Author Archives: Virtual Farmgirl

Back in the day when I was in Girl Scouts…way back, we mostly camped and worked on badges. I don’t recall that making and trading swaps was part of our tradition. But lately I’ve come to embrace the concept. I’ve been playing with swaps for my daughter’s troop. Below are three swaps we did yesterdayContinue reading “Girl Scout 'swaps'”

For Christmas I got these cute “Stop me before I volunteer again” sticky notes. I get the hint. I have a problem saying “no” — especially when it comes to my community. And I’ve been pretty good at scaling back so I can devote my attention more fully to the projects I take on ratherContinue reading “Giving back a little comfort…one blanket at a time”

I put these quart containers with a little water and decorative foliage outside this morning at 10:30 a.m. It’s been -15 degrees all day and each time I check…still not frozen. Will update once I can actually pull out an ice lantern popsickle. UPDATE: This was a VFG #Fail. I put these out, then promptlyContinue reading “Waiting…waiting…”

For the first time in more than a dozen years, Sim and I are home on our own for Thanksgiving. This is a first for us since our kids were born and a first since back in the days when I had to clock in on Thanksgiving and the day after at the daily newspapersContinue reading “Thanksgiving '13 menu”

Fall leaf garland. I found this fun leaf project on Pinterest from Artful Parent and couldn’t resist giving it a try. Centerpiece It’s my first use of mod podge ever. Oh mod podge, where have you been all my life? I’m very pleased with the result and the kids and my family really enjoyed doodlingContinue reading “Fun family project: Fall leaf garland”

For the last few months, I’ve been helping coordinate Camporee, the 10th annual no less. At our Camporee, the older girls (CSAs – Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors) lead the younger girls in games, crafts and a hike on the Sunday of camp. These CSAs learn their skills in advance and practice before running Camporee forContinue reading “Camporee!”

This may be my favorite party favor activity yet. At my daughter’s birthday, the girls made these easy peasy fabric bangles. Best part? The craft didn’t cost me a dime. Someone had given me a bunch of cool remnant fabric. And I used old coat hangers that I cut down to child wrist size. ForContinue reading “Easy shabby chic fabric bracelet”

Ever since rock star Chef Grant Achatz opened his theater of dinner, Next, two years ago, I’ve been dying to go. I guess not quiet dying since, unlike my friends, I didn’t hit redial the moment new menus opened so I could get a table. But, I’ve been pretty eager and no question it wasContinue reading “Next…Finally”