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Mary Janes Farm –

Do you have a favorite catalog or magazine?  I DO!  My most favorite magazine is MaryJanesFarm.  Next in line are the Pottery Barn and William Sonoma catalogs.  Although the latter two are much too expensive to order from, they provide hours of day dreaming.  Allow me to take you on a tour.

MaryJanesFarm is by far the most heartwarming magazine I have ever read.  The publication is released every other month.  Not wanting to miss a single issue I of course have a subscription.

Having the word farm in the title might cause some of you to turn up your nose.  Don’t let that throw you off.  There is a farm-type theme woven throughout its pages but inside there’s more than meets the eye.  I am by no means a farmer yet I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the magazine.  It provides me with an opportunity to drift away with the stories, to marvel at the suggestions for a simpler life, to glean inspiration for my home decor and motivation for new recipes.

MaryJane has been an organic farmer for twenty-four years.  Aside from this magazine she is also the author of several books.  Along with a magazine and books MaryJane sells products for almost every room in your home.  Her website includes links to MaryJanesFarm TV, MaryJanesFarm Merchandise as well as an on-line chat room.

Each time I receive the magazine I feel like I have before me a beautifully wrapped gift secured with a luxurious bow.  If it were not for the burning desire to tear into it and discover every detail, I would leave my special package in tact and on display in my home.  But what a tragedy that would be, I would miss out on the adventure waiting inside.

Before opening the front cover I always pause to take in the images and tidbits of information, the teasers as we would say.  As I read each of the words my excitement accelerates and my imagination engages.  I begin to get lost in the wonderment of the magical journey before me.  Let me share a few teasers from one of their issues:

• Journal your dream farm
• milk paint revival
• Decor from Discards
• Cupcakes go organic
• Indoor Apartment Gardens
• follow your art
• build a barn from pallets

I dare you to say that not one of those teasers tempts your curiosity.  How could you possibly not be interested in at least one of the articles?  Sure, some of them might totally bore you or be way out of your field of interest but I bet even those would surprise you.  Enough with the pep talk, let’s look inside.

Slowly I open the front cover, as if waiting for the articles and pictures to jump out and come to life.  My first stop is the table of contents.  Rarely do I examine a magazines table of contents.  In this case I like to muse at the impending offerings awaiting my eye.

Each issue contains articles on

• farm life with MaryJane – a place where MaryJane shares ideas
• simple solutions
• organic food
• gardening
• make it easy
• quilting & stitching/crafting
• MaryJane’s musings
• green household tips
• readers write – a comment section for readers
• news room – NEWS FOR WOMEN WHO CARE
• every woman has a story
• grandma’s wisdom
• here’s the thing – musings from the currently featured farmgirl

One by one I turn each page lingering to absorb every word and picture.  At times I’ve been known to start at the back and move forward.  Sometimes I think I notice more detail when I look at a periodical from that direction.  No matter which direction I take there’s always a wealth of information contained in the elegant, cleverly illustrated pages.

One issue of her magazine taught me-

• the truth about “baby carrots” – did you know that they actually start out as full-grown carrots, are rejected for various reasons, cut down to size, soaked in a chlorine solution to kill bacteria and help preserve them
• how to make Rose and Geranium Bath Bombs – “These fizzy creations will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, while the aroma of roses soothes and relaxes.”  (see below for recipe)
• read short stories from three different authors
• learned how to make Spicy Chocolate Cupcakes with Cinnamon Espresso Cream (see below for recipe)
• how to turn and old ladder into a vertical indoor garden
• how to utilize willow branches to create a root tea to encourage root growth on a plant cutting

I’ve only included a small fraction of the knowledge you could gather from reading this magazine.  Through my offerings perhaps I’ve peaked your curiosity and perhaps I’ve totally lost you.  Whatever the situation I hope you have enjoyed learning about my favorite magazine.  If you are at all interested, why not check your newsstand for an issue.  Who knows, you just might fall in love with MaryJanesFarm.  At the very least, click on one of the links I have included.  Beware though, you just might get caught in the magic.

Rose & Geranium Bath Bombs

From Irene Wolansky, Mountain Rose Herbs

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 1 teaspoon organic olive oil
• 20 drops organic geranium essential oil
• 1 tablespoon rose hydrosol or water
• dried organic rose petals

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil and essential oil while stirring to prevent fizzing.  Slowly spritz with hydrosol, while stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to clump together.  The blend should be just moist enough to hold when pressed together with your hands (be careful not to add too much moisture).  Add rose petals, press into molds, and allow to dry 2-3 hours before unmolding.  (You can shape your bath bombs by using a melon baller, ice, candy or soap molds, clear plastic two-sided Christmas ornaments, egg cartons, or anything else you have on hand.)  Let bath bombs cure for one week before using them, then store in airtight containers or package in glass jars and decorate with ribbon, twine, labels, or anything else you desire.  Enjoy!

Find more recipes and ingredients on our website, www.mountainroseherbs.com.

Spicy Chocolate Cupcakes with Cinnamon Espresso Cream

Prep Time:  20 minutes

Cook Time:  25-30 minutes

Makes:  18 cupcakes

• 1 1/2 cups extra-dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups spicy dark chocolate, chopped (i.e., MaryJane’s Organic Flamin’Mocha Zest)

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Line muffin tins with paper liners.
2. Heat 1″ water in the bottom of a double boiler over medium-high heat.  Place chocolate chips and cream in the top of the double boiler.  Heat until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.  Stir in vanilla.
4. Add the melted chocolate mixture; mix well.
5. In a small bowl, mix flour and baking soda.  Add to batter and mix well.  Add chopped spicy chocolate.
6. Pour batter into lined muffin tins, about 2/3 full.  Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes.

So what’s your favorite magazine? Add a comment and let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate your loyalty.