tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64491397925587085372024-03-14T14:49:41.586-04:00The Enchanted Tree~*Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. *~ Rumitreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.comBlogger893125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-32437711429721340692023-03-18T11:20:00.001-04:002023-03-18T11:20:18.689-04:00Eggs and Honey for Sale <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Local folks. i'm in Floyd a few times a week and have extra eggs and honey available. Eggs are $5 per dozen. You can pick them up at our house or i can meet you in town. Connect with me on messenger to arrange pick up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaO14Ro6b8luNlJQ2Qxy3mJrxJYDfRsjc26RKaLix1MaMAcRqYagUddnHelNkvHGAfny7nYjtQQZztU8-fT_jPmpXbD6rgx8P6Ktdn87YoL_RbgJyNnGPG-Pa4igNoNpZuIK2k1NNDVCl5C7UfZXP4GkMAerb3wZMqu8QDf075VxAEjNz11Res2l2/s1780/eggs3-9-23c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1780" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaO14Ro6b8luNlJQ2Qxy3mJrxJYDfRsjc26RKaLix1MaMAcRqYagUddnHelNkvHGAfny7nYjtQQZztU8-fT_jPmpXbD6rgx8P6Ktdn87YoL_RbgJyNnGPG-Pa4igNoNpZuIK2k1NNDVCl5C7UfZXP4GkMAerb3wZMqu8QDf075VxAEjNz11Res2l2/w552-h640/eggs3-9-23c.jpg" width="552" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK9xNZ7hUYDKn98N4qnWw_cRsptjQPU2rLX2nALXgkbsnu4wyHZVCrR_PgDNoXWyHkP0iUNcFIyT4ZR1A834E93pRH-OLAzWEMBOsyt8zDiEAdzjc_0eo9CqrT5VG9VMhkPTeAoJFPGvOhwd6TJUVEw3oatTEXv-Aga14rqrRZ3w0tEcRC3Mk5yT3/s2048/eggs3-9-23.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK9xNZ7hUYDKn98N4qnWw_cRsptjQPU2rLX2nALXgkbsnu4wyHZVCrR_PgDNoXWyHkP0iUNcFIyT4ZR1A834E93pRH-OLAzWEMBOsyt8zDiEAdzjc_0eo9CqrT5VG9VMhkPTeAoJFPGvOhwd6TJUVEw3oatTEXv-Aga14rqrRZ3w0tEcRC3Mk5yT3/s320/eggs3-9-23.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxJSYjwZYpLRoKpn1ydWC9tJAm04hFC3ctDA4-T-TUd7gRjjawO175gg_o_dkDm3JW2K8jq1mDkauIXcO_dxvrXcN_ZCIjEzSe--fC6U65la-nVvUvLOnqHhCnj3SmXZr0bAATvRtaLFRAfQ4wzcwovOu3Y75yF1Ly15DxuDfP6_-dBcGzLKPGKRe/s2048/eggs3-923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxJSYjwZYpLRoKpn1ydWC9tJAm04hFC3ctDA4-T-TUd7gRjjawO175gg_o_dkDm3JW2K8jq1mDkauIXcO_dxvrXcN_ZCIjEzSe--fC6U65la-nVvUvLOnqHhCnj3SmXZr0bAATvRtaLFRAfQ4wzcwovOu3Y75yF1Ly15DxuDfP6_-dBcGzLKPGKRe/s320/eggs3-923.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We have a limited amount of fall '22 honey available for purchase. If you are local you can pick up here, or i can meet in Floyd. For those that are not local we do ship.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNITVQJjm97PYlIxQ87dJfM8-S8f9PqPYP-YHAGao6cZmTgpyQwrtKxCUMtvIaNPi7eY37HFZ9dOo5jaU0PVWuhbuMZcOakIHFSLjQre-oIZxrXas9l3f0XmDqCEzcqUhK9yJoM1TEExTHuMp-3SeSB435120ab9SkYXlbQwgdKSlS6QTqZvroQrr6/s583/honey16oz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="583" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNITVQJjm97PYlIxQ87dJfM8-S8f9PqPYP-YHAGao6cZmTgpyQwrtKxCUMtvIaNPi7eY37HFZ9dOo5jaU0PVWuhbuMZcOakIHFSLjQre-oIZxrXas9l3f0XmDqCEzcqUhK9yJoM1TEExTHuMp-3SeSB435120ab9SkYXlbQwgdKSlS6QTqZvroQrr6/w400-h385/honey16oz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NrbMkTHmuyA_Wp1KJh9mNtCAs33BCW2VdFUhgv3RL1gjy6xJfTsMfVCZOzr1MMMQDy4KW6ywq389v1A1grB9rIID05bxjl2MNOxJk0AkgHYb8eBagCKdSPZ_HZcKm8LoW6PnfMXwajvuIniNmXZfELtoXAAdsxqDdi2BWkqVC0ejUkz47RT-seH2/s1333/honey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1333" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NrbMkTHmuyA_Wp1KJh9mNtCAs33BCW2VdFUhgv3RL1gjy6xJfTsMfVCZOzr1MMMQDy4KW6ywq389v1A1grB9rIID05bxjl2MNOxJk0AkgHYb8eBagCKdSPZ_HZcKm8LoW6PnfMXwajvuIniNmXZfELtoXAAdsxqDdi2BWkqVC0ejUkz47RT-seH2/w640-h434/honey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: center;">Our honey is available in 1lbs glass bottles, 1lbs and 2 lbs plastic squeeze bottles and 8oz sampler jars. My 8oz giftable sample jars are available as liquid honey w/mini honey dipper or crystalized honey with bamboo mini spoon. They have a decorative fabric top and are perfect for gifting. </span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can contact me at <a href="m.me/enchantedtree ">m.me/enchantedtree </a> on messenger or email me at enchantedtree@hotmail.com</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p></p></div>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-31300376068130273642023-03-15T15:19:00.020-04:002023-03-20T08:43:29.825-04:00Glass Pendant Giveaway! <p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Glass Pendant Giveaway! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a long time since i've hosted a giveaway! Winner will receive their choice of a random mushroom pendant or a goddess pendant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihU-fXPEJZ3K7FLG5wn2LueDehmOO5xFao_y5XMRjyUWsH6-jX0GGPTTXwbEKwdj8RSoxHa3myZxklqltUWCD_KOKQHmtoqDNOdseAVuR_uT7jSJUh4TR5zSlrtiJM7CNT7W_ShVd0l-ZXkbQHkua5CIrcyIcn0vD2uiB5BU4bhXhTwDVZO9mJm-0T/s960/goddessglass2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihU-fXPEJZ3K7FLG5wn2LueDehmOO5xFao_y5XMRjyUWsH6-jX0GGPTTXwbEKwdj8RSoxHa3myZxklqltUWCD_KOKQHmtoqDNOdseAVuR_uT7jSJUh4TR5zSlrtiJM7CNT7W_ShVd0l-ZXkbQHkua5CIrcyIcn0vD2uiB5BU4bhXhTwDVZO9mJm-0T/s320/goddessglass2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zfrH75hwjbv6iTgRyMUqGzvG7xHOvM03jeviVvBUZOrsZWfPAvyxiBXJiK9EzRUTEN4Ah9N9q1n5kAV0iJe0BFx1Ys3lKLWfatxccB_Hl7KHYH2q-_IIj8Mu0mOimZUBhbXFmBL24pZqsF5fiaK9OuHOeAQgCp_9D7PdLG6Ek-i-JZbkSHarfwDK/s2048/mushroompendants1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zfrH75hwjbv6iTgRyMUqGzvG7xHOvM03jeviVvBUZOrsZWfPAvyxiBXJiK9EzRUTEN4Ah9N9q1n5kAV0iJe0BFx1Ys3lKLWfatxccB_Hl7KHYH2q-_IIj8Mu0mOimZUBhbXFmBL24pZqsF5fiaK9OuHOeAQgCp_9D7PdLG6Ek-i-JZbkSHarfwDK/s320/mushroompendants1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Everyone can get the free entry to enter. You can do the optional other entries to increase your chances!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> US only. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good luck!</div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="974eabbf54" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/974eabbf54/" id="rcwidget_hq6ahzb3" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Temu is a shopping app like Amazon, by downloading the app you help me to earn free products and by sharing it with your friends you can win cash and freebies too. i've ordered from them a few times and received some awesome freebies playing the games. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-73508678410033944332022-12-01T20:41:00.005-05:002022-12-01T20:43:47.374-05:00 This year in Mushrooms<p> This poor blog is so neglected, but i still like to try to post now and again to keep it active. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram then you've probably already seen all these photos, but i'm doing sort of a round up for the year. Mushroom hunting has gone from a little hobby to a full blown obsession. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikZlaFRjhPH7myKyvGalM8h5vtKlWYN4AJ_g2jqmIuvCAQj31X-noEIGVBGfbztmZIHrjc-H_3_oljytzrGaq6RZKBldT-3Kzk-R7exdo2BC_bL17ZVDaIuIpdGw2kdn1TKNiQOUDMn7Fj3zzhJLvNPrWlY7aUhy6O91QBZfXJGEg6kKK77mTTpj_/s960/5-9-2022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikZlaFRjhPH7myKyvGalM8h5vtKlWYN4AJ_g2jqmIuvCAQj31X-noEIGVBGfbztmZIHrjc-H_3_oljytzrGaq6RZKBldT-3Kzk-R7exdo2BC_bL17ZVDaIuIpdGw2kdn1TKNiQOUDMn7Fj3zzhJLvNPrWlY7aUhy6O91QBZfXJGEg6kKK77mTTpj_/w640-h480/5-9-2022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i'm not adding all my mushroom harvests from the year, but just a few of the more notable ones. This was 5-9-22. Normally i would be finding Morels in April/May but this year there were very few. The ones i did find were small and dry and the conditions just were not right for them this year. We did get several shiitake from out plugged logs. They are several years old, so i'm always a bit surprised when they still flush.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2J4Th9ZLCwyERTaPC4avQJRPLWzxj7A2Fu74tObItH462a1my7FZKfgbO8_g0rN0RiFboTG94d7y5_vEqjgMKaC8kqEQkn80za8bZiFo-RQtLb1JglgP9aiDp9qH8M1pQvVD_Ocm2UdhsIZDpEGGZfuphkoZKt9iVUr2qt9muF1OZWLX82b7z_vM/s2048/7-11-22a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2J4Th9ZLCwyERTaPC4avQJRPLWzxj7A2Fu74tObItH462a1my7FZKfgbO8_g0rN0RiFboTG94d7y5_vEqjgMKaC8kqEQkn80za8bZiFo-RQtLb1JglgP9aiDp9qH8M1pQvVD_Ocm2UdhsIZDpEGGZfuphkoZKt9iVUr2qt9muF1OZWLX82b7z_vM/w640-h480/7-11-22a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had another amazing year for Chicken of the Woods and chanterelles. This photo is from July. Now that we've found a few logs that produce chicken of the woods on our property, we tend to check those spots every time we are out hiking. Same goes for cauliflower mushrooms and lion's mane. Anything that comes back year after year. We have over a dozen logs now that we know produce chicken of the woods. We were able to pack the freezer full this year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA673Vchgiy8KzEeaNx73PmlosyG8GMOCu-QmtqVOm_LRuGnNxtpTrzy2-tFEc4CVMO94j0Trm9aCFmIu3rU1rjbHXEI7T4yd_uAFnQKCQMVzpETxMsdEsf2cXC6oo7EWrPvHpxoV-1rGQoNA3MPd8SKhIZDTJ0P6fn3lxzvpfHtVoTFru1JgJj5zC/s960/7-31-2022b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA673Vchgiy8KzEeaNx73PmlosyG8GMOCu-QmtqVOm_LRuGnNxtpTrzy2-tFEc4CVMO94j0Trm9aCFmIu3rU1rjbHXEI7T4yd_uAFnQKCQMVzpETxMsdEsf2cXC6oo7EWrPvHpxoV-1rGQoNA3MPd8SKhIZDTJ0P6fn3lxzvpfHtVoTFru1JgJj5zC/w640-h480/7-31-2022b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another photo from July. We tend to find chanterelles and black trumpets from July until October depending on the conditions. i have a fabulous black Trumpet spot on my property under a grove of Beech trees. They are one of my favorites to find. </div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcgcC1y9ZZWgPh2yzU3yhzdBYWKNOZ6BZQ0us9GcC8zRmhpna2dA6S9uJGOnIT8LFVR-DQm78iaHi9V9EdrU3-m6AyzelhkhPal65nDFp4EWfHoIcVZHBAua5eKQMwwDjQOSMyndMAIqm91XYX6s6OkdDH1V5PDOmNowN60llx_vgNzayXxJzKjKg/s2048/day4a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcgcC1y9ZZWgPh2yzU3yhzdBYWKNOZ6BZQ0us9GcC8zRmhpna2dA6S9uJGOnIT8LFVR-DQm78iaHi9V9EdrU3-m6AyzelhkhPal65nDFp4EWfHoIcVZHBAua5eKQMwwDjQOSMyndMAIqm91XYX6s6OkdDH1V5PDOmNowN60llx_vgNzayXxJzKjKg/w480-h640/day4a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is our best Chicken of the Woods log. i stumbled upon it a few years ago and it has produced an amazing amount of chicken of the woods every year since. This year it flushed twice. Chicken of the woods is still my favorite mushroom. As long as you get it when it is prime it's absolutely delicious! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KFfULVQFwCox1OAmxSRlllaAd5YjnTmvm3quJc-8x3h94nEA9aLUHF0Sic_RvyvhzvIJMgTNTo9Qq3UOsqlgge54yGUKxMCYObMco6j_MolV7wCDFCVrx6D95LkyUMjDlPJjUFcZ_hmvpIZtYi5DkdNSYU4tAbpA0Wj2RRi3J2htXbik9oy2P_Ze/s4096/rockyknobhen9-4-22c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KFfULVQFwCox1OAmxSRlllaAd5YjnTmvm3quJc-8x3h94nEA9aLUHF0Sic_RvyvhzvIJMgTNTo9Qq3UOsqlgge54yGUKxMCYObMco6j_MolV7wCDFCVrx6D95LkyUMjDlPJjUFcZ_hmvpIZtYi5DkdNSYU4tAbpA0Wj2RRi3J2htXbik9oy2P_Ze/w480-h640/rockyknobhen9-4-22c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We typically only mushroom hunt on our land, but decided to try some new areas on a hunt for Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa). This is one of the few mushrooms we do not find often on our land. We found one small one several years ago, and check the spot every year but it never came back. This year i found one completely randomly while checking my Chicken of the Woods logs and it inspired us to go hunting off our property in some areas where i knew they often came up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7iF6hVcDnPWf_XDGl2sBb8l8AdvbtmG_fyiKQ0BQnK0RpIIr61JlZ00_GDNjF-vK5PuyT5C7KevEEUvOTv2WxPwdDJkPThanVOzhL7njTed9p36k_QXmJKX2SO-xGvjcnUhXzMOgoksKSNtJVYUrQjRU-eE14mzJJ4GDz9qmE-cdZOEgfFn-UNiV/s1423/spet4hen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1423" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7iF6hVcDnPWf_XDGl2sBb8l8AdvbtmG_fyiKQ0BQnK0RpIIr61JlZ00_GDNjF-vK5PuyT5C7KevEEUvOTv2WxPwdDJkPThanVOzhL7njTed9p36k_QXmJKX2SO-xGvjcnUhXzMOgoksKSNtJVYUrQjRU-eE14mzJJ4GDz9qmE-cdZOEgfFn-UNiV/w640-h432/spet4hen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>We ended up finding several at the beginning of September which is pretty early for them around here. We went back to the same place a few times and found at least one each time. Hens are great to cook and freeze for later. We were super thrilled to pack our freezer full. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1u4dVZEoG7C0ytkCaeoiZW39VtxE7cWuKAeBMk0kMzrHLgltoVBW0oEbfUWIQQUMO66mvyAh0pebX6b09BFQGvBUURh4Vhqgp2yqC8muv_179-ywVxmZUW3GPwdKGAkhw-RerRSdVEa1sbJkXyajGmnH4wQWRkK1BMjQwNtqr9XsfrjfLk56Cxxt/s2048/bluewithome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1u4dVZEoG7C0ytkCaeoiZW39VtxE7cWuKAeBMk0kMzrHLgltoVBW0oEbfUWIQQUMO66mvyAh0pebX6b09BFQGvBUURh4Vhqgp2yqC8muv_179-ywVxmZUW3GPwdKGAkhw-RerRSdVEa1sbJkXyajGmnH4wQWRkK1BMjQwNtqr9XsfrjfLk56Cxxt/w480-h640/bluewithome.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every year i make sort of a mushroom bucket list. i choose mushrooms i've never found before and try to find at least one before the end of the year. Last year my bucket list mushroom was the Indigo Milk Caps. It was really exciting to find a whole patch of them on the land behind my house. This year i didn't even find one, but i did find Blewitts! These are not rare or especially exciting, but i had never found one before and had it on my bucket list. The first one i found was at the same place i'd found the hens. After correctly identifying it i went looking in my own woods and found a few more. These have to be one of the cutest mushrooms ever. They are edible, although i haven't tried them yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKPnUrndfUs8jbhpqAxfZgszWHHiJVIZ1B7hbBbFzQxqJ_ABp_yQoxYyIkJE_SQWR7K2fbYAu7neN4yZabnpVQQ0q60tQtqY_e6-N113fVTJHwN0zX0dV1s7EWdIHbs4HiqD_MSyQyoEJsH2KTX1UQu6-od2tjKdHw5nhida3JJne6kYGOlJ3JJMR/s2048/306083290_10162026758364409_2387059487426788131_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKPnUrndfUs8jbhpqAxfZgszWHHiJVIZ1B7hbBbFzQxqJ_ABp_yQoxYyIkJE_SQWR7K2fbYAu7neN4yZabnpVQQ0q60tQtqY_e6-N113fVTJHwN0zX0dV1s7EWdIHbs4HiqD_MSyQyoEJsH2KTX1UQu6-od2tjKdHw5nhida3JJne6kYGOlJ3JJMR/w640-h480/306083290_10162026758364409_2387059487426788131_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a collection of some of the edible mushrooms that come up on my land. Chicken of the woods, chanterelles, cinnabars, black trumpets, honey fungus, Cauliflower mushroom, Hen of the woods, Lion's Mane, Purple gilled Laccaria, Green Russula and Shrimp of the woods. i'm always amazed at the variety that pops up right in my backyard. i've been wanting to get a picture for a while of all the different mushrooms, but can never find them all at the same time to get a group picture. This is the best i've gotten so far, although i'm still missing Oysters, hedgehogs, Indigos, pheasant backs, blewitts and of course morels (early spring). i've only ever found hedgehogs here once and that was several years ago. i also found a Bear's Head Tooth here once.</div><br /><div>i'm already looking forward to see what types of mushrooms we find next year! i've already found so many mushrooms that were on my bucket list i'm going to have to create a new one! </div>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-63555401356413045742022-03-17T14:26:00.004-04:002022-03-17T14:26:46.297-04:00The Ranch Camp, Dugspur Virginia.<p>The universe works in such mysterious ways. When Kenan and i first started dating (over 25 years ago) he was really into BMX bikes. When we moved down here, he eventually gave it up because there just isn't a lot of places out here to do it without driving an hour.</p><p>Last year when he turned 44, he bought a BMX bike, kind of on a whim in Richmond, VA when he was taking Sequoia back to Williamsburg. Now that he is working in town, he's been riding it after work in the parking lot and around town and realized he really missed it and still really enjoying it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT4HB6PksUo-6KObBZTjTXqzE1lD9188QEQJmO1CSgIzVKm9jz5l5zKEh7ViY7fwJTG7lOjYBcyWrw0mqDyPdX2IAVAbv1akONcuLREXAlIEZTEhpLNMkxhFtpVe94cTLpAqCtdrFygB8_WhTocOKhnUgACEMWJdtYvOyLyZBmWnijMWD8z9PFqswN=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT4HB6PksUo-6KObBZTjTXqzE1lD9188QEQJmO1CSgIzVKm9jz5l5zKEh7ViY7fwJTG7lOjYBcyWrw0mqDyPdX2IAVAbv1akONcuLREXAlIEZTEhpLNMkxhFtpVe94cTLpAqCtdrFygB8_WhTocOKhnUgACEMWJdtYvOyLyZBmWnijMWD8z9PFqswN=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span>So how crazy is it that we found out a BMX & skateboarding facility and camp is being built right in Dugspur, VA of all places?!? Dugspur is a beautiful area in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it's literally in BFE. There is pretty much nothing in Dugspur, except the minimart with is about 3 miles from us. We are closer to Dugspur than we are Floyd. So although it's in the middle nowhere, so are we and it's actually not too far down the road from us! </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjO7AfDWymxlZBp2Qs5NSpkmWtRj5C4iNARnG-QOQZbfmm4Z34mluUN1n7qrKOqJbASEU7r0Sk2sowHyZX8XyqwUnAYJ2aNeP39gUnnn5Wq6fHAMPHDfWs5iVezbaEVaWn_qM0Re627-wBMJNO9ybSuDfVvhzxZQKgZ9cL7vBbx9V9JjxOFFmMzLNS=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjO7AfDWymxlZBp2Qs5NSpkmWtRj5C4iNARnG-QOQZbfmm4Z34mluUN1n7qrKOqJbASEU7r0Sk2sowHyZX8XyqwUnAYJ2aNeP39gUnnn5Wq6fHAMPHDfWs5iVezbaEVaWn_qM0Re627-wBMJNO9ybSuDfVvhzxZQKgZ9cL7vBbx9V9JjxOFFmMzLNS=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">We were there for their media event and got to see some professional skate boarders and BMX riders our doing tricks and riding. It was really pretty cool. The people building this facility helped to build/design/run (i can't remember the details) the Woodward skate park in Pennsylvania. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidl0olubDZOK2eCFwlvRyYkgDiUfVxcU9NRCF5gB3e_ajG1TMS53pQW409k8jLgLQ8OALeZ-0UC7TzG-wB8xPcsK0pfiO1DZLJnnunuy1rmmKkqAMdZsihLlaYVjjeblJ-MscY8XBq7MB-iwUlAZnlKBhJqE0hx1opHArc9B3Im-nUJ9cS4-XnNKfW=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidl0olubDZOK2eCFwlvRyYkgDiUfVxcU9NRCF5gB3e_ajG1TMS53pQW409k8jLgLQ8OALeZ-0UC7TzG-wB8xPcsK0pfiO1DZLJnnunuy1rmmKkqAMdZsihLlaYVjjeblJ-MscY8XBq7MB-iwUlAZnlKBhJqE0hx1opHArc9B3Im-nUJ9cS4-XnNKfW=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we were there, they were really just getting started. There were a lot of areas under construction and they were still working out details of their summer camp program. The first camp ended up canceled because of Covid, but that gave them time to add even more cool features to the facility!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZmoR98Xkp_It-8ezTzgaZmeIFXJV-AxxlLC3KtBAjCiMPfQzzSz3qN4533-yT3L7kxjjYy5JocIfIZ1WjQ5E2KXJGB6kOJA7vwUK-4Kp81LQK54L0y-xPChQRJkTKO9CT-SRAhSbNholpf_9Dg5lrb5tb-Wd3wSOn7zKv4Yt2bpHRNvGDVGwWQ6_Z=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZmoR98Xkp_It-8ezTzgaZmeIFXJV-AxxlLC3KtBAjCiMPfQzzSz3qN4533-yT3L7kxjjYy5JocIfIZ1WjQ5E2KXJGB6kOJA7vwUK-4Kp81LQK54L0y-xPChQRJkTKO9CT-SRAhSbNholpf_9Dg5lrb5tb-Wd3wSOn7zKv4Yt2bpHRNvGDVGwWQ6_Z=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They were still working on the dirt jumps and trails when we were there. Although Kenan has been back a few times to ride, i haven't so i'm not sure what all they have going on now. They are having an open house type of eent in April and Kenan is planning to go and ride and i'll probably go to walk the trails and mushroom hunt. :D </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiRCDg_qHZIc62t-Qu1xm5tzO9b7kXjYTme6vNvR4WnshDI_UvkjIFecgn5KV0YJQMK4-AX7KLpEdSmwqCGzm-zxXDaaD4Qhh7ksRRe9Nljdossov1iHTMpbzB6W2ft7GeIeIjOGAsHYJrrZ5cWUZV0uUt_qDunzD7u72hhZg-3bM4n6LE9vxktCFM=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiRCDg_qHZIc62t-Qu1xm5tzO9b7kXjYTme6vNvR4WnshDI_UvkjIFecgn5KV0YJQMK4-AX7KLpEdSmwqCGzm-zxXDaaD4Qhh7ksRRe9Nljdossov1iHTMpbzB6W2ft7GeIeIjOGAsHYJrrZ5cWUZV0uUt_qDunzD7u72hhZg-3bM4n6LE9vxktCFM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The place used to be an old theater camp, so it's already got cabins and a club house etc. They were in the process of building more skateboard areas, including a 10,000 sq. ft indoor skate park, adding hiking trails, disk gulf, a pool and more! </p><p>It's really a neat facility and almost unbelievable that it would be built so close to us right as Kenan decides he wants to get back into it. Definitely some crazy manifesting going on there! </p><p>You can check out The Ranch Camp here - <a href="https://www.ranch-camp.com/">https://www.ranch-camp.com/</a></p><p>Follow them on Instagram- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theranchcamp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ranch Camp</a> and Facebook- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRanchCamp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ranch-Camp</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-44096201306975131192022-03-13T10:07:00.007-04:002022-03-17T09:35:32.718-04:00What a year! Wrapping up 2020 (back post).<p> i realized the other day that i've really been neglecting my blog. Life just seems to get busier and busier each year, and as technology has changed over the years blogs just no longer seem very relevant. i've always kept this blog more as a journal or way to document important moments in my life and really want to continue to do that. Although i love hosting giveaways and sharing product reviews, the blog has really always been about daily family life and i would really like to get back to that.</p><p>So, here is a brief recap of 2020, since i sort of abandoned the blog while the world around us was turning upside down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OXahYZFhhVRdksXnd9PjpPlBp-kfjbhdL0WVar9KDPLPVpBQfmbk4U0jLNOL2Wdv8kw7noclCzvKplGshp_TjH8TiGQc8xef3vYFBdWCftfzaxfLHd3SOm1y719ixBxri8VdqYqkg2Q/s2048/FCHS+Graduation+2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1243" height="587" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OXahYZFhhVRdksXnd9PjpPlBp-kfjbhdL0WVar9KDPLPVpBQfmbk4U0jLNOL2Wdv8kw7noclCzvKplGshp_TjH8TiGQc8xef3vYFBdWCftfzaxfLHd3SOm1y719ixBxri8VdqYqkg2Q/w356-h587/FCHS+Graduation+2020.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My sweet little boy, grew up, graduated high school and is now attending <a href="https://www.wm.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William & Mary University</a> in Williamsburg VA. To say i am proud of his achievements is an understatement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6Fdw2hkwuXsn0xyb-NPRln-5kbCYLGy5ckaASHVAffQ8hBIufCdvUexJRi59NYCPoz-rgC49N-N0PCACNqv6tCWBwjSqcHgZVrQRVqr_lEsm3QGrlf6gU4Yzoxnk3JYLyUpmZQ9cgXyyKdaZSjhLv-24V4-NbIqGfGLEtiLL-6U2MVFgeQ284LFNP=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6Fdw2hkwuXsn0xyb-NPRln-5kbCYLGy5ckaASHVAffQ8hBIufCdvUexJRi59NYCPoz-rgC49N-N0PCACNqv6tCWBwjSqcHgZVrQRVqr_lEsm3QGrlf6gU4Yzoxnk3JYLyUpmZQ9cgXyyKdaZSjhLv-24V4-NbIqGfGLEtiLL-6U2MVFgeQ284LFNP=w320-h240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhII4jMB0yxpHADnXbAKNI-nJM9Gt0_DwDIqITAS1fXthWk8TTsZ_u1lBPmJrGDg4YGqWMb0Lb2p9n31Tru3njH5UDwolehMJVgLhQfN8vbIIJmwzDPklFNg4x63Lw_T5LuIPwLDQIks6JjdY6vcSQekJVpOrc3kZmPAJ1m3NFpuRFhyLdr-U57Z38t=s480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhII4jMB0yxpHADnXbAKNI-nJM9Gt0_DwDIqITAS1fXthWk8TTsZ_u1lBPmJrGDg4YGqWMb0Lb2p9n31Tru3njH5UDwolehMJVgLhQfN8vbIIJmwzDPklFNg4x63Lw_T5LuIPwLDQIks6JjdY6vcSQekJVpOrc3kZmPAJ1m3NFpuRFhyLdr-U57Z38t=s320" width="240" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving my boy across the state during a pandemic was a pretty huge transition. Empty nest syndrome is no joke, and even though Sage is still at home i got my first taste of empty nest and it kind of terrified me and made me really rethink my life. It may have been the beginnings of an existential crisis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHtLvSiibqg7lZTtHrxcVBTYNGHXQIilyKG5KofwObaEwCzCjyftM8buFaho4cV3S7E3sWfUZHlhvcgCJJMGyujIIQooxzvPplLwz8JCyh_d80WhxZFKjCG8oW6Z07ZwsOyoI-AxZCQ2pLd-DAx0jFccSNH3msu4BHvhm76-WlsZadrvvjEMKuoZfN=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHtLvSiibqg7lZTtHrxcVBTYNGHXQIilyKG5KofwObaEwCzCjyftM8buFaho4cV3S7E3sWfUZHlhvcgCJJMGyujIIQooxzvPplLwz8JCyh_d80WhxZFKjCG8oW6Z07ZwsOyoI-AxZCQ2pLd-DAx0jFccSNH3msu4BHvhm76-WlsZadrvvjEMKuoZfN=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Honestly, 2020 is a complete blur. When Covid first hit i began making and giving away masks to friends and neighbors. Eventually i was making them for the schools, local stores and the veterinary office for a donation towards fabric cost. i made at least a 1000 and eventually began taking orders for custom masks and making them for sale. i admit, i had a lot of fun buying cute fabrics, something i haven't done since my patchwork days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnlb3VPVR_CEU9_TsrY-ioZVLI7N7ufOTwulUy_DSQy5kU-LLbpgN7YLyxA3W8XoYd8uWXES-aA3FUI8ciK9wFACQ2f2VfZcpaU3i92LFr-aoNr-WyYP5TFT68NogJUPvavyG-RPiJNQpZthJs8aIYQRsfhGvWzGi1DUgv94Kz5vRAhDrRa5vVWTeD=s1403" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1403" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnlb3VPVR_CEU9_TsrY-ioZVLI7N7ufOTwulUy_DSQy5kU-LLbpgN7YLyxA3W8XoYd8uWXES-aA3FUI8ciK9wFACQ2f2VfZcpaU3i92LFr-aoNr-WyYP5TFT68NogJUPvavyG-RPiJNQpZthJs8aIYQRsfhGvWzGi1DUgv94Kz5vRAhDrRa5vVWTeD=w640-h456" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With Covid spreading, we stayed pretty close to home. Although Kenan was spending most of his time in Floyd at the new shop, i was spending my time (when i wasn't sewing masks) in the garden and mushroom hunting. i had to really dig through my photos, to find a few images from 2020, so these are the best. Just a few i found to show that we did actually grow stuff in 2020. The garden was somewhat neglected, because my focus was on producing stuff for the shop and sewing masks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlugB-vFaSWruaw2a6YUdPp6dsmWvHRLUOvyEZZNyLOEYv4scwYqvMoZrPxeiZpy4YAqk5xqtkx_flNIAkDqGXIbOwNeCvsKgx2UIuF9jFAWCoVqC0Jc45tUHs2oHl0jQag4tg7qVV1hYeC3zto5sQrv6ggp2m-dhvW1bC2FON-oN2KxPXwmBz0a27=s1113" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1113" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlugB-vFaSWruaw2a6YUdPp6dsmWvHRLUOvyEZZNyLOEYv4scwYqvMoZrPxeiZpy4YAqk5xqtkx_flNIAkDqGXIbOwNeCvsKgx2UIuF9jFAWCoVqC0Jc45tUHs2oHl0jQag4tg7qVV1hYeC3zto5sQrv6ggp2m-dhvW1bC2FON-oN2KxPXwmBz0a27=w640-h576" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were still harvesting mushrooms from the logs plugged a few years before. The shiitake and oysters are the only ones that ever grew from the logs we plugged. We plan to plug a bunch more this year. We are still (2022) getting occasional shiitakes and oysters from these same logs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTXdmh4yo_jHgrFedwhQbEBslVx8_a1w1nSfSm_FKh8pwZ5gZXrNyYBrF910nJPLXJBPb0j8HYx8bvFFCb8vU34nphyqLQkfsfTPWvZYj59y94-pMYMHSMSCE3kvDf2biMEkxHA8zRubhKOzM9f3s6LJY75kHVkeOWf6VjSi1mZd5zcHtnzCiOtyrS=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTXdmh4yo_jHgrFedwhQbEBslVx8_a1w1nSfSm_FKh8pwZ5gZXrNyYBrF910nJPLXJBPb0j8HYx8bvFFCb8vU34nphyqLQkfsfTPWvZYj59y94-pMYMHSMSCE3kvDf2biMEkxHA8zRubhKOzM9f3s6LJY75kHVkeOWf6VjSi1mZd5zcHtnzCiOtyrS=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since Covid kept me home more than usual, i was able to spend much more time in the woods hunting mushrooms. 2020 was a good year for mushroom hunting! i'll probably put together a post soon of all the varieties of mushrooms i've been foraging. Every year i seem to find a new one.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj2TKVSqo5oq6B-5H7TMXcKQd9SIpVO13HFwzCqnLISSncFfFOgg7q1vLk6_EnOD1GkI9qjh69lG0I9A2IxXI9drtodsTDrmTDcii7vrNx5HP2901bqHJDWdIGY4MOGyLP8p2PzfR3cLtlWkiJaLTx4x3nuBru8nZSzE7rbestVZZ7baloTODZ4NRg=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj2TKVSqo5oq6B-5H7TMXcKQd9SIpVO13HFwzCqnLISSncFfFOgg7q1vLk6_EnOD1GkI9qjh69lG0I9A2IxXI9drtodsTDrmTDcii7vrNx5HP2901bqHJDWdIGY4MOGyLP8p2PzfR3cLtlWkiJaLTx4x3nuBru8nZSzE7rbestVZZ7baloTODZ4NRg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the fall of 2020, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeAlchemy" target="_blank">Blue Ridge Alchemy</a> opened it's store front. It is now a working glass studio with a store front that is open to the public. We carry work from many local artists and it gives me an outlet to sell my own work, eggs and honey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i'm having to really dig through my FB posts to see just what exactly we did in 2020 so i can play catch up on my posts. i'm not really sure anyone evens reads this blog anymore, but i've always used it as an online scrap book to document life and really want to fill in the last couple years with more than just product reviews and giveaways. Planning to spend the next few days back posting. So if you still here reading. Thank you. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-12101364554598546322020-11-25T15:09:00.005-05:002020-12-05T15:15:28.179-05:00NOVICA Review and Giveaway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErSSguyZz33UWCVcDu78z4VMYnPYieI-5IV42Lt8fdExQ4fTeaL8XmWOs7yM7DiLTfYvyqm6vcM37ZTEbimKnNuOebjiXFJZ3YQ0qiKAmyH19e2tzuQXPBEp1o5nAoYNui6o2-Tqjw0U/s1600/novica4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErSSguyZz33UWCVcDu78z4VMYnPYieI-5IV42Lt8fdExQ4fTeaL8XmWOs7yM7DiLTfYvyqm6vcM37ZTEbimKnNuOebjiXFJZ3YQ0qiKAmyH19e2tzuQXPBEp1o5nAoYNui6o2-Tqjw0U/s640/novica4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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i'm so excited to be working with <a href="https://www.novica.com/">Novica</a>.com again! Novica is one of the leading fair trade artisan websites. They work with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market.</span><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lFQxZ9e7_Xa6EWr-IBTGv4gxyO4Gg2LcM0dMJY8j_HRB6zcLpeCUji396WNPkKK5NE8YO4QS83S47iQ3ZnE0PHyxTF070zMqeqTddApLsY5lzC-8LSRbxwg4_3dUKZkOvAjgf40mEPY/s1600/novica+dragon1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lFQxZ9e7_Xa6EWr-IBTGv4gxyO4Gg2LcM0dMJY8j_HRB6zcLpeCUji396WNPkKK5NE8YO4QS83S47iQ3ZnE0PHyxTF070zMqeqTddApLsY5lzC-8LSRbxwg4_3dUKZkOvAjgf40mEPY/s400/novica+dragon1.jpg" width="253" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Novica provides fair trade products made by artisans around the globe. They want you to know who you're buying from, to feel an attachment to the product, and to the hands that created it. One of my favorite features on the Novica site is that there is an artist story at the bottom of every product. So, you can see the artists who are actually making the items. When you purchase an item from Novica, an artisan card is included with each item.</span><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: center;">i always really enjoy browsing the </span><a href="http://unique-gifts.novica.com/" style="text-align: center;">Unique Gifts</a><span style="text-align: center;"> section. Novica has put together a versatile collection of hand-crafted treasures from artists around the world. The </span><a href="https://www.novica.com/eco-friendly/" style="text-align: center;">Eco friendly</a><span style="text-align: center;"> selection includes items that are sustainable and natural as well as items made from recycled or reclaimed materials. At Novica you'll fiind unique handmade products, great value, and the joy of helping to nurture and elevate the craft of global artisans.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRmSjileWH0JlkPdr3SsMuDCt7n7W3dJBqAenx9w6Na0poDrLUMk02QHb4jAIEtgEjFy9zEpJqMPgi5ubCXvjoQGHqj7LcFm-Li1GybLi4D7h-WYI2R6KqoED1XkP_M47KzJopVLGD24/s1179/NOVICAitems.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="1179" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRmSjileWH0JlkPdr3SsMuDCt7n7W3dJBqAenx9w6Na0poDrLUMk02QHb4jAIEtgEjFy9zEpJqMPgi5ubCXvjoQGHqj7LcFm-Li1GybLi4D7h-WYI2R6KqoED1XkP_M47KzJopVLGD24/w640-h212/NOVICAitems.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">i really love what Novica has created. It is a wonderful online marketplace that bridges the gap and brings all of these unique artisan treasures together in one place for an easy shopping experience.<br />
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You can feel good about your purchases, and feel connected with the artists whom your purchase is helping.<br /></span>
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My NOVICA order arrived in a timely manner and was packaged really nicely! i got a hand embroidered sling bag from Thailand, which was wrapped in the brown paper with red ribbon, and a sarong from Bali that came in a pretty cloth gift bag. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Each item comes with a postcard with a personal hand written thank you from the artist/s that you purchased from. Also included is a little card with the description of the product and name of the artist. i love that Novica helps Artisans to build a sustainable business from their craft.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeIk3VffP9-wOEaM_suzPAMe9QNO2FJBqv92GJwLwMjps_lqU5hR60Ehj4E8jve6Vh-QnPA_v9HpwkVjkOxuDL0yFjFVeV-yEQ-albQ3ePj4yW9L8L0QtNA6ypfY4i8iyNUqqJS11CYY/s1326/novicamasksall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1326" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeIk3VffP9-wOEaM_suzPAMe9QNO2FJBqv92GJwLwMjps_lqU5hR60Ehj4E8jve6Vh-QnPA_v9HpwkVjkOxuDL0yFjFVeV-yEQ-albQ3ePj4yW9L8L0QtNA6ypfY4i8iyNUqqJS11CYY/w640-h194/novicamasksall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To make ends meet during COVID times, many artisans turned to handcrafting unique face masks. Innovative designs crafted in comfortable fabrics display the amazing fortitude and resilience of artisans as we support each other during these challenging times. Novica has an amazing selection of handmade face masks you can check them all out <a href="https://www.novica.com/face-masks/">here.</a> </span></div>
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Connect with Novica!</span></div>
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Facebook -<a href="https://www.facebook.com/novica/">https://www.facebook.com/novica/</a></span></div>
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Twitter- <a href="https://twitter.com/NOVICA/">https://twitter.com/NOVICA/</a></span></div>
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Instagram- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novica/">https://www.instagram.com/novica/</a></span></div>
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Pinterest- <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/novica/">https://www.pinterest.com/novica/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div>
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Giveaway time!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> The generous folks at NOVICA have provided a $50 GC to one luck winner! </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Enter the giveaway below using the rafflecopter form. It may take a minute to load.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="974eabbf53" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/974eabbf53/" id="rcwidget_gdxs6cim" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Novica provided me with a gift card to review their store, but these opinions are 100% mine. i really feel like this is a great store that showcases the talents of these wonderful artists and provides a place to purchase fair trade, high quality items.</span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-50085930451249422682020-10-15T14:35:00.000-04:002022-03-17T15:18:52.754-04:00Blue Ridge Alchemy Updates (back post)<div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Major updates to the shop and gallery space this week at Blue Ridge Alchemy! </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRtJfuQ68A5mZZwJd9Xa9NZrT-wSfrDFHwXTyviP4Bkpla1mo4U8h2JmGgpfdb0JhrBHcVO1QvEWqDcgd8m9j1FhUpSSvoz28IRYjnb8VjwWHKnY0l9ptUw7x6yqlhAIZT8xgq9N4t2ktLjGGCVULr9pM3FrNWLD1Zw_YNIu6NzSTDKysTZIIK96ap=s960" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRtJfuQ68A5mZZwJd9Xa9NZrT-wSfrDFHwXTyviP4Bkpla1mo4U8h2JmGgpfdb0JhrBHcVO1QvEWqDcgd8m9j1FhUpSSvoz28IRYjnb8VjwWHKnY0l9ptUw7x6yqlhAIZT8xgq9N4t2ktLjGGCVULr9pM3FrNWLD1Zw_YNIu6NzSTDKysTZIIK96ap=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div></div><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Grateful for awesome friends that have the skills to do the job proper. Big thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Small-Axe-Forge-162912913781377/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Small Ax Forage</a> out of Richmond Virginia for doing such a great job with all the metal fabrication. Hoods and bench tops are finished on the main work stations.</div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyj6pYh23oX3PDUB2ahG4qQBwcVN0E4gbtN3zpOR0ep2QKjldpOypFEj1AyhKCNqnHQs_CD4wEPqXkOleAO5dNRbSibxT0uVC2xiDs6IKgMWkGx3BVJtrtJkpCtCVcMCIyj4yA9kZI0rmHMNOxprvO-VZJQ93RgQl8avAyiBSJgUpWfzh-11abhfX_=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyj6pYh23oX3PDUB2ahG4qQBwcVN0E4gbtN3zpOR0ep2QKjldpOypFEj1AyhKCNqnHQs_CD4wEPqXkOleAO5dNRbSibxT0uVC2xiDs6IKgMWkGx3BVJtrtJkpCtCVcMCIyj4yA9kZI0rmHMNOxprvO-VZJQ93RgQl8avAyiBSJgUpWfzh-11abhfX_=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The benches and hoods were given a really cool vintage industrial look. They really fit the space nicely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT-n7KFpYvVLwY0CVlUQ0sKCHt5DWI4_J6rXTjx-Ia4spucb5l3kQMKI05iLtl0yq8H9eMFGEQB2auZmeuid0MmJOGvzROHWwPmRAtszhUM6s5oRXbChjB06v6951VrtxQv_zUjYutxjAxgjEh0e8fpGZRriqoeP5UkBgblcXgHlly5YvvdFW3let0=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT-n7KFpYvVLwY0CVlUQ0sKCHt5DWI4_J6rXTjx-Ia4spucb5l3kQMKI05iLtl0yq8H9eMFGEQB2auZmeuid0MmJOGvzROHWwPmRAtszhUM6s5oRXbChjB06v6951VrtxQv_zUjYutxjAxgjEh0e8fpGZRriqoeP5UkBgblcXgHlly5YvvdFW3let0=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The teaching bench hood is just about done. Hanging the pipes tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCLhBYH4LNgkhHP1H6LB0CKRXOL2NdFGwhAa6fzVFJApauE96LWdiGXQaNQYnI-5Rw2l_w2IEMwtuCiUhl9titVnvQwQKqukwby68SIHaeb43Ywhc1dUtaXMIzwhW4c5lrbHrEJfONHmgoY_0jjt7ZVZ3WGgQcMgGKx8n5uTXk6xn6O91HRykw2x2l=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCLhBYH4LNgkhHP1H6LB0CKRXOL2NdFGwhAa6fzVFJApauE96LWdiGXQaNQYnI-5Rw2l_w2IEMwtuCiUhl9titVnvQwQKqukwby68SIHaeb43Ywhc1dUtaXMIzwhW4c5lrbHrEJfONHmgoY_0jjt7ZVZ3WGgQcMgGKx8n5uTXk6xn6O91HRykw2x2l=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shop is slowly coming together. Caleb has really done a nice job getting it set up. We have new cases and merch added to the retail space. Adding new artist work every week and looking for new consigners.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt0qfUZLVaGsmmxLk_LALPRPLoTkou2sWVVW70jCBHsF92ruYvCjhbfsR0iTtclaYW-XSiWOOiqRP9aNLmfQZSqjMJdI85JWkLCmksObQ2ydhwjgLqL7vFc26CEOWr8mvnWyQhXVRy7SjLW6THrZTMW9pc1nEGdv7I9FU30ouprMC77TSZNSQR5Nmu=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt0qfUZLVaGsmmxLk_LALPRPLoTkou2sWVVW70jCBHsF92ruYvCjhbfsR0iTtclaYW-XSiWOOiqRP9aNLmfQZSqjMJdI85JWkLCmksObQ2ydhwjgLqL7vFc26CEOWr8mvnWyQhXVRy7SjLW6THrZTMW9pc1nEGdv7I9FU30ouprMC77TSZNSQR5Nmu=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's been amazing seeing it all come together and a dream come true for my husband. After 20 years of working from home, first in a garden shed and later in the basement it's been really exciting see this studio space come into fruition.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0sQk-WQ1zIB5Yr2bjT_qp-TOoxLrfk-6ZnZRcHlTM_DnOMX5PZmXx5Z8JOvWtIn8XilnSejzsshxbUn-O95QsNN4gDy-lmiqEV2xq95fG6tvblCuQ2AeDJ7spznaDC-7oMsnIxZgKEkwBDnnF1q6OBaGuYeeVEDk1O80HV45BZ7b13KaIT0XPNCHf=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="960" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0sQk-WQ1zIB5Yr2bjT_qp-TOoxLrfk-6ZnZRcHlTM_DnOMX5PZmXx5Z8JOvWtIn8XilnSejzsshxbUn-O95QsNN4gDy-lmiqEV2xq95fG6tvblCuQ2AeDJ7spznaDC-7oMsnIxZgKEkwBDnnF1q6OBaGuYeeVEDk1O80HV45BZ7b13KaIT0XPNCHf=w640-h468" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>If you ever visit Floyd, Virginia be sure and stop by! <br /><div>🔥Blue Ridge Alchemy🔥 is located at 115 Sweeney St SE Floyd, VA 24091 <div>(Directly behind Dj’s Drive-in)<p></p></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-13635571644544340782020-10-14T09:26:00.000-04:002020-10-15T12:48:08.514-04:00The Ritual of Karma- Product Review<p>This year has me in need of some serious pampering. At the end of the day a hot soak really helps me to slow down and relax, which is very needed these days. Lucky for me, i was invited to try out #theritualsofkarma product line by RITUALS Cosmetics. RITUALS is a unique luxury lifestyle brand focused on ancient traditions for body and home. As the leading bath and body brand in Europe, they encourage ‘slow down’ moments for the mind, body, & soul.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">RITUALS aims to turn everyday routines into cherishable moments, helping their customers to “find happiness in the smallest of things” with the use of their products. Inspired by ancient Eastern traditions, each product uses specific fragrance combinations to help stimulate the senses and encourages you to immerse yourself in some “me time”.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ629NLmqU0rf0qcrk6B51dgNg4YjbXKqFGFEtDaNIio_HCpEfLWCciDRcaaW9KhWluQKB7i7_uVflVXSfk16dFTIcIcqWj6lgcxeyteEekEihfNU9DQf0pfhmcjimkREQi20MQ1_-0A/s1000/rituals1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ629NLmqU0rf0qcrk6B51dgNg4YjbXKqFGFEtDaNIio_HCpEfLWCciDRcaaW9KhWluQKB7i7_uVflVXSfk16dFTIcIcqWj6lgcxeyteEekEihfNU9DQf0pfhmcjimkREQi20MQ1_-0A/w480-h640/rituals1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Ritual of Karma Set: According to ancient Hindu belief, living with good intent attracts good karma. Say good words, think good thoughts, do good deeds and keep the circle positive because ultimately, you reap what you sow. The Ritual of Karma collection helps you immerse yourself in the positive vibes of summer all year round.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rObH9Dd8AqBjN8YsQ3mJwm139Q9sJQ_XgYtCgiFsMd6zW6FGYX0QlHRJPPoCpLmKB-9SrGKCVEWDcYT5rU-zDGch4LNFezfepXbn0P5GqxZSwi-XgPGJY2ajH8VDV_gaS1_ViBMOOOA/s1000/rituals4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rObH9Dd8AqBjN8YsQ3mJwm139Q9sJQ_XgYtCgiFsMd6zW6FGYX0QlHRJPPoCpLmKB-9SrGKCVEWDcYT5rU-zDGch4LNFezfepXbn0P5GqxZSwi-XgPGJY2ajH8VDV_gaS1_ViBMOOOA/w480-h640/rituals4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Rituals of Karma salt scrub leaves your skin feeling so smooth and soft. This nourishing, sugar-based scrub is made of exfoliating particles that nourish and revitalize your skin, all with the delicate, floral aroma of holy lotus and white tea. Scrubbing is a highly effective way of purifying your body and of stimulating the flow of energy. This process is enhanced when taking a warm bath. Maintain that gorgeous glow with this body scrub from The
Ritual of Karma. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-otk2ZUWB5zftYVsOtwProoSbjXk5hvccjPdD_OsA7mAdFv-0HHz2i8QPuBrjx2qYVUZss5ZJ6JjXkeK0o6kzQA4riIOKVtc76KeqrH4z3jBnpS9wiwe-fbnx8Otli8OmMWTS0NIJ9Yk/s1000/rituals2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-otk2ZUWB5zftYVsOtwProoSbjXk5hvccjPdD_OsA7mAdFv-0HHz2i8QPuBrjx2qYVUZss5ZJ6JjXkeK0o6kzQA4riIOKVtc76KeqrH4z3jBnpS9wiwe-fbnx8Otli8OmMWTS0NIJ9Yk/w480-h640/rituals2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Radiate positive vibes for your soul and your skin with The Ritual of Karma foaming shower gel. Using unique gel-to-foam technology, the rich and luxurious foam is enriched with sweet holy lotus and nourishing White Tea. The foaming gel is silky smooth, thick and lathers really nicely. The scent is light, but lingers and is not overpowering at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmEXI89eMKJSpE7VbDpaT4KCLxTNKB-N2pfDiqw7X_qKh0M0-I6jjvKTKtP2yg0PRu3i06hlbIOm2nzuqfjx-69cMa8mEkXDRIEq0IuBRRHL-kyJHwDgMHHhcZcTmQ0RDhdTbztKrvIw/s960/rituals5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmEXI89eMKJSpE7VbDpaT4KCLxTNKB-N2pfDiqw7X_qKh0M0-I6jjvKTKtP2yg0PRu3i06hlbIOm2nzuqfjx-69cMa8mEkXDRIEq0IuBRRHL-kyJHwDgMHHhcZcTmQ0RDhdTbztKrvIw/w300-h400/rituals5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The body cream is really rich, smooth and nourishing. It smells amazing and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feeling. Do good for your skin and good will come your way with this body cream from The Ritual of Karma.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">RITUALS offers many different collections and i'm excited to explore some of the other scent combinations. So far i've tired the Ritual of Sakura, Ritual of Ayurveda and now the Ritual of Karma. i really love them all and am not sure i could pick a favorite. RITUALS is never tested on animals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">RITUALS- The Ritual of Karma is available Sept. 15th on <a href="https://www.sephora.com/brand/rituals">Sephora</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B-YfvlRp7p0" width="560"></iframe> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Connect with Rituals on social media</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Facebook- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RitualsUSA/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/RitualsUSA/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Instagram- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ritualsusa/">https://www.instagram.com/ritualsusa/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">*i received these Rituals products for free from Tryazon in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">#ritualsusa #shareyourslowdown #gotitfree #referral #nottestedonanmials #pamperyourself #bathtime #slowdown #tryazon</div><div><br /></div>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-20373112616742754772020-09-27T14:44:00.095-04:002022-03-17T10:57:11.269-04:00 Mushroom hunting at W & M (back post)<p> For my birthday this year, Kenan took us all to William and Mary to visit the boy. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcwXzlTI7wC5B8_2xXIDiozQ-obIBZ1Er_GkBEFSV2tHVdT-z4NI4-DbUkYzlNAq_HN6w4JC0Nl91MjVtPFWRTqBU1cNGXI2uw-3F20cldiXVOco27bQVzEvx2iJ-KRbXRCn6bUs9iRzvw0NWrOGHoL50ZBIAezzK6iJQVnSJkHJcO623pSS51DRLk=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcwXzlTI7wC5B8_2xXIDiozQ-obIBZ1Er_GkBEFSV2tHVdT-z4NI4-DbUkYzlNAq_HN6w4JC0Nl91MjVtPFWRTqBU1cNGXI2uw-3F20cldiXVOco27bQVzEvx2iJ-KRbXRCn6bUs9iRzvw0NWrOGHoL50ZBIAezzK6iJQVnSJkHJcO623pSS51DRLk=w640-h320" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We had fun wandering around Historic Williamsburg. Grabbed some coffees at <a href="https://www.aromasworld.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aromas</a> coffee shop, then got some crazy delicious ice cream from <a href="https://www.kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-williamsburg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kilwins. </a> i highly recommend them! It was so good!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNC4LF-wDEWSwQXKi0SC4eH_lhsSTaRzQTrBb1Hwg3aebg4bbXwOTymqv9W0VErEG_VQdee58Zj5gZXnJGLXK35iQhiG5CfnyKIkCLcyJfL1YaF75j67Ip8m1KjDs4dG5azKY2L12EeKtzuEE178dWC4bvysHZZ73rfG9WgXq7UkZSVILcOi9knyH-=s2015" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1511" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNC4LF-wDEWSwQXKi0SC4eH_lhsSTaRzQTrBb1Hwg3aebg4bbXwOTymqv9W0VErEG_VQdee58Zj5gZXnJGLXK35iQhiG5CfnyKIkCLcyJfL1YaF75j67Ip8m1KjDs4dG5azKY2L12EeKtzuEE178dWC4bvysHZZ73rfG9WgXq7UkZSVILcOi9knyH-=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />While wandering through historic Williamsburg, i spotted this Chicken of the woods growing on a tree in the front yard of one of the historic homes! i seem to spot mushrooms everywhere i go!!<p></p><p>After leaving Historic Williamsburg, we went back to the W&M campus and decided to walk some trails and explore the woods.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1PeXKvAgeKZLdn9p0VPLPDEdWwE5nTGXo5a09JSpzcnRUs8qj7fQa7QM9xFHS17CR8PxuiuZlCqYKwzaVs_CvdCSDkrAY6aYYV3eUOCxQHUxTNJPtQ3S_BqdRq-1AbP46xDeb2DSlCQ6TMhMKnXySTk5ShdfQArgVodrJTtz7DnpvcQ9siayCP7SL=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1PeXKvAgeKZLdn9p0VPLPDEdWwE5nTGXo5a09JSpzcnRUs8qj7fQa7QM9xFHS17CR8PxuiuZlCqYKwzaVs_CvdCSDkrAY6aYYV3eUOCxQHUxTNJPtQ3S_BqdRq-1AbP46xDeb2DSlCQ6TMhMKnXySTk5ShdfQArgVodrJTtz7DnpvcQ9siayCP7SL=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had so much fun spotting mushrooms! i would love to come back and do some actual mushroom hunting here. We didn't have to hike very far to find these beautiful Beefsteak mushrooms! These are edible and one of the few wild mushrooms that can be eaten raw.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd_JN-m-hwbfKCrgKT_FBIcisNzOoZdykS-WHz7OJGuZS8le4S6gKt4IEpadXMhxaE7ZMHrF23TClYHhGKIwnShj6-5mdVEk17AnvJQiUvSa4k76-3eiTPwzRmyT15NkQ6sq9s2ZSiWe-XF2lz2gy1YFpQwiaI_MXhQRlcVFlVY9lUW2kbVdg1WM1B=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd_JN-m-hwbfKCrgKT_FBIcisNzOoZdykS-WHz7OJGuZS8le4S6gKt4IEpadXMhxaE7ZMHrF23TClYHhGKIwnShj6-5mdVEk17AnvJQiUvSa4k76-3eiTPwzRmyT15NkQ6sq9s2ZSiWe-XF2lz2gy1YFpQwiaI_MXhQRlcVFlVY9lUW2kbVdg1WM1B=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These were popping up everywhere. i can't remember what they are called, but i had identified them and then let them be, so i am guessing they are not edible or i would have remembered what they were. They were really pretty though and neat to see them cover such a huge area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLE13pv0WxcbAw1PGeJJIZKAqJZ4hpPADTiG_eXNI4302qTFoFkEGSidUfqUTj_H-YzCC3LbJaWkAsU3dsZDVhWeShOA7d5gA74G_FgayMMH062J5uqi8D7XpbjTJrjEPZpOPD-19T6CyNkR3ZbbLE6YQRCxI9ZKLpR0ZneD9SD4iE928Ypc5stwDH=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLE13pv0WxcbAw1PGeJJIZKAqJZ4hpPADTiG_eXNI4302qTFoFkEGSidUfqUTj_H-YzCC3LbJaWkAsU3dsZDVhWeShOA7d5gA74G_FgayMMH062J5uqi8D7XpbjTJrjEPZpOPD-19T6CyNkR3ZbbLE6YQRCxI9ZKLpR0ZneD9SD4iE928Ypc5stwDH=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i found hedgehog mushrooms, also known as Sweet tooth mushrooms. These are edible, although i have never tried them before. They can be identified by the 'teeth' on the underside. These grow from the ground and not on trees like Lionsmane, another toothed fungus i like to find.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqPKh0Pa3c5L0x23xdHoLrgZApzQl15QCXoOD-gdtIc4i8bQSu9nNFDeJzw_zOO0j58JgnFH85Unwhc1A6BhOu7EVIHMo9sflg6LjYWA779UwDJB81Z2QvDKwVwixI6ld_ou8cA7yqAS7zsTcyYwbyhatFsMXvgOfruoWZVbyGTjSYIrWriBKK5cqY=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqPKh0Pa3c5L0x23xdHoLrgZApzQl15QCXoOD-gdtIc4i8bQSu9nNFDeJzw_zOO0j58JgnFH85Unwhc1A6BhOu7EVIHMo9sflg6LjYWA779UwDJB81Z2QvDKwVwixI6ld_ou8cA7yqAS7zsTcyYwbyhatFsMXvgOfruoWZVbyGTjSYIrWriBKK5cqY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>i did manage to spot a couple tiny Lionmanes as well! They were really small, but it's still always very exciting to find one! i would love to come back to Williamsburg and do some serious mushroom hunting. My boy has such a fun campus and amazing woods to explore here. He is not as excited about mushroom hunting as i am, but will still occasionally send me photos of mushrooms he's found while out walking the campus trails. <p></p><p>This was a fun and simple birthday. i loved getting away on a quick overnight, spending time with both of my kids again and getting to explore some woods! Pretty much a perfect birthday and that ice cream at Kilwins is so good! </p><p>My boy seems to be adjusting well to college despite all the weirdness of masks online classes and Covid restrictions. Not really ideal for his first year of college, but he'll have some stories to tell one day about life during lockdown. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-66813750125894607622020-08-26T09:06:00.050-04:002022-03-17T09:50:31.953-04:00First Trip to Williamsburg (2020 Back post)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghrlSfyo9nAHEJQrvNE1QZOQxMnOWYd7m1U0VELB1yPBV02uyb8kYrDoGIXAN7B0ZPhsirwUb_iDtsasXmK5j85X0yI8UFCs5d1xm1KPUAbNKujR8jxlmvnKhOHrmUlLFxddrJyxq7S7KsPtXJwAVUVSPRPNEJlVNHo4uuD_ae8hGRoK0r1PG6xygH=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghrlSfyo9nAHEJQrvNE1QZOQxMnOWYd7m1U0VELB1yPBV02uyb8kYrDoGIXAN7B0ZPhsirwUb_iDtsasXmK5j85X0yI8UFCs5d1xm1KPUAbNKujR8jxlmvnKhOHrmUlLFxddrJyxq7S7KsPtXJwAVUVSPRPNEJlVNHo4uuD_ae8hGRoK0r1PG6xygH=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My boy started his first semester at William & Mary in the middle of the pandemic. The College of William & Mary was founded in 1693 by letters patent issued by King William III and Queen Mary II, it is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and the ninth-oldest in the English-speaking world. The history surrounding this area, is really neat. We brought him to the school in late August. Masks were required on all areas of the campus. Only one person was allowed inside the dorm to help him move it. It was all very surreal. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2p11X8JXn9r96wwNYxG3yEZn6ieIuyUrnwX5Gh0d4IXqP0JrH0w-_rr7R27NTXi6Zd3guFF8ICnopfvTeYOydHZ5vZGz-YYJlnWF_2CED8GnY2HEwkNFcDNlF4MR-eiKKNyoES-vMPot2ALqaDxxr16sgZlyD1x6_JRRZI2Uq14Yi-U5gqWWN1S8a=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2p11X8JXn9r96wwNYxG3yEZn6ieIuyUrnwX5Gh0d4IXqP0JrH0w-_rr7R27NTXi6Zd3guFF8ICnopfvTeYOydHZ5vZGz-YYJlnWF_2CED8GnY2HEwkNFcDNlF4MR-eiKKNyoES-vMPot2ALqaDxxr16sgZlyD1x6_JRRZI2Uq14Yi-U5gqWWN1S8a=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The campus is absolutely gorgeous though. So we enjoyed exploring the area, hiking the woods and wandering the different trails. For being a college campus i was really impressed with the amount of nature surrounding it all. i expected more of a snobbish 'city' feel. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje0q0fhX0vOT8FDXB30NDeJ5so5SeqFhBu-ahGtFWnLJZOpfw4odeCSqkkyDVgJl0T1eWwpBkbVPicyKEiBQPvb12WCAxmnQ9ZdlS3N8VO5UrbDr0oN8lfj_EZtA2DU6AK3sXfUYJ9uog7vmDR6R3-1A72Y3tp9xgnlYnYUijIiH6fiaHOie_yvuEp=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje0q0fhX0vOT8FDXB30NDeJ5so5SeqFhBu-ahGtFWnLJZOpfw4odeCSqkkyDVgJl0T1eWwpBkbVPicyKEiBQPvb12WCAxmnQ9ZdlS3N8VO5UrbDr0oN8lfj_EZtA2DU6AK3sXfUYJ9uog7vmDR6R3-1A72Y3tp9xgnlYnYUijIiH6fiaHOie_yvuEp=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Historic downtown Williamsburg is a quaint little town that's full of history. It was pretty empty due to Covid restrictions, but still fun to walk around and see the old historic buildings. Typically they would have people in historical dress offering tours and information about the different buildings and houses, but due to Covid it was all closed when we were there. We knew we'd be back to visit soon, so it wasn't a problem. Our first trip there was really just to drop him off and head back home. It was very difficult, but a wonderful experience for my son. We are so incredibly proud of him and knew he'd do fine.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-85972956660174256362020-07-09T15:02:00.003-04:002020-07-09T15:11:43.436-04:00Big News! Introducing Blue Ridge Alchemy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwlB7X7zQrYURnZR1-gvq3m-y5GzG_cAro90_v5DssY3hP1sjpqfeLygkBKu0MDIo_Ts6HIv7uKpYODJlQGUKw1_ylPpkrZn0goe9c8c-kRMCchf41HIk6qxru5Rs6XQBkdZF0KPYln8/s1600/blueridgealchemy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwlB7X7zQrYURnZR1-gvq3m-y5GzG_cAro90_v5DssY3hP1sjpqfeLygkBKu0MDIo_Ts6HIv7uKpYODJlQGUKw1_ylPpkrZn0goe9c8c-kRMCchf41HIk6qxru5Rs6XQBkdZF0KPYln8/s640/blueridgealchemy6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, a bit of BIG news! Earlier this year my husband and his friend Caleb decided to rent a glass shop together. This would move Kenan's glass shop out of the basement and into the town of Floyd. The building they found was almost perfect! It has an apartment upstairs, that Caleb is renting and a store front!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zvxef74CSLxKU10vTM7kmMIEYZVx-0M_NMAcoLpZcUUssSew4kxbGivR5dBVH6Rpn-EC6PIITymY53z8zyxEgRwqWUnQE6v4g4bYGceD0DWFcZPMcqrxU624PCdUw96-oy_RFYyJ_0A/s1600/BlueRidge+Alchemy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zvxef74CSLxKU10vTM7kmMIEYZVx-0M_NMAcoLpZcUUssSew4kxbGivR5dBVH6Rpn-EC6PIITymY53z8zyxEgRwqWUnQE6v4g4bYGceD0DWFcZPMcqrxU624PCdUw96-oy_RFYyJ_0A/s320/BlueRidge+Alchemy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The guys have been putting a ton of work into the building to make sure the ventilation is good for glass blowing, building new work benches and getting the store front ready for business.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoaK_u7ZKVKHjysozAufOj7AqHT8CWquiYR958-7ge6rumUXdKa_6Qcg_EH0EFm89NnurFT16E1CPh-COrr6e0AE95SELSuxtN7VL55DMRJyjyenKMI8gsXKffwxIdCG18it8K-HdsDA/s1600/blueridgealchemy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoaK_u7ZKVKHjysozAufOj7AqHT8CWquiYR958-7ge6rumUXdKa_6Qcg_EH0EFm89NnurFT16E1CPh-COrr6e0AE95SELSuxtN7VL55DMRJyjyenKMI8gsXKffwxIdCG18it8K-HdsDA/s640/blueridgealchemy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Blue Ridge Alchemy is a functional glass shop where both Kenan and Caleb work daily. It also has space for students and visiting glass instructors. Their plan is to eventually host classes and workshops once the coronvirus madness has calmed down a bit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4Ojvth_WlwUtpuVGQUAYytz60gad1MIUVOxOrwS9Nv-H9xdFcVjjGlL_judNzNlbfXkwi7m5OhwGoZxhdhNcy4pZ0zE3tF5-fVs4QjFRV_Q9Rk__KzZU0SKU1su3dI-pC4gEj6nuRc4/s1600/blueridgealchemy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4Ojvth_WlwUtpuVGQUAYytz60gad1MIUVOxOrwS9Nv-H9xdFcVjjGlL_judNzNlbfXkwi7m5OhwGoZxhdhNcy4pZ0zE3tF5-fVs4QjFRV_Q9Rk__KzZU0SKU1su3dI-pC4gEj6nuRc4/s640/blueridgealchemy3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The storefront just recently opened and is only open for limited days/hours. Right now it's open Friday and Sat 12-8pm. We are just beginning to fill the store, but there is lots of glass work from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kenantiemeyer/">Kenan</a>, Caleb, me and even a few pieces from Sequoia. We'll soon be carrying other glass artists work as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJENUX__fnnNEENtOJZ792TIBVxJlJhm3guLgL5u2nsaof_cOA32Da45KuacpxbMRByzGSxkq_Hr9-XpgmsSwjA8Lvf2Z5P4rFrRd5RBOOs0hRZABmmA1Nwa1g466s4oDoHpp_JbSz1k/s1600/blueridgealchemy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJENUX__fnnNEENtOJZ792TIBVxJlJhm3guLgL5u2nsaof_cOA32Da45KuacpxbMRByzGSxkq_Hr9-XpgmsSwjA8Lvf2Z5P4rFrRd5RBOOs0hRZABmmA1Nwa1g466s4oDoHpp_JbSz1k/s640/blueridgealchemy4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just a tiny sampling of some of the things you may find at Blue Ridge Alchemy. This is a sample of Caleb's work. He works with both glass and copper electro-forming to create some really original glass work. He can also be found on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LiquidFireGlass" target="_blank">Etsy</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/liquidfireglass/" target="_blank"> instagram.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshpphqoQYUrXmVhiHIGunFy0hEi6-bpo7ffymKp2-HyXFH5tWy57-l0G7wBdSpakkseo4tEq6z5-YqRK00Dh2z9Umq4EC9Gjv7D0FsGBzlXAhz7KT1XbuVslMOqxEAUBnj9X3vh9NDmI/s1600/blueridgealchemy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshpphqoQYUrXmVhiHIGunFy0hEi6-bpo7ffymKp2-HyXFH5tWy57-l0G7wBdSpakkseo4tEq6z5-YqRK00Dh2z9Umq4EC9Gjv7D0FsGBzlXAhz7KT1XbuVslMOqxEAUBnj9X3vh9NDmI/s640/blueridgealchemy5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have a nice selection of handcrafted jewelry from Dark Gem Industries.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ul_YFW-M8y9KyqHCnGbKNUWCHRZoc4lOUG71OncU6HDBDUun0A3ITSSrhhQV9In4HDXycmpP2OcqR-E9366mX_yA3g9fz8q4ssAyuaTdbtlJ53qa9_LZvOldVm-Puu3nRgnr_UauK3E/s1600/blueridgealchemy7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ul_YFW-M8y9KyqHCnGbKNUWCHRZoc4lOUG71OncU6HDBDUun0A3ITSSrhhQV9In4HDXycmpP2OcqR-E9366mX_yA3g9fz8q4ssAyuaTdbtlJ53qa9_LZvOldVm-Puu3nRgnr_UauK3E/s640/blueridgealchemy7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A small display of some of my work, which i really need to be making more. i haven't been in the glassshop since they moved it, and have been so focused on sewing and gardening i haven't had much to contribute to the store. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EZzBRkva-sQUQdAx3_yspBNXLfKMaCN4vDNB2E_j5l1b6E8oLuUw5OOM-BG40Sll05G8s7dapi7bN_NbkEFdwZdPbO-uTFAK7P3APZeVs35aZ-umAr1L1yt1YqfmqDi1yMt6W-bnVVI/s1600/blueridgealchemy13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EZzBRkva-sQUQdAx3_yspBNXLfKMaCN4vDNB2E_j5l1b6E8oLuUw5OOM-BG40Sll05G8s7dapi7bN_NbkEFdwZdPbO-uTFAK7P3APZeVs35aZ-umAr1L1yt1YqfmqDi1yMt6W-bnVVI/s640/blueridgealchemy13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have some gorgeous art prints by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheInnerObserver" target="_blank">Kaitlyn Page</a> , pottery by several Floyd artists. Wood crafts, bamboo flutes and more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_FVIyEALdLiGKsON1g-HAzESYlUsBFG-QaviCg-5iEiSseBZjuWI49TirTwHvanuvXDweTSQMlHTNxEMhIP1zUZtqxD4M9gS7zqXK0XUAkcLFCD9vBcJo69JZwi81YEVyf2DCgo0MWE/s1600/blueridgealchemy4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_FVIyEALdLiGKsON1g-HAzESYlUsBFG-QaviCg-5iEiSseBZjuWI49TirTwHvanuvXDweTSQMlHTNxEMhIP1zUZtqxD4M9gS7zqXK0XUAkcLFCD9vBcJo69JZwi81YEVyf2DCgo0MWE/s640/blueridgealchemy4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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During store hours guests will also get a chance to watch live glass blowing! </div>
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Blue Ridge Alchemy has been a long time coming. There is still a ton of work to do to get everything set up as it should be and to get the store filled, but it's really coming along. Caleb has taken the reins on the store front, while Kenan is working on putting together classes and events they can host. </div>
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For anyone traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway and visiting Floyd, be sure and stop by The Blue Ridge Alchemy and say hello! You can follow along on our adventures <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeAlchemy">here</a> and see new merchandise and featured artists as we fill up the store. 2020 has been a real drag on our plans for the shop/store, but i really feel it will all come together and work out fine. #visitfloydVA #floydartisans #shoplocal #thisisfloyd</div>
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<br />treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-66909792257182975872020-06-30T12:38:00.000-04:002020-07-09T14:16:40.701-04:00Quarantines and Garden Rambles.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How is it already July? i've been a bit behind with my posting, 2020 has been quite a year for a number of reasons. The kids ended school in March, due to the Coronavirus quarantine. My son missed the end of his senior year, but was still able to graduate in June. i'll make another post about that eventually. My folks moved down here from MI and bought a house not far away in the next county over. Kenan moved his glass shop to Floyd (another post) and i've just been home with the kids doing what we do. Nothing else has really changed too much.</div>
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We had some weird weather in May (21 degrees!!) so things are a bit behind. </div>
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Harvest 5-23-2020 Sppring temps were weird, but i did manage to get a few cold crops planted. So by the end of May we were getting asparagus and radishes. My spinach did terrible, but i did get a bit and the strawberries came from a pot that had overwintered in the greenhouse. We were getting shiitake and oysters on and off all winter and my hens began laying eggs again in February. </div>
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6-4-2020 First week of June we started seeing garlic scapes. Rhubarb is ready to harvest and lettuce is just starting to come in.<br />
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6-11-2020 Almost the second week of June before we start to see peas. Still getting a few radish, although they are starting to bolt now. Plenty of lettuce ready, still getting mushrooms and eggs.<br />
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6-16-2020 Found our first Chicken of the season! Getting tons of Garlic scapes, peas, eggs and carrots are ready to pick.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpvxOcXxlGhiaUU3Pf1asX2xTEL92tofNbm1fU-ak5mtE66u4Y20K4co_2kBoxn7nrCuxydDszCy-qhwK6NUvYFjx45UgUQmB3WDt96ZI637UMLJzFx3rxYI2_miOZbicxu-P2Ut_G0Q/s1600/harvestjune30-2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpvxOcXxlGhiaUU3Pf1asX2xTEL92tofNbm1fU-ak5mtE66u4Y20K4co_2kBoxn7nrCuxydDszCy-qhwK6NUvYFjx45UgUQmB3WDt96ZI637UMLJzFx3rxYI2_miOZbicxu-P2Ut_G0Q/s640/harvestjune30-2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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6-30-2020 Ending June with another Chicken of the Woods. Also found a few wild chanterelles and getting shiitakes again. Everything is about a month behind. Normally i would already be getting tomatoes, squash and beans. They are still a few weeks off for a variety of reasons. The deer found 2 of my fenced gardens and ate all the beans, so my bean harvest this year will not be great. Tomatoes are loaded with green fruits, but still have a while before they ripen and my squash didn't germinate well. After replanting repeatedly, i finally have a couple plants that appear to be close to blooming.<br />
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We have so much to do at home to stay busy, it hasn't felt like much of a quarantine. However the closer we get to school starting up, the more anxious i get about it. We've felt quite protected here in our bubble, but once school begins we will lose that feeling of protection. Especially with my son headed off to college in just about a month. <br />
<br />treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-60808324690365356492020-02-20T09:01:00.002-05:002020-02-20T09:02:01.986-05:00End of 2019 recap The end of 2019, was a crazy busy time. December is always busy just with the holidays, but then add in christmas parades and band concerts, plus this year i sign up to set up at a couple different shows. It's a wonder i ever got any shopping or cookie baking done. <br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">The first event i set up at was the Gift Local Holiday Market in Roanoke at the GreenBrier Nursery. It was a really nice event with live music and plenty of vendors. It was a very different crowd from the Artisan Market in Floyd, which made for a very different experience.</span></div>
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Despite being the middle of December it was pretty mild out, and the solarium got really warm during the day once the sun came out. So even though we were set up sort of outside, it was very comfortable. i really enjoyed the event and look forward to doing it again next year.</div>
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My market friend Sarah invited me to set up at her open house at Spoon Mountain Farm. It was a really small event with only 4 of us set up, but it was also a lot of fun. </div>
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Only a couple people attended the open house, but i still did better than i do at some market nights. </div>
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Somehow with everything else going on i still managed to do a little holiday baking and decorating, although definitely not to the extend that i've done in the past.</div>
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Our holiday cards were put together about a week before xmas. Trying to get a photo with both teens home at the same time and cooperating was nearly impossible. i gave up all hope of getting one with all 4 of us, and finally managed to get this one after a bit of yelling and threatening. i only got cards sent out to maybe 5 people, before giving up entirely. </div>
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i did manage to get a family photo on xmas. We are only missing one kitty and me in the photo, as i was taking the photo. As the kids get older and life gets busier, it's getting harder and harder to get photos of all of us together. </div>
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December was so mild, we ended up going for a hike after opening gifts. We took two of the dogs and just made a day of it. It was really nice spending the day together. Life has just gotten so busy these days and i don't see it slowing down any time soon. This pretty much wrapped up our 2019. We had a few lazy days to end out the month, before starting fresh in 2020. </div>
<br />treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-67551543771893097482019-11-05T12:43:00.000-05:002019-11-05T12:43:04.642-05:00Rituals for the Holidays- The Ritual of Sakura (sponsored)<br />
Everyone love getting a gift in the mail. i recently was gifted this beautiful Rituals of Sakura set to try out. #TheRitualofSakura medium gift set is another great product by Rituals Cosmetics. Rituals is a unique luxury lifestyle brand focused on ancient traditions for body and home. As the leading bath and body brand in Europe, they encourage ‘slow down’ moments for the mind, body, & soul. Rituals aims to turn everyday routines into cherishable moments, helping their customers to “find happiness in the smallest of things” with the use of their products. Inspired by ancient Eastern traditions, each product uses specific fragrance combinations to help stimulate the senses and encourages you to immerse yourself in some “me time”.<br />
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i'm a complete sucker for packaging and the keepsake box that the set comes in is really sturdy and beautiful. The inside packaging tray is even compostable. The outside of the box is decorated with a ribbon and metal charm than can be reused, and the paper sleeve can be recycled. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcEj0iH7Ff_YnsAvjSZ2jmnUKGHte4EVth5WvQNrL3hiKJSq9eEHZ1fTwwo8GAByHMK2IUqoV-CCuC8j4ItnOC_MB2d_TDCnHXEF2uDtZF3dmMfE5KgSqOLWyHIdRmuT8TLfDplweFUw/s1600/rituals3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcEj0iH7Ff_YnsAvjSZ2jmnUKGHte4EVth5WvQNrL3hiKJSq9eEHZ1fTwwo8GAByHMK2IUqoV-CCuC8j4ItnOC_MB2d_TDCnHXEF2uDtZF3dmMfE5KgSqOLWyHIdRmuT8TLfDplweFUw/s640/rituals3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is a really nice set, and would make a wonderful gift. i love the light scent of rose blossoms and rice milk. The scent is perfectly balanced . The lotion is very moisturizing, with a light scent and doesn't leave a greasy residue. The hand soap is a nice addition. Overall it was a gorgeous, luxurious and indulgent box that left me feeling very pampered. Anyone would feel very special receiving this as a gift. </div>
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The Ritual of Sakura Medium Gift Set contains a shower foam, body scrub, body cream and hand soap. Celebrate each day as a new beginning with these care products based on the fabulous aromas of Cherry Blossom and Rice Milk. The entire set is lovely and aesthetically pleasing. </div>
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The body scrub is so moisturizing and nice, i just wish there was more of it. i always use it up first! i really like the foaming shower gel. It lathers wonderfully and is silky smooth, like shaving cream but better. <span style="text-align: left;">The scent is light, but lingers and is not overpowering at all. i really enjoyed these! They have many different collections available and i'm excited to explore some of the other scent combinations. </span></div>
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Rituals is never tested on animals. You can purchase this gift set here- https://amzn.to/2Nj2tFx </div>
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You can learn more about the Sakura collections here- https://www.rituals.com/en-us/home </div>
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Connect with Rituals on social media Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/RitualsUSA/ </div>
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Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ritualsusa/ </div>
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*i received these Rituals products for free from Tryazon in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own</div>
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<br />treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-21187398986041689952019-10-31T11:56:00.000-04:002019-10-31T11:56:08.310-04:00Updating our Dining Room Lighting with Parrot Uncle Rustic Wood Chandelier.- Sponsored<a href="https://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPbc442763d2b3cf91d363d032780cf860" rel="nofollow" style="display: none;"></a>
Finally getting around to doing a few upgrades to the house. We built it 6 years ago, and still haven't painted the walls or really changed a thing (except the basement which still isn't finished). i came across this <a href="https://amzn.to/2r1cejj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pendant lamp</a> and thought it would look amazing in our house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGEayqcWCGl2QVGJ6lExmxLhyZ8mnJYPkoG_tRaX3Vd0ZOfuYIXmIh-AHoMl5a2Wmdih7uMZFrVEJXe6yz0dk8KhUusiHslUIJs6AqlHfXFFDajchdwYdxL_80VOKOZLjZZkuWmwlfUI/s1600/lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGEayqcWCGl2QVGJ6lExmxLhyZ8mnJYPkoG_tRaX3Vd0ZOfuYIXmIh-AHoMl5a2Wmdih7uMZFrVEJXe6yz0dk8KhUusiHslUIJs6AqlHfXFFDajchdwYdxL_80VOKOZLjZZkuWmwlfUI/s320/lamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This Lodge inspired Castello 4-Light Rustic Wood Chandelier is by <a href="https://www.parrotuncle.com/chandeliers/castello-4-light-rustic-industrial-chandelier.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parrot Uncle</a>.com, a subsidiary company of Eileen Grays Network Technology Co., Ltd., it is a specialty retailer striving to satisfy your home lighting requirements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaEUDAryyPZrMacp0Ag8uueh1bJDQj8vHvw7StdkCYYJtDhhyfa0X14QYTWj8PNyJJXFItKIFGjXSRJS9aQ27RC6dmQb77rjdFJs9PElOEEJU_vOQgcwcbM-tbDZeSdWaLMwBOsSL-JQ/s1600/light4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaEUDAryyPZrMacp0Ag8uueh1bJDQj8vHvw7StdkCYYJtDhhyfa0X14QYTWj8PNyJJXFItKIFGjXSRJS9aQ27RC6dmQb77rjdFJs9PElOEEJU_vOQgcwcbM-tbDZeSdWaLMwBOsSL-JQ/s640/light4.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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We have the perfect spot for it, and i happy to replace this boring light that i've never really cared for. </div>
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i absolutely love the look of this metal and wood Pendant style #chandelier! The weathered wood finish has a slight olive color that matches perfectly with my dining room rug and the slate on the wall and the black finished wrought iron framing matches the black cast iron on my wood stove.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HRL-G8jF1ntX32l55lNbBBTeHgECPQXp7vlKre5TDPUfALwQ5Z6l2sBXWmYidBWRSokpoH7wdbapsaFIY6Mj_DVPtpuUSlFlu5eoTnw0p7L46BziWHDw5bHwN1RE1ZAty6mn0aif73g/s1600/lights7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HRL-G8jF1ntX32l55lNbBBTeHgECPQXp7vlKre5TDPUfALwQ5Z6l2sBXWmYidBWRSokpoH7wdbapsaFIY6Mj_DVPtpuUSlFlu5eoTnw0p7L46BziWHDw5bHwN1RE1ZAty6mn0aif73g/s640/lights7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So, the one thing i didn't really consider was the installation. Replacing a lamp that is almost 18' up is not an easy task when your ladder is only 8 ' tall. ha ha! We had to balance the ladder on the kitchen table and the husband had to climb all the way to the top which was all a little sketchy just to reach it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQkTvan59Vqk2eU_iJS_d4wq4NmwQNQJd0vvzNZCHn9EDsGozmYGSYEeXD7R3VbN7Kh1fFoRVgLbn9KS9NlOIAHOdR8sRskTkgymsN6HNHIlDp15VnV8C8TM5X0JbEZuSHD1vWF9fttI/s1600/light2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQkTvan59Vqk2eU_iJS_d4wq4NmwQNQJd0vvzNZCHn9EDsGozmYGSYEeXD7R3VbN7Kh1fFoRVgLbn9KS9NlOIAHOdR8sRskTkgymsN6HNHIlDp15VnV8C8TM5X0JbEZuSHD1vWF9fttI/s640/light2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Once we got that figured out, the actual installation was very straight forward and easy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EBMKcAZpVFIE4jveOF3DxR6sS5T4ZdrbsrkA5rBlzPhKXP_KgjVsAID2Ph-bHsv61PxXClnluMaSgh_htv-0gCKEn_R85AUVrxK7p4RI7QyFmRUWixLqUh8enLLYdeXQWQ5GrIhVVJE/s1600/light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EBMKcAZpVFIE4jveOF3DxR6sS5T4ZdrbsrkA5rBlzPhKXP_KgjVsAID2Ph-bHsv61PxXClnluMaSgh_htv-0gCKEn_R85AUVrxK7p4RI7QyFmRUWixLqUh8enLLYdeXQWQ5GrIhVVJE/s640/light.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">i really love it! It has a farmhouse feel, but also great for industrial or modern rustic decor. Such a unique design that can lend itself to many surroundings. The candles remind me of the floatin candles in Harry Potter, and my son thinks it has a very gothic feel. It is quite large, with a w</span>idth of 20 inches, height 22 1/2 Inches the adjustable chain cord length 39”. <span style="text-align: start;"> </span></div>
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i love the way it fits with our dining room. It gives off a beautiful light to the room. It really creates a mood, much more than the other light that was here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22NMU19BNczowRpZavCqqtr7OPDhQ4c9LZ7UlEoaGnn6Pa8t-AdMxWppHD0u2DcZCp6-wwURlFKxtGK_cNQ9c_gttsoDE2tZyS9snwCJzgPQYLV4ImlQpYyWXB-FeAXcW4q_pRtMTNj0/s1600/lights9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22NMU19BNczowRpZavCqqtr7OPDhQ4c9LZ7UlEoaGnn6Pa8t-AdMxWppHD0u2DcZCp6-wwURlFKxtGK_cNQ9c_gttsoDE2tZyS9snwCJzgPQYLV4ImlQpYyWXB-FeAXcW4q_pRtMTNj0/s640/lights9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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i'm planning to get the LED candelabra bulbs with the bent tips to really give off a candle vibe, but you get the idea. This is really well made, sturdy piece! #ParrotUncle is dedicated to offering you the best quality and the largest selection of home lighting fixtures. From modern designer ceiling lighting to cottage chic wood handmade lamps, you can enjoy the warmest light and the most decorative style for your house</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">You can find more information about it <a href="https://amzn.to/2r1cejj" target="_blank">here </a>on Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BK4QYWX </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">*i received this products for free in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own. This post contains referral links. i may earn a small commission when you click a link and make a purchase. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMbc442763d2b3cf91d363d032780cf860" rel="nofollow" style="display: none;"></a>treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-30559360431568530972019-10-18T08:44:00.000-04:002019-10-18T08:44:12.013-04:00Summer Honey Harvest!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lImsZGv0mzQdomoJB-u3dG81oeBdSabjy7dBw7Az4rstzKXjt9oOzDLgWXtgmDLYkNfw8kbqlgEX3HsjENO_RxA-RdFrUASi8O3D8DhtgIl27rOEcL_YNL6xhGpthpTbmIerTlOAWvs/s1600/honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1333" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lImsZGv0mzQdomoJB-u3dG81oeBdSabjy7dBw7Az4rstzKXjt9oOzDLgWXtgmDLYkNfw8kbqlgEX3HsjENO_RxA-RdFrUASi8O3D8DhtgIl27rOEcL_YNL6xhGpthpTbmIerTlOAWvs/s640/honey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Earlier this Spring did our first honey pull. We pulled over a hundred pounds and sold out almost immediately to friends and family. Since then we have done two more pulls. Our total for the year has been close to 350 lbs of beautiful raw wildflower honey!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-G7s_KcZKUy1OiS5TNJljzAadTY635EKbD49303x0vwaTFOEf-BgoAs3F0Z2LxAnDD5T-uo9IIwx_ZaB7bQLDh53A-QkZmkjFZWLPtSWGAN9hP_a0O0_-8IJhxt9t19IvjBKQAv1GZ0/s1600/combhoney1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1276" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-G7s_KcZKUy1OiS5TNJljzAadTY635EKbD49303x0vwaTFOEf-BgoAs3F0Z2LxAnDD5T-uo9IIwx_ZaB7bQLDh53A-QkZmkjFZWLPtSWGAN9hP_a0O0_-8IJhxt9t19IvjBKQAv1GZ0/s640/combhoney1.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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We did solid wax foundations on a few of the hives and ended up with some cut comb the second half of the summer. It's been a really popular seller. We are sold of out it, but will have some comb honey in clear plastic boxes soon. They make wonderful gifts and have a very nice presentation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIGcAuAc4GeiukMphrdCwhYGzMnor48OeetQ7prmyrmP7LMFSD4bZPk4MSRhJGFFCYC-YWmVDmKul584bJcCWKRn_Ip1s2tClziflOI_6tbF-8Jp2xgfZ4OC8vTbzC0qysc0WrSE7jjw/s1600/honeybottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="714" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIGcAuAc4GeiukMphrdCwhYGzMnor48OeetQ7prmyrmP7LMFSD4bZPk4MSRhJGFFCYC-YWmVDmKul584bJcCWKRn_Ip1s2tClziflOI_6tbF-8Jp2xgfZ4OC8vTbzC0qysc0WrSE7jjw/s640/honeybottles.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Besides selling locally to friends and neighbors. i take honey to the Artisan Market every week. i also have it listed for sale on our website <a href="https://www.shadygrovehomesteadarts.com/farm-store-1" target="_blank">farm store. </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAQP9nYMsILh_k9gKu1Xg6UFXll2_ZzDMTPq22D-1iKv8D9os-Z4oef36lQeMZo_TJO-zHqHG59rLWC4Wr29bBIg6_cJNMJaAnKtafx2-e_b_7e_pclda4N0yPj6pehTWwbT93gP5Om8/s1600/honeydippers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="625" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAQP9nYMsILh_k9gKu1Xg6UFXll2_ZzDMTPq22D-1iKv8D9os-Z4oef36lQeMZo_TJO-zHqHG59rLWC4Wr29bBIg6_cJNMJaAnKtafx2-e_b_7e_pclda4N0yPj6pehTWwbT93gP5Om8/s640/honeydippers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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i'm super excited to be offering locally made honey dippers. These are make by David and Patricia Spangler in Floyd. They make all kinds of wonderful wooden cooking utensils. At really reasonable prices! My kitchen is stocked with their wooden utensils, and now i have one of their honey dippers too! i'm really excited to be able to offer these with our honey.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCSIDnhWageVpEghZDNUGXG_mLB1p77AlE4wcEA3PWTl797Ulkf51l3FYK8gajEw36l2xGCEA41TSGYjKXpcCd8DLne6-uG0GbqyK9datZNmIsLFPtCxWzL6pn55GXdx92ZPb_t-MFjs/s1600/honeybox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="325" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCSIDnhWageVpEghZDNUGXG_mLB1p77AlE4wcEA3PWTl797Ulkf51l3FYK8gajEw36l2xGCEA41TSGYjKXpcCd8DLne6-uG0GbqyK9datZNmIsLFPtCxWzL6pn55GXdx92ZPb_t-MFjs/s640/honeybox.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Very soon we will have cutcomb available. We ordered clear boxes like this (not my picture) but they were back ordered so we are still waiting for them to ship. i'm really hoping to put together a few gift box sets for the holidays that include other locally made items as well as our honey.<br />
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Right now our honey can be purchased at the Floyd Artisan Market (friday nights), on our website <a href="https://www.shadygrovehomesteadarts.com/farm-store-1" target="_blank">Shady Grove Homestead & Arts</a> and from us directly. treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-21266604763748968662019-10-15T07:48:00.000-04:002019-10-15T07:48:20.374-04:00Introductions! Our homestead is growing!Meet Finn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4iUCeVArWI2IgRfe_dlW6pChYuuFHIja2RC8WPUkWrOmV0bxRgKGZXp0cHvv3BcdFF76OcF05NwBi4aQ7-pufRQOP_s99kmBqpg7fFDbhflqC9Ep8HYFRSfiRD3NS6BOoC2MLA_hJig/s1600/finn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1333" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4iUCeVArWI2IgRfe_dlW6pChYuuFHIja2RC8WPUkWrOmV0bxRgKGZXp0cHvv3BcdFF76OcF05NwBi4aQ7-pufRQOP_s99kmBqpg7fFDbhflqC9Ep8HYFRSfiRD3NS6BOoC2MLA_hJig/s640/finn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Back in June my daughter asked for a bunny for her birthday. We checked marketplace ads and inquired about a few and then ended up stopping by a Rural King one afternoon and coming home with this little guy. His name is Finn and he's as sweet as can be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3s2puX8A75SxmVyOYz-yVjtEKeaQD14KCS6Umm15hUBrsmg1lzHxe_ebRSPovHSEX9bKsnQUvfwJ0xO2TDU42suO5c-E7x1dVzuOrzHxTKszEeCaIVAEcBYslvZ5e9OxTbdf0xo-HkA/s1600/finn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3s2puX8A75SxmVyOYz-yVjtEKeaQD14KCS6Umm15hUBrsmg1lzHxe_ebRSPovHSEX9bKsnQUvfwJ0xO2TDU42suO5c-E7x1dVzuOrzHxTKszEeCaIVAEcBYslvZ5e9OxTbdf0xo-HkA/s320/finn2.jpg" width="275" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwMCfSEA75A_hRGe8r0G4SisYHOktIZtJBSXO1Pe1k4Y6HAFlGww8uwefQfEJ2Szpem3I9Tx3lFsHkvL1QfEjv6tQywzEp2WzX9APkwXylIHCDSYgwEBaM9zhskFa2UcJA-d03pVu_Vs/s1600/finn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwMCfSEA75A_hRGe8r0G4SisYHOktIZtJBSXO1Pe1k4Y6HAFlGww8uwefQfEJ2Szpem3I9Tx3lFsHkvL1QfEjv6tQywzEp2WzX9APkwXylIHCDSYgwEBaM9zhskFa2UcJA-d03pVu_Vs/s320/finn1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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We have him as an indoor bunny, but he loves to explore outside. i'd like to eventually make him a bunny run, so he can spend time outside during the day unsupervised. i hate seeing bunnies in tiny little hutches. i want a nice grass enclosure for him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk1Y4T7DPhZEFQJqrC5ah5ShxXQnw-05Xh15-uU22Befgy408FHPDuX7-IJz9BWxC1RoP1i3Qry6JTKHqsy8ZkVctzlYAb-Tr_7V7h6ZGvz80rhGj37Jkaymjb2u8Y5L4rT-cYDO2hxY/s1600/bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1211" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk1Y4T7DPhZEFQJqrC5ah5ShxXQnw-05Xh15-uU22Befgy408FHPDuX7-IJz9BWxC1RoP1i3Qry6JTKHqsy8ZkVctzlYAb-Tr_7V7h6ZGvz80rhGj37Jkaymjb2u8Y5L4rT-cYDO2hxY/s640/bunny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the day i let him out to get a bit of exercise. We have him litter box trained, so he can run about exploring the livingroom and it's other inhabitants. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEapz6LcnMWZHMpUSNBLDEB2slKXwc4S6fxFM_JzdLuEMoJUywv81TonfKTdZuW_j0tzX9xh6_msNUkomPxC2nft6eTiIhOzewaexcuAq3z4svVh7R2zfdmTspU4iWOIMHgOQ2V6LIdqk/s1600/finn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1141" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEapz6LcnMWZHMpUSNBLDEB2slKXwc4S6fxFM_JzdLuEMoJUywv81TonfKTdZuW_j0tzX9xh6_msNUkomPxC2nft6eTiIhOzewaexcuAq3z4svVh7R2zfdmTspU4iWOIMHgOQ2V6LIdqk/s640/finn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The other kitties watch him from upstairs, but piggy (Banjo) doesn't seem to mind him at all. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrVU8shE2KiNhNyTvBD_cCXI-o6RSbAQQsMbd-jwOalNhyphenhyphenyrH0Xad1ObfNKfTqQMUZtx5YS3twEnQEhudSXbmpeLY-xuVJv4MiaFLEG9e-kY0hx2hxX63iaqAbSoO1OPoq8krxIQ-Org/s1600/puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrVU8shE2KiNhNyTvBD_cCXI-o6RSbAQQsMbd-jwOalNhyphenhyphenyrH0Xad1ObfNKfTqQMUZtx5YS3twEnQEhudSXbmpeLY-xuVJv4MiaFLEG9e-kY0hx2hxX63iaqAbSoO1OPoq8krxIQ-Org/s640/puppy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Just a few weeks ago we were talking about how our dogs are getting older. Both are almost 10 years old, and haven't been doing their job lately. The deer walk right through the yard to eat peaches and have even gotten into my garden this year. The dogs spend all day sleeping on the deck and don't even wake up when the deer is 20 feet in front of them. When mentioning it to the kids, both kids said they wanted a German Shepard. Kenan and i both wanted a working dog like a border collie or Australian Shepard.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK9IO68jJ9oed9Z7DNJBAeiJL7oGSkwOdM4QP1VyO7wsGRNWB8_YtkMwVWQHyWeukJJOd-sbirGrEeydpcfnh1HjOGqKqEXqTsNNASkvGvWWMxygq4hjeXYL_e7iyOfl6CUI5eWsFtTQ/s1600/jasper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1405" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK9IO68jJ9oed9Z7DNJBAeiJL7oGSkwOdM4QP1VyO7wsGRNWB8_YtkMwVWQHyWeukJJOd-sbirGrEeydpcfnh1HjOGqKqEXqTsNNASkvGvWWMxygq4hjeXYL_e7iyOfl6CUI5eWsFtTQ/s640/jasper.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
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Literally the day after our discussion, i saw a post come through my facebook feed, someone local was giving away free puppies. The father is Pure bred German Shepard and the mother is purebred Australian Shepard. Pretty much exactly what we were looking for. i sent the link to Kenan with the message 'here's your puppy. lol. ' i was really kind of joking. i didn't expect him to contact the folks, but it really was exactly what we wanted. So Kenan sent them a message, and it turns out the folks giving away the puppies are practically neighbors. The girl was on her way to Willis to give them away to some other folks that were interested, but offered to stop by here and give us first pick. </div>
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So just like that, a day after mentioning we would need to get a new dog...we had a brand new puppy. My daughter picked out the only boy from the litter. After several days of not agreeing on a name, we (kenan and i) decided to call him Jasper. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5u1Kcem1mGyNrT-1kj5MxEy6E2Yjd77tgh9mrNzZaCTLsg7I_Eq7wr_fTZneKG4Z80dkYpdN7yxIPUDoFQ6mHMlH3IEhGFfzCUuOI5azlPJeLmc7gyXesMvOlRNKewENfmexiVEsIrk/s1600/jasper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5u1Kcem1mGyNrT-1kj5MxEy6E2Yjd77tgh9mrNzZaCTLsg7I_Eq7wr_fTZneKG4Z80dkYpdN7yxIPUDoFQ6mHMlH3IEhGFfzCUuOI5azlPJeLmc7gyXesMvOlRNKewENfmexiVEsIrk/s640/jasper1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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He's growing super fast. He was born on the 4th of July, so he's a little over 3 months old and is almost the same size as my other two dogs. He's going to be a big boy. He's really smart and already knows how to sit on command. He has a great Phoenix marking on his chest and makes a great hiking buddy. We are excited to have him join our homestead. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpCYBqf69tlwjoBvFWxUuyJXoRq4MdbaZRjDe4HRrC6RwFdg59PUDNIsHLv2qtcWLi2OtL2yToDyrkNjj-ZbWWrkVC264VCwNYxpXHIB_Ytoer21rB4LMKFQzY9xXpOO6d_qNKsJDhTY/s1600/hives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1522" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpCYBqf69tlwjoBvFWxUuyJXoRq4MdbaZRjDe4HRrC6RwFdg59PUDNIsHLv2qtcWLi2OtL2yToDyrkNjj-ZbWWrkVC264VCwNYxpXHIB_Ytoer21rB4LMKFQzY9xXpOO6d_qNKsJDhTY/s640/hives.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our apiary is also growing! When we started last year we began with 4 hives, and ended the year with 8. We were able to over winter them all successfully and started this year with all 8. We are now up to 17 and will be going into the winter with 17 colonies! They have done way better than we expected and are excited to see what next year brings! </div>
treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-26446698522760247322019-10-14T09:07:00.001-04:002019-10-14T09:07:30.587-04:00September Garden Updates.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Playing catch up on my blog this morning. i didn't really post many garden harvest photos this year, but here are a few from September.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXirQnPTU_9LRTqqxKvaEfbRV81bsuCqFiv_KS_KzK-VN9IvfeO9VGSfOqRm3Nyl44IlCZnpYZ_R-Vx3xZOX9r-WCiIr8myys5GpD8u6HccDdXerm71mOqboJQfBVrLX79XJ-6dQwqVAE/s1600/harvest9-4-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXirQnPTU_9LRTqqxKvaEfbRV81bsuCqFiv_KS_KzK-VN9IvfeO9VGSfOqRm3Nyl44IlCZnpYZ_R-Vx3xZOX9r-WCiIr8myys5GpD8u6HccDdXerm71mOqboJQfBVrLX79XJ-6dQwqVAE/s640/harvest9-4-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tomatoes really started to come in and i spent much of the month canning them. It rained sometime the last week of July, but not at all in August or September. So it's amazing we were finding any wild mushrooms at all. It was ( and still is) so dry out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg1TK7W1poG3kYltrZ341AKwZbzV2QYohpRUC5GXAVcoesOUgag5U4ECv5Y8BdiY7VEKUTRzh31tau6E2tbRoDnnGAKd6MuLZXQktotezJJyRseuhHEshQUezfrpI836RGZPez8lWrXQ/s1600/harvest9-4-19a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1126" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg1TK7W1poG3kYltrZ341AKwZbzV2QYohpRUC5GXAVcoesOUgag5U4ECv5Y8BdiY7VEKUTRzh31tau6E2tbRoDnnGAKd6MuLZXQktotezJJyRseuhHEshQUezfrpI836RGZPez8lWrXQ/s640/harvest9-4-19a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have been soaking our plugged logs, so for the first part of September we were still getting a lot of mushrooms. We were no longer finding any chanterelles or trumpets, but we did find several Chicken of the Woods.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RQuvtANB-tVBfU8E1zd1mJ8OyOeGWxomT0uXp9MSCp-gFh-FcSMZh7A7c0NbT_a0cmA8tOqZ8DwGq07kkn38he7870pxFCfxSAps30Y8dWubPg0atC1akZokq_f7MZ6aoRwFSZHODFc/s1600/harvest9-4-19b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RQuvtANB-tVBfU8E1zd1mJ8OyOeGWxomT0uXp9MSCp-gFh-FcSMZh7A7c0NbT_a0cmA8tOqZ8DwGq07kkn38he7870pxFCfxSAps30Y8dWubPg0atC1akZokq_f7MZ6aoRwFSZHODFc/s640/harvest9-4-19b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We had plugged our oysters on oak, and they really didn't do very well. We learned that they really prefer poplar, so we're going to us poplar next time we plug oysters. Our shiitakes have done really well on the oak logs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCDOdDKNmo0FWgxMr7nPLW6Zj6rMmzPnrL1GrDZPjbE7jdKWHxHkWrxeuRyp_qszUoYPWcSfK5gNbIkZV2I-PGSSbzhYf0HRDTpUO1EOpiWVQRgUZHq8Rf0iLgBO_VjpX0HsPAj5pWGg/s1600/harvest9-4-19c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCDOdDKNmo0FWgxMr7nPLW6Zj6rMmzPnrL1GrDZPjbE7jdKWHxHkWrxeuRyp_qszUoYPWcSfK5gNbIkZV2I-PGSSbzhYf0HRDTpUO1EOpiWVQRgUZHq8Rf0iLgBO_VjpX0HsPAj5pWGg/s640/harvest9-4-19c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Although we were getting eggs all summer, my pretty egg layers all stopped for a couple months and i was only getting brown and cream. Sometime around the middle of September the blue and green layers started laying again and i had pretty eggs once again!</div>
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The Blue Beauty Tomatoes are a favorite because of their color. i've been getting a lot of the red tomatoes since June, but some of the more fun colors always take a bit longer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2tPidbOG8xW7hS2tc3ncamUslKexSt9Q5EKBmoz6A66TZ1I7iDJLkwEBrY33q8TSgC_8rGwpG1oUylCaWZr2cOnCiNXaev-KfKfjhvOHR6Dn4TEltkDPeRokPX9paRLzvzhuXmE2O9I/s1600/harvest9-16-191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="866" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2tPidbOG8xW7hS2tc3ncamUslKexSt9Q5EKBmoz6A66TZ1I7iDJLkwEBrY33q8TSgC_8rGwpG1oUylCaWZr2cOnCiNXaev-KfKfjhvOHR6Dn4TEltkDPeRokPX9paRLzvzhuXmE2O9I/s640/harvest9-16-191.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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September ended just as dry as it started, still no rain since the end of July. Still getting a few tomatoes, but most of my plants were just about done. The small red ones are from the greenhouse, which is still producing now. My butternut squash was infected with black rot (something new every year) so i only harvested two, and they couldn't be stored. i did get quite a few acorn squash this year, but no pumpkins. Normally i would be putting in cold crops, but it's too dang hot and dry. It's been almost 90 degrees many days and we are in a state of drought. So i've pretty much just given up on it for this year. i may try to get a little lettuce planted under some row covers, if we ever get rain.<br />
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i did get a lot of tomatoes put up this year, and we still have potatoes and sweet potatoes to dig.treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-49971750053962721762019-09-19T08:35:00.000-04:002019-09-19T08:37:16.510-04:00Glass Gem Corn- Heirloom seed spotlight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years ago i had seen an article on facebook about Glass Gem corn. i immediately searched online and bought some seeds. i then immediately forgot about them for two year. <span style="text-align: center;">Last year, i finally remembered my seeds and planted them, but they didn't do well at all. i got them in too late and it got too cold before they ever formed ears. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBNk5ux0DMSqwlMX_guYfgaxYQYZn3DkbztfJj5nfs5DK7WE5NYwzboJt63hBK9Um4XDtnYEKKKnj-i0Ap170gvAtY7WTAW__313IQKJE7hggv1Vugg07ggr-vr7N1DZ-nJrGXLcJloQ/s1600/glassgem1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBNk5ux0DMSqwlMX_guYfgaxYQYZn3DkbztfJj5nfs5DK7WE5NYwzboJt63hBK9Um4XDtnYEKKKnj-i0Ap170gvAtY7WTAW__313IQKJE7hggv1Vugg07ggr-vr7N1DZ-nJrGXLcJloQ/s640/glassgem1.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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i was happy to see the seeds were still viable after two years, and decided to give it a try again this year not really sure what to expect. i put in one row when we planted to sweet corn and then proceeded to neglect it all season. When Kenan harvested the sweet corn he let me know that there were ears on the glass gem corn. So i went out to check it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6c5rW3CfbObzTnAxBJnir7cqiVOKw1hovGH3f_JGMgwQwHyiVzpOuOv2UpNqnq9fXmMC9felGjp716g3yOcqPt-nOVPldCzsVWt2gedREF1VckIze6CLV11jHPNu1JhWlhaU-abr7kA/s1600/glassgemcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6c5rW3CfbObzTnAxBJnir7cqiVOKw1hovGH3f_JGMgwQwHyiVzpOuOv2UpNqnq9fXmMC9felGjp716g3yOcqPt-nOVPldCzsVWt2gedREF1VckIze6CLV11jHPNu1JhWlhaU-abr7kA/s640/glassgemcorn.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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i admit, i kind of thought all those photos i'd seen online had been altered. It couldn't possibly look like that could it?? Yeah, it really does. Everyone i opened was a completely different. </div>
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Some prettier than others, but all really unique and amazing! The translucent kernels really do look like glass. Each ear looks like it has been decorated in glass beads.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX_tBh9hgEUNYck9sxteeixeheMtsMJUO8qG5PLXWdePf3zrxCuJxcvYoLKiDWQ5Bcc0htqkDToIdToQiRdPt354sPicZl41Jg_H75fuV7LrhTSSgMYmRNCm_IXM6ZE7Z_PB_m6ZHC0E/s1600/glassgem3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1497" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX_tBh9hgEUNYck9sxteeixeheMtsMJUO8qG5PLXWdePf3zrxCuJxcvYoLKiDWQ5Bcc0htqkDToIdToQiRdPt354sPicZl41Jg_H75fuV7LrhTSSgMYmRNCm_IXM6ZE7Z_PB_m6ZHC0E/s640/glassgem3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This pink/lavender one is a favorite. i only had one in these colors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuieNSd0dIG0FjE9lhZ29a1FORK_Hv88NvFqdvauYkFlpjC7ChyphenhyphenuxifmCSNucOcAdCblYZBZTCc1Nlv7Ulzqk-qXE1AM3f2vNeoeKH7UeVuBbGS4iW-AyrVOVRrFogKdwCk_C0mcACe8/s1600/glassgem4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1333" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuieNSd0dIG0FjE9lhZ29a1FORK_Hv88NvFqdvauYkFlpjC7ChyphenhyphenuxifmCSNucOcAdCblYZBZTCc1Nlv7Ulzqk-qXE1AM3f2vNeoeKH7UeVuBbGS4iW-AyrVOVRrFogKdwCk_C0mcACe8/s640/glassgem4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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An unbelievably stunning corn bred by part-Cherokee farmer, Carl Barnes, from ancestral, Native American corn. Ears are a kaleidoscope of gem-like, rainbow kernels. '<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=1560968&m=28945&urllink=www%2Ebotanicalinterests%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2FGlass%2DGem%2DFlint%2DCorn%2DSeeds&afftrack=" target="_blank">Glass Gem </a> ' goes beyond pretty ornamental corn, it can also be used to make cornmeal, flour, popcorn, or traditional parched corn. It is available on the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=1560968&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack=">Botanical Interests</a> website.</div>
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i'm planning to use some of it for decoration and some for popcorn and the saving the seeds on the rest. i grew it near our sweet corn, so i'm not sure if it will have cross pollinated, but i will probably grow a row of the original seeds and a row of the new seeds just to see. i will say i was very impressed how well the corn germinated after sitting for 3 years and how well it grew despite drought conditions here. This is definitely a variety you are going to want to grow at least once!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This post contains affiliate links. i may earn a small commission if you click any links on my blog.</span></div>
<br />treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-35975302953153064042019-09-18T11:03:00.002-04:002019-09-18T11:03:27.681-04:00The Season is Changing, Time to get Baking!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
September has been a mix of crazy hot days and chilly nights. We've had a few overcast dreary days and i've taken that opportunity to do a little baking again. My kids mentioned that they missed the homemade bread. i don't do a lot of baking during the summer because it's just too hot. So having a couple cool mornings gave me the itch to start baking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCr9SCKfi-WKMJ7A_7bX4wkjhukasy3zW_i25QEneOYFxIpnePJc4zKy5maXN4inilf0Jnv63B3R7eGCLhYsL7cYnkUuWm1GdHZPKZVq8SnHm9BNevjAoYzv5Ag1hFxlKbIfKM7CfdUY/s1600/baking8-27-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCr9SCKfi-WKMJ7A_7bX4wkjhukasy3zW_i25QEneOYFxIpnePJc4zKy5maXN4inilf0Jnv63B3R7eGCLhYsL7cYnkUuWm1GdHZPKZVq8SnHm9BNevjAoYzv5Ag1hFxlKbIfKM7CfdUY/s640/baking8-27-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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i also have a lot of produce to use up and i'm running out of freezer space. So these are just a few of the things i've been baking up this month. Skillet Peach crisp, Blueberry Zucchini Bread and Lemon Blueberry muffins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BVLXPurZ31zXyZhLeQJwD0pkTgtzuzxUtND2fgc_i7tmFYeoVUnnYyZpg4J4gfVwveg5dQs8N-ml08kpLfttdK83bTwlMUjwl-jiGjfDoxKMheaF_DbMpGk7inBjhggFkfsqD2lLEgc/s1600/blueberryzucchin+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1600" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BVLXPurZ31zXyZhLeQJwD0pkTgtzuzxUtND2fgc_i7tmFYeoVUnnYyZpg4J4gfVwveg5dQs8N-ml08kpLfttdK83bTwlMUjwl-jiGjfDoxKMheaF_DbMpGk7inBjhggFkfsqD2lLEgc/s640/blueberryzucchin+bread.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Working through the last of my white peaches. i still have a few yellow peaches on the tree, but they are not quite ripe yet. Red raspberries are in season again and i'm still picking late season blueberries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpWRzqaIeyB6Q8c2Cz9YB1EBLjWCQNnHbTzsqIzSVdK4oPjzdqZiAFC25k2DUdzAP-a2mHBcLGGWmk_1GXabwiSbzzxkOIt33Azv0GUzcummu1vzilovld3ffoSkhEuxqqxM0QUzJlC0/s1600/peachcrisp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpWRzqaIeyB6Q8c2Cz9YB1EBLjWCQNnHbTzsqIzSVdK4oPjzdqZiAFC25k2DUdzAP-a2mHBcLGGWmk_1GXabwiSbzzxkOIt33Azv0GUzcummu1vzilovld3ffoSkhEuxqqxM0QUzJlC0/s640/peachcrisp.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Peach crisp is super easy and very yummy!</div>
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Blueberry lemon zucchini bread is definitely more like cake than bread, but it made a nice treat and the family loved it. As these days get cooler, i'll be practicing my baking skills again. Fall is undoubtedly the ultimate season for baking. When the mornings are chilly and you don't want to build a fire in the woodstove, there’s no better way to warm your home than by baking some delicious fall breads, cakes and pies.</div>
treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-72053829478729836952019-09-13T11:45:00.004-04:002019-09-13T11:48:01.682-04:00Halloween is Coming Up and it's Officially Sock Season! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although our days seem extra warm in Septemeber, it's getting cooler at night. Stores are starting to put out heir Halloween decorations and that means it's sock season! Autumn has never been my favorite, but i am learning to embrace it. After a busy summer of growing and canning food, it's nice to finally slow down, drink hot teas and snuggle up with my favorite book and a warm pair of cute socks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8apPoIPEthPI3hsBKQLybhhZzxPcJMdg9NzX5sOKIB1NEzoGQsdxbqVxmY4O2438iPhF0Pwvwsaq0bGz1q8rqOt3dJchMM3omay4vGialHlJpWlVBnYCPpCkQTQlvsutQctrXXYOHY8I/s1600/sockseason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1280" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8apPoIPEthPI3hsBKQLybhhZzxPcJMdg9NzX5sOKIB1NEzoGQsdxbqVxmY4O2438iPhF0Pwvwsaq0bGz1q8rqOt3dJchMM3omay4vGialHlJpWlVBnYCPpCkQTQlvsutQctrXXYOHY8I/s640/sockseason.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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i may have a bit of sock obsession. :) i love fun patterns, earthy colors and anything themed. i mean who could resist these adorable <a href="https://www.kneehighsocks.org/Halloween-Knee-Socks.html" target="_blank">Candy Corn Halloween Socks</a>? They are so perfect for Halloween!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT0IITFx3emG3lDpsdh_Bvyi-RyxKlc2cL0cvesCbG94xgk_OnoORoWMt616OD0asJu49bMM4C0K-Q2r5VycRf1Qhvb8g88Jhp-2RCCyGaiFqkEOa9vRfDQE1rwkoIwCJ95P_a9YqTLY/s1600/halloweensocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="1037" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT0IITFx3emG3lDpsdh_Bvyi-RyxKlc2cL0cvesCbG94xgk_OnoORoWMt616OD0asJu49bMM4C0K-Q2r5VycRf1Qhvb8g88Jhp-2RCCyGaiFqkEOa9vRfDQE1rwkoIwCJ95P_a9YqTLY/s640/halloweensocks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.kneehighsocks.org/" target="_blank">Chrissy's knee high socks</a> offers super cute socks in all kinds of colors and designs! These are a few of my favorites in the <a href="https://www.kneehighsocks.org/Halloween-Knee-Socks.html#.XXuxWWlKhPY" target="_blank">Halloween Socks</a> section. They Ouija board ones so fun!! Perfect to spice up any costume idea you may have!<br />
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treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-8953672593100444972019-09-13T08:30:00.001-04:002019-09-13T08:30:56.528-04:00Cooking with Chicken of the Woods- Laetiporus sulphureus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Laetiporus sulphureus, are commonly known as sulphur shelf, chicken of the woods, the chicken mushroom, or the chicken fungus because many think they taste like chicken. As a vegetarian, i can't say i really remember what chicken taste like, but it has a texture that is similar to chicken making it really versatile and easy to use as a replacement in any chicken recipe.</div>
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This year we've really been enjoying it. We have found 4 large chicken of the woods harvests so far, and are still watching a couple logs that usually fruit. We picked way more than we could eat at one time, so we froze a ton of it. The easiest way to preserve chicken of the woods is to freeze it. Some folks cook it first and others just clean it and put it right in the freezer. i wasn't sure of which way would work the best, (having never froze it before) so i froze some raw and froze some cooked (cut up strips and sauteed in butter). Once we have a chance to use it, i'll have a better idea of which method i prefer.</div>
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While we had fresh Chicken of the Woods on hand, we feasted on it every day! Below are a few of my favorite ways to eat it.</div>
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'Chicken' fried Steak with mushroom gravy. This is really just chicken of the woods breaded and fried and covered in gravy. My kids prefers to dip it in ketchup like nuggets, but the husband and i enjoy it like this. i served it with homegrown beans, potatoes and fresh picked berries.</div>
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Basic recipe- Clean the chicken of the woods by brushing it off and lightly wash it if needed and cut off any bad/tough spots. Dip in seasoned flour, then dip in egg wash (egg beaten with a little water) then dip in seasoned breadcrumbs. Fry both sides until golden brown. Transfer to plates and top with mushroom gravy. </div>
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Mushroom gravy- </div>
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2 1/2 TBSP butter, </div>
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1 cup fresh mushrooms (i used a combination of oysters, black trumpets, chanterelles and shiitake)</div>
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1/4 cup flour</div>
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1 1/2 cups vegetable broth</div>
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2 tbsp Tamari </div>
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pepper.</div>
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Melt butter in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Add flour and mix about 30 seconds; then add broth slowly while whisking. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add tamari and pepper to taste. Cook until gravy achieves desired thickness</div>
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We enjoyed a lot of the Chicken of the woods breaded and fried, and then i had the idea to stuff it.</div>
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OMGoodness it is so good. i don't have an actual recipe for this, but it's easy enough to do. </div>
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i cooked some spinach, drained it well and mixed with mozzarella and feta. Took two pieces of super fresh chicken of the woods that had been trimmed to similar sizes. put a scoop of the mix on one piece, add sliced tomato and then topped with the other piece.<br />
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Once i had a few of these sandwiched Chickens together, i breaded and fried them like above. Dip each 'sandwich' in seasoned flour, then dip in egg wash (egg beaten with a little water) then dip in seasoned breadcrumbs. Fry both sides until golden brown and transfer into a baking/casserole dish. Once the dish was filled up, i covered it with tin foil and baked it about 20 min. at 385f. i did this to make sure the chicken of the woods cooked all the way through and the cheese was melty. This is probably one of my favorite ways to eat it, but it is a bit time consuming to make.<br />
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For lunch, i made 'Chicken' salad sandwiches. i diced up the Chicken of the woods mushroom and simmered it in vegetable broth until it was super tender and had absorbed much of the broth. From there you can use it just like chicken in your favorite chicken salad recipe. Having never really made chicken salad before, i just added diced onion, diced swiss chard stems (i don't like celery), mayo a little mustard and salt and pepper. Served it on a bun with homegrown lettuce and tomato. Fresh cucumber, carrots and peaches from the garden.</div>
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Another favorite (and quick) way to prepare it is as BBQ sandwiches. If your Chicken of the woods is really fresh, it will shred just like chicken. If it's dry and crumbling you may want to cut it into slices and simmer it in some broth until it softens up. i take my freshly shredded Chicken of the woods and add to a pan with a little olive oil, cook over medium heat until it starts browning a bit and then add your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve on a toasted bun with caramelized onions and cheese. </div>
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There are a ton of recipes out there for Chicken of the woods,it really is super versatile. It's a very firm mushroom and doesn't really get slimy like many other mushrooms do. Besides the recipes above, i've used it to make 'chicken' pot pie, 'chicken' quesadillas, Fried 'chicken' more! </div>
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Do you have a favorite Chicken of the Woods recipe? i'd love to hear it! </div>
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<br />treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-14608780010789673522019-09-11T09:30:00.002-04:002019-09-11T09:30:44.919-04:00Chasing those Wild Mushrooms! Well, i think it is official that we are completely addicted to mushroom hunting. Last year was the was of the wettest seasons on record for our area, and we had an amazing variety of mushrooms come up on our land. Ever since last years mushroom season ended, i've been curious about what we would find this year...especially if the conditions are not the same.<br />
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Mushroom season starts off early with the morels. i usually start looking around the second week of April. This year i was a bit disappointed to check all my regular spots and not find a thing. i started checking probably at the end of March and went out every couple of days, but my usual spots appeared to have dried up. Refusing to give up i continued to look and the first week of May, i stumbled upon a brand new patch that was covered in huge yellow morels! </div>
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We had a good amount of rain in the spring, So as we transitioned into summer Chanterelle season was in full swing. All year Kenan has been telling me he didn't have time to chase mushroom with me this year. He was way too busy, he wasn't going to do it again. i was welcome to, but he was staying home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcOmxU_zOzIGfXJT5VFwL4uIAG2BKEpENGcpzkXKjcckBRnhj29k9WOl1Uc6_yZljIdx2fzRUvoabJzPN1W74FfBUPIVu0AhKhCQpCkFdyhwHlWYbTngFZbFZ2e_FKTnzoplNI_Zvke8/s1600/chanterelle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcOmxU_zOzIGfXJT5VFwL4uIAG2BKEpENGcpzkXKjcckBRnhj29k9WOl1Uc6_yZljIdx2fzRUvoabJzPN1W74FfBUPIVu0AhKhCQpCkFdyhwHlWYbTngFZbFZ2e_FKTnzoplNI_Zvke8/s320/chanterelle2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCSaLlInhEK9Scgo0HsbppEqRiAPTqi9iXp2vDRsrybuPYP4krXEfmOymGVjk8EhkFqugGRWIQsFj0TwqPr1PMEHr3qO3QlS3AG4udv7b3Lqr5yRfLzRBlN3AsmjnMgYoDmbq600iHww/s1600/chanterelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCSaLlInhEK9Scgo0HsbppEqRiAPTqi9iXp2vDRsrybuPYP4krXEfmOymGVjk8EhkFqugGRWIQsFj0TwqPr1PMEHr3qO3QlS3AG4udv7b3Lqr5yRfLzRBlN3AsmjnMgYoDmbq600iHww/s320/chanterelle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then the chanterelles started popping...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYI_SKPoYzBMf1U7q7bR3h0YM2LUwzO-HfvXqeXPo5ylqKbgCAtNXp5zNa1fB5TpjHMtI9BCAa2xMAkTd8XMh7s3QLze-EgwKm6QsVnyNJdO4d7uoJit22FWZJEvMFeUTp87V8IZGPrk/s1600/chanterelle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYI_SKPoYzBMf1U7q7bR3h0YM2LUwzO-HfvXqeXPo5ylqKbgCAtNXp5zNa1fB5TpjHMtI9BCAa2xMAkTd8XMh7s3QLze-EgwKm6QsVnyNJdO4d7uoJit22FWZJEvMFeUTp87V8IZGPrk/s640/chanterelle1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Can we say addicted?? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouUIQwDIWH8J9RBCrQeNOsS7sZ-Nkgi4c1RoFJL99TRMuqwHXIK0Kkgo0FBveUoKR1AumpJUGeuLzJLk66CWEIMqgEgISPAU8Cfm0xufavev9eAbyAeCHtu1-zrq8P_vMOm9TPww181I/s1600/chanterelles10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1027" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouUIQwDIWH8J9RBCrQeNOsS7sZ-Nkgi4c1RoFJL99TRMuqwHXIK0Kkgo0FBveUoKR1AumpJUGeuLzJLk66CWEIMqgEgISPAU8Cfm0xufavev9eAbyAeCHtu1-zrq8P_vMOm9TPww181I/s320/chanterelles10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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i'm not sure how many chanterelles we picked this year, but it was probably just as many as least year. We went out numerous times and completely filled this basket and filled my freezer.</div>
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While kayaking one afternoon, i spotted this Chicken of the Woods on a log near the edge of the river. i almost tipped my kayaking trying to get to it! i had to climbed onto a floating log in order to reach it, but there was no way i was going to leave it behind!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o7FluxZlq0xIBPBIFx1cQgQ4enJzTQWAKWEEr3h_QsLg3gDXbVB2JF_ZHvS7B2Tm2zF4pUxyPIcuXS-bkN9Hv2cYLDkPf4IWFAmpNchKimb7RDASNKpKx2lIC6IO997g_QXyo80_LG0/s1600/chicken3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o7FluxZlq0xIBPBIFx1cQgQ4enJzTQWAKWEEr3h_QsLg3gDXbVB2JF_ZHvS7B2Tm2zF4pUxyPIcuXS-bkN9Hv2cYLDkPf4IWFAmpNchKimb7RDASNKpKx2lIC6IO997g_QXyo80_LG0/s640/chicken3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We started finding the Chanterelles the first week of July this year, and by August we were still finding a ton. While collecting chanterelles we are always on the look out for a few other choice mushrooms. Now that we knew the Chickens were sprouting, we were out looking almost every day. i love finding the Black Trumpets, which are often found near chanterelles but are much harder to spot! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSM1HRIbgyl5t3Vs6pOPNGNoPSqjs1KwwRuEgRcs3Pkrl8vbq6caEgGrpLCFpFyzNdAu2lPAIVrqucqdOBbb5MOr1_M7S0GCS9fxfYlkyhPMnWfJdUSoYV5YCrW_1G8kBphqBgeaDwa1w/s1600/chickenwoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSM1HRIbgyl5t3Vs6pOPNGNoPSqjs1KwwRuEgRcs3Pkrl8vbq6caEgGrpLCFpFyzNdAu2lPAIVrqucqdOBbb5MOr1_M7S0GCS9fxfYlkyhPMnWfJdUSoYV5YCrW_1G8kBphqBgeaDwa1w/s640/chickenwoods.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We have a couple logs on our property where we found Chicken of the Woods last year, so i like to go out and check them periodically. Chicken of the woods is supposed to come back every year, although i think sometimes it skips a year depending on conditions. </div>
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While checking on a log that produced really well last year, i happened upon this one! i was able to fill my basket with super fresh chicken! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vvyG1nQ_iKQHuVVdK_-mrbVrZRsYd67gDaTKchBt1hz82O35w_zBnhF_hy0T7CGRpgAD0MuGphk8twbHSj-ySmJqfzzHEqFmyK2xZFVbvbPKCT-drNREAD0WY8l7t_tg0H-S_4Rz20c/s1600/shiitake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vvyG1nQ_iKQHuVVdK_-mrbVrZRsYd67gDaTKchBt1hz82O35w_zBnhF_hy0T7CGRpgAD0MuGphk8twbHSj-ySmJqfzzHEqFmyK2xZFVbvbPKCT-drNREAD0WY8l7t_tg0H-S_4Rz20c/s640/shiitake2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Our plugged shiitake logs also did incredibly well in July and we filled our freezer with those as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI4RM4FAIxslsCD6kr0rcJQa3_a-gUWP7869u06HLfPan5I01XgeQ7hi3XpRxpnzgJJ9Tquzz_K_c8IlqsuuuRl1Zl5UuTPcKAsfDICUOhEYGHkO3qmAkMHtSO5zLtINkvdwUkqwY-ns/s1600/mushrooms8-10-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1085" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI4RM4FAIxslsCD6kr0rcJQa3_a-gUWP7869u06HLfPan5I01XgeQ7hi3XpRxpnzgJJ9Tquzz_K_c8IlqsuuuRl1Zl5UuTPcKAsfDICUOhEYGHkO3qmAkMHtSO5zLtINkvdwUkqwY-ns/s640/mushrooms8-10-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While checking on a Chicken log, i found my first Cauliflower mushroom. At the time it was still really small, so i left it for a few days. When i went back to find it, i found a second one! It's always exciting to find a new edible mushroom on our land, especially ones that are super easy to identify like the Cauliflower. This shows the selection on mushroom we were foraging and harvesting at the beginning of August. Chicken of the woods, Smooth chanterelle, Black Trumpets, Shiitake, Cauliflower, Cinnabar chanterelles and Oysters. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CEkcVctM1VXf5t5Ftcdm8lpltNYfG_e-azMiER2dT-mEtDNuZRxwpw_6ImwSiQzMUyluYpaOs8yCT6Uowo16WQ5O9rWg3aurBgBdspIoc0V892UqD5hOR_dzPEHpTknkoXwLQa3RkTk/s1600/boysfirstchicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CEkcVctM1VXf5t5Ftcdm8lpltNYfG_e-azMiER2dT-mEtDNuZRxwpw_6ImwSiQzMUyluYpaOs8yCT6Uowo16WQ5O9rWg3aurBgBdspIoc0V892UqD5hOR_dzPEHpTknkoXwLQa3RkTk/s640/boysfirstchicken.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is one of the two chicken logs we'd found last year and were hoping would sprout again. i always forget where it is and have a hard time finding it when i'm out looking. i was out picking chanterelles with my boy, when he said 'i see a log over there covered in chanterelles.' To which i replied, 'Chanterelles don't grow on wood. They are probably Jack o'lanterns, or maybe Chicken....is it CHICKEN??' So we abandoned our chanterelle patch to check out the log covered in orange fungus. It was my boy's first time finding chicken of the woods and it was massive!! This photo only shows one end of the log. The log curves around a large tree and it was impossible to fit it all a photo because of the angle. There is just as much if not more on the other end of the log. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwwNab3zcvW3ygBZf8lzeOq6reRXcC8ZURyXgRdtRyUGD79GrHzOi-110E-h25O09kDQzEOxItBDyUbKYUdpL_RxGUtD0dXT7coAxW626z7ZGSyGKBsYPInG_kpjJFgjvmkzV5M9AqF4/s1600/chickenwoods1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1009" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwwNab3zcvW3ygBZf8lzeOq6reRXcC8ZURyXgRdtRyUGD79GrHzOi-110E-h25O09kDQzEOxItBDyUbKYUdpL_RxGUtD0dXT7coAxW626z7ZGSyGKBsYPInG_kpjJFgjvmkzV5M9AqF4/s640/chickenwoods1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We loaded up our basket until we couldn't find any more in it and came home. Kenan went back the next day to pick the rest. It was the freshest chicken of the weeds we've ever had. We spent a week eating a variety of chicken of the woods dishes and freezing as much as possible. After this, i don't think i'll ever have trouble finding that log again! After this harvest it got really dry. All the chanterelles dried up, and the woods were pretty much empty when it came to any kind of fungi growth.<br />
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Almost a month with no rain and temps close to 90, it is so incredibly dry here. The garden is dying back, even the weeds are dry and crunchy...so imagine my surprise when Kenan tell me the log behind the house that i've been watching for 2 years has finally fruited!! i first found this log two years ago but the chicken was already too old to pick so i have been watching it ever since. Last year, when we had an amazing mushroom year, it never did a thing. This year when it's crazy dry and drought like conditions it fruits! i really don't understand it.</div>
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We have another log we are watching, but so far it's showed no sign of fruiting. Last year it had already produced by this time of the year, so it may also be an every other year log. Last year we were also still picking chanterelles right now, so i'm hoping if we can get a good soaking rain we'll start to see more mushrooms popping. </div>
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Despite the last month of drought, we've had a pretty good mushroom season. We now have 4 different logs on our property that we know produce chickens, and two trees that grow cauliflowers, and two that grow Lion's mane. It's really neat to not only find new edible mushrooms each year, but to constantly be learning about them and learning what trees to look for and what environments best suits each variety. </div>
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Now i need to add the disclaimer, that you should never eat a mushroom that you can not identify 100% by yourself. If you are wanting to send me a picture of a mushroom you found to ask if it's edible, then you shouldn't be eating it. </div>
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If you are interested in learning about the mushrooms on your land there are a lot of good resources available online. </div>
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A few of our favorite books are <a href="https://amzn.to/306ZrHJ" target="_blank">Mushrooms Demystified </a>by David Arora.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/32yxHNR" target="_blank">National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Q2KGWI" target="_blank">Peterson Field Guide to Mushrooms</a></div>
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You can also check out Learn your Land on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/learnyourland/" target="_blank"> facebook</a> and <a href="http://youtube./">youtube.</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbf8wnyVJl631LAmAbo7nw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbf8wnyVJl631LAmAbo7nw</a> </div>
treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-91996965178340880732019-09-10T07:59:00.000-04:002019-09-10T08:05:25.422-04:00Honey Extracting! Life is sweet, we have honey! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This is our second year in bee keeping, and we finally got to pull honey which we've been anticipating since we began. We decided not to pull any honey the first year, instead allow the bees to focus on creating really strong hives. We fed sugar to help them pull frames and fill them with brood. The honey they made last year was then fed back to them in the winter. It seemed to be a good plan, as all of our hives survived the winter, and we went into our second year with strong colonies.</div>
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We started with 4 full size hives the first year and over wintered with 8. The bees grew exponentially this spring and we are entering the fall with 17 hives. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia7PYJAMz8bnaJofAYalf6BNgK2DmsbuwqJyDyOmr_Ax84W6ttNHhJbTd-t97wRW4LMAl62S0kfv0-tyQaXGm01bZtN1s14U7DNyYO0BeGB3WBZ7hUdaCSnv1pE9ogwjY0JU-cm_O4gY/s1600/honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1304" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia7PYJAMz8bnaJofAYalf6BNgK2DmsbuwqJyDyOmr_Ax84W6ttNHhJbTd-t97wRW4LMAl62S0kfv0-tyQaXGm01bZtN1s14U7DNyYO0BeGB3WBZ7hUdaCSnv1pE9ogwjY0JU-cm_O4gY/s640/honey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a beautiful frame of fully capped and cured honey. It's important to make sure your honey is properly cured or it could ferment. On our first pull we took all of the capped honey, but left behind anything that was not yet fully capped. We stored the capped honey in our basement with a dehumidifier to help the curing process until we were able to extract. We rented an extractor from the bee club, and so we had to wait until the extractor was available to extract the honey.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEbOxjW7zbFPk5T1zRfybdAd9IO94uYhEiZt-sj1EeWf_Xts742GXTFPanHGDjwiEYjOv3BJNZlio3WCnD4v1j406Q8AWW8Nrkn6OXGdica7yBaG0PnYJXelITleb7NHR9sFMh6fG1M4/s1600/honeyextracting1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="856" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEbOxjW7zbFPk5T1zRfybdAd9IO94uYhEiZt-sj1EeWf_Xts742GXTFPanHGDjwiEYjOv3BJNZlio3WCnD4v1j406Q8AWW8Nrkn6OXGdica7yBaG0PnYJXelITleb7NHR9sFMh6fG1M4/s640/honeyextracting1.jpg" width="545" /></a></div>
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To extract the honey, we used a heated knife to remove the cappings. We did this over a clean tub, so we could collect all the wax cappings and any honey that dripped. Extracting honey is sticky messy business. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJsi6zPByBUCGL5x6v9HUZFauNN_YXBeXiNYtRkTHlj2WQr1X6Ofn3PoBm96EbmppW-hNG-ryDfasr99wvWCRfqZGBFNF9pQEBDmOaSQ3yk0Jd8qWiZMxklgO4C90wcM-AhVn-oq2awI/s1600/honeyextracting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJsi6zPByBUCGL5x6v9HUZFauNN_YXBeXiNYtRkTHlj2WQr1X6Ofn3PoBm96EbmppW-hNG-ryDfasr99wvWCRfqZGBFNF9pQEBDmOaSQ3yk0Jd8qWiZMxklgO4C90wcM-AhVn-oq2awI/s640/honeyextracting.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once the cappings were removed, the frames were placed inside the extractor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkfS6YBqYIyXJr40WcHMYZPBCNMsuextHjCdQeaPxnFV8VD3e27fRDgbyWsVRaLE2GUAU1QwJtLndfaOLBMZOTSpHy3bbYaCdGbeEZuzp7DCfGUMeH6_pNeXWwePASsRie2jaLwikt7Q/s1600/honeyextracting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkfS6YBqYIyXJr40WcHMYZPBCNMsuextHjCdQeaPxnFV8VD3e27fRDgbyWsVRaLE2GUAU1QwJtLndfaOLBMZOTSpHy3bbYaCdGbeEZuzp7DCfGUMeH6_pNeXWwePASsRie2jaLwikt7Q/s640/honeyextracting2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The extractor could hold 4 frames at a time. You put the frames in and spin the extractor to remove the honey. Turn frames around and do it again.</div>
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Spinning out the frames. Once all the honey is extracted from the frames, we open the spigot and pour the honey through a mesh filter to remove any large bits of wax and store it in food grade buckets. Our honey is considered unfiltered, as we do not run it through the fine filters to filter out every little thing. We believe leaving some tiny bits of pollen and wax is beneficial. </div>
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Beautiful golden honey! Our honey is considered wildflower honey, as we don't plant one specific crop for the bees. Guess from what was in season when the bees were bringing in the nectar, i would say this contains primarily tulip poplar, locust, redbuds and clover.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKZqJt55P98pjQf55mpr5LOxmtmGSnE1jemeXezpXrtEv8FzqyY-K5fBw36A0dqX_NOjJxwYexAvTHAfpg3syxzrTKlSvwi7n7hhjpxUy0fsYehuLaV61XNj6vQkoQJ-kGQYskRf52Sk/s1600/honeyjars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1490" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKZqJt55P98pjQf55mpr5LOxmtmGSnE1jemeXezpXrtEv8FzqyY-K5fBw36A0dqX_NOjJxwYexAvTHAfpg3syxzrTKlSvwi7n7hhjpxUy0fsYehuLaV61XNj6vQkoQJ-kGQYskRf52Sk/s640/honeyjars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was just the first round. A few weeks after extracting this honey, we purchased our own extractor and finished extracting the frames that were left. There was a waiting list for the extractor, and i had a local friend with one available for sale so we went ahead and purchased it so that we were not having to constantly wait on the clubs. We extracted almost this same amount, making our total close to 200 lbs of gorgeous raw wildflower honey! Not bad for our first honey harvest!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-GxAQQ-sm5nIYUkSRI4beXFAQ5cKHs5dENcjNFtH04BDt9kTI9bRT5Pid3v7pcGcPGI47Wx7fD4YAyPAsBio9bt7Oz7z9g2fE_p2l3Co0YFw56qd0KrO6KPsonnpQa0HatmAcc0Rhrk/s1600/honey5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="714" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-GxAQQ-sm5nIYUkSRI4beXFAQ5cKHs5dENcjNFtH04BDt9kTI9bRT5Pid3v7pcGcPGI47Wx7fD4YAyPAsBio9bt7Oz7z9g2fE_p2l3Co0YFw56qd0KrO6KPsonnpQa0HatmAcc0Rhrk/s640/honey5.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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We sold the first batch pretty quickly online, but have left the second batch to sell locally at the market and for gifting. i will also be listing it on our website very soon! So watch for that! </div>
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My labels are a bit boring, but i wanted something simple and was having a tough time fitting all the words on the label. We printed them at home, so i can change them up any time i feel like it. i may eventually redo them with our business name on the front, it's currently on the back with our contact info and all the required labeling.</div>
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It's been a learning process for sure, and a ton of work...but that honey sure does taste sweet at the end of the day making it worth it.</div>
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<br />treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6449139792558708537.post-19272644116990674342019-09-06T14:44:00.001-04:002019-09-06T14:44:16.320-04:00The Ayurveda Collection by Rituals- Product reviewi had a fun mail day this week. :D i got to try out #theritualsofayurveda by Rituals Cosmetics. Rituals is a unique luxury lifestyle brand focused on ancient traditions for body and home. As the leading bath and body brand in Europe, they encourage ‘slow down’ moments for the mind, body, & soul.<br />
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Rituals aims to turn everyday routines into cherishable moments, helping their customers to “find happiness in the smallest of things” with the use of their products. Inspired by ancient Eastern traditions, each product uses specific fragrance combinations to help stimulate the senses and encourages you to immerse yourself in some “me time”.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEoovu7-80zNJVFldR7LQMu2mm5_Vvspia4uTVTeA_imQ_WwBywWhmp0di70OmNptJeOMdtfds4ikbQTPfY_0bq2ONt6ABvLDOAG6exIGPxQvdMGA4ZuNguMmB40hTv2_uvLPf_razqw/s1600/rituals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEoovu7-80zNJVFldR7LQMu2mm5_Vvspia4uTVTeA_imQ_WwBywWhmp0di70OmNptJeOMdtfds4ikbQTPfY_0bq2ONt6ABvLDOAG6exIGPxQvdMGA4ZuNguMmB40hTv2_uvLPf_razqw/s640/rituals.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This wonderful gift pack is the perfect present for a friend or family member or for treating yourself! Contains a shower foam, body scrub and body cream. Achieve inner harmony with these soothing and aromatic products based on Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1nUCU-F4n9tz8h2gicLmI5ke894vilyrTATgcCZlWp-iRuy_ssIxUM1opGooAVN-v7Kiw4YgPjQoGnVltUfSwPYhKMqlq4X00-JnGpLL0-e8Sd6pDbWG88Lfzdcb6YMJx0VRXSW9FHw/s1600/rituals2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1265" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1nUCU-F4n9tz8h2gicLmI5ke894vilyrTATgcCZlWp-iRuy_ssIxUM1opGooAVN-v7Kiw4YgPjQoGnVltUfSwPYhKMqlq4X00-JnGpLL0-e8Sd6pDbWG88Lfzdcb6YMJx0VRXSW9FHw/s400/rituals2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The body cream is really smooth and nourishing, it's made with Indian Rose and Himalaya honey. It smells amazing and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feeling. My daughter has already tried to claim it all, but i'm not sharing. hee hee. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SZYU9wb509TkuRomtkwWrOmPoPcOeWbTAg5dIH8J-UVAZQCvEBuXkEgBjschAKhP2IvryV9QJqj0QJ8jQyOxkau4hz0uivoL5X7dL8nl1ct6tp3Ccg_U8zk78_cbcQjMbIItQqgqH1Q/s1600/rituals1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="790" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SZYU9wb509TkuRomtkwWrOmPoPcOeWbTAg5dIH8J-UVAZQCvEBuXkEgBjschAKhP2IvryV9QJqj0QJ8jQyOxkau4hz0uivoL5X7dL8nl1ct6tp3Ccg_U8zk78_cbcQjMbIItQqgqH1Q/s640/rituals1.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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The salt scrub leaves your skin feeling so soft. Enriched with the delightful aroma of Indian Rose and the soothing effects of Sweet Almond Oil According to traditional Ayurvedic science, scrubbing is a highly effective way of purifying your body and of stimulating the flow of energy. This process is enhanced when taking a warm bath.</div>
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The foaming gel is silky smooth, thick and lathers really nicely. The scent is light, but lingers and is not overpowering at all. i really enjoyed these!</div>
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They have many different collections available and i'm excited to explore some of the other scent combinations. Rituals is never tested on animals. </div>
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You can purchase this small gift set here- <a href="https://amzn.to/2Lo9CUo" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/2Lo9CUo </a></div>
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You can learn more about the Ayurveda collections here- <a href="https://www.rituals.com/en-us/home" target="_blank">https://www.rituals.com/en-us/home </a></div>
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Connect with Rituals on social media</div>
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Facebook- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RitualsUSA/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/RitualsUSA/</a></div>
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Instagram- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ritualsusa/">https://www.instagram.com/ritualsusa/</a></div>
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*i received these Rituals products for free from Tryazon in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own. </div>
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#ritualsusa #shareyourslowdown #gotitfree #referral #nottestedonanmials #pamperyourself #bathtime #slowdown #tryazon</div>
<br />treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01403506013028317754noreply@blogger.com0