It totally amazes me at all the new blogs out there that I’ve never visited before. You too?
I happened to click on a link off of Twitter one day and ended up at a beautiful blog called Meadowbrook Farm. Having never visited before, I was immediately smitten by the beautiful photos that Teresa shared on her blog. I began reading about her family’s journey from the city to the country and how they ended up in an old farmhouse out in the hinterlands of Montana, miles away from life in the big city.
Her writing style is witty and welcoming and I’m in awe of her beautiful photographs. Even though my style is not so much cottagey or country, I love seeing those type homes. She sucked me right into the blog vortex.
Teresa is the mom to 3 strapping and handsome boys, all lean and very tall. Aren’t they a good-lookin’ bunch?
If there is anything that will suck me into a blog right off the bat, it is beautiful pics! Teresa is my newest photography hero and I’d love to get as good as she is. She told me that she only got serious about photography just a few months before she started her blog in the Fall of 2009. The girl is good! Since I started blogging, my interest in photography has grown leaps and bounds and seeing gorgeous photos like this just makes me want to get better and better. She has a honkin’ big-girl Canon 5-D and says she takes zillions of pics to get them right.
Prepare to be amazed and in awe of Teresa and her family’s story. It’s a good one! Here’s what Teresa says in her About Me page:
Nine years ago, I was a happily settled, cul-de-sac residing, suburban mom. I had Starbucks, shopping malls, and every other convenience known to man at my fingertips. Now I am a country girl living on a small farm 500 miles from the old neighborhood. My husband and I, along with our three boys, decided to leave the rat race behind for a slower pace and a simpler life. It was a leap of faith.Let me give you a little introduction to Teresa’s farmhouse and you can see for yourself. When they found the property in the Montana country, it came with a dilapidated old 1902 farmhouse. Originally, the plan was to build a new house on the property and they were going to live in the farmhouse until their new house was built.
That soon changed, when they fell in love with the house along the way and decided to make the necessary renovations in it so that it could be their forever home. And it’s a stunning farmhouse transformation. Their youngest son called it the Junk House and that name apparently stuck. As in “when are we moving out of the Junk House to a real house, mom”.
This is the house in its Before state. Cute and quaint farmhouse, yes? Lots of work, definitely. And here she is After. Quite the transformation, don’t you think? Wait til you see the inside! It took a lot of vision and hard work to get this house whipped into shape.Hallway BeforeHallway After! Can you believe the difference?
Wait! It just gets better. Dining room Before….And after. Teresa’s charming cottage style just oozes warmth and welcome.The kitchen changes are just jaw-droppingly beautiful….from this to….
See! What did I tell ya? Isn’t this a wonderful Before and After story? I think a magazine should get ahold of Teresa’s house and show it off.What a kitchen this is. Dreamy and so special.Stairway Before and Afters.
Teresa has gorgeous photos all over her blog, so I picked a few to share with you. Of course, you’ll need to go over there to see it for yourself.
Teresa’s Christmas pics were amazing.
She even has a greenhouse outside. How fun is this? She gardens too! OK, I’m officially jealous of Teresa’s talents. Not only amazing photographs, but she grows beautiful flowers too. Like this one of the front of her farmhouse, captured in the early morning fog. Ethereal. She bakes and takes yummy food photos too.Babies are not immune to her photos either. She practices on all sorts of people. This is just beautiful. She traveled to the South last year and visited Savannah and Charleston and took more awesome pics.
So, I’m gushing a little over Teresa’s fabulous photos, but really wanted to introduce her to all of you too. She doesn’t know me from Adam (except when I emailed her to ask if I could feature her blog), but when I see a special blog, I enjoy sharing it with all of you. And I do think Teresa’s talents should be shared.
So, go on over and say hello to Teresa at Meadowbrook Farm! Tell her I sent you.
You might want to get in on the discussion going on over there today too. You’ve gotta love a girl talking about Velveeta cheese.So what if Velveeta is fake cheese, my mama made the best grilled cheese sandwiches outta the stuff.
Into Vintage says
I too found Teresa’s blog by accident and have been hooked ever since. It’s such a beautiful place to escape and dream. 🙂 Thanks for creating such a lovely post about her & her work and thanks Teresa for bringing such beauty to all of us. -amy
Cindy says
Oh my goodness, that is definitely “jaw-droppingly beautiful”!!! It’s no longer a junk house that is for certain. I LOVE that style and the colors!
Thanks so much for bringing our attention to this ladies blog, I am going over now to spend some time looking at it.
Hugs, Cindy
Kathy :) says
Wow Rhoda…..love the transformation….
I know what you mean….. this blogging world is HUGE….so many pretty blogs….
Heading over for a peek…
All the best,
Kathy 🙂
***Having just been down to GA I would know those trees anywhere now…..We toured Savannah ….and we loved St Simon’s Island !!!
Stephenie from Decorating Addiction says
Wow; you’re right! Her photos are INCREDIBLE. I have a little cheap camera that I try to work with , but I’m saving up for something better b/c I think you are absolutely right about photos drawing you into a blog. I’m going to head on over and check out her blog. Thanks for hightlighting her . . . what a great story.
Emily@decorchick says
WOW, thanks so much for introducing us all to Teresa! I can’t wait to read more of her blog. Those photos are amazing and so is her home! Definitely magazine worthy. 🙂
Fairfield House says
Rhoda,
I’ve been reading Meadow Brook Farm for a while now. It’s a must read packed full with inspiration, beautiful photographs and creativity. Teresa is living her dream come true!
Your Friend,
Deborah
Lib says
Thanks for passing this on. I visited Meadowbrook Farm and this site is a keeper! I have it bookmarked.
maureen says
Thanks Rhoda for introducing me to Meadowbrook Farm. Her photos are captivating! Yes, blogland is wonderful! You find so many people who share your interests. That is how I found your blog! Surfing blogland!
Allison says
Oh, that greenhouse is gorgeous! I love to garden so I am drawn to that. My dream is to one day have a greenhouse. Her house is beautiful, too. Her kitchen is lovely with all of her pops of aqua. What a transformation! I need to pop over to her blog. Have a great weekend, Rhoda.
Pam Pike says
I want to live at Meadowbrook Farm! Great blog and special lady. Thanks for taking me there.
carols says
Rhoda, first Edie and now Meadowbrook Farm!? Come on, I’ve gotta get some stuff done around here and can’t be blog surfing all day. BUT, what a delightful blog and now it is SATURDAY and I’ve got a little extra time to drink in these inspirtional places. Plus, I’m partial to the moms with just boys. You’re a dear Rhoda, thank you!
stewcarol
Sonya says
I am really enjoying your website, and thank you for featuring Meadowbrook Farm. I can’t wait to visit.
Jessica @ These Are The Days says
Love it. Such a great place to live…so wish I could move in there. Love the green house too! Hope you’re going to Blissdom, would love to finally meet you. 🙂 Jessica
Judi says
Thanks for sharing this. Can’t wait to catch up on her beautiful site! One of my resolutions was to limit my blog reading and start putting all the great ideas to work in my home. It’s just so hard with so many amazing women sharing their ideas and lifestyles! Guess I’ll have a few more sleepless nights. Thanks again!
Bella says
Oh my stars, what a beautiful blog!!! I can’t wait to hop over and read more. Thank you for the wonderful recommendation!
Eddie Ross says
Wow!!! I am impressed. She should email me the information of her before and after and contact me for my “Call for Submissions” post.
Happy New Year!
Xo,
E&J
Denise says
I can’t breathe! Please pass the smelling salts! Her house is FABulous and thank you so much for featuring her blog! I’m heading over there asap!
Shelley says
I LOVE this post. I wish I could see this cute cottage in person. So so adorable. I’ve bookmarked it for my ‘someday house that I find that I fix up’. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. -Shelley {howdoesshe.com}
Kris says
I want ot be Teresa when I grow up! She is a true inspiration. BTW- I love veveeta and we grew up eating THE best grilled cheese sandwhiches made from it. Nothing compares! 🙂
Angela Gundersen says
Thanks for introducing me to Teresa’s blog, she has absolutely transformed her farmhouse into a lovely home.