Farm Fresh Eggs & Custom Egg Carton Stamps...

In true spring fashion, our chickens are laying colorful eggs like it's their job. (I guess it kind of is! :) They were hit or miss during the colder, shorter winter days, but now they seem to be making up for lost time. And we're not complaining!

I love our custom egg carton stamp, which makes gifting eggs so much more fun. I'll share the source for the stamp along with other fun labels, stamps, and accessories to personalize your homemade or farm fresh goods...

Happy Autumn on the Farm...

Happy first official day of Fall!

Last week, my sister texted me, saying there was a "vintage antique country" sale being advertised by where she lived. Vintage, antique and country. 

This was serious. We were on it.

I found this rustic vintage wood scoop that I filled with our *new* colored eggs...

How to Bring Farmhouse Style Outdoors {10 Ways}

Comfortable. Casual. Welcoming. Rustic. 

These are some feelings that come to mind when I think of farmhouse style outdoors... Where a hurried life seems to slow down and the quiet beauty of nature is all around.

A place for family and friends to gather.

Whether you have an actual farmhouse with acreage, a suburban home in a neighborhood, or an apartment with a small entryway and balcony, there are ways to incorporate farmhouse style right where you live.

1. {Wood crates} A vintage bulb crate next to our front door serves as a rustic shelf for a pitcher of flowers. Fresh cut flowers are a quick & easy way to freshen up a porch.

Wood crates are also good catch-alls for toys and balls.

2. {Ticking fabric, grain sack and burlap} for cushions and pillows add that classic farmhouse feel. 

3. {Old tin buckets} as planters for a simple "just grabbed these out of the barn" ambience. ;)

A repurposed chicken waterer is right at home on the front porch. I found this one at a yard sale for just a few dollars  (I loved the rust for decorating, though it wouldn't work well for chickens ;). You can also find them at antique stores. New, you can expect to pay $20 - $25 for this size (2 gallon). 

4. {Chippy, weathered furniture} brings a comfortable feel to a covered porch. Use an old dresser for a plant stand, gardening tool storage, or simply a focal point.

5. {Vines} I'm so grateful to our home's previous owners for planting beautiful vines around the property. Here they are, growing up the side of our laundry/mud room.

And along a fence, vines, grapes and hops add old fashioned texture and greenery.



6. {Gates} are functional, but can also add farmhouse appeal. 

For an easy way to incorporate a gate or two, prop them up on a porch or entryway. The picture below is from our fall porch last year. I used an old gate and section of fencing on the porch to add more of that "pumpkin patch" feel. ;) I found the gate and fence at a yard sale, but similar pieces can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot. 

7. {Arbors} add architectural interest year-round. They can support beautiful vines and wisteria during the growing months. In winter, string lights up on arbors for a "happy" dose of light, when darkness comes early. 

This arbor, set off of our gravel driveway, marks the entrance to our front yard.

8. {Outdoor seating} invites you to slow down and take in the scenery. I recently moved this bench out near the chicken yard so that we could sit and watch the chickens (may sound weird, but it's peaceful :). Is there a special place on your property - maybe in the garden - where a bench might encourage you to enjoy the view awhile longer?

9. {Outbuildings} like a chicken coop or garden shed open up lots of possibilities, as well as provide you with another charming backdrop. 

10. {Farm fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers} evoke simple country living perhaps more than anything. If you don't have space to plant fruit trees or build raised garden beds, consider a container garden where strawberries, tomatoes and herbs can be tended and enjoyed.

Find ideas on decorating with farmhouse style inside here!

And now I'm wondering, where is your favorite spot at home to enjoy some time outdoors? Or, is there a view you most love, looking out your window? I'd love to hear!

So glad you stopped by...

Xo

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Farm Fresh Vegetables & Summer Recipes

These are the "glory days" of our humble little garden.

Each day it's changing. Some vines are becoming weighed down by burgeoning squash, while other vines - yielding long green beans - race upwards on our new teepee trellis.

I'm happy to report that although this is our second summer here, our boys still find joy in discovering the vegetables and bringing in the harvest.

The sense of wonder isn't quite as earth-shattering for them as it was last year (as first time "farmers")... But, I think I am making up for the difference. Maybe my excitement is because I'm learning just a little bit more each year. Maybe it's because we've planted a few new types of vegetables. Maybe it's an independent spirit emerging, you know, "living off the land." 

Or, maybe it's because I need to get out more these days. ;)

Whatever the case, I wanted to share a few recipes that we are enjoying, specifically as it relates to our bumper crops of green beans and zucchini... 

Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a total YUM. 

It's a healthier version of zucchini sticks with no deep frying involved. (You bake it first and then broil for a few minutes for that crispy finish.) You can find the recipe here.

Another great seasonal recipe is One Pan Greek Chicken. 

They had me at "one pan." You too? 

The recipes calls for chicken thighs, but I used chicken breasts, halved. The recipe also calls for baby red potatoes... we had baby yukon gold and they worked well too. Perhaps most importantly, this dish makes a delightful home for our garden's green beans! Find the recipe for this flavorful meal here.

And of course, due to our boys' requests, there's sure to be plenty of Zucchini Bread this season. Their favorite is made from this recipe. 

The other excitement going down in our garden is... the corn is coming!

The lavender is in bloom...

The snow peas are ready. 

Hello mushroom and snow pea stir fry. Oh, how I've missed you!

And I'll close with a confession. Last night, I came into the house and said, "Guess what guys?! We have little pumpkins in our garden!" Later I realized that these (below) are, in fact, acorn squash. (And our first acorn squash, at that.) 

Quien supo?! (Who knew?!)

Are you enjoying any fruits of your labor? 

Or perhaps fresh produce from a farmer's market? Tis the season!

Enjoy...

Xo

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