Sharing a Cherished Memory with Photowall (with a discount code and holiday gift guide, too!)

 

I have been wanting a canvas of one of my photos for years now but was afraid to purchase one. Sounds funny, I know, but I was nervous I wouldn't actually be pleased with the canvas once I saw it in person. It seems like there are so many variables with computer screens, DPIs and whatnot. Then Photowall reached out to me and after checking out their site and researching for a bit I decided to go ahead and try it. I am so glad that I did! I couldn't be more pleased! The color and exposure came out perfectly and the image is nice and sharp, too. Not to mention how well made the canvas frame is. Now I have one of my most cherished memories hanging above my bed sparking so much joy every time I walk into my room.

 

 

 

Not only does Photowall make beautiful canvases they also create wallpaper or wall murals like those pictured below as well as posters.

They are really making me question my decision to not wallpaper the house... I am smitten with the one above and could totally see it as an accent wall in the kids' bedroom.

                                

Thank you so much Photowall for gifting us with a cherished memory brought to life. It will be treasured for years to come! 

 

A canvas print like this would make a thoughtful gift for anyone on your holiday list.

Photowall is generously offering all of you 25% off on any of their Photowall products. Use code frontierdreams25 at checkout. This will be valid until the end of December 2020.

p.s. - In case you are looking for other gift ideas for the holiday season you can check out my gift guide here and store front here.

Sharing a Cherished Memory with Photowall (with a discount code and holiday gift guide, too!)

Joybed for the win!

My baby boy is growing up. 😭 I'm not crying, you're crying. Okay, okay, the truth is I am uncontrollably sobbing. Why must they grow so fast?! Snuggling with him every night is just one of my most favorite things to do and I am so thankful for the gift of co-sleeping. He is not quite ready to sleep on his own just yet, but we wanted to go ahead and get him a bed of his very own now. That way, when he is ready to move in to big brother's room it will be ready and waiting for him. *sniff, sniff*

Finding a bed locally was easier said than done. The downside to our beloved small town living is that there are not a whole lot of eco-friendly, health conscious stores. A natural mattress store is unheard of here whereas in Portland, Oregon you could find them nearly everywhere.

All of my children have mattresses made out of natural materials. It is something I feel very strongly about, especially for growing little ones. One third of your life is spent sleeping. Think about it, that is eight hours a day (or more if you are a child. My younger ones average 12 hours), every day  you spend on your mattress breathing in all the chemicals that are constantly off gassing. Some chemical vapors are odorless, so you aren't even aware that you’re breathing them. A typical mattress could contain a variety of different materials that off-gas such as polyurethane, benzene, formaldehyde, along with chemical flame retardants which have been linked to a variety of serious health issues, including cancer, infertility, obesity and developmental brain disorders.

 Knowing all of this, I couldn't allow myself to just pick out any old mattress for my baby boy. Thankfully, that is when I stumbled upon Joybeds. Joybeds is an American based (Grand Rapids, Michigan to be exact) natural mattress company. Their mattresses have jacquard organic cotton covers, and are made with responsibly farmed wool, cotton, cotton padding and Nano coils. They are free from chemicals and synthetic additives and meet fire protection standards using all natural materials. And because they're natural, they also improve sleeping comfort by enhancing the breathable airflow through the bed.

You can pick the support you want from firm to plush, order it online and have it shipped to your door. No need to worry over local mattress options. Phew! I can understand how you might be skeptical, but if you feel nervous about ordering a mattress online without trying it out first, Joybed has you covered! They have a 120 Night Trial. Try Joybed in your own home for 120 nights. If for any reason you change your mind, they'll give you a full refund.The Joybed mattresses also come with a 10 year warranty.         
 

We knew straight away that Joybeds mattresses were just what we were looking for. We chose the Joybed LXP for Baby F. This is their softest luxury mattress. We couldn't believe just how quickly it arrived and were pleasantly surprised that it was compressed in to a tight little box that was easy to transport to the boy's bedroom. The children all had a blast watching the mattress open in full after we unsealed it.

Baby F climbed on it instantly and then let the rest of us test it out. I admit I was rather impressed by how comfortable it is. Since its unboxing, we have all been drawn to it, using it for resting, reading or just relaxing. Even our rascally dogs and cats are constantly on it.

I think it is safe to say we made a great choice with choosing Joybeds and will be enjoying this mattress for years to come. Thank you Joybeds for making such a wonderful product!!

 **Disclosure: this post was made possible by Joybeds, but all opinions expressed are my honest opinions

Joybed for the win!

Family Homesteading

My friend and homesteading extraordinaire Teri Page just released a book (that I have been looking forward to) this week - Family Homesteading. My family and I have only just begun our long anticipated homesteading adventures so this book couldn't have come at a better time. It has already become an invaluable resource for us. I have been highlighting and taking notes as I read, trying to soak in all of Teri's wisdom that she kindly shares with us all. The funny thing is, every time I put the book down, I come back to find my daughters reading it. They seem to be as enamored with the book as I am.

I recently asked Teri a couple of questions about homesteading with children, hoping to glean some of her endless knowledge on the subject. I thought some of you might be in or near the same place as my family with homesteading and wanted to share her answers with you.

At what age do you think children can start with animal chores - specifically chickens and what do you think is the best way for them to start?

 Introducing children to animal chores can begin at a very early age - we first brought our babies to the barn as infants! - but actually entrusting the care of animals to the children is something that you'll have to evaluate on a case by case basis, based on maturity, interest, and ability. My kids began helping with chicken chores from a very early age. Their first job was to "socialize" the chicks by holding them! As toddlers, the kids accompanied us to the barn and carried the eggs back in a harvesting basket, tossed straw on the coop floor, and carried bowls of food scraps. Once they were tall enough to reach latches, they began opening and closing the coop and feeding the flock. Now that they are older (7 and 10), my kids are more engaged with the day-to-day of chicken care than I am. They know each bird by name and personality, and are the first to spot health problems or food shortages. I still enjoy accompanying them to the coop, but they are the chickens' primary caretakers.

How can you motivate your children to help out on the farm/homestead, for example, when they would rather be in the house reading? 

This is a great question, and I'm afraid that I don't have a magic answer for you! Kids have their own interests and hobbies, and I think it is important to give them the space and time to cultivate their own interests. On the other hand, the family has responsibilities, and kids are part of the family, so can be expected to contribute according to their age and ability. Some things that have worked for us: We have always tried to make farm and homestead chores about connection and fun. We plan the garden to include favorite vegetables, walk to the garden together to harvest, and cook meals that include contributions from their beds. When we were milking cows early in the morning, before the kids were awake enough to chat, we set them up in comfy chairs in the barn to listen to Sparkle Stories. Most importantly, we try to strike a balance between asking them to do chores on their own, and making it something we do together. I have had some of my best conversations while accompanying my daughter to the chicken coop. My end goal is for my children to experience a connection to nature, to the seasons, and to the other members of our family; it's not to raise little homesteaders (although I'd certainly love that!). I also want to cultivate a sense of responsibility and an ability to work hard and follow through with commitments. So I have to continually assess whether or not their contributions to farm/homestead work are meeting these goals, or if we need to make adjustments.


Terri also has a free e-course available to go along with her book here : http://familyhomesteadingbook.com/ Go check her book out!

Family Homesteading

Real Food on a Budget

Most of you already know of my love for real, organic food. I have been carrying on and on about it in this space for years now. I am also pretty sure you know of the importance of budgeting in my family - more people means more love but also more money spent on food. Let's face it - eating healthy, real food and saving money don't exactly go together, unless you think about the money you'll save in the future on doctor's bills. However I am talking about the present. The time when we only have X amount of money to spend on groceries that need to last us Y amount of days.

I confess as hard as I try to budget (and believe me I put a lot into it - hours each week), there are weeks where we'll eat like kings for a few days only to find out we are short on money towards the end of the week and end up having to eat ramen noodles to get by. We are essentially undoing all the good of the real food we previously ate with the processed junk. Ridiculous, right?! I just find myself confused and thinking something's gotta give.

With that in mind, you can imagine my excitement when I saw that one of my favorite authors is coming out with a book all about eating real food on a budget. 😍 Lisa Leake's new book 100 Days of Real Food on a Budget is available for pre-order now and will be released on Tuesday August 14th. I had the pleasure of getting an advance copy in the mail just the other day (I may or may not have jumped up and down and squealed like a schoolgirl when it arrived). I have been reading through it every chance I get. The recipes all look incredibly scrumptious and I look forward to trying them as soon as possible - the Southwest Salad is calling my name. For my fellow vegan and vegetarian friends this cookbook has quite a few recipes to meet our needs and most can easily be adapted (ie. use homemade sprouted almond milk in place of the cow's milk). It contains recipes for other dietary restrictions as well. Equally exciting though is the entire first chapter. Lisa shares her budgeting tricks, ways to lower your grocery bill, and meal plans that even include average costs as well as a meal plan template. She also has a supermarket coast comparison chart that really opened my eyes. Granted prices vary depending on where you are living but it still gives you a good idea of where to shop for particular items. Every family that wants to eat healthy but feels like they never could due to expense needs a copy of this book. It really can be done!

Here is a sample recipe from 100 Days of Real Food on a Budget. Click on it to see a bigger version.




For once I look forward to sitting down and planning our meal plan and budget for the upcoming week. I feel like perhaps now I can finally conquer the beast that is eating healthy while staying within our means.

I am giving away a copy of Lisa Leake's first book (a big game changer and personal favorite of my family) 100 Days of Real Food on my Instagram account. Be sure to check it out!

Real Food on a Budget

Welcome February Sponsors (and Babymoon!)

A warm welcome to my latest sponsors:



At Sarah's Silks we believe in the magic of creative play! Our playsilks, dress-ups, canopies, and playthings are natural fiber toys that stimulate a child’s imagination and capture the magical soul that lives in young children. Children love to dress up with these beautifully dyed cloths! With an inspiring palette of playsilks, children will spend many hours exploring their limitless imaginations. Go to our web site and sign up for our emails to get a 10% off coupon in your email box a few days later! And fan us on Facebook for specials and sales news.



  Hilitos - In my shop you will find one of a kind hand knitted toys, ornaments and accessories. "Hilitos" is the Spanish word for "little thread/string" which always gives me the idea of something simple and sweet, just like what I want my stuffed animals to be. I enjoy dedicating quite a lot of time to each of my toys and try to make them lovely, unique and resistant so they can bring good fun and company. Thanks for stopping by!

{Photo courtesy of our amazing midwives taken shortly after his birth. He looks like a cute little old man. I am happy to say he is already growing into his skin and plumping up.}
I am still enjoying my babymoon and soaking up every second of newborn baby bliss, knowing that this time is so fleeting. I'll be back for Tuesday's Crafting on.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of my readers and sponsors for your support.
For affordable sponsorship with ever growing exposure please do be in touch: FarmerGOPI@yahoo.com 

Welcome February Sponsors (and Babymoon!)

Wiwiurka (Amazing wooden trapeze bar and postcard frame giveaway!)

Today's incredible giveaway is from Wiwiurka who offers handmade wooden play structures and heirloom toys. We have their trapeze bar and wooden climber and I just can not say enough good things about them! All three of my squirrels children spend a good portion of their days playing on them. Climbing is such an important developmental activity for children. My children had endless trees to climb back in Oregon but here in Idaho tree sightings are few and far between, and when we do see them, most are not suitable for climbing. I am so grateful for Wiwiurka's wooden climber because of this. Now my children get the climbing they need, even in the suburban desert!
In their own words:
 
Tell us a bit more about yourselves:
Ana: I am a Mom of three little girls who are my main inspiration. I am behind the sales, promotion and custom service of our family business. I enjoy crafting more than anything else in the world, lol. We live in a quaint Mexican mountainous village. Surrounded by the beauty and calmness of the forest. How did your business begin?
Several years ago, my husband came up with the idea to build wooden playgrounds using reclaimed wood from his tree work. The first swing set was made when my eldest daughter was 2 months old. Eventually the idea of the Climber /Wiwiurka Monkey Bars were born.
Marek: (who is from Germany), Climbing Trees is part of my work, which I have enjoyed since childhood. Even though climbing is essential in proper development and gross motorskills; children no longer have time or opportunities to climb trees. Now as a team, we spend our days thinking of, sketching, making and testing new playstrcutures and wooden toys. Most of our toys are made from the reclaimed wood of avocado, oak, ash, guavo, citrus and cedar trees. What are your biggest influences?
The beauty of the forest and the organic shapes from the trees.
Where did your business name came from?
Since I love to climb trees, squirrel seemed appropriate. To honor my Polish heritage, I chose squirrel in Polish-Wikiwurka.
What is your favorite product?
The wooden climber. We never tire of watching children using it. It is a must in every home, day care and school. It's such a beautiful piece; also made from reclaimed wood. Since it's such a popular product, we are currently out of stock! Though coming soon!
Ana and Marek are graciously giving away a wooden Trapeze bar and a wooden postcard frame that can be used in both ways (vertical/horizontal) to one lucky winner! In addition use discount code HAPPYBIRTHDAY10 to receive 10% off your total order at Wiwiurka, good through September 13th.


For a chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post! If you would like an additional chance to win:
-post this giveaway to Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or your blog
-“like” Wiwiurka on Facebook.
and please make sure to come back and leave me another comment letting me know you did so!

Please make sure you comment via intense debate and not via blogger on your phone. If you comment using blogger it gets deleted and cancels out all of the other comments in the process. Sorry for the inconvenience. Thanks for understanding!

Comments will close on Tuesday September 15th and I will announce the winners within this post that night.

Comments closed. The winner chosen by random number generator is:

Molly W. who said: How wonderful - we have a single tree in our backyard that could really use something just like this!

Congrats Molly! Please email me at farmergopi(at)yahoo(dot)com.


*This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.

Good luck everyone! Thank you Wiwiurka!

Wiwiurka (Amazing wooden trapeze bar and postcard frame giveaway!)

Butterbean

Little L last summer

Butterbean

Tales from Mariposa Forest (giveaway!)

A few months ago I had the pleasure of discovering Mariposa Forest through Jennifer, the talented storyteller behind these enchanting tales. I loved the whole concept of it, I mean - what child (or adult, for that matter!) doesn't love to get mail. And this is no ordinary mail, not by a long shot! The brightly colored envelopes that arrive at our door are filled with magical stories that take my children to another land and simultaneously invite them to explore our own forest around us.  Not to mention the exquisite photographs that help to bring the stories to life. (Oh what I wouldn't give to pick Annie's brain on improving my own photography!) My girls truly believe these stories are being sent to them by forest creatures far away and look forward to receiving them in our mailbox each month. In fact, they love them so much they are currently working on a little something to send back to their favorite forest dwellers. More on that later, but shhhh... don't let Jennifer and Annie know!

Without further ado, please join me in welcoming  Jennifer and Annie the creative masterminds behind Mariposa Forest.

--------------------------

Both Annie and I would like to say a huge thank you to Nicole for giving this opportunity to tell

her wonderful readers about our stories.

How did Mariposa Forest begin?


Mariposa Forest began as a way to channel both of our creative energies. Annie told me of an
idea that she had and we started talking and as we talked, things changed and evolved and
then one day it all clicked. We both have a strong love of nature and we spend most of our days
with our children in the forest where we live. Our connection to nature and to this piece of Earth
we call home is something we both feel is extremely important for us as well as our children.
Mariposa Forest is our way of sharing our love of storytelling, photography, and that connection
to nature with children and parents everywhere.

 

Are your stories inspired by a particular forest around you?

Yes. While the stories aren’t “set” in a real place, I draw inspiration from the forest that
surrounds us. We live in the beautiful Gatineau Hills in West Quebec and we spend our days
roaming and exploring the incredible beauty all around. Often while we are out, I will see a
tree stump or hollow log and wonder who lives there. I often tell my children little stories of the
creatures that might live there. I feel very connected to this place and so when I am writing, my
stories often come from this forest.

Please tell us a little about Mariposa forest (and a bit about yourselves)

In a nutshell, Mariposa Forest is an imaginary experience delivered to your mailbox. More than

just stories, we deliver something that rarely happens in our fast paced, digital world, we deliver
a real, tangible letter to your child in the mail. Yes, old fashioned snail mail. Both Annie and
I have small children and we realized how excited they would get to receive birthday cards,
holiday cards, even the weekly grocery circular. We combined my storytelling with Annie’s
beautiful photography, threw in our love of nature and a dash of hard work and came up with
Mariposa Forest. They are storytelling stories, meant to be read out loud. The letters come from
the inhabitants of the forest and follow the seasons. We include photography of the forest, just
to give a glimpse or a new perspective. The stories also include a Reflection to help the children
stop and take a look at the world around them and observe what is happening where they live.
Our hope is that no matter where you live, whether it is an Urban jungle or the remote forests,
the stories will help your child feel their connection to the world around them as well as open
their imagination to see the world as a canvas for stories and creative play.

Giveaway details.... 3 Introductory Packages to 3 readers.

 

We are offering three of your readers the chance to win an “Introductory Package”. This is a

good way to see how it all works and experience what we offer without committing to a long
term subscription. The Package includes a “Welcome Letter” sent to your child to let them know
that something special will soon be arriving in the mail just for them. Next up is the Introductory
story. This is the first story sent out and it helps the child orient themselves with the Forest and
with some of the characters. Finally, they will receive the current seasonal story that is being
mailed. This gives both parent and child a chance to gain the full experience of what we offer.
We should also note that if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, we are happy to mail a “Topsy
Turvy” mailing. This is one of our current subscriber’s term for a reverse mailing, meaning we
can mail Spring/Summer stories for you as we are approaching Winter here.
We’ve launched a blog this week -- please come visit! We’re also launching a newsletter shortly
- and when you subscribe to our newsletter, you receive a FREE audio reading of one of our
stories.

Please visit our blog from our website,

www.MariposaForest.com

Also, we are looking for others who want to share a post on how they are connecting to nature
where they live. If you are interested, contact us through the website!

You can follow us on facebook :: www.facebook.com/MariposaForest

Thank you ladies!

For a chance to win this generous package, simply leave a comment on this post! Easy and simple - no need to jump through hoops! And remember there are three winners.

If you would like additional chances to win:

- Post this giveaway to Facebook
- Like Mariposa Forest on Facebook
- Let me know you are a dear follower of Frontier Dreams

and please make sure to come back and leave separate comment s letting me know you've done so!
I will close comments on Tuesday November 6th and announce the winners within this post that night.

Comments closed
The winners are:

Nahuatl · 

Lovely idea, we actually write a lot of paper letter and also love to receive them, thank you for the opportunity.

 

Ash ·  

I am a follower of Frontier Dreams :)
I love the inspiration, the peace, and the beautiful photography. Kudos Nichole!

 

sheilanorthcott  

My daughter would be so excited if we won :)

 

Congrats everyone! Please contact me at: farmergopi (at) yahoo (dot) com

Good luck everyone!!

Tales from Mariposa Forest (giveaway!)