Check this out...

Something I Love: I just thought I would pass along a fun site of western dishes that are a) designed by a friend and fellow rancher and b) made in the USA. Check out Barb Wire China...

Enjoy!

A couple lovely showers to share...

Something I Love: Good Tuesday Morning to you! I have a bridal and baby shower to share with you. The baby shower fell way back in September and it was for my hubby's cousin and was thrown by a variety of women, one being my MIL. And Sunday after Turkey Day this year my husband's aunts and mother threw a bridal shower for the wife-to-be of my hubby's cousin. When these ladies throw a shower they sure know how to get it done. Please enjoy the showers in the following photos...

This is the bridal shower for Annette. Love the floral arrangements {my MIL does them}and inside the cute boxes are caramels and candies for the favor. Here's the sad part, honestly I thought I had more photos of this shower but I don't. I'm most upset about not getting the food in any picture because it was right out of a magazine perfect - wait, it was even better than a magazine. Also, Petie had the water on the tables in my new favorite bottles ever {see below}. Anyway, I took more photos of Petie's home because it was so cute and was getting ready for Christmas at the time of the shower but because she does such an amazing job I am going to give her xmas decor it's own post this week, so stay tuned!

I did have to throw in one more of her beautiful buffet with two of the shower centerpieces put together as one. The cute wooden boxes for the centerpieces were made by hubby's uncle.

So this is the water bottle I'm speaking of. So apparently, Petie has A LOT of these. My hubby told me she used to always give away salsa at Christmastime in these and then *poof* it happened this year! Well, after drinking the sparkling lemonade she removes the labels and then had water in them on the tables for us. I loved them so much she sent me home with two! Then my MIL gave me one from her stash {probably one that had salsa in it at one time} and then I may or may not have bought a couple bottles of sparkling lemonade myself at Cost Plus World Market...okay one bottle of pink and then I was at AJ's Marketplace and saw the flavor of Blood Orange and knew my hubby would just love it so I threw it in his stocking. So let's just say, I'm dying to host some people and serve them drinks in these. I actually keep a couple in the fridge with water so it's already chilled and the hubbs and I have just been pouring glasses out of that.

This is the baby shower in September. Again, the flowers were done by my MIL, she is a pro at flowers. Also used for centerpieces were wrapped presents. My post about a friends baby shower from home gave inspiration for these centerpieces I'm told. Though, instead of wrapped diapers I think the soon-to-be grandma wrapped toys and other items.

The drink station. Lemonade, tea and water. Beautiful drink dispensers.

Lovely cake.

The favor basket filled with beautiful cookies.

Aren't these just precious? I love beautiful and delicious favors!

Have a lovely day!

Miscellany Monday

{1} Christmas was wonderful. Full of family, full of fun and full of food. Hubby and I left on Christmas Eve to head to mass with his family and dinner at his grandma's. About 45 minutes into our drive we realize we left his present for his brother-in-law {a very nice gun} so we turn around and headed home. By the time we get to the Valley we missed church but enjoyed prime rib with his mom's side of the family. Then we headed to his dad's side which was hosted at his Aunt Petie's house. She had a hot cocoa bar set up that made my day! After the festivities there we headed up north to my parents. We got there about 11:20pm and zonked out. We woke up and enjoyed my family for the day, ate prime rib {yes, again and again I loved it} and then headed south that afternoon. Got to see our 2 nephews on his side and enjoy them for a bit and then head to our home.

{my brother's 4 kiddos opening their presents from the hubby and I}

The hubby in his new hat from our nephews and our nephew on his new toy from us.

{2} Yesterday was so nice. We went to church, made breakfast, smoked a pork shoulder, ate an early dinner and watched movies. Delightful being home just hubby and I for a whole day.

{3} This week will be crazy. Nothing like yesterday. It is the Arizona National Livestock Show in Phoenix and I will be there for two whole days. It will be a blast, don't get me wrong but while out of my office I can't get anything done in my office so this will put me behind...but I will enjoy taking pictures at the ranch rodeo and seeing old friends. I am blessed to have a job that pays me to be at events I love to attend.

{4} Friday is the Fiesta Bowl Parade of which I will be walking in. You see, I work for the Arizona Cattle Growers' Association and the Fiesta Bowl Parade approached the Arizona Beef Council {where I used to work and is housed in same office building as me} and invited the cattle industry to be in the parade because they want to highlight the 5 C's of Arizona {Cattle, Copper, Citrus, Cotton & Climate}. We are are responsible for one float and on it will be a big mama calf and a baby calf in a desert landscape with us and Buckeye FFA-er's walking. They are the carpenter's who built our cow/calf pair as well.

This is me kissing the baby calf. We just got done painting here a Hereford so she looks a little splotchy.

{5} I am excited for 2011!! Are you? What are you most looking forward to? Getting healthy? Spending more time with your family? Starting a new job? Whatever it is I wish you the best!!

Christmas in mi Casa

Well this week has been extra busy as I get my January magazine out the door for work. But before Christmas is here and gone I wanted to share a couple photos of my Christmas decorations.

I love these Christmas blocks. And do you want to know a secret about those votive candles? They're left over from my wedding. They are gently "used" because they were on the tables but when they cleaned up they saved them and now I burn them all the time. I will probably still be using them all the way till our five year wedding anniversary there are so many...kidding but definitely come anniversary #2 they will still be around.

This is our little tree. I love it. On it is multi colored lights, red wooden beads, glittery sticks {I don't know their real name}and the same ornament over and over :) I was feeling so lazy when I did this I almost didn't put ornaments on it. But then I opened a box and saw these balls I bought specifically on sale after Christmas and I thought, well I better put them to use! And I loved the way it turned out. Originally, while at Lowe's I saw the galvanized tin and thought it would be nice to turn it over and put the tree stand on it so it was more elevated and then have a skirt or something but, the tree stand was just a tad too large to sit evenly and so I ended up putting it inside it and I love it. You can kinda see the green glare inside of it in this photo but just glancing at it and with the presents around it you can't even tell!

I bought these "B" & "A" ornaments last year too. One for Bass and one for Anna.

Last week I showed my little Santa zone but I wanted to show a close up on this little "shelf" I got it at an antique store in Old Town Cottonwood a month or so ago. I have wanted one of these wooden crates for some time and this one was the right price and the best part is on the side you can see it says, "Coca-Cola Bottling of Northern Arizona" Love.

I started this post yesterday and now I've finished it this morning...as I rush to get ready to head out the door for Church and two family gatherings with my hubby's family. I hope you all have a blessed Christmas!

Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Recipe: Grab your butter and get ready to partay...this recipe is one of my all time faves! I first tried it about 5 years ago after I saw it in one of my Everday Food Magazines {thank you Martha}. It's really a Christmastime favorite of mine--but that doesn't mean I haven't made them in March:)

My version. Please note the darker two were my second batch that I cooked a minute longer.

Since I'm lazy I'm just copying and pasting it from her website

Her version :)

• 1 1/2 cups (spooned and leveled) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup light unsulfured molasses
• Creamy molasses filling, (below)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat sugar and butter until combined. Beat in egg, then molasses, until smooth. On low speed, gradually add flour mixture until a dough forms.
3. Drop rounded measuring teaspoonfuls of dough onto two ungreased (or parchment-lined) baking sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart.
4. Bake until centers are dry to the touch, 12 to 15 minutes; rotate pans from top to bottom and front to back halfway through. Cool 1 minute on baking sheets; then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
5. Make Creamy Molasses Filling: Whisk 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) softened unsalted butter with 3 tablespoons light unsulfured molasses until smooth. Gradually whisk in 2 cups confectioners' sugar; whisk until smooth and spreadable. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
6. Spread a rounded measuring teaspoonful of Creamy Molasses Filling on the flat side of a cookie; place another cookie on top, and gently press. Repeat until all cookies are filled. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 day, or refrigerate up to 3 days (cookies may soften during refrigeration).

The tins I gave brookies and molasses sandwich cookies in to my co-workers. Bought these last year on sale after Christmas at Tarjay.

Wordless Wednesday-Ho, Ho, Ho

My Vegas Finds!

Hi Friends! I'm baaaccckkkk and worn out from walking and shopping! Vegas was a complete success. My sister and bff Holly and I went up north Friday and returned Sunday night. I didn't really take as many pictures as I would have liked but here is the weekend in pictures...

Thursday night was the Eric Church - Miranda Lambert Concert, totally amazing!!

Honestly, I think we could be friends.

And here is my friend, ahem, acquaintance, Rocki Gorman. THE Rocki Gorman. I have admired her work for years and finally this year I took the plunge...I bought a pair of earrings. Not just any earrings, the Inside Out Mohave Hoops.

The picture doesn't do them justice {in my mind} the color is much brighter in person, but I really should taken the picture earlier in the day so I could have used natural lighting instead of 9pm last night. I have wanted these earrings for over a year now and am so thrilled to rock them!

My other big purchase came with this charm bracelet I custom made at the Vintage Revival booth. I picked the length of my bracelet and then chose the charms. VR is featured in the latest Cowboys & Indians magazine and it is so odd because a day or two before I got that in the mail I asked my friend Lauren about her beautiful charm bracelet and she enlightened me on VR and their charms they make out of old china. I fell in love and couldn't wait to meet them. I chose these 5 charms to start {heart w/ "God Bless America" on it; "A", Arizona charm with turquoise, my only china piece that has a brand on it with another "A", and a pistol} I absolutely adore it and look forward to adding future charms to it, specifically more china pieces.

Love.

While at the convention center we ran into our lovely Governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer. Of course we had to snap a photo with her. I love how she is rocking the turquoise/coral and her hat!

My sister Katy, me and Holly enjoying the tree for a quick photo op.

This is the booth for Visible Faith Jewelry {other more updated site Order My God Tags}

We thought it was one of the cutest booths. Notice the rusty can lighting and delicate bird cages. Loved the framed bulletin boards they displayed jewelry on as well.

There were a ton of other booths that were gorgeous and had beautiful items and I hope to have a post soon about all the places I picked up cards from. If you notice I did not mention anything about Old Gringo's...I tried some on for the first time and honestly, I wasn't impressed with the comfort level so I passed, I guess I can take them off my wish list! Happy Tuesday!

See You Later...

I'm headed out...soon!

Tonight is Miranda Lambert & Eric Church with my sisters and niece.

Tomorrow is Vegas!

Watch out Cowboy Christmas, watch out blackjack tables...

Wish me luck! See you all next week!

Book Wreath

Literally folks this item has taken me nearly a year to accomplish...a YEAR!! Wow, when said {written}out loud that just about makes me shudder. Seriously, why in the world would anything sit and sit on a list when all it needed was a couple hours to be done. Apparently, at no point from mid January 2010 until now did I have the available couple hours...hmm, I imagine I did but I might have spent them doing other mindless tasks like laundry or washing dishes or watching Bravo TV...

Anywhoo, it doesn't matter. It's done. I love it. Amen.

Back in January my friend Krystal sent me to this post about a book wreath and I fell in love. I pretty much immediately ran down to the dollar store and purchased, not one, but two green ring things and a book. Now, for the book, instead of choosing a racy $1 novel I thought the wreath would mean more if the book had more substance and meaning. So, I'm a little nervous because I wonder if some of you will think I'm crazy or sacrilegious but I chose the Bible. Yeah, they sell them at the dollar store. I did feel bad ripping the pages out of it, but at the same time, I love looking at the wreath. I love glancing at it and seeing a scripture in Matthew or Psalms. It's more than a book wreath now, it's a worship wreath. So there you have it folks, take it or leave it, judge me or pray for me...

Here's a little picture timeline as I folded and glued the entire Bible onto this wreath ring. The only items I had to buy were the ring and the book; I already owned spray paint {I put it on the outside of the book to give a vintage look, in her tutorial she uses paint but I'm lazy...} and the glue gun.

And the finished product on the wall.

{PW-Seventies action here & please don't judge my cluttered little bookshelf}

Miscellany Monday

On this lovely Monday I have the following things to report...

{1} Even though we lost to our rival ASU...we are still in a bowl game and they are not! Okay that's enough of my gloating but UA will take on Oklahoma State on 12/29 in San Antonio at the Alamo Bowl. Go CATS!

{2} Yesterday I finally did something that has been on my crafty to do list for MONTHS!! I made a book wreath!

More to come about this later this week.

{3} I got my new plate this weekend! Arizona FFA has begun a new fundraiser and it's in the world of license plates. I customized mine {my first time ever doing that} and to something, oh so appropriate :) "EATBEEF" was taken so I went with the next best...

{4} I'm almost done Christmas shopping!!! YAYAYAYAY!! And the best part is...all with cash. No credit cards or bad debt to carry into 2011!!

{5} I'm headed to Vegas this weekend! But first, my sis and I will head up to Prescott, AZ and see Miranda Lambert in concert!! The best part we will be taking our lovely SIL and niece to her very first concert for her 10th birthday!! I'm not sure who's more excited, me or her!

Bear Down

Tonight is the Duel in the Desert. What's that you ask? Well, for myself and fellow Wildcats it's time to bring down our rival. I cannot wait to watch these guys...

Head Coach Mike Stoops, the only man I'm okay with in a visor. 

This is how I expect to see Stoops this evening.

Wilbur & Wilma our mascots. Wilbur celebrated his 50th anniversary in 2009 and him and Wilma were married before the UA vs. ASU game on November 21, 1986. In 2006 they renewed their vows at a basketball game I was at. Wilbur even has a drivers license...yeah he's the BEST mascot around!

This is our man and QB Nick Foles. He better rock the house tonight.

This will be our house tonight. Packed. *Sad I will not be there*

This is the Territorial Cup.

Bear Down Arizona, Bear Down Red & Blue,

Bear Down Arizona, Hit 'em Hard Let 'em Know Who's Who

Bear Down Arizona, Bear Down Red & Blue

Go, Go, Wildcats Go,

Arizona Bear Down!!!!

{Yes, that is my FAVORITE song in the world!}

Wordless Wednesday-Pretty Old Gringo Boots

Old Gringo