Christmas in the Country Reveal

My #ChristmasintheCountry gift arrived pretty early, I couldn't wait to open it! I had to, I needed my camera with me to "document" the gift, yet still I didn't get a picture of the outside or as I opened it :(

I am thankful that , Jamie Rhoades (This Uncharted Rhoade), Laurie Link (COUNTRY LINKed), Erin Mullins (Diaries from the Dirt Road) and Robyn (Ranch Wife Chronicles) coordinated this fun exchange. 2014 was the second (hopefully annual) exchange, and I'm glad I didn't miss it like the year before. 

Luckily for me one of the hosts, Robyn received my name. I was excited to receive a gift from a blogger I followed and who was from the same state as my Dad.  Besides the reveal, I am also including the contact info where you can get some of these items.  (If you are jealous and want one for yourself.)  I think handmade, local businesses, family owned, etc are important and should be supported!

I love that all of them are one of a kind and handmade!

In my box: 

-decorated Mason Jar (done by Robyn herself)

- Notebook, again one of Robyn's creations. I hope this helps me get organized in 2015, I am always losing the notes I write. Plus this will be a reminder of the exchange and new blogger friend.

-Hand embroidered tea towels. by a neighbor of hers (love, love, love these) I think this is a lost art. These towels are something my family has always had and were the "prized" towels in our kitchen!

-Goat Milk Soap, "a luxury, every women should have"- Robyn

Check this stuff out, here is the contact info that is on the bar. 

-Mixed Media art. Fun and right up my alley

Thanks again to Robyn for the great Christmas gift and to the others who helped coordinate. Can't wait till Christmas in the Country 2015!

National Women Farmer Day

The best examples of women farmers I can think of are the ladies in my family (past & present), Thank you to those tough and amazing women who have gone before us and  grandma and mom! You ladies have set a wonderful example for me!

A Thread of Blue Denim

I am not sure if you are familiar with the book, "A Thread of Blue Denim" if not I suggest you order a copy on ebay or amazon! I loved it and have the other books in the series in my collection and hope to get them read soon. I was sad to hear that the author pasted away last week. I meet the author Pat Leimbach  over 5 years ago at an American Agri-Women convention in Miami. She and her sister drove down themselves from Ohio. At that time Pat was in her 70s and what a hoot she and her sister were, telling about their adventures on the trip and then the "situation" they got themselves into in a not so safe part of Miami!

I was lucky enough to see her a a few other conventions, what a unique and awesome country woman she was! Read this article I found about her passing and the legacy she left behind.....AND then go order her book!

Prairie School Farms..... Does it again

I can't say enough good things about Prairie School Farms!
 Kansas Agri-Women toured their alpaca farm last October and I posted about it here.

Then she posted about my hand made jewelry, here

They have done it again, they posted about Dirt, Denim & Diamonds! Hop over there and read about it, here.

I will say, she forgot one exciting bit of news, she will be the main speaker at the conference on Saturday Aug 11!

American Agri-Women

Here I go, not following my blogging schedule/topic, but I think this is important to share. I am am currenty in Nebraska City, Nebraska at the American Agri-Women Mid-Year conference. We are steaming live. If you are interested in hearing some great speakers and topics without leaving the house this is for you.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/american-agri-women

At this very moment (1:55pm) I am listening to Dr.Gary Sides. Amazing! He is presenting so much useful & interesting facts. Let me share one:
1 birth control pill contains as much estrogen as 125,000lbs of beef from an implanted steer.(so why are we worried about eating beef that have been implanted)

What Not to Wear...The North Face

I know its been awhile since I've had a Fashion Friday, nothing really jumped out at me until this past weekend. CP and I headed to Oklahoma for the Express Bull Sale. It was cool and windy and he went to put his North Face jacket on and mentioned to me that he heard North Face donated to PETA, HSUS or something like that. Was it true, he asked. I wasn't really sure, but as we sat through the auction I looked around and saw quite a few NF jackets. I decided to do some research on this when I got home.

I did a little searching and ran onto this article in the BEEF Magazine, stating the The North Face supports HSUS!

Did those beef producers know that they were wearing a jacket and supporting a company that goes against their livelihood?

 Now what to do with CP's jacket, rip out the embroidery? Cover it with a Eat Beef patch?

National Agriculture Day

You, I and 142 other people ate today because of one American farmer. We officially recognize our farmers and all they do to make our lives better on March 8, National Ag Day. Farmers not only produce food, fiber and fuel, they contribute to a strong economy. In fact, the total impact of agriculture and agribusinesses account for 20 percent of the state’s economy, according to Kansas Inc.

The role of farmers will become even more critical with the exploding world population. We reached 7 billion people in 2011. The United Nations forecasts that world population will reach 9 billion by 2050 – and that farmers will have to produce 70 percent more food than they do today.

Be part of  agriculture, if even just for one day. Take a drive in the country with your family, for instance. There’s no prettier green than winter wheat fields waking from winter dormancy. And, wave if you see a farmer. I guarantee they’ll wave back.

Happy Ag Day.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Raise your Glass to the New Year......... High Noon Saloon

This evening if you are planning on having an alcoholic beverage besides champagne. I suggest a brew from High Noon Saloon.  I'm not much of the drinker, but this Kansas Made product gets my approval, for what its worth.  High Noon Saloon donated Annie's Ale to the American Agri-Women convention. The cans were super cute.

ANNIE’S AMBER ALE2011 (Twice) & 2009 SILVER Medal,
2004 BRONZE Medal,
World Beer Championship, Chicago, IL.
The first beer produced here, and it’s still a favorite! A smooth, malty amber taste highlighted with caramel notes and just the right amount of hops. Alcohol by volume: 5.5% Now available in 12oz cans on premises and in KS liquor stores: Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Lansing, Topeka.    

Why I like it: They are a micro-brewery, Historical, it's Kansas made. It has a western feel to it, with names such as Rough Rider Pale Ale, Stampede Stout,and Lewis & Clark Lager. Check out their complete listing here.

History:  Leavenworth KS was the site of 10 German breweries
and 69 saloons at the turn of the 20th century

Another plus is they have a restaurant. I ate there this past summer and recommend it. The food was good, but the atmosphere in the old historic building was great!

PTs Coffee

Thanks to PTs for providing the coffee for the hospitality room at the American Agri-Women Convention! They have a roasting co location and a retail location. I can't wait to stop in and get an iced coffee.

Location: Topeka, KS.

History:PT's Coffee Roasting Co. began in 1993 as a single coffee shop in Topeka, Kansas. An intense passion for coffee led us to start roasting coffee in 1997. We now roast over 100 tons of premium specialty coffee annually for wholesale clients and operate 1 retail location in Topeka.


Farm Girl- How can this blend not be my favorite?!   I'm not a professional taster of coffee so I don't really know what to say. I just like it plain and simple. Its Kansas Made and has a great blend called Farm Girl...Just go buy some :)  No really, it smelled great and wasn't over powering in flavor.

Direct from PTs; "Here's our offer of sunshine and warm, Midwestern hospitality: a serene morning coffee that's sweet and soft, clean, refreshingly mild with a juicy sweetness. The cup features a light vanilla and caramel note, rounding out with a syrupy finish."

Great way to start your morning! Check out the other Kansas named coffees too.

Saucy Diane-Free Shipping Offer

I met Diane of Saucy Diane at the AAW convention. She was set up as a vendor and this is where I fell in love with her PB Party. It is a delicious peanuty, creamy, sweet, yummy spread.

Location: Baldwin City

History:"Saucy Diane produces gourmet sauces in small batches. All the sauces are delicious on ice cream but are also good to eat with other foods."

Mission:"Offering an elegant yet affordable splurge for the main food shopper in each household. Educating the public about the many culinary uses for these three sauces. Being a "green" company by reusing the glass jars the product comes in."

Why I like it: It's Peanut Butter...HeLlo!!! But  seriously,I really like that she is "going green" I love old jars and think they shouldn't be tossed aside.

Contact Info: dianemyer@juno.com

Here is the great part..........Order from Saucy Diane-mention Home on the Range and get FREE SHIPPING! Did you hear that?! FREE SHIPPING.

Original Juan & 25% off

Again, this Saturday I am focusing on another Kansas company that donated to the American Agri-Women convention. Original Juan. These people are great. I was in Kansas City a couple weeks ago driving along and saw the sign for Original Juan OUTLET STORE! I mean come on, how could I not stop?! They donated to AAW & it was an Outlet Store. My mom and I swung in and right away I would tell it was going to be great-you could smell the spices. They have a quality store with not only food products but adorable home decor. I finally got to meet Marissa that I had talked to about donations-she super sweet.

History- "Original Juan has been creating specialty sauces, salsas, snacks and dips for wholesale, retail and co-pack/private label customers since 1998.
About-"Original Juan Specialty Foods is housed in a 60,000 square foot facility on the historic Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas. The building is a delight to the senses with tantalizing aromas and festive colors. When visiting the Southwest-themed facility, you will find Original Juan’s Factory Outlet Store within the entrance of the building. Customers are encouraged to step up to the tasting table to try one of the company’s 150 products manufactured under 13 different brands. Some of the company’s most recognizable brands are Pain is Good, Da’Bomb, Fiesta Juan’s, Bilardo Brothers and Mama Capri. Original Juan also manufactures custom food products under co-packaging and private label arrangements for over 100 companies throughout the world."

I can't say enough good things about them. They are willing to work with me and Kansas Agri-Women in the future, so I'm pumped. Now....onto the products.Three of my favorites that I have tried.

Spicy Vodka Pasta Sauce-  I got this one at the outlet for 99cents-on special :)
It wasn't spicy to me, very cheesy with a typical marinara dipping sauce taste.  It says on the back, " Sweet tomatoes and aged Romano cheese simmer until infused with vodka to intensify the sharp flavor of the cheese. Each bite of this smooth velvety sauce leaves your mouth begging for more" This sums it up!

Chipolte Raspberry Sauce- Wonderful. Sweet with a little kick. Perfect topping to cream cheese for a quick and tasty appetizer.







Harvest Apple BBQ- Great addition to pork. The apple isn't over powering but adds something different to the BBQ flavor.



They have recipes for their items as well-how handy!

Next I want to try CHEESECAKE IN A JAR!

For the month of December everything on their website is 25% off!

Please go to their website for a complete listing of items. If you are in KC make sure and stop, they will treat you great and the prices are hard to beat.

Sampling Saturday-Monty's Jerky

I'm starting a new "series" on my blog. Each Saturday I will be featuring a Kansas Made Product! I'm hoping to get the word out about these products, since I think it is important to buy AMERICAN and especially support locals. I will give you my honest opinion, I won't just say its great because it's from KANSAS.

MONTY'S JERKY

I was contacted by Robyn at Monty's in October. She was gracious enough to donate jerky sticks for the American Agri-Women convention. They were a HIT!  I was impressed by how wonderful they were to work with. I think that Robyn and I ended up talking for about 30min on a variety of topics other than jerky. The second thing that really got me was the packaging. This is when it hit me, " I need to so a series on my blog about Kansas Made Products!" So here it goes.

 Check out how nice it looks and how well its packed.

About Monty's:
"The quest to fill a niche for exceptional jerky began in the mid 90's when Monty was smoking jerky in the garage for family and friends. Reception was amazing, and those lucky enough to taste the incredible creations persuaded Monty to craft the jerky so there would be a constant supply. Monty's Smoked Jerky was born and is now being crafted in Bird City, Kansas. Wade, Tim, and Robyn carry on the tradition of smoking tender, melt in your mouth delicious jerky."

What I think is great:
1. Most of their beef is raised locally
2. They are ag producers themselves.
3. It is produced in a small town (Bird City) = economic development!

Flavor:
They have a variety of flavors. I think the the Red Hot Sweetie is the way to go, sweet & spicy!

They will ship their jerky & apparel (yep that's right they have cute shirt too) right to your house. OR they can be found in a variety of stores in Colorado, Kansas and Texas.

For more info visit: http://www.montysjerky.com/

If you try their items please let me know!

Ruby Slippers Reception

At the American Agri-Women Conference there was a presidents reception for our outgoing president that is from Kansas. My mom and all her genius event planning wisdom, executed beautiful and fun decorations to, "Welcome Chris Home"

Hopefully, you gather some inspiration.

AAW uses Rosie the Riveter for many promos. So we were super excited when we ran onto this at a thrift store!

We had been gathering red shoes for a year. Oh, the ones you can find at thrift stores!

Floating sunflower candle(KS state flower)

I was featured..........

I just got back from Wichita for the American Agri-Women National Convention. It was great seeing old friends, making new ones, and finally putting a face with some of my social media friends. I meet up with Crystal Cattle and Celsete at Couture Cowgirl Communications , she did a post about my booth at convention.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! 
I really appreciate the support from Celeste and can't wait till the next AAW event.

Best of the Barns

There is a little contest ya'll should check out. This is the second year they have had this friendly little competition. I know a couple people who are up for nominations. First head over to Crystal Cattle for a fun little give away and then  head to Best of the Barns and vote.

Oh someday for me to be in that league.