Posts Tagged Farmgirl Finds

An Autumn Affair

Posted by Farmgirl on August 31, 2010  |  1 Comment

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Join us September 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Farmgirl Finds Fall Open House

Discover a bewitching mix of rustic antiques, time-worn primitives and
rough and ready items for a welcoming country house.

Spicy candles and decorative seasonal items will add country coziness to your home.

Join us for an Autumn Affair!

Open Fridays & Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Memory keepers

Posted by Farmgirl on June 10, 2010  |  7 Comments

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It looks like a wonderful apple harvest this year.

 

 

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The peaches look fantastic, too.

We’ve had some spectacular storms this spring, but so far [knock on wood!] the hail has fallen elsewhere and the fruit trees look beautiful. We’re expecting sweet juicy peaches and crisp, crunchy apples, and lots of other homegrown produce that’ll knock your socks off.

And when I say ‘we’ I mean my family.

My parents and brother are directly involved in the daily operations of Manfull Orchards. They grow the produce. They tend the orchards. They keep things growing.

 

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It’s true … the legacy part, I mean.

We all feel the same connection to this place.

The roots are deep … they go back generations. In my memory, though, they come from my great-grandfather. He lived to the ripe old age of 101, and my siblings and I had the good fortune of growing up across the road from him.

On his 100th birthday, the newspaper did an interview. When asked the secret to such a long life he replied, “Hard work, eating eggs and Coca-Cola. I’ve eaten eggs every day for 90 years.”

And I can attest, he drank a two-liter of Coke every day, as well.

 

 

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My brother and sisters and I were fortunate to grow up in the midst of wise folks.

Not only did we have the company of a century-old great-grandparent, but we had the daily — sometimes hourly — guidance of grandparents. My children never met my grandpa, but they talk about him often. His presence is still so very strong for all of us.

And we don’t have to look far to find him.

 

 

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Grandma passed away last August, but her presence remains. Sometimes it’s almost palpable.

I think it’s because their legacy lives on in each apple tree and tomato plant and patch of blue sky.

They taught us to love God.

They taught us to love the land.

 

 

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Most importantly …

They taught us to love each other.

Unconditionally and always.

 

 

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And when you stay true to those three things …

Life is really, really sweet.

Even when it’s not.

 

Just keep on keeping on.

Enjoy the present, plan for the future and don’t take either for granted.

 

 

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These mums are going to be spectacular in September …

if we do what we need to do as best we can.

Which is really the case in any situation.

Do what you need to do.

Do it to the best of your ability.

Always.

 

 

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Something to remember when you’re growing hundreds of tomatoes.

 

 

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Each one is as important as the next.

Just like family members.

Individual parts of the whole.

 

 

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And sometimes you have to let new members into the fold.

Like Freckles, here.

She showed up one day and isn’t leaving anytime soon.

 

 

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Because she has eyes for him, only.

And he treats her right — something she never knew in her short time on this earth.

 

And really … all of us have a short time on this earth.

Which is why we have to make the most of it, remember the best parts and pass them on to the next generation.

 

 

Memory keepers.

That’s what we should be.

 

 

 

Primitive delights

Posted by Farmgirl on April 30, 2010  |  No Comments

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Head on over to Farmgirl Finds and see what’s in store!

New primitives and rustic treasures arrive each week. And you don’t want to miss NEXT WEEK … our Anniversary Celebration & Tag Sale. Lots of goodies at reduced prices in the parking lot and beautiful treasures within the store.

We’re open Fridays & Saturdays, 10-4.

Come on in!

Sweeten the deal

Posted by Farmgirl on April 12, 2010  |  1 Comment

bakemuffins
Photo from designspongeonline.com

It’s Monday.

I thought you’d enjoy a little boost for your spirits (and possibly your waistline if you eat half of these in one sitting. But don’t do that, even though they’re really good!) I found this recipe over at the TastyKitchen Web site. It’s a keeper!

 

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

2 cups Quick Cooking Oats
1-⅔ cup Low-fat Buttermilk
¾ cups Brown Sugar
¼ cups Sugar
2 whole Eggs, Lightly Beaten
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
½ cups Butter, Melted And Cooled
1 cup Flour
1-½ teaspoon Baking Powder
½ teaspoons Baking Soda
¼ teaspoons Salt
1-½ cup Chocolate Chips, Preferably Semi-sweet
½ cups Chocolate-covered Toffee Bits, Plus More For Sprinkling

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine oats and sugars. Pour buttermilk over mixture, stir to combine, and let sit 5 minutes. In a small bowl, combine eggs and vanilla. Poor cooled butter into egg mixture and combine. Pour butter and egg mixture into oat mixture, and stir to combine.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour flour mixture into oat mixture. Stir until just combined. Add chocolate chips and toffee bits, stirring gently.

Place muffin liners in muffin tins, and fill about ¾ full. Sprinkle with additional toffee. Bake about 20 minutes, or until golden. Let cool 5 minutes before removing from pans, then let cool on racks.

 

P.S.

And now that I’ve sweetened you up a bit …
Don’t forget Farmgirl Finds will re-open Friday, April 16.
Come see our curious mix of old and new rustic treasures, antiques and primitives!

We’re open Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New primitives arrive weekly!

Christmas Eve & a pie recipe

Posted by Farmgirl on December 24, 2009  |  3 Comments

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

 

 

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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.

 

 

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

 

 

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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.

 

 

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

 

 

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GOODIES!

And then … another kind of goody.

 

 

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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.

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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

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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.

 

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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 …

 

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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.

 

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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 …

 

 

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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?

 

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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

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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

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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

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

 

 

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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!

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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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!

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