MaryJanesFarm Sister Issue - July 2013 by MaryJane Butters

Sister Issue

July 2013

W ith some

added pluck, we came up with this easy way to click (er, cluck) your way back to the farm in between magazine issues. As with any nesting hen, we prefer to accomplish our work with regularity. That’s why, if you’re an official member of MaryJane’s Farmgirl Sisterhood, our Sister Issue (formerly MaryJane’s CLUCK) will be showing up in your e-mail box on the first day of every month (well, except for January, because we head henchos take a much-needed break every December). With a cluck-cluck here and a clickclick there, we’re here for you just when you need a sisterly cyber hug the most. Let the braggin’ (er, clucking) begin!

sisters

Life made us

FRI ENDS,

MaryJanesFarm made us

SISTERS

© 2013 MaryJanesFarm • Moscow, Idaho Print Shops: You have our permission to print this in color for your customer, one of our readers. We do not consider it a violation of our copyright. –MaryJane Butters of MaryJanesFarm.

Contents

{ just a click away! } 33

MaryJa ne’s picks

Hello 1 6 from Sister #

Budge for M ting ot with M elyssa hers W illiams

ther each o Megan with

welcome

new and renewing sisters

July 2013

homescho oling with Cathi

tchen i k m r a f h Ashley wit

te: Vim & a G n e d r Ga

Vinegar

make it eas y with Sher y

30 Stitching & Crafting with Rebekka

1 49 3 essential re

cipes for s

ummer

Mounta in Rose He rbs

Cleanin

g up: Using Up Your Garden

continued ... July 2013

Contents continued ... 48

Sisterhood special

merit badge awardees

sisterhood necklace

July 2013

Farmgirl chatter ÂŠ 2013 MaryJanesFarm â&#x20AC;˘ Moscow, Idaho

Sister L|ves

{ staff picks ... only a click away! }

What girl doesn’t love to shop, even if all you can afford is some window shopping? In this and future issues, we’re treating ourselves and our readers to the things we love most. Come shop with us! Our favorites are only a click away.

p. 11

p. 33 MaryJane

Mega

p. 21 Ace

p. 8

p. 18

Carol

Saralou

Karina

July 2013

Hello f rom Sister #1 Announcing Farmgirl Sister of the Year

Karen Price, #411

5th Year Sisterhood Member Badges: 54 (33 Beginner, 14 Intermediate, 7 Expert)

I am so very pleased to announce our Farmgirl Sister of the Year! Meet Karen Price. Karen has been a Sisterhood member for five straight years, but this is the first year she’s applied for Merit Badges because, as she puts it, “I recently changed my occupation to allow for more fun stuff.” Karen has gone after some of the more difficult badges like Entrepreneurial Expert, Ink Slinger Expert, and Farmgirl Spirit Expert that require extra effort and have a net positive affect on the world. Karen spent 18 years as a Methodist Minister throughout Michigan before settling in Fenton, Michigan, two years ago. She has written two online reviews for prayer books that you can read here. Karen and 10 other women comprise the Dandelion Farmgirl Chapter. They’ve been meeting once per month for the past four years. “We usually make or create something. We’re very hands on, things like ‘puttin’ up a swap’ or canning or crafting. For our last meeting, we made terrariums.” Karen says she loves a good swap and has been active in the swaps on our Farmgirl Connection chatroom. We couldn’t help but fall even more in love with Karen when we found out she fought for a change to local ordinances in her hometown to allow for backyard chickens you can read about here. She showed up at the council meeting in a chicken-embellished dress. Walking around the room, she pulled white plastic eggs from her chicken purse, asking those in attendance, “Have you hugged a chicken today?” Successful in her attempt to change the law, her hens Cagney and Lacey are now members of her family. (And stay tuned for the Oct-Nov “Turning the Page” issue of MaryJanesFarm, where our Urban Homesteader will give you tips on how to change the zoning laws in your community.) Let’s give Karen a loud and raucous round of clucking!!!!!!

Past Farmgirl Sisters of the Year Carrie Williams, 2009 CJ Armstrong, 2010 Kristina Nelson, 2011 Emily Hack, 2012

July 2013

And here’s a sampling of badges other Sisters have earned: Alicia Winkler (DandeeRose, #5232) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Level Civic Heritage Merit Badge! “I was born in Evansville, Indiana. About an hour away is a state park area with a Lincoln Memorial and boyhood home. It was so neat to watch how people in our area lived nearly 200 years ago ...”

Sarah Hall (mrssarahhall, #5223) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level Horse Dreams Merit Badge! “I live in an area where horses are not hard to find. My husband and I took a bike ride a few miles from our house and looked at the fields of beautiful horses. I really liked the American Painted Horses and swooned over all of the miniture horses ...” Whittney Chaney (neenee, #3203) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level 3 R’s (Reuse, Recycle, Revive!) Merit Badge! “For one of our chapter meetings, we made row markers for the garden. I am making an effort to clean up my gardening stuff. We used old can lids for the garden markers and used a nail and hammer to punch in the words ...”

CJ Armstrong (ceejay48, #665) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning an Intermediate level Glamping badge! “I have purchased and read, many times, Glamping with Mary Jane, and have given it as a gift to two different farmgirls. Many of the ideas in the book we had already been implementing, but we are going to be adding a “loo” to our setup, looking into the equipment and “skirt” ideas as in the book as well as a few other decorating ideas ...”

July 2013

Sister L|ves

{ our favorites ... just a click away! }

Carol’s picks

(just

a click

away

Bonni, Ohio

The Pink Palace , Ohio

)

s, Oregon Blooming Goddes

(layered chenille)

, graphic designer ukulele enthusiast (sister #3) I love vintage chenille! My dictionary defines it as “fabric made with a fringed silken thread used as the weft in combination with wool or cotton.” Doesn’t that sound sumptuous? Whether you have an antique cutter quilt you’re looking to repurpose or you’re in the market for a unique pillow or throw to farmgirl-up your décor, these Etsy finds will be sure to spark your creativity!

The Vintage Rhino, Colorado

r2, Designe

w York lace, Ne

Beautifu

nia

a Pennsylv

You can visit Carol’s picks by clicking on the photos.

The Pink P alace, Ohio

July 2013

(Pre-cut

Sister L|ves

{ our favorites ... just a click away! }

Megan’s picks click just a

(

away)

Cellsdividin

PrintStagr

Editor Staff writer / (sister #2)

I have a love for all words, quotes, letters, etc. Having finally decided how I’d like to decorate my house, I’ve decided to do so in photos and words. This is not a big surprise, but I’m so enjoying perusing for fun and funky letters.

che

TheDirtySta OakValleyC

rafts umbered

SignedandN

You can visit Megan’s picks by clicking on the photos.

July 2013

Big welcome to our new and renewing Sisterhood members! Alicia Winkler Alison Bayne Allison Batteate Amanda Schrack Amanda Hyatt Amanda Shatwell Amanda Whitten Amanda Klasen Amber Sutton Amy Lund Angela Morgan Angela Janosky Ann Riddle Ann Werner Anna Wolfe-Perez Anne Riordan Aprile Penhall Betty Helen Sandvig Bobbi Miller Brenda Davis Britteney Gayheart Caitlin Dimas Caitlin Anderson Camilla Langbo-Lien Candace Hostetter Cara M. Kroll Carol Ashby Carol Rothrock

Cathy Grimes Chelsey Wetzel Cheryle Duffy-Lehrer Colleen Sutcliffe Connie Herron Crista Honey-Vidal Dana May Darby Harden Darla Ambroz Dawn Stoll Deb Hillard Deborah McClure Deborah Klann Deborah Powell Deborah Rutherford Deidre Smith Denise Houser Denise Brice Desiree Lipka Donna Timms Dorothy Orr Elaine Selfridge Elizabeth Margoluis Elizabeth Sept Ellen Martin Erin Chartier Erin Rockafellow Glory Murphy Heather Arnett

Hope Jordan Irene Diana Cavatairo Jacqueline Ferri Jacquelyn MacKinnon Jan Kershaw Jennie Murphy Jennifer Papenberg Jennifer Bellew Jennifer Mackey Jo Bobb Jolen Hofmeister Judith Miller Judy Reineke Karen Montoya Karen Clark Karen Cote Karin Foust Katherine Piehl Kathie Welsch Kathleen Mooney Kathy Barclay Keirsten Gustafson Kerryanne Cummins Kim Hazelrigg Kim Braun Kimberly Funk Kristin Benini Laura White Laurie Conner

“

Leah McCoy Leanne Harbison Lisa Patterson Lori Collins Lori Peters Lynnell Fulkerson Madeleine Landis Margaret Wilson Maria Chamorro Marlene Cryar Mary Ann Witcher Mary Ann Stroka Mary Ann Faughnan Mary Whatley Mary Sue Wysocki Megan Telliano Megan McIntyre Melissa Durant Merry Crump Monica Malia Nan Arseneault Nancy Marshall Odette Fay Pam Clark Pamela White Paula Bellchamber Rali Burleson Rebecca Strauss Regina Sluk

A true f riend

reaches for yo ur han d an d t o uches yo ur heart.

July 2013

– Author Unknown

Renee Sullins Roberta Hunt Roxanne Ward Sarah Hall Sarh Ishee Sharon Dubry Sharon Mc Claskey Shelly Huff Steffanie Czaja Susan Johnson Susan Whitakerhill Susanne Bender Suzan Steele Terese Hill Terri Telfer Terri Newman Theresa Atkinson Toni Lynn Fenton Tracy Johnson Victoria Crawford Violet Henderson Vivian Varela Wendy Getzlaff Yvonne Stewart

July 2013

Each Other In the Shelter of Each Other

{ EACH OTHER } with Megan Rae | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { EACH OTHER } category, CLICK HERE { E A C H O TH E R } with Megan Rae | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { E A C H O TH E R } category, CLICK HERE

From Instagram to Paper A year ago, I finally took the smart-phone challenge and have really loved having a camera at my fingertips. I’m sure there are quite a few folks that actually carry a camera at all times, but being a mom with a full purse already, I rarely did. A snack or band-aids or water in an emergency is much more important. But now, I have a camera that might not take the most amazing shots but does catch some of the most amazing moments. Recently, I realized the whole system is great for sharing photos via social media and text and e-mail, but I couldn’t get the photos to show up. Time to display them properly! Megan Rae (Sister #2) grew up “on the farm”— MaryJanesFarm. She attended Gonzaga University and received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. After marrying her college sweetheart, they moved to Kansas and bought their first home on a cobblestone street. Her love for writing, editing, and well, her Mom, finally brought her back to the farm. Raising her 6-yearold and 4-year-old farmgirls and working alongside her husband, mother, and family is the perfect lifestyle mix for Megan. She rounds it out with travel across the country to visit her five dearest college girlfriends who she loves with all her heart (they’ve all been in each other’s weddings), and one of her favorite farmgirls that she met when she lived in Kansas (scheduled around working the cows, of course).

July 2013

I downloaded a couple of apps to my smart phone called Dropbox and Instagram. Then, I downloaded Dropbox on my computer. It’s a cool concept that allows you to place photos and files from your phone into a “dropbox” and then you (or anyone else you share the link with) can look at the files from a computer. Instagram is a simple photo-editing program that allows you to add different coloring, borders, and fades to your photos. It also allows you to share them with friends if you want, but I just wanted the photo editing component. Once I “Instagrammed” my photos, I dropped them in my dropbox and was able to print them from my computer. Viola! The start of my project. Using an old window trim, a staple gun, and twine, I made a display for my photos. The small clothespins for hanging the photos can be found at most craft stores. And I can change out and update the photos as I take new ones. I chose some from the whole year, but it would even be fun to change them out every season. There’s something to be said about sharing photos the old-fashioned way!

Each Other

Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Mamas { EACH OTHER } with Melyssa Williams | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { EACH OTHER } category, CLICK HERE { E A C H O TH E R } with Megan Rae | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { E A C H O TH E R } category, CLICK HERE

Budgeting for Mothers We’ve all been there … you know the place I’m talking about. The place where you’ve gone so long without a decent grocery shopping trip that it would be shorter, quicker, and more “green” of you to write a shopping list for things you don’t need. Mine last week:

Melyssa Williams (Sister #161) was a homeschooler back in the day. She spent a perfectly ridiculous amount of time reading and writing, usually in a tree, sometimes with pet chickens. Now she stays out of trees, but still reads and writes. There are three small fry in her house that refer to her as Mom, and keeping in tradition, she puts them in trees with good books. She is the author of the Shadows trilogy for Young Adults, and can be reached at www.shadowsgray.com.

The whole thing fit on a post-it note. When money is stretched so tight it begins to squeak in an alarming fashion, there are still ways to scrimp and save. Here are two to start with. If a small windfall comes your way (a bonus at work, a tax return, a $20 bill found in your winter coat pocket), head straight to the bank. Notice I did not say your bank. No, for this plan to work, you need to open an entirely different savings account at an entirely different bank. Pick one with a very inconvenient location and with really bad hours. Open your savings account and fork over that twenty. When they offer you debit

July 2013

cards with which to activate, add to, or withdraw from your new account, leave hastily. The point is NOT to access it. Do not write down your PIN, your password, or your user name. Or write them down, but seal the paper in a safe deposit box that—you guessed it—is in a different bank in a different location with very inconvenient hours. If your bank offers you overdraft protection, decline. When they look at you like you have grass growing out of your ears, stay calm. You are being smart, not foolish. Overdraft protection is like having your daddy in your back pocket with your allowance. Not good. If I think I don’t have enough money to cover my purchases but I can get away with it anyway, I’ll do it. And then my $1.35 cuppa Joe will cost me $35. Is it embarrassing to be declined at the register? Yep. Which is why you won’t let it happen again. Inconvenience. It’s the little black dress of frugality.

July 2013

Sister L|ves

{ our favorites ... just a click away! }

Saralou's picks (just a

click

Artist Paint Brush Nivea

away)

hat

sn’tWantT

WhoDoe

Graphic designer (sister #6)

You can visit Saralou’s picks by clicking on the photos.

My main hobby outside of work is painting. It feels pretty great once I finish a new piece and get to hang it on my wall. I would love to buy a canvas stretcher kit and a nice canvas bag to carry all my supplies. I mainly paint abstract acrylic paintings like my painting to the right.

July 2013

Madison

Saralou Houlihan

Art Shop

100%

BOTANICAL

GOODNESS

Calendula officinalis

Sunny and familiar, the Calendula blossom is dear to gardeners and herbalists around the world. From the ancient Mayans to medieval European monks, this cheerful herb has provided nutritious food, powerful medicine, and golden fabric dye for ages. A member of the Asteraceae family, the Calendula we grow today is a cultigen of its wild Mediterranean ancestor and has been fashioned through centuries of human preference. Also known as Pot Marigolds, these yellow-orange flowers are greatly valued for their extraordinary anti-inflammatory wound healing and skin rejuvenating abilities.

Traditional Preparations Calendula can be used as a compress, poultice, extract, or tea. Infusing the dried flowers in oil produces a versatile healing ingredient for creams, lip balms, and other skin formulas.

Herbal Curiosities Garlands and crowns made with these beautiful and spirited flowers can be found gracing the sacred statues of Hindu gods and goddesses in temples throughout India.

Each Other Homeschooling with Cathi

{ EACH OTHER } with Cathi Belcher | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { EACH OTHER } category, CLICK HERE { E A C H O TH E R } with Megan Rae | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { E A C H O TH E R } category, CLICK HERE

Re-thinking “Summer Vacation” The longest day of the year is here and cheers are echoing out classroom windows all across the country as the semesters come to a close. But as a lifelong learner, the idea of summer vacation as a “happy time away from books and learning” has always rubbed me the wrong way. It’s the first clue that our traditional education system has failed us. When presented correctly, inquisitive minds delight in knowledge and discoveries of all sorts. Learning is fun … an adventure! … not something that we revel in ending once we walk out of a classroom, and put on hold until the school bell rings again in the fall. Cathi Belcher (Sister #1295), who pens our Mountain Farmgirl Blog, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner,” she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. She’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi is married to her childhood sweetheart, and owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. “Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage,” says Cathi. “I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing.”

It is important to instill the love of knowledge in our kids, to feed their inquisitive minds, and to make learning a natural part of everyday life by “blurring the lines” between the school year and summer vacation. Homeschoolers can do this very effectively. A spur of the moment walk around the pond can often yield more knowledge and teachable moments than a chapter in a textbook. I always found that as much or even more learning took place in the summer than other times on the academic calendar because we were out and about, exposed to new sights and sounds. The important thing to remember is that it doesn’t take any more work on your part as a parent to make summer magically full of learning opportunities. It is nothing more than a mental shift, seeing everything as a teachable moment. Many homeschool moms feel guilty that they are not “teaching enough” or that their kids are not “learning enough.” If they’re participating in the life around them, be assured that they are exposed to oodles of everyday knowledge. But if you want to formalize their learning a bit more this summer, make it a family project to research one or two places you plan to visit. Have them map out a route. How far is it from your house to your destination? What interesting things might you see along the way? Are there museums or historical sites you could stop at to break up the trip? What is the history of the area? Habits like these will serve your family all their lives. One of our grown sons just went to a B&B in Maryland for his first anniversary. As part of his pre-research for his trip, he discovered a marvelous story about the town during the War of 1812. The British fired canons at the town but were too far away to do any damage, so that evening they came up the river to get a closer shot. Anticipating this, the townspeople sent all the children a little ways down the coast to hang lanterns in the trees while, meanwhile, they extinguished all the lights in the town. The forest was decimated, but the town was saved! It is things like this that make history (and life) come alive and teach so many valuable life lessons in the process. So take the pressure off yourself and your kids to “learn something” … just relax, enjoy and observe life. It is ALL learning, especially when we are having fun doing it!

July 2013

Sister L|ves

{ our favorites ... just a click away! }

Ace’s picks ) (just a click away

Photojojo

Photojojo Multimedia Producer (sister #42) As a photographer, I’m intriqued by the fun that’s been put into the photo gadgets on the market—from a lens coffee mug, to spiffy camera straps, to cell phone lenses that are now available for your smartphone. I’ve cooked up a few silly items, then added a dash of functional. So go ahead, salt your breakfast eggs from a film salt shaker ... you may be suprised at the creativity that develops!

Photojojo

ure Capturing Cout

Photojojo

You can visit Ace’s picks by clicking on the photos.

July 2013

Farm Kitchen Where the Cookin’ Begins!

{ FARM KITCHEN } with Ashely Ogle | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { FARM KITCHEN } category, CLICK HERE

Aglio e Olio... is a basic spaghetti and oil dish, usually served with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Growing up, it was always a summertime dinner staple. My mom’s version included clams, diced tomatoes, and olives. It was always the perfect summer meal, because it was quick, easy, and everyone loved it. It is one of my favorite dishes to make because it is so versatile—you can add just about anything to garlic, olive oil, and pasta, and it will taste great.

Ashley Ogle (Sister #2222) was born and raised in northern Idaho, and has always had an intense interest in anything kitchen. Shortly after marrying MaryJane’s son, Brian, at the historic one-room schoolhouse his grandfather attended, Brian and Ashley moved back to the farm and began renovating the 1890 farmhouse that both Brian and his grandmother grew up in. And in keeping with tradition, they’ve begun to raise a family in the same house—their daughter is now 3 and another baby is on the way. Ashley works at MaryJanesFarm as a recipe developer/food stylist, and now spends each day inventing and preparing the delicious food you see in our magazines, books, and websites.

July 2013

AGLIO E OLIO WITH STEAMED CLAMS PREP TIME: 40 MINUTES COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES MAKES: 4 SERVINGS

Steamed Clams

2 T sea salt (Note: soaking the clams in regular table salt will kill them before they are steamed.) 1 1/2 lbs steamer clams 1 cup white wine 2 T butter

Aglio e Olio 12 1/2 10 1/2 1/4 12 2 1 1/3 1/4

ozs spaghetti cup olive oil garlic cloves, peeled and sliced t sea salt t red pepper flakes asparagus spears, sliced Roma tomatoes, diced 22.5-oz can sliced olives, drained cup parsley, minced cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1. 2. 3. 4.

For the clams, dissolve salt in 4 cups of cool water. Add clams, and soak for 20 minutes. Scrub clams and arrange in a single layer on a kitchen towel to drain. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add spaghetti. Cook until al dente; drain and set aside. While the spaghetti is cooking, steam the clams. Add white wine and butter to a large skillet, arrange clams in a single layer in the bottom of the skillet, cover, and cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes (you will hear the clams open as they steam). Remove skillet from heat and discard any unopened clams. In another large skillet over medium heat, cook olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes just until garlic begins to brown. Add asparagus, and cook until tender-crisp. Remove from heat, and toss with pasta, clams and their cooking juices, tomatoes, olives, and parsley. Serve with Parmesan.

5. 6.

Laughter is brightest where food is best

July 2013

Garden Gate Bloom Where You’re P lanted

{ G A RD E N G A T E } with MaryJanesFarm | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { GA RDEN GATE } category, CLICK HERE

Vim and Vinegar By now, you know that I can really wax poetic about vinegar—it cleans windows, tenderizes meat, brightens salads, neutralizes odors, and even softens your laundry. And if you’re looking for creative ways to use up your summer, look no further. It’s vinegar to the rescue once again! Infused vinegars are a superb way to capture the fresh and clean flavors of fruits, vegetables, and herbs for savoring all winter long, when your taste buds are screaming for a diversion. And though you may struggle to use up some of the things you’re going to can this season (Forty jars of pickled watermelon rind? What were you thinking?), you’ll never have to get bored with vinegar. Berry, peach, and nectarine varieties are delicious drizzled over artisan salads. Herb vinegars are nice for salads, too, and for adding to pots of beans, soups, and stews to brighten and intensify their flavor without adding more salt. Or play around with the trend of working vinegar into elegant desserts. How about a dish of home-churned bittersweet chocolate ice cream drizzled with a berry-infused balsamic? Doesn’t that just make your toes tingle? Things get even more indulgent when you pair them with flavorful oils. Just consider the flavor combinations in your favorite recipes and go wild. How about tangerine vinegar and Szechuan pepper oil over a cold salad of snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, and rice noodles? Or whisk up a zesty sandwich dressing by blending sun-dried tomato oil with basil vinegar. A lemon oil and oregano-vinegar combo makes a savory and tenderizing marinade for chicken, or a simple dressing for a fresh Greek salad. Heck, you could build an entire hors d’oeuvres spread around a stack of warm crostini, a log of goat cheese, and an assortment of infused oils and vinegars. Still not a believer? Go sear yourself a steak in garlic oil and deglaze the pan with Herbes de Provence vinegar. I rest my case. The recipes I’m providing here are only guidelines—get creative and swap in different types of vinegars and your favorite herbs and fruits. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately equal measures of fruit and vinegar, and a 1:2 ratio of loosely packed herb leaves and vinegar. Using dried herbs? That’s 1/2 cup leaves to 2 cups vinegar. Herbal vinegars are a cinch: simply pour vinegar over the herbs to steep. For fruit vinegars, you’ll want to heat all your ingredients together before steeping to extract every luscious bit of flavor.

July 2013

A note on safety: Thankfully, vinegar is too acidic for botulism to pose a threat. That being said, other pathogens that live on fresh produce can be an issue if you’re not careful. Sterilize your jars beforehand, and wash produce thoroughly. Only use herbs and fruit that are free of blemishes and bruises, and keep finished vinegars in the refrigerator. And don’t forget to double or triple the recipe to make enough to share! Bottles of infused vinegar are downright decorative, so they make great hostess, housewarming, or holiday gifts. Of course, just-because-you’re-my-neighbor is always the best reason of all.

July 2013

continued ...

Elderberry Vinegar My bushes are loaded with blooms this year. Once they ripen, I know just what I’m going to do with them. Note: Blueberries also work well. This recipe makes a gorgeous purple concoction. When paired with a mild oil and drizzled over some tender greens and edible flowers, like nasturtiums, it’s divine. 2 1/4 cups elderberries 2 T honey 2 cups red-wine vinegar Use a fork to lightly mash the berries. Place all the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed, non-reactive pan over low heat. Once the mixture has started to simmer, cook it for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the fruit from burning. Pour the mixture into a glass jar with a screw-on lid and store in a cool, dark place for three weeks. Using a fine mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter, separate out the berries. Use a wooden spoon to push on them and extract as much juice as possible. Pour into pretty bottles and garnish with a few whole berries, if you like.

Rosemary Vinegar Note: Basil also works well. (You’ll never make chicken salad with plain old white vinegar again.) 1 cup loosely packed rosemary leaves (you can also leave them on the stem for easier removal) 2 cups white-wine vinegar Put the leaves into a screw-top jar. Using a spoon, bruise them up a bit to release more of the essential oils. Pour the vinegar over the herbs, seal the jar, and let it steep for about three weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar once or twice weekly and check the flavor periodically for strength. Once you have it where you like it, strain out the herbs, pour the vinegar into decorative bottles, and seal.

July 2013

Sister L|ves

{ our favorites ... just a click away!}

Karina’s picks (just a

)

click away

Craft Passion

Style M

e Pretty Mod Podge Rocks!

Sar

signs

ey De

Dors ah M.

graphic designer (sister #4) Not only are my fiancé and I getting married this summer, many of our friends are, too. I love to think of creative handmade ideas for gifts. I find it refreshing to work with my hands and learn how to make new things out of different materials. I always get more excited to give a gift that I made myself rather than something I just bought at the store. Here are a few things I found to help spark ideas for gifts.

y Trey&Luc

Real Simple

You can visit Karina’s picks by clicking on the photos.

July 2013

Raising Jane M ary J aneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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Journal

www.raisingjane.org daily entries fresh from the farm

Brought to you by:

To find out more, scan here with your smartphone.

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Stitching & Crafting Room Stitches of Fun & Laughter! { STITCHING & C RA FTING } with Rebekka Boysen-Taylor | to earn a Sisterhood badge in this category, CLICK HERE

Black Rock Plant Markers The search for the perfect plant marker is well known to the seasoned gardener. Folks swear by plant markers made of wood, metal, cheap plastic, ceramic, old spoons, and even the lids off tin cans. Each year, our hopes are dashed as the markers inevitably splinter, fade, crack, or disappear altogether, so the search for the perfect plant marker continues.

Rebekka Boysen-Taylor, (Sister #40) was born in Spokane, Washington, right around the time Mount St. Helens blew her top. She studied Geography at Portland State University and taught grade school in the Bronx and inner-city Los Angeles. She lives with her family on the Palouse. As a stay-at-home mama to two organically growing little ones, Rebekka rounds out her organic lifestyle by volunteering at the Moscow Food Co-op, working as an instructor for MaryJane’s Pay Dirt Farm School, embracing a DIY ethic, winning blue ribbons at the county fair, and living simply.

July 2013

This year, I made economical, easy-to-read plant markers using rocks. To make your own set, you will need a white paint pen and a pile of black rocks. To find inspiration for the designs, I searched for vegetable illustrations on Pinterest. The variety of design styles was impressive, and I admit that much of my time was spent scrolling through pages and pages of utterly lovely drawings. Once I had an idea of the basic outline I would use for each plant, I made a simple rendering of it on the rock using a paint pen and then added the plant’s name. If you prefer a more detailed design, use bigger rocks. A few months from now or perhaps next spring, I can say how these markers stacked up to those I have tried over the years; but regardless of the result, it was an hour nicely spent. You can use craft paint and a fine brush if you prefer—the paint pen makes for an easier cleanup and allowed me to make a few here and there without washing brushes and cleaning up.

July 2013

Make it Easy Happy Hearts Make Light Work

{ MA KE IT EA SY } with Shery Jespersen | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { MA KE IT EA SY } category, CLICK HERE

Teacup Wreath I love wreaths! Every season invites you to hang wreaths inside and out. Seasonappropriate wreaths are fun and very easy to make. I use grapevine wreaths over and over, stripping off old decorations and replacing them with new goodies. I don’t normally use a hot-glue gun to attach decorations to vine wreaths. If needed, I opt for jute or fine wire. That way, I can possibly recycle the decorations and the wreath. Silk flowers and berries are a nice addition to an elegant wrapped gift. The flowers and ribbon don’t need to be new. We tease my mother that she still has leftover gift wrap from the ’70s! Shery Jespersen (Sister #753) is a Wyoming cattle rancher who’s been horsecrazy all of her life. Shery is a leather and lace cowgirl. Her other interests include “junktiques,” creating eclectic “make do” arts and crafts, collecting antique china, and cultivating mirth.

Anyway, I thought a new summer theme wreath was needed for our porch and I wanted to use an antique china teacup as a focal point for the wreath. I let the colors on the cup dictate the color theme. Next, I unpacked an old wreath. I bought a few stems of faux flowers and berries and tucked them into the tight places in the vines. The only tool you need is wire snips to cut the flower stems. I like asymmetric design, so I built a spray of flowers and berries going in opposite directions that was off-center. If you don’t have a new grapevine wreath to make a summer wreath with, undress an old one. If it has been outside long enough to gray out, you can refresh the color by spraying it with furniture oil.

July 2013

After you’re happy with the way the flowers and berries look on your wreath, attach a wire loop hanger on the back of the wreath. (You can also use a paper clip to make a hang-hook.) For the finishing touch, I tied the teacup up onto a vine stem with ribbon so that it would hang down midway. I also placed a bird nest in the cup and put three tiny faux eggs inside it. Approximate cost: $15.

Sister L|ves

{ our favorites ... just a click away! }

s ’ e n a J y r a M

Twin Calves Lucy Snowe Photography , West Coast

Picks

CEO (Queen bee) (sister #1) I’m out of the closet, girls. I’ve come around to what I’ve always known about myself. Must. Milk. Cows. Daily. Now that I’ve pushed everyone else out of the way and I arise each morning to do the milking myself, I’m as happy as a ... contented cow? For the rest of my life (’til the cows come home?), I want to start my day in the presence of cows.

Cow Cover Glass Dish withYork Depression ew N , Ethel Allman Handmade Weathervane Swen Products , North Dakota

Metal D Leela N oor Stopper orman, Virginia

Antique Butter Mold Shawna, USA

Antique Hand-forged Cowbell Jenny, Missouri

Wade, The Old Dusty Shed

Butterworks Farm Organic Dairy??!!

You can visit MaryJane’s picks by clicking on the photos.

Collage Printermany ,G Curious Printery

July 2013

Measuring in Parts One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to share recipes with others. Making herbal medicine and natural products can be overwhelming at first, and I love showing people just how easy it can be!

Irene Wolansky (Sister #1144) is the Marketing Director at Mountain Rose Herbs. Born and raised on the Oregon coast, Irene spent her childhood learning about beekeeping, growing and preserving fruits and vegetables, building forts in the forest, and going on adventures with her dog. She has many interests, which include making her own body care products, mushroom harvesting, gardening, arts and crafts projects, nature photography, mead and beer making, camping, herbal medicine, baking, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her boyfriend and friends. Click here to visit Mountain Rose Herbs on the Web.

Measuring in parts is a perfect example of how simple and forgiving herbal recipes are. Often referred to as the “simpler’s method,” the beauty of measuring in parts is that the formula can be easily scaled up or down, and you can use almost any utensil as a measuring device. In addition to measuring cups, teaspoons, and tablespoons, you can improvise with shot glasses, Mason jars, yogurt containers, your favorite tea mug … you get the idea! The most important thing is being consistent with your measurements and proportions. The exception to this is when making low-dose formulas with potent and potentially dangerous herbs. However, for the most part, measuring in parts is perfect for formulating herbal remedies and concoctions.

Here are two examples of how different recipes can be measured in parts:

July 2013

Refreshing Herbal Tea Blend This tea blend is delightful for warm summer weather, especially when prepared as a sun tea or an iced tea. The Nettle leaf and Yerba Mate are naturally energizing, Lemon Verbena adds a subtle lemony flavor, and Peppermint and Chrysanthemum are cooling. 2 parts Nettle leaf 1 part Peppermint leaf 1 part Lemon Verbena 1 part Chrysanthemum flowers ½ part Yerba Mate

You can measure the formula in teaspoons to make a small batch: 2 t Nettle leaf 1 t Peppermint leaf 1 t Lemongrass 1 t Chrysanthemum flowers ½ t Yerba Mate

Or, make a large batch: 2 1 1 1 1/2

cups Nettle leaf cup Peppermint leaf cup Lemongrass cup Chrysanthemum flowers cup Yerba Mate

July 2013

continued ... Gentle Face Wash Recipe: This gentle face wash recipe is so simple to make, and can be adjusted for different skin types. Add extra Castille or Witch Hazel extract for oily skin. Decrease the amount of Castille for dry and mature skin, plus add a small amount of vegetable glycerin or a carrier oil. Be sure to shake the face wash before using, as the ingredients will naturally separate. 2 parts Castille Liquid Soap 2 parts Water 1/2 part Witch Hazel Extract Optional additions: herbal extracts, essential oils, vegetable glycerin, or a carrier oil.

Small batch using Tablespoons: 2 T Castille Liquid Soap 2 T Water 1/2 T Witch Hazel Extract Optional additions: herbal extracts, essential oils, vegetable glycerin, or a carrier oil.

Large batch using cups:

2 cups Castille Liquid Soap 2 cups Water 1 cup Witch Hazel Extract Optional additions: herbal extracts, essential oils, vegetable glycerin, or a carrier oil.

“

In the

SUMMER, the song SINGS itself. – William Carlos Williams

July 2013

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Outpost

Unleashing Your Inner Wild { OUTPOST } with Shery Jespersen| to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { OUTPOST } category, CLICK HERE

A Quiet Sort of Grateful I write this with a thankful heart. My gratitude overflows, but a quiet approach seems to be more fitting than bouncy joy.

Shery Jespersen (Sister #753) is a Wyoming cattle rancher who’s been horsecrazy all of her life. Shery is a leather and lace cowgirl. Her other interests include “junktiques,” creating eclectic “make do” arts and crafts, collecting antique china, and cultivating mirth.

We desperately needed rain in May. Desperate, 11th hour, dire. For, had we not received moisture precisely when we did, we would no longer own cattle. Not. One. Cow. I prayed for two inches of rain. I was specific. One inch would get the grass started and another inch would put some water in our reservoirs. Every body of water on the ranch was empty. The pond bottoms were dry and crackled. A day went by, then five. Then, it rained and it did not stop until the rain gauge measured exactly and precisely two inches. One week later, it began to rain again and it has rained off and on the whole month of June. We’ve now received over five inches of rain; completely off the charts for this area, utterly and beautifully above normal. The countryside is spectacular. The high plains prairie deserves the “plain” label. It is a plain landscape; however, rain completely changes the view. To be more specific, emerald green changes the picture so dramatically that it is impossible to describe in words. There isn’t a word or grouping of words that can tell of the massive grandeur that surrounds us now. Miles and miles of brilliant green stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction. Gratitude quickly turned to awe. Viewing a miraculous transformation, one that involves thousands and thousands and thousands of acres makes a person feel like a speck of sand. Then, before the rush of gratefulness subsided, I was reminded of other events taking place while our miracle was still developing. Wildfire had destroyed and continued to destroy the homes of thousands of people in Colorado and California. In fact, before I moved back to Wyoming, I once lived in the very area of Black Forest where so many homes were burned to the ground. Then, I thought of Moore, Oklahoma, torn apart by an F-5 tornado. In some places, the destruction was so complete that people didn’t even know where their home once stood. While people picked through debris for anything of value they might recognize, I fretted about storm clouds that might produce hail, which would harm the hay crop and my precious garden. I was ashamed. Our home is intact, my loved ones are safe, the ranch never looked better, our livelihood is secure, my garden is a mini Eden, and the fragrance of fresh greenery hangs in the air. My cup runneth over. I couldn’t stay ashamed because it is not fitting. Gratitude that can be felt to the marrow is fitting. I know, I KNOW that everything can change overnight or in an instant. The peace that you may find yourself standing in is more precious when you realize how fragile it all is or can be. All. Of. It.

July 2013

continued ... So, what is the appropriate response in light of the contrast between home-blessed and homeless? I have a better understanding now of “survivor guilt,” the quiet kind of shame that occurs when others suffer trauma and you were spared. Perhaps—no, certainly—thankfulness is even more important at this time than at any other. Take the joy that blessing has afforded you and divide it. Turn it inward for your own strengthening and then mold the other half into a blessing for those who most need their hope renewed. There is no offering of hope more real than hope that was born in a grateful, kindred heart, once broken also. So, I made peace with the blessing of green all around me. Joy and guilt cannot be dance partners, but joy and gratitude make a perfect pair. Being mindful of how precious and precarious prosperity is enriches and deepens thankfulness. Gee, all I needed to do was keep it simple. Being deeply thankful isn’t complicated!

July 2013

In this Sister Issue, we'd like to welcome guest writer and apronista, CJ Armstrong (Sister #665). CJ, who was Farmgirl of the Year 2010, is the one woman we know who's capable of stealing anyone and everyone's heart. CJ, along with her side-kick daughter, Robin, can be found in campgrounds around the country glamming up their tricked-out tent wearing one of CJ's tricked-out aprons. CJ makes the world a MUCH better (and properly aproned) place! FarmFreshAprons

{ OUTPOST } with CJ Armstrong|to earn a Sisterhood badge in our{ OUTPOST } category, CLICK HERE

Pitch Perfect Putting up a tent can be a challenging endeavor, but there are a few things that can make the process smoother and less frustrating. There are a LOT of tents available out there—some are very inexpensive and others carry a hefty price tag. I suggest doing some research before going out and buying one. If it’s your first experience with buying a tent, be forewarned—just because it says it’s a “six-person tent” doesn’t mean six people can actually sleep in it. That means six people packed in like sardines and no room for gear—basically no room for movement, air mattresses, or even much bedding. We bought a six-person tent, and two of us use it comfortably and have some “personal space.” We could easily add one more person, but more than that would be only in case of an emergency.

Before you go anywhere, assemble the tent in your yard so that you can: 1. Learn how to do it if it’s a new one. 2. Remember how to do it if it’s an older one. This will also help you determine if there are missing parts such as stakes, guy lines, rain fly, etc. You can also seal seams and patch holes if necessary. Coleman makes a sealer that comes in a small, foam-tipped applicator bottle that is easy to use. We carry a bottle with us in our tent bag. 3. Make sure you have everything you need. It’ll be really frustrating if you get to a campsite in the dark or rain and you haven’t practiced or made sure everything is in the tent bag. 4. If you’re doing it by yourself, you’ll be able to come up with a system that works during your practice session. There are differing opinions on the matter of putting a tarp down under the tent, but we do

July 2013

NOT do that because in our experience, we’ve ALWAYS had rain/moisture pool on the tarp and it just makes matters worse. I suggest buying a set of four of the sturdier, heavier-duty tent stakes to stake down the corners of your tent. We use a set of Coleman stakes and find that they make for a more secure stake-down, and then we use the smaller ones that come with the tent for the guy lines and porch front. We carry a rubber mallet for pounding in stakes and a soft-bristle whisk broom for sweeping out the tent. That way, we don’t have to go looking for a big rock or use a towel to clean the tent floor. Select the area for your tent on ground that is as even as possible and clear it of rocks, sticks, and other things that could make holes in your tent floor. We lay down fleece blankets on the inside of the tent floor before putting down our air mattresses. They help cushion, protect, and block cold air. Getting shock tent poles through the tube on your tent is easier if you PUSH them through slowly and evenly so the sections don’t separate. Don’t skip the step of putting on the tent fly because you think it might not rain. It’s an easy thing to do to avoid getting wet from an unexpected rain shower in the middle of the night. When it’s time to leave, sweep out your tent, let it dry, remove the debris and dirt, fold and roll it up neatly, and put everything back in your tent bag so it’s ready for your next trip. If you have to pack up a wet tent, be sure to set it up and thoroughly dry it right away when you get home or you’ll have a ruined tent.

July 2013

Cleaning Up The Work of Our Hands

{ CLEA NING UP } with MaryJanesFarm | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { CLEA NING UP } category, CLICK HERE { CLEA NING UP } with MaryJanesFarm | to earn a Sisterhood badge in our { CLEA NING UP } category, CLICK HERE

Using Up Your Garden There comes a point soon, if your garden is blessed with bounty, when it seems you’ve mastered every possible fresh salad and roasted veggie recipe in the book—you’ve even invented a few. Now what? The key to cleaning up on your summer harvest is getting a little creative, going a little on the wild side. Pretty soon now, it’ll be time to clean up your garden patch and use up what you haven’t used yet. Why? There are sumptuous salsas to be made! Fresh chopped ‘n tossed medleys from the garden offer bright and flavorful alternatives to the old standby condiments like ketchup and mustard. They’re packed with nutrients, too, and are lighter on calories than mayo. And talk about easy—the only tool you need is a knife. While the standard salsa of tomatoes, onions, and peppers is a tried-and-true delight, innovative chefs are boldly inventing new flavor combinations all the time, and they’re using an array of ingredients that might surprise you: peaches, pears, berries, watermelon, yellow summer squash, cucumbers, and cabbage. The uses for salsas are as varied as the ingredients themselves. They will enhance and enliven almost any dish from chips and sandwiches to meat, potatoes, rice, eggs, soups, yogurt, and more. When it comes to making your own fresh salsa, toss out your traditional salsa notion and get ready to explore, improvise, and blaze new trails into the frontier of flavor. To get you started, I’ve come up with a few ideas that are sure to spark your taste buds as well as your imagination. Your garden is waiting ...

Zucchini Salsa You always discover your tried-and-true friends when you try to give away your zucchini! Serve this salsa in a hollowed-out zucchini boat. 1 1 2 1 1 1/2 1/4 2 2 1 1/4

cup zucchini, finely chopped T salt cups fresh tomatoes, finely chopped cup fresh sweet corn kernels cup red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped cup Anaheim chilies, minced cup red onion, peeled and finely chopped cloves garlic, peeled and crushed T fresh oregano, finely minced, or 1 T dried oregano T ground cumin t ground nutmeg

Mix together the zucchini and salt and let sit for about an hour. Drain and stir in the remaining ingredients.

July 2013

Watermelon Salsa As strange as it sounds, this salsa is excellent served on rice. 1 cup watermelon balls (using the small end of a melon scoop) 1 avocado, peeled and diced 1/4 cup red onion, peeled and finely chopped 4 T fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped 2 T fresh lime juice Mix together gently, chill, and serve.

Cabbage Salsa Cabbage gives traditional salsa a fabulous crunch. 2 cups cabbage, shredded or finely chopped 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 1/2 cup onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 T fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped 2 t lemon juice 1 small jalapeno chili, minced 1/2 t salt Mix, chill for one hour, and serve. This salsa can be sealed and kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.

ÂŠ 2013 MaryJanesFarm â&#x20AC;˘ Moscow, Idaho

July 2013

The Scoop MaryJanesFarm News

Index Available!

We have all the back issues of MaryJanesFarm Sister Issue available for download on our website. CLICK HERE to read back issues.

[TIP] Use the search/find tool in your browser to look up keywords in back issues.

Farmgirls Unite! If you are hosting a farmgirl event, open to all farmgirls, send the event description, date, location, and contact info to megan@maryjanesfarm.org. Megan will keep Sisters up-to-date on upcoming gatherings.

Upcoming Events: Glamping, West Bend, Wisconsin, September 20–22, 2013 (see p. 51)

Farmgirls on the Loose, Iola, Texas, Luau Glampout October 18–20, 2013 (see p. 51) If you’re a Sisterhood member, click here to download a FREE Farmgirls on the Loose logo! Enter your Sisterhood number; password is: FGLoose (case-sensitive) (Fun logo ideas: frame it, use it for transfers on shopping bags, totes, and pillows, or make it into a sticker for your trailer!)

July 2013

vintage clothing with quality & style.

a return to what dresses were always meant to be.

July Sisterhood Canning Season Special A quarter-off for a quarter-pound!

25% Off MaryJane’s ChillOver Powder Looks like gelatin. Tastes like gelatin. But it isn’t. It’s better! My innovative ChillOver® Powder is for all the people who grew up loving gelatin desserts but gave up on them, knowing their animal origin. It sets up in half the time gelatin does. It seals in flavors more quickly. And it doesn’t melt at room temperature. Once you try it, you’ll never go back! .

Look what else you can make with ChillOver Powder

P.S. See page 72 for jam recipes using ChillOver Powder

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WHY ORGANIC? Organic cotton is safer for you, for farmers, for your children, and for the environment. My 325 thread count percale sheets feel softer, smell cleaner, and are more hypoallergenic. Not only do they coordinate with the bed sets in my MaryJaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home collection, the fitted sheet has deep corners that fit even the thickest of mattresses.

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WHY PERCALE? In a percale sheet, yarns are woven one over and one under each other to produce a tighter, higher-quality weave than that of standard sheets. Percale sheets are longer lasting, hold up better to washing, and are smoother. They also have that crisp, oldfashioned, delicious feel from an era gone by when sheets were built to last.

Modern. Southern. Style.

beauty

humor

honesty

Farmgirl Sisterhood Share in the Fun!

Farmgirl Chatter

What are farmgirls chatting about? Check it out at The Farmgirl Connection link here!

Farmgirl Calendar Glamping, West Bend, Wisconsin, September 20–22, 2013 Calling all WI, IL, MN, and everyone else. I would like to do a glamping weekend here at my place in West Bend. September 20–22. Weather here in Wisconsin will still be very nice. I wanted to get the date out there so that you can plan ahead. We have room for campers and tents. We have a small, one-car-garage-size cabin, and hopefully by then, a composting toilet. TeeHee!!! We already have a fire pit for cooking and every other luxury we need. Crafting classes and a trunk sale along with games, and I am sure, LOTS of YUMMY FOOD, and farmgirl chitchat!!! West Bend has a wonderful Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning and close-by antique shops, resale shops, and lakes for fishing. Hope to see you all in September! For more information, click here. Farmgirls on the Loose, Iola, Texas, Luau Glampout October 18–20, 2013 We are having our annual Farmgirls on the Loose Glampout at my farm in Iola, Texas. The event will be October 18th20th. We are going to have a Hawaiian Luau theme with a Luau dance on Saturday evening. Would love to have you come out and join us! For more information, click here.

Farmgirl Chatter Across the Fence: Something is eating our herbs … we need a trap! Submitted by February Violet I introduced Violet to the herb beds a few weeks ago, urging her to touch, smell and even taste. Now we can’t keep her out! A few of the faces she’s making in these pics are too funny—must be something rather pungent! To read more click here!

July 2013

continued ... Barnyard Buddies: Meat Chicks. Submitted by Kristin sherrill I ordered 25 Freedom Rangers from Pennsylvania last week and they’ll be shipped out May 15. I also just ordered 50 Cornish Cross chicks from Hoover Hatchery in Rudd, Iowa. Thought it said Ohio. Anyway, they were just $1.16 each. They will be shipped out next Wednesday and I will hopefully get them Thursday. Has anyone ever ordered from this place before? I hope, because they were cheaper, that the quality of the chicks won’t be. I looked at several other sites and they were all around $2 each. I am going to be feeding them all fermented grains. I’m going to do an experiment to see how well they grow this way. And I’ll be using chicken tractors with the Freedom Rangers, since they took SO long to grow last time. But was wondering if anyone’s used Hoover Hatchery? Give your advice here. Barnyard Buddies: Rooster Dilemma. Submitted by StrawHouseRanch It is now very clear that two of the chicks I got from the hatchery that were supposed to be black sex links are definitely roosters. I have decided that I also definitely do not want to deal with keeping roosters. I’m relatively new to keeping chickens, and at our house, they are pets and not livestock. I know that there are some good ones out there. They are going to be gorgeous, like most roosters are. It seems such a shame to destroy such beauty in nature, but one of them has already shown that he is extremely protective of his four girls at his young age of 3 months, and I don’t want to have to watch my back all of the time. I just cannot process them myself. I’ve thought about it over and over and cannot do the deed. I don’t know what my other options are. A friend of mine has been trying to find a home for two roosters he got from the feed store in a batch of chicks and has had no luck. Does anyone have suggestions or have similar situations, and what did you do? Help with your suggestions here. Cleaning Up: Mold!!! Submitted by shawneefarmgirl I just discoveered mold on the bedroom wall and windowsill. YUK!!!!! Can someone help me out with something green to rid this with? I hope I don’t need to resort to bleach, but if I have to … and I just now found it on my wicker laundry hamper. HELP!! Help this farmgirl clean up her mold here. Farm Kitchen: Recipes for Happiness. Submitted by Ninibini My niece just graduated last month. A while back when we were discussing what she would like to have or what she might need for college, she had mentioned that she would really love to have all of her grandma’s recipes as well as mine to take with her when she goes off to college. I’ve decided to make her an altered recipe box as a keepsake, and I’ve gathered up all the recipes and am handwriting each one with a fun little anecdote about each person from whom the recipe came, or for which types of celebrations the recipe was served, etc. I would really like to incorporate a section called “Recipes for Happiness” in the box—sayings, advice, and ideas that she can pull out when she’s feeling homesick that will make her laugh, encourage her, or uplift her in the tough times. Here are a few examples:

July 2013

1. Give of yourself—your time, your talents, your heart. Love isn’t love until it’s given away. 2. Look for the humor in every situation. Let it tickle your soul and bubble up into overflowing laughter. Laughter truly is the best medicine! 3. Live with an attitude of gratitude. Be grateful for everyone in your life, everything you have, and for everything you have to do. Happiness always comes when we realize just how full of blessing our lives truly are. 4. Make everything you do an act of love—even the smallest things can be meaningful if done with the right perspective. 5. Put on a dress and dance in the rain … or in the sun. Just twirl and twirl and twirl around until your heart feels free. 6. Crank up the volume and sing! 7. Find the best in everyone. Seeing themselves through your eyes will make the world a better place. 8. Always be gracious and kind. Grace is living beauty. And kindness truly matters. 9. If you are inspired to do something, never let anyone tell you it can’t be done. Do not give up! Just pray, trust your instincts, and believe in yourself. You can do it! Faith, determination, and persistence are the keys! 10. Always love and remember the Lord your God. Have faith, pray, and trust in Him for all things. ‘In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths!’ (Proverbs 3:6) These are just a few examples, of course. I’m sure you all have some wonderful farmgirl words of wisdom to share, though. I would love to hear and share your “Recipes for Happiness,” too! Give you example here. Farm Kitchen: Favorite treat Grandma made? Submitted by CindyG I am looking to start this week off with some positive thoughts and nostalgia, so please share the one favorite thing your grandma made for you. It is kind of hard to pick because I have so many really nice Grandma memories, and many of them are kitchen or dining room table related. To pick The One, it is an oddly simple and surprisingly commercial thing: incredible cookies made with basic cookie stuff plus Wheaties and coconut. Back in the day when companies gave out free recipe booklets in grocery stores or when you sent in “x” number of box tops, Wheaties came up with this recipe for cookies to get you to use more of their product. Worked for us! They are also known as “Ranger Cookies”. Has anyone had them? One bite and I go back to my grandma’s sparkling clean white enamel kitchen....ahhhhhh. A close second would be her seven-minute boiled frosting, which I have never been able to recreate. I think it has to do with remembering the Colorado version of this and now I’m in the swamp known as Washington DC, where humidity doesn’t let anything ever really “set.” Give your input here. Farm Kitchen: What different foods have you tried? Submitted by Calicogirl My honey and I love to try new (to us) foods. Recently we discovered Membrillo (quince paste), Yak, Lychees, Quinoa, and more. Oh, and I tried using roasted, ground cacoa nibs in my French press in place of regular cocoa, wow, great cocoa flavor.

July 2013

continued ... How about you? Or, what have you always wanted to try? For years, I wanted to try persimmons, but there is such a small window of availability. Two years ago, I finally got to try them and absolutely LOVE them! Let us know what you have always wanted to try here. Garden Gate: My big wonderful pile of wood chips!!! Submitted by wooliespinner I had called the electric company hoping for fresh chipped mulch from when they cut limbs and trees down and grind them up. I guess you could call it raw mulch. In the video Back to Eden, he uses raw wood chips to help suppress weeds and help in gardening. He never tills anymore—he just parts the composted chips and plants. Never tilling again ... I would love to never have to till again—that would be totally awesome! I had called the electric company yesterday and figured it would be a long time for them to bring wood chips. This morning, I heard this truck at the bottom of my driveway and they had a load of chips!!! I couldn’t believe my luck. I am so excited about my pile of chips. I know this sounds kinda crazy, but I keep going out and looking at this wonderful pile and it smells like fresh leaves. This evening, I am going to start putting it in the garden one wheelbarrow at a time. I hope I can have a Back to Eden garden just like Paul in the video … Find out more here.

July 2013

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Farmgirl Sisterhood Social Media I’m doubling back to make sure you’re aware of all the social media happenings at MaryJanesFarm, because you won’t want to miss a thing—especially the moment when YOU’RE the sister featured on one of our Facebook pages simply because you’re just so farmgirl awesome or you’ve earned a badge or your blog post from our Sisterhood blogging community over at www.GirlGab.com was featured. (This is my favorite daily pleasure. I LOVE GirlGab!) As ladies of the Sisterhood, now numbering 5,344 (and counting), we’ve earned an amazing number of Merit Badges so far—7,177 total! We’ve recently started alerting earned Badges daily on our MaryJanesFarm Facebook page. We started out alerting just the expert-level earners, but decided recently to alert all levels AND add photos if you include them. We’re just so durn proud! Can you hear the clucking? My blog, www.raisingjane.org, is a little bit more of the fun and frilly that you’ve come to expect from MaryJanesFarm, and is my outlet for conversation in between magazines. If you’re a Facebook or Twitter kind of gal, you’ll find my posts teased on my Twitter account and my Facebook account. Updates for all things glamorously glampifying for International Glamping Weekend can be found here, at its Facebook fan page. Facebook and Twitter not your thing? Then, our Pinterest page can keep you up-to-date with recipes, projects, products, and beautiful images captured here at my farm.

July 2013

Exclusive for Sisters! Sisterhood Necklace

We’ve partnered with Elaine Tolson of Washington to offer this lovely bit of vintage-style jewelry—for Sisterhood members only. Your necklace will be emblazoned with your own unique Sisterhood number, setting your braggin’ rights in stone. Whether you wear it as a secret code for those in-the-know, or as a conversation starter about the Sisterhood, is up to you. Click here to order yours.

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Elaine

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July 2013

Merit Badge Awardees

Merit Badge Awardees Alicia Winkler: DandeeRose #5232 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Shopping Green Beginner badge: Each Other / Blogging Beginner badge: Each Other / Civic Heritage Intermediate badge: Each Other / Blogging Amanda Mathis: Andi #5199 Beginner badge: Each Other / Blogging Britteny Gayheart: Firefly #5214 Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Horse Dreams Intermediate badge: Garden Gate / Horse Dreams Expert badge: Garden Gate / Horse Dreams Carol Johnson: carolj #1823 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Get it Together Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Buttoned Up Intermediate badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Buttoned Up Ciara Neill: infinite_wallflower #5005 Beginner badge: Each Other / Blogging Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Birds Caron Ladehoff: caronlade #5037 Beginnger badge: Stitching & Crafting / Aprons Beginnger badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Aprons Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Expert badge: Stitching & Crafting / Aprons Expert badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Darla Armstrong: cowgirlup@21 #4391 Expert badge: Make it Easy / Let’s Get Physical

July 2013

Deborah Meyer: dmeyer #4099 Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Birds Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Heirlooms Forever! Intermediate badge: Each Other / Languages/Culture Intermediate badge: Garden Gate / Herbs Denise Dugan: #5001 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Shopping Green Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Sew Wonderful Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Sew Wonderful Jacqueline Ferri: Jackie Ferri #1664 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Intermediate badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Judy Torola: #599 Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Aprons Kathleen Bobbitt: NixKat #3447 Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Backyard Farmer Katrina Bogdon: ourhealingroots #4763 Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Buttoned Up Intermediate badge: Each Other / Blogging Expert badge: Each Other / Blogging Katrina Smith: Kat-Nina #4813 Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Icing on the Cake Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Recipes Intermediate badge: Garden Gate / Horse Dreams Expert badge: Stitching & Crafting / Nellie Will-do Kristina Nelson: FieldsofThymea #800 Expert badge: Stitching & Crafting / Nellie Make-do Kristina Smith: kristina72 #5176 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Shopping Green Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Cross-stitch

ÂŠ 2013 MaryJanesFarm â&#x20AC;˘ Moscow, Idaho

continued ...

July 2013

continued ... Lisa Seaman: Red Dog #5107 Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Expert badge: Stitching & Crafting / Aprons Expert badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Lora Rosencrans: FARMALLchick #358 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Lynne Parmenter: #5089 Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Quilting Nan Roberts: Nanr42 #3594 Beginner badge: Each Other / Blogging Intermediate badge: Each Other / Blogging Nancy Boyd: NancyOH1 #2508 Beginner badge: Make it Easy / Let’s Get Physical Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Quilting Norma Hart: njhart #1661 Beginner badge: Outpost / Disconnect to Reconnect Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Embroidery Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Knitting Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Embroidery Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Knitting Patti White: P.Ann #4415 Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Cross-Stitch Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Quilting Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Quilting Peggy Smith: forever young #1815 Expert badge: Each Other / Ink Slinger Expert badge: Each Other / Languages/Culture Rebecca Riccio: ladybek9756 #4932 Beginner badge: Each Other / Blogging Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Aprons

July 2013

Rebekah Craft: Bekki #3088 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Shopping Green Ruby Slider: narjay #1663 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Water Conservation Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Cheesemaking Sarah Hall: mrssarahhall #5223 Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Recipes Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Birds Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Horse Dreams Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Recipes Scarlett Winters: silver3wings #2044 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Green Energy Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Beginner badge: Each Other / Families Forever Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Recipes Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Heirlooms Forever Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Herbs Beginner badge: Make it Easy / Relaxation Beginner badge: Outpost / First Aid Intermediate badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Intermediate badge: Make it Easy / Relaxation Sharon Schrader: #4109 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Beginner badge: Each Other / Farmgirl Grammar Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Get it Together Intermediate badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Get it Together Expert badge: Farm Kitchen / Get it Together Sherrill Roy: baabonnybelle #4153 Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Crochet Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / Embroidery Sherrilyn Askew: #1350 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Water Conservation Beginner badge: Each Other / Blogging

ÂŠ 2013 MaryJanesFarm â&#x20AC;˘ Moscow, Idaho

continued ...

July 2013

continued ... Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Bustin’ Out Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Recipes Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Self Sufficiency Beginner badge: Garden Gate / 3 R’s Rule (Reuse, Recycle, Revive) Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Heirlooms Forever Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Recipes Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Unprocessed Kitchen Intermediate badge: Make it Easy / Relaxation Intermediate badge: Outpost / First Aid Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Quilting Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / Sew Wonderful Expert badge: Cleaning Up / Recycling Expert badge: Farm Kitchen / Cheesemaking Stephanie Belker: MayFay #5093 Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Know Your Food Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Herbs Terri Maynard: TerriJo #5121 Beginner badge: Each Other / Community Service Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Get it Together Intermediate badge: Each Other / Community Service Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Get it Together Expert badge: Farm Kitchen / Get it Together Terry Steinmetz: teryouth #3600 Beginner badge: Cleaning Up / Water Conservation Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Gaining Ground Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Heirlooms Forever Intermediate badge: Cleaning Up / Water Conservation Valerie Vervoort: 4794 Beginner badge: Each Other / Community Service Whittney Chaney: neenee #3203 Beginner badge: Farm Kitchen / Unprocessed Kitchen Beginner badge: Garden Gate / 3 R’s (Reuse, Recycle, Revive!) Intermediate badge: Farm Kitchen / Unprocessed Kitchen Expert badge: Farm Kitchen / Unprocessed Kitchen

July 2013

Farmerettes & Young Cultivators Alice Holland: Mentoring Sister #828 Beginner badge: Each Other / Let’s go to Town Austin Marsden: Mentoring Sister #4411 Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Horsing Around Chevelle Marsden: Mentoring Sister #4411 Beginner badge: Garden Gate / Horsing Around Lily Holland: Mentoring Sister #828 Beginner badge: Each Other / Let’s go to Town Luna Wofe: Mentoring Sister #4763 Beginner badge: Stitching & Crafting / All Buttoned Up Intermediate badge: Stitching & Crafting / All Buttoned Up Expert badge:Stitching & Crafting / All Buttoned Up

What’s a Farmerette? Farmerettes are young farmgirls-in-training between the ages 14–18. They can earn the same Merit Badges as adult Sisters, so long as there is a Farmgirl Sisterhood member nearby to work with them. Click here to find out more. What’s a Young Cultivator? Young Cultivators are girls and boys between the ages 6 and 13. They can work with Farmgirl Sisterhood members to earn badges, but have their own unique program. Click here to find out more.

Woo-Hoo!

July 2013

Young Cultivators Group

Rebekka Boysen-Taylor, our Stitching & Crafting columnist, also coordinates a Young Cultivators group. She’ll report on their activities here and in future issues.

Little Handfuls

One of the first publications I read from MaryJanesFarm was the “Handful” issue of the magazine, published in 2004. Tucked in the pages of this particular issue is a beautiful photo essay that moved me more than I can properly explain. Featured are a series of photos titled “farmhands” from Iowa-extension-agent-turnedphotographer Jerry DeWitt. Jerry’s stunning photos show hands of all ages doing things like spinning wool, cradling baby chicks, and milking goats. Some of the hands are young and smooth, others worn by decades of handwork. I am so glad that I stumbled upon this particular issue when my daughter was very young because it gave me an idea that has shaped the way I photograph my children. I developed the habit of taking pictures of my kids holding the things that matter to them when we head outside. Looking back at photos of their sweet hands offering me a peek at the newest treasure, year after year, is one of the ways I mark time as a mother. Someday, these pictures will become a wall of art in our home. For now, every photo book I make includes at least one “handful” from each child. This summer, as you explore close to home or far away, snap some pictures of what you and your children are busy with. I imagine that as my kids get older, their treasures will change as much as their hands. My hope is that the wear they add to their hands over the years is the result of joyful labor. You can find the “Handful” issue of MaryJanesFarm here.

July 2013

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Meet our Bloggers

Being a farmgirl isn’t where you live, but how you live! Farmgirls are tapping away at their keyboards to bring you news from the homefront, no matter where you live or what your interests. Rebekah Teal, a former judge, writes about being a farmgirl in the city; Alexandra Wilson blogs from the rural perspective; Nicole Christensen gives you the suburban viewpoint; Cathi Belcher shouts-out from her mountain top, Shery Jespersen shares the ranch view from Wyoming, and Debbie Bosworth writes from the beach. You can click to our farmgirl blogs right on our home page (www.maryjanesfarm.org). While you’re there, sign up for our e-mail blog alerts and recipe of the week.

city

rural

suburban

mountain

fa r m g i r l

Rebekah Teal is a farmgirl from a large metropolitan area who recently made her dreams come true by moving to a farm. Given her dyed-in-the-wool city-girl background, she still writes our City Farmgirl Blog. She’s a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution, and she has been a judge, a business woman, and a stay-at-home mom. She’s not only downhome citified, she’s a true-blue farmgirl ... in (the occasional) pair of stilettos!

Alexandra Wilson is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, Alaska—the agricultural seat of the last frontier—and she shares her adventures on our Rural Farmgirl Blog. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University, pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She is focused on developing a program to inspire young women to become beginning farmers. She lives and works on the university’s 700-acre educational farm. When Alex has time outside of graduate school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with newfangled ingredients.

Nicole Christensen, our current Suburban Farmgirl Blogger, calls herself a “knitter, jam-maker, and mom extraordinaire.” Born and raised in the great state of Texas, she now resides in suburban New England in picturesque Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York state.

Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about, she says, is the essence of being a farmgirl. Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit.

Married for 18 years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields and has been a worldtraveler, entrepreneur, knitting teacher, and homemaker, but considers being a mom her greatest job of all. Loving all things creative and domestic, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted.”

Cathi Belcher, who pens our Mountain Farmgirl Blog, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner,” she fiercely values selfreliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. She’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi is married to her childhood sweetheart, and owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. “Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage,” says Cathi. “I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing.”

N E W S FR O M T H E H O M E F RON T ... w h e t he r t hat ho me is

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Shery Jespersen, Wyoming cattle rancher and outpost writer, shares the view from her saddle in our Ranch Farmgirl Blog. Shery is a “leather and lace cowgirl” who’s been horse-crazy all of her life. Her longtime love is Apple Pi “Dolly” Rose, a 20-year-old Morgan otherwise known as “The Best Darn Horse in the Universe.” Her other interests include “junktiques,” creating eclectic “make do” arts and crafts, collecting antique china, and cultivating mirth.

Debbie Bosworth left her lifelong home in the high desert of northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, Massachusetts, where she, her “beach-bum Yankee” husband of 20 years, and her two homeschooled kids are now firmly planted. Debbie writes our Beach Farmgirl Blog. “I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’! I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘Make Each Day their Masterpiece.’”

I’m thrilled to have found my new favorite product, Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut Mascara. Finally, a “natural” mascara that really delivers! (100% of its total ingredients are from natural origins, and 70% are organic). Whether you’re 18, 80, or in-between, mascara’s a universal cosmetic that looks great on everyone. It really “opens up” your pretty peepers! Whether you prefer a casual, natural look or go “glam,” it’s the product that gives everyone more polish. Mascara is one of the oldest cosmetics, dating back to the ancient Egyptians. Victorian women wore “homemade” mascara, and in the 1900s, the manufacture of a modern mascara began. Did you know that the first mass-marketed “lash dyes,” sold in the 1920s and 30s, contained ingredients that could cause blindness and even death, and prompted the FDA to start regulating cosmetics? However far we’ve come from that first tube, many ingredients listed on mascara prompt me to wonder how “safe” they really are. Still, I don’t like going without it. I’ve tried them all ... different formulas and brands, from the most expensive department-store brands to cheaper ones sold in mass chain stores. “Natural” formulas, unfortunately, always seemed to fall short. I’d have “raccoon eyes” shortly after application, or the mascara just didn’t lengthen. This is not the case with Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut Mascara. It’s 100% natural AND wears great! My lashes are long and defined, without clumps. I wear two coats without it looking too thick, and it stays on and doesn’t collect under my eyes. Best of all, I can remove it with simple soap and water. It’s free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, synthetic colors, parabens, synthetic fragrance, and GMOs. The brush is even recyclable! Priced around $9.99, look for the hot-pink tube at drugstores and mass-market stores like Target.

“

Hi MaryJane, My name is Linda Stritzel and I’m the one attached to this jar of jam! The results were amazing. I actually like it more than traditional pectin recipes—I didn’t realize how much flavor pectin robs from the fruit! The color, taste, and texture are perfect. I’ll be sure to have plenty of ChillOver powder ready for the next jam season!

”

Your Midwest farmgirl, Linda

ChillOver Strawberry Jam 2 lbs strawberries, washed, hulled, and crushed to yield 4 cups crushed berries 2 cups organic cane sugar 2 packets MaryJane’s ChillOver Powder 1. Combine crushed strawberries and sugar in a large pot. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. 2. Sprinkle and stir ChillOver Powder into liquid and boil rapidly for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. 3. Remove from heat and can in sterile jars (refer to a canning manual for complete canning instructions). ChillOver Raspberry Jam Substitute raspberries for strawberries. ChillOver Blackberry Jam Substitute blackberries for strawberries.

❉ You’ll find recipes in every box. For more ChillOver recipes, buy our “8th Issue, Farm Kitchen” at www.maryjanesfarm. org/backissues.asp.

To order, call 888-750-6004 or go to www.maryjanesfarm.org

Looks like gelatin. Tastes like gelatin. But it isn’t. It’s better!

My innovative ChillOver® Powder is for all the people who grew up loving gelatin desserts but gave up on them, knowing their animal origin. It sets up in half the time gelatin does. It seals in flavors more quickly. And it doesn’t melt at room temperature. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!

To buy, scan here with your smartphone.

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Music Instruments ACCORDIONS, CONCERTINAS, Button Boxes, Rolands. Buy, sell, trade, repair, tune. Catalogs, $5. Castiglione, PO Box 40, Warren MI 48090. 586-755-6050. www.castiglioneaccordions.com

Composting Worms RED WORMS(Eisenia Fetida) perfect for composting.$26.00 per pound, five pound limit per order. Free Shipping. Greenway Farms of Georgia, 1100 Beasley Rd., Roberta, GA 31078. www.greenwayfarmsofga.com

Earth Worms www.GreenGregsWormFarm.com Bedrun Redworms – 5,000/$42, 10,000/$65, 20,000/$118, 50,000/$280. Postpaid. Fishing, Composting, Gardening. Greg Allison, 112 Stilwell Drive, Toney, AL 35773. Free “How To Guides” included. 256-859-5538

European Garden Tools The Marugg Company European-style scythes, snaths, and sickles. Free catalog. P.O. Box 1418, Tracy City, TN 37387. www.themaruggcompany.com

Organic Beehives QUALITY TOP BAR Bee Hives for easy backyard beekeeping. Raise Bees, process your honey the natural, organic way. 270-703-5877. www.organicbeehives.com

Wanted WantedtotoBuy Buy

LOOKING FOR VINTAGE SHASTA: I live in New BUYING VINTAGE RADIOS, vacuum tubes, York and am very eager to buy a vintage Shasta trailer. microphones, Western Electric items, audio ampliRenovated or partially renovated/decorated would be fiers, turntables, old movie equipment. 203-272-6030. fine. Willing to pay for shipping! Please get in touch at Larry2942@cox.net your earliest convenience. lainesiklos@aol.com

YOUR AD HERE YOUR AD CAN BE HERE Call Brian

Call 203-263-7171 1-888-750-6004

d baki SOLAR brea E SUNDAY DRIV

Magazines, Books & More

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AUG–SEPT 2013

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Our Aug/Sept issue (Sunday Drive) will hit newsstands on July 16. In it, you’ll find recipes for sun ovens, campfires, and canning in the city; meet a great-grandmother who’s taken to the road in her vintage trailer; learn to host a craft retreat; make a terrarium; and more.

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IssUe sUnDay DrIVe2013 aUg–sePT

Click here to subscribe to MaryJanesFarm magazine.

Our Aug/Sept issue will be out on July 16. If you’re a subscriber, you should receive yours by about July 10. (Those of you near postal hubs get faster delivery; rural delivery takes a little longer.) If you don’t receive your magazine by then, you can call our publisher’s subscription department at 800-476-4611 to check on your delivery.

MaryJanesFarm

Calendar

Our 2013 calendar is still available. Each month’s top page features a full-color image from our farm and each calendar page includes dates, holidays, inspirational sayings, lunar phases, and fabulous farmgirl culture. This is a Project F.A.R.M. (First-class American Rural Made) product. All 26 pages are printed here at the farm on 8 1/2" x 11" card stock and are bound with black spiral wire, unfolding to 11" x 17". Current Holidays: July 4 ~ Independence Day July 7 ~ Global Forgiviness Day, Chocolate Day July 12 ~ Simplicity Day July 15 ~ Global Hug Your Kid Day July 21 ~ National Ice Cream Day July 22 ~ Hammock Day July 23 ~ Gorgeous Grandma Day July 28 ~ Parents’ Day, Aunties’ Day July 30 ~ Fathers-in-Law Day

Magazine “Goodies” on the MJF Website “For those who are looking for the magazine portion of the website, here is the place to find additional patterns, instructions, recipes and such! Yum!” – Alee, Farmgirl Sister #8 To find the goodies, click here!

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2013 Farmgirl C

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alendar

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass spring ing up in the fields has pow er to move, if the simple things of nat ure have a me ssage that you understand, rejoice, for you r soul is alive.

”

– Eleonora Duse

5,344 Sisterhood members and 7,177 Merit Badges earned — growing stronger every day!

July 2013