Joy Lane Happenings

Yesterday, I got completely covered in sawdust and paint flecks after power washing our courtyard wall. "Sorry kiddo, I can't tie your necklace till after I've showered. I don't want to get this stuff all over your room." Enter loofah soaps. They're specially designed for the person who likes to get gritty and project-y in the day and feel perfectly clean at night. How are they made? Loofahs arrive at our studio from South America pressed flat. We hydrate them to restore their round shape, put them into round pvc molds, and pour goat milk soap into them. Timing is...

My worst (gardening) fears have come true. Our house is about to be eaten by a giant zucchini plant. It started back in April. “What are you planting,” I asked Katy suspiciously as she tucked her little seedlings into their soil cups. “Cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, kale, and *cue ominous drumbeat* zucchini.” Naively, she wondered if she could make them grow. It was like she hadn’t been at the numerous social occasions we attended where some pale faced gardener walked in (to a non-vegetable event) holding an armload of zucchini like it was firewood and asking if anyone wanted some. “There’s...

Emma is a terror. I came home after a day at work and Katy was in the kitchen exhausted.  “I just need a minute,” she said almost laying her head down on the island. I went upstairs. My middle child was completely naked and my oldest shouted, “Emma’s chewing on glass!” She’d gotten a light bulb for the girl’s nightlight (all pieces recovered).  They’d been alone for 120 seconds. It’s gotten to the point that we bargain with Makayla and Kelsey for who has to be with her. “Sister play time!” I’ll announce, and Makayla and Kelsey book it for...

We've had a couple requests for Dopey Bug Candles, and we would LOVE to know if you'd rather have a square tin or a round tin and if you have a color preference between black, gold, and silver! To vote, ask to join the NEW, private Joy Lane Farm Facebook group designed for people who want to help shape Joy Lane Farm and love to live joyfully, do great things, and celebrate family. Helps us out, and tell us what you think about tins! You guys are the best! <3 Joel and Katy#LiveJoyfullyDoGreatThingsCelebrateFamily

First farmers market of the year is in the books, and it was our highest (yes HIGHEST) farmers market ever. I told Katy the night before that I thought we'd be lucky if we made 25% of a normal market. Thank you, Portsmouth Farmers' Market! We couldn't be more impressed with how the tents were spaced apart, the markers for 6 ft spaces in the lines, and the hand washing stations. We saw maybe a couple hundred people go through, and everyone except for 4 or 5 were wearing masks (all the vendors had masks too of course). Not the...