Hi Farmgirl Friends! Welcome to 2022! I hope you all had a great holiday season, and that your January is off to a good start! I have decided not to make any New Year’s resolutions this year. Instead, I am going to try to be mindful, and really make an effort to take each day as it comes. There’s been just so much worry the last two years! I see it in myself, in posts on social media, and in the general public- out and about. I think we sometimes forget to take in the present, and appreciate the good moments even when things aren’t our ideal. We need to remember to not let that stress eat us up, and also to take care of ourselves. So many of us are hardwired to take care of everyone else first, which is great, but sometimes we forget about taking care of ourselves!
After the last two years (what a wild ride it was), I’m hoping 2022 brings on better things. I’m going to try to focus on the positive! For one, I will be turning fifty this year. When I was a really small child, I remember an entire room at a fiftieth birthday party bursting into laughter when I asked the birthday guest, “You mean you’re half of a hundred?!” I was shocked. Back then, it seemed like such a big number and so far away, but here I am; in just a few months, I will officially be “vintage”! Awesome!
In a few months, I will celebrate a milestone birthday!
I think we are fortunate that nowadays, age is more of a number. It’s often how we feel that makes us the age we are. But just like a classic car, we need to take care of ourselves so we don’t “rust” prematurely! In the past couple of months, I have found some new-to-me things that I really like, that I think you all might enjoy, as well. Some of them also make great little gifts (Valentine’s is less than a month away already)!
Meredith Williams 
Nicole Christensen 
Carolann Harris 
Sharon 
Roberta B. 
Gina Norris 
Sandi King 
Joann jaworski 
Judy 
Heidi 
Joanne Allen 
Ruth Schleich 
Deb 
Beverly Battaglia 
Prudence Diem 
Laurel Pries 
Kim Diener 
Marlene Capelle 
Beth 
Joan 
Jean 
Gail Larson 
Deanna Taylor 
Maureen 
Liz Olson 
Debbie Fischer 
Julie 
Barker Character, Comic, and Cartoon Museum 
Colleen 
Jamie Hickok 
Tracey 
Marilyn 
Joanne 
Judy From Maine 
Bonnie Ellis 
Ann 
Ellen Andersen 
Barbara Collins 
Marie 
Linda Weston 
Donna 
Donna Kozak 
Bonnie McKee 
Linda Pavey 
Sandy 
Jackie Walker 
Susan 
Charlene Littlewood 
Nancy Bonner 
Jacqueline 
Sherry 
CJ 
HemetGardener 
Pamela 
MS Barb 
Heather 
Sallie Dee 
Melody 
Kappy Eschrich 
Jacqueline Ferri 
Pinki Ryan 
Donna Gilbert 
Kim 
Tamara Chapro 
Marie Listopad 
Danna Rodriguez 
jill marie jencks 
Love your personal recommendations for
products. Always good to know from someone that has actually used them.
They would be great gifts for Valentines Day or upcoming birthdays. Everyone could use a “lift”
Thanks for your “kindness “
Hi Sweet Farmgirl! Thank you! Happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Appreciate the info (& support) of natural products! I just came across a line of skincare products called Farmhouse Fresh. Not only natural, but supporter of farm animal rescue/sanctuary!!! Have put together a sampling of items to try once I get home from our vacation. As an ‘animal lover’ at heart I like knowing that at least a little bit of my $ spent will be going towards a good cause.
Hi Sharon, thank you for sharing…I will look for them and see if there is anything I’d like to try. Wishing you a very Happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I read the hole article, very good. I am trying to take good care of myself, so i love all your suggestions. thank you Beth
Thank you, Beth, for reading and commenting. Wishing you a happy 2022! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I always enjoy your post!! I was going to try your White Bean Soup recipe today but I didn’t see any beans in your recipe What kind and how much? I am also going to try the hair brush. I lost all my shoulder length, straight, coarse white hair last summer due to a long go of COVID. It is now coming back “baby” soft curly white hair. What a new ride :). May your New Year be filled with many moments of joy and awe!
Hi Doris, the recipe has been updated – I forgot the most important part – a can of beans! Drain them. I usually use cannellini but you can use whatever you have on hand. I am so sorry to hear that you lost your hair with Covid. Glad to hear you have baby hairs coming back in. Covid has caused so much loss of all sorts to so many! Big hugs. I hope you are feeling better and have a great 2022! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole~ I truly enjoy reading your blog, it always puts a smile on my face.
Taking care of oneself really hit home for me as we tend to put everyone first. Which is great but i need to take care and of myself, take time for myself so I stay healthy for myself and my family.
Thank you for the reminder.
Happy New Year and I look forward to next months blog.
Hugs,
Debbie
Hi Debbie, Happy New Year! It’s hard to remember to take care of ourselves, especially when we love taking care of everyone around us. However, it is important! Have a great January and “see” you next month! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Aren’t there beans in your White Bean Soup? Lovely post. I will definitely be looking for some of the products you shared. Thank you!
Thank you Denise for catching that. Yes, there is one can of cannellini beans, drained. Enjoy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thanks. I am definitely going to try this recipe!
Hi Denise, Enjoy – let me know what you think! It has become a family favorite! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Your message left me with such a sense of warmth and comfort, Nicole. Thank you for starting my day off right.
Warm Wishes,
Sharon (way over in California)
Hi Sharon, thank you! I am so glad you liked the post. Today is snowy and cold here, so warm thoughts are in order! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Happy New Year to you, Nicole! Sounds like it is off to a fine start. Yes to more joy in noticing the present! Question. Are there beans in the soup recipe and in what quantity? All the best to you and your family!
Hi Debbie, thank you and Happy New Year! Yes, just changed the recipe as I do throw in a can of white cannellini beans, drained. Enjoy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
My winter goals: eating better/healthier, less caffeine, losing more weight. Going on small hikes to keep up for the longer ones when it gets warmer. Reading and crafting while listening to relaxation music and drinking tea. I’ve been drinking some with Turmeric in it lately. And to learn more on Mindfulness. Have a wonderful New Year.
Hi Shelly, Sounds like great winter goals! Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I can’t wait for warmer weather so I can start taking longer outdoor walks, too. We were lucky as we had nice weather for walking up until mid-January. Enjoy, and Happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thank you Nicole for this inspiring and interesting post. These products sound like winners. What is the shampoo you use? I have long hair and tend to lose quite a bit in my brush. Wishing you and your family a happy,Healthy and Blessed 2022. God Bless.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, thank you for reading and commenting. It always great to hear from you. Switching to that brush really changed the amount of hair coming out. I won’t use anything else to brush my hair with again. As for my shampoo, switching to one that has no Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a big help. I have a few that I use, depending on my mood. My most favorite, though, is the 365 brand (sold at Whole Foods), Lavender Moisture and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. I love the way it smells, and it doesn’t dry my hair out. My hair stopped falling out as much, as well. I think the conventional one I was using from the drug store was making my hair thin! Happy 2022 to you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hello Nicole, another Farmgirl reader commented that your post gave her a sense of warmth and comfort, and I am going to steal that and say the same, because there isn’t a better way to put it. So thank you for sharing and bringing joy and warmth to the rest of us. I appreciate the product ideas as well. I especially am interested in checking out the hair brush, and the facial cleanser sounds great also. One of my winter remedies is to make it a priority to get out and get a good amount of fresh air every day, as much as the weather will permit. It is best to get out and into the woods to be surrounded by wonderful trees. Best wishes for 2022. May we all find how to live in the moment (better) and achieve that goal. Tammy
Hi Tammy, thank you so much! I learned when I moved up here that you can’t control the weather, so you have to make the best of it. I personally love having four seasons, and try to appreciate each one. Let me know if you try the products. I am so picky, so when I find something I like and that works well, it makes me happy! I can’t wait until we thaw out just a bit so I can head back out into the wooded walking trails here. They were not icy until January, so that is good. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I luv the photo of your cat! One of my favorite winter activities to feel cozy is to read (and then nap) on the couch with my pet cats, hot tea, yummy snack, big blanket, etc.
Hi Sue, isn’t he a cutie? When I saw his photo on our local shelter’s page, it was love at first sight. He is such a cuddlebug. Loves his sunbeams! My daughter bought me a new cozy throw blanket for Christmas. I love winter down time, no weeds to pull out in the garden! Thanks for reading and commenting. Pet your kitty cats for me. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Loving your thoughts and finds. Will definitely be making your soup! Living in Tennessee and currently experiencing 25 degrees with a wind chill of 10…and walking with Bailey, my cold weather loving, 4 legged companion. Tea drinking is new to me. I am a sweet lover and would love a tea that satisfy this crave without a lot of honey. Can you suggest a couple? (Oh, and 50 is a good place to start many things!)
Hi Rene, I have a dear friend who relocated to Tennessee last summer after living her entire life in CT. Sounds like she may have brought some CT winter with her! We are almost through January, so the days will be getting longer soon. I miss my walks with my four legged companion, but as soon as it thaws, we will enjoy them again. As for the tea, I hear ya. I am such a sweet lover, but the older I get, the less sugar I should have. The tea I mentioned by Simpson and Vail satisfies my sweet tooth without sugar. It has “notes of chocolate” without being sweet. They have several on their list like that. The St. Nick one also has almonds in it. It smells so delicious just opening the tin. Let me know if you try any, and what you think! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
This is an absolutely beautiful, helpful, comforting January welcome from you, Nicole. I was born on a Texas farm during a rare snowfall 82 years ago today. Until my adulthood, I lived there and then in a small town when Daddy got a job (he retired after 32 years with them) that allowed him to quite the three part-time jobs he had. I grew up on those wonderful vegetables he grew and you often speak of. Thank you so much for so often taking me back to my roots and reminding me how blessed we farmgals are.
Hi Barbara, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!! And thank you so much for “visiting” me on your special day! I love the memory you shared… I imagined being right there, harvesting veggies on a warm Texas day. I would love to know more…where in Texas did you grow up? (Wonder if our families ever crossed paths)? I hope you have a wonderful, special birthday and that you will say hello here again. From one Texas-born Fargirl to another – great big Farmgirl Birthday Hugs to you! ~ Nicole
I always enjoy reading about your happenings – and now with your comments on facial products I’m considering changes in mine… also your soup sounds delicious so I’m making it soon.
Hi Linda, thank you! I hope you like my soup! I enjoy creating dishes that use what I keep on hand. Let me know how you like it! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole, You have gained a lot of wisdom in your almost 50 years. I learned so much and I am your mother. I loved reading this blog! I have to make your bean soup soon, sounds delicious! Pip looks so cute on your beautiful vintage bed, made me smile. You are right, we need to appreciate and enjoy each day, the “precious present”!
Love,
Mother
Hi Mama, I learned a lot from YOU! Thank you for this wonderful comment. Isn’t Pip a stinker? He got up on the clean, just changed sheets and was ready for bed! Love you, Nicole
Hi, love your blog. My friend, Julie Pruett, introduced me to you and your writing. Going to check out the tea you suggested. Thank you. These are your pets? So happy to meet you.
Be well.
LeAnn Malecha
Hi LeAnn, and welcome! So nice to “meet” you, too! I am happy to have you join us. Yes, Julie is one of the most dearest people! She is a blessing to call a dear friend. I am so glad you are here…I hope you will “visit” me again! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole