Nice post! Love the garden angel! The I also love the picture of the veggies in the basket. Very nice!

I loved this post! We are moving to a new place in a few weeks (in town) but I will have a big back yard and cannot wait to put in my own garden. I loved the egg carton seed starter idea. And also the composter. Can you tell me if you add lawn clippings or dried leaves or wood chips to your food scraps so that it composts properly?

Hi Dawn!  Thanks for reading.  Yes, I put leaves and lawn clippings, kitchen scraps like veggie peels, carrot tops, egg shells, and even used coffee filters/grinds…just nothing with oil, milk or meat.  Thanks for reading! -Nicole

Hi Nicole, I live in Chicago and have a small garden. Was thinking about composting this year and loved your idea with the garbage can. I am definitely going to try it! With our limited space it’s still fulfilling to have a garden and be connected to the earth. Thanks for the idea.

Reading this article makes me want to get out and get my gardening going. I have 3 boxes in my back yard. I need to find a way though to keep the little animals out. The hint on treating blight for vining plants like squash is one I will try.

Love the brick walkway! I’m going to try one like that in our greenhouse! I use cardboard tubes from toilet paper to start tomato seeds, as the seedlings have a long root, and the cardboard will biodegrade.

Cynthia, Great tip!  Thanks!  -Nicole

I too am a suburban farmgirl! I have a yard the size of a postage stamp so garden realstate is minimal. My Daughter and I have a potted garden planned with all sorts of veggies she will actually eat. We’re in zone 2 one harsh, short growing season, but we’re optomistic that our garden. however small, will grow! Thanks for the post

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your garden!  Isn’t it fun to garden with your  daughter? -Nicole

I start my seeds in glass jars,I dampen a folded paper towel and slide it in the jar on its side,sprinkle in some seeds and screw on the lid, put it in my kitchen window its like a little greenhouse and when the seedlings have grown I pull apart the paper towel and transplant them to pots to become "teenagers"I put them in the garden.The paper towel is biodegradable so the roots dont get disturbed….Happy Spring!

Oh hi 🙂 I made my own composter too – out of a rubbermaid bin. Very cheap (well I bought it years ago and it was just lying around). You say you buried yours. Do you put any kind of lid/cover on it? I want worms in mine too but I’m afraid the food will attract animals. So mine is covered fully, with air holes for circulation, and I stir regularly. If I could stick mine in the ground and invite worms without inviting other animals, I’d be happy.

Mine is set back, not too near the house.  It is a rubbermaid trash can that I cut the bottom off (so it is like a big tube), burying just the bottom a few inches.  I do not put a lid on it but do keep it moist in dry conditions.  We have woods with lots of critters, but I don’t have a problem with them getting in there, because I don’t put any milk or oil based foods.  Thanks to everyone for reading and for your comments and ideas!  -Nicole 

I put in two 4′ X 4′ raised bed gardens last year (a la Mel Bartholomew’s ideas on square foot gardening). They were so successful my husband wants six squares this year. I grew yellow squash, sugar snap peas, vine tomatoes, pole beans, and cucumbers on frames to make best use of the space. I also added flowers for beauty. This suburban farm girl loves sitting near her gardens and sipping herb tea with a good book. Thanks for your inspiration. Time to start planting!

Nicole,
After a hard day at work how your article made my heart sing. It is still so cold here in Alaska. The sun may shine but the wind sure has a bite in it still. I cannot wait to retire and join my husband in a warmer part of this state. He told me he planted pole beans and tried again to block the moose from our garden. I really like your idea of a dog pen. So smart! I will be looking for one. You have no idea how quick those moose can eat through a garden.
I always enjoy your writings.
Keep it up.
Merrilyn

–Thank you so very much, Merrilyn! -Nicole

What else do you put in your composter to make the soil? grass? dirt? do you layer it equal parts?

Hi Crystal, I put grass clippings, dried leaves (they are great), potato peelings, egg shells (wash first), anything that isn’t meat or oil based.  I throw it in, and using a pitch fork, every once and again I "toss" it, like a big salad, bringing the older stuff up to the top.  After the winter, I used the soil that it had become, and started over now in the summer.  Worked great.  Good luck!  -Nicole

I like the design of your blog! It looks really full.

Gosh, I want to move to your neck of the woods! I really enjoy your blog!

Maureen, thank you for reading and such a nice comment! -Nicole

Hi Nicole, This is Cathi (the Mountain Farmgirl)sending ‘sweet’ greetings your way! We are tapping up here in New Hampshire as well this week. It is one of my favorite rituals. The granola sounds yummy. So nice to read your posts. Happy boiling!

Hi Cathi!  Thanks so much!  New Hampshire is a state on my "want to visit" list.  I haven’t made it up that far yet…bet you are getting snow your way, because it is here now!  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

My husband’s uncle taps trees but it is just a hobby and he does not get a lot of syrup. So we were excited to get picked to receive a quart jar last year.

Hi Nicole!!

I’m a Massachusetts Farm Girl wanna-be who is tapping trees for the first time ever with my grandson. We are having such a great time and though we are only getting a few bottles of this "liquid gold" it is a wonderful time spent together. I even made labels for the bottles. It all trial and error and I have experience some of my syrup crystalizing – oh well, maple candy!!

Thanks for the great posts – I really enjoy them!!

Sue – Hi there Massachusetts farmgirl!  Sounds like you and your grandson are making some great memories!  Thanks for reading!  -Nicole

We’re tapping trees here in Maine too. We only tap 3 trees and we use buckets and boil it down in small batches on the woodstove in the kitchen, so we just get enough for the family. The grandkids think it’s the coolest thing in the world to start with sap from the tree and turn it into yummy maple syrup. Tomorrow is Maine Maple Sunday when all the sugar houses open to the public and offer demonstrations and free samples, so I’m sure we’ll be stopping by a few and trying some samples.

We are tapping some birch trees for the first time. We attempted to find maples, but alas, none. So we thought we’d give it a go in a slightly nontraditional fashion (no one is surprised). It is so exciting to watch those bags fill up!! I can’t wait to start the boil:) Thanks for the websites and recipe. Enjoy!–Heather

Heather, how great!  I did not know you could tap birch trees, as well!  I wonder what kind of taste you will get with the syrup?  Have fun!  -Nicole

What a truly amazing group of women. I am very happy to be a part of this group. This was my first gathering with everyone and I felt  welcomed by everyone. I look forward to getting together with the girls in the future months. Nicole is an amazing woman with lots of farm girl spirit.

-Barb, oh my goodness!  What a sweet thing to say.  I’m so glad to have met you!  See you soon!  -Nicole

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I’ve been doing cookie parties for years now and they are so much fun. This sounds even better…thanks for the idea!

Diana, Thanks for reading!  Let me know if you do a Soup Swap and how it turns out!  Have fun!  – Nicole

I love the idea of a soup swap! Your group sounds (and looks)wonderfully fun – I may have to copy your idea for my gals out here in Black Forest, where we have a weekly knitting group called The Knitwits. Any way you can share/post some of the soup recipes?

Thanks for asking…will see what I can do about that!  Love your knittng group name!  -Nicole

That sounds like so much fun! I can’t wait to give it a try! I don’t have a local Farmgirls chapter but it might be time to try and start one! What a great way to get some new recipes for the family! Keep having fun and don’t worry, Spring will be here soon!

I really did enjoy reading about your wonderful Soup Swappin event. I have thought about doing the same sort of event, but using Pies. I would do this with my Church Lady Friends. Meat, veggie and dessert pies.

I was able to get some very good tips from your post here.
Thanks.
Bonnie

Thank you for reading, Bonnie! -Nicole

Hi! I hadn’t looked at the suburban farmgirl blog in a while and I’m glad I did. What a great idea. I love to cook so the idea of a soup swap is fantastic along with the recipe swap. Several years ago, I did a monthly "soup kitchen" for my staff and then gave them a cookbook of all the recipes at Christmas time. Soup is always a good way to make friends and provide comfort and get folks chatting. Congratulations on your chapter success.

-Thanks fo much for reading!  I like the idea of compiling a cookbook of all the recipes…thanks for the idea.  I will have to do that with all the wonderful recipes!  -Nicole

Sounds like you girls had fun. Wish I was there. Soup is always better with friends or family. I too would like the recipes and any other that girls have to share. Thanks again for sharing as always I enjoy reading what you share.

-Brenda, I am working on how to share all the yummy recipes…I’ll keep you posted!  Thank you for reading!  -Nicole

I just wanted to add a quick comment- it was a very nice time and I loved the variety of soups! I had the Black Bean with Citrus Salsa – I never thought I would like oranges in my black bean soup! And the Lentil with Turkey Bacon was amazing and very filling. Gone are the days of Chicken Noodle! ; )

Until next time,
Adrianne

HI NICOLE!!

Been meaning to write you a quick note…I have recently moved back to CT & was wondering where in ‘picturesque CT’ do you live or where do all of you ‘farmgirls’ meet? Room for another??

Kim Yates

Hi Kim!  Thanks for reading the blog…i’ll email you directly.  -Nicole

Such a wonderful experience! It’s a LOT warmer here in Texas!

All of that said, I would absolutely love to taste the home made finished product. It has to be amazing!

Harry, thanks so much for reading!  I will tell you that Ken and Karen’s maple syrup is to die for!  – Nicole

Wow! Sounds like fun! I live in Georgia and have a friend who does  "Syrup Making" on Thanksgiving Day. The syrup is made from sugar cane stalks. It is quite an undertaking also. The reward is the Cane Syrup that is popular in this area.

Sounds great!  What a neat Thanksgiving!  Thanks for sharing!  -Nicole

Hey there! That looks like so much fun!!! Maybe I can help next year!!!
Best, Sue

What a wonderful experience, Nicole; thanks so much for sharing! I was wondering if I might be able to purchase a bottle when I visit Saturday?? xoxo

According to Ken, the trees are not done being "tapped"; then the sap wll have to be boiled down.  Check back in a couple of weeks – I will include Ken’s contact information when I write the next sugaring ‘installment".   (Ali, you probably drive right by his place when you come to the sisterhood meetings at my house). Hugs! -Nicole

Hi Nicole,
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog! It looks like a very intense process…I never realized just how much work goes into getting to the end result- the delicious maple syrup. I actually just got a book out from my local library today titled "The Backyard Homestead" and one of the chapters includes information on "maple sugaring". I thought perhaps I would experiment with it, but after reading how much goes into the process I think I may just study up on it this year and perhaps better prepare for it for next year!
Thank you again for the lovely blog…I loved seeing the pictures, and your warm farmgirl smile!
Warm Regards,
Laurie

Thanks so very much Laurie!  I’m glad you enjoyed it.  Remember to check back in a few weeks for the second part!  -Nicole

For anyone who would like to try sugaring on a small scale, go to http://www.tapmytrees.com where you can by kits. Also, I understand the same kits may be available at some Lowes and Tractor Supply stores.

Ken

-Thanks, Ken!  And thank you again for a wonderful day! See you and Karen soon!

-Nicole

Love the story Nicole!! What a great experience to be a part of. I have a better appreciation of how this is made now. Keep up all the great stories.
Karen

Nicole, you are so lucky to have this experience. We were in Indiana last week and went to the Parke County Maple Syrup Festival. The camp roads were all muddy and not having 4 wheel drive we didn’t take the chance of getting stuck, so didn’t get to see the operations. We did, however, have a pancake breakfast with absolutely wonderful Parke County Syrup. It sure beats anything you can buy in the store.

–Sounds like alot of fun at the festival!  Keep posted…I’ll have more to share on this subject in a few weeks.  -Nicole

Nicole- I can only imagine what 100 inches of snow might be like! We have NEVER lived anywhere where it snowed like that! Your story made me smile and your recipe sounds like it would be great for us to try. Thank you!!!
Tess S.

Tess, thanks for reading.  This winter has been quite unusual for us.  Our "typical" snowfall is usually only 20 inches per year, but I’ve been told that folks who have lived here longer remember the winters from their childhoods being this way.  Enjoy the recipe!  -Nicole

Nice to know Texans can go any where and be at home. Back here in Arlington we are having our second snow storm in 2 weeks. Definately different this year.  And time for chili and cornbread.

Rose, I’ve been to Arlington many times!  A very dear friend lives there, and I hear from her as well that your winter this year is harder than usual.  Stay warm!         -Nicole

I love many recipes and traditions from my childhood as well. I bake lots at Christmas, but the kids will tell you that toll house cookies are not for Xmas- those are get up early and make before school/work. I still make a few things that would have ended big with my mom, like peanut bars. I am still trying to master a good biscuit. But it is all good.

Wow! When I was growing up in Connecticut, I don’t think we ever used more than the three snow days built into the school calendar except the year Kennedy was assassinated, which used up at least one for his state funeral.
May I tactfully ask how many servings are in that recipe. My household contains two people.

The recipe serves 4-6.  Any leftovers are delicious the next day for lunch! Enjoy!

-Nicole

Oh, I had to laugh when you told about your husband taking a bite of that spicy chili 🙂 I lived in Norway for one year, and that was something I picked up on really quickly. They’re not as used to spicy foods as I was coming from the Northwest.  So I had to learn to tone it down a little bit, too 🙂 🙂
Thanks for the macaroni & beef recipe!!! Awesome!!                                    Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather 🙂

Nicole, you are a good sport with the 100" of snow. Love that you treasure your family recipes and things passed down to you. Laughed at your husband’s reaction to the chili. Poor guy. Your Mom’s recipe is similar to one my Mom made and I make a lot that we call goulash. No idea where the name came from, but a big favorite of our whole family. Thanks for sharing.

Hey Nicole!
Is it cold enough for you? We are missing our fresh veggies from the garden too. Like you we are still buried in lots of frozen snow and counting the days till spring.
Let’s count together shall we.. 1,2,3,…
Stay warm,
Beach Blessings,
Deb

Hi Nicole:

What a wonderful, funny story of your family life. Thank you for the recipe. My daughter is coming home this Thursday from college and I think she will be wanting some home comfort food.

Hugs,

Betty

Hi Nicole, I kind of go along with Ruth. Your recipe sounds like my goulash, except for the maccaroni, I use a box of mac and cheese,adding the macaroni so it can cook, or cook it, then add the cheese when it is almost done. My family likes it with bread and butter. I am ready for spring and I am already going through garden magazines and planning. It wasn’t bad here today but I don’t think winter is over yet. I also agree that the kitchen can bring a lot of comfort to people, as simple as a cup of coffee or tea and a cookie or a meal that has memories tied to it. I really enjoy what you write, makes me feel like I know you as a friend. Keep writing and spring is on the way.

Brenda, What a sweet thing to say!  Thank you!  We are getting nice weather this week (so the weatherman says), but we ALWAYS get snow around St. Patty’s Day!  I won’t be packing up my sweaters just yet!  Thanks for reading!  – Nicole

Loved the caption under the picture! Wonderful idea for a special breakfast..something your daughter will always remember. I lived in Florida for 40 yrs..and now live in Ohio..winters are hard to get use to..but spring and summers are amazing!

Ah yes, long winter days, – but they make spring just that much sweeter. I have always felt sad for those in the southern parts; they never get to experience the true changes of season. Blessings, and stay warm!
H

Just back in from the enter-from-the-outside-only, snowed-in cellar. One more unpredictable consequence of this extra deep winter freeze is a frozen pipe. I am so fortunate to have caring and helpful family to unfreeze this potential disaster.
I really do love winter, but this year is a test of how much winter can I love. It’s the very best time to see animal tracks in my yard. The river otters are bold enough to let me watch them at play. The grey squirrels have come very close to be fed (not out of hand, but close). When deer, foxes and coyotes cross through my yard in daylight, I can enjoy their presence and admire their grace. I don’t have to rake any more leaves for a while. Running the snowblower gives me a great sense of POWER!
There! I feel better about this winter already. Thanks for brightening up this chilly winter day. Rosalie

Rosalie, you go, farmgirl!  Hope your frozen pipe doesn’t create too much of a headache for you! 

                          -Nicole

Ahhh…I too can relate, Nicole! I live just across the sound from you on Long Island. It seems like everytime we turn around there is more….snow! It is absolutely beautiful to look at, yet not so beautiful to shovel as we know all too well.
I agree with your sentiment…Bloom where you are planted. As the snow is falling our family enjoys watching the gorgeous red cardinals at the feeders right outside the winter. Here in the NorthEast, we may have to "deal" with winters wrath, but we also get to enjoy all of its splendours!

That’s the spirit!  I haven’t seen any cardinals lately, but I did see a beautiful, large red-headed woodpecker today. 

      -Nicole

Bloom where you are planted is biblical. I don’t know the chapter and verse, but it’s in reference to the Israelites thriving when they are in exile. Just so you know. 🙂

Thank you, I didn’t know that.  Would love the chapter and verse if anyone knows it.

      -Nicole

I enjoyed your "Wicked Winter" blog. I LOVE the snow. I’m born and raised in New England (RI) and think this is one the best winters we’ve had since I was a child. It was always like this then….snow on the ground all winter long and up to your thighs. If you live here, you need to learn to enjoy ALL of the seasons. That’s what New England is all about! I don’t think anyone enjoys driving in it; it is dangerous; however, we live here and we can’t change it. Too bad it can’t snow just on the weekends! It is beautiful, though, isn’t it? Where is the Sisterhood Chapter? Is there one in RI?

 Susan, my Sisterhood Chapter meets here in Connecticut, but you can search for one near you here: http://maryjanesfarm.org/Chapters/Search.asp

-Nicole

Great column, Nicole. I loved the idea of a fancy breakfast with candles! Stay warm!

Hi Nicole, being your close neighbor over here in Brookfield,
I hear ya! I LOVE snow, being born and raised in Ca.I didn’t see much growing up. But this is crazy!
I keep busy organizing everything in my house, like a little squirrel rearranging the nuts over and over.
So, I’m really looking forward to our meeting. When is it going to be, again? Take care and be safe! Sue

Hi, Sue!  Hopefully we will be able to have a Sisterhood chapter meeting very soon!  I’m so looking forward to meeting you!

     -Nicole

Nicole, I think the Bible verses Sarah had reference to for "Bloom where you are planted" are Jeremiah 29:1-14, where Jeremiah tells the exiles to build houses, raise families, and be good citizens where they are living, even though it’s not their homeland. Possibly the same idea could be found in I Corinthians 7:17–"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him…" Also, Esther definitely bloomed where she was planted. Thanks to Sarah for pointing this out!

Many would think I’m crazy…but being keep at home for a few days under a lot of snow…seems to me like Heaven! Each November I make sure that we all have what it takes if winter decided to be bad…So, being with my love dones…surrounded by snow…Hey…That’s me! Love to read you…Brigitte

Glad to hear you got outside and spent time with your daughter.

Nicole-
SO well said. 2010 was not a "good" year for me…I lost my beloved grandfather at the age of 98 and 1/2 to cancer in January and my beloved Dad to cancer in August. In the midst of that we had to put our sweetheart of a dog to sleep after 11 years in May. Needless to say I was happy to say goodbye to 2010. All of the tragedy- taught me an invaluable lesson…to stop running around and just "be". I have learned to enjoy everyday or at least something about everyday. I have let go of many things that were taking time away from my family and now enjoy quiet nights at home with them. I’m lovin it and look forward to just taking the time to enjoy the little things in life! That is my "resolution" this year!
Thanks for sharing your great blogs with us all. MaryJanesFarm has enriched my life so much, and I have met so many wonderful sisters.
Thank you and Congratulations to you!
Farmgirl Smiles,
Laurie

Laurie, so sad to hear about your losses.  Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.  Farmgirl Hugs,

                               – Nicole

Lol….I totally agree with you! In fact, that *was* my New Year’s rezzie! 😉

I can relate with what you have said about the sabatoge of resolving to lose weight at the beginning of the year, only to find you have gained at the end. The PROCESS of taking better care of yourself is a much better way of tackling the issue and probably accomplishing the same goal without stressing about time constraints. I find it difficult to give up sugar and baked goods. But by making them myself instead of buying off the shelf, I know I’m making healthier choices in the ingredients I use. I might find it difficult to give up candy, but I choose dark chocolate over one heavily laden with high fructose corn syrup. I might find it difficult to drag myself out of bed early and brave the chill of winter air for that morning walk, but I might flick on demand exercise and get my cardio in front of the TV or time myself vacuuming the floor.
I’ve been making doctor and dental appointments that I’ve been putting off.
I’ve been forced to slow down when I was laid off last year, something that was needed but I wasn’t initially admitting that to myself. Now I’m honoring the fact I have the time to do all those things I had set aside that give me a sense of accomplishment, joy and satisfaction. Hey, I might even finish that crochetted tablecloth, de-clutter the corners, closets, studio and garage and claim back living space (things that I began to do last year.)
Now my husband is wishing he could "retire" too, and who knows? I may become that country girl I’ve always pictured myself being, since we’re considering a move to "Mayberry", Kansas! Looking toward the possibility of moving after 32 years of accumulation may necessitate setting aside my goal to begin painting again, but it has given me the incentive I needed to get serious about letting go of those things that no longer serve us and re-claiming living space and a sense of serenity. Looking forward to the next chapter of a slower-paced environment sure appeals to us right now…here’s to 2011!

It’s so funny! Here I am sitting in front of my computer (I give myself an hour of Web…kind of a little reward during my working day, since I’m home alone!), and about to comment…And there it is! All I wish to share…Farm Chick #2245 (Heike!), just did it before I could! What’s more funny is that ‘girls will be girls’! I’m from Canada and my spiritual twin came from the USA! Like her, I decide this year will be different! No more sens of failure…I’m always telling peoples how positive I am…So no more ‘obligations’…As I grow older, I try to let go things that doesn’t make me happy… I use to be a big shopper… But, as I’m trying to regain a light home, and try to give up stuff that I never use, WHY buy new useless things… Well, I think I’m on the right way… Not totally cured, but it’s not as hard to say NO to myself…What I now do when I received my SEARS Catalog; I make a ‘wish list’ with all I would buy if I win the lotto…And than, I just put it into the fire…Sound stupid…But it helps me a lot! So I leave you on that!

Wonderful post, Nicole. I feel the same way. Sometimes we unintentionally complicate our lives. So this year, no resolutions per se for me – I have my list of things I would like to accomplish this year and if I don’t get to do everything, I’m not going to fret over it. I’m going to definitely slow down and simplify and cherish all the things, large and small, that bring happiness into my life.
Ali
Farmgirl #12

Nicole,
Thanks for the reminder to slow done and take a look around at what one has done and what one has in life. We are sometimes so busy "doing" that we don’t just take a moment to just "be".

I love your new years resolution to slow down,appreciate, and celebrate your accomplishments. I’ve gone part time this year at my job, and my goal (I need to write this down) is to slow down, declutter & organize my home, become a volunteer and teach myself to appreciate the small stuff! Thanks for the reminder!

Beautiful throwback. Love the pics of all the snow.

What a surprise to see my mom’s apron pictured here! I am glad that you like and use the apron and now it is famous! My mom will be thrilled to hear about her apron that she wore in the 1950’s.
I enjoyed this blog, Nicole. You are a talented writer! I am looking forward to more installments.

Hi! I love aprons, too. We live in Rhode Island, and have been to Sturbridge Village a couple of times–I’ve thought longingly of going again, especially during harvest time, since we’ve never seen it then.

Hi there, I too am a New Englander, CT is where I reside. I am a farm girl raising wool producing animals, a spinner and knitter an I have an attraction to vintage aprons and crochet pot holders. I thought I’d say "hey". Maybe we will cross paths some day here in beautiful CT.  Respectfully yours Pam

I love it! My favorite part? The coordinating detail on the pocket! Who knew?!?! it is just too cute. I am an apron lover, too. When my grandmother moved, my aunts threw away all my great grandmother’s aprons. She had TONS. I was so sad I actually cried. Happy New Year!

I saved a few of my mother’s dressier or unique aprons when we cleaned out her home. Hers are half aprons. One has a sleeve at the top instead of ties, the sleeve holds a very heavy plastic piece, like boning that fits around the wearers waist. Another looks like it may have been made from handtowels, and is trimmed along the edges so that it protects the wearers clothing while seated.
I like full aprons and so these are set aside to make patterns from for my use.

Nicole, I, too, love aprons! Really enjoyed your decriptions of your collection and each’s use. I have one large cobbler’s style apron that I LOVE to wear when I’m cleaning. It has huge pockets that hold lots of the odds and ends that one finds when working her way from room to room. At the end of the day "treasures" can be easily sorted and distributed or trashed!! My mom always wore an apron. I guess I learned my appreciation of aprons from her.

I love aprons too. I am interested in buying some if anyone has any to sell. I would like to see some pictures of them and have the price of them. So please if you know anyone who has any aprons for sale I am interest in the full body aprons. Thank you everyone and Have A Blessed Day. Barbara

 Barbara, have you tried Ebay?  It’s a great place to go for aprons, even vintage ones, reasonably priced. 

                –Nicole

Nicole-

I loved your blog about collections and aprons. I received 2 handmade aprons from my Mom recently and just love them. They are the full body style and very pretty yet practical. I also have some family heirlooms that she handed down to me. My husband even has his own "fly fishing" apron that he wears when he cooks! I also collect teapots among other things. Collectibles in many forms are my "treasures". Thank you for your lovely blog.

Thank you for reading!  Your mom’s aprons sound so very special. 

                              -Nicole

Hi Nicole, & all you fun ladies that respond here,
Last year I made vintage full body aprons for my three girls, and a mommy & me matching ones for my daughter in law and grand daughter who is turning three, she calls them "cooking dresses" and wears hers when she plays mommy with her little cousin… I have a picture of my grand mother wearing hers to gather eggs , she just held up the skirt and filled it up, also one where she is feeding the lambs a bottle. I too love aprons.

I was lucky to find this website. You definitely can write and teach and inspire. Keep writing – I’ll keep reading.

Not to laugh "at" your misfortunes, but many parts of this blog were funny enough to read out loud to my family!  Only because of the painful ability to relate…

Re-using an old (as in "we already own it") artificial tree is still green, right? The "reuse" part of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? We went through this very same agonizing decision and decided to go with the artificial this year… our kids are 3 and 4 and drying live trees are a horrific example of piles of needles by Christmas day. We live in Montana but the weather precluded our being able to go cut our own tree in the wilderness this year. BUT… it’s not the tree, it’s the LOVE right???

*sigh* I miss the smell…

The last artificial tree I bought was back when my daughter was a baby, her first Christmas.  Back then, I couldn’t imagine a real tree with my new baby, four dogs, three cats, and a reptile!  In the end, we all have to do what’s best for our families at the time.  I missed the smell of the real tree, too, so I would purchase a "real" wreath for the door.  Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed my post!

-Nicole

I once wondered about real vs. artifical, but probably only once! We wouldn’t have one if it wasn’t real. I think the deal is you have a tree for 1 of 2 reasons — it’s either about the ornaments or about the tree. For us, it’s the tree first, then the ornaments. Neither way is wrong!

There’s tree preservative you know. I wouldn’t go without it. Some years I make it, some years I buy it, depending on time.

Thanks, fun post!

Just an idea!  Whenever I put up a real tree for Christmas, I purchase TREE BAGS. They are large plastic bags that you place under the tree stand when you bring the tree into the house. Then, you pull the bag down around the stand and cover it with your Christmas tree skirt.  After the holidays, you simply take off the ornaments and pull up the bag for an easier removal.  Once outside, I remove the tree stand.
Hey! I just thought of something! You could use a couple of old sheets to make your own ‘bag’ and bypass the plastic bag.
Good luck!

Janice,

That’s a great idea.  Thanks for sharing, and Happy Holidays! 

-Nicole

This is so funny. Our live tree fell over three years in a row! So now I take fishing wire and tie it to a stationary object.  Problem solved.  I am a live tree girl all the way.

My vote is always go with what the child/children want. It may sound corny but Christmas is for kids. You can’t go wrong with making memories just by looking at their face/s. It’s worth it all. When they are small, they are amazed by the lights, artificial and green.

We have done both, depending on the heat and where the tree is positioned. Great revelation for determining what type of tree, right?  No matter which one, the work is worth it in the long run!

A Merry Christmas to all and a Blessed New Year!

I must admit I have never cut a Christmas tree. I am an artificial tree person because I could put the tree up at Thanksgiving and enjoy it until Epiphany. A real tree would never survive that. Beside the "kids", at 22 and 25, don’t seem to care. Though if I ever live in the country and can put a stop to the constant rushing I would love a natural tree.

If you cut your own tree, and water it diligently, it will last from Thanksgiving to the Epiphany. One year, I noticed this light green color at the ends of the branches. Upon closer inspection,the green turned out to be new needles growing!! I called the farm we got it from, after asking all the relatives, the great uncle finally told us that this could happen but it won’t continue for long. I had no needles that year! Your tree is lovely Nicole, may you continue this wonderful tradition!

Nicole, your story brought me to tears – there is indeed something special about that dog’s heart. They know you like no-one else! Congratulations on your anniversary, and may you have many, many happy more.

Oh Nicole — thank you for adopting a shelter dog (and not thinking they are ‘broken’ because they are in a shelter)! I truly believe that you get the dog you need rather than the dog you may think you want. Each of them have their gifts & lessons for us and our lives are enriched with their companionship — you have the perfect examples of that! – From the dog mom of three shelter dogs who have taught me patience, to live in the moment, to play like crazy and to rest when it’s needed!

What a beautiful girl she is.I am a grandmother to several furbabies as well as regular babies. They really do become part of the family. After my cat of 18 years had to be put down due to cancer I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it again. With all of the furbabies from my daughters ( 1 morkie, 1 white german shepherd,1 orange kitty, 1 black and white kitty and one really huge long haired cat named Freak who thinks he’s a dog), I’m starting to think I may want another. Or two or three. They are like potato chips , it’s hard to stop at one. Happy Anniversary and I hope there are many more to come

Happy Anniversary to your family and Bonnie. I too am an animal lover. I must admit I do humanize my pets, against the professionals warnings not to. At the moment I only have four dogs. Taylor, a husky/australian shepard mix, Moondoggie, a Jack Russel Terrier, Coco Channel, a hmmmmm…some kind of terier/chihuahua mix, and Zorro, an Queensland heeler. Shadow passed away on my son’s 21st birthday, and Duncan, my daughter’s beloved cat passed away this past September also. Those were the last two animals that we had as a "family". Reminders of my children’s youth and the happy times they brought us. I still get tears in my eyes as I remember them. Shadow did not know he was a huge lab mix that weighed over 100 pounds and prounced around like a jackrabbit; he lived with us 14 years and the doctors told us he would not live past 7 because he was too big. Duncan, doctors told us would not live past 8 years, but passed away faithful to the end at the age of 17. He was the exact replica of Garfield. I know I talk about my pets as if they were my blood, but it is so hard not to when they go through more with you than any human does. Life is not complete without a pet, at least for me. Enjoy Bonnie for many more years to come! Thank you for you post.
Carolina

We’ve had two rescue dogs, and they have been the best dogs ever. We felt we were meant to have them, as if someone said, okay here are your people, to take you home. Our first dog had many health issues, but we quietly paid the vet bills, as he was a member of our family and that’s just what you do.

Nicole,

what a fabulous dog Bonnie is. She has it in the eyes :). I had a husky/shepard, Caesar, who was my first child. 17 years we spent together :). A few months before he passed, we got Rex, our giant, furry, rambunctious GS. We rescued him from a backyard breeder, and I often said he was sent to "test my patience" :). I did not think we would survive the first year. But we did, and he is the perfect dog for us, and I think we were meant for each other. He is my son’s brother from another mother, that’s for sure, lol.

Nicole,
I have 4  furbabies, cats. Which one would I part with,  you might ask.  Not a one. They all mean something to me. My late husband picked the oldest one out. My niece gave me the second one just after my husband died. A library patron gave me one after my first cat disappeared for three months. That left me with 1 cat. So I readily accepted another one. Then my Lord Albert came back and did not tell me where he had been, three cats. I have a liking for black cats. One showed up at my sister-in-laws, guess what? Yes, now I have 4 cats. Love them all. Gets kind of uncomfortable at night when all 4 hop in my twin bed with me. But I love everyone of them. Why pay a lot for animals when they can be had free, either from a human society or strays. Have a good day.

Very well written, Nicole. So very happy for you.

Love your story about Bonnie! I haven’t had a pet for quite awhile and have been thinking of going to the shelter to find a friend and your story makes me want to even more! Thank you for sharing with us!