Farmhouse Inspired Advent Calendar

Hello, friends of CoCo! I’m S and I will be taking over today’s blog post to share with you how I saved the day and made a farmhouse inspired advent calendar in the process.

I know Wednesdays are usually reserved especially for friends and subscribers of The Crowned Goat. Some of those posts are informative, some are encouraging and some share a more in depth look at life behind the blog than what CoCo shares in her Friday posts. I’m pretty sure my post will fit right in though.

Here goes…

About two weeks ago, CoCo and the rest of Team Goat headed out of town to work on a project that was three months in the making – the horse farm project. I don’t know how much she’s shared with you about this project already but it was pretty intense. I went with her to the job site a few weekends and the minute I heard they were taking wall a down I thought, “How in the world is this all going to come together by Thanksgiving!” I mean, the schedule was that tight.

While CoCo was away working at the horse farm, I stayed back at TCG Headquarters to make sure everything ran smoothly and to watch her pride and joy, Jelly Bean. We had most everything scheduled out and cued up in advance so I felt pretty confident there would be no problems. Before she left, CoCo had made special arrangements to take pictures of a holiday home that was beautifully decorated so she could share it with you when she got back.

But on the day of the shoot, the homeowners got cold feet and changed their minds.

Here’s the thing I’m learning about this blogging business, a single post falling through can affect an entire week’s worth of planned content.

When CoCo called to tell me what had happened, I could hear in her voice she was not only disappointed but had also started to slightly panic about how she was going to create holiday content from the horse farm. After all, she was in the midst of multiple renovation projects. I also knew everyone was working 10-12 hour shifts and while they were doing a really good job rallying each day, I knew they were all beat.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ve got a great idea,” I said to ease her nerves.

“Well, what it is?” she said, “What’s your idea?”

“I just said don’t worry about it. You’re not the only one that can write a blog post, you know. I’ve done it before and I can do it again. Cross this off your to do list, ok? I’ve got it,” I said confidently.

If you read the last blog post I wrote, you already know CoCo hates surprises. But I knew that she knew she was also running out of time. “Let me think about it. I’m sure I can work something out before I get back home.” she said shortly before hanging up.

Here’s another thing, CoCo is one of those professionals that’s always thinking, creating and troubleshooting even when’s she’s supposed to be relaxing or on vacation. I had no idea what I was going to make but I knew I had to come up with something quick.

By the time she called back a few hours later, I pitched an idea for an advent calendar. “You know it has to be good, right?” is all she said at first.

“Of course, it will be!” I said (almost insulted, I might add) “When have I EVER turned in work that was less than stellar!”

“I’m really in a pickle so I appreciate you being willing to help me. Just do your best, ok? I trust you,” and with that she hung up.

And then called back two minutes later, “Don’t forget to take lots of pictures, ok?”

You know what happens when someone says, “Don’t forget to _________________” you almost always immediately forget, or at least I do. I headed into town to buy supplies and forgot all about taking pictures.

I should also interject here, she NEVER mentioned I shouldn’t take the pictures with my i-phone or in my office at night (that would have been an important piece of information to know in advance. You’ll see why below, thanks in advance for understanding.)

This blogging thing is not for the easily distracted because there are so many moving parts – every single day!

Anyway, I know she usually gives a supply list in posts like these. You’ll need:

• 24 or 25 small canvas bags with drawstrings
• Number Stencils
• Fabric Pen or a Permanent Marker (I used a red Sharpie so we won’t be washing these or sticking them in the dryer – ever)
• Level
• Wooden Base
• 1 x 2s
• Saw
• Drill
• Wood Screws
• 24 or 25 small hooks
• White Spray Paint
• Wooden Star
• Goodies for Each Bag

CoCo probably gives step by step instructions for you too but I think I’m missing too many pictures for that but you can kind of get the idea below…

I think the best part of this project was seeing CoCo’s reaction when she got back home and saw the advent calendar finished. I don’t know if it was because she was sleep deprived or what but her face was pretty priceless. For someone who hates surprises, it definitely let me know I had “nailed it” as she always likes to say. I gave my best gifts which made me feel good because I know that’s really important to her.

Well, this is probably where CoCo wraps it all up and says something sweet or thoughtful before signing off. The only piece of wisdom I can pass along especially during the Season of Advent is to love your people no matter what, it’s what Christmas is all about.

CoCo will be back here tomorrow with a look at the rest of the living room or maybe she’s sharing a Christmas bedroom. I’m not sure which one but I’ll know she’ll be here tomorrow. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

All the best,

S