Exciting Changes!

To all my dedicated readers (the handful of friends and family that tell me they read this!),

I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything on here. But fret not, it's because I've been busy working with (sister-in-law) Emily on a brand new blog! We've decided to combine forces to create the Penncroft Homestead, a lifestyle blog that will focus on things that embody sustainability, affordability and beauty. It will be a lot of DIY projects, upcycling goods, and making things from scratch. Additionally it will be a resource for thrifty living in the Philadelphia area, listing good consignment shops, farmers markets and the like.

I've kept up with this blog for about a full year now, my how time flies! I've enjoyed recording and sharing projects and interests. And it's probably the closest thing to a diary that I've ever kept, a modest accomplishment for me. But I'm looking forward to working with Emily, and focusing our efforts on projects that we're really passionate about. I hope if you ever enjoyed reading my posts here you'll start to follow us at the Penncroft Homestead!

February Hibernation

Sorry, February, but I've never been a fan.

I've started to call this time of year my February hibernation, or slump, or depression. The joy and the shine of the holiday season is long past, and Spring seems too far off to be hopeful. The weather is usually crap, and this year was no exception. The Philadelphia area got hit especially hard with snow, and ice, and sleet, making it difficult to get on with the daily routine. The chickens are literally cooped up, the dogs are rammy because they're not getting their ya-yas out running around outside, and speaking of ya-yas I don't think I'm getting mine out either. Harumpf. I tell myself every year, "Jackie, you should schedule lots of fun things to do for that time and it'll go by so much faster! Great idea, Past Jackie, but Present Jackie isn't buying it.

Now that I think of it, February is more like my molting period. Chickens go through a yearly molt where they stop laying eggs, loose a bunch of feathers, okay a lot of feathers, and generally look miserable. I think the end of winter is like that for me. I'm not too creatively inspired, and it's a time to hole up and just be unproductive for awhile because Spring will arrive soon enough with plenty to do!

Today, I felt like I was getting my mojo back, or to keep with the molting analogy my feathers have grown in and I've laid my first egg in awhile. I even felt like writing this post, and updating an old one. Hopefully crabby Jackie is ready to get on with the year. We'll see.

Two Dogs Are Better Than One

We adopted Dante, our chihuahua mix, last summer and I think it only took 2 months to decide I wanted another "because two dogs are better than one." And while that reasoning does seem a bit juvenile, there is some truth to it. Dante is home alone during the day while we're work and surely he gets lonely. Dogs are naturally pack animals so being on their own isn't ideal. Having two dogs doesn't necessarily mean double the work. You're already taking one out for walks and to do their business, what's another tagging along? At some point in the past few months Chris agreed that a second dog would be a good idea...

Meet Dexter!

8 Things I'm Glad We Did For Our Wedding

Today is my two year anniversary of marriage to my awesome husband, Chris. And as with most annual celebrations I can't help but to think back and reminisce about the day. To anyone planning a wedding on their own, it's tough, though extremely rewarding. We tried to be as realistic as possible, and kept reminding ourselves that we don't have to conform to traditions, and that this was just one giant party. I'm not going to give a play by play of the planning process, but rather share the highlights of things I'm happy we did. Perhaps a little perspective for any future "big party" you might have.

1. We set our priorities - Right from the get go we knew we wanted have great food and drink and good music. It seems simple enough, but because we were working with a tight budget, we allotted most of our money to a fabulous "classy BBQ" caterer, Tommy Gunns. The buffet style food was a hit, guests raved about the food. You don't need a sit down meal with a steak option to be delicious! Of course, we also wanted an open bar because anything else is just not right. And after we agreed on what was most important us, the rest of the budget fell into place.

2. We made our own playlist - Our music component cost zero dollars because from January to October of 2011 we crafted our entire playlist, from cocktail hour to departure. There's nothing like loving every single song that's played on your wedding day. We used a laptop and a PA system, as well as our friend, and Chris' former band mate, who played emcee. The biggest floor filler of the evening? Chumbawumba, I Get Knocked Down. Go figure.

3. We incorporated friends and family - We're extraordinarily lucky to be in the company of so many talented friends and family, and we did our best to exploit that! As I mentioned, we had Chris' former band mate emcee, we had a friend do the photography, Chris' mom expertly did the entire bridal party's hair and makeup, Chris' uncle supplied us with his amazing homemade bottled hot sauce, "Botto's Bitchin'" as favors, and lastly our friend, Sean, added a trumpet solo onto our first dance song. Did I already say we're lucky? Everyone, especially our super bridal party, was ready and willing to help us set up the space the day before. Having friends and family help us in so many ways made the day that more special and uniquely "us".

4. I bought a dress that I was comfortable in - This probably goes against all womanly instincts, but I opted for a dress that was flattering, yes, but I was comfortable in it. I didn't have to re-position things, I didn't have to worry about eating too much and sucking in my gut. And it had pockets! I firmly believe that all dresses should have pockets, even big white ones. I danced all night in it without the slightest concern. And speaking of dancing...


5. I danced with my husband - After all the introductions, speeches and first dances, I danced with Chris all night long. Sure we made rounds and thanked guests, but I remember having fun with him. Although we planned everything ourselves, we actually enjoyed the wedding like guests and not hosts.

6. We had the guests leave us messages - This is the gift that keeps on giving! I most likely saw this on Pinterest; we asked guests to write messages to us on the inside of the table number card. Now we open and read the card on our corresponding anniversary. So tonight we'll read what table #2 had to say! It's a fun time capsule that we can openly yearly until our 23rd anniversary.

7. We left for our honeymoon the next day - I was worried it would be too stressful to jet off to Ireland the day after. But it wasn't! I found it quite romantic to just have a big chunk of time dedicated to wedding and honeymoon. We still were on a wedding high, and it felt more special than just another vacation.

8. We spent less than $10K - That includes everything! Honeymoon, rings, attire for ourselves and the bridal party etc. With a little under 200 guests, I thought it was quite the financial accomplishment. The last thing we wanted to do was to start our married life in "wedding debt". Because we stuck to our priorities, it was much easier to make decisions. It also helped that we did ALL of the decor and invites ourselves. So what didn't cost us money, cost a whole lot of time. Worth it! Wedding high-five!

In the end, it was a reflection of us. We had fun planning it, living it and now remembering it!

Meatless Mondays

I often joke that I would make a fantastic vegetarian if  I didn't love meat so much. And what I mean by that is simply that I relish eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and can happily devour meals without meat. It's just that I really really love meat. I am quite aware that there are lots of arguments why we shouldn't eat meat, and have had many a philosophical discussion on the matter. But I always come back to the question, "do you eat to live, or live to eat", and I most definitely fall into the latter. Despite all the reasons, if I restricted myself from enjoying ALL the food in the culinary spectrum I think, truly, life would be a bit more dull for me. But the tiny tree hugger in me tugs at my heartstrings because she's worried about carbon footprints, water usage, ethical treatment of animals and such.

That said, as a household, we make efforts to eat in a more sustainable fashion; by choosing local produce and meat when we can, and raising our own chickens for eggs. We probably eat a vegetarian dinner two, three times a week, just because. But I'd like to try to establish a lifestyle less meat dependent for health, environmental, and economic reasons. In Michael Pollan's book, Food Rules: An Eater's Manual, he lists guidelines in which to eat balanced and healthfully. It's number twenty three that is applicable here...

23. Treat meat as a flavoring or special occasion food

I think that's a great guideline, viewing meat as a treat rather than a daily staple. And I can live with that (Chris too). So, my first step is to join in with the "Meatless Mondays" campaign. Weekly devoting a whole day to not eating animals! If anything, it will encourage me to plan meatless meals more often. We try our best to balance what's good for ourselves, the wellness of our environment, and the limits of our budget, which can be difficult at times! But living the lifestyle we do, we're very lucky to be able to make decisions such as these. So for our first Meatless Monday we had a coconut curry with a variety of beans, carrots, onions and heaps of Thai basil from the garden. The curry was made from simmering coconut milk and Penzey's Bangkok Blend, so fragrant!

UPDATE: I'm the worst! Only one week later I broke Meatless Monday for some IKEA meatballs at lunch. To be fair, I didn't do it knowingly, and it was Labor Day. But still, I need to be a little more conscious in the future...

Upstate New York Family Reunion

There's nothing like some fresh mountain air to rejuvenate your spirit. This past weekend my mom's family had a family reunion at my grandparent's home nestled in the mountains between Lake George and Lake Champlain in New York State. They moved there initially to open a restaurant many years ago, before I was born. And although the restaurant dream didn't last very long they've stayed and continued to build their lives there. Growing up and visiting Gram, Pop, and the rest of my aunts uncles and cousins were always exciting adventures. This time around, Chris, Emily, Dante and myself packed up the Jeep and headed North.

Over the weekend the house was full of family I knew, some I haven't seen in years, and some I only just met. And of course, nothing brings family better than good food and drink. It was lovely to reconnect with people and catch up on each others lives. I love to hear stories about my grandparents when they were younger, or of ancestors long before me. And even though it's been two years since my gram has passed away, she is never forgotten when the house is full of merry makers.

The house at sunset. Currently everyone is watching the clay pigeon shoot out on the hill.

Middlebury Vermont is close by. We took a tour of the Woodchuck Cidery.

Frogs are just one of the many creatures that live nearby.

And tiny toads too.

Wildflowers stud the surrounding fields.

UPDATE: Emily has posted a bunch of beautiful photos on her blog from the weekend. Go check them out!

I Am Not A Robot

I subscribe to a newsletter from an awesome illustrator that takes quotes and makes them come alive with graphic illustrations, Zen Pencils. You've probably seen some of them floating around the internet. They always make me stop and read, and many times bring new meaning to an overused quote. Today's really struck a chord with me, and I wanted to share it. It came from a high school valedictorian, Erica Goldson, her graduation speech*.

I wasn't valedictorian, but I was at the top of my class, participated in student government, sports, and array of extra-curriculars. I did all the right things to get me into college. Looking back, I didn't necessarily do my best, I did what I needed to get an "A". I studied no more and no less. I loved school, and I loved learning, but sadly I think I was just another academic robot. I don't think I even realized this until after finishing my masters program, and entering "the real world". What actual, useful skills do I have? I'm not getting graded anymore, no one is praising my work, I'm not winning any awards. How do I know if I'm getting "A"s in life?!

I think since graduation this has been a bit of a struggle for me, but I recognize it and I'm working on it. I'm working on being happy, and not being "successful". Oprah's best life and all that. I surround myself with supportive and inspirational friends and family. I work and I play. I'm learning new things that never interested me growing up; cooking, gardening, homesteading. I make terrible decisions and learn from my mistakes. And I'm starting to write and share it all here. I'm lucky enough to have a teammate in life that's ready and willing to take on these adventures with me. So instead of being regretful of past choices, or paths that I took, I'll learn from my experiences and continue to grow; a bit of advice I think we all could use!


*Read and watch her entire speech here.

My Nail Polish Dilemma

I have finally come to terms with my love of nail polish.

Even though the first time I ever got a manicure in a salon was for my wedding two years ago, that doesn't mean I don't do them myself at home on a regular basis. I have a fair amount of colorful little polishes lined up in the bathroom, and I'd wager that my toenails are lacquered 95% of the time. I'm sure a lot of girls can relate. After all the other natural options I've been switching to I've conveniently forgotten about the tiny bottles of formaldehyde I paint my nails with. There are no two ways about it, nail polish is little concoction of chemicals. Mother Nature doesn't have a way of adhering a glossy, metallic hued color on a surface for days at a time. So, okay, it's not that much, it's only on my nails? But there's also the environmental factor, tossing old nail polish bottles is just as bad as tossing out house paint, or batteries*. Great. 

Even "natural" nail polishes aren't one hundred percent natural, but they don't have the triple crown of chemicals: toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde. I guess that's a step in the right direction. But it begs the question, is it really worth it, do I need nail polish in my life? 

So, I've decided to go polish free for the summer and see what happens to me. (Or rather, see if I can stand my long toes baring it all.) Maybe it will be nice to not concern myself with chipping polish...

Here's where I'm getting my facts from:

Huffington Post

WebMD

The Daily Green

Some natural polish brands that are "Three free":

Priti

Zoya

Butter London

Sante

Nars

Rescue Beauty Lounge

Scotch Naturals

* To properly dispose of nail polish, uncap it in a well ventilated area and let it harden. Only then is it "acceptable" to throw out.

Welcome Home, Stormegeddon

I'm going to tell tale of how an innocent family outing ended in thievery and deception...

Last year Chris and I went out for dinner with brothers, sisters and significant others. We were the only table seated outside the restaurant huddled by the blazing chiminea, amongst a multitude of tchotchkes, and drinking multiple pitchers of Margaritas despite the March chill. After much discussion about the amount of garden accessories that surrounded us, somehow, we ended up taking a giant wooden rooster that was seated near us. (I know, I know). That night there were heated arguments about who would get to keep the pilfered item. Since we were at Jeff and Kelly's apartment they proudly displayed it on their mantle. I don't really remember who stole it first, but since then it's been a sort of a "game" to steal it from each others homes. 

The only rules are...

1. He needs to be openly displayed and attainable 
2. If you are caught red handed you have to put him back. 

This is now our second possession of Stormegeddon, yes it is a Doctor Who reference, well done! Chris was thinking on his feet last night at Emily and Chrissy's as we left and put it in an empty tote bag on our way out. And they had only just recently stolen it from Jeff and Kelly's at Jeff's birthday party. So now we must keep constant vigilance over him! But secretly it's fun to scheme how to steal it back again. And it's nice to have family traditions, especially if it requires plotting and a good amount of tom foolery!

Stormy wanted to check out the coop this morning.

Keep those hens in line, Stormegeddon!

Thanks, Mom!

During a conversation about Mother's Day plans my mom said something to the effect of, "Don't get me anything! Mothers going un-celebrated is part of the job..." Typical mom. Well, too bad, I'm celebrating you anyway!

Teenage Joanne (1970's)

At my baptism (1984)

At the shore (1987)

You wouldn't believe her when she says that she used to be an introvert and "uncool" growing up. You might not even believe her when she tells you her age. My mother is the friendliest, most vivacious and active person I know. She is constantly doing something. Cooking, gardening, entertaining, singing, volunteering. She's the person who stands in the grocery line and makes two new friends. Mary Poppins and Martha Stewart in one, she has finger puppets in her bag, "in case she comes across antsy children" and dog treats "for making doggie friends!".

Growing up I had amazing handmade costumes, not only for Halloween, but just for fun. My favorite "everyday" costume was a jaguar jumpsuit that had a hood with ears. As a stay at home mom, she completely spoiled me, although I might not have realized it at the time. Breakfast was hot, and my lunches were usually Tupperwared leftovers. And as a kid I longed for Lunchables, Dunkaroos, and Capri Suns. Or even a crustless whitebread PB&J. Instead I got Beef Stroganoff or Chicken Pot Pie. Or sandwiches that you needed to strategize how to eat, they were so large. For better or worse, my mom let me dress myself and "do" my own hair from age 5 on. During elementary school she must have cringed every morning I stepped out the door with my dandelion mop and crazy ensembles, oh fashions of the early 90's.

She never pressured me in school, but somehow instilled a need to succeed within myself. As a little one I made drawings all. the. time. So my mom had to be selective on the fridge. It would make me try to create something better with each drawing so that it could replace an older one. I still carry that competitive nature against myself today. She also let me learn tough lessons on my own. She was smart enough to know early on that no matter what she warned or advised, I had to try it out for myself. There were a few times as a teenager, and my adult life too, that she really worried about some of my decisions, but instead of telling me so, let me figure it out on my own. Well, she must have done something right, because I'm a pretty normal adult, and now, I consider her one of my best friends. Our newest tradition is to take a mini weekend getaway together in the fall. It's fun to be together just the two of us and I feel like I get to know her even more, I mean I didn't know her for 29 years of her life...

So thanks, mom. I have always felt loved and supported throughout my life, and I have nothing but heartfelt gratitude and admiration for you today, and everyday!

At my wedding (2011)