Frontyard Homestead:: breaking ground

In my garden post, I want to include all the reasons that building my first garden is so damn exciting.

I want to try to describe the rejuvenation that digging my hands in the dirt brings.

I thought about all this, but I really just want to share these pictures.

Jimmy, Nate, and I spent the weekend pulling paver blocks out of the yard.

We reused some to construct a raised bed.

We installed our composter.

We planted rose bushes.

We made friends with a couple of robins living in the neighbors' gutter.

This is Jimmy's best friend, TJ Butterworth who is the husband to Mrs. Buttersworth.

Lastly -- take a minute to read my "interview" on living green in Chicago and the development of greenie bean recycle.

I'm really proud of it and am interested to hear your feedback.

Spring Clean for the May Queen UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote

"If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now. It's just a spring clean for the May queen. Yes, there are two paths you can go by but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on." <>

Vibrant dizzy daisies in mustard, plum, coral, and french pink are framed in steel gray for an urban edge to a meadow tote. The interior boasts steel gray as well -- all reclaimed rummage sale fabrics. This is a LARGE tote, perfect for berry picking on summer days!

Spring Clean for the May Queen UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote by greenie bean recycle

A Handmade Life:: My Green Living Manifesto

Today, I was featured as a guest blogger on Gwen's blog.

The post describes my journey toward green living and greenie bean recycle.

I hope you'll take a moment to read it and let me know what you think.

here.

The best of best of best luck to Gwen and David as they begin their adventure to Europe this week!

God speed.

greenie bean recycle:: outsourcing, fresh reads,

I've decided to outsource all my work.

and no, Kev, it's not to orphans in China.

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in other news . . . I've finally gotten Quickbooks installed properly and working smoothly.

fingers crossed.

Last night, I sewed dilligently -- making four new totes.

I also entered all my vendors and customers into the program.

Today I'm venturing out into the world of transactions.

Wish me luck.

I also finished reading 

Made From Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life by Jenna Woginrich 

I found it a little unseasoned, a beginner's guide, but inspiring none-the-less.

It is a fairly quick read (I mostly read on the bus in less than a week).

It is available on amazon here.

I've also subscribed to Jenna's blog as I'm excited to see how she has progressed in the years since she first began homesteading!

I'm especially interested in her foray into the world of mountain music!

I've always had an interest in learning the banjo!

it's definitely worth picking up.

I also ordered The Urban Homestead and Farm City.

Today, I'm starting The Backyard Homestead which appears to be more manual-type than book-type.

I'll let you know what I think!

A Handmade Business:: Wonder and Willows UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote

I'm definitely on a grateful dead kick lately.

Sweet blossom, come on, under the willow. We can have high times if you'll abide. We can discover the wonders of nature, rolling in rushes down by the river side.

On vacation in southern Michigan, I picked up this hand embroidered tapestry at a church rummage sale, sold on the curry yellow stalks of wheat and delicate maple-tinted leaves. It has found a new life as a LARGE farmers market tote, framed in sangria with dainty blossoms cascading down the front -- rummage sale fabric. The back of the tote and strap are burgundy from a reclaimed bed sheet. The interior boasts a blue tye dye -- also a reclaimed bed sheet.

Wonder and Willows UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote by greenie bean recycle

Daily Snapshot:: Amusement

the things that keep me awake while the baby girl sleeps.

i am a lot of fun.

A Handmade Business:: March

so you may have noticed that I haven't posted recipes in more than a month.

that's probably because I have taken to eating a baked potato for dinner five nights a week.

don't judge.

regardless of how healthy, local, fresh, or organic you eat,

sometimes you need something that just tastes good. and comforting.

frankly, I'm enjoying the hell out of it.

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In other news, I have been working diligently on my business.

It has hit me that I have less than one year to see if this can be my full time gig.

I've been truly inspired lately as I remind myself how important it is to me

to work for myself.

I want to be my own boss.

I have been sewing like a maniac -- yielding 12 bags in 2.5 days.

I'm trying to get my studio under control and organized.

I have been posting totes online every day [which I'm quite proud of].

Next on my list is Quickbooks -- and getting financially organized.

I know I can do this.

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Lastly, my days have been full of hanging out with this little lady.

soon, we will wish our dear (Rogers Park) friends well as they head off to Europe 

for the opportunity of a lifetime. 

No regrets. Follow your dreams.

Good luck, Gwen and David!

You can follow their Europe adventure here.

Apple Orchard UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote

With a sparkle in our eyes and a skip in our steps, 

we peruse table after stall of local farmers market to obtain nourishment 
for our bodies and souls. 

Touching each fruit and vegetable, we inspect and feel and take joy in its color and texture. 

In triumph, we fill our farmers market totes with delicate and beautiful summer harvest to 

feed our families through the months when warm weather begins its hibernation.

As crisp as biting into a handpicked Red Delicious, 

this Apple Orchard tote features various red, crimson, and burgundy flowers and vines 

winding delicately across its exterior, upcycled from rummage sale fabrics. 

The interior boasts light blue flowers and a (2)-compartment pocket -- 

a reclaimed bed sheet. 

The strap was upcycled from a neck tie.

Apple Orchard UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote by greenie bean recycle

Wanderlust VINTAGE Wicker Weekender Tote

As the sun beats down on the grass and pavement surrounding our once winter nests, 

our restless souls yearn to set out on the open road. 

Be it a walk around the neighborhood, a Sunday drive, 

a cross-country road trip or a catching a flight to a remote destination, 

you are an inquisitive spirit, designed to wander and explore. 

Get out and get alive!

This spring tote is a vintage beauty, with a domed top, two handles and twist closure. 

There are no markings of origin, no imperfections. 

This tote will carefully encompass your school work, 

bottle of wine and picnic blanket, or day at the beach goodies.

Wanderlust VINTAGE Wicker Weekend Tote by greenie bean recycle

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follow gbr for daily inspirations, green living tips, and general cool thoughts!

A Friday Ritual

{this moment} A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

these last two days have been so beautiful, I can't believe that snow is in our near future.

I've done everything possible to coax the little bug outside, but she does not like the sun in her eyes.

we were able to sneak in a few walks, however, in between her naps.

our first little jaunt found us smack dab in the middle of Eugene Park off of Foster and Hamlin.

Eugene Field House is a lovely structure that I would like to further explore.

Every day I see moms and dads with their little ones.

I think they offer classes during the day, but I need to investigate.

The Chicago Park District may be the place to start.

we wound our way back across the river and headed for the park, 

but there were moms and kiddos strewn about, covering all the play equipment.

I feel like we will be quickly losing our private play spot.

The "No BBQ" sign made me giggle as I had just been thinking how nice it would be to have a picnic there and grill out.

I can't wait until baby J. is a little older and the ground a little warmer so we can spread out a blanket and play!

We spotted these little ball-type flowers that we found last week.

What are they?

As we prepared the round the corner for home, we spotted this tiny little bird house.

Can you spot it?

The sights and sounds of spring are everywhere.

Scooter rides await me and the lawn is calling as visions of vegetables dance 'round my head.

Other thoughts on my mind this week ::

-- Completing our Taxes -- boo self-employment at tax time!

-- Leading my business in a more sustainable direction

-- Lowering over head by increasing my online presence

-- Planning more visits to Cuba (IL) to visit my family

-- Including vintage goodies in my shop. Have you seen my vintage recipe box and creamer/sugar bowl?

::also::

How it is utterly essential to govern your life by self-fulfillment rather than money or societal expectations as well as living a daily life that inspires you and makes you proud.

Inevitable sunshine is slowly cascading its smile over the Windy City, as we're hopeful that we've put away our shovels for the last time. 

Winter has given way to spring and so we strap on our galoshes and stomp our way through puddles along the sidewalks and el tracks of the Chi.

Framed in olive green, black and white floors adorn the exterior while a soft robins egg blue comprises the interior. The tote features a (2) compartment interior pocket.

I used reclaimed rummage sale fabrics to construct this tote. It was sewed using my industrial Brother sewing machine in my Chicago, kitty-friendly home. 

Urban Sprouts and Rainshower UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote by greenie bean recycle 


**Edit :: I despise Blogspot because of annoying things like regardless of what I set the font and size too (or that I set it all the same), it will publish it however the hell it wants to and it will end up looking as it does. GRRR!

Daily Snapshot:: Spring

I cannot contain my excitement for this sunny day.

It's supposed to reach 70 degrees in shivery Chicago today.

However, the baby girl is insistent on sleeping today.

So I have my morning is a cup of semi-warm peppermint tea and The Urban Homestead.

I know . . . I should just finish it already.

I checked it out from the library, but I have every intention of buying this book.

I have a feeling that it will become my daily go-to handbook and I need to mark it up!

I'm soaking up every chapter and am excited to use my veggie scraps for broth this week.

Do you know how expensive organic veggie broth can be?!

This book has further cemented my desires for an urban chicken coop.

Even jimmyredhed commented about my garden plans, saying, 

"Well what about when we install the chicken coop?"

In other words . . . 

this book is dangerous for an adventurous spirit such as myself.

Indulge in spring sweetness with Strawberries and Champagne. 

This bubbly totes brings femininity and grace to these warm March and April days.

Layers of luxurious pink stripes alternate for the exterior --

 hot pink blooms, decadent floral, and dusty rose hearts -- all rummage sale fabrics. 

The interior was constructed from a hot pink curtain a features an interior pocket. 

A handmade flower adorns the front with a reclaimed button.

sara was twirling in circles on the rail road tracks!

Strawberries and Champagne UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote by greenie bean recycle 

i want to touch the earth.

i want to break it in my hands.

i want to grow something wild and unruly.

the beautiful blooms are a remnant of j. and I's walk last week.

we strolled down to Eugene Park on Foster and looped around the ball diamond and the river.

these gorgeous, natural bouquets had been preserved by the snow.

this beautiful gate sits outside their back door.

this weather is doing something incredible for my spirits, my inspiration, and my general wellbeing. 

i plan to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

maybe even get a sun tan!

nothing gets my inner hippie dancing quite like the grateful dead.

"She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes. 

I knew without asking she was into the blues. 

She wore scarlet begonias tucked into her curls. 

I knew right away she was not like other girls." 

The wind in the willows is playing tea for two with this Scarlet Begonia tote. 

Red polka dots frame a midnight blue exterior with red flowers and whispery blooms. 

The interior boasts a black paisley. 

All materials are reclaimed rummage sale fabrics. 

Scarlet Begonia UPCYCLED Farmers Market Tote by greenie bean recycle

Daily Snapshot:: Twenty-five

i am twenty-five today.

glorious.

I nearly pinched myself yesterday to see if I was dreaming.

It reached 62 degrees in Chicago.

I was nearly floating on air ecstatic.

The little lady and I took a walk down to the river.

We were sprinkled on, but it was lovely.

I gulped in the fresh air like it was rationed.

I took her out of her stroller and we started swinging at Eugene Field.

I saw people sweeping out their driveways and opening up their garages.

Fresh open windows to blow away the dust and rejuvenate the interior nest.

That feeling awoke a desire to clean, declutter, toss out the old, stale winter slumber.

I rode the scooter home, but couldn't bring myself to go inside.

So I explored our yard which has been covered with snow since we bought it!

I picked up loads of trash, pulled up shingles and other things that were embedded in the ground.

I was wonderfully surprised by hidden growth.

Which after meeting our neighbors, they revealed that they are daffodils.

They also informed us that the huge bushes by our sidewalk with bear lilacs!

When I finally, begrudgingly resigned to the house, I threw open all the windows for the kitties.

My lovely came home with chocolates, ice cream, strawberries, and flowers.

We had glorious homemade cookies n creme milkshakes.

We basked in the sunset and the end of the first spring day in Chicago.

i hope there are many more of these to come.

Treasure Hunting:: in the fulton county.

This is what happens when I allow my mom to take me thrift store shopping . . . 

and raid her closets . . . 

and my dad's shed . . . 

some of these will end up on greenie bean recycle and for others we have a new project in store!

A Handmade Life:: Eating and Reading

As spring time is getting inevitably close(r), I have begun mentally preparing for the creation of my first honest to goodness garden. This will be the first summer in my adult life that I have a yard . . . and the first time in my life (period) when it belongs me. Translation -- I get to make the decision about this patch of grass, how it will look, what it will grow . . . and if I want to do anything with it at all.

Since Jimmy has reverted to his urban upbringing, nearly every conversation about transforming the green [and hopefully saving some green] leads to his smirking comments about concrete, pavement, and a pink flamingo planted in cement. Thanks, David!

Last year, Jimmy built me a table top garden from reclaimed materials via the Northwestern University theatre department using a tutorial from Readymade Magazine. I planted tomatoes, chives, peppers, dill, parsley, and a pumpkin which sadly did not have enough room to grow. I got a few cherry tomatoes before our sporadic Chicago weather killed them off. Now that we've moved and have space to plant, the garden has become the base for jimmy's work bench.

So in my mental preparation, I've checked out a few books from the library that are inspiring me and opening my eyes to the larger "slow food" movement as a whole. I just finished reading The Art of Eating In by Cathy Erway and really couldn't put it down. 

This twenty-something woman living in New York City [of all places] swore off restaurants, eating out, and fast food for two years. Not only did she improve her cooking skills drastically, she was exposed to a greater food culture in the city that few know about and even less experience :: underground supper clubs, freeganism, and urban foraging. The book was very easy to read -- I think that as a blogger, her writing style is very simple and down to earth. It keeps your attention -- which is extremely hard for me when reading non-fiction.

Cathy also has a pretty well-followed blog www.noteatingoutinny.com

Secondly, I just started reading The Urban Homestead, your guide to self-sufficient living in the heart of the city by Kelly coyne and Erik Knutzen.

I don't have many thoughts at this point as I'm only a few chapters in. However, the projects seem really simple and step-by-step. It's definitely inspiring and my mental gears are already moving toward a lush edible landscape on west Cornelia :)

Please suggest other reads if they have been helpful to you!