Happy 155th Birthday!

Today is my home state's birthday.... Kansas turns 155! It also happens to be one of my best friends birthday, yet she isn't nearly as old as t155, more like 1/5th as old. Its great having both of those on the same day, if I remember one I usually remember the other!

 This day is the anniversary of the 1861 admission of Kansas into the Union. It was first celebrated in 1877 in Paola, KS. I am sure those students had no clue what they started and where Kansas Day celebrations would go. Today many schools celebrate by taking tours, having guest speakers or making special crafts.  The name Kansas originates from the Kansa or Kaw tribe. Living in the Flint Hills is a little more special since this is the main territory of the Kaw Tribe. Their history is still celebrated yearly in towns such as Council Grove, who hosts Washunga Days.  Our local chamber is having a Kansas Day celebration, so I am going to wrap up this post, and head on over. 

Eat some sunflower seeds and celebrate!

Christmas in the Country 2015- Gift Reveal

I have been in a rut, a "no motivation to blog rut."  I use my few minutes of writing inspiration for work, speaking of work that takes up 90% of my life. When you aren't married or have kids people assume you can spend your "free time" devoted to work. This explains my absence. When I signed up for Christmas in the Country 2015, I hoped this would help me renew my enthusiasm for blogging, I promised the hosts for CITC that I would be back into blogging and the reveal is just what I needed to get me up and going. With this being said, it doesn't mean I will have a new post every day or even every week, but I will have it once a month and hopefully more than that.

My gift came from Stacy, who blogs at The Backroad Life. I am pretty proud of her for being able to pick out such fitting gifts, since I didn't put many helpful hints in my "likes" list when I signed up for CITC. Then when  she went to my blog to research about me she didn't have much to go on for the last few months. BUT....she did great!

Her wrapping skills ..........

Simple, country, and adorable

She included homemade caramels ( she posted her recipe on her blog, so go check it out!)

The main clue or hint on the "likes" list was that I love local, handmade, personal items. I was excited to see that Stacy made some of my gifts. You can check out her shop Sew.Stitch.Create on Etsy.
Look at this fun little pennant garland:

The weather is finally getting cold enough for me to wear the flannel infinity scarf she sewed.

In my limited list, I did put that I loved coffee, so she included a candle that smells AMAZIN= Coffee meets cream brulee.

Didn't I mention she has skills when it comes to packaging and presentation?!

Finally, a rustic picture frame. How did she know I am on a picture frame kick?? My mom absolutely loves the Red Shed brand so she was a little jealous.

My gift was sent to Laurie Link who just happens to be one of the hosts for CITC. I am going to admit, I was a little nervous picking out her gift. I wanted it to be "perfect" I mean, she has a lot of followers and is one of the hosts, so you know everyone will see what I gave her. You can check out her blog Country LINKed.

Thank you to the bloggers who coordinated this year :Jamie from This Uncharted Rhoade, Laurie from COUNTRY LINKed, and Kirby from 15009 Farmhouse, Lara from My Other More Exciting Self