how fortunate to be living in this country and enjoying the abundance of so many things. You and your family and all the love and togetherness is what it is all about!!
.
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It’s “porching” weather friends!
..
This is the farmhouse that my husband and I built about 3 years ago. One of the things that we were looking for in a house plan was a house with a lot of porches. We live on a hilltop with a view all the way around and we felt like (almost) wrap-around porches were really important.
Maybe you would like to come along on a porch tour!
Valerie jensen says: Aren’t porches the best part of country homes? Your porches are awesome! Our western Montana home has huge porches facing east and west with a window wall on west with mountain view and French doors on east but I still have to spend a few moments (at least!) of every day hanging out on one or both of our porches! We also have minimal furniture, and like you a porch swing was an absolute! Enjoy
Dori Troutman says: Hi Valerie,
Oh they are. I do think every country home needs a porch. And I bet your home in Montana has some amazing views with the wide open spaces and gorgeous sunsets. We’ve been to Montana and it is so gorgeous.
I sure dreamed (when we were building our home) of having all kinds of little “sitting areas” with lots of fun furniture, pillows everywhere, etc… and I actually started that way. Until I realized it just wasn’t working. 🙂 Minimal is best when it is a country porch!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
– Dori –
Cindy says: Soo cute! Looks great !
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Cindy!
– Dori –
Krista says: Thank you for the tour of your beautiful porches! At the moment our house has a very small front porch and an alright sized back porch. There is only room to lounge on the back porch but we avoid it most days due to the super hot sun and absolutely no shade. We talk about building a house in the future and I know a large porch is in my dream house. I want one where I can relax and watch the sun set in a rocking chair. I also want to make sure it has plenty of shade. We will see what happens! Thanks for the tip about heavy furniture. I would much rather not chase around furniture when a storm comes through! Enjoy your porching weather!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Krista!
A porch is a must isn’t it? But the good thing is that you don’t need a huge one to enjoy it! Just a little porch with shelter and shade! And room for a few rocking chairs. And a bed. And a swing! Ha Ha!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
– Dori –
Love the idea of a bed on the porch, what a relaxing place to take a nap. Very neat spaces you’ve created.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Carole,
A bed on the porch is the best thing ever!
– Dori –
Oh ! So enjoyed the tour of your farmhouse porches. One thing I wondered about was not seeing any cats. I also live on a farm and find it so hard to keep it clean and tidy. Between the muddy boots and fly stains, I find it hard to keep up. Of course we use fly spray…but kitties are always on my chairs and table. Love some of your other ideas..like oil cloth on the picnic table top. But life on the farm is forever changing…mainly because of the weather. So thanks for the tour and great ideas…u have a beautiful place to call home.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Kate,
We do not have any cats! We have an Australian Shepherd dog that for whatever reason tolerates absolutely every animal (chickens included) but she does not love cats. And after one awful experience (the cat lived, thankfully) I’ve not wanted to try with another cat.
You are so right… life on a farm is forever changing. What worked today doesn’t necessarily work tomorrow.
– Dori –
I am finally getting a “porch”, actually a deck, on my farm house this year! We have a concrete stoop at the front door that faces the road, but like you, our back door is the one you drive up to, so it really functions as the entrance for everyone. My husband is building the deck off the back entrance and he will put up a porch swing per my request also. This is just one of many projects we have been completing over the past 6 years, since buying this over 100 yr old house, as there is always something to do.
In my dreams, I also see a covered front porch in the future, but it might be quite some time, as there are other things that need done worse. There used to be a big porch on the back, but it was covered and became part of the interior of the house at some point in the past.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sheryl,
My daughter and her husband have an old home also and you are right… there is a never-ending list of projects. But oh my word – don’t you just love having an old house? They are so special. Your porch will be lovely and you’ll love that swing!
– Dori –
Dori Troutman says: You are my favorite daughter ever! 🙂
xoxo
– Mom –
Ann says: What a lovely option to have 360 degree porches from which to choose how to spend your days or evenings taking in the beautiful views from your hilltop home.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Ann,
Oh we are so lucky to have our view. We try so hard not to take it for granted.
– Dori –
Mary Rauch says: Got a question for you Dori. According to my theory (and a few things I’ve studied), I wonder if you have mosquitoes up there? Probably not, right?…I’m so curious.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary,
We DO NOT have mosquitos on the hilltop!!!!! 🙂 It is a miracle! They clearly do not like the breeze that consistently blows. Yay!!!
– Dori –
Marilyn says: Congratulations on your beautiful home. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Marilyn
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Marilyn!
– Dori –
Marvene says: Dori, you are blessed to be able to enjoy your home and “porches” at a younger age. They are truly beautiful. You are both are very talented!!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Aunt Marvene!
I don’t know about talented… just high energy and crazy! 🙂
Love you,
– Dori –
Howdy Dori!
What clean and inviting porch spaces you’ve created! Thanks so much for the tour. I think my favorite spot is your sleeping porch…A rare treat for any farmgirl for sure! I sure enjoy ours at the cottage too! Happy ” porching” !
Hugs!
Deb
.
.
It’s “porching” weather friends!
..
This is the farmhouse that my husband and I built about 3 years ago. One of the things that we were looking for in a house plan was a house with a lot of porches. We live on a hilltop with a view all the way around and we felt like (almost) wrap-around porches were really important.
Maybe you would like to come along on a porch tour!
Valerie jensen says: Aren’t porches the best part of country homes? Your porches are awesome! Our western Montana home has huge porches facing east and west with a window wall on west with mountain view and French doors on east but I still have to spend a few moments (at least!) of every day hanging out on one or both of our porches! We also have minimal furniture, and like you a porch swing was an absolute! Enjoy
Dori Troutman says: Hi Valerie,
Oh they are. I do think every country home needs a porch. And I bet your home in Montana has some amazing views with the wide open spaces and gorgeous sunsets. We’ve been to Montana and it is so gorgeous.
I sure dreamed (when we were building our home) of having all kinds of little “sitting areas” with lots of fun furniture, pillows everywhere, etc… and I actually started that way. Until I realized it just wasn’t working. 🙂 Minimal is best when it is a country porch!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
– Dori –
Cindy says: Soo cute! Looks great !
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Cindy!
– Dori –
Krista says: Thank you for the tour of your beautiful porches! At the moment our house has a very small front porch and an alright sized back porch. There is only room to lounge on the back porch but we avoid it most days due to the super hot sun and absolutely no shade. We talk about building a house in the future and I know a large porch is in my dream house. I want one where I can relax and watch the sun set in a rocking chair. I also want to make sure it has plenty of shade. We will see what happens! Thanks for the tip about heavy furniture. I would much rather not chase around furniture when a storm comes through! Enjoy your porching weather!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Krista!
A porch is a must isn’t it? But the good thing is that you don’t need a huge one to enjoy it! Just a little porch with shelter and shade! And room for a few rocking chairs. And a bed. And a swing! Ha Ha!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
– Dori –
Love the idea of a bed on the porch, what a relaxing place to take a nap. Very neat spaces you’ve created.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Carole,
A bed on the porch is the best thing ever!
– Dori –
Oh ! So enjoyed the tour of your farmhouse porches. One thing I wondered about was not seeing any cats. I also live on a farm and find it so hard to keep it clean and tidy. Between the muddy boots and fly stains, I find it hard to keep up. Of course we use fly spray…but kitties are always on my chairs and table. Love some of your other ideas..like oil cloth on the picnic table top. But life on the farm is forever changing…mainly because of the weather. So thanks for the tour and great ideas…u have a beautiful place to call home.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Kate,
We do not have any cats! We have an Australian Shepherd dog that for whatever reason tolerates absolutely every animal (chickens included) but she does not love cats. And after one awful experience (the cat lived, thankfully) I’ve not wanted to try with another cat.
You are so right… life on a farm is forever changing. What worked today doesn’t necessarily work tomorrow.
– Dori –
I am finally getting a “porch”, actually a deck, on my farm house this year! We have a concrete stoop at the front door that faces the road, but like you, our back door is the one you drive up to, so it really functions as the entrance for everyone. My husband is building the deck off the back entrance and he will put up a porch swing per my request also. This is just one of many projects we have been completing over the past 6 years, since buying this over 100 yr old house, as there is always something to do.
In my dreams, I also see a covered front porch in the future, but it might be quite some time, as there are other things that need done worse. There used to be a big porch on the back, but it was covered and became part of the interior of the house at some point in the past.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sheryl,
My daughter and her husband have an old home also and you are right… there is a never-ending list of projects. But oh my word – don’t you just love having an old house? They are so special. Your porch will be lovely and you’ll love that swing!
– Dori –
Dori Troutman says: You are my favorite daughter ever! 🙂
xoxo
– Mom –
Ann says: What a lovely option to have 360 degree porches from which to choose how to spend your days or evenings taking in the beautiful views from your hilltop home.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Ann,
Oh we are so lucky to have our view. We try so hard not to take it for granted.
– Dori –
Mary Rauch says: Got a question for you Dori. According to my theory (and a few things I’ve studied), I wonder if you have mosquitoes up there? Probably not, right?…I’m so curious.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary,
We DO NOT have mosquitos on the hilltop!!!!! 🙂 It is a miracle! They clearly do not like the breeze that consistently blows. Yay!!!
– Dori –
Marilyn says: Congratulations on your beautiful home. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Marilyn
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Marilyn!
– Dori –
Marvene says: Dori, you are blessed to be able to enjoy your home and “porches” at a younger age. They are truly beautiful. You are both are very talented!!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Aunt Marvene!
I don’t know about talented… just high energy and crazy! 🙂
Love you,
– Dori –
Howdy Dori!
What clean and inviting porch spaces you’ve created! Thanks so much for the tour. I think my favorite spot is your sleeping porch…A rare treat for any farmgirl for sure! I sure enjoy ours at the cottage too! Happy ” porching” !
Hugs!
Deb
.
As a writer, there are times when the words just aren’t there. And sometimes when life has painful experiences and struggles, it is especially hard to find the words. Because I am a “talker”, usually I’m never at a loss for words (and often regret the ones I do say) but today, with this blog post due, I feel like I have nothing to share. No stories to tell. No funny experiences. No project tutorials. No recipes. No words.
Cyndie Gray says: Aw, Dori, love seeing these snapshots of your life on your farm…they tell a perfect story without words 🙂
Dori Troutman says: Cyndie,
Thank you dear friend.
– Dori –
How lovely! I was swooning at the bed on your front porch. My dream is to have a swinging bed on our back porch to nap on and cuddle up and read stories to my grandboys. Maybe when my hubby rebuild the back screened in porch he can build in the supports needed to make that dream come true. 🙂
Be blessed!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Debbie,
The porch bed is awesome. It is not a swinging bed (I’ve dreamed of that too) but it is an old iron bed that has character of it’s own. We live on the tip top of a hill where we always have a little breeze on the porches we decided a swinging bed would always be knocking into the house probably. So this is certainly second to that… but awesome just the same! Yes…. get your swinging bed!
– Dori –
Krista says: Your pictures are fascinating and definitely tell a story without words! I would love to relax on the bed on the porch. It sounds so peaceful and calming. It’s calling my name! I would have to say my favorite picture is the one of the bird nest with eggs inside your husband’s boot. That is a crazy place for a nest but I would enjoy being able to look in and see how they are doing. Hopefully your husband was okay with sharing and had another pair to wear! Also, the picture of your puppy just melts my heart and your granddaughters are just simply adorable.
Congratulations to Judy on winning the potholder!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Krista,
Well guess what? One of the babies has hatched and the others are in the process and to be able to watch it happen is so much fun! The Momma Bluebird is very calm with us – she seems to be so used to us coming and going for the last two weeks that she’s been setting on her eggs that she is quite calm with us peeking over the boot into her house! 🙂 I hope all five babies make it!
Yes… that porch bed is pretty amazing. It is kind of my favorite spot.
Thank you for reading and writing!
– Dori –
Judy says: Hi Dori, I sent you my home address. I’m so excited that (I) won the potholders!
Yipeeee! As you can see by my excitement, I rarely win things! *giggle*
Thank you Krista for acknowledging me! What a joy to win something homemade
From ‘Farmgirl Dori!’ I’m just over the moon! *giggle*
Dori Troutman says: Hi Judy,
I got your email. Your potholders (and an added surprise!) are packaged up and will be in the mail tomorrow!
I’m so thrilled that YOU are thrilled!
– Dori –
Beverly says: Oh Dori….Sometimes words are not needed to share the joy and happiness of a life well lived. To be thankful for the abundance in our lives are cherished with a grateful heart and passed along to those who need encouragement during times of struggle when there seems to be no hope. You are a blessing, to not only me, but many others who find the simply things in life the most rewarding. Your beautiful photos have said it all 🙂
Dori Troutman says: Hi Beverly,
Thank you so very much for your kind words and encouragement. They mean a lot to me today.
– Dori –
Wendy says: Perfect post❤️
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Wendy!
– Dori –
Patricia Maas says: Thank you for sharing so much of your life. The reminder about giving Thanks really struck home this morning! )
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Patricia,
Sometimes (for myself) I wonder why I need the reminder to be thankful. But lately I’ve been so very, very thankful for that reminder – Give Thanks.
– Dori –
Anne Wampler says: Love the pics!!! They certainly speak a thousand words!!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Anne!
– Dori –
Joan says: Oh yeah!!! a wonderful posting!!! I so miss seeing these times on the farm so you sharing is a real joy. I must remember to do the Give Thanks banner for my front porch and you have given me another idea to use some of my MANY antique buttons – Grandma’s button box, I will try to make up a bunch for my cousins – a memory and a fun item too. Thanks again for you. God bless.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Joan,
Thank you! I do love my Give Thanks banner… I always have it up in my house around the Thanksgiving season, but sometimes I hang it other places too! In the woods where I drive by and see it has been my favorite.
My daughter’s mother-in-law gave me some antique buttons and I have loved using them for projects. They give such a sweet finish.
Thank you again for the sweet gift you sent me last week. If you only knew how much it means.
– Dori –
Margaret says: Dori, I love your pictures. Especially the wall with the cows. However, I have a question, why are your horseshoes hung so the luck is falling out? I was always taught to hang them in a U direction so your luck stayed with you. Perhaps some one knows the tale to that.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Margaret,
Oh my word. You are RIGHT!!!! I remember hearing that same thing. You can be sure I’m changing those horseshoes as soon as I can figure out how to hang them! 🙂 Obviously, I hung them upside down because it was the easiest!!! I do wonder what the tale is to that. Maybe I need to do some research for a future blog post?!
– Dori –
Sandi King says: There are many a superstition about horseshoes, the nails used in them- how many etc; whether up or down is the best way and what it may mean to you. I think just having a horseshoe to hang, whether up or down, is a wonderful thing to have. I wonder what the horses think?
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sandi,
So I did some looking and thinking and I’m pretty sure my horse-shoes are going to have to stay the way they are – with the good luck falling out. Maybe that means the good luck is being spread around?! 🙂
Yes… I’ve often wondered what the horses think too? We save their shoes and hang them on our walls and on fenceposts around the farm???!!! Ha Ha!
– Dori –
Ann says: Pictures are worth a thousand words! What a beautiful life you portray in your photos and captions. Thank you for sharing.
Dori Troutman says: Ann,
Thank you!
– Dori –
Dori Troutman says: April,
The porch bed is pretty nice! We kind of love it!
The flowers are the product of a small of land that my daughter and I “farm” for flowers which we sell from a honor system road-side stand. Kind of our favorite thing to do in the summertime!
– Dori –
The photos are wonderful. My favorite is Belle, she reminds me of the best dog I ever had. Her name was Patches and she was always at my side. I am so glad you and your family have this opportunity to enjoy the country life. I now live in a city (Memphis) and miss the country so much. Have a wonderful summer.
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Janet. Yes, Belle is pretty special! Her only “habit” that drives us crazy is that if she doesn’t see the grand-girls about every day, she gets a hair-brained idea to sneak to their house a couple miles away, which requires crossing a highway. It is so worrisome and so frustrating. She never seems to run off anywhere but there, so that is good at least!
– Dori –
Vivian Monroe says: What great pics of life. A Blessed life indeed. I have to get me one of those swinging porch beds. 🙂
Dori Troutman says: Hello Vivian!
Yes…. porch beds are the best beds!!!!! 🙂
– Dori –
Sally says: Pictures say a thousand words, and yours are beautiful! Your farm and family give you joy and that is expressed in your pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Dori Troutman says: Sally,
Thank you so much for writing. 🙂
– Dori –
Marcy says: Thank you for posting the lovely pics! There will always be a piece of my heart that yearns for your type of lifestyle! My life has taken a different path, so I will just live vicariously through you!! 🙂
Denise Ross says: A truly beautiful post, Dori. I loved it. Sometimes words are not necessary. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I love your home and your family. Very special. Thank so much for sharing.
bonita says: Dori, I absolutely loved your post, the pictures lead me into a beautiful ranch dream, always wanted to live on one. Thanks! bonita
Peggy T says: What part of Tennessee ?
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
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”.
Oh, I’m with you Dori! Homemade is best! I’ve been sewing up a storm! Your recipes look outstanding. I’ve never tried to make lemon curd, other than for the top layer of lemon bars. Yours looks delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for writing Joan!
Yes, I’ve been sewing up a storm too! Isn’t it the funnest???
Make that lemon curd! You’ll never regret it!
– Dori –
All you have to say to me is: “lemon” and I’m there! Thanks for sharing. i just printed this out and look forward to making it…yum!
Hello Pat!
Yes… I’m with you on that! Lemon everything!
Happy Holidays!
– Dori –
Dori, I sew:) agree with you. Gifts from the heart!!! Thanks for sharing your feelings about this. It’s so nice to know someone else feels this way.
Stay warm and well.
Hi Blinky,
I guess part of the reason I feel the way I do is for selfish reasons! Ha! I would rather receive something home-made ANY DAY!!!
Happy Holidays!
– Dori –
I just got back from Key West, Florida and brought a bottle of Key Lime juice. I’m going to try your recipe with lemon and with lime (separately). Thank you. Happy holidays.
Hi Marlene,
Oh my YES!!!!! Please let me know how it tastes!!!
– Dori –
That looks and sounds delicious. I love homemade gifting too!♡
Hi Max,
And some of the most yummy things come out of your kitchen. 🙂 (And your sewing room – this I have proof of!!!!)
Hugs,
– Dori –
Oh how I would love to join you in your delightful farmhouse kitchen & share some of this yummy-ness ❤
Hello dear friend Cyndie,
Someday… someday.
Hugs,
– Dori –
I make cranberry pumpkin loaves and give away and my homemade canned hot pepper mustard and some crackers…i am so anxious to make your recipe and i like how you decorated yours to give away..Thank you for some new ways to fix up my homemade gifts….MERRY CHRISTMAS…
Hi Carleen,
Ohhhhh cranberry pumpkin loaves sound SO GOOD. I think I need that recipe! (hint hint!)
Happy Holidays!
– Dori –
I would love the recipe for the bread and the jelly they both sound very delicious have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year
Hi LoriAnn,
If you scroll all the way to the end of the post (like the VERY end) you’ll see printable recipes for them both! Just click the little print button.
Happy Holidays!
– Dori –
I ment the cranberry pumpkin bread and the jelly
can’t wait to try your recipe and I’ll have to go to Target now and look for that cute little gift box! Merry Christmas!
Hi Denise,
Hopefully Target still has some of the gift boxes. I actually thought I should’ve bought all they had at my store and saved for next year! 🙂
Happy Holidays!
– Dori –
I totally agree with you! Gifts, anytime of year, should come from the heart. I’m actually waiting this very minute on a couple of rising doughs! Fresh loaves of bread are on the gift giving list for a family we know. They just moved here. 🙂
Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Christine
Hi Christine,
Fresh loaves of bread make the best gifts ever. I absolutely LOVE fresh bread right out of the oven. I think I’ll be making some tomorrow now! 🙂
Happy Holidays!
– Dori –
Hey Dori, Guess what I would more than anything right now. I would love to come over to your house and have some of that Lemon Pound Cake and Lemon Curd. I love all 5 Farmgirl’s posts. I feel like I know each one of you personally. I love you all and wish you a Christmas full of blessings.
Hi Doris,
Wouldn’t that just be SO MUCH FUN????
We start to feel like we know our readers personally too.
Hugs!
– Dori –
That looks absolutely yummy! Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays Dori.
Hi Bonnie!
Happy Holidays to you too!!!
– Dori –
That lemon cake looks delicious.
Marilyn
Thank you Marilyn!
Happy Holidays to you!
– Dori –
YUMMO is all I can say to Lemon anything as well. Thanks for sharing. I am going to try these but first hopefully in the next couple of days I will be making your moms Red Chili Enchilada recipe. Got my stuff together just waiting for the right moment to make. Merry Christmas and thanks again for sharing your wonderful recipes. Neta.
Hi Dori
Homemade gifts mean so much more. I am going to try the mini cakes and look for the gift boxes. My son and daughter in law live in MN and we started a christmas tradition a few years ago along with our daughter in laws mom and grandma. We exchange recipes and this one is definitely one to give. Merry
Christmas.
I can’t wait to try those recipes. They sound delicious. I love to give (and get) homemade gifts. I always think warm thoughts of the giver as I enjoy their gift and am grateful that they thought of me and for the precious time they spent making it.
Dori, I’ve gathered the ingredients and plan to make this for gifts in a few days. Unfortunately, it seems there has been a serious run on low-fat buttermilk around here – so do you think I’m ok with full fat? Many thanks!
Hi Betty,
DEFINITELY use full fat!!! It will work awesome! 🙂
I’m about to make the lemon cake. But, mostly I wanted to mention your sweet mother. I “look” about like her. The well worn hands etc. I have those same “beautiful brown spots” from many years of gardening, freezing, canning and eating the produce. I’m 81 and still have a large garden on our farm here in central MN, lived on the same property for 62 years–4 children, 22 grand-children and 12 “greats” (two more on the way) later. 🙂 I am also a 24/7 care-giver of my wonderful husband. My moto is “Together is the best place to be”. God bless you AND your mother. I might just make the Mexican food also!!
Ohhhhh Ariel.
This was the sweetest comment I’ve gotten in forever. It made me so happy. And I think that you and my mother “look” alike in more ways than the ones you listed. You may just be cut out of the same cloth!!!
Thank you so much for writing to me.
– Dori –
P.S. Make that Mexican food!!! 🙂