We Have a Winner!

Thank you to all of you who took the time to enter the giveaway with Bloom.

And many thanks to the designer, Kaitlin!

Even if you missed the giveaway, you should still take a look at Kaitlin's jewelry.

The winner is Mandi O'Connor! 

 Mandi, please email me at thefarmfiles(at)gmail(dot)com, and we'll work out all the details.

Thank you again to all of you who help make penning this blog so enjoyable.  

~Emily

A Giveaway

I am very excited to share this post for two reasons:  

This is the first giveaway here at The Farm Files 

and

I get to introduce to you Kaitlin, the talented designer behind Bloom.

Homemade Marshmallows for Valentine's Day

If you've never made marshmallows from scratch, you really should give it a try.

They are so light and fluffy and much more delicious than the ones found on the grocery store shelves.

The process does involve melting sugar, and using a candy thermometer, but you can do it.

How to Make Bread Bowls

Is there any soup that doesn't taste better when served in a freshly baked bread bowl?

You should try making your own because they are easy and {I think} really pretty.

They take a simple soup to the next level and make it a little special.

After all, we eat with our eyes first.

Plus they're just plain fun. 

The Farmhouse Kitchen {Pumpkin Doughnuts}

These doughnuts are very easy to make and taste delicious.  

They are tender and fluffy inside.

And have just the right amount of sweetness.  

The Farmhouse Kitchen {Pumpkin Scones}

The Weather Man™ loves Starbucks.

Particularly the contents of the pastry/baked goods counter.

A few weeks ago, I ran across a "copycat recipe" for Starbucks Pumpkin Scones.

Between the pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin ales, maybe you are tiring of the everyone's favorite seasonal flavor.

Not me.

I'm just getting cranked up.

Shall We Catch Up?

Happy Fall!

Y'all.

{Seriously, who thought this one could pen a post 

after not seeing you for months and not throw in a heartfelt "y'all"? }

I have missed you.  

I hope the same is true on your end.

Between the wedding planning and the parties and the showers and the family traditions and the newlywed life...folks, buckle up...

Because I have a lot to say.

Bridal Shower Brunch at the Farm

The past weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting a bridal shower brunch.

And, when I say "I had the pleasure", I mean that I wholeheartedly enjoyed planning every detail of the day.

The guest of honor loves hydrangeas.

It just so happens that my future mother-in-law has some serious hydrangeas.

{If I were looking for reasons why marrying The Weather Man™  would be a good idea, access to his mother's hydrangea blooms would rank pretty high on the list.*}

Perhaps it already does...

The Farmhouse Kitchen: {Strawberry Shortcake}

It is strawberry season in my corner of the world.

There are few foods I love more than vine ripened fresh strawberries.

My favorite way to enjoy them is plain.

Just the way God prepared them.

My second favorite way is in old fashioned shortcakes.

Saturday {New Line from Kate Spade and Vineyard Visit}

As I'm sure many of you know, the kate spade new york family grew by one last month, with the launching of Kate Spade Saturday.

The items offered in the line are a bit more causal than the pieces from kate spade new york.  

They are also substantially cheaper.  

The US based online store, Saturday.com, went live in March 2013.  

Of course, I combed the website upon activation, but didn't get excited about too much.

I'm a big fan of the classic, traditional, somewhat preppy aesthetic of the original clothing line.

Notes from the Garden

Springtime brings with it lots of activity to the farm.

And lots of beauty.

And lots of work.

Longer days mean more sunlight for getting things done.

Tuesday's Tip: {Personalized Wine Glasses}

One of my very best friends is getting married.

Her engagement party was Saturday night. 

Although gifts at an engagement party are not obligatory, I wanted to give the couple a little something.  

Because I am so excited for them.

And, so excited to be celebrating this life event with them.

Saturday Shopping: Splurge vs. Steal, A Stool

If you've read any of my "What I Wore" posts, then you know that I love a bargain, and I don't shy away from money-saving moves.

One of my favorite pieces in my home is an old drop leaf table.

It is covered with chippy white paint.

I paid $20.00  for it, as is. 

It used to live in the farmhouse guest bedroom, as a {rather large} bedside table.   

It is now in my living room in front of the big, double windows overlooking the front lawn.   

Because it was so inexpensive, I have no qualms about dragging it out of doors whenever I entertain there.

Here it is last Spring, just waiting for The Farmer's birthday cake.

Anyhoo...

I have been looking for a stool...or a small ottoman...or a pouf...small enough to store underneath the table, to use as extra seating in my living room.

Friday at the Farm: {Itty Bitty Little Biddies}

The newest additions arrived this week.

Little Rhode Island Reds.

Baby hens are called "biddies".

The biddies are staying in their own special, custom built house.

Where they are safe.

And warm.

Guest Posting at You May Be Wandering ~ Part II

I am pleased to be guest posting over You May Be Wandering  again today.

I hope you will wander along with me as I share some of my favorite places, tastes, and moments from our recent Tuscan adventure.

I am completely enamored with Sandy's blog.
If you haven't already, take a moment to check it out, and you'll see why.
When I first started blogging, I often read that the most rewarding part of writing a blog is the people you meet.
  I am finding that to be true.

"Wandering" From Farm To Farm

Today, I am so excited to let you know that I am guest posting over at
You May Be Wandering.

Please join me as I share my experience with another farmhouse.

One located in southern Tuscany. 

 

Do yourself a favor and check out her blog while you're there.

You'll love it.

It is gorgeous, and full of all kinds of tips and tricks for travelling. 

But, it's more than that. 

She is witty, has brilliant ideas, and her enthusiasm for the world around her
 really does shine through her writing.

Ciao, Farm Filers.

A Farm Weekend: {Potato Planting & Spring Calves}

What a gorgeous weekend full of springtime weather, family, friends, good food, and worship!   

The Weather Man™  helped get the weekend started off on the right foot by sending me this lovely Easter bouquet last Thursday.  

The potatoes were planted in the garden.

For those of you who don't know...to grow a potato, you plant a potato.

How To Plant Potatoes

Happy Easter

It has been a busy and wonderful weekend at the farm.

I can't wait to share details with you.  

But, for now, I'd like to wish you and your families a wonderful Easter.

"You ask me how I know He lives?  He lives within my heart."

                                       
                                                                                        ~Alfred H. Ackley

For the Love of {Eggs}

Earlier this week, I shared a tutorial for making your own natural egg dyes.

I received several inquiries about the eggs I used.

I'll admit that I love having my own egg supply.

And, knowing...

Knowing that the chickens haven't received any antibiotics or hormones...

Knowing what they eat...

Knowing that they are free to roam in the fresh air and sunshine...

Knowing their names.

Why would I go through so much trouble to have healthy, sustainable, natural, eggs, only to dunk them in a cup of poison?

That is why I explored how to make natural egg dyes.

All-Natural Easter Egg Dye {DIY}

Yesterday, I shared a recipe for making egg dyes using natural ingredients.

I used ingredients I had in my kitchen.

All dyes were plant based.

For recipe and instructions, read here.

I received several questions about the individual colors.