Fresh from the farm.

It's finally getting cold in Wisconsin. Wait, start over.

Let's not think about the fact that cold weather has actually hit Wisconsin and take a look back at summer. While in Ohio, our family gathered at the gorgeous (and historic!) Baughman house and farm. I have very fond memories of that place as a child and I still love it to this day. My cousin Kristen, started the farm and runs the whole operation selling flowers, veggies, fruits, garlic..etc to local grocers, buyers, and farmer's markets. I admire this green way of life and wish I could be local enough to buy from her.

Here's my advice...buy local. Do it whenever you can; the impact is greater than you think.

[half chicken coop, half food cleaning/drying/canning shack. the old coop got a face lift. check out the doors and windows which were re-used from a neighbors house. i'm not a huge fan of tomatoes but these were irresistible and delicious. some old door and window frames next to the largest compost pile I've ever seen!]



[before saturday market, we helped kristin picked some flowers to sell and a few beautiful butterflys who graced our presence. simply gorgeous.]

Hardwood Flooring and Hotel Breakers

I love a beautiful hardwood flooring. Really, I love a beautiful OLD hardwood floor. On a recent family vacation to Ohio, it is tradition that we visit Cedar Point. It is also tradition that we stay at the park's historic Hotel Breakers, built in 1905. I will admit that my family and I love the hotel because of its early pass into the amusement park, however, I'm a sucker for its history. My absolute favorite spot of the hotel is the Rotunda. It's design style reminds me something I would hope to see on board of the Titanic: a place to socialize, drink tea, or coffee (in my case). While I doubt this was the original floor, I still love the striping of the floor boards; the effect that it gives is timeless. Sadly, this place was once an Ohio historical landmark. But, because of all the remodels, the building no longer has the historic integrity it once had and the recognition has been taken away. If it were up to me, the place would look a lot different and lot more true to the original design *sigh*