RAFFIA SISTERS

Hey friends, takin' a little break for a couple of days... give you all the scoop we have been up to on Monday!  Happy Weekend!!!!!

April Sisters STYLE

We're so darn excited to share the Sisters 

Kit of the Month Club simply named

"Sisters Style"

Sharing & Telling Your Life's Events

 

  Here's the STYLE for April  

  "Sunshine & Puddles"

 

 

 

"Sunshine & Puddles" includes 10 sheets of 12 x 12 paper (all  two sided), glitter frame stickers, phrases stickers, journaling tags, butterflies & doilies, flea market buttons, alpha stickers & 12" of ribbon

 

And, we have the coordinating add-on

 

 

 Rain & Shine - $22.85 

 

"Rain & Shine " includes  3 sheets 12 x 12 paper (all two-sided), 12 x 12 sheet chipboard stickers,  12 x 12 sheet journaling die cuts, borders stickers, glitter foam letter stickers & bling

 

 

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this months STYLE!!!

When decorating becomes fun!

This not having a camera thing is the pits,  I have to say.  Still haven't made the big purchase. Every time I get ready to dive in, I second guess myself. The whole learning a new camera thing kinda freaks me out.  I feel like I was just starting to figure out what I was doing with my old one.

I feel like I have missed so many blogging opportunities.  My new fish addition from the carnival, my costume alterations for Big Sky State Games - I could go on and on.  I am, of course, grateful that Lyn has been so graciously trying to cover for me. But DANG I NEED A CAMERA!! So, I have given myself a time line. By this time next week, I hope I am fully back at it.  

Anyway!

Back to why I am here.....

If you know much about me, you know my personal style is pretty quirky.  I don't care much if things match or are of the same style/era.  I know what I like and what I don't. And, I am usually satisfied when it is put together.  If I could truly decorate my way, (that being all the cash at hand needed) I would love to have things somewhat unexpected.  A style where you couldn't quite put a name to.

I know other people don't feel this way about things, and generally it is pretty easy for me to pick up on someones style and offer out advice accordingly.  The fun comes when I have someone that is daring enough to get a little quirky along with me and trust me that it will work.   It doesn't happen very often, because honestly you don't find a ton of people looking for a bit of "quirkiness".  But when I do, ohhhh, how I enjoy it.

Now this particular person has an adventuresome sense of style and is usually more than willing to jump on board. She, too, knows what she likes, but also likes a little push to be a bit more daring.  She has been the recipient of some wonderful Raffia furniture over the years and came in recently asking about re-doing a slip covered chair she had bought several years back.   Of course, we started digging through fabrics but nothing seemed to work.  It needed to be the perfect fabric - because the one she was loosing was fabulous  - just getting a bit worn.

I knew the minute she seemed stuck that I could dare to offer out some advice that I had been anxiously awaiting give to someone (it was just finding the right someone.)

You know how in love with the tablecloths and aprons I am. Both Lyn and I have been looking for fabric for some updates as well.  Which if you have looked for fabric lately, it isn't easy.  So anyhow, we had been talking about how awesome it would be if you could use the table cloth for making some slipcovers.  AHHHHHHHHHH Perfect!!! And while both Lyn and I are anxiously waiting for the perfect tablecloth, it just so happened the minute I suggested it to Jeanelle, she was hooked.  I knew she would be.  She is just that type of person that appreciates being a bit outside the box. 

So home she went with a couple that we thought would work perfect and before long had it narrowed down to the perfect one.  Something that would blend well with what she already had, but would also give her an update.   How lucky for her (and really me) that we found the perfect lady to sew it.  And,  how lucky for me that she called all excited yesterday and invited me over.  

Fabulous does not even begin to describe it.    It is so stinkin' cute that it makes my heart pitter patter.  Now we are doing a few shuffles with some curtains and hopefully I will be asked back to take some pictures of the completed room. 

Oh Jeanelle, so darn perfect!!! I am soooo jealous!  And so excited for you.  It is even better than I thought!  Now you just need to work on that little project we have been talking about!! (Trust me, just once again~~~ it will be soooo worth it)

This~~~ made for one very HAPPY DAY!!

Note to Self

 

Leave a pretty note for Lynda to blog on Tuesday.

beauty in bloom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(thanks for the help, Lovely)

 

 (this is actually a garland KIT)

 

A good Monday to you!!!

all hat, no cattle

 

Have a great weekend.

LOVE this ribbon.

 

This, That and the Other

Some random thoughts for the day.

First have you dropped back by at Janessa's Blog to hear all about her visit with Ree.  Its a great account of the night....I am so jealous Janessa.  Sounds just like everything I thought it would be!

Then, as I continue to complain about the weather I am simply reminded by my cousin, Syd, about Japan, fires in Colorado,  and tragic going ons around the world.  And as I continue to complain about the weather, I am reminded by my husband that my brother-in- law Jess is stuck in the middle of Rapelje trying to calve in not so perfect conditions.

and STUCK would be the key word.

And as I continue to complain about the weathe,r I look at row of muddy boots all over the entry door that smell like a feedlot (and honestly look like a feedlot, - let your mind take you there).  And as I continue to complain about the weather, I wonder if I will ever get the opportunity to put out one of these cute door mats from Raffia and not have it covered with specks of snow.

 

And as I continue to complain about the weather, I am reminded that tomorrow is school carnival

and, so I will stop complaining about the weather cause carnival MAKES MY HEART HAPPY!!!!!

The Birds and the Bees

Oh, you so didn't think I was going THERE!! That talk SCARES me...it's why I raised my kids on a farm. (so they would already know it).  Hope this brings a few Spring Thoughts on this snow filled day!

Out of the loop

 
My blogging may just have to come to a sudden HALT!!! STOP!! CRASH!!!

A couple of reasons, first the story goes something like this.  So the other night Brad and I head over to the neighbors to do a little photo session with the prom group.....

 

 

 
 

 

 

aren't their tootsies cute!!!

 

Seth and Mariah have been friends a long time!!! (we knew her when she was NEVER going to wear a dress)

the boys thought it would be fun if Seth was on the banister...bummed I didn't get a better picture

 

report was fun and lots of dancing had by all. 

But as I was saying as Brad and I were getting in the car to leave we heard this loud POP!  Not sure what it was but as soon as I got home and went to check out my pictures my camera was DEAD! AND I MEAN DEAD!  Thank God it wasn't the memory card (or I would have REALLY CRIED)  So now I am currently WITHOUT A CAMERA!!! And don't know what to do.  I would like to do a bit of an upgrade but choke as I look at what that costs.  So hmmmmmm! 

Then to top it all off I find out the REE, yes THE PIONEER WOMAN was in Great Falls Friday night.  I like to pride myself that I am in the know on these things.  So how could it be that I find out Friday afternoon that Friday night she would be in Montana. What kind of a blogger am I that I don't know these things to pass along to my readers.  And I guess she must have left before she got my comment asking her to drop by the store and signing a few books on her way through.   MAN!!!!

So I am feeling a bit lost today.  Out of the loop, no clue what to do other than GRUMBLE that it is snowing.  But on a Happy Note my friend  Janessa was able to go to Great Falls and promises an update on her BLOG soon and has a sneak peak picture of her and Ree....well worth the drop by to see how cute it is....and thanks for making me jealous Janessa....get that paper done so we can get the whole scoop.....

Me and my peeps

 

Happy Monday, Peeps!!!

Welcome, Spring!!!

Whatever

She "says" she's working...

 

a sneak peek of the April STYLE (which she actually has done already)

Working???

Whatever, Lynda!!!

(gobs of new at both stores to show you next week)

Pillow Talk

Happy Friday Friends!

Make it day

First I have to giggle a bit this morning.  I always check my email before starting the blog process,  updates on facebook, company emails, you know, the important things to start your morning.  And RARELY do I have a typepad comment .......BECAUSE NO ONE EVER LEAVES ME A COMMENT.  But today there it was. Texas Land for Sale and this comment, "It seemed that you guys were enjoying, welcome back to the ranch."  in reference to Lynda's recent Back at the Ranch post.

The link takes you then to a Texas land for sale website...right there in the HILL COUNTRY!! (my fav) I get ONE COMMENT and it is buy land in TEXAS!!!!  Do you think someone is trying to tell me something???  Anyway it was funny!  Ok, my type funny.  How does that happen where someone finds your blog and then has land for sale in Texas!!  I know I am rambling.

 

Anyway yesterday was one of those days when things didn't go just as planned.  I am one of those people who on the long drive to town get my day planned out.  Yesterday was going to be freight, getting the back room straightened and getting the freight out.  But as I walked threw the door there sat Keni in her little pig tales, with Milley (her bear) sitting on her blankie looking very sad. Obviously not feeling well.  So as soon as Jackie arrived out they went back home with Lynda leaving me a couple of Sisters  "to do" projects.  GREAT!!! And while I would have much better liked to clean the back room, I gave my hand a try with one of the projects

 

 

a perfect little addition to your Easter table.

 

Then this  (as long I am WOWING you with my talents)

My new favorite evening treat. (that is if it is American Idol Night and Bob doesn't show up with ice cream and my family is in woes because where is Bob with the ice cream)

I invented this one day by fluke.  Ok invented might be stretching because I am sure someone somewhere has done this for years.  But if your in need of a quick treat, HOMEMADE ICE CREAM in two minutes or less, you might try this.

Take some of the frozen fruit you can buy at Costco

throw it in the blender with a little bit of this

(whipping cream)

and then we like a whole lot of this

(sugar) Hey, we have to support our local beet farmers

Blend and serve

The frozen fruit with the whipping cream make a perfect ice cream consistency.  Great Treat!!  And somewhat healthy, it does have fruit in it!!!!

Happy Making, Oh and if you have any land for sale in Texas be sure to leave me a comment!!

and, there's still more...

and,

combined with some of the goodies from last week

 
and,

more soon!!!

Top of the Morning

Oh what a beautiful morning

(singing a little Oklahoma musical stuff right now)  Whatever the title....GOSH DARN IT IS PRETTY OUT THIS MORN!

I honestly can't say what sunshine does for my soul.  I swear my energy level has gone up about 20 notches.  And I strangely have a bit of swagger in my step and am up for a couple of battles that are looming. (nothing major)

Not that it all is not going to come crashing down on me in about 20 minutes when I have to enter the back room and finish up my freight and do a little furniture construction. Yes, another glorious job I am so blessed to get to do.  Much of our smaller furniture comes in with "ASSEMBLY REQUIRED"  A true killer.  Problem being I HATE READING DIRECTIONS.  Meaning I get it almost all the way together and wonder why I have an extra piece, which in turn means taking everything BACK apart and starting over. 

Oh well, it will be worth it in the end. (And, hey, there are even a few pieces I don't have to assemble.)

Well if all else fails, I have left the wreaths out front just waiting for  a perfect day to take them down (in case I need an escape).  TODAY JUST MIGHT BE THAT DAY!!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch

 

I don't seem to be very organized for blogging today.  But hey, three in one weekend should count for something. 

So today you will just have to tolerate me as I showcase the weekends highlights.

Friday night

Elder Grove Swim Night at the Reef.

Generally NOT MY THING!!!  But we really did have a great time.  Our Parent Association has been doing some super things this year.  This event included.  We had around 300 people swimming (not including parents on the side) WOWZA!!!   And I have to admit I really enjoyed just lounging with some great ladies I know!!! LOVE THESE GIRLS!!!

Saturday was filled with cleaning, clogging practice, and a little basketball.

 

(I suck at basketball pictures)

Seth and Jeremiah particing their trick shot. (Seth shoots, Jeremiah dunks it - never did get that shot)

And then yesterday, we must be convinced that winter is over because the calving barn got cleaned out and changed to a calf barn!   Lots of shoveling, washing, hauling.  Then we got the 4H animals tied up and worked a bit with Seth's Merit Heifer.

Ruby is such a "gem".  She is so sweet.  Love her!!!  She is so good with Seth too.  He was petting all over her!  Makes my heart happy!

Feel very blessed to have had such a good weekend.  It was so nice to be outside without twelve layers of clothes.   Praying that the weather sticks around!!  

HAPPY DAY!

One more recipe

Also made these little treasures for camp.  If your family likes cookie dough, this is the recipe to use.

Cookie Dough Truffles

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1-1/2 pound dark chocolate candy coating

 cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

 

Beat in the vanilla.  Gradually add the flour alternately with the sweetened condensed milk, beating well after each addition. 

Stir in the chips and walnuts.

Shape into 1 inch balls; place on waxed paper .  Loosely cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or until firm.

Melt candy coating in the microwave; stir until smooth.  Dip the balls in the coating and refrigerate until firm.  Store in refrigerator.   makes 5 and 1/2 dozen

Of course I didn't have chocolate dipping stuff so I used white chocolate and mint choc.  I really liked the mint choc and think it is a fun substitution. 

These are also fun not dipped.  I am all over making this and throwing it in with a little vanilla ice cream.  Instant choc chip cookie dough ice cream!

Just what is the legal limit? My current addiction

 

how many boxes yes boxes can you eat in one day???????????

not of these

 

but these

see what you started Gretchen.  Thank goodness you can only buy them once a year!!!!

 

Write in on your calender

that you'll be joining us for all the fun

October 28 - 30, 2011

March 16 - 18, 2012

(that's being pretty organized for the sisters)

Hope to see you there!!!

Ask and you shall receive ~ it may just take a bit

We had a few recipe requests from camp that we promised we would get out to you.  Sorry it took so long, but I think just the happy pictures will make it worth the wait!

This recipe came from a lady who babysat  us every now and then.  I remember her being OLD ~~ with wonderful stories she would tell.  Mom used this recipe a lot .  You can tell by the stains on the original.

(the real good mark is always a sign for us) This is the perfect carrot cake. It's always good!! And really anything with cream cheese frosting........

This recipe is at every holiday Lynda or I cook for.  Another one that mom made now and then.  I have a sneaking suspicion it originally came for our Aunt Sandy... although sometimes my memory is shaky.  While I am not a casserole cook this one just does it for me.  But the funny thing is we only make it at holiday times.  It is perfect with ham, prime rib or turkey!! We always make a big pan cause it's tradition to bring it to the store the day after Christmas for lunch!!!  It is so simple but soooo good.

(and the camp version didn't even taste like the "real" version so trust me and give it a try)

Now this soup, it has a kinda funny story behind it (although trust me it about sent me over the edge at the time). 

A couple of camps ago Lynda suggested this recipe.  She had found it in a taste of home book and loved it.  I was a bit sceptical, don't really love bean soup.  But she assured me it was great.  So I decided I would make my famous chicken noodle soup (one of the best things I make, according to me) along with this one.

 My fridge was packed full so I took both kettles (I think there were 4 to be exact) over to the meat room fridge.  The next morning I went to grab it and it was warm!! STILL WARM ~~ the fridge had bleak ed out somehow and NOW WHAT THE #@%^#@$& was I going to do.  Brad assured me it would be fine.  That the temperature in the meat room was ok for safe temperature. (of which I was sticking a meat thermometer in it to get internal temperature, googling what was safe) AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! So of course that day we had sandwiches.  And my family enjoyed 4 pots of soup thinking it was perfect (and they didn't die of food poison!!!) 

Round two was much better.  In fact I could easily make this soup often.  Easy, good, and my kids love it!

Well hubby calling.  Today finds us working lots of cattle!! Getting ready for AI season (right around the corner)  Hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we do.  Oh and how about Lynda's cute card scrapping, LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!

I'm FINISHED!!!

There may be a list of things you are hoping that are finished, but no that is not what I am referring to.

I just want to know, WHO IS NOW GOING TO READ MY BOOK???!!!

I finally had a chance to get started on Sunday.  Then stayed up "way too late for this girl" the other night trying to get it done. (That would be my whole " reading problem" - need to stay up all night to finish.  Hate to start, because I can't put it down until I am done.) 

It was pleasant, just as I knew it would be.  An easy read, funny, to the point,  a true romance novel, life as it is,  funny!!!!  Everything I expected.

But what I didn't expect was the similarities to MY book (that would be the book I am writing about my life - just so I can be famous, like Ree) Plagiarism!!! I SAY!!!

I mean, I was in a long romance before I fell in love with Brad on our first date (which consisted of driving around looking at corn fields after a big hail storm - that should have been my sign). I had found my COWBOY!  (he, too, whispered he loved my right away).  I hadn't planned on staying in Billings most of my life.  What did I know about farming? DAIRY FARMING, TO SAY THE LEAST ~~ I am a ranch girl.  And no matter what anyone says, there is a DIFFERENCE.

I confessed my love one drunken night to my girlfriends (after a girls night out in the big town of Lima, MT). EVERYONE WAS SHOCKED. (Yes still in that other relationship.) While my friend sat giggling, as she lay in the bathtub she had just fallen into, she knew I meant what I was saying.  While my other friend confessed she had been suspicious all along - something was up 300 miles away!

We married quickly and within months found out we were pregnant.....all the while still trying to figure out this, "WHAT!! WE HAVE TO BE HOME AT 4:00pm  EVERY STINKIN DAY OF OUR LIVES TO MILK COWS AND you want me to GET UP AT 6:00 to feed bucket calves" thing. Heck, I didn't even know what a bucket calf was.  We had bum calves. 

Seth was suppose to be a girl....Abby to be correct!  Everyone was sure, especially Brad.  It took a good several minutes for him to come to the reality that HE HAD A BOY! 

And while I live and believe in  everything "ranchy", there is that part of me that loves the "city things", "cultural things", "different food", "pretty things".  I tell you, IT IS MY BOOK!  so now what am I going to do???

Oh heck, you might as well read this one so you know my life!!!! (ok mine might not be so flowery!!)(or exciting) (or..........................)

More, Sir...

 











Happy Wednesday!!! (and she says she is busy working!!!!)

Please sir, I want some "more".

Remember that line from "Oliver".  That's how Lynda feels when the UPS man doesn't bring her any packages.  Luckily,  the food (for her soul) has been delivered A LOT lately and here's a bit of what she's unpacking,  ooohing, pricing, ooohing,  putting away, ooohing, & trying to make something out of (owwwing).

 

"More" tomorrow.

A minute of fame

Ok, I don't think Lynda will be crushed if I change the minute to a second.  But hey, you have to take a little fame whenever you get the opportunity.  I tried to do the same with Anna the other day.  How much fun to walk into Barnes and Noble in Bozeman and see this...

 

and to tease Anna that she is in a famous book.

Like I say, take it while you get it.

Well this month if you drop by our friend BECKY FLECK'S website and click on the March Card Maps link you'll see this card map

and then you'll see

done by my very own sister!  Becky gave Lynda a shout out and asked if she would contribute a card to her March Card Maps.  UHHHHH YAAAAHHHH!!!  And I think she did a grand job.  Love Love Love Love Love the little tag (my contribution)  And Love Love Love the tape -  my new favorite embellishment! (in this months Style)  

So go ahead Lyn, enjoy your second of fame (today at work, ha) !

While we didn't take State, we sure had fun trying

The Girls got to play in the Championship game - fighting hard they took second.  The boys finished up fourth.  And while we all would have liked it to be first place for both, we sure did enjoy the ride.....

 

So proud to be a Laurel Loco.  How about it boys and girls.  Same time, up a couple places next year????

A Raffia Walkabout

 

 

So many fun new things, I just couldn't decide which one to show.  Happy Friday FRIENDS!  Off to Bozeman to hopefully watch the Laurel Locos bring home both the boys and girls state basketball championship.......update on Sunday!!!

Finding some inspiration

Searching around and here are things that MAKE ME HAPPY

(I saved this picture and don't have a link, sorry whomever  took this lovely picture)

this is from the wedding this summer, Andy and Beth's.  Just received her professional pictures....love this one.

 

Hello Lucky

Inspireco

Faded Prairie

Nigella cookware

 

Our Friend Beth, always inspiring

 

My WANT piece

one of my fav pictures of Keni

The Shoe Gypsy

Tulsa, Ok

The new Anthropology simply incredible marketing

I would pay thousands for that room and the door

this article was in one of our ag magazines. An incredible story of 5 sisters age 15 to 22  whose parents died in a plane crash.  They continued their 7,000 acre farm and 4,000 head of cattle.  In a mans world, amazing story.  Honestly, the  most inspiring.  

March STYLE

 It's spring at Sisters - (NO MATTER WHAT!!!)

Meet Yippee Skippee

 
 
 
 
 

and the add on - Zippety Do Da
a
 

 

Can hardly wait to make more with all the goodies.  

Happy Hump Day!!!

 

 

Puffies

Do they make these in pillows???

They should!  The second day after camp is worse than the first.  Hopefully we will all be recovered by tomorrow.