Turquoise Thursday

I saw this pretty little saddle while in Willcox for a cattle sale last fall. Thought it was cute and snapped a picture. I like the crosses peeking through...

Happy Thursday to you all! I'm pretty much over my sickness just have to get my voice back to normal and kick the last of the cough/congestion. As I mentioned, I started my workout {CrossFit}on Monday and I am super sore but absolutely LOVE it. Tonight is day 3 and I'm very excited. It's different every day, even though every day it's hard. I'm using muscles that haven't been used in a loooonnnggg time, some may have never really been tapped in to :) Tomorrow the hubby and I are headed north to see our two oldest nephew and niece show their lambs for the very first time at the fair. I'm super excited to see them in action!

Fiesta Bridal Shower

A couple weekends ago my sister was blessed with a beautiful bridal shower and bachelorette party with friends and family. Minus the rainy weather everything was just perfect. Because it was all so pretty, I'm going my writing to a minimum and just share photos...

Just lovely and bright and fun!

My mama and my sister the gorgeous-glowing-bride

These cupcakes were totally delightful. Chocolate and lemon. Made by a girl in Casa Grande named Cory and as soon as I have her info I will share...

The spread from Lil Sombrero in Casa Grande. Very, very yummy.

How cute are these mini tacos and tostadas?! Love them!

Some of the crowd that day.

Hello, W is for wifey and for her new last name :)

She loves her coffee and her cream. I know this will get put to good use!

A group of college friends loving on our bride.

The hostesses with the mostest. Cindy and daughter Kirsten with Katy.

26

Last year when I turned 25 I did a post of 25 things about me. And another year has passed so here goes my best shot at sharing more nuggets of info about me...

one. I can't believe I'm 26. I still feel 17 and 21...

two. I love doing laundry, by far it is my most favorite household chore. Well, to be honest - it doesn't feel like a chore:)

three. I love to play cards and board games. Learned cards from my lovely Grandma Meyers.

four. My activity level is about to increase - dramatically. Monday I start Cross Fit. Check out this promo video of what it is for more details of the style of strength and conditioning programs.

five. My sister and best friend is getting married next month. Words cannot describe my happiness for her and her future hubby. 

six. I would classify driving as one of my hobbies. I like it and have to do it a lot. My little Ford Escape {Dotty is her name} has gotten over 115K miles in just under 3 years.

seven. I mentioned it last year but it deserves mentioning again: I am addicted to iced tea. I L-O-V-E it!

eight. Cut from the same pattern as my mama, I love antique stores. I find them fascinating, warm and sort of like a treasure hunt. It may have helped that I grew up going in A LOT of them with her :)

nine. I would like to travel to Greece.

ten. I am 5' 10"

eleven. One time while at a friends house in Phoenix {staying there during a soccer tourney} I was on the top bunk and went to get down and hit my head on the ceiling fan. {HJ!}

twelve. My first lamb's name was tagalong. I wasn't old enough to show yet so we just tagged-along with my brother and sister.

thirteen. I have a sweet tooth. I like to think I have some self control now as a 26 year old but growing up I would sneak anything and everything from my mom's kitchen. It was like a game for me to find sprinkles, frosting or cookies and eat them up with nobody knowing. {Side story: one time I ate a box of Girl Scout Thin Mints from the freezer and my mom wanted to scold the child who did it...she had my brother, sister and me in the living room under lockdown until the culprit confessed. I held out for a long time but once my sister started crying that she didn't do it I finally caved in and confessed I was the guilty party...my sister still can't believe I held out so long!]

fourteen. I love music and many varieties. I have well over 6,000 songs on my ipod and enjoy listening to whatever suits my mood.

fifteen. My favorite thing on Easter is to say, "He is risen!" and for others to reply, "He is risen indeed!"

sixteen. I ran track for 2 years, it got me so stressed out I honesttogoodness thought I was getting an ulcer.

seventeen. I miss being able to take naps like I did in college. Kids: when someone says enjoy every minute of college because it's the easiest time of your life...take them seriously. It's a cake walk compared to real life!

eighteen. I now have 7 nieces and nephews that are the apples of my eyes. 

nineteen. Growing up my brother thought it was his personal responsibility to make me "tough" thanks for the bruises and tear stains big brother :) {although one time he hit me in the head with a rock and I refuse to say thank you for that one}

twenty. I am so happy and blessed with life right now. Thankful for a good job that I love and that my hubby and I are together every day now.

twenty one. Thankful to live in America and worship freely.

twenty two. I am thankful for our Lord and Savior that he sent His only Son to wash away our sins so that we may be forgiven.

twenty three. I am blessed to celebrate my two year anniversary with my hubby tomorrow.

twenty four. I enjoy horse racing and love the excitement and festivities surrounding them. I would like to attend the Kentucky Derby in a big floppy hat someday.

twenty five. I am proud to be part of the United State cattle industry that helps feed not only our country but people across the world.

twenty six. I usually request for no massage when I get a pedicure...weird I know but it usually bothers my shins and I get irritated when the same spot is touched/rubbed over and over and that always seems to happen so I just skip it...

This is the letter my brother submitted to our local papers and it got picked up in a couple of them. I'm sick as can be and my brain is not working so that is why this Friday, Earth Day I'm only copying and pasting instead of writing my own piece for all you my friends in blog land.

If you remember one thing please know that as rancher's and tenants of the land we take great pride and responsibility in respectfully managing the land and livestock of this earth. We are passionate about raising food for your family and our own. Happy Earth Day!

Dear Editor:
These days, everyone from celebrities to journalists to politicians has an opinion about the “right” way to raise food. Often, their criticism of ranchers like me relates to the environment – people say we aren’t doing our part to protect the planet.

With Earth Day coming up, I’d like to offer some food for thought. While these naysayers talk about minimizing impact on the environment, America’s cattle farmers and ranchers get up every day and do it. We care for the land because it’s our job. On average, each cattleman has 13 different practices in place to accomplish environmental goals, such as nurturing wildlife, preventing erosion and conserving and protecting water.

We’re constantly creating new, innovative practices that help us do more with less. Many experts agree U.S. livestock production practices are an environmentally sustainable solution for raising food and should be considered a model for the rest of the world. The things we do to protect and enhance the land are unique to where we’re located. But, no matter what climate or geography we live in, we care for our cattle and the environment.

Today, and every day, I’d like to extend my appreciation to my fellow Arizona farmers and ranchers – the original environmentalists.

Regards,
Paul Groseta
President Yavapai Cattle Growers Association
4th Generation Rancher
Cottonwood, AZ

That's my bro on the horse to the left and my dad to the right.

Turquoise Thursday

Hi friends, so this sickness-ickiness-disease is still haunting me. I'm nowhere near being 100%. Honestly, on Monday I felt a 100 times better than I did yesterday and today. So because I can barely breath and haven't slept in about 3 days here is one cute little turquoise outfit that was the star of a Nordstrom email to me a few weeks back...

I would love to wear this whole outfit...when I can properly breath through my nose:)

Happy Easter week, blessings and good health to you all!

Miscellany Monday

{1}

I went to my parents this weekend and will share about that but I broke down with the flu on Saturday night. Well, I actually had a sore throat on Saturday but thought it was because I had slept with the ceiling fan on too high...the aches and pains hit me like a tonofbricks while at dinner with my parents. I felt like a little kid all over again and wanted to seriously cry because why not, you're home with your parents and in pain. I held it together and my amazing mother hooked me up as usual on supercharged Echinacea {literally it says "supercharged" on it} and another homeopathic remedy we swear by called Oscillococcinum made by Boiron. Literally it says it will, "nip flu-like symptoms in the bud" and it does I tell you. It's kinda pricey but as soon as you feel those aches throw some under your tongue and continue as directed and you will be thankful. I almost had forgotten about this wonder medicine but good thing I was home, even my cowboy dad from the old school swears by this--it's that good people.

Okay getting off my soap drug box now :)

{2}

I had the pleasure of watching my four nieces and nephews on Saturday for about 7 hours and I loved every minute. When I arrived they were watching America's Funniest Home Videos {the oldest's favorite and after a few laughs we headed outside to play. We played tag. Then we played fox & rabbit {another version of tag} then we played deadman {another version of tag} and we were going to play sharks & minnows {another version of tag} but instead went with London Bridge. Let's just say I got my cardio on...

London Bridge just fell.

We celebrated with sweet treats from AJ's their one year baptism birthday and talked about what their baptism meant and about Easter and how blessed we are to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is so sweet to hear children talk about God and him giving us his only Son. 

Those sugar cookies are to.die.for. Barb's Bakery just down the street from my office makes them and happens to supply AJ's with them. Those bunny's are full of peanut butter. I believe the red velvet cupcakes are from Barb's too. {I've been meaning to do a whole post on Barb's but you can see they are the bombdotcom}

{3}

Palm Sunday. What a beautiful service we had yesterday. As typical of me, I cried a little. I cry because I'm so thankful for God's love. I cry because the music brings me to tears. I cry because I know I am so blessed.

Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

From The Summons the last song we sang yesterday.

link up with Carissa

CattleWomen Care: Texas Wildfire Relief Fund

In response the devastating wildfires in West Texas an emergency committee was formed to discuss how to best assist our fellow cattlewomen and cattlemen affected by the fires.  Many of our West of the Pecos CattleWomen are suffering from severe losses of land, livestock and other resources destroyed by wildfires.  Our hearts ache for them and we know CattleWomen across the country are praying for rains to halt the devastation.  

CattleWomen Care: Texas Wildfire Relief Fund has been established to provide an opportunity for CattleWomen to contribute monetarily via PayPal.  Contributions to the temporary fund will be dispersed to existing crisis relief efforts with the guidance of the recently formed emergency committee and needs identified by West of the Pecos CattleWomen who are in the heart of the areas hit by the wildfires. 

It is our hope that the CattleWomen Care: Texas Wildfire Relief Fund will receive contributions from CattleWomen, CattleWomen groups and friends of CattleWomen across the country. Establishing the fund will not interfere with the efforts being organized by our industry partners, we certainly support them, but instead act to extend the relief available through donations from those personally connected to CattleWomen.  CattleWomen want to support each other and we want to support those in crisis.

Details of how to contribute will be available on www.txcattlewomen.org

America's Taco Shop

"Home of the greatest carne asada in the Valley!"

That's what America's Taco Shop claims and I'm not going to argue with them. Considering after driving by and deciding to go in a little over a month ago and I've been back about a half dozen times...I think I might agree with them. Here's the deal, I love me some carne. It's simple and with some cabbage, cilantro and lime I'm a happy camper.

I love reading about how this little taco shop came to be. Here's an excerpt from their website and menu:

America was preparing meals for her four older brothers and sister as early as nine years old. America moved from Culiacán at the age of fourteen after her mother passed and lived with her oldest brother Ricardo and sister-in-law Claudia.

In 1999 America met her future husband who has 16 years restaurant experience. After nine years of eating all of the great food prepared by America, they finally did what they talked about for those nine years. The dream came alive when they opened America’s Taco Shop “The Home of the greatest Carne Asada in the Valley!

Inside the restaurant the top of the walls is chalkboard paint and they have menu and special prices listed.

This is only one part of their patio seating at the 7th street location. It's warm, it's friendly and it's comfortable. In front of the restaurant they a couple picnic benches so it's group friendly. In fact on Wednesday night I ate there with my SIL Rachel and about eight special assignment officers of the Phoenix PD ate there...and let's just say these guys were not small/skinny/unfit by any means and they looked comfortable at one table.

{sorry no pictures of them}

These were my two carne asada tacos prior to me enjoying every last bite of them.

This was Lauren's carne asada quesadilla

And a vampiro al pastor {marinated pork} look at that grilled pineapple!

A tasty carne asada burrito for Maria.

Can you tell we like to eat beef? Since it's Friday I must share a little fact for you. Did you know beef is a premier naturally nutrient-rich food, helping you get more nutrition from your calories. Beef has eight times more vitamin B12, six times more zinc and two and a half times more iron than a skinless chicken breast.

Turquoise Thursday :: Coffee Table Books

I'm a big fan of coffee table books. I like how big they are and just how pretty they are to look at {inside on the pages and just sitting closed}. Here are some coffee table books I would love to put out because of my dear love for turquoise...

The Allure of Turquoise by Arnold Vigil.

Turquoise Unearthed by Joe Dan Lowry and Joe P. Lowry

Turquoise-Mines, Mineral, & Wearable Art by Mark P. Block

Turquoise-The World Story of a Fascinating Gemstone by Joe Dan Lowry and Joe P. Lowry

I've seen this one a couple different places but have yet to purchase it...

Art of Turquoise by Mary Emmerling

Absolutely gorgeous cover. I would love to see what's inside this.

Turquoise Trail: Native American Jewelry and Culture of the Southwest by Jeffrey Jay Foxx & Carol Karasik

I dream of cuffs and rings like the ones pictured on this cover.

You can find all these books at amazon.

Wednesday Wish List :: Jan Barboglio

Continuing with the theme of my selfish birthday wish list post from last week I have some more items that I'm going to share that make my eye twinkle. This week the focus is Jan Barboglio. Each piece is hand worked, individually cast or wrought, hammered, sanded and hand finished.

You may think I'm crazy but I keep a draft email in my gmail account that I update whenever I see something I like. I started doing this because when it comes down to Christmas or my birthday I don't know what I want if I'm put on the spot, but keeping a list has been helpful. So when I went to look at my wish list today I noticed it was covered in Jan Barboglio so here is what I've been looking at:

BALLINITO SALT AND PEPPER SERVER

found here or here {for $10 cheaper}

This is just plain cute.

LA REYNA FRAME 4X6

Found here or here {for $10 cheaper again!}

As if I need anymore picture frames {what I really need is a digital frame!} but these two are just so rustic and fun to look at.

EL REY FRAME 4X6

Found here or here {same deal as last time...-$10}

WROUGHT IRON PAPER TOWEL HOLDER

Again here and here

Let me just tell you the top ball comes off to get your towels on and that thing can be used as a weapon. It is heavydutyforsure!

ROYAL FAMILY'S LAZY SUSAN

Here and here {this time $15 less}

I think it would be fun to spin items around the table on this.

Cruz Padre Father Cross {it's huge, 46"x27.5" wood cross adorned forged iron crown}

found here

This would make a statement in any home. Perhaps in my new home it will be the center focal point...kidding this is waytooexpensive for anyone to buy me for my birthday!

The reason I linked both places is because I have only really looked and bought Jan Barboglio online at Old Texas but I have only perused the Steelz For the Home store. Nieman Marcus also carries a bit of her line.

I was introduced to JB's stuff by my SIL Gretchen with the house blessing cross she had and a couple other pieces that are just magnificent!

I'm the proud owner as well :) And I've given some to friends as gifts for their homes.

Gretchen also got me this wonderful item {right off my wish list} for this past Christmas

The Juan Diego Box

I just remembered for Christmas last year she also got me a JB box that holds our playing cards. LOVE.

For graduation from college from my friend Britta I received this lovely addition to my home/kitchen decor. {I babysat for Britta in college and she had the paper towel holder that is how I know that thing is super duper heavy}

Thanks for listening/reading to me be a self centered birthday brat.

Happy Wednesday to you all!

Boy or Girl?

So my friend Holly, who you have all heard me mention at some point or another is fabulously pregnant and is expecting in August. She wanted to share the gender of their little bundle of joy with friends and family and find out at the same time with everyone! So they set the date the day after their doctor's appointment had the Doc put the gender in an envelope and she delivered the envelope to the cake maker. 

How did she not see what she was having at the ultrasound? Well, the doctor told her when to look away and she didn't try to peek! Here is a look at the festivities:

The invite. Super cute. I of course arrived in pink :)

The goods. Holly had the cake made and then did pink/blue cupcakes and made these super cute poms.

The cake.

The game. Well, not really a game. A boy and girl rubber boot, you put your name on whatever gender you thought it was and after they cut the cake they drew from the "winning" boot.

The gifts. They weren't requested or expected but let's be honest, when someone is having a baby us women love to shower them:) Even though I wore pink to the party I brought a gender neutral gift of a UA onesie that was red with an A on it. {Go Cats!}Her mom and MIL gave her a boy and a girl outfit {just in case} and her mom sent some of Holly's own things she had as a baby girl...

The drinks.

Mom and dad cutting the cake. The anticipation is killing the lady in the pink.

Wow, they're going to be a mom and dad, so fun to type!

And the cake said BOY!!

It was a fun party and I'm so glad I got to share in the joy! Holly's little sister and I are hosting her baby shower in July so stay tuned for the details on that partay!

Miscellany Monday

{1}

My SIL Carmella made these fantastic cookies last week for some of her fave legislators :) How cute are they?!

{2}

This past weekend was spent showering my lovely sister with a bridal shower and her bach party. Minus the cold and rain it was absolutely perfect! A post on that to come this week! But here's a shot of us at her shower...

{don't you just love that door?! The hosts Father/Grandfather does stained glass-gorgeous!}

{3}

I didn't realize it but there is an underlying theme of Arizona's flag in this post...just so you know, I think we have the best flag in the union :) and no, I'm not biased one bit!

{4}

Home. I'm going home shopping today. And this weekend I'm going home to my parents. I love going home to the ranch. They say smells are a strong trigger of memories and this is a good time of year to go home and smell up my childhood and the good times of yesteryear. Oh and to squeeze and love on 4 of the loves of my life...oh shoot and even to pretend to work a little on the ranch...oh and see my friends :)

{5}

I may or may not have went to Tarjay on Friday night. And I may or may not have purchased a couple really cute and really reasonably priced dresses. And I may or may not be pictured in one above with my sister. And I may or may not be in one today...LOVE.

Okay rabbit trail: You know that Dynamite song? He says, "I'm in all my favorite brands brands brands" so we were jamming to it in the car on the way to dinner on Saturday night {sober prego Holly drove us-thanks love!} and while that part of the song was on I shouted out "Target!" I totally thought it was a hysterical moment...you may not be laughing but it's okay I did enough for all at the time.

Go over and link up for MM at Carissa's!

Safe & Savory

It's Friday and that means I share a ranching or beef fact or little nugget of information. Sadly, I missed last week but I'm back this week.

In the beef industry we have a little saying, "Safe & Savory at 160" meaning cook your ground beef to 160 degrees for a safe and savory burger. For your roasts and steaks they can be cooked to a lesser temperature {the Arizona Beef Council has a good roasting guide explaining oven and internal temps}

Here are some quick facts when it comes to selecting and using a meat thermometer:

When choosing your meat thermometer, keep a couple simple things in mind:

• Make sure that the thermometer is designed for meat and poultry — and not for candy or other foods.
• Instant-read meat thermometers which have a dial or digital readout are the best option to use for ground beef because they give an accurate temperature reading much quicker than an oven-proof meat thermometer.

Using Your Meat Thermometer

An instant-read meat thermometer must be inserted properly to accurately read the temperature of your burger. Remember:

• Instant-read thermometers cannot be used in the oven — insert them into your ground beef after you’ve removed it from the oven.
• The sensing area of thermometers is ½ inch to 2 inches long — this area must be completely immersed in the deepest area of the food.
• When cooking or grilling ground beef, stick your meat thermometer into thethickest area of the beef, inserting sideways.
• Most meat thermometers are accurate to within plus or minus 1 to 2° F. Alwayscheck cooked ground beef in several places to ensure food safety.
• As with any cooking utensil, always sanitize your meat thermometer with hot soapy water after each use. Do not place it in the dishwasher.

Head over to my friend Carol's blog for her Friday Farm Fact! And have a fabulous weekend! I have a bridal shower for my sister to attend and a little bach getaway with her and some girls I will post the details next week!