30 January 2010
Chez Poulet - Decorating
25 January 2010
Chez Poulet - Phase One
or La Petite Maison des Poussins Urbaines commence!
or City Chick Cottage gets underway!
I have recently been researching owning sheep. But alas, the City of Dallas will not allow me to have them in my small backyard. I suppose it would be impractical since they'd graze the whole place clean in one day. They will come to larger land in due time.
It has been many years since the little playhouse in the backyard has been played in. After a thorough sweeping out and a quick posting of old stuff to craigslist, I believe we are ready to roll! Next steps include screening the windows and building a door, nesting boxes and roosts.
I am reading two books that are quite helpful:
Keep Chickens - Tending Small Flocks in Cities, Suburbs and Other Small Spaces by Barbara Kilarski
and
Living with Chickens - Everything You Need to Know to Raise Your Own Backyard Flock by Jay Rossier
or City Chick Cottage gets underway!
I have recently been researching owning sheep. But alas, the City of Dallas will not allow me to have them in my small backyard. I suppose it would be impractical since they'd graze the whole place clean in one day. They will come to larger land in due time.I can apparently have city chickens. There are only vague references to this in the City Code (sec. 51A-4.201 discusses agriculture) but I am assured by the kind folks at Dallas Animal Services that it is OK.
It has been many years since the little playhouse in the backyard has been played in. After a thorough sweeping out and a quick posting of old stuff to craigslist, I believe we are ready to roll! Next steps include screening the windows and building a door, nesting boxes and roosts.Keep Chickens - Tending Small Flocks in Cities, Suburbs and Other Small Spaces by Barbara Kilarski
and
Living with Chickens - Everything You Need to Know to Raise Your Own Backyard Flock by Jay Rossier
07 January 2010
Local and Thrifty
I have taken to purusing thrift stores in recent months for both the savings and the thrill of the hunt -scanning the racks for fine fabrics and well made seams. My conquests include Betsey Johnson, TSE Cashmere and Earl Jeans. Re-purposing still usable items of clothing is certainly a sustainable choice. I would like to also think of these things as locally grown to some extent. Yes, they have likely travelled far and burned a big carbon footprint in their first life, but in their new life, they have only travelled across town to the donation center.
This year I intend to shop locally and thriftily as much as possible.
I will support local farmers by purchasing local food, real food.
I will purchase building materials from salvage and surplus stores.
I will barter my services for what others can offer me.
When locally made choices are limited, I will buy my non-local goods from neighborhood merchants.
I will continue to shop in antique, consignment and thrift stores for unique re-claimed finds.
There is an Hermes Birkin bag waiting for me in a thrift store somewhere.
This year I intend to shop locally and thriftily as much as possible.
I will support local farmers by purchasing local food, real food.
I will purchase building materials from salvage and surplus stores.
I will barter my services for what others can offer me.
When locally made choices are limited, I will buy my non-local goods from neighborhood merchants.
I will continue to shop in antique, consignment and thrift stores for unique re-claimed finds.
There is an Hermes Birkin bag waiting for me in a thrift store somewhere.
03 January 2010
Blue Moon New Year Soup
Warm and cozy for the cold winter ahead. It was a big hit on NY Eve and we've been enjoying the leftovers. This is what went into a big pot on the stove. You should add and subtract ingredients based on what is on hand. Most of my ingredients were organic.
Canned tomato sauce
Canned diced tomatoes
Canned mixed beans (black, kidney, pinto)
Fresh black eyed peas
Fresh onion
Fresh assorted potatoes (russet, sweet, new)
Frozen corn
Frozen mix of corn, black beans, onions. red and green bell peppers
Vegetable bouillon
Olive Oil
Italian Herb Seasoning
Mexican Seasoning
Garlic
Salt
Pepper
Any frozen ingredients go in first (I chop and freeze fresh veggies, especially onions and potatoes to have on hand), then everything else. It all sits and simmers for a few hours; add water as needed. Serve it hot and steamy in a big mug. Mmmmm....
28 November 2009
beginnings
aubergine is a country retreat for insp
ired travelers located on eighteen scenic acres in North Central Texas. We cater to artists, writers, musicians, dancers, knitters, dreamers and peace makers as well as the weekend visitor in need of respite from the city. We offer space for classes, workshops, meetings, studio use and overnight accommodations.
aubergine is giving. Through the generous support of our friends and sponsors, we are able to provide important opportunities to schools and non-profit groups. Our Friends of the Farm program lets school children experience what it is like to tend to crops and animals and learn about sustainable practices. Our Starving Artist program provides all artists with an inspiring place to create.
aubergine is preserving the past. Our guest cottages (as well as the studio, owner's residence and barn) are a collection of restored historic structures that were once in the path of development and were moved to our property to enjoy a new life. Cottages are available for rent daily, weekly or long term. Our property is surrounded by over one hundred acres of restored native Blackland Prairie which was converted to a conservation easement in 2011. This effort ensures that this land will remain in its native state and not be intensely developed for housing.
aubergine is sustainable. We make every effort to conserve resources. These efforts include: recycling and composting our waste materials; cleaning cottages between guests rather than daily; providing cloth or hand knit towels and napkins in all facilities and closely monitoring water and electricity use. The water well is our main source for filtered drinking water. Rain water runoff is captured in cisterns and in the pond and used for irrigation. Gray water and runoff from the septic systems is collected and filtered for irrigation. A wind turbine provides electrical power to the main house, studio and cottages which are also equipped with solar panels. We grow our own organic vegetables and have pecan and fruit tree orchards. Les Poussins de la Campagne (The Country Chicks) provide us with a daily supply of fresh, organic free range eggs. The knitting sheep generously give their wool for spinning and knitting. Organic cotton grown in our fields is often blended with their wool. We are soon expecting our first harvest of Afternoon Tea from our very own tea plants that have been maturing in the southern field.
aubergine is convenient; away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but close to many nearby attractions. The shops, restaurants and thriving arts culture of Dallas are 45 minutes away. Nearby smalll towns offer you the charm of their historic homes and antique and gift shops.
ired travelers located on eighteen scenic acres in North Central Texas. We cater to artists, writers, musicians, dancers, knitters, dreamers and peace makers as well as the weekend visitor in need of respite from the city. We offer space for classes, workshops, meetings, studio use and overnight accommodations. aubergine is giving. Through the generous support of our friends and sponsors, we are able to provide important opportunities to schools and non-profit groups. Our Friends of the Farm program lets school children experience what it is like to tend to crops and animals and learn about sustainable practices. Our Starving Artist program provides all artists with an inspiring place to create.
aubergine is preserving the past. Our guest cottages (as well as the studio, owner's residence and barn) are a collection of restored historic structures that were once in the path of development and were moved to our property to enjoy a new life. Cottages are available for rent daily, weekly or long term. Our property is surrounded by over one hundred acres of restored native Blackland Prairie which was converted to a conservation easement in 2011. This effort ensures that this land will remain in its native state and not be intensely developed for housing.
aubergine is sustainable. We make every effort to conserve resources. These efforts include: recycling and composting our waste materials; cleaning cottages between guests rather than daily; providing cloth or hand knit towels and napkins in all facilities and closely monitoring water and electricity use. The water well is our main source for filtered drinking water. Rain water runoff is captured in cisterns and in the pond and used for irrigation. Gray water and runoff from the septic systems is collected and filtered for irrigation. A wind turbine provides electrical power to the main house, studio and cottages which are also equipped with solar panels. We grow our own organic vegetables and have pecan and fruit tree orchards. Les Poussins de la Campagne (The Country Chicks) provide us with a daily supply of fresh, organic free range eggs. The knitting sheep generously give their wool for spinning and knitting. Organic cotton grown in our fields is often blended with their wool. We are soon expecting our first harvest of Afternoon Tea from our very own tea plants that have been maturing in the southern field.
aubergine is convenient; away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but close to many nearby attractions. The shops, restaurants and thriving arts culture of Dallas are 45 minutes away. Nearby smalll towns offer you the charm of their historic homes and antique and gift shops.
aubergine is rejuvenating. Unwind with a relaxing massage. Experience healing and wellness in a session with one of our professional team members. Re-center with yoga and meditation. Hike the trails through the woods and down to the edge of the lake. Sit and reflect next to the pond. Relax in the salt-water pool. Borrow a bicycle or kayak for some invigorating exercise. Harvest from our garden and delight in the wonder of a local and sustainable meal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)