Going Gray

14 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

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Totally not about my hair…although that is happening too. I was wanting to update our dining room. I was a bit tired of the Meringue Peaks. (Yellowish.) So after lots of thought…we went with Secret Locket by Glidden. Actually…true to form…I had them doctor it a bit with a few squirts of white. Momma knows…what Momma can live with. 😉 By the way…one tip before we get started: If you want a true gray…pick from the card with black at the bottom. If the darkest shade on your card has blue or purple or a brownish gray…your lighter shade will have that cast. You already knew that? Of course you did. Dirt Roaders are smart.

The men in my life got free caps from the feed store so I borrowed one for this shot. You are welcome…I think. All of the photos in this post are shot with my iPhone. It has been cloudy for days…so I will get some better shots later.

My sweet family is amazing. I do the rolling and they come in with their steady hands and trim. I am very thankful for that.

I love the way that white really shines with the gray. I also love the classy farmhouse feel that it adds. It is very serene. That is important to me. This was kind of a big thing for me. I have been painting everything white…but I really didn’t want that for this room. I wanted color…and this is very cozy. This is a place that we linger so the feel of the room matters a lot. If you are thinking about painting…gray gets a big thumbs up from me.

There you have it. Going gray at the Farmhouse. Gray…not grey…because we live in America. They paint…grey in Europe…just in case you wondered. #englishlessonfortheday 😉

Have a wonderful Tuesday! God Bless!

Entryway Spiff

10 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

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farmhouse style, Friday

Hi guys! This week I have been taking down our Easter things that I had put out. It was just a few bunnies and some daffodils, but I got started and then changed up the entryway a bit. I just spiffed it a bit and gave it more of a clean look. I am really enjoying that. I do have to say that I cheated a bit and looked up Fixer Upper on Pinterest. Beautiful ideas for those of us that are crazy about Farmhouse Style.

I am still working on the other side. I piddle with things until they have the perfect feel and then I leave them for a long while. That is just the way that I roll. I am also thinking…very seriously about painting the dining room and entryway. I am wanting to brighten it up a bit. If you are reading this Honey…don’t freak out. lol! Painting is not his favorite.

I hope that you guys have a wonderful weekend. I hope that you get to relax and count all of those blessing that God gives. He loves us, Dirt Roaders! Enjoy that!

Heads Up…New Header

08 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, Farmhouse Style, sCoRiN' some JuNkItY JuNk

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ball jars, farmhouse style, home decor

As you guys know, I tend to change up the blog a bit now and then. I did a mini photo shoot and came up with a new shot for the header. I just didn’t want you to think that you were at the wrong place. Just kidding. You guys are smart. So…let’s talk about the junk that is featured in the header.

First of all, I adore the badge for Along the Dirt Road. Our cousin created that when I first started blogging and it is exactly me. I love a simple and clean cut design. He pegged it…totally. Okay…so as far as the junk goes…I just added a few of my favorite things. I love the old locker baskets. I have had a thing for baskets for many years. (Can anyone say Longaberger? 😉 I love the metal ones…a lot. Then we have a turquoise Ball jar. Those have had my heart for many years too. Then we have the vintage print. I just love those. There is something very dreamy about the prints from this era. This one sort of reminds me of an old western….like The Big Valley…or something. The last vintage piece in the header, is the little dog that I ordered on Ebay. When he came in the mail, his little leg was broken. The Mr. fixed him up right away. I just think that he is adorable. (The dog and The Mr.)

I have a couple of things up there that are not vintage, but I love them as well. The first is the faux succulent that The Mr. gifted me for Valentine’s day. The second is the baker’s twine from Pick Your Plum. Their baker’s twine is the absolute best of any that I have seen. (No…this is not a paid post.) It is very durable, plus the rolls are huge. If you don’t know much about Pick Your Plum…look them up. They have daily deals that are sent to your email. They have a HUGE selection of all different kinds of things. Sometimes you have to be quick though. I tried to order a maxi skirt one day and it was already sold out in like 14 minutes! What!!!!????

Love from the Farmhouse,

The Elusive Fiddle Leaf Fig

01 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

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farmhouse style, fiddle leaf fig, home decor, houseplant

I have searched high and low for The Elusive Fiddle Leaf Fig. I have looked in several different towns, in several different home improvement stores. My family would wait patiently in the vehicle, while I would pop in…go straight to the garden center and then walk out…empty handed. No Fiddle Leaf Fig to be found.

Let me back up a minute. I do not always follow trend. There are some things out there that everyone is crazy about that I am not. I am not going to name them…lest you second guess your own opinion. We humans tend to do that. (At least this one does.) There are just some trendy trains that I do not jump on. Yes, I do own a trendy purse or two or three…but I also own a leather bag that I picked on my own accord…because it was just me. I know what I like and sometimes…certain trends and colors are just not something that excites me. Now when it comes to the Fiddle Leaf Fig…I must confess a bit of mob mentality. Forgive me. I just think that they look very classy for a houseplant. Can a houseplant look classy? I believe so.

So back to my search. There I was…houseplant poor (In the Ozarks that means that you have a bunch of houseplants already.) and in search of yet another, but it was always just out of reach.

Enter my green thumb friend Brenda:

My friend Brenda, caught wind that I wanted a Fiddle Leaf Fig. She has major connections with Home Depot. (Okay…she gets email from them.) Anyway…she got an email that said that they were back in stock, they weren’t very expensive, and that they would ship!!! (We got no Home Depot here…ya see.) Have I mentioned that Brenda is a bit trendy too? 😉 Annnnnnyyyyyway…..I jumped right on their website and ordered one. Brenda did too. It was so fun! They came on the same day and she has been coaching me along….helping my Fiddle Leaf Fig adjust to it’s life in the Ozarks…instead of the rain forest. Yeah…big difference.

So that is the story of the Elusive Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Probably more than you wanted to know.

You people are kind to read this stuff.

Love from the Farmhouse,

Adventures in Anthropologie

26 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by Kelli in Country Life, Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

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anthropologie, candles, home decor, shopping

Hey guys! Wanna hear something funny? On Istagram I posted a #followfriday this morning. Totally thought that it was Friday. I don’t even know why. Can we blame it on allergies? Okay…we will. Anyway…today we are going to “jaw” about Anthropologie a bit. This is…..Adventures in Anthropologie. I am talking about the store not…the social science that studies the origins and social relationships of human beings, just to be clear.

Most of you all are like “Kel…totally old news. We have an Anthro right down the street. We know all about it’s somewhat Bohemian goodness.” I totally respect that. For those of you that don’t even know what I am talking about…or have seen it and never ventured in…this is my take on it:

I couldn’t make up my mind. I wanted a little something from there to take back home with me. I looked through the store over and over, back and forth, up and down. I already had the monogrammed coffee cup with my initial…via online. Our daughter got one though, that day, and it’s so cute. Finally my sweet, patient, and handsome hubby made a suggestion. “This looks like you.” I had spotted the measuring cup but hadn’t really went over to check it out. He was right. It’s the right combo of things that I love. A bit “potteryish” a lot “kitchen” and colorfully delightful. I also picked up a candle out of the clearance section. I wish now, that I would have picked up another. It smells wonderful.

Anthropologie is in a class of it’s own. It’s not close to any other store that I have been in. So eclectic. I think that is what I love the most. It’s so classy in an earthy and simplistic fashion. I love that they have a wide range of things that are affordable on a day to day basis and then also have things that you might spot and need to wait and save up for. If we lived close to one it would be a great place to pick up a gift for someone. (All my friends and family would have monogrammed mugs. lol!) Did I mention the candles? Just kidding…but I do love candles and they have some that are amazing.

The moral of the Adventures in Anthropologie is this:

If you have one…enjoy. Especially if you like things a bit on the simple side…like me.

Love from the dirt road,

A Few Things at IKEA

24 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

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decorating, farmhousestyle, home decor, IKEA

On Spring Break this year, we took a little jaunt to Texas. It was wonderful, relaxing, and just what we needed. I had a few places that I wanted to visit while we were there. Places that we don’t have here in our neck of the woods. I am totally fine with that fact…because I am one of those crazies that actually loves small town life. That being said…it was really fun to visit some of these spots. IKEA was one of them. Of course I picked up…a few things at IKEA.

If you have never been…IKEA is like a big showroom upstairs and then a market downstairs. The market was my favorite part and I was stoked about the prices. I picked up some glass vases that I had seen on Instagram and also a sheepskin for the piano bench. Their candles smell great too. I was really impressed with the whole thing and would definitely go back. You guys are all like…”Duh…we have been and we already know this goodness of which you speak.” Just in case though….that someone out there has thought of going and held off…go. If you are into home decor…I would bet my eye teeth that you would love it. (Okay…maybe not.)

Our girls are enjoying the sheepskin for piano practice. A little easier on the bum than a hard piano bench. I love the bit of softness that it lends to such an angular spot.

If you already know all about IKEA because you don’t live in the sticks…or if you have always wanted to go…leave me a comment and we will chat it up!

Love from the Farmhouse,

Spring…Is That You?

03 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

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Easter, home decor, Spring

Hey guys!!! How are you? We are doing well. Trying to stay warm. The first day of March has come and gone and so far we have no hint of spring. We are actually due for another snow storm tomorrow. As my granny said.. “We will get what we get.” Pretty cut and dried.

So what are you guys doing to hop on the spring bandwagon? I haven’t put our decor out yet. I’m thinking about doing a little of that today, even with snow impending. I have a couple of cute bunnies and a couple of pillows from friends. I also have some daffodils that look very real. It’s exciting to add a few touches to brighten things. It’s also exciting to herald in the celebration of Easter.

I also need to be thinking about what I am going to cook for supper. I’m thinking on turkey kielbasa with cabbage. That is my mom’s famous recipe and I am anxious to try it. (She doesn’t use the turkey version though.) Something hearty and healthy sounds good in this weather. I may throw a bit of corn in there for the Mr. and a bit of okra for me. We shall see. 😉

I hope that you have a lovely Tuesday. When you think about it…we have some special people in our lives that have some serious needs. If you could whisper a prayer for them…I would be ever grateful. My Dirt Roaders are the best. Thank you!

Love from the Farmhouse,

Winter Weather News

29 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by Kelli in Country Life, everyday stuff, Farmhouse Style

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farmhouse, farmhouse style, winter

Hey guys! How is the weather out there? We, here in Missouri, are never sure about that one. There may be some snow in our winter forecast…but no one is really sure. I need to go to the grocery store…but it will be crazy. If you tell folks in our area that we are going to get one snow flurry…they rush out to buy bottled water. We tend to be a bit dramatic in this neck of the woods.

I have two weather forecasters in my life. One is the Mr. the other one is his mother. They funny thing is…their forecasts never match. She told me that we would get a wintery-mix, he said only rain. I guess that it remains to be seen. That still doesn’t change the fact that I need to rush out, with the masses, and buy fresh fruit and veggies. (Maybe some bottled water too.)

Lest you think that we are all totally crazy, as most small town folk tend to be, let me explain. Where we live…it is hilly. I’m not talking one or two. I’m talking…basically hills everywhere. When it gets icy…it’s pretty much a go…that your are not going anywhere. We live with this…happily. The older I get, the less that being snowed in is a problem. Plus…we have been off in the ditch on the dirt road before and the tow truck was at the top of the….hill…on the black top…and would not come and pull us out, for fear of getting stuck. Um….okay. (Thanks Dad…for trying…by calling us in a favor.) Thankfully…the sweet Lord above…helped us out of that one. So…that explains a little of our small town crazy winter behavior.

I love cozy days at home. It’s pretty blustery out today. I have two good books to read, a rag quilt to get started on, and of course my SAHM jobs. There is actually a load of towels waiting to be lifted to their warm and cozy dryer right now. I had better hop to it.

This Winter Weather News has been brought to you…

by the Farmhouse,

It’s Monday

26 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, Farmhouse Style

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farmhouse style, Monday

Hey Guys! How are you? We are doing pretty good. We have had a bit of some sort of stomach bug over the weekend…but I am pretty hopeful that we are on the upswing. Fingers crossed and prayers said. How is your Monday going so far? I have had my coffee…so it’s getting better.

Are you one of those folks that love Monday? My husband does. I love that about him. It inspires those of us, in our home, that are less enthusiastic about the beginning of the week. You want to know a secret though? After 19 years, I am becoming more like him. I know! It’s crazy. Self-professed Thursday lover…enjoying Monday? You want to hear another secret? He likes the end of the week too! I know that this sounds crazy…but it’s the marriage of an overachiever and a creative type. I love it that we tend to balance each other out and see things from the other person’s point of view. It creates a nice balance. He inspires my work ethic, I inspire him to slow down and enjoy.

Are you banging your head against the computer? Are you thinking…”Why am I reading this?” It will be okay, sweet Dirt Roader. Pour yourself another cup of coffee and jump in. After all…Thursday is right around the corner. 😉

Love from the Farmhouse,

F A R M

09 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

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bunting, farmhouse style, home decor, mantle, simple, simplify

I know. The title is so eloquent. That’s how I roll. (You guys know that I am kidding. I write these posts…like a conversation. I don’t want you to become bored. I don’t do bored very well myself.) Okaaaaay….back from the rabbit trail. Soooo….yesterday…I picked up some new metal letters. I thought that they would be for one certain spot. They wound up in another. I am very okay with that.

For those of you that loved the burlap/french grain sack stripe bunting…don’t be alarmed. I still have it. Actually, I still have a roll of that burlap. I can make another. Right now though…I love the very simple, plain, yet a bit wonky, letter bunting of sorts. My family liked it too. That is the huge plus with me. I will give you a mental picture…. The family sitting around in the…family room, visiting, doing homework and such. The Mr. is in his Papa Bear’s Chair, I am up piddling around with these letters and twine on the mantle, and the kids and us are talking. It just kinda happened. I kept moving the letters, inserting burlap, taking burlap away, and listening to their comments. My husband liked it plain. I did too. He gets me.

Would you like to know the main thing that bothered me? There are only four letters in the word farm. I know. It comes from years of hearing the odd numbers of decor, shouted from the mountain tops. You know what? Now days…I don’t care. Much. ha! I am even known, now, to just put….two….of something together. I know. Horror. I’m keeding…I’m keeding. You know what? I am older and I pray for wisdom. I don’t buy into the rules of decor as much. If you love it…do it! I will proudly display my four letters. FARMHOUSE might have been a bit of overkill and the simplicity of FARM is really what we have. A few goats, a few chickens, a few cows and calves, and a few acres. It is a farm. Pure and simple.

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend…full of blessing counting. We really don’t have to look very far for those, do we?

Love from the FARM,