Wednesday, May 20, 2020

The Neutrals and Grays of Wire, Tin, and Cotton Sacking With Thoughts About Decorating Styles


Doesn't this look clean and crisp? 
Or. . .is it too much white for you?

There are different schools of thought about farmhouse decor. . .One favoring farmhouses in the last century that were filled with color and a miss-match of everything from fabric to mixing bowls. . .On the other hand, nowadays we think of the farmhouse in neutrals of whites and grays. . .


When I started blogging The Country Farm Home 2011, everything was beginning to feature whites. . .from shabby chic cottages to the new guy on the block--the country farmhouse. . .Believe it or not, finding farmhouse decor was rather difficult in those days. . .My blog was one of the first. . .and let me tell you, I sure went through a number of styles before I landed on the one that fit our farm style. . .I decided to throw out trying to mimic other's and come up with my own. . .I have always decorated according to the house type, so our farmhouse needed to look like one. . .but with an updated sense of style. . .So which school of thought did I lean toward?. .Both. . .As I've often said, I chose the neutrals of cotton growing in the field. . .white, black, gray and browns. . .with pops of color. . .because no, I cannot "do" just white. . .but white mixed with other neutrals and a little red or denim blue fit the bill for me. . .It made the little farmhouse light, bright, and airy. . .I also found that with neutrals, the decor could change easily and often. . .


Trends do come and go. . .They cycle. . .but each time an old trend surfaces again, it is built upon and made better suited to the lifestyle and decorating style of the present generation. . .I like to think that is what I've done with my own farmhouse style. . .and with the objects I include in the decor. . .Not just reminiscent of the past. . .but a statement for the present that this is a farmhouse in which we live now. . .


Wire baskets, galvanized buckets, milking items, cotton sacking and ticking will always spell 'farmhouse' without saying a word. . .These are items I guarantee you I saw in the numerous farmhouses I visited when growing up in this small farming community. . .I simply use them in a different way. . .


As I was spring cleaning, I realized I've been accumulating a lot of wire items and more galvanized tin. . .from the barns and storage buildings over the years. . .Nine years after I began our farmhouse style, I still love the look and patina of such items in my decor. . .I doubt that will ever change. . .because these items ARE part of the history of our farm. . .and thus, of The Country Farm Home. . .


But what I can say is. . .I will continue to remain open to new trends in decor that may surface. . . and incorporate those I like . . .for I think that's the secret in any style. . .Take a bit of the past, add some present but apply it to your own style. . .what makes you happiest. . .Isn't that the true sense of decorating?

I think it is. . .


Sunday, May 17, 2020

Free COUNTRY RUSTIC SUMMER E-MAGAZINE!

Here's a special gift for you! You can download the entire Country Rustic magazine today! DJ Williams is bringing you this opportunity due to the COVID-19 causing  so many stores across the county to close for a time. She didn't want you to miss a single issue!

"Due to the COVID-19 virus which has affected each of us personally on so many levels, as well as adversely impacting businesses across our country and all over the world, the majority of shops and stores which carry Country Rustic Magazine are under mandatory closure orders. Instead of printing our Summer Issue, we will be providing an alternative for our readers to enjoy our Summer Issue from their homes.

Country Rustic Magazine is happy to release a special Summer Issue in the format of an E-Magazine which is FREE and available to readers for download from our website. Please note that in order to DOWNLOAD this Issue, it will be necessary for your to “ADD” it to your shopping cart and Checkout to make the purchase which will ring up $0.00, unless you have also put other items in your cart. We apologize for any inconvenience. . .

Our best wishes to you and your families for wellness and safety.
DJ Williams
Editor-In-Chief"

So take advantage of DJ's offer and CLICK HERE
Don't miss THE COUNTRY FARM HOME features in this issue, too!


Thursday, May 7, 2020

Plant Now For Herbal Kitchen Wreaths


Wreaths are not just for Christmas! . .An herbal wreath can add so much to your kitchen year around. . .The big perk, though, is fresh herbs for all your recipes. . .There are just no purchased dried herbs that stand a chance against ones freshly picked from your garden. . .or dried on a wreath such as this. . .where they retain their flavor. . .


In the coming 2020 Fall Issue of COUNTRY RUSTIC magazine, you will find a short history of herbs and my experience making wreaths with them at the Felix Valle House State Historic Site in Ste. Genevieve, MO, including instructions on how to make a wreath such as this. . .But for now, I want to encourage you to plant some herbs NOW to make wreaths in late summer and through fall.. .It's time to get those garden gloves and tools out!!


It is not necessary to have a traditional garden spot. . .You can plant herbs in pots and flower beds. . .As long as you can find a small space free of weeds, herbs will thrive and are some of the easiest plants to grow. . .


A few of my favorites to grow and dry on wreaths are: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Basil, Yarrow. . .Those are my base herbs. . .Any other herbs will help to fill in the spaces. . .But it's your choice. . .I do suggest you check some of your recipes when deciding which herbs to use. . .


So, ladies get busy. . .Don't waste time getting your herb garden planted. . .The months will slip away fast and before you know it, you'll be making your own amazing kitchen culinary herbal wreath. . .


Monday, May 4, 2020

It's Spring! Planting Time! Here's A Story To Make You Smile!


It's sure been an upside down world this year, hasn't it? I hope that everyone has made it through these last few months safely. . .I have found so many blessings during these uncertain times. . .and one of them has been our farm. . .We didn't have to stay all cooped up in the house because, when you live on a farm, there's always wide open spaces. . .and plenty to do for exercise. . .There's been spring cleaning. . .spring "take everything out of the barn that I put in last fall" days. . .spring gardens to weed and plant. . .new beginnings all around.

Social distancing isn't difficult for our farmers either. . .since only one person can drive a tractor at any time. . .They are late planting this year, though. . .but not because of shut-downs or sheltering in place. . .They've been sheltering for sure, but from the rain and storms that just don't seem to let up. . .Hopefully, these next two weeks they'll be able to get in the fields. . .


Not a planting season goes by that I don't feel the excitement of it. . .or think about the family stories that have been passed down. . .So, I thought. . .maybe. . .if you need a little diversion from our uncertain everyday life of the present, you might enjoy reading one of those stories. . .about springtime at the old company store. . .Just click on the link below and be taken to a spring day of the past. . .


Take a break. . .and enjoy. . .
Hope it warms your heart. . .


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