Tips to Create Your Own Self-Care Retreat at Home

While there are a handful of critics out there, I must say – Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. I think we could all use a day dedicated to expressing our love for those around us, don’t you think?
Not only is it important to show our love for those nearest & dearest to us, I find it’s a healthy practice to carve out a little time to love on ourselves. 
We often pride ourselves on checking off our to-do list & maximizing every minute of every day, but rarely do we pat ourselves on the back for scheduling time to rest & reset.
This week, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I am treating myself to one hour of uninterrupted self-care in our cozy little bathtub. Nothing fancy – just a pretty bouquet of roses, fair-trade dark chocolate, a  yummy-smelling bath bomb, candles & a good book to make it a little more special. 

This year I committed to purchasing only sustainably-grown, Whole Trade flowers, which fully support farmers & their communities. You’ll always find a fresh bouquet of blooms within our home – it’s one of my favorite indulgences. 
This week, February 7th – 14th, you can grab two dozen Whole Trade roses from Whole Foods Market for $24.99 (& Prime members can purchase them for just $19.99)! Divide them up into mini bud vases for all of your Galentines & arrange a few for you!
While you’re at it, grab a few chocolate-dipped strawberries (they’re $9.99 & available at Whole Foods Market from 2/12-2/14) for your tub time!

Don’t forget to save a rose for the bathtub! Throw in a fizzy bath bomb from Whole Foods Market & fill the tub with rose petals to make it a little more festive. To do this, simply remove, or peel, the petals from the stem & throw them into the water. They’ll float on top & add a floral scent to your steamy bath. 
Tip: Fresh petals will last for more than one bath! Gather up petals in a small bowl after one soak & add them to hot water the following day. Do note – petals will begin to wilt after a few days so promptly reuse them.

Light a candle & soak up your quiet hour of bliss as you read & rest. With a small budget & a handful of goodies from Whole Foods Market, you’re sure to create a lovely self-care retreat so you can love those around you better. 
Do you ever carve out time for a little self-care? How will you carve out an hour or two to love on yourself this Valentine’s Day week? Share your thoughts in the comments!
love,
natalie

Freckled Hen Farmhouse is GROWING! March 2018

Friends, I am so excited to finally share the big Freckled Hen Farmhouse news!
Freckled Hen Farmhouse is growing! We are moving to a bigger, better building in March! Triple the space, double the product offerings, endless opportunities to serve our amazing patrons!


 This was such a tough decision to make, friends. Our current space has become our home away from home. We’ve made such amazing memories, connected with so many customers, held workshops & cultivated a rich community in our cozy space. 
Our original building holds such a special place in our hearts, but with the news of our block being sold & rebuilt, we no longer had the option to stay put where we are.
And with this news was the reminder that this building was also just a stepping stone. Luke & I have learned along the way that it’s so important for the health of our business to continually take small steps toward our big, brave dreams. When we first opened our brick & mortar building last January, we had no idea if people would even show up! Month after month, folks have supported Freckled Hen Farmhouse beyond what we could have ever dreamed. We’re so thankful for the continued support in Fayetteville & online.

We want to create a business that outlasts trends & fleeting styles. We’re working to create a cornerstone in our community, a place where folks from all over the world feel welcomed & inspired to cultivate an intentional home. A unique shop – both online & in-person – that offers practical yet beautiful gifts you are excited to share with your dearest friends & family for fifty, sixty, seventy years to come. 
We believe this building right here is part of that wild & crazy, rich & meaningful, community-inspired story.

So, come on in & see what we’ve been up to. Watch your step, it’s still a work in progress. But we cannot wait for you to see what it becomes! 
The store front is double in space compared to our current location. Lots of windows to brighten the space, making it extra warm & welcoming. Our ceilings are vaulted like a barn, which makes us feel right at home. The open floor plan will allow us to move things around so customers see something new every time they come through our doors.
We’ve been collecting old general store fixtures, wallpaper & more to bring character & charm to this bright & beautiful space. Imagine gingham, copper, chippy pant, florals & more.
The best part – more shop offerings! In the upcoming months, we’ll be introducing even more goodies, workshops, classes & community events! Freckled Chicks, a hand-curated line of old-fashioned children’s toys, puzzles & more will be joining the farmhouse. In addition, we cannot wait to share our expanded Freckled Hen library with you along with freshly-brewed Freckled Hen coffee roasted right here in Fayetteville, Arkansas! 

Luke & I, along with our incredible Freckled Hen team, want to thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for the support, love & encouragement both online & at the general store! 
Make sure to mark your calendars & join us for our Grand Re-Opening and 2nd Birthday Party on March 9th & 10th at 840 N. College Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas! There will be sips, sweets, laughter, squeals, hugs, happy tears & more! We cannot wait to celebrate with you.
love,
natalie

Simple & Easy Crockpot Chicken Broth Recipe

Homemade chicken broth is such a simple way to nourish our bellies & save a little money. At least once a week, on our busy days, I stop by Whole Foods & pick up a rotisserie chicken. Paired with roasted veggies & Luke’s sourdough bread, it makes for the perfect meal. 
I don’t stop there, though. I always take off the leftover chicken from the bone & prepare sandwiches for lunch or make chicken nachos. I then add the bones to the crockpot & let it simmer into a rich & golden chicken broth for the week’s soups. A $7 chicken turns into two meals & two delicious jars of broth, an impressive way to stretch one’s dollar!
Today on the blog I am sharing my go-to crockpot chicken broth recipe. It’s simple & one we make weekly. Enjoy!
Crockpot Chicken Broth Recipe
1. Remove all meat from the chicken carcass & place the bones in your crockpot. Fill with water until the bones are completely covered. Add your favorite herbs – rosemary, thyme & bay leaves – along with salt & pepper. Allow to simmer on low for 24 hours (yes, this means your crockpot will be on overnight!).

2. Once your broth has simmered for 24 hours, allow to slightly cool. Then pour bones & broth into a large colander with a bowl underneath. I typically do this in our sink. Lift the colander from the bowl & discard bones. You will be left with a rich, golden bowl of delicious broth! There may be some floaties, but that’s just a flavor bonus!

3. Grab your jars (I use wide mouth) & a funnel. Pour broth into jars & screw on the lid. Don’t forget to label your jars with the date!
4. Store your beautiful jars of broth in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Use broth in soups, chilis, sautés & more! 
Let me know if you make this recipes! It’s one of our family favorites & sure beats the pants off of the stuff you buy in the store.
love,
natalie