Happy Birthday Kansas!

Today is Kansas's 151st Birthday. Entered the Union Jan 29, 1861

Get to know us a little more
State Symbols
flower:sunflower (1903)
tree:cottonwood (1937)
bird:western meadowlark (1937)
animal:buffalo (1955)
song:“Home on the Range” (1947)

Motto: Ad astra per aspera (To the stars through difficulties)

Name Origin: From a Sioux word meaning “people of the south wind”

A little History:
"Spanish explorer Francisco de Coronado, in 1541, is considered the first European to have traveled this region. Sieur de la Salle's extensive land claims for France (1682) included present-day Kansas. Ceded to Spain by France in 1763, the territory reverted to France in 1800 and was sold to the U.S. as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Lewis and Clark, Zebulon Pike, and Stephen H. Long explored the region between 1803 and 1819. The first permanent white settlements in Kansas were outposts—Fort Leavenworth (1827), Fort Scott (1842), and Fort Riley (1853)—established to protect travelers along the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails.
Just before the Civil War, the conflict between the pro- and anti-slavery forces earned the region the grim title of Bleeding Kansas."

Fun Facts: Here


*Happy Birthday to my best friend Abby too, thank goodness she shares her birthday with Kansas or I might never remember :)

K&M Bar-B-Q

K&M Bar-B-Q is wonderful. I first had it at the American Agri-Women convention where they donated bottles as part of the centerpieces that became doorprizes. They have other varieties, what I tried was the above, Original. This has now become a family favorite, that we have on hand at all times.

Why I like it: Its tangy, with the right amount of sweet & spicy.

Location: Spring Hill, KS

History: "Family-Owned and operated, K & M Bar-B-Q has been serving great BBQ for over 20 years. What started as a hobby for Ken & Michelle serving BBQ sandwiches at fairs and festivals in a four county area grew to become a full service BBQ restaurant and catering company that has been located in Spring Hill, Kansas for 18 years."

Future Sampling: I hope to try the White BBQ Sauce

Women In Blue Jeans-Part 2

I arrived in Mitchell around 3pm, stopped by the conference center to let the ladies know I had made it. They were all so welcoming. All I had to do, was say I was from Kansas and they knew who I was.
After we checked into the hotel, I changed clothes and went back to see where I could help. They put me right to work. This allowed me to learn then ins & outs of conference planning a little more. I worked the registration table with a great gal-Bobbi.

I was able to pick her brain about why she organized the names the way she did, how they have altered registration from years past, etc.

The evenings schedule they had a speaker and some acitve participation events. Here is a video of the ladies doing Zumba. The speaker talked about how to be active with at home excersices in case you live a ways in the country and the gym is not next door.

If a speaker wasn't what you wanted or durning breaks they had vendors set up with lot of shopping & door prizes. I even won, I never win!

Here are some great ladies I met who were vendors:

Stella & Dot-Dawn Williams

Princess House-Jo Ann Lagge

Oragano Gold-Dawn Williams

Homeotown deLights-Karen Johnson

D7 Ranch Supply & Jenni's Bling- Jenni Dvorak (on facebook)

Dakota Memories-Glenda Huggins

I'm excited because acouple of these ladies are planning on making the trip to Kansas for Dirt, Denim & Diamonds.

Be a......

Women In Blue Jeans-Part 1

*I don't like long posts so I am going to break this into multiple posts.
I just returned from one of the most amazing conventions I've been to....Women In Blue Jeans.
I traveled the 7 hours to Mitchell, South Dakota and it was well worth it. I honestly don't think I can truly convey in words how much I enjoyed myself.

Why is this better than any other convention related to agriculture you might ask, I'm here to tell you. It started over a year ago when I was wanting to plan and host a conference for women who were not only involved with agriculture but wanted to learn more about the industry. A conference to fit every woman's needs. That might be estate planning, new farm regulations, or caring for the family and its pets. This conference wasn't solely directed to women who work everyday in an agriculture industry, it was for EVERY woman!

I somehow heard about Women In Blue Jeans and contacted the number listed on their website. The lady(Carol) was so helpful and gave me tons of ideas and recommendations for planning my own conference. When we got off the phone, she emailed me even more info. I realized if I was going to host a similar event I needed to go to the conference that I am modeling it after. Last minute I contacted a few friends to make the trip with me, no luck. Finally, my Grandpa said he would go for a roadtrip. Grandma said she would take care of the small chores and a neighbor would take care of the livestock.  Off we went..................

Tropical Beverage-Lava Flow

Another recipe from my Survivor Party. This stuff is AMAZING!

46 oz pineapple juice
40 oz coco lopez-cream of coconut
1 pint half and half
ice
frozen strawberries in syrup
2 tablespoons water
clear cups
straws

It's one part pineapple juice to one part coco lopez (cream of coconut, it's in a can.) Usually it takes about three cans of coco lopez to one big can of pineapple juice. Then you add half and half until it turns white. So I'd say about 1 pint of half and half. In a separate bowl puree strawberries, sugar and water. Or you can puree frozen strawberries in syrup with a little water that seems to work a little better. You want it to be somewhat thick, almost like a syrup texture. Pour strawberries in the cup about an half an inch to an inch high. Put ice in your blender and pour the coconut mix in unitl it's at an even height with the ice. Blend, then pour in the cup with strawberry mix. The strawberries should come up the sides of the cup. If it doesn't, either thin out your strawberries a little bit, or before pouring the coconut take the cup and swish the strawberries around so they stick on the sides of the cup.

America's Heartland

The other day I gave a little plug for my uncle's photography and a magazine. Well, today I'm being self-centered. Check out the TV show, America's Heartland on RFD-TV this morning at 9am central and see a glimpse of my presentation I did back in October for the group of women from McPherson County. Remember, that was when we coined the term, "I feed the world, What's your superpower!"

The show features two amazing advocates for agriculture, Katie &  Kim who actually married cousins.

 Check out Kim's blog for more details at Alive & Well in Kansas.
 Katie's blog is New To The Farm.

Cowboys & Indians Magazine

I'm not sure how many of you receive the magazine Cowboys & Indians, or if you have even heard of it. My family has been getting this for years. Its a little more classy than country. Most of the ads for western wear I couldn't begin to afford to buy. Then again, there are some really cool, down to earth, and local...attainable you might say.
I have proof.....Let me do a little bragging my uncle won the photo contest for the Portrait division.

Bandy by: Harry Whitney
He is actually a Kansas boy!

This is in the current issue, along with the other photo divisons, which have some amazing pictures.  Check out the magazine, you might enjoy it.

ANTIPASTO KABOBS

This is the recipe of the Kabobs I made for my Survivor Party. They are quick and easy to make and such a hit.

1 9 oz package of Three Cheese Tortellini ,cooked to package directions
1 can Medium or Large pitted Black Olives
1 5.75 oz jar Green Olives
1 bag of cubed cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, whatever your preference. 

30 slices of Salami, cut in half
60 pieces of pepperoni
1 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
60 Skewers How ever many you want to make.

Place the cooked tortellini in a bowl or large gallon freeze bag. Pour the salad dressing over the top and marinade in the fridge for a few hours.
Drain the pasta.
Place one of each item onto the skewer using the pointy side.
Can be made a few hours in advance. Just cover tightly and place in the refrigerator.

Honey in Hillsboro

This is kinda a review of 2 in 1. Check out Golden Heritage Foods and Milk & Honey B&B
Two years ago Kansas Agri-Women had their August meeting at the Milk & Honey B&B. It is a wonderful facility for a retreat, family reunion, or just a fun weekend away.
This is where we learned that they too make honey. I had seen the brand Busy Bee and our family had used it before. Little did I know it was Kansas made!
Please go to their website, they have great facts and info on the honey, bee keeping, processing, and more.

Location: Hillsboro
Contact: 120 Santa Fe Street
Hillsboro, KS 67063
Phone: 620-947-3173
History:" Do honey bees fascinate you? That captivation drove Esra Barkman to jump a train from Kansas to Oregon in the 1920's to work and learn in Bee Apiaries there. Esra eventually returned to Hillsboro, Kansas where he established a family tradition of beekeeping that now spans three generations. Esra began selling his honey during WWII when sugar was rationed, soon partnering with his son Richard in the late 1950's, to establish a migratory beekeeping operation. With increased production, Barkman Honey Company, a processing and packaging operation, was born in 1960 with a brand, BUSY BEE." 

"In 2004, Barkman Honey became Golden Heritage Foods, LLC., with a continued commitment to preserving the integrity and future of the industry from blossom to bottle and delivering trusted products throughout the U.S and abroad"

Why I like it: -It tastes good. I had the "plain" clover honey-yummy.
-The use bee honey that is from the US and local beekeepers.
-Family Owned
Products: They carry Agave, Molasses, and More

Whipped Honey might be my favorite, so I'm hoping to try theirs next.

FAITH

Survivor Themed Party~Tropical Tuesday~

My mom and I hosted a "Survivor Party" for all of the ladies in Kansas Agri-Women that survived the planning, hosting, and work it took to have a National Convention in our state.

Message in a Bottle Invitations

Some pictures of our decor and themed food!

Kickin' Chickin' Tortilla Soup

Today's Menu Monday is kinda a cop-out. However, I wanted to share this great soup with ya'll. This was a Christmas present to my Grandma.

I love it because, again it is made by a small company.
Grassland Gourmet & Gifts LLC
Onida, SD 57564
605-258-2104
http://www.grasslandgourmetandgifts.com/

They have other mixes I hope to try.

Easy to follow instructions. Everything is included except the chicken and a can of Rotel.

It was wonderful! The picture doesn't do it justice.

Scenic Sunday-Volland, KS

Last week my Mom, Uncle, and I took a little tour of rural Kansas. My best friend Abby had taken me to the "ghost town" of Volland and I thought this would be a great stop for my fam, they like things like this. Plus, I though he might be able to capture some great pictures for his photography work.


I also bought my Grandpa for a Christmas present a book on the ghost towns of KS. Abby enjoys small towns, so I thought this would come in handy for us and a girls roadtrip someday.


Volland
History: Volland was once a hoppin place with busy stockyards. Until 1920s it was a major cattle shipping point on the Rock Island Railroad.
The old general store still stands. I was told that the owner retired, locked the door and walked away. The contents are still inside.
Volland was originally named Grafton but in 1888 the name was changed to Volland, which was a prominent family name in that community.
To read a little about the history of Volland: Mill Creek Memoirs: The Roots of a Ranching Community, Volland by Scott Williams. I found quite a bit of info from the book Ghost Towns of Kansas, A Travleer's Guide. by Daniel Fitzgerald.


Location:"Volland is located about half way between Alma and Alta Vista, via Old Highway K-10, going straight West out of Alma.. When you arrive at the intersection of Volland Road and Old K-10, turn left "
There is a sign for Volland.

Abby and I think this would make a fun restaraunt/bar. With outdoor seating leaving the roof off. I got a second on that from my family. For now, I'm just going to have to keep dreaming.

Holmes Made Salsa-

My new favorite salsa....... Holmes-Made! Why do I love it so much? Well, it tastes really fresh-like eating a whole tomato.

Bargain: If you mention this blog when you order you get your second item 1/2 off!!!!!
Location:Wichita

History: "Holmes-made salsa is an extension of Holmes Produce, our family produce business established in 1924 by Ollie Holmes (grandpa) This Wichita tradition continued with his two sons Wendell and Bruce who supplied many of the local grocers with the freshest fruits and vegetables available. Bruce and his daughter (Tricia) created a summer tradition making salsa from garden fresh produce. Tricia continued this tradition by making salsa for family, friends, and co-workers. When the requests to replenish salsa kept flowing in, she realized the plan God had put in place for her, and accepted it graciously. Tricia started selling Holmes-Made Salsa downtown at the Farmers Market, on the very same corner that her grandpa Ollie use to sell produce. With the help of family and friends, the salsa business has expanded"

Products: They have a variety of salsas as well as jams.I bought some Raspberry Jalapeno and some Cowboy Candy. I can't wait to try them out..

The salsa that I had was Medium Garden. As I stated. It tastes like fresh home made salsa with the convenience of being canned. I could eat a whole jar myself..

I had help finishing this jar!

AND they have chips!

***Another supporter of Kansas Agri-Women

Camera Strap Cover

I found this tutorial at Crafty Texas Chicks and decided to make a few adjustments and cover the strap on my NEW CAMERA!!!!  I used some leftover scraps I had on hand. The purple ruffles didn't turn out like I had hoped, they needed to be narrower and then it would have shown the ruffles better.

I think it will not only keep the strap clean, but will make it easily identifiable.

Thanks Mom, for a great Christmas present.

A good way to start the New Year

Hubbard Squash Bread

If you are like me, the first time I heard the word Hubbard Squash I had no idea what it was. Well I am here to educate and share a delicious recipe with you.  My uncle's friend grows them, so when he came to visit he brought us a squash. I decided to substitute the squash for zucchini in a recipe that I found while at an agriculture conference in Enid, OK.

Here is a picture of another Hubbard grown by our neighbor.

Compared to an 8.5 Anderson Bean(ok, maybe I just wanted to take a picture of my boot)

 First you must clean the squash,  and shred it, I recommend using a food processor.

The Recipe- Hubbard Squash Bread
Preheat oven to 350.

Cream the following ingredients:
3 eggs
2 c. Sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 c. oil

In a separate bowl mix:
3 c. flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

Slowly add this to the creamed mixture.
Finally add:
2 c. shredded squash
1 c. crushed pineapple (DRAINED)
1 c. shredded coconut
1 c. chopped nuts(pecans or walnuts)

This will make 2 loaves (make sure to grease and flour pans) or 24 muffins

Bake for 1 hour for loaves and 25 min for muffins

ENJOY!

Happy New Year!

I hope the best for each and everyone of you in the coming year. May you be blessed beyond measure.

I have resolutions for 2012, some of which include stepping up my advocacy for agriculture and connecting more with friends. As we "grow up" and become busier it seems we sometime lose that connection we had with people we really admire and cherish.

So, I'm going to start right now!

Check out this post that gives me great hope for 2012-"More Young People In Ag" It is posted over at a friend's blog. She is a great gal and I sure wish we saw more of each other.