birds of the air

Spring!

2011-04-11T19:38:00.004-05:00

my poor neglected little blog...

2011-03-07T18:05:00.004-06:00

So...

once again I've nearly abandoned my poor blog...

hmm...

I'm going to attempt to update

with current projects & ideas weekly or at least bi-weekly!

(We shall see how that goes!) ;)

Well...here is my current inspiration...

Mary Blair's concept art work for

Disney's

'Alice in Wonderland'

'Peter Pan'

(my favorite Disney movie!)

I've got a few ideas for dresses floating around in my head...

we'll see what happens!

Summer decor...

2010-07-03T20:24:00.006-05:00

Come take a little look~see at my summer decor:

I wish they still put this much effort into a card of buttons!

Isn't this vintage pattern the cuteness?!?

Amelia with a bucket full of seashells...

Even the new She & Him album color coordinates

with my nautical theme!

Donna Sue is ready for the 4th

in her spiffy sailor dress (an Etc. Shop find!)

Do you like my new 'do?

2010-06-22T13:59:00.007-05:00

Here are my inspirations...

Mia Wasikowska
Carey Mulligan

Elisha Cuthbert

i've always loved

Audrey Hepburn's

pixie!

What do ya think?!?

^_^

This 'n that...

2010-06-19T16:57:00.004-05:00

Well here is a pic of my sister, cousin, and i at the formal back in April...

i really like how my dress turned out...

the hat was a mistake i think ...

reminiscent of....

ANYHOO!

The Antique Tractor Show was in my old home town of Lacon, IL last Saturday the 12th.

My nephew was pretty excited! ^_~

There wasn't anything i "had to have" at the flea market there.

(Though i did find some FABULOUS vintage items at a garage sale...have not had any good photo opportunities for those as of yet...mostly fall/winter clothing...)

The Practice Dress

2010-04-20T11:29:00.002-05:00

Well the practice dress is done...

it fits just about perfect...

I'll just have to shorten the waist by an inch.

*By the way, the pattern I used is Simplicity #2444*

Oh no! I broke a pinkie promise!

2010-04-19T10:32:00.004-05:00

Can you ever forgive me?

I know I said I'd write again later in the week,

but this is the soonest I could...

So sorry! :(

Well anyhoo...

Check out this cute sheet music that I got for a buck!

It goes perfectly with my new decor for the season!

There is a home school formal that

we (my sister, cousins, and myself)

attend every spring.

Home school alumni are invited,

and I jump at the chance to dress up!

Here is my design for the dress I'm making...

(The theme is "A night in Paris" or somethin' like that.)

So I named my dress:

"American in Paris"

For the blue striped bodice

I've painted stripes on white taffeta.

I think I'll skip the red ric rac on the sleeves and paint two thin blue stripes...

I found so fabulous shiney blue tulle at Joann's

that I'm going to wear under the skirt...

I'm also going to make a little beret!

...

This is the design for my "Practice Dress"

(to make sure I get a good fit!)

I think I'm going to skip the ric rac at the bottom.

I found a cute vintage zipper at Etc. that is canary yellow

that I'm going to use with this dress.

Here's my progress on it so far...

(on my new duct tape dress form...

made via the MaryJane's Farm directions!)

I think it's going to be CUTE!

^_^

I'll keep you posted!

Hello again!

2010-04-12T12:45:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness!

Once again it has been far too long since I've written a post!

Not much "blog worthy" stuff

has happened in the past 4-ish months since I've posted...

I will be back on here later this week with more...

(I pinkie promise!!!)

^_~

In the meantime here is a photo of what will be...

I'm into a Nautical theme this season...

There's more Neat-o Nautical where this came from!!!

Much Luv,

~The Hickory Hill FarmGirl ^_^

have yourself a vintage little CHRISTmas...

2009-12-17T14:52:00.008-06:00

I thought y'all might like to see my Christmas decor...

I don't know if I told you...

but...

Little Sis & I traded rooms...

so now I'm in the basement...

(I love it, by the way!)

I didn't put any lights on my tree this year...

(I know I'm crazy!) ^_~

I strung my big vintage style colored lights from the ceiling.

Here is a closeup of my knitting nook!

It's quite cozy...

though it's really hard to knit when kitty keeps

trying to jump on my lap!

Check out the cool mason jar lamp

my friend Miss A made me!(Above)
tee hee...
I think I'm purdy funny!
^_^

I hope you enjoy these photos!
(I have put "antique" and "spotlight" effects on them.)

P.S.
Did you know yesterday (the 16th) was my 1st anniversary of blogging?!?!
Well it was!
^_~

Have a very Merry CHRISTmas,
if I don't talk to y'all before then!

Much Luv,
~The Hickory Hill FarmGirl ^_^

My favorite little model...

2009-12-08T14:34:00.007-06:00

Today I did a "photo shoot" with my niece Abbey!

The camera loves her!

...and she loves the camera!

(She kept trying to grab it!)

^_~

Though when she saw

big brother Wesley

playing in the snow...

She tried to escape!

...but overall I think she had fun!

Both of the baby dress shown here

are avaible for purchase at my etsy shop!

a vintage farmhouse Christmas...

2009-12-04T09:00:00.005-06:00

It's been way too long since my last post...

I'm soooooo sorry! :(

You may have seen on my sister's blog Blessings_in_AbunDANCE...

She and I are going to be participating in a small craft show this Saturday!

It's at Aunt P's coffee shop

"the coffeE cup"

at 505 Edward Street in Henry, IL.

(From 9 AM- 3 PM)

Hope to see you there!

(If you're from my neck of the woods!)

^_~

Tanner's '09

2009-10-20T15:03:00.004-05:00

Mums on a crate...

note what the crate says!

Wes on the vintage fire truck...

Thanks!

2009-10-19T15:15:00.007-05:00

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me (& Momma!)

I'm doing very well.

All I had to do was go in to the hospital....

take a pill of radioactive iodine...

then stay home for a week.

***

****

In other news...

I just listed a lot of 3 vintage magazines on etsy

1 Better Homes & Gardens

2 American magazines

Here is one:

...

2009-10-11T16:34:00.004-05:00

Well...

tomorrow is the day...

at 12:30 I'll go take a pill of radioactive iodine...

Then I'll be housebound for a whole week..

(which I'm actually looking foward to...I love being home)

I'm not nervous at all...

(probable because a lot of people are praying!)

Momma is nervous though...

Please pray for her...

^_^

The Town and COUNTRY Bag...and a prayer request...

2009-09-28T14:52:00.006-05:00

I'm pretty excited about my new bag on etsy!

It's a new design...I like it much better than former attempts.

^_^

Also, yesterday I went with Dad down in our woods...

he drove the lawn tractor down...

I road in the wagon!

hee hee hee...

Sorry it still amuses me!

Mom made me ride down...

because recently I've went to an endocrinologist...

it turns out I have hyperthyroidism...

which means my thyroid is putting out too much thyroid hormone...

which makes pretty much everything my body run too fast...

including my appetite (bigger clothes size)...

and my heart...

hence I can't walk up the hill, because

my poor heart is working harder than it should anyway...

I would appreciate prayers from those of you who know the Lord.

Well...anyhoo!

It was so beautiful down there!

I picked up some leaves for my fall decor.

Let me know what y'all think of the new purse design.

(As always, they are available for custom order!)

Autumn Homespun

2009-09-24T18:16:00.002-05:00

on etsy !!!

Poultry Pics!

2009-09-21T13:31:00.006-05:00

I thought this one turned out really well!

Stinky (the rooster) looks like he has a fro.

ha ha! ^_^ ha ha!

This little hen is my favorite!

"Do you mind?!? I'm trying to eat!"

and...(!)

***

***
***

***

The 1st Americana egg!!!

(Isn't it cute?)

This is all I have time to post for now...

check back to see the vintage goodies

I got at my favorite antique back on Labor Day!!

Sorry!

2009-09-21T09:19:00.002-05:00

I'm so sorry I haven't written a post for such a long time! I'm planning on writing a long one with *lots* of photos...if I get time today.
First I have to:
*Make/Can Spiced Tomato Sauce (before it gets too hot in here!!)
*Finish my niece Abbey's new carseat cover. (Photos to follow!)
*Hem some pants for my Great Grandma (An excellent seamstress in her own right who has handed over her handwork to me...she's 88!)
Soooo I better quit "fartin' around" on the 'puter and get goin'!!!

<3 Michelle

Cute~sters!

2009-08-29T18:46:00.003-05:00

We're new!

and we're on

birds of the air's

etsy_shop!

Did ya miss me?

2009-08-25T12:40:00.005-05:00

Whew!

Sorry it's been so long!

Aug 15th was my birthday,

and since then it seems like

I've been super busy lately!

Hmmm...

I haven't really much of anything to say...

so...

I guess you can just look at this silly old picture.

^_^

"Wanna start a band?"

hee hee! ^_~

FG Choretime apron(s), Iowa, Antiques, Bed & Breakfast...whew!

2009-08-11T13:26:00.020-05:00

Just to warn y'all...this is a looooooong post! ^_^

Just listed:
(New sizes!)

Small,

Medium,
&

Large

etsy

!!!

I've had a CrAzY busy weekend/ beginning of the week...
Friday we drove out to Iowa for a wedding...

Stayed over night...

Had a fun time!

Sorry for the creepy-ness of this photo.

It was so dark in the hotel room that my pics didn't come out very well.

Stopped for lunch on the way home at

the Iowa Machine Shed.

It was so Gooooood!

I loved the decor...

the waitresses all wore overalls!

(didn't get any photos of them though, woopsies!)

Here's my sister Beth and my niece Abbey...

Isn't she the cuteness!
We had to stop at this antique mall, too...

it was in a beautiful old building...

My momma & daddy...

Lil sister...

I didn't get anything but there were plenty of things
I wouldn't have minded taking home! ^_^

Last night (Monday)
Two of my sisters (Aimee and Kelsey), my cousin Hannah, and I stayed overnight at Mission_Oak_Inn

"A Country Bed and Breakfast"

in Henry, IL.

It was soooo nice!

I (like a dummy) didn't bring my camera so no photos...

Just click on the link to their website to look at their beautiful photos!

For dinner last night we had chicago style pizza...it was amazing!

For breakfast...Banana Split Crepes!

To die for!

I highly recommend!

The Cowgirl Apron

2009-08-04T14:36:00.002-05:00

New!

On...Etsy!

and the winner is...

2009-08-01T10:24:00.002-05:00

Christy Lee!

Congratulations!

I hope you enjoy your goodies!

!!!

2009-07-31T07:44:00.003-05:00

Today is the last day to enter the Give~away! I will draw tomorrow at 8 am. (Central time)

Get you comments in before midnight tonight!

Just thought i should add...

2009-07-28T17:35:00.003-05:00

(Here's another sample from the vintage magazine in the give~away! ^_^)

To be in the give-away drawing you MUST leave a comment in the prior post (here) ...being a fan on Facebook is just extra credit. (I don't want to enter people that don't want to be entered!)

give~away...GiVe~AwAy...GIVE~AWAY!!!

2009-07-27T09:02:00.010-05:00

Okay...

here's the scoop...

3 fab vintage finds for 1 lucky winner!

Just leave a comment below this post for a chance at winning.

If you are a fan of birds of the air on Facebook

you get entered again!

Here is the link for Facebook... ^_^

I will draw the winner on

Saturday 8-1-09!

YAHOO!!

Don't you just LUV these vintage decals?

This sewing book is from 1960.

It is very informative for new sewers...

you could also use the fab illustrations

inside for mixed media art & whatnot...

Here's a sample of what's inside~

and..

a vintage Collier's magazine from January 13, 1951...

it has the cool cowgirl picture from the previous post,

and much more!

Here's another beautiful illustration in there~

yippee-ky-yay!

2009-07-20T13:17:00.003-05:00

Coming soon...

a give away!

Hooray!

Are those my legs...

2009-07-13T19:17:00.002-05:00

Or am I riding a chicken?!?
^_~ heeheehee!

Oswald & I
at the 4th of July carnival in Henry, IL.

I need me one of these babies!

2009-07-08T16:03:00.001-05:00

it's PINK!

^_^

A dozen mini pies for the 4th of July...

2009-07-06T15:37:00.005-05:00

Pies are one of my favorite things to make...

I used to work at little bakery...

I was the "Pie Lady" ^_^

My secret for old fashioned pie goodness is LARD CRUST!

My Grandma Linda gave me her recipe for lard pie dough...

it's the BEST!

One of the greatest things about it is it makes 5-6 crusts.

It only took one batch of dough for all 12 mini pies.

Grandma Linda's Lard Pie Crust

5c flour

4t sugar

1/2t baking soda

1/2t salt

1 1/2c lard (I use Field)

2 egg yolks

Ice water

Combine dry ingredients and cut in lard. Put egg yolks in a 1c measuring cup.

Beat with a fork until smooth. Blend in enough cold water to make 1 cupful.

Sprinkle gradually over flour mixture. Toss with a fork to make a soft dough.

Roll out as usual. Be careful to handle as little as possible, or the dough will be tough.

Make 5-6 single pie crusts or about 12 mini pie crusts.

Hickrory Hill FarmGirl's Apple Pie

6c peeled, cored, & thinly sliced granny smith apples

1/2c sugar

1/4c brown sugar

2 T flour, heaping

1T lemon juice

1/2t cinnamon

1/4t nutmeg

Mix it all together in a large bowl and let it set

for a few minutes while you prepare a single crust,

and crumb topping:

*1/2c flour

*1/2c brown sugar

Mix together in small bowl,

cut in

*1/4c butter.

Give the apple filling another stir and plop it into the unbaked crust,

and cover with the crumb mixture.

Bake at 375 degrees F

for 40 minutes covered with foil

then

20 mintutes uncovered.

(Or til it's bubbling in the middle)

Tip: Put the pie dish on a baking sheet so it will catch the drips.

Enjoy!

~The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

^_~

ViNtAgE tRaCtOrS!

2009-07-05T18:09:00.004-05:00

V for victory!
Look at her go! ^_^

Just like ours!

My sister's blog...

2009-07-01T18:08:00.003-05:00

Hey I thought y'all might like to see

my lil sister's cool post...

We got some really beautiful blouses,

and thought it would make a fun photo shoot...

^_^

Here's the link!

Anthropologie

and here's a little sneek peek...

Much Luv!

~Y~
The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

new farmgirl choretime apron...PATRIOTIC ARGYLE

2009-06-19T20:43:00.002-05:00

In time for the 4th of July!

My_Shop

hee hee ^_~

2009-06-18T10:54:00.001-05:00

i guess i think i'm pretty funny...

^_~

Vintage Farm Goodness (Tractor Show '09 continued)

2009-06-17T18:06:00.012-05:00

Too CUTE!

Who knew you could use Tide for cleaning your milking equipment?!

These adds are from a 1949 Farm Journal that I got for...

rumroll please...10 CENTS!

We just got a new scanner so just tryin' it out!

Sorry Miss A if I beat you to the punch with these adds ^_~

Of Course I Can!

2009-06-17T17:37:00.000-05:00

Tractor Show!

2009-06-15T19:44:00.001-05:00

More later...

~Y~

Much Luv,

The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

A beautiful wedding...

2009-05-31T16:25:00.006-05:00

Friday the 29th was my friend Leah's wedding...

i was a bridesmaid...

the wedding was sooo beautiful!

It was a Harmony State park in Indiana...

You couldn't ask for better weather!

(I'm the shorty) ;)

We drove up to the aisle in vintage cars...

SWEET!

I didn't actually ride in this truck...

the bridesmaids & groomsmen drove in

a vintage Lincoln convertable!
(I didn't get a photo of it, bummer)

...

I embroidered these vintage style "Mr & Mrs" pillowcases

for Leah & Ryan's wedding gift.

Much luv!

~The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

MERCY MAUDE!

2009-05-23T12:50:00.005-05:00

Hey Y'all!

Sorry it's been so long...

anyhoo...

I just listed the

MERCY MAUDE Apron on ETSY

I do wanna post about some of the cool stuff

I've gotten recently...

but it'll have to wait a lil while.

^_^

birds of the air is on Twitter

click below!

Tweet_tweet

garage sale & thift finds...

2009-05-07T17:05:00.007-05:00

Above:

The Roanoke garage sale finds

I never got around to telling y'all about...

a vintage sleeping bag for 50 cents

a cute baby romper with smocking on the front...

(sorry I can't help myself...)

some shirts...

some skirts...

& overalls...

The vintage quilt bear I got at a Morton

garage sale for 75 cents...

The knit chicken pillow I "upcycled" from a thrifted sweater.

Above:

My Morton garage sale finds...

the needlepoint just needs framed $2...

Beautiful crocheted lace...

about 15 pieces for $1.50

Set of 4 small vintage yellow bowls for 40 cents!

Above:

My Etc. Shop finds today...

The cool canisters have a farm scene on them,

the lid looks like a thatch roof...how cute!

Only the large one has a lid that fits...

there was no price on them when I found them...

so I asked at the counter...

appartently there had been a set of 4 canisters plus salt&pepper!

Someone must have just bought

the S&P and 2 of the canister along lids the don't fit!

What the world?!?!

Oh well...

I got them for $1.50!

1/2 of a vintage tablecloth with butlers and maids on it.

I might make a curtain out of it some day...

What a cutie!

This cool old

"mineral mixture for all livestock and poultry"

bag

~Y~

Much luv!

The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

Yup...you guessed it...

2009-05-05T09:04:00.006-05:00

The top of the skirt is lavender faux patchwork...

the ruffle is the lavender floral stripe...

You may recognise

the multi colored

faux patchwork fabric...

I used it to expand that vintage

red plaid shirt from Etc...

The_Shop

~Y~

Much luv!

The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

2 MORE! (Man i'm on fire!) ^_~

2009-04-30T15:57:00.004-05:00

Check out the pom-pom trim!

Yup you guessed it my Etsy shop

Much luv!

The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

~Y~

2 FarmGirl Skirts on Etsy!

2009-04-28T15:55:00.003-05:00

the LONG

and SHORT

of it is:

Available for custom order,
OR

(you guessed it!)

My_Etsy_Shop

Much Luv!

The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

~Y~

ta~daaaaaaaa!

2009-04-25T17:03:00.002-05:00

I'm quite pleased with the results...

much luv...

The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

~Y~

I heart the Etc. Shop!

2009-04-24T12:24:00.002-05:00

Check out this vintage shirt

that I got at the Etcetera Shop

in Eureka, IL.

(In case you haven't heard

it's my fave thrift shop!)

It's the perfect mix of vintage and farmgirl fancy...

It's a wee bit small..

ok maybe not a wee bit...

but it WILL fit me!

I can hear my sewing machine begging for mercy as I type.

^_^

*hee hee*

I also found an old book with a barn on the cover...

a 70's pillow sham with what looks like "sunbonnet sue" and a lil farmer boy...

a set of 3 Currier and Ives tin plates with Spring, Summer, and Autumn scenes on them...

I went thrifting with my friend Rachel...

she had never been there before...

I hope she enjoyed it as much as I did!

^_^

Ps.

birds of the air is now on facebook!

click on the "farmgirl chore time apron" photo on the side bar

then become a fan if you're a facebook junkie like me.

much luv!

The Hickory Hill FarmGirl

Too Cute!

2009-04-22T17:16:00.003-05:00

Great Grandma Lou & Miss Abbey

...............

Wes & a chickie

much luv!

The Hickory Hill Farmgirl

~Y~

flowers of the forest & some chick pics...

2009-04-21T10:38:00.005-05:00

This little gal will lay pastel green eggs...

We won't mention this

lil fella's fate...

listen!...can you hear that?...

2009-04-20T12:20:00.004-05:00

...it's the voice of Spring!!!

I'll see you in...cherry blossom time...

;)

My babies arrived yesterday!

i wish this place was still open...

2009-04-18T16:26:00.004-05:00

I took this photo while

on our way through Metamora to Roanoke

(for the town wide garage sales

but more about that later)

In other news we should be gettin'

more of these

by Monday!

Babies!!!

FarmGirl Chore Time Apron

2009-04-16T12:18:00.002-05:00

Available @:

my_etsy_shop

Egg Hunt '09

2009-04-13T19:38:00.000-05:00

Lil' guy and my cousin huntin' eggs...

2009-04-10T19:59:00.004-05:00

O sacred Head now wounded,

With grief and shame weighed down,

Now scornfully surrounded

With thorns Thy only crown,

How art Thou pale with anguish,

With sore abuse and scorn!

How does that visage languish

Which once was bright as morn!

What Thou, my Lord hast suffered

Was all for sinners' gain:

Mine, mine was the transgression,

But Thine the deadly pain.

Lo, here I fall, my Savior!

'Tis I deserve Thy place;

Look on me with Thy favor,

Vouch-safe to me Thy grace.

What language can I borrow

To thank Thee, dearest Friend,

For this Thy dying sorrow,

Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever!

And, should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never

Outlive my love to Thee!

This is one of my favorite hymns...

Attr. to Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153

Tran. (into German) by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

Tran. (from German) by James W. Alexander, 1804-1859

Thank you,

O my Father,

for giving us Your Son!

And, leaving Your Spirit 'til

The work on earth is done!

Chorus of "There is a Redeemer"

by: Keith and Melody Green

A wedding shower gift...

2009-04-07T17:02:00.004-05:00

Leah do NOT look at this!!!

okay...anyhoo...

I embroidered this vintage style dish towel

for part of my good friend Leah's shower present.

(I'm one of her bridesmaids...Woo-hoo!! :)

These towels are available for custom orders...

I have MANY vintage designs to choose from...

I have plain white floursack towels also...

$8 each

$35 for 7 "days of the week"

Email me or place a custom order on Etsy!

I've got a bunch of these old locker baskets...

it makes a unique gift basket (Kels' idea)...

Take a look inside...

"Mrs. Meyer's" dish soap and cleaning powder,

an "octopus" soap dispensing scrubber (from Target),

a towel with bright sunflowers on it,

and the towel I made her.

The filler junk is just shredded paper lunch bags...

I hope she likes it!

^_^

The Farmer's Daughter Sundress on Etsy!

2009-04-06T17:07:00.002-05:00

It's on...

my_Etsy_shop

Hello, my name is...

2009-03-30T13:22:00.001-05:00

Majestic

2009-03-29T10:33:00.004-05:00

O LORD our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth!

who has displayed Thy splendor above the heavens.

...

When I consider Thy heavens,

the work of Thy fingers,

the moon and the stars.

which Thou hast ordained;

What is man,

that Thou art mindful of him?

and the son of man,

that Thou visitest him?

Psalm 8:1, 3&4

Thrift store finds, and farmish family photos...

2009-03-27T10:58:00.007-05:00

a book published in 1916...

beautiful illustrations...

a children's song book from 1921...

Great Grandpa Harold as a boy...

Great Grandma Lou at 17...

a closer look...

There...that's better.

2009-03-27T10:55:00.000-05:00

Farm~Style Finds.......& a cute pic :P

2009-03-24T17:09:00.008-05:00

It seems I can't go anywhere without finding something to add to my room...

What can I say...Kelsey is an enabler.

She got me this cute bottle with a cow on it...

(hmm needs some flowers)

And, she pretty much forced me to get this John Deere print...

well...that was a bit of an exaggeration...

Oh and I thought this pic of Wes & Abbey

was too cute to keep all to myself.

Homemade Laundry Soap

2009-03-23T13:41:00.005-05:00

For a while now I've been wanting to make some laundry soap.

My first interest in it came after watching an episode of TheDuggars ...

in which they made their own laundry soap.

Their recipe was a liquid soap, which they kept in 5 gal. buckets.

That seemed kind of awkward for our small laundry room.

So...

Just this past week I was reading through a blog that I found

(and have quite enjoyed:)

Whatd'ya know a laudry soap recipe that's just powder!

It called for Ivory soap, but I already had a bunch of Fels Naptha.

(The Duggar recipe called for Fels)

So I sorta combined the two recipes,

and I am quite please with the results.

The Recipe...

1 bar Fels Naptha soap

1 c washing soda (NOT baking soda)

1/2 c borax

Grate the soap very fine. Whisk in soda & borax.

VIOLA!

That's it.

Just add 1 tablespoon to regular loads,

and 2 tablespoons to heavy duty loads.

Thanks jAne for the recipe!

might i recommend...

2009-03-22T19:14:00.003-05:00

Mika's Coffee House

Eureka, IL

Vintage Organic!

2009-03-19T20:17:00.003-05:00

Two of my favorite words can be used together!

Check out what I found at Et Cetera today for...

drumroll please...

45 CENTS!

Can ya "dig" her hair-do?!?!

Are you wearing GREEN?!?

2009-03-17T09:38:00.003-05:00

Pinch pinch if you're not!

;)

Here's my one and only St. Patrick's Day decoration...

'cuz I only have a little Irish in me.

;)

signs o' spring

2009-03-13T12:53:00.005-05:00

~ tomato seedlings~

~hollyhock seedling~

"Daff-a-down-dillies" that just couldn't wait any longer!

~It won't be too much longer now~

In Loving Memory...

2009-03-11T19:42:00.003-05:00

Great-Grandpa Harold

August 17, 1917~March 11, 2009

Y

Y

dreary...

2009-03-10T17:49:00.002-05:00

The ordinary arts we practice everyday at home are of more importance than their simplicity might suggest...

2009-03-09T15:54:00.008-05:00

Hey...how did that get on here?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself...

isn't this one hilarious?!?!

El Paso Antique Mall

2009-03-08T18:35:00.005-05:00

Check out what I got at the El Paso Antique Mall...

A vintage farm magazine, farm girl bowl, and vintage western fabric...

This vintage bowl goes with this plate (above) I got at Et Cetera...

It's a beautiful day...

2009-03-06T13:37:00.004-06:00

Can I keep her?

2009-03-05T17:44:00.004-06:00

Do you think my sister would mind?

She'll never find her here!!

hee hee

Spring-ish Baby Booties

2009-03-02T18:03:00.005-06:00

Listed on Etsy for $15 plus $2 shipping...

If you're interested you can buy them off Etsy http://www.birdsoftheair.etsy.com/

email me @ 4thebirdies@gmail.com

I think I'll call it...Vintage Farm Chic...

2009-02-26T14:01:00.009-06:00

My decorating style, that is!

Vinatage poultry magazines...

Fluffy chicky!

As I was saying...

2009-02-25T20:36:00.004-06:00

Here is what I like so far of my room.

I think I might spray paint the pink mirror black.

Oh also,

here is Aim's finished birthday present...

on her bed.

My own little farmyard...

2009-02-24T16:10:00.008-06:00

Kitty & Max...

they fight like...

well you know.

I love chicken wire...

I don't know why...

I just do.

I love taking pictures of my birds...

Look at the chicken in the background...

it looks angry. :P
*

Today I rearranged my room...

I'll post some pictures tomorrow if there's anything noteworthy.

Gonna' take a walk outside today...

2009-02-21T14:46:00.008-06:00

We have an old cemetery in our backyard...

Max-o!

Max caught a snowball!

Call me crazy, but I'm glad it snowed again!

It's only February.

I think if it's gonna be cold outside

there might as well be some snow on the ground.

Yum-a-licious

2009-02-18T15:56:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was my oldest sister's birthday.

While Mom took her shopping Kels and I prepared for a feast.

At the birthday girl's request I made Taylor Ella's Cheese Gnocchis and

Sweet Italian Bread. (Like the kind at Avanti's )

I thought I'd share these recipes with you.

I hope you don't mind me giving out your recipe Taylor Ella! (http://www.taylorella.blogspot.com/)

Taylor Ella's Cheese Gnocchis

15 oz ricotta cheese, drained overnight

2 eggs

salt & pepper to taste

3T grated parmesan cheese*

1/2t garlic powder*

1t Italian seasoning*

*Taylor used about 2T of Penzey's Brady Street instead.

Flour til it's a workable dough

Taylor Ella's Special Sauce

1 lrg onion, chopped

1/4 c minced garlic

Olive oil to barely cover

3T Fresh basil

3 big tomatoes, diced

sugar, salt, & pepper to taste

Whole milk or fresh mozzarella, cubed, for garnish

Put onion & garlic in medium saucepan. Add olive oil to barely cover. Saute til onions are clear.

Add tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer on very low while making gnocchis.

Now, start a large pan of water to boil. In a large bowl, stir together ricotta and eggs til well blended. Ad seasonings. Mix in enough flour to make a soft dough. Roll dough into about 1 inch "snakes" and cut at an angle into 1 inch pieces. Drop into boiling water. Remove when they float.

To serve: In a large serving bowl put in the well drained gnocchis, then the fresh mozzarella, and finally pour over the special sauce.

All I can say is Yum-a-licious!

Now for the bread!

Sweet Italian Bread

2pkg (4-1/2 t) yeast

1-1/2 c warm water (I use it right out of the tap)

3/4 c sugar

1-1/2 T olive oil

2 small eggs

1-1/2 t salt

5 to 6 c flour (I used 1 c of whole wheat and the rest white)

In a large bowl dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar to the water. Let sit until bubbly.

Add oil and eggs after you're sure the yeast is doin' it's thing. Mix the salt with the flour, then start to add the flour. For the first 2 or 3 cups of flour I use a whisk. When it starts getting thicker I use a wooden spoon. When it's to hard to stir plop it onto a floured surface and knead in as much of the remaining flour as needed to make a moderately soft dough. (6 to 8 minutes) Rub a little olive oil around in a clean bowl and put your dough in there. Turn it once to completely cover with oil. Now cover it with a towel or loosely with a little bit of plastic wrap. Let it rise for about an hour in a draft free place. Punch it down. (That's the best part!) Separate it into 4 pieces. Form them into 12 inch long skinny loaves. Place on lightly greased (or parchment papered) baking sheets. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Bake at 350 F for about 20 minutes. (If you put them on two shelves switch 'em around half way through.)

Eat it warm...that's the BEST!

I hope y'all enjoy these recipes!

Bowling on Valentine's Day..

2009-02-16T19:30:00.006-06:00

As you can see

I like

bowling shoes.

I think they look kind of

50's.

1948 Ford

2009-02-11T16:42:00.004-06:00

I thought I'd post a better picture of our tractor since I haven't finished any projects lately.

Ooo!

Yesterday Kels and I went to a sheep farm with our friends Heidi, Isaac, and Amos C.,

and Rachel, Sam, and Caleb W.

The little lambs were sooo sweet!

I even got to hold one. :)

Spring is on it's way!

2009-02-07T13:54:00.005-06:00

I know it's only February, but today it feels like April!

I thought I'd post something spring-ish so here ya go.

Check out the seeds I got at Menard's yesterday.

Years past I've ordered seeds from Seeds of Change an organic seed catalog.

This year I'm more interested in heirlooms than in organic.

I still grow them organically, but I want to be able to save the seeds. (And therefore save $)

This way I didn't have to pay shipping, PLUS the seeds at Menards are 40% off!

So I was pretty excited about my good deal.

The little farmer boy in the picture I got at my favorite thrift store, The Etcetera Shop.

I know we've still got a good month of winter left,

but at least we get this little taste of what's to come!

I even wore short sleeves!

More booties and a birthday present...

2009-02-05T09:59:00.003-06:00

Well I'm working on some more baby booties.

I post a picture when I'm done with them.

I'm also working on my oldest sister's birthday present.

DON'T READ THIS AIMS!

She likes shabby chic style so I'm making her a pillow with quilted yo-yos

and I'm embroidering Phil. 4:4a "Rejoice in the Lord always..."

Here's a little sneak peek.

I know it's wrinkled, but don't worry I'll iron it (Mom :)

I'll probably be making some for my Etsy site too.

Conversation Hearts Booties

2009-02-02T10:34:00.003-06:00

I finished the booties I posted about earlier, and I just posted them on Etsy.

They're listed for $14 plus $2 shipping.

I always include confirmed delivery in the shipping cost.

If you like them you can buy them off Etsy or just email me at

4thebirdies@gmail.com

2009-01-31T15:03:00.003-06:00

So the party was a lot of fun last night!

We played Apples to Apples.

I think the food turned out pretty good too.

A took a picture of the tags I made for the different rolls,

but I forgot to take a picture of the food before telling everyone to dig in!

Oh well. :)

I'm working on some more felt baby booties.

They're red felt and I'm cutting out small felt hearts to look like conversation hearts.

Then I'll embroidery words on them like

"LOVE", "XOXO", and "HUGS" or something like that.

I accept custom orders so anything you can think up for felt baby booties, just let me know! :)

I usually charge $15 for them but now through Valentine's Day I'm taking a dollar off.

$14 for February 14th! :)

New on Etsy

2009-01-30T12:18:00.003-06:00

Check out these baby booties I just listed on my Etsy shop.

My friends from church are coming over tonight for a game night so I've been busy making bread dough for "fill in the blank" rolls. I'm making a reuben roll with rye bread and corned beef & saurkraut. Also a bacon and cheddar, and a Italian sausage & mozzarella. ( Those will have Avanti's bread dough!) Sorry if I'm making you all hungry! :P

My Sewing Chair

2009-01-28T13:51:00.003-06:00

I thought I would show y'all my sewing chair

that my friend Renee helped me (and taught me to) re-cover.

Check out her blog at http://www.fabricartisan.blogspot.com/

I'm BAAAaaack!

2009-01-26T13:36:00.003-06:00

...and I'm so happy to be here!

Check out this vintage valentine that I got off ebay!

2009-01-10T19:55:00.001-06:00

My computer decided to die so I won't be able to update this for a little while. I'll try to check my emails once a week. So if I don't get right back to you don't be alarmed! Thanks!

Did you have yourself a merry little Christmas?

2008-12-30T15:26:00.005-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Mine was quite good. My sister Mrs. P. gave me these neat-o vintage Farm Journals! The Ford tractor ad is from 1950. Our tractor is a 1948 Ford so they're pretty similar.

Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T11:19:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd hurry up and write a post.
We're getting ready to go to Aunt P's.
Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Confidential Present Info Enclosed! Don't look at this if you're my sister!

2008-12-23T13:25:00.000-06:00

I know I already did a post today, but I'm snowed in remember!
Check out these ornaments I made for gifts! (Even though I was already done with my to-do list.) FYI: Anything I make I'd be happy to do custom orders for. :)

Caroloing, caroling we did go...

2008-12-23T11:37:00.000-06:00

Christmas bells are ringing,
Thankfully we didn't lose any toes,
Christmas bells are ringing.
(To the tune of "Caroling, Caroling" hee hee)

Ya so it was pretty cold last night for caroling, but it sure was fun! Afterward we went back to church for Christmas tea made my my sister Miss A U, and HOMEMADE EGGNOG ala Miss Ella. (Don't worry, it had faux rum flavoring.) :P That eggnog was soooo good. (Considering I used to hate eggnog!) I think it might be my new fave!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve Eve!

2008-12-22T10:12:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my sister Mrs. P's birthday. I think it was a pretty good one. Here's a fun picture of Donna Sue. She's all ready for Christmas with the apron I made her on. :) The little elf's name is Herbie. (He's the cousin of Hermie off Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. He doesn't want to be a dentist though, he wants to be an auto mechanic. hee hee) Ok I'm kind of silly today.I better go get some work done or something. Tonight I'm going caroling with church! Ya-hooooo!

5 Days til Christmas!!

2008-12-20T11:24:00.000-06:00

Check out little dude's Christmas present. Every time I see it I want to start singing "Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto." Hee hee.

Ice Day!

2008-12-19T10:57:00.000-06:00

Get it? Instead of "snow day"? Hee hee. Trees outside are cracking from the weight of the ice on the branches. It's really pretty except for the whole dangerous part. I took some pictures while I was feeding the chickens and ducks this morning.
I'm almost done with nephew's sweater. Right now I'm sewing on an applique. Then I might embroider some words or something.

Look what I got today!

2008-12-18T16:26:00.000-06:00

Check out this cute calendar that I got today. I got it at Dollar General, of all places! It came as a gift set with a mug and hot cocoa for 5 bucks! Sweet!! Hmm...think think think...oh I also made some bread today. I found the recipe in "Hobby Farm Home" magazine. It's still rising so hopefully it tastes good.

Oh, the weather outside...

2008-12-17T11:31:00.000-06:00

...is BEAUTIFUL! I love snow. Unfortunately I've been sick the past few days so I can't enjoy it quite as much as I usually would.
Anyhoo, my goals for today (even though in a sinus medicine induced fog) are to work on the Christmas presents that I should have been working on a month ago. Oh well, I can check one off the list: Lil' niece's dress is finished! (It's the same dress as in the pic at the top, only it's a few sizes smaller.) Yay! One down, a ba-gillion to go! :)

My First Post!

2008-12-16T16:12:00.000-06:00

Welcome to birds of the air blog! Check out my etsy store. Um, I can't really think of anything to say right now. So just look at this cute pic of ornaments I made. :)