Life Be Delicious

Baby Room!

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

When better to post photos of the baby room than the night before I go in to be induced and can't sleep at one in the morning! {yay...not!}

That's okay, if I don't do this now I may never share them. And since I have the new fancy iPhone and the camera is fabulous and the apps are great it's easy to share!

Crib and a bit of the rocking chair. See the cute western boppy cover my dear Holly had made for me? Right on top of baby's first Pendleton blanket from another dear friend, Mattie.

Rocking area.

Changing table. The copper artwork on the right was my grandparents.

Branding irons are my family's brand. Little western bear my lovely SIL Gretchen gave him.

A close up on some things. The wooden fire truck was my hubby's as a child and his parents gave to our son for Christmas. The rocking chair my parents gave him for Christmas. The "rock me" sign is from my dear friend Lauren. The cowboy sign I bought a LONG time ago on sale and have been waiting to use in my little cowboy's room...the star I made from baling wire in college. Oh and the blanket on the rocking chair is vintage and was a baby shower gift from my brother's best friend's sister...make sense? :)

Bookshelf - might be a bit cluttered now but oh well. I like clutter - or clutter likes me.

More close up of bookshelf items. My dad horseback, my hubby next to his favorite truck in HS, cowboy books and old Zane Grey books.

Farm stacker, star hanger {already owned this as well}, cowboy bucket already full of boots and Rockmount sign I again previously purchased.

I really didn't buy much or actually anything when it came to the actual decor of his room. Everything I already owned or was gifted. The crib my parents gifted us and we bought the changing table. Rocking chair was a hand-me-down from my wonderful SIL AMK and the bookshelf we already had. I guess, I did purposely buy the Zane Grey books at an antique store...all in all I really like what is in there and am so very blessed to be bringing our son home to a house full of love for him!

Update...

2012-01-31T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hi friends, went to the doctor today and I'm still not dilated.

Going in at 8am to start the induction with some gels, again at 2pm and then admitted to the hospital at 9pm.

~Unless, he decides to come tonight or at anytime during the day tomorrow~

But no matter what we are getting admitted tomorrow my doc said and she said to expect him Thursday!

Thanks for all your prayers, support and kind words!

Happy Baby Week!

2012-01-30T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hi friends, I have not had my baby yet but think this is the big week!!

I have an appointment tomorrow and will most likely be induced on Wednesday.

At my appointment last Thursday I was not dilated and had an ultrasound and test test where everything came up healthy.

This morning thebump.com sent me an email titled, "your baby 1 week old" I need to email them back and let them know I need "your pregnancy week 41!"

Hope to be sharing our little bundle of joy with you all very soon!

Hugs,

Anna

I'm still pregnant

2012-01-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hello friends, I'm still pregnant. Baby is the size of a watermelon {still I hope} and on my 40 week email from thebump.com on Monday it said he could be weighing between 5-11 pounds.

Whattt?! What kind of freak range of six pounds is that?! I'm assuming he will be 8+ pounds but don't really care as long as he decides to come soon!

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and if still decides to keep cooking she will induce me next Tuesday or Wednesday.

I finally have gotten to answer the question, "When are you due?" with, "Yesterday." or "Two days ago..." those are fun.

Here's hoping my little bambino comes soon so I can start cuddling on him!

Turquoise Thursday

2012-01-19T07:43:00.001-08:00

I may or may not have treated myself to some new earrings I recently pinned...

Source: laylagrayce.com via Anna on Pinterest

Happy Turquoise Thursday friends! I'm rocking my turquoise scarf today and as always it makes me feel fabulous :)

Wordless Wednesday ~ Big Bumpin' Style

2012-01-18T09:22:00.001-08:00

St. Francis Restaurant - Phoenix

2012-01-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

On Camelback just east of Central there is an eatery I highly recommend, St. Francis. I have now been there several times and fortunately a couple visits ago I had Lauren take some photos on her iphone to share. On this particular visit I had a coupon for a free flatbread which is kind of a brick oven pizza, we got the Cheese {cheese blend, tomato, garlic, sicilian oregano}.

On this visit I got the Romaine Hearts salad + chicken {they didn't have a + steak option or I would have gotten it...} ingredients {romaine hearts, apple, endive, smoked bacon and buttermilk cheddar dressing}. Can I just say the dressing doesn't sound that appealing {to me anyway} but it was delicious and I didn't feel like it was cheesy...

Lauren got the French Onion Burger which I got the time before {smoked bacon, gruyere, crispy onions} she paired it with the cauliflower soup instead of fries or a side salad.

Patrick delighted us by getting the Fried Egg Sandwich {mozzarella, peppers, bacon, arugula, chipotle aioli}. I must say I got this sandwich last week when we went here for an office birthday lunch and it was PHENOMENAL. I asked for extra bacon {obviously} and it was seriously life changing delicious. The chiptole gave it a little kick, the crispy bacon, the arugula and dripping egg yolk made my DAY.

If you're ever in the Phoenix area I highly recommend St. Francis. It has a fun atmosphere, a great patio and fabulous fare. Just be warned we tried to go there with the hubby's grandma the other Sunday and it was and hour and half wait...

Writing Random and Linking Up

2012-01-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

1. I didn't post one thing last week. I think it's because I was so insanely focused at work. Honest to goodness I accomplished more last week than I ever thought imaginable. Now here I am still pushing out tasks for work but in a more calm state. My February magazine is at the printer, I launched a new website for work and I got a ton of membership work done. Today, I hope to get edits back from co-workers on a newsletter, draft up a PAC brochure and email some people for interviews in my March issue. {Okay, so I'm a workaholic and I like lists. Thank you for reading this random section.}

2. Baby is 39 weeks and the size of a watermelon. He is kicking the heck out of my ribs and dancing around with moves like Jagger...oh wait they are probably more like his daddy. I'm certain he will come out knowing how to do the family elbow move :)

I'm still really comfortable and I think he is too. My next appointment is this Thursday. As of last week I was not dilated at all. I've been thinking this whole time we will go to 40 or 41 weeks but I woke up this morning and thought Friday will be the day...so we'll see!

3. On Saturday, I got to spend a wonderful day with my grandma. My parents went to Tucson to see our wildcats play {and sadly lose to Oregon} and they dropped her off with me. Well, I picked her up in town and we hit up Tarjay and then lunch at Paradise before heading back to the Copa. She proceeded to kick my butt in Rummy and then in Cribbage. Finally, I pulled off a W in one game of cribbage before my parents came to pick her up.

4. Not this past weekend but the one before the hubby and I wheeled and dealed all weekend as we have been shopping for a bigger family vehicle. We settled on a nice gently used suburban that we like to call "Full time Fancy." She is fancy because she has leather seats - something both of us never thought we would have but many people are saying we will appreciate it with kiddos. It ended up being a fantastic deal and we are really happy with our purchase. Here's the first family shot with the sub FTF :)

Hubby loves this car much more than Dotty {my ford escape} for some reason he is a tad more comfortable and just fits better in this rig...

5. Oh, blessings abound! I believe we have found someone to watch our little guy when I head back to work. Honestly, it FREAKS me out to not have even given birth and yet to have to search for child care...I don't want to think about someone else taking care of my baby *sob* BUT I realize it's a necessary evil. Anyway, just want to say Praise God because we have found a nice little lady in our town that is interested. We haven't confirmed it in stone yet but I'm pretty sure it's set. And friends of ours used her for I think 6 years and her kids call her nana...so that obviously puts my heart at rest - sort of :)

Link up with Carissa!

Music Box

2012-01-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

All I have to say is a couple of things...yesterday I made my pandora station be the "David Crowder Band" station and it pulled up some amazing tunes.

One song by Shawn McDonald "Open Me" came on from his Live in Seattle album and I went ahead and bought the whole dang thing on itunes last night. It is AMAZING people. I'm into the whole live acoustic type show so if you're not, I'm sorry. But you may change your mind...my fave songs so far are All I Need, Open Me and of course Take My Hand {which I already had of his but it's great in this setting.}

Get yourself the Shawn McDonald Live in Seattle album.

Next, Chris Tomlin's "Our God" is and should be life changing. It pumps me up. I love it. I'm a music addict so I went ahead and bought that whole album. I already have a lot of Chris Tomlin, I think he is a great worship singer so I know I won't be disappointed.

I picked up one Newsboys tune, "God's Not Dead" and one Needtobreathe tune, "Something Beautiful." Both are super legit.

And finally, I pre-ordered the final album of David Crowder Band, Give Us Rest. It comes out on the 14th I believe...

Okay, I'm jumping off my music soapbox. Happy Friday!

It's My Monday

2012-01-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

~
I never showed you all my Christmas decorations...boo. I had all the intentions to take some photos and put them up here and then *poof* Christmas came and this crazy lady took everything down the day after because I wanted to ensure that if I went into labor I would not have a tree up when baby came home...

~
I am 37 weeks + 1 day! woohoo!
The question of the moment is, "Oh, you're due pretty soon. Aren't you getting miserable?" My answer: "No, I feel great. I've been very blessed with an easy pregnancy." And it's true. Honestly, yes, I go to the bathroom a heck of a lot more but really it's no big deal. I didn't write anything last week but I had an appointment on Thursday and we had some concerns my little bambino was still breech so I got an ultrasound and much to my happiness he is head down and in proper position! My next appointment is this Thursday so I will keep you posted!

~
Yesterday, was college football mayhem. I didn't realize they were going to put like six bowl games on one day. I'm just happy I got to watch the Rose Parade on tv in the morning. If you've never watched it you must make sure you do it next year. It is absolutely amazing. Someday I would love to see it in person!

~
Now it's officially Wednesday I forgot to post this yesterday...but in keeping with my random updates I will continue:

So I've mentioned Barb's bakery before and I have to say they are the best of the best. Last Monday I stopped in for a sweet treat and opted for their cream filled donut...it was a long john and it made my life complete. It took every ounce of my being to not stop in there every day last week and get another one. Here's the random: the donut was $1 and frankly worth every penny. I may or may not have stopped in yesterday and gotten another one {it had been 8 days people...} it was still $1. Today for my dear friend Lauren's birthday I stopped in for a box of donuts for the office, I picked 7 donuts and a cheese danish...I'm thinking the total is at least $8...it was $6.34. Umm, four of the 8 treats were long johns so apparently for 2.34 I got 3 donuts and a cheese danish, right? I was confused. I said, "I don't think you charged me enough." The guy ignored me and rung me up...

I'm thinking tonight is the night that I finish tackling the baby's room. I promise to get my act together and snap some photos of it once it's complete!

Happy Wednesday, it's almost Fridaaaayyyyy!!

NFR Turquoise Chair

2011-12-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

As you all know I was not able to hit up my beloved Cowboy Christmas and NFR this year but my dear friend Lauren picked up some things for me that I wanted and sent along fun photos while she shopped.

One of them was this gorgeous turquoise chair.

They even let her sit in it :)

The chair is from Great Blue Heron Furniture Company.

Happy Turquoise Thursday!

Monday is here again...{UPDATED w/ PHOTOS}

2011-12-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Another Monday has arrived! I cannot believe it is December 19th!!

one.

In uber exciting news {for me, most likely not for you} I finished my January magazine super early and had it uploaded to the printer before lunch on Friday. And today, my printer is already bringing me my proofs! Woohoo, what a relief and blessing to know that this issue will have no problems getting to my members mailboxes on time even with all the closures for Christmas/New Years.

I know what you're thinking, "this girl is crazy." But these are the things that make my work life so very very happy! And it's the things like this that can make my personal life stressed and keep me up at night if I feel like I'm behind schedule...oh the joys of being committed and in love with one's job :)

two.

As always, a bambino update: we are 35 weeks today and he is cooking along. My hubby asked yesterday, "Wouldn't it be cool if he came before Christmas?!" Umm, yes I agree, it's frankly going to be "cool" at any point he decides to arrive but I wouldn't mind waiting another week or two...so then he said, "Well, what about the week after Christmas?!" I said, that would be awesome...I love his eagerness. I am certain I am going to fall a million more times in love with him when I see him with our son.

three.

Yesterday was a wonderful day with the hubby. After church we went to eat lunch at Coal Burger in Chandler {which will have another post dedicated entirely to it.} then we got some last minute Christmas gifts and came home to snuggle in bed and watch tv for the afternoon. I couldn't have been more relaxed and thankful for a quiet afternoon with the love of my life. I realize those precious moments will be fewer and farther apart once our baby arrives so I'm thankful and treasure these times.

four.

Saturday night we had a wonderful Christmas partay with my hubby's family. Typically this side of the family gets together on Christmas Eve but this year we tried it out a week in advance and it was a blast! Aunt Petie hosted it and of course was the hostess with the mostess! I am hoping to get pictures I took on Holl Doll's camera and share with you the festivities. Delicious food, a fun photo booth/area and fabulous family fun was had.

Here I stole some photos Ali posted on facebook. My hubby said please do not put this on facebook {to me} but obviously Ali didn't listen ;) Isn't he the cutest Rudolph?!

The crowd suggested this pose. I think it's adorable :)

five.

Finally, I will try and not get on my soapbox but just a little thought I have to share. I'm a tad frustrated with the attitude of everyone {media, retailers} relating this upcoming Sunday to being solely about "time with family." Now, don't get me wrong I want to spend the day with my family - absolutely. However, to think that this day is only a day to be shared with family to eat food and open presents is utterly wrong. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, the Son of God who came to save us. I'm thankful on this special day I will be with family but my heart is thankful, full and humbled that God sent his Son.

You know what to do, hit up Carissa!

WYB? :: Food Dialogues

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

I want to encourage all of you to check out Food Dialogues, the website for the newly created U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) is a newly formed alliance consisting of a wide range of prominent farmer- and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners. This marks the first time agricultural groups at the national, regional and state levels have collaborated to lead the dialogue and answer Americans’ questions about how we raise our food – while being stewards of the environment, responsibly caring for our animals and maintaining strong businesses and communities.

So I encourage you to join the discussion. Ask questions. We want to answer them for you!

Turquoise Thursday

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Love love love.

Found at Double D Ranch's blog.

Giveaways! & a Bump Photo :)

2011-12-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday to all!

Just wanted to share the good word, be sure to head over to Pioneer Woman's Home & Garden area for her 12 days of giveaways!

And on Facebook if you are not a fan of Double D Ranch you need to be! AND they now have a men's line so be sure to like DOUG by Double D Ranch!

At DDR they've been doing 12 days of giveaways of their beautiful and amazing products so be sure to check in daily to enter!

Finally, as requested here's a current photo today of my baby bump :)

And in closing, if you could say a prayer for our other house to sell I would really appreciate it. We got an offer yesterday and I'm praying it goes through!

Hugs!

My Monday Miscellany

2011-12-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

•

I'm hot folks. It's cold outside and I'm pretty much always hot. This baby has my temperature up and rising. People said to me all the time, "Oh, your so lucky being pregnant through the winter." Umm, actually I enjoyed it when everyone in Phoenix was hot with me. Now I'm the freak that is sweating in 55 degrees.

•

We are a fabulous 34 weeks today. My baby is apparently the size of a honeydew and ranges in size from 4.2-5.8 pounds. I think he's a solid 5 pounds right now. Just sayin'. I have a doctor's appointment Thursday and am looking forward to that.

•

Well, after dvr-ing and watching the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo almost every day I very much missed my usual trip to Cowboy Christmas but enjoyed being able to watch all the performances on tv. Especially since I just can fast forward my least favorite events :)

•

The house is officially done getting decorated for Christmas. Now I just need to snap some photos to share with my blog buddies{that's you}.

•

I spent last Wednesday with my Grandma and had a ball. She beat me in cribbage and we had a nice little trip up to Jerome for some shopping and lunch. I feel so blessed every time I get to spend time with her.

•

My hubby is officially over "putting Ikea furniture together" by that he means any furniture you have to assemble at home. Our crib and dresser for the baby's room is not from Ikea but he is very happy to have them finished. I'm not going to make him set up the swing and pack and play until after January 1. It's only fair :) AND I did not request Christmas lights on the outside of our home this year because of all the wonderful other tasks I have him doing. I am truly blessed with a very supportive and wonderful hubby.

•

Link up with carissa!

Turquoise Thursday :: Nellie Bly II

2011-12-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Good Thursday afternoon friends!

Yesterday I had a wonderful day with my grandma in Jerome, AZ. If you are ever in the Verde Valley you need to make sure you visit Jerome, the billion dollar copper camp. It's perched on the side of Mingus Mountain and is full of unique shops and restaurants...and even some ghost stories :)

My other grandma who is passed away now was born and raised there on that mountainside. My grandpa worked in the smelter there and my dad went to HS up there.

Anyway, if you get the chance you must visit my two very favorite stores. Skyfire and Nellie Bly II. Skyfire has a lot of items in it varying from home decor/furniture to funky books and mints/bandaids for all occasions - yes even the bacon bandaids :) Nellie Bly II {yes there is just a "Nellie Bly" which is full of the most beautiful kaleidoscopes and other shiny things} has a gorgeous assortment of jewelry.

Especially my favorite: turquoise. See below for some images I snagged off their website...

Beautiful Charm Bracelet

I have been dying to get one of these or the salad tongs/forks that have the turquoise inlay for YEARS {literally people, years}. I think they would make great gifts! My favorite is the mesquite wood with turquoise inlay {I don't think it's pictured...the dark is walnut I know}

Gorgeous earrings

Sleeping beauty beads

Green Teardrop Bonecutter Ring

This is just a tiny sampling, they have hundreds of turquoise pieces and a whole heck of a lot of other stones and gems.

December's First Monday!

2011-12-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

Wow, December 2011 is here folks. I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by. Here are some of the random things I am so thankful for in the past twelve months:

-Being blessed with a precious baby boy and to have carried him now to 33 weeks!-

-Hubby's new job managing a feedlot for Pinal-

-Moving to the Copa and getting to see hubby every single day!-

-Just this past week getting two offers on our Wellton house! {Praying the bank accepts one}-

-Having my SIL AND Sister blessed with my newest niece and nephews to arrive six and twelve weeks respectively after my bambino!-

-Getting to visit my grandmother {and cousins/aunts/uncles} in Montana AND now hang out with her all winter in Arizona-

-Watching my Wildcats beat ASU in football-

-Seeing my sister get married-

-Being completely blessed with the love and grace of our God and Savior-

happy Monday!

Link up with carissa!

Beefy Friday

2011-12-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite beefy things properly stolen from pinterest :)

Source: Uploaded by user via Anna on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: sharesomecandy.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: youknowyoureatexanwhen.tumblr.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: snorgtees.com via Anna on Pinterest

TGIF!

TT :: Stetson Tooled Boots

2011-12-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Turquoise Thursday!

Just so you know those Frye Jane Boots I talked about here, I did not win on PW or Ebay. Bummer.

Which is probably a good thing since right around that time I picked up these beauties.

Stetson Tooled Mules

They are my first pair of mules and I love them. What I love even more was the price tag on them. Will Wyatt's is running a huge 60% off sale when you put in HAPPY at checkout. I'm not quite sure but I think they are kind of going out of business because I don't think any new inventory has been added in some time and they have run 40, 50 and 60% off sales for some time now.

Here are some other turquoise goods they have in stock!

Coreen Cordova Cross Ring

Paige Wallace Cuff Links

Silver Creations Clip Boot

Silver Creations Turquoise Bracelet

Tasha Polizzi Shawnee Fling

Turquoise & Coral Cuff

Remember it's all 60% off! Who knows, maybe you find a Christmas gift or wish list item for you!

Keeping it Real

2011-11-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

Folks, I have some updates. I meant to get this written yesterday for some miscellany Monday but a random Tuesday list will have to do!

We have made it to 32 weeks! Do I sound triumphant? That's because I am :) Not last weekend, but the one before I had a wonderful weekend stay at the hospital. Basically, my placenta got a little rowdy but all got calmed down and we were released Sunday night. Baby is healthy and growing strong but we must take it easy. My doctor didn't put me on bed rest officially but she did say, "Get someone to clean your house, don't host Thanksgiving but you can make yourself a sandwich." Direct quote people. So instead of sharing with you last week about a lovely baby shower I was thrown I just worked from home and took LOTS of breaks and chilled with family on Turkey day. My husband is a complete and utter saint. He pretty much wants me to rest all day every day and has been super helpful. I came back to work yesterday but leave a little early to get home and lie down for an hour or so before dinner since I don't elevate my feet otherwise during the day very much. I can assure you all I am taking it easy!

In preparation for my little bambino's arrival - especially if it's early - I have washed all baby clothes and have begun to throw down on my registry with gift cards and such to try and be prepared for him to come if decides he wants to be a 2011 baby instead of 2012. I also have my hospital bag packed. {It actually was a nice "test run" being in the hospital to see what I think I may or may not need.} I'm hoping it will be like when you pack an umbrella or slicker it never rains, I have my bag ready so he will wait until January!

Actually, the day this all went down I had made this awesome new recipe for my mom and grandma since they were staying with me prior to my baby shower. This Sticky Bun Ring I found on pinterest but that is the blog it is originally from. I used the regular pillsbury biscuits and did use pecans. My hubbs isn't a big fan of nuts so I think when I make this again I will put nuts only on half of it.

Source: stamps4fun.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

In other random current event news. I love Tim Tebow. I have loved him ever since he was a young guy at Florida and Chris Leak was the star of the Gator football team. {My sister went to grad school there so I kind of became a fan via her.} Here is the latest reason why I love this grounded, classy and Christian guy:

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Anna on Pinterest

Oh! We got our entertainment center last week! I will plan to take a picture soon and share!

Hope you all have a fabulous week!

What's Your Beef Friday :: Mike Rowe

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

I cannot begin to list the reasons why I love Mike Rowe so much but in a nutshell he appreciates where his food and fiber come from. This is an older article but it was published in the most recent issue of RANGE Magazine so it reminded me of how much I appreciate what he does.

You can read the entire article here, but below are some of my favorite quotes.

On Dirty Jobs, I’m no expert, and I’m even less of one here. But I have a theory, and it goes like this – all jobs rely on one of two industries – mining and agriculture. Every tangible thing our society needs is either pulled from the ground, or grown from the ground. Without these fundamental industries there would be no jobs of any kind. There would be no economy. Civilization begins with miners and farmers, and polite society is only possible when skilled workers transform those raw materials into something useful or edible.

Our collective definition of a “good job” has evolved into something that no longer resembles Work, and that has detached us from a great many things, including our food, and the people who provide it.

I auditioned the other day for the voiceover on a TV commercial about the American Farmer. (Yeah, I still audition.) I don’t recall the whole thing, but it started out like this – “Every year we demand more and more from our farmers. More food from less land. More food from less energy. More food from less labor. And every year our farmers deliver.”

That last line, "And every year our farmers deliver," gives me the chills. I cannot tell you how true that statement rings and how appreciative I am that I live in America with the freedom to eat organic or grass fed and know that year round I can go to the store to buy onions and potatoes.

We are truly blessed with an abundant, safe and affordable food supply. Thank you American Farmers and Ranchers for all you do to feed me and my family.

Weird Wednesday

2011-11-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

So a couple weeks ago I got all internet happy. Internet happy for me means a variety of things but on this day in particular I found myself wandering to a variety of sites, searching things, googling etc. This day I wound up on ebay. When I go to ebay typically I search for a couple of things: Jan Barboglio, Double D and most recently Frye Jane Boots.

I found a pair in my size and bid on them. It said it was from a store in New Jersey, brand new in box, never worn. These retail for a pretty penny and the starting bid was $199. I put my max bid in at $200...I mean it's ebay I'm trying to get a deal :) I figured I wouldn't win them and wouldn't you know it I was outbid about five minutes before the auction ended. Honestly, I figured the store owner didn't want to sell them for that cheap so a ghost bidder came in and won.

Fast forward to this week. After seeing my SIL in her Jane boots on Saturday my love for them was refreshed and I thought I would give ebay another shot. BOOM. Same store, same boots, same starting bid. This time my max bid $210. Okay, none of this seems weird because it isn't...yet.

This is the weird part. PW put up a giveaway in Home & Garden yesterday. None other than Frye Jane Boots.

How weird is that? Creepy crazy I say.

So I'm trying my luck to win them for free or win them at auction. Who knows I may lose both...but how weird would it be if I won both?!

Reply to All

2011-11-15T12:19:00.001-08:00

I just have one thing to say today...

9 out of 10 times you should NOT hit reply to all. Out of a courtesy to everyone on the email always think twice before you just hit reply or reply to all.

Please and thank you.

My first baby shower!

2011-11-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

I was blessed with my very first baby shower on Saturday. My SIL's + cousin-in-law were gracious hosts. Thank you AnnaMarie, Rachel, Carmella and Regina!!

Here was the shower invite:

The drink stand. We love our Pottery Barn drink dispensers.

The gorgeous and delicious cake! {My favorite part!} Regina loves this bakery called Honey Moon Sweets in Tempe. It had a delicious strawberry filling and those chocolate curls/shavings were divine!

In typical pregnant girl fashion I did not get a picture of the food because I was so busy running to grab a plate! We snacked on AM's famous stuffed jalapenos and chips and salsa/guac and for lunch we had delicious slow roasted pork with tortillas {GIANT tortillas from Carolina's}, a pasta salad and a tossed spicy ranch green salad with bell peppers and corn.

Cute little cowboy blanket from my mama.

Mi hermanas. I'm the one with the big bump. But my sister in pink is also prego and my SIL in red is also prego! We're a fertile family :)

My lovely hostesses!

My hubby's lovely great-aunt {left} and grandmother.

I posed this shot on the stairs {yes, I know I'm a nerd}. Don't you just love that little handsome fella in the middle?! I can't get enough of him!!

Thank you to all who came and generously showered me, I love you very much!

Steaks for Troops

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

On this Veterans Day Friday what better way to thank our troops and share a little about beef than to share with you the All American Beef Battalion.

About the AABB: The All American Beef Battalion is the vision of Bill Broadie of Ashland, KS. Bill is a 4th generation cattle man in KS who served with the 3rd Marine division in Vietnam in 1967.

Our vision is to support the troops fighting the war on terror while promoting American Beef. We can do this as an industry by having steak feeds for deploying troops and at their homecoming. As we advance into this mission we hope to take the cookouts directly to the combat zones wherever they may be.

As our experience grows we believe there are many avenues we can take to support the troops and promote American Beef. There are many ways we can help the troops, not only by feeding them but also by helping their families or by helping the families of those killed in combat. To do this we have a dream... its a mission bigger than any individual, but not bigger than our industry.

We ask for your help to support these young men and women who offer so much for all of us.

So we ask you now who wouldn’t buy a soldier a steak?

Some of my fellow cattlewomen in my state have gone over to Texas to help on some feeds. Also, the Santa Cruz County Cowbelles hosted their own Steaks for Troops in June of this year.

L-R: Tiffany Hayes {Arizona Beef Council}, Specialist Aaron Christensen, Major Bill Cherkauskas and Lauren Scheller {Arizona Beef Council}

The Arizona Beef Council donated the beef and the Santa Cruz Cowbelles came out in full force with their husbands to grill and serve a juicy steak to the soldiers and their families.

Thank you to all of our veterans who have graciously and generously served our country. May God bless you and your families.

To donate to the AABB head over to their website.

Turquoise Thursday - the latest from the KR Saddle Shop

2011-11-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

I just browsed through the latest King Ranch Saddle Shop catalog and as usual I fell in love with some of their items. Mostly jewelry but that really shouldn't surprise anyone.

Turquoise or coral earrings. I adore these.

Cross pin. The one in the magazine was actually round but I couldn't find it online. And I will be honest I would never wear this on a hat I was thinking more as a brooch - but to each their own :)

Found it! In a photo at least...cute top just not for me.

These leather chairs may or may not have been shown on here before but I love them too much to not share again. I heart them. They just scream, "Sit on me Anna!" Seriously, I heard them say it.

And in closing, I will never rock these but I would give mad props to someone who did. Authentic Python died turquoise.

I watched the CMA's last night and was overjoyed a couple times and sick to my stomach more than once. Too much glitter on the men and too many hooker dancers...BUT in other news Blake and Miranda won Male and Female Vocalist of the Year again and that made me ecstatic!!

Christmas Gift Ideas

2011-11-08T04:41:00.000-08:00

Now listen to me folks when I say I take one holiday at a time. Honest, I do. However, I do not like to wait until December 1st to start my Christmas shopping. I enjoy having a majority done by Thanksgiving. For a couple of reasons, one-I like to spread the purchases out over several pay periods, two-I don't want to rush a purchase, I like to think things through and really get something I feel is special and unique. So with that here are some gift ideas that I think have been successful...

Cake Pans - Have you heard of the cake pan lady? The perfect gift for that special baker in your life. I got these for my sister/mom/SIL one year.

Cuff Links - the hubbs doesn't wear cuff links very often but there are those occasions where he must get dressed to the nines for something and he has personalized silver cuff links with his initials on them. I just ordered mine from an online store.

Boot Jack - this is one of my favorites for a couple of reasons. One it's custom made, two it's one-of-a-kind and three I wouldn't be able to get my boots off pregnant with out it in our life :) In college I contacted a woodworker and explained to him what I wanted. He whipped this up out of mesquite and I branded it with the hubby's family brand and then oiled it. Perfect for all those cowboy boot wearing folks in your life and to be honest with you it was super reasonable in price - it's been several years but I think I only paid $40 or something.

Magazine Subscriptions - A friend of mine lives in another state and she is from here so I got her a subscription to Arizona Highways. A wonderful magazine even if you don't live here! Cowboys & Indians is my favorite magazine and I have gifted that before as well. My mom used to get us girls Everyday Food Magazine and I loved it, there is a plethora of other food/recipe magazines that would be a big hit for a gift subscription!

Coffee Mugs - Last year or the year before my SIL Gretchen got all the men these amazing Contigo Autoseal Thermal Mugs and let me warn you people they keep the coffee HOT. I don't drink coffee so I don't know from experience but my hubby and dad say it will keep coffee hot ALL day long...you can find at a variety of places, Costco, Amazon, etc.

Activity - memories are priceless so schedule a cooking class or cake decorating class to share with a loved one. Plays or musicals are always a hit. {My hubby's mom's family always goes to a musical with his grandmother each year} There are a variety of options out there, maybe your more outdoorsy so plan a hike or rock climbing, rappelling adventure or get some white water rafting in! My sister and I try and go on a weekend trip each year so sometimes we gift the other one the hotel stay or some part of it for a Christmas or birthday gift.

Monogrammed - There are plenty of options out there in the world of customization but when it comes to the men in your life a nice long sleeve white shirt with his initials or monogram is just perfect! My MIL stocks up the men in our family with these every year or every other as needed. She sticks with Lands End for our guys but there are plenty of retailers that do this! {Side note - my hubby prefers his initials on the cuff, he thinks it's a little more low key but he also has them on the pocket. I too prefer the cuff but love custom either way!}

Edible - Edible is always a winner in my book. There are a variety of options out there especially when it comes to monthly packages. Some winners I've experienced have been, cheese of the month, salsa of the month and jelly of the month. Also, BACON. Bacon is life, remember. My MIL got this for my hubbs grandpa a few years back but instead of getting the monthly deal it was cheaper to get all 12 kinds at once. I did this for my dad a couple years ago {I love copying ideas from one side of the family to use on the other side!} and it was a huge hit. Two years ago I gave my brother a package set of meats from Omaha Steaks. He loved it.

Calendars - A couple of options on this, you can go a generic route from the store or custom make one on shutterfly or another online photo place. My SIL Gretchen does this every year and it's always fun to look at the photos of the kids and have custom birthdays already on it. Also, my friend Heather over at Double H Photography is selling beautiful calendars for 2012 an Outdoors in Wyoming and a Cattle one, check them out!

Collector Jewelry - By this I mean any type of jewelry that is to be collected: charms on a bracelet, stacking bracelets, earrings, etc. I personally love Brevard Earrings. They are unique and are sold one at a time, meant to mix and match with one another. I currently own four earrings but it would be okay if I had five because they are meant to be collected and switched out with one another! Another popular "collector" is Pandora bracelets. What's nice about gifts like this is it gives you options for the future, if you and your siblings go in on the bracelet and some charms for your mom then come her birthday or mother's day you can get her another charm if you want!

Stamps - Custom stamps that is. Return address stamps from Expressionary are perfect for the newlywed or newly moved person in your life. Or perhaps a nice set of custom notecards with their name and address on them is what you're looking for. Either way, people usually have to mail something at one point or another so this is thoughtful and functional.

Happy shopping! Good luck and be safe out there in the madness :) Also, please feel free to leave ideas or suggestions in the comment box...I need your help because currently I have NO clue what I'm getting my husband for Christmas!

Miscellany Monday

2011-11-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

Link up with Carissa at lowercase letters!

-1-

Twenty nine weeks today

Funny story: In Tucson on Saturday morning at my college burrito breakfast for Homecoming I was waiting in line to check out with the basket of UA goodies I bought in the silent auction for my little bambino. A female professor I know asked me when I was due. I said, "January, almost 29 weeks now." And she said, "Wow, counting it down huh?" Umm, excuse me?! Wouldn't I be crazy and half stupid if I didn't know how many weeks I was?! Granted, she's never had kids so I'll cut her some slack on that but come on. If I asked a pregnant woman how far a long she was and she didn't know, I would have some serious concerns. How can you not know how many weeks/months you are?

-2-

Grill Grand Master

That's my husband. Seriously folks, I don't want to brag but I will - he is the best. He whipped up his secret family recipe for marinade {he really calls it that}and chopped up a couple bell peppers, an onion and these monster shrimp we bought at Frys.

Phenomenal. And how do you feel about our kabob wires? My sister gave to us for Christmas or something and we finally busted out with making some kabobs. I guess they're called Fire Wire and are flexible stainless steel and they were super easy to use. I found some on Amazon here if you're looking for some Christmas ideas. Which, I will be posting some holiday shopping ideas tomorrow!

-3-

Model home sale

I bought a "grown up" desk on Saturday. Went to my first model home sale with my SIL and it was a success! Now, I just need to tackle the office, get it organized and ready to move the pieces in from the garage. I will post pictures after I get it settled!

-4-

Grandma

My wonderful and lovely grandmother whom I adore will be flying in next Friday for 3 months! I cannot wait for her arrival. I can't wait to take her on some excursions around the state. We had so much fun on my trip to see her in August in Montana, I'm looking forward to more quality time with her. {Also, I'm so glad she won't have to endure another Montana winter...those things seem brutal!}

Have a wonderful week and be sure to check in tomorrow for my Christmas gift idea post!

What's Your Beef Friday :: Food Think

2011-11-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to introduce you to my friend in the cattle industry Cassie Payne. She has a blog titled Food Think!

She is incredibly talented and smart and best of all is what I like to call a convert to the ag industry. Here's a little about her:

I graduated (M.S., whoop!) from Texas A&M University with a background very different from traditional Animal Science students. An urban childhood, education at Vanderbilt University and overseas, and experiences and personal interactions while living and teaching in New York City helped develop my perspective. My paradigm changed from media-misinformed to those which are scientifically and pragmatically ascertained. My passion for stewardship of resources and provision of wholesome food products remains unchanged.

I highly recommend you check out her posts. Especially the most recent one about meat and cancer. I also really enjoy this one about Feedlot, Rediscovered.

If you remember one thing, I can assure you that the American rancher strives to produce you and your family beef they are proud to feed their own family - safe, wholesome and nutritious.

Happy Friday, have a blessed and safe weekend!

Turquoise Thursday

2011-11-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today I'm rocking a new bracelet I got on clearance at good ole Tarjay. I love it, it's not a cuff it has a little spring and opens up so I don't have to try and slide it over my big hands :)

I've paired my $7 find with my favorite watch, also from Tarjay {$12.99} this is the third one I've owned of this Merona watch with my go-to Tiffany Venetian Bracelet. I wear this bracelet with my watch almost everyday.

Crystal at Crystal Cattle highlights a little thing she calls #armparties feel free to check out her last week TT post on #armparties.

Speaking of #armparties + #turquoise this bracelet defines both:

Source: etsy.com via Anna on Pinterest

In other turquoise news I went ahead and bought this lovely ring after seeing it on my "Everything Turquoise" emails I get and blogged about here.

There are still some left and can be found here. I can't wait to rock this new piece!

Hope you have a fabulous Turquoise Thursday!

Indian Tacos

2011-11-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I whipped some Indian Tacos using the frybread recipe from PW.

I thought well, only four ingredients {five if you count the oil you fry it in} let's give it a shot. {The frybread that is since I obviously was not counting the taco toppings} I whipped up the dough and since she recommends it sit for 45 minutes I ran to the grocery store for my items I needed and came home and cooked up some ground beef with a jalapeno+garlic salt+S&P. As that was done cooking I heated up vegetable oil because I don't keep lard on hand...and once it was hot fried me up some dough :)

I regret not making some refried beans because I feel like they are the "glue" of any good indian taco but I topped mine with beef, cheese, lettuce, onions and salsa.

This picture doesn't really do the food justice but I did want to provide proof :)

The batch made about six or seven "tacos" but I threw out the first one since I don't think my oil was hot enough. Tonight I may just skip the "taco" and have a beefy salad like I used to do in college.

In UNRELATED to food topics: I passed my glucose test the second time! Yay for not having gestational diabetes!

Next up for new recipes this week I will be trying out this delicious appetizer {Yes, I already know it will be delish because there is bacon involved!} A twist on jalapeno poppers. Can't wait to share how it goes!

Miscellany Monday :: Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

one.

This is my halloween get up. I got it at BabyTalk on Etsy. I personally love it, it makes me smile and giggle and smile and giggle some more.

two.

I don't know what it is about the Washington Huskies but they pretty much beat my alma mater in everything this past weekend...major thumbs down. I cannot wait for college basketball to start!

three.

I successfully maneuvered my hubby's powerstroke and a large gooseneck around their family ranch this past weekend after a day of non-stop raining on Wednesday. I'm just impressed I never got it stuck, there were a few squirrely moments but we made it through. On my last expedition of dropping of the hubbs and 3 other riders off to bring 3 unruly bulls he said to me, "You're going to have to go through that once spot by Luke-Lilly tank." I said, "What spot?" he said, "You know the one my dad yelled at me at yesterday." {We didn't get stuck perse but had to unload 7 horses to get through it. I figured since it had been a day since then of drying and I would be empty I would be fine.} I said, "Okay, I think I can handle it." I ended up okay and by the end of the day realized there's no mud that God, me and 4 low can't handle :)

four.

28 weeks today. Yep, that's me. I cannot believe the third trimester is here. I still cannot believe how blessed I've been with such an easy pregnancy. I hope this doesn't come back to bite me on the next pregnancies...

five.

Remember I mentioned I had my glucose test the week before last? Well, last Monday they called and said it was high so I had to take the "real" diabetes test which consists of actual fasting {so not fun} and 4 times of blood drawing over a 3 hour period...that was last Wednesday and I'm still waiting on my results. Good news is for 4 draws I only got pricked 6 times by the NL :)

Happy Monday, have a blessed week!

Link up with Carissa over at Lowercase Letters!

WYB? :: Friday Rancher Funny

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Montana Department of Employment, Division of Labor Standards claimed a small rancher was not paying proper wages to his help and sent an agent out to investigate him.

GOV’T AGENT: “I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them.”

RANCHER: ”Well, there’s my hired hand who’s been with me for 3 years. I pay him $200 a week plus free room and board.

Then there’s the mentally challenged guy. He works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board, and I buy him a bottle of bourbon every Saturday night so he can cope with life. He also sleeps with my wife occasionally.”

GOV’T AGENT: “That’s the guy I want to talk to - the mentally challenged one.”

RANCHER: “That would be me.”

Miscellany Monday

2011-10-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Link up with Carissa at Lowercase Letters.

uno - Pregnancy Update

So I'm at my doctor's office getting my normal check up, had my blood drawn for my glucose test no biggie and I ask her about getting a tour of the hospital. She said, that I'm more than welcome to do it sure. Then I look at her and say, "Well, I guess they aren't going to make me walk around by myself right?" She laughed and said, "Definitely not. You don't show up in labor and they say yeah room 450 over that way, good luck. They will escort you around." Totally made me die in laughter but who knows I may go peek around if it's conveinent and see if there's a snack room I need to know about :)

Also, in regards to getting my blood drawn, praise the Lord the needle lady stuck me right on the first try! Here's how in the past the situation would happen:

Needle Lady (NL) {In her strong Romanian accent}: What arm has better veins?

Me: Well, I've given blood out of both usually either works.

NL: Hmm, okay let me check...{she looks at both, wraps a rubber around one arm, does the same with the other} Okay, lets do this one. {She stabs me, blood doesn't flow, she jabs it around some more, I wince and then she takes it out.} I'm going to try the other arm.

Me: Uh, okay.

NL: Make a fist. {She jabs me, stabs around AGAIN.} You have some scar tissue in this arm.

Me: Yeah, that was from the last time I had to get my blood drawn here and you jabbed me 4 different times.

NL: Oh.

Needless to say, she's not my fave person in my doctor's office. I'm just happy that since this is her ONLY job there that she finally did it right on the first try for once!

dos. Carving Pumpkins

My wonderful hubby went to our nephews on Thursday and carved pumpkins. They are the cutest, the boys that is and the pumpkins look great too!

tres. soccer time

On Saturday I headed up to my parents to watch my nieces and nephews play their AYSO soccer games. It totally took me back to my childhood. I started playing AYSO when I was 5 and then joined a club team at 10, after ten years of wonderful memories and a lot of weekends in Phoenix at tournaments I called it quits when I got to high school. I'm so happy to see them full of energy and out there kicking the ball. The two youngest are on the same team and we watched them practice for 30 minutes and then they had their game {5 minute quarters} totally adorable. My niece scored 4 goals! One might have been for the other team but it happens sometimes when you're trying to get the ball away! And my nephew scored one!

The first and third kid are mine.

The older niece had a game at the same time in another town so my dad took her to her's. She scored the first goal of the game and her team won as well!! The oldest nephew had the afternoon game and his team put up a good fight but lost by one.

Side note: On Friday at my great-aunt's funeral my little nephew said the cutest and funniest thing. We had just said goodbye and I was walking to my car. I said, "See you at your soccer game tomorrow." He said, "Okay, will you bring my cousin to it?" Rubbing my stomach I said, "This cousin?" He said, "Yeah." {Like umm hello auntie anna get it together.} And I said, "You bet he will be there!"

Cuatro. Desk Hunting

So now that we have an "official office" in the house we decided we would like to get an "adult desk." That's what I call it anyways. Something a little bit larger than my little kids oak desk I used in college. It's served it's purpose but we think it's time to get something a little bigger. Recently, I went on a hunt to all these furniture stores and design places on my way home. While out and about I didn't exactly find a desk {actually I only saw one} but I did find an entertainment center! While this has been on my list for some time I was giving the desk priority...however, when you find something you love you just got to go with it, right? :) I talked to the hubbs and he was all for it. We finally got to the store together last Monday and wouldn't you know the one piece I wanted had a "hold" tag on it. They said someone was coming back at 4pm and if they didn't show up we could take it. Fifteen minutes later the new owner came for it...

But have no fear my friends because they take orders and we got to place ours and I got to make a special request so it's exactly what I wanted! The drawers instead of solid wood will have pretty little punched mexican tin. {People in the SW know what I mean}

So what this means is, now my tv will be sitting on a big hunk of love wood furniture and I will be mailing bills from a tiny oak desk. The desk hunt continues...

Miss America is right on track!

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Turquoise Thursday :: Everything Turquoise

2011-10-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend if you love turquoise like myself signing up for the free emails from Everything Turquoise. It's a super fun blog that is updated multiple times a day and then the email brings 3-4 pretty items to your inbox each day. For instance the email last night included the following:

Royal Icing Dress

Peacock and Flowers Percale Cotton Duvet Cover

Dalloway Side Chair

Fun eye candy for sure! Also, be sure to visit Decor by Color to find other color related blogs!

Happy Thursday!

It's Monday and it's full of Miscellany

2011-10-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Link up with Carissa.

That's right it's Monday folks. Here's the low down on my life.

I slept so wonderfully last night. Honestly, I haven't had a good sleep like that in far too long. However, today I seem to be missing my energy/motivation...have you seen it?

Friday night we had some friends over for some carne asada. I feel like the house got "broke in" with seven kids running, dancing and bouncing off the couch.

Saturday, I had a baby shower for my hubby's cousin's wife. {make sense?} It was at my MIL's and was lots of fun with good food. That apparently wiped me out, along with going to bed much later than usual on Friday, so I took a nice long nap when I got home. This made me very productive Saturday evening but pushed my normal bedtime a tad bit later...

Sunday was my hubby's birthday. I couldn't sleep and woke up and headed to the grocery store at 5:30am...I'm a freak yes I know. Seriously, best time to shop I loved it all quiet and no lines. Came home and whipped up some biscuits and gravy for the birthday boy. We went to church and came home for some downtime and prepping for his family to come over for birthday lunch.

I apologize for no photos but the menu included: chips/salsa & pita chips/costco jalapeno artichoke dip for munching; ribeyes and asparagus on the grill, green salad, hominy/green chile dish {recipe below} and bread. For dessert the hubbs requested from his mama banana cake sans frosting, fortunately for me and everyone else but my nephew Jake she brought frosting along for us to put on our own pieces and I whipped up some homemade butter pecan ice cream which was a big hit.

All in all a fun weekend of parties and lots of food. Lots and lots of food. Topped off with a really good nights sleep so I'm ready to tackle this week of November magazine design and layout with one auction in northern Arizona sprinkled in the mix!

Baby A is moving all the time now. I am thoroughly enjoying every little kick/movement. He literally just moved as I typed that last sentence...earlier this morning part of my left arm was on my stomach as I read in a magazine and his moving was actually physically moving my arm!!

I have my glucose test this Thursday and am not thrilled about getting my blood drawn by the in-house needle lady...I will share with you a story about her another time. In a nutshell, I don't mind getting my blood drawn -- if you know how to work a needle.

Hope all is well and cooling down in your part of the country!

Hominy/Green Chile Dish

{At a county meeting last Saturday the hostess whipped this up and apparently learned from her MIL and Grand-MIL, it's a family dish}

Get your good ole crock pot out, gather some hominy, green chile, an onion, a package of bacon and garlic salt. That's it folks. I tried this recipe with no recipe. She just told me what was in it and I went to it.

I bought the ginormous gallon can of hominy at my wonderful local hispanic grocery store {Food City} and then a relatively large can of green chiles. Diced up an onion, drained the hominy, chopped up the green chile and mixed it all together with lots of garlic salt and some pepper. Previously, I had cooked the bacon crisp {that's the key part, cook it crispy} I chopped that up as well but only threw in half so I had some crispy pieces to throw in at the last minute, I just wanted to make sure the bacon flavor got in there. I cooked it up on low for a little bit and served right out of the dish. It's a great substitute for a potato dish in my mind and the leftovers I just ate with my lunch were delish!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Miscellany Monday

2011-10-10T11:04:00.001-07:00

mm1.

I had a lovely weekend and cannot believe it came and went so fast. Friday, my dad got an award from the Ag 100 Council as the Agriculturalist of the Year. Pretty exciting. It was nice that our whole family was able to make it. And perhaps the best part was it took place at the ag center {an extension location for UA} in my town. So only a five minute drive and the family came over afterwards to check out the house. My parents have both seen our new place but my siblings hadn't.

mm2.

Saturday took me to a county meeting for work. I have to tell you the member's home it was at was just wonderful. I of course snapped dozens of photos but my camera is not with me. Their home is an old school house built in 1910 or something and they renovated it about six years ago. It is a perfect ranch house.

mm3.

Thursday night I saw my most favorite of bands, David Crowder. Unfortunately, he didn't come on until 9pm so Shamarie and I had to call it quits at 10pm since we had 40 minutes and an hour {for her} to get home...he was as always amazing and super impressive.

mm4.

The nursery is getting stacked and piled with baby books and potential decorating items. Fortunately, for my little cowboy I already owned a bit of cowboy decor so now it's just picking and choosing of what I have to put up and around. I don't want to hang anything yet until I have the furniture so potential finished room pictures you probably won't see until I'm 38 weeks along...

Branding irons, hooks, photos of my hubby from HS :)

More photos/art, books - lots of them. New ones and old ones.

mm5.

After church and breakfast with my hubby I finally hung some more items around the house. I'm starting to feel like it's kindasorta complete. But I know it's really a work in progress. In the afternoon I met up with my sister to see The Help. Great movie, I highly recommend it. I was going to try and read the book first but that didn't happen. Speaking of books while in Ohio the other weekend I read the Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell I HIGHLY recommend you read this. I'm telling you life changing people. I already had a great respect for our military but this has taken it to an entirely different level. Read it. Seriously.

mm6.

After a couple weeks of my baby being the size of a papaya apparently now he is the size of an eggplant. Which is super appropriate since I'm making my favorite eggplant and lamb dish tonight!

I tried to put Carissa's box up to link to her but it's giving me fits...so anyway go link up with Carissa at Lowercase Letters!

WYB? :: Food Safety

2011-10-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to all of you!

Today I wanted to share some basic kitchen tips when it comes to preparing meat. In addition to safeguards and regulations currently in place you at home have the power to prevent a food-borne illness. It's easy, remember the Four C's.

CLEAN: wash your hands, utensils and surfaces. Always use clean utensils on cooked meat and be sure to clean with hot soapy water any surface that was touched with raw meat.
CHILL: Always be sure to refrigerate your meat properly. When defrosting do so in the fridge, not on your counter.
Don't CROSS-CONTAMINATE: Never use a cutting board that had raw meat on it for fruits or veggies. Never ever put cooked meat where raw meat previously was.
COOK: Always cook your meat to the proper temperature. Steaks and roasts are a minimum of 145° and ground beef is 160 degrees. Safe and Savory at 160°. {This means if you don't own a meat thermometer...get one!}

In fact leave a comment if you don't have a meat thermometer and I will randomly draw for a winner next Friday!

Turquoise Thursday :: Compliments

2011-10-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been really MIA on my TT posts lately. Today, I'm going to switch it up a bit and post things that go well or compliment turquoise, in the home or on your person :)

Fiestaware

Pick your poison :) really these can be mixed and matched for a party on your dinner table!

Brown is an easy "go-to" with turquoise, but what about lime green? Personally, I love it. This Peacock Bedding from King Ranch is beautiful!

Lane Boots

What's not to love about boots that all have turquoise soles?!

No one does multi-colored jewelry better than Rocki Gorman and her Rockandy.

Red is an obvious color that is bff with turquoise. As seen here in the Pendleton Muchacho baby blanket.

I've shown this before and I'll show it again because it rocks. Simple and sweet, black leggings and that turquoise just pops in this King Ranch Embroidered Tunic.

By far my favorite tee of the Fall 2011 Double D Ranchwear line, Just for Kicks. Talk about making a splash with orange, red, turquoise - totally genius.

Old World Console from Rios Interiors has just a splash of red and turquoise on the drawers. Simplicity at it's finest.

*Special shout out to my friend Amanda's mama who suggested a post about colors that work well with turquoise. I see a lot more of these in the future!*

Latest & Greatest

2011-09-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

I just want to say again that yesterday's post about grammar, spelling and punctuation by no means is a statement that I am perfect in my own writings I just really enjoyed them and wanted to share. Thanks for pinterest for making it so easy...

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Today I stopped for a delicious onion bagel {yes I love them} on my way in to work and a lady actually asked me, "When are you due?" It took me by surprise because she was the first stranger to ask me!! It looks like the baby bump is here and ready to rock :)

Speaking of rocking it. I went to Tarjay last night for some tops and I hit the major clearance jackpot. See that white shirt? $4.24 and the sweater, $6.??. And they're not maternity so you will probably be seeing me wearing them non-prego as well. The pants were the only item I paid full price for, I figured as the temperatures are just dropping like crazy here in the Valley of the Sun {sarcasm} I better get ready for cooler digits with some maternity bottoms I can wear to work.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last night I made some cookies from a dear friend. I like to have a good nickname for a recipe so I know it isn't just "that one chocolate chip cookie" so this one will either be called VerRona's Cookies or Mr. G's Favorite Cookie. {VerRona's husband Tyler aka Mr. G loves them} Here's the recipe she gave me:

Oatmeal Chocolate/Butterscotch Chip Cookies aka VerRona's Cookies aka Mr. G's Favorite Cookies

Cream together:

1 cube butter

1 cube margarine {I don't have margarine so I just did 2 sticks of butter}

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

Add:

2 large eggs

Mix well

Add:

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

Mix well

Add:

2 cups white flour

Mix

2 1/2 cups whole oats

Mix

Add:

2 cups chocolate (or butterscotch) chips {I did an 11oz. bag of butterscotch chips and about half a bag of milk chocolate chips}

1/2-1 cup chopped nuts {I did NOT add nuts since my hubby isn't nuts about nuts}

Mix

Spoon onto cookie sheet

Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes {I am always hesitant on baking times since I know each machine is different, I put mine in for 10 min and they came out perfect!}

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tomorrow I'm headed out to Wooster, Ohio for the National Beef Ambassador Contest. Details in a nutshell: I am our state chair for this contest and so I am the chaperone {hilarious I know} taking our contestant back to try her hand at winning! Our Arizona Beef Ambassador and the National Ambassadors serve year long terms where they travel around assisting at events and advocating about agriculture and beef. Especially about the benefits of beef in a heart healthy diet and how you can incorporate and enjoy beef as the power-packed, nutrient-dense vitamin that it is! For up-to-date facebook updates and tweets follow National Beef Ambassadors on Twitter and Facebook!

Grammar

2011-09-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Source: thevintageapple.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: None via Chelsea on Pinterest

Source: cafepress.co.uk via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: theoatmeal.com via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: piccsy.com via Dawn on Pinterest

Source: cafepress.com via Deborah on Pinterest

I do not claim to be perfect when it comes to spelling, punctuation or grammar - however, I respect it and will

try my best to uphold it's rules and regulations. I hope you enjoyed this fun little post :)

Arizona Restaurant Week - Recap

2011-09-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last week was just plain delicious. Arizona Restaurant Week was a success in my mind.

Beckett's Table was my first stop last Tuesday with my friend Lauren. We really enjoyed the atmosphere of the whole place, it was warm and inviting. The staff was super on their A-game, I swear my cup of water was never more than half empty and it was a small glass! One of the main reasons we wanted to eat here was the smores dessert option which we had previously read about, also - they are not open for lunch so getting there isn't easy for us since we typically branch out at lunch time.

{My phone photo with the PW seventies action}

Now I've copied and pasted quite a bit from the restaurant week website but I liked it...

Chef Justin Beckett brings together what matters to him most: family, friends and honest, incredible food. The result is an irresistible hangout for his discerning Arcadia/Biltmore neighbors, people who expect comfort and sophistication in equal measure and get it here.

First Course

- Choice Of -
vegetable chop salad, razz-cherries, pepitas, cucumber, carrot, fennel, potato, tomato, green beans, celery, red bells, corn, champagne basil vinaigrette
{this is what we both had, those "razz-cherries" were divine! and the champagne basil vinaigrette I want again and again and again}
chicken meatballs; smokey tomato sauce, roasted red onions, eggplant; peppers, bread crumbs, basil
Second Course

- Choice Of -
fire roasted green chili pork stew, corn bread, cotija cheese

steamed white bass, farmer's market organics
{I had this, it had a delicious jalapeno/cilantro sauce on the plate and was served with some sort of black rice...I think, it's been a week people my memory is fading}
J's meatloaf, creamy yukon mashed, green beans, mushroom gravy
{Lo had this - it was AMAZING. I will go back for this, I kid you not. It was almost as if the meatloaf was carved off and then pan fried or something, it had the perfect crispiness to it!
Third Course
- Choice Of -
award winning fig; pecan pie, cream cheese citrus zest ice cream

chocolate dipped bacon s'mores, caramel, house-made marshmallows, whipped peanut butter, graham cracker
{we each ordered one, the cream cheese citrus zest ice cream was so delish, the pie was good but the s'mores stole the show - life changing folks. Seriously, I need more chocolate dipped bacon in my life - stat}

______________________________________________________________

Wednesday night took me downtown to Portland's and I have to tell you my life changed. Yep, I'm being serious. It was absolutely phenomenal food. The service was not bad but they seemed to be under staffed.

From the RW website: "Elegant little spot, perfect for a nosh, din-din or lunch while in the downtown area. The bar offers an engaging ambiance, well-suited to a date or just a friendly quaff amongst buds. And there’s a lovely list of New World wines and fine spirits to choose from. Overall, a classy joint. Wish we lived in the lofts right behind it. "- New Times

First Course

- Choice Of -

tempura Rock shrimp

sweet rock shrimp with jalapeño remoulade

{super super tempting}

prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus
prosciutto di Parma wrapped around fresh asparagus with zesty Dijon cream sauce
{this is what I dined on to start - obviously prosciutto is practically bacon so I jumped on this...it really was perfect. There were about 4-5 spears wrapped together from the base-midway up in prosciutto}

Vine ripe Tomatoes; mozzarella locally grown tomatoes with fresh mozzarella
{my friend Kami got this}

classic Caesar
homemade anchovy-based Caesar dressing; crisp rosemary focaccia croutons
{my sister got this}
Second Course
- Choice Of -
Scottish Salmon sustainably raised in Scotland with white northern beans; raised greens with ruby port reduction
{Trisha ate this and was very happy}

blue cheese Bistro steak with creamy au gratin potatoes; Stilton blue cheese
{This is what I'm talking about. It was all I could have dreamed and hoped for, cooked to perfection, tasty, juicy a true treat to my taste buds.}

pan-seared Diver scallops large diver scallops with prosciutto-wrapped fresh asparagus; Dijon cream sauce
{Kami had this}

eggplant Napoleon layers of tender eggplant, portabella, fresh ricotta, mozzarella; red bell pepper

phyllo Chicken rosemary chicken, creamy Fontina; dried apricots baked in phyllo dough
Third Course
- Choice Of -
flourless chocolate torte dense torte made with Guittard chocolate
{And to top it all of I finished with this. I'm telling you people I don't even love chocolate, I was bummed that creme brulee wasn't an option but I dang near licked this plate when I was done, it was PERFECT!}

Tiramisu light; creamy layers of mascarpone cheese; espresso soaked ladyfingers

Portland's is open for lunch and I'm excited to go back and try out some of their other options!

Happy Monday!

Friday Fun

2011-09-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

I've been crazy getting my October magazine out the door this week, it is {woohoo!} and I can't wait to tell you about two new places I tried this week - pure delight. But for today enjoy this little video about leadership :)

A little random rant...

2011-09-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Some of you may read this and think, "Wow, she's a debbie downer." Or maybe, "Hmm, somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

Think what you want but I'm in a very good mood I just want to share some things that have been bugging me...

I've mentioned it before, use your signal/blinker/stick that makes the light flash on your dang car. It's for your safety and MINE.

When I meet a stranger and find out they are fans of that "other" school in Arizona I don't immediately start the trash talk. In fact, I see no other reason but to be polite and accept that they like the other school while I chose Arizona's First University. I mean no biggie but seriously, if I don't know you and you start trash talking me and my Alma Mater - especially if you haven't graduated from said school your defending - just please shut your mouth. It's not appropriate.

Source: thedailywh.at via Anna on Pinterest

I'm not kidding. Please don't be afraid to discipline your kid in public, they will thank you later. And I may even thank you.

I am certain I had other things to rant and rave about and will update this if I think of them later today!

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

WYB :: Meeting Today's Beef Demand

2011-09-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

A good video...

I kind of thought the words went a tad fast so I watched it twice...and I'm pretty aware of the facts they were sharing. If you have any questions feel free to shout them out!

Turquoise Thursday :: Fashion

2011-09-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

Not that I will be fitting in to any of the below outfits anytime soon here are some adorable finds!

Eliza J One Shoulder Dress at Nordstrom

Source: polyvore.com via Anna on Pinterest

I totally dig the gray, yellow, turquoise combo.

I think it's fun and funky.

Embroidered Cross Tee from Pinto Ranch - and it's currently on sale :) You're welcome.

Happy Thursday, the weekend is almost here!!

Nursery Inspiration

2011-09-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

So the thought of starting on my little son's nursery somewhat overwhelms me. Maybe it's because I still have artwork stacked on the floor in my house and haven't had a chance to finish up decorating my own bedroom. Or maybe it's just the thought of all the things out there in "baby world" that just freak me out since there is just so much junk that they want me to buy...they being the marketers of it.

But nonetheless I am really excited and I think it will be relatively easy since it will obviously be a cowboy room. I already own some things that will incorporate perfectly into the room. Remember that Rockmount post? I most likely will be using the tin sign in his room. And my friend Hayley over at The Farmer and the Southern Bell is having a little boy and is also doing a cowboy room, she's practically finished but I stole/copied the idea for this cute western tin and bought one off etsy. I figure toys or someday shoes or something will go well in this. And it can always be re-purposed later down the road if it doesn't work in a kids room.

Source: etsy.com via Anna on Pinterest

Other than that, I have a blank canvas...ahem nothing done to date. I still feel like January 23 is quite a ways off so I'm not stressing just yet.

Miscellany Monday

2011-09-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

uno.

I'm getting very excited for Arizona Restaurant Week! Every year it rolls around I want to go out to eat at all these fabulous places and I vow I will eat at at least 3 or 4 and then it comes and goes and I only hit up one place.

dos.

It's official football season is here. I really am more of a college sports fan but am becoming more and more aware of the NFL...for instance on Saturday night at my friends birthday party her hilarious hubby told me the mascot for Houston was the Oilers. I just realized this morning that they are in fact not the Oilers but the Texans.

tres.

I am 21 weeks today. thebump.com sent me my Monday email and informed me that our baby is the size of a banana. Which I find amusing since people call me Banana or Anna Banana or Anna B AND I brought a banana for a snack today. AND perhaps to just make it all come full circle I will be sure to listen to Jack Johnson's Banana Pancakes before this day is done...

cuatro.

For our Sunday early dinner yesterday the hubbs and I grilled steaks and enjoyed a salad with my mama's homegrown tomatoes and cukes and cheesy potatoes. It just so happened at the Ranch Rodeo I was at on Saturday they served us bbq beef and beans and cheesy potatoes thus leading to my cooking of them yesterday. What's not to love about cheesy spuds?!

cinco.

This weekend I'm headed to Yuma on Saturday to see my bff and her soon to be 4 week old son. I'm excited to see my friend but I'm really excited to love on the baby. I confessed to her, it's really all about him now...kidding. We can have all kinds of adult convo while I snuggle with him :) And, I have recently realized while burning photos of her baby shower that I haven't shared them on here so look this week for a recap from her shower.

Happy Monday!

Oh, and just so you know, I've already listened to Banana Pancakes before I hit publish on here. So it's official, I can sleep tonight my day is complete :)

Link up with Carissa!

WYB :: Blessed

2011-09-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder since I haven't said it in a while, I'm so blessed to do what I do.

As ranchers {I still consider myself one even though I have a job in town} we are proud to raise a safe, healthy product for you and your family to enjoy.

Thank you for trusting us to raise your food, we take great pride in what we do.

Turquoise Thursday :: Rocki Gorman

2011-09-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

I love Rocki Gorman.

I have admired her jewelry for quite some time. It's just amazing, truly special. I enjoy her fire red hair too :)

2008 NFR me, Rocki and my friend Mattie.

I enjoy knowing where she came from. Although she didn't grow up in the Southwest her love of it brought her here. I was only seven years old when I sold my first necklace in my parents’ boutique, located in of all places, Bayonne, New Jersey. My love of the Southwest began nearly 40 years ago when I took a trip with my parents on Route 66 to visit my family living in Las Vegas. As we toured New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada, I fell in love with the colors, shapes and stones used to create Indian Jewelry. My father began mining turquoise in Tonapah, Nevada. As my family headed back home, he traded with the local dealers and brought back quality handcrafted Indian Jewelry to sell in New Jersey.

I purchased my first piece last December from her at Cowboy Christmas in Vegas and since then have picked up some silver pieces. But today, I'm going to show off some of my favorites that have turquoise in them.

She uses the same model in all of her ads, she's just as gorgeous as the jewelry!

She uses hearts a lot and prior to falling in love with all things RG I wasn't too into heart jewelry but I do have a silver heart ring of hers that I adore.

This is a piece of her Antiqued/Pueblo Silver. LOVE.

No turquoise here but I couldn't help but share this.

Seriously, Rocki Gorman jewelry makes my heart go pitter patter. If you are ever in Santa Fe drop in and see her studio, or if you are in Vegas for NFR check out her booth. A lot of retailers carry her goods too!

Food Wordless Wednesday via Pinterest

2011-09-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Source: tokyoterrace.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: adventurescooking.blogspot.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: bakedperfection.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: australianfood.about.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: iammommy.typepad.com via Anna on Pinterest

It's a Cow...

2011-08-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

My Soap Box :: Part I - Money in America

2011-08-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Here I go, I warned you two weeks ago I would be stepping up on my soap box and I'm going to start by sharing today. I have a serious and legitimate concern with the way people in America regard wealthy people, businesses and money in general.

People look at corporations today with disgust. If your company is successful don't count on anyone congratulating you for a job well done -- nope you can plan on getting backhanded by the government on taxes, regulations and badmouthed by the media and general public. Why? Is it because you created jobs? Is it because you added to the local economy? Is it because of your generous donations to the community? Nope, I think it's because you earned a buck with hard work, sweat and tears. And frankly, people are apparently disgusted with that fact.

A couple weeks ago I saw on the news there was a "flash mob" at a local 7 Eleven {I think, it could have been a Circle K or mom and pop joint} - and not the kind that danced a jig and sang a tune. Apparently, a large group of what I will call hoodlums proceeded to bombard the store with 30+ people and in under a minute came, in grabbed various items and stole them red-handed. They have this on video people! Now, what in the Sam Hill gave those kids the idea that stealing from a convenience store was okay? I have to assume that the complete lack of respect towards the business owner and/or corporation stems from this mentality that I keep seeing again and again that is, frankly, scaring the utter beejeezus out of me, "Well, they have plenty of money so it won't matter." EXCUSE ME?! Last time I checked when something wasn't yours you didn't take it. You went out and worked for it and then bought -- the honest way. This attitude that it's okay to steal, bash or vandalize someone else's property just because they have plenty of money is 100 percent not-freaking-okay people.

I have friends that are vegetable and produce farmers. In the Yuma area it gets to be a bit of a problem at times, not with hoodlums but with elderly, white-haired, snowbirds for goodness sake. Literally, I have friends that have stopped them and say, "You can't be picking that {insert lettuce, broccoli, etc. here}. And they say, "Oh well, we're only taking a couple." First of all, your stealing. Second of all, you're trespassing. Thirdly, YOU'RE STEALING. And just think if every dang person in town "only took a couple" there wouldn't be any left for that hardworking farmer to make a profit on!

I do have a question for you: Why is it that "these people" I talk about with their disdain for the wealthy don't have the same disdain for the millionaires in Hollywood? I mean seriously, those folks are filthy rich. They get paid to show up to parties. For some crazy reason I find that "these people," instead of despising Hollywood Fat Cats, adore them and want to be like them -- no, even more disgusting is they think they can live like them. They see the $1600 Gucci bag on so-and-so's arm in the latest issue of Us Weekly and save up their pennies to emulate their style. You have to let me know if I am out in left field on this one people. I mean, it begs a serious question here of our social standards and mindsets.

Let me break this down:

Businesses who create jobs and allow for others to make money are frowned upon and hated.

Celebrities who albeit work hard on the movie set {some} and have boatloads of money are adored.

I do not understand it. I can say that I personally respect and appreciate the hard working entrepreneurs who have built this country. I admire and respect the risk they took to make something bigger than themselves happen. I'm thankful for the jobs they've created and the economic value they've given to our society. I apologize to them that my fellow Americans do not see what I see in them. I can only hope that people continue to take risks and try their hand at living the American Dream. And I pray that we don't regulate them out of business...

Miscellany Monday

2011-08-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

link up with Carissa over at Lowercase Letters!

one.

Tomorrow is the big ultrasound day! Will update you first thing on Wednesday morning, perhaps with a "wordless wednesday" photo to give it away...

two.

on my pandora listening this morning I have already rocked out on my Celia Cruz station and am now loving my 60, 70, 80's channel...

three.

I've been adjusting and unpacking as much as I could this past week. Considering I had my September magazine to finish which then caused me to miss a conference in Tucson I really haven't done much. I did work all day yesterday on unpacking and getting more things put away. I get impressed when I see the number of empty boxes I create and then I see how much I have left and I'm not very impressed...more overwhelmed.

four.

Saturday night my wonderful SIL/BIL took us along to the Cardinals game. It was my first time in the "new" stadium...they've been in there since 2006. Here's the hubbs and I

I don't know why I look exhausted...oh wait, yes I do. There is a baby growing inside me! Which according to my lovely thebump.com emails every week, Baby A is the size of a mango now!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

WYB :: Healing the Effects of Wildfire

2011-08-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful post and documentation of how cattle can be utilized to restore damaged lands. Please go check out this post by Dan Dagget. There are lots of before and after photos so go and see them!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Turquoise Thursday - New Mirror

2011-08-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

My lovely sisters, {technically in-law but we're not that technical} Carmella and Rachel, got me a beautiful turquoise mirror to add to my new home and I just love it! Rachel actually text me a picture of it months ago when she saw it in the store and I just adored it.

It was a wonderful surprise to the end of our move and the start of decorating.

I know the image is small, I actually googled "turquoise rustic mirror" and found it online so I could share it today! I'm thinking I will put it in our entryway but haven't decided just yet...thanks girls!!

The Latest & Greatest

2011-08-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

Good news, we got moved this weekend!! We couldn't have done it without the help of our wonderful friends and family. Truly they rocked it and I'm fairly certain we broke moving records. Literally, our construction guy told us what one of his employees said...Matt told Eric to vacuum and finish cleaning up since we were on our way, Eric finished vacuuming and went to grab a bite to eat he came back and was shocked to see what he saw, he called Matt and said, "Dude I left for a sandwich and I came back and the WHOLE house was full, there's like four trucks and trailers and 15 guys, these people know how to move!" Seriously people we unloaded a huge U-haul and a couple trailers in no more than 30 minutes it was nuts, I also use the term "we" very loosely, the boxes/furniture were coming in so quickly I had to stay in the walkway and direct people to the proper room. Oh it's rough being in charge :) kidding.

Had a doctor's appointment yesterday, got to hear the heartbeat for the first time, 150 beats per minute. The radiology place called today and we have an ultrasound set up for the "fetal test" aka "find out what we're having ultrasound" for next Tuesday. I'm pretty anxious to find out cowboy or cowgirl.

Back to this whole second trimester rant I started last week...I'm still a little disappointed in the rumors and lies I was told. Seriously, people, when someone says the word "boost" I relate that to a "significant uptick or change" what I'm feeling as far as energy levels is pretty much the same as I felt in the first trimester. Okay, I understand everyone is different and I shouldn't be complaining especially since I haven't been sick once but still, I feel lied to. :)

We're still sorting through boxes and waiting for a couple appliances to arrive but once I get a little more settled I will be cooking up a storm and sharing some new recipes and perhaps some of my decorating skills that I don't really have...Hope you all have a blessed week!

Huckleberry Heaven

2011-08-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

So I landed in Spokane, WA on Monday afternoon my cousin's lovely wife Shannon picked me up went downtown walked around then waited for Brandon to get off work. They took me to Tomato Street for dinner where I enjoyed some delicious Italian food. But most importantly I enjoyed a huckleberry lemonade for my drink and a huckleberry vinaigrette on my salad.

In less than 5 hours I had already consume two huckleberry products and I was on a mission to eat as much as possible in the week I spent in Montana.

For those of you that are not familiar with the heavenly berry called huckleberry, yes--it's a real berry and no--I didn't make it up. I kid you not, when I've told people about huckleberries in Arizona they thought I was making it up...they are a wild berry that grows in places like Montana, Washington, Idaho and not Arizona. Did you know huckleberry is the state fruit of Idaho? Now you do, you can thank me when you get that question on Jeopardy. They are similar to a blueberry but distinctly different in taste.

Anyway, when I head up north I have to stock up on my stash and bring some home to share with others. While in Montana I enjoyed several huckleberry smoothies and shakes, jams, lemonade, licorice and candy bars.

One of my favorite treats besides jam/jelly/preserves is huckleberry honey. It's just honey and huckleberry juice mixed to make a creamy dessert-like-decadence. Seriously, when I put this on my toast I feel like I'm having dessert. There are lots of places online that you can pick up Montana Huckleberry treats and I don't necessarily recommend one over the other but here are some of my favorite products...

Huckleberry Creamed Honey {I've actually bought this brand last time I was up there and loved it}

Huckleberry Licorice {I bought this brand this time and it is AMAZING and great price compared to what some retail stores were selling it for, this site it's on has a huge selection of goods.}

Huckleberry Chocolate Bar {In gift shops there are always a couple chocolate bar options and the brand shown here is always the one I buy and am always very pleased with}

I haven't ever purchased a jar of the pie filling but I did this time so I plan to make one of those. If I was feeling really ambitious I would have bought fresh huckleberries at the farmer's market just before I left and trucked them home on the plane but I didn't...

If you ever get a chance to try some huckleberry-anything do it! I promise you will love it!

A List...

2011-08-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

hello, my name is Anna

Hi friends. I know it has been roughly three weeks since I have said hello. The last week in July had me in beautiful Prescott, Arizona for our annual cattle growers convention. It went super smooth and was just a great time. Hubby even made it up Thursday night/Friday before he headed back to work, basically in the middle of the night, on Saturday morning. Next, my travels took me to gorgeous western Montana to enjoy my lovely grandmother and family. I will be sharing more about our adventures in upcoming posts. Last week was my catch up week and I wanted all week to write something but couldn't find the energy.

energy, what boost?

Speaking of energy, it is still limited. I have heard rumors about this "second trimester boost of energy" I think it's just false advertising. To be honest, I felt like I only had a couple weeks of life altering exhaustion, like.nothing.I've.ever.experienced. Then it was just kind of the "usual" tiredness I had been feeling. Here's the deal people, I try and go to bed between 8 and 9 each night, sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't, but typically I wake up at 5am so I feel it is a pretty substantial amount of sleep. Don't get me wrong, I would enjoy at least another hour of shut eye, but I gotta work! So what I'm saying is life is going on and I am pretty normal but I have gotten better at not over-committing because I know I will be too tired and not to mention I have turned down several social gatherings to sleep instead *gasp* not typical for this little social butterfly.

soap box

Brace yourself. I intend on jumping a ginormous soap box in the coming weeks. There have been some thoughts stirring in my brain about life and this country we live in and the mentality of my fellow Americans and I'm ready to rant and rave.

meet & greet

Last Sunday evening we were able to attend the Eric Church concert in Tempe. A friend of ours from the Maricopa Mafia {a group of wonderful people in the "Copa" we hang out with and MM is the nickname, they have generously allowed us to be included in the "club" :)} works for a beverage company that happened to have a certain beer sponsoring the event. Eric was very polite and nice. We did have to sweat it out in the Phoenix heat for over 30 minutes and stand by the exhaust of giant tour busses/semis in the parking lot before getting our photo with him...to say I was sweating is an understatement. Thus, black and white...

I don't know what hubby is doing with his lips but I don't care, I think he always looks good :)

moving

This Friday is D-day as in deliver my possessions to my new casa. As in, die in the heat of August in Arizona while loading boxes and furniture into many vehicles. As in, dump anything left unpacked at the other house in a trash bag and jump on the road. I ran out of d-words related to moving. Anyway, I am seriously grateful to the family and friends who have committed to helping us. If it weren't for them I believe the proper saying is we would be, "up the creek without a paddle." I believe there is another word used in place of "the" but this is a family show folks. My sister and her hubby are having their lamb auction on Saturday, I will be the auctioneer and hope to bring in the big bucks for them :) Should everything get moved on Friday {Lord willing} I plan to unpack on Saturday and Sunday and sleep in my heavenly bed on Sunday evening for the first time in over four months. I tell you what, that bed of ours, I've missed it. And our couch. Can you tell I just want to lie down and rest? Because this mythical "boost" has yet to come in to play...

random

As if this post hasn't been random enough for you...in the mornings when I get on the freeway and 345 cars are merging onto Interstate 10, when I look in my rear view mirror and see that one impatient driver illegally cross the v shaped lines to try and beat the other cars in front of it I get very irritated. I think, "Why are you trying to kill yourself and other innocent drivers for no reason?" Yes, I saw this today and thought, I'm going to randomly let my bloggie friends know how much I despise this kind of driving. I will be honest folks, I haven't always been a calm driver and I still have my moments of complete-craziness-fly off the handle rage but for the most part {which is a lot considering how many miles I spend on the road} I just take it easy and wish everyone else in the rat race would just turn on some KLOVE and calm the heck down...

Peace & Blessings,

Crazy lady at LBD

WYB? :: Meat Myth Crushers

2011-07-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Meat Myth Crushers is an absolutely AMAZING website with a plethora of information. Really my favorite part is the consumer brochure {Awesome brochure}. It's full of myths and facts for people to learn about. Here are some of my favorites:

MYTH:
Hormone Use In Poultry Production Poses A Health Risk To Consumers

FACT:

Federal law prohibits the use of hormones in poultry production. This is clearly stated on package labels when a “no added hormone” claim is made. Polling data showed that many consumers were confused about when hormones were used in livestock and poultry production and about their safety. It is important to understand that all multi-cellular organisms contain hormones, whether they are beef, broccoli, eggs, soybeans — or people. No food or living thing can be “hormone-free,” despite marketing claims that may suggest this to be so. Livestock and poultry can be grown without added hormones, but they cannot be hormone-free.

DIG DEEPER...

In the case of poultry, bird size has increased significantly over the last several decades. This is due to advances in breeding, animal nutrition and animal care that ensure that only the heartiest birds with the greatest potential to yield the most food are produced. Just as a citrus farmer strives to plant trees that will yield the most fruit, poultry producers also breed the birds that yield the most meat. This environmentally beneficial practice requires fewer birds, less animal feed and, in turn, less waste to produce the same amount of meat and poultry. It is also more economically sustainable for the farmer, which translates to affordable food for consumers.

MYTH:

Feeding Cattle Corn Is Unnatural

FACT:

Feeding corn to cattle is natural. Some people mistakenly believe that corn or grain-fed cattle never eat grass. That’s just not true. Nearly all cattle eat grass for most of their lives. Some cattle have their diets enhanced with corn and grain for the last few months of their lives. This is typically done in feedlots, but may happen on ranches, too.

DIG DEEPER...

Cattle enjoy corn and benefit from its nutrition. While some proponents of grass feeding only claim that cattle should not eat corn, they neglect to mention that corn is the seed of a grass. When placed in a pen with a choice of consuming grass or a corn or grain based feed, cattle will always choose to consume corn. Remember, also, that when cattle are “finished” in feedlots, their diets are carefully supervised and monitored by expert bovine nutritionists to ensure that they are completely balanced, which maximizes health and growth. Cattle raised on pasture alone consume what they choose and these diets are more difficult to control and can be nutritionally less complete for the animal.

Miscellany Monday

2011-07-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Link up with Carissa!

one.

Busy busy busy weekend. Friday night I went to a Josh Abbott Band concert up in Flagstaff. I haven't stayed up that late in a lonnnggg time. After waking up at my parents in Cottonwood, we headed to Prescott for the Yavapai Cattle Growers meeting. Afterwards I headed home and enjoyed some quiet time in bed watching tv. Sunday took me to our house in Wellton to pack and pack. I ran out of free boxes so this week I will be purchasing some.

two.

While in Prescott, Lauren and I popped in to two of our favorite stores on the sqaure: The Newman Gallery and Jenny Longhorn. While neither of us bought anything I fell in love with a pair of Johnny Ringo boots at Jenny Longhorn.

I've been dreaming of that perfect fun dressy boot that had a nice amount of black and brown and after trying it on, this is it! They weren't too pricey and I think I'm going to try and talk the hubby into my Christmas present in July...

three.

Now that I am "openly" pregnant with you all I must tell you that it's been very fun and easy so far. No sickness or nausea at all. My mama wasn't sick with us kids either so I would like to thank her for that gene! I will say I am missing sushi and perhaps red wine but it's obviously well worth it for the little lovebug I'm carrying.

four.

Our state cattle growers convention is next week and I'm excited and nervous...a lot to accomplish between now and then. Better run and get my August magazine done and the program for the convention!

Happy Monday!

Turquoise Thursday :: Baby Edition {The 1st of Many}

2011-07-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

So in honor of my exciting baby news yesterday today in for TT I will feature potential baby ideas. We don't know what we are having...yet. But I will find out. Should it be a girl turquoise will most definitely make a presence in the room, if it's a boy turquoise will have to make a tiny-very boy splash :)

And thank you to pinterest for letting my stock up on ideas. I have a board called Lil' Buckaroos that I put ideas in. Here are a few...

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: parents.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: pendleton-usa.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: gallery.projectnursery.com via Anna on Pinterest

Okay, this doesn't really have Turquoise in it, but it has the potential to.

Source: curbly.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: pendleton-usa.com via Anna on Pinterest

Announcing...

2011-07-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

So blessed and excited to share with you all a little secret I've been keeping for a few weeks...

Hubby and I are expecting a baby in January!!! We are 12 weeks and counting.

I couldn't wait to share the news any longer!

Blessings,

Anna

We Closed on Our House!

2011-07-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you a quick update, we closed on our house today!!!

Woohooo!!

It's only a matter of time and we will be in and I will be whipping up some new recipes to share!

Have a great Monday!

WYB? :: I eat. You farm. So what?

2011-07-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

For this Friday's post I'm again snagging a great piece I found on Michele Payn Knoper's blog. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and if you have any questions feel free to ask me!

A recently overheard conversation at a suburban grocery store between a person buying foodwith comments from a farmer who was visiting and knew how to meet people on common territory instead of talking “ag.”

_______

Here’s the thing; I don’t really get why farmers are on the warpath. Really! We can get our food from anywhere. I just care that our family has food that’s affordable and safe. And I’ve heard some pretty bad things about you farmers.

You are poisoning water and soil by using pesticides and insecticides. Our family plays in the creeks and ponds on our land. Our kids chase fireflies through soybean fields, while playing hide and seek in corn fields. Do you really think we’re going to pour poisons in fields that surround our family home? By the way, our well for water is between the house and the field. We understand that it’s not cool to use bad chemicals, which is why we rely on a whole lot of science, research and technology to ensure we’re using the right products.

Big farms are bad, and you all seem to be getting bigger. What size of school does your child go to? There are many different sizes of schools that offer options and choices for families. Likewise, we have a mix of large and small businesses in America due to our free marketplace. The same is true for farm families; some choose to farm a large number of acres or work with many animals, while others have small operations. 97% of farms in the U.S. are still owned by families; they deserve a right to choose the best option for their family and business like other Americans, don’t they?

Animals are abused on today’s farms. I’ve worked with animals my whole life. If you’ve seen the sensationalized videos from animal rights groups, I want you to know they probably impact me even more than you. Animals that live in barns are actually in a lot better conditions – they get to stay at one temperature, avoid predators and have a environment that’s customized to their every need. Barns do look different today than in 1970, but isn’t the same true of computers, doctors offices and stores? Yes, animals die to feed humans, but we respect their sacrifice and care for them in the best way possible.

I’ve heard farm subsidies are making you rich on our tax dollars. There are a lot of mixed opinions on this, even within agriculture. However, the big thing people don’t realize about the “farm” program is that 86% of it is for mothers and children in need of food assistance. And I’m not asking for a handout from anyone, but we manage millions of dollars of risk every year – sometimes the safety net has kept our family in business – and is a tiny part of our national budget.

Biotechnology is evil. Do I look like Satan? Sorry, just joking. Our family chooses biotechnology because it’s the right tool for our farm. But more importantly, there are a lot of hungry people around the world, a problem that’s getting worse with a growing population. I was on a mission trip last year to Africa and saw this myself. Have you ever looked into the eyes of a hungry child? It haunts me – and that’s why biotechnology is a tool that we choose.

Hormones are making our kids develop way too soon! I have a daughter, so I get your concern – we don’t want to have kindergarteners in bras. Kids are growing more and faster because our diets are better. Did you know there’s more hormones in a serving of broccoli than in a steak? People need to remember that all food has hormones – and it always has.

It’s been interesting to talk with you. Are you on Facebook or are there ways we can stay connected? Sure, would be glad to connect with you. Our farm’s Facebook page has a lot of pictures to give you an inside look on what’s happening. I’m also on Twitter and will put up some videos to show you what we’re doing during harvest. I’d also suggest you check out these websites…

Cool. I like that we share the same values. We may not always agree, but I appreciate what you do as a farmer a lot more after we’ve talked. And I’ll remember you when I shop for our food.

______

If you’re buying food, when have you sought out a person involved on a farm or ranch? Same for those in agriculture… when was the last time you truly made an effort to relate on human terms instead of ag terms?

Turquoise Thursday :: Pinterest

2011-07-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

I can't remember if I mentioned that I'm totally addicted to pinning so if I haven't there is my confession.

I have a "board" dedicated to turquoise and other boards for other ideas. Here are some things off my Turquoise collection...

Source: flickr.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: thehousethatlarsbuilt.blogspot.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: crowsnesttrading.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: cactuscreekdaily.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: overstock.com via Anna on Pinterest

I think this is the link to my board. I've never shared it before so I assume that will work...happy turquoise Thursday!!

The BBQ Company - Phoenix

2011-07-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to lunch with my good friend Trisha and we met up at The BBQ Company on 36th street just south of Broadway. I have to say I didn't know what to expect since it was in a more office/industrial area. We wanted to eat at 11am since she had a meeting later and frankly, that's my lunch hour. Conveninetly they open at 10:30am so you early birds are more than welcome.

I arrived and got us a booth, it was much bigger inside than I had anticipated because the parking lot was so small. When Trisha arrived the waitress informed me that the drink station was serve yourself, which I loved because I don't have to rely upon them for refills or how many lemons they bring me...it was the perfect mix, sit at a table and order your food from a waitress but fill your own cup, right up my alley.

I ate the Texas Twister {Thick sliced brisket topped with deep fried onions and Sweet Sonoran Heat Q-Sauce, served open faced on a toasted baguette) it was absolutely AMAZING. Next time I will just eliminate the bun though because with all that meat I don't need carbs...

Trisha got The Dynamite {An explosive blend of sliced brisket, peppers, chiles, onions and jalapenos, sauteed with Red Diamond sauce and piled on a jalapeno roll with melted pepperjack} this was my second choice and will probably be what I try next time.

When Trisha sat down she said, "This place fills up, this is the first time I've gotten to park in their parking lot, usually we have to park down the street." And man was she right, these people have a reputation and have a HUGE lunch crowd.

They do catering so if you ever need them for something or if you're in the neighborhood I highly suggest them for some good ole BBQ!! {Sorry for no photos...I took some on my phone and accidentally deleted} Also, I just found on their website a $1 coupon it's not much but hey, everything helps right?!

Also, check out Petie and her giveaway of Philosophy bath & body goodies!

Turquoise Thursday :: Nathalie of Santa Fe

2011-06-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm on the road for work attending some public hearings regarding the Wallow Fire but had to squeeze in some turquoise goods from a really cute store in Santa Fe. Nathalie carries some exquisite jewelry pieces. Here are some of my faves...

Zuni Earrings #7604

Totally, completely unique. I have never seen anything like these and they just make me excited!

Zuni Earrings #4271

A whole new take on chandelier earrings.

Antique Navajo Bracelet #10681

Another unique piece, the silver balls are very cute.

Thanks for the eye candy Nathalie!

Vote for Beef Recipes!

2011-06-29T05:00:00.001-07:00

Remember when I mentioned you could win $25,000 by entering in the National Beef Cook-Off?

Well, the entries have been submitted and now there are twenty that you can vote on daily right here!

Our votes are factored into the final score and then on July 7-8, a panel of five judges from national food women’s magazines, local San Francisco media outlets and food bloggers, including Senior Food Editor Julie Miltenberger fromFamily Circle and Neisha Lofings, food editor with the Sacramento Bee will judge the twenty finalist recipes in a private showing at Ketchum Food Center, San Francisco. Four category winners, one per category, will receive $3,000 in cash after the category winners are announced on or about July 15, 2011.

My mouth is drooling looking at the recipes...would it be pointless to vote for a different one everyday?!

Summertime Eats

2011-06-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I named this post "summertime eats" because frankly I'm giving you a recipe to something I eat all year...oh well! I love me some guacomole and wanted to share with you how I make it. To you fellow Arizonans and other folks from the southwest reading this you may think I'm crazy for sharing because everyone knows how to make it, but I'm telling you when I visit my fam in MT or when my SIL AnnaMarie's North Dakotan family eats her guac they gush over it. Which spells out to me, they don't know how easy it is to make themselves.

Start out with 4-5 ripe avocados, honestly it just depends on how much you want to make and when I took these pictures it was so long ago so I have no clue how many are really in this bowl.

Cut your avocado in half, around the pit. I scoop out each side and dump in bowl. I used to use a fork to mash up my avocado but decided a potato masher is way more functional and quick. Mash to your desired consistency. Some prefer smooth, I like smooth-ish with some chunks.

Next it's really up to you on what you want to include in your gauc. I do like to put a couple maters in, but the key to making sure you don't water it down to much is squeezing the liquid/seeds out of the maters then chopping up. I usually throw a whole onion in, a couple garlic cloves and depending on number of avocados 1-3 hot jalapenos. I also squeeze the juice of a lime in and finish it off with plenty of salt to taste and garlic salt. I can't guarantee I don't grab some other seasonings and occasionally throw them {garlic salt/powder, pepper, onion powder} in as well but this is the basic version. So instead of picking up one of those guacamole packets at the store try making your homemade version, you'll be surprised how good you can make it.

Some say when you keep the pit in the guacamole it keeps it from turning brown but the key to storing guacamole and being able to stomach looking at it again the next day is keeping all of the air out. I take saran wrap and completely cover {the wrap touches the guac} it from side to side in the bowl or tupperware container and then put a lid over that as an extra precaution. You will be amazed but it's that easy.

Enjoy!

Eat Meat, Save the Planet By Dan Dagget

2011-06-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

For this Friday's {very irregular} "What's your beef?" I'm taking a fun read from a blog my brother forwarded me...Enjoy!

Every time some overinflated Hollywood celeb or irrelevant British royal says we all have to become vegetarians to save the planet, I think about how rarely I’ve seen wildlife in a vegetable field. No elk, no pronghorn, certainly no mountain lions. And if I do happen to see a rabbit or a prairie dog among the veggies, I know whoever planted them is doing everything they can to get those uninvited guests out of there to keep them from eating up the produce or polluting it with e coli.

And wildflowers? In a field of vegetables wildflowers are considered “weeds” and treated as such.

On the other hand, visit a cattle ranch here in the West and you have a good chance of seeing deer, elk, pronghorn, coyote, black bear, bobcat, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, road runners, Gambles quail…. the list is too long to print here. Get lucky and you might see a mountain lion. I know a rancher who has seen a couple of jaguars on ranchland here in Arizona.

As for wildflowers, as I write this, I’m looking at a ranch out the window of my camper, and I can see giant saguaros, cholla cactus, palo verde and creosote bush. The Arizona poppies, brittlebush, and desert marigolds were spectacular this spring, and the native grasses are providing plenty of forage for wild and domesticated animals alike.

An activist vegetarian responding to what I just said would point out that growing vegetables requires a lot less land than raising meat. This enables us to protect more land and allow it to return to nature so it can be home to even more wildlife and wildflowers.

That would be an effective counter-argument if it weren’t true that raising meat on the land can benefit it ecologically even more than protecting it.

How’s that?

Scientists who’ve studied the matter tell us that grasslands and grazing animals evolved together and developed an interdependence similar to so many other mutually beneficial relationships in nature: bees and flowers, beavers and meadows, reef fish and coral. When cattle are managed so that they act like natural grazers, i. e., when they are kept in herds and moved across the landscape in response to conditions of moisture, season, and other natural factors, they create this same kind of interdependence.

That’s why cattle have been successfully used to restore ecological health to land that has been damaged by mining, by raising crops in ways that exhaust the land’s fertility, and even by the environmentalists’ panacea “protection.” For instance, in Arizona and Nevada, cattle have been used to return native vegetation to denuded mine sites and piles of mine waste on which other forms of reclamation had failed. How do they do it? By stomping in seeds and mulch and nourishing the mixture with their own natural fertilizer. Sheep and goats have been used to create firebreaks and remove nonnative plants at various locations from East to West, and sheep, goats, and cows have been used to revegetate land damaged by catastrophic wildfire.

I haven’t heard of a single case of soybeans or broccoli being used to achieve any of that.

As for all that cow flattulence and belching the anti-meat folks tout as a cause of global warming, properly grazed grasslands have been shown to be so effective at sequestering carbon in green and growing grass that some ranchers have been able to supplement their income by marketing carbon offsets created by their naturally-managed cattle.

That works even if you don’t believe in global warming

Acknowledging the effectiveness of these techniques the state of Florida has come up with a plan to contract with ranchers to use their livestock to improve that state’s rangelands’ ability to absorb, clean, and sequester water. One of the aims of this program is to raise the water level in the Everglades. That’s right. Florida is using cows to rewater the Everglades.

On the other hand, when grazers are removed from the land the ecological results can be disastrous.

In Central California, when cattle grazing was removed from seasonal wetlands called vernal pools, the native plants and animals that live there, some of which are endangered, were displaced by nonnative weeds in as few as three years. When grazing was resumed the rare plants and animals returned.

Also in California, the threatened bay checkerspot butterfly has disappeared from lands from which cattle grazing was eliminated — to protect the butterfly. On lands that continue to be grazed the butterfly has managed to persist.

Because of this and similar instances “cessation of grazing” has been recognized as one of the main threats to some of California’s most sensitive ecosystems by the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition. That organization includes The Nature Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, and Audubon, among others.

And, for those of you who have been reading this blog for a while, you may remember (and want to link back to) the story of the native fish in Arizona (the spikedace) that was sustained by grazing for more than a century and exterminated in less than a decade by “cessation of grazing,” or the Drake exclosure that’s been protected for more than 60 years and is as bare as a parking lot while the grazed land right next to it is covered with native grasses.

There’s more:

Meat is the only human food that can be raised on land that is officially designated wilderness. Not so with vegetables.

Meat can be raised on land that can also be used for recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, orving, downhill skiing, and birdwatching. Vegetable fields are off limits to most of those. Just try riding your orv or your horse through someone’s field of bok choy.

So, the next time you chow down on a big juicy steak or leg of lamb, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for saving the planet, and remember that you are enjoying the only food that can be raised within a diverse, native, openspace ecosystem in such a way that it restores, sustains, and even enhances that ecosystem.

On second thought, maybe you ought to order two steaks. It’s going to take a lot of cows to remedy all the ecological damage perpetrated by vegetarian environmentalists.

From The Right Way to Be Green

About the author, Dan Dagget:

I’m a writer, speaker, and consultant. I have written two books—Gardeners of Eden, Rediscovering Our Importance to Nature and Beyond the Rangeland Conflict, Toward a West That Works, contributed articles and editorials to a variety of magazines and newspapers, and given hundreds of presentations across the West. My first book, Beyond the Rangeland Conflict, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Gardeners of Eden, was described as “the most important environmental manifesto since Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic.” I’m an unlikely candidate to be the originator of a conservative environmentalism. I’ve been an environmental activist since the early 1970s, a fairly radical one, actually. I started out fighting coal surface mines in southeastern Ohio. Then I moved to Arizona where I worked to designate wilderness, fought to increase protection for mountain lions and black bears, and helped initiate a campaign to ban uranium mining in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon. My involvement in that latter campaign included helping to organize some of the first direct actions of Earth First!. In 1992 I was designated one of the 100 top grass roots activists in the United States by the Sierra Club.

The Great Arizona Bale-Out

2011-06-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

If you are able,

if you are interested.

You can help Arizona ranchers affected by the Arizona wildfires by helping donate for feed.

www.azbaleout.org

Read the press release here on Drover's.

Burp Rags & Baby Ruffles

2011-06-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

After, getting inspired many moons ago by Leanna at Thoughts & Whatnots with all her craftiness I set out to make some burp rags and some bibs for friends of mine who were popping out babies left and right.

I made these goodies a while ago but am just getting around to sharing.

Here are a couple western burp rags I did. I just bought the cloth baby diapers at wally world, washed them, ironed them and cut my fabric accordingly. Then I ironed about a quarter inch under on each side so I had no raw edges, pinned to the diaper and sewed on with a zig zag stitch.

Here are some onesies I got and sewed on the ruffles to the booty.

The front.

And this is when I thought I would be making bibs...not really my thing but I at least gave it a shot.

This is the pattern I used:

I can't remember where I got it...sorry.

Looking forward to working on more quilting and sewing once we get into our new house! Happy Tuesday!

Miscellany Monday

2011-06-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Link up with Carissa!

uno

I spent three lovely days in Williams, Arizona this past weekend. It was for work but the weather was a delightful change from the Phoenix heat, it got a tad windy but was still enjoyable. I had a booth for work at the annual Arizona Cowpuncher's Reunion Rodeo. Great people and fun!

dos

I cut out early and didn't do a booth Sunday so I went home to my parents and took my dad to dinner on Saturday night and church on Sunday and breakfast for Dad's day. It was just the two of us and as usual I enjoyed every minute with him. I enjoy our conversations about the cattle industry or learning history about our town and the people in it. My dad is blessed with the natural ability to "tour guide" and even after 26 years I still learn something new every time. After breakfast we went out on the ranch for some quick chores of hauling a load of water and branding a calf who we missed last time. I'll tell you what the wind has just sapped our country dry and I know we will all breathe a sigh of relief when the rains come.

tres

I know you've seen and heard about the fires in my most precious state of Arizona. It's heartbreaking. I know plenty of people and have quite a few members who have been affected, whether losing current feed or the loss of what would have been their fall/winter pasture. At the Arizona Cattle Growers' Association we have coordinated the donation and transport of hay and feed as well as locations for livestock to go to. So in this tragedy as always you see the best, salt-of-the-earth people step up to the plate to help their neighbor out. For instance, some hay farmers in Blythe, CA donated two loads of hay - one went north to the Wallow Fire and one went south to help the Murphy/Horeshoe Fire victims.

Hay being picked up down near Nogales at one of our member's ranches.

cuatro

The house buying is trucking along. We are waiting on an appraisal of our home. I'm looking forward to wrapping up all the paperwork madness and get in it and making it our own.

cinco

Sorry for being so MIA, I'm enjoying catching up on all of your lives and blogs.

seis

I'm somewhat addicted to pinterest...have you been there? It's dangerous, a dark hole that will suck you in and never spit you out...

Random Tuesday

2011-06-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

So I told you that my sunroof shattered/exploded. You say, "How in the world does something like that happen, Anna?!" I say, "I have not a clue in the world." I'm driving down interstate 10, keeping up with traffic so probably 70mph and *boom* I think the semi to my right has just thrown a LARGE cup of ice on top of my car. I think to myself, "whhhaaattt the freeaaakk just happened?!" I don't see anything falling off my car but it still sounds like ice is falling on my car and I realize that the culprit is my sunroof. I make my way off the freeway and call my hubby.

Here is what I saw...

And because I was on my way to our house in Wellton to get mail and my car wasn't broke down I had to keep driving. When I got to my house this is what I saw...

A tad bigger...it didn't get too much worse on my drive back to Maricopa. I took it in the next morning and they replaced it. Thank goodness for full window coverage!!

I'm currently in Tucson this week volunteering at Arizona FFA's state leadership conference. I'm helping on the nominating committee that is selecting the next year's state officers. FFA for those of you that don't know is an agricultural education class offered in high schools that develops premier leadership, personal growth and career success. It's a wonderful organization.

We made an offer on a house on Friday! And they countered yesterday...and we accepted! So now we are in the process of finalizing details and we are hoping to close before the end of the month and take advantage of some monies towards closing costs they are offering.

My hubby is gone :( and has been gone since Wednesday. He's on a Young Cattlemen's Conference {YCC} that takes people from each state on a 10 day whirlwind tour across the country from Denver to Chicago to DC. I pick him up from the airport on Friday and cannot wait!!

Hope you are all having a fabulous week!

I am the bread of life

2011-06-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

~John 6:35

I am the Bread of life,
He who comes to Me shall not hunger,
He who believes in Me shall not thirst.
No one can come to Me
Unless the Father beckons.

And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up on the last day.

The bread that I will give
Is My flesh for the life of the world,
And if you eat of this bread,
You shall live for ever,
You shall live for ever.

And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up on the last day.

Unless you eat
Of the flesh of the Son of Man
And drink of His blood,
And drink of His blood,
You shall not have life within you.

And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up on the last day.

I am the Resurrection,
I am the Life,
If you believe in Me
Even though you die,
You shall live forever.

And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up on the last day.

And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up,
And I will raise you up on the last day.

Lyrics by Suzanne Toolan

One of my most favorite hymns to sing in church, brings me to tears every time. Just thought I'd share.

Blessings to you on this Sunday!

Turquoise Thursday :: Shabby Apple

2011-06-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

I meant to post pictures of my sunroof yesterday but will share later. Today I am sharing a store that I am in love with. I do not own any of it's goods...yet. Lauren has a couple of their dresses and introduced me to Shabby Apple. Seriously, they have a divine selection of clothes, super stylish, classy and comfy {looking at least.}

This is in the Set Sail Collection and is called Ahoy

In the oh la la collection this is called L'Artiste

In addition to adults they have some cutie-patootie kids outfits. This is Ruffle My Feathers

In their boutique collections they have a bathing suit category {Amalfi Coast} and you can find this delightful little number Costa.

Happy Thursday!

My Sister's Shower!

2011-05-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

So not TT post was made yesterday. I had to run to our home in Wellton and pick up mail and my hubby's suit and while driving down the interstate my sunroof exploded/shattered on my car. Fortunately, I didn't have it open but it was definitely scary. Thank goodness for full glass coverage.

In honor of the wedding festivities tomorrow here is the LONG picture trail of my sister's bridal shower from earlier this month.

The spread! Shamarie made the cupcakes and they were phenomenal!

The BLTA's: toasted wheat bread, mayo on one side-avocado on the other, Arizona Tomatoes {EuroFresh}, spinach and bacon!

The Cucumber Bites {which were a HUGE hit!}: I took a french and sourdough baguette sliced them and brushed some olive oil on them and broiled for about 2 minutes until they were perfectly toasty. The cream spread is really easy, so easy I'm almost embarrassed to share...take sour cream {I think I used light, but can't garuntee that!} and then take some Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning and mix it, I think the suggested ratio was a 16oz container of sour cream and 1 packet of seasoning but I of course bought the big sour cream and the biggest bottle of HV seasoning. So I did it by taste. On top is just sliced seedless cucumber. Totally delish!

~~Stole~~ borrowed this antique colander from my mom's collection to hold the napkins. Yes, I put it back...

You can see the little sandwiches here are chicken salad, I cheated and used the costco pre-made stuff because my sister loves it and I wanted to cut down on my tasks :) Also here is the salad which was just a spring mix + spinach + feta cheese + thinly sliced red onion + fresh blackberries + balsamic vinegar/EVOO/S&P for the dressing and tossed. It was a big hit!

The drink stand. I of course was finishing food as people were arriving so I didn't get a photo prior to some drinks being made but out of mason jars we enjoyed iced tea, water, lemonade and italian sodas!

Here is the soda station up close. Directions are to fill your cup with ice, then fill about 2/3 with soda water, add 1-2 tbsp. of the syrup {we had raspberry and pomegranate} and float cream on top if you like. Holly was in charge of these and she also made little mint ice cubes as well.

The bride opening gifts.

I wouldn't normally post such a dark photo but I love my niece holding up her hand to block me on the right. She also had on a dress that I really really want in my size.

What a great present mover/helper. She's going to rock the guest book on Saturday!

Great friends for many years.

{sorry about the sun in half of it}

More friends from growing up. My sister and the girl holding the little boy used to do some serious clogging back in the day :)

Great friends of mine and my sisters. Love that little baby!

Been friends with the Phillips women dang near my whole life. We are blessed that they share their amazing, loving and generous grandpa with us. And my little Malia baby is asleep in her mama's arms!

Too sweet.

We let the groom be there...in spirit/photo.

The Groseta and Wright women.

Thanks to the help of Gretchen, Petie, Holly and Shamarie to make this a fabulous shower!

{I just realized I didn't get a picture of Holly or Shamarie in here...I will add later, I don't have my external hard drive with me at home!}