Lavender Obsession

On Sunday, dear reader, The Bibbed Wonder and I went to the Farm Swap at Tractor Supply. I have only ever attended one other farm swap with my friend Jenna. Jenna knows everyone and anything Jenna wants; she knows someone who knows someone who has what she is looking for. That's just one of the many impressive traits of my friend. I, however, am not that well-connected. I have been searching for more frizzled chickens to add to my flock since my frizzled rooster was murdered, yes, murdered by a hawk. My poor little frizzled hen, Frizz, is lonely. She is the only frizzled chicken in the flock, is smaller than everyone else, and spends much time alone or in the coop. The big girls don't treat her well. Her little head is scabbed from being picked on, and she's developed a rather surly attitude. I don't blame her. It's not fun to be the outcast.

I wanted to attend the farm swap specifically to look for little chickens for Frizz to befriend. Frizz needs little friends with fancy feathers to hang out and bond with. I did not want chicks because Frizz needs friends now. The only fancy chickens that were grown were roosters. Two frizzled chickens cannot have babies because they will come out without feathers, just quills like a porcupine. I find that very interesting. So, I did not want to get a new frizzled rooster because someday, I want to hatch Frizz eggs. I am very excited to have Frizz babies.

Fancy chickens are expensive. I'm talking $50 a bird for a grown bird. I was not expecting that. I thought I would spend maybe $60 and get three or four chickens. Once I got over the sticker shock of fancy chickens, I started weighing my options. There was a trio of lavender cochins, two hens, and a rooster. They were gorgeous, and I was quite taken with them as soon as I saw them. Eric thought they looked "dusty" and urged me to get Polish chickens with fluffy heads. He was sure I would choose the Polish ones, but they were too big for Frizz. I felt they would just be more big chickens to bully her. There were silky chicks and serama chicks for sale. Both breeds are small and docile. However, I did not want to raise chicks. As I looked around, I continued to circle back to the lavender cochin trio.

As I tried to fight the urge to impulse buy, I reasoned that spending $150 on chickens would probably result in one or all of them being murdered by a hawk. I am not a serious chicken breeder and merely enjoy my flock for their personality and humorous antics. Frizz needs friends, not show chickens; and, I reasoned, fancy chickens lay smaller eggs. I convinced myself I did not need the lavender cochins. Instead, I spent $20 and bought four serama chicks with feathers, who are a few weeks old. I was just okay with my decision. I was not thrilled or excited, but Frizz would have gentle little friends in a few weeks, so I was satisfied.

Eric and I went for breakfast, and while awaiting our food, I Googled lavender cochins. They are believed to be a very friendly, docile breed, prolific layers, and GORGEOUS. I discovered that $150 for a trio was a deal. I could not find any birds for sale from any hatcheries. However, if they had been available, $80 would have been the least amount charged for a grown bird. Many hatcheries are selling them for $100 or more. Fertilized eggs for hatching are being sold for $30 an egg. If available, day-old chicks would sell for $50 a chick. I was astonished at my findings. When I shared the information with Eric, he replied, "We're going back for your fancy chickens, aren't we?" I excitedly replied that yes, indeed, we are.

We quickly finished our breakfast and returned to the swap. I came home with seven chickens: my lavender cochin trio and four serama silkies. The little chicks are in the garage, and my lavender cochin trio is in the little green coop. After two weeks of quarantine, I will introduce Frizz to the cochins. I am hopeful they will get along. I am also hopeful I will hatch lavender frizzled chickens from Frizz and Roux. Roux the rooster is named after the sexy gypsy love interest of Vianne in Chocolat. Chocolat is one of my all-time favorite books. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. I named my hens Vianne and Josephine, also from the book. I love my lavender cochins.

I haven't named my serama babies yet. I need to see their personalities a bit more before I name them. They will probably be named after literary characters as well. Perhaps they will be named after Little Women. We shall see.

Along with ten new baby goats, I have seven new chickens. I will keep you posted on their relationships and well-being. It's been an exhilarating spring so far. On this overcast and chilly day, stay safe, be smart, be excited for new adventures, and keep washing your hands.

Tuesday Spotlight: Patchouli

Just in time for 4/20 (IYKYK), Patchouli soap and moisturizer are the special for the week. Whether you are a lover of earthy scents, an old hippie, a new hippie with an old soul, or a new-age naturalist, patchouli is the classic earthy scent that epitomizes the bohemian lifestyle. This week, save 25% on Patchouli soap and moisturizer exclusively on the website. No promo code is needed to save; the savings will be applied at checkout.

I must be transparent, it has taken me years to warm up to patchouli. I now find this warm, earthy scent appealing, especially when The Bibbed Wonder uses it. However, I could barely tolerate the smell when I began making soap. We use a deep, dark, beautiful German patchouli oil that is a dream to work with and behaves well during the soap-making process. Only in the last five years or so have I begun to use patchouli soap in our shower. Although not my first choice, there are times when the scent appeals to my senses and smells lovely.

My scent preferences change frequently. Some days I love lavender. Other days, I am more of a vanilla person. Now, although rare, there are days I prefer the warm, rich scent of patchouli. So, for all my patchouli-loving soap family, this week is for you. Whether you celebrate 4/20, love warm, rich, down-to-earth scents, or are an old hippie soul born in the wrong era, now is a lovely time to stock up on a favorite, try something new, or purchase an affordable gift for a friend.

On this overcast spring day, stay safe, be smart, enjoy the savings, and keep washing your hands.

Springtime At The Farm Details

Come to see Boo and Minnie Boo on May 3rd from 10 to 2

Happy Monday, dear reader. It's hard to believe, but our spring event at the farm is just a few weeks away. Today, I will share the list of my vendor friends who will attend and a description of what you can expect. Our farm events are hands down my favorite events. I enjoy welcoming my friends and soap family to my favorite place on earth. We will have baby goats bouncing in the fields, spring weather, great food, and all my favorite artisan friends.

Our spring farm event will feature a few new faces this year, and many favorites will return.

As always, there will be something for everyone: great food, talented local small businesses, and good company. I hope you can attend. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3rd, from 10 to 2, at 493 Tonkin Road, Indiana, PA 15701.

Vendors:

Ageless Iron will join us this year. Jess usually does our fall event, but she is also graciously joining us for our spring event. Jessica is so talented that she can create anything made from metal. If you can imagine it, she can make it. I have had her create metal initials for our Christmas stockings and a sign for the business, and we are discussing a sign for the farm. Jess does everything from signs to fire rings to decorative pieces. She's a delight to work with and very professional.

Ashleigh Bowman Artwork will be in attendance. I look forward to seeing Ashleigh's beautiful artwork over the winter. Her sticker designs of our goats are the highlight of my month.

Broken Locust will have their delicious herbal, all-natural teas for sale. Sherry's tea blends are the absolute epitome of coziness, comfort, and deliciousness.

Buds To Blooms will be here to meet all your holistic and natural Delta 8 and CBD needs. I continue to take a nibble of my Delta 8 gummy before bed every night to help me sleep and alleviate pain.

Color To Dye For will be here with handmade creations of leather and wire jewelry and all kinds of whimsical handmade creations. I am always excited to see what Jen and Jan create.

Cozy Little Craft Shop will have a variety of beautiful handmade creations, such as bookmarks and wreaths.

I am beyond excited to share that my friend from childhood is debuting her incredible artwork. EDbie Inspired Photography by Debbie Griffith-Greygor is a collection of beautiful photography paired with morsels of inspiration. Deb's work is truly amazing.

Frank's Red Rocket will fill your belly with the amazing Rocket Burger and food truck delights.

Grizzled Teddy will showcase its all-natural beard and grooming products along with a message of positivity and light. Donovan and Felicia are among my favorite vendor friends.

Lone Oak Farm will delight with its farm-fresh dairy products, baked goods, and maybe some of Joni's fresh, gorgeous flowers.

My beautiful friend Lauren, the talent and artist behind LuLuLux Jewelry, will showcase her latest clay and resin jewelry. I can't wait to see her new spring line!

One of my all-time favorite individuals, Carlene Dowell aka PrAiry Girl, will be here with all her gorgeous fiber, alpaca socks, dryer balls, and beautiful fleeces.

I am thrilled to welcome Scents by Stacey, a delightful hand-poured candle company. I first met Stacey at a Girl Gang event last spring. Her candles and scent blends impressed me so much that I had to include her in our farm event. I highly recommend Ds Nuts for a warm, cozy scent.

I am also excited to welcome Star Cross Naturals to our event. Michael and his lovely wife, Kelly, offer microgreens, mushrooms, spray-free produce, homemade granola, and bread.

The one and only Pamela Jean Werner will have her beautiful woven shawls, scarves, and wraps available. I can't wait to add a new one to my wardrobe. I am hoping for one in red tones.

I am also thrilled to share that Sutton's Ice Cream Truck will join us. I love an ice cream truck! Julie will be here with hand-dipped and soft-serve treats, including cones, sundaes, and milkshakes.

Of course, we will be here with our latest creations related to goat's milk soap. Shop in person for our new Miracle Milk Facial Balm, Lilac soap, and moisturizer, as well as our wildly popular Honeysuckle soap, hand soap, and moisturizer. We may also have a few new items to share. It depends on how hard I can push one bib-overall-wearing wonder buns.

On this lovely spring day, stay safe, be smart, and keep washing your hands. We hope to see you in person on May 3rd.