Isn’t it wonderful to meet such fantastic folks with clear visions of their hopes and dreams?!?! What great examples for your daughter…Being that I know how much work is involved in keeping my gardens and property in order (we live on ONE acre), I can appreciate the Hogan’s efforts. Simply beautiful!
The front of Barry and Liz’s home is a masterpiece of re-purposing. Seeing how much two people can accomplish is refreshing and stimulating for us all!
Thank you for the visit, Nicole!

Jan, aren’t they amazing? My family has commented for years how we miss seeing the wild quail everywhere…when I was small there was never a weekend without many a sighting. My father’s property is named Quail Run because the birds used to be so prolific.  I too, admire how Barry and Liz share their dreams and efforts with their family, and their friends.  I feel so fortunate to have met them. Thank you for reading and commenting, Jan.  -Nicole

Wow, Nicole, the Hogans are an inspiration to us all. I’m pretty much a city girl, but this (and Farmgirls) inspire me to try and do my part. Thanks for the great story.

Thank you! Remember what MaryJane always says…"Farmgirl is a condition of the heart."  One of my favorite ‘farmgirls’ lives smack dab in New York City! Bloom where you are planted.  -Nicole

As you can see, Quail Run is very fortunate to be next door to the Hogan Ranch. We get so many benefits plus living and knowing such fine and interesting people. In Texas, we are able to work with Texas Parks And Wildlife and establish your ranch as a wildlife management area. Quail Run has been a part of this program for some six years and the Hogan Ranch really helps. Really enjoyed your visit looking forward to another visit soon Maybe you and Audrey can meet some of the other interesting ranch owners, next time, too.

Love Dad & Karen

Dad, We are still talking about our trip!  It couldn’t have been better.  Missing you and Karen, and all of your wonderful friends.  Thank you again for everything…so much of my love and knowledge of nature and gardening is directly from you.  Love, Nicole

Thank you so much for sharing this glorious retreat. I was fascinated with the size of the garden and then the birds. I hope the Hogans can make their dream come true and create a place open to the public.

Maxine, thank you for reading and commenting.  Looking at those bird and water pictures is so relaxing.  It was Heaven to be there. -Nicole

Your dad called and asked to come over to take Audrey fishing and of course we were excited to get to see him and Karen and meet Audrey. What a thrill that it has been to meet you and MaryJane’s Farm and see this on your wonderful blog site. We are so isolated and we work so intently on our sustainable nature vision that we do not get much feedback or reflection. Your readers comments are humbling and it feels so good to tap into so many folks that have similar interests and values. Please come back anytime and send friends. You and your friends are welcome in Texas.

Dear Barry and Liz, Thank YOU so much for your wonderful hospitality and valuable time you spent with us.  Audrey and I had an amazing visit with you, and you and Liz are such lovely, incredible people.  You both are so inspiring!  Keep up all the wonderful things you do…and I look forward to keeping in touch, seeing you all again, and "checking in" on how the birds and gardens are doing!  Much love, Nicole

Like always your visit was so short lived. As always your visit brought back so many memories. I hope your trip did the same for you and Audrey. Never say you can’t go home, as time stands still at Ouail Run-you can. Hope you enjoyed your trip. As the sign says YOU’ALL COME BACK!
Love, Dad

Thanks Daddy.  And thanks for all of your wonderful hospitality.  We had so much fun.  Audrey and I are still talking about it.  It was a perfect trip.  Be back as soon as we can.  Miss you so much!
I love you!  -Nicole

I too am from Texas but have lived in Washington state for the past 21 years. But Texas is HOME. I don’t get back there as often as I would like either. When I do, the time just flies by. Texas and Washington are very different but but both are beautiful in their special way. Texas people and the food are the best. Thanks for sharing your trip home with me.

Thanks, Debbie!  Hope you enjoyed it.  I’ve never been to Washington state yet, but have a friend there who says it is a nice place to live and visit.  Thanks for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

Thanks for sharing a little bit of TEXAS! 🙂 I am from Germany, and will always be German, no matter how long I live here :). I was laughing, whenever I go home, or tell stories, it centers around food. Looks like you and your daughter had a wonderful time, something you will probably have to repeat often now that she has a taste!
Greetings,
Heike
FarmGirl #2245

Heike,
Thanks for commenting!  My husband is from Denmark, and the same holds true for him – stories and visits center around food most often!  Thanks for reading and commenting.  By the way, some of the best German food I ever ate was up near the Texas Hill Country in a town we’d visit, Fredericksburg, Texas.  We used to stop and eat at a German restaurant there.  Thanks for commenting!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Wow! Thanks for a trip back to Hill Country. My husband is a relative of Sam Houston and our son lives in Austin. Hill Country is my favorite! We see why you love it. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

Hi Bonnie!  How cool is that, your husband being related to Sam Houston!  I hope you get to visit Austin often.  It’s so pretty there.  Quail Run is close, and I am familiar with all the towns around there.  Maybe next trip I will have more time and can go visit some of the areas, although, we didn’t want to leave the ranch once we got there!  Thanks for commenting. Take care, Nicole

What a wonderful "going back home" story! And better yet, you got to share it with your daughter. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Carol, thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole

I grew up in Connecticut and am now in the Midwest. Lake County Indiana is a lot like CT, hilly, green and with a ton of older buildings. I’m not very homesick, which is good because I have no family there to visit now.

Loved the GRITS.

I did not know that about that area (the Midwest).  I have yet to visit that way, but want to someday. Thanks for commenting, Kristy!  -Nicole

LOVED all the great photos. Thank you for taking us along. How thrilling for your daughter to spy a great arrowhead. That really is a rare find nowadays!! She’ll cherish it forever and it will be a tangible symbol of a trip she’ll remember all the days of her life.

Thanks, Shery! You’re right… I still can’t believe she found that arrowhead!  No one has found one in years.  The whole trip was such a memorable one.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole, you are right. Many of us may never win a Lotto, yet we can pay it forward, in small ways perhaps, but over a lifetime, well, that turns out not to be so small after all. Bless you in your paying it forward as you are lead. Blessings & Hugs

Norma, Thank you for pointing that out…what a beautiful sentiment. I never looked at it that way before, but it’s so true! Thank you for reading and commenting.  Farmgirl hugs back at ya! Nicole

Oh Nicole, As always your blog catches my attention and holds it. I think we all had a day or two of "dreaming" what we would do if we won the money! LOL. We had a pool at work, and my boss even matched it- so we had over $200 in tickets (needless to say we didn’t win). But as the days leading up to the big drawings came and went, all I could think of was what an insane amount of money that was, and how much I hoped that LOTS of people won it. Of course I wouldn’t mind being "comfortable" in life financially, but I think that money is, unfortunately, something that changes people, and not always for the better. I hope that the "3" winners of that money do alot of good with it, not just for themselves, but for others around them- perhaps even strangers. Paying it foward will make their lives richer than any amount of money ever could. Farmgirl Hugs, Laurie, Farmgirl Sister#1403

Laurie, isn’t that the truth…a rich life is when you do for others, for sure! Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

I love your ideas about helping others. I have thought about it and I would help my family first and then reach out to others. When I have noticed an elderly person in the market checkout line behind me, I would write my check over the amount I owed and tell the checker to give the remaining money to the elderly person in my line. Then I would quickly grab my children and hurry out of the store. It is wonderful when we can bless someone else as we have been blessed.

Oh, Jeanne, what a wonderful thing you have done! I love that! I am sure the person behind you in the checkout line was so amazed and grateful. Hugs to you! Nicole

All I can say is WOW! I live in Florida and it’s warm and sunny most of the time so I can fully understand the excitement and burst of energy to get out of the house and into the garden. Sounds great, keep us posted!

MaryAnn, I’ve been to Florida several times.  Love the weather there, as well.  Here, everyday something new is blooming, so that can be exciting. (Although the weeds bloom first!  Ugh)!  Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole

You are so busy! I envy you the early season, but ours is finally here. We are planting my sweet peas today, barring interruptions. I like the "Mammoth" variety. So fragrant, and they give great big blooms from spring until the end of September here. I fell in love with Martha Stewart’s gardening book, too. It’s one of the few that this old tightwad actually paid full price for. Don’t you love her rose arrangements? Thanks for your blog. I always enjoy it.

Coreen, thanks for reading and commenting!  You didn’t mention where you are, but sounds like you are in a colder climate than here.  Hope you have a wonderful day planting your sweet peas!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Hey Nicole! I’m right there with ya sister! The early warm spring weather seems to be all over New England… Thanks goodness! This has also been the sunniest winter I can remember in the ten years we’ve been living in MA. A gift from above for this sunshine starved farmgirl! Nevada had four seasons too, and ALL OF THEM are SUNNY! I love all you are up too. Your bird feeders are adorable and I love how you planted and marked your seeds too! Looks like spring has found you for sure! Enjoy and thanks for the cheery spring visit! Loved it!
Your bloggin’ sis in Plymouth!
Deb

Hey Deb,
That’s a good way to put it…"sunshine starved".  This has been a beautiful spring, for sure.  Way better than some of the soggy, cold, wet-all-the-time springs we have had in the past.  Glad it’s warm up there in MA, too.  Enjoy!  Happy Easter!
-Nicole

Hi Nicole,
I too have gone from winter "cozies" to spring "posies", I finally went to knitting classes & learned to knit (inspired by YOU) and finished some crochet projects (I got #1 son’s crocheted blanket done!!!) Now on to Posies, I have seeds sprouting all over my kitchen windows, tomatoes, bell and jalapeno peppers, and lots of basil (FRESH salsa in just a few short months!). I also took a couple of english ivy cuttings and put them in water, no roots yet – soon I hope.
I had an extra clear jar and put it in the window with some yellow food coloring and water, looks BEAUTIFUL with the sun shining through….I STILL LOVE your blog, you truly inspire me. Best from your Indiana "sister".

Patricia, Oh my goodness!  Thank you.  You’ve warmed my heart like spring sunshine for sure!  I’m so happy you are knitting and crocheting…you’ll have to send me a picture of your project!  Good for you!!  I like your idea of the jar with colored water!  I’m going to do that for my daughter’s windowsill – she will love it!  Thank you for the idea and for leaving me such a wonderful comment.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Been harvesting red and green leaf lettuce and spinach. My tomatoes, peppers and zucchini are doing well. We had the perfect mix of rain and sun the last few weeks in East TN. Love all things family, home and garden. I might be a mix between Martha and MaryJane – it’s all good.

Sharon, I giggled when you said you are a mix of Martha and MaryJane. For years, my hubby used to call me "Martha, Jr." Now we often say, "Hmm…what would MaryJane do?" Thanks for reading. Enjoy your harvest. Sounds great! Can’t wait to be harvesting in our nook of the world. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole,
May I be one of the first of many to wish you a VERY Happy Birthday! I personally thought turning 40 was very cool … the 40’s were GREAT years! (I’m in the next decade now, paving your way!). I hope this year is a wonderful one for you in every way. Thanks for sharing your stroll down ‘Birthday Lane’ with us! Blessings, Cathi

Cathi, Thank you so very much!  I feel the same way, turning forty is very cool.  Big Farmgirl Hugs to you! -Nicole

Well, happy birthday to you!! I am a bit older than you (yikes! 57!) and I just wanted to tell you that I think you are on the right track. Being able to stick up for yourself and your ideals, loving and appreciating your family, spending time in the garden enjoying the bliss of all that nature has to offer…
Congratulations for making a wonderful life!

Thank you, Jan!  Looking forward to the next phases life has to offer.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Thank you Heather!  I’m happy because my daughter’s school has early dismissal that day.  She’s the best present I could ever wish for.  -Nicole

Happy Happy 40th birthday to YOU °Ü° I love your positive take on things!!! When I turned 40. . . 7 yrs. ago, I had my day all planned. But my husband had other plans and ruined my plans, so I thought. Ended up @ the park with all the "in-town" family & a lot of close friends to Celebrate. It was a wonderful evening spent with good people. Hope yours is the BEST °Ü°

Lisa, What a great story!  Sounds like a wonderful, happy day you had.  🙂  Thank you for commenting. -Nicole

Happy Birthday Nicole! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I love your birthday essay! I totally agree with you! I’m 48 and my 40’s have been amazing in so many ways. I had my son and became a mother at age 40 and got my master’s degree at age 42 and started teaching a few months later at age 43. I’ve also gone through a divorce and lost a job due to the state budget cuts- some tough stuff- but I am still doing it- supporting my son and pets and am so grateful for my life. I love being 48 and look forward to all the years ahead.
My grandmother lived to be 100-almost 101 and I hope I can be like her- healthy and active and enjoying life!
Kelly in CA

Kelly, You Go Girl! Sounds like you are an amazing, positive person!  Thank you for sharing your story with me! Your son is lucky to have such a great mom. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

HAPPY 40th… Dream On!!

Thank you!  🙂 -Nicole

You are gonna love your forties…talk about attitude? It is a whole new world..I will be fifty in June this year and can’t wait for that either!!!Happy Birthday, lil’ sis!

Thanks, so much, Stacie, and a Happy June Birthday to you!  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Happy Happy 40th Birthday Nicole! Birthdays are my favorite to celebrate.. quietly with those I love. Sounds like you’ve got a handle on 40 already! Here’s to smooth sailing and lots of farmgirl fun going forward! Enjoy each day with your sweet girl and hubby! The years fly by way too fast.
xo
Deb ( beach farmgirl sister )

Thanks Debbie!  Time is definitely going fast!  Hugs, Nicole

Happy Birthday Nicole! 40 really is just a #. I’m about to celebrate my 41st and I have to say that my age doesn’t phase me. For the last 10 years or so I have always taken my birthday off from work and do something to honor myself. While I have filled my day up with appointments galore (I’m visiting my pcp, dentist, optomitrist and dermatologiest), I know I am doing all the things I need to do to take care of myself. This also helps free up my time so that when I take my vacation this summer I can relax and enjoy the time knowing that I have already done all of the things I need to for the year. I hope you had a fabulous day!

Thanks, Sharon!  All your points are so true!  Thanks for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

This is great! I think all schools should do this. There is so much waste that could be used as a learning tool for science and future gardeners and farmers! Way to go!

Hi April, I think it is amazing how quickly it adds up, even at home.  Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole

Thanks for mentioning us. We have a booklet with pictures of some of our school gardens and more information about them that can be seen via the web: http://www.teichgardensystems.com/TGS_-_School_Book__-_2012.pdf

Thanks Jared!  You were recommended to me. -Nicole

That is so encouraging to see a school participating in something like composting! I remember bringing "nature" things to school when I was young for science classes (which included things like fresh deer hearts and an occasion when I dug up a 3 foot pine tree, not realizing how long a pine’s root system is), because my teachers didn’t have access to things they wanted us to see and feel. I’m so happy for you and your daughter to share common ground both at home and at school.

Thanks, Ashley.  I remember being outdoors doing things like this with my parents and hope my daughter will have the same fond recollections when she grows up.  My daughter’s elementary has helped her make some great memories, for sure.  I’m really proud of the school.  Thanks for the comment! -Nicole

Love this article! What a great idea! I will be suggesting this to our local schools. Thank you so much for sharing in such detail!

Juli

Juli, my pleasure.  I have to thank my friend Susan again for help with this article and for her devotion to the kids and the project.  She’s so dedicated.  Thanks for reading! -Nicole

Nicole I’m surprised it took you so long to remember composting! Dad still has a big compost both at home and at the ranch. Your Pawpaw taught me so many years ago it’s gold for your garden and he would be proud of what your teaching the young coming up. DAD

Thanks Daddy – I learned from the best!  You still have the best gardening advice there is.  I love you and miss you! -Nicole

I live in Howard Co. Maryland. I’m currently participating in a composting program with the county. They gave me a bin and they pick up my food scraps every week. It took a little time to get the kids on board but now it’s just routine. If successful, the county will expand the program. Great school!

Holy guacamole! It never occurred to me that you lived in an area where there are so many wild creatures. We might get an occasional deer, moose, raccoon, and (thankfully!!) no snakes, but would LOVE turtles.. We have lots of owls and hawks in my neighborhood. I live in a semi-rural/suburban area of Washington state. Yes, the amount of housing developments is going up and the animals are continuing to feel the brunt of it.
One night, while I was still living in my old house, I heard a movement in my living room. Back in those days, I used to leave my back door ajar for my cat if she didn’t come in when she was supposed to. Anyway, there I was walking down the hall in my pj’s and a LARGE raccoon walked out of my living room and out the back door. I had left a bowl of nuts on the coffee table and she had come by for a midnight snack! So much for the habit of leaving the back door ajar…
I no longer let my cats roam at large. I have a contained area for them to go in the warmer months. You have to understand that everything seems to be part of one food chain or another!
Loved the pics, especially the ones of the bobcat.

Jan,

As for moose, I’ve heard that there are some migrating back to the upper Northern part of Connecticut.  Whether or not that is true, I’m not sure yet.  I’ve heard they can be aggressive at times, too. Thanks for sharing!  -Nicole

We have LOTS of deer and raccoons that roam around where I live, plus a bunch of other woodland creatures 🙂 🙂 We keep our garbage cans shut…and they don’t lock, but we have these really heavy stone slabs on top. Those work really well. Love and hugs from the ocean shores of CAlifornia, Heather 🙂

Heather, that’s a good tip.  I never thought about putting something on top of my garbage can lid to keep critters out.  Something once got in mine…the cleanup was awful!  Thanks for reading and for the tip! -Nicole

Nicole! WHAT are you feeding that squirrel?? 🙂 What a chub!
Here in Virgina we have all the animals you mentioned, in addition we have been having fairly regular sightings of bald eagles! YAY!

Meredith – I know, right?  That squirrel was a butterball!  Guess it was all my pumpkins from the fall…

I’ve only seen a bald eagle flying overhead once, and it was so large and majestic.  Lucky you that you see them regularly!  Thanks for reading!  -Nicole

It’s Ellen again: Oh,I forgot to say that I am now living in Ohio! I’ve been in the Air Force and once lived in Rhode Island. Our little house there in the woods had a mudroom where I kept our potatoes and apples. By morning the apples had a bite out of one or two and they were strewn all over. Turned out to be the raccoons pushing open our outer front door. Like Heather, we wound up putting heavy bricks on our trash cans too. Cute looking, but wasteful & pesky animals.

Hi, Nicole,
I enjoyed this blog and the pictures are so impressive. I liked the pictures of the bobcat. Impressive, and that is a very chubby squirrel! Is the bird feeder the vintage hummingbird feeder you told me about? We have bears and coyotes here in northeast Georgia so we are warned about leaving food outside. I am so proud of you. Love, Mother

Hi Mom! No, that is not the vintage hummer feeder I just got.  That’s an old picture.  As a matter of fact, I don’t use that type of food anymore, but make my own.  The vintage bottle feeder will come out in a few months.  Miss you and love you, Nicole

I’ve seen bobcats several times while hunting, but not on trail cams. I believe Kari (I Don’t Wear Pink Camo to the Woods) had a fisher on her trail cam last year. Pretty sure it was her.Cool shots of the yote! We’ve got tons of them, but have never captured one on camera.

Dear Nicole.

I have read your blog for Valentines Day, a day we just got a few years a go in Denmark.  I am so glad that our husbands finally get it, because it is a beautiful tradition! It came to Denmark very fast, but my husband ( your father-in-law) is not so good to remember it…(so like father, like son). I like to read your blog and the Farmgirls history… they are so good, and I like the organic way. Love and hugs from Ulla, Denmark

Hi Mor!  Thank you for reading my blog!  Miss you all so much!  When I see you next we will have to "team up"  and remind our hubbies about what is so special about Valentines Day! (And birthdays, and anniversaries….). 

As for the Farmgirls, you were an inspiration, too, when I started my Sisterhood Chapter!  My Farmgirls Chapter reminds me of your knitting circle group!  Love you!  Hugs to everyone there! – Nicole

Happy Valentines Day Nicole. I really enjoyed your post. I love cards. I love nice paper stock. Valentines Day is another reason to have fun creating something new to send to my family and friends. While I have been single for the past few years I have always been fortunate enough to spend the night out with friends. This year it’s looking like that won’t happen. So I plan to treat myself by getting a massage and then picking up a salad to go at Panera. I will enjoy that while watching a rom/com at home with my 2 cats. I hope everyone finds a way to make the day special for themselves.
Kindredly,
Sharon

Sharon,

I love to create cards, too.  This year I am not sending homemade cards as I found some too cute to pass up! The sentiment inside is so nice, too.  Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a great, Happy Valentines Day! –Nicole

I’m not sure what I"m doing Valentine’s Day. I don’t have a sweetheart except for my dad 😉 🙂 So we’ll probably do something fun, and I’ll treat him to something nice 🙂 🙂

Oh, I LOVE that movie "The Magic of Ordinary Days" It’s romantic and I love the 1940s era, too!!! That’s a great movie 😉 🙂

Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather – Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #2176

p.s. I LOVED making/receiving VAlentine cards in grade school 🙂 🙂 I still remember this really sweet card a boy in my third grade class made for me years ago 🙂

Heather, I think it is great you spend Valentine’s with your dad.  Wish I could see my parents more often.  My daddy once bought me a "jigsaw puzzle" Valentine when I was very, very small.  You had to put it together to read it.  He signed it, and put it in a little manilla mailing envelope, with a hand-drawn cartoon for me.  I still have it to this day.  Have a great day! Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Nicole

I have been finding a lot of my folks’ old cards and keepsakes in the process of tending to my mom’s estate. I know that there are several valentines that my dad and mom received years and years ago. I took a jewelry class last year in which we learned how to use resin in bezel cups to create pendants, etc. I love the styles of the vintage cards and I am going to create some memory pieces for each of my parents. Basically, you cut out paper objects, seal them, and then pour the mixed resin over them. Lots of fun for winter evenings! Also just watched a tutorial on shadow boxes, which would be EXTRA cute for old valentines..
One of my fave movies is ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. Always makes me laugh and has such a happy ending…
Oh yes! I finally joined the MJFarm Sisterhood! Now I just have to find a local group of members to play with!
Have a wonderful Valentine day!

Jan, thank you for the comment!  What a wonderful idea you have for your vintage Valentines, and such a sweet sentimental keepsake of your parents.  Making the jewelry would be a fun thing to do with a Sisterhood chapter, as well. 

I love "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", too!  My father is half-Greek, and so much of it reminded him of his family.  It’s a funny film, great for Valentines!  Hugs to you!  -Nicole

– I need to come out and learn some phtography skills from you. Your clarity is fabulous. And you seem to have a few polished graphics skills too!

Hery, thank you very much!  That’s quite a compliment and you’ve made my day! -Nicole

Nicole, Love to read your Suburban blog! We have several of the homemade throws. My daughter Katie loves to make them. They really do keep you warm and cozy. Happy Winter, Michele

Same to you, Michele!  Thanks so much for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

I have always loved sewing so quilting came natural to me. I believe my first "quilt" was for my son and I just tied it instead of quilting (he is 32 now). I would advise finding a local quilt/fabric shop that offers classes for learning how to quilt or a good friend that knows how. That way you have somebody to bounce questions off of and you learn the right way.

Thank you Cindy!   -Nicole

We’re sewing and knitting here in NE Ohio, too. My daughter is working on a fleece throw right now from scraps of fleece she found in our sewing room stash of fabric. She wanted to make use of what was on hand rather than buy new. She cut 7" squares of two solid fabrics, red and navy, and is sewing them together in a checkerboard pattern for the top. The bottom will be a complimentary color or likely navy. She’ll have to sew the top and bottom together all around the outside edges rather than cutting strips for tying. Then she’ll turn it right side out and hand stitch the opening closed. Good use of scraps of fleece!

Mary – That’s a great idea, thank you for sharing.  It is also something I could do with the "squares" leftover from the no-sew blankets.  Happy Winter!  -Nicole

Nicole,I just love your knitted striped throw!
I have dabbled in all of the cozy crafts your blog describes, but by far my favorite is knitting. There is something very soothing and therapeutic about knitting for me.
Quilting is my least developed skill. I am self taught and am better at collecting fabric from outgrown clothing for future projects than truly quilting. I believe that my quilting will not bloom until I retire and take some classes at one of our local quilt shops. I do make some very slow progress on a Victorian crazy quilt by embroidering things of significance to my grown children on velvet pieces.
I have many works in progress. A friend to quilt with is how most everyone I know has started.

Linda, thank you!  I’m like you, with lots of different projects going.  I think my biggest problem is time to do them all!  -Nicole

Hi Nicole I knit and crochet. I, as you, prefer knitting. I also quilt more than anything else. I taught myself to quilt along time ago. The first thing I did was make a drestin plate pillow. I got a book and just read it and went from there. I am not a machine quilter I quilt everything by hand the old fashioned way. I think it is becoming a lost art. Any way grab some fabric find a quilt block you like and make a pillow you won’t be sorry. Take care.

Tammy, that’s a good idea.  I should start smaller.  I’ll start at the library, and maybe check some books out as a start.  Thanks!  I also did a Farmgirl swap last year and my secret sis sent me some little quilt block kits.  That would be a good start.  -Nicole

The throw is one I can make I and want to run out and get fleece right now! Thanks so much for the idea! In the early 1980s I took a quilting class and loved it. The project was a quilt of squares using all the different techniques (piecing, applique, etc) and we had a lap quilting wooden square for doing the final quilting. The applique block of a hummingbird at a flower was a favorite as was Cathedral Window in which you do not have to do quilting. My grandmothers were quilters (have old quilts they made) and my mom liked quilting but not piecing, so I did not learn from her. Your Amish quilt appears to be a double wedding ring which is more difficult because of the curves.

MaryBeth, yes, you are right!  My Amish quilt is the double wedding ring!  Good eye.  How wonderful you have quilts that your grandmothers made.  My grandmother crocheted, and I have two shawls that she made.  My other grandmother did embroidery and I have a linen tablecloth she did.  Thanks so much for commenting! -Nicole

My mom crocheted two blankets she always had in her living room, she died 10 years ago and I now have them both and cherish them.
I learned to knit when I was about your daughter’s age, but than the crochet craze hit and I learned how to do that and didn’t pick up the knitting needles up again and now I can’t remember how to knit and wish I could knit.

Kim, thank you for sharing the story about your mom.  As for the knitting, have you checked into a class?  If you knitted before, I bet you could pick it back up quickly with a class.  Thanks for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

You are so clever Nicole!

Thank you. Lisa!  Hugs, Nicole

I had to drop you a quick follow-up note. I made a blanket in one night! My current exchange daughter from Thailand and I made it. What fun, and how simple! I loved it. The one we finished is for another student here from Spain. The next one is for my host daughter from Denmark. They will love them! Thanks again for sharing the easy step-by-step instructions and pictures.

Lisa, thank you for telling me!  Aren’t they fun to make?  I’m so glad you enjoyed this post!  Means a lot to me!  Have fun! -Nicole

Hi Nicole –

I have made a bunch of the fleece throws, along with a pillow to match. They are so easy and quick to do!

I am just a beginner knitter and wanted to know if you could share an easy pattern to make a throw for my chair. Currently, my next project is to make a prayer shawl. I got an easy pattern from Lions Brand yarn site. I also live in New York, near Poughkeepsie so we are practically neighbors. I am loving this winter weather so far. Hope that it is here to stay, although the groundhog saw his shadow today and we need to get through 6 more weeks before Spring is official!

Thank you – Diane

Hi Diane!

Thanks for reading.  I will email you directly.  As for that rascal groundhog, I am not happy with him one bit!  After last year’s winter and this year’s storms, we deserve an early Spring!  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

I am an avid knitter!!!! I take my knitting basket me wherever I go, including church. It is so nice to have something to work on while waiting for appointments, etc. Mostly though, I love to knit because I love to create. I started making baby sweaters about 5 years ago and I have to confess that everyone wants me at their baby’s shower cause they want a homemade sweater. I love being able to design a sweater specifically for that child and their parents.

Last August we had our first grandchild, a precious boy, and he is now quite decked out with a variety of sweaters. My daughter and son-in-law love them so much that they are always making requests for a style or color or size. Just yesterday she slyly commented on how Ransom had almost outgrown his sweaters. What did I do? I started three new sweaters and two hats as well as a pair of socks. One sock done. They great fun about these little items is that they knit up pretty quickly and are easy to take anywhere!
Ok — enough of my book of the "joy of knitting". I should share, however, that my eldest daughter is also a knitter but she likes to do washcloths and afghans. I have lost count of how many blankets she has made….probably about 30. Too big for my tastes:) Have a great day.

Beverly, I bet those sweaters and socks are just darlin’, even more so, since they are made with such love!  I love to knit small items, too, and have put away all the sweaters I made for my daughter for when she grows up as a keepsake.  Thanks for sharing and Happy Knitting!  -Nicole

Great article. Ok, I’m going to make my own laundry soap. Been thinking about it anyway. My mother and grandma always swore by vinegar. I got out of the habit of using it for as many things that it is good for. Thank you for the reminder. I like the smell and love to eat it on many things. I’ve got a’ways to go toward being all organic, but I’m working on it. Thanks for another nudge :o)

Thanks, Shery!  You will love the laundry soap.  My husband is amazed at how wonderfully clean, white, and soft his dress/work shirts are.  Good luck! -Nicole

Thanks for the great ideas!
I use plain baking soda for scouring out the marks in my kitchen sink and the food spatters on my appliances. I just sprinkle it on and use a damp towel to apply pressure.
After reading an article on facial cleansing oils, I have started to use grape seed oil to remove my makeup and cleanse my face in the evening. I placed the oil in a small atomizer bottle and then splash a bit of warm water on my face. I place 3-5 squirts of oil in my palm and then massage it over my face. After running warm water over my wash cloth, I use it to remove the oil/makeup residue. Makes my face feel wonderful! I think that any organic oil would work well.

Janice, thank you for the tips!  Sounds good! -Nicole

Super article – I have done many of the chemical free living items for well, some,  most of my life – grew up making much of what we lived with – got lazy started using prepared products – going to get back to the good life and make products myself. Thanks for the ‘push’ – I am getting right on it. Happy New Year – love Time Sq. – hope y’all did too.

Thanks, Joan!  I think the pendulum is swinging, and people are getting back to the basics.  I find making my own products to be more convenient – when I run out of something,  I can quickly make it again, and with far less expense.  New Years Day was fun, the weather was wonderful and the crowds low.  Thanks for commenting, and happiest of New Year’s to you, too!  -Nicole

If your drains aren’t doing their job in a timely manner, pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. The drain will foam like the science experiment volcano you made as a kid, but the drain and pipe will smell fresh and clean.

Adrienne, great tip!  Thanks for sharing!  -Nicole

Great article.
I have just started using a steam cleaner on our tile and wooden floors, and its great.
I’m going to try the vinegar in the wash. I was just wondering where do you find the products you listed to make your own detergent and how much of each do you use? As for the skin and what you eat, my daughter has recently gone to college and unfortunately she lives in the dorm and has a meal plan, her face has broken out badly so I can see the connection about what you eat and your skin.
Thanks for the great information.

Thanks, Tami.  I have found all three ingredients to make the laundry soap in both my local Shoprite Grocery and Big Y Grocery chains.  The Fels Naptha bar soap ran me about $1.39/bar.  If you don’t use laundry soap, you can use regular bar soap of your choice, but increase it to 1 whole bar.  Check your local stores laundry aisle, as well as the soap aisle.  Big Y grocery chain here has Mrs. Stewart’s bluing.  If you are still unable to find any of the items listed, all are available at http://www.lehmans.com.

Thanks again for reading! -Nicole

Yeah! I love the Burt’s Bees lip balm so much that I started making my own. I even made some with color this last time. You can do all sorts of all natural things: olive oil/castor oil for face washing, coconut oil for moisturizing, baking soda instead of shampoo, vinegar instead of conditioner and even make your own deodorant from things probably in your kitchen cabinet! Let me know if you want links/recipes for any of these. Also, I do the same for laundry detergent and found that you only need a teaspoon for a load. 🙂

Thanks, Kimberly! For the laundry detergent, factor in how hard your water is and how large a load. The ratio I use works for perfectly for me, but I tend to do very large loads and have very hard well water. For occasions I do delicates or smaller loads I use my smaller amount. 

I’d love to check out those links!  Thanks so much for reading and commenting.  Making your own lip balm – awesome!  -Nicole

I have spray bottles of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in my kitchen and in both bathrooms. To clean mirrors without streaking, spray hydrogen peroxide on a clean cloth, then wipe the mirror. This also works great on stainless steel sinks and fixtures. To clean toilets, put 1/4 cup of borax in the bowl, swish with a toilet brush, and let it stand for 30 minutes or more, then scrub. Borax is also good on fiberglass or porcelain (baking soda also works) if you sprinkle it on a damp sponge or cloth and wipe. I use vinegar in the rinse cup of my washer, too. Haven’t used fabric softener for many, many years. I had migraines set off by scented products so eliminated them long ago.

Here is the Laundry Soap recipe I use to make my own: You need: a 5-gallon bucket with a lid (mine is an old kitty litter container I bought for this), one 5-oz. bar Dr. Bronner’s lavender soap, 1/2 bar Fels Naptha, and 1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. To make: shred both soaps into a large bowl. Boil 4 cups water and mix it into the soap. Pour all this into the 5-gallon bucket with a lid and add 3 gallons hot water from the tap. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix well. Let sit for 48 hours, stirring once. To use: For a large load put 1/2 cup into your washer when the water starts, stir, then add clothes.

I also spray any non-organic produce I buy with white vinegar then with hydrogen peroxide (order can be reversed). Then rinse well. Removes much surface pesticides.

Thanks for reminding me of that.  I use my spray with the vinegar and water to wash off my produce as well.  I haven’t used hydrogen peroxide in it before.  Thanks for the info, Mary!  -Nicole

I have been making my own cleaning products for almost 2 years but I have not figured out how to clean glass without streaking–thanks for the tip!

I started making my own lotions this last year. I use coconut oil, beeswax and honey. I did not write down the recipe and last time the lotion was kind of sticky because too much honey. Honey is a great moisturizer.

Thanks for reading and for the tip Marci!  Sounds good!  -Nicole

Hi! I just started using vinegar for cleaning last year. It cleans, disinfects and it’s cost efficient! My tip is that I rub olive oil on my cuticles after I wash dishes. It softens and soothes sore cuticles and it’s convenient because it stays in the kitchen. Also, my husband just bought a ionic washing ball a few days ago on e-bay. It works really well. I’m not sure what the ball is made of ( maybe a durable foam ) but it has natural minerals in it. You just toss it in the wash. You don’t use any soaps or detergents. If you are interested or want to learn more, just google "ion washing ball". There are several kinds and all are priced differently. They also all have different usage dates, but ours said it’s good for two years with just washing once a day. My husband said he bought an off-brand and it works great!! Farm Girl Hugs to you! I hope this helps!

Hi Hope!  Thanks for the tips!  I’m definitely going to try out the olive oil!  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

I use emu oil on my cuticles at night and after being in a lot of water. I also use emu oil lotion for the softening effect on my hands and feet. It is all nautural and can be gotten online from various sites. I use one in Idaho but there are several. An added benefit is that it is a natural pain reliever for those with arthritis in the hands. Just make sure that the online site does not add any additional chemicals to the oil. Mine is pure emu oil.
Lee

Thank you for the tip, Lee!  I will also pass that on to some fellow knitters I know!  -Nicole

Thanks Nicole for all the tips. There are some that I am sure to try. I have used rubbing alcohol for cleaning the bathroom and really like it. The laundry soap I am going to try as soon as I can. Thanks again.

You’re welcome, Brenda!  Let me know how it goes with the laundry soap.  I really love using it, and am so pleasantly surprised at how clean my laundry gets and for so much less money than ready-made detergents!  Take care, Nicole

That is awesome .  I’ve been wanting to change everything over as well.  I also use organic wear, but its hard to find. Where do you buy yours from?

Hi Whittney,
Thanks for reading.  I have bought the Organic wear at Target, CVS, and most recently at Rite Aid Pharmacies.  Good luck!  -Nicole

Hi Nicole. Love all the tips. I have done so much research on petroleum based products and their other name "mineral oil" . It is horrific for our body and has over 30 other names in products. I love the laundry detergent recipe, but found that Fels-Naptha contains petroleum as well. I did find a similar recipe using castile soap instead, with excellent results. I’m going to give it a try.

Amy, thanks so much for the tip! I didn’t know that about Fels-Naptha. With the recipe I have, you can use "regular" soap as well.  If you do, increase the amount of soap to a whole bar.  -Nicole