Country Living for All Things Country

COUNTRY LIVING DECOR:

Find country decor ideas to create that special country style for your house. We will show you that you don't need skill, but you will need to learn what those special country decor elements are that make up that country style. Many of these essential elements are quick, easy and cheap.

We look at Country Style Decor, both rustic and modern country styles & Decorating Ideas on how to de-stress country furniture to make it look older than it actually is, and easy-sew cushions made out of serviettes.

COUNTRY KITCHEN:

Last, but by no means least, most farms have large kitchens that are well lived in. Often they function more as an extension of the farmyard barn! I have seen farmhouse kitchens used to rescue freezing lambs that have come too early, or to warm day-old chicks when the heater has given in. However, we don't need to include these elements into our Country Kitchen to make it truly country! I hear some of you breathing a sigh of relief!

We give your some general decorating ideas of what to include for those country kitchens so that it will look stylish but still remain essentially country. Here you can enjoy those elements of country living even if you live in the city.

THE ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN:

The English cottage garden can easily be designed and planted out with our list of top ten cottage garden plants that grow easily and bloom prolifically. See our English Country Gardens and learn what they are, how to plan them, and what elements are essential for such a garden.

MEDICAL HERBS

There are a number of herbs that are good for one. See our list of herbs and their uses in Herbs for Health.

FEEDING THE BIRDS

Encourage wild birds into your garden by knowing just what to feed them. Feeding Wild Birds

COMPANION PLANTING

Throw away those insecticides and pesticides and learn how to plant certain flowers and plants together that will work naturally to control pests in your garden. Companion Planting

PLANTING & GARDENING BY THE MOON

Gain success in planting better vegetables, fruit and crops by planting by the moon phases. Our site gives a daily update of the moon phases no matter where you live. Planting by the Moon.

VEGETABLES

See our guide on how to grow vegetables organically and successfully. Also learn how to grow tomatoes is not as difficult as you think. See too how to grow tomatoes upside down! We have an extensive article on the subject as well as a free e-book which has more information not found on our site. You can access this e-book through our home page. We also have information on growing carrots.

GROWING VEGETABLES IN RAISED BEDS

For those of you who have clay soil, or soil that is too poor or hard to dig to grow vegetables, don't despair. By following our easy instructions on raised bed gardens for vegetables you will soon have food from your garden to your table.

EDIBIBLE FLOWERS

Don't just grow flowers to look at, grow them to eat as well! Yes, you can eat flowers! Well, some of them, any way. See our top 10 edible flowers and see how to use them.

NO DIG GARDENING

Do you have poor soil, or do you find that you just don't have the strength to dig those flower beds and vegetable gardens any more? Learn how to create no-dig gardens with our 10 easy steps to No Dig Gardening

ENCOURAGING GOOD GARDEN BUGS

Top tips on protecting your garden fauna. Garden Bugs

COUNTRY CRAFTS

Learn how to do traditional country crafts. We have information on Scrapbooking for Beginners, How to Quilt and How to Patchwork.

COUNTRY RECIPES

Tried and trusted country cooking recipes that are quick and easy to prepare and, more importantly, delicious to eat! See how to make bread, jellies, jams etc.

HOME CANNING

An in depth look at home canning instructions for both fruit and vegetables, and the various methods used. We also have a few home canning recipes for you.

The Amish or Mennonites have long been a group of people who have chosen an alternative, more simple way of living in the country. There are many myths surrounding them and so we have an article that dispels many of these myths and also explains many Amish traditions and way of life.

Enjoy our stories submitted by our readers, as well as those that have been written as novels on farming life. Some are funny, others are sad, with many in between. See our True Farming Stories and our Farm Novels. We also recommend some best selling books that we feel are invaluable to those who have homesteads. Finally, see our section on Farming Articles that have been written by both ourselves, and others.

FARM HOLIDAYS & ACCOMMODATION:

We have various other offers from farms from the UK, the USA, Canada, Central America, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. So if you are looking for a holiday rental in a country cottage, look through the pages for that particular country.

CAMPING:

There is something very special about camping. Many a night we have spent camping under the stars marveling at the clear skies and the stillness of the night. See our section on camping tips which gives you lots of hints and tips for a successful camping trip, along with lyrics for some great Campfire Songs. Don't forget to stop by our Country Store of your Camping Gear.

PAINTING HOLIDAYS:

Some farms have outlets where artists sell their art and crafts directly from the farms. Others offer painting holidays and accommodation. So have a look through our Farm Art Studios in the UK for both arts and crafts and where to book for a painting or art holiday.

PICNICS:

What would the countryside be without a picnic. However, do you know what to pack in a picnic basket? We have some lovely ideas on what food to pack and a list of bare essentials so that you don't leave anything behind. See our picnic food ideas and picnic food recipes for your next picnic. And if you are short of food what about taking along a salad or two made from edible flowers?

FARMERS' MARKETS:

Are you thinking about setting up your own Farmers' Market?. See some practical advice on how to go about it. We also have information on some of the best farmers' markets throughout the USA for fresh, farm produce.

Farmer's Markets in South Africa

Top 12 Farmer's Markets in the UK

We have lots of information on this website, and another large section is our Self-Sufficient Living page for being self-sufficient. Here you can find information on soap making, yogurt making, cheese making recipes, how to make beer, how to make moonshine, even how to milk a cow by hand, and much more.

GREEN LIVING

For those looking for the Simple Life and learning more about going green, our Green Living section has information on living off-grid, setting up your own backyard worm farm for compost and how to save water etc.

OTHER COUNTRY LIVING WEBSITES WE RECOMMEND

Sometimes, but not very often, you come across another website that offers great information on country living, other than our own. Real Country Living is one of them - Meet a former city girl who married a Montana cattle rancher and see their unique way of life firsthand. Use her decorating, health and wellness, cooking and gardening tips to achieve a lifestyle with down-home charm. Experience country living, no matter where you call home!

Country Living Books and Items for your Home

COUNTRY CORNER STORE:

Finally, if you are looking for more information on country living and homesteading in general, or that special something for your new home decorating, then visit our Country Store. Here you will not only find books and magazines, but you will also be able to find cheese making, soap making and candle making kits, as well as kits to start you with your home canning. Find country clothing, camping and outdoor equipment, farming equipment, craft kits for quilting and cross stick, country gourmet foods and much more.

COMING SOON...

Wine Country Living. We will look at wine estates around the world. Places where you can visit for lunches, wine purchases and even where you can hold your country weddings.

For those of you who live in Lancashire there is a great, little store called JC Country which also offers online Internet shopping. Established in 2002 it stocks country clothing, leisurewear, footwear, hats, gift-ware, equine and pet supplies.

Why don't you pay them a visit and after you have finished shopping take a load off and try out some of their coffees, soups or ice creams.

Muck Boots Outlet
Full line of 100% waterproof insulated footwear from the original muck boot company. We have boots and shoes for gardening, fishing, hunting, farming, and more!