Budget French Country look with Glam Results

You have heard it all before. I am so in love with our home and could not be happier with our fortunate find. The country cottage appeal fits my dream style. Previous occupants remodeled the kitchen sometime in the 1980's. Lots of cabinets and counter space. Open floor plan. Counter top range and insert oven. Perfect set up but the the green color counter tops need to go.They drive me crazy! Hopefully sometime in the future I will be able to accomplish my own updated touch.
As for you....

There is no need to go out and buy all new cabinetry when what you have is perfectly sound. New hardware is easy as well as a perfect way to update the cabinet style. You may be thinking the same as me. Ugly counters are not cheap to replace on a small budget. That is why I am excited to have found all these great products for going ugh... to wow!  in the kitchen. It's a face lift with out the heavy lifting. Like giving walls a fresh new color and not  installing new drywall

Taken during our first month here, our kitchen is an L shape. Below is just the main portion of the Kitchen room, minus the bottom of the L:

I found a product from Rustoleum which paints the counter top. The best part? It's $20 a can {at my local hardware store}. Covers 25 linear feet of average counter top space. There are 16 colors to choose from and it contains HomeShield(TM) Antimicrobial Protection which will protect the painted surface by inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew and other odor or stain causing microbes. Cool, ay?  

 This is the color style I would like to achieve for my kitchen:

Tile range top back wall. A light wall color and one cabinet pair with glass front panels between the sink & range.

As for that yellowing refrigerator? How about some Appliance Epoxy spray! This will give a smooth washable surface, renewing your appliance in your color of 5 choices. For the exterior of appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machines, and other indoor metal applications (cabinets, tables).For me, it takes away the off white fridge to a black, matching the other appliances.

 To add character to it's doors, how about some Chalkboard paint or...this had me shocked to see, DRy Erase board surface paint! {Apply to metal, wood, masonry, drywall}. My wee ones adore the chalkboard Fridge doors they see on the Nick show "Good Luck Charlie", which has them begging for chalkboard surfaces.

This would also be a nice touch to cabinets. Chalkboard paint on the the main face board, leaving the trimming in a contrast color, matching the rest of the cabinetry Perfect for jotting down notes like Buy crackers or Keep out of the cookies! Another WOW factor... How about making those cabinet panels Magnetic!

I wish I could share the pictures of these amazing ideas, unfortunately, the site will not allow picture save. So click here* to go there*. Click on the Indoor index card to see these great Budget friendly Kitchen Makeovers.

Now I must find a product which will clean off the nasty build up and lighten the cabinet color. I rather like the light wood. Much easier to clean with the trimming, compared to a painted surface.Grime & dust appears to build up faster on the face trimmings when painted. 

**Rustoleum is in no way affiliated with The Unusual Farm Chick {and vice versa}. They have no clue I am writing this post. Of course, if they should feel so inclined, I am open to any of these great products to arrive at my front door.For experimental purposes of course. Just throwing it out there. 

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

NEVER cheat on your seed company...

Expanding the medicinal herb garden has been looked forward to since cleaning out the overgrown Front garden bed. I had dreams of Mother wort, Lavender, Marsh Mallow and many more filling in the spot below my Bay like window in the dining room. The budget was set for what i could spend on the herbal seed. I searched online trying to find a company that had all the varieties I desired in one spot at a price fitting in the budget. Not an easy feat staying in budget for medicinal herbs. The excitement of receiving the herb seed had me checking the mail everyday, {I normally let the mailbox fill up before I bother going out there- or let the kids get it. As I tell The Captain, I am far to thin to exert my energy on keeping warm in this weather for junk mail.See? Being skinny has it's downfalls too. I look like one of those soup commercial kids going out to sled in the snow but have multiple layers on, they can barely walk.}.

My order was place on January 11,2011. I began to worry when over a week went by before I received a simple notice stating my package has shipped. I was met with big disappointment when the Manila envelope finaly arrived. Not only were 2 of my most desired herb seed NOT in there, the company never bothered to contact me before shipping the package. Instead I open it to find they were missing and on the receipt a highlighted statement "these herbs were unavailable". Their website did not list them as back ordered or unavailable. There was no email detailing they would not be in my order, no phone call nor did they give me the opportunity to make different choices or to cancel the entire order.

The point is, I had a budget and I chose to go with their company instead of a higher priced but Fantastic company here in the states. When I spoke to customer service they could care less about what had transpired. I was told they do not back order things due to it possibly being years before something comes in. Understandable but your site does not list them as unavailable & why was I not contacted before you sent a package minus items? You have my address, email & phone number. Their solution? "Well, you could always send the entire package back?". And HOW is that going to benefit me in anyway or solve the problem? I still have to pay the postage for it to go back, plus wait for the account reimbursement before ordering elsewhere since I have a separate account for online transactions. I spoke with the owner and did not receive much of a better answer then I received from their customer service. He did say he would check to see if those seeds are available...

So now I will be out of budget on my seed orders. More shipping costs endured over my desire to stay within a small budget, for seeds I had hoped to add in the medicine garden.

I will order from the company I should have originally used. The VERY reliable & fantastic supply of Herbals, Mountain Rose Herbs. Seeds are around $1 more per packet but at least YOU do not get my hopes up and smash them.Your upfront and honest.

 I feel such guilt straying from you. Never again will I patron another herbal seed company. All others pale in comparison to what you give. Hopefully you will forgive me for my moment of weakness and allow my order to arrive before seed starting day {February 14th}.

The lesson today Kiddos, from all the above rambling? Just because something costs less does not make it a good choice. Saving money is great but you get what you pay for.

Sweet Dreams

~Tammie

Dreamy Chicken coop & The Fancy Farm Girl

I came across the blog of The Fancy Farm Girl while searching for chandelier pictures. What does the site have to do with Chandeliers?

This:

I am smitten with her Chicken coop! The Captain gave me this look of "Hun, you have hit the top of crazy idea's" when I showed him this picture.Explaining what I have in mind for our Spring Project. I began crunching numbers and drawing plans in hopes to replicate at least the feel of the Coop's interior. It needs to be half of her size. Just a small "sitting area" for me.I plan to have an electric chandelier as she has done, instead of a plain light bulb. {like "normal" chicken coops have}.Making it an unusual Coop, complete with Acrylic crystals. Walls rustically painted in white. An old comfy chair for sitting with my ladies. The chunky wood shelves and other Farm Chic' touches.

I had an antique chair like this, which belonged to The Captains Great Grandmother. Makes me wish he had kept it for the above purpose. For me. Not the chicken.

She does explain, the coop can only stay this clean with daily attention and Biweekly intense clean out.  Nothing new to me and easily done since I spend majority of my energy in the garden & chicken run. I have no goal of having one so pristine, but changes in the floor plan hopefully keep the Fancy coop look.

Mine may not be as big. It may not be as breath taking dreamy. But I WILL use her inspiration while making the bigger coop for our new batch of chickens. Our current coop is big enough for 8. A quick built coop from when we moved here last July with only 3 nesting box's. 

Now That Mr. & Mrs. J are splitting the chicken eggs with us, we will have around 24 laying hens this summer. Bigger coop and more of what I would like to see. There is no rule of chicken husbandry that states all Farm housing should not be as pleasant for humans as well as the animals.

Seeming over the top and ridiculous to you? After all their just chickens, right?

Wrong. Not for me. I prefer to live this life indulging my senses of pleasure. I would rather have a beautiful  coop I WANT to spend time in, then to have one only serving a sheltering purpose. Besides. It's my coop and I'll make it pretty if I want to...

Just think, Rainy day's will never be the same.

I already have a piece with plans of incorporating in the new coop. I was sent a plastic birdbath which was not the same as the description on site. It was suppose to be a fountain birdbath complete with pump. So the company is sending me a different bird bath at no charge. { I have nothing but positive things to say when it comes to the CSN stores customer service. Quick to make things right, going out of their way to help and always friendly.}

 Even better, this one comes with a water wiggler that runs on D cell batteries. No electric needed and easily fits in the plan of Garden use.

 The first one is nice but does not fill it's original purpose. That means finding a way to make it useful. I plan to use it in the new coop after I do a crackle finish on the exterior. I am not sure if I will use it as a high pedestal feeder OR if I will try to incorporate it as a Nesting feature. I guess that will be discovered once the coop is built and decor has begun.

Be sure to check out more on The Fancy Farm Girl's site. She is a Photographer as well as a true blue Farm Girl. I am currently going back in her archives, catching up on all I have missed.  An Unusual Farm Chick, after my own heart.

Sweet Dreams,

~Tammie

Single candle mini chandeliers

I spotted these almost Apothecary looking jars while out and about the other day. Instantly I thought of tree chandeliers! I experimented with the wire wrapping and placement, making these vary in their appearance. I still have much to improve & perfect. I think it's not too bad for my first time playing with bead and solder wire.

I used a soldering wire for the top rim band, to dangle the Acrylic crystals from. The bottom rim and side handles are a 3 strand braid using beading wire. Fortunately, I spotted holiday ornaments for 80% off {making them 65 cents each} which had 3 strands of the crystals hanging from each. Perfect for what I had in mind.
What is it about candles hanging from tree limbs? They seem to give a comforting dreamy ambiance, as well as the glow of romance.Changing the atmosphere as the sun goes down and an evening out beneath the stars.
 By adding the crystal decor, it enhances the richness of Shabby chic design. I love mixing clean colors and luxury textures with that cottage Country look. I also found a few vintage looking candle items for more projects. More Garden candle chandeliers. More cold winter days filled with uninterrupted crafting satisfaction. Can you tell I am excited to get them started?

I have finished 2 twirly skirts {minus the elastic band} for Frog plus a 6 gore skirt for myself. It is the prototype of a new pattern, so the material is from a king size plain sheet. I refuse to waste anymore favorite material until I find the perfect pattern.
I did finish up the Peasant top from earlier this month. The bottom seam sits too high for my taste, much to Panda's delight. She did not want the embroidery designs I planned. She feels it is too "girly". Ummm. alrighty then.

Hopefully the next one I am working on with a thinner fabric will turn out not so ruffled on the edging and of course, I am cutting it 6 inches longer at the bottom.

Just 4 more weeks until the starting of seeds. Valentines day begins the annual living room take over by

grow lights and soil. My HydroFarm seed heat mat arrived today. I have stevia, herbs plus a few other seeds which require warmer conditions in the house that I can not provide. {our heat is kept at 63 F degrees}.The hope is for my eggplant seeds to sprout and grow into healthy seedlings, preventing me from buying them as nursery plants.The heat mat was highly suggested for my eggplant success. I came to a point of decision, eggplant hated me. I have only had 2 seeds ever grow into plants and even then, just 1 fruit from it's limbs. Eggplants are the Diva of all my gardening efforts and as so, must have their own special attention. Hence, the heat mat. Oh the things we do for the love of Gardening...

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

Indoor Fairy gardens! & How Bish came to be.

"You know the willow tree you always love to climb amongst the branch's? The one in the front yard? There is something very special about that tree. More then it's beautiful leaves dancing in the wind, calling for you to come out & play. To sit with your back against it's young trunk as you draw and read with your sister. Beneath the snow covered ground, just below it's trunk, it's a family of gnomes.

   There have been generations of gnomes living under the big Oak tree, where you see the squirrels racing for the fallen acorns. Their little paw prints painting the the snow on the tree side away from the road. But a new generation has made their home under the majestic Willow. Living within it's roots are a family of gnomes. Consisting of Momma & Poppa Gnome. Clara the youngest of the gnomes and Bish, her big brother.

Bish loves to explore the property all around us and he seems to be the most curious and mischief finding in his family. Although the humans who live in the big stone home are friendly, Momma Gnome must always remind Bish to stay away from their big birds called chickens and to tread kindly in their garden just beyond the feathered creatures. Would you like to hear a few of his adventures? How about the day he had his first chicken egg? O.k, lay down and snuggle into your pillow as I spin a tale of adventure. Discovery and delight...."

And that my friends, is how Bish the Gnome came about to dance in the minds of my children. A night where no story book would make our little Frog content. He not only receives many requests of tales, but has found a way to bring daily questions and amazing attention to detail in Frogs discussions.

So, I decided we would begin the makings of an indoor Fairy garden to continue the imagination. One that can be in each of the children's bedrooms, for their care and enjoyment. One that will most likely find it's way into their stories of Bish each night. Of course, a gnome door will soon find it's home against this now infamous willow tree as well.

For someone who does not have the space or time for a garden, this may just be what the Garden Doctor ordered! Maybe a gift or group project for a special child in your life.

I discovered a fabulous blog by The Pure Gardener that has the wheels of imagination spinning round as we plan out the indoor miniature plant varieties of their Fairy land.

Inspiration for your Fairy gardens: 

http://thepuregardener.blogspot.com/2010/07/another-trip-to-fairy-gardens.html#links

They have an online store that caters to your fairy garden & gnome needs.http://www.thepuregardener.com/

And for their main blog page go here:http://thepuregardener.blogspot.com/

I am in love with this blue door they have put in for their Fairies/gnomes. It adds delightful color along with delight to the inner child. Imagine, walking in the yard and coming upon this site as a child?:

The Pure Gardener is located in Geneva, IL, which is a 6 hour drive from here. I was so disappointed to see how far away it is. I surely would have made the drive would it have been closer to 4 hours. I may just have to make a special summer trip with our children since I can not find another store close to home with such an array of delight. Being they have an online store, I can at least pick a few pieces to grace their gardens and to hide for their Spring Egg hunt.

Sweet garden dreams,

~Tammie

Winter Nature walk & Homesteading Rat race

Despite temps being 24 F degrees, The sun was shining so beautifully. Frog, Ming the Peke & I decided to go walk the back property. Take in mind the snow had vanished from the a few days of high temps then began falling once again a few days ago. Ming the Peke has such short legs which made the snow almost to her chest. She could care less about the height and hopped through it all, Looking very much like a white rabbit as she lead us to our usual path.

Since most briar's and greenery have died down for the winter, we were able to hike up the hill side, overlooking the State Archery range. Frog was having problems going up but going down, she decided sliding was way more fast & fun.

We discovered rabbit tracks but not a single deer track. Very unusual since I usually see as many as 5 does walking through our background. We also spotted a small birds nest, nestled between tiny branches of a sapling, just 6 ft from the ground. Snow covered the top as though it were an ice cone, according to Frog that is.

We also noticed the rose hips were being enjoyed by the many diverse birds living amongst our woods. The little shells of red were partially opened, revealing the tiny seeds packed with vitamin C. A great supplement to the wild life winter diet.

Ming the Peke has improved so well on her listening skills. She may lead the way but never goes far. Always stopping to wait for us if we strag behind. Coming when called and always checking in with me for reassurance with some head petting love.

Frog's little hands were becoming too cold {since she removed her gloves and decided she was to have the camera for picture taking}. We headed back to the house for a hot cup of cocoa and a roaring fire which we promptly made popcorn with the old fireplace popper before cuddling up on the couch for some good ol' Max & Ruby cartoons created by Rosemary Wells. {I really do not know why I like that cartoon so much. Maybe due to the non violence aspect of the show, unlike other cartoons}.

The week is just beginning, to which I find myself becoming more and more excited for the weekend. We place our order for the baby chicks, to be delivered the end of this month, on Friday. Plus our seed orders which will include a Shitake mushroom kit. The Captain would like to grow mushrooms and has picked his choice of sweet corn from the garden. Although they are not an heirloom, he did so sweetly ask if I would mind otherwise for the year. And ya know what? I did sigh followed by a big smile saying "Honey, if the seed you want is hybrid, then so be it. I'm just happy you're a part of the growing this year." And that my friends was a sacrifice made of love. He may not fully understand my anti hybrid ways but he is trying to be a part of something so important in my life. I will overlook the hybrid choice.  Out of Love he has shown a great interest & involvement for my ways. Maybe it is due to my re evaluating of the Homesteading. Trying to focus more on the enjoyment and not so much the way's of so many going for production amount & the level of their sufficiency. Which can make one overlook the simple life of enjoyment. At times, it almost feels as though by visiting homestead forums, people are competing. Belittling others who are not as driven to extreme or of those who are to the max. I got caught in the Homestead rat race and am stepping away. Back to the joy filled times we had when I began my blog in 2006. Simple moments. Noticing the little things in life. The color of flowers. The smell of a fresh picked Black cherry tomato. The laughter of my children playing with chickens.

 If hybrid sweet corn is what he chooses for 2011, then it is a small sacrifice I willingly make. My heart is filled with such joy from his trying. What more could I ask for?

Sweetest Dreams,

~Tammie

Dining room dilemma

Our dining room is fantastic for space. Unfortunately to my husband, it has also become my sewing area.

The dining room chairs are at their end of everyday life. Which brought me to look online for some new dining table chairs. As always, I hopped over to the over 200 CSN sites, in particular their Modern dining room furniture , for some ideas. I about swooned when I found these dining room chairs:

They have a Victorian dreaminess mixed with a modern flair. Oh how I love these chairs!

  The Captain would prefer I use half of our bedroom since it is more room then we can use, which would make sewing a night time only activity. He sleeps during the day, so truly it's not an option that would work for me....

I finished the peasant top and have just embroidery to do. It will go to Panda since the bottom hem is not long enough for my comfort. I am also finishing up an adorable lemon print skirt with bottom ruffles for Frog.
The fabric looks MUCH better in person. {the ruffles are a yellow with small white polka dots}

 She is in the skirt loving stage and has begged for skirts she can romp & twirl in.

So it looks like my weekend is filled with sewing....in the dining room. Just wish I had those dreamy chairs to sit in as I fill the order of skirts.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

So easy, an idiot could do it.

We all know by now, in rain and not so warm weather, I take to the sewing machine. Winter also means I plan & dream of the upcoming garden & bake my Artisan breads {waiting for the new oven since it broke Xmas day}. So most topics deter in winter onto subjects of my daily winter life.

 I have not been over joyed with things I have sewn in the past. Some things could be better {I know, I am my worst critic}but I lack in skill despite the many years of practice. I taught myself how to sew. Plenty of errors and total Duh! moments. Today was one of those moments. I have accomplished a long & intriguing method....

The elastic thread.

 

Now no laughing from you seasoned sewers. I truly did not know you could sew with elastic by the same exact method as regular thread. I swore there had to be a special needle or foot to use with it.

In my desire to have this whole new wardrobe, my thirst for romantic peasant tops & tunics brought determination. I must learn to sew with elastic thread for the shirring method.

And now...I feel really uber stupid. How freaking easy it is. No special tools or methods. Just wind the elastic thread on bobbin by hand, set length to 3 and.. Zap. I mastered the machine {and feeling rather upset at myself for not doing it sooner}.

{currently working on top very much like this one}

 I find myself wanting to buy a massive amount of it and sew tons of things! I love this stuff. I keep picturing little Frog in shirred sleeve t shirts, fun Bloomers and tiered skirts! All brought on by the victory of a simple method.

As soon as I get my current peasant top done {made from a beautiful soft cotton curtain- upcycling at it's best!},I will whip up some Spring & summer outfits for Frog.Very much inspired and will cater to the styles of clothing like at Eden's Bouquet {picture from her site of products}. I love her vintage collection but must stay focused on her daily wear.

 Thank goodness patterns are on sale for 99 cents. Momma's got some shopping to do!

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

Putting the Romance back into Homesteading

In our quest of more self sufficient ways in Homesteading, one should never leave out the pleasure of romance it can provide. From enclosed gardens, giving the feel as though you are in your own little world to structures that can be used for climbing plants yet provide a focal point. Perfect for lounging and intimate brunches.

We have the picket fencing waiting it's time for new life as our garden enclosure. Once providing privacy for it's previous families residence. Now, with every other picket removed and shortened to height of 4 1/2 feet, it will bring delight and re purpose for our family. Last Fall, I begun the preparation of our grape arbor space and have decided a different look for it. I would like to build three of these structures, side by side with a head clearance of 6 1/2 ft for The Captain {my Ogre man} which will compliment the Potager look I am after.

This is from the book "Climbing Gardens" by Joan Clifton.  Simplicity in it's making yet full of romantic Country flair. The Captain & I still have 2 dead {and very tall} tree's for some Chain saw play to do in Spring. Perfect pieces for this project. Providing the post height needed as well as the pyramid top limbs.

As to not waste space and add more usefulness, why not add a pot rack rack chandelier? You could use any metal rack and just add chains with S hooks. Paint it white or black. Maybe add some bright color and go with a blue or red. Fill them up with potted herbs, Pillar candles placed in tall glass vases,Maybe some mossy rocks around the edges. Found this at Erin Ever After . She has succulents as the plants, but imagine some creeping thyme, oregano or even some cut & come again lettuce peeking out from Terra cotta pots!

I of course have an immense love affair with old garden roses. Their beauty. Fragrance and many uses some might call indulgences. Such as these climbing/trellising fragrant gems:

picture is from this blog, which is not in English but the pictures are so dreamy.

The snow has all melted and the sunshine has been teasing me through the windows. It looks so inviting but one step past the door and nothing but the wind of Jack Frost greets me.

Having the seclusion we do with our new home is rather exciting. Having The Captain more involved in the garden plans have also been a joy. He may not be into roses. He may prefer sweet corn over sunflowers but we are planning this together and that can be pretty romantic. Seed catalogs, the beautiful fireplace and a comfy couch cuddled up with my Ogre..

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie