Our Mini Farm in Numbers...

Hello and welcome to our little farmstead! 

As of Thanksgiving, we will have lived here for four years! Some of you know the story of our search for a mini farm... but the quick version is this: When our three sons were 10, 7, and 4 years old, we wanted to find a place where they could roam free, explore and play to their hearts' content. We hoped for a home with some land and a barn. Our boys really wanted a dog. We pictured somewhere just passed the city limits, but still close to family and our boys' school.

We prayed and prayed. We couldn't shake the desire. When we found this place, it just felt like home. It had everything we were looking for (except marble kitchen countertops and updated bathrooms, but you know what I mean ;).

Sundays at Home Link Party...

Hi Friends and welcome back to Sundays at Home! If you are following along on Instagram, you may have seen these caramel apples that I made last week for our youngest son's art class (we were making apple basket art, so I couldn't resist ;). I received questions about the recipe I used, so before we jump into the party, I thought I'd share it with you...

The recipe I used was simple. You'll need 1 bag of individually wrapped caramels, 2 TBS of heavy whipping cream, craft sticks, and six crunchy apples. I personally love the tartness of Granny Smith apples with caramel, but Honey Crisp, Pink Lady or any of your favorite apples (maybe from your own tree?!) will work.

Wash apples and dry completely. Remove apple stems. Insert craft sticks where stems used to be. Unwrap caramels (the most time-consuming part, I used Kraft brand caramels) and place in a "smallish" glass bowl (because you want the caramel to be somewhat deep for dipping). Add 2 TBS of heavy whipping cream and heat in microwave, checking and stirring every 45 seconds. Dip apples and place on buttered cookie sheet or wax paper. If your caramel is too hot, it will be thin and run right off of your apples. If it is too thick, it may not be warm enough or may require a little more cream. As you can see, mine are far from perfect. Let's call them rustic. 

Our New Farmhouse-Style Shop Space {A Peek Inside}

 Hi Friends. Thank you so much for all that support you have shown me as I recently opened up a retail space inside one of my favorite (like all-time favorite) local antique shops, M&M Antiques in Monroe, WA. It has been a lot of fun filling our booth, and we are learning a lot in the process. 

Although this is a busy time of year with back-to-school, I also think it is a really great time to begin a shop space as we head into the cozy, holiday seasons of fall and winter. 

 I hope you don't mind if I occasionally share some shop posts here on the blog... It is another  canvas to try out decorating and display options that I may not be able to pull off in our own home. ;) 

Please come in and have a look around...

Sundays at Home {Link Party}

Welcome back to Sundays at Home! We hope it's been a good week for you. I had fun filling this extra large, rustic crate with dried hydrangeas. Do you have hydrangeas that are starting to dry out in your garden? When they start to feel "papery" cut them (with enough stem for an arrangement) and place them in a dry (preferably dark) place. Do not put them in water! That's all there is to it. They should dry beautifully. (With exception being some of the white varieties - some of mine wilt and I'm not sure why... maybe one of you with more of a green thumb could provide a tip! ;)

Farmhouse Fall Decor {Cotton Ball Garland & Rust Star Flower Bushes}

 Product was received in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

I recently added some rustic fall decor to our living room mantel with this 5-foot cotton ball garland and rust star flower bush from Craft House Designs.

Personalize Your Party!

Product was received in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Hi Everyone! I hope your week is going well... 

Thank you so much for all of your kind words on the blog and Instagram - wishing my parents a happy 50th anniversary. This is my last post from our trip to Maui last month where we celebrated my parents' 50th. I also want to thank the artists and vendors who worked with me to provide so many special gifts and favors to make the celebration even more special. 

Today, I'm happy to share some fun favors from Oriental Trading. Did you know that in addition to their main website, they also have a site dedicated to weddings and anniversaries? (I hadn't known this!)

Sundays at Home #174

Happy Labor Day weekend! We're so happy you've joined us.

Farmhouse Decorating for Early Fall {Wheat and Galvanized Buckets}

We're just four days back into the school routine and I've never been so ready for the weekend. 

Wow. I forgot about just how early the mornings are, how late the evenings are - getting backpacks and lunches prepped, and how many forms (and checks) need signing this time of year! But... all three of our boys have had a good back-to-school week and so I'm feeling grateful. I imagine your week has been full too, and I hope it has been going well. And if you happen to be a teacher, thank you for all you do! :)

The Pillow that Brought Tears to my Eyes... {Unique Gift Ideas}

Product was received in exchange for this post. Affiliate links are provided. All opinions are 100% my own.

Hi Friends! I hope your week is going well so far... 

I'm excited to share this sweet gift idea with you today from Finch and Cotter. We ordered this pillow for my parents' 50th anniversary, and personalized it with their wedding photo (from 1967!) and the lyrics from the song "What a Wonderful World." It also has their name and wedding date printed on it.

Sundays at Home #173

Welcome to this week's Sundays at Home! We hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! Our boys head back to school this coming week, so we are busy getting supplies, some new clothing (wow, have they grown over the summer with all that Vitamin D!), and the dreaded chapel shoes. ;)