Sheep!!!

I just had to share some adorable pictures of the newest members of our homestead....three Shetland sheep! They were born in May of this year, so are still technically lambs, and are just the cutest things!

I actually got them a couple weeks ago, but have been very bad about getting photos and doing a post about them! So, let me introduce you: Annie Rose (on the left) is a Moorit coloring, but after a few shearings she should lighten up into more of a Fawn. She has a sweet temperament but is very shy. Lizzy Jane (the one in the middle) is the perfect dainty lady....she is an Emsket coloring with blue eyes and curliest lashes! She is also very shy, but will come up to you with no problems if you offer her a carrot! Rachel Lynde (the one on the right) definitely lives up to her name, and is very loud. She gets very upset if you show up a bit late to grain her! She is a Dark Brown, is very confident and loves to be petted.

I bought them as a 4H project, and plan on showing at a local fair in September. After fair season I'll shear them, and then proceed to learning how to clean, spin, and maybe even dye some of their wool! I've been getting my knitting needles out again to practice, so I can't wait to start working on projects from my own sheep! :)

Lately our main goal has been to learn to lead. They're getting pretty good about putting the halters on and off, but actually being lead is another thing. Right now, it's not so much walking as a lot of big jumps straight into the air. We've also been working on 'setting up' for the judges, and standing still and square. Lizzy Jane sets up very nice, and could stand pretty and still all day, so I would love to use her as a showmanship lamb, but right now she is the worst at walking. I'll get it figured out, though.

Got any fun 4H projects going on? What have your preparations been for fair season? Fall weather farm chores? Tell me int the comments or shoot me an email! :)

Thanks for reading! :)

Charming Quarters: My Current Bedroom

Norman Rockwell's 'Decorator'

Hello everybody! Lately, what with all the preparations to get back to school, I've been tingling to start freshening up my room and giving it a real face lift. I'm intending to write a collection of posts about my room, how I'm planning to decorate it, and the DIY crafts and challenges along the way. Check back for future posts!

My room is one the third floor, it what is, technically, our attic. I've taken to calling it my 'garret room', what with it's pretty paper and slanted ceilings. It's fairly small, with one window, and white carpeting. There is also a gorgeous set of drawers built into the wall (an epic floor-space saver!) and the most adorable double door. I love my room...I really do. But, as with everything, a little change and freshening up is OK. Following is a quick list of some of the things I'd like to get/make, and some photos.


1. Fresh paper/paint.
2. A cover for my armchair.
3. An ottoman, or at least a little stool, for my armchair.
4. Clean out the corner that currently holds my doll house, and perhaps get an antique blanket chest or something to go there.
5. New curtains! There is also a window decoration I'd like to try....
6. New sheets and pillows!
7. A rug, perhaps? I'd love to try and rug-punch my own.

My bed, featuring a lovely purple quilt my mum made me.

8. Update my desk. I have no idea what I want to do, but I need to do something! It's turning into a catch all.
9. More photos and other decorations on my walls, in nice frames, preferably.

My window.....lacy curtains.

My arm chair.....yes, yes, ugly 1970's print, but it was only $2 at a yard sale and soooo comfortable!!!!!!!

My drawers. And a model horse collection above them.

My doll house....with more clutter behind it. 

My desk.....and curio cabinet.....and bookshelf. 

A close up of the amazing knitted afghan that my Meme, or great-grandmother on my dad's side, made my dad. :)

The amazing double door!!!! :)

Thanks for reading! :) Any thrifty DIY decorating ideas you'd like to share? What are some of your decorating plans for the fall?

Why Blouses are Awesome

I've always liked a good blouse, but it's only been this summer that I've really started utilizing and loving them. I own 14 blouses, in sleeveless, short sleeves, 3/4's, and long styles. I have a bunch of colors and even a few prints. I wear almost all of them through the summer, or under a sweater in winter. Below, you will find a list of reasons why I love, love, love, love, love blouses.

Blouses are more comfortable than T-shirts. At least I think so. I've always had trouble finding a good T. They're all either too baggy (I insist on everything being impeccably fitted) or too tight (I'm a farmgirl....I need freedom of motion!) The ease of motion in a blouse cannot be beat by ANY off the rack T. Plus, they're  they're light and cool during summer, and great under (or over) an extra layer in the winter. Win win!

Blouses look better. Again, that's my opinion. But a couple of years ago, I was taking riding lessons at a local barn with my friend. We were walking back from one of the field, and my friend said, "You look like the rich girl who owns the stable, I look like I just rolled out of bed!" We were both equally dirty, grimy, and sweaty. We had the same helmet hair, knotted ponytails, and red faces. So, what was the difference? I had pulled on a blouse with a belt, while she had worn a favorite, loose-fitting T. Blouses instantly add something unique, classier, and dressier to an outfit, even if they're still paired with sneakers and shorts. And it's takes the exact same amount of time to slip into a blouse than to pull on a regular shirt!

Blouses are more versatile. The blouse really hasn't changed that much throughout history. So, they can take on virtually any style, be it vintage, classic, edgy, or indie. Plus they can be worn with anything: tucked into pencil skirts, un-tucked with shorts, slipped under jumper dresses or worn with an unbuttoned sweater cardigan. And, they act as great transition pieces between seasons.

They'll look nicer longer. I don't know if it's true for everybody, but it's that way with me. While a plethora of rainbow colored T's will last me one summer, I've been wearing the same blouses, with only a few new additions, for years! And, some of my newer-to-me blouses have been thrifted, but you'd never be able to tell the difference. I have no idea why, but they seem to clean up better, withstand a little ware and tare, not stretch, and always look fresher compared to my summer T's.

So, those were some of my thoughts! Following are some of my favorite blouses, and fun ideas on how to wear them! Enjoy!

Wear a blouse underneath a jumper dress.

I absolutely love the blue blouse in the top left corner! Those pleated sleeves are too cute! 

This may be an add for shoes, but I just love her outfit! Such a practical way to wear vintage.

Wear a blouse with a loud color or print underneath a neutral sweater.

One of my favorite summer outfits to stay cool in-a white sleeveless blouse with a ruffled color, denim cutoffs, comfy flats, and a dressy straw hat.

One of my church outfits-white pencil skirt, black blouse with front ruffle, straw hat.

I wore this outfit biking the other day...it was perfect other than the fact that my hat kept wanting to blow away! :) The blouse looks a little rumpled after I'd been wearing it all day, but it was crisp and fresh and oh so flattering in the morning!

I know, I know....another shorts and blouse combo. But I just had to show you this one! I bought it at a thrift store for just $1. It is so comfortable and just the cutest thing!

A closeup of the details of the blouse.....buttons up the cuff and a slight puff sleeve.

I'm thinking of this as a very 'smart' summer-fall outfit. A gray pencil skirt, white sleeveless blouse, navy blue sweater, and blue-gingham print wedges.

I just had to show you this blouse! It's my absolute favorite white shirt. I use it summer through winter, wear it under sweaters, with pencil skirts, or with a black skirt and belt for a 4H uniform. Sorry for no 'modeling' pictures with it....My hair was a mess and I was still in my skating tank top and leggings, so I didn't feel like a photoshoot.....

Just a closeup of the pintucking detail on the front of the shirt.



Do you prefer blouses or T-shirts? What are your favorite tops? Fun ideas on how to wear blouses? Leave a comment! And, as always, thanks for reading! :)

Inspiration......Be Whimsical

"There are many Green Dragons in this world of

wayside inns, even as there are White Harts, Red Lions, Silent

Women, and other incredible things...." -William Henry Hudson

'Ello Everybody! Today I have an inspiration post on everything whimsy. So, here is a collection of photos to inspire you to magical, fantastic, whimsical realms of creativity. Thanks for reading! :)

Book Butterfly

Acorn Lanterns

Delightful Titles

Fluffy Skirt

Button-Fruit Linen Napkins

Mary Poppins! Tea party on the ceiling.

Fly Away

Framed Handwritten Letters

Crotcheted Granny Squares-wouldn't they make the cutest coasters?

Just like Beauty and the Beast!

Paper Trail

Ruffled Bathing Curtain

So romantic.....sensibility.com 1914 Afternoon Dress

Stepping Stone Garden Tuffets

Whimsy Teacup

Sweet Summertime: Iced Tea

My No. 1 go-to thirst quencher during the summer months is definitely iced tea. But not just any iced tea; my grandmother's unsweetened homemade iced tea, made just like my great-grandmother used to make it.  As you can probably already tell, it's a family favorite. And since my grandmother lives with us, I always stop in at her kitchen for a glass after working outside.

My grandmother is from the midwest, but moved here in the 1970's, since my grandfather was in the Air Force. My dad's family has always been here, moving from Quebec to Vermont and then New Hampshire. So, New England roots run pretty deep in this family. That's probably why we like this tea. It has absolutely no sweetener! I was talking with one of my friends, whose from the south, and he can't believe that I drink it. "Get some sweet tea, REAL sweet tea.'" he says. But, well, that's simply not the New England way! Plus I've never much cared for McDonalds sweet tea, so I can't say I'd care for the real thing. Nope, I'm more of the homemade practicality type when it comes to food. 

Anyway, without further ado, here's the recipe for my grandmother's fantastic tea! It's absolutely the perfect thing to keep in the fridge during heat blasts.

Grandma Joyce's Unsweetened Iced Tea:

Ingredients and Supplies:

4 Tea Bags.

Water.

Pitcher.

Sauce Pan or Kettle.

Ice.

Steps:

1. Begin by filling your pitcher with water. Once you have filled it to the desired amount, pour water into the sauce pan.

2. Next, add your tea bags to the water and boil until the tea has brewed.

3. Fill pitcher with some ice cubes. Pour hot tea over ice, allow to cool in fridge for awhile. Keep chilled and and enjoy a refreshing sip all day! 

Isn't that easy? When my grandma told me how to make it, I had to ask her why she put the ice cubes in first. "Oh, I don't know," she said, "My mother just always told me that pouring it over the ice makes it taste better." So, that's why we do it in that order. I don't know if it's true, but I trust my great-grandmother knew what she was talking about.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay cool!

Thanks for reading! :)

Reading List: August 2012

"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid." -Jane Austen

I cannot believe that it's August!!!!!! This summer is just flying by. No matter what your plans are for the rest of the summer, here is a list of five books that I highly recommend to keep you occupied. I've included some quick, fun reads, a historical fiction, and (different than what we usually do) a non-fiction. Still want more? Check out our titles from the Reading List: July 2012  to fill any gaps. 

1. The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman: I first found this book advertised in a magazine, and after viewing several pages on Amazon, immediately put it on Inter Library Loan! In this book, Deborah Needleman writes about how to 'decorate and live well.' It's filled with all sorts of advice to really make a room cozy, cute, and absolutely YOURS. Honestly, it was everything I've ever wanted in a decorating book. I was so sad when I had to return it....I just wanted to re-read it forever. It also features water color illustrations by Virginia Johnson, which really add a lot to the overall feel of the book. This would be a great inspiration if you want to re-do your room before the start of school! It was first published in 2011, so may be a bit hard to find if you're going through a library, but it's well worth the extra leg work. I give it a 10!!

2. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien: I read this whimsical book when I was younger, but I have always remembered how charming it was. The plot follows the story of Mrs. Frisby, a widowed field mouse, who must seek help from a colony of rats to save her children. The plot has many twists, memorable characters, and ideas that really make you think. Still, this children's book proves to be a fun, happy, and perfect to read before all those literature classes start up again! First published in 1971, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH went on to become the Newberry Medal recipient  in 1972, and the joint winner of the William Allen White Children's Book Award in 1974. An animated movie, and a later sequel, entitled The Secret of NIMH was filmed in 1982. Although the movie includes the chief characters of the book, it has a magical slant that O'Brien never wrote. Add a bit of whimsy to your summer reading with this charming tail! 

3. From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg: This book will always have a special place in my heart. My brother and I were a lot younger, and we went to the library in search of good audio books to listen to during a long car ride. Dad remembered having read this book as a kid, so we got it out. It soon became our travel favorite! I don't know how many times we've taken it out since then; even last year, on our way to Virginia, we listened to it. It will always be my first pick for travel. Written in 1967, it tells the story of Claudia, a girl living outside of NYC. After suffering from an overall lack of excitement, she plans a 'getaway' to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I don't want to spoil it for you, but I will say that Claudia, and her brother, Jamie, have many unusual experiences by the end of the book. Jamie always makes me laugh-Konigsburg did an awesome job depicting a little brother! And Claudia, well, let's just say I can really relate to her. E.L. Konigsburg, a mother of three, had her two youngest children pose for the original book cover, and her next door neighbor, a woman named Anita Brigham, posed as Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Konigsburg also says that inspiration for Frankweiler came from a Miss Olga Pratt, the headmistress at Bartram's School for Girls in Jacksonville, Fl, where Konigsburg taught chemistry. She said, "Mrss Pratt was not wealthy, but she was a matter-of-fact person. Kind, but firm." Two movies were made from the book, one in 1973 and the other in 1995. It also was a Newberry Medal recipient in 1968, and the winner of the William Allen White Children's book Award in 1970. 

4. Wait For Marcy by Rosamond du Jardin: I rescued this old worn out paperback from a box of 'get rid of' books from our church library.....what a find! Wait for Marcy is your classic summer paperback romance. It's a quick read (I finished in 3 days), but so relaxed and fun. It's perfect to keep you company while hanging out at the beach! The book follows 15 year-old Marcy, as she enters the world of dating. There are many guys introduced in the book, but one in particular stands out....Steve, the best friend of Marcy's older brother. But, he's always called her 'Squirt', and treated her more like a little sister than a date! Follow Marcy as she fills her summer with parties, dances, friends, and makes decisions for herself about growing up. Rosamond du Jardin wrote 17 young adult books total, some of which follow Marcy as she gets older. You can find those, and other fun paperbacks, here.

5. Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer: Here's a great historical fiction following one of Englands most famous rulers: Mary Tudor. First in Carolyn Meyer's Young Royals series, Mary, Bloody Mary  "Accurately captures the glitter and grandeur as well as the brutality of this fascinating period in history." We are always given one side of Mary's story, only told about her life as queen. This book really brings to light what she must have felt after her and her mother were banished, and she declared an illegitimate heir after her parent's divorce! Overall, it is beautifully written and will really get you thinking. A great read to get you interested in history before the start of school! :) Mary, Bloody Mary was named one of the Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults by the ALA, and was also the 2002 Young Reader's Choice Award. To find more information on this book, find other Young Royals titles, browse her many other works, AND check out her writer's journal, visit Carolyn Meyer's Website

Well, this ends our August 2012 Reading List post! We'll be back in September with more great reads. In the meantime, what are some books you'd like featured? Have you enjoyed our picks? We want to hear from you! Please put all suggestions in the comments below, or email them to Young Yankee Lady using the address on the right. 

As always, Thanks for reading! :)