Bittersweet Farm

Upon Arrival...

2012-01-27T16:33:00.000-06:00

January greetings!!!

I returned from Florida yesterday

and found four boxes of new items

for the shop!!!

So I have been unpacking LOTS!

My suitcases and boxes.

Here is a sample of "what's new"...

VINTAGE JAR CANDLE HOLDER

(I put a small candle ring inside,

but you could add anything!)

SALEM CANDLE HOLDER

(the tall one)

OL' CANDLE TUB

(in this photo I have candle rings

ready to take out to the shop

but picture a candle inside surrounded

with rosehips or a larger candle ring!)

NEW PLACEMATS BY COUNTRY HOUSE

CALLED "MAPLE GROVE"

SMALL OL' TAPER PAN

MILLSTONE CANDLE RING

I also have the MILLSTONE berries in

picks and garlands!

Lots of battery-operated tapers available too!

*******

Now a photo from Florida...

SHOP HOURS:

SATURDAYS 10-2

or call

or email btrsweetfarm@hotmail.com

for an appointment...

feel free to text me from my driveway!

Hi Friends!

2012-01-20T20:54:00.000-06:00

While I am away in Sunny Florida this weekend,

the shop IS OPEN SATURDAY 10-2

My dear Mother-in-law will be there

to assist you!

I understand that I have boxes in the

house already for me to open when I get

back home, so stop out to see

"what's new" next weekend!

Hope you are staying warm...

~Blessings~

Kathy

From Us To You

2012-01-04T22:40:00.001-06:00

!!!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS

ABOUND TO YOU AND

YOUR FAMILY

AND MAY YOU

KNOW HIS LOVE

MORE FULLY IN 2012

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8

This WEEKEND:

40% OFF CHRISTMAS

MERCHANDISE

FRIDAY 10-4

SATURDAY 10-2

Christmas Greetings!

2011-12-21T09:45:00.001-06:00

I want to wish you a

Merry Christmas

from the bottom of my heart!

Do you have a song stuck in your

head now? lol

~Feliz Navidad~

Merry Chirstmas

from

Bittersweet Farm!!!

HOLIDAY HOURS ARE:

Wednesday (today) 10-4

Thursday (12/22) 12-6

Friday (12/23) 10-2

Christmas Eve: CLOSED

***

SALE DATES:

Friday (12/30) 10-4

Saturday (12/31) 10-2

and a

HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO!!!

Christmas Inspiration

2011-12-02T14:43:00.000-06:00

Here are a few photos from the shop:

Lighted twigs. :) :) :)

Tucked in with

a hand-made wool tree

a soft candy cane...

all settled into a tin pitcher

tied with raffia.

Make every corner of your house

aglow...

Gingerbread recipe anyone?

A battery-operated taper candle lights

up the wood-box plate

(or gingerbreadboy) holder.

A twig basket with a rope handle,

stars, and battery operated twig-lights

tucked in soft greenery.

Lights wound among boughs

and holly in a wood tote.

And a couple of pics from in my house:

Doe On The Go

2011-11-18T14:35:00.000-06:00

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19th...

When the BUCK is away, the DOE goes

SHOPPING!!!

(okay, some does go hunting too, but

for those who don't...)

Out and about you will find wonderful, fun

shops and great deals in the area!!!

Stop at Bittersweet Farm

with a girlfriend...

and draw a discount to save on your

ENTIRE PURCHASE!!!

10%...15%...or 20% off!!!

Then continue to hop around to shops

for fab finds for your Christmas list,

crafting aspirations and decorating!!!

Check posts below for sampling of

BITTERSWEET FARM'S OFFERINGS!

...Coffee will be brewing...

Shop hours for Doe on the Go

10:00 am- 4:00 pm

Bittersweet Farm is 5 miles North

of Amery on Hwy 46

East on Rustic Road about

a fourth of a mile.

Baskets, Boughs, and Berries

2011-11-16T11:36:00.000-06:00

Some outdoor decorating ideas:

I love this Merry Christmas sign added to

table, wagon, box or shelf

with greenery, berries, lights and

red-twig dogwood. The vine balls are

wonderful or you could use pinecones.

If you have a galvanized pailor a crock, you could just

plunk this bundle into it and set it on your porch

or the steps going up to your front door.

Adding battery operated lighted twigs would

be a warm and wonderful greeting!

*You could also take them apart and spread

into a window box!*

This is actually an authentic (salvaged) tobacco

stick star. (tobacco sticks were used to hang tobacco

to dry from in the south. It is very large,

around three feet! (Pardon the leaves, it is

blustery here today!!!)

A small twig star with boughs and berries.

You could also add battery-operated light

strand to this too. Lean it against a crock

or hang it on your door, or rest it on a

window sill. :)

A small mustard birdhouse looks striking

nestled in with spruce and dogwood.

Find an old crate or wagon or how about

an old wash tub? Fill it with greenery, and

berries, pinecones, then add lights and a

birdhouse!

Another mustard birdhouse...and

I adore cardinals in the snow!!!

A burlap sack with a brick in the bottom

filled with greens, berries, add twinkling lights

inside and pop in a mustard star!

Christmas on the Farm

Wednesday 10-4

Thursday 12-6

Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-4

Winterberry and Doe on the Go!

2011-11-15T23:32:00.001-06:00

This weekend is opening deer hunting. The slogan goes like this: "when the buck is away and the doe goes shopping"! It seems to be the time that people start to think about or actually START decorating for Christmas. It is my biggest day of the year. FULL of female energy, I just LOVE it!...often times I don't look up much from the cash register and at the end of the day I wonder who came through!!! There isn't many things dearer to my heart than a room full of joyful women!!!

Today was around 50 degrees and sunny. PERFECT for the bough-bundling that I did! I love floral design and love to put together boquets of boughs and dogwood twigs and whatever berries I have managed to find. This year the rosehips were scarce, but the winterberries were plentiful. I have actually never seen them in so many places. In fact after someone found out where I got mine the first year I was open, they have not come back. :(

I try to cut sparingly when I cut so as not to kill or diminish the plant for next year! If you find winterberries in the wild, please be careful! They are a most-beautiful decorating addition for Christmas! I will post pics tomorrow. It gets dark so fast that I didn't get a chance to take them today.

Here are a few photos of the new merchandise that I have been getting in. { I also have restocked my candles, potpourri, refresher oils and MORE!!!}

Votive-holder trio.

New tart melters!!!

NEW!!!!! Reed diffusers. I love them!!!

Night light...

Little framed item.

Many snowmen :)

Braid coasters.

JEWELRY!!!!

These rings ^ are awesome!!!

May you find Christmas HAPPINESS as you walk through this season of JOY!!! Hope to see you at the FARM!!!
Wednesday 10-4/ Thursday 12-6/ Friday 10-4/ Saturday 10-4

Christmas On The Farm

2011-11-03T10:36:00.000-05:00

STARTS TODAY!!!

Thursday 12-6

Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-4

Here is a little preview...

It's a beautiful, sunshiny day!

Tis the ~season~ to be

JOLLY!

FaLaLaLaLa

La La La La!!!

Let the Green and Red Begin!!!

2011-10-27T13:53:00.001-05:00

It's time once again to deck the halls with boughs...

Next week begins

Christmas on the Farm

Thursday 12-6

Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-4

(I will be closed Wednesday

for an extra day to transition!!)

2011-10-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

If you are having a Harvest Party,

or just want a splash of color at your dining table,

or under your coffee maker,

or in the center of your table...

SPLENDOR placemats

and table runners have arrived!!!

You will also find these crows:

It's a lovely day for a drive among the maples,

birch and oaks in the St Croix River Valley...

Stop in for a visit!

Wednesday: 10-4

Thursday 12-6

Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-4

A Little on Bittersweet

2011-09-30T14:55:00.003-05:00

When I gazed up at the windmill in August,

I was a bit concerned that the

Bittersweet didn't seem

as prolific as other years...

So when I saw a post about some for sale on eBay,

I decided it would be fun to order it

from another part of the country to see

the difference.

I have done some research over the years since I

opened the shop and have had

so many people ask me about Bittersweet.

Initially all I knew was

I loved it!

So I know a few things now.

Like there are many varieties.

Out East (My order came from Maine) Bittersweet

is very different from our Midwest Bittersweet.

In the photos below you can see that the clusters of

my Wisconsin Bittersweet (not yet popped open)

in front are MUCH larger and fuller.

Below is mine on the right and Maine's on the left.

Here are links to a few posts using Bittersweet to decorate:

Celebrating Autumn

{Kath has a beautiful home and her photos are superb!}

Bittersweet

{wound into a wreath}

Bittersweet Experience Pt 2

{Linda tucks it all around and makes her house look lovely!}

Here are a few more photos from Bittersweet Farm:

Plenty of Bittersweet for you!!!

Fall on the Farm shopping hours:

Wednesday 10-4

Thursday 12-6

Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-4

Harvest Fest HERE This Weekend!!!

2011-09-20T23:15:00.004-05:00

It is our annual
FALL OPEN HOUSE
at the Bittersweet Farm this week AND

on SATURDAY...SOMETHING NEW!!!
"HARVEST FEST"

~My daughter Kayla will be here with her photography,

and some framed prints.

~Justina with PRIMITIVELY

will be here with her primitive hand-mades.

~Justina's mom will be here with her purses

and wool mittens.

(I have seen them and they are wonderfully unique!)

Inside the shop you will find the glow of flickering lights,
the fragrance of apple cider and pumpkin spices,
coffee brewing on the porch,
BITTERSWEET
I climbed the windmill today and found plenty!
gourds
NEW BRAID RUGS in Harvest colors
(including place mats, chair pads, and trivets)
Potpourri
Lighted branches or rice lights to add to your
own branches...and SO much more!!!!
It is promising to be a LOVELY weekend

I didn't think I had much, but when I got up there,
I found bundles!!!

I ordered some bittersweet from Maine this year off
of eBay (in back) and mine is in front.
They are so different!!!
Mine have larger berries in clusters,
theirs have berries individually along the vine.
Come check it out! :)

Pumpkins from a very sweet friend.

My porch.

Bundles of branches add texture
and color to your fall displays...

Straw pumpkins, metal pumpkins, milk cans,
bird houses...

Pumpkins*Signs*Gourds*Grapevines

This is an AWESOME new concept!
There are twinkling lights inside...
a WONDERful way to welcome guests to
the porch!

Hope to see you on the farm!
Wednesday 10-4
Thursday 12-6
Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-4

Last Year's Fall Fotos

2011-09-15T02:01:00.001-05:00

I really DO know how to spell "Photos"....

Just getting your attention. *smile*

I got my fall fun-decorating-items

out for in my house tonight

{wee hours of the morning

where I function well sometimes!}

Then. I went to look at last year

to see what I did

ALIKE

and what I did

Differently...

I always seem to be so confused

when I take my stuff out!

Where did I use this last year??

I guess I have a

slightly short memory

{on some things!}

I DO have too much on the fridge...

but what is a girl to do

when she comes from such a large family?

My kitchen "baking hutch" {all my baking things

are in the bottom!}

The bittersweet is not in yet this year.

Last year was a BUMPER crop.

This year. Not so much.

I can't see very much up there.

I will climb though.

The windmill. :)

I still do not have any pumpkins....

but after tonight's frost,

I may be able to bring up

bushels of gourds.

THEY grew like CrAzY this year!!

Please excuse my messy patio door.

It's the cat's fault.

She really should

wash her paws before she paws at it...

More baking hutch...

Okay. This was just for fun!

Remember this week is our

Anniversary Celebration!

The coffee is on

{and it IS yummy if I do say so myself!}

...I have a little chocolate for you,

and other treats too!

Two give-away drawings

will take place on Saturday.

{refer to previous post}

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE FARM!!!

7th Anniversary Celebration Next Week!

2011-09-09T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hello Bittersweet Farm Friends!!!

I have a fun little story to start, and then some

Bittersweet Farm News for next week!

In search of a recipe for an autumn dessert for our Bible Study on Tuesday, I pulled out one of my Gooseberry Patch cookbooks: Fall Friends and Family and went to the last chapter "Autumn Treats". After browsing them, I decided on the recipe for Pumpkin Pie Cake on page 200. If you are not familiar with their cookbooks {I LOVE THEM!} the recipes are submitted by their readers. For whatever reason, I looked to see where this recipe was from. To my surprise and delight, it was submitted by a friend I met blogging (really!) who happens to live in our area, and we have connected over coffee. {Hi Kim!}

This is what the cookbook says about the pie/cake: "The best tasting dessert...forget about having any left over!" ~They were right!~ and even more delightful when served with REAL {out of the can} whip cream.

One interesting note: The recipe calls for an 18.5 oz pkg. yellow cake mix. They have reduced the size of the mixes to 12.5 oz. so I had to buy two. I don't buy cake mixes very often, so I am not sure when that happened, but I was glad I noticed!

~Now for SHOP NEWS~

The shop is full of fall now!

Bittersweet Farm's 7th Anniversary celebration is next week!

I opened the shop on the same weekend as

our local Amery Fall Festival. {2004}

I am amazed at how quickly the years have gone and

how BLESSED I am to have such a fun business

right at home!!!

I am so thankful for all of YOU who have come out to the farm and made my business a 7 year success! I'm looking forward to many more!!!

In celebration of my Anniversary I will be having drawing for TWO give-aways* September 14-17

1. A lighted twig branch, indoor/outdoor use and wonderful when added to berry picks, fall floral, or evergreens at Christmas! A $26.00 value!!

2. A crow on a stick! Poke him into your mums,

into a straw bale, tie him to your corn stalks

or poke him right into the ground!

*You must come into the shop during business

hours next week to get entered into the drawing.

I will contact you if you win!

Shop Hours:

Wednesday 10-4

Thursday 12-6

Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-4

CoolCrispColorful

2011-09-05T23:32:00.001-05:00

Don't we all love fall?!?

WELCOME TO THE FARM <3

SOME VERY IMPORTANT WORDS:

The jar holds a battery tea light or a regular tea light and gives a warm

candy-corn kind of glow...

I've got some great fall towels, candles, lighted twigs,

plant pokes, floral picks, battery tapers and potpourri

Check out this twig basket hanging by a rope:

Berry picks, rusty stars, and two wool sunflowers to fill it!

Plenty of autumn 1803 wax melts...

to make your home spicy-harvest fragrant!

Don't forget we carry valances, tiers, fishtail swags, shower curtains,

aprons, throws and can order them in a large variety of colors!

Always popular: Farmhouse Naturals room mists from

Briar Patch Primitives...

I have a few new fragrances in!

My little selection of books and music from
by two very special friends.

Author, Speaker, Radio Host Susie Larson's books,

and Tammy Yates' absolutely lovely piano music...
Susie interviewed Kare 11 News Anchor, Julie Nelson recently.
To hear how Susie's book "Growing Grateful Kids" impacted
Julie, listen here!

Don't miss our cupboards, tables, and wall boxes...

If you LOVE wool runners and candle mats,

look at these

embellished with pumpkins and leaves...

There's plenty of home-accents here,

soft electric-candle

light, magnetic "fun" signs,

paper-mache pumpkins & more!

Is this clever? A thermostat-cover shelf

with a little door to cover, but still access it!!!

Lamps by Park Designs are very fine!

It really IS fall...look forward to our

7th Anniversary Celebration Open House

September 14-17

Same week as our local Fall Festival!!!

I hope you will stop out for a visit,

a sip of cider and treats.

More info to come.......

It's a Jungle Out There!

2011-08-31T23:48:00.000-05:00

For several summers we have had drought, or near drought. The summer of 2009 when I was getting the yard ready for Kayla and Andrew's September 4th wedding, I watered the entire summer, running two sprinklers nearly every night, dragging hoses around the yard. I enjoyed {mostly} every minute of it because I was looking forward to "THAT DAY"! It strikes me how much energy I put into it, and the source of the energy was the vision I was working toward.

This year...PLENTY of rain. Plenty. As a result of said rain, the growth of weeds seems unstoppable {though I have not invested in Preen or mulch this year} so I have had to resort to pulling weeds the traditional way in my ten or more gardens. {three of which I started for the aforementioned wedding...not thinking of the maintenance I would have to do in the future...lesson learned!}

SO. I thought I would give you a glimpse of my jungle. Some weeded, some waiting to be. I almost prefer moving hoses to pulling weeds, but once I get out there, it isn't as bad as it seems from afar. If you want to see the "before" pictures, click on the "garden tour" tab on top of the blog, and look at the posts from this year.

Needs some attention, but I do love the petunias that mound up and create such color in the front of the garden.

This is one of the gardens I started for the wedding. Only two years old...formerly chickens roamed there. That explains it. :)

Cleome from two years ago...keeps reseeding itself.

Okay, this is a story. We didn't get anything in the "vegetable garden" until well into June. That's late. As you may be able to see from the 'before' post, we had five plants in the back left section. The pumpkin and gourd vines have stretched their way all the way over the top of the orange cosmos you see blooming on the right side of the garden.

And check out this chair:

The vines wrapped around the arm. I cannot get it out. I usually use this as a fall display piece. HA!

I love me some zinnias. And one of my own flower creations...aging from the weather.

The photo above and below are in the space in between the shop and the house. As you can see, it's gone crazy! Need. To. Thin.

So. Now I know why...even after such a seemingly short summer...

I am ONTO FALL!

Stay tuned for more

Bittersweet Farm Fall Displays...

Autumn Preview

2011-08-24T12:06:00.001-05:00

I have been a putz with my blog of late due to end-of-summer fun and fall prep. Dale and I just returned from celebrating our 28th Anniversary at a Bed and Breakfast in Lanesboro, MN. We had two nights with two large and lovely breakfasts. I told Nancy, chef extraordinaire, home executive, gardener, and wonderful hostess that it is the first time I have wanted to take a photo of my breakfast! We enjoyed dining with several other couples who entertained us and engaged us with stories of France, talk of buffalo in Kansas, organic food realities and local biking adventures.

On Monday, we biked on the Root River Trail which winds along said river for miles. We went on a 40 mile journey from Lanesboro to Rushford and back. The day was perfect with sunshine, crisp air and shade all along the trail. The area {Southern MN} is very hilly, so when we got back into town, my dear man decided to climb Church Hill. Well, I didn't quite make it. I had to walk my bike for a little way. The ride down was exhilarating though and made the trek up worthwhile! (and settled my agitation toward him for leading me up there after so many miles with no warning!)

Yesterday afternoon was spent unpacking, going through Monday and Tuesday tasks and doing a little yard work. I'm so thankful that the growing season is slowing and since we haven't had as much rain, the MOWING season is slowing also!

The shop is beginning to look like fall. {Most people's favorite decorating season according to my non-official polling over the 7 years I have had the shop open}

Here is a little preview:

Can you almost smell the harvest fragrances?

Pumpkin...Apple...Spices

Hope you can make it in for a visit!

HOURS:

Wednesday 10-4

Thursday 12-6

Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-4

Seasons Change

2011-08-11T12:17:00.000-05:00

It's getting closer. I keep seeing posts on facebook about kids returning to school {really, already???} but it's true! Another month and they will all be back in the 'pencils and books' life, and we will be back enjoying our cooler air and our warm and spicy room fragrances...Pumpkins and crunchy leaves.

In light of the nearing "change of seasons" ...the remainder of this week

{Today/Tomorrow/Saturday}

Bittersweet Farm will be marking down summer items.

20% or more on select items!

I will also be having a give-away (drawing) for two

1803 Pilgrim Harvest soy candles.

Come in and enter to win!!!

Wednesday 10-4

Thursday 12-6

Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-4

BusyBusyBusy

2011-07-16T11:58:00.001-05:00

As usual, summer is flying by...

Having a gift-shop makes the seasons

come so quickly.

I must be thinking about fall in June.

Christmas in August.

The past two weeks I have been getting in new merchandise.

Fall things are "in holding" until next month...

The new "everyday" things are out on the floor.

~a snapshot of what's new~

*table runners*napkins*rugs*place mats*candle mats*

*berry garlands*candle rings*wreaths*

*crow-on-a-stick*birdhouses*sunflowers*

*battery-operated taper candles*

...and itty bitty sheep. $2.00 each. :)

Bittersweet Farm Hours:

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10-4

Thursday 12-6

The Bigger Picture

2011-07-04T19:26:00.000-05:00

This is the final post of my gardens. I hope you

enjoyed the tour!!

Pebbles wanders the yard... :)

Backside of the windmill garden. Wedding pics taken

here because it was shady.

Outside of the milkhouse I have lilies, clematis,

black-eyes susans and lambs ears.

From the barn looking up toward the house.

It's a long way!

Chicken coop garden. I started it two years ago

because it was a backdrop for the wedding.

I love the clematis climbing the chicken wire

on the corner! The red lilies are in bloom now...

Gardens around farm buildings...

2011-06-30T15:10:00.001-05:00

Tour #3 of 4 (I think) This is our "back yard" behind

the house. My kitchen window faces the barns,

workshop, chicken coop and sheds.

This first photo is the back of the gift shop.

Same location as I have on my blog header

~yes, things change in two years!!!~

I think the black bear that I saw one Sunday evening

stepped on my daisies while

meandering through the yard...

I need to put something behind these chairs...any ideas?

I got my garden in really late, and purchased the plants

on the left side. Pumpkins, squash, tomatos and peppers.

On the right I planted cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers,

morning glories and herbs.

It has already filled out since Saturday!

My little garden shed was formerly a turkey barn. Hubs

built it, used it once and that was enough for him.

So I adopted it! We used barn siding and an old barn

door. (Not sure where it came from...)

This is Pebbles. She has been with us for 15 years! I

also call her "Cleocatra" since she thinks I should wait

on her and she always takes the best seat in the porch!

Have a blessed

4th of July weekend!!!!

Prim Pails, Posies and Porches~Garden Tour #2

2011-06-29T14:54:00.000-05:00

Here is my second picture post of my gardens which

were on the garden tour last Saturday.

This one features the porch my husband

added on to our farmhouse,

the olde enamelware-top farmhouse table,

many of our made-on-the-farm birdhouses,

and pails full of flowers...

Tune in next time!!!

ALSO: Just back from a shopping trip with

wonderful new additions to the shop...

Garden stakes, birdhouses, berry garlands,

candle rings, picks, baskets, shelves, tables,

battery candles, prim holders and MORE!

Wed /Fri /Sat 10-4

Thursday 12-6

Garden Tour Photos

2011-06-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

The garden tour was wonderful on Saturday.

I love to tour and talk about flowers!

Here is a peek at my gardens and deck.

I will have to do it in three different posts or it

will be one lonnng post.

This post is of my back deck and front yard.

Garden Tour~ June 25th!

2011-06-20T09:35:00.003-05:00

More info on the orphanage here.

Surprise Gifts...

2011-06-18T15:59:00.000-05:00

I landed on Tammy's blog a few weeks back, and she was hosting a "swap". I have observed swaps among bloggers, but never participated in one, so I thought it might be fun to give it a try...

This was a secret swap, so we didn't know who we would receive a package from.

To my delight, I received these pieces in the mail a few days ago...

A framed stitchery,

A beautiful angel (my favorite!)

An inspirational book,

and a hand-made pillow ornament.

From Tamara of Country At Heart

Thank you Tamara!!! They are lovely!

{...Tamara did pop in on my blog and leave a

comment, but I had no idea she was investigating... ;)}

It's been fun meeting new bloggers through this swap.

Pop on over to Tammy's blog for other posts on the swap.

Blessings

Kathy

ColorLightFragrance

2011-06-15T17:21:00.001-05:00

A trio of COLORFUL

red, white and blue stars

for you to add to a wreath

on a package/ gift.

I have them hanging on a twig tree.

How about this copper electric LIGHT

with a few stars to fill the dish.

You could add potpourri for

FRAGRANCE too!

How awesome is this little reminder to

keep on in the hallway

for when you tuck 'em in at night...

Have you seen these in the magazines?

It is called a pastry cloche.

You can hide your food under it when

you are hostessing outdoor dinners...

or you can hide your little paperback book

underneath near where you sunbathe!

(and if you are like me, your reading glasses)

When you have guests over this summer,

here are cute heavy duty

COLORFUL napkins to surprise and delight!

A Shelf with two drawers and a towel/quilt bar.

A wonderful addition to your bath or kitchen...It would

look great in your back-door entryway too!

Just in: dish towels, red ticking stripe

just like grandma's pillows!!!

Or...a creamy white towel surrounded by black stripes.

I love these check placemats! Runners available also.

The hint of cinnamon fragrance from the candle is soft,

and the stars around the outside add so much!

I'm extra fond of pandas...my grandma gave me a stuffed

panda when I was little and I caught my love then...

You can choose from several of the smaller sizes of the

framed prints. Reminiscent of days of old in the country!

These photos are a bit blurry,

they are two new electric wax melters

that give both LIGHT & FRAGRANCE!

The 1803 soy wax melts are

wonderfully fragrant for in the melters.

Flag folk art...by me...on snowfence pieces. :)

I tend to pick up little funny expressions. I like when people

come in the shop and get a little chuckle. You may want to

put one in your porch for fun conversation!

These covered dishes were wonderful w/ eggs in the spring!

Now I added potpourri, and it will be mini pumpkins/gourds

in the fall, and ornaments or candy for Christmas.

Could be candy all year...if you dare!

A strand of lights rolled in cinnamon give a warm glow.

How about in a enamelware or a tin pan in your porch

with some angelhair vine and flowers?

In the evening you could burn a candle and have the

lights glowing and soft music in the background.

This little cabinet would look good in so many locations

and function to hide [you name it!]

Wood Sunflower could hang on your garden shed,

fencebehind the perennial bed,

or in your house.

If you haven't tried the Black Crow candles, you should for

the FRAGRANCE is wonderful!!

Bittersweet Farm is open

Wednesday through Saturday.

Wed, Fri, Sat 10-4

Thursday 12-6

btrsweetfarm@hotmail.com

Garden Tour!!! June 25th!

2011-06-09T20:43:00.000-05:00

...Bittersweet Farm...

Will be part of a six-garden tour in Amery, WI on Saturday, June 25th. 12-5pm.

The cost will be $10.00 to tour the gardens. All the proceeds will go to two different missions. I wanted to post stories of them here on the blog so you will understand where your donation will be going.

Chad Carlson is a man who grew up here and the Lord lead him to Kenya, Africa where he brings life-necessities like learning and aid along with the Gospel (good news of Jesus' love). We will be supporting an orphanage there with the garden tour.

From Chad:
Records held by relevant authorities reveal that the children have been rescued from extremely harsh and diverse backgrounds. Some were born and left in maternity-wings as their mothers walked out on them. Others were born and left to die along sidewalks in plastic bags. Worse still, some were left in strange places, like along riverbanks and in pit-latrines (outdoor bathrooms). Still others were dumped into forest thickets and garden fields, where they were left to starve and succumb to death due to the grimly isolated locations.

A specific story that shocked the whole city was that of Baby Cherub (picture at right), who was dumped in the bushes of Dagoretti Corner within the city limits of Nairobi. Amazingly, God in His immeasurable grace used a dog to rescue the baby who was rushed to a national hospital where she was left under the care of doctors and nurses. Eventually, Baby Cherub was released from the hospital in good health and placed in the care of the orphanage.

I hope you can come out on June 25th to view the gardens, receive coupons for local businesses and bless the babies in Kenya!

Here is the basic info:
Open Hand Children's Home (OHCH) Kenya is a non-profit organization, which is founded and operates on Christian values and principles. OHCH was registered in 2003 as a Community-based Organization with the mission of rescuing newborn infants which have been abandoned and left to die. So far, OHCH have rescued forty-one (41) from infants and children from different settings and very deplorable circumstances.

OHCH has four main objectives:

These are destitute children coming from a very sad background. Therefore, meeting their basic needs is our priority: housing, food, clothing, health-care, education and counselling – so that they may experience the tangible love of Christ and a sense of stability in life.
Nurturing the children to full maturity: physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and mentally. There is an emphasis on Biblical discipleship and Christian nurture throughout their time at OHCH.
In Liaison with the Childrens Department of the Government of Kenya, we facilitate legal adoptions, foster parenting, personal sponsorships, and above all, we re-unite these children with their extended families [where possible] while ensuring that their welfare is not compromised.
We also are very intent on the alleviation of poverty and hopelessness in the lives of these children.

Indeed, these children have gone through some dehumanizing experiences, and it is for this reason that we are doing what it takes, to give them a second chance with the focus of providing a favorable, Christian environment for their overall development. Our greatest hope is to witness their lives being transformed by the grace of God through the loving service of His people. ~Chad Carlson

Please join us for the tour! For more info or questions contact me at: btrsweetfarm@hotmail.com

________________________________________________________________________________________

My Country Gardens

2011-05-27T15:18:00.004-05:00

HAPPY EARLY SUMMER!!!

This is a busy time of year! I forget how

much work it is in the spring.

I love it though, especially if we have

SUNSHINE!

I generally browse my garden photos in the

beginning of the planting season.

Since I like to look at other's too,

I decided to share a few with you!

My garden shed. Dale built it as a Turkey house.

We used it once for turkeys...that was enough for us!

The fence is from the side of a corn crib that

Dale's mom tore down from their old farm.

An angel in the bee balm. :)

My garden in 2008

This is a potato planter nestled in the wild flower garden.

This was taken at my friend Becky's house.

I LOVE black-eyed Susans, old birdhouses and milk cans!

It may become obvious that this is a favorite color combo.

My friends Matt and Penny made this birdhouse stake.

A birdhouse on a spindle hiding in the Susans...made by us.

The chicken coop...I started it new in 2009.

Where the chickens used to run, so things grew VERY well!!

In the background, you can see the sign for Bittersweet Farm.

My garden in 2009

Pink, blue, white and yellow mingled w/ green. Love it!

South-facing warm spot on chilly days....The shop blocks

the wind so we like to sit here in the evenings.

A view from behind the garden shed, looking toward the barn.

This is the back side of the gift shop. :)

My Mother's Day bench from Picket Fence Gals.

My favorite summer place to sit ...and have a mocha frapp.

I like to stop and read my mail

here on the way into the house.

*****

If you have a post with garden photos,

share your link with me in the comment box.

I would love to see your gardens!!!

It would be fun to have a post with several links

so they are accessible through one click.

If I get enough,

I will put them on here!
Click Here for another garden!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Thank you service men and women

for giving to our liberty!

Next week (starting 6/1)

Bittersweet Farm is

open four-days a week:

*Wednesday*Friday*Saturday

10-4

*Thursday 12-6

What's New?

2011-05-13T12:31:00.000-05:00

Happy rainy season from Wisconsin.

Wait! Do we have a rainy season?

***

It is still so chilly... and the leaves

are slow in coming, but they are

starting to make their appearance.

Finally!

I am enjoying the

daffodils and tulips here on the farm!

***

Bittersweet Farm is open

Friday and Saturday

Summer merchandise is arriving!!!

***

Just in:

New braided runners, coasters and wool candle mats!

Also these tealight lanterns. Wouldn't they be awesome on your

porch on summer evenings?

I have two sizes of framed photo prints.

Some have sentiments like the one above by Mother Theresa,

others are simply beautiful photos.

Isn't this a great wall-cabinet?

I think this would be awesome in your entryway with a

battery candle in it for welcoming your guests in the evening!

Available words w/ flower: Relax*Dream*Friends

For those of you waiting for1803 wax melts

They are in too!

Olde Dough Bowl
Seasons
Pilgrims Harvest
Weathered Crow
Village Mercantile
Dandelion Wine
Cabin on the Hill

***
We have flowers and birdhouses for on

your arrows also! Come check it out!

Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-4

Spring Sale! Spring Sale! Spring Sale!

2011-04-28T18:13:00.001-05:00

Clear the way for

SUMMER merchandise!!!

This is the weekend of the Spring Sale!

I will have all things Easter on sale...

eggs, rabbits, chicks, some flowers,trees and ornaments, etc.

for 33% off!

If you want a peek at more of the merchandise,

scroll down a few posts.

Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-4

2011-04-23T16:11:00.001-05:00

Wishing you and your family

a JOYFUL celebration

of the resurrection of Jesus...

new life today

new life on the

other side of the grave

HE IS RISEN!!!

Happy Easter!

Spring into My House!

2011-04-08T14:56:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my house!

Much like my country store it is fragrant with

spiced cranberry, cinnamon, and apple...

Here is a peek into spring decorating:

Peppergrass candle rings on a candle chandelier

in my dining room brings a springy wreath to eye level.

Here is one of the new baskets with a candle and

peppergrass candle ring hanging on a peg in

the living room above my couch.

A BIRD would look lovely in here too!

I cut apart a peppergrass bush and added a few stems

into this basket. Add a little bird and you have

another splash of spring on top of the TV stand.

A couple of chicks next to a rusty star-wrapped

warm cinnamon candle...encircled with,

you got it, peppergrass!!!

HONESTLY! If you want to bring life into your decor

this will do it anywhere!

This is on my kitchen table. It gets pushed to the back

when I am working on the computer.

You will notice I like placing things on braided

placemats or stair treads.

A little bowl of speckled wood eggs welcomes you

to my living room on an old farmhouse table

we found here on the farm in the old barn.

This wool chick is one of my favorites! I nestled it in a treenware

bowl with a few speckled eggs. Isn't it a sweet little nest?

Finally this little rabbit welcomes you

when you step in my front door.

So...

How do you decorate for spring?

PREVIEW

2011-03-25T15:10:00.002-05:00

Spring Open House is next weekend!

April 1,2

Here are a few things I am getting out...

more to come!

Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-4

Where I Was

2011-03-10T23:29:00.001-06:00

Scroll down to the next post for a few photos of

current merchandise...

Now. On to my story:

Last week I closed shop because my son-in-law

graduated from Air Force Bootcamp.

We flew down to San Antonio Wednesday and

returned the following Monday, March 7th.

This photo is of THE reunion.

It had been 8.5 weeks of mama and baby

without daddy.

We are so proud of him for enduring boot camp

and for all the changes we could see in him already

when we were there.

He is now attending a tech school where he will

learn the skills for his AF job.

San Antonio was 75 degrees...a welcome change of

temp for us! It was hard to leave knowing we were coming

home to snow. But it also felt good to come home

if you know what I mean. :)

Texas is not a state I would have chosen for vacation,

but now having been there, I'm so glad for the opportunity!

I enjoyed learning about history...

basked in warmth..

lived in luxury...

We visited the five missions including

The Alamo...which was celebrating its

175th anniversary last weekend.

*For more photos you can go to my facebook page

where you will see more mission photos, history

and the Riverwalk, which was wonderful in the sunshine!

Some Spring Thing(s)

2011-02-25T13:47:00.001-06:00

Though it was FOUR DEGREES outside this morning...WE KNOW SPRING is on the way.

Really. It DOES come every year. Remembering this helps me.

As Target and Walmart have their Easter things out

EVEN THOUGH EASTER IS LATE this year.

The last Sunday in April actually.

I am gradually getting things out in the shop.

Here is a sampling.

(and just one bragging photo of my four month old grandson Bennett)

speckled eggs. chicks.

chick ornament.

bunny ornament.

a tree.

candle matt with blackbird. tree in a pot with blackbird ornaments.

lights. stitched pillow ornaments.

dish towel. candle pan w/ potpourri. three candles.

posies on a candle matt.

sentimental box w/ hinged lid. black inside.

penny posies on a towel.

wood wall box. peg on top. garland wound inside and a pear.

tons of new framed prints. two different sizes.

Fun*Fun*Fun*

Bittersweet Farm

Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-4

Will be closed the first weekend in March

then back to regular hours.

The Buzz on Valentines and Beyond!

2011-02-04T15:46:00.000-06:00

Here are the hearts I mentioned that

you could plunk in the snowbank

by the mailbox to make the mail carrier smile...

Or you could plunk them in any drift near

the walkway to say a little "I LOVE YOU"

to your friends and family!

Small....

...or large!

Meaningful sayings in the home are good reminders...

I have a thing for vintage bears, especially pandas! :)

They call this a "cantback" cupboard.

Would easily fit in many places.

Storage in the bottom.

This cabinet would be a wonderful storage

addition to any room in the house!

Think: linens, bath items, cds and dvds...

or keep doors open for display!

A new sage green sofa table

Heart mold with candle inside is LOVELY

when the light shines through the heart!

Wool tulips...vintage hearts

A large variety of "expressions" magnets...

New, easy-priced jewelry. Necklace/earring sets or bracelets.

FRIDAY 10-5 / SATURDAY 10-4

Snowfall and Flowers

2011-02-02T19:44:00.000-06:00

As much of our country is being swept over, even lashed by winter storms, it's a bit quieter here in the North land. We only had a couple of inches. Yesterday. Of course it fell on top of about 60 inches (I think that is our local number).

I saw a man walk across the street in a little WI town yesterday, and opened a mailbox door on the front of a snowbank. The box was totally buried in snow. Mail. Delivered to a snowbank in WI. I wonder if the mailman has memorized the addresses that are surely buried on the sides of the boxes...

And what was delivered to Bittersweet Farm yesterday? Flowers! As I opened boxes today and unwrapped the promise of spring...not only flowers, but eggs, rabbits, birds & sheep! I discovered within my heart a refreshing sense of anticipation! For spring, warm weather, and brighter colors after the deep muted greens and reds of winter. As much as I love them, it is nice to pack away and "lighten" up my home!

So expect to see some flowers in the coming days, and remember we have a variety of hearts for your Valentine's Day display...Even a few new metal heart cut-outs for plunking in the snowbank...maybe you could add one by the mailbox and give the deliverer a smile. :)

I Heart Fresh

2011-01-14T17:19:00.002-06:00

WHEW! The transformation (tornado as I often refer to it) is mostly complete!!! Christmas is OVER in the shop and HEARTS are happening at Bittersweet Farm!

My very large black bookcase sold on Saturday last weekend, and Sunday I was headed down to Madison for my tri-yearly shopping trip. It was good timing because I didn't have any back up display pieces for such a large area. Sadly the guy I usually buy furniture from was not there!!! But I found a few pieces that I like as well, and packed up the truck and came home Monday.

Tuesday I was prepping for a meeting I have on Sunday, and working on my books, so I didn't get to "tornado" until Wednesday, and Thursday. It was a BIG job for two days and only two hands...oops! I had four hands for a few minutes after I called my sister to help me move out another large shelf that we had sold on our auction~I am so thankful for my sister living close! Some of you got to meet her back in November when she watched the shop for me so I could go to a wedding.

Here are a few photos from the Heart Fresh look:

Isn't this cupboard great? The doors on bottom are wainscot

the door on top is a glass window.

The pieces are seperate...the top could be screwed right to the wall

as a wall cupboard, and the height of the bottom is

like a pie safe, just not quite as wide!

I heart these wood trays for a candle on your coffee table

or kitchen island, or...

The lamp needs no words, LOVE IT!

Aren't the wool tulips wonderfully pretty? I heart them!

The heart candles burn totally down center so the light shines through the heart.

They are covered in glittter~lovely!

Plus you can use a tealight inside when the wax is burned down!

Chenille hearts!

This is a very spacious storage box. It would look awesome on a bench

at the foot of the bed or on an end table to raise the height of a lamp!

The ceramic "vase" is acutally a wine bottle chiller,

but it can be used forflowers in summer

or these awesome berries and rusty stars all year!

Looks great with the berry vine placemat with the

red check edge, doesn't it?

I managed to find some fun primitive

candle holders in different styles.

This is a sample of a few new necklaces I have. Handmade in USA!

I will be getting more jewelry in a few weeks...

So check back!

Winter hours:

Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-4

See you soon! :)

Ever popular...lighted twigs are in too!

SALE TIME

2011-01-06T16:40:00.000-06:00

I hope you are staying motivated with your resolutions if you are the

resolution-making type.

If you are not, I hope you are remembering to write

2011

instead of 2010

on your checks and letters!

It always takes me half of January to remember!!!

Now that most of you probably have your

Christmas decorations

put away...

(I don't... I like them up until mid January

~hey, maybe that is why it takes me

so long to remember to change the year!)

While Christmas is still fresh in your mind...

You might want to check out the sale at

Bittersweet Farm

this weekend!!!

Friday, January 7th

& Saturday January 8th

All Christmas merchandise is

30% off!

*Glittery snowmen included!*

Wreaths

Garlands

Ornaments

Christmas linens

(placemats & runners)

After Saturday I will be

taking it all down to

make room for

NEW MERCHANDISE!

*stay tuned for new news!*

*other than glittery snowmen not included in the sale*

Before And Now

2010-12-30T20:27:00.001-06:00

Like most of the country, the weather around here is...weird.

I was thrilled when Chirstmas day was 24 degrees...I didn't have to hold my breath

on the way out to the car like past years when it was 0.

I like snow.

I don't like cold.

I don't like freezing rain.

Not. At. All.

But that is what we have here tonight and forecast for tomorrow...

The first two photos are before...

These next two are Now.

That's right,

RAIN in December in Wisconsin!

I'm not sure you can tell from the night photo, but the driveway is

GLARE ICE!

So....

We are not sure what tomorrow will bring,

but the shop will be open for business 10-5

with 25% off.

We just may have to have you walk in by a

shoveled path through the yard...

So wear your boots...my boys are home

so they can help you if we need them to...

And if I don't see you because the roads are glare ice too..

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

and I will see you next week for the 30% off Christmas sale!

...and just for kicks...here is my kitchen tree...

Which I leave up well into January

because I love it's glow.

And I am slow to undo Christmas.

What Happens After Christmas?

2010-12-27T16:27:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Bittersweet Farm!

I hope you enjoyed your Christmas celebrations

and the lazy (or not so much) after-days...

and that oh-so-special feeling of fullness.

And wanting to eat only lettuce for the next week.

But seriously...

As the new year approaches,

as in former years, our hours will be ruduced,

and I will be having an after-Christmas SALE!

If you want to add to your linen collection for next year,

or change it... now would be a great time!

I also still have the lighted twigs.

White battery-operated ones that would be

great for Easter as well... :) OR

Electric brown ones that work great in a crock

or a basket with greens or berries.

*Ornaments*Garlands*Wreaths*Electric Lights*

Come out this Friday...

New Years Eve day (December 31):

****25% off*** 10-4

*excludes furniture

Closed New Year’s Day

Regular winter hours start January 7th:

Friday 10-5…Saturday 10-4

After Christmas Sale:

30% off Christmas items January 7, 8

Be sure to connect with me on facebook...

you can see my little grandson, Bennett! ;)

One Week Left!

2010-12-16T12:02:00.000-06:00

Christmas greetings from

Bittersweet Farm!

Did you know that there is only one

full week of shopping left before Christmas!

As a “thank you” for your business, I will be having

10% off everything in the store

(excludes special orders)

from now until Christmas!

Regular Hours this week:

*Wed *Fri *Sat 10-4/ *Thursday 12-6

Please note our Holiday Hours:

Christmas week: Wednesday and Thursday 10-5

Closed Christmas Eve, and Christmas day…

New Years Eve day (December 31): ****25% off*** 10-4

Closed New Year’s Day

Regular winter hours start January 7th:

Friday 10-5…Saturday 10-4

After Christmas Sale: 30% off Christmas items January 7, 8

SnowSnowSnow

2010-12-04T13:01:00.000-06:00

We had the most beautiful snowfall overnight!... My guess is that on the farm we had about 4 inches of fluffy, powdery snow!

Snow+Christmas Music+Pine Boughs=Heartwarming memories of past Christmases...

When we five girls (the first of us 12 Leroux kids were girls), and our cousins would bundle up in our croched scarves and mittens that we received from Grandma, and put on our crispy nylon jackets and snowpants, we would pull out our sleds and trudge through deep snow out to the pasture where the cliffs hovered over the creek. We spent hours sliding, jumping over drifts and sailing down those big hills. Up and down, up and down we would go...breathing into our dampened scarves that we kept pulling up over our noses, but to no avail, as they seemed to always slouch down soon after the hoisting up. Then our exposed wet face would be all the frostier from the frigid air.

By the time we got back to the house we were delightfully frozen from our nose to our soggy-socked toes. How we loved it! How we looked forward to it!

After Christmas, during the long winter months, mom would invite all the neighbor girls (and a few cousins) over for skating parties. The creek just below our house has a wide bend. Here we made snow angels and attempted "figure eights". Feeling like we were mastering the craft if we glided any distance without falling down!

Those are the sweet memories that Christmassy snow brings...

Those sweet memories serve as a catalyst for my Christmas preparation enthusiasm today. I was lacking a bit of that enthusiasm this year since my nest has emptied, and Dale works out of town alot...But as the snow falls...I find a resurgence of child-like zeal for celebrating. Now, where did I leave my sled?...

DOE ON THE GO

2010-11-18T19:10:00.000-06:00

Two days of

***FUN*FUN*FUN***

Some hunt for bucks

Some save 2 bucks!

Friday and Saturday at Bittersweet Farm

Bring a girlfriend...get TWO BUCKS OFF

your purchase of $10.00 or more!

Snowman made by local artist
"Primitively"~Great addition to your s
nowman collection!

Lighted twigs come in battery
or electric! Indoor/Outdoor

Tea~dyed quilted placemats

in a variety of Christmas prints!

New!! Star electric light...
votive jar w/ potpourri

Christmas fragrance! 1803 melts for
your tart warmers, potpourri reresher oil...
wonderful greenery!

Primitively gingerbread...

complete with recipe

Ready to sit in a pottery bowl
of greens on your stove!

New!!! Tartwarmers for flameless fragrance!!!

Check out this new lantern lamp!
Also the electric snowman candle...

Remember to keep the main thing
the main thing this Christmas!
Merry Christmas
and
Happy Birthday Jesus!

Battery tapers...wonderful flickering
glow with two "AA" batteries.
LONG LASTING!

Another frosty
creation by Primitively!

Stacking snowman boxes...hogscraper candle
....mini rice lights

On The Other Side

2010-11-15T15:54:00.001-06:00

It is a relief to be on the other side of the auction activity as well as have the shop transformation to Christmas complete!

Our house didn't sell, and "the knowing" is a relief as well. We are comfortable waiting for the right offer to come along. Not being desperate to sell is a good thing. And as things go with people who trust God, a snow plow offer "just showed up" on the day the skidsteer was leaving the driveway...AND (can you believe it?) snow happened the very next day!

So I will have a reliable person to take care of the driveway if Dale isn't home when it snows...Woo Hoo!!! My main winter concern~taken care of by a God-sent person in my shop at just the right time!

Now onto the IMPORTANT things...

***Coming Up This Weekend***

6th anual "Doe on the Go"

Man goes hunting for bucks...

Ladies go save some bucks...

Friday and Saturday 10-4...

come out to the farm with a girlfriend or two

and all receive TWO BUCKS off

your purchase of $10.00 or more!!!

You will find:

Garlands, lighted twigs, candles, melters and melts

in some of the

best fragrances for Christmas I have ever had!

Quilted placemats, runners, and Christmas towels!

Boughs and berries fresh for your door or crock!

And a whole lot more!

Status Update

2010-11-05T21:27:00.000-05:00

Hello Bittersweet Farm Fans!

Time for a quick update...

In case you haven't noticed by now, we are going through some stuff. Yes. Our stuff, and some stuff.

Our auction is taking place online for another week. Ending on Thursday, November 11th at 7:00pm, or soon thereafter if bidding keeps going...If you want to check it out: hinesauctionservice.com. (There are two categories, personal property and real estate under the title "Bittersweet Farm".)

Christmas on the Farm began this week and will run through Christmas. Specific dates to follow. I will keep you posted on the status of the shop. Keep checking back for new merchandise. I just had another box arrive tonight!

As of now, we have no idea what is on the other side of the auction. We do not have to take offers on our real estate if we don't want to. So it is uncertain if we will get a bid that meets our requirements. If we do end up selling, we will be staying in this general area and are unsure of how we will continue to run the gift shop, but will keep you posted via email and the blog.

In the meantime, I hope to see you at the shop!!! Coffee is on tomorrow 10-4. Christmas scents, sounds, and scenery abound! (minus the snow!) I even have fresh boughs and rosehips for sale...!

It's Happening at "a little giftshop on a farm"...

2010-10-22T21:46:00.001-05:00

Bittersweet Farm News:

Greetings from a little gift shop on a farm…What a wonderful October we have had!!! It’s been so nice; it would be easy for a gift shop proprietor to forget that Christmas is right around the corner! I hope you are excited to start the season of pine, lights, and crackling fires in the fireplace!!!

But first ~ a 2 weekend SALE on all merchandise! ~ It is going to be a BIG sale!!! (Check blog for hours)

SALE: October 22, 23 (that is THIS Friday and Saturday) EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP …25% off!!!*

SALE: October 27-30 (that is the very next week) EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP…33% off!!!*

*Excludes special orders ….and come early for the best selection. Don’t forget I have some fun furniture pieces…benches, end tables, bookshelves, etc!!!

2010 Christmas News:
Christmas Open House!!! …….November 4-6 (first weekend of November)

For the wreath on your door, the ornaments on your tree, the fragrance of pine in your home, and the wool or quilted runner on your table… Wednesday closed this week to get ready…..Hours: Thursday 12-6/ Friday 10-4/ Saturday 10-4

“Doe on the Go”!!! …….November 18-20 (Third weekend in November)

For the boughs and the berries, for the twinkle lights and the snowmen…with cider and treats…and the fun energy of women shopping…

Other Noteworthy News:
We do have the farm up for sale again, but this time we are keeping the business separate from the farm. We never had intentions of closing. (Sorry for those who got a false message somehow) We will be staying in the area and let you know where!

AND we will be having an online AUCTION November 1-11

 Woodworking stuff, including piles of barn wood, pine, tools, fasteners, etc.

 Farm stuff, including lawn equipment, field equipment, and barn things.

 Household stuff, including patio furniture, and various indoor pieces.

 Real Estate, including 21 acres, a cozy house, two barns, and three sheds, a coop, a windmill full of bittersweet, wonderful perennial gardens, and the little building that is currently a gift shop!

Auction Website: www.hinesauctionservice.com Open House is October 30th 10am-1pm (Look for "Schwanke" auction/ Nov 11th...photo is of a skidsteer)

Bittersweet Farm website: http://bittersweetfarmgiftshop.blogspot.com/ or email, btrsweetfarm@hotmail.com

PS...we will only be putting a certain amount of inventory on the auction. Our plan is to do temporary shows at our new location (undetermined so far, but staying in the area)...

Bittersweet News

2010-09-23T15:47:00.002-05:00

No worries, it is all sweet news, not bitter!

The bittersweet is cut! I am currently (but with blogging in between) taking the leaves off and bundling them up for you to take home and add to your fall display. Whether you lay it around pumpkins and gourds on the floor in front of the fireplace, tie it to indian corn and hang it on the door or put it in a milk can, it is sure to add the orange punch to your decorating!

Also, I have a huge order of fall floral just in, with wreaths, candle rings, floral picks and garlands. When I go out to the shop, I am working on what I call "fluffing" them and getting them out on the floor.

Here are a few ideas to try with fall floral:

Candle rings are versitle: Have fun using them as small wreaths attached to a patio door on a suction cup hook, or hooked over your curtains or valances with an "S" hook, as well as under a bowl of fall colored m&m's!!! I would show you a picture, but I ate them...lol. In the above photo, I have a garland under the pumpkin on the table. (Sorry, McCalls candles no longer available, but I have three other wonderful lines!~Cheerful Giver, 1803, and a few Crossroads)

Garlands are wonderful twined around a large bowl to hold candy. Buy assorted bags of miniature candy bars like Snickers, Twix, and Hersheys for a fall color combo to have for guests to grab!

They are also fun to wind along a stairway, on top of your cupboards, around fall pictures, in bay windows, around baskets and along the nails below your shelves!

Upcoming Event:

Bittersweet Farm

Harvest Open House

September 29, 30, October 1,2

(Wednesday 10-4/ Thursday 12-6

/ Friday and Saturday 10-4)

Seasons Change...

2010-09-01T13:47:00.003-05:00

It is official.
September... School started... Cooling down...Drying plants... Leaves turning... What is hardest for me to believe, is that on September 15th ~that is only two weeks away~it will be Bittersweet Farm's 6th anniversary! It has been such a privilege to have my business at home and to have meet so many wonderful people. So THANK YOU to those of you who have visited me and purchased gifts and decor' for your homes.

In the next two weeks I will send out a post card /email to my mailing list with the following special (and annual) events at the shop: (I hope you are as excited as I am...September and October are my favorite months!)

***6th Anniversary Celebration: September 15-19***

This is Fall Festival week in Amery, extend your visit North of town to the farm for in-store specials. Maybe the bittersweet will be ready by then!

***Harvest Open House***

Come out for a cup of hot cider, and browse for your favorite season...pumpkins, bittersweet, table runners, towels, fall fragrance, lighted branches, lighted pumpkins etc.

Now for a little preview of Fall Merchandise!!

These light up!Garlands and floral are wonderful mixed with twigs in a milk can or pail in your entryway! Add some new lighted twigs and make your entryway or porch a glowing welcome!

Oh Fall!

2010-08-13T17:26:00.000-05:00

Oh Fall,

We are looking forward to you this year...we are tired of rain (though we are thankful Lord, for you watering our earth), we are tired of humidity (Lord, I know we do get tired easy of things that go on and on, forgive us!) we are tired of mowing the yard so much...(okay, thankful for our mowers, lawns, gas and the ability to mow!)...but we are so READY for fall!

I put a few fall things out in the store today, and guess what? They went! I haven't run out yet though ;) Fall floral, wool rug hooked wall hangings and pillows with pumpkins/ crows. Tomorrow I will add more floral, a few autumn plates, and pumpkins. Next week will bring a better variety.

If you come tomorrow (Saturday, August 14th) you can get summer merchandise for 25% off. I still have a few wood flowers left...popular as they have been, sometimes they go unseen...

Check back next week for photos! Have a super nice (free from humidity~!!!! weekend!!!)

In The Heat of Summer

2010-08-03T15:51:00.000-05:00

When it is this HOT and HUMID, it might seem odd to think about bittersweet, pumpkins, gourds and scarecrows, but just around the calendar corner, they will be visible parts of our landscape!

How thankful I am for air conditioning these last few days of "extreme" summer, and yet I have noticed that the corn is tassled, the blackbirds are hovering, the garden looks like an absolute jungle, and autumn merchandise is arriving at Bittersweet Farm. Actually, within the next two weeks you may see some of it show up in the shop!

(Photo from 2008)

I know it has been awhile since I posted, but things have been a bit crazy around here with all the rain. The yard is a hayfield and like I said, the gardens are a jungle.... and I~the major care-taker here since my guys are keeping so busy at work! BUT, keep your eyes open for new photos, late summer and fall events in the coming weeks!

And stop for a visit to the shop!

Wed 10-4/ Thurs 12-6/ Fri 10-4/ Sat 10-4

Mid Summer

2010-07-16T12:38:00.000-05:00

Summer...is for enjoyment! I hope yours is going well!

It is officially mid-summer according to school calendars, and that means having fall in mind for the shop owner. I am usually behind others in putting out the next season's merchandise because I realllllly like to enjoy the one I am in. I have been getting better at this after having been asked in July so often, "When will you have your fall stuff out?"...

So with an eye toward autumn merchandise coming in,

(which is arriving slowly)

and in honor of "mid-summer"

and all the gorgeous blooms in my yard...

Bittersweet Farm is offering all items with

a flower/ flowers/ or American flags for

20% off tomorrow, Saturday July17th!

Saturday Hours: 10-4

~4th of July Weekend~

2010-07-02T11:55:00.000-05:00

If you have lake plans this weekend, consider yourself BLESSED! I long for a lake some days, but the Lord has planted me on a farm, (and I do love it, but it would be even better if it had a lake!)

Maybe you are like me, and staying around home...

Either way, you might want to get out one afternoon for a little browsing at Bittersweet Farm.

After returning from my shopping trip to Madison Monday, I have been straining to get the goods priced and displayed. Many of the things I brought home were for fall and Christmas, so I had to find hiding places for them until their season...

So here is a few photos of the "now" things I brought back that are in their places...(I am still working on the piles behind my desk~little by little.)

A little floral, some country fragrance (Log Cabin is a pine and the Cranberry Nut Bread is to die for!), alot of plaid and check table accessories, and you have a cozy home. Or cabin as the case may be.

I wont caption the photos because for some reason blogger is a bugger today. But if you have questions email me at btrsweetfarm@hotmail.com ...it comes into my phone so I wont miss it!

HOPE TO SEE YOU!!! AND HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!!!

Flowers Are In

2010-06-24T16:56:00.002-05:00

They are finally here! All the flowers that were on back order finally came in today! The Shelf-sitting words are "Relax" in burgudy w/ flower, "Friends" in burgundy w/ flower and "Family" in black~no flower... for more flower photos click here.

They seem go go well together in a display. Several women have gotten a word and three flowers to display in a bay window or on a shelf. They are great on a windowsill or thick trim as well.

Garlands with flowers are popular also. We are weaving them around a porch post, a wreath, a shelf with a quilt bar or nails underneath or hung over a valance to bring a little summer inside!

These flowers on spindles sold out on day one last time they came in...come check them out! Get one for a friend and give a smile!...

A little "Yard Tour"

2010-06-18T15:07:00.000-05:00

I thought it might be fun for you to get a glimpse of my back yard...and a few other areas. Our deck overlooks the barn and our other out buildings. It was the chosen area for the wedding site last summer. I finally (with the help of my "new son") was able to get the deck painted last week. I am so excited!!! It was on my list from LAST summer! But other things took priority.

Welcome to my deck!

This is the former chicken coop. I started the garden last year (we had a fence there before for the chickens. I think the plants REALLY like the soil there!!)

Welcome to my front door. It is not used very often, and is a bit obscure since it faces the road and not the driveway. I love the impatients on the stool!

Here is a photo from the deck. The chicken coop is in the left side of the photo.

Grad Party Highlights

2010-06-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

We made it! The last few weeks have been extremely full of planning, preparation and parties! Sometimes in big-event seasons, you have to "shelf" a few things in order to concentrate on the one...

Business, blogging and butt-busting (excercise~lol) are a few of the things that took a back seat to all the hoopla of throwing a party for our graduate, but after today (breathe!) I will be back on track. Here are a

few highlights from our celebration:

My sister Nancy made the cake (Ethan loves Chevy), and if you know people who feel strongly about which vehicle brand they drive, then you know the "friendly competition" that results from strong opinions (or not so strong, but just a love of opposing the strong!)

This is my "creative moment" idea: Since Ethan is fascinated with all things with a motor...and my kids loved their cozy coup, I thought it would be fun to greet people with him in one! Kayla found this at a garage sale, blew up a photo and laminated it for me.

It was surprising how I had to take a double take of the "scene" when I would catch a glimpse of it out of the corner of my eye...

And finally, a photo of "The Deal"! Congrats Ethan! You did it! Now...On to College!

And I have a couple of new boxes that came in, so off I go to unpack them!

Shop hours now are:

*Wednesday*Friday*Saturday...10-4

*Thursday...12-6

Memorial Weekend SALE!

2010-05-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

With three beautiful days in a row, I have spent hours in my extreme yard and have the extra blessing of SUNBURN!! Yay! I must say that it is always worth the effort, AND the "side effects"! I love getting the gardens cleaned out and edged, planting seeds and anuals. Potting varieties of colorful blooms and placing them strategically around the yard, porch and deck. The only thing missing is a swimming pool to jump into at the end of the day...

In the midst of readying my home and yard for Ethan's graduation party, I also have been sprucing up the shop. I decided to wait to begin my four-day weeks until JUNE 9th because we still have a college date that I need to attend with Ethan the first week of June. Sorry for the delay!

For the weekend of travel and fun I am putting

EVERYTHING ON SALE IN THE SHOP

***20% OFF***

I usually do this only in the fall so if there is something you have had your eye on, or something you need, or if you want to stock up on candles, reed diffusers, or room mists, then this is the weekend for you!

I HOPE TO SEE YOU!

Hours This Weekend:

Friday and Saturday 10-4

~Closed Sunday~

Monday 11-2

Only Two More Weeks!

2010-05-14T23:32:00.001-05:00

...of school for my baby!!! (he's the big one! the other one is his "big" sis!) I have been stamping and addressing and mailing invites...My man has researched "best price" on food...we were thinking tacos since we have lots of hamburger in the freezer...but our friends are doing tacos...same day...same neighborhood...so we will see.

Photos are in and ready. Starting to pull together the pics/ awards/ memories for display. We fortunately have a month before our party so I am not behind. It has been a blast going through the memories. My heart is full of gratitude. Last fall was a stellar time in our lives with the wedding Sept 4th, and then Ethan's last football season combined with him starring in Grease! Look..."Summer Lovin'"

...and this one, "You're The One That I Want"

It has finally stopped raining, so now I am on to planting and painting the deck railing!!!

Bittersweet Farm is still open Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-4

In June my hours will switch back to four days/week.

Stay tuned!

More to come..............blessings! = )

Bittersweet Farm

Upon Arrival...

Hi Friends!

From Us To You

Christmas Greetings!

Christmas Inspiration

Doe On The Go

Baskets, Boughs, and Berries

Winterberry and Doe on the Go!

Christmas On The Farm

Let the Green and Red Begin!!!

A Little on Bittersweet

Harvest Fest HERE This Weekend!!!

Last Year's Fall Fotos

7th Anniversary Celebration Next Week!

Cool*Crisp*Colorful

It's a Jungle Out There!

Autumn Preview

Seasons Change

Busy*Busy*Busy

The Bigger Picture

Gardens around farm buildings...

Prim Pails, Posies and Porches~Garden Tour #2

Garden Tour Photos

Garden Tour~ June 25th!

Surprise Gifts...

Color*Light*Fragrance

Garden Tour!!! June 25th!

My Country Gardens

What's New?

Spring Sale! Spring Sale! Spring Sale!

Spring into My House!

PREVIEW

Where I Was

Some Spring Thing(s)

The Buzz on Valentines and Beyond!

Snowfall and Flowers

I Heart Fresh

*SALE TIME*

Before And Now

What Happens After Christmas?

One Week Left!

Snow*Snow*Snow

DOE ON THE GO

On The Other Side

Status Update

It's Happening at "a little giftshop on a farm"...

Bittersweet News

Seasons Change...

Oh Fall!

In The Heat of Summer

Mid Summer

~4th of July Weekend~

Flowers Are In

A little "Yard Tour"

Grad Party Highlights

Memorial Weekend SALE!

Only Two More Weeks!

CoolCrispColorful

BusyBusyBusy

ColorLightFragrance

SALE TIME

SnowSnowSnow