Author Archives: megan

juggling work and parenting

Posted on February 10, 2013 by megan

On a scale of 1 to 10, I thought this photo of hubby Lucas working on our taxes rated a 10+. We’re happy to report that a couple of days ago Piper and Patch slept through the night for the first time.

Happy RAOK Week

Posted on February 10, 2013 by megan

Are you ready? It’s time to celebrate this holiday for an entire week! Beginning February 10 (today) and continuing through February 16, it’s National Random Act of Kindness Week. I know, I feel like we just celebrated the RAOK Day. I think there’s even a RAOK Month. Maybe this is because it really should, of all holidays, be celebrated year-round.

So what’s your plan? I’m thinking I’ll smile at folks a little more. Or give out more random compliments. We’re big fans of treating the next person in line at the coffee shop to a free coffee (or mint tea). Or leaving a little something (a Valentine, maybe?) on someone’s doorstep. Or … that person you’ve been meaning to pamper? This is the week! It’s official. (I love this stuff. It’s especially fun to do with kids. They GET IT big time.)

So, Happy RAOK Week! What’s your plan for paying it forward?

WINNER! Glamper’s Calendar Giveaway

Posted on February 9, 2013 by megan

Below are the submissions for the Glamper’s Calendar Giveaway! Check out these glamporific images.

This is Sophie and DFor, the dog, Glamping in Glastonbury in an E-den glamping cabin. E-dens are amazing. They are the latest glamping craze in the UK. Check out their website: www.e-dencamping.co.uk
Thanks
Jill

Hello! I’m a big fan and love my 1973 Airstream more and more each time I open your magazine! My mom bought me your glamping book for Christmas and I just love it too! Keep it up, and thanks for the inspiration!
Heather Tiefenthaler
Mechanicsburg, Ohio

Here is my “glamping” photo, which is from the “summer home” that I created in my very own backyard. My tent, which was set up last year from May-October, proved to be my own little girl getaway, which I truly enjoyed. I plan on expanding on the idea this year and utilizing the antique clawfoot tub, which I purchased for just $50, as an outdoor spa too!Thank you for all of the wonderful ideas and inspirations—and the chance to win that fabulous glamping photo calendar!

Hugs,

Laurie
“Little Hen House on the Island”
Farmgirl Sister #1403

Continue reading →

Social Media Manners

Posted on February 9, 2013 by megan

Today, February 9, is National Stop Bullying Day. Cyberbullying wasn’t even a word before the invention of social media. In fact, my spell check says it’s NOT a word. But with the onset of social networking, we bring along all aspects of human interactions, for better or for worse.

Of course, no one wants a child to feel bullied or experience the kind of pain that goes along with being bullied. Who wants to hear a child say something hurtful to another child? But what about adult pain?

Continue reading →

WINNER!!!! Giveaway: Sweater Shawl

Posted on January 29, 2013 by megan

Thanks to all those who did the “like” thing on the MaryJanesFarm Facebook page!

Before I tell you who won, have you heard the one about the cop and the knitting driver?

A cop was patrolling the beltway and saw a minivan driving somewhat erratically, so he flashed his lights. The van didn’t pull over, so he drove up beside it and motioned to the driver for her to pull over. He saw what the problem was; she was knitting! He motioned again, so she rolled down the window. He yelled out his window, “Pull over!” She yelled back, “No, cardigan!”

Hope you didn’t “cast-off” that joke as t-o-o corny. Now, onto our winner.

She is …

Continue reading →

Giveaway: Glamper’s Calendar

Posted on January 29, 2013 by megan

Glamper calendars? Check.

Helping victims of Hurricane Sandy? Check. (If I recall correctly, more than $1,000 was raised.)

Giving away extra calendar. Check.

Loving the nature of a helping hand. Priceless.

I first heard about the Glamper’s Calendar from Kelle Arvay, Farmgirl Sister #4447, of Little Vintage Trailer. You may remember Kelle streaming in during my mother’s visit to the Hallmark Home & Family show last year. (Here is the video.) Kelle added her efforts to promote the calendar last November to help those that were caught in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Her picture (below) is one of the photos for the month of April. Va-voom, lady!

Unfortunately, the date to purchase the calendar has passed. However, lucky for one of you, we have an extra calendar to give away so you won’t have to miss all the lovely contributors and their vacations-on-wheels. Glamper chic!

To be entered to win, e-mail us a picture of your version of glamping to glamping@maryjanesfarm.org. We’ll post some pics and from there we’ll pick a winner to receive the calendar.

May I have more “special sprouts,” please?

Posted on January 26, 2013 by megan

Have you ever had “special sprouts”? They’re actually Brussels sprouts, but if you say it fast, it sounds an awful lot like special sprouts, especially to a 6 and a 3-year-old. (Our very own Nanny Jane calls them Barbie cabbages.)

I love Brussels sprouts. I admit it. (There. I said it.) So I introduced them to my girls last month. I take mine whole, sautéed in a bit of butter, and then tossed with a splash of balsamic vinegar and sea salt a few minutes before serving. I eat them with abandon the same way I can eat bacon or popcorn. And guess what, so do my girls! Mia asks for seconds and Stella, thirds. Mia likes to peel back the layers and savor them one leaf at a time. Stella is an eat-’em-whole girl like me.

Last week we had BLTs, organic French fries, and … special sprouts (a rather interesting combination, but that’s what happens when it’s dance and gymnastics night). Stella’s fries remained untouched, and on her third helping of special sprouts, I wondered if I should make her eat her entire plate of food before I let her have more of something else. I promptly decided against it.

When she asked Friday morning if she could take any leftover special sprouts to school for lunch, I also decided against that. No need for her to know just yet that her peers might not love them the way she does.

Continue reading →

photo-of-the-day

Posted on January 19, 2013 by megan

On Assignment, Part I

Posted on January 19, 2013 by megan

I heard a quiet whoosh and turned to find you-know-who trying to locate the perfect snowflake …

Ok, not really. Truth is …

Continue reading →

On Assignment, Part II

Posted on January 19, 2013 by megan

So the next day, Mom called for all farmhands on deck to test our snow for snowman worthiness.

Ace had no problem forming the perfect “snowball” but it was a “snowman” Mom wanted.

After a proper snowball fight, we had one more distraction to accomplish. In honor of MaryJane’s fall from grace the day before, we thought we’d try to make her feel better.

Okay, back to work …

hmmm … Our snowman might not be photo worthy either.

Too bad. We’ll have to play in the snow again next week once it warms up. 20 degree snow, even with the sun warming it, doesn’t lend itself to the legendary Frosty we were hoping to create.

Author Archives: megan

Archive of Posts