The Pumpkin Patch

We recently took a trip to the pumpkin patch as a family of three. Our little guy was fascinated by all the pumpkins and squashes, and so was I! I've never seen most of these varieties and colors before. The pale, cantaloupe-colored ones above were a favorite, a nice change from the sometimes almost-too-gaudy bright orange pumpkins.

I think these might be Jarrahdales (correct me if I'm wrong, please!). They were a grayish blue-green, sort of the color of certain aged cheese rinds I've seen. Definitely appropriate for Halloween, as they appear to be decaying a bit, don't you think? Pretty eerie.

I have no idea which variety this is, but I was amazed by their combination of pastel orange and green tones. They look like they've been dip-dyed or painted. They were so pretty against the pale straw underneath, and reminded me of an Impressionist painting.

Which pumpkins are you using in your decor this year? Are you using any unusual varieties?

By the Light of the Moon

I'm loving these farm-themed paintings by Joseph Alleman. The top one practically glows with moonlight, and the bottom one features so many shades of lush green grass!

See more of Alleman's work here!

Green Fields

To this city girl, hot summer days just scream for joyrides through the country, free from the blistering, simmering heat radiating off every swath of pavement and concrete.

I'm definitely looking forward to the cooler temps forecasted for this next two days! I hope all of you have wonderful (and cooler!) weekends as well.

(Photo: Moore Estates (West) by Matthew Moore on 20 x 200.)

Random Round Up

Hope you enjoy the things I've found and admired this week!

From top to bottom: "Tattoo Banner" necklaces by Love & Victory, "White Barn" print by ArtWorm, "Gilded Lace Crown Tutorial" by Bitter Betty Blogs, "Spring Thaw" oil painting by Steven Hileman, and "Poppy Ornaments" by Verdant Tile Co.

What have you been loving this week?

Back from Farm Country!

My vacation ended with a scenic trip through beautiful, Amish-inhabited farm country. Though I did see a few buggies, filled with the most adorable tow-headed children, I didn't take their pictures. The Amish value humility, and many think having their photo taken may lead to vanity.

I did take photos of the charming farms, though, with their red barns and shining silos. I also couldn't resist a pic of this unique local warning. I must admit, it's a little surreal for this city girl to see a "Watch for Buggies" sign right next to a McDonald's one!

Have any of you ever been to Amish country, or have any farm pics to share?

Chicken Coop Fit for a...Chicken

Confession: I really want to raise chickens. I'll admit that I'm a bit intimidated by their sharp little beaks and beady eyes (not to mention their sneeze-inducing feather dust), but the idea of going into the backyard in search of fresh eggs for breakfast and baked goods has completely won me over.

If only my town made it easier to own chickens! The regulations and rules are a bit strict (not within 50 feet of a property line - who has that kind of space in a metropolitan area?), but I'm determined to one day find a place to raise a little flock of my own.

In the meantime, I'll just ooh and ahh over this portable hen house by Chicken Coops on Etsy!

Vintage Dairy

I don't know if it's the result of spending lots of time in Central Pennsylvania surrounded by fields of cows, or of always wishing we had a milkman when I was younger, but even today I love anything having to do with vintage dairies!

When I have a house of my own, I'm determined to have a cow creamer just like the one pictured above and a collection of old dairy jugs like the cream can in the first photo. And maybe a cow or two out back...

(From top to bottom: antique cream can from MonJardin; cow creamer from EmbraceableYou; camembert, edam, cheddar, and cream cheese illustration from OpalGrove; vintage milk jugs and carrier from Ginger's Girl; C.I.A. dairy dishes cookbook by MdiVintageBooks.)