Five Marys Farms & Five Marys Burgerhouse

Today, we make our way back to Fort Jones, California to spend time with the crew at Five Marys Farms. Crafted in Carhartt visited a year ago, and we thought we’d check back in to see how they’re doing. Turns out, the team’s been busy!

Last New Year’s Eve, Five Marys Burgerhouse opened its doors just 5 minutes from the family farm. The menu is filled with all sorts of comfort food and local meats raised by the Heffernans.

The Heffernan family raises the beef, pork, and lamb served in the restaurant just a few miles down the road at Five Marys Farms. 

Meet Amanda Turner. She’s an outdoor adventurer and nature lover. Amanda works at 5 Marys Burgerhouse. Her favorite item on the menu is the Rancher Burger.

“Honestly what I love most about Five Marys is working for such an amazing family! I love being around the Heffernan’s can do attitudes, and watching and interacting with their incredibly talented and helpful girls. They truly embody the definition of a family business. I love that the girls are so involved whether it be feeding the animals, writing thank you notes for the shipments, or brightening the nights of guests at the restaurant taking orders.” -Amanda Turner

Meanwhile, back on the farm…

Mary Heffernan, mother to 4 daughters also named Mary, is constantly hard at work. If she’s not feeding the livestock, she’s at their new restaurant, 5 Marys Burgerhouse, or keeping her instagram followers up to date with the daily happenings of life with her family on the ranch.

Mary recently released an ebook “They Can Do It. What I Learned About Raising Kids by Moving to the Country.” In it, she highlights the ways her extraordinary daughters have grown and developed in their new lifestyle. The book is filled with insights, much like the Heffernan family motto, “Be Kind. Don’t Whine. Be Tough.”

Find out how you can get a copy for yourself here.

“I’m no expert at raising kids, but when our life changed pretty drastically by moving to the ranch almost four years ago, I started noticing changes in our girls and in our parenting. By necessity things work different on a ranch and kids have to be more independent and resourceful and more is expected of them.” -Mary Heffernan

There’s nothing quite like a quiet night with the family on the highest peak of the ranch–filling bellies with s’mores and the night air with mischievous giggles from the most adventurous of girls.

Skeet Shooting Advice

We met outdoor adventurers Tessa Wyatt and Mikki Clayton a while back. They both live (and play) in Park City, Utah. Today, they are sharing a few tips concerning skeet shooting:

“Get comfortable with where you place the butt of the gun on your shoulder (everyone is a little different)  and prepare or anticipate the recoil so it doesn’t startle you. When I first started shooting one of my biggest problems with accuracy was rushing the shot. Once I slowed down, got comfortable and confident with my stance, and followed with a little more patience, my accuracy seriously improved.” -Tessa Wyatt

“Just practice, getting out there enough. I also try to shoot with people that are comfortable or familiar with and around guns. There’s nothing that will distract your shot more than someone that jumps at every pull of the trigger. Safety is obviously important but having skiddish energy around you can be just as.” -Tessa Wyatt

Painter Molly Manor

Flipping through the pages of a book about color as a child, little Molly was fascinated by the magic of making your own colors. You add a bit of this hue to that hue, and you’ve created one all your own. For that precise reason, Molly has formed a passion for painting over any other medium. As the color wheel spins, so does the inspiration.

Now she finds painting to be therapeutic, to sit in the studio and work from sunrise to sunset as if no time has passed. Molly draws from real life. The natural world with its ever morphing organic shapes and perfectly placed patterns and colors bring her a vision and mood to aspire towards. With every new season, a new palate. With every new hour, a new shade.

Molly has a bit of advice for beginning painters out there:

“Don’t be afraid to copy. I can’t tell you how many things I’ve taught myself or learned just by trying to emulate someone else’s work. I think the biggest hurdle for a lot of people have is that they don’t feel “creative enough.” Or they stare at a blank page, not knowing where to start. Pull up a piece of your favorite art or something that caught you eye on the internet, and make your own version. When you’re done, you’ll realize you have your own style and your own perspective. Also, don’t worry if your expectations are not matching what you’re making. I’ve learned that’s a good thing! It keeps you working toward.”

The piece Molly painted in the photos below is truly inspired by nature, as you can see. Sure she may have had to trudge through the snow with painting supplies in tow, but what better way to find your peace and translate an authentic winter scene? This piece is available for sale on Molly’s Etsy page. Take a look for yourself here.

Molly is wearing: The Amoret Jacket, Series 1889 Slim Double Front, & Watch Hat.

 

Heavy Lifting

There is something so human and true about these few captured moments of hard labor. From a moment of preparation, to the gritting of teeth, falling into the peaceful moment of success, and then moving forward. We may not all be moving 75 pounds of hay, but the process is similar in a lot of work scenarios. Whatever your passion is, you can’t let the stages of each endeavor intimidate you. It’s about the breath before the action starts, then the fun begins.

Read more about Rachel here.

New Set of Work Boots

Come Spring 2016, there will be a new set of Carhartt Women’s Work Boots in town! I cannot wait! Until then, here’s a sneak peak:

As Meg Schrader of Wake Robin Farm says, “All farmers put their boots on the same way.”

DROUGHT in the Rain

Cold-pressed juice masters, the James sisters of DROUGHT, are one Carhartt’s favorite families. The Crafted in Carhartt darlings know what it means to put your heart and soul into work and reap some major results.

Three to five pounds of fresh organic produce go into every bottle. Nothing but the best fruits and veggies comprise their unique recipes— that means no added sugar or water, just straight up real food.

Last week, Jenny, Jessie, Julie, and Caitlin got to take the Carhartt 2016 Spring Line out for a spin while picking vegetables at Frog Holler Farm. Come rain or shine, there’s work to be done.

Jessie is wearing the Force Equator Jacket. It is constructed from Storm Defender material, which means you’re gonna stay dry in even the heaviest of rain. To top it off, the Force Equator Jacket has been bonded with FastDry, a quick wicking technology, so you can finish the job with protection from the elements and sweat. (The island blue color Jessie is wearing will be available next spring.) 


Julie is wearing the Rockford Windbreaker. It is also outfitted with Rain Defender. This jacket has a lighter feel to it, great for a windy but temperate day on the job. (The burnt coral color Julie is wearing will be available next spring.)

Jenny is wearing the Mountrail Jacket. Its waterproof breathable membrane is made of Storm. You’ll feel snug in the complete coverage with adjustable cuffs and fully taped seams.

Amanda Sugden of the Montana Outdoor Science School

To see the world through the eyes of a child. It’s what we all hope for and get nostalgic over. Have you ever wondered why? The world is so big and beautiful as a kid. Those mountains seem taller and the sky even bluer. The bird’s song is merrier and finding a worm in the dirt is a grand prize.

As we grow up, I think most of us miss the days when playing in mud and jumping in puddles was a normal and age appropriate thing to do. Amanda Sugden of the Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS) is here to tell you that nature fueled adventures are still perfectly acceptable and healthy for all ages. Get outside, explore, and get a little messy. It’s good for the soul.

Amanda develops outdoor science curriculum that focuses on integrating science, technology, engineering, and math in outdoor settings. She teaches students from Kindergarten to 8th grade about the glories of the outdoors, which abound in Bozeman, Montana. MOSS hopes to encourage kids to become aware of and care for the environment.

“People are naturally curious and are drawn to the outdoors. If I do my job just right, I get to watch people come out of their shells, embrace the ability to play, and get excited to learn about science because they’re already interested in what’s under that rock!” -Amanda Sugden

This feature on Amanda seems all the more appropriate this week with the hashtag #distractinglysexy circulating social media after biochemist Tim Hunt commented that “three things happen when [women] are in the lab…You fall in love with them, they fall in love with you and when you criticize them, they cry.” Women scientists have united, posting pictures of themselves performing their daily routines in the lab with cheeky responses to Hunt’s outrageous remarks.

What could be more noble than inspiring children to love science and have an inquisitive spirit from a young age? That isn’t distractingly sexy— It’s incredibly generous and important for further scientific advancement in the future. Rock on, female scientists, rock on.

Come Snow or High Water

The winter of 2015 has been a fierce one to be sure. Regions unfamiliar with snow have been pelted with it, and those already accustomed to snow have put up with it to an even greater degree. I’ve been reading The Farmer’s Almanac, learning about today in weather history.

This day in 1918, a car crossed frozen Penobscot Bay, Maine.
In 1952, an ocean storm hit Cape Cod and Nantucket, with winds of 61 mph.
In 1980, Norfolk, Virginia received 13.7 inches of snow.
In 1989, the temperature in Jacksonville, Florida plummeted to 24°F.
In 2008, San Antonio,Texas temperatures reached 92°F.
And in 2011, the temperature rose to 103°F in Laredo, Texas.

It’s easy to forget the times in our past when the weather has caught us off guard. The best thing is to always be prepared, come snow or high water. That’s why I like my Quick Duck® Jefferson Jacket. It’s water repellent and constructed with 3M Thinsulate material. Whether it’s snowing or pouring rain, you’ll stay dry and warm.

Ellen Suarez of Global Landscape in Syracuse

With all the yard makeover shows and reality TV programs portraying outdoor spaces magically transformed overnight, it’s easy to be fooled into thinking that landscaping is a quick and simple process. Don’t be misled, it’s a tough job. Ellen Suarez of Global Landscape in Syracuse, NY can attest to that first hand. She’s been in the business for 16 years.

If you’re the type that avoids working in a cubicle at all costs, this vocation may be right up your alley. You’re in for a fine dusting of dirt all over, saws buzzing the background, the smell of freshly cut grass, engulfed in the peacefulness of nature. Each day engaged hand in hand with the environment, you create a work of art that’s both practical and enticing.

Ellen’s advice to anyone hoping to break into the landscaping business is:



“Don’t take yourself too seriously! Enjoy every moment, even the tough ones. Drink lots of water and eat your veggies!”

Ellen’s wearing: Carhartt Women’s Amoret Vest, Belton Shirt, & 1889 Slim Double-Front Dungaree.

Carhartt Women’s Outerwear

And so the groundhog declares: a long winter it shall be. As dreary as that sounds in February, it doesn’t mean that you have to stay indoors. Get out there and explore. The afternoon after a good snowstorm is the perfect time to enjoy the amazing power of nature.

Take a look at Carhartt Women’s Outerwear. That way you can stay comfy and cozy inside or out.