Sewing through the storms...

I am off to visit Stephanie from Going green in Illinois, while she is in Cambridge Ohio for Ragnarok. I went down last weekend for a day to meet up with her and found her so delightful! Her husband was just as much a pleasure to meet. I enjoyed myself so much so that after speaking with Stephanie , I must journey back and experience Ragnarok overnight. So another most indulgent road trip will whisk me away, alone, tomorrow for our second meet up.

Of course, what fun would it be if I were not to be in Garb as the others? So over the last few stormy days which have kept me away from out door chores (which NEED to be done but just not doable in the rain and lightning), I have sewn up a hopeful befitting outfit. No patterns. All free hand cut and machine sewn- after a little research. I went with light materials and forgiving lines/sleeves for wearing in the summer heat.
The bodice is not perfect and could use some boning. The chemise/blouse was given 3/4 sleeve length with the under sides left open from just above the elbow down to the wrist for more fantasy romance plus the pleasure of a cooling breeze.
I used a thin soft cotton fabric for the green outer skirt - keeping it cooler for the weather since the entire chemise is natural Muslin. I spent less then $7 on the fabrics- again from the bargain shelf. The skirt is in 5 Panels to accentuate a slimmer fit to the top with an elastic waist hidden beneath the faux suede bodice.
I had such fun with this garb, learning so much during its creation for any future projects and have started a gown. Which happens to be too heavy for this event but may very well end up on Ebay ,since I most likely will never get the chance to enjoy it. (I will share a peek when it is finished). I will be working with Tuesday on producing a similar Maiden outfit befitting her bosom and fair hair. Nothing like a little spice to the bed chamber like a tryst with a handsome laird, ay?
On another note, the Magic tree has fallen to another storm. This time 2 major branches were shattered and the larger coming down upon the animal fence line. The Ladies are happy for such a feast but soon it will be fuel for the wood burner. Warming our home on those cold winter nights. Our dear Magic tree will be used with great honor for her sacrifice to the storm. I hope we are able to save her remaining graceful arms from befalling such a fate as the others.I need to pack for my trip and shave my pale legs...Or should I go authentic?
Sweetest dreams,
~Tammie

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Zuo Modern Furniture is Now Available at GoWFB.com

Zuo Modern offers innovative and modern office, bar, dining, occasional, and outdoor furniture. The stylish furniture lines are now available to order at Wholesale Furniture Brokers. A new press release introducing Zuo Modern and their eco-friendly practices has just been distributed through PRWeb.com. "The low prices and diversity of the Zuo Modern line, along with the high quality designs will target the tastes of a new segment of shoppers and give our existing customers another reason to buy here again," said Wholesale Furniture Brokers Marketing Manager, Matt Holmes.



Zuo Modern Sofa

Check out the entire Zuo Modern collection that is available to order online at GoWFB.com on the Zuo Modern website.

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A new multi use garden item....

I experimented a while back with making a cement bowl for a bird bath. We used leaves from the yard for imprints on the outer side. The bowl either did not cure right or I did not do correct formula ratios. The top rim had crumbled a bit, leaving a small portion of the top rim broken off preventing it from it's original intended use.
Which does not matter now since we have found a new and great use for that bowl.
You guessed it-
Another toad house! It also makes for great step on spot when getting to the lettuce bed.
We will be making a few more since the toads seem to actually use this one. It is hard to see in the picture, but we dug out a small under pass in the dirt for them to crawl in and have discovered it being used on a continuous basis. Hidden among the leaves from stray cannelini beans and the patty pan squash, it leaves for a cool & dark place. Perfect housing for my slug and bug eating friends. I have not had to use any sprays- organic or chemical- since we have been providing them with housing. The children go on toad hunts through the neighboring yards and compost area. They bring them back to the garden and place them in one of the many adobes.
Once again, another reason to provide a safe and organic environment in your garden.
I think I see another tutorial coming in the future....
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

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How to make a 2 person hammock

Our children love to lounge in the hammock. At first, we bought the cheap $8 camping hammock which was promptly(within 2 hours of set up) gnawed on by Grizzle.... Not ruined but not pretty or as durable with a portion hanging off the side.
I had spied a fabric hammock in a sales flyer for Joann Fabrics back in May. I kept the page so I could try to copy it. I wanted a nice looking hammock the kids could lay in together or I could lounge with them when the heat of the day demands a break.
This is not exact and still needs a few trouble shooting check ups- I flipped myself around and that hammock threw me on my butt.) Just remember to straddle the hammock lay back and then lift your legs one at a time..This is how I built ours. I am not reliable for any injuries that occur due to your making or using of this project. And remember- STRADDLE!- not plop.
what to purchase or salvage:
5 yards of durable fabric ($5)- I used a a heavy woven cotton/polyester from the bargain shelf for $1 a yard
a 100 ft bundle of 1/4 size rope which is also used for clotheslines($7.97).
an 8 ft piece of 2x3 wood stud ($1.69) (from lumber store or recycled) cut in half to make 2-4ft sections.

First, you must drill 7 holes in the smaller SIDES of your 2x3. Using a big enough drill bit so your rope will fit through the hole like this (but don't do the rope yet. This is just to show you why your doing it):
Be sure to space them out evenly and start with the first one 4 inches from the edge . Then find the middle and drill that hole. Then measure out where the other 4 will go.
Now Bust out the sewing machine for some simple stitching a kid could do. You need to make a seam. So open your fabric out and fold it in half so you have 2 layers of fabric, with a fold on one END. Sew the open end together. Now fold that seam over and sew it down to the fabric. Fold that seam over again and sew it down on the open edge of the fold to the fabric body. Repeat 3 more times. With the last fold over, you will need to sew over the seam 3 times, securing it to the body of the fabric. See picture:
Now you have a circle of fabric with a sewn seam. Situate the fabric circle so the seam is in the middle.Now you need to make "end pockets" for your 2x3. (pic has rope but just pay attention to the pockets!) Sew 5 inches away from the folded end to make the pockets big enough for the wood and still have a little space like this:Feed your lumber through their sleeves and situate so they are even at the ends. Feel with you fingers where your drilled holes are, through the fabric. Take a sharp pair of scissors and POKE do not cut- POKE the point through the fabric into the hole. It should look like this:
Poking separates the thread where cutting will cause gret weakness and no support for the hole. Do this for both fabric ends. After you have all your holes poked, remove the wood and grab your rope.
Now cut that rope into 2- 50 ft sections. Feed one through the first hole and make it 5 feet long. Do this for both ends hole. I just put the rope in and pull it the length of the wood to the opposite end, then add 6 inches before cutting.
Once you have the ropes in their holes, you are ready to thread them through the holes.
Your almost done! Don't give up yet! Your hard work will pay off soon.
Situate you ropes so they are not entangled with each other inside the sleeve. That extra room in the sleeve will come in handy with this step. Now make sure your fabric holes line up with the rope holes. Separating the rope into just the area of its hole. I used one of Lil' man's screw drivers to pull the rope through the hole like this:
Now that you have all your ropes through the holes, you are ready to tie them together.
I pulled them with my feet straddling the middle rope hole. Using that as a guide to get it straight. I pulled them into a bundle and tied a knot. This picture shows you a braid, but upon installation to the tree, I found it made for too long of a space between tree and hammock. If you have a wider space, you may want to go with the short braid, but I ended up taking the braid out, leaving just a knot.
I used additional rope to tie it to the tree.
See first picture and notice blue rope. It was tied just under the hammock knot then tied around the tree.
I spent under $15 on this project. It may not last for years and years, which if I had bought indoor/outdoor fabric it would have been more possible. I wanted a hammock that looks like an $80 style for under $20 and I did it.
A hammock brings such pleasure and joy to any yard. Enjoy lounging beneath the tree canopy as the sun hits its high in the sky. Sip on iced tea or a cold brew. Relax and have....
Sweet Dreams, ~Tammie

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New Leather and Wool Rugs by Chandra Rugs Added at GoWFB.com

You can find even more new rugs by Chandra Rugs at Wholesale Furniture Brokers. Prices change depending on the size of rug you want. You can click on each rug to find out more details. Check out our living room furniture gallery to find a traditional or contemporary living room set to go with the rug you want.


3500 Art Leather Rug
$39.00


3501 Art Leather Rug
$39.00


3502 Art Leather Rug
$39.00


301 Alma Wool Rug
$69.00


302 Alma Wool Rug
$69.00


303 Alma Wool Rug
$69.00


309 Alma Wool Rug
$69.00


310 Alma Wool Rug
$69.00


314 Alma Wool Rug
$69.00


320 Alma Wool Rug
$69.00

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New Leather Sofas, Sectional, and Rugs at GoWFB.com

Wholesale Furniture Brokers just added some new leather sofas and sectional by ESF Furniture. You can customize your set by adding or removing items in the available options. You can also complete your living room by adding a new wool rug by Chandra Rugs. Check out our living room furniture gallery for even more great choices!


Ava Leather Sofa Set
$3459.00


Ashley Leather Sofa Set
$2359.00


Ashley Leather Sectional Sofa
$2199.00


Victoria Leather Recliner Sofa Set
$3449.00


902 Adonia Wool Rug
$79.00


905 Adonia Wool Rug
$79.00


906 Adonia Wool Rug
$79.00


907 Adonia Wool Rug
$79.00


909 Adonia Wool Rug
$79.00

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Zeus and I on a road trip...

I made my way (just Zeus and I) to Tuesday's Mum's home. That great cabin on 13 mostly wooded acres to deliver Zeus to his new home. There he will be a beloved pet. He already has made an impact with Danny boy- Tuesday's brother. Surprisingly, he did not freak out to bad seeing the dogs. After getting him settled in, I was off to visit the creek. That beautiful serenity creek Tuesday shared with me during our last visit.It was already 1 in the afternoon. Mid day heat was radiating from the concrete road. The bright sun reflecting off the moving waters. I could not resist slipping off my flops and wading in to feel the moisture wrap around my legs and minnows flittering by my feet. The water was surprisingly, at a very comfortable temperature. If I had a spare set of clothes, I would have laid down on those smooth river rock bottom and stared up into the clouds for a bit. I did indulge going down upon my knees and soaking my tresses with the flowing water.

I walked the creek bank in search of more large rocks for the clover patch walk way. I wish I had brought back more but after 4 trips up the creek bank, up the ditch and carry it over to the truck, I was ready for another creek dip.
Was cooled down, I was off to explore more of that back road.
I discovered a large Vineyard~
A field which looks as though Mother Nature sculpted her just for the horses and donkey who reside upon her soil. Sprinkling her surface with daisies~
And then I was so distracted with this site, I almost ran into the bridge~OOH DOG! Thats my dream car! It even had ladybug floor mats! As of my arrival home, I have been cunning, I mean discussing with the Captain how he could drive my Vue which gets pretty good gas mileage and will be paid off in 1 more payment- keeping the truck for farmstead things and I could drive this baby since I just take the kids to school and other close by things. It's only an asking price of $8900 US dollars. Please baby? Heck, I bet Chia would fit in the back seat too!
I'm still working on him though.... He hasn't said No- yet..Thats good right?
Sweet Dreams,
~Tammie

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A morning stroll through the garden....

As I strolled through the garden for my morning ritual, coffee cup in hand, I notice the little things.The lush bed of lettuce. The spinach that is starting to grow seed. The many weeds that have popped up from those darn maple tree "airplanes". A constant fight at that. The multiple weeds along the walk path which I have yet to get to.
The meat birds who have done great as weed patrol along the fence line. They get moved along the garden fence to mow down the tall grass and pests. The Captain came up with the idea when we were discussing how we wish we could do the chicken moat plan at this place.Speaking of chickens, This is my morning stroll companion. This is Pumpkin. She is an americauna which has the (most of the time) fatal disfigurement of a cross beak.
She is 3/4 the size of her buddies but that has not stopped her from being a great scrounger. I let her free range all day and she goes back in the pen at night. She does let herself in and out. She meets me by the garden each morning waiting for our stroll. I pull weeds here and there. I find grubs, bugs, and worms to feed her as she walks by my feet. She peeps at me all the time. Greets me with a sweet shrill peep as she runs to meet me. She waits for me to hold the gate open for her, despite her size which could easily slip through the slats. I try to clean out her beak every day and make sure she has her own bowl of grain. It is hard for her to pick at it, but even harder when she has competition. I hope by giving her the extra bits of attention, she will thrive just as well as the others and live a long healthy life.
My morning strolls have become even sweeter with her as my companion, chirping her good morning calls.
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

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A path of green with potholes ahead....

A Homesteading Neophyte
Tagged me on the question of "What will you NOT give up to be green?
Well... I do have a few a so called "vices" which I would not give up . I could do with out alot more then most. Leave me some pleasures and I can live without much more. Moderation is what matters here.
Alcohol can be homemade so that I do not count. I can make and do more then the average woman (except knitting, etc They got me on that one.) So I guess a few pleasures I just can not give up in exchange for being as green as possible seem well...selfish.
So..

TOBACCO... There is a point of abuse and there is a point of taking pleasure as one would with an indulgent fine chocolate. Over indulging in anything is not good for you, obviously. Moderation is the key. So if I want to light up and indulge with a cup of hot coffee or a chilled glass of home brew- I will! and when I have the space to grow it - you bet I will at least try. The Captain enjoys a cigar on occasion which I see nothing wrong with either. (FYI we do not openly smoke. We are what I call discreet smokers who not even the children would know if it had not been they woke up one night while we were on the back deck chilling. Friends are amazed how I could stop after 13 years of a pack a day girl to cold turkey when I found I was pregnant with Panda 10 years ago.)

Electricity & indoor plumbing... I like having lights in a room, a working toilet with septic tank, a warm shower in the winter, an electric sewing machine, a refrigerator and freezer plus internet. No off grid for me- I would go with more green friendly methods IF they were at a more affordable price range. If solar were affordable for us to go with in the next home, we would be all over it. I know how selfish. But it goes back to a difference in over indulging or Moderation.I'm all for an outdoor bath tub or shower. I'm all for a decomposing toilet. I will have these on the future 'stead, but will still have my indoor plumbing for the year round use (no 5 degree weather walking to the loo will happen while I have working plumbing.)
A/C is nice for some people but I would rather lay back in the hammock up on the hill edge where there is always a breeze under the trees. In Ohio, it really is not necessary to my family. I can find other ways to keep cool here. And I never shower everyday anyway. Pashaw! Wash my feet and slip on the nightie- lights out! Mosquito spray....Deet may not be your friend, but he is welcome here where the bites swell up like grapes and leave itchy masses. The kids have reactions to them. Some years I think they have grown out of it then BAM! they get a spot.

Truck...Phelan is right. How am I suppose to haul an animal and/ or hay in my vue? (she gets almost 30 on the interstate since I went with stick shift- I will NEVER own an automatic vehicle-EVER!)Goats or poultry fit yes, but when the cow comes... well it may be able to fit it's head out the sunroof but think of the poor girls eyes with bugs flying at her 65 mph.... Oh...and the messy patties they drop? How am I suppose to clean that out of fabric? A trailer can not fit loads of hay/supplies AND animals.

Coffee....not just any coffee. rich dark Columbian coffee.
Need I really say more?

Lip hair removal of any kind that works.... I somewhere down the line inherited the evil black hairs that grow above the upper lip. As a kid I never noticed. But as a teen I started to. I had no idea how to rid it from my face and once introduced to nair...:) Never tweeze- they come back more coarse!
My poor poor daughters have inherited that evil gene. Frog at the young age of 2 has it showing more so then Panda did. I see a wax treatment for Panda with in the next year or two though... As a woman, you can not have a black "stache. I will leave that up to The captain for adorning his face.Multi purpose (pink) tractor.... Well somebody needs to till a field, make hay, survey the land, pull old tree trunks out of the ground, lift an animal for butchering. (umm can you give me a hand pulling this chain? need to get this 400 lb animal up high enough to butcher? Thanks man...) I can not lift even half of that! And what if no one else is around to help?
See? Selfish to many. But if you realize what we do without to be kind to Mother Nature and stop viewing it as we are living as others do...well then you would allow me a few so called pleasures...
Sure there are other ways/things I could replace the above items with. But these are what i will NOT give up. Refuse. Flat out.
So burn me at the stake. Call me a green sinner. Throw your tomatoes9dont mind the basket- I'm just trying to not waste such precious food).
So let the cat out of the bag. Tell your inner selfish desires that you will NOT give up to be green.
The elected are:
Going Green In So. Illinois

pile of o'melays

Greenwoman

Mom in Madison

Best of luck!
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

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New Wool Rugs Added at GoWFB.com

New rugs have been added to Wholesale Furniture Brokers. Complete the look of your living room, dining room, or even kitchen with a rug by Chandra Rugs. These rugs feature hand-knotted Tibetan weaves. The wool is imported semi-worsted New Zealand wool. Click on the images below to view more details and choose the size you want.


1310 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1303 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1304 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1305 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1306 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1307 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1308 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1314 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1315 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00


1319 Aadi Wool Rug
$139.00

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A divorce in the pen yard....

Zeus was banded today. And I did it all by myself..O.k. Well not all by myself. Farmer Friend (The Captains best friend's dad) Held his collar while I placed the band on the scrotum . I love going over there for visits. He has so much old time items laying about. The barn(the original from when his grandparents built the farm up) had to be torn down this year. Lots of changes are being made and things cleaned up. It's looking much better.
I love my conversations with him. he was the one who told me some old time bee keeper friends of his were saying to grow peppermint by the hive to help combat disease/mites. So I put peppermint by the hive. He and I spoke of homemade wines. Various cheese making subjects. Honey. And of course...my goats and little Farmette. It makes him smile when I speak of it.
I brought him some of our homemade Chevre' cheese made from Fernie's milk and he exclaimed how delicious it was. He really liked it! He had a look of being impressed and my chest puffed up with pride- I impressed the Farmer I so admire. He went inside to transfer the cheese into another container and brought raw local Honey in it when he came back. I was so happy!
Of course we spoke of Yogurt and if I had made some with Fernie's milk- not yet. But that is planned for later this week. He went back inside and brought me out the yogurt culture he had extra of. He said making it from other yogurt would eventually phase out the bacteria needed- or something like that. And while he was inside getting the culture, I spoke with his daughter inquiring if the plant I saw (growing wild all over the back yard) was Chamomile. She did not think so. She thought it was just a weed... Well Panda pulled a clump from between the pathway and handed it to me. I discovered it smelled like chamomile! That flowery apple scent just like the tea we drink each night. So I left very happy to have received such kindness and wonderful gifts. Chamomile( turns out to be Pineapple weed- Thank you so much Tansy!)-raw local honey- yogurt culture- and a banded buckling.
The garden is doing great. Everything is growing so well. The Cannelini's have really grown fast. The tomatoes not so much. The carrots have really shot up with their greenery. The Garlic's have a few scapes. The strawberries have given a handful to snack on by the children. The herbs are looking decent. The pond tadpoles seem to not live very long once they get their legs. While skimming the pond surface for mosquito larva (still waiting on the solar pump to arrive at the Harbor freight store) and got a few dead tads that had back legs. Lots of non legs squiggling around, but it seems once they get their back legs- time is not on their side...
And if you look close and spy the triangle hut with a matching paint job to the tool shed.....That would be the home to our resident garden chicken and her baby duckling.....After the 2 mothers (Bonnie our muscovy hen and Mrs. Frizzle our chicken hen) started wandering the pen with their new bundle of joy..I started fretting. I could not help but think the poor thing would be flat as a pancake from those goat hooves. Despite their seeming to respect it's size and sniff it/stay still. So to the garden they went with their brooder home.
I assume the 2 mothers decided to part ways and Bonnie quickly left her new abode in the garden, leaving Mr.s Frizzle and the lone duckling to fend for themselves... She darted down to her old pen as the sun went down in the sky. squawking at Clyde ( her male partner) for who knows what and demanded to have entry at the gate.
Mrs. Frizzle and her baby have been very happy in their place and stroll about under the magic tree when they are not inside their comfy A frame. Maybe if there had been a few more babies they would have split the kids?
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

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You know my tiller's sexy....

UPDATED PICTURE ~ ROTO-HOE highlighted in black seemed to be the missing key on her.


...Maybe Kenny would agree... click me!
Yep. Ain't she purty?! Watermelon pink with black double line pin stripes and Steel skull and cross bones decal.
Not the greatest paint job (remember I do have limits), but geesh, the paint quality could have been better. No one seems to carry pink metal paint for tractors- or in my case- for tillers. So went with indoor/outdoor spray paint. I'm sure it will not last but she sure looks HOT for now...O.k you now have permission to snicker as I walk away....
Oh and before I trail off in thought again- one of Bonnie's eggs have hatched out a tiny duckling. Both mommies are thrilled and have been sharing nest duty and taking turns walking around with the babe.
Sweet Dreams,
~Tammie

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New Bedroom Furniture and Sofas Added at GoWFB.com

New convertible sofas by Furniture FX and platform beds by ESF Furniture have been added at Wholesale Furniture Brokers. These innovative styles will give your home a contemporary style. You can find more details and order the new products by clicking on the images below.


Atlanta Sand Convertible Sofa
$419.00

Atlanta Tan Convertible Sofa
$419.00

Boston Bone Convertible Sofa
$439.00

Boston Charcoal Convertible Sofa
$439.00

Boston Sage Convertible Sofa
$439.00

Apollo Platform Bedroom Set
$1899.00

Angela Storage Platform Bedroom Set
$1799.00

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