Here A Pumpkin…

01 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

Hello! Happy Wednesday! I have some craziness going on here at home today…so a little phone blogging for you…it is.

Yesterday, I purchased our first real pumpkin of the season. They are the sweetest part for me. I dug way down and found the wartiest one. I knew that the kids would approve. I’m sure that I was quite a sight, bottoms up, digging in that box at ALDI. Hey…for a tad over two bucks…who could blame me? (You can’t take me anywhere.) My MIL was doing her fair share of digging too. She came up for air with an adorably fat pumkin. It was fun. It doesn’t take much for us. Simple pleasures.

When we got home, our little son and I took it to the front porch. We sat it a couple of different places and then he suggested the pew. I think that our warty pumpkin looks right at home there. Kinda like us on the church pew. We are loved and adored by the Master…warts and all. He doesn’t mind our imperfect state…because He can see past the warts…to all the good stuff inside of us. Sometimes, when I catch a glimpse of the love of the Master…I could fall on my knees and weep. That beauty for ashes stuff…is near and dear to my heart.

I hope that you buy a pumpkin and enjoy it, Dirt Roaders!

Love from the Farmhouse,

Kelli

The Scents of Autumn

30 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, fluffin' the nest

≈ 4 Comments

I don’t think that I have ever shared this in the history of Along the Dirt Road. Are you ready? Brace yourself. I have a super-duper sniffer. It’s actually a family trait and it can drive me crazy at times, if something is offensive. Couple that with a pretty healthy gag reflex and you can be in a pickle before you know it. Why am I sharing this? I am sharing this with you…because it definitely has an upside! There are gazillions of wonderful things to smell in the world and the scents of autumn are some of them.

The olfactory glands house the sense of smell. They help pick up the scent of pumpkin bread baking in the oven, the scent of roasting pumpkin seeds and the fall scented wax in your warmer. Your sense of smell triggers memories in your brain at an amazing rate of speed. The smell of burning leaves may take you back to childhood. The smell of apple pie may take you straight to your grandma’s kitchen. It’s really amazing, the way that our body and mind work…hand in hand.

Isn’t it fun to walk through the door of your home and smell good things? I love all seasonal smells, but autumn is just so stinkin’ cozy. I actually just ordered some Cedarwood essential oil and it smells amazing in the difuser. Maybe not everyone is effected by smell…but it’s a huge part of our life around here. Surely not because Mom is always harping about smells. lol!

When I started writing this post, I thought back to chores this morning. I love the smell of cattle. Their sweet breath and the smell of their hide. Should I say it? Yes, I will. Even their poop isn’t all that bad compared to some of the other farm animals. Ha! I can see some of your faces! I adore the smell of a good leather handbag and a pair of boots too. (Don’t tell our steer!) I love the smell of feed and the smell of hay. It all takes me back. Back to the farm of my childhood. It takes me back to quality time spent tagging along behind one of the most gentle men on the face of the earth. I can even remember the smell of the inside of his pickup. I am extremely thankful for my sense of smell.

If you bake a pie today, or if you make pumpkin bread…take a minute to breathe deep. When you hug your husband, children, or loved ones…lean in a second and cherish the scent of them. I do that a lot. My sweet family is used to a sniffing wife and mom. I still remember the scent of my dad. I will treasure that always.

Dreaming of cinnamon, cloves, apples, pumpkins, and all scents autumn,

Autumn Color

23 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, fluffin' the nest

≈ 2 Comments

Before we get started: Happy first day of autumn! Some of you have been waiting all year for the cozy part of the year. Congratulations! It is here! Crank up the soup pots!

Autumn is very cozy. I love the little touches of home that it seems to add to life. I love to have a pot of chili simmering, just waiting on our family to pile in. Serving it with hunks of cheddar and crackers…seems to only enhance the cozy feeling. Today, I decided to share some autumn color with you. Usually, things are pretty light and airy at the farmhouse. I love that so much, it also provides a nice backdrop to add some deep and warm color for the season of…warm blankets and good books.

My husband made this jack-o-lantern when he was a little guy. I love it so much. It is probably my most favorite autumn treasure.

I love old crocks. This year, I decided to pile a few faux pumpkins and a gourd in ours. They make me happy when I walk buy. That is the kind of home decor that I love. Things that really matter…and make us feel good.

Today, I have chores waiting, a house that doesn’t clean itself, and supper to think about. You know what though? I plan on enjoying all of the above. This morning when I waved to my family and stepped back inside, I could smell warm toast in the air. Thankfulness welled up within my heart. I want to be the type of wife and momma and homemaker that actually lives here. I don’t want it to be a job…I want it to be a life.

(How fun is it that Christy Nockles, Christian singer and songwriter is featured in October’s issue of BHG!? Her home is lovely!)

It doesn’t take much to add autumn color to our homes. You may not have a huge array of autumn decor. No problem. I plan on looking for a real pumpkin for our table and maybe one for our porch. Eventually those will get nabbed…and the innards dug out. The seeds will be salted and roasted. Then, a happy little gap-toothed smile will emerge on the pumpkin’s big, round, face. Another good place to pick up a little autumn decor is Dollar Tree. A little pumpkin or gourd sitting by your coffee pot…just might make you smile, first thing in the morning.

I hope that you have a wonderful first day of autumn!

Love from the Farmhouse,

Finding Your True Style

10 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest, heart and soul

≈ 2 Comments

I don’t have a quiz for you to take. I don’t have a pill for you to swallow and then it finally dawns “uponst” you. What I do have…is a tad of experience in homemaking. I have been doing that very thing for years. I can give you a pointer or two and then the one big question to ask yourself, that will determine your style. When we were first married…our little mobile home was decorated from stem to stern. I had a major conflict of interests going on though. In the kitchen, I had a sunflower and watermelon theme. A mere few inches away…in the living room…I had cherubs. (They went beautifully with our quail and wagon wheel couch. Hey…you work with what you get free, when you are newlyweds, and I was just fine with it. I still love freebies. 😉 ) Down the hall was the laundry area and bathroom and I think that I went with frogs (so cute) for a while and then a few other phases. Our master bedroom was burgundy and hunter green. It may not sound like much to you…but I bawled my eyes out when we sold it…and I mopped the floors for the last time. After all, our first child was brought home there. I was beginning to see what was really important. My Granny made a home for her family in a little bitty farmhouse for years. It was my favorite place on earth. It wasn’t fancy…but she always kept it clean and was always cooking something good for her family. They were very happy there. They were focused on doing and living what God had for them…and not trying to keep up with everyone else. There is a huge life lesson in that. There is freedom there. I have went through several decorating phases through the years.(My husband is so patient…and gives me free reign in this area. I do run my crazy ideas by him and get his approval though. I also get his opinion and the kids…because this is OUR home, not just mine. My favorite thing…is a place that we all enjoy.) For a while, I jumped on a more modern bandwagon. It was fun and that trend brought us fluffy carpets once again…but then…it happened. I found myself…in home decor. It had been there all along…because I have been drawn to antiques from day one. No matter what phase I was in…there were always old things incorporated. Farmhouse Style. How do I know that it’s the style for me? I never get tired of it. I have injected it into every trend and style…in some form, down through the years. When I finally realized that I needed to go “whole hog” with what I loved…not what everyone else loves…I found true comfort at home. I also realized that what looked beautifully intricate for others…only looked like a mess when I tried to decorate that way. I needed simple, clean, lines. I needed smooth surfaces. I needed for my home decor to make sense to me. Farming is in my blood. It skipped my dad…and went straight into my DNA. It holds my interest. Why wouldn’t I want to use that to make a home for us? Another fun thing? It’s not overly feminine. That makes it fun for the whole family. What really speaks to you? What are your eyes drawn to? What makes you sigh and dream? I’m not promoting overspending or surrounding ourselves with things. If anything, I might be encouraging you to simplify, to make room for the really important things in life…people. Here is the big question that I promised you. Are you ready? What makes you and your family comfortable? Get in tune with all of your senses. Observe your family and what they take delight in. Maybe for you, it’s wildlife. Maybe it’s organization. Maybe it is sunflower decor and watermelons. Sunflowers are actually trending again…so if you love them, now is a good time for you. If we live to be a hundred, that is still too short to surround ourselves with anything less than what we love. Am I making sense? Don’t just dream about being happy and comfortable in your space. Do something about it. Put some thought into it. I believe in you and I know that you can do it. My Dirt Roaders are smart and creative. I hope that this helps. I hope that we are not slaves to our homes…but that we use our homes as tools to help us in this life. A place of refuge in a harsh world. A place to reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ. If you are not comfortable with your home…it doesn’t always have to be that way. No matter the size or the age…your home can be a place that says “Welcome home family…” at the end of the day.

Love from the Farmhouse,

Honey Holes

08 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in fluffin' the nest

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I am sure that you have some in your town. Honey holes. Your favorite spot to find home decor. In our town there is a lovely little place called Cleea’s At Home Market. It’s a delight to stop in and browse…and buy.

When I stopped by on Saturday, it was to pick up a small gift. It’s a great place for that too.

This little store is one of my favorites in our area. I have some others that I want to highlight in the future. I always get excited when the stores put out their fall decor. It’s also fun to shop local. I feel like I am supporting my fellow townspeople…because I am.

I hope that you have a lovely week and I hope that you find a few minutes for you. Hit one of your own honey holes, when you do.

Love from the Farmhouse,

Kelli

p.s. In our neck of the woods… “honey hole” is generally used for a good hunting or fishing spot. FYI 😉

Is it Fall in Your Air?

02 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in Country Life, fluffin' the nest

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I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. We did. We just enjoyed. The older I get, the more content I am to just enjoy moments, and not constantly be having to find something new to do. Oh lands, pass the Geritol. 😉 On another note, people around here have been digging out the fall decor. Is it fall in your air? I thought that today, I would post a few old fall shots to inspire us a little. You okay with that? I knew that you would be. My Dirt Roaders are agreeable.

I hope that you have a wonderful day, in your neck of the woods.

Love from the Dirt Road,

p.s. Thinking of simplifying my fall and maybe going a little more “farmhousey” with it. We shall see. Stay tuned!

If I Had a Ladder

29 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

≈ 5 Comments

“If I had a ladder…I tell you what I would do…I would throw some afghans on that ladder…and encourage you to buy one too!”

Okay…okay. So I’m not a song writer. Not serious songs anyway. I will tell you what I am though. I am the proud owner of a couple of ladders. I have been itching for one for a while now. It’s one of those things that you either see or dream up and tuck it in the back of your mind. The shorter ladder was found at a yard sale. The tall ladder, I picked it up at a local antique mall. I put that birthday money to good use this year.

I love the coziness that it adds to our family room. During the school year, lots of evenings are spent in this room. Usually the kids are working on homework and Dad and I wind up sitting in there too. (When did we get old enough to call each other Mom and Dad) 😉 It’s the relaxing and slow part of our day. Supper is over, the kitchen is clean, and there is a candle burning on the counter. It’s also the place that we usually do our family devotions. I love cozy…especially if we are going to spend that much time in there.

Isn’t the popularity of crocheted afghans crazy? Years ago, I wouldn’t have bought one of those at a yard sale or thrift store…for nothing! Now…I knock people down and grab ’em. Ha! Just kidding! Seriously though…I love the way that trends sometimes cause us to go back and take another look at what we once loved. We see it with new eyes. I also love trends in the junkin’ vein. They are usually easy to follow and pretty much on the cheap.

This afghan did not come from a garage sale. It was lovingly stitched by my husband’s aunt. I barely breathed the words that I would love to have one like this…and she had it done. She is a genius in the crochet department. I am honored to have one of her creations. It’s so warm and when you cover up with it…it feels like a sweet hug. Those are my favorite things.

I hope that you have a lovely three day weekend, Dirt Roaders. I hope that you get to enjoy the God that loves you, so very much. I hope that you get to enjoy your family. I hope that you have time to cozy up in your family room, living room or a favorite spot and just count your blessings.

Good Lord willing, I will be counting mine,

Coastal Mantle

12 Thursday Jun 2014

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

≈ 5 Comments

Are you guys head over heels for the coastal theme during the summer? I don’t have a lot of coastal decor. One starfish, a glass fishing float, (faux) and a collection of shells from my littles. The relaxation of that theme…soothes me though. I don’t have my shells sitting out yet. Usually I have a bowl sitting around somewhere. I need to dig those out. Oh wait, I do have a sign that says BEACH on our back door. Pretty simple. You know me, I love simple.

There have been times over the past that I piled a ton of stuff on our mantle. Then I take it back off. Simple just calls my name. I admire other people’s collections…but it just doesn’t work for me. That is the great thing. We can all appreciate each other’s style.

I love to pair woven, summery, baskets with coastal. The tray basket is actually from Ebay but it’s a Pottery Barn basket. I love it. When it came, I was so excited. It was way bigger than I even imagined. I love the color of it paired with the light and airy items. It seems to give a good balance. When something seems wonky and off balance, I pick at it, move it, and preen it, until it looks right.

Now that is bugging me. I’m not sure where I put my shells. 😉 I will be searching high and low. Don’t you hate that? Deep breaths Kel…deep breaths.

I hope that you have enjoyed our little coastal mantle. It’s refreshing to me. Not too complicated and it sports a turquoise Ball jar. Right up my alley. On a little side note…I spent a big part of the morning in the company of the piano tuner. What an interesting job. Now our daughter is good to go. God’s blessings, well…they make us rich and they add absolutely no sorrow.

Love from the coastal farmhouse,

What Lovely Curtains You Have, Grandmother!

10 Tuesday Jun 2014

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

≈ 6 Comments

Remember yesterday, when I told you about the “granny chic” afghan that I found? Well…there was more. So much more. They were just hanging there, in all of their grandmotherly, mustardy, goodness. I promise…they were surrounded by a heavenly glow and you could hear…”Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.” (Kind of a high pitched, open mouthed hum. Go ahead…try it. 😉 ) Okay…so not really…but I was pretty excited. There were four panels and four pom pommy tie backs. All for four dollahs!

Was your grandma rockin’ the pom poms back in the day? (On her curtains…not as a cheerleader.) One of my Instagram friends said that the farmhouse that she grew up in, in the seventies, had curtains like this. They are so fun. The color is what drew me in, I must confess. You know, yellow + me = love.

I usually try to give you guys crisp and clear pictures to look at. Today, in honor of the era that these curtains were born, we are being a little foggy and hazy. I hope that you enjoy. They just make me smile, child of the seventies and eighties that I am.

The Mr.’s first reaction…was about like our girls reaction at the thrift. I think that they all thought that I was crazy. Then I proceeded to wash them, dry them and drafted the husband into helping me hang them. (He is so sweet.) I put one in the laundry room and the rest in the girl’s room. That evening when we came back home and the one in the laundry room greeted us, I could tell that my husband was won over by her glowing goodness. Thank you, Grandma…for your lovely curtains, whoever you are.

Love from the seventies,

Embracing Home

20 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, fluffin' the nest

≈ 7 Comments

It’s my very favorite, this summer season. Okay…so technically it’s still spring…but the kids are home. It’s my happy time. This momma hen is CRAZY about having her chicks in the nest. I am not one of those mothers that dread having her children home. (That doesn’t mean that there is never any yelling…apologizing…hiding from my children, and things like that.) Maybe it’s genetic. I come from a long line of men and women that embrace home and enjoy being there. Okay…so maybe not all of them had hermit tendencies like me…but they made and make home a happy place. I want to have a home like that. One that always draws your heart back. (See what I’m doing? Investing in my adult children….coming to see us…someday.)

Did you know that home doesn’t have to be boring? Of course you did. We have too many chores to do around here, to ever be bored. Plus…as an only child for almost 18 years…I can always find something to do, for myself and the kids. Actually our children learned at a very young age to never use the word “bored” around Momma. She will find something to remedy that. 😉

Yesterday we worked hard. We embraced our home in that way. The kids helped and we knocked out some much needed cleaning that needed to be done. Today…I have a bit more of that to do and then maybe time to piddle. That is my favorite way to embrace home. You know, baking or tweaking (decor… 🙂 ) rearranging. Fluffing the nest is what we call it here at Along the Dirt Road. Mom and I have always called it “piddling.”

Exciting news for tonight’s supper. The Mister is grilling us a burger! I love it when he embraces our home by manning the grill. I know…I know…it doesn’t take much to excite me. You guys know how I roll. Simple pleasures and embracing home is one of my all time favorites.

Love from the dirt road,