RAFFIA SISTERS

This! That! and everything else to throw in!

I hope you were one of the few that got some of the items posted yesterday.....struggling with posting and then them BEING GONE!!

So 1st things first

these have came and are about gone....we have a few of the oil diffusers as well. ~~

super cute magnets!

a few odds and ends letters!! 

and a great evening out with our friend Cortni to celebrate her BIRTHDAY!!!!

nothing like a little KID ENTERTAINMENT at the tortilla center!!

hey, you only get a lemon for your birthday if you make the most INCREDIBLE LEMON COOKIES EVER!!!! hint hint!!

Can we have a birthday celebration every night??? ~~ great way to end the day!!!

And hey all you scrappers...new goodies tomorrow!!!! Happy Wednesday!!! (it is Wednesday right!!) 

hot out of the box

Just in time for a little buying frenzy!!! 

and a sweet little bloom from your flower box

 

a great little shelf for really any room!!! 

 little treat plates 

of course by Kelly Rae

and sooo so so sweet nest plates

Hey, and they are all 30 % off!! Can't beat that!!

Happy Day !!!

 

IT'S GETTING BIGGER

ENJOY 30% OFF

STORE WIDE

 

(INCLUDING

LOWEST SALE ROOM

PRICES)   

What!! More Branding pictures....

Hey, how else do you celebrate Mothers Day!

the book keepers

the gate puller

the pusher upper

the brander

the other pusher upper

the vaccinator

the brand

the branded

the bull rider

the hoooollliiigggaannnns!

A FAMILY THAT WORKS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER!

WHY GOD MADE MOMS...
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:


Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine..

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the Wonderful Moms we know out there!!  Hope it is a good one!!

 

branding pics ~~ not posted a couple of weeks ago...but a must share for a double post friday!

While Lori was dance, dance, dancing...

We were brand, brand, branding...

At Jess' cousins Saturday

)

Kenadie even wrestled.

I stood around until I got yelled at to put the camera down and get to work. (actually, that was Lois, but we got the message)

And, then the next day at our house...

Lane got to rope off the new horse he got the night before.

Seth even got put to work.

Jess's Uncle Glenn

Somebody... was hungry

and bored

Lois didn't have a sewing project to do.

and, just for you, Megan, I did not post "the wreck" pictures.

 

your Mom could lay around mothers day in these

 

or you could...super sweet!!

 

A little bling ~hey goes great with vintage

Still on the one for me, I mean two for me one for the store hording frenzy....good thing Lynda posted them all before I got first pick!  Great Great STUFF...

Still Aiing.  Finished the old cows yesterday and got them hauled out to Pryor Creek, start a new bunch of heifers tonight. Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather...me I am still PRAYing for RAIN!! (~~the farmer in my house is getting a little stressed out!)

 

one last bit of vintage goodness....aprons,tablecloths,napkins, and tea towels

I must be convinced that I am NEVER EVER going to have the opportunity to buy another cool thing....I am in a little bit of a hording frenzy...

probably my second favorite company...right after my pjs...

ok that may be a lie...I have several favs...and yes I did have to restock my house JUST A LITTLE!!!  Hey, I MAY REALLY NEVER HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE!! But I didn't take  THEM ALL!! MORE COWS TODAY!!! YIPPEEEEE.........

So am I ready to be the hired man??? and the last order of PJ SALVAGE

Very great question you have just asked???!!! And let me say although we have spent the entire weekend working together we are still talking....this is a good sign!!!  (brad and I that is) (as apposed to Lynda and I )(which yes, Lynda and I are talking)(ok this is getting confusing!!)

Officially leaving "PART TIME BOSS" position to "FULL TIME GRUNT POSITION"  and while working cattle this weekend...AI SEASON...(may have to repost all that goodness this week) we have been in the process of breeding over 300 heifers. I have only been accused of not shutting the gate ONCE!!....which I may clarify was BRAD'S MISTAKE ~he WAS THE LAST ONE THROUGH!!!!! (even have Olie, our AI MAN TO PROVE IT) and putting the wrong bunch of cattle in with another bunch....of which point number two..... I WAS TOLD TO DO AND WAS IN THE HOUSE WHEN  THEY SWITCHED THE PENS......OF WHICH I ONCE AGAIN HAVE OLIE to PROVE I WAS RIGHT!!...so have yet to BE FIRED!! AND ACTUALLY have TWO up on the BOSS!!!

I think truth be told, he is just trying to be nice to me this week as I continue to be a bit overwhelmed not to mention a little cold Lynda gave me.....

On a great note...our last order of PJ SALVAGE just arrived...still in time for Mother's day...which don't forget it is a perfect time to get one last great gift for your Mom at Raffia this week....and as always PJS haven't failed me....

sweet!!! in every way! Making for a very HAPPY DAY!

 

 

 

cows cows cows cows cows...or heifers heifers heifers....ai season upon us...see you monday!

Western Ranch to expand in Billings : The Billings Gazette - Montana & Wyoming News

Western Ranch to expand in Billings : The Billings Gazette - Montana & Wyoming News.

This is the company I buy clothing for!! They are an amazing group of people....Congrats Western Ranch!! and yes my little hand gets to stay a touch in retail!!! (not to worry some of our great lines will be seen at Western Ranch!!!) 

a few questions answered

First let me say,

DOES IT TAKE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS TO GET MY BLOG READERSHIP UP!!!! man I have waited years to have that many people read my posts!! :)  :) ...NO REALLY!!!

 

So lots of questions the last couple of days that I thought I might answer.

~~  We are planning on staying open till June 9th...

~~  We are NOT MOVING AWAY!!! YOUR STUCK WITH US!  Although our intentions are to be at the Valley more we still have our places here...truly we just want the flexibility to go there when we need to...do some fence fixing up... I SWEAR I AM GOING TO GET THE FENCE AROUND THE HOUSE PAINTED THIS SUMMER (RED!!), do a bit of irrigating....(Dad will be cussing me every shovel full that I didn't quite get it in the right place)(and I will miss that!), and possibly get a chance to enjoy a day of arrowhead hunting! (once again for dad's sake!)  

~~ that being said...  it had better rain so I am not stuck HERE all summer irrigating!

~~ SCRAP CAMP IS ON!!!!  We will be sending out the confirmed dates soon and let you know how all that will work!!!SO PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDER!!

~~We would like to continue our SISTERS STYLE!! It will be your way to get all that is new and cool!!~~ our continued promise.....Let us know if your interested!!

~~yes still more goodies to arrive...both scrapping and at Raffia.  Just got some more pictures yesterday (didn't have my camera..what was to be today's blog~~oops some things never change)....more soap, candles, lotion, papers....

~~if you need something special that you may not be able to live without let us know, we will see what we can do!

~~ I plan on keeping this blog going...I can't tell you how much I love it, and how much is scares me to not have this little morning time...and while you may get a few too many cow pictures, I promise I will figure out a way to mix it up! SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep reading!!

~~The last two days have been extremely overwhelming and very humbling....and as tears continue to roll down my eyes this morning your support and kind words have meant so much more than you will know...it has always been why we love what we do~~it is  ALL about YOU!!

~~and yes there are many moments that we wonder if we should have pushed SEND..(on the email front...going out of business)

~~can't imagine walking out the doors the last time.

But what do you think of RAFFIA SISTERS ON THE ROAD???

 

 

The down side of closing your doors...

lots of tears...AND TIRED FEET!!!

Thanks everyone for an amazing day yesterday...promise regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow!!! (now that I have heard I still will have a few follower!!!!)(NOW THAT DOES MY HEART GOOD!!!) 

EVERYTHING'S GOING

 

get the best selection early

      20 % off EVERYTHING

both Stores~~ RAFFIA AND SISTERS

(including lowest sale room prices)

     Let the fun BEGIN!

time to say goodbye...

I have always been a firm believer that change is a good thing. Not easy. Kinda scary. But, generally takes you down a path that leads right to where you need to be.  

18 years ago, this June, Lynda's and my life made a drastic change as we embarked on an unknown called Raffia. To say "what were we thinking" is probably something to look back and laugh about.  We knew nothing about retail, let alone what was cool and hip in the world of decorating.  Not really even sure we knew what decorating was after being raised in the middle of nowhere with no power, an old farm house sink, wash boards, mud pies and cows.  

But somewhere along the way I think our parents instilled in us the confidence to believe in ourselves, trust our instincts, throw in a bit of luck, have a little faith and just work hard!

I know at the time we had no idea what this place named Raffia would bring to us. The employees who became like mothers at a time when we were broken hearted, grandmothers to our children and sisters to us. And, the customers who became more than just friends, but more like family as we shared our lives through the years.  It was no different as we embarked on Sisters. We trusted our gut, threw a little caution to the wind, cleaned out our storage, and jumped on for another amazing ride.

It was this January when we were making our spring buying travels to market that we decided it was once again time for a change. 25 hours in a car together has always led us to do our best talking, creative ideas and soul searching.  And while it has taken us these past four months to get up the nerve to make the change, we've decided it is time to move forward.

As many of you know our dad passed away this past fall. And home is calling.  We believe that we owe it to our folks and our families to have the time to go to The Valley (there is only one valley isn't there?) and make it for our children what it was and is for us.  And while Raffia and Sisters is our passion, ranching and agriculture is our lives and our hearts.

As of Monday, April 30, we will begin closing both Raffia and Sisters.  Starting Monday, everything will be on sale (including fixtures) starting at 20 percent off.  We will be starting the "official" sale on Wednesday, May 2, but want to give you an opportunity to shop first so you will have a couple of days to shop for your favorites.

As we move forward, you will be the first to know new discounting, sale information and things that will be coming down the road through the blog and the newsletter.

Within the next few weeks, we expect to have the stores empty and hope to be closed by June 10th - the 18th year anniversary of Raffia opening.

So let's enjoy the ride - the memories, relationships, laughter and the tears we have shared over the years.

We will forever be grateful to you...more than you will truly ever know.

All our love, and forever gratitude.

Lori and Lynda

See you Monday!

Sweet Chaos

May STYLE

   

"Sweet Chaos" includes 5 sheets of 12 x 12 paper (all two sided),  1- 12 x 12 transparency sheet, 12 x 12 letter and  phrase stickers, molded paper flowers, fabric and epoxy brads, bag of bits and color instaframes with rub-ons and stickers         

 

 And, we have coordinating add-on

 

"Sweet Thing" - $17.00

 

 "Sweet Thing"  includes 1 sheet 12 x 12 ruffled paper,  12 x 12 chipboard, 24- 4 x 6 journaling cards, 2- paper doilies paper,  and 1 yard of ribbon

 

 And, combined with the STYLE from last month 

The possibilities are endless.

(thanks for the pictures, Lovely)

We have a HUGE announcement we'll be making this weekend.  Pay attention to your email or check back here.

Happy Rainy Friday!!!

thanks for waiting

so long for LOTS OF NEW.........

New company, GREAT NEW PATTERNS, same old great stuff!!!

Well worth the wait!!! 

rosie, cows, dishes, what else do you want to start your day? COFFEE!!

I think you know by now how Rosie has this protective nature to keep the farm safe.  You know, " I AM SAVING THE FARM" barking late into the night and early morning....keeping the coyotes at bay...causing her owners to just roll over, go back to sleep,just knowing she is in control brings no need for worries.

 So this morn, guessing around 4ish cause it was still dark but I could hear the birds chirping (had my windows open last night ..... HALLELUJAH) Rosie proceeded to do some major barking, and then Parker decided to join in (grandma and grandpas dog).  It went on for some time sending me right awake...not right awake get out of bed but right awake let's lay in bed and stew.  The barking didn't stop right away but after deciding once again I may not be able to save the world drifted back to sleep.  Only to have my husband get up....awwww stretch....the whole bed to myself syndrome....and then come rushing in to tell me all the cows were out!   Such a great way to start the morning!!!  

Lucky for us they must not have been out too long they were just down the road a bit and most of them up the alley!

Lesson 1.  Maybe if Rosie barks continuously GET UP and LOOK AROUND!

Serious if it's not one thing it's another!

 

Had a great weekend at the dance competition...lots of fun had by all.  Lyn and Jess branded Sunday...those pictures to come soon...yesterday sorted off some pairs (cows and calves) and hauled them to Pryor.... I think the spring fun has begun!

so now you have Rosie, Cows,

and of course if you could see my kitchen sink...you know the new one that once I had it in would never hold a dirty  dish because my new kitchen was going to be so spotless.....well it is currently piled with dirty dishes....I know the gasps...DIRTY DISHES!   And if I hadn't have gotten up to chase cows this morn I could actually be excited to use my newest Raffia shipment must haves.....

lots of great new colors....

Is it wrong to love dish cloths and flour sacks???

Let me answer that, it's WRONG to love to use them....

of which I have no problem  with so GRAB the COFFEE!!! Walk out the door!!!! Don't look back (at the sink that is )....and HOPE your day isn't going to be like this all day!

Hey, on a good note I did have ONE clean COFFEE cup to use!!! 

I came to dance dance dance dance

happy happy happy! just imagine a cute little summer dress!

sunshine at least this morn...full day ahead...good vibes sent to everyone for a great day! 

this might take a couple of days!

while I continue to pray for rain..the clouds are GETTING ME!!  no ambition, want a nap, (at 7:30 am) and don't feel much like anything..blahhhhhh!! So please rain man RAIN!!!! although I am wearing a very cute new sweater just purchased from this really cool store...HA! let's hope it not a waste of a good clothing day!  

lucky for me I have a little project to finish up..alright if my ambition  comes around I have a bunch of projects to get finished up....but this one is one of my favs and includes one little box with lots of great treasures inside....

that would look good with my new sweater

hope this makes it's way to the floor

this would match my new sweater

oh wait, that is MY NEW SWEATER

summer brights tomorrow...today CLOUDY yet sophisticated!! HA Happy Wed Friends!! Stop in and see my cute new sweater!!!

maybe, if your cup is cute your husband won't steal it and leave it in the feed truck!

maybe, if your glass is cute your son won't want to leave it laying on the floor of his pickup.

maybe

just maybe

if you scribble in black marker your name all over it and draw ugly faces on it your daughter won't steal it....

who are we kidding,

probably not!  Oh well, might get one good drink out of them!

Embellished at Sisters

Oh, happy Monday!

A little retail break

Thought I would give you a little COOKING from Easter...

I gave the Pots De Creme from the new Pioneer Women cook book a try.  Simple Simple Simple 

12 ounce bag of semisweet choc chips

4 eggs room temp

2 tsp vanilla

pinch of salt

8 ounces of very hot strong coffee

1 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp sugar

throw your choc chips,eggs, vanilla and salt in the blender.......

pulse a few times

then slowly pour in your HOT coffee (blender mixing as you pour)the coffee will melt the chocolate.

pour in a cute container....maison jars seem to be the thing right now.

Let set in the fridge a few hours

Mix up the whipping cream and sugar...WHIP IT!

pile high on choc mouse stuff and enjoy!

I must admit I wasn't too sure I LOVED this little jar of choc on Easter day...The coffee taste was VERY strong (could be MY COFFEE) and the kids were glad I had made PIE!  But when I tried it again a couple days later the coffee flavor had mellowed a bit and I really enjoyed this little choc treat.  I would advise letting it set at least a day before serving...if you have tried it and I am wrong let me know...

oh and Pioneer Woman has several different options to recreate this little treat!

Happy Friday...New scrap stuff in.....stay tuned! 

I chuckled yesterday as a customer declared it should rain every night and be sunny all day.  Wouldn't that be wonderful.  Must admit I have been a bit on the LET IT RAIN prayer lately.  Scared of what the summer will bring  (in the whole work, irrigate category).  What a joyous noise this morning at 4:00.  Nothing like the pitter patter of rain drops...and while it is certainly not sunny my hopes are for a couple inches today and then sunshine tomorrow. (this could probably happen once a week, would love another spring of getaways to deadwood)

So today brings one more day of pictures.... 

happy and thoughtful...helps bring some sunshine on a cloudy day!

do none of you sing out there......

 

 good thing I have other pictures to hang on the wall!

What would your picture be...

You know my love of song....

So one can only imagine when I see this

just were my mind goes...hmmmm lets see

Rain drops keep falling on my head (not sure why that one popped in my mind first)

I can see clearly now the rain is gone...gonna be a bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day.

Happy days are here again, Happy days are here again. (that's an oldie you might not know that one)

Those were the days my friends we thought they'd never end we sing and dance for ever and a day...la la la lalala la la la la lala la la la la...(ok another oldie for my Aunt Sandy)

KAWLIJA (click to sing along) was a wooden Indian...oh you won't know that one (my fav song to watch mom and dad dance to)

Bet you by golly wow (stylistics) Brads song to me...ha my song to Brad...20 years ago....

oh boy now I am on a roll....this may be a long post....

99 bottles of beer on the wall.......

(I think I may need to hire out to the Lyricology committee)

you and I must make a pact we must bring salvation back whenever you call me....I'll be there...(sing it Michael)

cause it's a thriller.......

Hush little baby don't say a word, mommas gonna buy you a mocking bird..(now that was a mind change there)

I can only imagine.....

Well excuse me, but I think you got my chair... no that ones not taken I don't mind if you sit here.......

With a rebel yell....(come on Billy Idol fans)

looking back, on the memory of, the dance we shared, beneath the stars above...I'd of had to miss theeeeeeeeeee dance.

That's what I like about you...keep on whispering in my ear....

OK I'M GONNA STOP NOW!

Stop oh yes wait a minute mister postman..wait waiiiiittttt Mr postman.

Fly away with my ...(nora Jones)

High on a hill was a lonely goat oh lady oh a lady oh a lady eee oh.. (sound of music was on Easter...one of Moms fav and now the kids love it)

and yes, do love this one

if ya need me, call me, no matter where you are no matter how far. just call my name, I'll be there in a hurry, and that you can depend and never worry.

ahhhhh ahhhhh ahhhhhh 

Love these.....

what would your picture say??? come on flood my comment section. Which one would you hang in your kitchen, family room...ahhhh bedroom...kids room!???? YOU TOO WILL BE SOON SINGING ALL DAY!

( is there a song that says I had better quit now or I might be here all day)

put another log on the fire...cook me up some bacon and some beans.....

wait wait mr post man please mr postman look and see...is there a letter........

 I fell in to a burnin ring of fire I fell down down down...

 

OK!!! SERIOUS I CAN'T STOP!!!!!

 

sure signs of spring

Things start to get crazy here at home with cattle and crops...but the joy of family working and playing together and the rebirth of life makes it my favorite time of year.  Hope you all had a blessed Easter Day!  

 

A little cheerfulness

on this rainy day...

Happy Friday!

at Sisters

Lovin' all the new goodies coming in...

Wish my sister would do something cool with them...

 

on the inside (of the latest cookbooks we just got in)

So lately I have been dreaming about opening a little cafe.  I think it has something to do with all the lotto buzz of what would you do if you won MILLIONS....me I would buy up the whole valley and open a cafe..(not in the valley..I would go broke). Then throw in that bad little addiction called PINTEREST and all the food that gets pinned on my board and there you have it...the need to open a little cafe.

Of course, it would have to be a burger type joint..(hey we raise cattle)...with great home cooking....

yes, chipped up wood tables and I think I will try the painted silverware on pinterest. (You can follow my pins and look up that great silverware, Lori Stibal Kraft)

Of course, we will have a great breakfast...hash browns dripping with GREASE...lots of BACON and, yes,

the worlds best biscuits and gravy...

not to fear - pretty tea breads and muffins and Jackie's big wonderful cinnamon rolls will be offered, too.

And then not just pop and water

but beautiful little drinks

Don't fear, the coffee will just be COFFEE in an old never washed pot.

And just imagine the desserts (of course,captain crunch cookies.)

And, I will hire LOVELY to be the cake lady.

I will have the terrible job of having to collect all the cake plates....

But, being that I didn't win the lottery, I best be off to work and then branding the heifers calves this afternoon.

Can you just imagine my cute little cafe.........ahhhh I know I would be entertained for a good couple of months.

FOOTNOTE: this would be the second time I have typed this post. Just finished last time about to push save and, YES, I KICKED THE STINKIN POWER BUTTON OFF ON THE POWER SAVER!!!OH LUCKY DAY!!! I think I am gonna be late for work!!! So much for dreamin'. 

April Sisters STYLE

 "Pink Lemonade"

 

 

"Pink Lemonade" includes 9 sheets of 12 x 12 paper (all two sided),  1- 12 x 12 sheet of vellum, phrase stickers, molded paper flowers, ephemera flowers, epoxy buzz words, 36 gems, and letter stickers       

 

 And, we have coordinating add-on

 

"Fruit Punch" - $18.80

 

"Fruit Punch" includes 4 sheets of double sided 12 x 12 paper,  dimensional stickers, decorative tags & sheet of mini stickers

  

Sweet is all I can really say...

any book (Pioneer Woman Review)

that starts with coffee

(even if it's iced)

has tulips

and bread

and cowboys and cowboy kids

and cooks like me

has to be good!

A long weekend for the Kraft family (in a good way). Talk with you tomorrow!

Hey Good Lookin'

What ya got cookin'???

Finally got her....

 

 

 

Yum!

just trust me

Boy that is a loaded post title!!

We are on an industrial vintage kick...which means lots of tone on tone whites and creams. (not to worry the whole other half of the store is FILLED with color)  Remember VINTAGE is the new thing!! IT's EVERYWHERE!!  And how lucky to find two new incredible companies to fill the need.  First jump into this luscious bed. 

the shams are shades of whites with delicate ruffles and quilted patterns.

and this my little chickadees just so happens to be the most luscious shower curtain in the world.

and then there is this....

 

you have to "TRUST ME" that this is probably the most INCREDIBLE COUCH I HAVE EVER SAT IN!! TO DIE FOR!!!!

And while yes, it is WHITE (actually creamish) it is slip covered... THROW IT IN THE WASH!!!

And don't forget this beauty.

and while once again you will have to "trust me" my photography skill do nothing for how incredible these things truly are....worth the trip to Raffia just to sit in the coach....TRUST ME!! 

The wonderful world of whites...

oh and Brad I have decided I want to staple readers digest pages to my (i mean our) bedroom wall. (best to break these things in public) ( I will let you know the response). 

Hello Heidi and Echo

Swapp and Park, that is.

More tomorrow..

 

the details

I find me and the world of details to be a very interesting thing.  Take yesterday and the Sunday for instance.  Yesterday we headed off to Bozeman to do a review of our water rights for the Valley.  Something I guess they do every 20 years or so.  Lucky me got to go with the boys (Brad and Jess)( I lost the toothpick draw with Lynda).  As we sat going piece, by piece, by piece, by piece, by piece, by piece, of paper I sat and wondered how anyone could think it would be fun to have a job that was so wrapped up in tiny little  details. BORING!!!  Ok, interesting the first TWO pieces of paper...BORING the next hundred.   Every single piece wrapped up into a series of numbers,  logistics, coordinates...your getting my point.  I can think of nothing worse...kinda like balancing a check book type of thing!

And then this on Sunday

my new dining room table project...hours upon, hours upon, hours only to get the the point where...THAT IS DEFINITELY GOOD ENOUGH!!! Not worrying that every single piece was perfect. (can't wait to show you the finished product)

But then in the world of decorating I KNOW it is ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS!!  It is what makes it finished!  And I can fuss moving something an inch one way and two the other to get to the finishing details. It's about throwing a fabulous tablecloth on top of the unperfect table and a beautiful bouquet of flowers that brings out it's charming potential.

It's the same for me in scrapping.  What makes a page special is the little details that are carefully thought out and perfectly placed.

add in some fab photos

 

it's easy to see why the world gets so wrapped in details... and those ones I LOVE!  Happy Tuesday! (details for the day, NEW SOFA AND CHAIRS,,,TO DIE FOR)

This morning was one of those days when Brad left to go feed that I couldn't go back to sleep.  Usually it's bye, love ya, ahhhhhhh the whole bed to myself, snooze several times, but this morn it was bye, love ya, wide awake and time to solve the worlds problems.  I generally do this in the middle of the night, not the middle of the early morning.  So figured I might as well get up and have a cup of coffee and start the day.  When your trying to solve the worlds problems it doesn't really help to do the dishes, laundry, everything else you might do when you have an extra few minutes to start your day.

So I grabbed the coffee, the remote, crawled back in to bed with Martha Stewart Living.  That was not really helpful in the world problem issue cause there staring me in the face was these beautiful gardens, a luscious greenhouse.....which then lead the thoughts WHY am I not a good gardener, wishing I HAD the money (and time) to have a beautiful greenhouse....you know, more world problems.

By then I even had enough fill of News (believe it or not) so I flipped around till I found HGTV and found the new and exciting.....MARRIAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.  I believe there is a reason that this is on in the early am's. But desperate times call for desperate measures so of course I watched it and then pondered if I was going to have to get up at ungodly hours to see the NEXT episode.

Back to the news, more solving the worlds problems, should get going, a little time following a few blogs that needed caught up on, ok laundry, pondering life, shower, breakfast for my WRS boss (coffee) that came to help Brad with a chute, and I think I am STILL going to be early for work today!  

So HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

On a great note, (ah clever NOTE)(just thought of that) (that's what getting up early does, makes you witty)(or delirious) take a look at these....LOVE.....

fab postcards ~ just to keep my awesome mailman in a job

 

book marks

to and from tags

 

fabulous ribbon and TAPE!!

This is a super fun new line of chipboard and recycled paper that is great for the scrappers and nonscrappers alike! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! (and it's flying out the door)

Hope everyone has a great Friday.  Loving the sunshine!

Let me know if you need any world problems solved...I am really good at it!

oh and Lyn, I might be a bit late for work, Marriage Under Construction is on again at 9:00!!

HAPPY DAY! 

Women I "WANT" to know

 

Call it another great addiction (pinterst type thing) or call it a wonderful source of information for all things great.  Any way you look at it Serena, THE FARM CHICKS GIRL, has just launched a super fun new site where you can not only POST your favorite finds but can find local and area events,(you know, like the farm chicks show) stores, and directions to all things GREAT!

 Hope you had a chance yesterday to stop on over to My Favorite Find and ask for an invite because I promise you are in for some EYE CANDY.

And as promised yesterday, my interview with Ms. Serena herself. 

We would LOVE an interview with you....

Thank you! I would LOVE to be here with YOU! :)

We could come up with a MILLION questions but here are a few....

Does your rural location help or hinder your "finds"?

It's definitely helped me. This whole adventure started with a neighbor inviting me into an old cabin on his property. Had that not happened, Te Farm Chicks might not have ever happened.

What is the ONE thing in your home that is your FAVORITE?  (why!!) 

Right now I'm loving a great old farm scene oil painting that I found at a local antiques shoppe.  Every time I see it, it makes me happy. (I shared it on my new website, My Favorite Find! You can see it there!

What are your favorite qualities in a woman? man? 

Loyalty is my favorite quality in anyone.  That really tells me a lot about someones character.

What is your present state of mind?

I'm actually feeling pretty overwhelmed at the moment, getting ready for the launch of my new website, My Favorite Find.  It's been a long time coming and it will be a relief once the site goes live. (Monday, March 19th)

How would you spend your ideal day?

Outside in the sun, working in the garden, then a lovely lunch on the patio. Simple and peaceful.

If you were given 100.00 and HAD to spend it on yourself what would you do or buy? 

It really depends. Some days I'd choose to go buy some great antique dishes, but others I might be tempted to go find a cute new dress.

What is your favorite color?

Yellow

Who inspires you and why?  

I'm inspired by many things like the beautiful countryside.  The other day on a drive to Seattle, I spotted a beautiful old farmhouse and outbuildings - the buildings were all white and the rooftops were all yellow.  It was so amazing and has my mind spinning with ideas for beautiful summer shoots.



trust me I could go on and on!!! Hope to visit someday soon!  Thanks for your consideration! Lori

Thank you for taking the time to participate! xo

Your shoppe sounds so cute! I hope you'll make sure to share it on My Favorite Find!

ok that JUST MADE MY LIFE HAPPY!! 

 

Can you say FARM CHICKS!!

No way! Yes way! NO WAY! Yes way!  

The letter arrived via email this weekend. (of course I wasn't exactly on email duty)

There it was right in the sender box, FARM CHICKS re: interview.

So how did I snag an interview with one GREAT BLOGGER!

Actually it was pretty easy.  You see Farm Chicks is one of my "go to" HAPPY PLACES.  I have followed SERENA from day one of my blogging life.  

 

I admire her entrepreneurial gifts.  And love her love, of all things wonderful.  So I have been anxiously awaiting her newest little adventure the launching of her new site, MY FAVORITE FIND (which just so happened to go live on Monday) (more on this tomorrow).

 Serena posted on her blog that she would be willing to do some "interviews" about herself to bloggers.  So I submitted some of my "women I know" questions, a link to our blog and pretty much thought that would be the end of it.  That is until I checked my email Monday morning!!!

SWEET!!!!!  Ok, jump up and down!!

So stay tuned for my interview tomorrow with THE FARM CHICKS OWN SARINA!!!!!

Till then just a sneak peak at a few of my Easter "FINDS" at Raffia.

Oh HAPPY DAY!!!  

Camp 2012

some of YOU got out without your picture taken!!!!  (or the camera lady was slacking!!) but once again thanks to you all  for being YOU!! You guys are amazing! and can't tell you all enough how much we LOVE OUR SCRAPPING FAMILY!!! THANKS EVERYONE!!

Wait till my interview with the Women I know this week!!  While I don't actually KNOW this person....this is a big ONE  shall I say THE FARM .....oh I can't tell yet!

ohh sooo Lovely!

a gift, "for me" 

"ahhh, my favorite color!! PURPLE"

....payback time

so sorry for this one Lovely but it's the cutest

 

thanks for always making us smile!

Hope everyone is home safe and was able to have the energy to get up and go to work! (although snow makes me want to SLEEP) More camp pictures tomorrow! Till then thanks again for another fantastic weekend! (some fun news to share later this week!!)Stay tuned!

getting your stuff packed

if i am late for work this morn it is because I just spent a good hour looking for an old post that I KNEW was on the blog from Janelle a few years back.  I could remember  the pictures, but do you think think I could find them.  I even searched Janelle's blog thinking maybe I just thought they where on my blog (by the way Janelle you need to start blogging again! your good at it and I did enjoy that part of the morning)....but FINALLY I found them (and I mean FINALLY)

Yesterday I promised a get ready for camp blog...thinking I could pull up this wonderful blog Janelle had written, we would all be happy, I would be done blogging for the day, well......here is what I got...(after hours of searching)

 

And then of course we have Miss organized...(of which I find most of you scrappers are when you come to camp).....Janelle has her layouts all mapped out and organized....pictures...matching papers and embellishments...a sketch.....

 

 

She is well on her way to over forty some layouts....her norm is around 100....OMG

 And yes, even Lynda does a similar plan in getting her stuff together...she has been after me for two weeks to get some photos done for her!!!!!!  I also know our friend Robin comes to camp all prepackaged and ready to go.......You girls KILL ME!!!!!!  I am Soooo impressed and sooo excited as the clock continues to tick!!!!!  HAPPY PACKING!!!!

 

 

 A post written by ME!!! I thought it was Janelle writing, not me.  Thought it was longer longer longer...and a little more detailed...  oops lesson learned not to wait till the last minute.  But you get the general idea.........

 

Ohhh just never mind...this blog post is a BUST!! I am gonna cut my losses....

JUST GO PACK YOUR STUFF!!! you'll have all weekend to get it organized! Jen will help you she is good a ROYGBIV!!!

and creative minds work better in a mess!!

does anybody know what time it is

 scrap camp time!!

stay tuned tomorrow for some get your stuff ready tips!!! 

you saw them, you pinned them, and of course we have them

I have been patiently waiting...(although certainly not my best virtue...)

and the sunshine has come and gone already...they are that great.(not to fear more ordered today!)

trust me, some of the best signs EVER!!!

Happy Monday,

Do you have your scrap camp bags packed!!??? 

I'm a believer

than I saw her face.... I believe I believe I believe....sing along!

I hate it when I do that...your right happens all the time. (that sing along thing!)

ANy WHO!!!

If you have a sore shoulder let me help....(from pushing furniture around...I am starting to be a weaky!) Let me suggest

 

Get natural pain relief with this very first product sold by J.R. Watkins in 1868. By removing all traces of artificial red coloring, we have successfully made this one of a kind pain reliever 96.5% natural! This formula puts all-natural camphor and capsicum to good use by stimulating nerve receptors that feel heat, masking the feeling of pain and relieving the discomfort of minor muscle aches, soreness and stiffness.

all right here is the REAL picture

dirt, my morning facial routine, and my airborne just in case I feel a cold coming on oh and don't forget sexy hair!!(need all of that bottle and more)

Now the bottle originally appeared in Brad's stocking...whom after one use chose to be A NON BELIEVER!  (it is not going to SOLVE ALL Your aches and pains!)  So I have this shoulder that always bugs me so I thought what the heck I would give it a try....

Now it is part of my morning and bedtime routine....addicted.  I think it truly works....and as you can tell by the bottle you don't need much. hey I don't care if it is all in my head I'M A BELIEVER....I believe I believe I believe (sing along)  we also carry this one

and this
which I just brought home but haven't used yet...anna still at 11 needs a band-aid and kiss!! (lots !!)

And we also are restocked with all the lotions and kitchen goodies plus added this new portion of the line...

oooooooooooh ooh oooooooooohhhhh, baby baby (the old Linda Ronstadt one)(in the singing mood can you tell it's Friday)

 

and this in case you irrigate with your sandals on...

or want soft feet to play footsie with your sweetie. (can't think of a song yet for this one)

Or in case you are getting ready for a load of goodies at scrap camp

people swear by this as well.

still trying to think of a foot song...

(I can easily think of sweet songs) (ah sugar oh honey honey you are my candy girl....)(now that's an oldie)

well anyway jump on the BELIEVER wagon! And have a HAPPY FRIDAY!!  I believe! I believe! I believe.........

It's a.................. (boy I am on a roll another double post!)

GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok Heifer that is!

remember

Seth and Ruby!! Do you remembers, the NILE scholarship program where kids are chosen to receive a heifer from a donor?  The kids are responsible to raise the heifer calf, get the heifer bred and then show it back at NILE.  It is an opportunity to get and keep kids in the cattle industry.

Well let me tell you  the program works....

meet Ruby and Seth's newest addition.

such a good momma licking her dry!

A HUGE shout out of GRATITUDE and  THANKS to Bob and Paige Pingetzer of Shoshoni Wy and the NILE......what an INCREDIBLE GIFT!

MAKES MY HEART SOOOOOOOO HAPPY!

Soft and Sweet at Sisters

 

LOVE it!!!

The women I know

I was recently thinking of all the incredible women I have the opportunity to call  friends.  I really am blessed to know some AMAZING ladies that help to make MY world a better place. Be it through the store, the NILE, school, life long friends, I am continued to be surrounded by women that take life's daily struggles in stride and still come up smiling.

I thought you might enjoy meeting some of these women from time to time, in my new segment, THE WOMEN I KNOW! (this I PROMISE to follow through with)      

Meet my friend Barbara Thomson.  I met Barbara many many years ago when the store was  still new.  She came into the store asking if I did interior decorating. She wanted to hire me to decorate an extra bedroom.  Before long we were going room by room making changes and forming an incredible friendship.  She is right up top on being one of my FAVORITE people in this world.  Sitting down with Barbara you can tell right away she is not a native Montana.  The beautiful Massuchusets accent still holds even though she has been in Billings for many years.

She is a lover of family history and is a story teller at heart....I could listen to her stories for hours always over a cup of tea or coffee and her incredible cookies. She has numerous collections...too many to mention and is VERY proud of all of them.

She is of the generation of Standing by her man, her husband Eric. Although I have a feeling she was always strong at heart graduating from University of Mass with a Bacteriology degree. (i am guessing in a time when not many women could achieve this)

My interview with Barbara:

What makes people remember you?

In Montana, my accent

Who inspires you and why?

 My Aunt Flora- she was wise and good.  She game me so much materially and spiritually.  I never wanted to disappoint her and I hope I never will.  

how would you spend your ideal day?

At the beach, ocean with family on a sunny day eating lobster and clams.

 What is your favorite color.

I like all bright colors, not brown or black.  If I had to pick one it would be purple

 what are your favorite qualities in a women.

 

Devotion to her role as a wife and mother.  That she likes to stay home and make cookies....

what is your personal motto.

Do the best you can each day.

Tell a favorite memory of your mother.

Playing 2 handed pinnacle with her.  Her love of baseball, candy, no meal was complete without dessert.

what do you want people to say about you?

That I was friendly.

 

that my dear, people will definitely say!