Life through the eyes of a child is better than rose-colored! They find wonder and amazement in the simplest of things, learning with gusto! Today’s children are indeed the future, and I love that my daughter’s generation is embracing a “greener” thinking than mine did at her age. I’m really proud of my daughter’s school, introducing kids to gardening and composting. I’ve seen first-hand how excited the kids are to be on-board! Visit with me, the Suburban Farmgirl, and “The Composting Kids”.
Suburban living means easy access to every needed creature comfort. Growing up in Houston, I lived in a bustling city. Most weekends, we’d head to “The Farm”, my dad’s ranch in the beautiful, remote Texas hill country. Living in suburban Connecticut reminds me of both. I’ve woods in my back yard, but am only a few minutes from “town”. With city-life nearby, it’s easy to forget we’re surrounded by woodland creatures calling the area home, too. Taking my dog out, I’m hearing more birds, signaling spring’s on the way! It’s this time of year we start to see more wildlife moving around, too.
Quail Run Ranch, Harwood Texas, 2011
Jan says: Holy guacamole! It never occurred to me that you lived in an area where there are so many wild creatures. We might get an occasional deer, moose, raccoon, and (thankfully!!) no snakes, but would LOVE turtles.. We have lots of owls and hawks in my neighborhood. I live in a semi-rural/suburban area of Washington state. Yes, the amount of housing developments is going up and the animals are continuing to feel the brunt of it.
One night, while I was still living in my old house, I heard a movement in my living room. Back in those days, I used to leave my back door ajar for my cat if she didn’t come in when she was supposed to. Anyway, there I was walking down the hall in my pj’s and a LARGE raccoon walked out of my living room and out the back door. I had left a bowl of nuts on the coffee table and she had come by for a midnight snack! So much for the habit of leaving the back door ajar…
I no longer let my cats roam at large. I have a contained area for them to go in the warmer months. You have to understand that everything seems to be part of one food chain or another!
Loved the pics, especially the ones of the bobcat.
Jan,
Love your story about the raccoon in the living room! What a shock I bet that was! Good thing he let himself out, the little bandit!
As for moose, I’ve heard that there are some migrating back to the upper Northern part of Connecticut. Whether or not that is true, I’m not sure yet. I’ve heard they can be aggressive at times, too. Thanks for sharing! -Nicole
Ellen Ottoson says: Hi there,
Having grown up in Brooklyn, N.Y. (lots of cement, a few trees and grass, pigeons & sparrows) you can imagine my delight to live in the country. I’ve seen a red fox trot by, and one coyote, a hen-turkey, red-headed wood peckers, rabbits, bats, migrant birds, hawks, many Canada Geese (stay year round), many types of ducks, bats, cranes, then chipmunks & squirrels, possum, our local raccoon family, & groundhogs and moles. The deer are seen less as more homes were built and same for the one pheasant I was lucky to see. We rarely see some owls. This is very comforting to me to see this wildlife trying to survive around us.
Take care, Ellen O.
Hi Ellen,
You didn’t mention where you moved to from Brooklyn, but sounds lovely! I love seeing the groundhogs here, they are so adorable. I also once saw what I believe to be a wild mink, but that was when we first moved here and were still one of the only houses around. We don’t see pheasant anymore, either. My father reports that the roadrunners, quail, and tarantula spiders we always saw when I was young up at the ranch have also disappeared largely due to the fireant population increasing. Enjoy, and thanks so much for commenting. -Nicole
We have LOTS of deer and raccoons that roam around where I live, plus a bunch of other woodland creatures 🙂 🙂 We keep our garbage cans shut…and they don’t lock, but we have these really heavy stone slabs on top. Those work really well. Love and hugs from the ocean shores of CAlifornia, Heather 🙂
Heather, that’s a good tip. I never thought about putting something on top of my garbage can lid to keep critters out. Something once got in mine…the cleanup was awful! Thanks for reading and for the tip! -Nicole
meredith (hereford girl) says: Nicole! WHAT are you feeding that squirrel?? 🙂 What a chub!
Here in Virgina we have all the animals you mentioned, in addition we have been having fairly regular sightings of bald eagles! YAY!
Meredith – I know, right? That squirrel was a butterball! Guess it was all my pumpkins from the fall…
I’ve only seen a bald eagle flying overhead once, and it was so large and majestic. Lucky you that you see them regularly! Thanks for reading! -Nicole
meredith (hereford girl) says: Nicole! WHAT are you feeding that squirrel?? 🙂 What a chub!
Here in Virgina we have all the animals you mentioned, in addition we have been having fairly regular sightings of bald eagles! YAY!
Meredith – I know, right? That squirrel was a butterball! Guess it was all my pumpkins from the fall…
I’ve only seen a bald eagle flying overhead once, and it was so large and majestic. Lucky you that you see them regularly! Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Nicole, Read your new blog and it brought a tear to my eye. It brought back memories of all the trips we took to Quail Run and how you grew up in the wilds of Texas. Really enjoyed your new blog… very informative to new comers in what some folk. Just to let you, know Quail Run is still wild. I have a picture from one of my trail cameras of a big mountain lion with a 12 point buck by the the neck he caught under one of my feeders. Keep up the good work. Love you, Dad
Dad, I want to see that picture! Missing you…love you! Nicole
Ellenl Ottoson says: It’s Ellen again: Oh,I forgot to say that I am now living in Ohio! I’ve been in the Air Force and once lived in Rhode Island. Our little house there in the woods had a mudroom where I kept our potatoes and apples. By morning the apples had a bite out of one or two and they were strewn all over. Turned out to be the raccoons pushing open our outer front door. Like Heather, we wound up putting heavy bricks on our trash cans too. Cute looking, but wasteful & pesky animals.
Shery says: To actually see a bobcat is such a rare experience. There are a lot of them around here, but I’ve never laid eyes on one. Texas and Connecticut are a long ways’ apart in about every way :o) I feel fortunate to live in a place where native animals still live here also. I bet you do too. I love my wild neighbors.
Hi Shery, you are so right, I do love the wildlife around me. As for the bobcat, I’ve heard no more reports in the neighborhood of sightings. Jane was lucky to get those pictures! Take care and Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi, Nicole,
I enjoyed this blog and the pictures are so impressive. I liked the pictures of the bobcat. Impressive, and that is a very chubby squirrel! Is the bird feeder the vintage hummingbird feeder you told me about? We have bears and coyotes here in northeast Georgia so we are warned about leaving food outside. I am so proud of you. Love, Mother
Hi Mom! No, that is not the vintage hummer feeder I just got. That’s an old picture. As a matter of fact, I don’t use that type of food anymore, but make my own. The vintage bottle feeder will come out in a few months. Miss you and love you, Nicole
I grew up in a suburban area, and when I had children we moved to an agricultural reserve just 3 miles from a big suburb–it’s funny how that short drive can make a world of difference. We had goats, ducks, mini horse, and such a wonderful place for our children to learn about the animals.
Hi Melissa, All those animals sound like Heaven to me! My family and I love animals and I would love to have goats and ducks, and a mini horse! Thanks so much for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I’ve seen bobcats several times while hunting, but not on trail cams. I believe Kari (I Don’t Wear Pink Camo to the Woods) had a fisher on her trail cam last year. Pretty sure it was her.Cool shots of the yote! We’ve got tons of them, but have never captured one on camera.
As room mom of my daughter’s fourth grade class, I’ll help plan and attend the class Valentine’s Day Celebration! The parents are sending in treats. We’ll play “Valentine Bingo,” using “conversation hearts” as markers, and the kids will stuff Valentine cards into each others’ “mailboxes”. Two years ago, my daughter and I made homemade Valentines for all her friends, and last year we found adorable Vintage re-printed ones. This year she’s chosen to go with classic “Snoopy and the Gang” valentines. Remember those grade school Valentine days?
Ulla Bagh Christensen says: Dear Nicole.
I have read your blog for Valentines Day, a day we just got a few years a go in Denmark. I am so glad that our husbands finally get it, because it is a beautiful tradition! It came to Denmark very fast, but my husband ( your father-in-law) is not so good to remember it…(so like father, like son). I like to read your blog and the Farmgirls history… they are so good, and I like the organic way. Love and hugs from Ulla, Denmark
Hi Mor! Thank you for reading my blog! Miss you all so much! When I see you next we will have to "team up" and remind our hubbies about what is so special about Valentines Day! (And birthdays, and anniversaries….).
As for the Farmgirls, you were an inspiration, too, when I started my Sisterhood Chapter! My Farmgirls Chapter reminds me of your knitting circle group! Love you! Hugs to everyone there! – Nicole
LAURIE DIMINO says: Nicole,
As always I love your posts. Happy Valentines Day to you and your sweetie!
Hugs,
Laurie
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Little Henhouse on the Island
Laurie, you too! Farmgirl hugs right back at ya! Thanks for reading and commenting! – Nicole
sharon says: Happy Valentines Day Nicole. I really enjoyed your post. I love cards. I love nice paper stock. Valentines Day is another reason to have fun creating something new to send to my family and friends. While I have been single for the past few years I have always been fortunate enough to spend the night out with friends. This year it’s looking like that won’t happen. So I plan to treat myself by getting a massage and then picking up a salad to go at Panera. I will enjoy that while watching a rom/com at home with my 2 cats. I hope everyone finds a way to make the day special for themselves.
Kindredly,
Sharon
Sharon,
Sounds like you have a nice evening planned!
I love to create cards, too. This year I am not sending homemade cards as I found some too cute to pass up! The sentiment inside is so nice, too. Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a great, Happy Valentines Day! –Nicole
Debra says: I was married on Valentines Day 7 years ago. Sometime he is very romantic and then there’s the time he forgets. So you have a great Valentines Day.
Debra, Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Anniversary! -Nicole
I’m not sure what I"m doing Valentine’s Day. I don’t have a sweetheart except for my dad 😉 🙂 So we’ll probably do something fun, and I’ll treat him to something nice 🙂 🙂
Oh, I LOVE that movie "The Magic of Ordinary Days" It’s romantic and I love the 1940s era, too!!! That’s a great movie 😉 🙂
Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather – Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #2176
p.s. I LOVED making/receiving VAlentine cards in grade school 🙂 🙂 I still remember this really sweet card a boy in my third grade class made for me years ago 🙂
Heather, I think it is great you spend Valentine’s with your dad. Wish I could see my parents more often. My daddy once bought me a "jigsaw puzzle" Valentine when I was very, very small. You had to put it together to read it. He signed it, and put it in a little manilla mailing envelope, with a hand-drawn cartoon for me. I still have it to this day. Have a great day! Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Nicole
"The Magic of Ordinary Days"–what a special movie! Thank you for the reminder of it! Happy Valentines!
Hi Nancy, yes, isn’t it a sweet one for this time of year? Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Jan says: I have been finding a lot of my folks’ old cards and keepsakes in the process of tending to my mom’s estate. I know that there are several valentines that my dad and mom received years and years ago. I took a jewelry class last year in which we learned how to use resin in bezel cups to create pendants, etc. I love the styles of the vintage cards and I am going to create some memory pieces for each of my parents. Basically, you cut out paper objects, seal them, and then pour the mixed resin over them. Lots of fun for winter evenings! Also just watched a tutorial on shadow boxes, which would be EXTRA cute for old valentines..
One of my fave movies is ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. Always makes me laugh and has such a happy ending…
Oh yes! I finally joined the MJFarm Sisterhood! Now I just have to find a local group of members to play with!
Have a wonderful Valentine day!
Jan, thank you for the comment! What a wonderful idea you have for your vintage Valentines, and such a sweet sentimental keepsake of your parents. Making the jewelry would be a fun thing to do with a Sisterhood chapter, as well.
I love "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", too! My father is half-Greek, and so much of it reminded him of his family. It’s a funny film, great for Valentines! Hugs to you! -Nicole
Rose says: Great blog! I loved the heart shaped craft items – did you make these?
Thanks for posting the recipe for the casserole. It sounds yummy and I will have to make it next week.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family!
Happy Valentine’s Rose! Enjoy the casserole! -Nicole
– I need to come out and learn some phtography skills from you. Your clarity is fabulous. And you seem to have a few polished graphics skills too!
Hery, thank you very much! That’s quite a compliment and you’ve made my day! -Nicole
Carolyn says: enjoyed reading this; I don’t have a sisterhood; but do get together with gal friends occasionally. For valentines; I’m thinking of sending cards to single Moms and single widows
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Carolyn, That’s a wonderful idea! Girl Scouts sent Valentines to the troops this year, too. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Here in New England, we’ve been pretty lucky so far with winter this year. Aside from the freak storm in October, the weather’s been relatively mild, and we’re below the normal level for snow. (Last year at this time, we had almost 39 inches of snow)! We’re already dreaming of spring, (got my seed catalogs handy), but it seems so far away. We’re always running, but when it’s time to take a breather, nothing‘s better than to snuggle with a pretty throw or blanket. Grab a cup of tea and come take a pause with me!
Michele says: Nicole, Love to read your Suburban blog! We have several of the homemade throws. My daughter Katie loves to make them. They really do keep you warm and cozy. Happy Winter, Michele
Same to you, Michele! Thanks so much for reading and commenting! -Nicole
Joan says: Oh yeah don’t you just love the fleece throws and such fun gifts. I crochet and knit – well knit at it – never my favorite hand work – I also quilt and do all kinds of hand stitchings. My Grandmother, Great Aunt and Aunt taught me the love of hand work. Like I said, knitting has been my nemesis – Grandma was really good at it – and did the ‘pick’ method – sorry I don’t know any other name for it – she held her yarn as one does for crocheting and ‘picks’ instead of looping over – neither method was my thing. I quilt all by hand – the piecing and the final design. When I was very young – 3-10 I spent a lot of time with my Great Aunt who QUILTED – I have her old home made quilt frame that I still use. I would sit under the quilt frame – she would push the needle down to me and I would push it back up – then she taught me the correct way to do it and well many quilts later I still love doing it. I am getting ready to make a free form quilt of handkerchiefs, tatting, crocheted lace and collars, buttons – all from my Great Greats, Grandmother and Aunt.
And oh yes the buttons in MJ’sF look like great fun – will be trying those too. So a lot to do – best get myself moving.
Thanks for your blog – stay warm and God Bless.
Hi Joan! Thank you for commenting! The "pick" method for knitting is the European way of knitting, which I have learned from my Mother-in-Law. Wow – can she knit lightening fast! I prefer and teach the "Throw" method. My wrist does not tire so easily that way and I can knit for longer periods of time. All of your projects sound so beautiful and inspiring! I love the story about you and your Great Aunt quilting together. Thank you so much for sharing it! Happy Handiwork -Nicole
Cindy says: I have always loved sewing so quilting came natural to me. I believe my first "quilt" was for my son and I just tied it instead of quilting (he is 32 now). I would advise finding a local quilt/fabric shop that offers classes for learning how to quilt or a good friend that knows how. That way you have somebody to bounce questions off of and you learn the right way.
Thank you Cindy! -Nicole
Kelly says: Thanks for this great blanket idea!!! I’m not a sewer but hey maybe I could handle this! What cute and cozy blankets!
Your pets are so adorable-thanks for sharing their photos too!
Kelly, thank you! My pets are the best snugglers for sure! The cat wasn’t supposed to be in the picture. He’s very social and jumped in! Have fun making the fleece blanket, and thanks for reading! -Nicole
Mary M says: We’re sewing and knitting here in NE Ohio, too. My daughter is working on a fleece throw right now from scraps of fleece she found in our sewing room stash of fabric. She wanted to make use of what was on hand rather than buy new. She cut 7" squares of two solid fabrics, red and navy, and is sewing them together in a checkerboard pattern for the top. The bottom will be a complimentary color or likely navy. She’ll have to sew the top and bottom together all around the outside edges rather than cutting strips for tying. Then she’ll turn it right side out and hand stitch the opening closed. Good use of scraps of fleece!
Mary – That’s a great idea, thank you for sharing. It is also something I could do with the "squares" leftover from the no-sew blankets. Happy Winter! -Nicole
Laurie Dimino says: Hi Nicole,
Thanks for such a simple, no sew idea! My daughter and son will surely both love these….I think I will make them each one for Valentines Day! I can crochet a little, don’t know how to knit (yet), and haven’t sewn since I was a little girl with my grandma, but THIS I CAN DO!!!
Thanks for the great idea!
Have fun Laurie! – Nicole
Linda says: Nicole,I just love your knitted striped throw!
I have dabbled in all of the cozy crafts your blog describes, but by far my favorite is knitting. There is something very soothing and therapeutic about knitting for me.
Quilting is my least developed skill. I am self taught and am better at collecting fabric from outgrown clothing for future projects than truly quilting. I believe that my quilting will not bloom until I retire and take some classes at one of our local quilt shops. I do make some very slow progress on a Victorian crazy quilt by embroidering things of significance to my grown children on velvet pieces.
I have many works in progress. A friend to quilt with is how most everyone I know has started.
Linda, thank you! I’m like you, with lots of different projects going. I think my biggest problem is time to do them all! -Nicole
Am I missing a step on your "Throw"? Do you not sew the two layers together & turn? It seems by only tying the two layers there would be gaps between the layers. Thanks for a quick idea.
No, Sue, there is no sewing involved. Start at one corner and go around. The squares you cut in the beginning help avoid a gap, and as long as you start with the two pieces together and smooth, you shouldn’t have any issues. It’s really pretty easy. Also, they wash and wear and wash and wear with no problems. Nothing should come apart as long as the original knots are tight. Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole
Tammy says: Hi Nicole I knit and crochet. I, as you, prefer knitting. I also quilt more than anything else. I taught myself to quilt along time ago. The first thing I did was make a drestin plate pillow. I got a book and just read it and went from there. I am not a machine quilter I quilt everything by hand the old fashioned way. I think it is becoming a lost art. Any way grab some fabric find a quilt block you like and make a pillow you won’t be sorry. Take care.
Tammy, that’s a good idea. I should start smaller. I’ll start at the library, and maybe check some books out as a start. Thanks! I also did a Farmgirl swap last year and my secret sis sent me some little quilt block kits. That would be a good start. -Nicole
Paula says: I once lived in Conn. too. I began quilting there because the winters were sooooo long. I grew up in Mobile, AL and was used to short winters. I was pregnant at the time and wanted to make a crib quilt. I took a class at a quilt shop and was hooked! My son is now 18 and we live in TX and I’ve been quilting ever since. Classes at a quilt shop have been the best source of learning for me. You get the experience, expertise, and the friendship of others. It’s well worth the $. Hope this helps.
Hi Paula, funny you and I have lived in two of the same states. I started in TX and now here I am! There was a local quilt shop in my town, but sadly she closed a year or so ago. I will have to do some scouting! Thanks for reading! -Nicole
MaryBeth Schwarz says: The throw is one I can make I and want to run out and get fleece right now! Thanks so much for the idea! In the early 1980s I took a quilting class and loved it. The project was a quilt of squares using all the different techniques (piecing, applique, etc) and we had a lap quilting wooden square for doing the final quilting. The applique block of a hummingbird at a flower was a favorite as was Cathedral Window in which you do not have to do quilting. My grandmothers were quilters (have old quilts they made) and my mom liked quilting but not piecing, so I did not learn from her. Your Amish quilt appears to be a double wedding ring which is more difficult because of the curves.
MaryBeth, yes, you are right! My Amish quilt is the double wedding ring! Good eye. How wonderful you have quilts that your grandmothers made. My grandmother crocheted, and I have two shawls that she made. My other grandmother did embroidery and I have a linen tablecloth she did. Thanks so much for commenting! -Nicole
Lisa says: Nicole,
I love your blog and never miss it. This idea came at the perfect time. I have two teenagers in the family getting ready to celebrate birthdays and I have struggled with what to make. In fact, one of these blankets will be going to my daughter (former high school exchange student) in Denmark!
I’m learning to crochet and knit. So far I find crochet to be easier but I like the look of knitting better. It is just going to take some practice. Like you our winter in Indiana has been a lot milder than the experts predicted but winter enough to keep me inside and working on projects. I love it!
Thanks for the inspiration for these gifts!
Lisa
Lisa, thank you so much! Those Danish winters can be really cold…I’m sure your daughter will love the blanket you make her! Thank you for taking the time to comment. -Nicole
KimD says: My mom crocheted two blankets she always had in her living room, she died 10 years ago and I now have them both and cherish them.
I learned to knit when I was about your daughter’s age, but than the crochet craze hit and I learned how to do that and didn’t pick up the knitting needles up again and now I can’t remember how to knit and wish I could knit.
Kim, thank you for sharing the story about your mom. As for the knitting, have you checked into a class? If you knitted before, I bet you could pick it back up quickly with a class. Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole
Chelle T says: If you are near Bethel, CT., there is a wonderful quilt shop there with a warm and friendly staff. I have taken several classes there and learned a lot. I think there is a lot less frustration if you at least learn the basics from a qualified instructor. Good luck!
Chelle, Thank you so very much! I will check that out. Sounds like a great place to start. Quilting is something that has always been on my "bucket list", and the store near me closed before I could get there! -Nicole
Lisa says: You are so clever Nicole!
Thank you. Lisa! Hugs, Nicole
I’m turning fifty this year, and, among other things, I wanted to learn to knit before the big day. I’ve always been a crocheter (well, since I learned at 15, not in the womb) and have found the thought of juggling two implements rather scary. However, my brothers girlfriend taught me how to do a simple washcloth in knit stitch and I’ve probably made about a dozen at this point, and just finished my first scarf. Yay! But I still need to branch out into purling, color changes, etc. I really want to make socks, they look so cool! Do you suggest any specific books for teaching oneself these things?
Congratulations, Alison, on learning to knit. Isn’t it fun? I love to knit washcloths. They last forever! I’ve got a bunch of books on my shelf, but I will tell you about two of my favorites. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Knitting and Crocheting by Gail Diven and Cindy Kitchel, is a great all-around reference book (just excuse the title, ha ha). I refer to that every once and awhile when there comes a stitch I haven’t done in awhile. Another favorite for beginners or for nice, simple patterns that knit up some great projects is The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting by Nancy Queen and Mary Ellen O’Connell. I love the patterns in there. For socks, try looking for the patterns by Yankee Knitters if you can find them (sold in most knitting stores). Their patterns are good and pretty straight-forward. Good luck, and happy knitting! -Nicole
Lisa H says: I had to drop you a quick follow-up note. I made a blanket in one night! My current exchange daughter from Thailand and I made it. What fun, and how simple! I loved it. The one we finished is for another student here from Spain. The next one is for my host daughter from Denmark. They will love them! Thanks again for sharing the easy step-by-step instructions and pictures.
Lisa, thank you for telling me! Aren’t they fun to make? I’m so glad you enjoyed this post! Means a lot to me! Have fun! -Nicole
Shery says: Crochet and knitting are enjoying a surge of interest in recent years. I never learned to do either, but I loveloveLOVE the results. MAYbe one of these days I’ll get around to it. I think it is so nice to have a ‘lap’ craft and one that can easily go with you. Your yarn-art adds such a cozy feel to your home.
Thanks, Shery! I like to invite my Sisterhood Chapter pals over and we often knit, crochet, and do needlepoint together. I even knit when I am standing in line to pick up my daughter from school, ha ha! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Diane says: Hi Nicole –
I have made a bunch of the fleece throws, along with a pillow to match. They are so easy and quick to do!
I am just a beginner knitter and wanted to know if you could share an easy pattern to make a throw for my chair. Currently, my next project is to make a prayer shawl. I got an easy pattern from Lions Brand yarn site. I also live in New York, near Poughkeepsie so we are practically neighbors. I am loving this winter weather so far. Hope that it is here to stay, although the groundhog saw his shadow today and we need to get through 6 more weeks before Spring is official!
Thank you – Diane
Hi Diane!
Thanks for reading. I will email you directly. As for that rascal groundhog, I am not happy with him one bit! After last year’s winter and this year’s storms, we deserve an early Spring! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Debra says: I quilt, I took a class Quilt in a Day. This was 20 years ago. To me that is the best to get started. Take an easy class first, once you get the basic down you will go to town. I have made over 100 quilts. Have a blessed day.
Over 100 quilts! Wow! I hope you took photos of them all. That is wonderful. Thank you for the advice. I’m looking forward to getting started. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Beverly says: I am an avid knitter!!!! I take my knitting basket me wherever I go, including church. It is so nice to have something to work on while waiting for appointments, etc. Mostly though, I love to knit because I love to create. I started making baby sweaters about 5 years ago and I have to confess that everyone wants me at their baby’s shower cause they want a homemade sweater. I love being able to design a sweater specifically for that child and their parents.
Last August we had our first grandchild, a precious boy, and he is now quite decked out with a variety of sweaters. My daughter and son-in-law love them so much that they are always making requests for a style or color or size. Just yesterday she slyly commented on how Ransom had almost outgrown his sweaters. What did I do? I started three new sweaters and two hats as well as a pair of socks. One sock done. They great fun about these little items is that they knit up pretty quickly and are easy to take anywhere!
Ok — enough of my book of the "joy of knitting". I should share, however, that my eldest daughter is also a knitter but she likes to do washcloths and afghans. I have lost count of how many blankets she has made….probably about 30. Too big for my tastes:) Have a great day.
Beverly, I bet those sweaters and socks are just darlin’, even more so, since they are made with such love! I love to knit small items, too, and have put away all the sweaters I made for my daughter for when she grows up as a keepsake. Thanks for sharing and Happy Knitting! -Nicole
We spent New Year’s Day in Manhattan, figuring it’d be a good day to go, since most everyone from the night before would be asleep or already left, and, my daughter had never seen the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. Getting up early and driving in, we headed to Times Square. Hours before, there’d been millions of New Year’s Eve revelers, and several tons of paper confetti had dropped on the crowd. When we arrived at 10:00 AM, there was not a scrap of trash to be seen! The only shred of evidence of the celebration were a few sanitation trucks parked at the end of the street, and the lit “2012” lights where the Ball had been dropped at midnight. Talk about efficient post-holiday cleaning! While many do “Spring Cleaning”, the weeks after New Year’s are a good time to clean and organize. Packing away holiday decorations leaves open table tops and spaces, and it’s too cold to do much outside. With indoor pets and a busy family, I have a lot to keep up with. We’ve already “gone organic,” getting chemicals out of our foods, now my New Years’ resolution is to “cleanse” us of the rest of the chemicals in our lives!
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Shery says: Great article. Ok, I’m going to make my own laundry soap. Been thinking about it anyway. My mother and grandma always swore by vinegar. I got out of the habit of using it for as many things that it is good for. Thank you for the reminder. I like the smell and love to eat it on many things. I’ve got a’ways to go toward being all organic, but I’m working on it. Thanks for another nudge :o)
Thanks, Shery! You will love the laundry soap. My husband is amazed at how wonderfully clean, white, and soft his dress/work shirts are. Good luck! -Nicole
Mari says: I was told by a neighbor woman to add white vinegar to my laundry. I have been doing this for several months and LOVE the results!!! The laundry smells fresh and clean. I would love to find a natural option to replace fabric softener but I don’t think there is one. I noticed you add your vinegar in the softener dispenser, I just pour mine into the tub itself.
I also started making my own cake mixes and cookie rolls, both store in the freezer until it is time to use them. (the cake mix stores in the freezer but need the liquids added when you are ready to mix and bake).
Hi Mari. Making your own cake mixes is a great time-saving tip! Thanks for sharing. By the way, do you still feel the need to use a fabric softener with the vinegar in your laundry? The vinegar should work as a softener. Maybe you can try adding it to the rinse cycle, or use a bit more. Let me know how it goes. -Nicole
Janice K. says: Thanks for the great ideas!
I use plain baking soda for scouring out the marks in my kitchen sink and the food spatters on my appliances. I just sprinkle it on and use a damp towel to apply pressure.
After reading an article on facial cleansing oils, I have started to use grape seed oil to remove my makeup and cleanse my face in the evening. I placed the oil in a small atomizer bottle and then splash a bit of warm water on my face. I place 3-5 squirts of oil in my palm and then massage it over my face. After running warm water over my wash cloth, I use it to remove the oil/makeup residue. Makes my face feel wonderful! I think that any organic oil would work well.
Janice, thank you for the tips! Sounds good! -Nicole
Christi says: I love your ideas! Does your vinegar formula work on soap scum or do you have something else for cleaning up showers and tubs?
Hi Christy! I use my vinegar spray in my bathroom, as well, on the sinks and mirrors. For my tub and showers, I do use Bon-Ami for scouring. However, you know those daily "spray and walk away" cleaners for shower doors and surfaces? I use a bottle of vinegar and water instead. We have very hard well water. After showering I spray all the surfaces, including the tile and glass door. I "squeegee" the door, but leave the rest "as is". This seems to cut down my work on "cleaning day", and works just as well as the commercial shower cleaners. Thanks for asking! -Nicole
Joan says: Super article – I have done many of the chemical free living items for well, some, most of my life – grew up making much of what we lived with – got lazy started using prepared products – going to get back to the good life and make products myself. Thanks for the ‘push’ – I am getting right on it. Happy New Year – love Time Sq. – hope y’all did too.
Thanks, Joan! I think the pendulum is swinging, and people are getting back to the basics. I find making my own products to be more convenient – when I run out of something, I can quickly make it again, and with far less expense. New Years Day was fun, the weather was wonderful and the crowds low. Thanks for commenting, and happiest of New Year’s to you, too! -Nicole
Yes, it’s time to bite the bullet … really great ideas. I’ve cut back on commercial products in my own life, but our business (a busy inn)has been hard to switch over completely. Years ago I developed a reaction to all those perfumes and chemicals … I avoid the detergent aisle in the grocery store like the plague now; my eyes would water as soon as I approached. That can’t be good!! Keep up the good work; love reading your blogs,
Your Farmgirl sister, Cathi
Cathi, thanks for reading. I hear ya! It seems now that I have cut out chemicals and perfumes, I am much more sensitive to them, as well. My sense of smell is sharper! Take care! Farmgirl Hugs, blogging sis! -Nicole
Adrienne Kristine says: If your drains aren’t doing their job in a timely manner, pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. The drain will foam like the science experiment volcano you made as a kid, but the drain and pipe will smell fresh and clean.
Adrienne, great tip! Thanks for sharing! -Nicole
Pam C says: I use vinegar in my rinse cycle, too. I have wool dryer balls for the dryer. The dryer balls help tremendously.
Too many skin-care products contain perfumes and alcohols. Thank goodness there are more and more honestly healthy products out there for us now.
Mari – check out the brand Melaluca. You might like their fabric softener but I do find that vinegar in the rinse water and the dryer balls combination works as well. Good luck!
Pam, I have seen those dryer balls and wanted to get some. Thanks for the reminder! How long do they typically last for you? -Nicole
Tami says: Great article.
I have just started using a steam cleaner on our tile and wooden floors, and its great.
I’m going to try the vinegar in the wash. I was just wondering where do you find the products you listed to make your own detergent and how much of each do you use? As for the skin and what you eat, my daughter has recently gone to college and unfortunately she lives in the dorm and has a meal plan, her face has broken out badly so I can see the connection about what you eat and your skin.
Thanks for the great information.
Thanks, Tami. I have found all three ingredients to make the laundry soap in both my local Shoprite Grocery and Big Y Grocery chains. The Fels Naptha bar soap ran me about $1.39/bar. If you don’t use laundry soap, you can use regular bar soap of your choice, but increase it to 1 whole bar. Check your local stores laundry aisle, as well as the soap aisle. Big Y grocery chain here has Mrs. Stewart’s bluing. If you are still unable to find any of the items listed, all are available at http://www.lehmans.com.
I feel badly for your daughter! I guess your care packages to college will be stocked with organic goodies!
Thanks again for reading! -Nicole
Linda says: Dishwashing causes my brittle nails. What can be used for dishes? Or is there any substitute for dishwasher detergent?
Love your blog!!
Linda
Thanks, Linda! I’ve been using a more natural one by Seventh Generation. They are out there. Watch out especially for dishwasher detergent that say "antibacterial". Another tip I like to do is to rub some Burts Bees Hand Salve on my cuticles and nails before I do dishes. -Nicole
Yeah! I love the Burt’s Bees lip balm so much that I started making my own. I even made some with color this last time. You can do all sorts of all natural things: olive oil/castor oil for face washing, coconut oil for moisturizing, baking soda instead of shampoo, vinegar instead of conditioner and even make your own deodorant from things probably in your kitchen cabinet! Let me know if you want links/recipes for any of these. Also, I do the same for laundry detergent and found that you only need a teaspoon for a load. 🙂
Thanks, Kimberly! For the laundry detergent, factor in how hard your water is and how large a load. The ratio I use works for perfectly for me, but I tend to do very large loads and have very hard well water. For occasions I do delicates or smaller loads I use my smaller amount.
I’d love to check out those links! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Making your own lip balm – awesome! -Nicole
Kathy Davenport says: I’ve been using olive oil as my facial moisturizer for almost 3 yrs. About 2 yrs. ago, I started using it as my nightly makeup remover. I’ve been meaning to try using vinegar and other natural cleaners more and more–after I finish up the "modern" chemical cleaners; didn’t want to be wasteful. Now, I’m thinking it might be better just to chuck all of the chemical offenders and expand my use of more natural products.
I understand that, Kathy! We changed the bulk of what we use gradually. As we used something "conventional’ up, we changed it to all-natural. 2012 is my year to go completely (or as close to it as possible) natural. It does become a fun challenge to replace things, and makes you so aware of what is in everything we use. Good luck and Happy New Year! -Nicole
Mary M says: I have spray bottles of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in my kitchen and in both bathrooms. To clean mirrors without streaking, spray hydrogen peroxide on a clean cloth, then wipe the mirror. This also works great on stainless steel sinks and fixtures. To clean toilets, put 1/4 cup of borax in the bowl, swish with a toilet brush, and let it stand for 30 minutes or more, then scrub. Borax is also good on fiberglass or porcelain (baking soda also works) if you sprinkle it on a damp sponge or cloth and wipe. I use vinegar in the rinse cup of my washer, too. Haven’t used fabric softener for many, many years. I had migraines set off by scented products so eliminated them long ago.
Here is the Laundry Soap recipe I use to make my own: You need: a 5-gallon bucket with a lid (mine is an old kitty litter container I bought for this), one 5-oz. bar Dr. Bronner’s lavender soap, 1/2 bar Fels Naptha, and 1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. To make: shred both soaps into a large bowl. Boil 4 cups water and mix it into the soap. Pour all this into the 5-gallon bucket with a lid and add 3 gallons hot water from the tap. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix well. Let sit for 48 hours, stirring once. To use: For a large load put 1/2 cup into your washer when the water starts, stir, then add clothes.
I also spray any non-organic produce I buy with white vinegar then with hydrogen peroxide (order can be reversed). Then rinse well. Removes much surface pesticides.
Thanks for reminding me of that. I use my spray with the vinegar and water to wash off my produce as well. I haven’t used hydrogen peroxide in it before. Thanks for the info, Mary! -Nicole
Barb Sanders says: I use virgin coconut oil on my skin after my shower instead of lotions. Makes the skin nice & soft and I have no allergic reactions to it.
Barb, thanks for the tip. I just saw Coconut Oil in my grocer’s the other day. I bet it smells nice, too! -Nicole
marci says: I have been making my own cleaning products for almost 2 years but I have not figured out how to clean glass without streaking–thanks for the tip!
I started making my own lotions this last year. I use coconut oil, beeswax and honey. I did not write down the recipe and last time the lotion was kind of sticky because too much honey. Honey is a great moisturizer.
Thanks for reading and for the tip Marci! Sounds good! -Nicole
Nella Spencername says: Hi, I’ve been transforming myself and home to become more organic also. What has me totally hooked are essential oils. Because they have antibacterial properties and smell great, I use them in just about everything. I keep a small spray bottle on my kitchen sink with distilled water and lemongrass oil (4 oz water/40 drops oil) and spray my counters, sponges and dishrags. I also found that rubbing alcohol removes soap scum on tiles and shines up fixtures, mirrors, like nothing I’ve ever used. Also, for those of us who have to use hairspray, it removes the tackiness that can be left on the counter. I sometimes use it alone or mix it with water and lemongrass oil to spray larger surfaces like kitchen tiles. Hope this helps.
Nella, awesome tips! Thank you so much! I have not done much with essential oil yet, but will be looking into it. I also heard that you can add some to the homemade laundry detergent if you do wish to scent it. The goat milk soaps I love so much that are homemade by a friend are scented with essential oils. I also love the rubbing alcohol tip! Thanks so much! -Nicole
Hope says: Hi! I just started using vinegar for cleaning last year. It cleans, disinfects and it’s cost efficient! My tip is that I rub olive oil on my cuticles after I wash dishes. It softens and soothes sore cuticles and it’s convenient because it stays in the kitchen. Also, my husband just bought a ionic washing ball a few days ago on e-bay. It works really well. I’m not sure what the ball is made of ( maybe a durable foam ) but it has natural minerals in it. You just toss it in the wash. You don’t use any soaps or detergents. If you are interested or want to learn more, just google "ion washing ball". There are several kinds and all are priced differently. They also all have different usage dates, but ours said it’s good for two years with just washing once a day. My husband said he bought an off-brand and it works great!! Farm Girl Hugs to you! I hope this helps!
Hi Hope! Thanks for the tips! I’m definitely going to try out the olive oil! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole Christensen says: I’d like to add something. When going chemical-free, don’t forget your pets. I have a close friend who is a vet, and she has always told me not to use plastic water bowls for my furry friends. The plastic can leach chemicals into the water, and cause rashes around their nose and mouth, cause allergic reactions, and more. Try to use glass or metal. My water bowls for my dog are stainless steel. I can’t use glass because she chucks them at me when they become empty! -Nicole
lee says: I use emu oil on my cuticles at night and after being in a lot of water. I also use emu oil lotion for the softening effect on my hands and feet. It is all nautural and can be gotten online from various sites. I use one in Idaho but there are several. An added benefit is that it is a natural pain reliever for those with arthritis in the hands. Just make sure that the online site does not add any additional chemicals to the oil. Mine is pure emu oil.
Lee
Thank you for the tip, Lee! I will also pass that on to some fellow knitters I know! -Nicole
Karin says: I use sweet almond oil on a natural cotton pad to clean eye make up. For cleansing my face I use one part castor oil and one part extra virgin olive oil combined in a small dark bottle. Do not wet your face first just slowly massage it into your skin and then I put a hot (not scalding) washcloth over my face and REST till the washcloth is cool. (takes less than 5 minutes but it is my time) Then rinse the washcloth in hot water and wipe off the excess oil. Feels great!!! My daughter uses some type of cloth from a home party and no longer uses soap at all. Her skin looks great and My granddaughters eczema has completely gone away. I almost have my husband (when he goes to Boy Scout camp he takes a case of Clorox) convinced to just use vinegar and water. Not there entirely but still working on him… The boys would be happy since they complain he gets up early and uses so much Clorox on the bathrooms they can hardly stand to go into them… I am sure they are exaggerating (maybe).
Thanks, Karin for reading and the great tips! Chuckling at the story of your husband and his bleach use…poor Boy Scouts! That used to be me! Now I can’t stand the smell of bleach. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Brenda says: Thanks Nicole for all the tips. There are some that I am sure to try. I have used rubbing alcohol for cleaning the bathroom and really like it. The laundry soap I am going to try as soon as I can. Thanks again.
You’re welcome, Brenda! Let me know how it goes with the laundry soap. I really love using it, and am so pleasantly surprised at how clean my laundry gets and for so much less money than ready-made detergents! Take care, Nicole
debbie says: Hey Nicole!
I really need to try your homemade laundry soap recipe.. Our teenaged daughter does laundry every day and I need a cheaper alternative. Plus, I’ll earn a new merit badge!
cool! Thanks for such a great post.. Oh, we got a new bag free vacuum last year too. Love it! Happy Cleaning sista!
Deb ( your beachy bloggin’sis )
Hey Deb,
If you find the ingredients at the same price I have, it’s estimated to run less than five cents a load. Plus, the Borax has so many other great uses, too. I’m still amazed at the difference in my hubby’s work shirts. The older ones look brand new!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
That is awesome . I’ve been wanting to change everything over as well. I also use organic wear, but its hard to find. Where do you buy yours from?
Hi Whittney,
Thanks for reading. I have bought the Organic wear at Target, CVS, and most recently at Rite Aid Pharmacies. Good luck! -Nicole
Beryl says: Hi Nicole, this is my first time reading your blog. I am a 43 y.o. stay at home mom in a suburban NJ town. I have been feeling more and more of a pull toward a healthier lifestyle. I buy more organic foods and try to stay away from products laden with chemicals. After reading your blog, I am more motivated to try even more natural products. Any suggestions for facial care for sensitive skin that breaks out easily? Also, I am going to try the laundry soap recipe. Thanks for a great blog! Very inspiring!
Beryl
Hi Beryl!
I’ve tried a lot of both natural and conventional products over the years. Right now I am really happy using the Burt’s Bees skincare. I am using "Radiance Day Lotion" as it is the only natural one I can find with sunscreen, which is important. It has SPF of 15. I use their "Naturally Ageless" night cream and (sometimes) their anti-aging serum. I am most happy with a new product they recently came out with, which is their cleanser for sensitive skin. It lathers and cleans my skin without stripping it, but also gets it clean. Finding a natural cleanser I liked was hard. So many natural ones have menthol in them, which makes my skin burn and red. I like this line because it has the exact percentage of how natural their products are (97% – 100%), and my skin is not red anymore, or broken out. (I have dry skin but can break out with the wrong product) and I can find their line just about anywhere. There’s another line at Whole Foods that I do like, too, called "Aubrey Organics". They have a rosewater cream that I like, as well.
Thank you for reading! Hope this advice helps. -Nicole
Amy says: Hi Nicole. Love all the tips. I have done so much research on petroleum based products and their other name "mineral oil" . It is horrific for our body and has over 30 other names in products. I love the laundry detergent recipe, but found that Fels-Naptha contains petroleum as well. I did find a similar recipe using castile soap instead, with excellent results. I’m going to give it a try.
Amy, thanks so much for the tip! I didn’t know that about Fels-Naptha. With the recipe I have, you can use "regular" soap as well. If you do, increase the amount of soap to a whole bar. -Nicole
Great, great article. We’ve been replacing all out household items with natural makings. Seemed like the next logical step after no/very little restaurant or processed foods! =-)
Thanks, Jenni! It really does make a difference. Thanks for reading. -Nicole
At my house, holidays are a time for us to be home together, have fun, eat great food, and remember times gone by. Being a native-born Texan, married to a Dane, living in New England, our holidays are like a quilt of different cultures! Come do a bit of celebratin’ at the Christensen household!
Got your holiday best on?
Rachelle says: Love the post, especially about your Turkey trial. I would be scared too. Traditions – here are a few things we do. We put up the tree and decorations usually the day after Thanksgiving. Many favorite ornaments and we talk about when we got them or a funny story that might be linked to them. I have all my childhood ornaments I received from my piano teacher over the years. We usually watch It’s a Wonderful life, Rudolph (traditional one), Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation. A lot of our decorations are fun and we have a rockin santa that we all enjoy and try to mimic. We started an advent wreath a couple years ago and have added that to our "traditions". We used to go and cut a tree, but several years ago we just didn’t have the funds and opted for a "fake" tree that was my mothers. We have been using it now for 6 years. The boys and I would like to cut a tree again. Maybe next year!? Food wise, we have always had the traditional turkey and dressing but this year we did a Mexican fiesta! And like you we are from TEXAS so we always have ham, black eyed peas, cabbage and all the works for New Years!
Happy New Year
Hey fellow Texan! Christmas sounds like a fun time at your house! MMMM..Mexican Fiesta sounds yummy! We love the traditional Rudolph, too! I still haven’t sat down and watched "It’s A Wonderful Life" this year yet, maybe tonight! Thank you so much for sharing, and have a Happy New Year to you too! -Nicole
Merry Christmas, Nicole! What a lovely collection of traditions you have developed in your family … everything so special and very meaningful! This is the first year that our family has had a live tree and used our own personal family decorations since we moved to our inn 7 years ago. We decorate the inn of course, but all our personal items have been in storage. Even so, each and every decoration still brought back memories of who gave it to us, or what we were doing on a particular year. They are like little time machines to precious memories! We have developed a tradition of a Christmas brunch, with special dishes we only make on Christmas morning. We nibble throughout the day and have dinner in the evening. Of course sometime during the holidays I have to watch It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street! We also used to have a tradition when the kids were small of reading a passage from a book called Jotham’s Journey each day of Advent. Even though we only have 1 teenager still left at home, I think we will revive that tradition next year. Merry Christmas Nicole and have a fabulous New Year! Much love, Cathi
Merry Christmas, Cathi! Your inn sounds so lovely. You hit the nail on the head saying decorations are little time machines. So true! Sounds like you have some wonderful traditions, too. Merry Christmas and Happy, Happy New Year! – Nicole
Kathy says: Your tree must be beautiful. The lace and candles are truly lovely.
Every year I give my daughter a pair of PJs on Christmas Eve. Just after dinner we take a drive around to see everyones lights. I believe the combination of new PJs and cold fresh air helped her to fall asleep faster.
Well in 2 months she will be 27. Gosh, where has the years gone to? I still give her PJs on Christmas Eve. But it was just my husband and I that drove around town checking out the wonderful lights. Too bad we didn’t have a little snow.
Kathy, my mom STILL gives me new pj’s each Christmas, and I am going to be forty! I carry the tradition with my daughter, now, too. We open that one gift Christmas Eve Night, and take pictures by the tree in our new pajamas. Did you see alot of Christmas lights where you are? We saw more this year than previous years, but still not as much as we used to. Thank you for reading and commenting! -Nicole
Howdy Sister Nicole! You certainly do travel around for the holidays don’t you. I LOVE the addition of black eyed peas to your Christmas menu! They were a favorite around our family table when I was growing up due to the fact my dad was a Texan!I’ve got a big ham hock left over from our Christmas Ham and I’m thinking a nice pot of pinto beans and ham with cornbread and a crisp garden salad on the side.. Oh and biscuits too for New Years, but I bet my hubby brings home lobster to steam too! How’s that for a mix of east west cultures? Your drive through Santa story is a hoot! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by to see me and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Hugs, from your bloggin’ sis Deb
Hey Girl! You are making my mouth water with the beans and ham and cornbread….I used the last of my ham last night in a ham, onion, broccoli and cheese quiche. I used MaryJane’s pie crust recipe, of course! Have a Happy New Year!! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Victoria says: Coming from a Norwegian background, my family also had the tradition of having rice pudding with the almond for Christmas eve supper. Whoever got the almond would be blessed with good luck for the coming year. "Christmas Vacation" and "It’s a Wonderful Life" are mainstays. We have watched it so many times we can pretty much recite the dialog verbatim! It is not uncommon for us to start a phone conversation with "heehaw" or finish up with "see you in the funny papers." My daughter gets the biggest kick out of that…lingo she has never heard of before! A rusty, broke down RV lumbering down the road is a "Cousin Eddie!" After all the fun and light heartedness, we gather around the table piled high with awesome food, hold hands and give thanks for all our blessings, for they are many. Even though our country is facing many problems, how blessed we all are to live in our beloved USA. And….living in So. California, tamales and beans will be on our table for New Years! Happy New Year, fellow farm sisters!!!
Hi Victoria! Don’t you love re-visiting favorite Christmas movies? A new favorite of mine is Christmas With The Kranks. On a serious note, we are all so VERY blessed. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful New Year! -Nicole
Sandy says: Love your post! Being half Swede and the rest Danish and German, many of our foods and decorations are similar. We have a few candles on our tree that I bought many years ago in Denmark. At our church we have a Scandinavian Festival every other year which includes aebleskiver, every sort of butter cookie, sausages, lefse, etc.
It is our tradition to cut our own tree in the woods, an activity we now share with our grandchildren. Our church is a big part of our traditions. Hubby decorates the house outside every year with lights and figures.
It is our tradition on New Year Day to take the decorations down and put the tree outside for the birds to enjoy for a few weeks before it goes to the recycler.
We usually spend lots of time out in the snow but alas no snow this year at all. Boo hoo.
Hi Sandy! My husband and I love to go to the Danish festival in New York put on by the Seaman’s church, but the one we go to is in the summer. Would love to go to a Christmas one! No snow here either…but it was a nice sunny, cold Christmas morning. Gladelig Jul! -Nicole
KimberlyD says: Happy New Year! Your black eye pea salad is close to my mother’s kidney bean salad. I’m not sure I would buy turkey from that company, I would eat turkey again though. Or maybe by fresh from a farm.
I take my tree down New Years day. I always make a new craft or two to either give away or add to my Christmas decorations. I had two places to decorate this year, my place and my dad’s room for he is in a medical care facility right now, just had to make his room cheery. So that means two places to take down the decorations! haha! Oh well.
I just thought of a memory from Christmas past, I remember standing in line to see Santa at the Pontiac Mall in Michigan, and it was long and when it was my turn I cried and wouldn’t sit on his lap! Than a year later we move to Midland Michigan and Santa came right to my house. I answered the door and he picked me up and I didn’t cry, I went to tell my mom in the kitchen and she wouldn’t believe me till I dragged her out to show her.
Once again…Happy New Year!
Kimberly, thanks so much for sharing! What a great story! My daughter and I waited in line several times, all dressed up to see Santa. When it was her turn, she would burst into tears. I couldn’t be mad at her – I totally understood! Last two years she went right up to him, and had her picture taken.
I’m glad you decorated your dad’s room. What a sweet thing to do (and important, if you ask me). I’m doing the same thing you are this week – taking down the decorations. Makes me a little sad, but I guess that means we had a nice holiday, right?
Thanks again so much for reading and commenting. Happiest of New Year’s to you and your dad. -Nicole
Linda says: Guess what I used the leftover tulle from decorating for my daughter’s wedding?
When the first grandchild was born, i used the tulle to wrap around new large sized baby blocks, but let the colorful side show through, then tied pink ribbons around the top. The next grandchild was a boy, so blue ribbon was used. Last year, four grandchildren’s names were spelled with blocks. This year, I didn’t have enough blocks to spell all names, so I just spelled the new baby boy’s name.
Linda, What an adorable idea! Thank you for sharing it! -Nicole
This past week, my family and I visited one of our favorite places to go during the holidays. St. Georges Episcopal Church in Middlebury, Connecticut hosted its Annual Gingerbread Village. Want to feel like a little kid again? Come with me and marvel at these amazing works of food art!
Eleanor M. (elemiller) says: So much fun to see gingerbread house villages. There is a museum near us that does a similar display. We have made some very amateur attempts at gingerbread houses, but they are fun to do , and these are very inspiring!
Aren’t they? Truly they are artists. Thanks for commenting! -Nicole
Sue says: WOW! Those are amAZing! Can we still go see the village or is it a one weekend event? I would love to take my mother in law, she is a world class gingerbread house creator! She once made a gingerbread Ferris wheel for a raffle. It was huge!
Sue T.
Hi Sue! Sadly, it is a one-week display. Mark your calendar for next year! -Nicole
LAURIE DIMINO says: Nicole-
As always love to read your blog! The "trip" through the gingerbread village was a real treat! Thank you as always for sharing such wonderful stories.
Good Luck with your 1st ever Radio Show tonight!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Laurie
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Thank you, Laurie! Happiest of Holidays! -Nicole
Karen M says: I tried once to do a Gingerbread House…..I applaud the creativity and the patience to do this. These Ladies did a fantastic job. I can smell the sugar. Thanks for taking us this winter wonderland trip.
I know when Audrey and I try to make one, I think WE get more covered in icing than the house does! Still, it is such fun. -Nicole
CJ Armstrong says: WOW! Those are wonderful! And what fun that would be! I don’t think I’ve ever tried a gingerbread house project. It seems like there never was time to add that to everything. But what fun that would be. Perhaps I’ll put that on my "let’s do it" list for next year.
Thanks Nicole!
Hi CJ! It really is fun to assemble one! If Audrey has Halloween candy left, we "re-purpose" it for our Gingerbread House. Of course, mine look nothing like the beauties here….
Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful Holiday Season! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Pat Swenson says: Our family has the tradition of Cookie Day where the nine of us get together on the first Saturday of December to make and exchange Christmas cookies. Later in the afternoon we create our gingerbread houses made from kits. Each year there is a design element that must be incorporated into each house which could be anythng from Swedish Fish to Christmas colored candy corn. The men in our family try to outdo one another and some hilarious houses have been created. We have some great family memories!
Pat, what a great tradition you have! Sounds like so much fun. Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas, Nicole
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Close to New York City, our suburban town is sandwiched between two other big cities, yet also surrounded by very rural areas. Driving on our highways, you might not think “farms”, nor on our Main Street with the bustle of traffic. Yet, nestled on a little back road IS a farm, with some of the friendliest and most interesting livestock imaginable. Come visit with me, the “Suburban Farmgirl” and meet my friend, A.J., a “Suburban Farmer”.
Nicole says: Awesome AJ! Congratulations–
Nicole, I know A.J. appreciates that. I see from your email address, you must be a goat lover, too. Take care, Nicole
What beautiful photos! Thank you so much for sharing!! Your article gives me renewed hope of becoming a Texan suburban farmer myself someday!
Thanks, Belinda! A.J.’s animals were fun to photograph! Thanks for reading, and follow your dreams! -Nicole
AJ is my inspiration! Our sweet girl, Kalila is from Rowanwood;)
This is a very nice piece:)
Jennifer, if Kalila is anything like the animals I met at A.J.’s, she must be a doll! Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Mary Ann says: Nicole, wow, AJ is an inspiration to us all!
I think so, too! Thanks for reading!- Nicole
Liz Bowling says: The beauty of the animals is amazing. Thank you for taking time and love to preserve these beautiful creatures.
Liz, aren’t they adorable? My daughter and I had so much fun snuggling them all. Such sweeties. -Nicole
Sherry says: Ahhh, this is my dream…and realistically I know it will probably never be a reality…but OH how I envy her…even all the hard work. What a life. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Shery says: What a wonderful home those animals have…so clean and well attended! Love the repurposed crib feeder.
Nicole, I really enjoyed your article today. I too have a friend who raises goats and makes goat soap to sell at the farmers market. I love her soap. She makes lavender, rosemary and unscented. Also she makes a pine tar soap that is really good for those who suffer with psoriasis and other dry skin issues, and also for helping to clear up poison ivy. Your friend has a great price on her soap. My friend sells hers $5 a bar and no pretty bag. She has people wanting to order from her, but she has a full time job so she doesn’t want to get into all that. Can we order soap from your friend on line? I think your friend has a great farm and I envy her. Be Blessed.
Hi Vivian! Yes, my friend will sell her soap through her website. Just email her and she can answer you with all the details. It is lovely, and makes a nice gift. Thanks for reading, and Happy Holidays! -Nicole
Hey Nicole,
Looks like a wonderful field trip to the farm! I love A.J.’s farmgirl determination and her mission! The animal pic’s are wonderful… They all look so happy and loved. Thanks for sharing! This one is inspiration for all us farmgirls who are still dreaming of " more farming " in our futures!
Happy Holidays,
Deb ( your beach bloggin’ sister )
Hey Deb, Weren’t those animals just the cutest? I’ve been there when she had new babies, too. Those animals know they are in good hands, I think. Take care, Nicole
Elizabeth says: Congrats AJ! I’ve been to her farm for 3 years after working with her at an animal hospital for an internship. It really is a great barn and I love all the animals! I hope to see her lovely farm again soon!
Thanks for reading, Elizabeth! -Nicole
Heidi says: So jealous! Goat kisses are the best love Evah!
Heidi, I agree! Hugs, Nicole
KimberlyD says: Great pictures, this sure like a fun place to visit. I crochet topper son kitchen towels and dish clothes I give to family and friends. I use to sell them but everyone sells them at those bazzars and flea markets. I use to sell homemade soap in the ’90’s around here and it wouldn’t sell, I was a head of my time for now you see people selling it everywhere! lol!
Sounds like it, Kimberly! Maybe you should try again! Thanks for reading. -Nicole
Nichki says: What a great article! AJ is THE BEST!
KarenM says: Love your stories and photo’s. Did you sneak one of the little guys home with ya. Just tell the hubby it’s a small funny dog. The closest I get to farming right now is my little garden. I have tons of lettuce & spinach, hopefully the squash will start producing soon.
TC
No, but I did warn A.J. she should check my pockets for Rosie before I left, ha ha! They really were the sweetest little babies! Good luck with the garden, mine is put to bed for the winter! -Nicole
Rose says: Another great article by a good friend about a good friend! I miss you both and wish I could have been there during your visit. I love all of AJ’s products, the soap is wonderful. I send AJ items that I acquire for free from other veterinary hospitals and meetings for her to re-use and re-purpose on her farm. I love to visit her and assist in taking care of some of the goat babies! I assisted in delivering a set of triplets last time I was there.
We had a recent amateur radio Christmas party and AJ provided soap medallions and gift baskets for the women attending the event. She did this project in addition to her million other things to do.
Thanks for a great article with pictures. I plan to share this with friends when they ask me who the "goat milk soap lady" is.
PS – I don’t have any of those wool weights yet if Santa needs a gift idea for me….
Rosemarie Niznik, DVM
Rose, Love you! Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Fantastic A.J., she should be called, what amazing talents abound. What a kind heart and life A.J. leads. We should all be so lucky.
Winter Storm Alfred reared its ugly head on October 29th, hitting Connecticut with one of the earliest snow storms anyone‘s ever seen. Nobody believed the forecast, and were we sorry! No one was prepared for what happened next. Have you ever been caught off guard by extreme weather?
Winter Storm Alfred dropped a blanket of snow within minutes of starting…
Oh Nicole,
Talk about getting hit from all sides at once. Well, you persevered like the true Farmgirl you are and lucky you to have surrounded yourself with equally good friends to help you in a pinch. We have not been surprised by bad weather to the extent that you just shared,but so many in MA lost power during Hurricane Irene and again with the storm that came before Halloween… That was mostly high winds and rain. Wait a minute, what am I thinking? There was the time that my husbands 21 foot sea craft sank after the hull filled up with water due to a failed bilge pump. Weather wasn’t the cause of it, but the combined efforts of our beach community saved his boat and the motor ( which is usually dust after being exposed to salt water ). We named our boat Bottoms Up and it continues to be a great source of entertainment and a reminder of the meaning of friendship and community. Thanks again for another great post!
Lets hope this winter goes a little easier on us East Coat farmgirls!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Deb ( Your MJF Beach Blogging Sister )
Hi Deb! I hear ya! I hope this is not a sign of what’s to come this Winter. Love the name of your boat! You make me smile! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
When I still lived in Missouri, we had a massive ice storm. People were out of power for days, even weeks. We were fortunate to live in a neighborhood that had power underground, and we offered our home (and heat, food, washer/dryer) to anyone who needed it. I think in days past, neighbors took care of each other, and we don’t realize how much we need each other until something happens!
I’m glad the fish is okay. Your kids will be talking about this for the rest of their lives!
Susabelle, Thank you for reading and commenting. We have often wondered living here why our lines aren’t underground, especially with all the trees we have! I’m sure your neighbors in Missouri always remembered your kindness. -Nicole
Christine says: How wonderful – thank you for sharing. Similar things happened down here in TX after Hurricane Ike at my old house (not our farm). All of the neighbors suddenly came out to meet each other since they had no TV to watch!! My sweetie’s employer sent labor crew (since he was out of state on a job at the time)to rip out my water logged stinky carpet so it wouldn’t continue to progress to dangerous unsanitary conditions. You have given me something to think about at our new farm – it is on well water, and we have 3 freezers. I know we can run some things using his extra welding machine, and do a lot of grilling out. But since the whole house is electric, I bet we need to think about how the well will be if we lose power!!! Always good to prep & your story has gifted me awareness of that water well!!! Hugs!
Christine from BaileyVille Farm, SantaFe,TX
Hey Christine, My roots and family are in Texas. Sure do miss it at times! I’ve heard from them how hard Ike was down there, and when I went home was sad to see some of the landmarks that were gone. I’m going to make sure I take better precautions this winter when they warn of storms, and hopefully we don’t go through it again. Hugs from CT, Nicole
Karin Weaver says: I am so happy everything worked out well for you. The kindness of such friends will never be forgotten. I had my husband read this as we live on a farm in a very isolated area and without electricity we would not have water or heat. We have a wood burning stove but without electricity no blower but it is better than nothing. Your story has finally gotten my husband to buy that generator (ok maybe that is a "we need to get one" statement). I still would be hauling water out to our 9 horses and 2 miniature donkeys (Scooby and Shaggy) and that would be quite a feat. I pray we never have to use that generator but living in Missouri one never knows… Thank you and stay warm…
Thank you Karin! It was a bitter pill to swallow, but we had to get another generator to be prepared for next time (I shudder at THAT thought). The first one served us over ten years, and it can’t be repaired. I learned the hard way – better to be safe than sorry. Give those horses and mini donkeys a pat for me. I love miniature donkeys! Stay warm and Happy Thanksgiving. – Nicole
Sandy says: Nicole, what a story! Sounds like everything that could go wrong did.
We have had many bad weather surprises here in Minnesota. Too many to tell! Many times with no power, once for a week, snow coming too early like mid-October and staying all winter with kids toys in the back yard under feet of snow until spring!
Why electric lines are not underground…..$$$$$
Glad you’re back to normal!
Thanks Sandy! Happy Thanksgiving! – Nicole
Karin says: I’ve lived through more weather related stuff in my life than I want to think about. Grew up near Lake Michigan (snow and tornadoes), Have live in the south for 40 years (hurricanes, floods, etc). Your blog brought to mind what happened to us in February of this year. We were pulling a 16 foot trailer to the house we bought in Indiana. This house has a vertical driveway with two switchbacks in it (What were we thinking?) There had been an ice storm and than thaw. Half way up the drive the trailer slid sideways and got stuck. We tried everything we could think of, to no avail. So we started unloading and carrying things up the hill, thinking we might get out if the trailer wasn’t full. Suddenly a man and two teenagers walked up the drive from a cabin farther down the road. To make a long story short, he actually managed to pull the trailer out of the ditch with the comealong on his 4-wheeler, then he and the kids helped us unload the rest of the stuff. Somehow he next managed to drive his 4-wheel drive Suburban in front of the trailer and pull it up the hill. The kids helped me get things in the house because it was staring to rain. They were absolutely wonderful and I was so thankful that God put them there that weekend, because they only visit occasionally. We’ve seen them a few more times and they are great neighbors.
Karin
Farmgirl #2708
Wow, Karin. You are lucky to have those neighbors, and that they were there for you that day. Thanks for commenting. Have a wonderful Holiday! -Nicole
Libbie says: I am SO glad that you and yours are okay. It sounds like Alfred was a beast. When you mentioned the pumpkin bread gift, it made me think of when I had my babies and women from the LDS Relief Society brought meals to my home for the fist little while. Women that I didn’t even know, but who had been made aware that I was a new mom, and possibly (okay, PROBABLY) overwhelmed. So kind, and so helpful. It’s true, no farmgirl is an island, and that’s a WONDERFUL thing… xoxo, Libbie
I love that, "No farmgirl is an island." Thank you, Libbie! Big hugs. – Nicole
I’m off to our library today. My daughter’s key chain collection was featured in the glass showcases for October. Our library’s a treasured place, and for a small town, it’s a great meeting place full of books, activities, and museum-worthy treasures in cases illustrating the town’s history. Our townspeople are very proud of it. Stepping inside, I’m reminded of how reading has shaped who I am and where I’ve been.
CC says: Oh my dilemma! we have a Kindle & use it as our library now allows for check out of digital books … but like you, I love having the books to physically touch and lovingly turn the pages! It’s much easier to carry multiples of books on the Kindle (waiting at the dentist or doctors office – don’t have to resort to 2 year old germy magazines, or traveling – this weighs so much less! I have a small library with me this way) — but put me outside in my porch swing and I want to hold a book .. and I want to give my favorites to new moms to start their child’s library and I never have to worry about electricity or battery life when I have a real book.
CC, isn’t that true? Valid points, for sure. Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Donna says: I will never give up paper books! They are like friends.
Books are cherished by me and I want to share that love with friends and family.
I may request a copy of Jane Eyre be placed inside my casket when I die!
Donna, love it! Thanks for commenting! -Nicole
Lisa Holderman says: Hi Nicole,
My mother and I have pondered this together many times and we both agree that while the other is convenient there are MANY more reasons to go with paper books. For one, the technology won’t change, like we have seen with music and movies. That keeps things simpler. Another reason is that paper books can be handed down from generation to generation and friend to friend. (My mom always writes in her books the date she reads it and a little note on how she felt after she read it. We both find ourselves re-reading books and strangely enough when we go to record the date it is very close to the time we read it last.) It is true that e-books are probably more green than paper, BUT many of our books are being published on recycled paper and when technology changes where do all those handy devices end up? The enviornmentalist in me appreciates and loves knowing that my books will be recycled…one way or another. Plus paper books help us to be social…we go to the library and bookstores and meet up with others we know. In a world where technology seems to make us more and more anti-social and non-communicative, paper books can actually bring people together. So, I for one, hope and pray that the paper book never goes away. I love to feel it in my hand, I love how they look in my bookcase and love sharing them with family and friends. Long live paper!
Lisa, Nicely put. Isn’t that the truth? Also, if you drop a book…nothing happens! -Nicole
As always, I really enjoyed your column today.
I have gone back and forth with the idea of virtual books versus "real book". It might be nice as a convenience or saving space on a vacation but I don’t think I could ever give up "real book". I do love the feel of a good book.
I still have the Little House Series collection from when my kids were young. In 2012 I will be a grandmother for the first time, actually twice since both of my son’s wives are pregnant and due about six weeks apart (this should be fun). I can’t wait to read the Little House books to my grandchildren when they are old enough. I can’t imagine reading it to them from an electronic reader.
Thanks again for a wonderful column as usual.
–Rebecca, CONGRATULATIONS! So exciting that you have grandbabies on the way. Thank you for reading. I share your feeling – it’s not the same to read to a little one with an electronic book, handy or not. – Nicole
Denise Krawiec says: The new paperless books make me sad, I enjoy holding a book,turning the pages and curling up with a glass of lemonaide in the summer or a cup of tea in the winter.I too have childhood favs:The Littlehouse Books,Seasore Summer,The Five Little Peppers That Grew,The Street Sparrows. Also, nowadays,anything by Maeve Binchy.I feel bad for todays kids,I feel like some of them won’t know the joy of holding a book for fun. As for me, I’m gonna’go read!
Denise, I will look into your suggestions. Thanks! -Nicole
Perish the thought! (I’m always so comforted that in the Star Trek future, Captain Picard was often seen relaxing with an old, leatherbound book.) I still love to give and get books as gifts, a much more delectable process with something that can be wrapped. I was very slow climbing onto the e-reader bandwagon, and while I love my Nook, I will never part with the old friends lining my bookshelves. Electronic formats come and go, but print is eternal. I hope. (Austen, Alcott and Montgomery are very close to my heart, as are the "Little House" books which seem to not be digitized yet.)
April, thank you for reading. I’m smiling at the Captain Picard mention! -Nicole
Patricia says: The "Little House Books" of course, I read them to all 7 of my children. Gone with the wind is a treasured book, as a child I enjoyed "Blueberry Summer" also most mysteries (as a child and now as an adult). To me you can’t cuddle up with a good nook, a hot cup of tea and a good nook??? I’ll stick with "real" books as long as I’m able to obtain them. I’ve written you several times before, I enjoy your posts. Thank you.
Patricia, Gone With the Wind…how could I forget that one? I’ve read that pne several times, starting with grade school. I always wondered what Margaret Mitchell herself would have done with those characters had she lived to write a sequel. Thank you again for reading, and commenting. It means so very much to me! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Debbe says: Oh Nicole, I think I could make the same stack of books in your bottom photo in our house too! I must admit, I have not used the paperless option for reading books. We don’t travel much and we ( hubs and I ) love the real thing. We just installed new reading lamps over our bed so we can cozy up this winter and read! I have too many favorite books to mention, but I will admit to MJF Life book being at the top of my top ten.. It’s my "everything good" bible and always just a reach away on my night stand. And it’s autographed too! Extra special. Sharon Lovejoy comes next in my favorite’s list. She is a wonderful writer and illustrator who’s mission in life is to cultivate wonder for all ages! I have some signed copies from her too! My mother in laws house has some real treasures…from the late 1800’s with some of the most amazing illustrations.! Oh gosh, I could go on… sure you don’t just want to come over for a cup of tea and we could chat books all day?
Thanks for this great entry today!
Your MJF blogging sister from the Beach!
Deb
PS. Your daughters collection of key chains in the show case window reminds me of our local libraries as well. Our son featured his Star Wars Lego collection once!
Hey Deb, darlin’…maybe we CAN meet one day…I am sure we would have lots to talk about! Fun! I would love to see some of those books your mother-in-law has…tangible history. My mother has a Bible that she and her husband found in an antique store. It was carried around by a Civil War soldier. The things he wrote it in are just amazing, and to hold it in your hand is an amazing feeling, knowing that this was his prized, dear possession. Hope you are staying warm in MA…CT was devastated this week by a storm. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Louise Marie says: Thank you for this topic. I also have loved books since I can remember. Oh, the places I have been and the people I have known intimately between the covers of books. The little lifeless machines that come alive with the books brought to us now are wonderful. However, i will always love the paper kinds in a more personal way. I can’t wait to read The Delaney Sisters’……….
Louise Marie, drop me a line and let me know if you read it and what you think! Always interesting to get others’ opinions on books we love. I just read Water for Elephants. One close friend loved it, too, another couldn’t get past the first few chapters. Me, I was sad when it ended. -Nicole
Pam Bradley says: Loved your article, makes me feel guilty about loving my Kindle … there is definitely something to be said for those cherished dog-eared books of our past … My two year old granddaughter loves her books, and we turn the same pages over and over … so thanks for sharing your "love" … I will still enjoy my Kindle (albeit without the warm fuzzy feelings!)
No guilt intended, my dear! Enjoy! Thank you for commenting! -Nicole
Adrienne Kristine says: I too had a set of the Childcraft encyclopedia and could read by the time I was 3. I remember all the wonderful poems and stories from volume 1. Whatever their monetary value, the books were priceless for engaging young readers.
I wonder how many hours I spent reading and re-reading my mom’s set? Thank you for reading, Adrienne. -Nicole
Laurie Dimino says: Hi Nicole,
As usual I can totally relate to your blog. There are many times that I toy with the idea of getting an "E-Reader", such as a Nook Color etc. But I just feel like, even for soemthing as simple as a magazine I would miss turning the pages, and feeling the paper. Somehow it just doesnt seem the same, using an electronic device to "read". I happen to be one that is not real fond of all things technology. I accept it and agree that it is useful in some aspects, but I also look at technology as a negative thing in our society. I for one will not be too quick to "move on" to electronic reading. I think I will always favor a real book.
Laurie, thank you again for reading. When my brother (who doesn’t even have an email) got an e-reader, I ran outside to look in the sky for flying pigs! He loves his. I am happy I have books, for sure this week. We lost power in a storm, and my books don’t have to be charged! -Nicole
Joy Howard says: My grandmother had a set of Childcraft books too. I read every one cover to cover. When I was about 7, I was allowed to walk to the library by myself. I didn’t know what books to read so I started with the A’s. Thank goodness the librarian noticed and asked me what I was doing. When I explained, she picked out books for me to read. When I read those, she picked some more. I ended up reading all of Jack London’s books and I was hooked. I have a Kindle but I love my books. My favorite author is Diana Gabaldon. Love her writing.
Joy, Cute story, thank you for sharing! -Nicole
Marilyn says: I love books. There is such a thrill to having a book to cherish and reread over and over. My favorite authors are R.Delderfield, Eugenie Price, B.J. Hoff, Louisa May Alcott, Laura Lee Hope and too many more to mention.
I love browsing through book sales. There is nothing like the excitement of finding a book you have been searching for. I have a collection of Bobbsey Twins and Honey Bunch books my twin sister and I loved to read as children. My older sister has a great collection of Nancy Drew, Beverly Gray and Judy Bolton series. I love to reread some of these books from my childhood!
Nicole, thanks for this subject of paperbacks.I enjoyed reading all the comments too.
Marilyn
Oh, Marilyn, thank you! When you mentioned The Bobbsey Twins, you brought me back to second grade. My school library had a complete collection from years before, and I spent many happy days pouring through them. I also remember a Christmas Eve where my dad and I had a day together alone while my mom was shopping. We went in to a used book store, and he bought me my first Nancy Drew book. It was a happy memory. Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Gramma says: I can really relate to your old set of books…I finally located my treasured 10 vol. set of "The Junior Classics" by Collier. I had these books in the late 40’s and remembered one story that really stood out. I cried when I re-read it 3 years ago. I have been reading the books cover to cover since then and wish my grandkids weren’t all grown up… well, I do have one 4 yr old… the other 9 are over 18. Maybe I will start with the great-grandkids. Kindles will NEVER take the place of my books. I love turning the pages and feeling the book. Can’t teach this old mutt new tricks!
"Gramma", loved your comment, you made me smile. Thank you! Isn’t it a great feeling to find a favorite book you haven’t seen in ages? It’s like catching up with an old friend. Farmgirl hugs to you. -Nicole
KimberlyD says: My favorite book when I was little was The Pokey Little Puppy, and then my mom signed me up for the Dr Seuss books through the mail. I loved books since I was tiny. Little House on the Praire, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Bengi, Black Stallion, and I use to love looking through our encycopedia’s. I did buy a nook, for I have arthritist in my shoulders and its gotten heavy to carry books in my purse, and I take my dad to his appointments so I have a book to read, but I kept a few of my favorite authors.
That is a valid point, Kimberly…the ebooks are so nice for travel. I see a common thread…all of us ‘farmgirls’ grew up reading Little House! Thanks so much for reading, Kimberly! -Nicole
Sheila Belveal says: I have loved reading since I was little. My Mother gave me an old book that she read as a young woman "Clara Barton, The WACS". I think that was the title. I really enjoyed it. She also gave me one titled "Tomas’ Takes Charge" That one I must have read two or three times. My dear Grandmother started me on the Emilie Loring set. She gave me 5 of them and then I collected the rest of the set of 50 books over the years from used book stores and yard sales till I had the entire set. Loved reading them. I also love Diana Gabaldon.
Sheila, how much fun the "hunting" must have been to locate all fifty volumes of that book set! Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole
Carla J says: I have always, and always will be, an avid "bookie". Love to hold the book in my hands and travel along through the pages. Yet, I do use a kindle app on my phone to let me carry, what I call, "fluff" – those books to fill the waiting time at appts, even in line at the store.
I buy books written by my favorite authors to savor and reread; Madeline Engle, Lewis Carroll, Sandra Dallas, Lauraine Snelling, Eugenia Price, Anne River Sidons, Pat Conroy, along with many quilt history books and biographies.
I also have saved favorite books of my parents and children to pass on.
Books, in the paper form, will always be a part of my life.
I agree, Carla. Both are nice from time to time, but my favorite is a real book. – Nicole
diane h says: Funny you would bring up the Childcraft books…I loved those books, especially the book of poetry…I remember in school using that book as a reference when I need to find a poem to memorize…I have a copy of that book, though not the one my mom had, but I love it just the same…and you know what…my kids used it as a reference when they were growing up…it is funny that when I see that book it has the ability to touch a place deep in my heart and memory…
Diane, they were magical books, weren’t they? Thank you for reading. -Nicole
Debbie Shue says: I love books too. I love to read them, hold them, turn the pages and even smell them. Nothing is more fun to me than browsing at the library or a used book store and finding a treasure. Yes I have a kindle and it comes in handy but will never replace a real hold in your hand book.
Debbie, so true! -Nicole
Valerie says: I love to read books and can’t imagine not purchasing them or being without libraries. I do have a kindle but do not use it too often, mostly due to the fact that the paper books I purchase I want to hand off to family and friends (which none of them have a kindle and some do not have computers). I of course love to share books with others so this is a major downfall for me with electronic books. Besides who doesn’t enjoy curling up with a good book?
So true! Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Judy says: Why can’t the two exsist side by side? I love both, do we have to be exclusive? I read all the wonderful Farmgirl blogs on my iPad…were it not for that device, I would not hamve discovered all you interesting people. So something is to be said for both camps.
Judy, I’m not against technology, by far. Because of the Internet, my life is enriched immensely by the Farmgirl Connection, writing this blog, and MaryJane. I can say I have friends all over the U.S. and abroad because of technology. Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole
Diane Stallings says: I really enjoyed your article! Making books available both ways is now so important. As much as we can all benefit from the convenience of using electronic devices, the actual pages to touch make certain books and memories real ‘keepers’.
I agree! Thanks for reading! -Nicole
Rose says: I like having a book and documents stored on my iphone for quick access while traveling. However, I prefer to read novels from the actual printed book. There is something about reading a book with the beautiful illustrations in it. I enjoy reading private notes that previous owners put in them.
Like you, I enjoy book sales at libraries. I collect old books on animals, cooking and travel. Growing up, I read my sister’s hand-me-down Nancy Drew books over and over. I felt closer to my sister when reading these books even though it was 10 years later and she was about 1,000 miles away.
Great topic and another great blog!
Rose, what a sweet sentiment about your sister. Thank you so much for sharing. -Nicole
Karin says: I have loved books since I was small. Love the feel, the smell, just holding them. When I was old enough (according to my parents; I thought I was ready much sooner), my dad would drop me off at our old hometown library (one of the beautiful Carnegie buildings, sadly now gone to make room for a concrete box)on his way back to work after lunch and pick me up when he got off at 5:00. Four wonderful hours to curl up in one of the big chairs by a tall window and read whatever I wanted! It was magic. Laura Ingalls Wilder, Jan Karon, Agatha Christie, the list goes on forever. I love to have books around and it’s very hard for me to send any of them away. Both of my grown kids are voracious readers and my son’s babies are taking after him. Recently my grandson lost a tooth and the tooth fairy left him a book. He was ecstatic. The worst punishment for either one of them is to take away one of their books at bedtime. I can see where electronic books come in handy waiting at doctor’s offices or traveling, but give my a real book any day.
Karin, thank you so much for sharing! I love that the tooth fairy left your grandson a book. How great is that? -Nicole
Georgia Prestwood says: What a very informative site, I have found a lot of very useful information here and still have a lot more to read. Thank you very much for the time and effort you have put in….
My site is on educational toys for toddlers.
Loreta Watkins says: Reading these comments brings back great memories; my favorite Emilie Loring book was "The Shadow of Suspicion". I also love the Gabaldon books and have autographed hardcopies in my library. The new house is craftsman style and has 2 glass bookcases flanking the living room fireplace. I read Vintage Notions this morning, while sipping coffee. Aren’t we blessed to know how to read? Thanks for your blog.
Loreta, Thank you so much for reading and commenting! Your reading spot sounds so cozy! Enjoy! -Nicole
This is my first visit to your blog, and I’m sitting here smiling with memories of Childcraft. No e-book will ever replace the smell and feel of a book that has become an old friend. Louisa May Alcott, Tasha Tudor, Judith Viorst and many others vie for space on my (nearly wall-to-wall) bookshelves, and in my heart. I now am enjoying watching my 5 year old and 20 month old granddaughters fall in love with books and reading. Life is good!
Welcome, Fawn! Thanks for reading. I agree with you on that! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Hatfield says: I have never used a Kindle or any such device. Lord willing, never will;) We live in such a high paced, technological world that simple pleasures MUST have a place. There is nothing like sitting down to read a good book or series of books. I call them "reading vacations". They bring rest to my soul and rest to my body and mind.
As for my favorites, too many to share but probably Little Women and Little Men. My sister and I were given a set in 1972 and then a set of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensability in 1972. We were 11 and 12. I hoarded the Louisa May Alcott set and she the Jane Austin set. When I was younger I read my set at least once a year but sometimes 2 or 3. I read it to my children at least 3 times. I hadn’t read them in about 8 or 10 years and decided to read them again this winter. Doesn’t matter how many times I read them I always cry in the same places, laugh at the same escapades and delight in the charm of these dear books.
Another set that I have read a number of times as a child and then passed on to many young girls is the Betsy – Tacy serier. What a delightful and charming series of days gone by.
Fun, fun, fun!
Beverly, I agree. I re-read my favorites over and over, too. It’s like visiting with old friends. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
I’m excited to uncover this website. I need to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!!
I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have you
saved as a favorite to see new stuff on your blog.
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”.
This is great! I think all schools should do this. There is so much waste that could be used as a learning tool for science and future gardeners and farmers! Way to go!
Hi April, I think it is amazing how quickly it adds up, even at home. Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole
I loved this article! My son attends Lafayette Charter School in Lafayette, MN, (a pre-K through 8th grade school)and we have an agriculture/technology focus. We have received a Fruit and Vegetable Grant the last few years, and the "remains" from these snacks as well as lunch scraps would be excellent for starting a composting project! We could use the excellent soil produced to enhance our green house and raised bed projects. As I am the janitor at the school, I know how much this could cut down on the amount of waste in the dumpster. Thanks for this information today!
Sandy, How cool that your school has an agriculture/tech focus. I am so glad you found this article helpful. Thanks so much for reading, and drop me a line later and let me know how it goes! Good luck, and Farmgirl Hugs to you! -Nicole
Thanks for mentioning us. We have a booklet with pictures of some of our school gardens and more information about them that can be seen via the web: http://www.teichgardensystems.com/TGS_-_School_Book__-_2012.pdf
Thanks Jared! You were recommended to me. -Nicole
I think what this school deserves to be highly commended in teaching the kids community spirit and helping them to learn the importance of composting and gardening.
I agree! I’m so proud of them. Garden Club has been really special to my daughter. -Nicole
That is so encouraging to see a school participating in something like composting! I remember bringing "nature" things to school when I was young for science classes (which included things like fresh deer hearts and an occasion when I dug up a 3 foot pine tree, not realizing how long a pine’s root system is), because my teachers didn’t have access to things they wanted us to see and feel. I’m so happy for you and your daughter to share common ground both at home and at school.
Thanks, Ashley. I remember being outdoors doing things like this with my parents and hope my daughter will have the same fond recollections when she grows up. My daughter’s elementary has helped her make some great memories, for sure. I’m really proud of the school. Thanks for the comment! -Nicole
Great idea..I’ve composed all my life..learned it from my mom..had a hard time convincing my husband..it took some time for that one..my kids are now asking for their share to take home for their gardens..pass it on people..good for fishing too..we have lots of red worms for bait..
I remember my dad composting when I was a kid, and he and I gardened together. I’ve always had my daughter outside with me when I garden, but this year she really wanted to be involved. She helped me pick out our seeds and start them indoors. She likes to take our scraps to the compost bin and see our progress, and this year has asked for a little part of the yard to be her own "personal" garden. Such a fun thing to do with kids! Thanks for reading. -Nicole
Love this article! What a great idea! I will be suggesting this to our local schools. Thank you so much for sharing in such detail!
Juli
Juli, my pleasure. I have to thank my friend Susan again for help with this article and for her devotion to the kids and the project. She’s so dedicated. Thanks for reading! -Nicole
I am looking into worm composting. I think that would be a great thing to get my kids to get into as well. BTW, I LOVE your snow farmgirl and apron! Very nice!
Sarah, Thanks! We had fun making her.
For the composting and info on worms, you should check out Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof. I read it when I was working on my Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit badge. It’s a quick read, but the info in it is valuable with great points on getting started composting. It was a really fun book to read, as well. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Nicole I’m surprised it took you so long to remember composting! Dad still has a big compost both at home and at the ranch. Your Pawpaw taught me so many years ago it’s gold for your garden and he would be proud of what your teaching the young coming up. DAD
Thanks Daddy – I learned from the best! You still have the best gardening advice there is. I love you and miss you! -Nicole
Hello sister Nicole! Job well done… at school and here too!
I think it’s wonderful to have a composting program in schools. Train them up right and early! So cute I love your snowburban farmgirl! Too cute!
Happy almost spring!
Your beach blogging sister
xo
Deb
Hey Deb! Thanks so much! Hard to believe it wasn’t a week ago and we were building that snow-girl, and today we broke out the sandals! Alas…the colder air is coming back, but Spring is so close! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I live in Howard Co. Maryland. I’m currently participating in a composting program with the county. They gave me a bin and they pick up my food scraps every week. It took a little time to get the kids on board but now it’s just routine. If successful, the county will expand the program. Great school!