Farmgirl Follies

Christmas Eve & a pie recipe

Posted by Farmgirl on December 24, 2009  |  3 Comments

Christmas Eve.
A day on the brink, filled with anticipation and excitement. I love it.

It began with a big ‘ol breakfast prepared by FarmGuy. He loves to make breakfast. If you asked, he would probably say his most treasured possession is his cast iron skillet.

It’s not snowing, but it is cold. And there’s still a dusting of white stuff on the ground. I’ll take it.

Candles are burning and lights twinkle. My daughters decorated the entire house and every doorway with curly ribbon yesterday. We are prepared for a party.

We’ll watch Christmas classics all day long, snuggled up with our fuzzy blankets and plates of …

GOODIES!

And then … another kind of goody.

Because it’s Christmas Eve. And there’s too much excitement and noise for me to handle. And because it’s tradition that they are allowed to open one, carefully selected present on Christmas Eve. So today the girls opened a new book, and Ben opened the Memory Game.

And their strict instructions were: “Now go play, go read and don’t make a peep until supper when it’s time to get ready for the candlelight service at church.”

No. I didn’t really say that. I may have been thinking it, but I would never say it aloud.

At this very moment, FarmGuy and FarmBoy are sprawled on the floor playing a game. The girls are several pages into their new books: The Trumpet & The Swan and The Cabin Faced West.

I’m about to curl up on the couch with some sappy Christmas movie and a cup of coffee. Well, sort of. I’m trying to learn to drink coffee. It’s actually half coffee, half cocoa. Shh. Don’t tell FarmGuy. He thinks I’m making progress.

This afternoon, we’ll watch the hilarious family favorite — A Christmas Story. And we’ll laugh and cuddle and fight over the blankets. FarmGuy mentioned he needs to chop some wood. The girls want to try to sled ride on the bare minimum of snow left on the ground. Farmboy just wants to eat more cookies. Me? I want to savor every moment … every sparkle … every big-eyed surprise and happy giggle.

Tonight we’ll drive the short mile to church. We’ll sing carols and screech when hot wax from the candles drips on our hands. And we’ll look up at the night sky on our way home, find the brightest star and remember the true reason for the season.

And we’ll be thankful and filled with unbearable love for each other.

And because I promised you yesterday …

Farmgirl’s Chocolate Walnut Bourbon Pie

Pastry for 2 single-crust pies
2 c. chopped walnuts
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c. light-color corn syrup
1 c. light brown sugar
1 c. dark brown sugar
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/3 c. bourbon (I used Jim Beam)
1 T. vanilla
1/2 t. salt

Line 2, 9-inch pie plates with pastry. Sprinkle 1/2 c. nuts and 1/2 of the chocolate chips over the bottom of each unbaked crust. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, corn syrup, light and dark brown sugars, butter, bourbon, vanilla and salt. Gradually pour 1/2 of the mixture into each pie shell. Sprinkle both pies with remaining nuts and chocolate chips. Cover pie edges to prevent browning.

Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 25-30 minutes more or until set. Cool thoroughly on wire rack.

Presto change-o!

Posted by Farmgirl on December 6, 2009  |  No Comments

Farmgirl Finds used to be housed in the lower level of my house. The rooms were brimming with candles and wooden bowls and braided rugs and a cash register. Rustic antiques, prim cupboards and vintage linens filled the space.

But then we moved the shop to its new location on State Route 9 in Augusta. We made a lot of trips hauling merchandise. It was a tale of peril and woe.

It occurred to me today that maybe you’d like to see what we did with the empty space. I figured since the little urchins worked so hard at helping me move shop inventory, they deserved a space to play, read, study and do schoolwork.

It’s nice to contain toys and kid clutter to an out-of-sight, out-of-mind place. Although that’s just a theory, it doesn’t always happen. It’s also a great excuse to tell folks, “My kids spend a lot of time in the basement.” You wouldn’t believe the reactions I get.

Here’s a glimpse into Never-Neverland.

As in …

Never promise your husband some day he’ll have a man cave.
It won’t happen … at least until the kids are grown. And by then you’ll need a space for all of the grandkids to play. Be safe, ladies. 

Tell him to make his shop or garage or the barn as cozy as possible. And leave it at that.

Fill your space with kid puzzles and games, flashcards and crayons. And if you have to back pedal when it comes to the man cave promise — confuse him a bit. Do what you’re going to do with a room, but carve out a little man space. All you need is a comfy old chair or couch, and a TV.

It’s not really a man space, but he doesn’t have to know that.

And then you can say that you like to lock your kids and your husband in the basement every once in awhile!

The patient woman’s final frontier

Posted by Farmgirl on December 2, 2009  |  6 Comments

“He that can have Patience, can have what he will.”  ~ Benjamin Franklin

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”  ~ Tolstoy

I’m feeling warrior-like today. I have endured. I have had unending amounts of patience. I think I should “have what I will” now. You see, I’ve been accused of too often following my whims … of getting something in my head and then rushing headlong into it without first figuring out the logistics.

Not this time.

The Back Story: in September 2008 — while FarmGuy was away on business — there was a leak in the upstairs bathroom. (It’s actually the kids’ bathroom, but it contains the only tub in this old farmhouse). Water dripped through the dining room ceiling and the seam along the drywall fell to the floor.

FarmGuy informed us the tub was the culprit; therefore, we stopped using the tub — 14 months ago! Though a shower in our bathroom is satisfactory for daily use, women — and little kids — need bathtubs. We do! It’s in our genetic makeup. And mostly, I just want the bathroom fully functional again.

So I’ve waited … tried not to nag … offered suggestions. And here we are, 23 days before Christmas 2009. Ready to meet Old Man Winter head-on. And I cannot face another winter without a tub for soaking away the chills, dangit!

Man’s excuse list:

• It’s going to be a huge mess
• It will take days
• The fixtures will have to be removed
• We’ll have to pull the carpet and tack strips
• All that cracked floor tile has to come up
• Who knows what we’ll find
• It’s not a quick-fix, easy project
• I don’t even know if I know how to fix it

Well darling, honeypie, sugarlips, babycakes …

The mess wasn’t really that big. In three hours I managed to take out the toilet, vanity and sink. I made a phone call and with a little help from my mother, got all fixtures carried to the bed of your pickup so you don’t have to strain your back. It’s cuz I love you so much.

I also removed the baseboards, carpet and those nasty tack strips. Then I popped up all of that crumbly old tile around the toilet.

Have I mentioned how I hate wax rings? ICK!

Just so you know, dear, the plywood floor under the toilet is so soft I can stick a screwdriver through it. I’m thinking maybe it wasn’t the bathtub after all …

Can we please fix this now?

I’ve done all the hard work for you and cleaned up the big mess. All I really want for Christmas is a working bathroom for the kids. And a working tub for the mommy would be nice.

I promise — if you get this old tub working again, I’ll even install a new wax ring for the toilet.

Oh, by the way. We need a new toilet.

I set it down a little too hard.

Porcelain isn’t as tough as you’d think!

P.S. I love you!

Three women. Three secrets.

Posted by Farmgirl on December 1, 2009  |  5 Comments

I love books. I love to get lost in someone else’s story. These two books just arrived. The first, The Jesse Tree, is a daily devotional of sorts for Advent. Each day the kids and I will read a short story and some Bible verses. Then we will cut out a paper ornament, bedazzle it with glitter and hang it on our Jesse tree (the ornaments are included in the book). I’m hoping it will help us maintain a focus on the true reason for the season.

The second book, Barefoot, is for pure reading pleasure. At least I intend for it to be a pleasurable read — haven’t started it yet. But let’s look at the title. I am all about going barefoot. Ding-ding-ding! Look at the artwork on the cover. I’m not much of an ocean person — more of a woodsy girl — but the sight of rolled up jeans just screams warm, summer sun to me. Ding-ding-ding!

It was the first sentence of the description on the back cover that made me select the book, however:

Three women, burdened with small children, unwieldy straw hats, and some obvious emotional issues …

Helloooooo. That just screams Farmgirl … the kids … the straw hats … my sisters and I … and our obvious emotional issues. I’m sure, after reading this blog, that you agree at least on the last point!

Need gift ideas for your loved ones? How about a great book — personal, practical, engaging and unique. I mean c’mon, a book about women with obvious emotional issues has to be just right for someone on your list! And if not, why not a straw hat?

Happy holiday shopping season and merry Christmas to you, your loved ones and your emotional issues!

Love,
Farmgirl and family

The day after

Posted by Farmgirl on November 27, 2009  |  No Comments

How do you spend the day after Thanksgiving? Yesterday’s dishes are washed and put away, we’re recovering from turkey and pumpkin pie overload. FarmGuy is splitting wood. The girls and I are gathering Christmas decorations. Farmboy is watching Tom & Jerry.

And of course, HGTV’s Home for the Holidays special is playing in the background. I love decorating ideas … especially those with a holiday flare. Which is why I took a look at the Country Living site. It’s great if you want a little decorating inspiration.

And when you need some cozy, rustic decorations or primitive antiques to adorn your nest, stop by Farmgirl Finds. You’ll also find treasures for primitive fans on your gift list. Stop by and see us!

Holiday Hours

Closed Friday, Nov. 27

Saturday, Nov. 28 — 10 to 4

Friday & Saturday, Dec. 4 & 5 — 10 to 4

Friday & Saturday, Dec. 11 & 12 — 10 to 4

Friday & Saturday, Dec. 18 & 19 — 10 to 4

I spy …

Posted by Farmgirl on November 13, 2009  |  1 Comment

Christmas on display. Come see what’s in store this weekend!

Fabulous primitives. Join us for the Tour of Homes. Three houses. Exciting antiques.

You won’t be disappointed.

You will be inspired.

You may fall in love with worn and aged items all over again!

Gorgeous color. The very best new “old items” can’t compete with time-worn color.

Secrets revealed. We’ll show you our dirty laundry.

Buddy system. We all love primitives and rustic antiques. And we love to share that passion with you.

Come on over to Farmgirl Finds! It’s going to be a great weekend in Augusta!

Five Days …

Posted by Farmgirl on November 10, 2009  |  1 Comment

It’s going to be a busy week around here. The Primitive Christmas TOUR OF HOMES is Saturday, from 10-4. Saturday is also the official opening day of the Farmgirl Finds’ Christmas Open House. Every Friday and Saturday through December 19, we’ll open our doors for you.

Come on in and enjoy the sounds of a primitive country Christmas … the smells of cinnamon, spice and everything nice. We have ornaments and wreaths, twig trees, and rustic Santas and snowmen. Our selection of rustic antiques continues to grow each week. Whether you’re hoping for ladderback chairs, farm tables, a grand old cupboard or crocks under the tree, we can help you out!

Come see us! And if you’re free this Saturday, be sure to stop off for tickets and a map for the home tour. You won’t be disappointed. Three fabulous farmhouses filled with unique antiques and primitive treasures. These ladies have gone to great lengths to deck their halls. Trust me when I say …

You don’t want to miss it!

Home for Christmas

Posted by Farmgirl on November 6, 2009  |  No Comments

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Farmgirl Finds! Visit the shop this weekend for primitive holiday decor, Christmas-inspired candle scents and gift ideas. The shop is brimming with rustic antiques, twig trees, mitten garlands, primitive ornaments and more!

Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And don’t forget the

TOUR OF HOMES
Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10-4

Visit the shop on Nov. 14 to purchase tickets and get your map. The drive-it-yourself tour will take you down country roads in the Augusta area to three, primitive-style farmhouses. You’ll enjoy visiting the interiors of these truly magnificent homes decorated for Christmas. Cost is $3 per person. For details, visit Farmgirl Finds.

See you soon!

Happy feet of a glamour girl

Posted by Farmgirl on November 4, 2009  |  3 Comments

I just read an article that questioned, “Are you living a glamorous life?”

Hmmm.

I suppose the folks who wrote the story wouldn’t think so. Wool boot socks that keep my tootsies warm and an It’s not easy being me, but someone’s got to do it T-shirt do not shout, “Glamour girl!” to an adoring public. Neither does my no-fuss updo. My lack of makeup is stunning.

No glitz and glimmer, here. Not a paparazzi in sight.

Is it a glamorous life? 

You betcha! I have at least three people clamoring for my attention at any given moment. Where I lead, they follow. They fill my days with great debates, intriguing discussion and great works of art — usually showcased on my refrigerator. I have a passel of great storytellers on staff, as well as re-decorators who have an obsession with the toys-on-the-floor look.

Oh … and comedians. I have a slew of funny people in my midst. Wardrobe? Absolutely … in fact, they change clothes at least three times a day. And architects. You’d be amazed at the creative structures built and demolished on my sprawling E-state of Chaos.

The projects thrown my way daily — truly astounding. Why just this morning I’ve tackled a mountain of laundry; cleaned shards of broken cereal bowl from the kitchen floor; dressed four people for the day; fed and watered countless wild beasts; planned a meal; called my mother; e-mailed my sister; and mandated copywork and math computations. In a minute, I’m going to snuggle on the sofa with a cute boy and a book.

Unfortunately we’re out of bon-bons … but grapes would be nice.

glamour: 1 : a magic spell 2 : an exciting and often illusory and romantic attractiveness; especially : alluring or fascinating attraction —often used attributively.

Yes. I live a glamorous life. It’s exciting, alluring and attractive to me. And that’s all the matters!

Now go live your glamorous life … and share your joy with those around you.

We’re decking the halls

Posted by Farmgirl on October 29, 2009  |  No Comments

Farmgirl Finds will be closed Oct. 30-31.

We’re getting ready for Christmas!

Come see what’s in store for the holidays Nov. 6-7. And don’t forget the

Tour of Homes

Saturday, Nov. 14, 10-4. Get tickets and maps at the shop the day of the event.
Cost: $3 per person. You’ll visit three primitive homes, decorated for Christmas. Travel back in time to an 1800s farmhouse; a new, historically accurate home; and an 1890s farmhouse. All feature fabulous primitive antiques and rustic accents. Bring a friend!